Anchorage Public Testimony on Non-Discrimination Ordinance – Chapter III.
Today, Anchorage’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance is being discussed for the third time in the Assembly Chambers. If you’re not up to speed, I’ve recently written several posts on the subject. If you are in Anchorage, please come to show support for the ordinance. Even if you don’t testify, your presence can be felt, and it’s an eye-opening experience to witness the goings on first hand. You can stream the Assembly meeting live HERE. Use this thread to live blog the event. This is the one where Jerry Prevo of the Anchorage Baptist Temple has canceled the Wednesday night service so members…
Anchorage Non-Discrimination Ordinance. (Photos)
The mood was different outside last night’s Assembly meeting. Once again, public testimony was being taken on ordinance 64, which would add the words “sexual orientation” to the city’s non-discrimination policy that addresses housing, employment, education and public accommodations. As I pulled up to the library which houses the Assembly chambers, the “red shirts”, members of the Anchorage Baptist Temple were out on the corner. But this time, there were also lots of “blue shirts,” those who support the ordinance. They carried hand made signs, had music playing, and seemed to be having a great time. There were rainbow flags,…
Anchorage Assembly Meeting – Non-Discrimination Ordinance Testimony
You can stream the Assembly meeting live HERE. More public testimony will be taken on the non-discrimination ordinance. Chair Debbie Ossiander has stated that there are 250 people left to testify who signed up last week. 88 people were heard then. Each person has approximately 3 minutes to speak, but people were reminded that all must be heard before discussion among Assembly members can begin. My understanding is that testimony on the non-discrimination ordinance will begin at 7pm Alaska time (8pm Pacific/11pm Eastern) Feel free to live blog the event in the comments. I know many who enjoyed rereading your…
Sexism and Free Market Comedy.
The following press release was issued today. Read it first, and we’ll all join up afterward for a big helping of irony. Sen. Menard and Rep. Fairclough angered by Letterman joke, encourage apology to all women. Wasilla, AK, June 15, 2009 – Alaska Senator Linda Menard and Alaska Representative Anna Fairclough today expressed their concerns regarding CBS comedian David Letterman’s sexually exploitative comments regarding Governor Sarah Palin’s young daughter, and his refusal to apologize not only to the Palin family, but to a nation of women he offended. “I have been watching this progress for nearly a week and still…
Palin’s “Hungry Markets” Not So Hungry. (Updated – Andrew Halcro Weighs In)
In several recent interviews, Governor Sarah Palin has told the country about the importance of getting “Alaska’s rich natural resources to hungry markets” in the Lower 48. And she’s been celebrating a new alliance between Trans-Canada Corp., and Exxon to build Alaska’s huge $26 billion dollar gas pipe line project. In light of all this buzz, it was interesting that an article just came out in The Financial Post, with the ominous title “Demand for Arctic Gas Dries Up.” The North American natural gas industry is “overbuilt,” pointing to weak prices for a long time, said [Steve] Letwin, Houston-based executive…
The Colors of June! (Politics Free)
I’ve mentioned before what a joy it is in the summer here in Alaska. After months on end where the outside eye sees nothing but white, grey, dark grey, ecru, eggshell, off-white, beige, brown, bright white….(you get the idea), we’ve finally hit the season of color. Mid-June is probably the most colorful of all. I’ve been watching the rose buds swell, waiting for them to bloom, and now, looking out over the wooded hillside near my house, it is speckled with pink as far as the eye can see, as though someone threw confetti. As the eye adjusts, patches of…
Alaska Civics 101 With Rep. Berta Gardner.
I made it a point to roust myself this morning to go hear Representative Berta Gardner give a talk at the Unitarian Universalist Forum. She was there to talk about the legislature, and her talk was fascinating and very well received. The thing I liked about it was that she was able to explain, in layman’s terms, what actually goes on in the “legislative bubble” that is Juneau, from a Democratic perspective. She is charming, and intelligent, and speaks from the heart. She talked from a place of both idealism and pragmatism, the two “isms” that often enter into an uneasy…
Shannyn Moore on Ron Reagan Today!
Tune in today to Ron Reagan on Air America to hear Shannyn Moore. She’ll be talking about the David Letterman debacle, the gas line and more. Use this thread to comment during the show, and wish Shannyn a Happy Birthday! Tune in HERE and click on the “Listen Live” link on the left for live streaming of Air America. Shannyn will be on just after 4:00pm Alaska time (5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern).
Alaska and Exxon – A Romance Rekindled.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a good episode of Mudflats Theatre. This one’s a romance, although I don’t know if it’s a good “date night” movie. The scene opens in the bedroom. (I promise, this is rated G….well….PG) We see a couple in bed. They are wrapped in a sheet. She’s nestled in the crook of his arm. The scene seems peaceful, and we understand immediately that there is a bond between these two lovers. There is a story here. “Mmmmm. What are you thinking?” she asks, in a sort of dreamy soothing voice. “Oh…I don’t know. It’s…
President Obama Declares Flood Disaster in Alaska
Good news today for those impacted by the historic flooding in interior Alaska. President Obama has officially declared a disaster, making it possible for those in need to seek federal assistance. I know that several state and federal agencies have been working hard to cross the Ts and dot the Is so this could be possible. Here’s hoping the news brightens the spirits of those who have lost so much. “I am pleased the president and his administration are recognizing the dire circumstances experienced by many Alaskans impacted by this flooding. We welcome the federal assistance to help residents and…