The Bartlett Forum

Agenda for April 29, 2010

2010-04-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we’ll hear from Mark Moronell, MD a Cardiologist, on heath and health care. It does take a good heart to prevail in the world today. Regular checkups, exercise and a healthy diet all help get us through our day.

We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

“Alaska Democratic State Convention” May 7^th and 9^th, in lovely Sitka, Alaska.

Next we will visit with our own Joe Princiotta. Its sure to be exciting. Joe is entertaining and interested in cross cutting issues of our time.

Agenda for April 15, 2010

2010-04-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from Ms. Molly Haigh, from Reform Immigration for America. Sure to be an important issue. We’ll hear about strategic and tactical components of the topic. You won’t want to miss it. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Next week our own Mr. Alex Newall will be our presenter. He’ll certainly speak of issues important to labor. You’ll know Alex from his campaign to organize Wal-Mart. Alex has a depth of understanding on populist and labor history.

Agenda For April 8, 2010

2010-04-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we are proud to welcome Dr. Ellsworth James, PhD., President of the local chapter of NAACP. Dr. James is a research scientist and a Bridge Builder. He will speak to members on the intersection of genetics, nutrition and environment. It is sure to be a cutting edge introduction for our club to an area of scientific inquiry that is revolutionizing culture, society, biological science and human understanding.

Bring a friend, share a smile. We gather noon, Thursday at Denny’s on Debarr.

Upcoming:

Next week we will hear from Ms. Molly Haigh, on making sense of immigration reform. My instinct tells me the Real Crazies will come out when this suite of issues hits the Congress. The Southern Poverty Law Center is telling us there is a cross pollination occurring among the disaffected and dangerous. These folks are being misled by right wing pundits and politicians seeking short term advantage at expense of community.

Agenda for March 25, 2010

2010-03-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

“The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on.” Senator Ted Kennedy

This week we welcome back to our podium, Mr. Scott Heyworth. Some may recall in 2002 his initiative to anchor the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority received more votes than Frank Murkowski. Hard to believe we’re still talking about essentially the same idea. Self reliance.

We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road, bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we hear from a selection of our school board candidates. I’m not quite sure as of this writing all who will attend. Many I should think will be willing to join with us.

Notable:

Ian Ruskin is coming in May to perform his one man show “Harry Bridges, from Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks”. Sponsored by the Standup Guys. Thank your favorite “guy” for bringing Mr. Ruskin to our community.

Agenda for March 11, 2010.

2010-03-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

No Call of the Wild in Today’s Alaska

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we host Kenneth Zeigahn, presenting on “Rethinking Education”. Always a fascinating topic. So many developments in human cognition, technology, delivery and pedologic practice. We look forward to hearing about new thinking on method and delivery. We meet Thursday, noon at Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Next week we host Assembly Woman Harriett Drummond, she is not a stranger to our group having been herself associated with the Bartlett Club. You may appreciate she cast the single dissenting vote to disapprove the insurance arrangement the municipality held for former Mayor George Sullivan. When we consider rules for regular voters may be different than for elites, this is the kind of example frequently noted.

Notable:

If you are interested in affairs of the Carter Center, get online today with Carter Center Conversations. Today’s webcast is on Africa, however it is a continuing series and there is an archive of previous webcasts. While visiting the center website think about making a donation , they are engaged in good work around the globe.

Also today at 11:30am you may view a webcast from Foreign Secretary David Miliband. He is speaking today from the Compton Lecture series at MIT. I listened to him speak live earlier this week and you may be interested to learn with him were leaders from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties in Britain. They met together to discuss those items that may have enough currency to be agreed upon independent of which party controls government.

Isn’t that a model of how democracy could be less dysfunctional? But, seriously participants would have to have a larger vision of governance than we apparently do today. The Foreign Secretary will be on his way to China following his presentation at MIT.

We had our own version of Snowmegeddon yesterday. If you all have dug yourselves out of your driveway, there are numerous fun things to do in “Spring”. Among events in Anchorage this week are:

Downtown dining challenge: Sponsored by the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, grab a playing card from a participating restaurant and start your culinary exploration.

Wildlife Wednesdays are continuing at the Alaska Zoo. Great for young and old alike.

Memo: to the Board of “Game”, you are supposed to protect, not kill, our fellow creatures.

Waiting to make a leap to lightspeed? Try our own Anchorage Museum and Star Wars: Where Science meets Imagination.

Have a safe and happy end to the Rondy events, look forward to more light and sunshine. Be kind, we’re not here long why mess it up?

Agenda for March 4, 2010

2010-03-03T23:35:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

Better late than never! My apologies for getting this note out so late this week. You probably don’t need to know everything about why, I will endeavor to be more timely in the future.

This week we host Ms. Janet Reiser, Candidate for State Senate seat P. Ms. Reiser is an engineer and entrepreneur interested in all forms of energy with special consideration of new sources.

Next week we host Kenneth Zeigahn, on Rethinking Education.

Look soon for an exciting announcement from our own “Stand up Guys”. I guarantee it will be a good one.

Agenda for Febuary 25, 2010

2010-02-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

We host Ms. Judith Bendersky, medicare consultant. We meet Thursday, noon in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Next week we will host Ms. Janet Reiser candidate for Alaska State Senate seat P running against long time incumbent “Con” Bundy.

Agenda for Febuary 18, 2010

2010-02-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

Our Presenters:

This week we host several candidates for Municipal Assembly. We will be introduced to their campaigns and have a moment to hear individually about their plans for our community. We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we visit with Judith Bendersky on Medicare’s condition and circumstance with insight on a way forward.

Agenda for Febuary 11, 2010

2010-02-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

Bartlett club Presents

This week we welcome Mr. Bronson Frye of the Painter’s Union speaking on the “Misclassification of Workers”, Mr Frye spoke briefly last week to introduce himself and his subject. Its sure to be a good one. We meet Thursdays, at noon in Denny’s on Debarr Road across from Costco. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we’ll be hosting several guests. We have invited candidates for our municipal assembly to present a short introduction to themselves and their campaigns. We have 8 of the 10 current candidates tentatively offering to speak. Closing date for filing is Feb 12 if any of you are holding your powder dry.

Notable:

There will be a meeting of Anchorage Democrats at 5:30 on Thursday in our party Headquarters. Bring an idea to share about involving others in our caucus. Kevin is putting together some thoughts on preparation to launch this important event. Look for more information to be forthcoming.

Ou First Lady Michelle Obama, has been promoting fitness for children with a new project call “Lets Move” we call could benefit from getting a move on!

Looking for a low cost venue for the whole family? Try Skate time at Westchester Lagoon, until March from 1-3pm there will be an ongoing skate presence.

What to do for your Valentine? Try Anchorage Symphony’s “Passion and Seduction” Feb 20 in the APAC. Holy kaw, who could use more of that?

I noticed just yesterday there was definitely warmth coming from the sun now in the Afternoon. Hang in there and we’ll all make it to Spring!

Stay well, be safe.

Agenda for Febuary 4, 2010

2010-02-04T00:17:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we host Assembly member Elvi Jackson. She will be updating us on an emerging issue before the Municipal Assembly with ramifications for our legislature. She is going to discuss an advisory vote on an increase to the exemption on property tax. You have to imagine that Elvi has perhaps the most comprehensive understanding our city budget processes of anyone serving in our local government. We welcome her to our club this Thursday, at noon. We meet in Denny’s on Debarr Road across from Costco. Bring a friend, share a smile

Upcoming:

I’ve been told there will be a demonstration outside of the Sheraton on the fourth at noon in support of Unite Here and the local hotel workers. Next week we’ll receive Mr. Bronson Frye on the misclassification of workers. Stay tuned.

Agenda for January 28, 2010

2010-01-26T23:19:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

Speaker this week:

This week we host Peter Boehlin, President of the local United Food and Commercial Workers. He will speak to us on Wal-Mart specifically and retail commerce more generally. We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Assembly member Elvi Jackson. Elvi has been a welcome spokesperson for our entire community. She is hard working, competent, and valued leader for progressive issues.

Notable:

There are numerous methods to help out in Haiti. When you get down due to current events in our country just pause to consider our bounty. We still live in the best state in the best country of the world. Our government is more open and transparent than ever before and none of us that I know of, are living under conditions comparable to those we see on television every night. Look for your charity of choice, contribute what you can. You’ll be doing good while feeling better about things when you are involved in works beyond our horizon.

Agenda for January 21, 2010

2010-01-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

Our Speaker this week.

We host Mr. Bob Poe, entrepreneur, executive and charismatic candidate for Alaska Governor. Bring a friend, share a smile. We meet Thursday, noon in Denny’s on Debarr Road.

Upcoming:

Next week we welcome Peter Boehlin, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers local.

Agenda for November 21, 2009

2010-01-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Alaska, Mr. President!

Bartlett Club Presents:

This week we host Michael Carey, Host of KAKM, Anchorage Edition, commentator and journalist. I’ve known Michael since he and I were young men in Fairbanks. I’m confident he will be gracious, witty and informed. We meet Thursday, noon, in Dennys on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

I’m writing this on the evening of Veteran’s Day. If you have an opportunity to thank a veteran do so. Its important also, that we make sure comprehensive services are provided to our returning troops. It is not only an obligation it is a responsibility to meet the promises we made to those who serve and their families. Finally, if we have literally thousands returning with wounds, injuries, trauma and psychological stress few of us have had to overcome. Let’s make sure as administrations come and go our obligations are met in the future.

Agenda for October 29, 2009

2010-01-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we host Ms. Julianne Hanson, on the Highway to Highway Project. This concept could become the largest transportation project in our community for years. She will discuss options, goals and planning to date. We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming: Look for Michael Carey on Nov 12^th.

Agenda for October 15, 2009

2010-01-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

Live United

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from Dr. Monique Karaganis, a pediatrician working at our Native hospital. She will be discussing health care reform as a medical service provider. How timely and what a privilege to hear from the good doctor. Our local Native Hospital is awarding winning an asset our community. It’s a model for us all.

We meet Thursday at noon, in Denny’s on Debarr Road across from Costco. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Brothers and Sisters, next week we’ll hear from Mr. Vince Beltrami, President of the Alaska Chapter of the AFL-CIO. Vince is gaining national recognition for his work with labor and working families. He is a UAA graduate.

Notable:

Wildlife Wednesdays begin this week at the Alaska Zoo. Science based management of wildlife would seem to be a reasoned approach, right? These ongoing series of lectures open at 6:00pm at the zoo.

World Food Day, will be observed Oct 16^th. This worldwide event will be hosted in the US to promote awareness and understanding of actions to reduce hunger. I know in our local school district the number of kids needing help has jumped over the last year. If we all do a little we can help a lot.

Agenda for December 10, 2009

2010-01-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

Dr. Mike Ellenburg, speaks on “Tests your Doctor Should be Doing”. Dr. Ellenburg is a Naturopath and is head of the Center for Natural Medicine. Bring a friend,share a smile.

Next week we’ll hear from our friend, Diane Benson, who I hear will offer an important announcement of her plans in the year ahead.

Notable:

Thank you’s are due to our hard working assembly on occasions where we don’t get all we would desire it is helpful recall that at its core politics is able the art of compromise. It requires considerable stamina to make it through all those committee meetings and come out with a product that will serve our community.

Agenda for October 8, 2009

2010-01-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from Ms. Alison Weir, journalist and commentator on the situation in Palestine and in particular Gaza.

I’ve heard from some about the appearance of our speaker this week. I appreciate your interest in our affairs. Thank you for your interest.

I’ve been associated with the Bartlett Club over a decade. We are not strangers to controversy. Our long tradition springs from a fundamental appreciation that though we may have diverse points of view we can agree that as we seek truth, we have an obligation and right to self expression derived from our Bill of Rights. It’s called the first amendment for a reason. It’s up to you to determine your opinion based on the merits of a person’s positions. Their right to peacefully advance a position should be unquestioned.

We meet noon, Thursday, in Denny’s on Debarr across from Costco. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we will host Dr. Monique Karaganis, on Health Care Reform. Dr. Karaganis is a local pediatrician working at our Native Hospital. She’ll give us an update based on her experience as a medical doctor.

Agenda for September 17, 2009

2010-01-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we’ll hear from Michael Pointz, with Repower Alaska. Clean energy and good jobs can turn around our state. Mr. Pointz will be addressing this potential. We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr. Bring a friend, share a smile. We all need a smile. Here’s one, the flying squirrel at the Alaska Zoo escaped briefly this week. The mere idea of a flying squirrel makes me laugh. He is a new little guy at the zoo.

Upcoming:

Next week our speaker will be Professor Stephen Haycox. He will be discussing our namesake Senator Bob Bartlett. Its often good to reconsider our foundational principles and the good Professor is a professional at such a retrospective. Can you recall politics in an era when debate was based in policy and evidence; when dialog was hotly contested but civil?

Agenda for September 10, 2009

2010-01-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

It isn’t enough to say “never forget” we need to ask what has been learned?

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we host Alaska State House Representative Max Gruenberg on “What is Happening in our Legislature:”. His long view of the Legislature will surely be revealing. Max is tough and he cares.

We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s Restaurant on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, Share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we hear from Mr. Michael Points from Repower Alaska. You may investigate Repower on Facebook .

Agenda for September 3, 2009

2010-01-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

We hear this week from Phil Sheppard, Executive Director, of the Great Land Trust speaking on “Conserving Land in South Central Alaska”. We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road. The mission of the trust is to preserve land for conservation purposes. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming: Next week we host Alaska State House Representative Max Gruenberg. First elected to the Alaska’s State House in 1984, Max is a stalwart of our legislature and a guiding light for many. Just for the record it was Max who introduced me to the Bartlett Club. He has done so much for so many. He’s Fair and he’s tough.

Notable:

Between turkey legs, cotton candy and funnel cakes at our Alaska State Fair make an effort to seek out our Democratic presence. It takes a lot of volunteer hours to properly staff a booth, many thanks to those organizing the fair as well as those hearty volunteers in the booth.

Agenda for August 27, 2009

2010-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from Anchorage Daily News Editorial Contributor Elise Pakotek, on the phenomena that is Sarah Palin. We meet noon Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr across from Costco.

Upcoming:

Next week Mr. Phil Sheppard, with the Great Land Trust will be our speaker.

Notable:

Keep in mind the Saturday market will be wrapping up soon while our State Fair is about to begin. Surely signs of Autumn time approaching. Get your vegetables gathered in, wrap up your water hose and start to put your dwelling into sleep mode.

August traditionally is rather slow but we’ve seen interest growing in policy discussions addressing programs of our administration. This week I’ve attached a note with some perspective on policy execution.

As Labor Day approaches think about the contributions of your neighbors to the well being of our city, state and nation. It is people like you and I who do the work of community. Our labor keeps this place working.

Strive to contribute your component to the whole community, don’t become skeptical in the face of injustice. We are here but briefly. Given that circumstance be kind to yourselves and your neighbor. Enjoy your holiday, watch for moments of grace.

Agenda for August 20, 2009

2010-01-13T18:53:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from Jonathan Teeters and Sarah Howe, representing Organizing for America.

Jonathan, I know has met in the Whitehouse and should have a good idea about plans formulation processes. He and Sarah are currently engaged in the health Insurance reform issue. Energy, economy and education will be forth coming.

As activists are called to promote an issue, it would be helpful if objectives remain consistent.

Agenda for August 13, 2009

2010-01-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Club Presents

Alaska State House Representative Pete Petersen, speaks this week on “fuel price gouging, what we’ve learned” . We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, Share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week August 20, we will host Jonathan Teeters and Sarah Howe from Organizing for America. Jonathan and Sarah are our tag team working in Alaska on behalf of the Obama administration.

Agenda for July 30, 2009

2009-07-28T20:10:00.001-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from Anchorage School Board Member and Alaskan Executive Pat Higgins.

Do you notice a faint sense of Autumn in the air in the morning? Back to school and hopefully a new season of change. We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we will host the honorable Judge Karen Hunt.

Agenda for July 16, 2009

2009-07-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

This week we hear from Alaska State Representative Harry Crawford. Harry never pulls his punches. He will speak on “Are you Tired of Waiting? I am." Harry is also an Ironworker and long time member of our club.

We meet Thursday, noon in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we will hear from Alaska State Representative Les Gara.

Notable:

The Alaska Zoo is hosting it’s annual gala, “Tuscany Under the Tent” July 16^th. It’s the years largest fundraising event for our local Zoo. http://www.alaskazoo.org Did you know it’s also the 40^th anniversary of our Zoo? There will be a silent auction along with good food and company.

Agenda for July 9th, 2009

2009-07-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we welcome Ms. Deborah Williams, Executive Director of the Alaska Democratic Party. She will present “On the Road to Victory, 2010”. Ms. Williams has a proven executive background, personal integrity that is unquestioned and real ability. Her insight and direction of our party will benefit our members and candidates going forward.. She is blessed with awesome timing to be addressing our club.

We meet noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Upcoming:

Next week we’ll hear from Alaska State Representative Harry Crawford. Harry is friend of our club, a union member and veteran of the legislature.

Agenda for July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we host Ms. Joelle Hall speaking on the Employee Free Choice Act. Ms. Hall is with our AFL-CIO offices and we’ll look forward to hearing her take on vital workplace issues. She is also interested in pension reform particularly as it affects public employees. Bring a friend, share a smile!

EFCA background:

The Employee Free Choice Act, supported by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, would enable working people to bargain for better benefits, wages and working conditions by restoring workers’ freedom to choose for themselves whether to join a union. It would:

Remove current obstacles to employees who want collective bargaining.
Guarantee that workers who can choose collective bargaining are able to achieve a contract.
Allow employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation.

Next week we host the new Executive Director of the Alaska Democratic Party, Ms. Deborah Williams.

Finally Bear Aware for Summer

http://www.alaskabears.alaska.gov

Agenda for June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from State Senator Hollis French. I haven’t heard what he’ll speak on but he’s a good friend and I am thinking he has plans for the future.

Really tragic events unfolding across the world. The remarkable thing is we now can keep abreast of specific events on particular dates and times. It is an amazing phenomena. It will be increasingly difficult for authoritarian governments to contain a message with so many methods of communication available. Our task is to keep advancing the interests of justice.

Next week

Our good friend Ms. Joelle Hall with the AFL-CIA will speak to us on the Employee Free Choice Act. Its good to support our sisters of labor.

Notable

June 27, downtown the Partnership will sponsor an event associated with the 50^th anniversary of Alaska Statehood. Party on 4^th avenue as the streets will be closed for a fair between, noon to 5:00pm.

Anchorage would not be the same town without our volunteers. Our First Lady has begun a Whitehouse initiative on community service. Find out more at http://www.serve.gov

Agenda for June 18, 2009

2009-06-17T21:03:00.001-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we host State Senator Bill Wielechowski, speaking on a strategic state energy plan. He is looking for you to bring your good ideas. After 40 years of oil dependence isn’t time we re-imagine our mix of conservation, consumption and production? Bill is a labor attorney and has long been engaged as a community activist.

Agenda for June 11, 2009

2009-06-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we hear from Elizabeth Andres, of the Alliance for Climate Protection. http://www.climateprotect.org . She’s bringing a few friends as well, from ISER/UAA, National Wildlife Federation and the Alaska Center for the Environment. She will address climate crisis and what it means to Alaskans. I am so happy to have her on OUR side. I know we’ll be a welcoming audience. It’s a unique opportunity an one not to be missed.

We need to rock the house folks! Call a friend and invite them along. It does wonders for your relationships. Bring a friend, share a smile.

Agenda for May 4, 2009

2009-06-03T01:53:00.001-07:00

The Bartlett Club Presents:

This week we hear from Mr. Hal Johnson, on a new approach to business derived from experience in the Basque region of Spain. He will discuss community adaptation with an emphasis on business processes and structure.

We meet Thursday at noon in Denny’s on Debarr Road, across from Costco. Invite a friend to share a meal with our members.

Upcoming: Next week June 11, we will host Ms. Elizabeth Andres, of Climate Protect. I understand her organization is headed by none other than Nobel Prize Winner, and former Vice President Al Gore. She will speak about our climate crisis and challenges it presents.

Notable:

June 6^th on the park strip you’ll find the Alaskan Oceans Festival. Celebrate everything wet and finny among the many vendors.

June 14^th is National Flag Day, a tradition since 1777.

Ken Burns is speaking on the 18^th for one night only in the PAC, about our “National Parks, America’s Best Idea”

We always have a busy schedule in our brief Alaskan Summer. Stay tuned for more in your neighborhood. Be safe out there while having fun this season.

Agenda for 5/28/09

2009-05-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

This week we hear from our own Joe Princiotta, on the CIS of 9/11. Joe is a long standing member of our club and a outspoken advocate of a fresh look at events of that day. We meet Thursday at noon in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend and share a smile.

Contact the World Trade Center Alaska for a statement from our new United States Senator Mark Begich, upon his return from Afghanistan. As member of the Armed Services Committee Mark sits at a pivotal position to formulate policy response in a time of persistent conflict. His address will be noon Monday, June 1 in the Captain Cook Hotel. http://www.wtcak.org

Mark your calendar for the opening of our new museum expansion on May 30^th. Noon to midnight with events for the whole family. http://www.anchoragemuseum.org

Also, June 1 former Poet Laureate of Alaska Tom Sexton will discuss his poetic journey at noon, UAA bookstore. He is also speaking at 4:30 for those attending the WTC-AK event the same day.

Agenda for May 14, 2009

2009-05-13T09:27:00.001-07:00

This week we welcome Colonel Anne Wright, the following comes from her website, http://voicesofconscience.com “during the run-up to war in Iraq, Army Colonel (Ret.) and diplomat Ann Wright resigned her State Department post. She was one among dozens of government insiders and active-duty military personnel who leaked documents, spoke out, resigned, or refused to deploy in protest of government actions they felt were illegal.” We are pleased she has offered to meet with us.

Agenda for May 7, 2009

2009-05-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

This week we hear from Ms. Colleen Keane, Environmental Health and Justice Organizer, Alaska Community on Toxics. She will present on “Toxicity in our Workplace” . We meet Thursdays, at noon in Denny’s Restaurant on Debarr Road. Bring a friend and share a smile.

Upcoming we will host Col. Anne Wright.. You may check out a link to her website at:

http://www.voicesofconscience.com Col. Wright shares experience with many of us as we confront power through an alternate perspective.

Agenda for April 30, 2009

2009-04-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

This week we welcome Vick Ballenbergehe, speaking our state’s predator “control” program. Since our board of game recently authorized use of chemical agents to kill pups in their dens, I suspect that everyone has an opinion on this controversial program.

I did notice today that wolves are taking on dogs out at Ft. Richardson. There has to be a metaphor in there somewhere!

We meet Thursday at noon, in Denny’s Restaurant on Debarr Road. Bring a friend and share a smile.

Next week we will host Ms. Colleen Keane, speaking on toxicity in our workplaces.

Bartlett Forum Agenda for April 23, 2009

2009-04-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

This week we hear from Professor Rick Steiner, on the significance of the 20^th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Professor Steiner is a courageous advocate for our marine ecosystem. He has confronted political and professional opposition in defense of his fundamental academic right to intellectual expression. We are delighted he has agreed to meet with our members. We meet Thursday at noon, in Denny’s Restaurant on Debarr Road.

The largest industry of our state has contributed to the government of our state over several decades. Oil propels many community organizations and our local government. In a context that has proven to be corrupting in individual cases, we need to consider the nature of this relationship. It’s truly a complex picture.

Agenda for April 16, 2009: Save Darfur

2009-04-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

Bartlett Club Presents

Genocide in Darfur: What Can I Do to Help?

Please welcome our guests, Debbie Bock and Safi Eldin Mohammed Ali Ismael, for a discussion about the about the situation in Darfur and the campaign for targeted divestment in Alaska.

Debbie is a volunteer with SAVE DARFUR ANCHORAGE

~ Safi is a refugee from Darfur who has been living in Anchorage since March of 2008.

Please make a special effort to join us this week on Thursday to discuss Alaska’s response to this complex situation. We meet at noon, Thursday in Denny’s on Debarr Road. Bring a friend and circulate the information you are about to receive. We can all do a little and together we accomplish a lot .

Upcoming Rick Steiner a statewide conservation specialist will join us next week to discuss the 20^th anniversary of the grounding of the Exxon Valdez, America’s largest oil spill.

Agenda for March 26, 2009

2009-03-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Poe will speak on Thursday, March 26, 2009. He will be speaking about his run for Governor and about his vision for Alaska.

Agenda for March 19, 2009

2009-03-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

This week we host several of the remaining candidates for our school board. Jack has been working overtime putting this together. We plan on starting precisely at noon this week. Come early if you are able. We meet in Denny’s Restaurant on Debarr Road across the street from Costco. So, still worried? Don’t be it gets better!

Upcoming: Next week we have a tentative scheduling of Mr Chris Rose, speaking on why we don’t have a commuter rail to the valley.

Agenda for March 5th, 2009

2009-02-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

March 5th: We’ll hear from Anchorage School District Superintendent Carol Comeau. She’ll be addressing future plans and programs of our district. We expect a good turnout, there are many pending issues being advanced for educators in our community, state and nation.

Upcoming: Next week we’ll host several candidates running for school board. There are so many running, we will offer each a couple of minutes to introduce themselves. It will not be a traditional debate.

The Death Penalty in Territorial Alask

2009-02-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today's presenter was Averil Lerman, an appellate lawyer, who spoke about the death penalty in the territorial days of Alaska. The presentation was based on her previously published in the Alaska Humanities Forum and subsequently reprinted in Justice Forum, and can be found here.

The article goes over three executions, and Mrs Lerman explained the circumstances of two others to the Forum. The Territory of Alaska was a very violent places and there were a lot of murders between 1900 and 1958. The vast majority of the murderers were white, but the majority of those executed where not.

Mrs Lerman also explained the emotional toll the death penalty had on those who had to implement or witness it. There was a requirement that twelve people had to witness a execution, and when Mrs Lerman interviewed some witnesses many of them were uncomfortable with what they had seen.

Aside from going over the executions her article, Mrs. Lerman spoke about the financial cost of the death penalty, which can be enormous even before someone is executed. She explained how 'due process' becomes 'super due process' above and beyond all other cases.

This means longer and more expensive cases. Remember, in most instances the state is paying for the prosecution and the defense. Also, in many cases were the prosecution seeks the death penalty the sentence is not death, nor is there necessarily a conviction, so the extra cost is just frittered away. If the death sentence is ordered there are mandatory appeals Upon appeal, three out of four life sentences are reduced to life in prison or some other lesser punishment.

So even before the first person is executed millions upon millions of dollars are spent, and much of it on people who are not going to be executed.

Agenda for Febuary 26, 2009

2009-02-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

This week we are happy to host Attorney Averil Lermen, speaking on capital crime during territorial days in Alaska. http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/370089.html HB 9 is now pending in our House Judiciary Committee with testimony to be taken on the bill Wednesday, at 1:00pm in legislative offices around the state. I hope you will have time to make your position known. We meet on Thursday, noon in Denny’s Restaurant on Debarr Road across from Costco.

Upcoming: March 5^th we’ll hear from Anchorage School District Superintendent Carol Comeau. http://www.asdk12.org/aboutasd/superintendent.asp She’ll be addressing future plans and programs of our district. I’d invite a good turnout, there are many pending issues being advanced for educators in our community, state and nation.

About the Bartlett Forum

2009-02-21T20:03:00.000-08:00

The Bartlett Forum has been meeting for over forty years in Anchorage Alaska to discuss topics important to Anchorage, Alaska, and the United States. The blog will be used to post upcoming events and to chronical the engaging conversations we have. We have a rich tradition and will continue to foster the open and positive exchange of ideas to build the best possible future for our city.

Our old website is located at http://www.mtaonline.net/~jrc/bartlett.html