Letters to the Editor May 23, 2005 As usual, the national news media have confused me. I was informed recently (by the left-wing public broadcasting media) that our military recruiters for all the military services, but particularly the army, had been ordered to “ Stand Down,” if only for a day. This was apparently due to some high school student in Colorado who was lied to by a military recruiter. Seems the student was lying too, claiming he was a convicted felon, and a drug user, and posed as an enthusiastic new recruiting prospect to the recruiter. The recruiter instructed him on how to go to a head shop and fake his urine test. I was not aware that urine tests were required, but I believe most red-blooded (or even blue-blooded) American boys and girls urinate, so how hard could such a test be? Anyway, what confused me most is this phrase “Stand Down.” I am trying to visualize exactly what one does when one stands down. I can sit down, I can lie down, I can even “get down,” but for the life of me, I can’t see how I can “stand down.” Can you please advise me on what all this means? As a typical Fairbanksan, I am concerned that we might let yet another chance to send our criminal and working class to fight more illegal wars slip away if this “stand down” means what I think it does. Please help me to understand why our great nation would need to do this. Can army recruiters not be trusted? Yours truly, May 23, 2005 I can’t believe that a place like Ester actually exists, and that I live here. I can’t seem to muster the vocabulary to accurately express the respect, gratitude, and sheer adoration I feel for this community. While this is pretty much how I’ve felt since we moved here, I am stunned, awed, and deeply grateful for the warmth, sympathy, and support I have received from you since my ice-capade (broken leg) in April. For the amazing ‘shin-dig’, the company, advice, and help you’ve given—thank you all. With love, June 4, 2005 As a full time ethicist and semi-professional satirist, I want to use this forum to offer my personal endorsement of state Senator Ralph Seekins for Governor of Alaska. Perhaps I’m only acting in my own self-interest, but both of my occupations would benefit generously from a Seekins administration. A car salesman in the state’s highest office? Think of the possibilities! Run, Ralph, Run! You’re my ticket to the Big Time. Thom Delayed
| ||
 | | |
