Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, September 25, 2017

Murkowski and Sullivan need to do the right thing

I hope my senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, are listening. Now more than ever we need you to hear what your constituents are saying.

I am again asking you to vote no on the last-minute/push-through Graham-Cassidy repeal of the ACA. Not only is there no replacement, returning money to each state by block grants will be dismal for Alaska. Will these be covered: pediatric services; hospitalization; ambulances; drug and mental health treatment; emergency services; labs; rehabilitative services; wellness checkups (Do you get those in your guaranteed health care — paid for by taxpayers?); prescription drugs and maternity care? There are male Senate and House members who have complained that men should not have to pay for maternity care. Are you kidding me?

Do not support shoving this bill down everyone's throats. Do the right thing. We'll remember how you voted come election time.

— Contessa Gossett
Palmer

Why aren't media covering conflict like they used to?

I have been enjoying the Ken Burns television series on Vietnam. I remember during that war that every day the news media produced detailed reports of what was going on in the war. But now the news media says very little about the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Why is that?

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— Joan Bundtzen
Anchorage

Kudos to Murkowski for her principled vision

I want to thank and express my support to Sen. Lisa Murkowski for her leadership and principled vision on the health care issue. I do not know whether the current proposed legislation, Graham-Cassidy, is a good idea or not. I have serious doubts that it is as nearly all of the rationale for support that I can find, including that of the sponsors, is that it provides "a win" and fulfills a major GOP campaign promise.

Regardless of how Sen. Murkowski votes, I am confident that she will base her vote on thoughtful analysis of the effects of the proposed legislation. What a concept. For the record, I am an independent who has voted for candidates from both parties. And one of my children has the only health care plan that she could begin to afford as a young working adult through the state of Alaska exchange (read: "Obamacare"). I'm very good knowing that Sen. Murkowski is more concerned about the effect of new legislation on the ability of my daughter to obtain affordable and effective health care than on getting "a win."

Wow, firing off a morning rant feels good — think I'll get a Twitter account.

— Doug McBride
Anchorage

We should be able to defend ourselves without worry

Alaskans should not have to worry that any action they take to defend their life or property will result in any civil action against them. It's time the lawless perpetrators have the weight on their shoulders. Someone steals my property or vehicle and they try to leave my property and I'm supposed to say, "Oh, they're driving away with my vehicle and I can only wave goodbye to them." "Maybe if I hurry I can catch up to them and give them my credit card in case my vehicle is low on fuel!"

These low-lifers are old enough to know right from wrong and good citizens' hands should not be tied. These criminals have had numerous chances and most are ongoing offenders or out on bail. Yet Honest Abe, who is just trying to keep what he has worked for, gets punished. What a crock … and you wonder why you see people going postal.

— Rolf L. Bilet
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.

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