A Sad Day for Alaska

(Anchorage, AK) I am greatly saddened to hear that Senator Ted Stevens has been indicted on criminal charges by the FBI. In the 40 years Senator Stevens has been in office, he has achieved so much for Alaska. As our troops return from Iraq he has demonstrated his concern for the wounded, a fact of which I am personally grateful. However, in a nation of law and order it is imperative that when there is wrongdoing, every wrongdoer be held accountable. No one is above the law, not even a member of Congress. Today is a sad day for the state, but we believe in the process of justice, and we will endure.

But today's indictments represent a larger issue than the scandal surrounding a senator. Today's indictments serve as further proof that the sacred trust between voters and their representatives has been shattered. America is dissatisfied with Congress and the seemingly endless ethical violations around campaign contributions and behavior.

Clearly, we cannot do the same things over and over again and expect different results. We can hardly expect a representative government that's for the people when it's paid for by special interests. No candidate, let alone a standing Senator or Congressional Representative, should ever compromise the pubic trust or their duty by taking gifts or contributions from any powerful special interests.

Alaska has an opportunity to begin anew. May we do so on behalf of our children's grand-children."

Sincerely,

Diane Benson