Readers write: Letters to the editor, August 13, 2016

Get bears out of our territory

We need to coexist with bears on terms they understand — survival of the fittest. They are territorial; so are we. They will kill to protect their young, their food and their territory; so should we. They were here first, but we are here now — our territory.

We have the ability to eliminate them from our territory while leaving them the overwhelming majority of Alaska, terms they will comply with.

For those who want to mingle with bears, go out in the Bush, unarmed if you choose. There are plenty of bears out there, but don't force your risky behavior on our territory.

— Wes Sutterlin
Anchorage

Learn the facts, Alaska voters

Wake up, voters of Alaska. It is not right to have numerous intolerable statements made by the Republican candidate for president — and, equally amazing, the lack of mature dialogue and leadership exhibited by the Republican Party and our own Alaska delegation.

Learn the facts and take a moment to read the investigative article in the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel published April 18, 2015. Samir Abdu Mohammad al-Khlifawi, the Iraqi colonel in the intelligence service of Saddam Hussein's Air Defense Force, is the architect of ISSL. Now, who opened Pandora's Box by invading Iraq?

— Richard Onorato
Anchorage

Needed: Responsible lawmakers who know how to tackle budget

Alaska is facing a $3.5 billion deficit in its spending that the Legislature has created.

The governor's veto of $660 million from the PFD payout reduced Alaskans' dividend to $1,000, thereby removing $660 million from Alaska's economy this fall. It also allows the next Legislature to spend this $660 million on government bloated expenses. The question is, will Alaskans show up at the polls Tuesday to vote and send responsible individuals to Juneau? Individuals who will cut spending and rein in government before imposing new taxes, while protecting the Permanent Fund?

— Kelly Wolf
Kenai

Alaskans in Congress: Stand up

An open letter to our Alaska representatives:

Dear Sens. Murkowski and Sullivan, and Congressman Young: You have stated you support but do not endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States. The dictionary defines "support" as to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one's vote, etc. The dictionary defines "endorse" as to approve, support or sustain. The only way to extricate your support/endorsement of this candidate is to clearly state you will not vote for him.

If you vote for Donald Trump, you agree with all the vile, ignorant, authoritative, narcissistic, xenophobic, misogynistic, unpatriotic and un-American notions that are vomited from his mouth. Are you willing to endanger the security of this nation by electing such a deranged demagogue purely for party politics?

Take a stand, Lisa, Dan and Don! I would like to think you agree with the notion that such an unstable person as the leader of the free world would be disastrous. To say you won't endorse Trump yet vote for him in November is the height of hypocrisy. By remaining silent, you speak volumes.

— Cyndy Cox
Anchorage

The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter under 200 words for consideration, email letters@alaskadispatch.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.