Do the right thing
Regarding a letter by Mr. Bob Dukat (Your Views, Tribune-Herald, Feb. 7), he stated, “Not in any of the rhetoric or discussions did we hear the word ‘savings.’ It was all spend, spend and spend.”
Without knowledge of what “rhetoric” Mr. Dukat was referring to, it is unclear whether his statement is accurate or not. Nevertheless, as the majority of the discussions I’ve read about and seen, it seems to be true.
The focus of state and county governments appears to be on increasing revenue rather than on decreasing costs. Regardless of the circumstances, it has been my observation during the past many decades that regardless of how difficult it is stated to be to raise taxes, it is exceedingly more difficult for state and county governments to decrease spending — almost to the point of being impossible.
I challenge anyone, especially those in a government decision-making position, to disprove this.
I also challenge these same people to not just attempt to justify cost increases but to find meaningful ways of reducing costs while maintaining quality of service. The private sector does this on an ongoing basis, even as government constantly imposes regulations and other requirements that force costs up.
Mark 11:23: “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.”
Never tell me, “No can.” Only tell me, “How can.”
There is an incredible number of people who are especially adept at the impossible. They can tell you a million and one reasons why something cannot, or should not, be done. Then, there are a few who will tell you how something can possibly be done.
Would you prefer to live your life believing only impossibilities, or to live a life of possibilities?
Albert A. Nakaji
Papaikou