Facebook photos can alter public perception of person
Mike Dingman's column (Feb. 18) in support of Jeff Landfield's political experience and friendship is noted. But friends tell friends to not post pictures on Facebook that will come back to haunt you. They also tell aspiring politicians that your personal life affects perception of how you will handle the public's trust.
In Perspectives on Feb. 7, 10 Alaska athletes joined to stand against domestic violence and child abuse but the article failed to say how they would do that. These are hugely different issues; however, it does say that Alaskans are concerned about morality. I wonder how these 10 athletes would vote to retain or replace Landfield as a member of the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct. Would these athletes tolerate the photos as just another boy being a boy, or would they say that the face of Alaska is a face of integrity?
— Kathy McArthur
Anchorage
Walker: Call climate task force
Climate change in Alaska needs to be addressed now. The effect of our continued burning of oil and coal is clear — increased danger for the people of our state. We cannot afford to continue on the path of fossil fuels. This is the time for Gov. Bill Walker to convene a task force to address the causes and consequences of climate change in Alaska.
— David Wieland
Anchorage
General is one special pup
Thank you Alaska Dispatch News and Craig Medred in particular for the story on General the husky pup (Feb. 7). As a lifelong animal lover, especially dogs, I'd say General is indeed "one lucky dog," and inspirational.
I still run sled dogs today after 35-plus years of mushing. For all the litters of pups I've known over the years, I have yet to see an ugly puppy. They're so cute! Makes you want to keep every one. That can be a problem, I admit; before long your yard of dogs has doubled in numbers. But General is special and exceptionally cute.
I trust that General will find his perfect home, if he hasn't already. I applaud the ER nurse and her family for embracing his love and having the wisdom to recognize the level of attention he needs that their busy life just couldn't allow. It sure can be painful, but we all know the best thing for dogs sometimes is to let them go. Believe me, I know that now more than ever.
So thanks again for the story, and to Craig for such a well-written one.
From the bottom of my ever-dog-loving heart.
— Francine Bennis
Trapper Creek
What's good for goose …
A good friend told me he thought about sending you a letter suggesting that if the legislators did not think the state should accept Medicaid, then the legislators should set an example by giving up their medical coverage. I don't know why he didn't want to send it in, but the more I think about it, the better it sounds.
— Charles Bingham
Anchorage
States oppose all THC metabolites but only one will cause impairment
If the marijuana bill states that employers can check for marijuana impairment, that means they need to quit using old outdated tests that only show usage and start testing for hydroxy THC to prove you are impaired.
Sadly, Alaska and the majority of states still take the position that any and all metabolites of THC are illegal to have in your system at the time you are working or driving a vehicle. Yet only one THC metabolite causes impairment, and that is hydroxy THC. The new standard tests (that have always been available) should be implemented immediately. The new standard tests should only test for (Delta-9 THC)(Hydroxy-THC) in the worker's system. If it is not present, he is not in any way impaired and should be returned to work immediately.
There are two types of THC in the cannabis plant; one (carboxy THC) has zero psychoactive properties and no matter what levels are found in a user's system cannot cause impairment, period. End of story. If your drug tests come back positive for carboxy THC, this merely indicates that you have used cannabis.
Hydroxy THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana, breaks down and metabolizes into carboxy THC in the body a few hours after usage and is no longer detectable. You are only impaired when hydroxy THC is found in your system.
— Ragnar Johansson
Anchorage
Let Alaskans enjoy state lotto
Remarks about a lotto in Alaska … I really feel that we should be able to play. We have pull tabs; what's the difference? We should also have casinos here. Every time we go out of state we play. Why not let Alaska share the revenue? Not only residents but all the vacationers will play.
It might stop the politicians from trying to take our PFD from us. Good clean fun!
— James Christenson
Willow
This young Anchorage resident thinks Berkowitz would be good mayor
As a young Anchorage citizen, I am thrilled to have Ethan Berkowitz running for mayor. I got a chance to watch his recent KTUU Q&A. I liked what he had to say. I trust him and his proven track record. I know where he stands, and I know he can help make our city safe.
— Joe Samaniego
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@alaskadispatch.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.