Letters to the editor (8/12/09)

I guess Terry Snyder ("Sales tax is fairer method," Aug. 5) has never heard of a landlord increasing the rent? Property tax does NOT just affect property owners. When property taxes are raised, landlords raise the rent as soon as they can -- when there's a new lease, for instance. To say that renters get off scot-free is absurd; renters do pay, just indirectly and maybe not immediately.

-- L.L. Raymond

Homer

'Party of no' told her how to vote

Lisa Murkowski says Sonia Sotomayor is an "engaging individual" and that she is "thoroughly impressed with her intellect and resolve."

Then, with some stunning leap of logic clear only to her and to those who tell her how to vote, she votes against her.

To all thinking Alaskans who say things like, "Lisa's not too bad," please remember this at the next election. She proved herself to be a drone, operated by the dwindling fringe group that was once the Republican Party. For a couple of coveted committee assignments, she sold out.

The "party of no" said to vote no, so she did. She proved herself incapable of standing up for what she knew to be the right thing.

-- Connie Faipeas

Anchorage

Initiative would have paid

In spite of my long-standing affinity for the Grateful Dead, as well as a general feeling of good health, I acknowledge that I fall into that age category sometimes referred to as "old." Consequently, I am told that I am at risk to be taken advantage of by young whippersnappers and others who may confuse my aging brain.

Two years ago, my wife and I spent several hundred dollars to update our wills and to develop an advanced directive. This lets our children know to what extremes we would like them to go in case we are in a life-threatening situation due to illness or injury. They have expressed their appreciation for our action.

Now I find that the proposed health care initiative would actually have paid for this directive and we would have saved a few dollars. It's unfortunate that some of the folks screaming against this issue don't understand. As upset as they seem, they may be more in need than I am.

-- Jim Maley

Anchorage

Sidewalks unsafe; tell tourists

I walk Boniface sidewalks several times a week. The sand, ash and muck (filth) one must trudge through is not only hazardous but unhealthy. Alaskans prepare for winter activities with special attire and other considerations; now they must equip themselves in summer just to walk safely on municipal sidewalks.

Tragically, a lady cyclist fell last May on a Boniface sidewalk, breaking a hip, and could not work for two months. This was not tragic enough for the State of Alaska (Department of Transportation) to take effective measures and restore safe, public use of sidewalks.

I know state employees to be dedicated, industrious individuals. Those people in management and leadership positions clearly failed.

Unfortunately, boulevards are not maintained to the same standards as downtown streets. Every city wants to put on its best face for the tourists. That is an important business consideration. When prospective visitors ask me about coming to Anchorage, I advise them to stay downtown (if they can) or rent a car, because it is hazardous to walk or bike.

-- Terry Hayden

Anchorage

Reveal Abu Ghraib abuse

An issue that I believe to have been grossly overlooked this year was President Barack Obama's decision to keep the abuse photos from Abu Ghraib hidden from public eyes. Sure, the torture situations were verbally presented with minimal visual aids, but in our hyper-visual culture, seeing is believing. As American taxpayers, we have been funding a war on terror that we have been left in the dark on.

It is imperative that Americans face the reality of these actions. The atrocities performed during this war have been disregarded for the comfort of the American people. And why should they be concerning themselves with a war that is taking place thousands of miles away? What we fail to comprehend is that this war is being fought in our name. It is our duty as Americans and human beings to educate ourselves on all the details of this war.

-- Meghan Meehan

Wasilla

Why don't bicycles stick to trails?

A few years ago I wrote about cyclists who insist on riding main roads. I obviously offended several cyclists because I received phone calls and e-mails that were not pleasant, but I wish to express my opinion again.

Why do people ride their bicycles on roads such as Rabbit Creek, Golden View Drive or the Old Seward Highway when they can ride the trails that so many of us pay for? What is wrong with the bike trails?

On a daily basis, to and from work, I have to modify my driving to accommodate people who insist on riding down Rabbit Creek Road or Golden View Drive at high speed. It scares me to think what would happen if I had to stop on a dime or if a moose, dog or bear jumped out.

What's the reasoning? Bike trails were designed for bicycles and my tax dollars pay for them. Perhaps those of you who ride can clue me in: Why don't you ride the trails?

-- Johnny Rusch

Anchorage

Palin is flame to the left's moths

It is Sarah Palin who put quotes around "death panel" on her Facebook page. She is engaging in hyperbole to focus on a valid consequence of rationed care.

Many on the left are "flabbergasted" by her statements. Bred on the unchallenged nonsense of Kennedy/Pelosi/Frank and others, the left is ill-equipped to deal with Sarah Palin. Best part of all, they continue to be attracted to her like moths to a flame.

-- John Recktenwald

Anchorage