Don’t cut tech ed funds
In the light of recent federal budget cut proposals laid out by the current administration, one area that faces cuts is the The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV).
Local high schools and colleges are the major beneficiaries of this funding. The dollars granted to Hawaii schools go to provide much-needed supplies for teaching technical education. This includes among others engineering design, automotive repair, graphic design and video, nursing/health, and culinary programs.
I would hope that we can send a message to our congressional representatives that this program provides much benefit to the students of Hawaii public schools and should not be cut, but expanded to make students ready for job skills in this 21st century.
William Shelor
Kailua-Kona
Taxes pay for benefits of America living
In regards to Mikie Kerr’s Constitutional Corner column March 17, the argument that taxation is unconstitutional is indefensible. Tax protesters have advanced a number of constitutional arguments asserting that the collection of taxes violates the United States Constitution.
Neither the U.S. Supreme Court or any other federal court has ruled that income taxes are unconstitutional. The argument that the government produces nothing and is only able to bestow benefits on some by taking from others is an argument that says it’s my money why should I help my fellow citizens.
No one lives in isolation. Taxes benefit you, your family, and your neighbors. Taxes provide for a safe and stable society where individuals can conduct business and live in a safe environment. Taxes are what separates the United States of America from third world nations that provide no services for their people and where poverty and chaos prevail.
Paul R. Love
Kailua-Kona