By PAM MELIN
On Friday, the Alaska House of Representatives did something almost unheard of: They denied a ceremonial citation. It was not for someone controversial by action, criminality, or disgrace, but for a conservative Alaska journalist who’s dared to tell the truth too clearly, too often, and to the wrong people.
Suzanne Downing is no stranger to Alaska politics. She’s a force. A truth-teller. A thorn in the side of the establishment who’ve gotten far too comfortable operating in the dark. Through Must Read Alaska, she’s pulled back the curtain on political games, exposed backroom deals, and given a platform to the silent conservative majority in this state.
And for that, the Legislature denied her a routine nod of recognition, something they’ve freely handed out to sports mascots, pet goats, and tomato growers.
Why? Because her words hurt feelings, specifically, the fragile ego of Rep. Zack Fields, who openly admitted his problem with Downing was personal.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t about journalistic ethics. It was political retaliation dressed up in moralizing hypocrisy. Fields has never objected to a citation before, even when he disagreed ideologically. But when someone dares call him out? Suddenly, citations must pass a purity test.
Even more disappointing were the spineless, so-called Republicans who caved to the pressure and voted to table it instead of standing up for one of the few conservative voices brave enough to take the fight to the public square.
Let’s be blunt: Suzanne Downing has done more to shape public opinion in Alaska than half the Legislature combined. It’s apparent that Downing is informed, unrelenting, and most terrifying voice of all to the political class, because she is independent of their control.
Alaska’s mainstream media is MSNBC on crack, pushing spin, not facts. Suzanne built a platform that bypassed them and gave the people a voice. That’s what this petty stunt was about. The establishment couldn’t handle the truth, so they tried to silence it.
The grassroots doesn’t forget moves like this. While lawmakers play political dodgeball with ceremonial resolutions, real people are watching. This wasn’t just an insult to Suzanne … it was a slap in the face to every Alaskan who’s ever dared speak out, ask questions, or hold their elected officials accountable.
Legislators who supported this move should ask themselves: What are they so afraid of? The truth? Or the people who are waking up to it?
Grow a spine.
Pam Melin is a resident of the MatSu Valley.
