I happened to tune into the University of Hawaii’s KTUH radio yesterday morning while driving and was impressed to fall into an open-ended interview with Congressman Neil Abercrombie. This was not 30-second sound bite stuff but an extended question and answer session. The questions may not have been ultra-prepared or probing, but it was a pleasure to have a chance to hear Neil rail on at length on the issues of the day.

I was driving and couldn’t stop to take notes, so you’ll have to forgive me for paraphrasing. When asked about the upcoming recommendations on Iraq policy by General Protreus due shortly, Neil responded sharply. “This is turning everything upside down. I don’t really care what General Protreus thinks, and we shouldn’t care. Generals take orders, that’s what they do. They don’t make policy. A general in the field isn’t in a position to make policy on what is in the best global interests of the U.S. government. ”

I may not have the nuances right, but Neil’s retort was direct and on point, and immediately clarified one of the things that has been wrong with this whole media-fueled Iraq debate.

Good on ya, KTUH! We need more public spaces offering extended opportunities to hear our elected officials on key issues. And thanks to Congressman Abercrombie, for taking the time to share your views in this kind of unscripted session.

Can this be true? The Advertiser’s Derrick DePledge reports Sen. Mike Gabbard is close to a decision to change political parties in order to become a Democrat. Gabbard is still hounded by his past associations and all-too-well known public positions. But Gabbard has also been somewhat of a political chameleon, changing colors to fit in or to be perceived in different and conflicting ways. In that sense, this is just a continuation of his development and perhaps shouldn’t be such a surprise. What long-time critics within the Democratic camp have to be wondering is whether this change signifies any reconsideration or moderation of those previous Gabbard stances.

Former Congressman Ed Case has sent another email appeal for funds. He writes:

remain committed to public service. I still seek a more inclusive, less polarized government that tackles the challenges of the next generation with honesty and courage. And I remain concerned that too few in government walk this walk.

Opportunities are upcoming for me to seek further state or federal office. As our challenges remain especially acute in Congress, I have continued Case for Senate to accept contributions and support efforts toward further congressional service.

Then the message adds these “answers to some common questions”.

Contributions are to Case for Senate 2012, when Sen. Akaka’s current term ends. (Sen. Inouye’s current term ends in 2010; I wouldn’t run then if Sen. Inouye sought re-election.) They can be used for other federal elections, but not for state or local elections. We will use contributions to continue our campaign activities throughout Hawai’i and to be prepared for future elections.

More basically, your contribution will help me continue to work for that better way forward so many of us want, and I ask for your support.

We had dinner with my parents at their home in Kahala on Sunday night, and I learned that these coconut trees next door will be cut down soon to open up the space at the entrance to the new house still going up. It is one of these Kahala homes that has abandoned all sense of proportion, confuses mass with grace, and leaves ideas of liveability behind. But I can’t blame the neighbor, who is just following along in the wave of crass overdevelopment that has wrecked the neighborhood more effectively than any hurricane or tsunami ever did. I’ve watched these trees my entire life, and when I heard their days are numbered I had to try for a photo, steadying the camera on the top of our car in the driveway.

And so it goes.