Letter to the Editor
Oust Young
Published Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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Stumble It!March 17, 2008
To the editor:
According to today’s newspaper (Alaska Roll Call), seven important issues were debated in the U.S. House of Representatives from March 11 to 14. Don Young missed votes on four. Our lone representative did not vote on warrantless government surveillance of U.S. citizens. He did not vote on the federal budget for 2009 (two bills) or funding for community service programs such as AmeriCorps.
Rep. Young did vote three times. He opposed a bill attempting to override President Bush’s veto of a bill banning the use of torture and requiring U.S. adherence to Geneva Conventions for handling prisoners of war. The vote was 225 for and 188 against, so the bill failed to get the two-thirds majority required to put an end to these horrific practices (practices opposed by the U.S. military, incidentally). Young “won,” voting with the minority to continue Bush-administration torture — until we have a new president.
Young also voted twice to oppose ethics reform. Both measures passed. (Ethics reform, of course, is partly aimed at Rep. Young and will impact him directly.) Young’s recent arrogant responses to reporters and to Sean Parnell are nothing new. Such arrogance — especially to shield corruption — does not serve Alaska. I urge you to consider the strong candidates opposing Young.
Personally, I’m supporting Diane Benson. She’s a lifelong Alaskan and a fighter. Benson earned a master’s degree from University of Alaska Anchorage as a middle-aged adult. She’s smart, gutsy and independent. Like her heroic son (who lost both legs in Iraq), her fights will be for Alaska and Alaskans. Unlike Young, she has no “war-chest” funded by Florida land developers. She’s not paying huge sums to lawyers for services she won’t discuss with reporters or constituents. She doesn’t confuse arrogance with courage.
Oust Young. Vote for Diane Benson.
Community Discussion
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The only problem I see with defeating Don Young is that after a 21-year hiatus Alaska would once again have to put up with his constant presence in the state. Not that I'm worried he would go on the welfare rolls; I'm sure VECO is already lining up a nice lobbying position for him, given his considerable experience at both ends of that activity.
Drop Don!
http://www.dropdon.com/
Some examples of what a great guy Don Young really is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpMFwp7HU...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36jqu-j8H...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH_cZvHUR...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIFqKPU6d...
I've watched a lot of Don Young elections, and it truly amazes me how the Dems, every single time, try to make an issue out of Young's attendance. And every single time, it is a bogus issue. Alaskans understand the logistics of travel, and the politics of Congress. Sometimes, a vote on one side or the other makes no difference, depending on the vote tally.
Please, Lt. Gov. Parnell, do not fall into this trap. Leave that tired old arguement to the Dems.
Exactly! How could we possibly expect someone we (taxpayers) employ to do the one thing they are paid to do? It's like expecting a toaster to make toast or a taxi driver to get from point A to point B. Our elected officials actually representing us? Totally bogus issue.
Are you serious?
His attendance is one thing, but that doesn't really bother me. What bothers me is his arrogant attitude towards everyone and everything, plus his lack of transparency about the building web of corruption surrounding him. He works for the people of Alaska, and frankly we want some answers!
I think attendance is pretty critical to voting! Wasn't it last year that Don's voting record was the worst in the House- even the representative who had cancer (and ended up dying from it) had a better record than he did. How can he represent Alaskan's interest if he isn't there?
I'm just saying his overall attitude overshadows the attendance issue. It *is* important, I agree with you, but I am appalled more by his demeanor.
You know what bothers me most about Don Young?
Don Young.
What do you call someone who tries the same tactics over and over and over again, always expecting a different result? I mean besides an Alaskan Democrat?
glacierles - (I'm undeclared - not Dem, not Re-Veco-can either)
What would you have them do? Just give up and quit voting -- oh, wait, that probably IS what you want, isn't it?
For as long as I can remember, the Presidential election results have been announced before Alaska's polls even close - except that year when Dubyah's bother stole the election for him in Florida, since that took him a couple of days.
Are you saying that since Alaska has always voted Republican for the president (and probably Senate) that Dems should just accept it and give up?
Next you'll be saying that they should just "Move to California" or something... *shakes head*
newsreader---
Actually, my comment was about the tactic of trying to use Young's attendance record against him. That's the tactic that has been tried over and over again, always unsuccessfully.
But now that you mention the 2000 presidential election, I might finally understand why Dems keep using the same tactics. They have a hard time understanding the election process, and believe that if they lose the fix is in. It is a wonder to watch.
For the record, I dont support Young either.
It is time, nationwide, for all people to stand up and declare they have had enough; and prove it by throwing ALL incumbents out of office. Public office should be considered a civic duty once again, instead of a carreer as most in office would like you to believe.
Demand term limits.
Demand accountability.
Demand constitutionality.
Demand honest government.
Oh that's right. I forgot. You're not a Dem. You're just a totally unbiased observer. Please forgive me jumping to a conclusion, newsreader.
I hope Dick Cheney does not come to Alaska to retire with Don Young. Don, would you dare to come back to your consituents?
Here is a good example of what carreer-oriented politicians have accomplished:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS2fI2p9i...
Oh, I certainly have my biases... No doubt about that.
As do you (obviously).
I hate all things Bush. (not that I think that Gore would've been that much better). Actually, I think South Park has it right... It always comes down to a choice between a giant douche and a turd sandwich.
But, alas, I don't see how that will ever end.
At least our turd sandwiches have a lot of clout and seniority in DC. If the game is always going to be a nasty back-room dealings kind of affair, then we can't do better than to send the worst conniving, lying, stealing, back stabbers we can - how else are they going to compete? Electing a new politician and sending them to DC would be like throwing a happy little easter bunny to a pack of rabid wolves...
This is exactly why I too am supporting Diane Benson. A tough, honest woman who has not led a hard life make her cynical and jaded. She will be a true stateswoman that Alaska and America can be proud of and will not owe her votes to any special interests. Her special interests are the people of Alaska. Enough with the professional politicians who care more about their own careers and bank accounts than they do about the people. Enough of the quid-pro-quo where your little bit of "bacon" has enough strings attached to choke a moose. If you really care about Alaska and its future, I urge you to vote for Diane Benson.
Don Young is a blight on Alaska's political scene and should be voted out of office. He, along with Sen. Ted Stevens and the rest of the money-hungy, oil-seduced, out-of-touch politicians, are an embarrassment to the state.
Without Uncle Ted, I wouldn't have a job.
Personally, I like the fact that such a little state (population-wise) can have such clout at a Federal level. Getting rid of these guys will be like cutting our own throats. Just my opinion...
If we only could figure a way to keep these guys in their positions after they die. What about Daughter of Frank. She has no seniority?
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