I read with deep sadness and horror Faith Myers’ Sept. 28 letter to the editor on the historical abuse of Alaskans who were identified as insane in Alaska over the last 100 years. No wonder people don’t trust the government when they hear of deaf children and others identified by laymen as crazy, yanked from their parents’ arms, and sent to Oregon to be held in a mental facility for life. The state sent those who had what we know now as depression — situationally temporary as well as permanent. Men, women and children with post-traumatic stress disorder because of war trauma, incest, rapes, physical and mental abuse. The list goes on.
Then I read the many recent ADN articles about the homeless situation in Anchorage. It clicked for me and others that they are tied together. Many of these homeless are mentally ill, some have physical problems, some just need medication or a shoulder to cry on. We are furious at how the current government is handling them. Other people are angry at having to deal with people who refuse to placidly get herded here and there as our wishy-washy mayor pays no attention except to give a buddy a $15 million contract. I wouldn’t go either, given the track record of ignorance and even evil.
Christians in Alaska — what would Jesus do? Which candidates up for election can get Alaska the money and staff it needs to get these complicated issues fixed? Keep that in mind at the ballot box!
— Denise K. Yancey
Anchorage
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