As a white male who grew up in a rural town in upstate New York, I have been mostly insulated from racism. Sometimes, I think things must be the same for me just as they for women, blacks, Alaska Natives, gay people, and more, since I see them in professional jobs all over town.

I wondered if the remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. is relative to modern day society, or if it’s simply a reminder of days gone by, like Presidents Day or the Fourth of July.

In the coming months, Alaska’s leaders must come together to adopt a budget that reflects the reality of the precipitous drop in global oil prices and the consequent drop in state revenue. It is an ever inherent risk of basing our state revenue on the fortunes of an economic sector that is at the mercy of political and market forces beyond our control and seemingly beyond our ken. In times such as these, few would argue against careful reassessment of spending priorities.

If the City Assembly decides to eliminate all or part of the senior tax exemptions, seniors will look out for their own pocketbooks. The city government may decide to try to game seniors, but no one should assume that seniors are an easy mark.

Tax seniors who already have the tax exemption?

OK guys, I get it. It’s great fun to set off an explosive device and watch it blow up in the sky, in the midst of celebration. I certainly agree that we should celebrate with all of our family and friends on important occasions such as Independence Day and New Year’s Day. I have participated in the use of fireworks during celebrations many times, and I am not against the use of fireworks as long they are used in a safe and respectful manner.