Time for a reality check

To the editor:

As I ripen with age, I remember that winters like this are like the ones I used to tell my kids about - "in the good old days."

However, I have now become less prone toward exaggeration and realize that everything is relative.

Compared to the old days, we have it made with our studded tires, engine heaters, good road maintenance and dependable electricity, and compared to the temperature in Fairbanks and the snow depth in Cordova and Valdez, we are truly blessed with our winter wonderland of recreational possibilities.

On the other hand, there has been a less than positive shift in the general attitude of the American people - including Alaskans - toward one another, as well as toward our community and country.

In spite of many local efforts to relieve hunger, homelessness and abusive behavior, it seems there is no political will to address the basic causes and conditions that lead to poverty and discontentment.

The "Not In My Back Yard" philosophy has become a major force in Alaska's development (or lack thereof), and on the national level, the congressional conservatives (what is it they conserve?) have become obsessed with blaming the current President of the United States for the mess he inherited when he took office.

Now is a good time to take a deep breath and do a reality check.

Art Carney

Wasilla