PRESIDENTIAL RACE

CLINTON CAN HANDLE THE 'REAL WORLD' STUFF

Barack Obama reminds me of a time when I used to attend a charismatic Christian church. The inspirational message with all the emotional excitement gave me chicken-skin, tears and invigorating hope. You leave the service on a blissful high of renewed energy. But, after only a few hours you return to reality and face everyday challenges.

This is why I believe in Hillary Clinton. I like her grit and ability to handle the "real world" stuff. She has the tenacity to take on the boys retaining all dignity even when called the b-word. I still believe women are the true minorities within all ethnic groups. How can we deny Hillary her moment, her time?

If Hillary were to lose the nomination, it would truly be a shame. Barack is an electrifying candidate. But I'm not voting for a rock star, I'm voting for the president of the United States. If Obama turns out to be the candidate, I will stand by him, not like some other Democrats who would pull the sour grapes if Hillary were to win. After all, I am supporting a Democratic candidate, not just the emotional ride of a campaign.

MANY DEMOCRATS DON'T WANT CLINTON IN OFFICE

What Sen. Daniel Inouye does not seem to realize is that a lot of us staunch Democrats do not want Bill and Hillary Clinton in the White House again.

If she is on the ticket in either position, I and others will be looking for a third party or sitting out the election in November. We want a change.

EXPERIENCE, MATURITY WHAT COUNTRY NEEDS

Hillary Clinton's maturity and experience are what the country needs for the common good.

Our future depends on who is elected president of the United States. This cannot be an experiment, internship or an on-the-job training for a first-term senator to come up to speed on the issues and workings of government. We need the best person in that job. A realist, not an idealist. A boots-on-the-ground, experienced, hard-working person.

Barack Obama does not have the necessary experience yet, but when he gets it he could be a brilliant president some day. But right now, in 2008, we need Hillary.

This is a crucial time for the survival of humanity. It is imperative that we solve the major problems of global warming, nuclear weapons proliferation, dwindling resources, energy and over-population and terrorism.

We need someone who can make alliances, who is a skilled diplomat, who is strong enough and with the political will to make the changes in our country that must be made. This is Hillary's time and we must make an effort to get out the vote to assure it.

We cannot allow another four years of Bush policy with McCain. It will be the ruin of America. We also need a responsible, mature adult who understands the machinery of government and who can forge allies across the aisles for the wrongs that need righting.

KING'S DREAM FULFILLED IN OBAMA'S CANDIDACY

I was watching election returns from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

MSNBC was giving us exit polls that broke down every conceivable category.

Barack Obama was winning in all categories. It suddenly struck me like a proverbial ton of bricks — Barack Obama is being judged not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.

Shout it from the rooftops! We've lived to see Martin Luther King's dream realized.

DOES AMERICA WANT DYNASTY TO CONTINUE?

Let's see — 12 years of the Bushes, eight years of the Clintons; that's 20 so far. How about four more years for the Clintons, or maybe even eight? That would make 24 years, maybe 28 years, of dynastic control of the executive branch of our government by these two families.

Is this a good thing? Think about it.

OBAMA HAS INSPIRED PEOPLE ACROSS NATION

Barack Obama has launched an extraordinary campaign that has been dynamic, dignified and painstakingly positive.

Energized and inspired, Americans throughout the country have responded to his message of change and hope.

Obama earned a dramatic victory in Iowa and a landslide win in South Carolina. His come-from-behind wins on Super Tuesday gave him an improbable lead in states and delegates. And his clean sweeps in last Saturday's caucuses and Tuesday's Potomac primaries have vaulted him as the frontrunner over an opponent who once seemed invincible.

As the Hawai'i presidential caucus approaches, local residents should take special notice of federal bills that Obama supports. As president, Obama will sign the Akaka Bill, which would finally and deservedly extend federal recognition to Native Hawaiians.

Obama supports the Equity for Filipino Veterans Act, which fulfills America's promise to recognize the sacrifices and bravery of 250,000 Filipino troops who joined U.S. forces in World War II.

Both bills are meaningful legislation that remove inequities suffered by members of our community.

Barack Obama believes in us. And that is why we should believe in Barack Obama.

NORTH SHORE

THRILLED AT LINGLE'S TURTLE BAY PROPOSAL

We wish to convey how impressed and excited we are about Gov. Linda Lingle's proposal to have our state purchase and preserve the 850 acres of the Turtle Bay Resort.

As a voter, homeowner and resident of the North Shore for 30 years, I am thrilled that some one in our government is up to joining us here to preserve the country for generations of visitors, locals and kama'aina to come.