Letters to the Editor

Letter: Statues downtown

Captain James Cook is in no way a controversial figure in Alaska history and did not have any kind of abusive or adversarial relationship with Alaska Natives. To blame him for things that happened well after his mission of exploration and discovery is unfair and ridiculous.

While I believe his statue is benign and should remain as is, I suggest it would be entirely appropriate to add a second statue, one of an Alaska Native elder as chosen local Alaska Natives. They would both be looking out across the inlet and accompanied by an informative plaque commemorating and honoring both Alaska Natives and Cook's accomplishments.

James Smith

Anchorage

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