It has been interesting for me to note what difficult times many in Alaska are experiencing and how these difficulties seem directly related to Alaska's support of Bush in both the 2000 and 2004 elections. I wonder if the bad experiences of Alaskans will cause them to switch parties this election.
The first major problem confronting Alaska is global warming. The permafrost in Alaska is melting, something that has not happened before, and whole villages are sinking. Many houses must be propped up with slats or other means. Whether parts or all of houses sink, a corresponding decline in real estate values undermines the future of many Alaskans.
Then today, the Supreme Court ruled that Alaska would receive only modest monetary rewards for the havoc the Exxon oil spill created for many Alaskans 20 years ago. Despite the fact that the oil spill meant many Alaskans lost their livelihoods as a result of the spill, the average settlement will be only $16,000.
Once again the Supreme Court delivered for big business and cruelly ignored the little fellers. And this is what Alaska voted for in both 2000 and 2004 when it voted overwhelmingly for Bush.
When will Alaskans learn?