Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, November 30, 2017

Black bears kill more often

Bill Sherwonit's commentary on Anchorage bear deaths was about as sad as viewing a Romy Schneider "La Califfa" video on YouTube (''Bear-kill article underestimates Anchorage area toll," Nov. 28). The article contains a questionable point, however. Regarding the two attacks this past summer involving black bears killing people, Sherwonit points out black bears "are by nature much shyer and less aggressive than grizzlies and rarely present a danger. …" Also, a CBS News article on those attacks stated "Most bear attacks come from brown bears. …" (June 27).

Actually, I believe bear researchers Larry Kaniut and Stephen Herrero both point out black bears attack and kill more frequently than brown bears, with Herrero attributing it to there simply being more black bears. Black bear attacks on humans are a growing concern, particularly in British Columbia. Last year a 10-year-old girl was in critical condition after being attacked by a black bear in east Vancouver, British Columbia.

Nevertheless, roadkill mothers and orphaned cubs, bears needlessly killed by property owners — so much is avoidable tragedy. "Men have never been good, they are not good, they never will be good." — Karl Barth; Swiss theologian; 1886-1968

— Chris Deile
Anchorage

Vote no on GOP tax bill

It seemed that Sen. Lisa Murkowski had listened to her constituents and was supportive of health care for Alaskans. But it appears that it was just a bargaining chip to help the oil companies get access to ANWR. To do this, she is poised to accept a Republican tax plan that balloons the national debt by $1.5 trillion. A Republican tax plan that only helps the rich to become richer, and gives the wealthy and large corporations unneeded tax breaks. A Republican tax plan that rescinds the individual mandate, results in higher costs for those needing health insurance, and dramatically cuts Medicaid and Medicare. How can our senator possibly believe that this will help rather than harm her constituents? This is a bad deal not just for Alaska, but for America. Sen. Murkowski, I urge you and Sen. Sullivan to put your country first and vote no on the Republican tax bill.

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— Mark Wolbers
Anchorage

Don't promote bigotry

The recent article about rolling back the Johnson amendment cites Tony Perkins' support of the rollback. Perkins, head of the Family Research Council (who, like their kissing cousins the Alaska Family Council, defame gays and lesbians) noted "the world is transactional." When injecting more money into politics (why evangelicals support the repeal) Perkins is probably right.

This "transactional" ideology (I scratch your back only if you'll scratch mine) apart from the amendment reveals the craven nature of these far right ideologues. The haters rewrite 1 Corinthians 13: Our love is impatient (if you're gay), our love is unkind (if you are transgender) … It dishonors others (if they support gender equality), it's self-seeking (when promoting hateful ballot measures)… it keeps a record of wrongs (especially if your clothes don't match your birth certificate gender if using a public bathroom).

Humans see the world in diverse ways. The constitution provides freedom of thought and belief, protecting us all — including the LGBT community — from the hateful agenda and bigotry Perkins and his followers promote. The world of money and politics has sadly become "transactional." But true love asks for nothing but acceptance.

— Chris Wooley
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.

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