Occupation not the way to make point
Whatever happened to last summer's invasion of Texas by the U.S. government, which, according to right-wing "patriots," was to be followed by martial law and the ultimate Obama dictatorship? I fear the fact that no invasion or imposition of martial law occurred is only proof positive to those folks that it was being planned — and stymied only by the publicity they generated. Nothing can ever "prove" them wrong in their world, where there are no facts but only opinions.
Now their spiritual cousins are occupying federal property (that is, your and my property) in Oregon to protest "federal overreach," in enforcing law that has been enacted by Congress, settled by the courts and enforced for decades throughout the nation. In other words, they oppose laws that were enacted and enforced according to the Constitution, which they profess to hold in high regard but which only they have the right and wisdom to understand.
I get that they don't like the law. I get that they have a right to peacefully assemble to protest the law. However, they do not have the right to occupy federal property and interfere with the process of government. Instead, they have the courts. They have the ballot box. Exactly who is overreaching here?
Lowenfels and lawns
While I agree with the overall point made by Jeff Lowenfels in his most recent column about lawns, and his explanation of the origins of the modern lawn seems plausible, his particular recommendations seem directed at only the very wealthy rather than the typical reader. Who else would be able to put in a "grass strip" that is at least 40 feet wide (short side of a standard badminton court) and also a "path out to a grass- and rock-based barbecue-picnic area surrounded by natural landscaping" large enough to attract "birds, damselflies and butterflies"?
Also, nowhere does Mr. Lowenfels acknowledge the fact that a very lush and well-tended lawn, even a very tiny one, can itself have great aesthetic appeal. Mr. Lowenfels needs to acknowledge the power of his opponent before he can vanquish him.
Standoff in Oregon
There is a simple resolution to the standoff at the wildlife refuge in Oregon.
President Barack Obama should commute the Hammonds' sentences.
Then he should fire the federal prosecutor who went back to court to overturn the original trial judge's decision.
This should not be viewed as bowing to the demands of militants.
It is righting an injustice he is unlikely to have been aware of prior to this incident.
Dont cut diversify
Crude oil may never float the Alaska ship of state again. The important issue in the 2016 Legislature is revenue to replace some of the loss. Most states have many revenue streams. For the most part Alaska has had one, taxes and royalties from oil.
The University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research report describes how state funding cuts would hit us all in our pocketbook (ADN, Dec. 28). The report makes clear that continuing to lay off more and more teachers, police officers and DMV agents will cost all Alaskans in income and home values. We wouldn't balance the budget even if we laid off every single state employee. To try to cut our way out of this crisis would be tragic. It would take years to rebuild our Alaska economy.
A mix of ideologies and decision-making methods is best. We need creative thinkers, risk takers and those who examine information cautiously and are slow to make changes. Legislators such as Gabby LeDoux and Cathy Giessel will not be much help; they will oppose all revenue bills in Alaska. We need thoughtful legislators who will invest the time together to plot a safe course and keep our economy from failing. This is not a time for any of our legislators to close their minds to change. Good decisions can calm the waters and give us safe passage.
ACA exemptions available
There have been several articles related to the Affordable Care Act in the last few weeks, most related to the increases in insurance premiums for most Alaskans. One important issue left off all of these articles is that most all Alaskans will qualify for an exemption from the tax penalty. The act provides for an exemption for individuals and families where coverage costs will be more than 8 percent of annual income. Even with subsidies, most insurance premiums in Alaska will exceed 8 percent of income for many Alaskans. Don't pay the penalty if you don't have to.
Time is running out; filing deadline is Jan. 31. Information can be found at healthcare.gov. It's not easy to find, so keep trying.
I was a believer in the ACA at first but now it has just become a way for the medical industry to suck the life out of all Americans.
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 under 200 words 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.