Letter to the Editor
Palin’s plan
Published Saturday, May 24, 2008
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To the editor:
This letter is in regards to the recent energy proposal by Gov. Sarah Palin. I understand the legislators are looking out for Alaskan’s best interest but this is the way I look at it. The year has been rough for everyone. So any help is most graciously appreciated.
If it is $50 or $100, it makes no difference to me. If my neighbor in Anchorage benefits more than me, then maybe they needed it more. So legislators instead of dissecting the plan and trying to figure out what is “fair,” remember, some if not all Alaskan’s are really feeling the pinch right now and having to make the choice between heating or eating is not acceptable.
I believe that Gov. Palin is trying to ensure that all Alaskans will benefit and I truly believe her plan will make an impact on us all. So when you go into your special session in June, keep in mind that all Alaskan’s are struggling, and hurry the plan along so the brow can wiped of sweat and Alaskan’s can sleep better at night knowing they can take care of their families. Be this as it may, we should still be diligent and work hard to conserve energy and make permanent changes in our lifestyles so that we are not sitting in the same rut as before.
Community Discussion
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Well written. I echo your thoughts and to all the legislators or staffers that read this, there are many good Alaskans that are feeling the pinch and we shouldnt have to truly sweat when the State is making more money than we ever have. Thanks Gov Palin.
It sure wouldn't surprise me to see the legislature fight about Palin's program. Not enough for the bush, too much for so and so, what about new people. And the legislature cant be too happy with the Gov over her vetoing local spending.
Maybe they need a push.
It is an unpopular statement, but one I've made before... conservation of energy, at least in Alaska, does nothing but RAISE energy prices. As the astutue energy suppliers already know, it is already an inconvenience to supply interior Alaska with refined oil and gas products, so the price per gallon/unit/kw/etc. is manually manipulated to make it worth the extra steps. If we conserve, we decrease what little demand there is already for the product, ... forcing suppliers to increase prices. It's terrible, but true.
Don't shoot the messenger....
With the price of oil last year and this our PFD's should have been $3 grand anyway! As far as our Legislators - WE elected them and THEY need to listen to US - not them dictate to OUR ELECTED Governor what she should do. At least SHE came up with somethin - Ramras is still too busy trying to see what new bills he can propose to better HIS business...NOT OURS! We should all be getting another $2000 on top of what is dispersed for the next 5 years at $135 a barrel.
I too, think you are on the right track. I'm appreciative of any help however imperfect, I'm certain many Alaskans are too.
I realize that many don't like Power Cost Equalization. I've read that it a program for surviving, certainly not thriving. Anyone who contemplates it, would arrive at the same conclusion.
I'd guess many in Alaska's small towns and settlements don't really like having to receive it - they'd much rather be independent of diesel - like all of us. And many smaller communities in Southeast, for example are working on hydroelectric projects to break away from this cycle of eking out a living on PCE.
Nobody wants this lifestyle and you can bet rural and urban folks are becoming more and more ingenious as the price of oil rises - it's human nature to find ways to avoid being economically destroyed by budget busters such as we have today.
interestingly Palin's plan (for this year) takes care of a huge omission in the current PCE policy. Her plan will subsidize energy for people and businesses alike, unlike PCE.
Many in bush Alaska have been asking for a subsidy for retail business too. This seems reasonable until something can replace diesel and PCE - e.g, wind, geothermal, wave, tidal, low head hydro, Alaska natural gas (hopefully at much less than the Henry Hub price)
Certainly, it would make no sense to subsidize industrial energy production from diesel, but any costs for retail are going to be added to the consumer's bill when they shop. So cutting this cost increase will reflect more positively on rural economies as well.
non_lemming says: ...If we conserve, we decrease what little demand there is already for the product, ... forcing suppliers to increase prices...
Not sure where you got this, but heres the real formula:
As demand goes down; supply goes up; price goes down...simple economics.
As for Palins proposal, what a waste of time and money! Everyone gets almost nothing, but the net result is a huge ammount of $$ in the hands of the few already making big bucks on energy. This does NOTHING to curb the rising cost of fuel, and puts a drain on state coffers that, trust me, you will be hearing about in a few years when the legislature tries to again tap the PFD due to budget shortfalls.
(Look at the Feds little "economic stimulus" package; tell me, whos gonna end up with most of that?)
Friday, 23 May
Nenana
Regular unleaded $4.80/gallon
DGuy,
As I've stated elsewhere we need to get on a war time footing on this and you are correct.
People have been bringing this impending crisis to the State for going on 3 years and more and have been ignored.
We are in a crisis and what a joke it is with all the money pouring into the state coffers.
Now we get to subsidize the oil companies further while depleting our state treasury, all because of glaring, disavowing, ignorance of the impending facts as presented.
We need this one year help but I'll be very, very disappointed and disgruntled if this Administration and Legislature do not exhibit some forward and creative thinking to solve this.
It's called effective leadership.
What we have right now is truly pathetic and we want to be treated as adults?
All these years of the D.C. delegation's freebies are coming home to roost and it is reflected in the nervous moo's of Alaska's cattle, er, people.
Alaska used to exist on "can do" integrity, we need to find our way back.
As it is right now,we can't even lead em
(our Fearless Leaders) to water, let alone make them drink....
I really think it's time for an Alaskan Style Tea Party. Government is out of control and no longer listens to the citizens. In Boston they threw tea bags in Alaska we'll just throw the politicians.
DenaliGuy: I'm sorry, you lost me. Supply and Demand economics are not that simple, you are trying to make your point with the base model of S&D, ... you are not including the several hundred other factors that, when mixed together, determine the price per barrel oil is trading, and the price per gallon you are paying at the pump.
But you are right, when foreign countries (OPEC) control the majority of the supply we (USA) use, ...and that supply source limits its ouput capabilities, ...then yes, the model tends to return true, ... which proves my point: Those that control supply, make the rules, ...and the profit.
Handing out money so junkies can buy opium from dealers.
Stephanie Jones, Territorial and Copper_River_Red: Well stated. I am a little more blunt in calling "a spade, a spade". But your eloquent statements reflect the growing desperation of many Alaskans, in some regions more than others, but as the economy continues down the spiral, it will get most if not all Alaskans.
I cross-posted this elsewhere too..
"Cheap energy is expensive" [oxymoron]
Only if you get your BTU's out of a Cash Register...
Real Alaskans are smart enough to get their BTU's from Mother Nature..
..but then some interloper burned down Katalla in 1933, and Texas invaded Alaska.
Natural Gas comes out a gasline,
just like a fish comes off a fishline,
it doesn't come out of a Cash Register.
Now, suppose Trident Seafoods conspired with Icicle and all the other fish-packers to prevent Alaskans from being to catch their own fish.
.....tell me why this metaphor fails to work..
..I'm sure you can tell me why right off the top of your head.
It's easy for you isn't it?
Did you ever see a lawyer try to get a gallon of milk out of a cow?
.......flash/rumble
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