Statue Removal
Dear Editor: It is wonderful that human beings have been given the gift to evolve and become more thoughtful in our understandings. Our awareness, our empathy, and our ability to connect with other human beings has grown tremendously over the centuries. This gift is continually growing and changing.
We will never be able to “go back” and change the terrible tragedies which have happened in our history. They are an integral part of our history. They will never, ever be erased. What we can do, though, is re-evaluate whether we want to continue to honor and celebrate those parts of our history and leaders, from that time, which speak of subjugation and annihilation. Or not. This does nothing to erase history. We cannot erase history. Nothing we do will erase our history.
At this time, we can acknowledge that many of us see other human beings very differently and honor that which we know is important. Removing the statue is the best path for Sitka. We can decide that the Baranof statue should be placed somewhere else (a museum?) to tell that piece of our history in a more comprehensive way.
We encourage all Sitkans to choose a way to celebrate what is important to ALL of us … a story that includes, honors, and celebrates the richness of culture and diversity, not subjugation of one culture over another.
Toby and Norm Campbell, Sitka
SUD Survey
Dear Editor: According to the National Institute of Health, one in 10 adults will develop a substance use disorder at some point throughout their lifetime. SUDs are associated with an increased risk for depression (1.3 times), post-traumatic stress disorder (1.6 times) and borderline personality disorder (1.8 times). The likelihood for developing a substance use disorder increases with early age of initiation.
Here in Sitka, we’ve seen an increase in youth alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarette use over the past few years, with nearly 38% of high school respondents reporting alcohol use within the past 30 days in 2017.
The HOPE (Healing our People and Environment) Coalition, understands that prevention education and resources can help foster greater well-being for our youths and community as a whole. The success of our efforts is closely tied to the readiness of the community. Positive change is most likely to occur when our efforts target areas that the community acknowledges as problems and are motivated to change. Therefore, in order for us to gain a better understanding of where to direct our prevention efforts, it is imperative for us to assess where we are as a community in addressing substance misuse.
To assist us with this mission, Sitka Counseling-HOPE Coalition invites and encourages any and all Sitka residents, 18 years and older, to complete our short, 20-question Community Readiness Survey. Visit our website at www.sitkacounseling.org and click on the link located on our homepage to be redirected to our survey. The timeframe for taking the survey is very short, so please take it at your earliest convenience. All participants will be entered in a drawing to win one of four $50 gift cards from Sea Mart or AC Lakeside.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Loyd Platson at 747-3636.
Your participation can help us make Sitka a healthier place. Sitka Counseling and the HOPE Coalition thank you for helping us promote wellness in our community.
Missy Mongiovi, Sitka Counseling
Slavery
Dear Editor: Members of my family tree fought and died along with Abraham Lincoln and hundreds of thousands of other Republicans who fought a war against a neighboring country (Confederate States of America-CSA) to free Black people from slavery.
Slavery was illegal in every northern state before the Democrats in the south broke off and formed their own rogue nation (CSA) so it seems strange now that after hundreds of thousands of white people from these slave free states died in a war to free Black people from slavery I see Black people today standing with the same Democratic party that demanded they remain slaves protesting, looting, and burning in northern states demanding repatriation and that they apologize for slavery.
I am proud that my forefathers fought and died to free Black people from slavery so stop trying to shame me because I’m a white Republican.
Clyde Bright, Sitka
