Letters to the editor (9/8/09)

Can I have heard this correctly? The president of the United States gives a speech to schoolchildren lauding the importance of education and the right wing goes crazy over the "subversiveness" of this message?

I implore everyone, regardless of placement on the political spectrum, to recognize common values. Certainly the importance of education is agreed upon by all. Remember Abe Lincoln learning to read by firelight.

Even if you despise the messenger (remembering that he is the president and the commander-in-chief), appreciate the message.

Let's unite behind this president on the vital importance of education to the citizenry of this democracy.

-- Antoinette Tadolini

Anchorage

Discrimination OK

Let's look at the "anti-discrimination" issue a little differently.

Pick a protected group -- homosexuals seem a good example. Should a homosexual business owner, who believes homosexuals have been oppressed for years, have the right to hire only homosexuals because he wants to give them a "hand up"?

Should a homosexual landlord be allowed to only rent to another homosexual, so that she may have a neighbor and tenant with shared values?

If you support the vetoed ordinance, I hope you answered no.

I absolutely believe the business owner or landlord should be able to show preference, just as I believe they should be able to discriminate. Discrimination may be ugly, and being a bigot may be detestable, but they shouldn't be illegal. Financial penalty from lack of patronage (or renters) should be the force brought to bear by the market and society but not by government or the law.

-- Chris Morton

Anchorage

What's the agenda?

This is for those who believe (before he even spoke) that Obama has a Nazi-like agenda or political propaganda planned during his speech to encourage children to stay in school. Print off a copy of his speech, then underline the parts that would come from a Nazi or that you perceive to be political propaganda. Now stand in front of an audience of your choice (same party, your family, etc.) and explain why you feel this is something a Nazi would say or why it furthers a partisan agenda.

Should be a "no-brainer."

-- Griff Steiner Jr.

Anchorage

Johnston shows immaturity

Levi Johnston's comments were riddled with disrespect for his child's family and the former governor of our state. He sounds more like a rebellious teenager if anything. Why is the media putting so much value on the words and opinion of a 19-year-old young man who dropped out of school and fathered a child?

Based on experience I find most teenagers at this point in their young lives are not yet filled with wisdom and understanding, unless they are extremely mature -- and Levi's words and actions don't reflect that. He's definitely a work in progress but not there yet. So why, I ask, is this such big news?

-- Shelly Schlott

Palmer

Mental health care needed

There is no better evidence that our health and welfare system is failing than another sad story like the one about the Mat-Su Assemblyman's son ("Mat-Su politician's son killed in drug heist," Sept. 4). Why does the public accept having seriously impaired and at times dangerous people roaming about with no mental health care? They are a danger to themselves and the public. It doesn't have to be this way. This problem does not exist in some advanced democratic countries. At times it appears that we are not advancing as a nation.

-- Pere Davison

Anchorage