Amazing Dr. Earl Bakken
During the 1990s, I was the school principal for Bishop Elementary School in Sunnyvale, California. One day a single mom came in to enroll her second-grade daughter and told us she was a tomboy and loved sports. However, she had recently received a pacemaker, one of 8 children in the USA at the time lucky enough to receive this gift of life.
The other children were instructed not to hit her chest when playing ball but otherwise treat her as any other child. Her mother supported this and the little girl thrived. She must be in her late 20s now and I thank Dr. Earl Bakken so much for his work in saving not only her life, but the lives of so many people.
May he rest in peace. He has been amazing here on Earth and we are forever grateful. Aloha, Pumehana.
Pua Tokumoto
Hilo
Voting is a responsibility
It is easy to wonder why systems are hard to change. One reason is that it’s just easy to let things stay the same. Politics in Hawaii lean largely to the Democratic party. In the 2018 primary election over 38,000 of 43,817 voted as a Democrat. Having voted for both Democratic and Republican candidates in the past, I know how difficult it can be to make an informed choice. The political landscape nationwide is more about popularity than policy. By policy I mean what is best for the country.
The system in Hawaii is like a plane on autopilot, the direction has been plotted in and the citizens are along for the ride. It is a comfortable ride because it requires the passengers let someone else drive not knowing that not even the pilot is in control. I know this because over 69,000 registered voters stayed home and did not vote. They are the constituency which decided to go along for the ride, to let someone else decide on what is best.
In America, the vote is the way to express your opinion about the country’s direction and destination. You are the visible marker that allows leaders to validate the course. Your vote gives leaders expanded visibility to see things that are in the blind spots.
It is hard to go a week in America without witnessing a protest about something. Rallies, protest, and civil disruptions may get you noticed, but only your vote can ensure change. If you believe we are on course, let your vote reflect it. If you don’t like what you see, put down the picket sign, stop the twitter feed, the Facebook and Instagram post; educate yourself and go vote.
Voting is more than a fundamental right for all Americans, It is a responsibility.
Kevin Brown
Naalehu