Embarrassed And Inspired In Alaska

During the 2006 summer Olympics, I was working on the front porch of my trailer when my daughter, who was four at the time, came out to asked me a question.  “Dad,” she said, “Where are the Alaskans in the Olympics?”  She assumed that Alaska had its own team (which we kinda do, its called the winter games).  Her question exposes something I have always felt true about Alaskans, we see ourselves as Alaskans first and citizens of the U.S. second.  My father even asked me one time if this was true.  I said yes, because it is my experience, and it is true of me.  Alaskans have great pride in their State.

I have been in Alaska for 24 years.  I am a transplant from Michigan.  I have lived in Alaska longer than any place in my life.  I have adopted this place as my home.  I consider myself an Alaskan and always will.  In the nearly quarter century I have lived in the Great State of Alaska I have never been embarrassed of my State – never, not once – until this last week.

I’m embarrassed of my Governor and his draconian budget vetoes which prioritize ideology over individuals, and balanced budgets over benevolence.  I’m embarrassed of the Alaska State Legislature who can’t get into the same physical space, much less exercise leadership in finding a compromise.  I’m embarrassed that the action of the Governor, and the inaction of the Legislature, is placing many vulnerable people at greater risk.

I’m embarrassed by the minority of my fellow Alaskans that are so fixated on getting a $3000 personal entitlement this fall that they are supportive of cutting all other entitlements.  The sheer greed of this position is evil in a way that would cause the Old Testament prophets to rail against the people and foretell the coming judgment of God.

It has been an embarrassing week.

It has also been an inspiring week. 

Three times in the past week I have attended a rally to protest the budget vetoes and encourage law makers to do there job and take care of the welfare of all Alaskans – which is their mandate in the State Constitution.  At each rally I have been moved to tears by the passion of my fellow Alaskans.  I have been touched in my spirit, by the spirits of those that have joined together to fight for those who’s voices most often go unheard.  I’ve been proud of those that have flooded the e-mail inboxes and phone lines of decision makers defending the poor, the homeless, the elders, the school kids, the college students and others in our State who are being sacrificed on the alter of the budget.  I have been inspired to see my daughters join in and raise their voices.  I have been encouraged to look around and see so many people doing what I have come to expect from Alaskans - passion, determination, and care for those in need.

It has been the most embarrassing and inspiring week of my life in Alaska.

Joel K