Editor’s note: Thanks to our letter writers for sharing their civil, reasoned opinions. The Homer Independent Press welcomes letters to the editor and other opinion pieces. For guidelines see the bottom of this page. Send letters to editor@homerindependentpress.com.

Empathy

Empathy is putting yourself in another person’s shoes. It’s the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel; to see things from their point of view. It should lead us to act with compassion and do what we can to improve their situation. 

Yet Elon Musk, the richest man on the planet, has said “the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy.” By decimating USAID, Musk and Trump wage war against the poorest people on earth.  Trump’s indifference to human suffering is staggering. His triumphal joy in dehumanizing people as “losers from s***hole countries” is reprehensible. Trump brings us the death of empathy in American governance. He didn’t just give permission to behave like this; he made it aspirational to his followers to channel that same venomous energy.

Authoritarianism takes hold as he thickens the membrane between us and others. That leads to the belief that the poor and underprivileged deserve their station in life. 

The antidote abides in our hearts guided by our moral compass. Empathy is the language of our loving hearts. It is the medicine that the world needs. Be the reason someone feels welcome, seen, heard, valued, loved, and supported. 

Michael A LeMay

Veterans For Peace

Vote Yes to Override SB 113

SB 113, Apportion Taxable Income; Digital Business, passed the Senate 16-4 and the House 26-14 in May.  Our governor vetoed it in October.

According to KTUU’s reporting in May 2025, SB 113 would “… change the state’s corporate tax law structure to — in part — include online sales from outside of the state, formally establishing that online sales to Alaskans equate to business conducted within the state.”

At a press conference in May, Senator Wielechowski, sponsor of the bill, stated “Much of the revenue that is generated from this bill will come from other states who are currently collecting the revenues that should be coming to Alaska… Alaska brick and mortar businesses are picking up the cost for that … and that’s not fair.”

In his Sponsor Statement found at akleg.gov, the Senator states “SB 113 would apportion income from highly digitized businesses based on the sales factor alone, to ensure that income earned in Alaska is subject to Alaska’s corporate income tax.”     And “These reforms will have little, if any, effect on consumer prices for Alaskans. ….   At least 36 states have adopted some form of market-based sourcing …”    

Alaska has not updated its corporate income tax laws since 1970.  It’s time to do so given on-line internet sales. Out-of-state business apportionments currently go to the state they are in as opposed to the state where the product is being sold to.

KTUU’s report quotes Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks: “The Department of Revenue thinks [the bill] will raise anywhere from $10 million to $30 million, but they don’t know that.” KTUU further writes “the state’s tax division believes the revenue generation could be as high as $65 million.”

If our legislators override the governor’s veto of SB 113, money generated would go the general fund which could then be apportioned to education, the PFD, ferry system, roads…  the most important things Alaskans care about.  

Call or write your legislators and urge them to override the veto of SB 113.  

The legislators have only the first 5 days of this session to do so.  January 20-25.  

Therese Lewandowski

Thanks for years of artist support

Thank you to Irene Randolph, owner of Fireweed Gallery for supporting so many local and statewide artists all these years, as well as the many individuals she employed. Irene opened her doors at 475 E. Pioneer Ave. in October 1994, at first selling art supplies and slowly growing it into the gallery it became. With her gift for creating an open, inviting and beautiful setting, Irene’s ability to showcase artist’s work has always been extraordinary, as has been her willingness to give both emerging and established artists a place to exhibit and sell their work.  

On Dec. 31, shifting from a thriving business owner to a retired community member, Irene officially closed her gallery doors. As one of her customers, I’d like to congratulate her on building her successful business from the ground up. As one of her artists, I’d like to thank her for nurturing and encouraging my creativity. And as one of her friends and neighbors, I’d like to recognize her for her invaluable contributions to the growth of the art community in Homer and Alaska. Thank you Irene for your years of hard work and dedication.

Christina Whiting

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