If Alaska is so rich, why are so many people holding empty bowls?

This is the first in a series of articles that suits the times — and these times are confusing — in which it is often hard to separate the truth from propaganda. It is difficult to see as the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other. Instead of addressing what is best for the state of Alaska by financial or constitutional scrutiny, each law or financial maneuver is presented as an “issue” to which only one position can be taken, either left (anarchy) or right (fascism). Each side leads to the same conclusion: tyranny.

From my 18 years of political involvement, I will try to express, expose and expunge political theory, political mechanism, and the political posturing “scenery” of Alaska. There will be concrete experience used to profess my argument.

From the U.S. Delegates, the halls of Juneau, the Mat-Su Borough and on down to my local Mayor’s office at the city of Wasilla, I have trod, sometimes silently observing, sometimes thundering, laughing to the point of tears, then often times crying — but always moving forward in my knowledge of political “science.” I will name the names of the un-innocent to protect the naïve.

I am a Republican, who first voted for Ronald Reagan, and my experience is through the Republican Party, but the same mechanisms apply to all politics, and come down to one word: emotionalism. I truly love the people of this state, but do believe many persons are naïve. Alaskans are by nature, either generous to a fault or, for some few, unbelievably self-interested. It is the course of human nature that these few seem to always gain control of the whole, because the whole is ignorant of the facts and swayed by the issues. I want to empower you, the citizens of Alaska. Even cynics and the shrewd businessperson may have a change of opinion after these essays. But it is not an opinion; it’s your heart I’m after. The banquet table that is the incredible expanse and potential of Alaska is shrinking at an alarming rate, my friends, and in fact, though it has been set for the benefit of the majority, the majority has seen very little benefit.

You may imagine you have a seat at that table but I assure you most will not prosper. It is time we joined together over common goals like low-cost energy, infrastructure development and the sale of state land into private hands, all of which promote a thriving economy. We have had incredible opportunity with the oil revenues over the years and have not developed as we should have. We cannot be distracted by the emotional response to “issues” when many cannot put adequate food on the table, pay their heating bill, or have to make choices over necessities because there is only enough money to pay for one thing or the other. If you own a business you should be alarmed because the consumer won’t be buying. That is called economic collapse. You may want to ask yourself why, if Alaska is so rich, are so many holding an empty bowl? How can it be possible that this state is spending more than it is taking in on a daily basis, while individuals and families struggle over their monthly budgets?

My argument is simple, let us walk together in the middle, take a centrist position — and leave your neighbor alone. Let’s get on with defining Alaska where we all move together for the benefit of all individuals under our Alaska State Constitution.

The next essay will be an examination of the Alaska State Constitution.

Bernadette Rupright lives in Wasilla. She is married to Wasilla Mayor and House of Representatives candidate Verne E. Rupright.