Break the cycle
Break the cycle
Grow the economy — jobs, jobs, jobs. That is the mantra for politicians this election season, repeated in the mass media so often the public doesn’t even question its wisdom. Simple arithmetic proves that no system can grow at a constant rate forever. Therefore, any economic system based on growth is by definition NOT sustainable and must end or collapse.
I can’t think of a single measure of quality of life on our Big Island that has improved with growth. Our beaches and parks are more crowded. We wait in traffic and in lines for all services. Crime and poverty are worse. Education has declined. Yet, for the last 50 years, we blindly accept that growth is good for us or inevitable.
Growth never pays for itself. The new schools, roads and other infrastructure needed to service more growth are paid for not by the existing community, but by debt to be repaid by more future growth. Even modest 7 percent growth rates will double our population in 10 years. At what point do we say enough is enough?
This year, challenge the politicians when they advocate growth. Ask them to articulate their vision of our future. Think through the trade-offs you’d be willing to make to break the cycle of growth. The math says it will end; the only question is when, and if we will be prepared.
Eric Weinert
Papaikou
Distracted driving
This letter is intended for the wahine who was driving a gray Volkswagen convertible with a black rag-top on Saddle Road between mile markers 24 and 10 on Monday, June 4, at approximately 3 p.m.
I was driving the posted speed limit of 55 mph when you suddenly came up behind me, far exceeding the speed limit to the extent that I thought you were going to rear-end my truck. Since we were in a “No Passing” zone, I quickly moved on to the shoulder allowing you to pass, which you did.
As you passed, my wife and I noticed you appeared to be “fixing” you hair. You then proceeded toward Hilo, driving very erratically, weaving in the lane from shoulder and at times crossing partially into the oncoming lane and periodically slowing to 40 mph, then speeding up to 55 to 60 mph.
I would not pass you, even when you were doing only 40 for fear of being side-swiped or worse! You then sped up on the stretch between mile marker 10 and the Puainako extension, whereupon you again began weaving, speeding up to 60 in the 40- and 55-mph zones, then slowing to as little as 35 in the 45 mph zone.
I finally, after becoming thoroughly aggravated and frustrated, passed you, but while we were passing you, we noted that you had your head down and were busily “texting” on the phone in your lap.
I hope that you will not only read this letter, but also read, “Mass. teenager guilty in texting accident,” page A3, Tribune-Herald, June 7.
Pay attention to your driving, instead of your distractions! Kokua.
Ron Baptista
Mountain View