Stuck in the mud
James Borden’s rant (Your Views, March 25) about the news coverage in the “Trib” was actually about the Commentary section.
The paper does an outstanding job covering issues of interest to readers on the Big Island.
News is fact-based. It allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Op-ed commentary, on the other hand, is opinion-based. To paraphrase an old saying, opinions are like okole (use the literal translation) — everyone has one.
That, of course, includes Borden, whose rant is simply a reflection of the polarized political scene these days. Unfortunately, as intended in some political arenas, if the wagons are circled, you aren’t talking to the Indians nor moving down the trail.
No one agrees with everyone on everything. But when you refuse to listen to ideas counter to your own, your wagons are circled, and you are stuck in the mud that you created.
Fred Fogel
Volcano
Impressed by lawmakers
Superb performance in Congress!
If you haven’t noticed, Sen. Brian Schatz is all over the media, in a good way.
He’s right there with the Senate majority leader at news conferences.
He’s answering questions on network news about the high-profile congressional committees on which he works. He’s sponsoring bills.
When it came time to filling the very large shoes of our Sen. Dan Inouye, I asked myself: “Who is this guy?” President Barack Obama deserves our thanks for the excellent selection of our high-performing senator.
Just as inspiring is the performance of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She’s made some very difficult but good moral decisions that displeased politicians in both parties. Who she has not displeased is the voters.
Tulsi also has been all over the media, in a good way. As an active member of the Armed Forces, she says things that her experience cannot contradict. Listening to her explanation of volunteering to be deployed overseas as a medic shows moral fiber similar to Sen. John McCain.
I’ve seen her represent us well on nightly network news, popular late-night talk shows and even PBS genealogy shows. I read about her in magazines.
Being the most remote location in the United States means that having us well-represented by Congress members who are not “asleep at the wheel” is more than just good luck. That also means a big difference for the children of the great state of Hawaii.
Consider us represented well!
Michael Xavier Mamczarz
Kurtistown