Climate Change
Dear Editor: The evidence is visible right in front of our eyes – climate change is wreaking havoc on the lives of people we know and care about. The fires in Washington, Oregon and California don’t just affect “those” areas and “those” people. Some of those people are “our” people – our friends, our family, our children. We need to pay attention.
While many of us living in our beautiful, rainy Sitka feel very blessed and grateful, we also have family and friends dramatically impacted by these climate-related events and ongoing conditions. It is difficult to be nourished by a rosy Sitka sunset, while picturing unearthly orange smoke-filled air surrounding our children’s heads. Deathly heat waves, electrical storms, uncontrolled wildfires, and hurricanes are all examples of the climate change happening throughout the world.
And here in Sitka, most of our food and material world depend on the people and land down south. Remember – we are all connected!!
Catastrophic events that happen in other parts of our country and our world impact our lives directly. We all need to be looking at climate change, its effects, and how we can personally contribute to solutions.
Toby Campbell, Suzanne Portello,
members of
Sitka Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Incident Thanks
Dear Editor: Thanks to Sitka Police Department for response and capture of the mugger.
Thanks to Wells Fargo for aid and assistance, ambulance crew and SEARHC Hospital. Especially thanks to radio staff and the community support.
Michael Kinsey, Sitka
Assembly Seat
Dear Editor: I have been surprised to see the number of signs in support of Marshall Albertson’s bid for an Assembly seat. Many Sitkans may not be aware that his social media presence (with 19,000 TikTok followers) encourages violence against those he disagrees with.
One example that hits close to home: In June Mr. Albertson showed up armed and loud at a locally organized silent peaceful vigil for George Floyd. Nothing illegal about that but it was intentionally disruptive to a somber community memorial. He then posted a 1.02 minute video online (youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXQv30nFdHE) ranting about George Floyd protests and looting where he said in part (0:32 on the tape)….” and F&%k you lefty liberal politicians. You all need to be f#$king shot. I hope the American people stand up and f*&King take their aggressions out on you.”
This is just one of many of his disturbing videos. Recent events like the shooting of a peaceful BLM protester in Wisconsin and two Los Angeles police deputies underscores that encouraging violence online can lead to real violence be it against the “left” or the “right.” Thoughtful people can have different politics without inciting violence. There are eight people running for two Assembly seats. I hope every voter looks at the videos Mr. Albertson has freely posted and takes time to reflect on whether his unfiltered voice matches your values. It does not match mine. Thank you.
Victoria Curran, Sitka
