Divisive politics help no one
The politics of self-interest seem to have taken root in America. The talk of only "supporting one's base" smacks of tribalism at its worst. Our elected officials, regardless of party, legislate for us all. I am alarmed and worried by the fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric spouted daily from the so-called "news" media.
We are in the most challenging and difficult times in recent history and who's to blame is irrelevant at this point. It's sad when Americans can sit by and watch other Americans suffer financial and physical ruin because they became seriously ill.
The Democrats and Republicans have been corrupted by corporate monies, which is evident by the fact that the majority of important legislation is dictated by deep-pocket corporations. I feel it's time to use the power of the ballot to throw all the bums out and start over.
We will not continue to be the greatest nation on earth if we continue to allow this "us-against-them" sentiment to grow into something we will all regret.
"Together we stand, divided we fall."
-- Elaine Parry
Eagle River
Avant-garde in Anchorage?
The whole idea of an Anchorage "arts scene" has always made me chuckle. But after Sunday's article on "The Thank-You Bar" ("Of Bars and Blackfish," Oct. 4), someone needs to explain to me the difference between the avant-garde and the ridiculous. I'm mystified.
-- Steve Carson
Anchorage
These reporters got it right
I write this letter as a thank-you and an acknowledgment of integrity of news reporters. Rich Mauer and Lisa Demer are to be commended.
As reporters of ADN, their job is to get the news and make it public. My late wife, Dee Hubbard, had many dealings with these reporters and they gave her the ultimate respect and support that she requested.
Reporters are coined with a negative "get-the-story-at-any-cost" reputation. Rich and Lisa know the definition of respect, integrity and friendship. They stood by her side honoring her request to the end.
ADN should be proud. I am proud to say I know these two honorable people.
-- Charles Hubbard
Anchorage
Nurses deserve more respect
I once asked a doctor what he thought of doctors who won't take Medicare or Medicaid. His reply was, "They aren't good doctors."
Obviously, it's all about money. To hear the complaints that they don't make enough money on Medicare or Medicaid actually turns my stomach. It appears to me that most of these doctors have already made enough money. Their lifestyles are quite lavish, they have their $2 million, $3 million and $4 million homes, collections of various entertainment vehicles, $65,000 automobiles, and fly off to see the world whenever they wish. Now, what is wrong with this picture?
A few years ago, Providence Alaska Medical Center underwent major construction, as well as an extensive landscaping upgrade. At the same time, nurses were picketing for higher wages. We now have a shortage of nurses, and they are the ones who do all of the work in the hospitals.
-- Cindy L. Carpenter
Anchorage
Free tuition should be given based on effort, not A's
Let's remember who is likely to get Gov. Sean Parnell's proposed free tuition for A students: students with supports. Rich kids, poor kids with grants and loans, GI bill students may get an easy ride. What about the students who hold two jobs and/or have kids? What about students with difficult personal histories? What about kids without the free leg up?
Let's use the money to accredit our programs, get a medical school going, or continue to attract excellent faculty. Use the money to enrich the programs, benefit all the students, and the state, for the good of all. Giving A students money for an A inspires students to seek easy A's. It doesn't inspire ingenuity, industry or self reliance, or promote high-level professionalism.
How about we have an effort-based rewards program that takes into account all of a student's variable impacts and stressors and matriculates a "character" score? Then you'd have something. Money for A's misses the mark.
-- Jeffrey Todd Brown
Anchorage