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Singer Alanis Morissette's Involvement in ANWR Debate

Letter to the Editor, Anchorage Daily News

I read with interest about singer Alanis Morissette's involvement in the ANWR debate. Ms. Morissette said she wants to preserve the caribou and (Native) way of living and that ANWR is a moral issue with Gwitch'in culture in the balance. She urged concertgoers to get involved, while in the lobby petitioners asked for signatures against ANWR development.

Ms. Morissette's escorts to Alaska were the former and current presidents of the Sierra Club. She met with representatives of the Gwitch'in people. However, while she said she would like to meet with the Inupiat who support development, there wasn't time to arrange a meeting.

To Ms. Morissette 's credit, she admits she's still learning about ANWR. Still, that didn't deter her from advocating for only one side. She said, "It's a fine line between wanting to develop our economy and wanting preserve a culture and way of life." She's right, but listening to only one side won't find that balance. She said she isn't a policy expert but a publicist. While I would encourage all to get involved, I strongly suggest they become fully informed before making public pronouncements.

Unfortunately, musical talent doesn't confer automatic expertise on energy issues. I only hope that musicians such as Ms. Morissette use fuel-efficient jets, busses and limousines as they travel about the country on their concert schedule.

Representative Con Bunde
Alaska State House
District 18

State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
907-465-4843

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