Respect and Patriotism..." 'Larry Arruda' (Special to dakinetalk)

Please welcome guest-blogger Mr. Larry Arruda.
 Larry was born and raised in Lihu'e Kauai.Graduated from Wilcox Elementary in 1959

and Kauai High School in 1963. Larry is a Vietnam war veteran. Larry served 30 years in Costa Mesa California  as a highway design administrator. Larry Retired in 2002 and moved back home to Kauai in 2003.

Respect and Patriotism

I have struggled with my emotions and thoughts on the subject of professional athletes, and now others, demonstrating disrespect to the flag of our nation.

 
I'll begin this by saying that I whole-heartedly believe in the freedoms set down for us in our constitution and the reasons provided by our "declaration of independence ".  

I am a Vietnam war veteran who was 18 years old at the time and I did what I was told to do. Right or wrong?,  I don't know anymore, but I was told that I was defending the freedoms of a people that needed help. I was told that it was necessary to "put a stop to communist aggression".

While I believe that the original intentions of the Vietnam war may have been honorable, I now know that there were other ulterior motives by our government for escalating that war.  
With age, comes wisdom and with that wisdom comes knowledge. I now struggle with having confidence in the operations and motives of our government.  

We could not, and did not fly the American flag over our compound in Vietnam.  We were told that its was not permitted at the time because it was not a "declared war" and we were there in that country as "advisors" to the South Vietnamese military. (Some of us had small American flags
 posted inside our hootches.)

  An entire year with no reveille, no retreat, no pledge of allegiance.   And except for the American flag flying over the U.S. Embassy, unless you were lucky enough to get into Saigon, you never saw OLD GLORY against the blue sky. 

On the day that I got out of that country and landed at Honolulu airport, I walked out of that airplane, stepped down onto the tarmac,  looked up and saw our Stars & Stripes flying high over the airport terminal with the blue sky the background, I bent down and put my right hand on the ground and thanked the good Lord for getting me home in one piece.   A sight engraved in my mind, and a feeling engorged in my heart forever. 
Because of this, and my persistence of patriotism, I've come to this conclusion:
While our nations flag stands for the rights to do just what these protesters are doing, it also stands to represent the people of our nation. And it waves over those that have given their lives to defend those freedoms.

  

It DOES NOT represent the "government" that has so blatantly moved to cause those freedoms to perish. The government to which the protest is aimed.   A dishonorable gesture to the most patriotic symbol of our nation, possibly the ONLY patriotic symbol left, is disgraceful, and should not be tolerated.  Our democratic system provides for many other avenues to demonstrate your displeasure with the performance of our government. 

The Constitution of the United States of America also provides you with the right to vote. But it is  very important to be aware of, and educated on the issues involved in your selection.  

Please remember to vote!  

Hana Hou, (Encore)

"A possible solution to feral cat situation..." 'Ali’ilani Kanui' (Special to dakinetalk blog)

 Please welcome back friend and  guest-blogger Ali’ilani Kanui AKA Kit Ellison.
Kit and her family love animals, especially feral cats and  have canvassed for a
Ferry system on the Hawaiian Islands for many years.
Kit  is part Hawaiian and  a long time
 resident of Wailua on the Garden Isle of Kaua'i.

A possible solution to feral cat situation

Now that the dust has settled over the feral cat issues, maybe a quiet voice can be heard.

I have read, spoken with, listened and watched with many people over the issue of the feral cat problem on Kauai. Each person added one or more pieces to the puzzle but no one, as of yet, put the pieces together. Please allow me to try to do so.

Yes, feral cats are necessary to the ecosystem as they keep rat and mice populations in check and yes they need to be neutered and spayed and placed in established colonies as they will hunt within a one-mile radius of their colony. This is on the plus side.

As far as ground nesting birds are concerned, cats don’t generally try for dinner that causes them trouble without them starving. Rats and wild dogs have proven to be a larger problem in that area. If dogs and rats were eliminated more chicks could be raised.

People at their own expense feed ferals, trap, spay/neuter, and generally see to the cats that are in colonies. This means no monies came from taxes for these services. Another plus.

Question, why are there so many feral cats on Kauai? That is easily answered by an article in TGI about kittens killed.

For one thing, many people can not afford the cost of spay/neuter at the vet and are afraid to use the pound because their cat can show fear and/or anxiety and be put down because it’s a “feral and they have that right” so Bobby or Sissy cat are free to litter away. What will happen to these unwanted kittens? Take them to the animal shelter to be killed?

No, they get dropped in areas where there are other cats to have a fighting chance. I have seen this too many times for it not to be true. One person told me, “If I take these kittens to the pound they will be dead before I can get to my car.” Many people I spoke with feel this way.

Solution? Start a no-kill shelter, ask island vets to donate one day a week or month to treat cats and kittens free of charge, humane society also. Forget tags, tattoo ears or chip at reduced price, first shots $10, ask for and you’ll find foster homes, and do what Lanai did. Get a place/space donated for a sanctuary where cats can find forever homes. It can be done. Anyone like to help?

Editor's note, Dakinetalk guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the opinions of dakinetalk. Guest bloggers are given space to express their beliefs and or opinions. We feel there are many roads and like to give people space to express their thoughts,after-all that's what dakine is...

Aloha, James "Kimo" Rosen---Blogger-n-chief, dakinetalk blog---

Hana Hou, (Encore) 

"Another complete waste of taxpayer money ..." 'Glenn Mickens' (County Watchdog)

Glenn Mickens has lived on Kauai  with his wife Ruth for the last 26 years. Born July 26, 1930 in Wilmar, California, USA) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in four games (two of which were starts) for the 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers. He also played for five years in Japan, from 1959 until 1963 for the Kintetsu Buffaloes. There, he compiled a record of 45–53 with a 2.54 ERA.  Glenn also  served in the Army for 2 years and coached baseball at UCLA for 25 years. 
Last but not least Glenn would really like to see Kaua'i give the county manager style of Government a chance.
Above photo of Glenn Mickens courtesy of Kauai Garden island news, used with permission...

Mr. Mickens is locally known
as one of Kauai county's
political watchdogs
and Nitpickers...
Mahalos Glenn!

 Another complete waste of taxpayer money

 For those of you not familiar with the TIGER grant that our county just went after and obtained, let me brief you on what it does and does not do.

Kauai county was awarded about $14 million of Fed funds with our needing to put up $2 million of county funds to get it---Fed or local all our tax money. The stipulation to get this grant was, "Research, demonstrate or pilot projects are eligible only if they result in surface transportation infrastructure."

The Council has introduced Resolution 2016-57 which is solely for the reconfiguration of Rice Street in Lihue---taking away 2 of the 4 existing lanes and adding bike lanes, wider sidewalks, crosswalks and amending and establishing parking restrictions and bus stops.

Kauai county residents
Please vote for
Mel Rapozo!
Glenn Mickens
Kimo Rosen
and this blog
support Mel!

 

Since on a prioritized list of what Kauai needs to address the most, traffic would be #1 or #2. To spend our time and money to secure a $14 million grant is commendable BUT to get it for jamming up traffic on Rice Street is ridiculous.

Rice street was once 2 lanes and our engineers in their wisdom added 2 more lanes to keep vehicles moving without slowing them down. Now, with even more vehicles on the roads than there were when 2 lanes were added our "leaders" want to exacerbate the traffic problems and narrow the street even more than it once was!!

Please cast one of your 7 Kauai
council votes for Arthur Brun.
Arthur is on the left. Kimo Rosen
in da middle and Mayor
Bernard Carvalho jr. on the right.

The administration has also said that this Rice street reconfiguration will slow traffic down (VERY TRUE) and make it more conducive for people to stop and go to the stores and restaurants--not true!! 

The current Kaua'i
county council
about to change
after election day!

The businesses like Big Save market, Sears and all the others that were once there moved to other locations (Kukui Grove) and are not coming back. To say that we can use this grant to make Lihue a "Town Core Mobility and Revitalization" project is a dream and a complete waste of money. Lihue is now a government headquarters, county and state and not an area that people will flock to to walk, bike or shop. 

Norma 'Doctor' Sparks is a newcomer running for County council.
Please cast your vote for Norma! We call her Dr. Doctor!
Read the blog; "Dr. Doctor give me some news;
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/09/dr-doctor-give-me-some-news-james-kimo.html

Like the gold rush days, when the gold petered out the towns became ghost towns and that's what happened to Lihue. It is what it is today and no amount of money will change it. Go after grants that we need and benefit all the people and not ones that will negatively effect us.

P.S.
Check out Glenn's Wikipedia page;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Mickens

Editor's note, Dakinetalk guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the opinions of dakinetalk. Guest bloggers are given space to express their beliefs and or opinions. We feel there are many roads and like to give people space to express their thoughts,after-all that's what dakine is...

Aloha, James "Kimo" Rosen---Blogger-n-chief, dakinetalk blog---

Kapaa Sunrisee

i-Phone photo by James "Kimo Rosen

Hana Hou, (Encore) 

"Hoping one thing will remain after the election..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen' (Kimo's world #151)

James "Kimo" Rosen is a retired professional photographer
 and amongst other things lived in a tent outdoors for 7 years.
Rosen currently resides on the tropical island of Kaua'i
with his best friend and spiritual adviser Obama Da Dog!

Kimo's world #151~Blog #1843
Editor's note;
This blog also ran as an opinion article in the 
October 18,2016 edition of the Garden Island news;
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-oct/article_af8ede1b-d3c6-5d1a-9681-383c3f58a034.html

Hoping one thing will remain after the election

Look at the way Obama bad mouthed Hillary back in the 2008 primary, look at how Trump and Cruz battled it in the primary even brought their wives into the battle and now Cruz backs Trump. 

Wake up America, the politicians could care less about you. The jokes on all of us. 

Husbands and wives have become estranged over this upcoming presidential election. There are many cases of siblings and best friends no longer speaking to each other.  Right here on Kauai people are destroying Donald Trump signs and in the comments section to a recent article in TGI titled "Trumped up"  are actually justifying this act of vandalism.
http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/trumped-up/article_d28a205e-9e7d-5387-992b-66e7615da1ea.html
 I have a  friend I haven't seen in 30 years who  pops up on Facebook and says, "Jim, (that's what they called me 30 years ago) I didn't know you were a racist?" His assumption is anyone who supports Trump is a racist?

That would be like me saying to him or any Hillary supporter,hey I did't know you were a liar and a murderer.

The 2016 presidential election showed the true colors of many of my friends refusing to associate with me or talk to me because of my political agenda. This is not only true of me but as I talk to other Trump supporters I find similar stories.

Many of these people are agnostic or atheists, support Hillary and yet I never opposed having them as friends even though I am a God fearing man and have differences of opinions  than them.

One person said when the election is over we can be friends again. Really?I don't think so. Their actions showed me we were never true friends to begin with.

No matter who wins this election America has lost. I like to say America has lost her mojo.

No longer should we trust the politician, or even the non politician to represent us.

We are entering uncharted waters and to this I am hoping one thing remains, In God we can and must trust!

Kapaa Sunrises one way
to get away from all this
election hoopla...
iPhone photo
by James "Kimo" Rosen

Editor's note;
This blog also ran as an opinion article in the 
October 18,2016 edition of the Garden Island news;
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-oct/article_af8ede1b-d3c6-5d1a-9681-383c3f58a034.html

More dakinetalk reading on Donald Trump; (Great reading!)

(All Trump related  blogs by James "Kimo" Rosen unless otherwise indicated)

1-Trumped by "The Donald" 'Obama Da Dog' (Special political edition)

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2015/08/trumped-by-donald-obama-da-dog-special.html

2-Trump supporters must come out of the closet! (Kimo's world #118)

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/03/trump-supporters-must-come-out-of.html

3-Trump, the election and the Jewish connection...(Kimo's world #119)

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/03/trump-election-and-jewish-connection.html

4-Trump-fulling... (Kimo's world #120)

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/03/trump-fulling-james-kimo-rosen-kimos.html

5-A poem about Donald J. Trump...

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-poem-about-donald-j-trump-james-kimo.html

6- Trumps Failing businesses are his strengths...

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/05/trumps-failing-businesses-are-his.html

7-Extra! Extra! Read All About It!--Trump Hijacks Republican party into Hell

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/08/extra-extra-read-all-about-it-trump.html

8-Trump and the race for President, a nasty one fueled by the media (Carrie Eckert)

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/04/trump-and-race-for-president-nasty-one.html

9-Win or Lose, Could Trump Be A Secret Agent For Hillary

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/08/win-or-lose-could-trump-be-secret-agent.html

10-Raccoon's and Trump~Larry Arruda~(Source)

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/08/raccoons-and-trump-larry-arruda-source.html

11-Definition of Trump

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/09/definition-of-trump-james-kimo-rosen.html

12-Hillary and Donald Trump walk into a bakery

https://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/09/hillary-and-donald-trump-walk-into.html

13-Kaepernick and Obama, trump this Kool-Aid

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/10/kaepernick-and-obama-trump-this-kool.html

14-Hoping one thing will remain after the election

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/10/hoping-one-thing-will-remain-after.html

Hana Hou, Encore!

"Counting our Blessings..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Friday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst New York

( A suburb of Buffalo, N.Y.)

 and has worked in the ophthalmology

 field of medicine for over 30 years

Above photo, Judy hosting her annual
Break the fast Yom Kippur celebration
on October 12, 2016

Counting our blessings

 I begin to count our blessing especially focusing on our health
and how we have been blessed with a good ending to the Jewish year. As I have begun to live in the “second”half of my life, I have been reminded repeatedly how precious life has been and how health is a priority when it comes to being happy. Without our good health, nothing can be accomplished; success, and happiness take a back seat if good health does not prevail.

Judith's youngest son , Joel suffered
a heart attacked this past year.
We are happy to say he is doing fine
and on his way to a complete
recovery!

This past year we have had to face many tribulations when it came to our grown children's lives. No one expects to have their children face serious health issues at their ages in the 30's and it is a shock to a parent to face these while staying positive and being much older than they are.

My eldest son had to face serious back surgery that fortunately had a happy result; my daughter in law had to face and endure cancer surgery for which she is doing very well and my youngest son facing a heart attack and subsequent surgery to repair the heart. 

Judith's eldest son Jacob

faced serious back surgery

and daughter-in-law

Audrey had to endure
Cancer surgery
 and treatments

All these happenings have taken its tole on my husband and myself. As we age, we naturally expect the passing of our parents at some point, having lost my dad last year; the last of our collective parents are now resting in peace. No one expects their
younger children to have health issues at such young ages; its an unnatural occurrence to live with.

Each of them has had a guardian angle watching over them; proving again the human spirit can endure and survive if the will is there. They have all been given new leases on life; for which we will be forever grateful.

All these happenings make us once again step back and take inventory of our lives and what the important issues are. Living a happy productive life is not possible if the health does not cooperate; its so important to be on top of our own health. I work with many patients that have for one reason or another, let their lives fall into disrepair and their health has taken a back seat. They decide to play“catch up” with health issues and many times it is just too late to turn back the clock.

We still struggle with health care needs in our country; yes many are still uninsured or have substandard health care provided for them. It's a cycle of sadness. Many people know they are sick
 and choose to ignore what can be serious symptoms because of the cost. If taken care of timely, the cost would be far less but we have not ironed out those problems in our country yet.

As for our family, we have been blessed with happy, healthy children that are once again thriving. I for one, have been reminded repeatedly this year that I will not take one day for granted and I will enjoy and take every opportunity that comes my way to live a happy, healthy life.

'Judy, Judy, Judy...'

P.S.
For those who follow Judith's blog her son Joel is 'Luthier' , a Guitar Doctor in LA and works at Normans Rare Guitars.  Recently Rick Springfield stopped in for a visit, how cool is that! 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwQuS-lBA1o

Hana Hou, (Encore)

"Kaepernick and Obama, trump this Kool-Aid..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen (Kimo's world #150)

James "Kimo" Rosen is a retired professional photographer
 and amongst other things lived in a tent outdoors for 7 years.
Rosen currently resides on the tropical island of Kaua'i
with his best friend and spiritual adviser Obama Da Dog!

Kimo's world #150 Blog #1841

Editors note;
This blog appeared as a letter to the editor in the 10-09-16 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island News;
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-oct/article_a7e51b77-52e4-5fce-953d-5a5c0c628810.html

Kaepernick and Obama, trump this Kool-Aid

I had tears of joy in my eyes the day President Obama  was sworn in as the 44th president of the United states of America.

Many including myself never thought with our nations history of black slaves, a little over a  century later we would elect a black president!

First of all let me say, I hate Kool-Aid but not only drank the Obama Kool-Aid, I was mesmerized by it. I defended everything he said. I even named my female dog after him.

Fast forward 8 years.--so many changes. I am blown away that my president will not identify the enemy as Islamic extremists and defends football Quarterback Colin Kaepernick
kneeling during America's national anthem.

 Watching NFL football used to be a safe zone, away from the political hoopla, a time to give our minds a rest, not any more. Now we have a bunch of over paid millionaires dictating to us on their companies time their political  beliefs?  

How many  people would be allowed to protest their beliefs during working hours? let the players protest on their own time, not while being paid obnoxious sums of money  to play and entertain us. 

Colin Kaepernick's white parents
that adopted and raised him

So as the election nears, remember to stay away from the political Kool-Aid and think for yourself. I prefer Lemon-Aid. Can anyone trump that?

Editors note;
This blog appeared as a letter to the editor in the 10-09-16 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island News;
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-oct/article_a7e51b77-52e4-5fce-953d-5a5c0c628810.html

This letter by John Zwiebel appeared in the 10-11-16 edition of the Garden Island News in rebuttal to my my blog  and recent letter;  "Gear up to battle Clinton in 2020."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-oct/article_504605c0-b49d-5666-ae37-be2cc5a363a2.html

More dakinetalk reading on Donald Trump; (Great reading!)
(All Trump related  blogs by James "Kimo" Rosen unless otherwise indicated)
1-Trumped by "The Donald" 'Obama Da Dog' (Special political edition)
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2015/08/trumped-by-donald-obama-da-dog-special.html
2-Trump supporters must come out of the closet! (Kimo's world #118)
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/03/trump-supporters-must-come-out-of.html
3-Trump, the election and the Jewish connection...(Kimo's world #119)
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/03/trump-election-and-jewish-connection.html
4-Trump-fulling... (Kimo's world #120)
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/03/trump-fulling-james-kimo-rosen-kimos.html
5-A poem about Donald J. Trump...
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-poem-about-donald-j-trump-james-kimo.html
6- Trumps Failing businesses are his strengths...
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/05/trumps-failing-businesses-are-his.html

7-Extra! Extra! Read All About It!--Trump Hijacks Republican party into Hell
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/08/extra-extra-read-all-about-it-trump.html
8-Trump and the race for President, a nasty one fueled by the media (Carrie Eckert)
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/04/trump-and-race-for-president-nasty-one.html

9-Win or Lose, Could Trump Be A Secret Agent For Hillary

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/08/win-or-lose-could-trump-be-secret-agent.html
10-Raccoon's and Trump~Larry Arruda~(Source)
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/08/raccoons-and-trump-larry-arruda-source.html
11-Definition of Trump
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/09/definition-of-trump-james-kimo-rosen.html
12-Hillary and Donald Trump walk into a bakery
https://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/09/hillary-and-donald-trump-walk-into.html
13-Kaepernick and Obama, trump this Kool-Aid
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/10/kaepernick-and-obama-trump-this-kool.html

Hana Hou, (Encore)

"Don't Ignore Symptoms; it may save your Life..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Friday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst New York

( A suburb of Buffalo, N.Y.)

 and has worked in the ophthalmology

 field of medicine for nearly 40 years

Photo above
Judith with youngest son Joel
recuperating from a heart attack

Don't Ignore Symptoms; it may save your Life

Recently a family member was having, what he thought, was having some ingestion, severe indigestion. Because of his young age, health care professionals thought it had been eating habits that were causing the symptoms. The outcome would have been much different had he listened to the
doctors and not pursued further medical treatment.

Steve and Judy fly out west to be with
their son Joel during his recent
unexpected  heart surgery

More often than not, we have symptoms in our daily lives that we chose to ignore, for whatever reason,

busy life style, time constraints, we hope the symptoms will pass and go away. This is where our own intuition kicks in and that little voice we often hear in our minds tells us -take care of this. Symptoms like indigestion, arm and jaw pain can mean many things, but in many cases are a sure sign of a heart attack happening. We must insist on taking immediate action if these symptoms continue; it can make the difference between life or NOT.

Now a days many doctors have busy practices and can miss seeing the forest through the trees; they assume too much and make a judgment call. When they look at a person that seemingly looks healthy they order some testing in their specialty and call it a day. The urgency is not always addressed and their decisions can have a tremendous and final affect on the outcome.

If you are not satisfied with a decision from a specialist, seek additional opinions. Today with medicine becoming a business in many instances, the focus has somewhat shifted to a numbers game. Doctors have to think of much more these days than just practicing good medicine and can get distracted. We must more than ever, advocate for ourselves in a medical crisis; if it doesn't seem like the right
decision, it may not be.

If our family had not acted quickly in this instance, the outcome would have had a fatal ending.

Working in the health field for the last 40 years, I have seen people misdiagnosed, over medicated, under medicated and everything in between. It simply comes down to having a Doctor that really listens to the patient and takes the time to eliminate conditions to get to the bottom of their problem.

Doctors are sometimes notorious for treating the symptoms to make them go away and make the patient happy. At times they mask the symptoms and make it difficult to get a “working diagnosis” which is critical to treat a problem.

Our family was lucky, we had a doctor that excelled in his field and took the time to recognize symptoms regardless of age or present health. We will forever be in his debt for his quick thinking and expertise.

Thanks to great doctors and caring parents
Joel is on his way to recovery from
his recent heart attack.
The photo was taken
at Normans rare guitars in LA
where Joel is a Luthier.
Read more of what Joel does
for a living at a link
at the end of this blog!

Our whole family realizes now more than ever, if we don't feel well, don't brush the symptoms under the rug and hope for the best. . Doctors are educated and take an oath to treat and preserve health but sometimes can neglect to see the whole person. Many people still think today that if the Doctor is a
nice person, they must be good at treatment; not so. When choosing a Doctor, look at their credentials, check out their comments and ratings on websites and review their accomplishments. Yes, its great to “like” your doctor but more than ever, it is more important to be impressed by their competency. 

Joel, resting  up and feeling better

If you question their treatment plan and are answered with dismay, than maybe they aren't a good fit for you?

Act on your own intuition- it may save your life some day.

Further reading on this subject and a personal view 
on Joel's recent heart attack;
"Young or old, anybody can suffer a heart attack."
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/08/young-or-old-anybody-can-suffer-heart.html
Read all about what Joel does for a living!
What is the definition of hero?
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2016/01/what-is-definition-of-hero-judith.html

"Judy, Judy, Judy!"

Hana Hou, (Encore)