Opinion

ELISE PATKOTAK

Aging takes guts in this political climate

We can argue for a long time whether Obamacare or Romneycare or some other care is the answer to what ails America. What can't be argued is that there are two classes of people in this country right now, those who can afford to be healthy and those whose health care plan consists of hoping to god nothing happens to them.

EDITORIAL

Our View: South Fork reaction

South Fork controversy proves again that people love their backyard park.

COMPASS: JEFF PANTAGES

Liberals have no monopoly on compassion

Liberals' sense of morality insists on a direct link between intention and outcome. That individual self-interest can have a morally beneficial effect for society is anathema to their way of thinking.

COMPASS: DEBBIE S. MILLER

Draft plan for NPR-A offers alternate way to find balance

As Shell Oil sends its ships to the Arctic, there is mounting pressure on the Obama administration to halt offshore drilling operations in this high-risk environment.

Who's up / Who's down

Winners and losers in last week's news

COMPASS: JEFF PANTAGES

Look at spending for measure of equality

The professor gets a "C." And that's only because I'm a soft grader. I'm talking about Steve Haycox's recent column on income inequality and capitalism.

PAUL JENKINS

Oil tax logic continues to elude Democrats

Imagine my surprise as I read the letter-to-the-editor headline: "Democrats are looking out for Alaskans while Republicans continue to fail them." Who would have guessed, especially after the Legislature's last special session?

MICHAEL CAREY

Citizens on trial

The federal courtroom in which Schaeffer Cox and his fellow Fairbanks Sovereign Citizens are on trial for allegedly plotting to attack government officials is crowded. Not with members of the public or the three defendants' families but with jurors (and alternate jurors), lawyers for each defendant, prosecutors and their aides, court staff and the defendants themselves.

SHANNYN MOORE

Memories of our moms sharpen over time

My mom liked her schedule. Every day had regular chores, but a few had special tasks. Wednesdays we made bread.

JOHN HAVELOCK

Fight over oil taxes is far from over

The special session this year ended on an odd note. In an unprecedented move, Gov. Sean Parnell withdrew the oil tax reduction bill, his only reason for calling the special session.

EDITORIAL

Our view: Don't text and drive

Turn on the ignition, turn off the screen.

COMPASS: SEAN PARNELL

Barriers to natural gas pipeline are falling

Last fall I charted a new course to build a natural gas pipeline and deliver our resource to Alaska homes and a global market. This new road map to a gas line established benchmarks that have been met and backstop our progress toward marketing Alaska's gas.

EDITORIAL

Our view: Election inquiry

Assembly's job is to restore full faith in election system.

COMPASS: JOHN HALL

World's toughest job is underappreciated

Yesterday I retired. That's right, as of midnight last night and after thirty years I am no longer a partner in Alaska Emergency Medicine Associates. I walked out of the Providence Hospital Emergency Department for the last time.

ALASKA NOTEBOOK

Fuji Gifts offered a personal touch

Julia O'Malley's column on the treasures of Fuji Gifts, the late Art Wallace's shop on the Old Glenn Highway in Chugiak, has prompted a fair amount of comment and memories. It was good place, and that lent something extra to the gifts bought there.

ELISE PATKOTAK

Children deserve a safe 'forever home'

You know what one of the hardest things to do is when working with troubled children? It's holding your tongue and your temper as the child explains to you just how wonderful their parents are.

SEN. HOLLIS FRENCH

Lawmakers, governor team up in crime fight

Here's a headline you are not likely to read: "State Senators and the Parnell Administration Work Toward Crime Solutions." But guess what? It's true.

EDITORIAL

Our view: Right call on election

Assembly makes common-sense call on a botched election, but there's still work to do.

Hijackers of Alaska GOP did Begich a huge favor

Today must be sweet indeed for Sen. Mark Begich, a guy whose 2014 re-election chances until recently were as bleak as winter in Shaktoolik. He is, after all, a very blue guy in a very red state.

SHANNYN MOORE

We need much more than Parnell slogan

Gov. Sean Parnell is starring in an ad campaign in which he thanks Alaskans for "choosing respect." Hooray! A bumper sticker! Parades! At long last we're raising awareness on an issue too many Alaskans know far too well.

COMPASS: WILLIAM STREUR

Speak out against abuse and save a child

In far too many homes and families, child abuse is passed from one generation to the next. It causes severe psychological and physical damage, and costs the state thousands of dollars every year. It can even result in death.