Alaskans deserve corruption retrials

Some legislators convicted of bribery and/or corruption charges may have gotten off on technicalities for the time being, but I urge all those concerned with justice in these matters to lobby for retrial of all legislators concerned.

Facts remain that point to their involvement in either corruption or bribery, and a retrial would seem to be in order. They are by no means innocent, but do deserve a fair trial. Anyone defending them at this point for what they have been convicted casts a shadow on themselves.

The last things Alaskans should promote are continuance of bribery and corruption in government. It reflects negatively on a global level, eroding chances of expansion of democracy worldwide and undermining our efforts to promote democracy in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. It also makes a statement about our own ethics in Alaska, and about moral values in American society.

Are these values changing to the point in which it is morally acceptable to commit a crime, and have a technicality exonerate from wrongdoing? It is now OK to break the laws if you are a legislator or senator who has had significant achievements in government?

I'm sorry, but I have not changed that much. I don't care who you are - if you have broken the law and have been caught, you deserve a fair trial just like any one else; and if convicted, you should go to jail just like anyone else. Technicalities do not make you innocent.

There are tens of thousands of Alaskans out there who have committed crimes, been convicted, and have served their time in jail, and rightfully so. These legislators and senators as well deserve justice, but are definitely not innocent at this point. All should be retried, unless elements such as corruption and bribery are now simply part of our government and society, and democracy and justice are truly drawing to a close.

Mark L. Kline

Fairbanks