Proud of Murkowski, Collins
The year was 1776. John Adams was attending the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. His wife, Abigail, wrote urging her husband and his colleagues to "Remember the Ladies." as they formed our new nation. To do otherwise she warns would result in women taking action. Women will "foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound to any laws in which we have no voice or representation."
Fast forward to 2017. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins were not part of the closed-door sessions held by 13 male members of the Senate as they worked to replace ACA. They were forming health care laws that would injuriously impact the lives of so many of our nation's women. So Murkowski and Collins determined that they must rebel.
Abigail Adams would be so proud. We should all be proud.
— Mary Navitsky
Anchorage
Charlottesville disaster
Today another horrific situation in Virginia. Racist bigots clash with those who have opposing views. I have many friends of color; they range from Alaska Interior Athabascan, to coastal Yupik Eskimo, Filipinos, Mexicans, and black people (not African Americans) who were born in places like Texas, Florida or California or Jamaica. I defy anyone to consult with any of these fine people and label me a racist. The venom that is political correctness coursing through the veins of this country has once again proven deadly. People died in Virginia because the PC crowd decided they could not tolerate a statue in a park. General Robert E. Lee was a key player in the Civil War.
The Civil War between the North and the South did in fact occur. From April 12, 1861, until May 9, 1865, the North and South were engaged in a horrific battle. The issues were slavery and states rights. The politically correct people would prefer to alter or eradicate history to suit their agenda.
Better we eliminate these reminders of our past. Sadly we will never completely eradicate the Nazi white supremacist faction. When a city council or whatever body decides to remove a symbol of history that is sensitive for these people you have given them a cause and a venue. Deny them the cause and the venue and preserve our history.
— Michael J. Koskovich
Wasilla
Jenkins is wrong: Murkowski did what's best for Alaska
Usually I can resist responding to Paul Jenkins, but not this time. ("For good or ill, Murkowski broke her word," Aug. 13)
Lisa Murkowski had the courage to stand up and vote in the best interests of Alaskans' health care. Why would she vote to repeal Obamacare to be replaced with an inadequate, flawed plan that would hurt many Alaskans? Why would she vote to repeal it with no good replacement, leaving thousands of Alaskans without health care? Why would she vote for the "skinny" one which would likewise leave many of us in the lurch? She cares about the people in Alaska, she wouldn't have done any of those.
Very fortunately for us, Lisa Murkowski knows that party politics should not replace fairness, compassion and conscience as her moral guide when she votes. People who voted for her want her to vote in our best interests. She is a woman of foresight and common sense, and she knew all the options presented so far were terribly flawed. We all hope that she, along with others, will find better solutions. For now, her promises to us here — her constituents — supersede any other promises. Mr. Jenkins got that wrong.
— L.L. Raymond
Homer
It's the Alaskan way
Some Washington, D.C., politicians don't like the fact that Sen. Lisa Murkowski didn't vote the party line on health care. I say, always vote Alaskan. Sen. Murkowski was our hero on health. She saved health care and lives for tens of thousands of Alaskans. We appreciate what she saved, and now it is possible to improve it. We don't throw things out, we — her constituents — repair, repurpose, or recycle. That is the appropriate next step on health care, bipartisan collaboration to continue improving health care for Alaskans.
— Joni Bruner
Anchorage
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