Governor should ‘Choose Respect’

“Choose Respect?” I call BS! I read in the Anchorage Press about the abhorrent, immoral and illegal behavior of three Alaska National Guard recruiters and the cover up of their actions. I'm struggling to find words strong enough to describe my disgust. These predators on the young and vulnerable were allowed to continue and to brag about their actions that included rape, sexual assault, preying on high school aged children and new recruits.

Time and again rapist predators were protected by a system unwilling to deal with these issues. Remember, “Choose Respect.” Where is the respect for the victims of these crimes when the AK National Guard “leadership” is allowed to cover up and protect those who should be behind bars for their actions.

Four years ago, three AK National Guard chaplains went to Sean Parnell's office voicing their concerns about the lack of action and mishandling of sexual assaults and the coverup of these crimes. When asked about why he waited so long before looking into this Parnell's answers were weak and vague. It seems that he was satisfied with Maj. Gen. Katkus' assurance that things were being handled appropriately.

When three AK Guard members go outside of the chain of command, straight to the governor, it indicates a problem in the leadership that needs investigation promptly, not years later. Katkus has now been fired, good. But the culture of sexual assault, rape and preying on women was allowed to continue, more crimes were likely committed, more cover-ups. Where's the respect Sean? Where's the respect for the young girls and women, for the good members of the AK National Guard, for the people of Alaska and for the position of governor?

Time and again these type of crimes are swept under the rug because protecting the leadership or organization was more important than protecting the vulnerable or doing the right thing. Again I call bullshit on Parnell's “Choose Respect” slogan; he does not deserve to remain the governor of Alaska.

Sharon Alden

Fairbanks