Last Letters

Stevens is a patriotic public servant

The list of what Ted Stevens has done for this state and its residents during his career as Senator is far too long to list, but seems so easily forgotten by some.  If you haven't lived here long enough to know all the good he's done, then maybe its time for you to do some research before casting him out as a convict.

Alaska's advancement would not be what it is today without him.  Nothing is ever perfect, but he's been our rock through all our ups and downs in the last 40 years and for his constituents to turn quicksand on him now when he, for the first time, needs our unwavering support the most, is inconceivable.

Between Begich's newly reported, unreported gifts and Stevens‚ who cares?  Have you recorded every single gift in your lifetime?

Who has the track record for putting Alaska and its residents first?  Who has held one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. Senate?  Who has the knowledge, expertise and experience to deal with the big government in Washington . . .

(cont'd from front page) during these trying times?  It's clearly our current senator, Ted Stevens.

Forget Democrats vs. Republicans. If that's what you're voting about, then take another look, be fair and forget about sides. This is about who works for this great state. I'm proud of Ted Stevens and all he has done; and if he did get a few gifts and forgot to record them, then I forgive him. Our state and residents weren't harmed in any way. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time.

The rush to judgment on his conviction was appalling since the government has made so many mistakes. After 40 years, he deserves the appeal and our gratitude for all his years of service, and our vote. In the private sector he would have made an enormous income in comparison to his Senate salary for his expertise and he chose you, the people of Alaska, to serve.  

That's not greed, that's patriotic. Ted Stevens, thank you. I will be voting for you Nov. 4th, proudly.

Shiela Fern
Palmer, Alaska

Milo Fritz's niece supports Stevens

What a travesty — an unjust verdict resulting from a patently unfair trial, following an indictment based on erroneous information. No doubt the case will be overturned by less partisan minds on appeal, but in the meantime Outside interests are doing their best to throw a monkey wrench in the Alaska Senate race.

In many ways, Sen. Ted Stevens is much like two other feisty and hard-working Republican
politicians I have known personally, Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater and Alaska State Rep. Dr. Milo Fritz, my uncle.

Though sometimes painfully blunt, they, too, were honest and honorable men who had chosen politics as a means to serve state and country, not as a way to enrich themselves. Two of the traits I have admired most in Ted Stevens during the 25 years I have known him are his personal courage and his integrity.

Right now he is fighting for his reputation and his Senate seat.  I hope Alaskans appreciate and support Ted now, when it really counts.  We all need his strong voice in the U.S. Senate.

The words on a sign that used to hang in Senator Goldwater's office are still apt, "Illegitimi non carborundum."

Linda Fritz Bell
Easton, MD

A long-time reader will miss us

I am going to miss you folks beyond belief. No more fair and balanced news. This grieves me so badly and what is becoming of our country.

I wish along with all the others who want this paper to stay, that I could help. Yes, I would gladly subscribe to it. Most Importantly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there. We were given an outlet to voice our important opinions, unlike that "other paper".

Very Sincerely,
Dorothy Pestrikoff

She'll miss Brennan dog stories

I am heart broken about the closing of the Voice of the Times. Tom Brennan's column brings joy to my week. How am I going to keep up with the life stories about his dog?

Please keep us in mind when you once again share your writings.

Linda McLaughlin

Jurors were biased Democrats

I've Lived in Alaska for almost 15 years. I wanted to voice my opinion on the verdict rendered by 12 jurors who never lived in Alaska and don't really know anything about what are senator has done.

I think the trial was held in Washington and not Alaska more for political reasons than any other. It's most convenient that with only a week left, he's found guilty. Many mistakes were made during the trial that could have freed our senator. I think it was unfair and completely biased. Twelve jurors who were Democrats voted more on the side of political stuff than evidence to the facts. That is why I thought the trial should have been in Alaska so he could be tried by his peers not by his political status.

Christopher Williams