Here is a sampling of editorial opinions from Alaska newspapers:
Here is a sampling of editorial opinions from Alaska newspapers:
May 15, 2014
Ketchikan Daily News: Thank you
In a small town like Ketchikan, we recognize the police officers.
Some of them grew up in the community, playing sports and performing well academically through the Ketchikan school system. Others became a part of our community after completing training. Still others just came looking for work and found themselves a career in law enforcement.
They are our family members and our friends. They are the authority figures that the little kids look up to and that the adults call on in times of trouble.
Police officers, as is tragically demonstrated too often, are what stands between us and disorder or violence. Where they stand isn’t a comfortable place, and it isn’t someplace that everyone would be willing to be, but police officers take that place every day and night. Not a few have found themselves in that place even when off duty.
Their job is to deal with the desperate - the drug dealers and the people who strike out at other people. They respond to domestic disputes, to traffic accidents, to any number of situations in which people are in distress.
The situations often are very volatile.
But they’re on the scene to protect and serve the public.
Their public service has been recognized through the years, most formally since 1962 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the days surrounding May 15 as Police Week.
During this week, law enforcement and the nation pays tribute to the local, state and federal officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This week in Alaska, only days after the killing of Alaska State Trooper Patrick “Scott” Johnson and Trooper Gabriel “Gabe” Rich in Tanana, the 2014 memorial is particularly timely. Unfortunately, Rich and Johnson aren’t alone.
The Alaska Peace Officer Memorial website, www.akpeaceofficermemorial.org., lists all of the other Alaska officers who’ve paid the ultimate price in their chosen career. Johnson’s and Rich’s names will be added to that list.
This week as we remember the fallen officers, it is important to appreciate those who carry on, too.
A thank you, a word of appreciation, a decision to change from the behavior that requires police officer intervention or in any number of other ways, we should take the time to recognize our officers and the valuable service they carry out in our community.
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May 15, 2014
Peninsula Clarion: Talking about a taboo
Living can sometimes take more courage than dying.
It’s hard to fully understand the drive of someone who takes themselves to the edge, daring to jump off - unless you happen to be someone who has been down in that lonely road.
But, while we know very little about the motivations of a person who chooses to commit suicide, each year about 4,600 people nationwide pick a permanent end to their daily struggles.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the suicide rate on the Kenai Peninsula was about 23 per 100,000 people in 2007-2009, the most recent year for which numbers are posted. While we may not know exactly how many people have died by their own hand here, we know that it is too many. State data shows that Alaska’s suicide rate is nearly twice that of the national average and the leading cause of death in Alaska for people between the ages of 15 and 24.
We’re willing to bet that means you know someone whose life has been altered by the sudden loss of a loved one.
People are uncomfortable talking about it, keeping those who suffer from suicidal thoughts hidden in the dark with their pain. But, the thing is, talking about suicide with friends, neighbors, teachers or anyone else willing to listen might be the key to reaching someone who feels invisible.
Feeling hopeless should never be a private shame. Being bullied into the ultimate submission should never be the only way. Depression, anxiety, hopelessness and low self-esteem are all treatable - a successful suicide is not.
It is the responsibility of the community to recognize that the importance of speaking openly about suicide - especially in situations where the subject has been in the public eye - far outweighs the uncomfortable feelings it produces.
At least one local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is working to reduce the spread of suicide in the area and their Soldotna Out of the Darkness Walk will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Soldotna Regional Sports Center, 538 Arena Ave. The money funds suicide research and educational programs to increase awareness. Check out www.outofdarkness.org for more details.
We urge you to be mindful of the pain of others as you go about your life. Don’t be afraid to reach out - it may just make someone’s life worth living.
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