Learn to live within your means

I see that Art Clark, president of the Alaska Association of Realtors, is in favor of federal bailout dollars going to buy down mortgage rates in order to help "deserving families" modify their loans to keep the homes that they couldn't afford to buy in the first place.

I wonder how Clark defines "deserving family." I always thought I came from a deserving family, but I don't recall my parents ever asking for help from the federal government with their mortgage.

Home ownership is, indeed, the American dream. Unfortunately, personal responsibility goes along with living that dream. Collectively speaking, it is time for the United States to get off this spending spree. All of us, even the most "deserving" of families, must learn how to live within our means.

-- Michele Czajkowski

Palmer

The unqualified run for mayor

I'm having a hard time understanding why some of these men and women want to be mayor. Mr. Matt Claman is not qualified to run this city. Mr. Dan Sullivan is too insulting to the public and is against the fire and police departments. Mr. Walt Monegan is carrying too much baggage, thanks to the governor. Ms. Sheila Selkregg is not qualified to run this city, can't make decisions without taking a poll.

The last mayor left town for a larger salary and left us $17 million in debt. He did not say anything about it during his run for U.S. senator. He found a way around the tax cap without going to the public. Now he is in D.C., and voted to put us in debt forever.

-- Bud Knox

Anchorage

UAA students are able to think for themselves, Rep. Fairclough

Rep. Anna Fairclough apparently believed that the faculty members of the University of Alaska are cranking out cadres of anti-capitalists bent on halting development. As a former student I can claim with confidence that there is no "disconnect" on UA campuses on where a healthy portion of our funding comes from. The recent dip (pardon the expression) in the state budget is enough to make a casual observer aware of our reliance on oil and natural gas. Many of my friends, some university affiliated, "stereotypically oppose" projects which threaten our economic interests. The Pebble mine project is opposed not on a knee-jerk basis, but for the simple reason that mines are never zero impact and contaminate the surrounding ecosystem.

Any current user group involved in the harvest of seafood is wary of oil development. The Chukchi sea sits on top of oil and gas reserves, and is north of the Bering and Bristol Bay fishing grounds. Oil development in western seas does make my knees twitch; I remember the Exxon Valdez spill.

The job of the University of Alaska's faculty is to give students the skills to think critically and come to a conclusion based on the available evidence. Students will support or oppose projects such as Pebble because they were taught how to analyze reliable information, and form their own conclusions. Thank you, UA faculty members.

-- Jonathan Flora

Fairbanks

Lowenfels takes aim at businesses

As a retail florist in challenging economic times, I was less than pleased to read the article ADN published written by Jeff Lowenfels on Feb. 12 ("Live plants beat toxic roses for Valentines gift.") I have always enjoyed Mr. Lowenfels' articles and applauded his talent and expertise in the areas of gardening and lawn care in a harsh climate. However, it now seems that the "harsh climate" is directed at the retail florists here in his home town, as well as nationally. I feel that he has hit us upside the head with his rusty shovel.

-- Carol Trout, owner

Uptown Blossoms

Anchorage

Palin deserves public apology

I heard on the news last night about the boxes of thank you notes that Planned Parenthood has sent to Gov. Palin for the many donations received on her behalf. How delighted they must be to receive the media attention, and at the same time, have the opportunity to publicly stick it to the governor. As one of their supporters said on a recent blog, "it was wickedly delicious."

Personally, I think it was sophomoric and in bad taste. As has become the norm, the media uses this issue as the litmus test for all candidates, so they are required to respond when asked. You might remember that Gov. Palin never made it her personal crusade to take on Planned Parenthood, but at least she is honest and forthright about her convictions. Isn't that what America is supposed to be about

Gov. Palin did not deserve this childishness. Sarah Palin deserves a very public apology. -- John Warner

Wasilla

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