Viewpoints
The Stevens Vote
By Dan Ortiz
October 31, 2008
Friday AM
Editor,
No one doubts the years of service Senator Stevens has given
to Alaska. He has played a significant role in accomplishing
many good things for the people of Alaska and the country as
a whole.
However, an independent jury of fellow Americans have found him
guilty of willfully withholding information. Specifically Stevens
was convicted of all the charges he faced of withholding information
about free home renovations and other gifts he received from
a wealthy oil contractor, Bill Allen. Allen was a close friend
of Senator Stevens, until recent events unfolded. Allen's
company has a long history in Alaska of attempting to buy influence
with government leaders.
Governor Palin has called on Senator Stevens to "do the
right thing for Alaskans and resign." Stevens has pledged
to move forward with his reelection campaign. The question for
each of us in the state is what to do with our vote?
Loyalty is an important value to have in life. Judging from the
yard signs in Ketchikan, its obvious that many good people are
showing loyalty to Stevens. However, if we as a society can't
demand and expect integrity above all else from our elected leaders,
than our political system will never work.
What statement will we be making to our children, to our fellow
Alaskans, and the country as whole, if our state moves forward
and elects a convicted felon? That's a statement we can't afford
to make.
Dan Ortiz
Ketchikan, AK
About: "39 year resident
of Ketchikan and a father of 3 children."
Received October 30, 2008 -
Published October 31, 2008
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