Reverse your position, Fish and Game
I just read the commentary from Rick Sinnott regarding the "Alaska wildlife refuges still on the chopping block." (Monday)
Needless to say, I am outraged that consideration is even being given to "revising the management plans" of our treasured habitats, sanctuaries or refuges. I have had the pleasure of visiting McNeil River, as well of most of the local sanctuaries-refuges and can't begin to understand why or how this could even happen.
Please reverse your position, Alaska Department of Fish and Game as well as Gov. Sean Parnell and administration.
It seems we should have exactly what Alaska is known for worldwide, not to mention what most local residents want and continue to enjoy.
I am hopeful public opinion will win out in favor of these frightening revisions.
— Nancy Esson-Shcweiker
Anchorage
Yes on 1 plays loose with the facts
When I opened my good morning paper yesterday and saw the Vote Yes ad, my blood pressure soared.
What a crock. ACES produced no new oil, paid millions in incentives for no new oil.
Under ACES, production fell from 740,170 barrels per day to 534,480 barrels per day. Under ACES, Alaska was the only oil producing state that did not see production increase.
Let's stop playing loosey-goosey with the facts — and quit this us versus them game.
— Josh Essary
Anchorage
How would Jesus vote on measure 1?
The Primary Election Ballot Measure pamphlet uses 32 pages in an attempt to explain Ballot Measure 1. There are forums and debates where each side presents arguments based on what they think, while no one really knows, what the future will bring.
What we do know is that Big Oil is spending millions on advertising to get a "no" vote. This whole issue is a result of our petrosexual (those in love with Big Oil) politicians who enacted SB 21 in the first place and the real choice is between the already vastly wealthy oil companies and the Alaska people. That should be obvious to everyone.
So how would Jesus vote? We know that Jesus favors the poor over the rich. Three times (Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22) he tells the rich man to "sell your possessions and give to the poor" and the first Christian community followed this directive — "Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need" (Acts 2:45 and Acts 4:34-35).
We must conclude that Jesus would favor the good people of Alaska over the wealthy oil industry and vote "yes" to repeal SB 21. If you are a follower of Jesus, you too should vote "yes." If not, you can vote "hell yes."
— Neal Matson
Fairbanks
Vote common sense: no on measure 1
Vote no on 1 … It's really just a matter of common sense. Vote no on 1 to protect Alaska's future. Vote no on 1, because it's the right thing to do. Vote no on 1 and increase oil flow through the pipeline. Vote no on 1, it just makes sense.
— Bob Lewis
Wasilla
Current marijuana laws not working
Recently, a former Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Corrections wrote recommending "simply legalizing the sale of small quantities of marijuana."
Unfortunately, that would leave the black market as the only source, even for medical marijuana.
I am the former Alaska Deputy Commissioner of Corrections who is co-sponsoring the campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Alaska, to provide an alternative to that black market.
But at least we both agree the current marijuana laws aren't working.
— Bill Parker
Anchorage
FairTax would benefit 95 percent of us
Why do you feature commentary by authors who know very little about the topic on which they write? The column in opposition to the FairTax was a dismal example of the demonstrably ignorant writing for the totally uninformed. Perhaps it was intended as just another hit piece in the current political wars.
In reality, the FairTax would yield economic benefits for about 95 percent of our population. However, K Street lobbyists would need to find other employment since doling out campaign cash for corporate income tax favors would no longer be possible. Incumbent politicians might find contribution streams thinner. Tax accountants would have to concentrate on the business accounting side of their profession. Drug dealers, black market operators, and the general underground economy would finally have to pay some taxes.
— Donald N. Anderson
Anchorage
Hickel Junior vs. Hickel Senior
Walter (Wally) Hickel Sr. was for an "owner state," not an "owned" state.
Walter Hickel Sr. was our governor — not the oil companies, like Parnell.
Alaska knew Wally.
Alaska liked Wally
Wally was Alaska's friend — not the big three's.
Junior is no Senior.
— Mike Citro
Anchorage
An ordinary case of free pigments
Why do red crabs turn blue? Simple solution: Maybe they are out of anti-depressants.
— Ken Smith
Anchorage
Time to reload, vote yes on No. 1
I believe if people vote "yes" on 1, ACES will be rewritten, and not for the maximum benefit of the oil companies.
Sarah Palin had an 80 percent approval rating when she pushed through her signature bill, Alaska's Clear and Equitable Share which has netted Alaska billions. If you're one of those who put her down for stepping down as our governor, ask yourself how you'd feel if McCain had won the presidency. He didn't lose because Sarah was his running mate; in fact, it gave him a better chance of winning. McCain simply got beat by a better politician.
She took the best shot she was ever going to get, and I applaud her for it.
Meanwhile the corrupt bastards are zigzagging with a full tank of money, running at flank speed after our bank account. Time to reload. Vote yes on 1.
— Patrick Knowles
Anchorage