As you (the few of you who follow this blog, anyway) have probably noticed, I haven't written anything lately.This is due to a variety of reasons. It isn't because I haven't had anything to say, but mostly because I've been sort of busy... and because other people were saying the same things I wanted say... and mostly saying it better.
In fact, since very often all I'm doing is echoing what others have previously stated so well, I'm considering the idea of a permanent vacation from this endeavor.
Nevertheless, since I have a few minutes, so I decided to mention something.
The something is Alaska's ex-Governor, Sarah Palin.
Yeah, I know I said I'd stop talking about her, but the revelation that she collected a $1.25 million retainer for her book, "Going Rogue" while still governor merits comment.
Any time a sitting governor flagrantly violates the law, I believe it merits comment. Alaska Statute 39.52.170 (c) specifically states "The head of a principal executive department of the state may not accept employment for compensation outside the agency that the executive head serves."
Now, in March of this year, Acting AG Rick Svobodny issued a sort of tortured "loophole" memo (signed off on by Palin and her mouthpiece) allowing Sarah to work for her publisher as long as she didn't use any "state owned/operated facilities, supplies, equipment, vehicles or personnel time and effort" and that it would not affect her "usual State duties or duty hours as Governor" while working for her publisher.
Okay. Although I am a bit incredulous, I'll buy that.
The "Svobodny Loophole™" is what amazes me. He addressed the "may not accept employment for compensation" part by noting that Sarah would not be working for Harper Collins "for salary or wages."
Therefore, because it isn't strictly salary or wages, a $1.25 million advance isn't "compensation."
Sheesh.
You know what? I don't even want anything to be done about this. I want the Alaska Public Offices Commission to simply accept her disclosure, thank her very much for filing, and close the book on this disgusting chapter of Alaska history.
I want the Anchorage Daily News and every media outlet in American to take her off the front page.
I don't know about you, but I'd be just happier than hell to see the back of her.
