Anchorage Daily News

Can't figure high gas prices? Give 'Tyranny of Oil' a read

The front page headlines in the Daily News Nov. 22 read "Alaska's high gas prices bewilder state lawmakers." For those citizens who would like an explanation, it can be found in a recent book written by Antonio Juhasz called "Tyranny of Oil".

Revealed is the history of the oil industry and how it has evolved to become the most powerful entity in the world. The industry's vertically integrated structure from well-head to consumer has allowed grossly high profits at the expense of the world's economy and its citizens. It is like a tax.

The oil industry was not able to be what it is today by just shrewd business practices. Their accomplishments have only been possible by political lobbying, influence peddling and campaign contributions at all levels of government. The millions of dollars spent have led to unchallenged corporate mergers, tax breaks, price manipulation, war in Iraq, and pollution at sea, in oilfields and refineries and in the air we breathe. Legislation has been and continues to be passed or defeated that benefits this industry.

Our elected officials have not and will not look after the people's well-being unless we hold them accountable. Who were the major contributors for the finance of the officials you voted for? Who are they indebted to and how will they stay in office? Who pays in the end?

-- Ronn Lund

Anchorage

Alaska hire tied to graduation rate

Over the years, there has been a steady drumbeat for Alaska hire. One possible reason that employers often have trouble finding or training Alaskans for technical or managerial positions may lie in U.S. Census Bureau statistics shown in the Nov. 24 issue of Business Week: Alaska ranks sixth from the bottom in high school graduation rates at 64 percent. Washington, Oregon and California, which supply many of Alaska's residents, scored no higher than the national average (75 percent). By contrast, the six highest rates (86-88 percent) were in the Northern, Midwestern, and Northeastern states of Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Vermont, North Dakota and Minnesota.

I suspect that these states have instilled in their children early on the practical value of an education.

-- Phillip Bach

Anchorage

A degree no guarantee for success

Regarding your editorial of Nov. 28, "Auto bailout," I am a tad bit dismayed by your tone. It appears you think that if one is without a high school, or heaven forfend, a college education, one is not deserving of a well-paying job with good benefits. I speak only for myself, but as a high school educated person I would like to point out that formal education is not a determiner of intelligence or ability, and should not be a prerequisite to "the good life." Many of the people who keep you safe in the air and on the ground do not have college educations. These men and women who go to war, build homes, control air traffic, and so many other things are just as deserving of our respect as the most highly educated. I believe you owe an apology to every hard-working non-college graduate out there.

-- Jenifer Hunter

Palmer

Changes are needed to keep our system of government afloat

In response to "Low Voter Turnout" 11/8/08 ADN:

Announcing early voting results before all voting is closed discourages people from voting in western districts, especially in Alaska and Hawaii. Voter apathy is encouraged by the Republican closed primary, restricting non-Republican and non-Democratic candidates from debates and giving them little media attention, and long campaigns along with biased reporting in all forms of the media. Constant polling by phone and mail are akin to harassment.

Campaign lengths need drastic shortening and money should be capped. Open voting should be in all elections. More information is needed on the issues, how the candidates would change things and what their philosophy is. Independent and other parties should be included in public debates and given better media coverage. News and television reporters should re-examine their ability to be nonbiased.

Why do reputations have to be destroyed for political goals? Conventions were originally for nominations, not to present a final slate "after the fact." Why are millions of dollars spent to obtain elected offices? Who is behind the scene and what and whom do they represent? We definitely need to "follow the money."

Without changes soon we will rapidly lose our democracy.

-- Pauline Johnson

Anchorage

Republicans noted for dirty tactics

Did anyone watch Frontline on PBS Nov. 11? It focused on Lee Atwater, chairman of the national committee of the Republican party and advisor for George Bush the senior. When Bush senior ran against Dukakis, he won by using fear, slander and spreading lies.

Atwater advised President Ronald Reagan. While on camera President Reagan addressed the American people and lied about the Iran-Contra arms scandal. Remember folks, Ronald Reagan was an actor.

George W. Bush learned well the tactics of Lee Atwater. Atwater was his pit bull and the devil incarnate. George W. Bush also looked the American people in the eye and lied.

Sarah Palin was Sen. McCain's pit bull, and very good at mudslinging with dirty politics, evading the truth and just plain lying. Republicans need to clean up their act and get rid of people like Rush Limbaugh who create nothing but dissent. Folks have had enough of all the dirty politics. Pay attention people, do your homework, and be informed.

-- Lavon Zuber

Eagle River

God does not dabble in politics

On Oct. 11, a letter to the editor by Ron Tomines appeared under the heading, "The Lord has anointed Sarah Palin."

This pronouncement was followed by irrelevant Bible passages. When will people figure it out? God does not dabble in politics nor does he rig sports events, winners at bingo games, etc. He is very unreliable at steering hurricanes away from coastal communities and the same can be said for tsunamis. If Mr. Tomines' logic is to be followed to a conclusion, then it must be that the Lord anointed President-elect Obama.

-- Tom Finegan

Anchorage

You've got a job at home, Palin

Yes, Darlene, there are others of us out here who are tired of our governor dragging out her seemingly obsessive desire to continue campaigning for something. I have no problem with her travelling out of state to governor's conferences. That is an important part of any governor's job. Our governor, however, says all this flitting around giving interviews and speaking at other campaign rallies is "good for the state." Tell, me, please, what is "good for Alaska" in spending time in Georgia trying to get this Chambliss guy elected? So, she was invited. What ever happened to "No, sir. I have more important business to attend to in Alaska. Remember, I was gone for quite awhile, and we have some very pressing issues here to attend to."

I would have much more respect for her had she said this. If she wants to run for some other position when her term as governor is up, more power to her. But until then, I expect her to give her attention to the job she has now.

-- Dolores Waffen

Wasilla

Airport security sinks to new low

I recently flew from Anchorage to Fairbanks and finally fell over the edge of frustration with the "security" issues and the personal sense of loss of freedom.

As a gold member with Alaska Airlines, I log many miles of travel and have been through incredible security screening measures since 9/11 but this past Saturday I validated my worst fear -- the terrorists have won.

Over a simple silk scarf I realized that we have become a nation of terror and fear mongering. We create it ourselves by allowing others to dominate us in the name of safety. I was traveling from Anchorage to Fairbanks and I had on a silk scarf around my throat. After removing my shoes, coat and jacket I was made to remove my scarf. The man in front of me was not made to remove his neck tie.

There was a clear sense of power in the attendant and the problems for me would have clearly escalated if I had objected.

So, there we have it, domination in the name of safety. I am saddened that we so quietly will give it all up. The next time I will not be so quiet. I am appalled at what we have let go of without regret.

-- Teresa Lyons

Ester

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