Lowlife lifts free library
To the Anchorage lowlife who decided to take the bike trail "Little Free Library" the evening of July 23 — shame on you. I'm assuming sometime over your lifetime books have in some way hurt you and you are now getting even.
For over a year neighbors, families, and bike trail users have enjoyed visiting the "Little Free Library" on the bike trail between the Alaska Native Hospital and Northern Lights. Now they'll have to go a bit farther to trade out a new book. For those of you who have enjoyed stopping by, don't despair, plans are underway to build another "Little Free Library" in the same location. After all as Ernest Hemingway said, "There is no friend as loyal as a book."
— Alice Knapp
Anchorage
Zionism behind unequal treatment of Palestinians
I would like to thank ADN very much for publishing Ken Green's thoughtful letter on Israel-Palestine (July 28). With virtually every presidential candidate, whether Democrat or Republican, marching in lockstep behind the banner of nationalistic Israel, it is difficult to hear any voices of dissent. By providing a forum for a meaningful discussion of Zionism, its history and its large influence upon American political life, ADN is rendering a vital service to all American citizens.
Certainly the $3 billion per year the American taxpayers graciously provide Israel ought to allow us some input into finding solutions to the disgraceful situation in which most Palestinians find themselves. This is true even for those Palestinians who make up 20 percent of the population of Israel. They are citizens of that country, but do not enjoy the same rights as Jewish citizens of Israel. Why? Because of Zionism.
It is very important to distinguish Zionism from Judaism. They are not interchangeable and have often been at odds. No one has the right to question the loyalty of Jewish Americans to this country. As the case of Jonathan Pollard demonstrates, however, there are some Zionists whose loyalty should be questioned.
— Kenneth Baitsholts
Anchorage
Planned Parenthood offers compassionate health care
I am dismayed by the recent attacks on Planned Parenthood. My childhood has made me a fighter for access to reproductive health and rights, and Planned Parenthood is leading the way.
I know the consequences of unintended pregnancy firsthand. At age 6, my sister and I were given up by our mother to an orphanage in Russia. Our dad died, and she was unable to take care of us.
I started going to Planned Parenthood for birth control five years ago, when I had to start paying, on my own, for birth control I needed for medical reasons. My experience was positive from the start — high-quality, stress-free and supportive. That's why I remain a Planned Parenthood patient to this day, and serve as a volunteer ensuring women across the country have access to the care I've been so fortunate to receive.
I stand with Planned Parenthood because access to reproductive health is a human right; and Planned Parenthood provides that right with more compassion and knowledge than any other organization I know.
— Zhenia Peterson
University of Alaska Anchorage
School of Social Work
Anchorage
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