President Bush’s budget director, Mitchell E. Daniels Jr., has now admitted what most people have been expecting — that the era of federal budget deficits has returned for the foreseeable future. In the current fiscal year, the deficit will most probably be greater than $200 billion and will very likely be more than $300 billion in the next fiscal year. Daniels also forecast that there would be no end to federal budget deficits for the next 10 years. But Daniels added that there should be little concern about how much the amount of federal spending exceeds the tax revenues taken in by the U.S. government. After all, the deficits will represent “only” about 2-3 percent of a U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of around $10 trillion. Nor should anyone worry that government borrowing will push up interest rates in the financial markets because, according to Daniels, in an increasingly global market lenders from around the world will easily supply the lendable funds needed to cover these deficits, resulting in a relatively negligible rise in U.S. interest rates. The impression that the Bush administration is trying to create is clearly that these deficits will not matter. The planned increases in spending on domestic and defense programs impose no necessary noticeable burden upon the American public. The deficits will be a drop in the bucket in terms of the overall size of the national economy, and they will have minimal impact on the costs of private-sector borrowing for either investment or consumer purchases. In spite of the administration’s rhetoric and rationales, however, everything has its cost, and this is as true for budget deficits as for anything else. More than 150 years ago, the French economist Fr
Seek Time to Deliver on Promises
Kenyans are justifiably jubilant about prospects of a new government that seems committed to change. After the headlines fade and the excitement wears off, however, they must sustain the pressure for political reforms instead of reducing it. A new and democratically elected president means little if he does not follow through on his pledges to reduce corruption and ensure his government stays lean. The over-excited throng that attended the president’s inauguration serves as a warning to the new regime; that it must address their needs urgently. People now know how sweet it is to change a regime, and they will not hesitate to do the same thing in the next five years. The new government has an uphill task of fulfilling the high expectations of the people, and it would be advisable for it to ask for more time to deliver on its pledges. Sound economic policy involves considering both short-term and long-term effects of whatever one does and its impact on everybody — not just a minority. Focusing on a few visible solutions will, in the long run, be counter-productive. Will the new team turn the economy around? Scavenged From Foreign Junkyards Picture a bus that broke down due to bad roads and reckless driving, with passengers agitating for change of driver. The scholar, George Ayitteh, describes this bus accurately in his book, Africa in Chaos, when he talks of a vehicle with “– a motley collection of obsolete, discarded parts … scavenged from foreign junkyards, and operating on borrowed ideology. “The carburettor was a gift from Norway and the battery was donated by Austria. The tyres came from Britain and China and are mismatched. A headlight is broken and the electrical system malfunctions. Turn the ignition switch and the windshield wipers fall off. The engine sputters and belches smoke that pollutes the entire country. There are no brakes or shock absorbers [checks and balances]. The fan belt is ripped, which means its cooling system is inoperative.” In this same bus, some passengers are keen on scavenging the remaining parts. Some are either selling them or simply taking them into hiding. President Mwai Kibaki may be a good driver, but the bus needs urgent fixing. To simply use ropes and other accessories to make the bus move on will not help Kenya. The new team should organize the available resources prior to asking for foreign aid. They should enlighten Kenyans on the fact that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and take this country off dependence on aid. They should ensure that Kenyans get economic freedom that will allow them, without looking up to the government for solutions, to address their individual economic needs. They should take off the heavy burden caused by corruption that costs Kenya an estimated $895 million a year. Without the constitutional provision of a limited presidential term, it would have been almost impossible to dislodge Moi from office. That he agreed to hand over makes him a hero to Kenya and Africa in general. Other Heads of State who have been in power for more than 10 years ought to rethink their strategies and allow their citizens to enjoy the ventilatory exhilaration that Kenyans tasted on December 30 last year. The question is, will the proposed new constitution take effect and allow power-sharing? Change of power through term limits has made Kenya achieve a democratic feat admired all over Africa. Term limits for Members of Parliament and civic leaders will do a greater job, for it will make Kenyans more responsive to constituent demands and less prone to inciting tribal sentiments. The new constitution should move away from addressing interests of certain ethnic and religious groups, and focus fully on specific principles. The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission should identify key principles that could make it easier for Kenyans to manage their daily lives without creating a bigger government system. The previous regime made serious mistakes due to lack of balance of power between the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary and local government. Freedom of Expression Addressing aspects of protection of life and private property and allowing people to own the same are key areas that transcend religious and ethnic interests. Giving provision for the minority to express themselves by ensuring that freedom of expression is allowed will go a long way towards moulding a strong democracy. Press freedom is urgently required. The new regime ought to ensure that the airwaves are liberalized and laws that make it difficult for people to engage in both print and electronic media services repealed. Our fragile democracy will not hold long if people are the uninformed and misinformed. Only liberalized media will create the competition necessary to ensure that people get accurate information. Most important of all, the new government must limit its role in economic activity and allow Kenyans to choose freely what they would rather do to create wealth. ”James S. Shikwati is the director, Inter Region Economic Network [IREN Kenya]”
Grassroot Perspective – Jan. 23, 2003-Rule of Law is Paramount, Friedman Now Says; Some Truths Johannesburg Should Remember; Reflections on the Battle of Ideas
“Dick Rowland Image”
”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”
– Rule of Law is Paramount, Friedman Now Says
Ten years ago, Nobel laureate Milton Friedman had just three words of advice for countries crawling out from under communism: Privatize, privatize, privatize. But now he says he was wrong — that establishing the rule of law is probably more basic than privatization. In fact, in some countries, privatization without the rule of law is just stealing.
Friedman isn’t alone in changing his mind to champion the role of law in societies.
Robert Lawson, economics professor at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and an author of “Economic Freedom of the World,” published annually by the Economic Freedom Network, has elevated the rule of law over the role of taxes as the key building block of successful economies.
The report rates 123 of the world’s economies and the best-off turn out to be those with trusted legal systems — where people can own and transfer property with confidence.
The two top countries in economic freedom are Hong Kong and Singapore, and while neither is very democratic or politically liberal, both once belonged to Britain and drew on British common law — as did 8 of the top 10, including the U.S., which came out at number 3.
Economic freedom was on the wane in the 1970s, but picked up speed in the 1980s, the report contends.
On a 10-point scale, average economic freedom worldwide rose from 5.1 in 1975 to 6.6 in 2000.
Lawson reports a general worldwide trend toward an expansion of the rule of law, holding the line on taxes, and promoting sounder monetary policies and freer trade. Also, governments are getting smaller and regulation is less onerous.
Source: Brian Mitchell, “Economic Freedom Depends on Rule of Law, Survey Says,” Investor’s Business Daily, July 9, 2002.
For more on Legal Systems, see: https://www.ncpa.org/iss/int
Above article is quoted from https://www.ncpa.org Daily Policy Digest 7/9/02
– Some Truths Johannesburg Should Remember
The anti-globalization contingent attending the U.N. Earth Summit on
“sustainable development” in Johannesburg is convinced the world is in trouble.
But observers say they might want to keep the following in mind:
The average resident of a poor nation lives nearly twice as long as his 19th-century counterpart — and most of humanity enjoys better health and longevity than the richest people in the richest countries did just 100 years ago.
Thanks primarily to U.S. medical researchers almost all the major killer diseases prior to 1900 — tuberculosis, typhoid, smallpox, whooping cough, polio and malaria — have been nearly eradicated, and child death rates in just the last 20 years have been halved in India, Egypt, Indonesia and scores of other nations.
Worldwide, fewer people in absolute numbers died of famine in the 20th century than in the 19th century — even though the world population is some four times larger today that it was 100 years ago.
Illiteracy has fallen by more than two-thirds in the U.S. and by an even greater percentage in many poor nations.
Pollution is a favorite topic among the anti-growth crowd. But U.S. smog levels have declined by about 40 percent, and carbon monoxide is down nearly one-third since the 1960s — even though we now have nearly twice as many cars.
By any measure, natural resources have become more abundant and cheaper, and life has improved thanks to free market capitalism, observers say. If only the intellectual elite in South Africa would deregulate their economies and cut tax rates and government regulation, poverty could be alleviated in a generation or two.
Source: Stephen Moore (Club for Growth), “Surer Way to Sustain the
Planet,” Washington Times, August 30, 2002.
For text, see: https://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20020830-96837656.htm
For more on Environment, see: https://www.ncpa.org/iss/env/
Above article is quoted from https://www.ncpa.org Daily Policy Digest 8/30/02
”Roots (Food for Thought)”
– Reflections on the Battle of Ideas
By Matthew J. Brouillette
If you love liberty as much as I do, you wake up everyday to a war-a war of ideas, a war of competing philosophies of freedom, a war on our basic human rights to life, liberty, and property.
And the truth is that it is a war that can be downright discouraging. If you’re keeping score-and I encourage you not to-the time-honored virtues that made this country the freest, most prosperous nation in history are taking hits on a daily basis.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am an optimist to the core of my being — I already know the end of the story. But I must admit that it is very easy to fall into the trap of pessimism.
Yet I can’t.
I have two small, smiling faces at home that force me to get up and
fight every day. In fact, I even burdened my daughter with my cause by naming her Liberty!
But when I think about things in an historical perspective, I am
reminded of those people who have gone before us in this fight for freedom. They most definitely had reasons to throw in the towel — but didn’t!
Consider William Lloyd Garrison. This man spent his entire life trying
to abolish slavery in America. He never led or managed much more than a small band of followers. But it was his steadfast determination and passionate commitment to the cause of freedom that made him a catalyst of significant change.
For thirty-five years, Garrison published more than 1,800 issues of his anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator. And, today, I draw my inspiration from the editorial in the first issue of his paper on January 1, 1831-more than 30 years before Garrison’s dream of abolition would be realized.
His words encourage me in the justness and urgency of our own current struggle for freedom.
Here’s what he wrote:
“I am aware, that many object to the severity of my language; but is
there not cause for severity? I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation. No! no! Tell a man whose house is on fire, to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen;-but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest-I will not equivocate-I will not excuse-I will not retreat a single inch-and I will be heard!”
In 2002, despite what may appear as insurmountable opposition to our cause, remember that we are on the winning side! Remember William Lloyd Garrison and stay the course.
Let me conclude with a quote from Samuel Adams-a man who many times, I am sure, felt like giving up in his struggle for freedom.
He reminds us that “It does not take a majority to prevail. but rather
an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.” Do not equivocate, do not excuse, and do not retreat a single inch.
”’Matthew J. Brouillette is president of the Commonwealth Foundation, a free-market public policy organization in Pennsylvania.
This article was excerpted from his closing remarks at the Commonwealth Foundation’s Third Annual Dinner.
Above article is quoted from
https://www.heritage.org/about/community/insider/2002/oct02
”Evergreen (Today’s Quote)”
From Reason Magazine 10/02 comes this:
Residents of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, would be wise to register their
bicycles. City officials say the registration helps reduce bicycle
thefts and makes it easier to return stolen bikes. In case that doesn’t
convince bikers, the city has added an extra incentive: If police catch
a biker without the decal showing he’s paid his registration fee, they
seize the bike and give it to the homeless.
GRIH Comment: Oh, ducky! Just think, given enough bikes to sell, some of the homeless could rent a house. Oops, then no longer homeless. But could buy a car. Don’t you love those incentives? For example, enterprising homeless could visit schoolyards & scrape off decals before calling the cops.
”’See Web site”’ https://www.grassrootinstitute.org ”’for further information. Join its efforts at “Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society. …” or email or call Grassroot of Hawaii Institute President Richard O. Rowland at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 487-4959.”’
From Getting the Facts to Dealing With Grief
“Suzanne Gelb Image”
”Deceived — Will My Flowers Grow?”
Dear Dr. Gelb:
I just love flowers and I bought this beautiful plant and I was guaranteed that it would grow under those grow lights. But somebody told me that those lights are not healthy for you if you are in the room with them very long. I feel deceived.
Deceived
A: Dr. Gelb says . . .
Dear Deceived:
I can appreciate the disappointment. In terms of the health aspects of those types of lights, it might be useful to contact the supplier or the issuer of the guarantee to find out more about the health-related issues you are questioning. Those people who enjoy surfing the Internet would probably try to handle a problem such as you describe by researching the topic on the web. I know of one person who recently wanted to research a health-related issue, and on her computer there is a little menu on the left hand side with all kinds of options to click on, one of them being “Health.” If you have access to a computer, you might consider a similar research approach. I imagine you could find quite a bit of information about light rays, fluorescent, gamma, infrared and all those fascinating topics that I know little about, and that could probably be quite informative.
”Heartache — Does Crying Hurt?”
Dear Dr. Gelb:
I have had my share of pain in my life, both physical and emotional. However, why do people say that when they lose a loved one or divorce, that they have a “heartache.” Does the heart really ache?
Heartache
A: Dr. Gelb says . . .
Dear Heartache:
The concept of “heartache” is one that many people tend to associate with the grieving process. In my opinion, the hurt that can be felt when losing a loved one is an emotional experience. Grief is required to deal with loss, and crying is the natural process for expressing grief. If a person cries openly and freely, he or she is not likely to feel the pressure that is sometimes experienced when grief is suppressed. This typically occurs when a person whimpers or chokes back tears, rather than freely expressing them.
You may have heard the expression, “I’m just choked up with grief, my heart is killing me.” I believe that in such instances, if people would permit themselves to cry openly and relieve the emotion, they are more likely experience a sense of relief, rather than pain.
”’Suzanne J. Gelb, Ph.D., J.D. authors this daily column, Dr. Gelb Says, which answers questions about daily living and behavior issues. Dr. Gelb is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Honolulu. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Services. Dr. Gelb is also a published author of a book on Overcoming Addictions and a book on Relationships.”’
”’This column is intended for entertainment use only and is not intended for the purpose of psychological diagnosis, treatment or personalized advice. For more about the column’s purpose, see”’ “An Online Intro to Dr. Gelb Says”
”’Email your questions to mailto:DrGelbSays@hawaiireporter.com More information on Dr. Gelb’s services and related resources available at”’ https://www.DrGelbSays.com
Legislative Hearing Notices – Jan. 23, 2003
The following hearing notices, which are subject to change, were sorted and taken from the Hawaii State Capitol Web site. Please check that site for updates and/or changes to the schedule at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/hearing/hearing2.asp?press1=docs&button1=current Go there and click on the Hearing Date to view the Hearing Notice.
Hearings notices for both House and Senate measures in all committees:
Hearing
”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”
1/23/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM
1/23/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM
1/23/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing AGR
1/23/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing JHW PSM
1/23/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN
1/23/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN
1/23/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing TSM
1/23/03 2:00 PM None Informational Briefing JHW
1/23/03 2:00 PM None Informational Briefing JUD
1/23/03 4:00 PM None Electronic Town Meeting ECD/SAT
1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing HLT
1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM
1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM
1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM
1/24/03 10:30 AM None Informational Briefing WLH
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB14 RELATING TO TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB17 RELATING TO PAGER AND CELLULAR PHONE SPAM. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB22 RELATING TO CONSUMER CREDIT REPORTING. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB43 RELATING TO INSURANCE FRAUD. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB75 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB93 RELATING TO THE CONTINUING EDUCATION OF DESIGN PROFESSIONALS. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB96 RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB139 RELATING TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL INDUSTRY. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM HB140 RELATING TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL INDUSTRY. CPC
1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN
1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN
1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN
1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN
1/24/03 2:00 PM None Informational Briefing EDN
1/25/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing HLT/JUD/HTH/JHW
1/27/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM
1/27/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM/EDU
1/27/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing CPH
1/27/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB47 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB48 RELATING TO THE LEASING OF SUBMERGED LANDS. TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB49 RELATING TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB52 RELATING TO CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY. TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB53 RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S MARITIME RELATED USES. TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB57 RELATING TO TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT. TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB58 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. TRN
1/27/03 9:30 AM HB60 RELATING TO IMPACT FEES. TRN
1/27/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN
1/27/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN
1/28/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM
1/28/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM
1/28/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing TAC
1/28/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN
1/28/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN
1/28/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing TSM
1/29/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM
1/29/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM
1/29/03 1:00 PM SB16 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU
1/29/03 1:00 PM SB17 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU
1/29/03 1:00 PM SB350 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU
1/29/03 1:00 PM SB701 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU
1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM
1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM
1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB98 RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN HEALTH. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB381 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF DAMAGES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB381 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF DAMAGES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB382 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB383 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB383 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB476 RELATING TO CEDED LAND REVENUES. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB477 RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS COMMISSION ACT. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB478 RELATING TO THE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB610 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION UNDER THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB610 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION UNDER THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB615 RELATING TO SPECIAL ATTORNEYS GENERAL. JHW
1/30/03 9:00 AM SB638 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION. JHW
1/31/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing TMG
2/4/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing SAT/ECD
2/21/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing TMG
Grassroot Perspective – Jan. 23, 2003-Rule of Law is Paramount, Friedman Now Says; Some Truths Johannesburg Should Remember; Reflections on the Battle of Ideas
Dick Rowland Image ‘Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)’ – Rule of Law is Paramount, Friedman Now Says Ten years ago, Nobel laureate Milton Friedman had just three words of advice for countries crawling out from under communism: Privatize, privatize, privatize. But now he says he was wrong — that establishing the rule of law is probably more basic than privatization. In fact, in some countries, privatization without the rule of law is just stealing. Friedman isn’t alone in changing his mind to champion the role of law in societies. Robert Lawson, economics professor at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and an author of “Economic Freedom of the World,” published annually by the Economic Freedom Network, has elevated the rule of law over the role of taxes as the key building block of successful economies. The report rates 123 of the world’s economies and the best-off turn out to be those with trusted legal systems — where people can own and transfer property with confidence. The two top countries in economic freedom are Hong Kong and Singapore, and while neither is very democratic or politically liberal, both once belonged to Britain and drew on British common law — as did 8 of the top 10, including the U.S., which came out at number 3. Economic freedom was on the wane in the 1970s, but picked up speed in the 1980s, the report contends. On a 10-point scale, average economic freedom worldwide rose from 5.1 in 1975 to 6.6 in 2000. Lawson reports a general worldwide trend toward an expansion of the rule of law, holding the line on taxes, and promoting sounder monetary policies and freer trade. Also, governments are getting smaller and regulation is less onerous. Source: Brian Mitchell, “Economic Freedom Depends on Rule of Law, Survey Says,” Investor’s Business Daily, July 9, 2002. For more on Legal Systems, see: https://www.ncpa.org/iss/int Above article is quoted from https://www.ncpa.org Daily Policy Digest 7/9/02 – Some Truths Johannesburg Should Remember The anti-globalization contingent attending the U.N. Earth Summit on “sustainable development” in Johannesburg is convinced the world is in trouble. But observers say they might want to keep the following in mind: The average resident of a poor nation lives nearly twice as long as his 19th-century counterpart — and most of humanity enjoys better health and longevity than the richest people in the richest countries did just 100 years ago. Thanks primarily to U.S. medical researchers almost all the major killer diseases prior to 1900 — tuberculosis, typhoid, smallpox, whooping cough, polio and malaria — have been nearly eradicated, and child death rates in just the last 20 years have been halved in India, Egypt, Indonesia and scores of other nations. Worldwide, fewer people in absolute numbers died of famine in the 20th century than in the 19th century — even though the world population is some four times larger today that it was 100 years ago. Illiteracy has fallen by more than two-thirds in the U.S. and by an even greater percentage in many poor nations. Pollution is a favorite topic among the anti-growth crowd. But U.S. smog levels have declined by about 40 percent, and carbon monoxide is down nearly one-third since the 1960s — even though we now have nearly twice as many cars. By any measure, natural resources have become more abundant and cheaper, and life has improved thanks to free market capitalism, observers say. If only the intellectual elite in South Africa would deregulate their economies and cut tax rates and government regulation, poverty could be alleviated in a generation or two. Source: Stephen Moore (Club for Growth), “Surer Way to Sustain the Planet,” Washington Times, August 30, 2002. For text, see: https://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20020830-96837656.htm For more on Environment, see: https://www.ncpa.org/iss/env/ Above article is quoted from https://www.ncpa.org Daily Policy Digest 8/30/02 ‘Roots (Food for Thought)’ – Reflections on the Battle of Ideas By Matthew J. Brouillette If you love liberty as much as I do, you wake up everyday to a war-a war of ideas, a war of competing philosophies of freedom, a war on our basic human rights to life, liberty, and property. And the truth is that it is a war that can be downright discouraging. If you’re keeping score-and I encourage you not to-the time-honored virtues that made this country the freest, most prosperous nation in history are taking hits on a daily basis. Now don’t get me wrong. I am an optimist to the core of my being — I already know the end of the story. But I must admit that it is very easy to fall into the trap of pessimism. Yet I can’t. I have two small, smiling faces at home that force me to get up and fight every day. In fact, I even burdened my daughter with my cause by naming her Liberty! But when I think about things in an historical perspective, I am reminded of those people who have gone before us in this fight for freedom. They most definitely had reasons to throw in the towel — but didn’t! Consider William Lloyd Garrison. This man spent his entire life trying to abolish slavery in America. He never led or managed much more than a small band of followers. But it was his steadfast determination and passionate commitment to the cause of freedom that made him a catalyst of significant change. For thirty-five years, Garrison published more than 1,800 issues of his anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator. And, today, I draw my inspiration from the editorial in the first issue of his paper on January 1, 1831-more than 30 years before Garrison’s dream of abolition would be realized. His words encourage me in the justness and urgency of our own current struggle for freedom. Here’s what he wrote: “I am aware, that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity? I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation. No! no! Tell a man whose house is on fire, to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen;-but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest-I will not equivocate-I will not excuse-I will not retreat a single inch-and I will be heard!” In 2002, despite what may appear as insurmountable opposition to our cause, remember that we are on the winning side! Remember William Lloyd Garrison and stay the course. Let me conclude with a quote from Samuel Adams-a man who many times, I am sure, felt like giving up in his struggle for freedom. He reminds us that “It does not take a majority to prevail. but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.” Do not equivocate, do not excuse, and do not retreat a single inch. ”Matthew J. Brouillette is president of the Commonwealth Foundation, a free-market public policy organization in Pennsylvania. This article was excerpted from his closing remarks at the Commonwealth Foundation’s Third Annual Dinner. Above article is quoted from https://www.heritage.org/about/community/insider/2002/oct02 ‘Evergreen (Today’s Quote)’ From Reason Magazine 10/02 comes this: Residents of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, would be wise to register their bicycles. City officials say the registration helps reduce bicycle thefts and makes it easier to return stolen bikes. In case that doesn’t convince bikers, the city has added an extra incentive: If police catch a biker without the decal showing he’s paid his registration fee, they seize the bike and give it to the homeless. GRIH Comment: Oh, ducky! Just think, given enough bikes to sell, some of the homeless could rent a house. Oops, then no longer homeless. But could buy a car. Don’t you love those incentives? For example, enterprising homeless could visit schoolyards & scrape off decals before calling the cops. ”See Web site” https://www.grassrootinstitute.org ”for further information. Join its efforts at “Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society. …” or email or call Grassroot of Hawaii Institute President Richard O. Rowland at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 487-4959.”
From Getting the Facts to Dealing With Grief
Suzanne Gelb Image ‘Deceived — Will My Flowers Grow?’ Dear Dr. Gelb: I just love flowers and I bought this beautiful plant and I was guaranteed that it would grow under those grow lights. But somebody told me that those lights are not healthy for you if you are in the room with them very long. I feel deceived. Deceived A: Dr. Gelb says . . . Dear Deceived: I can appreciate the disappointment. In terms of the health aspects of those types of lights, it might be useful to contact the supplier or the issuer of the guarantee to find out more about the health-related issues you are questioning. Those people who enjoy surfing the Internet would probably try to handle a problem such as you describe by researching the topic on the web. I know of one person who recently wanted to research a health-related issue, and on her computer there is a little menu on the left hand side with all kinds of options to click on, one of them being “Health.” If you have access to a computer, you might consider a similar research approach. I imagine you could find quite a bit of information about light rays, fluorescent, gamma, infrared and all those fascinating topics that I know little about, and that could probably be quite informative. ‘Heartache — Does Crying Hurt?’ Dear Dr. Gelb: I have had my share of pain in my life, both physical and emotional. However, why do people say that when they lose a loved one or divorce, that they have a “heartache.” Does the heart really ache? Heartache A: Dr. Gelb says . . . Dear Heartache: The concept of “heartache” is one that many people tend to associate with the grieving process. In my opinion, the hurt that can be felt when losing a loved one is an emotional experience. Grief is required to deal with loss, and crying is the natural process for expressing grief. If a person cries openly and freely, he or she is not likely to feel the pressure that is sometimes experienced when grief is suppressed. This typically occurs when a person whimpers or chokes back tears, rather than freely expressing them. You may have heard the expression, “I’m just choked up with grief, my heart is killing me.” I believe that in such instances, if people would permit themselves to cry openly and relieve the emotion, they are more likely experience a sense of relief, rather than pain. ”Suzanne J. Gelb, Ph.D., J.D. authors this daily column, Dr. Gelb Says, which answers questions about daily living and behavior issues. Dr. Gelb is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Honolulu. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Services. Dr. Gelb is also a published author of a book on Overcoming Addictions and a book on Relationships.” ”This column is intended for entertainment use only and is not intended for the purpose of psychological diagnosis, treatment or personalized advice. For more about the column’s purpose, see” “An Online Intro to Dr. Gelb Says” ”Email your questions to mailto:DrGelbSays@hawaiireporter.com More information on Dr. Gelb’s services and related resources available at” https://www.DrGelbSays.com
Legislative Hearing Notices – Jan. 23, 2003
The following hearing notices, which are subject to change, were sorted and taken from the Hawaii State Capitol Web site. Please check that site for updates and/or changes to the schedule at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/hearing/hearing2.asp?press1=docs&button1=current Go there and click on the Hearing Date to view the Hearing Notice. Hearings notices for both House and Senate measures in all committees: Hearing ‘Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee’ 1/23/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/23/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/23/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing AGR 1/23/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing JHW PSM 1/23/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/23/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN 1/23/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing TSM 1/23/03 2:00 PM None Informational Briefing JHW 1/23/03 2:00 PM None Informational Briefing JUD 1/23/03 4:00 PM None Electronic Town Meeting ECD/SAT 1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing HLT 1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/24/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/24/03 10:30 AM None Informational Briefing WLH 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB14 RELATING TO TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB17 RELATING TO PAGER AND CELLULAR PHONE SPAM. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB22 RELATING TO CONSUMER CREDIT REPORTING. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB43 RELATING TO INSURANCE FRAUD. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB75 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB93 RELATING TO THE CONTINUING EDUCATION OF DESIGN PROFESSIONALS. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB96 RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB139 RELATING TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL INDUSTRY. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM HB140 RELATING TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL INDUSTRY. CPC 1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/24/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN 1/24/03 2:00 PM None Informational Briefing EDN 1/25/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing HLT/JUD/HTH/JHW 1/27/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/27/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM/EDU 1/27/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing CPH 1/27/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB47 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB48 RELATING TO THE LEASING OF SUBMERGED LANDS. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB49 RELATING TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB52 RELATING TO CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB53 RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S MARITIME RELATED USES. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB57 RELATING TO TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB58 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB60 RELATING TO IMPACT FEES. TRN 1/27/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/27/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN 1/28/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/28/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/28/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing TAC 1/28/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/28/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN 1/28/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing TSM 1/29/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/29/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB16 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB17 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB350 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB701 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB98 RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN HEALTH. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB381 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF DAMAGES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB381 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF DAMAGES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB382 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB383 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB383 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB476 RELATING TO CEDED LAND REVENUES. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB477 RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS COMMISSION ACT. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB478 RELATING TO THE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB610 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION UNDER THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB610 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION UNDER THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB615 RELATING TO SPECIAL ATTORNEYS GENERAL. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB638 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION. JHW 1/31/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing TMG 2/4/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing SAT/ECD 2/21/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing TMG
Powell: Pakistan to Stay on INS List
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) — Secretary of State Colin Powell indicated Monday that Pakistan will remain on the list of the countries whose citizens are considered a security threat in the United States.
Pakistan was placed on the list on Dec. 18, 2002.
Longtime Pakistani visitors and non-permanent residents in the United States are required to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service between Jan. 13 and Feb. 21.
Talking to journalists after addressing the U.N. Security Council in New York, Powell said while the United States recognizes Pakistan’s contribution to the war against terror, it cannot be removed from the INS list.
“I have discussed this with (Pakistani) President (Pervez) Musharraf and Foreign Minister (Khurshid Mahmud) Kasuri … I think one has to appreciate that the United States has an obligation to secure our borders and the purpose of these procedures is not to target anyone or to intimidate anyone,” said Powell.
However, he acknowledged that registration program was “having a negative effect” on Washington’s relationship with Pakistan.
On the first anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Bush administration introduced new restrictions on immigrants visiting the United States. These require citizens from 25 mainly Muslim countries to be registered, photographed and fingerprinted while in America.
The program has stirred angry protests by immigrants and human rights groups who describe it as biased against Muslims and have urged the Bush administration to revoke it.
The Pakistani foreign minister, who is expected to arrive in Washington next week after attending the U.N. Security Council, has said he would urge U.S. officials to remove Pakistan from the list.
The foreign minister is scheduled to meet Powell, national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, and other senior officials in Washington next week.
“Nobody should see this as something targeted against Pakistan,” said Powell while addressing the issue at his briefing in New York. “It’s an effort to know who is in our country and to secure our borders.”
“Those individuals who are … here legally with proper documentation have nothing to fear from these registration procedures.”
He said some people do have concerns but he encouraged them to “step forward, register and resolve whatever out of status situation they may be in.”
Powell said there’s “a certain risk” for those who do not have proper documents but “nobody should see this as something targeted against Pakistan.”
Copyright 2003 by United Press International. All rights reserved.
Rebuttal to Statement That Dispute Over Burial Sites is Overblown
A Jan. 18, 2003, Honolulu Star-Bulletin letter to editor stated: “we make too much out of a bunch of old bones and rock, after all that’s exactly what it is.” That may be the case, to that letter writer and is sadly, pathetically typical ethnocentric myopia. Let’s back up a bit and look at the facts: White man came to Hawaii, stole the land and destroyed the monarchy, took it over, called it their own, imposed their own form of government and laws on these people. (Some may counter; “everyone’s better off now,” but the Hawaiian people did not ask for nor did they want this.) This is what white man has been doing for many years; Ask any “American” Indian or “African American.” There will always be your typical “Rice and Conklins and other rebel rousers and kooks” attempting to destroy the last vestiges of dignity and ownership of Hawaiians by whining that the white man’s law shouldn’t and don’t provide for the caretaking and reparations to any degree of the people of the host culture. And they justify their argument with the wholesale, blanket excuse; it’s “racist.” They justify their rants by quoting various examples of their laws they and their people forcibly imposed on Kanaka Maoli. “The American constitution says this’n’that and justifies our destructive pernicious ways. The government we force upon you to live by will also prevent you from living the life you want.” “We will also bring over haole politicians and enact our foreign ways to cover your beautiful land with an overabundance of street/highway signage, buildings, freeways, and slowly but surely make this land another El Lay. We will ban your language and force hula and your various cultural practices underground. We will allow tourists to pursue litigious American ways and everytime someone enters the “wilderness,” which is what most of Hawaii is, we will allow them to sue, at any provocation. We’ve got 70 yellow pages of lawyers, and dadgummit, we’re gonna use ’em!” It may not be right but it sure is legal and that’s one of the most evil things about this scenario. As far as the treatment of bones is concerned; The apathy foreigners have toward their ancestors is not universal. Heiau are sacred to Hawaiians, as are kupuna iwi; bones of ancestors, and the lessons, memory and ways of those that have gone before. The destruction of the religious ways of the indigenous culture is one of the most evil things perpetrated by America. The destruction of this land, just because it is happening slowly and is almost unnoticeable, doesn’t mean it should be accepted. This scenario is doubly poisonous: We now take your land and destroy your culture, then we impose ”our” laws, which guarantee ”we” will always dominate you and your land. ”Allen StJames is a resident of Honolulu and can be reached by email at:” mailto:tiki@tikitrader.com