Your article is on the money. I'm a Democrat, a former prosecutor, and I lived in Alaska for many years. Sen. Stevens was a great Senator and he single-handedly did more for Alaska than any other human, alive or dead. He's led an honorable life and does not deserve to be called names. Failing to report gifts is a world removed from bribery. I despise the corruption of some of our elected officials but the truth is that Ted Stevens, at the heart of power, lived modestly. It was never about him---it was always about poor Eskimos or working class folks in Alaska. It is regrettable that he didn't report but he doesn't deserve to be pilloried.
POLITICS
Once a Hometown Hero …
Despite his conviction for violating federal ethics laws, Sen. Ted Stevens may be best remembered by Alaskans for helping secure an endless stream of federal dollars for the state he helped found.
Nov 20, 2008
Member Comments
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Posted By: krummlaw @ 11/22/2008 2:52:08 PM
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Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/22/2008 8:19:14 PM
It certainly looks like it became about him. As Watergate was being exposed the vast majority of republicans thought that he was such a good public servant that they should just leave him alone. Since that time, I have never been able to find value in the suggestion that corruption in office, in whatever form, can be persuasively be argued as forgiveable. There are too many who are corrupt. What possible argument can support giving anyone the idea that maybe they'll be excused?
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Posted By: firetwuck @ 11/22/2008 1:29:54 PM
So being bribed and stealing cars are "on a seperate order." So are sex crimes all on a different order? Since American society seems to think that rape and child molesting are in the same league as public urination and jailbait, how are bribery and theft on different planes?
He is a nutjob and a crook, no different than anyone else who took bribes, stole cars, or beat on their wife. -
Posted By: techresmgt @ 11/22/2008 8:00:35 AM
Get real. Stevens does not have a great set of hooters, nor a great rear end, nor a sexy smile. He is a man and due to the sexist and hypocritically gender biased society we have now created in America, he will probably be viewed in a very negative light. Palin and women in general are virtually forgiven or deeds ignored for every indiscretion they have ever been associated with. Do the freaking math. Those that deny these truths are living in a dream world. The very idea an entire oped was written to tone down the negativity is proof positive that he needs all the help he can get.
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Posted By: sunblocker @ 11/21/2008 10:46:35 PM
good for alaska,but not for U.S.A. come on anywho politician,even citizen. your country comes first and then your state.in that order.geeez
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Posted By: Brien Comerford @ 11/21/2008 9:37:18 PM
Ted Stevens is similar to Sarah Palin. They have done everything possible to decimate Alaska's majestic environment and wildlife species. They are greedheads who allow profiteers to destroy nature. They invoke God while pillaging his creation.
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Posted By: mt_redoubt @ 11/21/2008 6:07:02 PM
What is not mentioned is that the U.S. Department of Justice is not done with its investigation of former Alaska State Senator Ben Stevens and his ties to now former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. Please note they have the same last names, and why would that be? Because as the tree is inclined, the twig is bent. In this case there are pending corruption charges involving VECO and the oil industry, not to mention seafood industry bribery and corruption charges against both Ben and Ted Stevens.
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Posted By: carolync @ 11/21/2008 5:05:07 PM
UGH. Alaska can have him back...and Palin too.
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Posted By: Tac Man @ 11/21/2008 2:31:17 PM
I am a retired Air Force Colonel and a personal friend of Ted Stevens. Your article is fair and most certainly accurate in that most here love the guy, not only for his WW2 service and efforts to secure the military and the country's defense but for his absolute commitment to Alaska. No article can adequately describe what it takes to make a life up here and we will miss him because he ALWAYS put our interests first in a lower 48 congress that cared little for us, understood our geography even less and considered us a mere backwater in importance. Now with the help of state population epicenter in Anchorage we will be represented by a freshman senator who promises much but never ventured above the Brooks and infrequently outside the city of Los Anchorage where he was a good mayor. Promoted by outsiders and being one himself only living within the confines of the city, I believe he will attempt to carry forward the mandate of those who elected him from the city and the native bush to bring more money to individual Alaskans while lessening business climate opportunities and reducing the defense footprint. But despite this I remain hopeful that he and Obama will find a way to improve both the country and my state. I hope that they will realize the importance of our location to our national defense. I worry though as few politicians or American people really care enough about anything but themselves to risk their lives and reputation for America. Ted and I both did and I will pray for Ted and all of us because the hurdles we face will define whether we emerge as a country of hope or slowly relinquish our world leadership as a beacon of freedom in the world. Thanks, Karen, for a decent article on my friend and comrade. Bill McDonald
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Posted By: george3076 @ 11/21/2008 1:03:46 PM
another bone head that knows little of Alaska needs to educate themself before commenting in generel Reading a few books would help Probably a red neck anyway. If all the so called peoples represenatives were held acccountable fo any and all under the table dealings Washingtom an most State Capitols as well as cities would lose a lot af seated politicos
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Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/21/2008 6:31:39 PM
I always love this one: They all do it....
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Posted By: LIKEITIS @ 11/21/2008 12:19:42 PM
NO DOUBT THAT MANY IN THAT BACKWARD HILLBILLY ENCLAVE, KNOW AS ALASKA, WILL REMEMBER HIM FONDLY, HOWEVER, A THIEF IS A THIEF...........AND ANY HIGHLY PAID PUBLIC SERVANT THAT PERSUES AND ACHIEVES EXTERNAL MOMETARY REWARD ...............IS LIKELY NOT TO HAVE REPRESENTED THE BEST FOR HIS CONSTITUENTS, BUT JUST FOR HIMSELF!
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Posted By: educatedalaskan @ 11/21/2008 5:46:43 PM
"KNOW AS ALASKA"... You're obviously no backward hillbilly! Too bad your cosmopolitan environment didn't prepare you to spell correctly. If you studied Geography, you'd also know that Alaska is full of MOUNTAINS, not hills.You've missed the author's point. When you add up the great things Ted Stevens did for Alaska versus what he was convicted for, you would come to appreciate why he is still very much loved up here.
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Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/21/2008 6:29:40 PM
Yes, and I understand Sarah is popular too. That's some kind of elocution she's mastered, der...though...too...and...
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Posted By: george3076 @ 11/21/2008 12:57:47 PM
another idiot that knows little of Alaska probably a red neck anyway. If all the politicians were acounted for under the table dealings Washington as well as State capitols would lose a great majority of the so called people's represenatives. I would highlt recommend before making coments like this that you get a few books a bone up you are obviously deficieny on your facts
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