Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, Nov. 25, 2015

Be prepared for terrorism

Yes, there is a rationale for terrorism (ADN, Nov. 15), and I fear the folks in Washington have not learned their lessons well. The rationale is terror. Merriam-Webster defines terror as a state of intense fear, anxiety and confusion by violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands. Guerilla warfare or special operations conducted by the military do similar activities but do not direct them toward innocent people. In terrorism or guerilla warfare, the “enemy” is not wearing a uniform nor has red T’s tattooed on the foreheads.

A well-planned terrorist attack on Anchorage or a natural disaster could leave the city in total chaos. You can dial 911 but no one will answer. The cavalry won’t be coming from JBER as they will have their own issues to deal with, and Washington will be no help at all. I am not endeavoring to create fear or anxiety. I think citizens should be self-sufficient in time of natural or political crises where help is not a quick phone call away or a run to the store away. Remember the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared.”

— Thomas Eley

Anchorage

Homogenous achievement

Matt Berman of Girdwood responded on Nov. 15 to ADN writer Tegan Hanlon’s article, in which higher achievement levels in certain Anchorage schools are associated with the level of affluence in certain areas of the Anchorage Bowl, and provides examples: South Anchorage, the Hillside, Eagle River and Girdwood.

Berman tells us, no, Girdwood students’ higher achievement level is not associated with median family income, but rather with Girdwood’s “good teachers and strong community engagement.” Why would Girdwood have, on average, better teachers and more community engagement than other high-achievement schools? If it isn’t their affluence level, then maybe Girdwood’s level of ethnic diversity (low) is the important factor.

— Jim Lieb

Palmer

Be sure store will take item back

We recently bought a tool gift at a national retailer on Northern Lights Boulevard.

The gift, was the wrong size and the receipt was lost.

The store had a new policy: no exchanges or returns without a receipt.

Readers may want to consider store policies about returns as they shop this season.

— Renae Hanson

Anchorge

Murder under veil of religion

“I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers.” Quran 8:12. This is what we are seeing fundamentalists around the world carry out in the name of Islam. There are many passages that speak of peace and harmony as well, but why aren’t the people who are preaching for acceptance protesting in the streets about these atrocities? Why isn’t there an overwhelming unified condemnation of these acts from the Muslim faith? The Bible is riddled with violent passages, “Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me” Psalm 35:3. If a fundamentalist group was killing innocents in the name of the Bible, the outrage would be deafening.

Maybe the “ugly” American who asks a Muslim if he is a terrorist is actually a recent immigrant who has fled from the violence overseas. Just because he “looks” American doesn’t necessarily mean he is from here.

Every person has the right to feel safe in their environment; it is time to stop name calling and pointing the finger at your neighbor, and take action against those who commit murder under the veil of religion.

— Marcus Reed

Anchorage

Delegation scares fisherman

Lately, it’s been scary for a commercial fisherman to open the paper. A couple weeks ago, we read “Alaska’s oceans acidifying faster than others.” Since then, we’ve had Frankenfish, toxic crab on the West Coast, plus a series of huge storms in the Bering Sea.

Perhaps the scariest news, though, was when Sens. Sullivan and Murkowski both voted to undo the Clean Power Plan. The CPP was written to address the problems we face from excess carbon dioxide pollution: souring seas, more severe storms, and warmer ocean waters. Our senators spoke of wanting Congress to call the shots on climate. While it is understandable that members of Congress would want to have a say. If they want their say, they have to say something. Just being against a regulatory answer to ocean acidification and climate change isn’t the same as creating and passing an alternative, like a market-based solution.

For a long while, there’s been much talk of GMO salmon and ocean acidification. Now it is time for our congressional delegation to step up and enact the legislation that will protect the integrity of our salmon, our oceans, our livelihoods and our communities.

I look forward to the day we are giving thanks because our elected leaders took wise, decisive action, but right now it feels more like Halloween.

— George Donart

Anchorage

'Suffer the little children'

Alaska Dispatch News has a place on the Web called “Notable Deaths and Obituaries.” It states ‘This Memorial Site was created to remember celebrities and figures who have died in 2015 — from TV and movie stars to music legends, political movers and shakers to award-winning authors, and more.’

With my history I should understand better this biblical phrase but it speaks to me at this time more than ever. Dr. Jon Lyon belongs on that memorial site more than any rapper, senator or writer of books. Superb athlete, dedicated physician, proud father, and loving husband Dr. Lyon did more for the children of Anchorage than anyone. A physician cherished by his patients and their families, Dr. Lyon was the inspiration behind Providence’s Children’s Hospital, expanded Children’s service throughout Alaska and pediatric education in Anchorage.

His children’s and Barbro’s tears are joined by the tears of all those he loved to serve. God bless you Jon, and keep your family, friends and city.

“Suffer the little children.”

— John Hall, M.D.

Anchorage

Beware sharia law in US

Those of you who see no threat in accepting Syrian refuges should acquaint yourselves with sharia law. Britain is struggling with this parallel incompatible Muslim system and shockingly, Dearborn, Michigan, is also. The president’s stupid contention that some 10,000 refugees ostensibly being considered for immigration and distribution throughout the U.S. are largely old women and children, belies the fact that undoubtedly a potentially radical element will also be present. There is no age or gender limitations for strapping on explosives. Consider how few radicals it takes to disrupt a country. France recently, and should we forget 9/11? It’s only just beginning.

— William Ahrens

Eagle River

Thank God for reasonable men

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It is disturbing to read very un-Christian rantings from our fellow Alaskans and some lawmakers concerning letting Syrian refugees enter the United States, including our great state. Some self-professed patriots even propose unconstitutional actions against Muslims. (The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion …”)

One writer advocates people who say some Syrian refugees should be allowed into the country should then take five Syrian males into their homes. I wonder, would he also say people who oppose abortion should adopt five unwanted babies? I thank God, praise the Lord and praise Allah we have reasonable and compassionate men in the governor’s mansion and the White House.

— Jerald Stroebele

Anchorage

Where is Muslim voice on ISIS?

Whereas there are over 2.5 million Muslims in America and 1.6 billion worldwide, I have not heard their voice in standing up for or with America in our fight against Islamic extremist terrorism. Why?

— Rolf L. Bilet

Anchorage

McVeigh used terror to kill too

I am the daughter of immigrants. I live in a country where children of immigrants are running for president and mouth off about not accepting refugees. I watch intelligent people post gross generalizations on social media that leave me stunned.

Bottom line is refugees are not terrorists. Immigrants are not terrorists. Muslims are not terrorists. Terrorists are terrorists! They come in all genders, races, religions and countries including our own (Timothy McVeigh anyone?) The Syrian refugees aren’t fleeing their homes for the hell of it, they are running from brutal persecution. To turn away these poor people is to turn away from all decency, to play into the hands of this vile force.

What has this country come to?

— Diana Bauman

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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