Mr. Editor, You’re Correct

Welcome to Alaska and to the Frontiersman. It is good to see such enthusiasm and more innovation coming out of the paper. Alaska is a unique and wonderful place where each of us can achieve never before considered goals and accomplishments. It is also a place where differences of opinion abound. Understandably, after a less than one hour presentation, you have a misconception about the purpose of the Permanent Fund Dividend.

As you state, the purpose of the Permanent Fund is to help government continue when the oil, and other resources, can no longer support Alaska’s government. But, the purpose of the Permanent Fund Dividend is not to provide us with a handout; rather its purpose is to keep the people engaged in government. Believe me, everyone is now engaged.

The Fund is not old or large enough to continue government at government’s current spending rate. It won’t last a century, or even 50 years, less than my and the Permanent Fund’s lifetime, at current costs. This is especially true if Alaska builds the world’s longest gas line, and the plants to support distribution of that gas, with the Permanent Fund. That is why Alaskans are predominantly against the Governor’s restructuring plan (just ask the members of the legislature). Please step away from the belief that just because someone has a plan it is a good plan. It is the financially challenged who suffer most at the Governor’s hand.

It is the seniors who must purchase exorbitantly high medications on a mediocre fixed income because Alaska’s health care costs far out-pace the comparable lower 48 costs who suffer. Nobody has been able to fully explain to me the reason for our high health costs, except for the cynic’s claim of greed. I’m not sure that I agree with that answer.

It is the villagers who, prior to the pipeline, led a predominantly subsistence lifestyle and will now suffer. Post-pipeline western society started limiting the whale, seal, fish, caribou, moose, duck, swans and other food, clothing and tool sources they had previously harvested. Subsistence hunters used 80% of what they harvested, it was much more than food. Now, post-pipeline, money is required to heat and light their homes, supplement their diet and clothe themselves with store-bought products. Unfortunately, post-pipeline, many of the youth in these communities no longer want to live a subsistence lifestyle, which includes the responsibility of caring for their elders.

It is the working poor who also suffer. Alaska’s housing, fuel and food costs are higher than the lower 48, primarily due to our distance from the sources of the materials, finished products and foodstuffs we now need to have delivered in order to survive.

Please note that I have not addressed college funds, home ownership, house payments, rent, insurance, taxes or vacations. After all, who cares about stuff like that?

Most of us believe that government spending needs to be significantly reduced. Most of us believe that this can be accomplished over 3 years, with the Earnings Reserve used to buffer the let-down. The House Finance Committee actually delivered a major reduction this year. But, monies were found here and there (hmmm), unpaid tax credits were addressed, and the House Finance Budget was enlarged with the support of those who would not support a reduction. Just ask Representative Lora Reinbold how it happened.

So, there is much more than giving fish involved. Although you’re still right, there’s a lot to learn about Alaska. We hope that you, like the rest of us, continue to enjoy the lessons and the lifestyle.

— Beth Fread

Palmer