Alaska Politics Blog : Candidates on the issues -- and a note on reader comments

Alaska Politics Blog

This is the place to talk about Alaska politics -- state, local, national. Public life in the Last Frontier has probably never been more interesting than right now -- the governor as candidate for vice president, the broad and still-evolving corruption investigation, a big election, powerful members of Congress under scrutiny, and the usual hardball Alaska politics. Come here for news, tidbits and information, and join the discussion. Keep your comments civil and on point. Avoid personal attacks. Do not use profanity. Posts that violate the Terms of Use will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be banned.

Contributors

Erika Bolstad

Erika Bolstad covers Alaska issues, including the congressional delegation, from Washington, D.C., for McClatchy Newspapers. Before joining the bureau in 2007, she spent seven years as a reporter at the Miami Herald, where she covered politics, government and the state legislature. E-mail Erika at ebolstad@adn.com.

Sean Cockerham

Sean Cockerham writes about Alaska state politics. He spent three years based in Juneau for the ADN before joining the Tacoma News-Tribune to write about Washington state politics. He went to Iraq twice for the News Tribune, and previously wrote about Alaska government and politics for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. E-mail Sean at scockerham@adn.com

Kyle Hopkins

Kyle Hopkins covers politics and other stories for the ADN. He covered the 2006 campaign for governor, has blogged extensively about Alaska politics, covered Anchorage city government and was a reporter based in the Mat-Su. He grew up in Southeast Alaska and previously was a reporter at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Anchorage Press. E-mail Kyle at khopkins@adn.com

Features

SECTION

Alaska political corruption

The FBI raided state legislatures offices in Aug. 2006, and the fallout since has been epic in Alaska's political world.

Candidates on the issues -- and a note on reader comments

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: August 22, 2008 - 7:30 am

From David Hulen, ADN state/local news editor --

In the print newspaper, we've been running full pages in the A-section with the candidates for Congress answering a series of questions about their positions on issues. Some of the questions came from readers on this blog. Thanks again for the suggestions. We started with the U.S. Senate candidates Thursday, the U.S. House candidates appear today, there will be more House responses on Saturday and more Senate on Sunday.

We've put a version of the issue survey, in a different, searchable form, online here. We're hoping to do an expanded version of this in print and online during the general election. Let us know what you think and if you have suggestions on how we could do it better or make it more useful.

Now let's talk about reader comments. Heading into the last weekend before the primary, we'll be watching comments here and elsewhere on the ADN site. We encourage you all to weigh in with opinions. Anyone who's spent just a little time on the site knows we allow a free-ranging conversation - and we get a lot of comments. But as the John Goodman character put it in "The Big Lebowski": "This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules." Here are ours: You need to be civil, you need to be aware of the user agreement, you need to keep it on-topic and you can't make stuff up. We delete posts and we ban users we think go over the line.

Some tips on how to get your post deleted:

• Personally attack other readers. The harsher the attack, the better your chances.

• Use profanity.

• State something as fact that’s not established to be fact. Offer no back-up. Repeat rumors. Post that someone is under criminal investigation when it hasn’t been established that they are. (Saying “I know they are” or “My friend heard they are” doesn’t cut it.)

• Explicitly accuse someone of a crime when they have not been charged. This includes things like "I heard Veco remodeled the house of (insert name of politician here)," which we've seen a fair amount of in recent months in the wake of the FBI investigation.

If you see something you think is out of bounds, please flag it.

login or register to post comments

12 August 23, 2008 - 1:25pm | watchman

Stevens on Rationalization

Ted Stevens' response on fisheries rationalization programs undertaken in the Aleutians is wishful thinking, at best. The long-time fishing families and commercial boat owners in King Cove, False Pass, Nelson Lagoon, Akutan, and Sand Point have been totally screwed by Stevens and his rationalization plans. The Aleut fishing families in those communities have been particularly hard hit, with continuing losses of fishing permits and boats. Fishing families who diversified their gear, historically a smart decision, trying to stay afloat by fishing more than one species, and more than a single area, have found their options terminated by Stevens' actions, one by one, until finally, no options are left. Ignoring the pain of these familes by dismissing their concerns as "politics" in the face of science is nonsense. Good allocation decisions are always a balance of science, economics, and political decisions. You would think this Alaska Senator would give priority to local Alaska fishermen, local Alaska boat owners, and the long established traditions of self sufficiency and pride in those small towns. To make the pain worse, it wasn't the market that did them in - it was Ted Stevens. Ted Stevens only represents Seattle fishing interests.

11 August 23, 2008 - 1:04pm | watchman

Question 27 responses, House

David: The House candidates' responses to Question 27, on Fisheries Rationalization, are on a different topic - recruitment of physicians. I would like to see their answers on fisheries rationalization, thanks.

August 23, 2008 - 2:59pm | dhulen

Fixed

Thanks for the heads-up.

10 August 22, 2008 - 6:31pm | LilysDaddy

My prediction:

Uncle Ted will never go to trial. On the advice of his attorneys (and after a bit of arm-twisting, since I don't believe Ted is viewing any of his legal troubles logically or rationally at this point) Sen. Stevens will cut a deal with prosecutors, accept a fine in the range of $200k - $500k, make a public acknowledgment of certain "arrangements" reached with Bill and Rick, announce that effective immediately he is suspending his race for re-election and declare that he will step down from his Senate seat effective Jan. 2, 2009.

Following immediately upon the Stevens' announcement, Republican Party Chairman Randy Ruedrich will introduce a "prominent" Republican (no, not Dave Cuddy) to carry the party's mantle in the race for Senate. This well-known Alaska pol will lose to Mark Begich by a 3-1 margin.

And sometime following Senator Stevens' resignation announcement, but before the general election on Nov. 4th, the Public Integrity Section of the Dept. of Justice will make public a six-count indictment against one Ben Stevens and set the stage for a very public "perp walk." Many Alaskans will dance in the streets upon hearing the news.

Remember: you heard it here first.

August 23, 2008 - 11:54pm | Gus_Davis

A "Prominant" Republican.

Don Young to run for Senate?

August 24, 2008 - 11:32pm | daddieslilly

Binkley thinks its Himself

Prominent? Not Don Young. Didn't Don Young camp out in Binkley's home a few times? That would really make Binkley prominent. The writer two above making the prediction is probably a good forecaster. Here's my take. Binkley is going to be held out as the "prominent" one to be annointed after Teddy is squeezed out of the race next month. But Cuddy backers are going to rebel big time. Afterall Binkley did support such Democrats as Tony Knowles, Bill Sheffield and Willie Hensley at various times. Really DUMB move by Binkley. So after Binkley appointment causes a huge fraction and division in the R Party, Cuddy backers will vote for Mark Begich to block Binkley's candidacy. And if that were'nt enough, how bout this....... Robin Taylor backers from the "write-in" Gov campaign of 98' will also back Begich just to make sure Binkley goes nowhere. Hell, maybe even some John Lindauer backers from the 98 Gov cmpaign will vote for Begich too. The Republicans will lose the whole friggen thing over Binkley in 08. Mark my words. Yup, its going to be about 3:1 a Begich victory. Stupid Republicans. Just don't have a clue, do ya?
Mark Begich........prays that Binkley gets the nod. Then, Begich is goin to DC

August 25, 2008 - 1:45am | Gus_Davis

I still hope enough people

I still hope enough people re-registered "I" and voted for Metcalfe in the Dem primary.

August 23, 2008 - 12:23pm | jon_millrod

Cuddy's Swifties on standby............

Yep, Dave Cuddy is really going to be pissed when Randy Reuderich and his little gang of outlaws picks John Binkley as Ted Steven's substitute in the general election. I heard that Cuddy himself is a rear-admiral with the Swift Riverboat Veterans. The Republicans are destined for a real sinking proposition in the general.

August 23, 2008 - 11:21am | Diogenes_lamp

Two questions...

Does the Ruedrich gang have an affinity for "riverboat captains" or is it just coincidence?
Where is the street party going to be?...in need to find my dancing shoes.
It's certainly a possibility...another version is that Teddy remains bull-headed and is convinced that no one will convict him of anything. Ted goes to trial, loses his case 12-0 but barely loses in his senate race. (Remember Alaskans love their criminals in office or Arizona.) Ben is charged with 11 federal indictments....Irony is he ends up at the same prison as daddy...but daddy got a pardon but daddy spent his last political chips getting his own butt out of the pokey. Ben spends his middle age years with bubba, who was moved into Teds cell after Teddy was raptured by Geo Bush Jr.

August 23, 2008 - 12:39pm | jon_millrod

Has Ruederich seen the Binkley Video?

Diogenes: Better get those dancin shoes polished. When Reuderich sees the Binkley video showing Binkley's support to the Democrats in 98' ................Reuderich is going to have an affinity for "riverboat captains" while weeping himself to sleep down in Davy Jones' Locker. Afterall, whats a riverboat captain with no real maritime education, phoney diplomas, and a three-time loser in politics? (answer: a little rich man with no one else to "beg" to with all of his money).

August 24, 2008 - 10:38am | lotsofpipe

Yeah but Binkley's charman of the Board of the Alaska railroad.

Doesn't know crap about real railroads but has one about 1/4 mile long that he drags his customers around on. Only in Alaska. Send Binkley to DC. That's a good place for the little weasel.

August 24, 2008 - 3:43pm | reevers

Send Binkley back to school,

NOT to DC. These phoney types with no education and piles of self-serving titles aren't desireable to anyone. Remember the debate between Frank Murkowski and John Binkley in the summer of 06'?? Murkowski took Binkley on about his lying of college and high school diplomas. That really unnerved the little fellow to no end. No education. Just his dad and mom's wealth. Hey, about Binkley and the railroad: I just talked to a friend and she said that Binkley made the Tony Knowles support video in 1998 JUST so that Knowles would appoint Binkley to be Chairman of the Railroad. So the little two-faced Binkley plays both sides to get what he wants. Wonder what Binkley's mom and dad think of the little guy? Probably this: "we should have purchased the six-inch platform shoes for him."

August 24, 2008 - 7:00pm | lotsofpipe

I remember that debate.........

And when Murky called him on it Binkley pulled a copy of his GED out of his coat pocket. Remarkable. How many guys carry their high school diploma around with them? 6inch heals won't help the little guy. I remember when he moved here from Fairbanks. Wonder what he expected?

9 August 22, 2008 - 5:20pm | TheSdog

Hulen Hooey

The gesticulations from the ADN about appropriateness of reader comments are comical.

They allow a guest columnist to call a Stevens a racist.

They continually publish letters to the editor accusing Bush of just about everything.

They never dig into legitimate questions about Begich and his deals even if he may not be under investigation. Lack of connected dots hardly kept the stories about Port MacKenzie property from being run.

The list could go on and on but perhaps Pravda, and it is a fair nickname at this point, shout practice some journalistic integrity before hurling stones at everybody else.

August 23, 2008 - 9:02am | Lysander_Spooner

As much as it

may pain me to agree with you, I do.

There is no consistency to how the rules are applied.

8 August 22, 2008 - 3:53pm | buzter

Watch this non-candidate....................

Is there any question that after the primary the Republican Party is going to cut bait and run? Stevens' only chance now is a "get out of jail free" card from John McCain, should McCain be so lucky himself. The biggest non-story yet to be told will be the Republican Party's selection of John Binkley to step in and run as the Ted Stevens substitute candidate.
And this will be the most dangerous move by the R's to date. Why? Because Binkley will fracture the Republican Party in Alaska and guarantee a Begich victory for the coveted U.S. Senate seat. Binkley is a first rate cry baby with no academic credentials whatsoever and only a back pocket full of cash that he weasled from his daddy and mommy's tour business. Binkley carpet-bagged from Fairbanks to Bethel in the late 1970's so that he could buy a State House and later a State Senate seat. Sarah Palin handly beat Binkley in 2006 for governor, after Binkley ran an "I'll get even" race against Frank Murkowski (Frank picked his own daughter over Binkley).
Ted Stevens poured several million earmarked
dollars of taxpayers money to carve-out a navigable
channel for Binkley's tour boats in Fairbanks. And Binkley has received millions worth of state money in free advertisement for his tour businesses.
Binkley has steered tourists who ride the Alaska Railroad,
the corporation that he thinks he owns, into his personal
tour businesses in Fairbanks. And let's not forget to check Binkley's ethics while serving as Finance Chairman in Juneau. Binkley is positioning himself to be the savior for the Republican Party when Stevens gets carted off to prison. But a Binkley selection will promise an in-house fight amongst Republicans. If Binkley is selected, it will be the dumbest move the Republicans could have made in 2008, all to satisfy the mega-ego of a little man who thinks he can part the stormy waters.

Bring on the Swift Riverboat Vets, please.

August 22, 2008 - 10:56pm | leaky

The Binkley Video

This is a great video and I understand that it's ready if needed. It was taken from news footage in 1998 and it shows Binkley standing shoulder to shoulder with Tony Knowles in Fairbanks and supporting him for Governor. What? A so-called Republican giving outstanding support to Democrat Tony Knowles (and later having a fund raiser at Binkley's home)? This is going to be good. I think Binkley's boat will stay dry-docked.

relax: the Swift Riverboat Vets are reportedly on standby and ready for battle.

August 22, 2008 - 11:10pm | Gus_Davis

Leaky and Listy

This seems to be confirmation. Two sides in a charade of an adversarial process with end goal to exclude, then screw everyone that doesn't contribute or belong to the 'partnership .'

August 23, 2008 - 12:18pm | jon_millrod

Binkley seen praying

at church in Anchorage, for Ted Steven's CONVICTION.
Wait, I thought Binkley was quoted in the paper as "hoping" Ted Stevens will beat the rap. Ha. Well, that's the difference between "praying" and "hoping." Ted Stevens ought to feel real comfortable with friends like Binkley swooping around the Anchorage Republican Headquarters. Is there any law about the Republican Chairman of Alaska accepting "influence money" from guys like Binkley? Swift Riverboat Vets...........keep your motors running. We're all going to be needing you soon.

7 August 22, 2008 - 12:21pm | pinkheartforever

THANK YOU!

I often get frustrated with this site when I just continue to read these dizzying, weird conspiracy theories. I mean, come on, people: I'm not fond of certain politicians, but that gives me NO right to just make up lies. Sheesh. It's about time someone cracked down on this.

6 August 22, 2008 - 10:24am | LilysDaddy

Good

Tips on how to get your post deleted:

"State something as fact that’s not established to be fact. Offer no back-up."

Thanks, David, for the reminder. Of course, this blog may drop off to about six posts per week. But it will be refreshing to see fact-based postings instead of the usual black helicopter screeds.

5 August 22, 2008 - 10:13am | Stags_Leap

interesting development with Ron Paul

who just contacted his Alaska supporters and urged them to vote for Don Young.

If my memory serves me right, Paul had/has a lot of supporters in Alaska.

This is a nice coup for Don Young.

August 22, 2008 - 10:39am | rfn

Interesting that Mr. Paul

appears to have abandoned his conservative roots by supporting Mr. Young, noted in today's ADN as being perceived by campaign contributors as Liberal. Totally in keeping, that perception, with Mr. Young's very Liberal-agenda oriented proposed huge tax on gasoline.

This is a disturbing flip-flop for Mr. Paul.

August 22, 2008 - 4:49pm | rbuchanan

I can't speak for Ron Paul, but I did talk to his staff...

...apparently Dr. Paul had his reasons including support for a cople of key bills. I explained that most of Paul's supporters in AK would be voting for Parnell. Most of us considered Young an embarassment.

Unfortunately by the time I and other Alaskans got in touch with Ron Paul's staff, he had already promised his endorsement. I was told he always keeps his promises...

Most Paul supporters have serious issues with Mr. Young on fiscal and constitutional issues. Personally, I wouldn't call Young a RINO, but there is no way I'll vote for him in the primary.

August 22, 2008 - 11:47am | Tpayne

The Liberty Amendment

To clarify (as I and other Ron Paul supporters have gotten used to doing in the last 18 months against countless attacks and innuendos), Paul's support of Young tracks directly to Young's professed support of the Liberty Amendment (www.libertyamendment.org), a cause that Paul has championed for ages and views as his most important piece of proposed legislation. The Liberty Amendment would severely curtail the role of the Federal Gov't and put a three year sunset period on federal programs and the IRS. It appears that Young understands Paul's strength in Alaska and wants to appear "conservative by association", and that Dr. Paul is willing to play politics, understanding that should the Liberty Amendment be passed it would eliminate the temptation to fleece the nation with pork that Young, Stevens, and the majority of both houses have fallen into.

Oh, and if you like the looks of the Liberty Amendment...know that the only candidate in the Senate race support it is...you guessed it...Bob Bird.

August 22, 2008 - 12:19pm | rfn

Thank you for the clarification.

The use of the word "professed" makes it all plain.

It might appear that Mr. Paul was not informed of Mr. Young's most Liberal attempt to bring on a huge tax increase on people who can least afford it. Let us hope that word of this gets to him in time for him to reconsider his support of Mr. Young before the election.

August 22, 2008 - 12:29pm | Tpayne

Can't say I disagree...

Nice catch on my Freudian slip...I guess my distrust of Young is shining through. Check out the Liberty Amendment, though--if Young really does support it (which would be a flip-flop of the BEST kind), then I understand the importance his seniority carries.

Rather than Paul retracting his endorsement, I'd like to see Young speak out in favor of the Liberty Amendment--especially since his constituents are in large part unaware of his support (or even the Amendment's existence). THAT would show me he's truthful and dedicated to conservatism--and perhaps deserving of the support of Alaska's Paul supporters.

August 22, 2008 - 5:06pm | rbuchanan

I'll second that

I would love to hear Young take a turn towards liberty and perhaps even fiscal restraint. I'm tired fo voting for the lesser eveil.

August 22, 2008 - 11:50am | Tpayne

Paul's Endorsement of Young (FULL TEXT)

Dear Alaskan Supporter:

Please let me begin by once again giving you my heartfelt thanks for all you have done to support me. The reason our campaign was so successful in your state owes entirely to the fact that activists such as you worked so hard. For that I am truly grateful.

Alaska faces a primary election for federal offices on August 26.

As you go about deciding how you will vote, I wanted to write to you regarding Congressman Don Young. Don and I have served together in Congress for many years, and I consider him a friend. Don has been an outspoken voice against environmental extremists over the years, and has strongly opposed the types of federal regulatory overreach advocated in the name of environmentalism.

I am also glad to have Don as a cosponsor of one of the most significant pieces of legislation I have introduced, the Liberty Amendment. Few members of Congress have shown the insight to understand the importance of this sweeping legislation to restrain the federal government, and even fewer have shown the courage to cosponsor this bill. Don is one of those.

I support Don's campaign for re-election, and I felt it was important for you to know these things as you consider your vote in the upcoming primary.

Once again, I appreciate all you have done for me, and for our country. Your efforts on behalf of our cause are truly remarkable.

Sincerely,

Ron Paul

August 22, 2008 - 11:17am | Stags_Leap

Parnell is the liberal

a record of Palin-Parnell being pro-tax on industry, increasing the size of government by 23%, and saying nothing about pro-life bills....when he/she could have advocated for them.

Don Young is the conservative in this race. Parnell is a liberal...or a Palinista. And at a minimum, Don Young is campaigning for his votes. Parnell is doing nothing -other than allowing the east coast anti-senior citizen Club for Growth run his campaign.

August 22, 2008 - 11:31am | rfn

(Sigh) Truth Squad required once more.

While the size of state government has been increased, every effort to trim it has been turned back by the legislature. Now, when there's a strong attempt at a mid-course correction, those who once whined about the size of government oppose it. Bitterly.

As to Liberal vs. Conservative, what could be more Liberal than Mr. Young's proposed $1.00 (one dollar) a gallon tax on gasoline to force people to stay at home? That's Mr. Young; not Mr. Parnell.

But I must also ask! Why the strong opposition to cutting back on state spending at this point? Is it that people only want cuts in areas which are not their favourite at the moment?

August 22, 2008 - 2:54pm | Stags_Leap

You can't handle the truth, sigh...

even if it hit you between the eyes when your helmet was off.

Parnell has done NOTHING to backup his alleged conservative views, hides behind Sarah Palin, and allows the Club for Growth to fund 70% of his campaign.

August 22, 2008 - 7:13pm | rfn

Still trying to grasp

why a dedicated "Begich for Senator for Life" addict is favoring Don Young for Congress.

There are three logical conclusions:

1. A torrid love affair with Mr. Young's attack on American families through his proposed $1.00/gallon (that's one Dollar per gallon, Staggy) on the fuel needed to get to a from work, take the children to and from school sports and other activities.

2. Understanding that Mr. Young cannot defeat Mr. Berkotitz-Pelosi and his San Francisco power broker's values in November, therefore seeks to have the weakest possible candidate.

3. Perhaps the advocate is a trial lawyer, bent on supporting his/her brethern/cistern (intentional) through the largess of Mr. Young's combo campaign/legal defense fund.

August 22, 2008 - 5:02pm | rbuchanan

Parnell is at least talking the talk...

...We can't know for sure what Parnell will do when elected, but do know Young's track record.

I don't want to spend the next few months waiting to see if Don Young's legal problem errupt into formal criminal charges. I certainly don't need another two years of Young bragging about how much pork he can bring in.

The slogan "We cheat the other guy and pass thesavings on to you" is a funny for 'koots, but it isn'ty any way to run government. States and localities shoudl pay for their own needs adn infrastructure.

August 22, 2008 - 9:00pm | Gus_Davis

Parnell needs to make a Federal commitment to his state.

How long has he watched as a legislator and played Nuts of what was going on with BENNIE.

I think there may be a reason or skeleton to come out.

Other than that for Democrats being loosers are sure things other than Benson as far as I glean. But Metcalfe better get the support of anyone who can change their registration to "I." If Not, Then Benson can do it.

The rest of any major party candidate is the same no matter what letter is behind their name. Perhps combining the two major parties into a "G" party or "GG" party would be adequately named as "Gridlock Government."

And GG representative Jim Duncan can lead us all into the universal "Freedom of Choice ACT " where we can all answer to him.

[Hint: Get rid of RUEDRICH/ GET Rid of JAKE Metcalf(done) Get Rid of all the party brass including Vickers.]

August 23, 2008 - 10:14am | rbuchanan

Gus, your post is a bit incoherent.`

Could you perhaps explain what your point is?

August 24, 2008 - 12:03am | Gus_Davis

Oh. Okay.

That most the people associated with either party are on the take/and or are indicated as not trustworthy because of hit practice hit below the belt campaign tactics and we deserve better.

August 24, 2008 - 12:07am | Cartman3_15

BBB

Blog BEFORE bonghits.

Please.

August 24, 2008 - 12:13am | Gus_Davis

LINK

Link

I was going to hit edit and insert a link before the personal attack came .

4 August 22, 2008 - 10:03am | watchman

Issue Survey Comments

David Hulen: I browsed through the survey Q&A database. Good marks, and thanks. It is well organized. Suggestions. Allow longer responses from the candidates - complex issues deserve more text, and possibly URL pointers to more substantial material. For each candidate, include a summary of current federal and state campaign rules violations and any current investigations under way; not accusations, just pending verified violations and investigations.

After the election, repeat a similar database format on significant legislation sponsored and co-sponsored by each legislator. I think that would assist in changing the public conversation from continuous campaigning to involvement in governance, issues, and legislation, with the added benefit to you of longer user hold times.

3 August 22, 2008 - 9:06am | pixieteeth

Hopefully,

Even self-professed native women can avoid being jumped in this alley when they state their opinions on ADN's invitation to the "public". Perhaps allusions to their under garments etc. can be removed by attentive ADN (as opposed to law enforcement) monitors in this local dialogue as a prerequisite to (some) civility. I think ADN should have a separate site where ips from outside Alaska can be precluded. I mistakenly thought this was an invitation for LOCAL readers of the ADN since we have just one daily print media serving the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage (which includes the small neighborhood of Girdwood). The anti Stevens hordes have been very aggressive and they seek to do their accomplished "gazelle cull in front of the others" - apparently any "gazelle" will do. (Please see Mr. Taufen's call out of Pixieteeth alluding to CNN and her underwear) which remains to this moment. I believe this site is completely unsafe at this time.

Kyle, can we have a few questions of candidates regarding the state of Alaska's constitutional right of "privacy"? I believe it grew out of rural Alaska where one often had privacy by virtue of mere isolation and it became encoded as a constant value into our constitution; our right of privacy is not just defined by abortion or criminal justice definitions applications to date. Perhaps one of the framers of the state of Alaska constitution could comment upon it as a public service reminder. Contrast that with the rush to install cameras "at Girdwood" per STaufen and his allusion to underwear etc. This individual I believe is abridging rights to privacy and needs to be taken to task about it.

August 22, 2008 - 11:00am | editorsblog

Question

Pixieteeth:

Are you flagging the comments you find objectionable?

Pat Dougherty

August 22, 2008 - 1:54pm | pixieteeth

Yes Mr. Daugherty I am.

STaufen has stated that I'm employed by Senator Stevens. This is false. Yet he continues to say it. He has said other things which are socially reprehensible and particularly offensive to me regarding urinating. That flagged post remained. I understand you are short staffed. My comments have "chilled" since I believe you allow personal attacks. Many are not technologically savy so as to provide links. While others do nothing but blog here all day and night hysterically going ad hominem rather than speaking about the issues within a title. Nonetheless, thank you for trying to have this interactive journalism in Anchorage. You are however providing it to the entire US while Alaskans are too frightened to comment while we are surveilled.

August 22, 2008 - 4:23pm | editorsblog

Thanks for replying

I think that rather than saying we allow personal attacks, it would be more accurate to say that we are unable to find and eliminate every personal attack. I can assure you that we review every flagged comment and eliminate those that we feel are not appropriate. In some cases our judgment may differ from yours, but we absolutely do review each flagged comment.

Everyone who participates in these comment "conversations" is part of a community and bears some responsibility for setting the community's standards. The best way to do that is to participate responsibly and flag questionable material from others so we can enforce that standard.

Some participants here are under the misimpression that they have a First Amendment right to post on this site. They certainly have a First Amendment right to speak their minds, but speaking them on adn.com is a privilege that requires, at a minimum, responsible, adult behavior.

Pat Dougherty

August 25, 2008 - 1:44am | Gus_Davis

Thanks..

Please avoid flagging material that is "not so" questionable.

Seems there are some that would flag a public file from the Attorney General when it is posted. Please their motives while you are "reviewing" their flags of these public files. It seems like Flagging has previously always resulted in removal of gooe information. It is used by some as a form of censorship and way to appoint themselves to hide good public information they rather not have disseminated.

Thanks for "review" instead of just removing flags, as there is a lot of good information being posted.

August 23, 2008 - 9:06am | Lysander_Spooner

Joke

Thanks for clarifying that all flagged comments are reviewed. I would have preferred to read that you don't have the time or staff to review all flagged comments. That, at least, would explain the obvious inconsistency with which the alleged terms of use are applied.

Based on your explanation above, I now know:

1- Posting false and unsupported allegations are not allowed, unless they're posted about anyone other than Mark Begich.

It is allowed, for example, to continue posting that Gov. Palin "ran her Lt. Gov. campaign out of her mayor's office in 2002", despite the fact that two motivated, mean-spirited individuals and an army of journalists found no evidence of this. On the other hand, it is not acceptable to ask legitimate questions about Begich and his tax returns.

It is perfectly acceptable to smear Sean Parnell, especially by attempting to link him to the bad deeds of others like Larry Craig, but it is not acceptable to ponder the possible links between Begich and someone like Bill Weimar.

2- Personal attacks and name-calling are not allowed, unless you call someone a "retard," which is acceptable. Calling Mark Begich a "retard," presumably, is not acceptable.

This is precisely why some of us no longer frequent these blogs. In addition to flagging posts, I have also asked repeatedly, in e-mails, for explanations about the user agreement and the inconsistency with which it is applied. After several nonresponses, I've practically begged and still got nothing.

So please know that I appreciate this clarification from you. Although I would hope that you'd reconsider what qualifies as "responsible, adult behavior".

August 22, 2008 - 1:58pm | Diogenes_lamp

Pixie...

Are you a Stevens volunteer?

August 22, 2008 - 2:09pm | pixieteeth

Are you? No, I'm a constituent.

August 22, 2008 - 2:15pm | Diogenes_lamp

ahhh...

no and I'm looking forward to being an EX-constituent of Ted Stevens. I'll still be here in Alaska...Ted may end up in Oregon or Cali though.

August 25, 2008 - 1:32am | Gus_Davis

Or Texas

With his friend Robert Hayes.