Readers write: Letters to the editor, February 7, 2017

Our ballot is still secret

There was an article in today's paper titled "Walker won't say if he voted for Trump but he wants his help" by Nathaniel Herz.

In the U.S., voting by secret ballot has been universal for over 100 years — since the 1890s. A secret ballot prevents influencing voters by intimidation and bribery. This last year, in debates and by interviewers, politicians are expected to announce who they voted for. I have found that this expectation has been extended to social media and conversations by the general public. I think the trend to insist on disclosure of your ballot is destructive to free elections. Please promote the protection of secret ballots.

— Margaret Oswald
Anchorage

Keep speaking out to protect women's and families' rights

Four million women, men and children marched and rallied across the country two weeks ago to support protections for women. I was happy to march with them at the snowy Anchorage event and felt we helped provide a sense of empowerment for all women that day. All of the marchers who stood up and spoke out for our legal protections with their voices and signs, united as one, were impressive. But while we stunned the world with our overwhelming numbers, we know that wasn't enough to secure our rights.

Extreme politicians in Congress continue to ignore our majority voices, our needs, and our support for highly valued programs. They press forward their partisan attacks that they very well know put women and their families' health, safety, security and lives at risk.

Recently, radical congressional members have indicated they intend to deny Planned Parenthood reimbursement for their provided health care services. That would be irresponsible and harmful. In Alaska, our families not only face unique barriers to accessing quality, affordable health care, but we also face devastatingly high rates of STDs, teen pregnancy, child sexual assault and reported rape cases. This attack against Planned Parenthood could eliminate care for the thousands of Alaskans who need it most.

We know these are not inflated threats. The threats are real and some of the most extreme members of Congress appear determined to take serious action. As Alaskans, our only potential hope for protection from this dangerous public policy is with Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Given the current makeup of Congress, she is positioned to protect us from harmful bills passing the Senate. But Sen. Murkowski faces intense pressure from congressional extremists who do not represent the majority of Americans' or Alaskans' views.

Alaskans must maintain the unity and strength we displayed at our Jan. 21 marches and continue to speak out to protect our rights. In the interest of health and security, I urge Alaskans to join me and call Sen. Murkowski and tell her, "I stand with Planned Parenthood and I hope you will too."

— Barbara McDaniel
Wasilla

Mayor's $100,000 could have helped many more people

If the mayor really wanted to give to the arts, why didn't he? He gave to a few groups and looked good. Perhaps with the money he could have purchased a block of tickets to the PAC and given that experience to families who cannot afford the price to attend. Or, purchase art classes and supplies from Blaines for residents who yearn to participate. Buy quilting and knitting classes for those who do not have extra money to express their artistic side; fund dance classes for little ones who want to be ballerinas or perhaps another Billy Elliot in our midst. Or even assist a few galleries in town that try to support local artists. I believe that the $100,000 the mayor gave away could have benefited many more residents by funding an appreciation and knowledge of the arts.

— Katherine N. West
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.