Join walk of unity downtown to honor the dead and build Anchorage pride
Our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Orlando, Florida, massacre. Our sympathy to the citizens of Orlando whose world has changed drastically because of this senseless attack. We stand in solidarity as we pledge to stare down the hatred and resist the fear such actions produce. We need to strengthen our resolve to adhere to Gandhi's words: "Be the change we want to see." Acceptance and love for all will triumph over the evil that permeated Pulse, a refuge for many.
As we grieve for those beautiful Americans whose lives were cruelly taken, we invite you to join us on the Fourth of July as together we walk to realize our vision of making Anchorage a city of inclusion with true acceptance that promotes and celebrates harmony respect for all.
We will meet at 9:45 a.m. in front of the ConocoPhillips building downtown, at 700 G St. Walkers are encouraged to wear their culture's traditional clothing, red, white and blue, or a color rainbow. Bring an American flag to proudly wave as we walk the parade route.
Over the years, Bridge Builders of Anchorage's colorful and eclectic participation in the Fourth of July parade has truly become a community tradition! Join us in this display of unity where we make the statement that all are welcome on our "All American City," Anchorage!
— Lourdes Linato-Crawford
president, board of directors
Bridge Builders of Anchorage
Not the example taught in classroom
I wish he hadn't, but Donald Trump has proven my teachers where right: Anyone can grow up to be president of the United States.
— Michael McKinnon
Anchorage
USA ideal must be carefully taught
When I spied the headline on adn.com Sunday, "Gunman who had killed 50 in Orlando nightclub had pledged allegiance to ISIS," my immediate reaction was "I wonder if he was allowed to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as a youngster growing up in classrooms in the United States?" They don't in a lot of places anymore. If he had, I would wonder why the ideals embodied in those 31 words failed to take hold. (It's 29 words if your version leaves out "under God").
How do we do a better job of inculcating into our citizens the grand concepts of our political culture — those widely shared beliefs about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the role of government? For me, it starts with the Declaration of Independence, continues with the U.S. Constitution, and finishes with the Bill of Rights and other amendments. Reverently enshrined at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., these are the holy relics of the republic, both scripture and recipe. The combined documents run to a few pages, yet contained within those words in the foundation of our exceptional republic. The concepts therein constitute the American ideals. What makes the republic "exceptional" is our realization we have not achieved that ideal and the tension between the good and the perfect is what continually moves us forward.
The political socialization of citizens starts with the family, continues with the schools and finishes with the community. Actions need to back the words and our civic customs and behavior must reinforce the action. At the ballgame last week, people actually stopped, removed their hats and some even sang the words the national anthem. It might be considered a quaint custom and confusing to our foreign visitors who may wonder why we do it. But, as long as we do, and explain are able to explain why and what it means, I have hope.
— James Lima
Anchorage
Trump exhumes McCarthyism
When I read Donald Trump's self-congratulatory comments on the Orlando shooting, I was reminded of a quotation. Those of you with long memories will recognize it. Others might benefit from looking it up. "Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?"
— Dale Gerboth
Anchorage
State pays Big Oil's energy bills
Can anyone tell me why we are still paying the oil companies for not pumping our oil?
I wish someone would pay me for buying electricity.
— Rita Hatch
Anchorage
Providers at fault for state system
It is impossible to miss the plight of the mentally ill on the streets. The greatest trick providers of mental health services ever pulled was convincing the general public they are doing the best possible job to help the mentally ill.
Treating or caring for the mentally ill or the disabled is a business. At any given time, Alaska, through good financial times and bad, has the mental health care system that providers want. And that includes the recidivism, mistreatment, patient traumatization and chaos.
The chaotic system Alaska installed to care for the mentally ill was primarily designed by providers. Patients were rarely included during the design of the mental health care system. Patient advocates weren't consulted either.
In the end, Alaska has the mental health care system providers want. You can find us on Youtube, type in Faith Myers Dorrance Collins.
— Faith Myers and Dorrance Collins
mental health advocates
Anchorage
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