Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, Feb. 22, 2015

Dingman got it wrong

I have to disagree with Mike Dingman's Comment "It's politics as usual as Walker ditches Landfield" (Feb. 18). I don't know Mr. Landfield and, thankfully, have never seen photos of him with his friends. However, Mike clearly believes that "this is a pretty minor" and "a generational issue." With maturity comes discernment and perspective, and, hopefully, an ability to see the broader picture, the long-term view.

I think "politics as usual" would have ignored this hedonistic display. When our society moves beyond "me, me, me" and short-term immediate gratification, then perhaps we can begin to address the problems of the world in which we live. Mike, you got one thing right: "the manner in which it was handled is a big indicator … in the Walker administration."

— Sheila Lankford

Anchorage

Young should do his job

Rep. Don Young has started his reelection campaign, showing us that his primary objective is running for Congress, not working as a congressman. We should never elect someone who just runs for office and doesn't actually represent the people who made the mistake of electing him.

— William Harbin

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Anchorage

Thanks for the visit, secretary

I would like to take this time to thank Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and her staff for coming to Kivalina and taking the time to listen to our people. It has been an honor to host your brief visit to Alaska. Our hope is that we will continue to work together to help our village to evacuate to the mainland in an event of an ocean storm that threatens our very lives. We may be just one village, one people, but if the federal government and the state of Alaska are successful in helping us in our fight for our lives, think of what you can do for other rural villages that face the same dilemma.

Again, thank you, Secretary Jewell. It was an honor to meet you and to share our story with you.

— Millie Hawley

Kivalina

Grateful for good Samaritans

On Wednesday my wife and I were involved in a serious traffic accident while traveling on Martin Luther King Drive. The response from APD, the fire department and medical personnel was amazing. They ensured that we, as well as the people in the other vehicle, were well taken care of. During the entire process of extricating us from our vehicles, their No. 1 priority was ensuring that we were as comfortable as possible. Neither one of us was removed until it was certain that doing so would not result in additional harm.

The police were very sympathetic to our plight and kept their questions to a minimum until the medical personnel had made a complete examination. They later took the time to check on our status once we were taken to the hospital. All of these professionals are to be highly commended for their dedication.

While it seemed longer, I'm sure it took less than 10 minutes for the emergency personnel to arrive. Prior to their arrival, many people stopped within seconds to render aid. I could see just as many people assisting the occupants of the other vehicle. One lady in particular assisted us. Unfortunately, I only got her first name, Robin. But she was a godsend. She evaluated my wife's condition and was a very calming influence on both of us. My wife sustained a severe cut to her forehead. Robin applied a simple bandage to slow the bleeding and also very carefully cleaned her face. All the time she was holding her hand and reassuring us that things were going to be OK and help was on the way.

Also, we can't say enough about the staff at Alaska Regional. They too exhibited the professionalism and compassion that was greatly appreciated. We were very grateful and humbled by the outpouring of help and support of everyone involved in our situation.

— Gary and Elizabeth Holt

Anchorage

Look east

I think the root cause of global warming is the hot air coming from Washington, D.C.

— Rolf L. Bilet

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.

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