Rooted in Reason
Opinion and Information from the Grassroot Institute
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December 29, 2009
Keeping Up With Health Care Reform in the New Year?
Do you find that no matter how many headlines you read in the newspaper concerning health care reform in an effort to keep up, you still feel hopelessly left behind? You're not alone. Read the following breakdown and pass it along to your friends. The more informed you are, the more convincing you'll be when explaining to others how worse off we'll be with greater government intrusion into our health. (more)
Rooted in Reason
December 21, 2009
In Hawaii, We Must End the Mail-in Election Ballots
We take the secret ballot as so essential to our form of government that many think it is required by the Constitution. Thus it comes as a surprise to most people to find that the secret ballot was not adopted in the U.S. until 1892 — more than a hundred years after the country’s founding. (more)
Rooted in Reason
December 16, 2009
Porkers Also Abound Across the Pond
Recession or not, government spending abounds, as evidenced by Mayor Hannemann's recent $10,000 televised speech promoting rail transit. As of June of last year, the city had already spent about $2.6 million in taxpayer money on rail promotion. Perhaps Hannemann is practicing wasteful spending for future Congressional ambitions. (more)
Rooted in Reason
December 14, 2009
Myth Continues Concerning Hawaii's Unemployment Rate
The media and government remain intent on concealing Hawaii's true unemployment rate. Do not make the mistake of taking data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at face value. While the Bureau claims that Hawaii's unemployment rate remained steady at 7.2 percent in October, the truth is thatit is actually 14.5 percent, more than double the reported rate (and exceeding the reported national unemployment rate). (more)
Rooted in Reason
December 09, 2009
Jones Act Lawsuit Irks Federal Government
Federal judge David Ezra chose to toss a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Jones Act, an 89-year-old law that restricts interstate shipping to Hawaii to only U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged ships. Earlier this fall, Honolulu attorneys John Carroll and Christopher Dias filed the suit against the U.S. government on the basis that the Jones Act infringes upon the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. (more)
Rooted in Reason
December 04, 2009
Hawaii: Eliminate State Jobs, Save Money For Real Stimulus
A real stimulus should include a provision for eliminating government jobs of which there are too many and costing too much . On the Big Island, the County Council is examining 193 vacant positions to see which ones can be eliminated. Councilman Dominic Yagong of Hamakua says, "It's a no-brainer. We need to unfund these vacant positions to deal with the budget deficit." (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 29, 2009
DBEDT Director Ted Liu Faces Serious Charges
In a draft audit, state auditor Marion Higa alleges that under Director Ted Liu, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism has been operating under less than honest standards. According to the report, the department violated procurement procedures, filed false financial reports, and spent funds inappropriately on overseas trips. (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 23, 2009
Scientists Need Ethics Training and Anger Management
Apparently in today's scientific community, it is common practice to reach a conclusion via popular opinion instead of through a civil exchange of data. The hacked e-mails from the University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit reveal something akin to a mob mentality of "us vs. them," complete with the express desire to "beat the crap" out of non-believer Dr. Patrick Michaels in the religion of global warming. (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 19, 2009
How Much Does a Trillion Dollars Weigh?
Bailouts and deficits have Americans thinking of money in very big terms. Some questions that haunt us include how much money we do not have, how much we owe, and how much we have handed over to failing companies in a futile effort to save them. (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 17, 2009
Four Hawaii Phantom Districts Receive $45.6 Million in Stimulus Funds for 3.4 Jobs
Hawaii received $2,284,000 of federal stimulus funds for the 11the Congressional district, $40,903,941 for the 15th Congressional district, $1,651,811 for the “00” Congressional district, and $799,656 in the 99th congressional district creating a combined “3.4” jobs or $13,423,355 per job, according to the federal government’s transparency web site for stimulus funds, http://www.Recovery.gov/. (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 10, 2009
Maui Recreation Will Cost You
Planning to escape the troubles of tough times with a walk in the park? Think again, because it may cost you. (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 05, 2009
Turn off the TV
Is election chaos giving you a headache? Do yourself a favor and turn off CNN, MSNBC, and all the other cable news channels on which talking heads are squabbling over the "future" of the Republican and Democratic parties. In times like these, the GOP and even the White House are not above bickering while exhibiting short-term amnesia. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 27, 2009
Is HSTA Teaching Our Children?
The Hawaii Department of Education, the Board of Education, and the Governor's Office worked together to hammer out an agreement in late September to help relieve the state budget deficit. In the end, the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) agreed to an 8 percent pay cut. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 26, 2009
Obama's Economic Advisor Admits to Trouble
Christina Romer, who heads President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, made a surprising admission on October 22 before the Joint Economic Committee. It was widely predicted and believed that Obama's massive stimulus package would prevent rising unemployment and create jobs. Romer, who co-authored the administration's economic recovery plan, admitted four days ago that the stimulus is failing to stave off growing unemployment. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 13, 2009
Councilman Yagong Upholds Accountable Government
On the Big Island, Hamakua Councilman Dominic Yagong has introduced a measure, Bill 132, that would bolster transparency in government land sales. At present, when property is sold, the council does so through sealed bid, lease, trade, or adopts a resolution authorizing the transaction. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 03, 2009
Will Hawaii Become the Next California?
Sunny climates and beautiful beaches aside, Hawaii is starting to experience some of California's growing problems. The national spotlight on California's deepening economic crisis continues to shine as its poverty rate rises and its finances slip down the drain. The sad thing is, many of California's problems are self-inflicted, and Hawaii's policymakers are turning to the same ill-wrought solutions that only exacerbate the situation. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 02, 2009
Swiss Health Care More "Free Market" Than U.S. Health Care
Misconceptions concerning the United States and its supposedly broken health care system abound, especially the assertion that nations in Europe have superior health care systems because they are more socialist. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 29, 2009
Are Dog Walkers the New Criminals?
KITV News recently reported that dog walkers have been the target of a new city and county crackdown. Kapiolani Park, a popular recreation and gathering area for families, bikers, skaters, joggers, and the like is now a barred zone for dog walkers. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 28, 2009
Special Interests Continue Mischief in the House
The House Ethics Committee has been probing three members of the House; Maxine Waters (D) of California, Sam Graves (R) of Missouri, and Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D) of Illinois. In the meantime, Representative Jackson's investigation has been deferred. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 14, 2009
Honolulu's Energy Hyprocrisy
In 2007, Hawaii state officials unveiled a new plan to reduce city power consumption by 10% by 2017. Two years later, the city is still going in the wrong direction. In figures released today, the city's electricity use has actually increased by almost 15% in the last two years. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 11, 2009
Hawaii's Revenues Are Disappearing
Hawaii’s Department of Taxation reported that revenue collections were down 5 percent in July and August compared with the last fiscal year, and the Council on Revenues reduced its forecast last month from zero growth to a 1.5 percent drop. Hawaiians have no one other than their elected officials to thank for passing a slew of tax increases that are pushing us deeper into debt. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 08, 2009
Americans Turning Against the Unions
It looks like Americans' perception of unions is changing. According to Gallup, fewer than half of Americans, or 48 percent, approve of labor unions. A year ago, unions had a 59 percent approval rate. Contributing factors may include backlash against the bailouts and an increasing unemployment rate. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 05, 2009
Giving ObamaCare Proponents the Finger
The healthcare debate is sure getting heated these days as a 65-year-old man who was against socialized healthcare had his pinky finger bitten off in an argument at a healthcare rally. To be fair, he did punch the other guy first, but was biting off a finger in return really called for? (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 01, 2009
Superintendent Hamamoto Taking Chancellor Rhee's Lead?
In June 2007, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty surprised the nation when he selected Michelle Rhee, seen as an unlikely choice, as chancellor of the capitol's public schools. In doing so, he sent a signal that it would not be business as usual in the district. Problems plaguing the D.C. system may sound familiar; despite top-dollar per-pupil spending, students perform at the bottom of the nation. (more)
Rooted in Reason
August 31, 2009
Government Waste Not Just On Oahu
Who can forget the time Kauai residents joined together to complete a $4 million road repair, which was estimated to take two years, in only eight days and for free? While providing an uplifting lesson about what is humanly possible, the story also paints a grim picture of the extent of government waste and inability to fulfill its stated functions. (more)
Rooted in Reason
August 25, 2009
Townhall Meeting on Health Care Tonight
At this time, no town halls discussing health care reform are planned in August by Hawaii's congressional delegation. Considering how town hall meetings on this vital topic have been hosted by representatives across the country, this is a shame and an affront to Hawaii citizens. (more)
Rooted in Reason
August 24, 2009
Higher Taxes Hurting Hawaii
It has not been an easy year. Everyone has been touched in some way by the economic recession, but everyone also disagreed on how it would be best addressed. State workers battled Governor Lingle over furloughs, and labor unions wrangled over pay cuts. In an effort to shrink the state deficit, the Legislature passed several tax increases that are hurting everyone and helping no one. (more)
Rooted in Reason
August 15, 2009
Grassroot Institute Joins Conservatives for Patients' Rights' Jet Tour
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii will be joining Conservatives for Patients’ Rights in an eleven-state national jet tour to educate the public about the dangers of impending national health care reform. (more)
Rooted in Reason
August 12, 2009
DOE's Student Achievement Update
The Department of Education (DOE)'s July 16 newsletter announces the news of student achievement, claiming that proficiency scores "continue to improve" and that students are making steady gains in reading and math. "The progress made by our schools is evidence that student achievement is improving," Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto said. (more)
Rooted in Reason
August 11, 2009
Hawaii's Unemployment Rate May Be Higher
As of June this year, Hawaii's unemployment rate stood at 7.4 percent, representing 47,700 people. This is well below the national average of 9.5 percent. (According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Hawaii's unemployment rate is at a 31-year high while the national rate is at a 26-year high). (more)
Rooted in Reason
August 04, 2009
Shameless Politician Flip-Floppers Include Governor Lingle
A big problem with politics today is that our expectations of elected leaders have sunk far beneath any acceptable standard. Election promises are often made over the course of a campaign, and unfortunately they are often broken as well. While candidates openly abhor public scrutiny, I take no issue with the fact that public scrutiny holds accountable candidates who backpedal or turn a complete 180 on their positions. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 31, 2009
Welfare in Hawaii
Poverty exists in Hawaii, and the state Department of Human Services (DHS) administers welfare programs catering to tens of thousands of state residents to address it through the following Divisions: Benefit, Employment and Support Services, Med-QUEST, Social Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 20, 2009
Hawaii's Unions and Sense of Entitlement
Hawaii's unions could be a valuable asset to the community. Every individual is guaranteed freedom of assembly to associate with whomever he wishes to express, promote, pursue, or defend a common interest such as better working conditions. This is a basic human right. Problems arise, however, when any group believes it is entitled to special privileges and benefits. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 16, 2009
Hawaii Legislature Exhibits Short-Sightedness
Yesterday, the House convened a special session at 11:30 AM to override several of Governor Lingle's vetoes. Amie, one of the Grassroot development interns, and I took our video camera and notepads to document the event. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 15, 2009
Artwork Paid For By Taxpayers
Yesterday, Grassroot received a phone call from Mark Niesse of the Associated Press asking for comment on the Aquarius, a gigantic mosaic on the floor of the State Capitol that was recently renovated using public funds. See the Advertiser's "State Capitol's Renovated 'Aquarius' Mosaic Unveiled" to view the article. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 14, 2009
Lies Behind Presidential Appointments?
President Obama selected Arne Duncan to succeed Margaret Spellings as the US Secretary of Education. The Secretary of Education position is one of several federal positions appointed by the president that requires confirmation of the US Senate. Hopefully, whoever is president makes appointments based on merit and skill rather than outside pressures or to return favors. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 10, 2009
Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto Woes
A cause that is especially dear to me is that of transparency. That is why I find myself irritated when I see the Department of Education (DOE) get away with shenanigans like this. Today, headlines are focusing on the state school board approving $227 million in cuts, including salaries. You don't need to dig deep to see that this is hardly worthy of making the news, because to the DOE, this amount hardly constitutes a drop in an enormous, overflowing bucket. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 09, 2009
Amazon Bids Hawaii Farewell
Starving for funds, Hawaii's lawmakers sought to tax anything they considered taxable, from cigarettes to the Internet. The Wall Street Journal took note that Amazon was cutting ties to its affiliates in our state. Amazon's spokeswoman, Patty Smith, said the company believes such legislation is unconstitutional. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 07, 2009
Lessons from New Zealand and Chile
Hawaii's economy- and that of the United States- should take cues from bold moves made by two countries on opposite sides of the world, Chile and New Zealand. It seems like US leaders are intentionally steering away from capitalism towards socialism. For years, we've been watching as our monetary supply has multiplied (with ensuing inflation), subsidies to various industries have grown, taxes have escalated, and the government workforce has swelled. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 06, 2009
Recession Hitting Teenagers
Do you recall teenage summers of flipping burgers, lifeguarding at the community pool, or scooping ice cream? During my summers in high school, I did various stints from stamping envelopes at a veterans hospital (unpaid) to performing skits as a camp counselor (paid... barely). (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 02, 2009
Government Paychecks: Bush vs. Obama
Most members of the public would agree that paychecks of elected officials and all public servants (otherwise known as government workers, whether at the city, state, or federal level) should be kept low to ensure that people who enter the public sector are truly motivated by a desire to serve others. (more)
Rooted in Reason
July 01, 2009
Inouye Gets Bailout Funds For His Troubled Bank
It turns out Central Pacific Financial, which was not originally slated to receive any bailout funds, is now standing to receive $135 million from the Treasury. Senator Inouye reported ownership of shares worth $350,000 to $700,000 at the end of 2007. (more)
Rooted in Reason
June 25, 2009
Doesn't the HSTA Represent Teachers?
Recently the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and Smart Business Hawaii held the 2009 DOE Trim the Fat contest. The goal was to encourage the citizens of Hawaii to identify innovative ways of cutting DOE costs without resorting to employee furloughs or layoffs. (more)
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