Readers write: Letters to the editor, Sept. 19, 2016

Sullivan's cuts now pay dividends in recent crime wave

Specific to the notable recent rise in the general crime of property theft and dwelling robbery located in the downtown, South Addition, Fairview, Spenard, Midtown and Mountain View areas of the municipality; it should be noted the rise in crime is directly related to the reduced number of available police officers currently on staff due to the policies and practices implemented by our former mayor, Dan Sullivan, and his administration.

If an Anchorage resident wants to understand the genesis of the current rise in the overall crime rate in Anchorage, one only has to look to the concentrated efforts of Sullivan to reduce property taxes by reducing public services. Sullivan did an excellent job in maintaining the unrealistic beliefs of lower property taxes for the residents of Anchorage as he reduced the number of public employees whether they were administrative, health, police, fire, public works or parks and recreation.

We all were able to "save" on our property taxes for a few short years by the policies implemented by Sullivan. Now we are all blessed with the requirement to pay the additional expenses of lost property, inadequate police and fire response and poorer road and facility services.

So if one wants to look to why we are having the problems today, look to our history; we elected Sullivan on his policy to lower property taxes. We are now paying for the choices we made.

— Douglas W. Johnson
Anchorage

Overpaid egomaniacs make mockery of nation's sacrifices

I need to vent about athletes protesting during the national anthem:
When did it become accepted to take a political stance in the form of protest at the workplace? I am quite sure that if I was to disrupt the workday at my job with my personal beliefs in the form of protest I would be in jeopardy of losing my job. That being said I have the right to do it on my own time.

Additionally, can someone explain to me why these young overpaid egomaniacs have such a hard time understanding that when you stand and honor the flag and the nation you are honoring all that has been sacrificed and all that is good in the country. Standing also acknowledges the things that need to change can be changed, because of the sacrifices of millions of Americans. Almost 3 million Americans have been killed or wounded fighting our wars in the 20th century alone.

I have no issue with anyone taking a stance on any issue that hits home to them. I think if all the athletes who have dishonored nearly 3 million heroes were to walk on the front line of one of the local protest marches the media coverage would be just as overwhelming as what they think they are accomplishing now. I would find it much more appropriate to all, including the families of those who have lost loved ones. Unfortunately, it comes down to commitment to their cause. Much easier to just kneel than to use some of that ridiculous amount of money and fly to Columbus and walk with the families and friends of Tyree King or go to Los Angeles for Jesse Romero (for crying out loud, Kaepernick, it's in the same state. Look at a map. You could drive there in six hours). I pray for both of them.

By the way, I am an avid sports fan and fully support our law enforcement professionals. Yet there seems to be a disturbing trend in the young black men and police that is leading to some unfixable and tragic mistakes: Do they (police) hesitate and die? Are they overreacting and have no concern of making a mistake? Why are these youths running? And why would Jesse have a BB gun in his possession in an urban area? What are the parents teaching these kids? Are we all at fault for letting family values lose their importance in our society? I have no idea what the answers are. I do know that the kids have to stop dying and the police shouldn't have to feel threatened to stop a person and question their activities.

— Michael S. Murray
Navy veteran (1983-88)
Anchorage

Powerful turn on US citizens

As our rulers lie and cheat to hold onto power, Americans who live their truth are becoming natural enemies of the state.

— Steven Strube
Anchorage

The joys of Seawolf hockey get short shrift at UA 'town hall'

I attended the community meeting held at the UAA Student Union with UA President Jim Johnsen and all parties worried about losing funding for athletics and academics. The people who were in charge of the meeting got it wrong. Why would the university hold a "town hall" meeting for community to speak at the hours of noon-2 p.m? People work, and most people I know can't get away from work for 30 minutes, let alone 2 hours.

It seemed as if they were hoping people wouldn't make it, and a lot couldn't due to the fact it's not only in the middle of a workday, but at the beginning of a new school term with EVERYONE there taking up parking. They also began the meeting almost 45 minutes late and cut the public testimony early at 1:45.

And what's worse, the father of UAA hockey, Brush Christiansen, was about to go up to say some words on the matter, and the UA president failed to allow him to speak. Not only was this disrespectful of Brush and all the hard work he'd put into UAA and the community, but it shows lack of care for the people who were able to show up and wanted to give their take on the UA budget concerns.
I want to thank Brush for giving all of us in this community the joy of watching an amazing hockey team over so many years.

— Joe Stallone
Anchorage

Banishment similar to Sharia — they don't offer due process

Is banishment any different from Sharia? Although they represent two different cultures, both have harsh consequences with life and death involved. The elements of mercy, respect for human life, and due process in the U.S. Constitution is absent.

If you like banishment, would you tolerate Sharia justice?

— Jim Hanlen
Anchorage

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