Trapping ethics not universal
There is a code of ethics for trappers that Mr. Kasprzyk clearly ignored ("Charges filed in trapping death of Anchorage pet dog," Dec. 18). If Mr. Kasprzyk lived in Cooper Landing he could leave road-kill moose remains scattered around his property and shoot any dog that is attracted by the smell. All this without regard for human safety, gun safety or animal cruelty. This is according to our Seward and Cooper Landing state troopers -- true story.
-- Cindy Romig
Cooper Landing
Counseling could help in Bush
The recent outbreak of rural suicides is understandable. People who are geographically and emotionally isolated, and consider themselves conquered and defeated, often engage in self-destructive behavior.
Alaska National Guard resources could be used to fly in an experienced psychiatrist. He or she, along with aides, could examine and prescribe anti-depressive medication that would alleviate much human suffering. Something to seriously consider this holiday season. Gov. Palin's future political aspirations would surely benefit by leading a massive humanitarian gesture.
-- Joseph Vasquez
Anchorage
Spenard Road project pays little attention to pedestrian safety
I have reviewed the proposed Spenard Road project document. In that document there is only one (!) speed limit sign, no pedestrian crosswalks at the intersections of Spenard and 25th, 26th, and 27th, and no change of the ingress/egress to the Chilkoot Charlie's parking lot to allow the parking lot to flow directly to Spenard Road.
The ADN article about the project noted the number of accidents on Spenard Road, as if to suggest that the road itself were to blame for those accidents. I think the real cause of those accidents is impatient, inconsiderate and reckless driving by rude drivers.
I have two major concerns about the Spenard Road project. One, there does not appear to be adequate concern given to the project's impact on the surrounding neighborhoods (increased traffic). Two, the project is biased in favor of automobiles and does not do enough to encourage pedestrian safety. I sincerely doubt that the project design will change through public comment about it.
Although I do like the improvement between Hiland and West 19th because it improves pedestrian safety, I cannot support the Spenard Road project as a whole because it appears to be a project dreamed up by bureaucrats with inadequate thought as to its design as well as inadequate thought to public input.
-- Jed Whittaker
Anchorage
Support UAA women's basketball
If you knew Anchorage had a national champion-caliber college basketball team, with probably the best coach in the country, led by a consensus All-American center, which succeeds because it works together as a cohesive unit more concerned with team than ego, would you want to see it in action?
Well Anchorage, you do have that team -- it's the UAA women's basketball team, coached by Tim Moser, led by Rebecca Kielpinski, and stocked full with super-talented players, including Nicci Miller, Dasha Basova, Tamar Gruwell, Jackie Thiel, Elisha Harris and Kiki Taylor.
Currently ranked No 3 in the country, they play their home games at the UAA Wells Fargo Sports Complex. You owe it to yourself and to UAA athletics to come out and support this superb team. You will see an extremely well-coached team playing great team ball and your support will add to what may prove to be the best year in the team's history. They combine a suffocating defense with the inside and outside scorers a champion needs, and they improve with every outing.
Folks, they haven't won the last three Shootouts and beaten six straight Division I teams by accident. Next home games are Jan. 2 and 3. Wear your green and gold with pride, Alaska!
-- Gary and Barbara Zipkin
Anchorage
What makes Snowzilla a nuisance?
I don't understand why Snowzilla is considered any more of a nuisance than extravagant Christmas decorations that people drive by to see. Many outspoken people, especially talk show hosts, will defend people's rights to have these decorations. Perhaps Billy Powers should string some colored lights between Snowzilla's mittened hands and call it a Christmas decoration. He will then have people all over the country speaking out on his behalf.
-- Amy Whinston
Anchorage
Alaskans should be proud of Palin
There seems to be constant whining by some chronic malcontents about our governor, but she represents the change our state desperately needed. Sarah Palin has true grit and common sense and has an excellent report card from the majority of Alaskans supporting her. She is the best governor and ambassador the state of Alaska has ever had in promoting our state not only in the United States, but worldwide. All Alaskans can and should be proud of her. So please quit your whining and stop soiling your own nest.
-- Uwe Kalenka
Anchorage
Votes should count on own merit
So now that the hoopla of the elections has died down, I have only one question -- did my vote actually count?
Sean Parnell was quoted as saying, "If presidents were elected by national popular vote, the collective vote of several hundred thousand Alaskans would be drowned out by voices from tens of millions in larger cities."
What? Wouldn't more people vote if they felt like their vote actually counted? Sixty percent of Alaskans made up the 3 electoral votes. Sixty percent isn't even a passing grade; what happened to the other 40 percent who voted? I believe that most states are shades of purple, and in a democracy the people speak by their vote. Votes should count on their own merit.
It's so frustrating when elections are being called and Alaska's and Hawaii's polls are still open. It's my observation that candidates focus on larger cities anyway, but I also believe that the collection of small towns and rural America can counterbalance the more populated areas. Under the electoral system, I do not believe that small-town, rural America's voices are being heard. It's time to step into the 21st century. Come on, America, don't you think that it's time to establish true democracy and let the principle of one person, one vote define democracy in America?
-- Althea Clapp
Anchroage