Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

At the most recent borough assembly meeting, the assembly interpreted the second amendment in their own way. The whole proceeding reminded me of McCarthyism and the fact that when people of a similar mindset discuss an issue, and fear is injected into the discussion, skewed conclusions result. It was mentioned that the “problems” of the lower 48 were surely going to migrate north and somehow the borough discussion and voting was necessary to help prevent the future damage. I am a gun owner, served in Vietnam and saw no logical reason for the borough to address this issue, especially in the manner they did. Several assembly members implied that their stance was the proper interpretation of the second amendment, which implies my interpretation is incorrect. My interpretation is completely different, and it was reiterated by several community members. By polarizing the community this issue may result in economic and social steps backward. Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to listen and respond to all the comments by not passing it. Passing it was selfish and poorly reasoned.

Art Woodard