Opinion

teaser
teaser
tease

Alaska sidewalks need plowing in winter

It’s time we make access to our sidewalks safe and usable for everyone, even in winter.

  • Feb 16, 2021
  • By Dana Dardis and Annis Killen
tease
The design for the then-new gold $1 Elizabeth Peratrovich coin was on display during the Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebration at the Tlingit and Haida Community Council on Feb. 16, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The ongoing work of Elizabeth Peratrovich

Please join this journey with me to rectify the inequalities we perpetuate, even accidentally.

  • Feb 15, 2021
  • By Kali Hofman
The design for the then-new gold $1 Elizabeth Peratrovich coin was on display during the Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebration at the Tlingit and Haida Community Council on Feb. 16, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
T

Opinion: The Tongass could be a solution for the pandemic

Southeast Alaska now has an industry option that would generate jobs not impacted by the pandemic.

  • Feb 12, 2021
  • By Catherine M. Mater
T
tease

Opinion: We have become a culture of fanaticism with guns

The gun industry pedals guns like the tobacco industry pedals nicotine.

  • Feb 10, 2021
  • By Paul Miller
tease
(Courtesy Image / Pat Race)

Opinion: Recall effort is necessary to hold governor accountable

“We can’t assume someone else is going to do the work of holding him accountable…”

  • Feb 10, 2021
  • By Pat Race
(Courtesy Image / Pat Race)
A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Don’t blame Canada for our restrictions

Do not blame Canada for problems created by our own laws and regulations.

  • Feb 9, 2021
  • By Andy Hughes
A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
tease

A promising vaccine for our political pandemic

Ballot Measure 2 will go a long way toward making our government serve the people…

  • Feb 9, 2021
  • Rob Welton
tease
Tease

We must push for lasting change and accessible democracy

Our voice and vote is the future, and that future feels bright.

  • Feb 8, 2021
  • By Jasmine Carter
Tease
This photo shows a sign outside the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Juneau. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Closing an Alaska DMV office has a cost beyond dollars

Closing state-operated DMV offices hurts seniors, disable people and people with lower incomes.

  • Feb 8, 2021
  • By Peter Zuyus
This photo shows a sign outside the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Juneau. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
tease

Opinion: Now isn’t the time to abolish the filibuster

Doing away with it treats only a symptom of partisan dysfunction. And now is the wrong time.

  • Feb 5, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
tease
”What if the Recall Dunleavy group has no intention of forcing a special election?” writes Win Gruening. “Instead, what if it is using the recall to influence the 2022 regular election with anonymous donors thereby avoiding pesky APOC disclosure rules? If so, recall advocates should be careful what they wish for.” (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Is the Dunleavy recall opening Pandora’s Box?

What if the Recall Dunleavy group has no intention of forcing a special election?

  • Feb 4, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
”What if the Recall Dunleavy group has no intention of forcing a special election?” writes Win Gruening. “Instead, what if it is using the recall to influence the 2022 regular election with anonymous donors thereby avoiding pesky APOC disclosure rules? If so, recall advocates should be careful what they wish for.” (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
The Mendenhall Glacier is devoid of tourists in this January 2021 photo. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Random chats with strangers show shared humanity

COVID-19 has limited travel, so here are some stories from the past.

  • Feb 3, 2021
  • By Mike Clemens
The Mendenhall Glacier is devoid of tourists in this January 2021 photo. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Shopping carts

Opinion: The shopping cart parable

In my view, the most fundamental measure of a society is how we treat each other…

  • Feb 2, 2021
  • By Ray Preston
Shopping carts
Tease

Opinion: We can and must do better

The events of Jan. 6 represent the failure of constitutional and civic education at all levels

  • Feb 1, 2021
  • By Alaskan James Madison Fellows
Tease
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

The unserious pursuit of constitutional amendments

Why the governor’s cure-all for the state’s chronic budget deficit will run into a brick wall. Again.

  • Jan 30, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
tease

Opinion: How we can confront propaganda

“We the people…” are late with this. It is time, now, to get started.

  • Jan 29, 2021
  • By Jerry Smetzer
tease
teeze

Opinion: Psychiatric patients deserve to have a voice

In my case, I needed treatment for my treatment.

  • Jan 28, 2021
  • By Faith Myers
teeze
A proposed design for a Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska-run transitional living facility on the corner of Alaway Avenue and Glacier Highway. The project’s permit has been appealed by community members concerned about the facility’s proximity to nearby schools and bus stops. (Courtesy Photo / Tlingit and Haida)

Opinion: Proposed transitional housing location is a bad idea

“It is a horrible idea!”

  • Jan 27, 2021
  • By Robert Pennington
A proposed design for a Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska-run transitional living facility on the corner of Alaway Avenue and Glacier Highway. The project’s permit has been appealed by community members concerned about the facility’s proximity to nearby schools and bus stops. (Courtesy Photo / Tlingit and Haida)
T

Opinion: The next generation of conservatives is ready for climate action

Young people care about protecting our environment and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate.

  • Jan 26, 2021
  • Kiera O’Brien
T