Regarding Gabbard
According to Merriam-Webster, the meaning of cabal is the contrived schemes of a group of persons secretly united in a plot (as to overturn a government); also, a group engaged in such activities.
Interesting that now Tulsi Gabbard declares the Democratic Party is an “elitist cabal” when the Republican Party is still apparently heavily pro-Trump, the epitome of an elitist out of a privileged family who inherited millions of dollars, inspired a “cabal” of insurrectionists to invade our nation’s capital and threaten our representatives.
It’s the old blame the opponent for that which you are guilty, the most common Republican tactic.
As for the Democratic Party “dragging the country closer to nuclear war” let’s put the blame where it really belongs: Vladimir Putin.
Finally, how do Trump and many of the Republican Party stand for government that is of, by and for the people when they regularly speak of stopping Social Security and Medicare, and work to make the rich richer, big business bigger, and keep the lower and middle classes struggling and under control?
Gabbard has proven herself to be purely an opportunist, looking for the most favorable angle to get where she wants to go. Rumors say she may be Trump’s running mate in the next presidential election.
Karen Cooper
Hilo
Good letter
Kudos to Hilo High School student La‘ikuwai Yamanoha’s letter regarding the cost of tourism (Your Views, Oct. 9).
I agree with the feelings mentioned by Yamanoha about tourism not just here on the Big Island, but also in the State of Hawaii. There are many visitors who could certainly benefit from being educated about our sensitive ecosystems and cultural protocols.
Yes, tourism does bring in badly needed money to our economy, and those businesses that are directly connected to the tourist industry can certainly vouch for that.
However, not only can tourism be bad for the environment to a certain degree, but sadly many residents here can be just as careless when it comes to environmental concerns.
Abandoned vehicles, used furniture and other trash, food to-go containers, cigarette butts and political campaign signs of candidates who lost the primary election still litter our streets. It is definitely not tourists alone who are ruining our environment.
Keep in mind that there are many eco-conscious visitors who really respect the islands and do avoid trampling upon sensitive areas important to Hawaii’s many cultures. If we want tourists to be respectful of our ‘aina, then we the people of Hawaii must lead by example.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
