Jenkins right on cuts; start with oil credits
Read Sunday's (ADN, Dec. 25) commentary by Paul Jenkins. I must admit I kinda agree with him. Yep, cut government spending, the usual Republican bromide for what ails society. I'm there, kinda. He fails to identify any specific cuts, so let me help. Let's use some of Adam Smith's principles as a guide — let market forces prevail, another Republican bromide.
The first government spending cut is elimination of subsidies to the oil industry — savings of about $430 million per year. Oh, by the way, every household in Alaska lost money this year with their Permanent Fund dividends cut in half so the oil companies could get theirs. Next government spending cut, eliminate the annual subsidy to Agrium, another private venture that can't make it without public dollars — savings of $15 million per year. Heck, two cuts to government spending reap about $450 million per year in savings. I'm with you, Paul.
— John Duffy
Palmer
Ensure Uncle Sam fully compensates vets
I urge you to support U.S. Senate Bill 271, Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2015, introduced by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. Veterans who serve our nation for a full career often suffer disabling health care conditions that can impact their employability and quality of life. As a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, which represents all current and former U.S. Air Force members, I feel these retired veterans should receive full compensation of retirement and disability pay — no matter their disability rating.
Please do all you can do to help pass this legislation. Those who serve this nation and are impacted by that arduous dedication deserve no less.
— Laura J. Sherman
Anchorage
State song may bring harmony to meetings
Ideally an invocation would establish a sense of shared "higher" purpose among those engaged in the public activity at hand (Thomas Pease commentary, ADN, Dec. 29). It's a call to remember that regardless of unique personal interests and differences that come up, we are all members of a shared social community that contributes to our quality of life, and depends upon our participation to sustain it.
In times past, we began many public meetings with the "Alaska Flag Song" — I've always enjoyed it and felt the song bound us together. A love for Alaska is something most of us share. Perhaps that song can be a invocation all can learn — or relearn — and bond with!
— Clayton McDowall
Anchorage
Hard lesson for humans to learn
Teach peace. Choose peace. Please.
— Danielle Kirby
Anchorage
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