Way Up North

Friday Afternoon ... Whatever

2009-11-06T16:00:00.002-09:00

So it seems that our fair city ... actually, just Elmendorf AFB ... will be visited by TOTUS next Wednesday. It is exciting to watch Air Force One land and take off, both of which are clearly visible from downtown. Other than that, meh. It seems the plane will refuel here on its way to a 10-day Asian tour.

I wonder when the "live" album will be released?

* * * * *

Some somebody-or-other at the U. of Iowa (a single bright spot in an otherwise bleak landscape) has issued an economic analysis that Alaska was a bad investment purchase for the U.S. It seems the state has absorbed more federal dollars than it has returned. While I'm no fan of a continued federal handout, Alaska's location and terrain are apparently beyond his feeble reckoning skills. They wanted people to move here, and - strangely enough - Americans here want many of the same amenities enjoyed elsewhere. Small population + non-existent infrastructure = federal expenditures. Go figure.

I don't recall asking his opinion, but it must go along with Missouri Senator McCaskill taking Alaska Native corporations to task for following existing federal contract bid requirements. She thinks they get an unfair advantage; they maintain the 'advantage' was written into federal law in the late '70s, under President Peanut.

They're right, of course, but most of them are large enough now that they might not need the competitive advantage any longer.

* * * * *

The weather is turning colder again; it's 37 with a misty drizzle. Since the weatherman predicts a 10-degree drop overnight, is white stuff in the forecast?

Um, not so much. This drizzle wasn't forecast, either, so who knows? It's a lead-pipe cinch that AccuHunch doesn't have a clue.

* * * * *

In my original post yesterday about the Fort Hood massacre, I ended by asking how long it would be before the Bradys and/or their ilk would call for banning firearms on military bases. I then took it off, because it just didn't feel right to inject a snarky political comment.

But the calls for tighter rules didn't take long, did they?

* * * * *

Y'all have a fantastic weekend: heal if you've been stressed, and relax just because. Thanks for stopping by.

A Prayer for Our Soldiers, and Their Families

2009-11-05T21:32:00.004-09:00

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5)

He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow ... (Deuteronomy 10:18)

The LORD watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. (Psalm 146:9)

Father, please comfort the survivors - the victims and their families. Surround them with Your presence and keep them safe. Lord, let them feel Your love in every waking moment, and let them sleep in peace. Send those across their paths who will minister to them in any way they need it.

We also ask that you aid the investigators, and all who labor to set things right. Let justice be done.

We also ask that you guide the hands and thoughts of the doctors and nurses who are charged with mending the bodies of those who were injured. Aid the counselors who work with the survivors, and grant Your peace to all.

Lord, we also ask that you help us all to understand that we live in a fallen and broken world; that sometimes, despite our best efforts, bad things happen. Especially comfort the children whose lives have been shattered, and hold them close.

We ask all this in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

UPDATE: 13 dead in shootings at Fort Hood

2009-11-05T12:25:00.011-09:00

This is beyond awful. In an Associated Press story, they say:

WASHINGTON – 13 people were killed and 30 wounded in a pair of shootings Thursday at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas, the Army says. An army spokesman in Washington says the base has been locked down following the shootings. Lt. Gen Bob Cone said at a news conference that one shooter has been killed and two suspects were apprehended on Thursday. He says they are all U.S. soldiers.

~~~~
SNIP
~~~~

The White House said President Barack Obama was notified of the shootings.

My prayers go out to the families of those slain or wounded; "going in harm's way" shouldn't include your home base, Stateside.

Well Said

2009-11-05T08:05:00.002-09:00

From a comment left at GOC's post on Ammo Sales:

... It's sort of comedic, the way the anti-gun folks have spurred gun sales. But the underlying note is a chilling one. We sense something bad is coming. The borrowing can't continue. The controls are ever-more invasive. Somethings got to give. We don't know where or what, but we're uncomfortable. We take a small amount of comfort in knowing that, if civil controls fail, we're armed.
Having a gun is no panacea. There are always people out there with bigger guns, and more of them. A gun in my hand doesn't mean I can't be killed. But it does mean I can't be enslaved. They can take my life but not my humanity.

These are disturbing thoughts to be harboring in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Our political leadership will say I've become another dangerous right-wing kook. Is it true? It's a question I ask of myself. Have I moved into crazy territory? Or am I just telling it like it is?

In any case, I'm not a danger to anyone. Not planning on launching a revolution. I'm just getting on with my stupid life. But I sleep better knowing that if anything comes after me, I've got the right tool to do what must be done.
Posted by TalkinHorse at November 4, 2009 04:04 PM

Exactly.

I Hadn't Heard This

2009-11-05T07:19:00.002-09:00

"You may be interested to know that I supported an amendment to the HELP Committee health care bill which would require Members of Congress and their staff to enroll in any new federally-run government plan. The amendment passed the HELP Committee by a vote of 12 to 11, and I will continue to support this requirement if the Senate again considers a government option.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)"

I didn't know they had passed the amendment; I give them credit for doing the right thing ... even though they may not ever mention it again.

Nothing Yet

2009-11-04T09:00:00.002-09:00

(Anchorage, AK) The snowline hasn't descended into town yet; locals getting twitchy.

You know you're an Alaskan when you not only look forward to snow, you complain when it doesn't come when you think it should.

Gratitude

2009-11-03T14:03:00.005-09:00

I received some very nice gifts in the mail today, from a reader and fellow blogger. He went out of his way to create something unique for me, and it touched me deeply. There were some other nice things there, too, about his home state.

I'm so grateful for both the gifts and kind thoughts, and for the opportunity to put these fumbling words "out there" in this little corner of teh Intertube webz.

WP, I thank you so very much - it means more to me than I can adequately express.

Dave Buess Files Against the U.N.

2009-11-03T11:36:00.003-09:00

I checked this out, and it's true; the most recent court hearing was 10/23/09. Click the link at the end for further updates.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. David Lee Buess (Private Attorney General) (Beneficiary)
2. 22014 Delaware Township Road 184
3. Arlington, Ohio; [45814]
4.
5. Phone (419) 694 5796
6.
7. October 26, 2009

8. United Nations General Assembly
Documentation Programming and Monitoring Unit
Mr. Xiong Lixian, Chief
New York City, New York

9. Dear Sir:

(LAWFUL NOTICE OF TREASON)

10. This is to advise that neither the Congress of these union States (50) nor the
11. Ambassador to the United Nations have been given the authority by the People of
12. these United States (50) to engage in a one world government/New World Order nor
13. the destruction of Our Constitution by either legislative act or TREATY.

14. This letter is to advise the United Nations General Assembly and all offices and
15. Agencies to (Cease and Desist) any such activities relating to the UNITED STATES
16. OF AMERICA: UNITED STATES dba Corporation: Et Al., as to these unlawful acts
17. Against us the American Citizen and our union States (50) Constitution.

18. All such actions violate both the Constitution of the union States (50) and the
19. Constitution of the District of Columbia. You are hereby put on notice that any
20. further actions by the United Nations in this regard will be considered an act of
21. Home Grown Terrorism, Honest Service Fraud: Aiding and Abetting in Treasonous Acts
22. Against the American Citizen: Our Constitution: and Law.

23. This letter is to advise you that charges of TREASON have now been filed into the
24. Superior Court of the District of Columbia Case No. 2009 CA 007868 B filed on
25. October 22, 2009. Two witnesses having first hand knowledge of Treason have filed
26. Into this court. The three branches of our Government(s) are all being charged under
27. both color of law and Constitutional.

28. There are 3 types of remedy suggested to the Court: A military take over to
29. reestablish law and order is highly recommended by the plaintiff(s). This would
30. Call for the arrests of all elected officials both federal and state for criminal acts
31. By the Corporate fictions created by the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches
32. Of our Government. Our Employees are out of control.

33. 16th American Jurisprudence, Section 177 states any law written in violation of this
34. Constitution is as though it were never written. Thus any treaties: agreements: written
35. Are null and void immediately. Congress is trying to join this new world order to
36. avoid criminal charges against them.

37. I, on behalf of all the American Citizens, et al, do herein demand the United Nations
38. to (Cease and Desist) any and all activities involving this new world order and one
39. World government that involves the union States (50): Federal Zone: immediately.

40. Sincerely yours,

41.

41(a). David Lee; Buess (Private Attorney General)

42. CC: Superior Court of the District of Columbia Case No. 2009 CA 007868 B
43. Joint Chief’s of Staff
44. Homeland Securtiy FAX 1 312 353 0143
45. Congress of the United States:
46. Senator Voinovich: 1 202 228 1382
OHIO OFFICE 1 614 469 7733
Senator Sherrod Brown: 1 202 228 6321
Representative Jim Jordan Ohio Office 419 423 3233

Link to Dave and Rod's IRS DC case... https://www.dccourts.gov/pa
BUESS, DAVID L Vs. UNITED STATES

h/t MoBro

Guest Post: A Plea to Ban Fox Hunting

2009-11-03T11:18:00.004-09:00

While I always agree that hunting is an ethical exercise of a God-given right, I think that I would have to agree with the author on this one ... fox hunting should be banned!

Please help ban fox hunting ~ THIS MADNESS MUST STOP!!

Respectfully,

Peter Rabbit

h/t Sandi-with-an-i

Tuesday in the A.M.

2009-11-03T06:34:00.003-09:00

Good morning. It's 18 degrees this morning, with more frost as the humidity levels begin to climb. Yesterday morning it was only 12, but the weather here is changing.

It was 14 at 10 p.m., and skies were very clear. Today clouds are moving in, along with a warmer, moist front from the Gulf of Alaska. There's a high wind warning for Turnagain Arm and the higher elevations along the Hillside - and our friends at AccuHunch insist that we'll get some snow out of this. Okay, it's time: bring it on!

* * * * *

There's not much going on this morning, but I did notice that the number of daytime zombie sightings is on the rise. Witness this photo from the Daily News' coverage of last weekend's "half-marathon" for charity:

Alpenglow

2009-11-02T17:01:00.002-09:00

Taken at 4:52 p.m., just before sunset.
(click to enbiggify)

They've Had Years to Get it Right

2009-11-02T15:30:00.008-09:00

* The U.S. Postal Service was established in 1775. They have had 234 years to get it right and it's broke.

* Social Security was established in 1935. They have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.

* Fannie Mae was established in 1938. They have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.

* The War on Poverty started in 1964. They have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.

* Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. They have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.

* Freddie Mac was established in 1970. They had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.

* The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to "lessen our dependence on foreign oil". It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. They had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.

They have FAILED in every "government service" they have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars AND NOW THEY WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE THEY CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

h/t Dorothy G.

Real-Life Alaskan Adventure

2009-11-02T06:00:00.003-09:00

My readers ask for uniquely Alaskan stories. A friend of mine had quite an adventure over the weekend - here's an excerpt:

I quietly walked up to them, as they didn't hear me, with my rifle which I brought with me and asked loudly why they were on my land. I have never seen men jump so high. 3 men, 2 women and 3 children, one family in a converted van and the other in a older suburban. I asked again when none of them said anything, and finally the eldest said who was I to ask them. I, having my 20 gauge shotgun, cocked it and asked again, why are you on my land and in the background I could hear the ATV coming towards me.

It's as Alaskan as it gets, and will give you an idea how things are done here. Read Uppy's story. (The link is to a blog about Sarah Palin and conservative politics, but the story is apolitical; just part of Alaskan life.)

The End of Another Week

2009-10-30T15:22:00.003-08:00

It has been a fairly quiet week; the only thing in which anyone has consistently expressed interest is the inevitable Halloween parties tonight and tomorrow.

A few, a very few of us wore costumes of some sort today. The coffee shop girl dressed as a flapper and played Charleston & ragtime music all day on her laptop.

A lady in the billing office dressed as a bat boy for the Reds ... or maybe some other team with predominantly red colors. I only saw her once, from a distance.

I decided to add my own meager contribution to the 'open carry' discussion that was all the rage, last week. I wore a "Sheriff" badge that I ordered from Amazon, and openly carried my 1911 and spare mag on my belt.

Not one person said a word. It hardly even drew any attention, that I could tell. I was greeted with "Howdy, Sheriff" or "Officer" because of the badge.

Hmm. I haven't worn a badge in many years; it's interesting how even a fake one produces a slightly different response from people you already know. But that's probably a topic for another day, if at all; my police department era was MANY moons ago.

On another topic, our air quality has dropped dramatically today, as the north winds blow. Glacial silt has made it look almost foggy; click the pic for embiggification.

Have a great weekend, folks. Thanks for stopping by.

Friday Morning Chill

2009-10-30T06:32:00.004-08:00

Good morning. It's a balmy 17 degrees at our place, but there's less frost than yesterday. For example, when I stuck my head outside, I could still see the interior of my truck. Yesterday that wasn't possible.

* * * * *

The "chill" isn't just the weather. Remember all those promises about how only "the rich" would pay for health care reforms? Here's a list of all the taxes that we will ALL pay:

http://www.atr.org/breaking-comprehensive-list-taxesbr-house-democrat-a4113# ... brace yourselves, and BOHICA.

* * * * *

Remember the scene in "Twister" where a farmhouse tumbles across the road? The sequel took place yesterday:

WASILLA -- Gusty winds in Mat-Su knocked out power and sent one large roof careening onto a pickup Thursday afternoon.

Tony Tarbert, who lives on the Old Glenn Highway south of Smith Road, said wind tore the 70-by-24-foot roof off an addition behind his house and deposited it in his front yard, smashing his 2004 Dodge three-quarter-ton pickup.

You can read the rest, here.

* * * * *

The Dept. of Defense has announced plans to complete 14 missile silos near Fairbanks, previously scheduled to be scaled back. Our senators, one R and one D, are split on whether it's a good thing, as this will require the decommissioning of another field, 100 miles to the south.

You can read about it here; I report, you decide.

* * * * *

I've been told that yesterday's link about the clump of old lures, removed from Cowee Creek near Juneau, didn't work. Here's a picture of one part of the haul:

* * * * *

That's all for now; have a great Friday, and thanks for stopping by.

h/t The Old Jarhead for the new taxes link

A Winter's Day

2009-10-29T06:32:00.003-08:00

Reality has set in: it's 28 27 degrees with north winds at 21 mph. Wind chill in single digits, approaching zero. There's a bit of fog, but the weatherman says we'll have sun and 35 degrees this afternoon.

It reminds me of the last time we had a really rainy October, and the snow was late in getting here ... once it started, it didn't let up. We got double the "average" snowfall, that winter, and had snow on the ground until May 15.

More later, but first I need to dig out a heavier jacket. And make sure the shovels and scrapers are conveniently placed. This could be a long winter.

Mid-Week Brrr

2009-10-28T15:22:00.004-08:00

I've mentioned the lingering warmish fall weather, and the lack of snow hereabouts ... but ol' Ma Nature seems to be trying to make up for lost time.

It rained and snowed all day today, and only managed a 36-degree high. The rain is stopping now, but the temp has fallen to 34 and is headed south. AccuHunch guesses we'll be in the mid-20s tonight, and teens overnight thereafter, with daytime highs around the freezing mark. The good news is that we'll have sunshine for a couple of days, and that's okay - haven't seen too much of that since the rainy pattern began, a month or so ago.

* * * * *

He who was the contributor of cash and gifts to the "corrupt Alaskan politicians" you heard about was finally sentenced today: 3 years and $750,000. Some of those who took the bribes got twice as long, but they were elected officials, and supposedly to adhere to a higher standard.

Judging by the hi-jinks in our nation's capital, I'm not sure what that standard is, unless failure to pay taxes, failure to report income, and maintaining off-shore accounts qualifies as a "standard". Can't say I much care for that.

* * * * *

There's a great post on the flu vaccine shortage, actual information from a local doctor's office, and the reasoning behind the .gov's advice, over at Finding Myself in Alaska. Scary stuff; tell Tracey I sent you.

* * * * *

Sarah Palin has responded to Levi Johnston's claim on the CBS "Early Show" that he knows "huge" things that could damage her reputation. "CBS should be ashamed for continually providing a forum to propagate lies. Consider the source of the most recent attention-getting lies - those who would sell their body for money reflect a desperate need for attention and are likely to say and do anything for even more attention", she wrote.

Exactly.

* * * * *

I'm late to this particular party, but my wife & I have been watching the first season of "Fringe" ... and I think we're addicted. There are worse things.

That's all for now; thanks for stopping by.

Stress Relief

2009-10-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological journals. The funny thing is that it really does work and will make you smile.

1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream.

2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.

3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.

4. No one knows your secret place.

5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.

6. The soothing sound of a gentle water fall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding underwater.

There, see? It really does work. You're smiling already.

h/t Sandi-with-an-i

Quote of the Day:

2009-10-27T08:47:00.003-08:00

Updated thought: How’s about All 50 States seceding together?

We could leave the National Debt with Washington and see how they deal with that by themselves.

Linked to Traction Control - RTWT.

We've Been Found

2009-10-26T15:24:00.005-08:00

The Smithsonian Magazine has discovered Alaska. Who knew? We thought we were here all along ... but I digress.

We were flying what seemed only inches above 20,300-foot-high Mount McKinley, now more often called by its Athabaskan name—Denali. Below our six-seat Cessna was a glacier extending 36 miles from the great peak. The doors of the little plane were open so that a photographer swathed in gloves and sweaters could lean out and capture the scene. I tried not to think about the statistic I'd spotted that morning on a bulletin board, a tally of the year's climbing figures at Denali: "Missing/Fatalities: 4."
It was a sparkling August morning—eight inches of snow had fallen four days before—and the snow line, after a chill and rainy summer, was already hundreds of feet lower than usual for this time of year.
~~ snip ~~

Alaska plays havoc with your senses and turns everyday logic on its head. It's the westernmost state of the Union, as well, of course, as the northernmost, but I was surprised to learn, the day I arrived, that it is also (because the Aleutian Islands are across the International Date Line) the easternmost. Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas, I had read, yet has fewer miles of highway than Vermont.

When faced with such facts, one reaches for bearings, for ways to steady oneself. Hours after I touched down, from California, I set my watch back an hour, walked the few small blocks of downtown Anchorage (ending abruptly at a great expanse of water) and realized I was surrounded by Canada, Russia and the Arctic. The unpeopledness and scale of things made me feel as if I had fallen off the edge of the earth, into an entirely otherworldly place like nothing I had ever seen (with the possible exception of Iceland or parts of Australia), with people sitting on benches in the weird gray light of 9:30 p.m.

I think the writer may have been writing a bit tongue-in-cheek - or else he's an effete East-coast liberal snob - but it's an interesting read. Check out the accompanying photo gallery here.

* * * * *

It's 39 degrees and raining, with low, grey skies and falling temps. The designated guesser at AccuHunch thinks we'll get one to three inches of snow tonight. Sooner or later, they'll be right. This time of year in Alaska, snow is a foregone conclusion.

There's not much other news, locally, so y'all have a great evening. Thanks for stopping by.

Weekend at the Range, Part 2

2009-10-24T13:35:00.002-08:00

My daughter's little S&W 442 pistol has a surprising little kick, due to its light-weight alloy construction (15 oz.). Nevertheless, my daughter was able, after a few shots, to put all her hits inside an 8" circle at 7 yards. I assured her that's good enough to (ahem) discourage an attacker, although she's welcome to keep working at improvement.

She put nearly 50 rounds through it, and I sent a few downrange as well. Her pistol is small enough that it feels like I'm palming the thing.

I also put 50 rounds through my 1911. It's the first time shooting it since I added the Hogue grips. An adjustment was needed, as the wider stock was pushing my first shots low and to the right. After compensating, 95% of my shots stayed in the center, which is gratifying.

* * * * *

The skies have been mostly clear today, and although it's still 46 degrees, the winds have the chill around 30. The weatherman says we're to get a rain/snow mix tonight, with highs in the 30s tomorrow. Maybe we'll get some snow soon.

Here's a webcam shot of mid-town again. Note the snow in the mountains, soon to be even closer.

Have a great day!

Weekend at the Range

2009-10-24T06:00:00.001-08:00

My older daughter & I are headed to Wet Bunny Range to see how her new revolver performs. We were fortunate enough to find several boxes of .38 Spl. at the Warehouse last week, and can now plink away. She'll try a few rounds of the +P carry ammo only after getting accustomed to the feel of the "Airweight" pistol with the standard .38 fare.

I'll have my trusty 1911 along, 'cause I'm addicted to putting all those 1/2" holes in paper. It's about time to get out the rifle again, too, but tomorrow is for pistols.

Now that I have my Terrorist tag, I'm on the prowl for them. Oh, and zombies, too. Bring 'em on!

Friday: The Wrap-Up

2009-10-23T15:35:00.003-08:00

I've been speaking with a lady in my building about armed self-defense. She has been a shooter in the past, but didn't own a firearm now. During our discussions, she mentioned that her property backs up to one of our many hiking/biking trails and a wooded area.

In September, she was in an auto accident, and had hairline fractures to her right wrist and one leg - I forget which. Then two weeks ago, shortly after the braces came off, she decided to hike to a nearby grocery store, a six-minute walk.

As she crossed the bike path, she saw two teenage boys throwing rocks at a mama moose and small calf. She yelled at them to leave the moose alone, and they turned - large rocks in hand - and started toward her while mouthing strings of profanity. The closest boy raised his rock as he ran toward her.

She told me that every word I'd said about situational awareness and personal safety flashed through her mind, as well as the awareness that she was still injured. She had only a small bottle of bear mace, and managed to get a cloud in the guy's face. He dropped the rock, and fell to his knees. The other guy ran into the mist, and he went down, too.

By this time, my friend had gotten some in her eyes, but her neighbors had heard the shouting, and came running to guide her back home.

This morning, she purchased a Kel-tec P-3AT, and is going to the range over the weekend. She came to tell me all about it, and thanked me again for the encouragement.

Strangely enough, she now plans to carry it when she leaves home. Go figure.

* * * * *

Snow fell in the mountains, overnight, and is now down to the 1500-foot level. Our temps have been unseasonably warm for the last two weeks, but are supposed to fall over the next several days. The weather gal who said we'd have snow by October 8th is still unashamed, but hasn't made further predictions.

* * * * *

Y'all have a good weekend; thanks for stopping by.

End-of-the-week Ruminations

2009-10-23T07:14:00.002-08:00

Don't-Go-Taking-My-Heart Dept: Regarding yesterday's story about the federal setting-aside of over 200,000 sq. miles of land and sea for polar bear habitat, and the strangle-hold that would establish on oil exploration and drilling, I had a thought: Alaska's state constitution was written prior to its conversion from territory to state and admission to the Union.

That constitution makes the state's resources the property of the people of Alaska; it in fact calls for any and all future resource development to be for "the maximum benefit of the people." So the U.S. government knew that prior to our statehood, which prima facie grants said constitution the federal blessing, as it were.

Therefore, could yesterday's taking of a HUGE chunk of our coastline and coastal waters be construed as an unreasonable seizure of personal property without compensation, in violation of the 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? Legal minds will be examining this issue, because our governor has already announced his opposition to the move, and declared that he will fight it.

This one will be interesting to watch.

* * * * *

The-Natives-Are-Restless Dept: Literally, and meaning no disrespect.

The annual "Alaska Federation of Natives" convention is taking place in Anchorage this week. Yesterday two influential Inupiats, Willie Hensley and his daughter Elizabeth Hensley, spoke about the challenges facing Alaska Natives.

Elizabeth Hensley described an Alaska Native community at war Thursday. The fight is a legal one, for control of traditional Native land and hunting and fishing rights, she said, and a spiritual battle against social ills that can be traced back to colonization.
-- snip --

[Willie] Hensley is a Kotzebue-born Inupiat who was one of the founders of AFN in 1966. A paper he wrote in college outlined the moral and legal basis for the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
His daughter is a law school graduate and aide for Rep. Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue. She said federal and state authorities aren't doing enough to protect Native hunting and fishing rights and appeared to call for tribal control over village law enforcement.

"What would happen if each of our tribes created a well-thought out, well-planned system for enforcing law and order?" Hensley asked. "Could any outside force really stop us, 231 tribes, from maintaining peace and harmony within our villages?"

Does that sound like the prelude to a declaration to anyone else? This is merely my opinion, but it could get interesting. Alaska Natives haven't been allowed to establish reservations or home rule, but some apparently want to.

* * * * *

Mad-Alaskans-and-Englishmen: "An Englishman wearing pajama pants, apparently disoriented by the light of a summer solstice midnight, walks into a bar near Fairbanks and asks, "Excuse me, but I was wondering if can you tell me if it's morning or night?""

Read the rest here.

* * * * *

Out-on-a-Limb Dept: Oops!

h/t ajdshootist for the panda

Thursday Thought

2009-10-22T16:35:00.004-08:00

This story appears in today's Daily News:

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration said Thursday it is designating more than 200,000 square miles in Alaska and off its coast as "critical habitat" for polar bears, an action that could add restrictions to future offshore drilling for oil and gas.

Federal law prohibits agencies from taking actions that may adversely affect critical habitat and interfere with polar bear recovery.

~ snip ~

The total area proposed for critical habitat designation would cover about 200,541 square miles -- about half in the rugged Chukchi Sea off Alaska's northwest coast. About 93 percent of the area proposed for the polar bear is sea ice, with the remaining 7 percent made up of barrier islands or land-based dens of snow and ice.

RTR.

From Alaska's point of view, there are a couple of problems with this latest action. One is that our polar bear population is doing just fine, thankyouverymuch. As late as WAY back in 2008 (you remember 2008, don't you?), the federal government agreed with that assessment. Canada's polar bears had dwindling numbers for whatever reason, but not so, here.

The other is that people might need the oil. Our gas is up to $3.26 per gallon already, so one could reasonably assume that an increased supply would be a good thing.

Of course, that's just my opinion, and YMMV.