Alaska News

Readers write: Letters to the editor, July 9

Bible forbids much more than gay marriage

Derek Ellingson (Saturday, Daily News), states "ancient doctrines regarding the establishment of marriage (between a man and a woman) by God (are the) ideal means of perpetuating virtue and morality ... in children." He then goes on to state that "scientific studies" support his views without citing any of the studies. In my experience, children raised by same-sex couples in a loving stable environment are as well adjusted and happy as any I know. Others, from broken homes, or who are raised in dysfunctional environments, have not fared as well. Perhaps a loving, stable environment is more important than the gender of the parents.

If Mr. Ellingson is truly concerned about the sanctity of "ancient doctrines," I would encourage him to also speak out against: divorce, premarital sex, pork consumption, working on the Sabbath, shaving, wearing of mixed cloth, and countless other practices that are forbidden in the Bible.

— Thomas Crowley
Anchorage

Pitts asking for heavenly help is hypocrisy

Once again, liberal Miami Herald columnist (I'm being kind here) Leonard Pitts shows his true colors in his recent piece (Daily News July 2) "A Narrow Decision From the Narrow-Minded." Of course he didn't like the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in favor of Hobby Lobby, so he snarkily invokes the justices' concept of "religion," and badly attempts to make ridiculous comparisons. The fact that Hobby Lobby's not covering four contraceptive elements (out of 20) doesn't negatively affect employees since they can get them elsewhere — for free — is irrelevant to Pitts.

Ah, but here is the piece de resistance: Pitts ends his screed with "God help us." That is analogous to the atheist walking through the woods mockingly dismissing God, and proclaiming his atheism by saying "Hi, trees, hello mountains, you're beautiful today, sky. ..." But then, a grizzly charges him; he turns to run as fast as he can, but to no avail. As the grizzly is about to pounce, he screams, "Oh, God save me!" The wind stopped, no sound was heard, and time stood still.

God speaks. "So now, after dissing me all these years, you want me to save you?" Contemplating for a moment, the man said, "Well that would be a little hypocritical, wouldn't it. Could you just turn the grizzly into a Christian?" The wind began to blow and the birds sang as time resumed ... and the grizzly said, "Bless this food which I am about to receive."

— Chuck Orr
Anchorage

Williams is an Alaskan for Alaska

I whole-heartedly support Bob Williams for lieutenant governor. Bob is leading a groundswell of support across the state that is testimony to Bob's gracious style of listening and command of the issues.

Bob is well renowned across the nation for expert teaching in mathematics. He was raised in Palmer with blue-collar working parents, worked as a petroleum engineer, served in the Peace Corps and raised his family in the Valley. He is an Alaskan for Alaska.

ADVERTISEMENT

I have known Bob for many years now and have witnessed him as an effective and expert leader. Bob is an honest, kind and intelligent man who has the personal courage and tenacity to take positive actions. He searches for all of the information and perspectives before coming to conclusions.

Bob is committed to a strong working middle class and a well-supported public school system. We would do well to have Bob in public office.

Bob has my vote; I hope he has yours too on Aug. 19. Check out williamsforalaska.com for more information.

— Emily Forstner
Palmer

Bear country requires safe behavior

I am tired of reading about bear maulings. We live in bear country. Why don't these avid runners and hikers run or hike in groups. Seems to me that would be much safer for these outdoor sports people. I like the outdoors here also and enjoy the long summer days, but I don't go running or hiking alone.

— Roy Johnson
Anchorage

Troopers should focus on true crime

I would like to congratulate the troopers on being so "caught up" on fighting crime. It seems they have nothing better to do than "pick on" some kids playing with a table in Finger Lake (Daily News, July 3).

— Jay Walker
Anchorage

The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter for consideration, e-mail letters@adn.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

ADVERTISEMENT