I was going to write my next “generic conservatism” post about Mayor Bloomberg, RINOs, and term limits, but the following subject is a little more timely right now. Bloomberg is a subject I can handle more at my leisure. Without further adieu….

The fallout over “Miss California” Carrie Prejean’s position on gay marriage is yet another example of political correctness (PC) run amok and of the current national trend towards silencing conservative opinions.

In Prejean’s case the questioner specifically solicited her opinion on the subject. This beauty pageant contestant was not running for political office and did not set up a soap box or otherwise go out of her way to volunteer her thoughts on the subject. In short, she was asked a question and she answered it. Unfortunately, her answer proved too shocking for the hyper-sensitive PC types she works for and it may have cost Prejean her Miss USA crown. The horrible opinion she expressed? Prejean is against gay marriage. Just like even ultra-lefty Obama professes to be; and like “conservative” McCain is (note: I’m using the word “conservative” very loosely as regards McCain, who in reality is a RINO). Since her opinion was not PC, her pageant days are now numbered.

We typically regard PC as a liberal phenomenon. This is a major mistake. Unfortunately, political correctness is a cancer that afflicts conservatives every bit as much as liberals.

During the 2008 campaign, our own GOP would not let use the word “terrorism” during our campaigning; and Obama’s associations were verboten subjects. When Bill Platt, a GOP chair in a PA district used Obama’s middle name at the October 8, 2008 Bethlehem PA rally, at which I was present, the McCain campaign chastised him for “inappropriate behavior.” Given Obama’s propensity to bowing before Muslim clerics; his anti-American apology tour all over Europe – and his obsession with all things Islam, could it be that maybe, just maybe Mr. Platt was on to something by emphasizing the middle name HUSSEIN? Instead of censuring Mr. Platt, the McCain campaign might have won the election if did not spend so much time defending and conceding to the other side.

The GOP had succumbed to and was paralyzed by its own brand of PC – and the moment McCain declared “you have nothing to fear from an Obama presidency” may have been the moment he lost the election. Why vote for someone who spends his time defending the other guy and who votes the same way as the other guy, when you can just vote for the other guy and be done with it?

Lest anyone think PC is new or strictly a US phenomenon, my wife (a liberal) was a well-known ballet dancer in Mexico. She had her own dance company and routinely aired her performances on various Mexico City TV channels. That all came to an end when she spoke out against the Catholic church in an interview, saying something to the effect that the church was keeping people ignorant. Unlike Prejean, my wife just decided to make that comment. The comment along with one of her dances, which was misinterpreted as being about the October 2, 1968 Tlatelolco massacre in Mexico City (the dance was actually about nuclear war) caused her career there to screech to a grinding halt. In Mexico, the government is very highly involved with the arts — most of the cultural institutions there are government agencies. Justified or not, bucking the church in Mexico was a career-ending move for her. Anyone who knows Mexico fairly well knows it is basically a fascist country.

Should one lose a job for being against gay marriage? Being for it? Being for Obama or against? Or having an opinion one way or another on some other subject matter? The reason why PC is such an insidious cancer is that it attempts to enforce an “acceptable opinion” on subject matter through fear and intimidation of losing one’s livelihood. The entire DHS report referenced in a prior entry by myself and in entries here by numerous others is premised on Obama’s version of PC.

It is one thing to disagree on the three most passionate subjects: politics, religion and sports (try wearing a Yankee cap in Fenway Park or a Red Sox cap in Yankee Stadium…). We can choose who we wish to be friends with; or associate with – as the case may be.

But, opinion one way or the other on subjects not related to lines of work should not become career-limiting or ending events. Opinion on gay marriage – for or against – should not cost a beauty contestant her crown. What pray-tell does Prejean’s opinion on gay marriage – one way or the other – have to do with how pretty she is? Unless I missed a memo, this is a ***BEAUTY*** contest! Prejean is a woman in the private sector who briefly became a national figure because she had the temerity to express an opinion counter to that held by her contest promoters. If this sounds eerie and familiar, it’s because it is.

Most of us here agree that Obama is at best a socialist – highly likely a communist – who is hell-bent on silencing dissent to his administration. His answer stock answer to dissent is, “I won.” Obama cannot make the United States a fascist country by himself. But with the help of a like-minded Congress, and people like the ones who are so horrified by Prejean’s opinion that they have denied her what she otherwise would have won – we certainly can one morning wake up in a country that is completely alien to where we were before. PC aids, abets, and facilitates — indeed is a core component of fascism.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on April 17, 2009 urged lawmakers to approve “$9 million in preparatory funding for pipeline work in this year’s public works budget” (Gasline, 2009, ¶1). Interestingly, some House Finance Committee members were concerned that Governor Palin’s administration did not “adequately communicate its position on an in-state gasline” (Gas line, 2009, ¶2).

Members of the administration have testified before committees. In addition, Project Manager Harry Noah has conducted open working groups with legislators. Governor Palin has met regularly with House and Senate leadership this session to discuss plans to jump-start development of an in-state line (Gas line, 2009, ¶3).

The governor introduced two bills (HB 163/SB 135 and HB 164/SB 136) for in-state gas development that have been heard in the House and Senate energy committees. The House and Senate have passed several in-state gas resolutions, and the House on April 14 amended HB 44 to include language from the governor’s bill, HB 163, expanding authority for the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (Gas line, 2009, ¶4).

A four-phase plan for the development of an in-state pipeline was presented by the administration on March 3. The $9 million in funding will advance the project through phase two (Gas line, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary:

This is yet more moose manure from a group of legislators who wants to obstruct anything with Governor Palin’s name on it. Governor Palin only supports the gas line, has made numerous communiques to that effect and introduced two bills to get it going. What else do these people need to know about her position on the subject? What part of “I want to develop an in-state gas pipeline — it’s a top priority for my administration” do these legislators not understand? And…honestly, what else is she supposed to do to “adequately communicate her position on a project she so obviously wants done?”

The childish spite on the part of these people could not be more blatant and more painfully obvious. In trying to deny Governor Palin her pieces of legislation and engaging in these power plays, it is the people of Alaska who will suffer the consequences. The legislative session closes today. Perhaps Governor Palin can expect four pieces of legislation on her desk soon: marmots, malamutes, bestiality, and a stimulus bill full of poison. It’s time for the Governor to lock and load her veto pen and veto every last one of these dogs.

Three days after Governor Palin testified before Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on developing energy resources on Alaska’s outer continental shelf, a federal court ruling in favor of environmentalists “undermines the federal leasing program for oil and gas reserves in the Beaufort, Bering and Chukchi seas (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶1-2).

“We are adamant in our support for responsible off-shore development,” Governor Palin said. “As I told Secretary Salazar on Tuesday, even a stepped-up effort toward energy conservation will not avert the need for increased production of conventional fuel sources as our population grows. The resources in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea, especially, are critical for what should be a dramatic increase in domestic natural gas and a modest increase in domestic oil production” (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶3)….

“Ironically, putting the brakes on domestic energy production does not prevent global warming or threats to species, but actually increases the problem by shifting resource extraction to less environmentally preferred fuels and locations” (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

Let’s start with a salient point from Governor Palin: “Unfortunately, while we have been struggling to persuade the Obama administration not to undo the opportunities for off-shore drilling, an appeals court has stepped in at the bidding of short-sighted environmentalists and pre-empted the federal-state dialogue” (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶4).

Unfortunately, the Obama administration is owned by environmentalists who not only want to stop domestic energy production; they want to dictate every facet of how we live our lives — what we drive; whether we drive; what light bulbs we use, the settings on our thermostats, and so forth. The Obama administration has about as much interest in domestic energy production as a jihadist does in supporting Israel and the United States.

The bottom line is: Governor Palin is right on energy; the Obama administration is wrong — dangerously wrong. Obama’s energy policy will expose our country even more to enemies, if it doesn’t bankrupt us first. His policies will lead us straight down the road to misery — things like rolling blackouts that occurred in CA under Gov. Gray Davis, $4/gallon and higher gasoline, and rationing of energy — and more, not less environmental damage. Communist China is a allowed to develop on our outer continental shelf, but we can’t! How ridiculous is that? Adding insult to injury, the Chi-Coms are not known for using environmentally friendly techniques.

Though this court ruling is discussed in context of Governor Palin and one of her releases, this is ultimately NOT about her. It’s about all of us and the disastrous consequences that will befall us thanks to an administration whose energy policy is an epic failure.

References

Governor dismayed by court ruling on off-shore drilling. (2009, April 17). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 19, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1772

In-state gas line remains top priority. (2009, April 17). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 19, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1769

This entry marks my first posting on a subject matter other than the one I usually cover. It is being posted exclusively here at Red State.

By now, everyone is familiar with the DHS report on “right-wing extremism” that has been cussed and discussed by people from all sides of the issue. I think it’s time to take a step back and review some history in context of this report.

Speaking of which, the report is at Michelle Malkin’s website

What do Bush and Obama have in Common? They’re Both Subjects of Paranoid Rhetoric…

Both Bush and Obama have been called “anti-Christ.” Both Bush and Obama have been accused of building concentration camps to house political dissidents. Both men have been accused of plotting to destroy the US Constitution and bring our nation under the aegis of a “New World Order.” Both Bush and Obama have been accused of stealing a POTUS election – Bush in 2000 with the whole hanging chads affair which resulted in the Supreme Court ruling in his favor – and Obama via the whole birth certificate controversy. The point of commonality is that the paranoid rhetoric is the same. One of my high school history teachers (going back something like 25 years) once told his class that the extreme left and the extreme right both lead to the same place. This is how two men who whose policies are diametrically opposed to one another get accused of doing the same things.

The Report – the More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same, But with a disturbing twist….

By itself the DHS report is actually quite unremarkable. Hate groups – skin heads, neo-Nazis, and anti-government groups have been around for decades. The phenomenon of people stockpiling weapons, ammunition, and canned goods in preparation for Armageddon goes back to at least when I was a youth some 20 years ago – these people were called “survivalists” – and the gun magazines of the day usually had one or more articles and ads pertaining to them. The angry war veterans of the day were VietNam vets and that was the subject of many a movie I watched growing up. VietNam vets were discriminated against, thus they were made a protected class in anti-discrimination laws. Militia groups are likewise nothing new.

What the report fails to mention; however, are the left-wing extremist groups – including but not limited to environmental terrorists, anarchists, and lest we forget – Obama’s mentor – Bill Ayers and his “lovely” wife, Bernadine Dorhn, among others. That’s what makes this report disturbing. It pretends that left-wing extremism does not exist and paints ordinary conservatives as “right-wing extremists” bent on overthrowing the government.

The “Great Unifier” Antagonizes

Obama and his administration contrary to his purported intention to “unite and heal” the nation has gone out of his way to antagonize anyone from the center to the full right. He started a smear campaign against Rush Limbaugh. He makes constant pronouncements that “he won” – like we don’t already know that. To this day, members of his administration are actively trying to destroy the political career of a sitting governor that they perceive to be a mortal threat. When that governor’s colleague Mark Sanford from South Carolina first asked if he could use the stimulus money to pay his state’s debts, the Obama administration’s response was to run attack ads on TV smearing Governor Sanford. Now that Governor Rick Perry spoke about the Tenth Amendment, he too has joined ranks with his GOP colleagues and is now a victim of Obama’s smear attacks.

Obama has gone on record as wanting to gut the Second Amendment. He is the one who made the statement about people “clinging to their guns.” So, it should be of no surprise to anyone that gun sales have skyrocketed and there are shortages on ammunition. Gun shops across the United States often have a picture of their “salesman of the year” or “month” – and the winner of that award is none other than Obama. He is a living, breathing, human stimulus package for the gun industry.

The only thing Obama is interested in unifying is his own base so as to consolidate his power. He views those who stand opposed to him as subjects who simply have to accept his “change” because he won.

What does this report mean to us?

Starting with myself, I support a governor the Obama administration is hell-bent on destroying. One of my online haunts in support of said governor is operated by a pro-life organization. I am an “easy pay” life member of the NRA. I have on numerous occasions harshly, bitterly, and rather gratuitously criticized Obama on my blogs, and in comments. I am a life-long Republican. My real name and location is on all my blogs – I’m very easy to find. Do I have reason to worry? Probably. But, thus far, no harm has befallen me. I certainly don’t obsess over it. But I know what happened to Joe the Plumber when he dared to question then candidate Obama on his socialist schemes.

Just as I have chosen to “specialize” by devoting 100% of my political time to the aforementioned governor (and the Second Amendment figures into my support), a compatriot of mine devotes 100% of his political time to Second Amendment issues in NJ. He does this work more than 40 hours a week. Should he worry? Others here may “specialize” in other single issues – such as abortion, taxes, economy, energy, immigration, etc., or may devote 100% of their time to the elected official/candidate of their choice. Should these people worry?

Does the mere act of having a Red State account make one a “right-wing extremist?”

In the eyes of this administration – probably yes. The problem is this report is part of a larger pattern. This report purposely portrays essentially the entire plurality that did not vote for Obama as being “right-wing extremists.” In so doing, Obama has succeeded in agitating normally level-headed people – and by so doing is goading the real extremists to action. See the comments on Ms. Malkin’s report.

If this report were even-handed – covering extremists of both the left and the right – and if Obama did not routinely engage in behaviors that indicate intention to remold this country from an exceptional shining city on a hill to an average, European socialist country, I would say there is no cause for alarm. Given the pattern that has presented itself to us, there is cause for concern. Not paranoia – but serious and guarded concern.

Everyone with the distinct exception of the Obama trolls is here because we care about our conservative values. We partake in various activities in support of those values. We blog. We work phone banks, do literature distribution, street visibility, and door-to-door campaigning for our candidates at the federal, state and municipal levels. We organize and attend tea parties, operate PACs, and comment on news articles. We donate money to various candidates, causes, and organizations.

In summary, we are politically active. And according to this report – we are all “right-wing extremists.”

Michael Steele’s Introduction

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI

Part VII

Commentary

We started with a beautiful and supportive introduction by Michael Steele. “On that Saturday (author’s note: it was actually Friday), when she was announced as the vice presidential nominee for the Republican Party, I was one proud Republican. I was one very happy Republican. I watched this party light up. I watched activists, Democrat, Republican, Independent tune in, and pay attention, and listen. And I watched her take the world stage by storm. She has just begun to write the chapters for this country, its history book and its future.”

This was one of the Governor’s most beautiful speeches. She enunciated her pro-life position from the perspective of a person who had to live through and make the hard decisions. She also briefly discussed energy independence and her concerns about the stimulus bill. In these seven segments, we see a portrait of Governor Palin’s conservatism, and a portrait of her as a human being. She took us on a personal journey through her decision-making process, including the very fleeting temptation to stray from her core values — after all no one would know the difference. But, she would know. No one on either side of the abortion issue can argue that she made her choice and made it consistent with her beliefs.

Not mentioned by the Governor, but worthy of mention — many of the people who call themselves “pro-choice” are “pro-choice” if that choice is to have an abortion. Choose life and suddenly, you’re “anti-choice.” Many of those who call themselves “pro-choice” are in fact pro-abortion. Governor Palin had the legal right to have an abortion. She could have aborted Trig with no one being the wiser. She made a conscious decision to keep her baby. She made her choice. That’s true “pro-choice.” And it’s pro-life.

Many of Governor Palin’s detractors take issue with the cult-like following she has amassed. Supporters like me are called “Palin-bots” (I’m proud to be one). One of her detractors with whom this author had a discussion in one venue where this blog is posted rightfully said that conservative principles are about issues, not about personality. But it is also true that much of politics is show business. Give the same conservative message to Governor Palin and to one of many dour individuals, and people are going to follow one of the two. It will not be the dour individual. Michael Steele echoed what so many of her supporters felt the day of her announcement. Someone has to take that message, communicate it, and convince people to vote for that platform — and convince people that they’re the ones best suited to make that platform happen.

Most conservatives know how to get to that shining city on a hill, but in our federated republic, we entrust a leader to take us there. The Republican Party had lost its way — gotten detoured on its journey to that shining city — and many of us have yearned and longed for a leader we could rally behind. Those of us who love and support Governor Palin see her as the female version of someone who once led us there. Whether she ultimately will, of course remains to be seen. There are still 1,373 days till January 20, 2013. Anything can happen between now and then. There are more battles to be fought and more tests to be passed.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is locked in several battles with the Alaska State Legislature over four core items:

1. Nominating a State Senator for Juneau (District B) to replace Kim Elton who took a patronage job with the Obama administration;
2. The stimulus bill: the legislature wants to take all the money, while Governor Palin has refused money that involves greater federal control over state affairs, results in unfunded state mandates, or both.
3. Now, the State Senate is cutting millions of dollars from several important projects (Budget, 2009, ¶2) — likely on spite.
4. Now…nominating an Attorney General….Wayne Anthony Ross (WAR) was rejected 35-23 (WAR, 2009, ¶1).

Each of these items has been extensively covered here.

Senate Seat Update

As to the Senate seat nomination, Governor Palin re-submitted her three choices to the Senate Democrats and told them to pick one (Nomination, 2009, ¶2). They retorted that nomination from a pool of candidates is “illegal” — she can only nominate one person at a time. So, Governor Palin sent a clarifying letter instructing the Senate Democrats to review one nominee at a time starting with Tim Grussendorf, moving on to Joe Nelson, and finally to Alan Wilson — in that order (Nomination, 2009, ¶2). “Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Hollis French of Anchorage said he does not consider Palin’s nomination of three Juneau residents for the seat to be valid” (Nomination, 2009, ¶6).

Apparently Joe Nelson got disgusted with the Juneau Democrats and withdrew his name from consideration.

“It has become clear to me that the Senate Democrats are not going to support any candidate that is not fully supported by the Juneau Democrats. Unfortunately, the Juneau Democrats thus far are not willing to support anyone other than their number one candidate (or a placeholder until the next election)” (Nelson, 2009, ¶2)

“Despite working for two of the top downtown Democrats in Juneau for the last five years, the party leaders maintain their empty claim that I am ‘unknown in the party’. They have also mentioned that I do not have ‘enough political experience’ under my belt, ignoring the fact that I have been elected to the board of directors twice by 20,000 shareholders whose political ties to Southeast predate statehood and this country” (Nelson, 2009, ¶3).

Budget Update

“The governor, along with House and Senate leadership, agreed to a modest capital budget in order to reduce the draw from budget reserves” (Budget, 2009, ¶1).

“The governor is disappointed, though, that the Senate would not even consider any amendments intended to ensure that general funds that match federal and other sources would be included. She proposed to replace lower priority projects with the state’s highest priority projects. The Senate refused. Specifically, the Senate omitted $15 million in match for federal highway and aviation projects. Also cut from the governor’s budget are specific priorities for resource development including $8 million for the in-state gas line, $4 million for oil and gas reservoir assessments, $3 million for access to resources in western Alaska, and $26 million for ongoing upgrades to the Dalton Highway which is a vital link to Alaska’s North Slope” (Budget, 2009, ¶2).

Governor Palin also offered a compromise on the stimulus in which she would accept $250 million in funds to replace the same amount in state funds. This would reduce the draw on state savings (Budget, 2009, ¶4). Thus far, lawmakers are not interested in this compromise (Budget, 2009, ¶5).

“Legislators hold the state’s purse strings, and they have made their decision. I respect that decision. It’s important and fair for Alaskans to know of my administration’s attempts to rein in state government growth and not contribute to the nation’s growing debt that we are passing on to our children” (Budget, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary on Senate Seat

As delineated numerous times before, the Senate Democrats have been trying to foist their candidate — Kertulla — on the Governor and force her hand. Governor Palin had gone three rounds with this process, nominating three different people, none of whom the Senate Democrats were satisfied with — because they want Kertulla. Governor Palin basically told them to re-consider each of the three people she had previously submitted for confirmation. There is nothing illegal about that.

Any one who reads regularly about Governor Palin knows — or should know that Hollis French was the man in charge of the infamous “Troopergate” investigation, in which the Governor was exonerated by two separate bodies. French was the one who promised an “October surprise” resulting out of this investigation. Kim Elton — whose seat is supposed to be filled by this process — worked with Hollis French on that investigation and concluded with “now voters can make a more informed decision.” Elton was rewarded with a patronage job in Obama’s administration. Elton and French were seen in an Obama/Biden campaign headquarters, as evidenced by the nine Obama/Biden signs and posters adorning the room.

Governor Palin is absolutely correct in not kowtowing to the Juneau Democrats on this issue, even if it means that the district goes unrepresented. They caused one highly qualified candidate to walk away in disgust. This behavior should not be rewarded by submitting to a foist-job.

Commentary on Stimulus Bill

Even if Governor Palin ultimately loses the war on this, in this writer’s opinion she should veto every item that she did not select herself. These would be the items create unfunded state mandates, or cause greater federal intrusion into Alaska’s affairs, or both. Even if her veto is overridden, at least the Governor is on record as having vetoed these items. As delineated above, she offered a compromise. The lawmakers refused. The time for compromise has come and gone. The time has arrived for Governor Palin’s veto pen. This is not for retaliation and “tit for tat.” This so that the Governor is clearly and squarely on the record that she is opposed to the poisoned funds. Passing them into law is tantamount to approval, despite any protestations to the contrary later. Best to withdraw the compromise offer, and veto the poison.

Commentary on Budget

Governor Palin exerted her best efforts on this. She called upon the sum of her wisdom and 17 years of experience in managing and administering budgets. Unfortunately, the Alaska legislature is more interested in currying favor with the Obama administration than standing up and doing the right thing by its citizens by financing transportation, infrastructure and energy projects. They can; however, be counted on for writing laws on matters like marmots, malamutes, and bestiality — and even those are not ready for signature.

Commentary on WAR

Though WAR was an admittedly controversial figure and had what some people would call a “strong personality,” the general consensus was — he was going to be confirmed. In light of the whole Senate seat showdown, the lawmakers’ argument that they had “concerns” about WAR rings hollow. This is just part of a pattern to use the legislative process so as to be spiteful to a Governor the lawmakers in question do not like. Much of this is motivated because her reforms upset the little apple carts of people in both parties.

But, the flak coming from the Democrats is all Obama-related, especially regarding the Senate Seat, and the stimulus bill. WAR to some extent also flies in the face of those who seek curry favor with their dear leader in Washington. WAR, after all is an ardent Second Amendment supporter, among other conservative causes he supports — and Obama has for practical purposes been the best gun and ammunition salesperson in recent history. More and more Americans are “clinging to their guns” — to steal his commentary on the subject — out of fear of his intention to reinstate the “assault weapons ban” and add numerous non-military type weapons to that list.

WAR’s politically incorrect utterances obviously do not sit well with a group that would be very happy to replace the First Amendment with a “PC Amendment,” and a “thou shalt not criticize Obama” commandment.

Final Thoughts

This entry has run rather long and discussed four separate but inter-related subjects. Their inter-relationship warranted this type of consolidated post. It is crystal clear from the foregoing that Governor Palin’s enemies are circling the wagons in an effort to render her ineffective as Governor and destroy her political career. Democrats see Governor Palin as a mortal threat to Obama and their entire power structure. Many covet patronage jobs — like the one Elton took. They criticize Governor Palin for a brief absence but would be more than happy to leave Alaska for a plush office in Washington, D.C.

This effort in the Alaska legislature, along with efforts to assassinate her character — and rewarding those who do — like Kim Elton, Katie Couric, and Levi Johnston (who absolutely was paid by someone to do his talk show circuit — he didn’t get the money for his trip or his Silverado out of thin air) — are all coordinated, synchronized and well-financed. In the meantime, Alaska Republicans like Jay Ramras and others of his ilk, as well some prominent GOP national figures seek to destroy Governor Palin so that they can have their own shots at power. She stands in their way.

The Governor’s speech in Indiana has 5,000 attendees (Ross, 2009, ¶1), of whom 2,000 will actually be seated (National Spotlight, 2009, ¶2) and has prompted road closures (Langhorne, 2009, ¶1). No wonder her enemies are afraid — very afraid.

References

Governor hopeful for budget agreements. (2009, April 15). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1764

Joe Nelson withdraws from consideration. (2009, April 16). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1766.

Langhorne, T.B. (2009, April 16). Right to life banquet prompts road closing. Evansville Courier & Press. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/apr/16/right-life-banquet-prompts-road-closing/

Legislature rejects Governor’s choice for attorney general. (2009, April 16). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1767.

Palin clarifies position, re-nominates Grussendorf. (2009, April 15). KTUU. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from: http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10189749

Palin returns to national spotlight at right-to-life dinner. (2009, April 16). FoxNews. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/16/palin-returns-national-spotlight-right-life-dinner/

Ross, G. (2009, April 16). Vanderburgh County prepares for Sarah Palin. 14 WFIE. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from: http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=10190223“

In a fit of anger a few days ago, I deleted some comments off my blogs following some heated exchanges. And in another fit of anger, I had announced my intention to cease blogging here — which is in strikeout text below.

Tonight, one of the users whose comments I deleted — AKSteve — gave me some helpful thoughts. As I read his words, I realized that I took the wrong approach….and I got a better sense of how this site functions. Guess, I was a rank newbie after all. This person, who I treated like an enemy came back like a friend. And that opened my eyes — I was wrong in my approach.

Several users asked me to stay. Others chided my “take my ball home” approach….and they were right…”picking up your ball and taking it home” has no place in politics. So, I’m not going to do that.

Tomorrow morning I’m back in business here. And I’ll look at the negative comments as opportunities to improve my blog posts.

I had started a blog here to expose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s accomplishments (with some defense material) to a wider audience.

Unfortunately, this site is not appropriate venue in which to post this material. It is a toxic and hostile environment and continuing to post here is only deleterious to the Governor’s interests. My first priority has to be to do no harm. I work up to 70 hours a week and have chosen to dedicate 100% of my political effort to advancing Governor Palin’s interests as a Governor and hopefully as a candidate for the 45th President of the United States if she chooses to run. That is my decision and right. With that comes the responsibility to ensure that her interests are indeed served by my actions, else they’re for naught. Posting blogs in a venue where they are turned into flame wars does not advance her interests and only foments anger for all parties involved.

For those of you who support the Governor and want to follow her accomplishments — or even those of you who don’t but who have an open mind and want to learn more about her, you can continue to follow her accomplishments at the site listed in my profile.

To those of you who supported me here, I thank you profusely and hope you will join me on the other site.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on April 14, 2009 testified “before Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in a federal hearing in Anchorage, urging the Obama administration to” permit responsible development of oil and gas resources in Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in a five-year leasing program (Testimony Release, 2009, ¶1).

“A national energy policy that includes conservation, expanded renewable sources and wise, responsible use of conventional fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas will create jobs here in America, protect our national security by reducing America’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and confront the dangers of global warming,” Salazar said in his confirmation hearing. Governor Palin concurred (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 1).

While the Governor supports the use of alternative energy sources, she said they are insufficient to meet increasing demand spurred by economic and population growth. This necessarily means that hydro-carbons will continue to play an important role and our country should be increasing domestic production of these resources and decreasing foreign imports of them (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 1).

She indicated that according to the US Geological Survey, Alaska is second only to the Gulf of Mexico for petroleum potential, and “second only to the West Siberian Basin in total Arctic petroleum potential and the highest Arctic potential for oil” (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 1).

She cited the US Geological Survey’s findings that Alaska’s OCS contains “mean technically recoverable resources of approximately 30 billion barrels of oil, 6 Billion barrels of natural gas liquids and 221 trillion cubic feet of conventional natural gas” (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 1).

Further, continued decline in North Slope Oil production could lead to the closure of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, followed by the cessation of oil production from that region of the state (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 2). The time from land lease to production can reach or exceed 10 years, thus delaying OCS production can have cascading consequences, leading to a premature shutdown of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. The final consequence is even greater dependence on foreign oil, placing the United States’ destiny even more at the mercy of nations with conflicting interests (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 2).

Governor Palin highlighted the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA), for which field crews were “gathering geotechnical data” as she gave her testimony. “The applicant ([TransCanada] Alaska) is preparing for an open season in 2010” (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 2). The pipeline will originate in the North Slope and deliver natural gas to a hub in Alberta, Canada, thence to the 48 conterminous states (or Lower-48 as more commonly referred to).

OCS development helps support the project’s economic viability and the pipeline’s longevity (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 2). Both the US Geological Survey and the Minerals Management Service estimate that Arctic Alaska contains “over 220 trillion cubic feet of proven and undiscovered, mean, conventional, technically recoverable natural gas,” while both agencies estimate “over 100 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered, mean, unconventional, technically recoverable natural gas” (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 2).

Governor Palin cited an Energy Information Agency report which stated that providing this resource to the Lower-48 states via the AGIA project could lower natural gas prices by 63 cents per thousand cubic feet in 2022 (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 3).

While some want to shut down OCS development, citing environmental concerns, doing so precludes bringing low carbon-footprint natural gas to market. Further, the OCS is a perfect place for renewable energy sources such as wind and tidal power. Governor Palin noted that closing development on Alaska’s OCS would also foreclose the possibility of using these renewable sources (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 3).

According the American Petroleum Institute, Governor Palin said, “Alaska has decades of experience in safely extracting oil & gas from our resource basins throughout the state, including Arctic Alaska. Over this history the technology in the industry has become extremely sophisticated, allowing for directional drilling from a single surface location for miles in all directions. Additionally, the footprints left by drilling activities have shrunk from around 65 acres in 1977 to as little as 9 acres” (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 4).

Alaska does not receive any revenue from OCS development. Governor Palin wants that changed, not just for her state, but any state in which OCS development occurs. “I strongly support changes to federal law to provide states and coastal communities with a fair percentage of direct revenues from royalties, bonus bids, and rental fees derived from all OCS activities off their coast,” she said (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 4). This position is reflective of the populism inherent to both her state’s constitution and herself.

Finally, exemption of particularly sensitive areas and seasonal drilling restrictions ensure that development is done responsibly. “Alaska has proven that these resources can be developed safely, but Arctic exploration and development is a slow demanding process. Delays or major restrictions in accessing these resources for environmentally responsible development are not in the national interest or the interests of the State of Alaska,” Governor Palin concluded (Testimony Transcript, 2009, p. 5).

Point Thomson Drilling Mobilization

ExxonMobil has “mobilized the movement of equipment, materials, and components of the Nabors 27E drilling rig out to a staging area near the Point Thomson pad. The equipment is being moved across a fifty mile ice road from Deadhorse” (Point Thomson, 2009, ¶1). (Author’s Note: ExxonMobil has not provided a corresponding release on this; their last release on the subject goes back to February 19 2009, which corresponds directly with Governor Palin’s contract enforcement release noted below.).

On February 19, 2009, Governor Palin had announced that her administration was enforcing contracts on Exxon-Mobil to develop on lands the company had leased – Point Thomson in particular. “It confirms that the decision we made to adhere to commitments and the state constitution is correct. It’s all about protecting Alaska while working with the oil industry to responsibly and ethically develop Alaska’s rich resources” (Point Thomson, 2009, ¶2) .

The work related preparing the two wells have employed 250 individuals and 60 contractors and companies (Point Thomson, 2009, ¶3).

Commentary

Governor Palin’s forté clearly is on energy matters and she has demonstrated her expertise on this subject time and time again. Both her testimony before Secretary Salazar and her handling of the Exxon-Mobil matter a few months ago clearly reflect this expertise. Governor Palin is one of the few who understand the complex inter-relationship between domestic energy production, prices of fuels and electricity, national security, and environmental responsibility. Had her administration not enforced these contracts, there would likely be no mobilization to drill new wells. Achieving results is the mark of a seasoned executive.

While the Governor’s testimony transcript was paraphrased and direct-quoted in portions, the entire document is a worthwhile read and is an interesting case study on speech patterns — an aspect of Governor Palin that is frequently severely, but unjustly criticized.

This transcript clearly demonstrates Governor Palin’s ability to build a case on complex subject matter, and present it succinctly in easily understood language. All her speeches are in this format. The Governor uses the same APA citation and reference model this author uses. Perusing this document as a speech shows that her skills in this area are considerable and not given their proper due. She did not require the services of a teleprompter. Governor Palin knew the content cold. She did her testimony the old fashioned way — flicking her eyes down to read the copy, then speaking the words looking ahead to Secretary Salazar, who she was addressing. These are crystal clear indications of a subject matter expert discussing something with which she is very comfortable.

References

Governor lauds mobilization at Point Thomson. (2009, April 13). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 15, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1746

Governor Palin testifies on outer continental shelf. State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 15, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1749

Palin, S.L.H. (2009, April 14). Testimony transcript on development of Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf – Delivered during Secretary Salazar’s April 14, 2009 visit to Alaska. State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 15, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/GovPalinRemarks-SectSalazar_Apr14-2009.pdf

Ross, M. (2009, February 19). ExxonMobil announces plan to put Alaska’s Point Thomson Field on production. ExxonMobil.. Retrieved April 15, 2009 from: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/exxonmobil/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&ndmConfigId=1001106&newsId=20080219006751&newsLang=en

Updated to repair two grammatical errors.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on April 13, 2009 defended her forthcoming 36-hour absence from Juneau. The salient point of the defense is in the statement by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mike Nizich, who worked for seven governors including Governor Palin: “Every governor has traveled during the legislative session. Had this group done its homework, they would have realized that Governor Palin has had numerous meetings with lawmakers this session and has been in constant communication with them” (Absence, 2009, ¶4). He continued: “During the final week of session, legislators rarely want governors around stirring things up,” Nizich said. “We did not anticipate that the governor’s political opponents would want their hands held in the final hours of the session” (Absence, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

Now, we’re going to go beyond the release and view a table of those bills introduced by the Governor and those introduced by either Alaska’s House or Senate. The tables both speak volumes. And, it is rather disingenuous that Governor Palin’s political rivals who are doing everything they can to undermine her — i.e. get rid of her — now want her to in the words of Nizich to “hold their hands.” Then, commentary continues and this entry closes with a reference list.

Following is a table of bills requested by Governor Palin:

Here is a list of the three bills and eight resolutions the Alaska State Legislature has introduced:

Commentary Continued….

Governor Palin has introduced many pieces of legislation for this session. Aside from legislation, this year alone, she has appointed 41 people to boards, commissions, and councils, made two judicial appointments and has an Attorney General appointment pending confirmation — his proceeding has moved from the State House to the State Senate. The Governor also executed a humanitarian airlift to distressed communities in western Alaska, accounting for some of 14 days she was out of Juneau — compared to 45 for her most recent predecessor, and 38 for the one before him (Absence, 2009, ¶7).

While her enemies crow about about her 36-hour absence, each of Governor Palin’s bills are held up in committee, including five by State Senator Lesil McGuire alone. The legislature had passed 189 bills in 2008. This year, they have passed 10 and all of the Governor’s original projects were removed from the capital budget. The only ones the legislature seems to be moving are the two budget bills because they are constitutionally mandated to do so.

Lesil is holding up the progress on five of the Governor’s bills between the Energy, Resources, and World Trade/Tech/Innovations committees.

Bills such as divesting the state’s retirement systems and the Permanent Fund Dividend from companies that do business in Sudan have been stuck in one of McGuire’s committees since January 26.

The other four Governor’s bills McGuire will likely kill that are equally important to Alaska’s future include: one which expands the authority of the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, and another which amends the state Right of Way Leasing have so the state can move forward on an in-state natural gasline; another creates a joint electric cooperative for the Railbelt region; and the last one establishes a new Southeast State Forest to ensure a long term supply of timber for local Alaska processors. These bills have been stuck in McGuire’s committees without hearings since March. This type of political gamesmanship is a disservice to Alaskans. Lesil is the Chair of Senate Energy, and Senate World Trade/Tech/Innovations committees, and co-chair of Senate Resources

Maybe instead of ankle-biting the Governor for her rather brief absence, these legislators might do well to use this time and pass a few piece of legislation that she introduced — things like that in-state gas pipeline for instance. We can give them a bye on the Railbelt consolidation, because it was the six utilities in question, not the legislature that is responsible for the delay (Joling, 2009, ¶1-3). Otherwise, the loud complaining about Governor Palin’s trip rings hollow in context of these tables, and the lengthy list of her other accomplishments. Both tables speak volumes about these legislators, and how they have spent most of their 90-day session.

A good portion of it of course was spent engaging the Governor in a power play with two nominees for the same State Senate seat which remains empty. Speaking of which — on April 14, 2009 Governor Palin re-submitted the two rejected appointees — Grussendorf and Nelson, and added a third — Alan Wilson, and told the Senate Democrats to select from among the three (Cockerham, 2009, ¶1-3).

While they’re not busy trying to figure out ways to spite Governor Palin, these characters are working on some truly important legislation. These initiatives are so important that they are both in the respective chamber’s Rules Committees. Gas pipelines. Bah! Who needs those? They pale in (pun very much intended) importance to the marmot. Yes, a one of the most crucial pieces of legislation for this session has to be SB-58 renaming February 2 from “Groundhog Day” to “Marmot Day.” For those not in the cognoscenti on this earth-shattering issue, groundhogs and marmots are the same animal! But the Alaska State Senate does not enjoy a monopoly on animal obsession — the House must have a piece of this action too. Enter HB-6, which will keep Alaskans safe and secure from those who would commit bestiality by categorizing this admittedly rather perverse behavior as “cruelty to animals.” Is it cruel if the animal enjoys it?

It doesn’t take an Alaska resident to see what is going on here — in fact an argument can be made that an outside set of eyes offers a different clarifying perspective. Governor Palin could have used the start of the legislative session to do things like attend a National Governor’s Association meeting, and CPAC. She could have been mixing it up with the inside-the-Beltway elites primping and priming for a POTUS run. Indeed anyone preparing her for such a campaign would have told her to be at these meetings or be nowhere — and delegate the humanitarian mission down to Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell (who was present with Governor Palin on that humanitarian mission). As CPAC reached its gala climax, and attendees forked out an additional $125 to be graced by these elites’ presence, Governor Palin had just finished personally distributing food and supplies to households in a remote village 5,000 miles away from D.C.. As the elites popped the corks off their champagne bottles — Governor Palin in her finest hour, knelt in the snow before an a little Eskimo girl, crouched to the girl’s height, and embraced her.

This is what they want to chain Governor Palin to her desk for: to give marmots their proper due and to save animals from perverts? And even these “critical” (being said with all due sarcasm) pieces of legislation are nowhere near ready for Governor Palin to sign. They’ve pretty much tossed her pieces of legislation into the circular file; and offered little of substance for her to sign — but she’s not supposed to leave the state. Given the complete track record delineated above, these legislators are not in any position to comment on Governor Palin’s 36-hour absence.

References

Cockerham, S. (2009, April 14). Palin names three candidates for Senate seat. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from: http://community.adn.com/adn/node/140552

Joling, D. (2009, April 9). Railbelt utility plan on hold till next session. Associated Press. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from: http://juneauempire.com/stories/041209/sta_428496612.shtml

Political adversaries allow politics to cloud judgment in final week. (2009, April 14). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1747

Requestor Multi-Bill Display: 26th Legislature. (2009, April 14). The Alaska State Legislature. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/req_multibill.asp?session=26&subject=THE%20GOVERNOR&type=Alt

Nelson Rejected for State Senate Seat

On April 9, 2009, Alaska State Senate Democrats rejected Governor Palin’s second nominee Joe Nelson for the District B (Juneau) State Senate seat left vacant when former State Senator Kim Elton took a patronage job in the Obama administration (Cockerham, 2009, ¶1). The result is that neither the Governor nor the Senate Democrats got what they wanted and that district is without representation.

Commentary

Joe Nelson was a Juneau Democrat, a lawyer, a Native Regional Corporation board member, a University of Alaska
Southeast employee, husband and father. The Senate Democrats instead wanted an 80-year-old Juneau ex-legislator who was also a 1970s Fairbanks legislator. Had their nominee been a Native American and had Governor Palin rejected that choice, they would be have been crying about racism.

Since the beginning of this process, which has been documented in this blog, the Senate Democrats have been trying to foist their choice on and disrespect the Governor just to engage in a power play. Governor Palin submitted two nominees. The claim of Nelson’s “inexperience” is specious and was not the point of the rejection. This was nothing more than a simple chess game that now has resulted in a stalemate. But the losers in this equation are neither the Governor, nor the Senate Democrats, but the people of District B who have no State Senate representation.

Wayne Anthony Ross

Meanwhile, the nomination hearing of Wayne Anthony Ross (WAR) devolved into a critique by Jay Ramras who took swipes at Governor Palin for appearing at the Iron Dog race in an Arctic Cat jacket (Cockerham, 2009, ¶26). Then Ramras questioned Ross on how he would advise the Governor should she sign a book deal and travel the country promoting her book (Cockerham, 2009, ¶27). Despite some of the negative things said about WAR, he most likely will be confirmed as Alaska’s Attorney General.

Commentary

The exchange between Ramras and WAR illustrates the pettiness and parochialism that is present in Alaska regarding the expectations of the Governor. In the piece on the stimulus, A.D.N. reporter Sean Cockerham discussed an exchange — also involving Ramras in which he was against Governor Palin leaving the state during the last 72 hours of the legislative session to attend a right-to-life dinner and a special needs children event in Indiana (Cockerham, 2009, ¶7).

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is fixing to write a book. Obama authored two memoirs. Hillary Clinton wrote books. Hillary Clinton, though regarded as a “carpet-bagger” by many New Yorkers at the time and seen as strictly posturing for a POTUS run was elected nonetheless as the state’s junior Senator and held that job through the campaign until she became Secretary of State. All of Governor Palin’s colleagues routinely travel outside their home states to speak at various events — many of these events are junkets. Prior to Obama, all of our Presidents going back at least a generation were sitting governors and actually campaigned while holding their jobs. George W. Bush was elected Governor of Texas, even though the people knew full well he would only serve about a year. There was nothing unethical about any of these things.

The ethics law prohibiting “[seeking] other employment or contracts through the use or attempted use of official position” is intended to curtail pay-for-play type activity. For instance, Governor Palin could not under this law could not accept consulting fees from an industry that she has influence over via laws, regulations, etc. Writing a book is not part of her gubernatorial duties, and so long as it does not interfere with her job, Governor Palin has the right to author a book should she so choose. She has the right to campaign for POTUS if she so chooses. To interpret this ethics law as precluding her from campaigning for POTUS is patently absurd, as none of our nation’s other governors are subject to such a rule.

It appears that some people expect the Governor to be chained to her desk by the ankles and with a millstone tied to her neck for good measure. These people need to grow up and accept the reality that she will travel out of state; she will make speeches, hold rallies, and headline events. Yes, when her husband is professionally sponsored by Arctic Cat at a snow machine race, she will wear their jacket. There is nothing unethical about that. Governor Palin is more than the Governor of Alaska. She is a national figure — and her name recognition is igniting interest in that state. I for one, had no interest in Alaska till I discovered Governor Palin. I also learned about a beautiful and fascinating state I hope to visit one day. By ankle-biting her, these people are only harming, not helping their state.

Stimulus

Governor Palin had made her position on the stimulus package crystal clear: no unfunded state mandates and no expanded federal control over the state’s activities. Thus, she declined one third of the $930.7 million in stimulus funding, but many of the state’s law makers want it all. (Cockerham, 2009, ¶10).

Now, Governor Palin — who could veto this money in question — offered to compromise with lawmakers by accepting those funds provided they replace, not add to the state’s budget (Cockerham, 2009, ¶11). Many of the state’s legislators are not interested in this compromise and do not think it’s legal under the terms of the stimulus package (Cockerham, 2009, ¶12).

Commentary

In this author’s opinion, if the Governor can veto the 1/3 of this poisoned money and not have her veto overturned, she should do so….and it may come to that any way, as it appears the legislators are not interested in her compromise offer. Her position on this portion of the bill was correct from day one: un-funded state mandates and expanded federal control over state affairs are bad for Alaska (indeed any of our 50 states). Adding to the national debt is not exactly a good thing either.

It seems to this author that the Alaska State Legislature is more interested in power-playing than in getting any useful work done. Of the 419 bills introduced in this year’s legislative session, a whopping nine have passed (Cockerham, 2009, ¶3). The other 410 are languishing or dead and forgotten about. Those who want the declined funds see “free money” but simply cannot see the strings attached….kind of like that credit card offer you get in the mail that sounds so good — till you find out that John Gotti and his loan sharks offer cheaper interest and better terms.

One of the most disgraceful things about the stimulus package is that not one member of Congress who passed this thing even bothered to read it! Obama most probably pencil-whipped his signature on that 1071-page act without even giving it a cursory glance. Governor Palin actually read the stimulus package — all of it. She took money for capital projects and discarded the poisoned money that came with strings attached. Have the state’s law makers read this package? This is not “free” money. Governor Palin wisely rejected it. They should follow her lead.

References

Cockerham, S. (2009, April 11). Ross stands up to grilling in house. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved April 12, 2009 from: http://www.adn.com/politics/story/756118.html

Cockerham, S. (2009, April 11). Senate Democrats reject another Palin pick. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved April 12, 2009 from: http://www.adn.com/palin/story/756111.html

Cockerham, S. (2009, April 12). Stimulus funds pending as legislature winds down. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved from: http://www.adn.com/news/government/legislature/budget/story/756967.html

On April 11, 2009, fellow blogger Conservatives 4 Palin (C4P) reported that Alaska State Trooper Michael Wooten is still harassing the Palins to this day. C4P sourced an Esquire interview, which detailed the following: Wooten’s ex-wife Molly and Governor Palin’s then seven-year-old daughter Piper was sitting in Molly’s Honda Odyssey minivan, which has two electrically operated sliding side doors. Wooten claimed that Molly purposely closed the door on his arm, “causing bodily injury.” (Harassment, 2009, ¶12). Little Piper was called into the police station as a witness (Harassment, 2009, ¶16). The Esquire article referenced in C4P’s entry then details how Governor Palin’s father (Chuck Heath) and a friend tested the door by closing it on each other’s arms. The childproof door did what it was supposed to do — it recoiled back upon establishing contact with the experimenters’ arms (Harassment, 2009, ¶25).

Commentary

A colleague of this author’s worked in the auto industry and recounted in a phone conversation how he tested these electric sliding doors with pencils. Once touching the pencil, the door would recoil back and the pencil was not harmed.

Clearly, this was little more than a harassment move on the part of Wooten, who was at the center of the infamous “Troopergate” probe. The four-times-divorced Wooten had among other things used a taser on his stepson, made threats against the Palins, shot a moose out of season, and drove his patrol car while drunk. He is still very much an Alaska State Trooper — a scary thought to say the least. All these acts are matters of public record and well-known.

Had this sliding door caused him injury as he claims, Honda would have a huge product liability lawsuit on its hands. No auto manufacturer could design an electric sliding minivan door that doesn’t have the safety feature of recoil upon contact with an object other than the latch. If Wooten were indeed injured, he would be well on the way to being the richest man in the state of Alaska and Honda would have to issue a major recall on its minivans.

Well…there is no lawsuit against Honda; there is no recall from Honda, and there apparently also is no hospital report of Wooten’s “injury.”

We now return to our regularly scheduled program of documenting Governor Palin’s accomplishments.

References

Tasergate trooper still harassing the Palin family. (2009, April 11). Conservatives 4 Palin. Retrieved April 12, 2009 from: http://www.conservatives4palin.com/2009/04/tasergate-trooper-still-harassing-palin.html

Wayne Anthony Ross (WAR) has another confirmation hearing on April 10, 2009 at 1:00 pm Alaska time in the House Judiciary. Chair Ramras, and Representative Holmes will likely grandstand much like Hollis and Wielechowski did in the Senate.

WAR is a gun rights advocate, pro-family, pro-life, pro hunting/fishing rights, etc. He is the right candidate for this job.

ADN Article on WAR’s Confirmation Hearings

Media Links

letters@adn.com

contact@frontiersman.com

letterstotheeditor@juneauempire.com

Key Legislators:

Senator_Gary_Stevens@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Linda_Menard@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Charlie_Huggins@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Gene_Therriault@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Lesil_McGuire@legis.state.ak.us

Representative_Jay_Ramras@legis.state.ak.us

Representative_Nancy_Dahlstrom@legis.state.ak.us

Representative_John_Coghill@legis.state.ak.us

Representative_Carl_Gatto@legis.state.ak.us

Representative_Bob_Lynn

Representative_Max_Gruenberg

Representative_Lindsey_Holmes

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on April 9, 2009 “urged the Secretary of Defense not to reduce the Missile Defense Agency’s budget. In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Governor Palin outlined her concerns about the proposed $1.4 billion in budget cuts to the agency” (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶1).

“Your announcement of a proposed $1.4 billion reduction of the Missile Defense Agency’s budget is not the best decision for today’s threat environment. Alaska is committed to supporting continued missile defense implementation at Fort Greely and the development of future technology through our Kodiak Launch Complex, which has access to the Gulf of Alaska Maritime Exercise Area. This unique training space offers a safe and secure location to further develop and test future missile intercept technologies in conjunction with the latest sea-based and land-based radar (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶2).

“I am deeply concerned with North Korea’s development and testing program. It has the clear potential of impacting Alaska, Hawaii, and possibly the West Coast, with a nuclear-armed warhead. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is that we continue to develop and perfect our global missile defense shield” (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶3)

But these two paragraphs from the Governor’s letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, also contain salient points:

“With the strategic location of Alaska in the Pacific Theater, I believe we have the capability, the man power, and the willingness to protect the sovereignty of the United States and can continue to improve the global missile defense shield. Fort Greely’s isolated location in Alaska allows for maximum security and development of the
country’s premier ground-based midcourse missile defense complex” (Gates Letter, 2009, p. 1)

“Alaska’s strategic location and the system currently in place have proven invaluable in defending this great nation. Any cuts to the sole missile defense system for the United States [have] the potential of sending the wrong message to our adversaries with the unintended consequence of placing our nation at increased risk of offensive
missile threats in the future” (Gates Letter, 2009, p. 2).

Commentary

On Monday, April 6, Governor Palin expressed her concerns about missile defense following a test missile launch by North Korea. Once again, readers should remember that the United States and North Korea are still technically at war. Though it is not at this point a shooting war, no armistice or peace treaty was ever signed by the two nations. For anyone who reads a blog highlighting Governor Palin’s accomplishments, belaboring the type of nation North Korea is; who its leader and what his mental state is; and the ICBM threat that country poses to global security is — or should be — preaching to the choir.

In essence, this is a painfully simple matter: the breadth and depth of Governor Palin’s foreign policy knowledge and experience speaks for itself. In her release and in her letter, she has illuminated her keen understanding of subject matter. She is ready to ascend to a far higher level. Governor Palin is fit and ready to stand guard over this collective house we call the United States of America (I don’t call her “a living, breathing, human guardian angel” for nothing). In stark contrast, Obama’s complete and utter lack of foreign policy knowledge and experience — and his disdain for our own national security speaks volumes for itself. He is grossly unfit for the job he holds and an absolute disgrace. Enough said.

References

Governor Palin argues against cuts to missile defense budget. (2009, April 9). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1745

Palin, S. L. H. (2009, April 8). Letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates regarding missile defense budget cuts. State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/Letter-MissileDefense_Apr08-2009.pdf

The mainstream media has once again taken delight in reporting salacious news about Governor Palin and her family as the Johnstons are traveling the talk show circuit for the express purpose of bad-mouthing the mother of his child and the Governor. While this blog normally focuses exclusively on the Governor’s accomplishments, some recent developments dictate that the subject of Levi and Bristol once again be covered. There is more to this story than meets the eye — particularly regarding who is financing these appearances, what the financier’s motives are and who the financier is connected with.

The Johnston family’s trip to New York City was originally supposed to be for an appearance on Tyra Banks — a trash TV talk show host and major Obama supporter who on the same day Levi appeared crowned Michelle Obama as “America’s Next Top Model.” On April 8, 2009, Levi Johnston made an appearance on the CBS Early Show where he accused the Palin family of “lying about him” and referred to them as “snobs.” (Saul, 2009, ¶1).

One lingering and very disturbing question remains: who is financing this trip? Round trip coach airfare from Anchorage to New York City can easily reach $2,500 for one adult. Three adults made this trip. They are staying in hotels multiple days, eating and spending money in New York City. The Johnston family absolutely and clearly does not have the financial wherewithal to cover the cost of a trip that quite possibly has reached and far exceeded $10,000. Tyra Banks has denied compensating the family in any way for this trip. CBS cannot have done it, because the airfare and at least some of the hotel costs were financed for the Tyra Banks show. So who is the financier? Who facilitated this trip and these appearances?

Levi’s mother, Sherry Johnston faces six felony drug charges for dealing in Oxycontin. Levi has no job and no high school diploma. This is all known and public record. Again, the Johnston family clearly does not have the means to have traveled to New York City for these appearances using their own money.

Yesterday, several people, including myself were contacted by a hockey player familiar with Levi who disclosed the following on condition of anonymity:

• Levi has been seen with numerous girls his brand new red Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Indeed his sister Mercede cited his numerous prior girlfriends as a reason Bristol does not want Tripp around him.
• • This raises a disturbing question: Who is financing this truck? A Silverado has an MSRP which ranges from $20,370 at the low end to $47,430 at the high end (Silverado, 2008). How is an 18-year-old with no job and no verifiable source of income driving a truck that costs minimally over $20,000 and at the high end costs nearly $48,000? Who is insuring this vehicle? How is he paying for gasoline and routine maintenance on this vehicle?
• Levi brags that he’s totally going to take advantage of this situation. He proved it CBS when he said he was hoping this publicity would bring him acting and modeling gigs.

In their crusade against Governor Palin, the news media is elevating Levi as a hero. Unaccountable deadbeat dads will draw further inspiration from his example.

Some critical and lingering questions again remain: Who is financing these appearances? What are the financier’s motives? Who is the financier is connected with? Every attack on Governor Palin since August 29, 2008 has borne the fingerprint and stench of Obama, Axelrod, Emanuel, or one of their minions. It would not surprise me in the least if the financier of Levi Johnston’s talk show tour was a Democrat operative or in some way connected to that party at very high levels. The shop-worn axiom of “follow the money” holds true here. Why has no one asked the very basic question of how a job-less teenager drives an expensive truck and travels 4,400 miles with two adults in no better financial condition than himself to one of the most expensive cities in the world? There, he does a talk show circuit in which he engages in a crusade against a sitting Governor and her daughter with whom he was man enough to create a child but not man enough to provide for said child. Why the sudden urgency to speak out and “tell his side” of a matter the Palins have largely been silent about?

While the mainstream press is busy engaging in National Enquirer-style reporting to slime the Palin family, Obama wants to strip Alaska of its missile defense system; he has said nothing about a rogue communist state not too far from Alaska which is saber-rattling; has bowed to the Saudi King; he has done absolutely nothing about the first piracy attack on US seafaring interests in 200 years; he apparently has no problem with Iran’s 7,000 centrifuges to produced weapons-grade uranium; he wants to grant amnesty to illegal aliens; he wants to force all OB/GYNs to perform abortions; and he seeks to gut the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution. This is someone who is putting our country in grave danger during each minute he occupies his current position, but the mainstream media has placed priority on the musings of Levi Johnston.

The answer to all these questions lie with motive and money. Once the questions of where how this money appeared are answered, the motive will be crystal clear. The fact that this remains a mystery is clear indication that someone connected to this has something to hide.

References

Saul, M. (2009, April 8). Levi Johnston calls Sarah Palin ‘snobby,’ says his family is not ‘white trash’ on CBS’ ‘Early Show.’ New York Daily News. Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/04/08/2009-04-08_levi_johnston_calls_sarah_palin_snobby_says_his_family_is_not_white_trash_on_cbs.html

2009 Silverado pickup truck. (2009, April 9). Chevrolet. Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/

On April 2, 2009, the Alaska House passed HB-35 which would reinstate the requirement of parental consent prior to abortion being performed on girls below the age of 17 (except for those who live in abusive households). Alaska Governor Sarah Palin thanked the House for passing the bill (HB-35, 2009, ¶1).

In her statement on April 2, 2009, the Governor called on the state Senate to give the bill its proper hearing. “Today, 22 members of the House of Representatives took a significant step toward protecting Alaska’s children and strengthening Alaska’s families,” Governor Palin said. “The most important thing at stake is the right of Alaska’s children to receive the support and input of their parents as they face a life-changing decision. I strongly urge Senate leaders to give this bill a committee hearing, as they did not last year, and to bring it to the floor, where every senator would have a chance to say ‘yes’ to protecting Alaska’s most precious resource, the lives of our children” (HB-35, 2009, ¶2).

As of April 9, 2009, the Alaska State Senate has yet to conduct a hearing on this bill. It was referred to Senate Health, Education and Social Services (HESS), Judiciary (which Hollis chairs), and Senate Finance. It is clearly on the slow track so it will die. Readers who reside in Alaska are encouraged to email State Senator Bettye Davis to hear the bill in HESS, and emails State Senate President Gary Stevens to waive the bill from committee and bring it to a full Senate floor vote if it’s not going to receive any hearings. A similar bill died last year because Hollis wouldn’t pass the bill out of Judiciary (Note: Hollis spearheaded the “Troopergate” investigation, which led to a patronage job for Kim Elton, who oversaw it). Alaskans are also urged to email State Senator Menard, and State Senator Olson, because they are supposed to be working on a Senate compromise bill. That also is yet to be seen with 10 days left in session.

Parents must sign consent for field trips, aspirin, etc., but they currently have no say in Alaska if their daughters who are below the age of majority have invasive surgery to extract a fetus — aborting a pregnancy

.

State Senator Email Addresses

Senator_Gary_Stevens@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Bettye_Davis@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Charlie_Huggins@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Linda_Menard@legis.state.ak.us

Senator_Donald_Olson@legis.state.ak.us

References

Governor lauds the State House for passage of House Bill 35. (2009, April 2). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/archive.php?id=1736&type=1

On Monday, April 6, 2009. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin submitted a new nominee to the state’s Democrats to fill the District B State Senate seat left vacant when Kim Elton took a patronage job with the Obama administration. The events leading up to his nomination were discussed at length in the April 6 entry and others prior to it.

As of Thursday, April 9, 2009, the Alaska state Democrats have yet to vote on Governor Palin’s new nominee, Joe Nelson. The 90-day legislative session now has 10 days left (Representation, 2009, ¶1).

“Juneau residents are lacking representation in the Senate as final decisions are made on the budget and other important matters,” Governor Palin said. “Democratic senators rejected my first pick for Senate District B. I urge them not to drag their feet on approving the new designee. Filling this seat is important to the residents of Southeast and all Alaskans” (Representation, 2009, ¶2).

“It is certainly my hope that this well-qualified designee, who clearly loves Alaska, will be accepted by the Senate Democrats in the very near future,” Governor Palin said. “But whatever their decision will be, they need to ensure Juneau residents that this seat will be filled in a timely manner” (Representation, 2009, ¶4).

According to a 1987 legal opinion, Senate Democrats must openly and publicly vote on the Governor’s nominee (Representation, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

As stated in prior commentaries on this subject, L’Affaire State Senator might have been avoided had the State Senate Democrats not attempted to foist their choice on the Governor. She has submitted the second nominee; who is also highly qualified for the job. The time for political brinkmanship has come and gone and the time for a confirmation is fast arriving.

References

Governor laments ongoing lack of representation for Juneau. (2009, April 9). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1744

The North Star Award for International Excellence established by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in May 2008 honors businesses and organizations that are active internationally (International Excellence, 2009, ¶1).

“The awards will be presented in May 2009 to honor Alaska businesses, schools, and other organizations that improve life in Alaska through international activity and accomplishments in nine categories: trade (export of goods), trade (export of services), foreign investment, education, tourism, transportation, cultural exchange, humanitarian exchange or scientific exchange” (International Excellence, 2009, ¶1).

“Alaskans may nominate themselves or others for these awards. Awards are given in several categories in any given year but are not necessarily given in all categories each year. The Export Council of Alaska and others will assist the State of Alaska in reviewing nominations” (International Excellence, 2009, ¶4).

“Nominations are due by 5:00 pm, April 30, 2009. Nominations consist of no more than five pages of material explaining the nature and success of the international activities that have occurred in the five-year period prior to the award. The nomination instructions and form are at http://www.gov.state.ak.us/trade/ (International Excellence, 2009, ¶5).

“The five companies and organizations honored last year were: Kenai LNG Plant for trade (export of goods); Aleut International Association for scientific exchange; Sand Lake Elementary Japanese Immersion Program for education and cultural exchange; Sumitomo Metal Mining for foreign investment; and Institute of the North for transportation” (International Excellence, 2009, ¶6)

Commentary

One of the byproducts of the 2008 Presidential campaign was the regular attacks on Governor Palin’s international experience. While the establishment of these awards does not constitute foreign policy vis-a-vis relationships between the governments of sovereign nations, it is nonetheless important international experience. Some $3.6 billion per year is exported from the state of Alaska, which is a critical hub for goods destined to and from the Pacific Rim.

Awarding and recognizing businesses involved in the nine aspects of international activity delineated above indicates the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that Alaska is and remains an international powerhouse. Though issued as routine press release, which was largely unreported, unstated is the significant underlying international experience that made this North Star Award possible. It was Governor Palin who conceived, developed, and implemented the award; she delineated with clarity its nine categories, and in so doing is fostering continued and increased global trade through her state.

Governor Palin has significant expertise and experience with international trade. Meetings with diplomats, consuls general and other international representatives from all parts of the world are routine for her — the Governor is for practical purposes operating her own World Trade Center — something governors of very few states can claim — and something which she can and should be proud of. She doesn’t even need a pair of 110-story offset buildings to operate her WTC from. The breadth and depth of her international experience as President and CEO of her state is preparing Governor Palin to handle international matters on a larger scale — a very much larger scale….

References

Nominees sought for Governor’s North Star Awards for International Excellence. (2009, April 7). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1742

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin nominated University of Alaska Southeast Admissions Director Joe Nelson to the District B State Senate Seat on April 6, 2009. The Governor withdrew her original nomination of Tim Grussendorf following a battle with the Alaska state Democrats, who declined his appointment in a closed vote (Cockerham, 2009, ¶1). The Governor had requested an open vote, but the state Democrats refused. The state Democrats forwarded four names to the Governor to choose from; Nelson was not among them (Cockerham, 2009, ¶2)

“Nelson is a board member of Sealaska, the Southeast Alaska Native Corp. He is married to Mary Nelson, who used to represent Bethel as a Democrat in the state House and took a job last year as community sustainability manager for the proposed Donlin Creek Gold Mine in Western Alaska, commuting to the position from their home in Juneau” (Cockerham, 2009, ¶5)

Joe Nelson is a former assistant city attorney in Juneau and used to be a commercial fisherman in Yakutat, where he graduated from high school in 1988 and attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles” (Cockerham, 2009, ¶6)

The four names submitted to the Governor were: Minority Leader Beth Kerttula, who was the original single name submitted to the Governor (Cockerham, 2009, ¶10); “Jeff Bush, a local Assembly member, Mike Miller, a Juneau legislator until 1985, and Sally Smith, a Fairbanks legislator until 1982 and former mayor of Juneau” (Cockerham, 2009, ¶11). As noted in previous coverage, “[i]t’s been tradition for a governor to select from among party recommendations, but after the Democrats originally submitted only Kerttula’s name, [Governor] Palin opened the process to other applicants. “I am not limited by law to the recommendations of one interest group,” she said (Cockerham, 2009, ¶11). Kerttula had been one of Governor Palin’s critics, and her original nominee, Tim Grussendorf was more conservative (Cockerham, 2009, ¶10).

On Saturday April 4, 2009, an update was issued on the status of the Tim Grussendorf nomination to replace Kim Ellis who took a patronage job in the Obama administration. That update is available here: http://sarahs-accomplishments.blogspot.com/2009/04/grussendorf-appointment-governor-palins.html The complete story on the original appointment is here: http://sarahs-accomplishments.blogspot.com/2009/03/general-information-package-governor_29.html“.

Commentary

Though it is traditional for an Alaska Governor to select state Senate replacements from a list of party replacements, there is no legal obligation to do so as delineated above. The state Democrats clearly tried to foist Kerttulla — who was probably no friend of the Governor’s — on her by submitting only that name. This was a clear provocation and a power play. It was not until the conclusion of the Grussendorf battle that the state Democrats submitted three additional names for her consideration. Had they submitted the four names in the first instance, maybe Governor Palin might have chosen her nominee from among that batch. Governor Palin still might have exercised her prerogative to call for nominees, but giving her the professional courtesy of making a choice from a group would have been the better way to go.

Yes, Governor Palin lost the battle for Tim Grussendorf, but she has not lost the war for choosing the State Senator. The outcome of this nomination remains to be seen; the state Democrats have to vote on it just like the last time. Then, there is the thorny question of whether this will be a closed or open vote, the law and legal opinion on which was discussed at length in the April 4, 2009 update.

If nothing else, this nomination should be instructive on how politics is very much like a chess game with each side trying to out-maneuver the other to capture the queen and checkmate the king. Governor Palin is a seasoned executive with considerable political acumen and a well-honed hunter’s instinct, the protestations of her critics notwithstanding. Ultimately, this nominee will either be confirmed or there will be a third round, maybe even a fourth. However many rounds it takes, Governor Palin is making absolutely clear that no one is going to force her hand or foist any nominee upon her.

References

Cockerham, S. (2009, April 6). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 8, 2009 from: http://www.adn.com/news/government/legislature/story/750807.html

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on April 6, 2009 lauded Alaska’s State House Special Committee on Energy for introducing legislation to consolidate that state’s energy programs (Energy Consolidation, 2009, ¶1). Consolidation will help control the growth of Alaska’s state government whilst saving or at least keeping tax payer expenditures on these programs the same (Energy Consolidation, 2009, ¶2).

On Saturday, April 11, 2009, “a roundtable of statewide energy experts and advocates called for a cabinet-level focus on energy in Alaska. Members of the Palin Administration will be working with the committee over the interim to identify which programs should be consolidated” (Energy Consolidation, 2009, ¶3).

“From the very first days of our administration, we have been focused on energy solutions for Alaska,” Governor Palin said. “We will embrace efficient ways to streamline our programs to deliver results. We’re working hard everyday to meet Alaska’s energy challenges. This House initiative is a cooperative effort to accomplish even more” (Energy Consolidation, 2009, ¶4).

Alaska’s Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey at the Department of Natural Resources inventoried the state’s energy resources over the past two years. Governor Palin appointed Steve Haagenson Executive Director of the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) in March 2008. That Authority released a major energy report calling for 50% of the states’ energy resources to be derived from renewable resources by 2025 on January 16, 2009 and the Governor discussed it at a press conference on January 20, 2009 (Energy Consolidation, 2009, ¶5). Haagenson is referenced and photographed in the January release. He was the state’s Energy Coordinator at the time.

Material pertaining to the AEA report and conference is available at this blog entry, which contains complete citations and references to the energy guide and other documentation, as well as an audio transcript of the press conference: Alaska’s Energy Plan

Commentary

This legislation is not yet Governor Palin’s accomplishment — it is the Alaska State House’s accomplishment at the moment — but ultimately as the executive who signs the bill into law, it will be hers, should nothing unforeseen happen along the way.

One of Governor Palin’s strong suits is her subject matter expertise on energy generation, production, transmission, distribution and political matters pertaining thereto. This expertise should serve her well as the State House finishes this legislation and moves it to the State Senate.

Now…if only they would introduce the Governor’s legislation to consolidate the Railbelt Utilities and build that intra-state gas pipeline…..That would be a grand slam home run.

References

Governor welcomes house energy committee proposal. (2009, April 6). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 6, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1738

On April 6, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin stressed the importance of a solid missile defense following North Korea’s launch of a test missile (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶1).

She expressed her concern that the communist state’s nuclear missiles could affect Alaska, which is strategically located (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶2).

“The [G]overnor is firmly against U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ proposed $1.4 billion reduction of the Missile Defense Agency. Greely’s isolated location in Alaska as well as its strategic location in the Pacific allows for maximum security and development of the country’s only ground-based missile defense complex” (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶3).

She continued, “Our early opposition to reduced funding for the Missile Defense Agency is proving to be well-founded during this turbulent time,” Governor Palin said. “I continue to support the development and implementation of a defensive missile shield based in Alaska. We are strategically placed to defend the critical assets of the United States and our allies in the Pacific Theater” (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶4).

One of the capital projects Governor Palin requested stimulus money for is the Kodiak Launch Complex, “a commercial rocket launch facility for sub-orbital and orbital space launch vehicles owned and operated by the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation, a public corporation of the State of Alaska” (Missile Defense, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

It does not take more than a cursory glance at a globe or even a well-done Mercator projection to grasp Alaska’s strategic location. It borders Russia and Canada and is not too far away from both North and South Korea and Japan. Once you leave the Aleutian Islands, you’re basically in the Pacific Rim. Previous blogs have discussed the $3.6 billion in annual trade that flows through the state and the Governor’s diplomatic experience pertaining thereto.

Many people seem to forget that we are still technically at war with North Korea. No armistice, and no peace agreement was ever signed. So, we remain technically at war with a dangerous rogue state with known nuclear missile capabilities. Its missile tests are meant as a provocation to South Korea and Japan — and the United States, via Alaska.

As a shared Strategic Commander of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion (which exists to defend against ICBMs), and as Commander of the Alaska State Defense Force, Governor Palin has every reason to be concerned about the threat posed by her state’s not-so-distant neighbor — a concern shared by our former President and Commander in Chief.

The Governor’s statement above reflects command and foreign policy experience which is to be respected. Many of her colleagues govern land-locked states which offer very little – if any — opportunities for involvement in international matters.

References

Governor Palin stresses need for strong missile defense capability. (2009, April 6). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 6, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1739

On April 3, 2009, a “perfect storm” of negative publicity surrounded Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in matters pertaining to her family. In the first item, her husband’s half-sister was arrested on two charges of felony burglary. In the second item, Levi Johnston appeared on the Tyra Banks show to discuss his sex life with Bristol Palin. Apparently, another appearance is to occur on April 6.

Of course, those who hate Governor Palin have gleefully jumped on this “news” to proclaim her unfit for POTUS and unfit as Governor.

First are some items to consider regarding Tyra Banks:

1. The Tyra Banks Show is a Jerry Springer type TV talk show.
2. Another show of hers is “America’s Top Model.” The next person to be crowned “America’s Top Model” on Monday, April 6, 2009 is Michelle Obama.

Might Banks’ glamorization of Michelle Obama have something to do with Johnston’s appearance on her show which was clearly a slap at the Palin family? How much money did Johnston receive to talk about his rather inconsistent use of contraception and why is it so “newsworthy”? Obviously, the couple were either not using contraception that night, or were using it and it failed. This is news? Then there is the ridiculous insinuation that because Governor Palin “probably knew” (“mothers are smart,” according to Johnston), that she let them share a room in her house. I don’t doubt that she knew — and that she tried to keep them apart and did not approve of their relationship! What most likely happened is that they carried on their relationship when the Palin house was empty — which is the way most sexually active teenagers do it.

Following are some items to consider about some well-known politicians and their families:

1. Senator Ted Kennedy killed Mary Jo Kopechne when he drunkenly drove his car off a bridge in Chappaquiddick.
2. JFK and RFK were likely both having affairs with Marilyn Monroe and are reputed to be responsible for her death.
3. Several of the Kennedy cousins are rapists.
4. William Jefferson Clinton is a serial rapist, and settled one law suit. He was impeached for lying under oath in that law suit, and for suborning perjury for asking Monica Lewinsky to lie under oath. He was disbarred as an AR lawyer for five years.
5. Obama was born out of wedlock.
6. Obama’s aunt is an illegal immigrant.
7. Obama’s brother lives in squalor in Kenya.
8. Obama admitted to using cocaine in his books.
9. A man by the name of Larry Sinclair claims to have performed gay oral sex on and smoked crack with Obama.
10. Joe Biden’s son detained Sinclair. Shortly thereafter, Biden was nominated as Obama’s running mate.
11. Joe Biden’s daughter was caught being involved with cocaine.
12. Joe Biden lied about his wife being killed by a drunk driver.
13. Obama spent 20 years of his life listening to racist Black Liberation Theology preached by Rev. Wright of “God D— America” infamy.
14. Obama started off his career in the living room of domestic terrorist Bill Ayers.
15. Former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer stepped down in disgrace after violating financial structuring laws he prosecuted Wall Street firms for when he was attorney general. The money he was structuring went to pay for $80,000 in prostitutes.
16. Former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey had to resign over appointing his gay lover to a homeland security job for which he was not qualified. McGreevey and his wife also engaged in routine “threesomes” with his driver. His sordid sex life aside, McGreevey ran one of the most corrupt administrations in NJ history where “pay to play” was the rule.
17. Former IL Governor Rod Blagojevich was impeached — unanimously by his own party — and indicted on 16 felonies.
18. Gary Condit had an affair with Chandra Levy who was found dead in a park. Condit; however was cleared of any wrong-doing pertaining to Levy’s death.

The above is quite a long list — and I could have added more, but I think the point is made. This salacious news is nothing more than yet another attempt to smear a Governor who has accomplished more for her state than anyone in recent history. Those of you who follow this blog know that she averages at least four major accomplishments per week. Some of the characters listed above — who did far worse things than anyone in Governor Palin’s family ever did — are bent on destroying her. They see her as a threat.

And, it’s not just liberals. It’s so-called conservatives who are jumping on the bandwagon. Why? They want their shot at POTUS. And if Governor Palin stands in the way of their aspirations, they will stop at nothing to destroy her.

As for Levi Johnston; he clearly used Bristol for his own satisfaction and conquest, then threw her under the bus for fame (or more rather infamy) and fortune. She’s taking care of their child; he’s making a fool of himself on TV, and he sold himself out to a host who is a major Obama supporter.

Governor Palin is one of us. She suffers the same trials and tribulations common to most families. Out-of-wedlock conception is rampant today. It’s almost more the norm than the exception. Most families have at least one — sometimes more than one “black sheep.” And some families have members who suffer horrific physical ailments. Some have all of the above.

One good thing about these dark hours — they reveal to Governor Palin who her enemies are and who her friends really are.

This blog entry was updated to correct the list item pertaining to Gary Condit and Chandra Levy. No other other modifications have been made to this entry.