Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, Nov. 15, 2014

Dumbed down for Young

Silly woman, Nicolle Carbone (Letters, Nov. 14). Of course we are cutting education funds, decreasing the number of teachers and dumbing down our schools. How else can you stifle critical thinking? And it's already working: We elected Don Young again.

Shirley Fraser

Anchorage

History sides with victor

I believe everyone's facts are accurate in discussing the Civil War. The South was clearly being taxed unfairly. Lincoln made statements that identified him as a white supremacist. Grant had slaves and on and on.

Why would a Northerner want 4 million black workers released to compete with his labor? Would Americans have volunteered to fight for oil in Iraq? History always sides with the victor.

There is one "peculiar" fact that stands out above all others; slave state or no slave state, after the war (or the 13th Amendment) no slave states. Slavery had to end to save the union.

Patrick Knowles

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Anchorage

Illogical thinking on rape

"People should not assume increases in rape numbers are due to an increase of violence or sexual assaults," Donovan said. "The increase may just be a reflection of the more inclusive definition."

What? That statement is illogical. Rape is a violent act no matter the "more inclusive definition."

"The new definition is broader and is defined as, 'Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.' "

How is the new definition not consistent with a violent act? FBI assistant special agent Keith Donovan should be ashamed of himself for touting such rubbish. Violence is violence and the new definition simply defined what rape is to a greater detail.

Margie Mueller

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, email letters@adn.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.

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