Compromise can have very dire consequences. The July 27 editorial backed Ed Case over Mazie Hirono, citing his potential to compromise with Republicans. For starters, name one Republican that has expressed any interest in compromising on deficit reduction or any other issue.
In the recent past, Democrats compromised on the following subjects: repeal of Glass-Steagall, which led to financial crisis; Bush tax cuts that resulted in huge revenue decreases and further exacerbated income inequality; the Iraq war with too many consequences to list; a watered-down health care package rather than Medicare for all; and recently an extension of the ill-advised tax cuts.
Hawaii cannot afford to assist the Republican agenda favoring the rich by sending any Republicans or "blue dog" Democrats to Washington. Do not fall for the "I will work across the aisle" campaign mantra. Big money and the power of the Republican leadership will pressure even the best intentioned to fall in line.
Bruce A. Thompson
Wailuku
