You can almost hear the sighs of relief across Alaska each time oil prices tick up. This is good for Alaska, right? Actually, no. Because instead of forcing us to diversify our economy. This blip allows us to kick back, relax, and continue our monogamous relationship with oil–when we really need to be dating around.
We need to work with leaders and experts from local communities, to calmly get people in those communities the truth instead of riling up opposition to safe practices. This week the Governor did the opposite, writing an Op-Ed blaming others for this state’s mounting illness and death toll. He painted a rosy picture of where Alaska is. Here are facts he left out in praising the job he’s done.
Folks, this is the height of silliness. It’s as obvious as the coming of winter to Alaska.
Now provides more than 70% of unrestricted state revenues
It’s time for a federal solution. The Equality Act would start to address these issues by guaranteeing basic, fundamental protections for all people in employment, housing and public accommodations regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It would ensure transgender and nonbinary people are guaranteed the opportunity to work and provide for their families, secure a home for their loved ones, and access life-saving medical care – free from harassment, violence, and discrimination.
“While Bill is personally pro-life and Heidi is pro-choice, we will honor our oath of office and uphold and defend every constitutional right. That includes taking necessary executive action or vetoing unconstitutional legislation that infringes upon any of our fundamental rights.”
“I want a brighter future, not a state people have been leaving for a record four years in a row. We can do better than the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs, closed small businesses and less opportunity to succeed.”
The opportunity to provide a new hope for young Alaska families is right in front of us.
A good ol’ standoff.
Unfortunately, instead of inviting Alaskan public health experts and health care professionals who have been on the front lines fighting the pandemic for the last year, they have chosen instead to invite individuals pushing false claims and theories that aim to undermine guidelines and recommendations that that keep people safe.