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)
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The Mystery of Hawaiian History
Correcting historical revisionism and misconceptions promoted by the Akaka Bill.
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How Fast Does The State Government Spend Your Money?
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