Japan deserves recognition
A few years ago, a terrible tsunami struck Japan causing unimaginable damage and loss of life. Not only did the Japanese take their own problems in hand — they did the unheard of. They provided millions in funds to the United States to assist with the debris cleanup of our coasts and beaches. Japan had no duty to assist other nations in cleanup, as it obviously could not have been at fault in the natural disaster, which damaged it so badly, but felt some obligation to do so. The amount the nation donated was not merely symbolic — we are still using it in our beach-cleaning projects.
I am surprised there has been no official recognition of Japan's more than neighborly aid in this matter. Is everyone too busy running for office?
— Don Neal
Anchorage
Walker's logic questioned
There's been a lot of wasted print on the Knik Arm Bridge, a project no sane capitalist investor would even touch. Studies have shown the tolls won't be enough to pay the toll-collectors' salary. I voted for Walker, but sometimes I wonder about his logic. We're broke. DOT is not going to pry any money out of a $24 trillion national debt. As the hobo said, "if I had me some bread and ham, lettuce, and mayonnaise, I'd have me a ham sandwich." OPEC is enjoying the ham sandwich.
— Will Hayes
Palmer
Move people, not more cars
We continue in our misguided efforts to move more cars into Anchorage. It is people, not cars, that need to get into Anchorage. We need to spend the money on fast easy, frequent bus and train travel. I have seen how well it works in our own Eastern cities and in Europe. Actually even in West Coast cities. Why do we continue to think in wasteful last-century modes of travel?
I have gone into unfamiliar cities, even where I don't speak the language, and traveled from place to place without a hitch. One of our best experiences ever was going all around Rome for two days with a wonderful couple from Ireland as our guides. Buses, walking, easy!
Would be a lot different in Anchorage and the Valley. And it would cost a lot more.
— Martie Rozkydal
Palmer
Beware PC police attacks
Mr. Minshall and the rest of the political correctness police got their wish.
After he told the South Carolina governor to tear down the Confederate flag, she surrendered to the PC police because someone somewhere some day might take offense. Boo hoo.
Now that another of our basic freedoms is gone, what will be next?
Will the PCP forbid flying the Mexican flag at the Alamo?
Will the PCP forbid flying the Japanese flag at Pearl Harbor?
Will the PCP forbid erecting a statue of Osama bin Laden at the new World Trade Center?
The canary in the coal mine reminds us, once the camel sticks his nose into the tent, we'll all be on a slippery slope.
— Geoff Kennedy
Anchorage
GCI cell tower would be a blight
Regarding the proposed cell tower at 13th Avenue and E Street: I cannot believe our Assembly and local government are this asleep at the wheel. Every time anything comes up regarding land-use issues, the excuse is Title 21 took so long, certain issues haven't been addressed.
Let's get real. Cell towers next to homes, with no screening or creative design, are a blight in a residential neighborhood. Just like dumpsters that are not enclosed with some screening, or commercial developments that get around landscaping requirements. The list goes on and on. I know, we're not supposed to care how they do it "Outside" but sometimes maybe we should learn from other communities. It's not rocket science.
As for GCI, it is always touting its community involvement and support. This is where the rubber hits the road, so to speak.
— Colleen Hickey
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.