Like many folks, I rarely listen to the political rhetoric because of my credibility bias.
Recently, in a weak moment, I succumbed. Linda Lingle's campaign informed me that she "brings people together." That got me thinking, and maybe it wasn't just rhetoric, because I remember the way Nawiliwili swimmers got together to protest the unlawful Stupid Ferry. Their nonswimmer counterparts came together and waved signs on shore.
Lots of people came together here and waved signs protesting threats to our natural resources and infrastructure. How about all the attorneys and environmental groups that proved in court the wrongness of not doing an environmental impact statement?
She did even more. Teachers came together in a strike because she couldn't balance the budget. Later, teachers and other state employees got together looking for work on Furlough Fridays and children got together at tutu's house instead of going to school on those Fridays..
Unknowing, the largest get-together was the taxpayers when they footed the $80 million-plus ferry bill.
Pete Baker
Wailuku
