Democrats not against working
Susan Brown (ADN, April 27) took issue with trash people toss along highways, and I totally agree, it's disgusting. Then, in the most egregious non sequitur I've ever seen, Brown attacked supporters of Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, and the candidates themselves, as setting aside personal responsibility.
Brown apparently believes Democrats see government as a cure-all for everything. But that's a smokescreen for Republicans who seem to think markets (plus their brand of "morality" and waving the flag) are a cure-all for everything. Democrats believe in a healthy balance between markets, communities and government. (I myself often pick up trash along trails and streets, as do others in my family and community.)
If I were going to look for exemplars of selfishness and disregard for effects on the physical environment, I would look to extraction and manufacturing industries, which frequently pollute while being protected by Republicans.
If I were going to look for exemplars of selfishness and disregard for effects on the social environment, I would look to the financial industry, which crashed our economy in 2008 while being protected by Republicans.
But I wholeheartedly support Brown's suggestion that work is much better than welfare. Now especially — with interest rates and inflation both low — if the federal government would provide funding to states and communities, we could offer work to everyone who wanted to work at a livable minimum wage, thereby reducing the necessity for welfare while generating economic growth, causing wages to rise while generating more tax revenue. There's not only trash to be picked up, but lots of other public work to be done too.
— Rick Wicks
Anchorage
Simple steps for Meyer's meals
ADN reported on April 28 that lobbyists for the developers of the lawmakers' Anchorage offices bought Senate President Kevin Meyer a $100 meal a week before the vote on the purchase of the property. The article suggested Sen. Meyer was puzzled at the idea of paying for his meals when he dined out, saying: "We could pay for our own way. … I'm just trying to think how that would work."
Well here's how it works, senator:
Step 1. Bring your wallet when you dine out;
Step 2. After finishing your meal and receiving the check, remove your wallet from your pocket;
Step 3. Remove your credit card from your wallet;
Step 4. Hand your credit card to the server or cashier.
If you forget the steps, I'm sure any of your voting-age constituents will help you.
— Ann Sugrue
Anchorage
Voters will make Meyer pay
Sen. Kevin Meyer has debunked the theory, "There is no such thing as a free lunch."
However, in his next election cycle the voters might make him pay.
— Ken Flynn
Anchorage
Support Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act to honor vets
I urge you to support the HR 333, the "Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act," introduced by U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. Service members who have served a full career and have sustained disability due to their service should receive their full compensation of both retirement and disability pay — no matter the disability rating. Likewise, those who have served and have been medically retired before reaching a full career, should be compensated appropriately without any offset.
The Air Force Sergeants Association represents all current and former Air Force members and, as a member, I see this as a priority for this Congress to take action on. Please do all you can to help pass this legislation. Those who serve this nation and are impacted by that arduous service, deserve no less. I respectfully request a response so I can know where you stand on this matter.
— Jamie Swanston
JBER
League of Women Voters wants sex-ed bill change to stop STDs
The League of Women Voters of Alaska (is concerned about current requirements in education bill HB 156 regarding the important topic of sex education. Section 18 of the bill requires the preapproval for both sex education teachers' credentials and curriculum by school boards for public review. This places an undue burden on smaller school districts and has the potential to increase the rate of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies in Alaska's teen population by reducing teen access to important information on human sexuality.
Access to sex education is at risk nationwide. The Journal of Adolescent Health reports, for the period spanning 2006-2013, a decline in the "receipt of formal sex education and low rates of parental communication" on the topic of sex for those aged 15 to 19. This was particularly true in rural areas, and the decline was largest for females, equaling a 10 percent drop in access to sex education.
The league supports the parental right to opt out of sex education classes, but removing this education from all students would have a negative health effect. The league urges the Legislature, should HB 156 receive another vote, to remove Section 18 as it may result in smaller school districts avoiding this important curriculum piece altogether.
The League of Women Voters represents 200 members in Anchorage, Juneau, Tanana Valley and Central Kenai Peninsula.
— Judy Andree, chair LWVAK Legislative Action
Juneau
Murkowski stokes vendetta
Is Sen. Lisa Murkowski bored, does she not have enough on her plate helping to run the United States, or does she have some hidden agenda against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Why is she taking the time to micromanage the service by inserting language, naming three uninhabited Aleutian and Alaska Peninsula islands, into the federal budget to prohibit the agency from ridding wilderness islands of invasive and destructive species? Something smells and it is not the cows on Chirikof.
— David Irons
Anchorage
Meyer's math skills spell trouble
So the president of the Alaska Senate, Kevin Meyer, is baffled over the concept of asking the wait staff in a restaurant for "separate checks" when dining with a registered lobbyist. This is the same person in charge of the Senate's efforts to solve the state's multibillion dollar fiscal problems.
We are in very serious trouble, my fellow Alaskans.
— Paul Laverty
Anchorage
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