Opinion

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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
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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
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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)
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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
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”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)
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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Opinion: Psychiatric patients deserve to have a voice

In my case, I needed treatment for my treatment.

  • Jan 28, 2021
  • By Faith Myers
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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)
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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
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Dick Farnell, right, and Suzanne Cohen of environmental group 350Juneau hold signs outside the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation building during APFC’s Board of Directors quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

“A tsunami looms across the horizon. That tsunami is the climate crisis.”

“Our leaders remind me of children building a sand castle on the beach.”

  • Jan 25, 2021
  • Mike Tobin
Dick Farnell, right, and Suzanne Cohen of environmental group 350Juneau hold signs outside the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation building during APFC’s Board of Directors quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Censuring acts of conscience is un-American

It’s only with dignity and respect for one another that we can work through our disagreements…

  • Jan 24, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
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Someone holds up an inflatable Alaska Marine Highway ferry at at a rally to support of the Alaska Marine Highway System on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Reshaping coastal Alaska transportation

The focus of the Alaska Marine Highway System Reshaping Work Group was too narrow

  • Jan 23, 2021
  • Andy Hughes
Someone holds up an inflatable Alaska Marine Highway ferry at at a rally to support of the Alaska Marine Highway System on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Alaska Legislature goes virtual

Alaskans can be confident the public will still be able to visit and observe their Legislature.

  • Jan 21, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
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Opinion: It’s time to revisit the Fairness Doctrine

After much vulgar brutalization, it’s time to reinvigorate the principles of the Fairness Doctrine…

  • Jan 20, 2021
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Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The environment isn’t the only reason to say no to Pebble Mine

We residents of the Owner State own the copper and gold in Pebble. Under existing law, we will not be properly paid for the copper… Continue reading

  • Jan 19, 2021
  • By Ray Metcalfe
Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Perhaps new leaders will make America gracious again

Perhaps the new administration will guide the path to making America more gracious again.

  • Jan 19, 2021
  • By Katie Bausler
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