GOP invokes law of avowed
segregationist as defense
The passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and his potential replacement has been one of the major stories dominating the news. One of the more interesting storylines revolves around whether the president should refrain from fulfilling his constitutional responsibility to nominate a replacement since his second term has only 11 months remaining. The basis for not nominating and approving a replacement judge in a timely manner rests on the unwritten, "Thurmond rule," which argues that a lame duck president should refrain from Supreme Court nominations during the last six months in office.
Obviously the six-month criteria does not apply and I find it curious and offensive that U.S. Senate leadership would invoke an unwritten rule named after an avowed segregationist, who never publicly acknowledged the existence of his biracial daughter, in an attempt to make our government even more dysfunctional.
I urge our two senators to rise above this self-imposed turmoil and work to allow the Senate's approval process to proceed. Let the nominee receive a fair review for all to see before making a decision to delay.
— Tom May
Eagle River
Foster parents shape lives
The state of Alaska is in dire need of foster parents. The Office of Children's Services reports there are a record number of children in out-of-home care (foster care) in the state. As of January 2016, there are 2,933 children in foster care and only 1,134 licensed foster homes in Alaska. Rep. Les Gara recognizes this crisis for Alaska's children and urges Alaskans to support the children in their communities.
As a former foster parent recruitment specialist, I have heard many testimonials regarding the everlasting rewards of shaping young lives. From a child's point of view you could not play a more important role than that of a parent providing a safe and loving home. Healthier families will result in healthier communities, healthier cities, and ultimately a healthier and safer Alaska.
The state, our communities are in crisis. I urge you to begin taking part in changing the life of an Alaska child. If you cannot be a foster parent there are other ways you can help. Please visit akdemocrats.org/gara or contact Rep. Gara's office at 907-269-0106 to find other ways you can support this effort.
"It takes a village to raise a child" ~ traditional African proverb
— Breanna Porter
Anchorage
Legislature needs to show it's serious about spending wisely
Larry Persily (Commentary, Feb. 16) has the mistrust part of the equation correct. Shall I count the ways?
Anchorage LIO, Knik Arm Bridge, North Juneau Road, Watana Damn, paying oil companies to look for oil, (huh??) etc. The squanderholics in the Legislature have shown no indication they will actually refrain from these types of speculative projects much better left to the private sector. So, before they get my support the Legislature and governor need to demonstrate leadership and show me they are serious about spending our resources wisely.
I support education, state troopers, emergency medical services and who knows what else. Show me the bill for the services we require and want and give me a chance to consider them before you merrily spend money from my pocket.
You want me to trust the Legislature with my money? Here is how they can start:
First, kill the super projects. And I mean end not suspend them.
Second, move out of the Taj. It is just too symbolic of the problem.
Third, put a four-year sunset clause on any constitutional proposal that changes how the Permanent Fund is used and managed. Yes, I want the chance to review how the government is spending our money. No, I don't trust them with money. It seems to me the Legislature is more intent on changing their source of revenue rather changing their spending habits.
— Mike McQueen
Copper Center
GOP would have president put off all important business
I agree with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans that the nomination of a new Supreme Court justice to replace Antonin Scalia should wait until after we elect the next president "so that the American people can have a voice in the process."
And if we're attacked we should ask them to come back next year because we can't deal with anything important until after the election in November.
— Rick Wicks
Anchorage
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