DON'T BE TOO QUICK TO OVERHAUL SYSTEM

Ms. Sipirok-Siregar's anecdotal defense of an undefined universal health care system definitely had an emotional tug ("Universal system a solid investment," June 21). But, the logic of paying higher taxes so she can have health care and long-term care misses an important point. Ms. Sipirok-Siregar will be paying higher taxes so less fortunate, less adept or (dare I say it) less responsible people have free health care insurance.

The current push for public health care change is for the 45 million uninsured people arguably sapping our current system. Now assume there is a government-provided care system in place. In fact, don't assume it. Look at page A27 in the Sunday Advertiser (June 21). The Veterans Affairs caseload is approaching a 1 million person backlog. This is another anecdotal discussion of government care in action. This may be how government-run health care will be provided more cheaply than private sector health care.

As long as you don't die before you gain treatment, it works OK. Before we overhaul the current system for all Americans, let's do a demonstration project on behalf of our veterans, or maybe try making Medicare work better.

Mark Felman | Kapolei

TAX INCREASE

GOVERNOR TRYING HER BEST TO BE FAIR

There's one lone governor, against 90 percent of the House and Senate, doing her best to fight for the average person.

Following the furlough story, you can plainly see government employees crying the blues. They feel more special than "Average Joe" and don't want to give up one cent of their livelihood to benefit the lowly "others" of Hawai'i — it's deserving to tax to death the people that they supposedly work for.

It's been the worst legislative session ever, more bills passed that will profoundly oppress us with higher tobacco, hotel, income and fuel taxes.

This is how government is without accountability. It can tax and spend our money without a conscience.

We are powerless to stop the tax and spend monster. Wake up, people! Next year is an election year, but unfortunately the last year with the most fair-minded governor Hawai'i has had in a long time. She's been without support in the House and Senate. Every veto to stop these taxes was overridden by a one-party system.What happened to Power to the People?

Cindy Clark | Kihei, Maui

WELL-TO-DO SHOULDN'T PAY FOR EVERYTHING

Recently, many letter writers suggest an increase in taxes on the well-to-do as a means to balance the government's budget and avoid furloughs.

These writers all seem to be assuming that the well-to-do have extra money sitting in savings accounts for the sole purpose of bailing out the government.

My question for these writers is this: Can you prove your assumptions in court?

The people in the majority want to put the financial burden of the government on the well-to-do, or the top 5 percent of the income earners. Why should the top 5 percent support a government that provides services to 100 percent of the population?

Why do the well-to-do have to pay for everything?

Phil Robertson | Kailua

POLICE DEPARTMENT

WAITING LIST AT ODDS WITH MORALE SURVEY

According to your article on police recruitment (June 21), 400 people are on the waiting list to get into the Honolulu Police Department. I guess none of these people saw the results of the SHOPO union survey reporting low morale and job dissatisfaction at HPD.

But then, has anyone actually seen the survey? There are at least 400 people who seem to think a 12 percent pay raise over the next two years, free gas, $2 million in overtime and other benefits are a pretty good deal.

Marilyn Hill | Honolulu

MAKUA VALLEY

KAHO'OLAWE OFFERS AN OBJECT LESSON

It is a shame that you folks still can't seem to learn from the past about issues such as the military using Makua Valley for "exercises." Lest we forget our island of Kaho'olawe and the permanent destruction that the military caused. To allow the military to continue in Makua Valley will ultimately bring Makua Valley to the same demise as Kaho'olawe.

One cannot put a price tag on the permanent loss of this sacred place called Hawai'i. I say send the military someplace else to let them train and blow things up. Save our Hawai'i nei.

Auwe and shame on anyone who would support the military's continued destruction of Makua Valley!

Malama the 'aina.

Kent West | Kane'ohe

BEACH CLEANUP

MAKE TRASH CANS MORE ACCESSIBLE

Lately, while walking on Waimanalo beach and picking up plastic, I have been noticing more and more rubbish like McDonald's cups, diapers and plastic bags — more than usual. When I walked up to the right-of way where the rubbish cans usually are, I discovered what may be a reason for this increase: the trash cans were gone. Why? Now to throw away trash, one must walk up to the street to try to cram it in an already-full can.

I understand that some people do not realize how harmful trash is for our marine life, but are the workers who empty the trash cans too lazy to walk 20 feet to empty another trash can? Who is responsible for this decision? Why are the trash cans in Bellows all grouped together now when they used to be more available because they were spread out along the beach park?

If trash cans are more accessible, maybe there wouldn't be so much trash going into our oceans. No wonder there is a plastic dump in the Pacific as big as Texas! We all need to use extra effort to keep our beaches clean.

Jody Green | Honolulu