Letters to the editor (4/21/11)

It's Earth Day on Friday and time to get out and scoop the poop, pick up trash and attend a couple celebrations. Anchorage TREErific will be brainstorming activities for "International Year of the Forests" today from 6-7 p.m. at the Co-op Extension building, 1675 C St.

On Thursday, from 9-11 a.m. it will be Campus CleanUp at UAA with a free barbecue for volunteers to follow.

Get out there and clean up the fireworks debris -- I got a lot of it bagged up today and there's lots more to go. Thanks to the person who found my blue scarf and hung it in the trees for me to rescue today. You made me smile. I'll see you all out on the trails.

-- Nickel LaFleur

Anchorage

Wind power project aimed at profits

I fail to understand the argument presented by Mr. Cleary in favor of purchasing Fire Island power at 9 cents per kwh ("Wind fits quite well in ML&P power mix," April 19). If Bradley Lake power is 3.7 cents, and Susitna power is anticipated to be 6 cents, CIRI's proposal of 9 cents is certainly not "right in the middle." And if Susitna power costs double the expected 6 cents, CIRI would still be far from "in the middle."

So far, all CIRI seems to have furnished is a location for wind generators and a concept. The concept is that, if they can get a commitment from someone to buy as-yet nonexistent power, they can obtain $40-odd million of the federal taxpayers' money to buy wind generators. Then they can get another $20-odd million of the state taxpayers' money to build transmission lines. Then they can sell the resulting power to the taxpayers who have already paid for the means of producing it.

CIRI is in this for profit -- ML&P has a responsibility as a public utility. Let's listen to both with that in mind.

-- Don Neal

Anchorage

Parents need to protect their children from violent images

I am in the hospital watching the Sunday NBC golf tournament, pre-empted before ending with the movie "The Iron Monkey," an extremely violent film with killing and martial arts, with no regard for life. There is too much killing and crime in the world today. Why? Viewed by our children in a time so accessible is disturbing.

I am reaching the end of my life in a hospital bed. It disturbs me greatly knowing God gave us life; it is sacred. Violence in this genre portrays that life has no value. We should teach children the sanctity of life; not destroy it.

I suggest we boycott buying the sponsors' merchandise during violent films. Advertisers buying into violence make profits at the risk of damaging young people's minds. You may not agree, but please, for the sake of healthy minds, monitor what your children view and curb them from viewing violent acts, changing their "mind's eye."

-- Harlena Dunn

Anchorage

Test Alaska fish for radioactivity

The FDA claims there is no need to test Pacific fish for radioactivity. I could not disagree more. Testing is such a small thing for the EPA or FDA to do that it is suspicious that they refuse to do it. Perhaps they are thinking that if they don't test, then there's no chance for problems to be discovered that would need resolution.

I hope the government is not putting convenience or corporate profits ahead of citizens' safety.

I request that public health agencies immediately start checking the tissue of Alaska fish for various radioactive substances. Alaska needs to establish a baseline to determine if on-going Fukushima contamination eventually enters our fish supply and any associated health impacts. Do it to protect American health. If no or little radioactivity is found, it will create confidence that Alaska's fish is wholesome and safe to consume.

The U.S. government owes its citizens this small but vital service.

-- Linda Kovac

Chugiak

Sterling Highway to get cleaning

We're gearing up for our annual spring cleaning in Cooper Landing. The Sexy Senior Dumpster Cleaners have adopted four miles (41-44) of the Sterling Highway to clean spring and fall. This is the seventh year we have cleaned this section of the highway under the DOT Adopt-A-Highway Program. Chevron and Conoco Phillips each sponsor one mile. Alaska Waste, KPBSolid Waste Department and Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) all play a big part in cleanup efforts.

We will be enjoying the new Picker Uppers this year provided by Conoco Phillips and we appreciate the brightly colored Litter Patrol vests they provide through the ALPARLitter Patrol program.

I encourage everyone to get out and help pick up trash during the spring cleanup efforts and please remember to slow down whenever you see volunteers working along the highway.

-- Mayme Ohnemus

Cooper Landing