Perhaps Todd and Sarah Can Move to Texas?

During the Great Teabag Rebellion (yawn...) last week, Texas Governor Rick Perry made noises about Texas seceding from the United States, because they're tired of that durned Federal Gummint pushing Texas around!

Nevermind the fact that a bloody war was fought some 140 years that pretty much settled the whole secession question.

Sound familiar?

What I'm about to cover was covered during the last presidential election, but bear with me... I like to ramble.

Until 2002, First Dude Todd was a member of the Alaska Independence Party (AIP), whose mission was/is exactly what the name implies.

Independence for Alaska. As in not part of the United States anymore. If they can't succeed with that, they have a whole laundry list of other things they want the Federal Gummint to stop messing with Alaska about.

Now Sarah never was an actual member of the party as hubby Todd was. She did speak at their 2006 convention as a gubernatorial candidate. That's understandable.

Pandering to the wackjob vote is something every politician in Alaska must do. It's impossible to get elected otherwise, since wackjobs comprise the largest minority in Alaska.

In 2008 (prior to being picked as the VP candidate for John McCain's ill-fated campaign - the "ill-fated" part mostly due to her candidacy) Governor Sarah Palin recorded a short video, welcoming AIP members to their little coffee klatch of separatists, telling them, “Good luck on a successful and inspiring convention. Keep up the good work, and God bless you.” (emphasis mine)

Sounds like she might think the AIP's mission isn't such a bad idea.

So now that Rick Perry has been thumping the secession drum... here's an idea:

When it comes time for Sarah to flee the state, perhaps she and Todd and their brood can emigrate. To the New Nation of Texas!

I could live with that.

Side note to Governor Perry: Lots of us are with you on this one, pardner!

h/t to Andy Cobb

The Village of Nunam Iqua Is Out of Heating Fuel

Celtic Diva brought this to my attention.

The people of the village of Nunam Iqua have NO heating fuel left to get them through until break-up, which is roughly six weeks away.

Now, I KNOW this isn't as important to our Governor as an anti-abortion speech in Indiana, but to the rest of us Alaskans (well, maybe not Fairbanks Rep. Mike Kelly either), it should be pretty damned important.

These people have a helluva lot more winter left to get through.

They need our help. It's what decent people do for each other.

Feelers are being put out right now to see what can be done.

Stay tuned.

Friday In the Twilight Zone

Celtic Diva has a very interesting post this morning.

In it, she has listed comments from readers of the New Republic, reacting to Palin's press release

The article, which contains nothing other than the press release, has the blaring headline "Latest Complaint Deemed Outrageous Alarming New Development in Alaska Politics".

The remarks following the article indicate that most commenters are absolutely certain that the complaints are part of some sort of nefarious organized effort... and that David Axelrod, political consultant from Chicago and Senior Advisor to President Obama is the "mastermind" behind it... especially the latest ethics violation complaint.

I keep half-expecting Rod Serling to step into view, cigarette in hand, saying "We present for your consideration..." - and then letting us know about the bizarre alternate reality into which we have embarked.

Except that what's happening here isn't a fictional TV show (though it does make pretty good theater). The bizarre reality is only in these lunatics' minds.

During my morning coffee, I thought this over.

Why would anyone jump to the assumption that David Axelrod, the White House or the National Democratic Party is somehow involved with what is actually a true grass-roots effort to make a rogue governor follow the law?

How do you get there from here?

The, during my second cup, it hit me: Because that's how the Republicans do things!

That's exactly how this whole "Teabag Party" idiocy came about!

"Teabaggery" didn't start as a grass-roots effort.

It was a perfect example of astroturfing.

The Tea Party campaign actually was organized by a paid Republican consultant and strongly promoted by "Unfair and Unbalanced" Fox News.

So naturally, these wackjobs who see a left-wing conspiracy under (and in) every bed just assume that every effort to hold Sarah Palin accountable must have received marching orders from Obama's minions.

Because, after all, Obama is really really worried that Sarah will run against him in 2012, and such as.

Also.

Naturally, Palin's Response Is to Call the Latest Ethics Claims "Baseless," And Attack The Complainant.

Well, the Governor's Office has issued a "scathing" press release in an attempt to marginalize not only the complaint, but the complainant too.

The governor's henchmen, Chief of Staff Mike Nizich and Communications Director Bill McAllister, are calling complainant Sondra Tompkins an "unethical publicity-seeker."

The basis of the Nizich and McAllister's whining is that there is a section of the law that requires the complaint, and everything about it, to be kept confidential. Even the disposition of the complaint by the State Personnel Board must remain confidential, unless a court says that in the public interest, it shouldn't.

I've reviewed the statute in question, and think that the Legislature needs to revisit this. I know they wrote the law to protect the accused in situations where there may be a valid reason for confidentiality (but in the case of the accusation of ethical misconduct by the Governor, I can't think of any offhand).

Now, I don't know Ms. Tompkins. But frankly, it occurs to me that stepping forward and filing a complaint that you know will certainly bring the wrath of Caribou Barbie down on you is an act of courage. Tompkins should be commended for her bravery, not called names.

However, we all know that name-calling and character assassination is a pretty standard operating procedure for Sarah Palin. She's engaged in it even when it involves the 19 year old kid who is the father of her grandchild (she even dragged all his relatives into the mix).

That aside, I have but one question for Mr. McAllister:

In the press release, you noted "that the governor left Alaska only twice during the recently completed legislative session -- for a total of just four days, including travel time -- and that during both trips she conducted state government business."

Really.

Explain to me, exactly, Mr. McAllister, what was the state business conducted in Indiana on the Governor's SarahPAC-funded junket?

Was it her speech before the anti-abortion group, or was it the photo op with the support group for people with Down's Syndrome and their families ?

Mentioning Alaska in passing does NOT make her trip "state business."

If that's the case, I have a lot of airplane tickets and hotel stays for which I'd like to be recompensed.

I'll even accept a check from SarahPAC.

Sarah Sets A Record! Another Ethics Complaint Filed Against Sarah Palin

Numerous other Alaskan Bloggers have already broken the news on this one: The Mudflats, Shannyn Moore, We're Not That Stupid and The Immoral Minority have all weighed in, so anything I may have to say on the matter has undoubtedly already been said.

But that's never deterred me before.

The press release issued by the complainant, Anchorage resident Sondra Tompkins, reads as follows:

“An ethics complaint against Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be filed this afternoon asserting that Palin’s involvement with SarahPAC constitutes “outside employment” and “misuse of official position.” Anchorage resident Sondra Tompkins, child disability advocate and mother of a special needs child, is filing the complaint after observing Governor Palin repeatedly display “a pattern of unethical behavior.” Sondra believes that the tipping point for her was Sarah Palin’s most recent abdication of her role as Governor and apparent conflict-of-interest when she spoke at two outside events in Indiana rather than work with the Alaska Legislature during the most critical time, the end of the session.

The complaint alleges:

a) Governor Palin has entered into a contract outside of her official duties with the donors, employees, partners and any or all other participants involved in Sarah PAC.

b) The recent partisan trip to Indiana by the Governor was purely to benefit personal interests, had no benefit for the State of Alaska and was in direct conflict with her official duties.

c) The Governor left the State to participate in these events during the most critical end-of-session Legislative activities, at a time where the legislators themselves are not permitted to leave.

Fascinating.

According to Mudflats, this makes an even dozen ethics complaints against our Governor.

Hey - I'm pretty sure that's a record!

Governor Palin Blames Those Pesky "Lying Bloggers" and "Lying Emailing Public" for W.A.R. Getting The Boot

Well, she's at it again.

The Legislature's failure to confirm Wayne Anthony Ross is somehow everyone else's fault.

Not Sarah's.

Nevermind that fact that the man has made misogynistic, homophobic and racist statements.

Nevermind the fact that the man's legal acumen is mediocre at best.

A perfect example of W.A.R's lack of legal ability was his recent involvement in the appointment of someone to fill former Democratic Senator Kim Elton's Senate seat.

W.A.R. told the Alaska Senate that the Legislature should not get "bogged down on technicalities" and should simply confirm Palin's favored candidate... regardless of the law.

Say WHAT?

No, Governor.

W.A.R. did not go down the chute just because of those pesky bloggers... or even just because of those Alaskans exercising their right (and duty as citizens) to contact their legislator and ask him or her to oppose this man's confirmation.

The real reason W.A.R. was rejected because of you.

You are completely tone deaf.

You appoint persons into positions of immense power based on their adherence to your political or religious beliefs, their willingness to tell you what you want to hear (even if it's wrong), and sometimes because their sole qualification is that they attended Wasilla High School.

If I were in your shoes, Governor (figuratively speaking - the Naughty Red Monkeys just aren't my style), I would start planning what I might do for a living after November of 2010.

Heading up Alaska's Executive Branch may not be in the cards.

Those anonymous, pathetic, bloggers and the lying, disgruntled public might just see to it.

BEWARE: The Legislative Session is Over, Sarah May Now Get "Mavericky" and such as. Also. (Reposted)

Back in February of this year, then-Senator Kim Elton of Juneau (remember that guy?) noted in his newsletter-

"Rumor du jour is that former Senator Dave Donley is being considered for the vacant attorney general slot. The other half of the rumor is that an appointment won't be made until after the legislature adjourns so a confirmation vote can't be taken this session." (emphasis mine)

Well, we know what actually happened.

Sarah picked Wayne Anthony Ross (W.A.R.), and Ross went down in flames.

Now, that same rumor is floating out there again, and it's a script that Sarah Palin may well follow.

If she does, you can bet that Davey boy will be warming the AG's office chair before the State's Webmaster can add his name to the State website. Before the ink is dry on his "Acting AG" stationery.

Dave Donley would be as equally a bad choice as W.A.R. was, for some of the same reasons, and some brand NEW reasons.

Side note to Sarah: What in hell is wrong with picking the best and brightest, instead of cronies or sycophants?

Try it.

If you do, and then heed their advice, you may not look so stupid.

DOOF QUOTE OF THE WEEK (with apologies to Bob Cesca)

"It became more and more obvious that the Senate Democrats were looking for someone that was going to be acceptable by the local Democrat(sic) party."

Governor Sarah Palin, on the appointment to fill Juneau Democratic Senator Kim Elton's vacated seat.

Gosh, Sarah.
Most Alaskans thought that was pretty obvious from the get-go.

Remember? If not, here's a brief recap:

The Juneau Democratic Party suggested Beth Kerttula, House Minority Leader.
You said "No," and instead appointed Tim "Hey, everybody! I'm a Democrat now!" Grussendorf.

Senate Democrats said "No," and the Juneau Democratic Party suggested three more names to choose from, - Jeff Bush, Mike Miller and Sally Smith.
You said "No," and appointed Joe "Who's this guy?" Nelson.

The Senate Democrats said "No," and as a compromise, a bipartisan legislative group suggested Dennis Egan for the seat. The Juneau Democratic Party concurred with that idea.

You said "No," and sent them back a list of three names to choose from, the first two guys that had already been rejected, plus a new contender: Al "I Just Became A Democrat Naughty Red Monkey" Wilson. But... you wanted them to consider the list in that order - with the two rejected guys first in line.

The Senate Democrats said "No, we're pretty sure that it's illegal for us to pick from a list."
You said "Fine! I'll just re-appoint Grussendorf, then!"

The Senate Democrats said, "What part of 'NO!' don't you get?

Then, at literally the eleventh hour, pouting, you appointed Dennis Egan. In doing so, you noted your epiphany about appointing someone that the Juneau Democratic Party would accept.

You really aren't all that bright, are you, Governor?

Sarah Palin Appoints Dennis Egan to Kim Elton's State Senate Seat!

Congratulations, Juneau!

You have a new Senator: Dennis Egan.

Shannyn Moore broke the news here.

McCain Vetter: Palin Would Have Been Great VP! Whaaaa?????

Republicans seem more and more insane these days. Even in retrospect.

At a Friday event at the National Press Club, Washington power lawyer A.B. Culvahouse (the man tasked with vetting Sarah Palin as a vice president candidate) insisted that she was a great pick, and that she "would have been ready on January 20."

Seriously, he really said that. You can read it here.

He went on to say that Caribou Barbie "has lots of presence. She filled up a room. Me and two of my most cynical partners interviewed her and we came away impressed."

Okay, this leaves me with some questions:

How in the hell did this chowderhead ever have an"expansive career" in Republican politics?

Were Culvahouse and his "two most cynical (chowderhead) partners" actually listening to Sarah Palin's answers to their questions, or were they simply distracted, wondering if they could get into her pants?

A casual observer can determine that Sarah Palin isn't even a competent Governor. How could this chowderhead still maintain she was a marvelous VP candidate?

Well, he wants to keep working for future Republican candidates, I guess. Admitting a mistake is a concept just not in the Republican mindset these days.

Frankly, based on the stunning judgement that Culvahouse demonstrated as an integral part of McCain's campaign, I hope he continues to be a Power Decision Maker™ for top Republicans in 2010 and 2012.

h/t to the Huffington Post

"Sir Charles" Barkely Tells it Like It Is!

Since I was busy doing Very Important Stuff ™ last Friday, I missed this until today - former NBA star Charles Barkley on the Tonight Show doing a Barkely smack-down on those unpatriotic Shouting Chowderheads® on television and radio who are hoping for failure by our President :

Here's a direct quote from Sir Charles:

"I mean, you look at this country now, we've got all these foreclosures, we've got all these people laid off. We should be behind him 110 percent, hoping he's successful," Barkley said. "And I just thought it was unpatriotic and basically B.S. for Rush Limbaugh and that idiot Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck and all those idiots to not root for this guy."

That's one thing I've always liked about Charles Barkely. He has never been afraid to voice his opinion.

Huzzah, Charles!

h/t to Huffington Post