Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Surviving Bush

Jan. 17, 2008

To the editor:

It has been a while since I have written to Fairbanks. I am counting the days to the end of Bush’s term. Ticktock. Though I did not vote for him I will say I was excited when he won the first election. Good God. Here was a guy with the Congress and the Senate right beside him. All the great things that could be accomplished. Wow … one could only imagine.

Now we know what happens when we, as a country, as a united people, as the greatest nation in history, somehow put such a small-minded man in the White House. We put a terrorist in office.

George has worked to ruin this country from the inside.

A warmonger, torturer, and a cold killer of untold thousands. The environment, the middle class, health care. All the wonderful things that could have been are ending with eight years of going backwards. A waste? Charmless word. Karma for George? Let us pray. His legacy. Forget about it. A presidential library. Misnomer from hell. There it is. The most ineffective president in history who has effected us to death.

We can survive him. My confidence in America is supreme. Let us show the world who and what we really are. Pay attention to the coming election, 10 months away. Another creep like Bush will be the end of us.

Besides the crummy president, I would thank the staff at the News-Miner for making a good daily into a great one. I have read it all my life and have never enjoyed it more. You serve the public well, as you always have.

Thank you,

Dale Thacker

Fairbanks

A vote for Paul

Jan. 17, 2008

To the editor:

I am more than ready to return to the practice of government limited by our Constitution as intended by our founding fathers.

The country I was born and raised in, and the Constitution I support, uphold and defend, has been compromised by the treasonous ideas and votes of politicians who look out for their own power plays and pocketbooks, instead of looking to the Constitution as the Supreme Law of the Land, before they vote!

By voting for Ron Paul for president, and upon his taking office, I will be able to rest assured that the rights granted me by the Constitution will be kept to their original intent.

Join me in supporting Ron Paul (www.ronpaul.meetup.com/187) who is vigilant in keeping the Constitution as the Supreme Law of our Land.

Constitutionally yours,

Marylou M. Zackar

Fairbanks

Pay for protection

Jan. 18, 2008

To the editor:

Mr. Severns’ letter (”Let it burn,” Jan. 18) stating that the Fairbanks borough’s policy was to let her burn in reference to Ace Callaway’s home burning down was not correct.

As sad as Mr. Callaway’s home burning down it is sadder that a grown man would not ensure that his and his family’s dwelling was protected. The borough’s policy has never been to “let her burn,” it is as it should be, the people that pay for a service are the ones that receive the service.

I make car payments so that when and if I choose to use a vehicle I have one, I do not cry in my milk because someone won’t let me drive theirs when I need one.

Every year I receive a bill I gladly pay for fire service protection. I hope I never need it but I still pay regardless. He states that if a person doesn’t have fire protection and their house catches on fire they should be charged for the service. Does he have any clue what it costs to run and maintain a fire department? Is he going to pay for the engines, tankers, fire hose, water, bunker gear, etc.? What about the thousands of dollars it costs to maintain training of the personnel, most if not all who volunteer their time?

The amount I pay is minuscule to the benefit I have of knowing that my house is protected. Instead of writing letters complaining that he didn’t don’t receive a service that he didn’t pay for maybe he should find out how he can be annexed into a fire service area or start his own.

And last but far from least to the volunteer firefighters who risk their lives every time the alarm sounds thank you for your service and dedication. I will put a smiley face on the check I send in this year for you!

Bill Ward

North Pole