Tax credit for voting
would lift participation
To encourage voter participation on a national level, which was unacceptably low at 37 percent last congressional election, it should be the policy of the federal government to allow a (suggested) $500 tax credit for each household in which all eligible voters have participated in all national elections that year. For years in which a presidential election is held concurrently with senatorial and/or congressional elections, participation in all available national elections should be required for reception of the aforementioned tax credit. Tax credit should apply to the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the voting takes place.
Although this tax credit is understood to result in loss of revenue for the federal government, it is additionally understood this policy is a net good for this nation on the grounds that civic participation in voting is a fundamental necessity for the nation to proceed on a course which is in accordance with the will of a majority of its citizens, which is the bedrock of democracy. It is a fiscally responsible action to promote the fulfillment of this civic responsibility via pragmatic courses of action. While ideally such action would not be necessary, it is evident that the current national climate is at odds with that idealist stance and thus requires stimulation in the form on the aforementioned incentive.
While other first-world nations, such as Australia, have compulsory voting (to great effect), it is understood such legislation is not in accordance with the culture and historical context of this great nation, which prides itself in the ability of its citizens to participate in the tradition of electing their leaders to the extent they desire to do so. It is therefore fitting and proper a positive financial incentive be available to citizens who vote so voter participation may pragmatically be increased.
— Justin Anthony Wetch
Palmer
Please change fair date
It is time for Girdwood to consider changing the date of the Forest Fair. I've been to the fair many times, but when it coincides with a holiday weekend as it did this year, traffic is miserable. Miserable for those attending the fair, Girdwood residents, and for those continuing south. It was so bad, the Seward Highway was backed up to the Huffman overpass on Friday. It is time for the vendors to rise up and demand a change. Too many people were saying, "Forget it" and turning around.
Just because it has always been held on the first weekend of July does not mean it always has to be that way. The fair has grown as have the options to visit south of there. I cannot expect Seward to have their fireworks show the on the 11th in lieu of the Fourth. Let's go Girdwood, please change the date.
— Keith Silver
Anchorage
Why delay on expansion?
The Legislature's refusal to move to accept, or even consider, the expansion of Medicaid, was largely based on the possibility the U.S. Supreme Court would demolish the Affordable Care Act. Didn't happen! Names such as Chenault in the state House and Meyer, Kelly and MacKinnon in the Senate appear among those who are "leaders" in the charge to discredit Gov. Walker's aim to implement Medicaid expansion under the ACA. They fail to realize, if they defeat Gov. Walker's initiative, it's not Walker who loses, it's Alaska that loses. ACA is still in place, so what are we waiting for?
— Don McDermott
Anchorage
Enjoy being sober
Does the picture of a man "toking up" really belong on the front page of your newspaper? I am simply amazed viewing people in the news, and on TV puffing smoke into the camera and into our faces with the most infantile look. It's almost like a small child receiving an ice cream cone for the first time, only that would deserve an exhilarating look!
Is this what we've become? Looking for the next high and then the next, and then the next? Heaven help us if we try to enjoy activities in a sober state. I can voice my opinion as I have lived in a glass house, but fortunately chose to live and function in an unaltered state!
— Rolf L. Bilet
Anchorage
Ground the flying gecko
The first time I saw the flying Geico ad while I was hiking along Turnagain Arm, I was disappointed. The second time, on a later occasion, I was shocked it was still permitted. Alaska has a lauded billboard prohibition and Anchorage has respected sign-size restrictions, yet it's OK to fly a huge billboard down scenic Turnagain Arm. Dragging it around above the core of Anchorage is one thing, but down Turnagain Arm is another, where it literally flies in the face of our primary tourist product: Alaska's scenic beauty.
Where to next, Denali Park?
— Tom Homza
Anchorage
Teach your children well
They have removed prayer from schools. Did that stop anyone from praying? What about the Ten Commandments from federal buildings? Did people stop obeying them? What about those who are offended when a sports professional kneels or crosses himself? Do they continue to watch or attend the venue?
So, on the flip-side, if they were to get rid of the Confederate flag, will that stop bigotry and racism? What about the gay pride flag? Will there no longer be homosexuals? What about those who still wave the Nazi flag? Does that stir any feelings?
This is in each and every one of us. Our generation and those after us need to stop the hate, bigotry and racism. We have learned it serves no purpose other than to offend. Start with yourself. Teach your children by example with hope, faith, love and respect for all humanity.
Things can change, and it will not begin with a flag.
— Kimberlee Larrabee
Anchorage
Frustrating to watch TV
Delia Dempsey's letter of July 6 definitely hit the nail on the head, "TV Stations need better timekeepers." It is very frustrating to be watching a movie then have an actor's line cut off in midsentence to have commercials play. When the movie resumes, it's a new scene and we never know what was said. The other night while watching a movie, it was interrupted with nine consecutive commercials. I almost forgot what the plot of the movie was.
Radio stations aren't quite as bad but I do wonder why weather forecasts are sometimes recorded and then played at inopportune times. Like on Sunday night — I really don't need to know what the weather wason Saturday.
— Diane Miller
Anchorage
Observation of air taxi operators in Ketchikan
Just a few days before last week's tragic floatplane accident I happened to be performing an airworthiness certification of another local floatplane operator aircraft in Ketchikan. I'd like to share with your readers my observations in regards to compliance with aviation safety requirements and general attitude of that operator as well as my earlier experience in dealing with Promech during a similar certification project last year.
My years of experience as an A&P aircraft mechanic helped provide me with a special authority to perform these two airworthiness certification projects on behalf of the FAA. Over the past 25 plus years I've had the privilege to observe numerous worldwide aircraft operations, mainly with respect to airworthiness maintenance and alteration practices.
Not only was I favorably impressed with both of these Ketchikan operators' attention to detail, I found them to possess an extremely high level of experience with the type of aircraft they operate and maintain. There never was any question about their willingness to comply with every requirement and they were intent on keeping their aircraft up to the highest level of safety. During my time in Ketchikan, I also had the opportunity to discuss with other aviation professionals, the local aviation community's efforts for regulatory compliance. Everyone I met and spoke with expressed their feeling that all the operators shared a common professional attitude with regard to safety and compliance to regulations.
From what I observed and heard from other local aviation professional individuals, I wouldn't hesitate to fly, along with my family members, with any of the Ketchikan air taxi operators.
Furthermore, it's my opinion the safety of these floatplane tours far exceeds that of everyday travel by automobile in our country.
This is an unsolicited statement, however, I felt a personal desire to express my feelings of respect and appreciation for the efforts of these flightseeing companies to provide a safe experience to their clients.
— William Livingston
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.