Tuesday, November 24, 2009

On The Palin Pillorying Of John Bitney

John Bitney has worked for the Alaska State Legislature for more than a couple decades. I knew him when I worked there, and though we didn't always agree on everything, I recognized back then that John had a solid grasp of what formulated good public policy, understood his role as a legislative aide in helping to achieve that goal, and (most importantly) was always a straight shooter. As a result, we became friends, both in and away from the Capitol Building.

In her fictional work memoir "Going Rogue," John Bitney was another one of the numerous people singled out and smeared by Sarah Palin as being responsible for her lackluster performance as a half-term governor of Alaska.

In today's Anchorage Daily News, there's an article about Bitney's reaction to this. Like many people who thought they were friends of Palin, he, too, was "thrown under the crazy bus."

I think it's particularly hurtful to John, because he was a friend of Sarah's back in high school, he worked hard to help her get elected governor, he actually believed in her potential... and he did nothing to deserve such shabby mean-girl treatment.

I'm not worried about any potential damage that crazy Sarah Palin may have done to Bitney's career. He's recognized by a number of people on both sides of the aisle in Juneau as being smart and capable, so he'll be just fine.

But as John noted when he was a guest panelist on Shannyn Moore's local television show, Moore Up North, "the rules of engagement have changed."

Note to Sarah Palin: You would do well to remember the adage: "Be careful whose ass you kick on your way up, as you may have to kiss it on your way back down."

3 comments:

Wolfe Tone said...

When asked "Is Palin sane?", Bitney's response was "Maybe. Is sociopath 'sane?'"

Take a look here at the common traits of a sociopathic or psychopathic personality, and see how many of those traits you think Sarah Palin possesses.

"Sociopathic" or "Psychopathic" is not the same as "psychotic."

I think John Bitney hit the nail on the head.

kodiakgriff said...

Man, just when you think the fire is out, someone stirs up the embers. This time it is the "Rogue' author of a trivial publication.
It looks like the Palinator has learned her media lessons well. Just like so many waning celebrities, she is laughing all the way to the bank. Yes the bank, that is what this really all about. Never mind the drive-by damage on the way. The goal is as it has always been. The go for dollar and damn the citizen mentality.
This mentality, fueled by a sponsor seeking press, has fueled our democracy for too long.
Ignore the inane and focus on the germane. That would put some respect into our elected officials. It would also hold them accountable.
BTW, I still think Sarah is a fire lit too soon and fed with damp green wood. Lots of smoke, some heat, but she will sputter out, leaving little impact and a bad memory.
Sleante' Wolfe
luv your stuff.
Peace

Wolfe Tone said...

Like Jon Stewart said, if you keep peeling back the layers of the onion that are Sarah Palin, you realize, finally, that there's no onion inside.

I hope you're right, Griff. Frankly, we have enough stupid/sociopathic people in positions of power. We will all be well served if this flame sputters out.

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