Here is some information to let everyone know how some Alaskans feel.
76% of Alaska is owned by the federal government. We are the only state in the union that the Feds have their own hunting and fishing regulations, for federal lands. They also say who can hunt and fish on some federal lands, and this practice is very discriminatory. Alaska was promised things with the statehood act like roads and rail roads, but the Federal Government has yet to follow through. The only new road built in the last 38 years was built by a private corporation, not the Feds. The rail road still has not been connected to the lower 48, in fact there has been no expansion of the rail road since statehood.
If someone wants to drill an oil well in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Pennsylvania, who cares? but just mention drilling one in Alaska and all hell breaks loose. If Fish and Game takes out neussence animals in the lower 48, people applaud, If we think about it law suites are brought forth and the courts stop us.
We are not treated like a state, We are treated like a colony! Think about this and you can understand why some people are upset with the federal government. Some take it to extremes, most don't. But this is why so many Alaskans are behind Sara. Maybe she can get some things changed for us as well.
Sure would be nice if we had a Rail Road to the lower 48. As it stands now over 80% of Alaska is dependent on Anchorage for shipments of everything food, clothing, you name it. If we get it it comes through Anchorage. Since Safeway bought out all the stores in Fairbanks and Anchorage they only have three days supplies on the shelves. Another big earth quake like in 64 and we are screwed. The only alternate transportation is Air, or trucks over the Alcan highway. There would not be enough trucks, or enough drivers willing to face the Alcan to bring supplies to us.
Yes Old Joe was a radical. He founded the Independence Party, to try and force the Feds to live up to their end of the bargain. Still has not worked, and Old Joe was assassinated. Maybe Sara can do something, along with everything else she will have to do. Yes Wally Hickle left the Republician party to join AIP.