Gorsuch Nomination
Dear Editor: Sometime during the course of the circus that the Senate confirmation hearings on President Trump’s nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, promises to be, it would be very interesting and informative to learn the following:
1. What exactly is Judge Gorsuch’s exact understanding of the 10th Amendment to the Constitution: what does it actually say and actually mean; and how does it define and declare the nature of the relationship between the federal government and the States and The People of those States, as envisioned, intended, and expressed by the writers – but more importantly – and by the ratifiers of the Constitution?
2. What is his perspective on “The Principles of 98,” and the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions raised by those states in rebuke of the federal Alien and Sedition Acts of 1797 (which seem hauntingly familiar after these past few days)?
3. What are his thoughts about how, at the beginning of the 19th century, the northern states defied the central government, and refused to comply with or participate in the enforcement of various taxes, tariffs, militia call-ups, conscription, the creation of a national bank, and, later, the federal Fugitive Slave Laws?
4. And finally, what do the words “nullification” and “interposition” mean to him?
In the end, his ideas and beliefs on these matters may be far more significant than his stand on immigration, abortion, de-regulation, the limitations of presidential power, and all the other looming hot-button issues. One can only hope that he is as strong an advocate of the Tenth Amendment as he is of the Second.
JG Moebus, Sitka
Peratrovich Dinner
Dear Editor: Hi, Sitka. It’s a new year and a new month. As many of you know, Thursday, February 16, is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. This special day is the biggest event that the Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp 1 and the Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4 sponsor each year. Elizabeth Peratrovich was a civil rights activist and because of her impassioned speech during the legislative session of 1945, all Native Alaskans were given the right to vote. We have come a long way since then. Our children will enjoy a half day off from school to participate in the annual parade, skit, dancing and dinner on this special day.
We are hoping to have a traditional Native feast for this special dinner. We are very grateful for the people that are already donating fish and foods for this great day. Special thanks to Tim Ryan of Sitka Sound Seafoods for 30 pounds of white fish. We need about 30-40 more pounds of white fish to feed all the people that will be in the hall to celebrate. We are still in need of about 20 pounds of rice. Also, our executive chef Gary May says he would love to make a traditional venison stew, but he would need about two Sitka deer to pull this off. An event this big does not just happen. We need volunteers to set up tables and work in the kitchen with executive chef Gary May who, once again, has donated his time and efforts to make the day a special one for the citizens of Sitka. If you have berries, seaweed or any traditional native foods that you would like to donate, please give us a call at the number below.
Another thank you goes to Duane of the the Dove Island Lodge for a grand prize donation for our family fun dance (to be announced). Some lucky person will be given a special one night’s stay including an evening at the lodge with a special dinner made by the former chef of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Also, they will be presented with a special bottle of wine. This grand prize is worth over $1,000. It will include a boat ride from Crescent Harbor to the lodge and back after their one night stay. Thank you, Duane. This grand prize is subject to availability. It does not include a flightseeing trip or a charter fishing trip. Also, Harris Air has donated a roundtrip fare to Juneau. Thank you, Ellie.
This day has special meaning for all of us! It shows that we are all united in love, acceptance and one accord. We are teaching our children to have pride in who they are and the importance of furthering their education. We also are honoring our elders who lived in a time when this was not the case, but who have raised their children in love instead of hate so that we may all live in harmony side by side.
If you are new to Sitka, we encourage you to come and be a part of this special celebration. If you are a long- time resident and you have never attended this annual event, we invite you and your family to come and experience the majesty of our Native dancing and our traditional Native foods.
As I said above, an event like this has many players to make it happen. I would like to thank my co-chairperson and second vice president, Nina Vizarrondo, who has built our ANS Camp 4 website. Also, after hours and hours of research, made an amazing video about the important contribution that Elizabeth Peratrovich made for us all. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our ANS president, Jean Arnold, and her husband and ANS Camp 4 brother Spike, for all their help and assistance.
Thank you, Sitka! You are always up for the challenge presented to you. Have a wonderful day.
Debe K. Brincefield,
ANS Camp 4 First Vice President
and Elizabeth Peratrovich Day
chairperson
Advertising
Dear Editor: Half-page ads apparently paid for by Bob Gillam of Anchorage – AKA McKinley Capital – are becoming a back-page staple at the Sitka Daily Sentinel.
Even though Bob’s not in danger of spending all his grocery money, I have to wonder why a simple no-charge letter to the editor does not suffice to express his opinion? If he was interested in helping small-town newspapers he could simply cut a check from petty cash.
It’s not news that super-wealthy persons are universally opposed to paying increased taxes. The concept of flat-rate taxation is anathema to them – possibly so bad that spreading fallacy becomes a lesser evil.
The latest ad is a break from the previous parade of ex-heads of state most notable for being architects of disaster.
It features Karl Marx – a genius and a tragic victim of social disaster. His appearance in the ad seems to deliberately express an ad hominem argument.
All living Americans have been taught from an early age that the Communism Manifesto – by Marks and Engels – is an evil document produced by evil minds. Having been advocated in the Communist Manifesto, progressive taxation must be evil as well.
Careless readers may accept it.
Bob Gillam seems to be making a small bet on it. I think he would make better use of his money enabling our schools to explore the common fallacies.
Roger Bleier, Sitka
