Traffic light solution
There is a very simple solution to the traffic snarl created by the new light, actually proposed by Shipman Ltd. a few years ago.
When Costco and KTA were making noise about locating in the industrial area, Shipman was going to extend their access to the existing traffic light at the junction of Highways 11 and 130. Maybe that should happen now, and the existing access be made right turn in, right turn out only.
When Ben Alonzo made improvements to Kurtistown, he had to pay for a more sophisticated system. Why are the taxpayers providing Shipman a lesser solution for free?
Jeff Lux
Volcano
Never again
It is my greatest hope for the Congress to act so Donald Trump will never hold public office for the sake of our nation, as well as the rest of the world.
Abolghassem Abraham Sadegh
Hilo
Willing accomplices
While our democracy was under attack and had some Americans googling the terms “insurrection” and “sedition,” the entire world observed this offensive being orchestrated by Donald Trump, the very person entrusted to secure our democracy.
Despite the loss of life, multiple injuries and physical damage to our Capitol building during this insurrection, one contributor to the Tribune-Herald editorial forum seemed most perturbed that Donald was caricatured as a naked devil in a political cartoon. Perhaps this same contributor was deeply offended by the devil being colored orange?
Another editorial contributor exhorted Republicans “don’t be an accomplice.” But why are Republicans, especially many elected Republicans, willing accomplices?
In his conversations with his Republican colleagues, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., says they are paralyzed by fear, afraid for their lives if they vote in opposition to Donald.
So where do we go from here as a nation, specifically as it relates to Trumpism and its effect on the political landscape going forward?
Presidential historian Jon Meacham was asked this and responded as follows: “Is this a chapter in an unfolding story, or the last chapter?”
In a 2024 Republican Presidential Primary Choice Poll conducted by Politico in early January after the Capitol chaos, of 702 Republicans polled, Donald Trump was the clear favorite at 40%, walloping the next choice of Mike Pence at 17%.
We need not look abroad for threats to our democracy. The greatest threat is an American citizen.
Be afraid, America. Be very afraid.
Kerry E. Meyer
Hilo
Capitol insurrection
One wonders what the violent insurrectionists who happily mobbed and sacked the U.S. Capitol expected for outcomes.
Install Trump as president again and be hailed by him as heroes and patriots? Or be arrested and get 10-20 years in prison?
Trump said he would accompany them marching to the Capitol, but he was a no-show. It brings to mind the Middle Ages Children’s Crusade, which in fact comprised people of all ages marching from Europe toward the Holy Land.
The actual children of that army were shipped to the coast of Tunisia and sold into slavery, thus “thrown under the bus” in modern terms. However, the insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol are all adults in the modern age and with some access to the American education system and history.
Willingly joining Trump’s troops, they are now thrown under his bus, like most everyone else ever associated with him. It is a vivid demonstration of Trump worship as a cult.
Real patriots are not loyal to this deranged personality.
William Mautz
Kurtistown