Opinion

Opinion: Why I’m wearing a mask

Opinion: Why I’m wearing a mask

Let’s just wear masks as a gesture of solidarity and concern for all members of our community.

  • Apr 7, 2020
Opinion: Why I’m wearing a mask
Opinion: Is this what ‘Energy Dominance’ looks like?

Opinion: Is this what ‘Energy Dominance’ looks like?

Alaska’s economy has been in a hole since oil prices collapsed in 2014. Now, with Alaska North Slope crude selling at about $25 per barrel,… Continue reading

  • Apr 7, 2020
  • By Zachary Brown
Opinion: Is this what ‘Energy Dominance’ looks like?
Opinion: Streaming government meetings is a silver lining

Opinion: Streaming government meetings is a silver lining

Government works best when scrutinized by an engaged body politic.

  • Apr 6, 2020
Opinion: Streaming government meetings is a silver lining
Opinion: How Pence failed America

Opinion: How Pence failed America

Imagine how different the White House response would have if this happened three years earlier.

  • Apr 4, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak For the Juneau Empire
Opinion: How Pence failed America
The Alaska State Capitol Building as seen Jan. 9, 2015 in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: A danger we face is this crisis making us more dependent on government

“Nothing is so permanent as a temporary government program,” said Milton Friedman.

  • Apr 2, 2020
  • By Win Gruening For the Juneau Empire
The Alaska State Capitol Building as seen Jan. 9, 2015 in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
Opinion: It is when we are challenged that we reveal our true self
Opinion: It is when we are challenged that we reveal our true self
Juneau’s City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Juneau’s past offers lesson for handling COVID-19

“It ain’t over till it’s over.”

  • Mar 31, 2020
  • By Bruce Botelho, Byron Mallott, Dennis Egan, Sally Smith, Mary Becker and Merrill Sanford
Juneau’s City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Juneau Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Stand up for our parade

Recently my “techno gal” out of Anchorage who seems to have a finger on the pulse of news in Juneau shared that the people who… Continue reading

  • Mar 29, 2020
Juneau Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: Unsteady leadership in uncertain times

Opinion: Unsteady leadership in uncertain times

We need leadership that inspires us to accept reality without doubting our ability to endure it.

  • Mar 28, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak For the Juneau Empire
Opinion: Unsteady leadership in uncertain times
Opinion: High-density housing is more efficient for land use, but not very safe during a pandemic

Opinion: High-density housing is more efficient for land use, but not very safe during a pandemic

I believe high-density, walkable urbanized communities helps to spread viruses.

  • Mar 27, 2020
  • By Rick Currier
Opinion: High-density housing is more efficient for land use, but not very safe during a pandemic
Opinion: Now’s the time to fill out an advanced health care directive

Opinion: Now’s the time to fill out an advanced health care directive

There are steps anyone can take to prepare for the end of life in a positive, constructive way.

  • Mar 27, 2020
Opinion: Now’s the time to fill out an advanced health care directive
Juneauites gathered signatures to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy in late February. The campaign is now collected signatures through the mail. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Stay safe, strong and home and participate in recall effort

We will emerge from this public health crisis, facing the same problems with leadership.

  • Mar 25, 2020
  • By Meda DeWitt
Juneauites gathered signatures to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy in late February. The campaign is now collected signatures through the mail. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: COVID-19 adds new pressure to university’s plan, UA seeks public input

Opinion: COVID-19 adds new pressure to university’s plan, UA seeks public input

We will weather these unprecedented times, using tools available to do right for our university.

  • Mar 25, 2020
  • By Jim Johnsen and University of Alaska chancellors
Opinion: COVID-19 adds new pressure to university’s plan, UA seeks public input
Opinion: The worst of times bring out our best

Opinion: The worst of times bring out our best

Let’s help those who are taking a bigger hit than we are.

  • Mar 21, 2020
  • By Ken Koelsch
Opinion: The worst of times bring out our best
Opinion: Alaskans Need the PFD now

Opinion: Alaskans Need the PFD now

Alaska is at a critical point. Oil prices have tanked. The threat from the COVID-19 virus is obvious. Our state’s fiscal and budgetary situation is… Continue reading

  • Mar 21, 2020
  • By Joe Geldhof and the Permanent Fund Defenders Board
Opinion: Alaskans Need the PFD now
Opinion: Coronavirus could be our collective Katrina

Opinion: Coronavirus could be our collective Katrina

A viral storm is coming.

  • Mar 21, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: Coronavirus could be our collective Katrina
Opinion: Ferry solutions require cooperation, not finger-pointing

Opinion: Ferry solutions require cooperation, not finger-pointing

We need to work together, not blame each other for a problem that’s nearly as old as our state.

  • Mar 20, 2020
  • By Bill Thomas
Opinion: Ferry solutions require cooperation, not finger-pointing
Opinion: Flattening the curve will flatten the economy

Opinion: Flattening the curve will flatten the economy

Economic burden of flattening coronavirus curve shouldn’t be shouldered solely by private businesses.

  • Mar 19, 2020
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: Flattening the curve will flatten the economy
Juneau residents line up outside of the Planet Alaska Gallery to sign an application petition to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Policy decisions are not cause for recall

How about an honest assessment of the reasons behind the effort for the recall of Governor Dunleavy? The recall folks tell us that the reasons… Continue reading

  • Mar 17, 2020
Juneau residents line up outside of the Planet Alaska Gallery to sign an application petition to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: We should respond to coronavirus with compassion

Opinion: We should respond to coronavirus with compassion

That’s the principle that informed my family’s decision to cancel our mother’s 90th birthday party.

  • Mar 14, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: We should respond to coronavirus with compassion