Readers write: Letters to the editor, December 24, 2017

MEA's Operation Roundup is a boon to the community

Thank you to Matanuska Electric Associaton, and MEA members! Using a community grant from MEA, the Elks Lodge in Eagle River was able to personally hand 348 third-grade students in our area two dictionaries — one standard, and one rhyming, and speak to them about the importance of reading and staying away from drugs. The MEA members make this possible through "Operation Roundup" — participating member's electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar and those pennies make projects like ours possible. If you currently participate, thank you! If you don't, please consider it — more information is available at www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community/round-up.

— Gary Washburn
Chugiak

Park fee increase targets low-income families, students

I am concerned that the recent proposal to increase the entrance fee at 17 national parks including Denali National Park will create a financial barrier to low-income families and college students. The fee will increase from $10 to $30 per person 16 and older at Denali during May-September, peak season months.

The stated purpose of this fee increase is to improve aging facilities, park infrastructure and maintenance to improve the overall quality experience of park users.

Currently national parks are experiencing an $11.3 billion repair backlog. Fixing the backlog is important, but we shouldn't unintentionally create another barrier for marginalized communities to access public lands. For instance, if two students wanted to go to Denali, it would cost us $60 in fees. This does not include transportation cost, food or a ticket on the park bus. My family has never owned a home, and/or property. The closest thing to land ownership for people who come from such circumstances is our public lands, which belong to all Americans. Please tell the Park Service and Congress to appropriate the money to keep our national parks running.

— Reth Duir
Anchorage

School cuts hit children hardest

Do you want to know why Anchorage teachers have lower morale than ever this year? It is a constant, steam-rolling theme that worsens each year. Do more with less.

Less resources, less support, less training, less teachers. We know there is a budgetary crisis underway in the state. We know that it is affecting everyone across the state. Did you know that it is hitting our children the hardest?

The teachers of the Anchorage School District have recently voted down a tentative agreement with the school district. Contrary to popular belief, it's not because we didn't get a raise. It's because many of us feel that the dwindling funds are being misappropriated to the detriment of our students.

The district hired a deputy superintendent who costs the district somewhere around $208,000 per year, including benefits. The employees of the administration building got raises. When asked why, it was said that since they cut employees there, that the remaining people had more work to do, and therefore should be compensated accordingly. This is a huge slap in the face to teachers. Every year class sizes rise, as positions of retiring and otherwise exiting teachers are cut with no replacements.

— Alli Vail
Anchorage

Not standing for the anthem is not being anti-military

At the risk of encouraging further "nauseum of the ad" form as it pertains to the national anthem sit/stand/kneel/get a beer during it "discussion"… I assume Liz Forsman (Letters, Dec. 22) is a military veteran. That or she's "anti-military," since this 20-year Air Force veteran whose father, brothers, uncle, cousin and grandfather all served in the military says — plain and simple — that not standing for the anthem is not anti-military. It is an expression of one of the freedoms ensured by the same Constitution that solidifies Liz's right to reasonably disagree with me. And in the words of the most famous non-military, military character — in my reasonable opinion — Forrest Gump, "That's all I'm going to say about that, now …"

— Lt. Col. Keith Muschinske,
USAF chaplain (retired)
Eagle River

Senate majority ignores GOP principle of fiscal responsibility

Regarding Mr. Tuckerman Babcock's recent letters and commentaries, I want to go on record that he does not represent me; in fact I think he is an embarrassment to the Republican Party.

The Republican concept that I grew up with over the last 60 years was built on fiscal responsibility. That policy has been totally ignored by the current Senate majority, apparently due to political expediency.

At least I won't be around that much longer, but I am concerned about the future for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alaska has been a wonderful place, and I would like to see it continue. We all need to pitch in and help.

— Orin Seybert
Anchorage

Trump gives USA a new meaning

Need to re-brand America under Trump. USA — United Sycophants of America. It's disgusting!

— Russ Howell
Eagle River

Legislature has history of bipartisan coalitions

Tuckerman Babcock in his Dec. 20 commentary says that the Republicans who formed a coalition with House Democrats this past year can no longer be considered Republicans, and as such must not run for re-election as Republicans. He suggests that Republicans have one set of values and beliefs, and Democrats have a different set of values and beliefs, and … "never the twain shall meet."

Really. That not what I've heard over the years, namely, that Republicans' beliefs and values range widely, from far right to center. In a similar manner, Democrats' beliefs range from far left to center. That's probably at least in part why Alaska's Legislature has a history of bipartisan coalitions.

If indeed Republicans typically come in a wide spectrum of political colors, maybe what Mr. Babcock's focus is really all about is trying to shape a Republican Party in which all members think exactly the same. Good luck with that.

— Jim Lieb
Palmer

Congressional delegation's backing of Trump brings shame

I am ashamed of our Alaskan congressional delegation who have shown how venal they are by supporting a coarse and vulgar man who debases the position of president.

— Shirley Fraser
Anchorage

The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter under 200 words for consideration, email letters@adn.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@adn.com.