ALASKA FOCUS: Blogs, Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

I have always liked Alaska. I have known people who lived there. I have visited. But there is no question that Alaska politics has been dominated for years now by corrupt Republicans. This year looked to be the year that Alaska would finally reject corrupt Republicans.

Sadly, Alaska seems at best reluctant to shed corruption and failed politics. Final results are still pending for both the Senate race and House race. But it shouldn't have even been close. Several Alaska Republicans are already in jail for the VECO scandal. Ted Stevens and Don Young are up to their nostrils in corruption. Ted Stevens has even been CONVICTED because of it. Yes, Ted Stevens is a CONVICTED FELON. Yet Alaska may well re-elect him. Why? I don't get it.

And of course there is the national embarassment, Sarah Palin. Look, I don't know how she was as a mayor of a small town or governor of a state with massive oil payouts sustaining it. But as a VP candidate it is hard to find someone worse and more embarassing. She didn't even know Africa was a continent! My four year old son knows that! Add to this that she ALSO is under investigation.

Alaska may yet reject corruption, but the fact that so many Alaskans support corruption really amazes me. Sorry guys. Seems to me there are big, big problems with Alaska. Corruption and willful ignorance are NOT endearing qualities. Probably don't need to tell that to most Alaskans reading this, but sheesh. Sarah Palin, Ted Stevens and Don Young are about the worst politicians out there.


Here are some other events around Alaska:

VETERANS FOR PEACE Chapter 100, Juneau, Alaska
*Weekly Peace Vigil
3rd & Seward Streets
Thursdays 12-1 p.m.

Honor the dead and protest the Iraq War & Occupation.

*Juneau Veterans for Peace Meeting Second Thursday of Each Month
We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Northern Light United Church, 400 11th Street, Juneau, AK. These meetings are usually over by 7:00 or 7:30 p.m.

*Juneau Veterans for Peace Meeting Third Saturday of Each Month
We also meet on the third Saturday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at The Back Room, silverbow Inn-Bakery, 120 2nd Street, Juneau, AK.
These meetings are usually over by 10:00 a.m.

Prospective members and guests are welcome to attend.

*Also Listen each month to "Peace Talk" Radio
every 3rd Monday
7 - 8 p.m. Alaska Time
KTOO NEWS 104.5 FM
www.ktoo.org

One hour of interviews & news on issues of war and peace, hosted by Phil Smith,
VFP Chapter 100 President

Interior Democrats Monthly Meeting
When: 4th Wednesday of every month, at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Interior Democrats Headquarters
507 Gaffney Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701

Host: Interior Democrats
Contact: davidwvalentine_at_yahoo.com
Info: Interior Democrats meet regularly at 6:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of every month at our new headquarters at 507 Gaffney Street (the Stone Soup Community Center building).

All interested persons are invited.

Women in Black - Peace Vigil
Every Saturday, 1pm – 2pm
Wherecorner of 10th & I.
Dressing in black is preferable. No political signs, only "peace." Some signs provided.

Alaskans for Peace and Justice
Every Tuesday, 7pm – 9pm
Immanuel Presbyterian Church Anchorage
Alaskans 4 Peace and Justice is commited to nonviolence and creative ways to achieve social justice. We sponsor and organize peace rallies and Documentary films. Our roots go back to shortly after 9/11 when we organized to oppose the growing use of tragedy to excuse aggression and injustice. Our meetings are open to all who share this ideal.

Weekly Anchorage Peace Vigil
Every Friday, 12:00 – 13:00
Federal Building, Anchorage

Weekly Juneau Peace Vigil
Peace Park, noon every Thursday
Support local Juneau Veterans for Peace vigil. New location during the legislative session - 3rd and Seward Street at the "Peace Park"


For a more social environment, here are Drinking Liberally events in Alaska:

Anchorage, Alaska
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Inlet Tower, 1200 L St (Inside Mixx Grill)
* Hosted by Ruthie Kreuzer and Carly Horton, anchorage (at) drinkingliberally.org

Fairbanks, Alaska
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* We are now meeting Twice a month.
* First week of the month will be at varying restaurants around town and we'll meet at the PUB on UAF's campus every third Wed of the month
* Also, EVERY Sunday we meet for coffee at ACRC at 10:30am
* Hosted by Michael Wenstrup and David Valentine, fairbanks (at) drinkingliberally.org