If cyclists had a path, they'd use it gladly

Dear driver of a dark green Dodge Dakota,

I'm not sure why you tried to kill me as I rode my bike through the intersection of Tudor and Arctic, but I'd like to point out that a bike is a legal vehicle and has every right to be on the road. You are not the first ignorant driver that I have come across and I'd like to take this opportunity to remind and beg all drivers to observe the state law concerning bicycles.

I am a school teacher. I could be the person who teaches your children. Would you like to explain to your kids that you killed their teacher because he was riding a bike on the road instead of driving a car?

If the city were to build more bike paths around town you wouldn't see as many bikes on the road. Until then we are forced to share the road. I don't like it any more than you do. Please believe me when I say that not one single bicyclist on earth would rather ride in traffic than on a bike path. If we had them we'd be riding on them.

So please, until we can go our separate ways, don't run me off the road because your vehicle is bigger than mine. Thank you.

-- Nick Gillespie

Anchorage

Governor can attend any meeting she likes

In spite of the rhetoric garbage tossed out by many, including Patti Higgins, Gov. Palin has the absolute right as the governor of Alaska to attend any meeting or gathering deemed necessary. She definitely doesn't need to bow or kiss the feet of anyone. And, legislators should not need to have her hold their hand while they conduct the business that is their duty and responsibility as legislators.

-- Loren Taft

Anchorage

Protests were against unnecessary spending

Marilyn Asicksik's letter ("Tax protesters close their eyes to history, state needs," April 16) implied that the people protesting excessive and irresponsible taxation do not want "decent roads, police and fire protection, good schools for our kids, access to health care." The TEA party (Taxed Enough Already) people are exercising their free speech rights to protest spending that is not necessary and is burdensome.

The almost trillion-dollar stimulus package that was pushed through congress with less than five days of debate will saddle us and our children with massive debt, yet contained less than 10 percent spending on infrastructure needs like roads and schools. If it was so vital to sign into law immediately like Obama claimed, why do some of its provisions not take effect until 2011?

Anchorage taxpayers are tired of funding bonds so that area schools can be remodeled and then being threatened every year with teacher layoffs. Pay the teachers what they are worth; they matter more than fancy buildings or painted hallways. Kids can learn even if the environment is not nice, but not if they do not have enough qualified teachers.

No one is trying to limit access to health care; it's not the government's job to pay your bill.

-- Heather Mathias

Anchorage

Stapleton's statement tests good judgment

I have two questions regarding a statement in the April 16 Alaska Digest ("Lawyer disputes Palin family characterization of Johnston") by Megan Stapleton about the governor's daughter: "Bristol is focused on college, advocating abstinence, and raising Tripp."

• Is Bristol really an appropriate choice for an abstinence advocate?

• Is Megan Stapleton able to keep a straight face when she makes these types of statements?

-- Thomas Crowley

Anchorage

Oil-booster clamor for jobs is about greed

I missed the testimony on the subject of oil and gas development, but after the report I can only conclude that oil and gas boosters have little sympathy for fellow workers.

Like the coal companies of Appalachia, the extractors of all that is finite apparently believe ecological health to be of secondary importance to take the money and run. The specter of Exxon 2.0 in the Bristol Bay region is enough to deprive a person of a sound sleep.

If the oilmen are truly concerned about job security, they can find work abroad. I hear Nigeria is nice this time of year. Working abroad is not your cup of tea? Those Bristol Bay salmon are not going to catch and process themselves; seafood corporations in the region are open for business.

-- Jonathan Flora

Homer,

Bristol Bay fisherman

Democrats started squabble with Palin

It is amazing how politics in Alaska gets turned around. In the April 16 ADN editorial the blame for not appointing Sen. Elton's replacement has been laid on Gov. Palin.

That poses a question: Who departed from the norm of submitting three names to the governor?

By submitting only one name, Juneau Democrats dropped the gauntlet that Palin accepted by offering three names to them.

Then the editiorial suggested a change in the procedure was needed such as bypassing the governor altogether. What is needed is action to move the capital out of Juneau so voters can have better contact with elected officials. This "game" the Demos are playing is but one example of high-handed poker they play. Voters looking over their shoulders would certainly put a stop to that.

As to the editorial, straighten up and support our governor. I am a little tired of the sniping that goes on by the ADN. Stick to news, not opinions, and you might find circulation improving.

By the way, the boat mentioned in your sports section the other day was identified as a Hughes Craft. Doesn't anyone in ADN sports know about "Hewes Craft"?

-- Les Dennis

Anchorage

When Iraq is finished, can we fix schools?

Since the school bonds failed I, and all other parents with a child doomed to spend the next four years at Service High, are wondering:

After we rebuild Iraq, can we rebuild our schools?

Just wondering.

-- Sharon D. Webb

Anchorage

ADVERTISEMENT