Nepotism objectionable
The news that Gov. Frank Murkowski appointed his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, to finish the last two years of his term as U.S. senator has a name. That name is "nepotism."
Nepotism is a rot, that, when it pervades government not only stifles the intent of our democracy, but also carries with it a stench and is of questionable morality. One can expect it in a family-owned business, but it is objectionable when employed in the business of the people, government.
For the past few years we in the Lower 48 states have had the joy of having the previous Sen. Murkowski preach frequently to us on television about morality, "states' rights," and how conservatives must lower federal taxes and how the federal government is the evil empire.
The theme of these preachings would have one believe that tax money sent to Washington is put in a big barrel and set on fire.
Now we have another example of the hypocrisy that currently is implanted in the Republican Party. If "states' rights" were so important, why would one want to send their daughter to the hub of the evil empire, Washington? Isn't that supposed to be a step down from the Alaska Legislature? Why would a sitting legislator, who was just re-elected to the Alaska Legislature, turn her back on those in her district who supported her and head for Washington? What about her implied contract to serve her term? This is not a question of qualification; it is a question of integrity.
As a Republican who worked against the Democrats because of their corruption of principle, I find that same corruption is now common within the new Republican Party. Shame on the governor.
It smells like the barrel in Washington is a pork barrel and the then-Sen. Frank Murkowski's preachings were for the gullible.
Ralph Camerlengo
Miami, Fla.