Those with limb loss need more support
In 2019, I was struck by a large garbage truck while jogging. As a result, I underwent multiple surgeries, had my left leg reconstructed, and my right leg amputated below the knee.
Becoming an amputee has been an eye-opening journey into our health/insurance systems and ableist structures. It has been an experience I find myself still navigating and compelled to advocate for.
The disability community is the only community anyone can join at any time, regardless of age, gender, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, etc.
I wrote this letter to bring awareness to Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM), which occurs during the month of April from the 1st to the 30th every year. On April 12, I will be attending the first ever gubernatorial proclamation signing in our state with Gov. Josh Green to designate April as LLLDAM in the state of Hawaii. Awareness is the first step in a better direction.
There are approximately 2.1 million Americans living with limb loss and limb difference. Over 500 Americans lose a limb every day. Approximately 1,000 children are born each year in the United States with congenital limb differences.
Access to appropriate prosthetic care for people living with limb loss and limb difference is vital to enable individuals to reach their full potential, live independently, and live well.
I love my home state of Hawaii, but of all places, we cannot enjoy our beaches and mountains without accessibility and the proper prosthetic devices which medical insurance deems a luxury. Hawaii is in better need of support resources.
We need to take care of our people and give them what they need to live as anyone else in this state is able to. Just as it was me, it could be any of you.
Heather Shorey
Holualoa
Preventing choice at polls is anti-democracy
Many voters may not be aware that Robert F Kennedy, Jr. has declared his candidacy for the president of the United States of America as an independent candidate.
In order to qualify to be on the ballot in Hawaii for the 2024 election, his supporters gathered more than enough signatures to form a new political party called, “We The People.”
Earlier this month, the Democratic Party made a challenge with the elections office to that new party with the express purpose of preventing other candidates from participating in the democratic process.
Eliminating voter choice to retain power is the antithesis of supporting democracy. This despicable behavior reflects their desperation and their desire to eliminate all competition. Voter choice and democracy be damned.
RFK is polling in double-digits in most polls, and they see him as a real threat to win if voters are allowed the choice.
Democracy used to mean letting voters decide at the ballot box who should represent them by evaluating all the candidates in the marketplace of ideas and debate. Silencing one’s opponents and preventing voter choice can only work to destroy democracy.
The voters are watching.
Eric Weinert
Papaikou