The passing of Vic Fischer the last survivor to be a member of the Alaska Constitution Convention. While he was a dedicated Democrat he showed how important the Constitution was. He said this, “It’s so basic,” Fischer told Politico. “If somebody comes along and wants to destroy the constitutional structure of Alaska, they should not be elected to the Legislature.” Taking that into consideration AGJA implores all of you to share the message that our Constitutional rights should be protected. The long arm of government is getting into too many places it should not be. In doing so it is also charging us more, through increased taxes, uncontrolled budgets, and allowing things like SCO 1993 to become a dangerous precedent. We must educated with conviction that violations of our rights will not, should not and cannot be tolerated.
He was A STRONG opponent of communism having escaped it as a child. Before his death he was involved in an unsuccessful attempt to recall our Governor Dunleavy. He was a liberal but a sensible one the did believe in self responsibility.
A post in the Alaska Beacon wrote the following about his values. “In keeping with the auspicious occasion of him turning 99 on May 5, here are nine insights; one for each decade, plus one to grow on.
- Respect everyone’s individual rights.
- Abhor the state’s power to kill its citizens.
- Oppose all forms of insidious discrimination due to race, gender and sexual orientation.
- Dedicate time and effort to those without power – the poor, the underdog.
- Demonstrate fairness and equality in all your endeavors.
- Find, evolve, and strengthen your humanistic values. Then live by them.
As a kid, Vic saw the ennobling hope and common cause of those who believed communism could serve all of humanity and defeat fascism. His parents were among those believers. And he saw their dreams for the new Soviet Union become the nightmare of Stalin’s repressive police state. As an American, he lived the miracle of freedom and opportunity; feeling the positive power of democracy in ordinary people’s hands. Therefore, he advises:
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Do not take democracy for granted. Stand up against any and all authoritarian leanings.
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Even though democratic government is not perfect and can be messy, start your engagement with the premise that government is often the path to solutions and not necessarily the problem that others are quick to suggest. Let’s not forget that government is the means by which civil society emerges and flourishes.
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Public service is a noble profession. If you engage in public policy seek to float as many boats as you can regardless of their size. It is possible to do this.”
All people deserve such opportunities he believed. While Vic may have been a democratic liberal he knew the value of ethics in public service and public works. The miracle of freedom that Vic had the opportunity to enjoy should not be taken lightly. We must do all we can to promote the protection of these freedoms. This is a core value for the Alaska Grand Jurors Association.
