Meet Kimberly Strassel

Contributed by Sandy May

November 20, 2021 the Mat Su Republican Women’s Club Est. 1947 will be having our monthly general meeting from 10 a.m. til noon and the location will be announced later. You can find that update on our webpage under meetings & events tab. matsurepublicanwomensclub.org

Kimberley Strassel is a member of the editorial board for The Wall Street Journal and writes editorials and weekly for the Potomac Watch political column.  In the past, Ms. Strassel has been a regular contributor to Sunday political shows, such as CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’, NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ & Fox News Sunday. She is currently a contributor to Fox News.

Ms. Strassel is the New York Times best selling author of “The Intimidation Game: How the Left Is Silencing Free Speech” and “Resistance At All Costs: How Trump Haters Are Breaking America”.

During these anti America, socialist times, patriotism has been wildly increasing and many people come to our meetings and say, “I want to get involved!” We select speakers that we hope will motivate and suggest ways for just that. Many times their subject ‘speaks’ to folks and they have learned how they can help in our community and state. Being in the right place at the right time and getting connected. For others, they have the opportunity to learn the truth from our speakers and not MSM or second to fourth hand rumors. So, please feel free to come to our meeting. They are always open to the public and we think you will really enjoy hearing from our November 20th speaker Kimberley Stassell! Mark your calendar!

Medical Tyranny & Vaccine Blackmail

Contributed by Brian Stanley

On September 8th, 2021 I had a routine checkup with my general practitioner. After 6 years of having this person as my doctor, she turned into a medical tyrant.

I was told that unless I got vaccinated, she would no longer provide me with medical care. Unbelievable.

I was offered no alternative to the vax like therapeutics and prophylaxis such as Ivermectin, Regeneron, Remdesivir or Hydroxychloroquine, among other over the counter choices. This is absolutely unethical at best, and probably misfeasance that violates the Hippocratic oath, which in part reads:

  “I will use those dietary regimens that benefit my patients according to my greatest ability and judgement, and I will do no harm or injustice to them….I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan…..in purity and according to divine law I will carry out my life and my art”

I guess it all started a few visits back when I showed up for an appointment and the “you must wear a mask to be here” coercion started. As a doctor, she should know that masks are an obedience charade and there is zero scientific or medical evidence that they work for anything other than stopping a sneeze from spraying all over.

I don’t need a medical degree to comprehend some basic facts, like the “surgical” masks that you see everywhere, have a gap between the fabric weave of between 30 and 40 microns. And the bandanas people have draped off their faces have even bigger gaps.  The virus is around one tenth of one micron in diameter. (300 to 400 times smaller than the holes in the face diaper).

Some mask questions to ponder:

Tell me how the virus stays out of my eyes.

If masks work, why did they let prisoners out of jail instead of giving them masks?

If masks work and you are wearing one, then you’re protected…right?

Or why don’t my pants stop farts?

“Trust the science…..”

This mandatory masking stance by my doctor does not inspire my confidence in her ability to see plain logic.

Over the years, my doctor had asked me many times to get a flu shot, but I always declined. I’ve never had one and didn’t feel I needed it.

During the last visit she condescendingly said “I have to get something from my office, but when I get back, I would love to hear your reasons for not getting this vaccine” I have read quite a bit about the vax and have a laundry list of reasons.

I said to her that the pharmaceutical companies themselves have disclosed that the efficacy rate is only around 40 percent, and there will be a never-ending string of variants and “booster” shots. If I get the shot, I can still contract covid and transmit it, and I would still have to wear the chin diaper. But at least they don’t contain eggs, preservatives or latex.

My doctor vehemently refuted every point I had. Although she was wearing a mask, I’m pretty sure she was foaming at the mouth under there.

The one thing that didn’t occur to me was to say “My body, my choice”

I asked her how much time I had to find a new doctor.

The vaccine rabbit hole is very deep. The main factors regarding the jab are personal choice and your health condition, it has never been about public “safety”.

The CDC’s own numbers bare out the fact that most people (without severe comorbidities or advanced age) have a 99.7 percent chance of survival if the virus is ever contracted. Yet, you are being told that that you must get an emergency vaccine that is not fully tested, and the pharmaceutical companies are immune from all legal ramifications if the recipient is caused any harm or death. The CDC has listed at least 21 severe, possible side effects, including Kawasaki Disease. Whatever that is. Oh, and Congress is exempt. And their staffs.

You say: “Yeah, but the FDA approved some of them….” Sure, politically, in my opinion. Since it takes nearly 12 years to get approval for a new vaccine or medicine with all the clinical trials and proper testing.

“Trust the science…..”

Remember, every medicine that has ever been recalled because it caused harm or death to a person was also approved by the FDA.

I wonder how long it will be until we achieve herd intelligence.

Jennifer Walther for School Board

Contributed by Jennifer Walther

I’m Jennifer Walther and I am running for the District 4 seat of the Mat-Su Borough School Board. District 4 includes the city of Wasilla and the greater Wasilla area, with Seward Meridian, Knik-Goosebay Road, Vine, and Spruce as boundaries.

I am a lifelong Alaskan and have raised 5 children in this school district. Over the past 20 years I have watched our district grow and change positively, and am proud of what this district has grown into and where it is going. However, the strained relationships that have developed over the past few years puts this progress in jeopardy and will ultimately halt our ability to grow and improve.

The students of this district deserve to have visionary leaders. There will always be diversity of opinion on hot topics, but we can find common ground as a board by focusing on our ultimate goal of providing quality education for all students. Excellence in education requires a team effort and begins with the leaders of our school district.

My highest priority is preparing students for success in their future. Strength in the core subjects of reading, math, and writing will benefit every student -whether attending college or directly entering the job force. After 2 years of disrupted education, our students need to have learning opportunities to compensate for any learning loss that may have occurred. It is my goal to keep schools open, safe, and in-person!

To learn more about me please visit WaltherForSchoolBoard.com

In Support of Kristi Short

Contributed by Emily and Peter Forstner

My name is Emily Forstner and I am writing today on behalf of myself and my husband Peter Forstner to endorse Kristi Short for Mat Su Borough Assembly, District 6.

Kristi Short is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in the Mat Su. She currently lives in Hatcher Pass and cares deeply for the Mat Su.

Kristi knows first-hand what the time and effort it takes to make a difference in our community. Kristi is a parent, a business owner, and a Fishhook Community Council representative. She learned to love agriculture while involved with FFA at Palmer High, and continues to work to promote agriculture in the Mat Su with her small business, Alaska Farm Tours.

It has taken creativity, commitment, and conscious decision making to start up a small business in 2020, and even more so to have it thrive in a period of so many unknowns and inconsistencies. Kristi knows that it takes more than just a long-term vision, it takes carefully planned action steps to promote economic growth in the Mat Su without losing the down home, close-knit feel that makes the Valley and District 6 such a great place to live.

Kristi is fiscally responsible. Owning a small business, she has learned that the bottom line is always about maintaining a responsible budget. She will work to make that happen in the Borough Assembly- without property owners bearing all of the burden of being the only source of revenue.

Kristi is forward thinking. She sees the value of tourism in the Valley and strongly supports the Arctic Winter Games 2024. But, more than anything, Kristi Short recognizes that the increasing population in the Valley threatens our quality of life without forward-looking leadership and planning.

Kristi Short is energetic and excited to be a part of whatever it takes to lead our community through difficult times for a safe and successful future. She follows through with what she says she will do. She is pragmatic in her approach and honest in all that she does.

Thank you for joining us in supporting for Kristi Short for Borough Assembly, District 6 on November 2.

Honesty is Important

Contributed by Patti Fisher

We all seem to be a lot crankier since the pandemic started.  We’re seeing   It has been shown that there is more violence, more hateful talk and less patience.  So, I am putting in a plea to not bring that ugly mode into our localthe election campaigning which is currently underway.

I believe we should show respect for our residentsce who are trying very hard to serve our Borough, State and Federal governments.  Let’s not take the low road and succumb to exaggerations, trash talk and outright lies.   The truth will come out in the end, and no one needs to sink to the level of throwing dirt on an opponent.  Unfortunately, that is happening right now.   Making false statements such asSaying such things as “the Borough wants to take away your guns” or my opponent wants a “strong mayoral form of government” are intended to inflametrash talk.  MAnd most important they are just NOT true.

So, let’s stop it now.   The current Assembly person for District 7 Tam Boeve is a dedicated public servant who has the largest district in the Borough (from Meadow Lakes almost to Cantwell), which includes 7 Community Councils, 8 Road Service Areas, 6 Fire Service Areas and 3 Special Service Areas.  She is a member of the Joint Assembly/School Board Committee on School Issues and the MSB Fish and Wildlife Commission, and regularly attends 12 meetings a week to meet the need of the district.  Her list of accomplishments for residents is long and impressive.

TamShe listens to residents and workstries very hard to meet theirre needs.   I urge you to vote to reelect Tam Boeve to the Borough Assembly for District 7. 

Dee McKee for Borough Seat 3

Contributed by Dolores “Dee” McKee

I am Dolores “Dee” McKee, candidate for Borough Assembly Seat 3, a lifelong Alaska  raised in Fairbanks.  My husband and I operated a couple of small businesses both in Fairbanks and the Mat Su.  We adopted two toddlers from El Salvador and 28 years ago, my husband, two sons, and I moved to the Mat Su with an assortment of cats, dogs, and other critters.  I was blessed to be able to be a stay at home Mom, attending UAA in the evenings to add a Special Education certification to my teaching credential and Bachelor’s of Business Administration, minor in economics,   from UAF. 

I am beginning my 25th year of teaching middle school at PJMS – having taught math, science, social studies, health, and Spanish.  I was honored to be selected as a British Petroleum Teacher of Excellence and KTVA Teacher of the Week, both of which awards resulted from student nominations. 

Things that matter to me?  I am a fierce defender of our First and Second Amendments.   Every voice should be heard without fear of retribution, and our Second Amendment rights are second nature to Alaskans.  As a teacher, I am devoted to sending my students along their life journey prepared not only with the subject I teach but with life and employability skills, a passion for patriotism, and a desire for excellence.  The majority of our budget is allocated to the School District and I support that; however, as a teacher in the trenches every day I am not sure funding is always allocated in a way that best supports our students.  Our performance expenditure for each student is among the highest in the nation and Alaska’s performance is last or near last.  While the Mat Su does better than some parts of the State, with our funding we should be top of the heap.  We deserve a better return on our investment and our kids deserve better.  I guarantee you, the teachers give  it everything we have but there is a disconnect somewhere.  We need to identify the problem, look at what’s happening in the more successful regions of the U.S., consider the solutions, and git ‘er done!

Wasilla is open for business and has been open throughout the pandemic, but it is time to examine the necessity of all the permitting, licensing, qualifying, and other restrictions that make it difficult to do business or enter the marketplace.

Road Service Areas -  Some of our roads were built decades ago and have fallen into disrepair.   We have to come up with a solution to pay for the multi-million dollar bond for repair of borough roads.  Will it be sales tax, alcohol tax, gasoline tax, increased mill rate?

Port MacKenzie -   I won’t belabor the Port MacKenzie  issue- it has gotten a lot of press; however, if we are to continue with a project that has cost us tens of millions of dollars, has an annual maintenance fee of $2.5 million, an $8.3 million debt we owe to the feds, and a $7 million grant from the feds for piling sleeves (which didn’t come for free – the borough taxpayers are out $1.9 million in matching funds), has severe geologic restrictions such as ice buildup and heavy currents, and is in competition with the safer, more easily accessible ports of Anchorage and Sewar,  and has only made $1.9 million over the last ten years, perhaps we need to proceed with the $200,000 appropriation set aside by the Assembly for a study to see if there is even a market for the port before we continue to pour taxpayer dollars into what seems to be a money pit.  Not saying we shouldn’t do it – but if all we have going for us is magical thinking, we need to rein this project in and evaluate it objectively.  If we don’t, it could go the way of the ferry which cost our taxpayers $70 million and was ultimately sold for $2.5 million without ever having been in service. 

Finally, you can probably tell I am a fiscal and constitutional conservative – government has to tighten its belt so you can hang on to your wallet.  But as a teacher, I have become a bit more moderate on social issues.  Our student clientele comes from many diverse backgrounds  and  I generally have a live and let live perspective, with some exceptions -  Critical Race Theory which our school board has determined will not be taught (bless them!), appreciation for the Constitution and love of country, accountability by students, community, and government, an appreciation for the environment borne of a deep love for this incredible Alaska, and a determination that we can develop the borough responsibly so that our kids and grandkids can call this place home for at least as long as I have. 

Community Driven Leadership

Contributed by Tam Boeve

My name is Tam Boeve. I live in Willow and I represent Assembly District 7, an area that covers 2/3 of the Mat-Su Borough. It’s a big district, and a big job, and something I take very seriously. That being said, I never intended to run for public office. 10 years ago, I wasn’t overly interested in who our elected officials were, or what was happening at the Assembly meetings in Palmer. I was content working behind the scenes- picking up trash along the highway, attending community council meetings, and helping to organize a community park. 

There is a long story about how I decided to run for the Assembly in 2018- and it involves the Willow Fire Department and the Sockeye Wildfire and my family somehow getting caught up in the drama and politics of our local community. But the short version is- that it didn’t take very long for me to realize that our small towns depend on the local government for support- for funding, for land, for legislation. And that without involved and responsive representatives, we were pretty limited in what we could do for ourselves. Fortunately for us, we had an elected Representative who listened and cared. When his seat was vacated, I stepped out of my comfort zone and ran for office. Not as a politician, but as a citizen who wanted to see increased community involvement in the Borough decision-making process.

But I didn’t have a personal agenda. And I still don’t. My communities set my priorities. Which is why it is so important that I take the time to attend local road and fire board meetings, community council meetings, and neighborhood gatherings, to hear firsthand about local concerns. I have been working pretty much 7 days/week for the last 3 years advocating for the communities in District 7 and am proud to have helped with the following projects and legislation:  

  • Decreased the areawide and non-areawide tax mill rates

  • Allocated $10 million for small businesses impacted by the COVID pandemic

  • Improved winter parking on Oilwell Road in Trapper Creek

  • Eliminated sales tax on utilities in the Talkeetna Water and Sewer district

  • Advocated for additional Career Tech programs at the new Houston High School

  • Appropriated funding for the future Jonesville Area Shooting Range

  • Secured land for a future 40 acre park in Caswell

  • Rehabilitated the historic Willow Log Community Center

  • Facilitated community meetings with AST and MSB Code Compliance to address neighborhood crime issues

  • Helped organize a volunteer Fire Department in Trapper Creek

  • Increased the license plate tab fee allocation for the city of Houston and local road service areas

  • Testified before the State Board of Fisheries on proposals for improved Mat-Su salmon returns

  • Cleaned up metal debris after the McKinley wildfire

  • Built a new library in Willow and remodeled the Community Center

  • Constructed the A Street Trail in Talkeetna

  • Increased the number of full-time staffed ambulances from 5 to 8

  • Opposed the gravel pit in the Sylvan community

  • Constructed the Trapper Creek Water Distribution Point and provided grant funding for free potable water

  • Rebuilt Shirley Towne Bridge

  • Worked with MSB Solid Waste to provide free beetle kill tree disposal sites for residents

  • Sponsored legislation to decrease property taxes for families affected by natural disasters

We were able to accomplish a lot of positive changes in the last three years, but there is more work to do. There are roads to repair and bridges to build, emergency apparatus to upgrade, code compliance cases to clean up, and parks to build. We must continue to support our local schools and staff. We need to prioritize firewise homes and neighborhoods. And to do so- we need a representative who attends our meetings and listens to our concerns. We need someone with the experience to help us find the solutions to our problems.

I have already proven I can do that. I show up. I work hard. I care.

The Mat-Su Borough Election is November 2nd and I would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

Tam Boeve

Tamboeve.com

Celebrating Our Constitution or Treason?

Contributed by Nan Potts   

Constitution Week is here! September 13th-19th. By the time this paper is issued, Constitution Day has past, September 17th. I hope you took the opportunity to read the basic ideologies and undertakings of our Founding Fathers and celebrate in that spirit. Whether you were born in the United States or naturalized, they are your Founding Fathers too!

            It saddens me how many citizens of this country do not understand how our form of government is supposed to function. By reading, understanding and applying the basics within our U.S. Constitution, I’m certain our troubles as a nation would decline.

            Recently I watched a newscast poll asking people in various states weather they prefer Socialism to Capitalism — Some preferred Socialism; they thought people take advantage of Capitalism and it is so easily corruptible. Others stated, they’d like a combination of Socialism and Capitalism (which supports small businesses). A few felt Socialism is the way to go because it puts everyone on equal ground (much different than equal opportunity). 

            When you compare our Constitution to Marx’ and similar 19th century ideologies, you will discover a very expansive dichotomy.

            “ . . . No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of Citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of

law . . .” — Amendment XIV, section 1, U.S. Constitution (ratified July 9, 1868)

            “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” — Slogan, popularized by Karl Marx, in Critique of the Gotha Program (1875)

            Socialism, has it proved better? Look at history. Then, go ask the people who have legally immigrated to this country from the U.S.S.R./Russia, China, Cuba, Venezuela or other oppressive regimes. What do they say?

            The freedom to express one’s opinion is part of our Constitution — Freedom of Speech. Yet, our Constitution also addresses expressing an opinion and supporting it to the extent of revolution against the United States.

            Let’s talk treason (definition): Treason—noun

                        1. The offense of acting to overthrow one's government or to harm or kill its sovereign.

                        2. A violation of allegiance to one's sovereign or to one's state.

                        3. The betrayal of a trust or confidence; breach of faith; treachery.

            No matter which definition you choose to use, the act of betrayal always involves consequences. Currently, news outlets espouse all sorts of betrayal examples — no matter to which side of the political aisle you lean.

            The U.S. Constitution, defines treason in Article III, Section 3:

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

            (IMPORTANT NOTE: Look up Attainder and Corruption of Blood in a good dictionary)

            Within the last twenty years (probably before), we have witnessed change in how our Federal and State levels of government operate; changing laws to increase authority — The Executive Branch has issued a multitude of mandates to its citizens, the Judicial Branch is being altered, and in some places disassembled due to a few unethical individuals. The Legislative Branch is mostly dysfunctional, since many Congressmen and Senators are focused on staying in power instead of working for their constituents who voted them into office.

            Let’s look at current events:

Governmental Abetting?

1. Assisting Big Tech to censor individuals

2. Assisting Big Tech to spy on individuals

3. Doing nothing: • Illegal immigration • Crime • Economic prosperity • Upholding Constitution Laws

4. False data

5. Overreach — multiple Executive mandates

6. Assisting a known enemy (Taliban) of the US, into power — who wish to levy war against us

Governmental Conflicting Ideology and Incompetence?

U.S. Southern border: • Unsecured border (Open Border policy) • Reinstated “Catch and Release” policy • Thousands of unvetted migrants (approx. 10% tested positive for COVID)

Conflicting COVID information — causing confusion, distrust and division

Afghan War withdrawal: • Americans evacuated after troop withdrawal, abandoning some • Handing over U.S. property and equipment to a known enemy (Taliban) • Increasing the potential for increased terrorism, Worldwide (Taliban, ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda).

            Restorations of these debacles can be simple but complicated to execute. They require effort, determination and the ability to think outside of cultural trends.

            Solutions:

Educate the population and citizenry of the US on the proper workings of our U.S. Constitution; their privileges and rights.

Purposes and Execution of: A. Executive Branch, B. Judicial Branch, C. Legislative Branch

Vote into Office those who merit the leadership to hold and conduct The People’s business (not

       popularity contests)

4.    Understand that freedom and peace always come with a price — appeasement does’t work!

            When you have an educated population seeking true betterment of its society, more than likely the society prospers. This is not an opinion but fact — look at the past, including the US.

            There’s the rub! Over the years it appears more people are less knowledgable of our government’s working and more technically savvy, which has a tendency to distract and misinform.

            Another fact, some candidates are elected into office or appointed to positions who only desire the power it provides, rather than the opportunity of perusing desired goals they were entrusted to achieve.

            “Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” — John Adams, Letter to the Massachusetts Militia, 1798

            What caused the failure of the world’s past societies? Answer: Politically uneducated citizenry and the treasonous politicians who promised to serve them.

            With this in mind, people should be asking:

 1. Are the current “Woke” and Socialistic ideologies advancing or retarding our American Experiment?

 2. How does Socialism, which has led to the destruction of millions of people and numerous countries, integrate with the US Constitution?

 3. Why is Socialism gaining momentum?

 4. Are “We The People” being deceived, resulting in crumbling confidence in our governmental leaders?

 5. Is the “Woke” culture luring us into debasing our Laws, our Constitution, and our successful way of life?

 6. Is that same “Woke” culture really acting to overthrow our government and destroy the world’s last bastion of liberty?

            You are capable of doing the research. Why not celebrate Our Constitution in an educated manner? Allow The American Experiment to continue to prosper and then, if necessary, let us really talk Treason.

Berrigan for School Board

Contributed by Lori Berrigan

My name is Lori Berrigan and I am running for School Board in District 1 in the Mat-Su Borough

I grew up in Anchorage starting 1st grade at Oceanview Elementary School and graduating from Steller Secondary School in 1987. I also attended O’Malley Elementary, Hanshew Junior High, and Service High in Anchorage. I have a Degree in Chemistry from Colorado College. I worked as a field chemist on the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline in the 90s. After realizing living in a lab was not my dream job, I went back to school to become a Massage Therapist, specializing in Sports Therapy.  Later, after I had children, I went back to education and earned a certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood Education. I have lived in the MSB since 2004. I have 3 children who attend/have attended MSBSD schools.  All 3 of my children attended BIrchtree Charter School (BTC) and Palmer High.   Prior to BTC, we were a homeschooling family.  My two oldest children are students at UAF, both UA Scholars. 

Since living in the MSB, I have worked hard to bring choices to other MSB families by leading the effort to start BTC. After BTC was approved in 2010, I turned my attention to starting my own business, a Waldorf-inspired childcare and preschool. I remained on the BTC Academic Policy Committee for many years.  BTC and my business, Palmer LifeWays, are now entering their eleventh year. 

In addition to my work with BTC, I have been a member of the Mat-Su Ski Club Board and the Palmer Moose Nordic Ski Team Booster Club.  I also serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the State of Alaska.

My goals on the School Board are:

·       To plan for the growth in the MatSu so classroom sizes can be kept small.

·       To serve all children in the MatSu.  No one child is more important than another. 

·       Foster partnerships and relationships between schools and parents.

·       To be fiscally responsible and provide transparency of public funds.

·       Improve proficiency in students that are below proficiency levels.

·       Maintain, create, and promote programs that give students choice, including college prep and vocational education tracks, and make public schools available to home schoolers.

·       To keep schools open and buses running.

To do all of this, we must invest in the teachers, staff, and students of the MSBSD.  I recently read a teacher saying that teachers this year are “April tired” and it is only October.  Without support from the administration and School Board, I worry that we will lose many great teachers and staff and will have trouble recruiting great teachers and staff.  We see this already in our sub pool, bus drivers, and support staff.  Teaching is a calling, but to be a great teacher you need manageable classroom sizes, support staff, and administration support. 

I look forward to bringing my years of experience working with Charter Schools and budgets, running my own business, working with foster kids, and non-profit board work.  It is time we all recognize we are on the same side, the side of teaching and supporting children in our schools and community. 

Please Vote November 2nd, 2021. 

Behold, The Little Ones.

My Reaction to Anchorage Assembly Mask Mandate Public Hearings

Contributed by Jessica Wright

Last night my husband and I watched the hearing been live streamed on Facebook from 6pm to 11pm happening at Anchorage Assembly Hall. The assembly hall was packed with people who wanted to testify against the mask mandate that Anchorage Assembly has recently proposed and it looked like it will pass due to the fact that the majority of assembly members are Liberals like the former Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. Early that day, my husband heard the hearing is going to be “riveting” according to Dan Fagan so he’s interested to know how it goes. “Riveting” indeed because many Anchorage people can no longer tolerate this new mask mandate and they were strongly against it.

At first, the hearing seemed like a normal hearing. Many citizens pointed out that wearing mask isn’t an effective way to combat the Corona Virus based on medical studies and it creates great discomfort even sickness. Many feel wearing a mask is a personal choice and shouldn’t be forced upon. Some argued that mask mandate isn’t necessary and it will most likely further damage the frail economy of Anchorage.

Some Anchorage residents accused the Assembly for overreach using their power to control the public through this mask mandates. Against the current Mayor Dave Bronson’s wish, the Assembly tell the people to compliant the mask mandate or they will face the penalties.

The next group is the group of professionals like doctors, counselors, teachers testified that wearing mask creates tremendous negative impact on the people especially the youth. The youth suicide rate went sky rocking. Isolation, anxiety, and helplessness were side effect of these mandates. These professionals said wearing mask creates a barrier for their patients /students in learning or coping. It will only make their lives even more difficult. Another group said by mandating mask is the violation of the citizens’ rights because people are not allowed to excise their freedom to choose for themselves.

Then many parents who talked about how difficult to help their children (some are disable kids) to compliant with the mask mandate last year. It opens my eyes to know this mandate has put these people in the living hell because mask mandates only hinging their lives on top of the challenges they have to face their disability. One pregnant mother who happened to be a nurse said she had to choose between her job and her baby because she’s unwilling to take vaccine that she cannot continue to work in that hospital. It feels so wrong that people lose their jobs because of the mandate.

The most unusual group is the youth which is a largest group in the evening. At first, I thought they were just the mouthpiece of their parents. Later I found out they were indeed speak for themselves which I applause for their courage to stand up for themselves. From their testimonies it unfolds what they had to go through as youngsters to live with this mask ordinance. One, they can’t learn well because they can’t see their teachers shape of mouths nor hear very well. Second they can’t see their school mates’ smiles. Third their bodies can’t function well by wearing the mask all day even at after school sports. Fourth, they were persecuted by this mask mandate when they don’t wear the mask even for a moment for their teachers or school mates will police them and demand them to wear the mask. One youth feel the mask mandate has divided the people because he has lost many friends over this issue. He also feels he has been demonized over this mask issue.

The hearing process began like a normal hearing each person spoke his/her logic, reasoning and personal stories. During the halfway, it turned into a religious session. A lady said her family moved away their homeland Germany to America 300 years ago because

they were seeking religious freedom.   Now she feels the mask mandate has deprived her religious freedom. Then a teenager girl offered a prayer asking for more understanding. Then meeting shifted to a freedom fest because a group of teenager girls broke out the national anthem. The crowd cheered and joined them. It felt like a freedom concert because singing the national anthem automatically spread the patriotic spirit. Towards the last hour, however, the meeting turned into a heart wrenching pleading session because youths came forward one after another testifying what’s like to live through the mask mandate. By the time to close the meeting for that night, the atmosphere became heavy.

I think the audience were feeling grievous knowing what had happened to our youth.   One citizen said, “This is a true definition of child abuse.” This mask mandate clearly has robbed our youth’s liberty, and their pursuit of happiness. I pray that we will fight for our freedom as well as our youth’s. We have moral responsibility to protect our little ones from the oppression of the tyranny. They are too Americans and they deserve the freedom that American promised. We need to defend them because if we don’t who will. Behold, the little ones.

A Student’s Tale

Contributed by Nan Potts

It’s Fall and children are back in school!

A time for kids and their parents to rejoice. Classrooms filled with anxious youngsters eager to learn and parents anticipating the continuation of their growing child’s educational experience, right?

Well, that’s the ideal scene.

It wasn’t until the second week of school in Vancouver, Washington, my ten year old granddaughter encountered her first snag in the fifth grade.

Her teacher assigned the class to create posters to welcome all of the students, returning and new. The posters were to be positive and colorful, an “All Welcome” assignment.

The kids worked independently while casually discussing ideas, each coming up with crayon drawn themes. She did two posters. One, “Kindness Zone” which included a bright rainbow. The other poster she came up with was, “All Lives Matter”. This was in response to the idea, “Black Lives Matter”, mentioned by another student. My granddaughter immediately realized the BLM poster was not inclusive and countered with hers.

The ALM poster was rejected by the teacher. WHY? The teacher’s explanation was that some groups required more help or attention than others.

Needless to say, my granddaughter returned home that afternoon upset. Why? The teacher’s explanation didn’t make sense to her.

I happened to call my daughter that night to find out how the second week of school had gone. My granddaughter told me her tale in a an angry voice.

My initial reaction, “What word in ‘All Lives Matter’ does your teacher not understand to be inclusive?”

“I don’t know!” she replied. “I’m so angry! I want to write the Principal!”

I suggested she write out her frustration. It would help clarify her understating of what happened. She   could decide later if to send it.

She did. And, she sent it — to her teacher. This was the email she wrote and sent:

“On Friday you told me that you wouldn’t hang my “ALL LIVES MATTER” poster. Even though at the moment I said that I understood. Now I realize that I do not. I would also like to bring to your attention that we were doing INCLUSIVE posters, the definition of inclusive is not focusing on specific groups like LGBTQ or BLM, it is not even close to that. The definition is really: including DIFFERENT items (or in this case people). So technically by not hanging up my poster that is not being inclusive. Also by not including my poster, which says “all lives matter”, makes me feel like you’re saying, [name of friend]’s life doesn’t matter, [other name of friend]’s life doesn’t matter, YOUR life doesn’t matter, which they do! I just think that all people matter and we all should be appreciated, and you might think that my parents are telling me to write this but that is not the case, this is all me. So I will ask one more time, not angrily but politely, will you please hang my poster? I will leave it at your desk and let you decide tomorrow.

— [granddaughter’s name]

The following day, her teacher confronted her. “I was very impressed,” her teacher said. Her teacher did not hang the poster but continued to defend her stance with an analogy regarding focusing on specific groups. Here is the cartoon analogy the teacher used to justify her stance:

My granddaughter decided on another poster. This time it read, “You Matter”. She felt good about her idea being accepted and enjoyed the remainder of the school day. Unfortunately, she didn’t finish it and it was not posted.

Later that evening, when she told her mom and me how the situation was resolved, she realized she had been manipulated — tears flowed.

In my book that’s an act of betrayal. 

My granddaughter has moved past this episode, but she is thinking twice about what happened: How is ALM different than You Matter? How is, “certain groups, individuals, etc., need more attention than others”, inclusive?

Can different words or wording convey the same thought? The answer, Yep! Words matter for clarification. However, in this case, have the definition of words been changed? The answer, Yes!

In my February article, “The Cancer of Cancel Culture”, I wrote about Cancel Culture (CC) and how it has changed the definitions of words to qualify their fictitious narratives. Now, the CC, our Woke Government and the mainstream media are changing the significance of sentences and phrases:

Peaceful Protesters = Rioters

White Supremacists = Disagreeable White People

Government Mask Mandates = Governmental Control

Government Vaccine Mandates = Governmental Control

Lock-downs = Governmental Control

Monetary Congressional Bills = Higher Taxes, Inflation and Governmental Control

According to Teachers’ Unions, School Boards and the DOJ:

Domestic Terrorists = Concerned Parents                

What? School Boards are voted in by The People (many parents)! What part of the First Amendment is not understood? When have parent voices been silenced in regard to their children’s education? Answer: Never! In fact, teachers for decades have desperately WANTED parental INVOLVEMENT in education.

What has changed? Answer: Leadership, from top government leaders to our teachers and the WOKE folk.

Kids aren’t stupid! Although their minds and emotions are malleable, some kids “get it”. Social trends and teachings have changed dramatically. Kids recognize the divergence from the things they were taught in Kindergarten, First, Second and Third Grades. How can the teachers be trusted if students realize their morals are being twisted — supporting a trending narrative? Kids know it doesn’t make sense. Are these kids confused? You bet! 

Meanwhile, other students absorb the propaganda that social media and WOKE parents provide.

True Socialism has arrived folks. And, people in power have plans for it to stay!

Scary? You bet!

How are you planning to take back control of your kids’ minds and education?

WARNING TO “EDUCATORS”: There are sharp kids in your classrooms who can see through your “Bait and Switch” (BS)!

A Letter to the Mat-Su

Contributed by Bridgette Preston

Dear Fellow Mat-Su Citizens: As Borough Elections are drawing near, (Nov 2,) I hope you’ll take a closer look at Kristi Short as the best choice for a seat on the Borough Assembly to represent District 6. Kristi Short is a great example of the new generation of political leadership our growing Mat Su Valley needs to guide our borough through the growth process.

Her experience as a business owner, involved Fishook community council member, and longtime valley resident give her the perspective to see and understand the challenges and opportunities facing our Borough.

Please vote in the upcoming election and I hope you’ll support Kristi Short for Borough Assembly-District 6. Sincerely, Bridgette J. Preston

A Citizen's Petition  

Contributed by Teresa de Lima

It is a human right to breathe clean air, drink clean water and not be trespassed against by a toxic neighbor.

My last contribution to the paper on this subject was an article about my experience with PM2.5.  It is first hand experience from 28 years of living in Fairbanks underneath the stacks of the power plant on First Avenue.   And you ask- WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU WANT TO LIVE THERE??? Well, because...it's my family home.  Of generations.  

It's where Gramma Hutch brought up around a dozen kids, to include some of Alaska's Pioneers.  I'm not sure the year it was built, 1910 I think, but it's the home of James and Helen Hutchison, for whom the The Hutchison Institute of Technology was named.  It's where my mom grew up, where her children would go visit and run over to Lindy's and get groceries for Gramma.  It was the safe haven for a single mom to come home to raise a couple of boys.  

So right after I contributed the PM2.5 article to The People's Paper in August, I had the incredible opportunity to listen to a broadcast on NPR about Air Pollution and Adult Cognition.  The radio show was Freakonomics and entitled "This is your brain on pollution".   They posit that it is "well-established that air pollution has significant negative effects on the human body.  And many places do require a public announcement when pollution levels are high.  But is it possible that on a given day, high pollution can affect your brain, your cognitive abilities?"  It was fascinating. And sad.  And scary.  And it sure made me feel depressed that in Fairbanks Alaska coal is the main thing being burned to generate electricity.  It's outdated, antiquated and there is a better way- or ways... ways that do not exact the human toll of coal.  

I look forward to learning more about what is going on in Fairbanks to address the pollution of both air and water but the ground as well.  I'm sure that several coal fired power plants don't help things at all.  Because whenever coal is burned, waste is generated.  Toxic Waste.  And that toxic waste is taken from the powerplants -hot and steamy- and dumped on the ground- in unlined areas- upstream and adjacent to wetland and wildlife refuge(s).  This is a human rights issue and it needs to be treated a whole lot more seriously than what I see currently.  

Respectfully,  Teresa

 

World Beyond Covid-19  

By Charles Dean Walker

There’s a world that seems so far and away.

One without the plague of today.

Yet even now we won’t make an inch closer.

Conspiracies of modern medicine.

Have caused sense to rust away.

I’m supposed to smile and say nothing.

When all of the while people are dying.

Handling the truth as eroded away.

So here we stay.

Vagabond Blues  

By Nick Begich Sr.

 

The wind pulls at the Autumn leaves,

In Vagabond Blues

looking out the window

on a Sunday afternoon,

 

Pretty women on cell phones

Lost in idle

When, what they might seek,

Is in the room, sitting there.

 

Did you come out because you wanted to meet?

Or just to be seen, and admired.

No matter, the elegance of your movement

Is not missed in expression outward.

 

We are all there an outward reflection,

Of the immoral internal soul,

And lost in the form of it

Or carried in the body only as a living soul.

 

Flowers out the window,

Hanging baskets still in bloom, in fall.

What brings into form the bloom,

The flower the press into the warmth of the sun.

 

Sun in the high degrees soon lost here,

As darkness forbodes the winter

Not be the winter of the soul

But the search for the warm hearth of heart in cold winter’s breath.

 

Breath in your own breath of life again,

Freed from the sense of it again to remember,

What and who I am….

What be you this blessed day at Vagabond Blues….?

Predator at Midnight

Contributed by Katherine Baker

 

Predator,

Steadfastly staring,

Intense focus,

Daring, snaring,

Baring teeth,

Prepared for tearing,

Lunging forward,

Eyes flaring,

Hope is gone,

Of any sparing,

Death’s final view,

Truth is sharing.

kNOw more

Contributed by  Karly O’Loughlin

You got all wrapped up and presented yourself to me with a ribbon all shiny and enticing, but don’t you see that I’m no longer a child; I don’t want to play with the box and ignore the content. I want the content.

And that ship sailed a long time ago, trapped in a glass bottle and thrown out to sea. All that’s left now are the hands that threw it and grew to regret it and what I hoped to start with was a little honesty but all you cared about was my view of your sobriety.

You missed me this whole time; how can you say you miss me now?

And I know, as you exit my body in waves, this art of detaching myself is like the slow pull of velcro; silent and unnecessary. Because you were never here, so I’m just pulling on air like a crazy person and turning my back on the waves at my feet.

I will continue to wave my arms about and curl my toes into the sand and walk with a sway in my step and smile with my eyes and twirl the curls around my face and be the woman I wish you had swallowed whole and relished and savored and I know I am sacred. Watch the arch of my back as I keep walking. Watch and learn.

Learn so that if someone else’s hands find you, they will be able to hold you without breaking.

Watch so that if you drift on forever, you will remember this love that can hold you and still let go. This love that can walk away and still be love. This love that did and will and is.

Fenway, Park!  

By Randi Perlman

 

A magnificent creature of splendor and grace

Whose beauty and antics put a smile on your face

A bountiful package, from nose tip to tail

A spectacular specimen in every detail

 

His tri-color coat was worn with great pride

And when out and about would stay close by your side

He was gentle and playful, a dog of deep soul

Dignified yet goofy, admired by all

 

He was larger than life, head and heart above others

and smart as a whip when he played with his brothers

 He was stunningly handsome and everyone’s friend,

loved by so many ‘til the way-too-soon end

 

His size was impressive but he never abused it

His majesty spellbinding and hard to refuse it

There was something about him, so hard to define

That set him apart, pushed him past that fine line

 

His paws were enormous but he moved them with care

He impressed in the show ring but never with airs

He was blessed with a family that loved him complete

And they were blessed back by a dog oh so sweet

 

A kind gentle giant, but not just in size

His heart was expansive, his wise loving eyes

He could tell you his thoughts with one simple bark

He brought joy to admirers if you said Fenway, park!

 

He was one of those dogs who was just so much more

Who made you just want to get down on the floor

And hug him and roll with him and be his best friend

 And you knew that he’d be there for you to the end

As he was, and I guess that you can’t ask for more

Than to be greeted each day by Fenway at the door

We all feel his loss and the sadness it brings

But his spirit lives on each time Willy sings

There are no mere words that can paint a clear picture

Of a dog and his family and what they meant to each other

But they shared him with others who all loved him deeply

Now his heart and his soul live forever within me

I’ll always be glad to have known him with love

And look forward to the day when we meet up above…

In wondrous memory of a magical dog, and a loving tribute to the family who cherished him.