Fight against Alzheimer’s
It has been 34 years since my dad passed after battling Alzheimer’s disease for many years.
I remember when the symptoms first appeared and the years that followed. I lived in Hilo while my mom and brothers lived in Honolulu as they cared for dad. It was difficult for them, especially mom. It was eventually decided it would be best for everyone, especially mom, to have dad live at a care home.
After he passed, and the subsequent years, we understood Alzheimer’s and the effect it has on the individual and family.
Tragically, 29,000 kupuna in Hawaii live with Alzheimer’s disease today, and they are cared for by 51,000 unpaid caregivers. Despite the sobering statistics, I feel a great deal of hope knowing the fight against Alzheimer’s has been a source of unity among Democrats and Republicans.
During the 117th Congress, Sen. Brian Schatz has the opportunity to help families like mine. Since 1999, the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s disease has been instrumental in helping advance policies to improve research, care and support.
Please join me in encouraging Sen. Schatz to lead in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by joining the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Gordon Takaki
Hilo
Second-guessing
I am amazed at the amount of Monday morning quarterbacks there are out there regarding the recent shootings involving our law enforcement officers, mainly on Oahu and on Hawaii Island.
Such comments as, “the amount of rounds fired were too excessive,” “why did they have to shoot,” “the officer should have used his Mace first” — wah, wah, wah!
And some of these comments are coming from a few well-established defense attorneys, as well as one well-known ACLU member. Their comments sound like they were there during these incidents, “and had seen it all.”
“Why did the police have to shoot 13 rounds at the suspect?”
Well, maybe only one or only two rounds had hit the suspect, and the rest missed? Or the suspect was wearing body armor? Or the suspect was very high on drugs and feeling no pain? Or were the bullets hitting the suspect at less vulnerable parts of his body, until one of the bullets had finally stopped the threat?
So many making conclusive types of statements, even just hours after these incidents occurred. Yes, we all formulate our own theories as to why this, why that, but as for me, I’ll save my final judgment until the investigation and/or court trials against those involved are over with.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
