Opinion

An election official lays out more “I voted” stickers on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Stickers for the 2020 general election featured designs by Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Voting rights should be enshrined, not suppressed

Please contact your senator urging passage of the For the People Act.

  • Mar 13, 2021
  • By Ketih B. Levy
An election official lays out more “I voted” stickers on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Stickers for the 2020 general election featured designs by Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Real governance is more than performance

There’s examples at the state level.

  • Mar 12, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A king salmon is laid out for inspection by Alaska Department of Fish and Game at the Mike Pusich Douglas Harbor officials at the Golden North Salmon Derby on Aug. 25, 2019. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Salmon proposal in the Lower 48 brings hope for Southeast fishermen

Good news and bad news coming out of the Northwest.

  • Mar 8, 2021
  • By Matthew Donohoe
A king salmon is laid out for inspection by Alaska Department of Fish and Game at the Mike Pusich Douglas Harbor officials at the Golden North Salmon Derby on Aug. 25, 2019. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: The old bait and switch

The transboundary Bi-lateral Technical Work Group ended before it really began.

  • Mar 7, 2021
  • By Robert Sanderson Jr. and Guy Archibald
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Opinion: Why governments cry wolf

What happens in a society that grows accustomed to well-intentioned alerts?

  • Mar 5, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
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(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The possibility of increasing independent visitors to Southeast Alaska

Discussion of how we might boost independent tourism is ongoing — and vital.

  • Mar 4, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
"I’ll tell you, one reason I got the COVID vaccines is because wearing a mask is getting old, and I want to do my part in helping us get past necessary mask mandates," writes Dr. Emily Kane. (Courtesy Photo)

Opinion: Why I got vaccinated

It’s the most responsible approach to the health of your neighbors and fellow community members.

  • Mar 4, 2021
  • By Dr. Emily Kane
"I’ll tell you, one reason I got the COVID vaccines is because wearing a mask is getting old, and I want to do my part in helping us get past necessary mask mandates," writes Dr. Emily Kane. (Courtesy Photo)
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Opinion: Yes, families still matter

Let’s admit that without a healthy family, kids suffer – sometimes for life.

  • Mar 3, 2021
  • By Mike Clemens
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Opinion: For Alaska’s fishermen and workforce Murkowski and Sullivan must be climate leaders starting with confirming EPA Administrator Regan

Here in Alaska, clean water and healthy habitat for our fish are truly our lifeblood.

  • Mar 3, 2021
  • By Marsh Skeele
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Opinion: Laws like the Equality Act shouldn’t hide behind masks

The far left is obscuring the implications of their vote.

  • Mar 2, 2021
  • By Kristen Waggoner
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Opinion: We need more information on meeting growing power needs

More renewable energy could put Juneau on the map as a sustainable community.

  • Mar 1, 2021
  • By Andy Romanoff
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Earth

Opinion: Some principles of Earth based climate change

“As for the next ice age, it’s about time. But no worries. CO2 has saved us.”

  • Mar 1, 2021
  • By William Hibler
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Reflections on valuing family

If we’re lucky, bonds endure until it’s the children providing loving care for their aging parents.

  • Feb 28, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
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Gavel (Courtesy photo)

Opinion: Thank you for letting me serve

“I write to thank the people of this great state for the opportunity to serve them.”

  • Feb 26, 2021
  • Bryan Schroder
Gavel (Courtesy photo)
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Opinion: Alaska’s economy desperately needs a clear, stable state budget

When government fails in its role to provide clear and stable signals, the economy suffers…

  • Feb 26, 2021
  • By Michael Martin
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Opinion: API doctors were right 50 years ago

“For all intents and purposes, disabled psychiatric patients in Alaska are without a voice.”

  • Feb 25, 2021
  • Faith Myers
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Opinion: Public trust has been fractured

Donald Trump’s presidency has gifted us with an extremely high dose of cultural and political distress. The deluge of derisive rhetoric, bigotry, racism, sexism, fake… Continue reading

  • Feb 24, 2021
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The Holland America Line cruise ships Eurodam, left, and Nieuw Amsterdam pull into Juneau’s downtown harbor on May 1, 2017. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Why there are no cruise ships coming and how to fix it

Don’t blame Canada. Blame presidents and lawmakers.

  • Feb 22, 2021
  • By Jeffrey G Moebus
The Holland America Line cruise ships Eurodam, left, and Nieuw Amsterdam pull into Juneau’s downtown harbor on May 1, 2017. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: AHFC administers federal rent and utility relief

Every Alaskan should have access to a safe, quality and affordable home.

  • Feb 22, 2021
  • By Brent LeValley
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Opinion: Alaska’s legacy of dissenting senators

When doing the right thing is the hard thing.

  • Feb 20, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
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