Mail ballots early
Mail ballots early
Regarding the voting for the general election and the lava flow that is threatening the Puna District (Tribune-Herald, Sept. 17): Mail out the absentee ballots early.
The cast of characters has already been determined by the smoothly run primary election, so I would assume the ballots already have been printed and ready to go.
Make an honest effort to have the Puna residents register to receive the absentee ballots by a certain date and mail them out early or have them pick it up at the county office.
Just my two cents.
R. Arikawa
Hilo
Others need to help
America is the most powerful nation on Earth.
Foreign countries succumb to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, storms, tsunamis, etc., and man-made catastrophes such as wars and terrorism, but no other country in the world will take the lead and become “first responders” to another country’s mishaps the way that America does.
Were there any foreign countries that came to America’s aid during 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the L.A. earthquakes, Midwest tornadoes, major forest fires and so on? And now with ISIS and the outbreak of Ebola, foreign countries say they will help but with only limited aid or involvement.
This is proof that America is certainly the most powerful, bravest, proactive nation in the world.
Hey, foreign countries, now is the time for you to take the lead on the world’s problems and let America give its full attention to the needs of American citizens.
We have our own problems to deal with.
Proud to be American!
Rick LaMontagne
Volcano
Why live there?
It has always amazed me that people are willing to live in lava inundation zones.
And while I feel the pain of those who now are faced with the decision of whether or not to relocate as the lava approaches, it is hard to be completely sympathetic.
Friends on the Big Island tell me that many people live in the Puna District because it is cheap and isolated.
Sometimes, you get what you pay for, eh?
Dani Stein
Honolulu