Many people (after all these years) seem to still be afraid of "creeping socialism", as though, if given the chance, we would all gladly give up our self-reliance and let the government control everything. But anyone who knows anything about optimization knows that there can be too little as well as too much.
Humans naturally live in a tripartite structure of communities (families, neighborhoods, church groups, etc.), governments, and markets. None of them can do everything. Each has a role, each is essential.
Political (and social) debate typically concerns where the boundaries among these three spheres should be drawn. But fears that OTHERS are going to willingly slide all the way to total loss of self-reliance sound like -- they just might be -- an expression of projected feelings, from those who are afraid of THEIR OWN needs for compassion and care.
Better if they were to just acknowledge their own needs. It's not that scary.
- Rick Wicks
Anchorage
We'll never grow old in Chicago
Social Security and Medicare are both going broke. The cost of health care is out of sight. The cause of all this is Grampa & Gramma. The solution is simple.
Employ the Obama plan to snuff Grampa & Gramma when they turn 65. This solves many problems. Social Security and Medicare can be eliminated leaving money and resources to convert America into "The Peoples' Republic Of Chicago" which would be the newest and one of the largest Muslum countries in the world. Without Grampa and Gramma around, also, the 50 million illegal aliens could become voters for Obama and company, and get on the gravy train.
- S.L. Hochstein
Anchorage
Gay rights isn't a religious issue
In Sunday's paper (Aug.24) there was a Compass article entitled "Prevo is wasting resources fighting gays" written by Geneva Walters. She could not have expressed my sentiments regarding Christianity and the gay rights legislation any better.
It has often seemed to me that those who profess to be Christians the loudest are those who are the least Christ-like. I believe and have seen for myself that actions always speak louder than words. Where in this diatribe of fear and hate expressed by Dr. Prevo et. al. is there even the smallest glimmer of love, compassion, or acceptance for others who are different from ourselves?
I believe that saying one thing but doing something entirely different constitutes hypocrisy and is not a trait that I find admirable. But, be that as it may, the bottom line is that the gay rights ordinance is not in any way a religious issue. Rather, it is a matter of ensuring fair and equal treatment for all our citizens.
Unfortunately, in vetoing this legislation, Mayor Sullivan and our Assembly members seem to have ruled less by common sense and logic and more by fear and emotion. How sad for us.
- Dolores (Dee) Bowns
Eagle River
Mayor does the right thing
I truly and deeply believe in equal rights for all. However, I am confident that Dan Sullivan has done the right thing.
The law would create many more problems than it would solve. He did not make his decision based on prejudice. It had the potential to be devastating to small business owners. All it takes (regardless if they win or lose) is one lawsuit to completely bankrupt a small business.
If a gay person feels they are discriminated against, they reserve the right to not disclose that information. I do not disclose my political opinions when I go into job interviews because I know that could be a deal-breaker for some employers.
They are already protected by law. Should political beliefs also be added? If Mayor Sullivan let this ordinance pass, it would be the beginning of a real slippery slope.
- Kaitlin Cole
Anchorage
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