Opinion

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Opinion: We’re on a road to ochlocracy

The conclusion of the Rittenhouse trial reminded us of the summer of 2020. It is a painful reminder.

  • Nov 22, 2021
  • By Ray Preston
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Bipartisan infrastructure bill helps Alaska toward ‘brighter’ future

Energy is the backbone of Alaska’s economy.

  • Nov 19, 2021
  • By Duff Mitchell
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A health care worker prepares a dose of COVID-19 vaccine. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Vaccination is still the best protection from COVID-19

Show your gratitude for health care heroes by protecting yourselves and your community

  • Nov 15, 2021
  • By Janice Sheufelt
A health care worker prepares a dose of COVID-19 vaccine. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

The sad diminishment of Rep. Don Young

Young seems afraid to demand his party leader defend the dignity of the institution he loves.

  • Nov 12, 2021
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: BC needs Alaska partners in its remediation planning for Tulsequah Chief Mine

All of us have a stake in protecting the Taku and those who depend on it.

  • Nov 10, 2021
  • Bruce Botelho
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)
Alexander B. Dolitsky

Opinion: Appreciation of history, truth and fact and understanding of beauty

By Alexander B. Dolitsky Today, our schools, and society at large, should be discussing essential social concepts that provide a background, foundation and historic context… Continue reading

  • Nov 9, 2021
  • By Alexander B. Dolitsky
Alexander B. Dolitsky
Long-serving City and Borough of Juneau Assembly member Loren Jones, addresses the crowd at his last assembly meeting on Oct. 25. His wife of almost 52 years, La Rae Jones, stands beside him. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: I’m a longtime supporter of United Way. Here’s why

I have been a supporter of United Way for over 40 years…

  • Nov 8, 2021
  • By Loren Jones
Long-serving City and Borough of Juneau Assembly member Loren Jones, addresses the crowd at his last assembly meeting on Oct. 25. His wife of almost 52 years, La Rae Jones, stands beside him. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Reagan scare words revisited

The truth is we need government to keep corporate America honest.

  • Nov 5, 2021
  • By Rob Welton
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Opinion: Build back a better Congress

The importance of reaching across the aisle.

  • Nov 5, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
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A ballot for the 2021 municipal election. On Wednesday, Will Muldoon entered the race for a seat on the Juneau Board of Public Education. He's joining the field of candidates as a write-in option, eight days after city officials mailed ballots to voters and 13 days before ballots are due back. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire)

Opinion: There’s good reason to have mail-in voting

Here is the simple answer: it makes it much easier to vote.

  • Nov 4, 2021
  • By Stuart Cohen
A ballot for the 2021 municipal election. On Wednesday, Will Muldoon entered the race for a seat on the Juneau Board of Public Education. He's joining the field of candidates as a write-in option, eight days after city officials mailed ballots to voters and 13 days before ballots are due back. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire)
The Entrance to the University of Alaska Southeast. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The University of Alaska is the state’s most important resource

Together, let’s break the record for donor participation.

  • Nov 4, 2021
  • By Katie Bender, Cindy Wright and Robbie Stell
The Entrance to the University of Alaska Southeast. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
State Rep. Zack Fields

Alaska, more than any other state, needs COP26 to be successful

Make no mistake: We cannot “avoid” climate change.

  • Nov 3, 2021
  • By Zack Fields
State Rep. Zack Fields
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the virus that causes COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies may be a good treatment option for some people who test positive for the illness, according to state health officials. However, vaccination remains the best tool for limiting spread of COVID-19 and limiting hospitalizations. (NIAID-RML via AP, File)

US pandemic response has been a costly, divisive failure

With 4.2% of the world population, the U.S. has 19% of the total cases and 15% of the total deaths.

  • Nov 2, 2021
  • By Jeffrey G. Moebus
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the virus that causes COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies may be a good treatment option for some people who test positive for the illness, according to state health officials. However, vaccination remains the best tool for limiting spread of COVID-19 and limiting hospitalizations. (NIAID-RML via AP, File)
This November 2019 photo shows a line of shopper standing outside Centennial Hall while waiting to peruse the wares of Public Market vendors. That year's event featured more than 200 vendors. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We can either follow the mitigation rules or cancel the Juneau Public Market

And the show will go on.

  • Nov 1, 2021
  • By Peter and Sandy Metcalfe
This November 2019 photo shows a line of shopper standing outside Centennial Hall while waiting to peruse the wares of Public Market vendors. That year's event featured more than 200 vendors. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Jason Brune is the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Courtesy Photo)

Opinion: DEC reflects on recently concluded cruise season

DEC would like to reflect on our oversight of these vessels and solicit your feedback.

  • Oct 29, 2021
  • By Jason Brune
Jason Brune is the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Courtesy Photo)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The glass house where Dunleavy lives

Let’s look at how Dunleavy has dishonored his own past statements.

  • Oct 29, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

New direction for the Tongass will help grow businesses, a sustainable economy

Now is the time to chart a new course for Southeast’s future.

  • Oct 28, 2021
  • By Dan Blanchard, Marsh Skeele, Dustin and Katie Craney, Mike and Sally Trotter, Eric Grundberg and Malena Marvin
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Federal money should be spent on climate-friendly projects, not LNG

It’s back! I am referring to the colossally bad idea, the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas project.

  • Oct 28, 2021
  • By Mike Tobin
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(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Vote-by-mail doesn’t deliver – does the Juneau Assembly care?

By Win Gruening The City and Borough of Juneau seems to be exempt from the fundamental principle that “measurement improves performance,” because, by any objective… Continue reading

  • Oct 28, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This July photo shows the new Glory Hall, located near the airport. It will form a component of a growing social services campus. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: New Glory Hall has solved challenges, but community support remains key

Please consider getting involved.

  • Oct 27, 2021
  • By the Glory Hall Board of Directors
This July photo shows the new Glory Hall, located near the airport. It will form a component of a growing social services campus. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)