Pregnant teens without family support need other resources

Re: Parental consent ("Parents legally responsible for teens' care should have say on abortion," May 15, Leslie Lorentzen).

I commend the writer for her traditional and loving family values. However, in my opinion, she misses the point: Many young girls do not have responsible, loving parents who are emotionally present to lean on in crisis.

I applaud the people who have defended the right of a minor to seek a solution outside of parental consent. This recognizes that many youngsters will absolutely go to a parent during crisis. The love and trust they have will be a support. But it also recognizes that other youngsters do not have a reason to seek parental guidance. Many families are not anything like yours, Mrs. L!!!

No child is born choosing their parents, and frankly, some parents are more wonderful than others. In the meantime a pregnant teen needs help right now.

Like you Mrs. L, I hope it won't be my child who goes around me. But I do hope that every child will get the help they need -- if not from me, then from our community safety net.

-- Jeanne Smith RN

Anchorage

Workers need to be free to vote their conscience

I have been humored as well as made curious by supporters of the Employee Free Choice Act asserting links between unionization rates and lower infant mortality, social equality and a greener workplace.

Unions have contributed much to the American workforce in their storied history. However, I have to take a real issue with the Employee Free Choice Act which represents an unabashed union power grab supported by Congressional Democrats and the Obama administration.

There can be no credible justification for removing the secret ballot from the organization process. Section 2(a) of the act states "If the Board finds that a majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for bargaining has signed valid authorizations designating the individual or labor organization specified in the petition as their bargaining representative ... the Board shall not direct an election but shall certify the individual or labor organization as the representative." That seems pretty clear to me.

We must protect the rights of workers to vote their conscience free from intimidation from either employers or unions.

-- Heath E. Hilyard

Anchorage

Kudos to triathlon volunteers

Thanks to all the hard-working folks who volunteered at the Gold Nugget Triathlon. Many (like my husband!) worked a very long day, and I want them to know how much their efforts were appreciated by the participants in this complicated and very fun event.

-- Beth Balen

Eagle River

Medred fisheries piece so true

As a resident of Alexander Creek, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Craig Medred's article "Fisheries need to share the burden (May 11)." I could not have said it better!

Because of the total mismanagement of our resources we have seen our community shrink from a population of 40 residents down to 15. Every lodge is closed and there seems to be little hope of recovery for our wonderful river.

A single king salmon generates far more toward our economy in the sport fishery sector. A visiting angler rents a hotel room, rental car, dines in local restaurants, charters planes, guides and stays in lodges. They use travel agencies, shop for trinkets and buy fishing licenses.

Commercial fishing interests have lawyers and lobbyists to further their interest. Until the day sport fishing enthusiasts and the many businesses that benefit from them hire their own lobbyists and lawyers, we as sport anglers will continue to be fed the big lie by out of state commercial fishing interests, and Fish and Game for big money political thievery. Thank you, Mr. Medred, for the truth!

-- Mike Mason

Alexander Creek

It's no news flash for dog owners

The article "Evidence mounts that dogs have morals," (May 17) said that evidence seems to indicate that dogs have morals, empathy, compassion, and emotions. I have just one word to say on behalf of dog owners everywhere: "Duh!"

-- Sharon Bloom

Anchorage

Some suggestions, Mr. Mayor

Attention: Mayor Elect Dan Sullivan. The time is soon approaching for you to assume the reins of city government. This is an opportunity that should be capitalized on. Anchorage is in need of some new leadership that breaks from the past and takes some bold new steps. Your leadership can represent a new generation of forward thinking that puts Anchorage on the cutting edge.

Here are some examples:

• Every student in the Anchorage School District needs a laptop computer issued to them as a learning tool. More Web-based teaching can follow.

• Anchorage needs an example of some modern transportation, such as an electromagnetic train. And not the diesel electric freight train now used at the airport.

• Create a system that effectively manages the homeless population in Anchorage. They are a ready labor force willing to work and pay their own way.

Actions like these are positive steps for the future of Anchorage. In time the state could use this new style of leadership, and you might fill that calling too.

-- Kent Weltin

Anchorage

Sure, we need more bear bait

Fish can no longer be cleaned at the Russian River?

A lot of anglers would love to have one of those tables in their backyard, to make cleaning fish more comfortable.

Just put the guts in a bag and throw them in the back of a pickup 'till you can figure out where to dispose of them. Packing out carcasses to Anchorage helps with our bear problem how?

-- Joanne Rinker

Anchorage

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