History will judge Paris terrorists
In light of the recent tragic terrorist attacks in France, I suggest we all strive to maintain our presence of mind, and a sense of historical perspective. Unfortunately, from time to time, the world seems to produce tyrants and terrorists — people who disgrace the name of humanity. The wretched terrorists who have recently killed so many in the name of their faith will ultimately be judged far more harshly by the indelible mind of history, than by any punishment we might mete out today. History is a terrible taskmaster, and these Islamic terrorists, who today seem so bent on hating and killing, are more likely serving to do little more than to ensure the ultimate demise of the relatively small, ultra-conservative religious sect they claim to hold so dear.
— Stephan Paliwoda
Anchorage
Don't wreck Juneau landmark
The City and Borough of Juneau recently authorized the demolition of the Gastineau building. The work is slated to begin as early as Dec. 1. I believe this action would be a travesty. It would destroy a historic landmark and leave a gaping hole in the center of Juneau for many years to come.
Contrary to what some have said, the building can be restored at a fraction of the cost of demolition and reconstruction. I urge you to visit the site and look closely at the façade of the building and imagine what it could be in its restored state. It is not too late.
Until the wrecking ball actually hits the structure, this remarkable example of Juneau's heritage can be saved. Its destruction would be an irreplaceable loss. Its future is now, truly, up to the people of Juneau.
— Jim Hurley
JPH Services
Kenmore, Wash.
Demboski's callous remarks do nothing to alleviate suffering
I'm stumped by Assembly member Amy Demboski's comments about the responsibility of Brother Francis Shelter and Bean's Cafe regarding the Spice epidemic sweeping through Anchorage's homeless population. Her frustration is understandable. Until recently, law enforcement has been unable to do more than identify the dealers distributing their poisons to a vulnerable population. Emergency services are monopolized with each call-out adding further tension to an already strained city budget. But the appropriate response to frustrating social problems is reasonable people working together toward reasonable solutions. Blaming, generalizing and grandstanding only lead to more of the same. To compare the shelter or Bean's to "a bar owner who was dealing heroin in their parking lot" is so patently inaccurate as to defy response, not to mention an insult to bar owners. Neither facility has anything to gain from Spice distribution. In reality, they have everything to lose: resources, public support and human lives. While callous remarks may earn a few minutes of media coverage, they do nothing to alleviate the suffering of those who are victimized by the predators who distribute Spice, or to recognize the tireless efforts of those dedicated to serving and protecting the most vulnerable among us.
— Louise Dekreon-Watsjold
Eagle River
Spice pushers deal in murder
Any person caught dealing drugs (like Spice), and stopped, should be charged for attempted murder. If one of his customers dies, then it's murder. No plea bargaining. Straight-up murder.
— James Christenson
Willow
Fraternity with France
Now, this time, we are all Parisienne.
Vive la France!
— Sean O'Hare
Anchorage
Majority rules, and in Alaska that usually means Republicans
It is truly astonishing to follow the finger-pointing going on in ADN letters. I now see more accusations claiming Democrats in the Alaska Legislature are the ones to blame for the fiasco in Juneau. At the same time those accusers never indicate the long, long history of Alaska having a Republican majority in the House and Senate. When was the last Democratic majority in the state Legislature?
The party who held the governor's office from 2002 through 2014 were all Republicans. Perhaps the writers need to fact-check their assertions and understand the Legislature does what the majority wants and not much else.
— John A. Parker
Kodiak
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