Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, October 1, 2017

First responders go above and beyond, deserve our thanks

My Dad was a volunteer fireman in the 1950s. I was so proud of him. That pride and deep gratitude for fire and police personnel grew throughout my life and was reinforced when I lost a friend in the 9/11 attacks. I've become complacent in thanking police, firemen, paramedics. During my husband's illness, some of the worst times of my life were alleviated by the quick, expert response of these folks. An incredible kindness bestowed on me today reinforced what's behind those badges and walking in those boots.

While standing in line with my cart at the store, I noticed two paramedics behind me holding their purchases in their arms. I offered to let them go before me. When they protested, I said it was the least I could do to say thank you. When I went to pay for my purchases, they had already been paid. I wish I could have afforded to pay for their items. When I protested, they wouldn't accept no for an answer. I only know one paramedic's first name — Tamara. What a blessing your kindness was today, and I will pay this forward whenever I am able to do so.

Our first responders are incredible souls, putting their community before themselves. Please support them with a simple thank you, job well done or a just a wave. I can't imagine what it is like to walk in their shoes or boots, but I will support them every step of the way.

— Jacqueline Fries
Anchorage

Sen. Sullivan, why are our troops in Afghanistan?

Like my letter-writing friend Ken Flynn (Sept. 27), I, too, would like to know, particularly from our U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, why we are in Afghanistan?

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— Jack Roderick
Anchorage

Increase in crime can mostly be blamed on the Legislature

Republicans have it wrong again, blaming Gov. Walker for the increase in crime. There is a lot of blame to go around but most of goes to the Legislature not properly funding the government.

You also get credit for not funding pre-K for all to increase the graduation and success rate of our kids. Your lack of courage to face the state's budget woes causes all kinds of problems, not just fiscal, so get a grip and act.

Remember, when unemployment rises it causes fear and anger, which fuels lawlessness.

— Bill Harbin
Anchorage

Player protests meant to spur change, not show disrespect

For anyone who missed Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s tweet quoting John F. Kennedy, I feel it is worth repeating: "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." — JFK.

Whether you agree or disagree with what NFL players are doing before football games, kneeling or standing together in unity during the national anthem, please remember that in this country we are lucky to have the right to exercise freedom of speech and demonstrate in a peaceful manner in order to make ourselves heard, and hopefully bring about change in regards to the injustice we feel, experience and see.

Trump, with all his hate speeches and angry rhetoric, is only making a divisive issue worse. It's hypocritical of him to think he's a patriot because he stands and puts his hand on his heart during the anthem, but then will say hateful things specifically about individuals who actually served in wars to keep this country safe and our freedoms intact.

Please open your minds, really listen to why they are peacefully protesting, because it has nothing to do with disrespecting the flag or the brave men and women who protect our great country.

— Colleen Jepsen
Anchorage

Arliss Sturgelewski at 90 is still an Alaskan treasure

Last Wednesday afternoon I visited the Anchorage Senior Center to share in a community birthday celebration and an appreciative "thank you" to former Alaska state senator and our first Alaska woman (Republican) nominee for Alaska governor, Arliss Sturgelewski.

It was a delight! There were so many longterm Alaskans in attendance, both those who have shaped and influenced Alaska public policy and others who were just appreciative community members like me. Arliss has been and still is a vibrant, warm and consistently giving treasure to our state. Public servants like Arliss have both shaped and saved the best parts of what Alaska has been, is, and will become.

Happy 90th Arliss! And thank you!

— Clayton McDowell
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@alaskadisp.atch.com.

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