We Alaskans are not the “freeloaders” we are portrayed to be. Yes, I’ve heard the tired old canard “Alaska gets $1.87 back for every $1.00 paid in taxes”. This is a distortion, because 77% of our land is owned by either the Feds or Alaska Natives. By law, the state cannot tax this land, but we provide services to it nonetheless. Ted Stevens’ “pork” helps correct that deficiency.

If you really think we Alaskans should pay more of our own way, convince your lawmakers to allow us to open up ANWR for exploration and RESPONSIBLE development. Unless, of course, you want us to continue paying $3.00 per gallon for gas and losing 73 G.I.s per month in Iraq.

BTW, we have some responsible and respected Democratic opposition contemplating the possibility of running against Ted Stevens next year. First and foremost is Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. Begich has some expensive municipal tastes, but he puts the community first, unlike the notorious grandstanding Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson, who jets off to Mayor’s Conferences just to give antiwar speeches. I’m a Republican, but I could live with Mark Begich representing our state in the Senate. And Begich is as clean as a hound’s tooth.

They listen to they lawyers. A hidden message here is say nothing without represention present.

For the record, I think Stevens is the biggest shitbag of all, just a smarter one.

D. Bash should have replied:” Mr. Stevens:”Do you know what ‘Public Service’ is?

Idiot.