Advice for choosing
lesser of two evils
Lots of debates these days saying we have two bad choices running for president in the upcoming election. There is certainly some truth to the notion that both candidates have liabilities.
Maybe the following points will make your decision, often called voting for the lesser of two evils, easier.
Under a Biden administration, we would have individuals in place in all of the government departments who are well-trained professionals who have pledged their loyalty to the Constitution. These individuals will keep the government moving forward in an organized fashion.
You may not agree with all their decisions, but at least there is enough transparency to track most of what is taking place. It is this bureaucracy that keeps the nation running not the president.
Trump, on the other hand, has declared war on the civil service system and would fill all departments with minions whose loyalty is to him and not the Constitution. The president obviously sets the tone and pushes the priorities to be addressed. The more charismatic the president, the more influence they can have.
If you recall, Trump included many recognized individuals to cabinet positions in his first administration. These were often referred to as “the adults in the room.” Most did not last long, either being fired or resigning.
There will be no adults in the room in a second Trump administration.
The relationship between the president and Congress is less simple. Again, in Biden we see a seasoned legislator with decades of experience in Congress. He has guided the passage of far more bills into laws than Trump. And this is even without holding majorities in both houses.
Trump, even when not in office, has demanded legislators bend to his will and avoid any negotiations that could actually solve some of our nation’s problems.
Trump’s effect on the Judicial branch of government is obvious to all and requires no elaboration from me.
So, when you cast your vote, think about your effect on the government writ large and not just the presidency.
Phil Barnes
Hilo
Barking up the wrong tree
Self-described dog “psychologist” Carl Oguss criticized the “tactics” of Walmart in soliciting monetary donations to benefit the Kapiolani Children’s Medical Center by “manipulating the faceless and unnamed masses to be generous” (Tribune-Herald, June 14).
The facts are that Walmart provides the means for the extremely generous people of Hilo and surrounding communities to help the children of Hawaii. In 2022, they willingly donated $127,035.
Last year they provided a record-breaking $131,194 for the kids’ benefit. How on earth is that somehow “manipulative” and bad?
Mr. Oguss should confine his preaching to dogs and allow the generous people of Hilo to do what they do best — provide help for the most vulnerable among us, who cannot help themselves.
Richard Hoeflinger
Keaau
