Democratic Caucus: We Must. We Shall.

by: Jeanette

Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:00:32 PM AKST

The Democratic Party has scheduled a Caucus on Saturday March 20th, 2010 at the Lucy Cuddy Center, UAA campus at 9:00 a.m.
(Building # 6 on map: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/map/...

Bravo.  Give me some more vitamins.  Raucus Caucus.  Raucus Caucus.  

I read this excerpt from Ted Kennedy's book, True Compass.  I think its message has meaning today in a post Obama election America whose participants feel a similar sense of confusion and betrayal.

It was a question that many in Congress must have asked themselves.  It implied a crushing sense of betrayal.  Here we were, by our own sights, a collection of affluent, well-educated, polically successsful white men who had devoted years to a constellation of causes that might well have led to electoral defeat for any or all of us.  School desegregation. Desegregation in universtities.  Desegregation in transportation and public gathering places.  The Civil Rights Act.  The Voting Rights Act. The poll tax repeal. We acted, as I have said, because we believed that the principle of equality and justice among the races was a cause larger than our own ambitions.  We believed that our victories in these causes would change history.  And at the very moment in American time when we were anticipating a mood of joyfulness and uplift, our cities were exploding in violence.  How could it be?

There we no easy answers (True Compass, p. 247).

We elected our first African-American president to whom we look for change.  Many of us in Alaska, went out on a limb to express our desire for a more progressive approach to government.  Many of us risked retaliation by our employers and our peers for publicly expressing our progressive ideas and opinions.  We feel disappointed, but do we need to be?  

Echoing Ted Kennedy, who found many of his dreams thwarted by events beyond his control, there are no easy answers, more correctly, no obvious answers.    Answers can be found, and evidence of change does exist, however, we must be aware of how and where to find those answers and be wiling to look beyond the superficial to identify those changes that have occurred.  

A very careful study of government in Washington today, specifically in our many Departments will reveal that much improvement has occcured in the past year.  The FDA has received long overdue funding and has utilized that money to hire inspectors to ensure our meats and produce are safe (have you noticed that our meat once again bares evidence of the blue and pink stamp of inspection).  The TSA has and continues to undergo reorganization to improve its service and in doing so has pin pointed weak areas in the system (Department of Homeland Security reports).  More importantly, a change in leadereship culture encourages personnel to expose weakness rather than hide it and bluster through with false bravado.  The Department of Health and Human Services has begun the slow, arduous climb back towards rebuilding a system starved nearly to death by far right Republican's staunch refusal to neither fund it nor outright abolish it.  This department will play a key role in providing the infrastructure that will revitalize public health in ways only envisioned by those who desperately fought to implement it for all Americans.  

Now, more than ever, we need to back incumbants who represent middle class America, both to keep them informed of our will and show our support.  We do this not because they deserve special treatment, but because we believe their actions in Congress have demonstrated their value as representatives to ALL of the cities, boroughs and districts, rich and poor alike.  Those who have done well by their constituents should be rewarded with the privilege to continue in service.  

I feel certain that our country has moved, at least in part, away from the notion that a candidate can be 'sussed up by reading a few slogans, or a popular hairdo.  I know the fellow recently elected to the Senate in Massachussets seems to embody those very characteristics, but I believe he won, based not on superficial charisma, but because of the lack of voter turnout in the state.  

Voter turn out must be the key.  Every time the numbers in the ranks of the every day citizen swell, a progressive candidate, mindful of the larger structure of humanity, gets elected.  I cannot stress enough, that our greatest challenge in the coming election is to find ways to get as many people to the polls as possible.  We must genuinely reach out to those in need of assistance, who wish to be active citizens, and get them to the voting booth.  As community organizers who love our communities, we have to help every citizen see the importance of their vote.  We must link them to the process of government, and  remind those in government that the poorest and hardworking amongst us have a voice.  

I am one of those who must be reminded.  I know the frustration that grips me and threatens to paralyze me, to convince me I am powerless.  I have no time, no money.  I have stood idle in the belief that "If only I could get above the hassles of everyday existence, and find the time I need to make a difference."  These realities plague me, and I am certain plague many working class and middle class constituents in many voting districts.  But if I do not participate in my government, who will?  I will tell you.  Those with time and money.  

However powerful money may seem in government, it  cannot affect the power of one day in the polls when the public chooses to flex its electoral muscle.  Money can be used by those in power to forestall us in court with endless appeals, while they wait for us to die (Exxon Valdez), but they cannot stop us from marching to the polls.   We stop ourselves.  We allow ourselves to be beaten down.  We allow ourselves to indulge in self pity, and hopelessness. Let us not forget, we number in the millions, and we make a difference when we vote.  Obama's election proved that possible.  Now we must apply that discipline, that belief to local politics. If we are powerless, and our vote does not count, why then did those in control of southern government in the sixties turn the hoses on the young people who traveled to the south to register black voters, and on the voters themselves when they showed up to participate in their government?

Here and now, we either embrace the concept of grass roots, or we bury our heads in the sand and cry "foul."  Our system of government was intended to flow from the bottom up.  Our President is "inaugurated" meaning that he/she is embedded into a system of government already in place.  They are not crowned or incorporated.  They do not gain their position by buying controlling shares in company stock.  They are "inaugered."  If the system is ineffective, how effective can a President be?  We are the system.  It was structure to serve and protect, to provide the religious freedom and economic level playing field necessary to make "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" available to all humanity.  We the people are the most glorious part of the system.  We are volitale and unpredictable.  We are the backbone of the workforce that generates the taxes that drive the engine of government.  Why should we not care who administers the wealth we work to provide?  

The assemblymen and women we elect to local council must make budgets, plan neighborhoods and administer those who uphold the codes and laws that govern the citizens.  They do so within the confines of state and federal law.  They are the first in the chain that links each community to the larger government in Juneau and in Washington D.C.  What hope have we to influence how our federal money is spent if we do not take interest in this most basic link?  The budget they create  becomes part of the tapestry of the state fiscal design that in turn is woven into the larger federal budget.  If we do not ask for what we want in clear terms how can we expect to receive the money we need to build stronger neighborhoods?

We can meet these local candidates face to face.  We can demand they answer the public call for information, debate and something more relevant than a billboard sign, a sixty second sound bite over the airwaves, a Tweet or even droves of sign waivers.  We can refute the money they spend on campaigns by demanding they address us in public in buildings and during business hours paid for with our money.  We have this power.  We can tell them in letters and post cards that we want them in person, not on a triple fold piece of card stock stuffed into the cracks of our doors while go about the business of living.  We can cut through the mountains of money that bolster their drive for office by dictating to them the terms of their candidacy.

I urge all to attend the Democratic Caucus.  Bring your ideas, and your spirit.  This caucus gives us a platform to launch our concerns, but we must also bring a spirit of cooperation.  How have you been effected by your local representation?  What can they do to meet your needs and expectation.  In turn, how can they convey to you the difficulties they face?  What do they need from us to help them achieve their goals in Congress.  Be prepared to sweat.  Awe the leadership with your numbers once again.  Alaska stands at a cross roads in time.  The old cannot be as it was, nor will the future simply emerge rosy and complete without our participation.  

I will end by saying that when one talks to many of the younger, politically active folk in Anchoroage, one begins to ascertain that they possess a bit more patience their parents and grandparents.  They seem to reckon correctly that the change they seek will not be attained in one or even two presidential cycles.   No.  This generation is a lovely paradox of rationales in that, while they thrive on instant messaging and the joy to be had in acquiring the latest design in skinny jeans or a coach purse, they possess a healthy skepticism of those who believe that they will achieve salvation and the good life by hating the right people, investing blindly in the stock market because "I said so," and rejecting the principle that government seeks only to destroy humanity.  

As always, I am hopeful.  As always, I believe in my fellow humans to do what is right.    
 

The Conflict Between Starr an Selkregg is the Rally Cry for the Next Elections

by: Jeanette

Wed Nov 04, 2009 at 21:06:11 PM AKST

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/sto...

This article was posted today on the KTUU Channel News Website.  

Last night the Anchorage Assembly met to discuss and adopt Mayor Sullivan's six year budget plan, a fifteen page plan drafted by the Mayor and his office outlining Anchorage's financial future.

The usage of the word socialism has frankly been worn out.  Those who use it seem not to truly grasp its meaning.  I had to comment on the article, and to reply to others who made comment.

Somebody please, in plain English, outline for me how our society has adopted socialism? As I understand the current usage of the term our churches engage in socialism. Churches regularly collect money from the members of their congregation, and redistribute the money to those it determines to be most in need. This is a basic principle of Christian faith and practice. Those of us who have been blessed with more give to those who have less or none. I have no problem extending this tenant of my faith in God to my state and nation. I render to Caesar what is Caesars as Jesus requested I do. I do so because it betters my society, and goes beyond what I or my congregation could do locally. Most of what I contribute goes to the upkeep of the infrastructure of my state and nation, and I am proud of that fact. If a portion is misused, well then that is but a portion, and those responsible can be brought to bare for their crimes. My faith tells me that their misdeeds will come around to trip them up eventually. I look around and see all that comprises my city, my district, my world, and I am grateful for it, and proud to have paid taxes to nurture it. I am blessed, and I can afford to pay a little extra to see to it that someone less fortunate than I has a better chance at life. My government isn't bad. It is run by humans, and there but for the grace of God go I.

Assemblyman Starr is a businessman.  He was elected to help run our city, to watch over its fiscal health and the physical well being of its occupants.  We pay his salary.  If we want a portion of our taxes to be redistributed to the poorest of our citizens, or to improve the commons (public places of commerce, government or recreation), then so be it.  If not to benefit our small portion of society, its commerce, trade, recreation, public health, etc., then for what do we pay taxes?

I have no doubt that Sheila Selkregg was acting on behalf of her constituency in District 19 of which I am a member.  She has done so consistently even when it has put her in direct conflict with other Assembly members and Mayor Sullivan.

District 19 has been extremely blessed to have elected three competent and able individuals to watch over our public welfare.   At the city level, we have Sheila Selkregg, who has an amazing head for business, and pragmatic approach to problem solving, yet consistently manages to apply both traits to the humanity of the people she was elected to serve.  Her steadfast defense of human rights during the long months of hearings on AO 64 (the sexual orientation ordinance) showed great character and fortitude.

To represent the needs of Muldoon in the state House, we have Pete Petersen.  http://www.petepetersen.net/.  Anyone who has taken the time to get on Representative Petersen's email list, will attest to the fact that information floweth freely from his office.  I will attest to the fact that its content is as accurate as I can validate through normal means of fact finding available to the citizen.  Representative Petersen has been  involved in and effective at researching and addressing such issues as Enstar's rate hikes, and the suspiciously high cost of fuel in Alaska.  By involved I mean he has been out gathering information, helping to draft legislation, and finally, to get the information gathered back out to his constituency.

Finally, serving ably in the Senate is Bill Wielechowski.  http://senate.legis.state.ak.u...  Senator Wielechowski has done a tremendous job for District J. His feedback to his constituency during the AGIA process was much appreciated.  So little was known about the process, and on several occasions, he or his immediate staff responded directly to my doubts and concerns.  Like Representative Petersen emails, the Senator's newsletters go beyond mere campaign bulletins, and the facts they provide have been invaluable to me in my personal attempt to keep up to date on public issues.  The young Senator has either drafted or help to draft key legislation to combat unfair prices hikes by utility companies, and high fuel price.

All of these individuals will have my vote next election so long as they continue to uphold their oaths of office.  Those votes do not come easily, and they cannot be bought.  They have earned them by meeting all of my criteria for what makes a solid servant of the public.  They have first done no harm, and secondly helped to safeguard against wrongdoing in both commerce and the public.  They have attended to the fiscal concerns of our district and of the state.  But above that they have been accessible to their constituency, to those who extended to them the privilege of serving in office.  They live in their district, and interact with those they serve.  I have seen no evidence of self seeking, and I have been vigilant.  Those who have read my blogs know that I love research.  They have demonstrated more than adequately, and in many instances outstandingly that they have the experience to do their jobs, and the fortitude to persevere when standing up for the public.  They have done even when it has placed them in opposition to the wishes of the business or the religious community.  They have shown no disdain for these institutions.  To the contrary, I believe their actions will ultimately protect them (though some may not think so).  Finally, I observe in them the humility to recognize that, should they swerve from the path of duty and service to the citizens of their state and the Constitution we all uphold, they will be replaced.

My purpose for this lengthy atta boy/girl for the public servants of Muldoon is a simple one.  Representative Petersen, and Senator Wielechowski are progressives, and Democrats.  The conservative Republicans have gathered candidates to run for those offices held by Representative Petersen and Senator Wielechowski.  They have this right.  I cherish their right to do so, but I worry that their reasons for seeking election may not be in the best tradition of public service.  By this I mean, I suspect they wish to run for reasons other than to better the health, welfare and economy of the public who may elect them to office.  If this is not the case, then they have only to prove themselves more worthy than the incumbent candidates.  Fair enough, but a warning to them:  our district has had enough of moral piety and empty campaign promises.  We have at our disposal two able bodied gentlemen who have proved their mettle in office.   What ever the opposition offers it had best meet the highest standards of office for they will be scrutinized, and their past actions carefully weighed for sincerity of merit.  Muldoon has just begun to see a spark of resurrection amidst economic disaster.  We have much to lose should we chose unwisely.  Our progression towards better neighborhoods, less crime, safer roads and better schools has been slow but it has been steady and meaningful.

The gathering of forces of the opposition to our incumbents in Muldoon will undoubtedly occur in other districts throughout the state.  As the next election draws near, we, the progressive citizens of all districts in Alaska must replay in our hearts and heads the words of our newly elected President one year ago.  We must remember that we the people must do our part to ensure that progress remains vital and alive.  Not simply the progress of commerce and trade of a nation (the big boys and girls will slug it out and eventually the tide will turn), but the progress of our small communities and the people who live and work in and for them.  We must take great pains and make necessary sacrifices of time, money and talent to ensure that those who have faithfully served us as they promised to serve us will be reelected.  We must give support to new faces who demonstrate to us a sincere desire and posses credible skills to serve their communities on behalf of the electorate who place them in office.  We must get out and vote.  We must help our neighbors get out and vote.  We must be willing to discuss the politics of our neighborhoods, and confront those would run for office with our concerns and questions.  If volunteers for the candidates we support call us for assistance, we must be willing to dig as deeply as we are able to answer that call.  If we lack money, we must contribute time.  If we lack time, we must contribute money when possible.  If we lack both resources, then we must lend to them the strength and the power of our voices.  We must explore the six degrees of space that separate us one from another.  If we respect our fellow man, we can find a way to discuss a subject that is important to our mutual welfare.  Yes, we will sometimes face hostility, but what is an instant of inconvenience compared to possibly years of it should someone unqualified to serve be elected?  To what lengths are we willing to go to see our children be welled schooled, our infrastructure in good service and repair, and our elders adequately cared for should they have no resources other than the public good will?  These will be the questions to ask ourselves in the next several months, as we recall the thrill of the last Presidential election, and as we listen attentively to the arguments on the Hill of our Capital as they decide the future of health care reform.  Democracy lives, breaths and we have the privilege of participating in it Day to Day.

Anchorage & homelessness

by: yksin

Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 00:37:01 AM AKDT

A note from Mel: This is to introduce a guest post from my friend Marcia Barnes, who contacted me earlier tonight in reaction to a report in the Anchorage Daily News about the eviction of a homeless camp on Veteran's Ridge in the Mountain View neighborhood of Anchorage. [Ref #1] She had actually written something about it, but didn't know what to do with it.  I'd already offered to publish on my blog a guest post from another friend -- it didn't take any thought at all for me to offer that to Marcia as well, especially because this is also an issue that I'm concerned about, but I haven't the energy to write much about it now.  So I'm very happy to have Marcia's thoughts, & that she was willing to present them here.

I work, as I've mentioned before, at the Justice Center at University of Alaska Anchorage, where among other things I'm responsible for the layout of our quarterly research publication the Alaska Justice Forum.  Our most recent issue, published just a couple of weeks ago, includes an detailed look at homelessness in Alaska and in Anchorage. [Ref #2] Who are the homeless? where are they found? how many are there? what are their circumstances?  Take a look at that article to gain some context for what we're really facing with homelessness in Anchorage, & ask yourself: are we handling it the best way possible?  See also the website of the Anchorage Coalition on Homelessness. [Ref #3] -- Mel

Anchorage & homelessness

by Marcia Barnes

I am trying to decide how to respond to the article in the Anchorage Daily News today regarding the clearing out of the homeless camp in Mountain View. [Ref #1]  I understand people's concerns regarding the presence of the camp and possible problems.  However, I wonder at the humanity of the way it has been handled.  People with no place to go are routed and their possessions confiscated.  If they are fortunate they have various family, friends or acquaintances with whom they may stay.  However if not, they are still out on the streets and  it is getting closer to winter, most of their winter gear is gone and they have to start scrounging all over again, perhaps stealing or more panhandling to get enough money for gear at the Salvation Army or Bishops Attic. Several people there were working but because of past problems, messing up ASHA or being disqualified because of a felony or simply not earning enough to be able to pay the amount of money it costs to get into an apartment, they are homeless.   Though some are working,  with no place to stay they might actually lose the jobs they do have.

It does not look like the city has offered many options for help to this group of really desperate people.  Supposedly things are in the works so that when it happens again there will be social services available with recommendations of places to go for help.  Perhaps  the Mayor's Homelessness Task Force is working on it, but that does not help those people currently routed from some kind of stability, it does not provide the Housing First option that is working in some other states and cities;  it, in fact does nothing but cause the problem to move to another location, or back to the present one in a few weeks.   Did the "clean up" of the camp accomplish making the area safer for the school and the neighborhood?  I don't know, perhaps it might have.  Perhaps it did not.  The reality is that Anchorage will continue to see deaths of homeless people that could have been avoided with better preparation and support.  It is a difficult situation, but if we are to deal with it with hope for any positive resolution, a plan needs to be in place to work with people prior to shoving them out of the camps.

There may be  money available through the Mental Health Trust Authority for start up to help those who need it and qualify as stakeholders.  Money might also be available through Behavioral Health to help those dealing with mental illness or substance abuse.  I believe funding should be sought from Native Corporations, as there are a large number of homeless Alaska Native people and culturally appropriate interventions could help tremendously.  There might be funding available through Alaska Housing for specialized housing and there might be funds available through a consortium of private or church charities. I assume the Task Force will deal with some of these organizations and attempt to develop some kind of program for those the city is moving.

Expecting any real benefit from routing out a group of people from one area only to watch them move to another because the problem of housing is still not solved is futile.  It allows the news to have something to do, the police have something to do, and those living at the homeless camps can become more and more desperate.  A small band-aid over a severed artery is not much help.  The city needs to develop a humane and effective program to assist homeless people into appropriate  housing with supports that help them maintain that housing.  Then, rousting a camp could make sense or not be needed.

References

1. 10/19/09. "Mountain View homeless camp cleared out: Citations issued as squatters have 20 minutes to gather belongings" by Lisa Demer (Anchorage Daily News).
2. "A Look at Homelessness in Alaska" by Justice Center, University of Alaska Anchorage. Alaska Justice Forum 26(2): 2–5 (Summer 2009).
3. Anchorage Coalition on Homelessness (website).

A "Conservative" on Homelessness, Part I--Why does Dan Fagan hate Anchorage's homeless children?

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Oct 16, 2009 at 03:06:16 AM AKDT

Dan Fagan, talk-show-host-with-delusions-of-being-an-Anchorage-School-District-expert (though he has no children and didn't attend school in Alaska), once again waxes false on all matters educational.  This time, he accuses the Anchorage School District of "inflating" the number of homeless kids and the media of covering it up.  Why on Earth would anyone believe that educators would want to skew those numbers?

According to Dan, it's because ASD wants all of our "tax dollars" in any way they can get them...and the media is helping in that conspiracy.

It's very difficult to quote from the article because it's literally impossible to find anything in it that isn't a half-truth or a complete fabrication.  I'll simply share information I obtained through my own conversation with David Mayo-Kiely and will provide links to actual documentation that best explains the program but can't possibly explain Dan's outright lies.

According to the ASD Website:

In addition to the children and youth temporarily residing in shelters, the CIT/H Project also works with children and youth who stay in other transitional living situations such as tents, campgrounds, motels, cars or with friends. Our staff works with parents to assist them with their roles as first educator, helper and advocate in their child's continuing educational experience.

Note the key phrase:  "transitional living situations."  This ties in with the first claim Fagan was making against the ASD--that they counted any kids living with relatives as "homeless," even going so far as to claim that they were randomly counting all family members living together as "homeless."  

The above statement and corresponding federal documentation shows that to be untrue.

The Anchorage School District's policy on homeless youth is dictated by Federal mandate...an unfunded mandate at that.  It is the result of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act which has an interesting history Mr. Fagan clearly ignored:

...the legislation was passed by large bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress in 1987. After the death of its chief Republican sponsor, Representative Stewart B. McKinney of Connecticut, the act was renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on July 22, 1987.

According to the Act's definition:

The term "homeless children and youths"--

(A) means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (within the meaning of section 103(a)(1)); and

(B) includes--

(i) children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;

(ii) children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings (within the meaning of section 103(a)(2)(C));

(iii) children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and

(iv) migratory children (as such term is defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in circumstances described in clauses (i) through (iii).

When I spoke to Mr. Mayo-Kiely, the key word to look at when determining whether or not a child qualifies as "homeless" is "choice."  Is that family living with a relative or friend because they "chose" to be there, or did they just lose their housing and had nowhere else to go?  The second family (the one "in transition") would be counted as "homeless" under the definition.

Mr. Mayo-Kiely also emphasized that people fitting that description...living with a relative or friend, make up an extremely small percentage of the overall number.

The second issue Mr. Fagan has a problem with are the actual numbers involved.  According to Mr. Mayo-Kiely, there were 1176 homeless students as of September 30, 2009 who met the federally mandated criteria...this was up from 852 students who met the criteria in September of 2008.  Today, he said the count has risen to 1255 ASD students.  If we include their siblings who are not students in the District, the count rises to 1990 children.  

If Fagan had been paying attention, he would discover that these numbers are not at all unreasonable.  

Recently, the School District was surprised by 500 new students for which they were unprepared:

 The School District has had a surge of 516 students that administrators were not planning on when classes started last month,and needed an additional 30 teachers and 23 tutors and teacher's assistants to keep class sizes low, Superintendent Carol Comeau said.

And this may be a trend:

The School District found itself in similar straits last year. With several hundred more students enrolled in its 100 schools than officials had planned on by the same time last year, the School Board approved spending $1.7 million to hire 18 more teachers plus other staff.

And where these kids are coming from would have a HUGE impact on the numbers:

Many of the students showing up in classrooms last year were from families who had moved to Anchorage from the Bush or the Lower 48, Comeau said.

In other words, the school district was flooded with folks who left their homes to move here looking for jobs, a PFD and a place to live.  By the way, now that the PFDs have come in and conditions in Rural Alaska are dire, educators are concerned that they will see more children coming into the District over the next few months.  It's not hard to do the math and see how the numbers add up.  Ignoring that, there is still plenty of other evidence:

--the shelters in Anchorage, especially those for families and children like McKinnell House, Claire House and the AWAIC Shelter, have ALREADY been at and over capacity in September and October with waiting-lists to get in.

--The Anchorage Coalition on Homeless's emergency shelter plan called "Beyond Shelter" already has a waiting list this year.  I repeat, this is the "emergency plan" for those who need shelter immediately.

--Where it used to be that to show one was "homeless" would speed up the process to get Anchorage Housing Section 8 Assistance, that is no longer the case.  Today, homeless families must wait six months to a year for rental assistance.

--Elgin Jones of Kid's Kitchen has put out calls for assistance as the number of children he now feeds everyday is skyrocketing.

--Food Bank of Alaska has seen an explosion in the need for charitable food starting in 2008. Many across the state believe that trend will only continue.

Only a complete idiot would not understand that homelessness is on the rise and that homeless families are the fastest growing group.

Finally, Dan Fagan's argument is based on the assumption that we are wasting tax dollars on these homeless children.  Let's examine what benefits they get:

1)  Free lunch through the FEDERALLY MANDATED school lunch program.  However, this program also has a sliding-fee-scale component for which all children are eligible so it isn't a "benefit" only for these kids.  It's most likely that the majority of families designated as "homeless" would already fit that financial criteria without the designation.

2)  FEDERALLY MANDATED transportation to their "school of origin."  This only applies, of course, if there is a "school of origin" so this wouldn't benefit folks coming in from out-of-state or out-of-town.  

The reason for this goes along with the of the McKinney-Vento Act's commitment to helping children's success in school.  Studies show that when one upheavel (losing their home) is compounded by going to a strange school, kids are less likely to thrive.  Keeping homeless kids in familiar surroundings helps them to cope better with a difficult situation.

David Mayo-Kiely explained that when making these transportation decisions, they always look for the most cost-effective methods. I looked it up in the 2008-2009 District Budget to see how much the school bus transport would cost for the Homeless Program:  $380,000.  However, when compared to the cost of the regular Contracted Bus Transport ($11,275,622) the cost appears to be minimal.  

And by the way, DID I MENTION THAT THE TRANSPORTATION AND COSTS ARE FEDERALLY MANDATED?

Also, Mr. Fagan seemed to be incensed that there were a few of these students who actually took a taxi to school.  

Again, the District determines the most cost-effective method and these situations where someone rides a taxi are extremely rare. However, as I learned from this article on busing kids home to Girdwood from South High after extracurricular activites, it costs about $125 - $150 each day to run those busses one way. A $15.00 taxi ride each way for a child sure seems like a bargain.

I also wondered where was Mr. Fagan's "outrage" when No Child Left Behind was passed--one of the largest unfunded mandates in history?  Title 1 schools fail for the year if only one of the 42 categories isn't met (example:  not enough AK Native children showed up to take the test that day).  If they "fail" two years in a row, parents can choose to have their children bussed to a different school using our property taxes.

For some reason, that doesn't bother Dan Fagan...probably because a good chunk of the blame for that falls on George W. Bush.

To summarize:

Dan Fagan is upset that the Anchorage School District is doing its job by identifying and assisting homeless youth based on federally mandated criteria established by Ronald Reagan.  He is further incensed because this federal mandate is unfunded, thereby requiring that the money to follow these regulations comes from the General Fund.  However, he's not upset by the hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the General Fund which must pay for the requirements of No Child Left Behind.

Have I got that about right?

One Million For What: No Tribute Will I Pay To Palin This Day

by: Jeanette

Thu Oct 01, 2009 at 18:50:52 PM AKDT

My grandmother woke up before dawn every morning for the first forty years or more of her life, trudged out of doors, loaded coal into a bucket, walked back to her home, and stoked up the pot bellied stove so that her family would be warm when they came to the table for breakfast.  

The single mother who lives beside me gets up every morning, feeds her cubs, and drives them to school every morning, so that they can have a better future.    

The Philippine woman who lives on the other side of me works in a hotel everyday while her husband manicures yards, and plows snow at all hours to save money for their son's college education.  She frets over the fate of her relatives back in the Philippines.

Our own beloved Diva I surmise, tends her flock, her garden, her home, and her daughter so that they will all prosper and thrive, and still she finds the time to question authority out of control.  

Ann Strongheart fought for the well being of her community, cares for her daughter, tends to the everyday chores, and buried her husband...

A gay woman grabs a cup of Java, kisses her partner of ten years good morning, heads to work, skirts unwelcome intrusions into her private life so that she can keep her job.  

A young woman begins a career in an industry dominated by men.  She has to work harder than most men to prove herself.  She finds ways to cope, to get 'er done in the face of impossible odds.

All over Alaska, ordinary woman do extraordinary tasks for their families, for themselves, for their careers.  Many, if not most, do not question their lot in life.  They do.  They must.  They have no choice.

Sarah Palin was blessed with good looks, the opportunity to attend college, colleges, and the extraordinary good fortune of being in the right place (post Murkowski Alaska) at the right time.  She had all the advantages, and what did she do?  She quit.  She walked away from her career, her goal, her dream.

Picture me in a cafeteria on my lunch break.  I am surrounded by men whom I respect, and who I believe respect me.  We are watching the TV overhead.  The teleprompter running under the face of the pretty newswoman announces that former Governor Palin's book sells one million copies during its first day of release.  I sit quietly.  The man on my left comments that Sarah didn't have a chance against the legislators.  The man on my right chimes in and remarks that she did the right thing by resigning.  She couldn't get anything done with all the opposition against her.  The man opposite me agrees with the second man's assessment.  I take a deep breath, and make the following comment.  I will paraphrase.

"Everyone of you sitting next to me is a supervisor in this company, and I bet not one of you got where you where by giving in to the 'opposition.'  Not one of you would respect a man for making the kind of decision that Sarah Palin made, and this conversation would be very different if it had been a man.  Well, I am not cutting her any slack.  She signed on to be a governor, and she quit.  As a woman, as a citizen, I am disappointed.  I worked my ass off as a maintainer in the Air National Guard, and I didn't quit.  I know a lot of women who face much greater adversity, and they didn't quit, and I am saddened that a woman who obviously quit in the face of hardship will make unfathomable amounts of money by hiring someone to write her story, and sell it to the public."

I stood up, put my tray in the little tray thingie by the galley, smiled at the airman first class manning her station, and walked back to my cubicle.  

Women live in my state who can write words that bring tears to my eyes.  Women live in this state (CC, this one is for you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support), who despite anguish and hardship, fulfill their obligations no matter the pain.  Women live in this state who carry burdens on their shoulders no woman should be asked to carry, and never flinch, never question.  I love these women.  I cherish these women.  I want to tell them all that they matter.  I don't understand why the world twist and turns as it does.  I don't know why some women die in the span of the few seconds it takes for a bomb to explode over a city in Bosnia, while others reap rewards undeserved.  

Why, why and why?  There but for the grace of our maker go I.

If Mayor Sullivan has his way, I see more tragedy in Anchorage's future

by: Celtic Diva

Sun Sep 20, 2009 at 18:34:20 PM AKDT

Early this morning, 17-year-old Desirae Douglas was gunned-down at a party over in the Muldoon area which had been going on for hours.  The neighbors had not been remiss...they had reported the "rowdy" gathering more than an hour before the shooting:

Police received initial reports of a rowdy gathering around 1 a.m., but the event was not immediately investigated because of other priorities. At approximately 2:15 a.m. shots were fired.

This is far from the first time that tragedy has occurred because of a lack of police resources.  As a matter of fact, Anchorage is #1 among all cities in the US in several violent crime categories yet has an extremely low resident-per-officer ratio: 1.31 per 1000 residents. The average ratio among all US cities is 3.0 officers per 1000 residents.

As an example--New York City has 4.27 and a much lower violent crime rate. (Anchorage rapes per 100,000--90.4, New York City--10.6; Anchorage assaults per 100,000--588.8, New York City--332).  While that is not a sole determinant of crime rates, it's only common sense that the police need enough officers to answer calls that could easily escalate into tragedy...like last night.

However, Anchorage's new Mayor Dan Sullivan doesn't see things the same way:

Some worried about police coverage on the Seward Highway, concerned about specific funding to help troopers hand out tickets on the dangerous road after more than $1 million in reductions to the police department.

We're not even addressing the cuts he wants to make to the fire department.

For the family of Desirae Douglas, none of this matters right now as they mourn the sudden loss of their 17-year-old daughter.  However, it should matter to the rest of us and it will matter to future families who may face the unthinkable.

(Note:  2008 was a banner year for homicide as Anchorage only had 10...40% of 2007.  However, this is not the case in 2009.  While we had only five homicides by July of 2008 we already had four homicides by February of 2009.  As I can find no other mention of a "low" number of homicides in Anchorage this year...it was all over the news last year...and I feel like I've heard about a homicide-a-week this summer, I'm guessing we are back up to our normal numbers.  I'll call APD this week and see if I can get 2009 numbers.)

Senator Murkowski's Opinion of Health Care Reform Remains Unchanged

by: Jeanette

Fri Aug 21, 2009 at 10:03:32 AM AKDT

I was very disappointed yesterday when at four o'clock p.m., I realized the window installers had a made a mistake that would need to be corrected immediately.  I had to wait for them to come and fix the problem.

A good friend of mine, "B, attended the meeting, and has kindly agreed to share with me her notes.  In addition to "B"s notes, I also read several news accounts of the Town Hall meeting including this from KTUU, Channel 2.  

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/sto...

From what I learned, it doesn't appear that Senator Murkowski's views on health care reform have changed at all since her last town hall in Fairbanks, or from what is published on her website.  

http://murkowski.senate.gov/pu...

Senator Murkowski still thinks the "bill" (note the singular form of the word) before Congress is "to costly and ineffective."  My friend, who shall be called "B" told me that the Senator did not chose to discuss in any great detail how and why she believes the health care plan is too costly and ineffective.  Costly and ineffective compared to what:  the current situation with multi-payer, for profit, health insurers who have a 35% (AETNA) and 65% (Blue Cross) control of the health insurance market in Alaska? What is the comparison between the 1 billion spent in Alaska on Medicaid to the $200 billion wasted by the health insurers through "ineffective" administrative costs (AMA 2009 National Health Insurers Report Card).  How many years does it take for $200 billion to add up to one trillion?    

Apparently, at one point during the meeting, a young woman of high school age, stood up and commented that people didn't seem as inclined to protest the cost of the Iraq war, and no one seems to want to discuss how the debt from the war will impact future generations.  And, yet, she noted, people all over the country keep talking about the trillion dollar cost of health care reform and the burden it will place on the youth of America.  "B" said the audience gave the young lady a nice round of applause after she finished speaking.  

The Senator did remark that "she agrees changes do need to be made" to the current system of health care, but had nothing much to say about the Republicans plan to make those changes. "B" reported that members of the audience made comments both in favor of and against Medicare and Medicaid.  Murkowski reiterated her belief that both of these programs are inadequate to meet health care needs of Alaskans.  The Senator did not discuss the chronic lack of funding for these programs, and its impact on the ability of the programs to retain the services of medical providers.

Contrast this with the Chamber of Commerce meeting on August 10th.  Senator handed out several very well organized fliers at his meeting.  They were ripe with facts and figures, as well as credible sources to back them up.  Those very same facts, figures and links to helpful informational sites can be found on his website.  Senator Murkowski's site contains roughly the same information she presented at the town hall meeting last night and earlier in Fairbanks.

KTUU reported that:

"The forum was pretty tame compared to last week's held by Sen. Mark Begich where a large crowd turned out to shout down the plan. On hand Thursday were people on both sides of the debate."

This does not surprise me in the least.  Progressive Alaskans came to hear what the Republicans have to offer the people of America.  To effectively listen one must remain quiet.  In addition, "B" mentioned that the members of her group chose to spread out in the audience so that they could discuss their opinions with folks who were open to doing so.  Contrast this approach with the tactics of "teabaggers" who push to the front of audiences to make their numbers appear larger.  Take that you "big oaf."  

I truly apologize for not having attended.  Despite my criticism of our senior Senator, I refuse to develop a political callous on my liberal heart, and discount the possibility that our presence and voice might not yet convince her to rethink her position.  My belief in the power of rational discussion is what compelled me to remain after the press conference earlier this month, and attempt to talk with protesters.

Here is my response to a news article on the Channel 2 website (link provided above), which sums up my feelings about what Senator Murkowski had to say at the Town Hall meeting:

Bottom line - the goal of health care reform is to make health care more available and affordable to the public. Health insurance is merely a means by which we pay our medical debt. For those of us who can afford it, we purchase a health insurance policy that will pay the most toward that debt. We expect insurers to honor their contractual obligations. Mounting evidence says that this is not always the case. Policies have become overly complicated, riddled with exclusions, and patients and medical providers alike are fed up. The primary culprit in the current mess surrounding health care is the multi-payer, for profit, health insurance system. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), "The inefficient and inconsistent claims process adds as much as $200 billion annually to the health-care system." The following link will take you to the AMA website where one can read the all the details of the 2009 National Health Insurers Report Card from which I took the above quote. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pu...  Private health insurers must either bow to stricter regulation and place the needs of the premium holder above those of the shareholder, or move over and let the government find a solution. If the definition of socialism is the unequal redistribution of wealth, than having the profits from my premiums divvied up at the end of the year for redistribution to shareholders of the company qualifies my private insurer as a socialist institution. I invite anyone who doubts that statement to take a look at the year end financial statements for their health insurance company.

I concur with Linda's comment in her earlier blog that republicans have nothing to add to meaningful health care reform. Indeed, they appear to be in the midst of developing new strategies to further delay reform.  The basic Republican message is, "Let them eat 0g transfat, low carb, no preservative, organic, low sodium cake!"  

To illustrate this final comment, I present this link from last night's Rachael Maddow show.  This is just too good.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26...

 

The Stock Market Rallies and AETNA's Claws Tighten on Alaskan Pocketbooks

by: Jeanette

Mon Aug 17, 2009 at 14:42:39 PM AKDT

http://www.marketwatch.com/sto...

How much more proof do we need that health insurance reform is the cornerstone to health care reform.  

I stated in my article yesterday that the assets of health insurance make up a healthy chunk of many common investor and retirement portfolios.  Our premiums have made insurance companies a lucrative stock option.  The public option directly threatened the profits of health insurance companies and their parent umbrella organizations.  Health insurers, by their own admission, fear competition, especially competition that would offer a true safety net to  policy holders at an affordable rate.  AETNA admits that certain factors,  

"can significantly and adversely affect Aetna's business and profitability; failure to achieve desired rate increases and/or profitable membership growth due to the slowing economy and/or significant competition..."

http://www.aetna.com/news/news...

The stocks of AETNA, the health insurer that holds a 35% share of the insurance industry in Alaska, have rebounded in the wake of several news articles stating that Obama may have abandoned the public option. Such a rebound only strengthens the argument that the policies and practices of health insurers lie at the core of what ails the American health care system.

Bucking a bearish Monday trend in the broader stock market, shares of health-insurance companies including UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH 28.48, +0.42, +1.50%)  and Aetna Inc. (AET 29.63, +1.35, +4.77%)  rose after the comments by Obama as well as members of his administration over the weekend. Health insurers have fought a public plan.

The weight of evidence pointing to the need for extensive health care reform grows larger by the day.  Even the AMA points to the waste and inefficiency of the health insurance industry as source of woes to health care.

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pu...

If indeed the President has backed down on a  public option (and I won't accept this without a direct quote from him), we must then turn our attention to the legislative details of health care reform that pertain to regulating the health insurance companies.  It is clearly evident that health insurers are either not adequately regulated or are under regulated due to the habit of conservatives to underfund the agencies that oversea regulation.  

Onward to the next level...

AETNA (35% share Alaska) and Blue Cross (65% share) need a swift kick in the hiney.  They have jacked our premiums up and, in my opinion, failed to adequately explain their reasons for doing so.
And here is what AETNA had to say about rising losses from what they claim to be increased medical costs.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/Ex...

"Our second quarter results do not meet our expectations or the standards we have established over several years of strong operational execution and financial performance," said Ronald A. Williams, chairman and CEO. "We continue to see upward pressure on medical costs beyond what we projected in early June, which we believe is driven in part by changing provider behavior in the face of a deep recession. We did not fully capture the impact of these forces in our 2009 pricing. This is disappointing, but it can be fixed."

Mark Bertolini, president, said, "We believe these increases in Commercial medical costs are largely the result of continued higher claim intensity, such as services rendered in a higher cost setting and more tests and procedures per visit, resulting in higher costs for emergency room, ambulatory, laboratory and preventive services. We are taking immediate actions to address these issues."

What "immediate actions" does Mr. Bertolini propose they take.  What do they mean by "it can be fixed."  Do they intend to cut back even further on coverage?  Do they intend to discount the already discounted payments they make to doctors participating in HMOs and PPOs?  Can we dare to hope they intend fix the problems by cutting back on their own waste and inefficiency, instead of claiming that the consumer or the medical providers are to blame?

And speaking of administrative inefficiency there is still the issue of H.R. 3218.  Rep. Don Young supports legislation that seeks to establish IMAs, which would then oversee health insurance issued to high risk individuals in each state.  The proposed IMAs, for all intents and purposes, differ very little from the insurance brokers who already complicate the process of finding affordable health insurance.   In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if plans are not already in the works to simply elevate the brokers to the position of IMAs.  You scratch my back, and I.... Well, you know.  

I had planned on taking the day off, but this piece stirred me up.  

I am tired of being ripped off.  I am sick of having to choose between the lesser of evils.  Our state has a huge stake in this issue whether we know it or not, and if I can help, I want Alaskans to "know it."  There can be no "not."

Senator Begich's Comments on Health Care Reform Monday at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage

by: Jeanette

Fri Aug 14, 2009 at 14:54:12 PM AKDT

Someone once described Senator Begich as a wonker:  someone who gets very engrossed in the details of a subject.  That may not be the technical definition, but it works for me.  That was the first time I had heard that term use, but being something of a wonker myself, I appreciate this trait in both my President and Senator Begich, especially when it helps to dispel the myths surrounding health care reform.  In true form, Alaska's junior Senator passed out several informational flyers to attendees before his speech Monday at the Dena'ina Center.  I thought I would share a couple of them.  

The first flyer, outlines the Senators case for health insurance reform and includes specific figures related to the cost of current and future health care in Alaska.  It is of no small significance that the title of the flyers is Time for Action: The Case For Health Insurance Reform as opposed to simply Health Care Reform. The latter cannot happen without the former.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com...

These numbers speak volumes, and I need not add further comment save to say that figures similar to these have been posted and discussed (civilly when possible) in town halls and Chamber of Commerce meetings throughout the United States.

The second flyer lists the benefits to be had with Health Insurance Reform. How much more clearly can a Senator state their case?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com...

All over the country people have come forward to testify to the widespread prevalence of the practices of health insurers listed in this flyer. With these examples in mind, one can sit down and review one's health insurance policy, and perhaps identify potential problems with future coverage.  Many of us have actually dealt with some or all of the problems listed in this flyer at some point in our lives.  Senator Begich's figures seem to indicate that, in Alaska at least, this is the case.

I have heard the argument stating Americans are already protected by provisions in Title XXVII (Requirements Relating to Health Insurance Coverage) of the Public Health Service Act (TXXVII PHSA). However, the evidence of both personal experience and heard during testimonials from thousands of people across the United States seems to conflict with that argument.

For instance, in the matter of discrimination of pre-existing conditions, TXXVII, PHSA states only that an insurer offering group coverage cannot deny an individual within that group a policy because of a pre-existing condition. It does not, however, prevent that insurance company from denying coverage for a pre-existing condition within that policy.

On the matter of gender discrimination, yesterday, Randy Rhodes had a quest on her show, a former CEO with Cigna Health Insurance, who spoke of the practice of health insurers whereby they required companies to disclose how many of their employees were female, then adjusted the premiums up or down based on those numbers. As of today, I have not been able to locate a provision in the PHSA that prohibits gender discrimination as it occurs in the above example. If it does exist, it has not been properly enforced. Either way, the problem needs to be addressed in some version Health Care reform.

Senator Begich addressed an assemblage that included some of the top business leaders in Alaska. His point was clear that Health Insurance Reform would directly benefit small businesses in Alaska. Medical practices comprise a portion of those small businesses. Here is a link to a document released by the America Medical Association regarding benefits of reform to medical practitioners:

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/p...

I apologize if the images may be to small to read.  They can be read if they are printed.  I believe that copies of these flyers can be obtained on Senator Begich's website.

http://begich.senate.gov/public/

Although the end of the Congressional recess is drawing closer, there is still ample time to contact Representative Dong Young, http://donyoung.house.gov/, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, http://murkowski.senate.gov/pu... and learn more about their views on Health Care reform.  Although the outcome of their decisions may already have been decided, we should not count them out.  Mr. Young did not win by a landslide, and we may still be able to capitalize on those numbers.  Senator Murkowski also may be vulnerable at the polls in the next election.  For your vote to count at the polls, you must exercise your first amendments rights today, and we need to be clear when we say, "Reform Health Care now or we will find Congressfolk who will!"

Tomorrow we will explore the percentages of net assets for the various sectors of the health care industry.  Stock up on your coco folks, and pull out those woolly slippers.  

Legislators vote to override veto in spite of the "teabaggers"

by: Celtic Diva

Tue Aug 11, 2009 at 12:38:03 PM AKDT

Shannyn Moore sits in the press area with writer and future Palin book author Geoffrey Dunn

Yesterday was a crazy day.  Between the "Organize for America" presser on health care at the Peterson Towers, Sen. Begich's speech at the Chamber of Commerce, the Legislative Special Session at the Egan Center, and the "teabaggers" running around to all of those, there was an interesting logistical challenge for anyone who wanted to cover it all.  

Luckily, Jeanette (our wonderful health care blogger) decided she would attend the health care events.  Little did we know that she would become part of the story...read about it in her post.  It makes me angry every time I watch the video (linked on her post) of the guys who rip on Jeanette though their collective knowledge of the subject can't fill a teaspoon.  When Jeanette tells you she's read a bill...she's really read it.  I remember when she'd call in to Cary Carrigan's radio show on Tuesday's during our "Democratic Gabfest."  She reads entire budgets, bills...she even read the ENTIRE Recovery and Reinvestment (stimulus) Package!

However, I attended the Legislative Session at the Egan and the 11:00 AM "teabagger" protest.  

I ran into Dennis Zaki and friends who recorded a great video:

Alaska Teabagger Rally in Anchorage 8/10/09 from Dennis Zaki on Vimeo.

Only an idiot would expose themselves to that kind of deserved ridicule...oh wait...

Eddie Burke saw me and yelled "Where are all the Socialists?  Where are all the Progressives?  I yelled back, "Progressives work for a living, Eddie, or they are at home taking care of their kids during summer vacation."  (I'm lucky enough that my girl is old enough to stay home alone for a little while.)  Seriously, anyone who has ever organized a lefty rally knows better than to have it during the week.

It was pretty clear that the vast majority of the "teabaggers" didn't have young kids at home and...errrr...were probably no longer members of the workforce.  They were walking back and forth between the Legislative Session and the health care discussions.  So, when one of the older women started talking about Medicare during an interview, I snickered remembering an earlier "Tweet" from someone:  

Nothing says "I have mine, f*ck you," quite like seniors on Medicare/Medicaid trying to deny healthcare to others.

That seemed to be the general attitude regarding folks who need energy assistance as well.

It was especially interesting to listen to the debate during the Special Session regarding an override of ex-Gov Palin's rejection of the energy "stimulus" funds.  Those few legislators who claimed that "strings" or "ropes" did exist when it came to building codes were soundly (but politely) trounced by legislators as diverse as Rep. Gara (D), Sen. McGuire (R) and Rep. Hawker (R) and Sen. Hoffman (D).  They provided information from multiple Federal and State agencies.

Probably my favorite line (I tweeted it) came from Rep. Gruenberg--he wondered which was better, having Alaskans...U.S. citizens...getting help from their own Federal Government now, or accepting help later from the President of Venezuela.

Just over 75% of the legislators thought that Federal money was preferrable.

From The Press Conference to the Deni'ina Center: The Topic is Health Care Reform in Alaska

by: Jeanette

Tue Aug 11, 2009 at 11:58:05 AM AKDT

From the Press Conference, hosted by Organizers for America in front of the Peterson Towers on L Street, to the Chamber of Commerce meeting featuring guest speaker, Senator Mark Begich, in the banquet hall of the new Dena'ina conference center, the topic of the day was Health Care Reform in Alaska.  The sky shown blue and bright, and the streets bustled with activity as people moved about in support or protest of the various political events around Anchorage.  

My morning began in front of the Peterson Towers where I joined a small group of other people in support of Organizing for America, a community group dedicated to organizing citizens to support the President Obama's health care reform efforts.  

Jonathan Teeters and Sarah Mourocade, key members of Organizing for America, opened their press conference with a brief summary of key points in the President's plan for health care reform.  Not more than half a minute into Jonathan's remarks, the tea baggers, who had assembled in a tight circle around us, began to spout their talking points. I asked the big fellow beside me, the apparent ringleader of the tea bagging posse, very politely and discretely "Please do not interrupt the speaker, I want to hear what he has to say."  No go.  With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he explained very loudly that he was an American and had a right to speak.

After Mr. Teeters's opening remarks, Ms. Mouracade made a powerfully intelligent and  impassioned plea to Alaskans to support heath care reform.  She outlined key problems with the current state of affairs in the private health insurance system, and how it has failed to adequately protect all Alaskans from financial hardships related to medical expenses.  She then introduced several guest speakers who tried to share their experiences with the health care system in Alaska.  Sadly, I could not hear their remarks over the shouting of the tea baggers who now hemmed our group in from all sides.  One woman, wearing an oxygen bottle on her shoulder, was heckled mercilessly, and treated with more disrespect by the tea baggers than I can describe.  As each guest speaker tried to tell their personal stories to the camera, the big ringleader beside me just kept yelling out (sarcasm on) enlightening phrases (sarcasm off) such as, "protect the unborn and the elderly", and "get a job, and some insurance."

By the end of Jonathan's closing remarks, he could barely be heard above the din of heckling and harassment.  Then, just as the cameras were about to shut down, Mr. Eddie Burke, emerged from the throng of disruptive voices to add his own.  Jonathan, acting with professional maturity, managed to finish his remarks even as Mr. Burke yelled out, "How come you couldn't get more than twelve goons to come down here and support you?" The "goons" stood quietly until Jonathan was done.  

After the press conference ended, I turned to the ringleader of the tea baggers, and expressed to him my opinion of his bad manners.  I told him that his actions and those of the other protesters merely strengthened my resolve to get out the truth behind private, for profit, health insurance.  The verbal pummeling directed at me from this gentleman for roughly a minute took me back in time to the awful first day in Basic Military Training with my training instructor towering over me yelling and screaming her personal displeasure at my mere presence in her Air Force.  

I have attached the link to the long version of the video. I would like to take a moment to suggest that people call KTUU, channel 2, and ask if they would be willing to post the full press conference containing the original testimonials of the guest speakers.   Despite the accusations of the leader of the tea baggers, those people were not paid "goons" and deserve to be heard.  I think it is a shame that their stories were set aside in favor of this video.  

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/sto...

I am a rather reclusive person by nature, and I am amazed that I managed to maintain my composure throughout his tongue lashing.  I credit my military training, but more so, during that confrontation, I remembered Cal Williams, who once described to me a few of the many harrowing, often life threatening situations faced by those who marched in the south for equal rights for black Americans during the sixties.  Later, when I watched my experience repeated on video, I nearly cried to think that so many people, not so long ago, had found the resolve to face firehouses, dogs and fists to obtain their freedom and dignity in the face of seemingly impossibly entrenched opposition.  I think of all those who have suffered to improve the lives of  other human beings, and I am deeply, deeply  humbled.  Thank you Mr. Williams.  

On a positive note, my effort to make contact with other tea baggers and protesters was not entirely unsuccessful.  The last gentleman with whom I talked to in the video actually calmed down enough to have a conversation.  I don't expect that I moved any mountains, but I was pleased to note that as the boulder of a ringleader lumbered back up the street to the Egan center to cause further disruption, the more rational members of the group stayed behind to discuss our differences.  I simply repeated over and over how much I wanted to find a way to discuss solutions to health care.  We actually engaged in an exciting session of point and counter point, and my spirits were renewed.  I cannot change the mind of a paid lackey (oddly enough I and the other supporters were repeatedly accused of being paid by the AFLCIO), but I might be able to reach one or two of those folk who have had their fears manipulated by paid members of the very health insurance industry they believe act in their best interests.  If I am to make headway in the fight for health care reform, I must be willing to step out of my comfort zone.  I really didn't know if I could until yesterday.  

Eventually the cameras, the supporters of health care reform and the tea baggers drifted away from Peterson towers.  The trail of tea baggers headed north to the the Egan center, while I and others headed to the Dena'ina center to hear Senator Begich speak on Health Care Reform in Washington.

The event was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, whose membership is comprised of many of the most successful businesses in Alaska. They had booked the largest room in the center, and the tables were nearly full.  Many members of Organizing for America were in attendance.  I sat up front with members of the Anchorage Democratic party.  

Just before the event began, Celtic Diva called me from the Egan center to report that a large group of tea baggers were making their way to the Dena'ina.  I excused myself from the table and headed back out to the lobby in time to see a small group making their way into the main lobby of the building.  Further down the street, I could indeed see a large group milling around the PAC, but for some reason they chose to come no farther.  I believe the tea baggers had no stomach to face a group of business leaders who came specifically to listen to Senator Begich.  It is one thing to surround and harass a small group of polite citizens, but an entirely different matter to try and bully the top generators of income in Alaska.   I gratefully returned to the Chamber meeting in time to see the first speaker introduced.

Because of the length of this entry, I will cover the actual meeting tomorrow in a follow up piece.  What Senator Begich had to say to those present merits a separate piece.  

At the end of the meeting, I walked back out into the lobby and drank in the beauty of the Chugach mountains.  The humid air covered them with a misty haze.  All the nearby tall buildings gleamed in the sunlight.  As always in the summer, though perhaps less this season than others, tourists milled along the streets openly admiring what some residents take for granted as they go about their daily rounds.  I love the sunshine, and I love the way it illuminates everything it touches bringing edges into sharp focus, and chasing away the gloom of shadows.  

The word transparency dapples the pages of countless blogs, letters to editors, documents stating public and private policy.  It has come to be both prophetic and pointless.  Our country and our representatives in government struggle with its imagery and its meaning, but still we seek it.  Transparency cannot exists without a strong back light to illuminate what lies behind the object being viewed.   As I enjoyed the sunshine warming my face, the metaphorical connection between sunlight that is essential to revealing the transparency of an object, and the light of truth that is the essence of transparency in both the private and public domain, I left the Dena'ina feeling very hopeful of a better future.

   

I took a break for a couple of days...shots around Anchorage

by: Celtic Diva

Tue Aug 04, 2009 at 12:42:08 PM AKDT

I was at the Democratic Convention in August on the astroturf of the stadium, waiting for Democratic Nominee Obama to give his speech.  A guy bumped into me with his camera and quickly apologized.  When we looked at each other, we both said "Oh My God!"  It was my old friend from DC, freelance photographer Ken Cedeno.  I hadn't seen him since I stayed with him during the 1993 March on Washington.

Fast forward to Saturday...I was driving down Fourth Ave. looking for a place to park for Galway Days.  Some crazy guy was standing in the middle of the road blocking traffic and taking pictures.  As I drove by him, he turned to face me to apologize...Oh My God!!!!!  Yup, it was Ken!  He's here to photograph for a travel mag all over Alaska for the next two months!  He'll just be in Anchorage a couple of weeks.

Artwork at Galway Days (Irish Music Festival).  We bought a beautiful rendition of Sleeping Lady Mountain.

Excellent Irish/Folk band Jubilee.

One reason why I love the Irish music community...they encourage anyone and everyone to dance!

A staple of every Alaska festival...the beer garden.

Irish music fans enjoying the sun.

Taking the kids for a walk.

Lavender, chamomile and sweet alyssum...can someone make a perfume for me using my rock garden?

And at the end of a hot day, there's nothing quite like a dip cone from Tastee Freeze!

I'll be posting later today...I need to give you all an update on where things stand.

Health Care Rally Tomorrow at the 9th Avenue Park Strip

by: Jeanette

Fri Jul 24, 2009 at 16:12:53 PM AKDT

If you go to Thomas.loc.gov, you can download a copy of HR3200: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.  

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/...

Bring a copy with you.  Bring a copy of your insurance policy.  Compare notes with others.  Get together with someone using the same company, and brainstorm questions that you would like to ask the company representative.  Share, share, share.  Encourage each other to go to http://www.barackobama.com and find links to other websites on health care.  If a person you meet can not access the internet, or has no way to tell their story, offer to write it down and share it for them.  

Don't be afraid to disagree with any or all of the bill.  Share your opinions.  Bounce them of each other, but in a kind, gentle, loving way.  One day, if not already, you may need to test the waters of your insurance coverage, and you don't want any surprises.  We don't have to be afraid of the unknown, and knowledge is power.  

Write you newspaper. Write your legislators, and tell your stories.  If possible, share your ideas.  Call your legislators.  I did, and was very pleased to note that the interns took notes.  They are listening. Keep bending their ears.  Cite specific references if possible.  They will learn that they are dealing with well informed citizens.

Rally for Health Care.  Tomorrow at the park strip.  What we cannot do for ourselves as individuals, we do for all as community.  

Finally, check out this site for information, and for yet more links to heatlh care issues.

http://www.thehealthcareblog.c...

Weekend photo round up...

by: Celtic Diva

Sun Jul 12, 2009 at 21:59:35 PM AKDT

We decided on Saturday that we hadn't taken a carriage ride in many years and decided to go for it, especially when we saw my friend Frannie was working!  Plus, it was a little cooler than it had been all week...it was perfect weather for a trip around the park strip...an area in downtown with a strip of 10(?) city blocks of park area.  The houses around there are some of the oldest (and best kept) in Anchorage...I've always wanted to live there.

Here are some of the pictures I took while on the ride.

My daughter took this picture

The Skinny Raven--a sporting goods center

Qiviut is the hair from a Musk Ox...soft like cashmere.  This is the store where they sell it.  (Alaska Natives are the only ones allowed to sell it or products made from it.)

I love this house!

Entrance to the Saturday Market

Bob gets pats and praise (after he had a nice drink of water and a yummy carrot) for the great trip he gave us.  Thanks, Bob and Frannie!!!!

Garage Sale, Dem Dinner--my Saturday in Anchorage (and Eagle River) photo montage

by: Celtic Diva

Sun May 17, 2009 at 18:09:59 PM AKDT

Yes...the rainclouds were mostly gone yesterday, as you can see by the picture my daughter took!  We headed out to a garage sale/BBQ we were invited to thrown by Tony Vita and two-time (maybe more?) candidate for Congress Diane Benson.

By the time we got there, Diane had left to get ready for the Jefferson-Jackson Democratic Dinner (she came by on her way to the dinner right as I was leaving, so I got to see her then AND at the dinner!) There was still lots of stuff for sale!

Morrigan also photographed the "Garage Sale Chat" -- we ended up talking about stuff ranging from politics to music to television like "American Idol" and way back to "The Gong Show." It was then I found out Tony had been a contestant on "$20,000 Pyramid" - one of my favorite shows in the 1970s!  He came within one question of winning the top prize but lost because Adrienne Barbeau froze!

I always love finding out people's fascinating pasts!

This is Morrigan's "Mickey Mouse" cloud.  She took this picture and hers turned out much better than mine!

Here's Morrigan amid the greenery.  You have NO idea how unusual this is to have all the leaves out by May 16th!

I caught site of this while sitting in the sun.  Find the chickadee!

I moved on to the Dana'ina Center where they were holding the Jefferson-Jackson Democratic Dinner (already in progress...I was late).  This is the view of Anchorage from the ballroom!

Cary Carrigan and CC were the most excellent host and hostess of the evening.  Cary also handled the auction earlier (I missed it...I am always amazed by that "auctioneer-speak).

There was also a "Silent Auction."

And a WONDERFUL singer who had an incredible range named Wanda Smith.  She sang "Summertime" and inserted words (to much applause) like "Obama" and "change!"

I was sitting at a table with Anchorage Assembly Member Harriet Drummond and her husband, talented writer Elstun Lauesen.  I commented that I rarely get to photograph them together since at fundraisers they are usually entertaining different groups!

Hollis French introduced the keynote speaker, Senator Mark Begich.  Right before he had Mark come up, Hollis said that Sen. Begich's future is so bright he had to wear shades.  If you look, you can see he has them on.

Senator Begich's speech was wonderful anecdotes of his experiences as a freshman Senator and what he's learned (you can read a lot about it on Mudflats).  However, I told him afterwards that the most important thing I'm taking away from his speech is that your children are your secret weapons!  (His son Jacob has no fear--he was the one who made national news by yelling "Obama" during a White House tour and the President came up to him.)

Sen. Begich paid tribute to two Dem staff members who were leaving, one is the calm, organized Executive Director, Mike Coumbe.  I got to know him in Denver and he was absolutely fabulous!  Here he is opening his gift--a plaque and a jacket that says "U.S. Senate."  Communications Director Kay Brown is leaving to work on Bob Poe's campaign!

And speaking of Bob Poe...(yes now we're doing the "no degrees of separation photography")

(Many, many more photos below...)

Cutting Edge is really cutting edge now! Welcome to KWMD garage radio!

by: Celtic Diva

Mon May 04, 2009 at 17:47:54 PM AKDT

So I get this cool email from CC, saying that she's going to be on KWMD FM radio and do her show at 5:00!!!

WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!  (That's me being excited...)

KWMD is found at:

90.7 FM Kasilof,

104.5 & 87.74 FM Anchorage

107.9 FM Mat-Su

Per Steve Aufrect from the blog "What Do I Know":

This is a community non-profit radio station that has been shoestringed by Jeremy Lansman.  Mostly they play progressive programs downloaded from around the country and they've been short on local community programing.  They want to go that way, but it takes time and money.  So this is a chance not only to hear CC again, but also to get some attention to the station.

Then, I'm at Lowes (yes, I spend entirely too much time at Lowes) picking up wood for my raised vegetable boxes and I get a call from Cary.  (How does he always know when I'm at Lowes?)  First we get the important stuff out of the way...yes, we can borrow his table saw and some sawhorses.  His table saw is in the middle of his driveway...do I wanna know why?

Sure...I'll bite...it's the least I can do since we're borrowing it!

He starts talking about CC, Jeremy, garage, radio, 10 hours of cleaning, 5 hours of wiring and suddenly CC's broadcasting from his garage at 5:00 PM!

So, kids, perhaps we may be watching another chapter of Progressive Radio unfold before our eyes!

(P.S. Steve is there as well so keep an eye on his blog for updates!)

Tati Broadcasting change direction for KUDO 1080 -- Cary and CC cut from lineup

by: Celtic Diva

Tue Apr 28, 2009 at 14:46:34 PM AKDT

I had my last "Political Gab-Fest" this morning with Cary and Patti but we didn't know it was our last until later in the day.  I'm truly going to miss that 1-hour a week.

Actually, I may have picked up a breakfast friend...I don't think Cary knows what he's going to do with himself that early for awhile!

And my good friend CC -- her show was nothing but class as among her segments was Cliff Groh on the Permenant Fund, Eric Croft regarding his fundraisers and the Mayor's runoff and a catch-up on the Stimulus issues with Senator Mark Begich.

Then there was a heartfelt farewell and very passionate "thank you" to her listeners in which she allowed me to participate.  I don't know if this town realizes how much she's done for it.

Now that we're losing Cary's and CC's daily programs plus losing Andrew's daily radio and blog voice, it's going to feel a little lonelier for us bloggers out there.  I know that they'll still be around and this is just a break between jobs for them.  But, I sure hope their next gigs allow them to express their beliefs!


CC and Cary...we'll miss you and your shows terribly!!!!


Mudflats is collecting messages of support on the website!

Teabaggers do it outside in Anchorage!!!!

by: Celtic Diva

Wed Apr 15, 2009 at 15:03:35 PM AKDT

Several hundred "teabaggers" showed up outside the Federal building between 11:00 AM and 1:00 AM today for their version of a "tea party." I was there until about 11:45 and counted about 300 people at that time.  

Everyone there was hot to protest something.  It just often wasn't clear exactly what that was as is made obvious by the large variety of unrelated signs.  

Now I know that it's "tax day" and there were few signs mentioning taxes in some form.  Some tied it in with crude hand signals and Sarah-worship!

Then there were the ones who caused may have been the reason that some government workers and people-of-color to walked all the way around the crowd. One sign said "If you work for the Government, you're part of the problem."  Then there were these:

I understand the gun-slinging cartoon is Yosemite Sam, but considering the rhetoric coming from Eddie Burke every day surrounding guns (and the fact that he likes to constantly mention me), I personally think the sign was pushing it just a bit.

The guy with the "God" sign and "The South was Right" book (written by "League of the South" founders James Ronald Kennedy and his twin brother Walter Donald Kennedy) gave me pause.  I know about the wave of modern writers who hold tight to their Confederate symbols and try to put a new spin on the Civil War and the Confederate South.  

For example, here's what the Kennedys wrote at the conclusion of their book:

"The Southern people have all the power we need to put an end to forced busing, affirmative action, extravagant welfare spending, the punitive Southern-only Voting Rights Act, the refusal of the Northern liberals to allow Southern conservatives to sit on the Supreme Court, and the economic exploitation of the South into a secondary economic status. What is needed is not more power but the will to use the power at hand! The choice is now yours -- ignore this challenge and remain a second-class citizen, or unite with your fellow Southerners and help start a Southern political revolution."

Revolution?  Eddie Burke, Anchorage Palinbot talk-show host has been talking a lot about "revolution" as well.

The "Party like it's 1773" signs were meant to symbolize the largest Tea Party of all that signified "revolution"...the Boston Tea Party.  However, that party was thrown because the King of England was choosing to tax the heck out of the the tea grown in the Colonies as opposed to that being brought in from England, killing their local market. No one in the New World had representation in England so, Voila, vive la revolution!

Last I checked, Alaska has her Congressional Delegation intact...two of whom won their elections this past November.  We have a sitting president who also won his election. Though it is true that the majority of Alaskans did not vote for him a large majority of the rest of the country did.

So the "Boston Tea Party" metaphor doesn't apply  because we have representation, just perhaps not the man/woman each person actually voted for.  

Was this "teabagging event" just some temper tantrum organized by folks who lost the election?  If so, what kind of "revolution" are they talking about exactly?

And the Anchorage mayoral runoff candidates are...

by: Celtic Diva

Wed Apr 08, 2009 at 08:22:15 AM AKDT

The results of yesterday's election were interesting.  However, I just couldn't get excited about this race knowing there would probably be a runoff.  Plus, I was crabby at some of the candidates.

1)  Matt Claman--Anchorage Assembly:  He told several Assembly members that if they made him Assembly chair (in-line to become acting-mayor if/when Mark Begich won the Senate) he wouldn't run for mayor.  Obviously, that didn't pan out.  Then, once he got in, he made bizarre decisions like cutting police and fire.  He made his decision to run for mayor during his first year as an Assemblyman.

2)  Sheila Selkregg--Anchorage Assembly:  Also made her decision to run during her first year on the Assembly.  Undercurrents from her campaign were that Ms. Selkregg wouldn't listen to the politics-savvy people she hired.  Sheila went through 3 campaign managers and a number of campaign staff.  If I learned anything from the 2008 election, it's to watch how the candidate runs his/her campaign to determine their managerial skills.  As much as I like Sheila and some of her ideas for Anchorage, I believe she fell short.

Plus, with both Matt and Sheila, I couldn't shake the crabbiness I felt over their obvious ability to so easily toss aside their Assembly seats.  Flipping the Assembly "blue" was a hard-fought long-term project that took Anchorage Progressives YEARS as well as a lot of sweat and tears!!  Don't take it lightly if you want my support.

There were two candidates who shared my beliefs/values and were the best qualified/had demonstrated the best management skills either through their campaigns or past experience...those were Walt Monegan and Eric Croft.

I'm sharing this now because I made a conscious decision not to express my opinion until there was going to be a runoff.  I'm glad that one of the candidates I believe-in made it.

Now, I'll state unequivacably that I completely support Eric Croft for Mayor!  I'll also state unequivacably that I DON'T support Dan Sullivan!  

I've watched Dan Sullivan allow his big business donors to make his decisions for him while on the Assembly.  I've also watched him orbit some of the people I most distrust/detest on the Assembly (like Dan Coffey--remember Sullivan's name came up in the "butt dialing" incident?)  I watched while he misused the power of the Assembly Chair seat to push forth his own agenda.  I also watched as he verbally mistreated waitresses, bartenders, cancer survivors and folks who had lost loved-ones when they testified as to the effects of second-hand smoke in bars and restaurants and how hard it was to find other employment.  

I'll never forget that, Mr. Sullivan.    

Celebrating the Inaguration in Alaska--and an FYI to my friends on the Aleutian Chain

by: Celtic Diva

Mon Jan 19, 2009 at 23:24:51 PM AKST

While we wistfully see images of Americans celebrating at the Inaugural festivities in DC, fear not--there are parties to attend in Alaska as well!

The first one in Anchorage starts at 6:00 AM (no, that's not a misprint) at Organic Oasis.  It's KUDO 1080's Inauguration Breakfast and yours truly will be there on the air with Cary Carrigan.  Since President Obama will be sworn in at 12:00 noon Eastern Time (8:00 AM Alaska Time) there will be a big screen T.V. so we can view it live!  It's $10.00 a piece and there are a total of 75 tickets.  I do not know the status--whether or not they have all sold out.  However, you can call the restaurant before you head over at 277-7882.

Anchorage Mayoral Candidate Eric Croft is holding an Inaugural Watch Party/campaign fundraiser at 5:30 PM at the home of Sam and Laura Rose (click the link for address and map).

The Anchor Pub and Club is having an Inaugural Party with a DJ and dancing beginning at 8:00 PM.  (Click the link for more details, address and a map.)  There are also some other MoveOn.org-affiliated parties all across Alaska.  Click the link and type in your zip code and how far away you want to search (it won't let you go over 300 miles).

And an FYI for my friends on "the Chain", I'll be on KSDP Radio Sand Point tomorrow at 11:00-11:30 AM with Kells Hetherington on his "Meet the People" show!  We're going to talk about all-things-Obama and possibly argue about the economy...who knows?!  I'd love it if anyone who can get the signal (Jane in Unalaska, maybe?) would call in!