Dismayed by support of Sen. Ted Stevens

"Change we can believe in." The phrase that has inspired the nation has sent frightened Alaskans to the polls to re-elect a convicted felon.

Teenagers who smoke dope behind the school gym are marked for life. A senator who has been convicted in a jury trial for much more serious felonies has been supported by Alaska voters, who seem to have a deep-seated fear of change for any reason.

While Americans are filled with hope for a brighter future, we Alaskans defend the Last Great Frontier of Fear. A very sad statement by a sad people.

Hopefully other U.S. senators - such as John McCain and Republican leader Mitch McConnell - have more dignity than we, when saying there is a 100 percent certainty that Stevens will be expelled from the Senate.

Robin Walz

Juneau