Anchorage Daily News

Palin needs to hold an auction

At first my women friends and I thought, hey, how do we sign up for the "charity" that is going to receive Sarah's castoff new wardrobe, particularly the knee-high boots and Naughty Monkey red pumps, but then we got real and remembered that we could still afford to buy our own shoes.

So I think that Sarah needs to auction off her clothes for a worthy cause, which would surely bring in more money than simply giving them away. It would most likely attract bidders from all over the country who just want to hang on to some of the so-called dazzle she brought to the campaign.

-- Ellen J. Burnett

Girdwood

Perhaps we are a bunch of nuts

So what we're known for after this election is the Bridge to Nowhere, Mike Gravel, Ted Stevens and Sarah Palin. Maybe the Lower 48 isn't wrong -- we really are all a bunch of nuts. Might as well embrace and enjoy the stereotype since it's going to be with us for a while.

-- Mark Sabbatini

Juneau

Knowles needs to be involved

I hope that our president-elect is considering Tony Knowles for a position in our new Cabinet. Although I heard that he is being considered for a position within an environmental context, I would like to see him involved in the health and welfare of children. Tony made wonderful changes for the health of Alaska's children. I think his pairing with Hillary Clinton would be a strong voice for children of the U.S.A. Our children deserve to grow and flourish in safe communities and have access to health care. Our current governor has not improved the system for children and Alaska has woefully fallen behind in taking care of our future generation since Tony left office. Let's get back on the right path and hope that Obama chooses leaders like Tony and Hillary.

-- C.M. Bailey

Eagle River

Can't blame everything on Palin

Dear Sen. John McCain,

First of all, thank you for supporting our country. Your conceding speech was graceful and eloquent. But your lackeys need to understand that Sarah Palin had little to do with killing your presidential bid.

Did your entire campaign office expect her to simply stand there, smile and look pretty for all those months without saying a word? No, she was going to speak her mind. People wanted to hear from her and she gave them just that. The idea that she torpedoed your chances in the White House are preposterous. The U.S. economy often decides elections and 2008 was no different (not to mention eight years of Bush policies).

So, in order to make up for their shortcomings, they turned Palin from a media darling into a scapegoat while all these supposed news agencies have become gossip mags that cite unnamed sources in bashing her. It's bad enough we get an overblown Troopergate and Sen. Stevens turning his legendary career into a political and legal quagmire; now this.

So, in conclusion, please publicly revoke these notions that are coming from your former campaign staffers and supporters. Better yet, send them up to Alaska. Our bears would love some fresh meat.

-- Lance Graveley

Anchorage

Troopergate's done; let's move on

I read the best news I have seen in a long time Saturday morning: the possible end of Troopergate. For the love of all things holy, please let this be true.

Can we just call this thing a draw and move on with what should really matter in this state? The Democrats got what they wanted. They were able to smear Gov. Palin nationally during her vice-presidential bid. Tim Petumenos is admirable in being able to get to the truth, even though his report came out too late for the general election. Trooper Wooten still has his job. Walt Monegan got his 15 minutes on national news and will run for mayor and perhaps write a book.

If our legislators have nothing else to do in Juneau but keep beating this dead horse, I suggest they all start looking for other jobs.

-- Jeri Harris

Anchorage

ADN Palin coverage outstanding

I've been meaning to write you to convey my appreciation of your very thorough coverage of Palin's nomination and what ensued as V.P. candidate -- from the first day through Friday's excellent editorial on the contrasting Troopergate reports. You were on top of things from the beginning, and I assume favorable national and international attention to the ADN has been generated. Keep up the good work.

-- L. Andrew Robinson

Palmer

Voters were very disrespectful

I work at a public school in Anchorage that also serves as a polling place. When I arrived at work last Tuesday morning, I was so proud to see the long line of voters. However, my pride quickly turned to dismay when it was time to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

When the announcement came over the intercom, all of the children present and all of the adult staff members stopped what they were doing, stood at respectful attention to the flag with hand over heart, and recited the pledge. Not one of the voters nor any of the polling station staff did the same. In fact, most of them disrespectfully continued their conversations, talked on cell phones, etc.

It is appalling and a bit frightening that those with so little respect for our flag and our country were voting. Shame on you for setting such a poor example for our children.

-- Melodee Pfeifer

Anchorage

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