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| SERINE HALVERSON |
BACKS BOB GILLAM
Rosanne Pagano’s reporting on Bob Gillam (“Pebble Mine’s Formidable Foe,” March, Page 22) was the most important, most timely journalism we’ve read in your fine magazine. Looking back in our country’s history, there are many examples of a single individual raising our collective consciousness about a decision with incredibly long-lasting consequences; Mr. Gillam is spot on. The decision to halt or proceed with Pebble Mine will be irreversible, and the risks that must be weighed are of historic proportions. There is tangible evidence everywhere in our nation that in the past we have taken the right steps to protect and preserve irreplaceable resources; in Alaska you are now in such a moment.
—Robert and Dianne Marshak
St. Louis, Mo.
Defending Capt. Phil
The letter in the March issue that stated,"You did not do your magazine or the state any favors by putting the picture of the filthymouthed, cigarette-sucking Capt. Phil Harris on the cover of this usually beautiful magazine," made my blood boil! Being a crab fisherman is a tough life. Spending hours alone in a wheel room fighting the Bering Sea would make most men crazy. Having spent more than my share of time in Alaska I can tell you that it is a rugged place full of rugged people who would risk their lives to help another human being. Shame on you for throwing stones at Phil.
—Scott Collin
Verdigre, Neb.
Cover Shot Was Good
My husband and I have been fans of Deadliest Catch since the television show began and we think your October cover photo of Capt. Phil Harris was appropriate (“Ugly Cover Shot,” March, Page 6). Good, bad, or ugly, it is people like Capt. Phil who make Alaska the “Last Frontier.” Life is not pretty, and to deny that is living in a fantasy. Undoubtedly, Phil Helped himself to an early grave, but that was the life he chose.
—Deborah Bloom
Hermantown, Minn.
Capt. Phil Embodied Alaska
First let me say, what a great magazine. Next, I’d like to reply to the letter titled “Ugly Cover Shot” in the March issue. While I agree that Capt. Phil Harris could be a little rough around the edges, his inner spirit gave him the strength to work, live and play in Alaska. I was saddened to hear of Capt. Phil’s death but, with that powerful spirit, I am sure he’s on to his next adventure.
— Mike Rachow
Milwaukee,Wisc.
Capt. Phil Was the Real Deal
Although Capt. Harris was a resident of the Lower 48, he spent more time living a real Alaska life than many residents of Anchorage. He was also the epitome of an Alaska crab boat captain. And if you read much about him, you will find he was a hell of a nice guy. One of the best tributes to the man by Deadliest Catch narrator Mike Rowe, which concludes, “He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic.” If you spend much time in Alaska off the bus, in the land Mr. Whitekeys describes, where whatever can’t be fixed with duct tape is covered by a blue tarp, you’ll know that this magazine has had many covers featuring things that could be considered offensive. For example, the beautiful sled dog on the cover of the March 2010 issue probably establishes his dominance by peeing on other members of the team. Now that is a really nasty habit.
—Gail Dean
Cambridge, Md.
Correction: The boat pictured on Page 36 of the February issue was misidentified.
It is the S/V Chinook.