Amazing Mount Marathon feats
deserve equal coverage
Congrats to all the Mount Marathon racers — wow, what a weekend! This year I decided to skip the race and had initially planned to "hide out up North." But, I couldn't stay away from this magical and unique Alaskan race and I had a blast cheering everyone on. The conditions were perfect for records to fall and PRs to be set.
I would, however like to call attention to a "not so great" part of the race and that is, the lack of live coverage of the women's race on the Internet and TV. In order to watch the female athletes perform one had to physically be in Seward, on the mountain. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the post Title IX movement and in my life as a professional athlete I have thankfully experienced very little discrimination. However, the disparity between the coverage in my opinion was embarrassing and outdated.
The female athletes work just as hard as the men and are just as talented. While Kilian Jornet is undoubtedly amazing I think that Emelie Forsberg's historic performance was even more impressive. And what about Allie Ostrander? I think people around the state, country (and now the world?) might like to cheer these ladies on!
It's fun to see the hype about mountain running grow and enthusiasm for Mount Marathon spike. There were some fabulous media stories surrounding the event and the live coverage of the men's race was awesome. Inclusion of the women's race LIVE was the only thing missing and I hope that in the future, it will be included.
Good job everyone and remember — only 363 more days until Mount Marathon 2016!
— Holly Brooks
two-time Mount Marathon champion
two-time Alaska Olympian
Anchorage
Put female on new $15 bill
Finally, after all these years, Leonard Pitts has updated his photo (ADN, July 2) — it's good to know he's growing old just like the rest of us.
And speaking of "faces," if you absolutely have to have a female face on American currency, how about leaving Alexander Hamilton and our country's other forefathers alone, and just create a new denomination, such as a $15 dollar bill.
— Jim Lieb
Palmer
Editor's note: Leonard Pitts' updated photo has been available for some time; it's just that an old editor took too long to get it in the paper.
Bible lessons are confusing
For all of those who would deny any kind of service to law abiding members of the LGBT community I ask: would you also deny service to convicted murders, rapists and child molesters? If not, why not? Who poses the biggest threat to society?
For those who wish to quote the Bible at me, I refer you to Leviticus 25: 44-46, Exodus 21: 2-6 and Exodus 21:7-11, which details the legitimate buying, selling and treatment of slaves. When is it OK to follow certain parts of the Bible and not others and who decides?
— Peter Jenkins
Eagle River
Lets trade: Tax credits paid now for expanded Medicaid
Perhaps a deal can be made with the Legislature in allowing the oil companies to have their $200 million in tax credits now in exchange for the Legislature allowing Medicaid expansion. This would be a simple trade of this for that. The Legislature, oil companies, rich and powerful in the Lower 48 who own stock in these oil companies want their $200 hundred million in tax credits right now without any further delay. The working poor would also like this deal to go through, so they could use expanded Medicaid right now and get some needed medical attention. It would be a win-win situation for the rich, oil companies, Legislature, governor and the working poor. Hopefully, the state government will work together so everyone can get what they need.
— John Suter
Chugiak
Flag represents oppression
Eric Olenick in "Erasing Confederate history disturbing," (ADN, July 6) is correct when he states many people believe the Confederate flag ONLY represents the oppression and enslavement of black Americans. But he is incorrect about where the flag should be shown.
The Civil War was fought because some states believed it was their right to secede from the United States of America. After hundreds of thousands of lives were lost, Gen. Robert E. Lee, a good and moral man who deeply cared for the men under his command, surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. Lee signed a document stating his army would no longer fight in the service of the Confederacy.
The Confederate States of America was dissolved a month later. At that point, the Confederate flag became obsolete, along with Confederate money and Confederate presidents. The ONLY places Confederate flags should be flown and/or shown are indoors at museums where the Civil War is correctly interpreted through historical displays.
— Giselle Bergeron
Anchorage
Right of way is public land
In a recent letter (July 4), Cooper Landing property owner Nina Cornett expressed her concerns regarding a long-planned safety pathway along Snug Harbor Road in Cooper Landing. Unfortunately, Cornett has been loose with the truth and thinks the public right of way adjacent to her property belongs to her, not you, me and the other members of the public. Cornett should be ashamed of herself for thinking the public right of way is hers to manage, to the exclusion of the general public. The Snug Harbor bike and pedestrian pathway that is planned responds to a great public need for safe places to recreate off the busy road. I hope Cornett will actively engage with the Cooper Landing community in a more positive manner, and will consider the greater public benefit for local residents and visitors is at stake here.
— Chris Degernes
Cooper Landing
Voters didnt elect caucus bent on destroying Alaska
It was encouraging to read the commentary in the Alaska Dispatch News this morning authored by Rep. Les Gara. The battle to pass Medicaid expansion and reform carries on, supported by the efforts of Gara and so many dedicated like-minded legislators.
It is foolish to repeat the testimony I have already offered many times; it was ignored. It is a waste of time to repeat the statistics submitted by DHSS Commissioner Davidson or even the arguments made by Gov. Walker and the reports submitted from other states. This information was ignored as well. It is pointless to remind everyone the polls show the voters support expansion by an overwhelming majority, because as inconceivable as that seems, those numbers had no effect on the legislative majority either.
At this point, I believe Gov. Walker should use the power of his office and implement Medicaid expansion. Gara has more faith in his fellow legislators than I do at this time. It is his suggestion that every legislator communicate to the governor that they would support a special session and vote to pass Medicaid expansion. This solution would eliminate any possible delays and litigation brought about by the governor acting without legislative approval.
Therein lies the purpose of this communication: to encourage each lawmaker to please support Alaska in this effort; take the time to relay to Gov. Walker that you would support a special session limited to voting on Medicaid expansion and reform. Make it happen.
Every legislator should bear in mind that the voters elected you individually. The voters did not elect the "caucus." Anyone paying attention since lawmakers convened in January is well aware of who represented their constituents as promised, as well as who didn't. It is time to stand with integrity for all of Alaska rather than standing with a caucus that seems hell-bent on destroying Alaska and all that we are.
— Shelly Vendetti-Vuckovich
Anchorage
Walkers actions make sense
In response to Ms. Downing's recent column: Gov. Walker's actions only appear inconsistent if you attempt to pigeonhole him as either a conservative or a liberal politician. If you are willing to view him as someone looking for the best solutions for all Alaskans during a difficult time, his actions may make more sense to you.
— Leif Simcox
Anchorage
Parents, not society, are responsible for children
I'm sorry any parent loses a child, or that a child loses a parent. But when a parent does hard drugs for two-thirds of his or her life, which comprises at least half of a child's life, why is it a surprise that the child does hard drugs and unfortunately dies in questionable circumstances. Now, the parent bemoans the loss of that beloved child and wants the state, the government, the taxpayers, to supply more money. The parents calls fault with the judicial system, wants more therapeutic outlets, more opportunity for the now-dead, troubled child. Why didn't the parent take responsibility for his or her child? Why didn't the parent, parent? What example did he or she set? The fruit does not fall far from the tree.
I see mom and dad and two children at a table in an expensive restaurant ordering dinner. All four are immersed in their phones and no one is speaking, or even looking at each other. The isolation is broken when the server takes their orders and then all four return to their phones. Where is the parenting? Where are table manners? Where is family communication?
Years ago public schools were told by parents to not discipline their children. It's not the schools' job. It's my job, says the parent. They're MY children! We'll take care of it at home. Now, we are asked to pass laws allowing schools to educate and protect children about predators that are parents, relatives, neighbors and strangers. Why is this not taught at home? Why, in Alaska, are the predators at home? Why did you have the child if you can't, won't or don't have time to spend with them? Birth control is available now.
I'm suggesting parents quit being their children's friends and be their parents. Parents teach, educate, inform through communication and by example. Parents, take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your children. After all, they are your children, and your responsibility, not society's.
I am truly sorry for anyone's loss of a child.
— Barbara Reilly
Anchorage
Thanks for a great Fourth
We would like to give a huge thank you to Darl Schaaff and his incredible staff at Art Services North and Anchorage Fairs and Festivals for putting on an amazing Fourth of July-Anchorage Centennial event on Saturday. Thousands came out for the pancake breakfast, parade, activities, food and music. The spectacular Anchorage Symphony Orchestra on the Park Strip capped off an incredible day for all who came out to enjoy the festivities. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be a small part of the Fourth of July event every year. Thank you Darl and crew, for making it possible for us to celebrate with so many in our community and give thanks to all our military.
— Sheila Fall
The Fall family
Red, White, and Blue Crew Marching Band
Anchorage
Republican spending spree
Ahhh, let the Republican sniping begin, something the party is so good at. Never mind the fact the Republican Party has been in full control of the state for some time and has walked us into a $3 billion annual budget deficit. Oh yeah, the oil price collapse was just such a surprise. All that fracking for years and the U.S. challenging for world oil production leadership. Oh, truly such a surprise.
Are you kidding me? Let's not talk about how the Republican-backed SB 21 is likely to lead to more payments to the oil companies than the production tax brings in. Let's not talk about proposed half-billion dollar roads to the next dock north, costly proposed mega-dams or the infamous Taj Mahawker with its $3 million-plus rent and, lo and behold, computerized trash cans. Face it, the conservative Republican Party has been on a profligate spending spree.
Oh, using federal money to expand Medicaid coverage? No way man; that might actually increase services rather than trim them as Suzanne Downing (ADN, July 5) recommends. Watch out folks, the clown car is headed down the tracks. Get out of the way if you can!
— Mike McQueen
Copper Center
No comparison for the fallen
In response to Harry DeBruhl's "Zealotry not limited" letter July 4: Who would compare the removal of treachery against the United States of America and the glorification of slavery to be zealotry on par with ISIS? People are dying for and against the Islamic State's cause. Those fallen will thank you to not trivialize their tragedy in such a matter. The memory of the South's rebellion should indeed live on — in museums.
Nobody's asking for erasing history. Just stop glorifying the fact the Confederacy killed people in the name of slavery and splintered the Union.
— Rachel McKenna
Anchorage
The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter for consideration, email letters@alaskadispatch.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.