Readers write: Letters to the editor, November 5, 2017

Plans for criminal justice must include rehabilitation

Dear Sen. Costello (Commentary, Nov. 3):

It's really much too early to tell if SB91 was the "cause" of the crime increase. How do you know that criminals are emboldened? Have you talked to any lately? I have been impacted by the increase too — my car parked in my driveway in Turnagain was ransacked recently.

The problem of increased crime, addiction, etc., has been brewing for many years. A lack of good treatment options for people with addictions, especially opioid addiction, stands high on the list of factors. Conservatives in our state and nationwide have consistently espoused the mantra — "Lock them up and throw away the key" — until it got to expensive to lock up all those who committed some crimes.

The long-term answer is complex but must include treatment for those who want to get better, not just those who are addicted but also those who have made criminal mistakes. Don't just work on this from the point of view of saving money or locking them up. Develop a system that works to rehabilitate. There are many examples in the world. No need to reinvent the wheel.

— Larry Holman
Anchorage

Thoughts from a 16-year-old on PFDs and bad drivers

I severely disagree with the governor's decision to halve the dividend again. I am under age to work, and am completely dependent on my parents. The dividend is the largest sum of money that I can receive. For the last two years the governor has taken money from minors, including myself. If my voice could be heard I would say "Let me keep my dividend!" However, since I can't vote, I have no voice. My recommendation to the governor is if all Alaskans can't keep their dividend, then to at least let the 0-21-year-olds receive the full dividend.

My second complaint is toward the inconsiderate drivers I now share the road with. I had not noticed how many drivers out there were actually disobeying laws, but now that I have turned 16, I have a new perspective. I have been trying very hard to follow the laws and abide by the speed limits that are posted. However, I can't understand why people act as if I am holding them back. I have also noticed many people run red lights. It is really discouraging to even try to drive on the roads and highways.

— Wesley Eastham
Anchorage

Defend Trump at own risk

When I see letters defending Donald Trump's behavior as president I have to reflect how he comes across to the world. He is a serial and compulsive liar who has no respect for the office he holds. His reputation for misogyny is well earned. The Republican Party is behind him 100 percent, so that should tell you about their plans for your life. When this house of cards comes crashing down, the rats will be scurrying around disavowing their support of Trump. Too late, buckaroos.

— Jay Cross
Big Lake

Contact Alaska delegation about Medicare, Medicaid cuts

If you are on Medicare or Medicaid, or will be at some time, you need to be concerned with the budget resolution just passed by Congress that cuts over $1.5 trillion from these programs. This is part of the cuts that enable the tax plan that is being currently being proposed by Congress.

If you are truly concerned, please contact our congressional delegation, which consists of Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young.

Senior citizens make up the No. 1 fastest-growing segment of our population in Alaska.

Cutting Medicare and Medicaid does not get my personal support as a voter.

— Jim Bailey
Anchorage

Don't drill in coastal plain

The Senate Energy Committee is currently seeking public comments concerning a bill that includes opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain for exploration and production of oil. Drilling in this area would be a direct threat to the Porcupine caribou herd, the food security and ultimately the culture and livelihood of the Gwich'in people. This is a matter of human rights.

We cannot continue to tie our future to the fossil fuel industry. Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott just made a statement that Alaska's response to climate change "will necessarily revolve around a transition from a petroleum-based economy to a renewable energy economy." I agree with him. We need to be working toward a just transition off of fossil fuels in a way that builds a sustainable future for all Alaskans.

Drilling in the Arctic refuge is not a solution, and we cannot with any good conscience stand by as our leaders sacrifice an entire people for profit.

Please contact Sen. Lisa Murkowski and the Senate Energy Committee (fortherecord@energy.senate.gov), and tell them that you stand in solidarity with the Gwich'in people and oppose drilling in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

— Jessica Thornton
Anchorage

Trump hasn't earned a chance

It's disgraceful and disingenuous for the very same people who, while former President Barack Obama was in office, preached resistance and noncooperation the entire time. Now they ask that we all give Donald Trump a chance. Why should we, just because he's a white guy? It certainly can't be because of his knowledge of policies, procedures or his job thus far. Some think he's for the middle class; I think that's a fallacy. We won't know the effects of his rollbacks on society for several years. However, we do know why they were put in place, the Great Recession.

I would love for Trump to go the whole four years if the Democrats take control of the House and Senate in 2018. That would be poetic justice. The racist, Russia and the gullible are the reason Trump was elected. He won't have Russia and the gullible in 2020.

— Philip Labay Mikes
Anchorage

Criticism of Trump isn't treason

Ms. Arlene Carle (Letters, Nov. 2) decries what she calls "diatribes" against the president by media outlets, including the ADN, going so far as writing that "…continuous name-calling attacks on the duly elected president of the United States intended to demoralize the citizens of this country are treasonous." Interestingly, in support of her position, she also invokes the treason trial of Iva Toguri D'Aquino, an American convicted of treason after World War II for her broadcast activities for the Japanese during the War that were colloquially referred to as "Tokyo Rose" by U.S. troops.

Owing to our experience with treason trials under monarchy, the founders chose to define "treason" in the Constitution itself. Article III, Section 3 provides that "treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court." The Constitutional provision is implemented at 18 U.S.C. 2381. Legally, it's a difficult standard to prove, which is probably one reason that fewer than 40 people have been federally charged with treason and still fewer convicted.

Now I will agree with Ms. Carle that criticizing others, including the president, by needless ad hominem attacks is not helpful to our political climate; this is a lesson the president, himself, might consider taking to heart. However, such criticism simply is not treason and to be so misinformed about our history and Constitution as to carelessly name media criticism treason demonstrates again the disturbing anti-knowledge place that our current politics have taken us. Ms. Carle and many others would do well to spend more time educating themselves before making these kind of misinformed accusations against those with whom they disagree.

Finally, on the subject of educating oneself: In invoking the story of "Tokyo Rose," Ms. Carle neglected to mention that, owing to irregularities in her trial and conviction, President Ford granted Ms. D'Aquino a full pardon. Please, let's try to move away from super-heated rhetoric and focus on facts.

— Luke Spencer
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