The Northern Light

Reality TV shows could capitalize on nomadic senior citizens

You should also have pointed out (in the Traditionally Speaking column, "Nomadic lifestyle for seniors remedies retirement crisis," Sept. 12) the benefits of having a ready supply of food available for local predators like bears and wolves. Some of those old folks might be a bit stringy, but they're probably nutritious enough. This would be particularly true of those seniors who have been using vitamin supplements. The animals also wouldn't have to run too fast to bring down one of these old folks. The economy of Alaska would benefit as additional rangers would have to be hired to prevent seniors from unfairly arming themselves. It is also a foregone conclusion that network TV would want to do some filming of all the blood and gore (at least until the home audience got bored). Looks like this could be a real moneymaker!

Roger Cook

Lincoln, Calif.

Legalizing gambling in Alaska would hurt charities

I'm not currently a student, nor have I ever attended UA. I do, however, know quite a bit about Alaska's gaming laws ("Gambling tax offers financial independence," Sept. 12). I'm not a gambling prude, nor do I think enacting laws will change people's casual gambling behavior much. I do enjoy an occasional game of poker. But I do think dramatically expanding gambling opportunities in Alaska society will shift who benefits. I'd rather Alaska charities continue receiving their revenue streams than some corporation.

A lottery is a tax on the math-challenged and the poor.

What impact would a state-run for-profit lottery have on the charities that depend upon charitable gaming proceeds? I suspect with a higher payout than existing pull-tab and bingo games, these charities would see a serious decline in revenues going toward their charitable purpose. Is that good policy?

Federal gaming law says if Alaska allows class three games of chance (it's a legal term, but lotteries are included in that classification), then we must allow Native entities the same opportunities. Would the Alaska Native corporations see this as another money making opportunity? I submit this would have a devastating impact on Alaskan charities.

It's a seductive premise, but those staggeringly spectacular winnings come at a cost. The simple fact is most players lose.

Ken Erickson

Anchorage

Article Tools