Alaska: Public Concerned about a 'Tsunami of Government Intrusion' Says Murkowski - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said Tuesday that Americans are not only concerned about the Democrats' health care proposals, but the "cumulative effect" of federal spending that is increasing the national debt by trillions of dollars.

"I think one of the things that we cannot lose sight of here in Congress is what our constituents have clearly not lost sight of, and that is the cumulative effect of what is happening here in Washington, D.C. ­ the ever-growing debt," Murkowski told reporters at a Republican leadership news conference.

Murkowski, vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, said Alaskans expressed concerns to her at a series of town hall meetings in the state last month that the "government is into everything right now."

"They're (the government) running the credit cards. They're manufacturing automobiles. They are setting pay compensation for executives. At what point do we pull government back?" Murkowski asked.

Murkowski said public concern extended from "rallies in places as far away as Fairbanks, Alaska" to the tens of thousands of people who gathered on the Washington Mall this past weekend to protest President Obama's initiatives and government spending.

And in Ketchikan, a tea party to demonstrate solidarity with the September 12th TEA party march on Washington, D.C. was organized and held by the Ketchikan Tea Party. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

National: How will health care reform affect you? A Q and A By LISA MASCARO - After town-hall meetings, congressional hearings and a prime-time presidential address on health care reform, many questions remain about the proposals being considered on Capitol Hill.

Lest "You lie!" be the last word on the issue, here are some answers on how it would work, what it would cost and, finally, that most American of questions: What's in it for me? Although the shape of any final bill is still indistinct, these basics are likely to be included:

Q. What are the biggest changes this proposal would make in the health insurance system?

A. Under President Obama's health care plan and the legislation going through Congress, every American would be required to have basic health insurance. Those without insurance from an employer or government entity such as Medicare, Medicaid or the Veterans Affairs Department would be required to buy it or pay a fine.

The penalties levied against those without insurance would be $750 a year ($1,500 for families) under the Senate bill or 2.5 percent of modified adjusted gross income under the House bill. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Health - Fitness: How to stay thin By LEE BOWMAN - Certainly what we eat affects our weight.

But researchers are finding that when we eat, and with whom, can also have a major impact on our accumulation of pounds.

First there's the timing of meals.

One study, reported recently by scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago, suggests that calories consumed late at night tend to hang around as fat.

They looked at two groups of mice over a six-week period. Both sets of animals were fed the same high-fat diet and got the same level of activity, but one was fed at times when the mice would normally be asleep.

And that group put on twice as much weight as those fed during waking hours.

A number of recent studies have suggested that the body's natural internal clock, whose works include hormones that regulate sleep and appetite, plays a role in how the body uses energy.

Researchers have noted that people with disrupted sleep cycles, like shift workers and college students pulling all-nighters, tend to eat at odd times and often become overweight as a result.

"How or why a person gains weight is very complicated, but it is clearly not just calories in and calories out,'' said Fred Turek, of Northwestern's Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology. "Better timing of meals could be a critical element in slowing the ever-increasing incidence of obesity." - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Personal Finance: New credit-card rules bring benefits and turmoil By CLAUDIA BUCK - Life with a credit card presumably got a little easier this month. Under new federal regulations, credit card companies have to give more warning before upping your interest rate and more notice before your bill is due.

And another round of consumer-friendly changes goes into effect in February. It's all part of the Credit CARD (Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure) Act of 2009, aimed at protecting consumers from unexpected fees and excessive penalties.

That's the good news. The bad news is that in recent months, credit card companies have been ratcheting up interest rates and cutting card limits. It's partly in anticipation of the new restrictions and partly a response to increasing default rates among recession-battered consumers who can't pay their bills.

"Regardless of the apparent consumer victory and the noble intentions behind the new law," said Ben Woolsey, a consumer credit expert at CreditCards.com, "the unintended consequences -- higher credit costs, less generous terms and higher prices across the board -- could be the rule and not the exception."

Credit card interest rates and fees overall are up an average 20 percent since January, according to consumer savings Web site BillShrink.com, based on its survey of 150 major cards over the last seven months. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

JAY AMBROSE: Getting America's attention - President Obama has managed the unimaginable. He got tens of thousands of ordinary American citizens to leave the comfort of their homes, spend travel money they've been trying to watch very carefully and show up in Washington for a protest of a kind they hadn't even dreamed of in years past. How did he accomplish this feat?

It certainly wasn't easy. It required his early signature on a runaway, pork-loaded budget bill, and then passage of a mostly pointless, politically informed $800 billion stimulus package on top of bailout funds put in place before his election. Then came the purchase of General Motors, the takeover of banks, the prospect of long-term, nation-shriveling deficits, calls for an economically devastating though ineffectual cap-and-trade tax and, far from the least of these things, the health-care bamboozlement plot.

Given the Democratic whines about how opponents have misrepresented their grand health plans, you could easily forget the strenuous effort early on to make sure no one knew very much about what those plans contained. We had a House bill of more than 1,000 pages no single member of Congress had probably read and presidential urging that this thing or something a lot like it get passed by both chambers pronto, before Congress's summer vacation, with no opportunity for study or extensive debate. - More...
Thursday - September 16, 2009

MARTIN SCHRAM: Democrats pay for ducking health insurance - Some issues are a demagogue's delight. And Democrats, thinking there really is safety in numbers, lemming-walked themselves into their opponents' trap and are now paying a steep political price because they ducked two health insurance reforms they could have resolved with just a bit of political courage and populist common sense.

Duck One: They failed to see the clear need to put sensible limits on malpractice awards -- because it is one reason doctors are unnecessarily propelling healthcare costs ever skyward. (And it is a bill we all ultimately pay.)

Duck Two: They failed to find a workable way to assure that illegal immigrants cannot get federal health insurance subsidies. (Yes, the issue over which yet another South Carolina Republican has disgraced himself in public -- faster than you can say: "You lie!")

Liberals have resisted common sense resolutions to these two relatively secondary issues because conservatives have fired up their faithful by using front-burner demagoguery on both issues. (Indeed, they successfully conned America into thinking the issues are hardcore independent politics -- faster than you can say: "I'm Lou Dobbs!") - More...
Thursday - September 16, 2009

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Drug Testing By Chris Elliott - As parents we are sometimes (oftentimes?) oblivious to what is going on right in front of us. We can't see the forest for the trees. We can't believe that our child would lie to us or take drugs or routinely drink too much. We believe that because their friends come from "good" homes, everything is fine. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

KPU DIESEL GENERATION EXPLANATION By Pete Ellis - The reasoning behind running diesel generators at this time of year needs to be further explained by KPU so that we can understand the economics involved in not waiting to see the effect of Tyee connection access and the extent of lake level changes that will be occurring later in the year as affected by Tyee and our further rainfall. Or perhaps the Tyee connection will cost more than the diesel generation? - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

RE: They just don't get it By Dave Kiffer - On Sept. 8, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly authorized $6,000 for a voter pamphlet for the swimming pool bond issue AND the transient occupancy tax changes. It is now estimated that the pamphlet will actually cost approximately $3,200. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Yes to Proposition 2 By Mary Schulz - YES, it is time to replace the Mike Smithers' pool with a new facility. The movement to build pools in Alaska began 40 years ago. The State of Alaska recognized the value of pools in each community and developed a plan to assist with the pool projects through the Department of Education. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Airlift Northwest's History By Shelly Deering - In 1978, a Sitka house fire left 3 children severely burned. Dr. Michael Copass, founder of Airlift Northwest, was teaching there at the time and spent the day assisting Dr. Longenbaugh in caring for and trying to arrange transfer of these critically injured children to the regional burn center in Seattle. The children died before this could happen. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Don't be too quick By Evan Bolling - Let's play a quick session of Q&A. Question: Does Ketchikan have a major drug abuse problem? Answer:Yes. Question II: Is that drug abuse the major force behind the recent suicides? Answer: No. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Suicide, Violence, and Drug Abuse. By Ken Bylund - At thirteen [1955], two friends and I went to see "Rebel Without a Cause" [a movie] at the local cinema's 25 cent matinee; a few weeks later one friend began acting out, the distraught, misunderstood, unreachable character of young Jim Stark, arguing with his girl friend - and she played her part too - both seeming to enjoy the drama... then he did something that stunned us all. Won't go into detail, just that we all went to the funeral parlor, saw his mother sitting in a chair, her back against black curtains, crying her eyes out -- we all felt bad -- there in his coffin, rosy cheeks and handsome, was our friend, Doug. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Rendezvous Senior Day Services Adult Day Program - Adult Day Services week is celebrated September 21-25th by centers like Rendezvous Senior Day Services across the nation. Alaska has 12 adult day programs across the state, two in Southeast Alaska. Rendezvous Senior Day Services currently has an adult day program, among other programs which support our community. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Eyes Finally Opening By Nicole Esau - Upon watching and reading SitNews lately I have to say that I am encouraged that the people of Ketchikan are finally opening their eyes! - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

I Do Not Assert A Stigma By Harold A. Maio - There is such a stigma regarding Mental Health. The sentence actually reads, "I associate such a stigma." It is the writer's statement. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Mayor's support of 347 Bawden EPA Assessment By Kenneth Carpenter - As the owners of 347 Bawden Street, we extend our public thanks to Mayor Lew Williams III for his writing a letter of support for EPA assessment on the behalf of the City of Ketchikan. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

The Time Is NOW To Act By Kristenia Johnson - After my letter was published on Sitnews I received a number of responses from my friends and family congratulating me on saying what they have been thinking for years. I also received a reply from a man I did not know who shared his struggles with staying positive while growing up in Ketchikan and having to combat depression almost year round during the rain. He suffers from SAD. I also knew to expect those replies who did not whole or at all agree with my opinion, one opinion more personal to me was from my boyfriend. While he agreed with some of what I said he still had his disagreements and it hurt me to hear a semi-lack of support from him. I soon realized that this was my big test to understand that not everyone shares the same opinion. However, this is not about me or whether you believe my opinion is one sided or not. Aren't all opinions usually geered toward one side? This is about protecting and saving our children and our town from drugs, alcohol and disruptive behavior which will most likely lead to a life in and out and in jail again. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Suicide By Tracey Horne Scadden - Having read Ms. Martin's letter on her thoughts about suicide.I applaud you for taking the stand it wasn't your fault. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Wolves By Meghan Hogben - This is a letter to warn people who are walking dogs in the Ward Lake area. Minutes before 8 pm tonight my boyfriend and I were walking our dog on the road down to Ward Lake, they were unmistakable -- wolves, five of them, and they wanted our dog. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

RE: Memorial fund By Linda Beaupre - First of all, my condolences to the Azure family. Not only do they have to grieve for their son, but they also have to process the tragic circumstances of his death. I cannot imagine the heartache they must be experiencing right now. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Response to "Enough" By Rebecca Clark - I couldn't agree with Mr. Ziegler more! Drugs, murder and suicide seem to be a big problem; EVERYWHERE! It seems more threatening when it is closer to home. "Gatekeepers" is a suicide prevention coalition that had their open house last night. I encourage those in our community who want to be proactive in the fight against these monstrosities(both physical and spiritual) to attend upcoming invitations. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Ketchikan Youth By Sara Skan - After reading and agreeing with Public Nuisance by Harry Howard, it got me thinking. Yes, there are quite a bit of Ketchikan youth that is disrespectful, destructive amongst other things. However, there is also a side of our beautiful town's youth that is worth encouraging. Three of my four children are enrolled in the Ketchikan school district, on many occasions my oldest has spoken with me about the things that are said and done on the bus, the way the "older kids talk" It makes me nervous to send her off! She is learning things that she shouldn't know at her age, things their father and I should be discussing with them at what we feel is the appropriate time. As a parent I also know that I am responsible for teaching my children to have good judgment and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Having respect and compassion for their elders and one another. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Worried By Rebecca Simpson - I am a concerned citizen of Ketchikan and worried about the children and young adults in our area. There is so many actions being taken by the young people in our area. With all the drug and alcohol use in this town, WHY isn't drug & alcohol awareness being taught to our students? - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

RE: Too many suicides and attempts By Charlanne Heath - While I realize that this forum is intended to spout your own point of view to a community, Kristenia Johnson's letter is a typical one-sided point of view. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Mental Health Stigma By Jan Cadero - This letter is in response to Mykayla Martin's letter regarding too many suicides or attempts. Mykayla, it is really sad that you at the young age of 17, have a strong opinion regarding suicide. And it is a tragic thing that anyone should have to deal with, but you should not say it is an easy way out. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Healthcare reform By Dale Albertson - In reading Dale McFeatters' oped on Healthcare reform I was inclined to ignore this issue. However, truth always wins out. Revisit the "speech" on this matter to the joint session. It is empty of fact or substance, full of rhetoric and grandstanding. There is plenty of denial on issues dear to the citizens but empty of sources to back up those denials, just denial, oh, and threats against any who oppose the "reforms". Here is just one "fact" relative to peoples concerns: In an article by Byron York, Chief Political Correspondent, The Washington Examiner, entitled: "Health care reform means more power for the IRS", he claims that the IRS would become the main agency charged with determining if you have "acceptable" health insurance. This article inspired Herman Cain, "The Herman Cain Show" to do some research. He found the following little tidbit: "It's Division A, Title IV on pages 167-215 called Amendments to IRS Code of 1986. The expanded powers of the IRS in H.R. 3200 would empower the IRS to require taxpayers to show proof of health insurance coverage, collect fines on individuals and employers who did not have adequate proof of health insurance and determine whether your health insurance was a government approved plan." - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Time to say "Enough" By Zig Ziegler - There is a huge problem in Ketchikan that appears to be the undercurrent to much of the criminal activity, suicides and social problems we are experiencing. That problem is drugs, specifically, meth and oxycontin. I would be willing to wager that drug use is directly linked to so much of what our community has been facing over the past few years. Is Ketchikan alone in this? Certainly not. Is that an excuse for not taking on this problem head on? Absolutely not. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

RE: Too many suicides and attempts By Kristenia Johnson - I am having a hard time believing that people in Ketchikan could solely blame a person for ending their own life.There are two (from what I understand) different suicides in a matter of a few months in Ketchikan and neither share two commonalities. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Kyle Palmer Had KIC insurance...but By Wayne Beaupre - Ketchikan Indian Corp has refused to cover Kyle Palmer, a 23 year member of Ketchikan Indian Corp because, they were not notified first. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

They just don't get it By Jon Van Essen - I really find it hard to believe that the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly feels the need to spend $55K to supposedly inform us voters all the details on why we need a new community pool. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

My Roof Thanks You! By Shauna Lee - I recently wrote a letter to Sitnews regarding my leaking roof and asked for ideas. I must say, Ketchikan didn't fail me. I had three phone calls and numerous letters with offers to help. I couldn't even get to them all so please know that to every one of you that called and wrote, I thank you so much!! - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Sea Otters By Mike Moyer - In response to Mr. Jean Bland's letter to me concerning the truth about Sea Otters, I can only say that if there are no shellfish around Craig, Klawock, or Hydaburg now, then how did people survive in the old days there before the Russians wiped out the Sea Otters? - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

RE: Memorial Fund By Lisa McClould - Regarding the request from Deborah Harney, a child is a gift from God. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Obama Attempts School Intrusion By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama continues to hover over us like "Big Brother". Tuesday, September 8, 2009 his targeted audience was our impressionable school children. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

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