‘Fascist president’
In the last week, I have received two First Class letters from my sister in California. Regular envelopes. Each of these has taken 12 days for delivery, when they used to take three to four days.
I asked a local postmaster if the mail was being delayed, and the answer was “definitely.”
President Trump is attempting to sabotage the U.S. Postal Service before the election because he believes universal mail-in voting during this pandemic hurts his chances for re-election.
Hawaii usually votes Democratic. But unless we invest in the fight against this fascist president, Hawaii’s vote might not matter.
I urge everyone to support any top contender against Donald Trump in order to avert this serious threat to our democracy.
Mark Van Doren
Kurtistown
Greatest safety net
Aug. 14 marked the 85th anniversary of one of America’s greatest achievements: Social Security.
It was enacted during the heart of the Great Depression to enable seniors to live with financial dignity. It still has that purpose. It is the only source of income for many of Hawaii’s seniors. It enables many others to afford to retire and keep their homes.
Some attack Social Security as an “entitlement.” In fact, it is a payment we earn with our FICA payroll deductions. It is self-supporting.
More than 90% of all Americans see Social Security as an important government program — one that is even more important during this pandemic.
Social Security is not just for seniors. Social Security disability payments are often the only source of income for many disabled people, and Social Security supports children who have lost parents.
We know that we are having elections soon. We must all pledge to support only those candidates who will preserve and improve Social Security for the future.
Happy birthday, Social Security!
Mark A. Koppel
Hakalau
Ramp needed
Many older residents and visitors alike have age-related balance and vision issues. With those disabilities, for me, navigating from the black sand at Richardson’s Ocean Park into the deep water is rocky and dangerous.
One cannot see submerged rocks because of the small waves. Those with osteoporosis can easily break bones if they lose their balance, stumble and fall.
I wonder how often this happens? I wonder if the lifeguards/Department of Parks and Recreation have documented such injuries?
My suggestion to enable everyone, keiki to kupuna, to enter the water is this: Renovate the shore with a concrete ramp complete with a handrail.
This addition would make swimming, enjoying the water and exercising more relaxing, less stressful and definitely less dangerous.
Gary Harrold
Hilo