Letters to the Editor November 1, 2004 Public transit removes nuisance traffic (polluters junkers), which are also the people that can least afford to maintain a car. A real bus system serves those most in need. Regular drivers need to know that public transit is a direct benefit in removing traffic, and indirect benefit in many ways. After school activities, new job seekers, seniors, and tourism are some of the benefits of public transit. Improving transportation options for everyone while reducing overall costs. Public transit is an unknown issue. Those most in need could use your help to raise this issue. The Fairbanks Borough Assembly directs public transit, and they need to hear from you. Tell them that public transit reduces traffic and overall transportation costs, then list some social benefits. We do not have an express loop, or rural service, or evening, or Sunday bus service. Any small improvement would have huge benefits for all of Fairbanks. The input of all citizens is needed for improving our community, starting with basic services like public transit. Dae Miles
November 10, 2004 The election has come and gone, and by now even frequent writer, J.D. Ragan, PhD, should have noticed that at least 51% of American voters are a little dim. But somehow I cannot rid myself of the feeling that this number may be much higher. This election proved that it wasn’t Nader’s or the Greens’ fault that the Dems lose the presidency and the senate races. In fact, while Democrats are trying to out-Republican Republicans and fight with tooth and nails to keep third parties off the ballots, they are losing their own base. With the same scare tactics the Right is using (“Terrorists will strike again if you vote for Kerry!”), the Dems use the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters to spread the message: “If you vote for Nader or a Green you vote for Bush!” It’s not about letting the best man win, it is just “don’t let the other one win.” Maybe it IS like Nader said in 2000, “Tweedledee, Tweedledum.” Gore Vidal said, in a recent interview with the Swiss magazine Die Weltwoche (Nov. 4, 2004, p. 12), “Bush or Kerry, who the fuck cares? It’s not about the Houston Astros or Boston Red Sox. The people still don’t understand, that it is about the essentials. About the Constitution. About the Bill of Rights. About the future of America.” In 2000, Ester and Goldstream voted Nader. In 2004 they voted for Kerry. Did they have an impact on the election? Or did they throw their votes away by voting Democrat and not their conscience? Hans Mölders
November 2004 I would like to thank all the people who attended the fundraiser for me and my broken heel. Extra special thanks to Joe Milkey for instigating (and bouncing), to Monique Musick for the wonderful posters and bartending, to Gene and Terry for hosting and babysitting, and most especially to my picking pals Nathan Schwartz, Carl Hoffman, and Earl Hughes. I feel obligated to apologize for the late night altercation. It must have been the music… Eric Glos
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