Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Army maneuvers

Jan. 17, 2008

To the editor:

Military maneuvers in the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole?

The military doesn’t have appropriate facilities to simulate a city environment for such training purposes? Places that won’t cause worry for civilians wondering why attack helicopters are swooping over their neighborhoods? Or concern that an accident may occur over a heavily populated area such as the Johansen shopping area?

If they were conducting training for an environment such as Iraq, does that mean civilian targets were identified for offensive measures? Were those helicopters armed?

I wonder how many combat veterans experienced at least a moment where their hearts were racing before they could determine that what they saw and heard was only a “training” exercise.

I wonder how many drivers had their eyes skyward instead of concentrating on slippery roads.

I find it extremely difficult to believe that a sub-arctic city such as Fairbanks provides enough of a resemblance to any city or town in Iraq that could truly justify the benefits versus risks of such training.

TC Greywolf

Fairbanks

Alaskan spirit

Jan. 16, 2008

To the editor:

I’m writing regarding Mr. Boyd’s Jan. 11 letter, “Shame on Cole.”

First, let me say that I am truly sorry for the Callaway’s loss (a house fire outside the protection area). I can’t imagine what a horrible thing it must be to lose your home and everything you have worked so hard for.

But I strongly disagree with Mr. Boyd’s letter.

I’m shouting from the rooftops that the “true Alaska spirit” is alive and well.

I have lived in Fairbanks my whole life — every day I am amazed at the wonderful attitude and hospitality of the majority of people who live here.

Had I been one of the Callaway’s neighbors, I’d like to think that I’d be right there with my garden hose. But the simple fact is that firefighters are public servants, and to keep their jobs, they must follow strict policy.

There is no doubt in my mind that it is a difficult and painful decision that they don’t take lightly. The choice these guys had to make is certainly not immoral, and they should not be criticized for following the rules.

It’s a fact of life. Our town can’t exist for free; paying your way is fair.

Unfortunately, we seem to have an aversion to paying for services. I hate paying extra taxes as much as anyone, but how else do you think services get funded? You get what you pay for.

I think that an important lesson here is that we are all responsible for ourselves. Sure, helping your neighbors is in the true Alaskan spirit. But I hope that none of us expect them to bail us out when we don’t take responsibility for our own life and property.

If you live outside a fire service area, and you want to change that, band together with your neighbors and find out how to get annexed.

It’s pretty cheap insurance, and while your home may not be saved, at least you can have peace of mind that the firefighters who show up at your home will be authorized to fight the flames.

Karina Possenti

Fairbanks