Missed Opportunities

   Even as Alaska searches for new revenue streams, it's possible that some will be led far astray by the denial of the DeVilbi of Matanuska- Susitna Borough. There's been a lot of hoopla about years of study and research done on their part into the costs and effects of cannabis and it's use. Where are their good meaning words and actions when it comes to alcohol? Now there is some death and destruction looking for a remedy. Only now is there any real research able to be done on the subject of cannabis in our country, with the more recent loosening of controls. In the past, most of the accredited research was coming out of the Israeli army. They even go so far as to prescribe it for PTSD in the military. And if the DeVilbi really want to learn, may I suggest they delve into some ancient study on the subject. 

   As I see it, one part of the state, the Matanuska side of the Mat-SuValley, is going to lose out on what is their natural branding right, had they not turned their noses up at it. What has been commonly known as Matanuska Thunder#@%& will unfortunately end up being produced only on the Susitna side of the Mat-Su Valley, theirs to exploit the brand familiarity. Unfortunately carrots aren't taxable at fifty bucks a pound.

Fifty People

   When I learned that the many super-pacs in our country were more or less controlled by the same fifty familial names we recognize, it came as no shock. Money runs politics. Certainly in my state of Alaska you are more likely to get your legislative updates from a member of the business and commerce sector. Besides, I had long been aware of how individual politicians were overly invested in what they consider to be the industrial complex that is our lives, be it our healthcare or the corrections system.
   As we see the disparity growing between how those that are 'with' are well treated and how those that are 'without' are continuously left without, it should come as no surprise to those super-pac fifty that Mr. Trump is doing so well as he is among the common man. Here is a man who has everything they have going for them, but unlike the fifty, rather than throw his money at the problem and attempt to hire others to do his will, this man uses his own money to get himself hired for the job. Some people look at him and think thats how they would aspire to be if they had his money. He really sets quite the example for others looking to make their world better, not just grow their own wealth.

People Know

   It was with great sadness that I received the recent news that there would be no federal agreement to prosecute Bill Allen for his part in the past sex trafficking that allegedly happened both here in the state of Alaska and elsewhere. I agree with the state that there is a case to be made, both in evidence and solid witness testimony. Our news reports in recent months have shown us that sex trafficking is a crime that is rampant today throughout our state, despite current law enforcement's best efforts. I believe that it is so rampant because nothing seems to have been done about it for decades. There has been little to no fear in the perpetrators mind because most good Alaskans don't recognize this crime in their midst. Most of our society doesn't recognize drug trafficking when it is conducted in front of them and they don't see this either.

   You may have noticed that this week was declared Crime Victims Rights Week in Alaska by Gov. Bill Walker,  even as our legislature struggles to find the right balance between the rights of victims and those of our incarcerated citizens. When it comes to sex trafficking, the most common victim that I have witnessed in this state has been female and she seldom, if ever, sees her evildoer (usually male) brought to justice. When I hear the statistics about how the growth in the female population of Alaska's correctional industry has surpassed the male population by leaps and bounds, I am not surprised by the fact. 

   In balancing the weight of individuals rights, one against the other, please remember that many criminals were first victims of crime themselves who saw no justice in their own life. Often times their rights were first tread upon and the people who knew did nothing.u