Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis

Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis has moved!!!!!!

2008-09-12T07:53:00.002-08:00

We are now located at divasblueoasis.com and we are a community blog for YOU!

C'mon over, register and start posting!

2008-09-11T18:52:00.009-08:00

2008-09-11T17:34:00.004-08:00

2008-09-11T10:14:00.008-08:00

BREAKING: Whistleblower exposes McCain--claims he used Senate staff for cover-up on Cindy McCain

2008-09-11T07:20:00.003-08:00

Hat Tip to: Pam's House Blend

Per Open Left:

A whistleblower is coming forth against John and Cindy McCain, and the picture he is painting is not a pretty one. You've probably heard about Cindy McCain stealing prescription drugs from her charity in the 1990s. Today, Tom Gosinski, her former employee and a close friend of the McCain's, came out on the record about the entire sordid episode. And it appears that McCain used his Senate staff and resources to cover up Cindy's drug use, and potentially to prevent the Drug Enforcement Agency from investigating his wife's theft of illegal prescription drugs. John McCain certainly used his political connections to begin a campaign of intimidation against Gosinski, because at the time - this was after the Keating 5 scandal - another major scandal would have derailed his career. Gosinski stayed quiet out of fear until today; a recent fight with cancer has strengthened his resolve. As he told me today, if he can beat cancer, he can go on the record regarding how the McCain's do business.

This is going to be huge!

McCain's claim of a DNC "air drop of lawyers" is false, but we in Alaska knew that already

2008-09-11T04:22:00.006-08:00

Per Talking Points Memo:

As noted below, the McCain campaign has a new ad out designed to portray Obama as a predator and Sarah Palin as prey by pointing to 30 opposition researchers that the Obama team allegedly sent to Alaska to savage her.

Of course, the article that the ad references doesn't say Obama sent them -- it actually says Democrats sent them.

But the Democratic National Committee's chief of research, Mike Gehrke, tells me that the DNC hasn't sent a single researcher to Alaska. "Zero," Gehrke says.

We knew that already as a direct result of Alaska Republican Party spokesperson McHugh Pierre's comments on this blog. He made these comments in response to my sharing the information that the McCain folks were on their way within 24 hours of Sarah's selection...VETTING HER AFTER THE FACT.

Per McHugh:

Thanks for the plug, but could you please pick a better picture of me! ; )

I never said McCain folks are coming to Alaska to investigate Palin and "Troopergate"! That is hilarious!

What I did say is that Obama political snoops just came up to Alaska to dig dirt on Palin and were going to be looking into the "Troopergate" allegations and anything else they can find.

Good luck running down more rumors and gossip.

What's hilarious is that he hasn't said a word since the source for my story came forward...the woman who heard him say it was the McCain campaign coming to Alaska the next day.

So when I heard this being spewed as a Republican Party line just a day or two after the comment was posted, I knew it was the cover story they were using to explain all of the Republican Party black suitted lawyers showing up in Alaska to do the job they should have done BEFORE they picked Palin.

Thanks for the tip, McHugh!

P.S. Could someone artsy show me what an air drop of lawyers looks like? I have great pictures of it in my head but I'd love to see some in print!

McPalin Family Values--Updated

2008-09-10T21:45:00.007-08:00

Golly, we are rolling in stories over the last few days about Sarah Palin's relationship with her family and the McPalin ticket's relationships with other people's kids.

It's not a pretty picture.

First, we'll start with the blog that originally talked about at least part of the story that the National Enquirer said they "broke"...Track Palin's legal troubles and the basis for his entrance into the military.
Per "What Do I Know:"

While I trust my sources, I don't have enough independent information to nail this. So I'll drop my editorial based on this and just offer the basic allegation.

Four high school students were arrested for vandalizing school buses in Wasilla in 2005.
Troopers did not release names of the juvenile suspects, but David Coon's mother confirmed her son was one of two Burchell High School students involved in the incident. The other two boys are Wasilla High School students.
We also have this story from Detroit's Free Press:
Her oldest son, Track, lived in Portage [Michigan] during most of his senior year in high school. He played junior major hockey. During an interview at the National Governors Association conference in 2007, she told a Free Press reporter that her son went back to Alaska in March to graduate with his class.
The story I was told is that Track Palin was one of them and that he chose to enter the army rather than go to jail (or have a record?).

*****************UPDATE*********************

Progressive Alaska has deleted their "National Enquirer" post for reasons detailed in the linked article. Since my article here only uses the Track and Bristol stuff (which blogs already knew about) and my post has many parts to it of which the NE stuff is only one, I'm not going to delete this. However, I will post this as a disclaimer.

********************************************

Then we have the Energizer Bunnies, the folks at The National Enquirer and their heartwarming story yesterday which included the Track-avoids-jail-in-the-army story, faithfully reported by Progressive Alaska:

The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively that Sarah's oldest son, Track, was addicted to the power drug OxyContin for nearly the past two years, snorting it, eating it, smoking it and even injecting it. And as Track, 19, heads to Iraq as part of the U.S. armed forces, Sarah and her husband Todd were powerless to stop his wild antics, detailed in the new issue of The ENQUIRER, which goes on sale today.

THE ENQUIRER also has exclusive details about Track's use of other drugs, including cocaine, and his involvement in a notorious local vandalism incident.

Of course, that was only the part about Track Palin, there is still the Bristol chapter:

“Bristol was a huge stoner and drinker. I’ve seen her smoke pot and get drunk and make out with so many guys. All the guys would brag that the just made out with Bristol.”

When Sarah found out the teen was pregnant by high schooler Levi Johnston, she was actually banished from the house. As part of the cover-up, Palin quickly transferred Bristol to another high school and made her move in with Sarah’s sister Heather 25 miles away!

And here's the money quote:

The friend also confided that both Bristol and Levi “broke up a few times and they definitely messed around with other people.”

Moving on from the Palin family to the McPalin family values in action...

Alaska Real's Writing Raven mentioned the Lipstick...Pig...Hypocrisy story, but I was more interested in Part II--McCain's assertion that teaching children how to escape child sexual abuse is the equivalent of "sex ed":

This latest attack takes Obama's support of preventing sexual abuse of children as "teaching sex ed to kindergartners."

I worked with young children (before they reached kindergarten!) for five years, and one of the things that was very important to teach them the difference about was "good touch, bad touch" and how to recognize predators.

McCain's assertion that they would know "sex ed" before reading, is somewhat true, but not because Obama is in support of abuse prevention. In actuality, there are far, far too many children who will be sexually abused before they learn to read, and they will know far too much, far too early. Children who know the basics of recognizing a predator are more likely to speak up, and prevent the abuse in the first place, or report an offender to prevent him from further abuse.

So does McCain think that supporting high school anatomy classes is the equivalent of promoting pornography?

Moving from child sexual abuse to disabled children, The Anchorage Press this week describes a shocked Alaska Legislature after Palin's acceptance speech:

“I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.”

It sounded fantastic, and rang true coming from the mother of a child with a disability.

But the declaration was a revelation to some legislators who’ve worked with Governor Palin for the last 21 months.

“I can tell you she wasn’t a champion for disabled children as governor,” says state Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage). “I was surprised to hear her say that in her speech.”

The state of Alaska has what’s called a “Developmental Disabilities Waiting List,” a list of individuals whose needs qualify them for assistance, but that the state doesn’t have adequate funding to help. At the time of the most recent report, issued in December 2007, the list had 943 individuals on it. The report estimates that it would cost nearly $45 million to provide the services those on the waiting list need. Estimates vary, but most place the state’s budget surplus at about $5 billion.

So we're supposed to believe, Governor Palin, that the child that sprung forth from your uterus has completely changed your mind set regarding the priority of disabled children in your budget plan? Does this mean that as soon as you get the opportunity you will call an emergency session of the Legislature to make sure that $45 mil is allocated?

I'll start holding my breath now.

(Picture photoshopped and provided by Brian Little)

You are right, Matt, we can't have that...

2008-09-10T18:21:00.003-08:00

There is no such thing as too much Matt Damon...

The Alaska Mythbusters--teleconference with Gov. Tony Knowles and Ketchikan Mayor Bob Weinstein

2008-09-10T10:36:00.015-08:00

Today, the Obama Campaign launched "Alaska Mythbusters," a group of Alaskans who have followed Governor Palin’s career and will set the record straight about whether Palin has what it takes to bring the change that’s needed in Washington, DC. Former AK Governor Tony Knowles and Mayor Bob Weinstein of Ketchikan, the city of the "Bridge to Nowhere," headlined a press conference call this morning on Palin’s Alaska Record.

Gov. Knowles started by saying that as a former governor, normally he "was reluctant to critique sitting governor." However, in this situation it is not just a sitting governor, it is a candidate for VP just "one heartbeat from the Presidency."

He then went on to discuss the "serious concerns" he had about her qualifications--the fact that McCain chose her with a "serious investigation going on," —citizens said needed to be one to “clear the air.” Said Knowles, "It's more important now that the results should be known to the American people."

“Troopergate”

Gov. Knowles discussed the history leading up to the entire "Troopergate" scandal, covered as it became public (and even before it was public) on this blog.

He emphasized that two rarely-covered facts about the investigation are that 1) it was a Legislative-initiated investigation which hasn't happened before in the history of the State and 2) it is also a Republican-controlled investigation as the Judiciary Committee has a Republican majority.

Gov. Knowles also pointed out that this was a “very serious charge” which was asking the question: can a governor interfere with the results of this case and by means of a personal vendetta extract further punishment from Officer Wooten?

Gov. Knowles also discussed "character" of the people running for an important office and how he's seen Sarah Palin change from publicly stated comments and open cooperation to now being represented by a state-funded lawyer who has said none of her Administration will cooperate. Not only that, but Frank Bailey, who was put on paid leave to cooperate is also not doing so. The other outrageous aspect to this investigation is that Gov Palin filed an ethics complaint against herself to try and get the whole case referred to the personnel committee which makes it's decisions in executive session (behind closed doors) and wouldn't render an opinion for about four months. (And as Bob Weinstein pointed out later, all members are appointed by the Governor.

"Bridge(s) to Nowhere"

Bob Weinstein, the Mayor of Ketchikan, discussed the "Growing credibility gap between what Sarah Palin says and what the facts are." His specific task was to explain the truth behind the "Bridge(s) to Nowhere."

The true name for the originally-referenced bridge was the "Gravina Island Access Project" and the purpose was to provice Ketchikan with better access to Gravina Island--partially because the airport was there and the other part was because not much land for us to develop on Ketchikan and it was used up. Gravina has thousands of acres available. It was deemed a necessary project

In 2005, Congress included 450 million in 4 earmarks for the two bridge projects. In late 2005/early 2006 3 of the 4 earmarks were stripped from the budget. However, the State of Alaska received all 450 million dollars!

So, not only did the bridge earmarks get yanked BEFORE SHE WAS EVEN GOVERNOR, the State received EVERY DIME of that 450 million so SHE NEVER SAID "NO" to anything!!!!

Mayor Weinstein pointed out that during her September 2006 campaign for Governor at a stop in Ketchikan, Sarah Palin was asked if she supported the Gravina Island project. She clearly stated her support, to the point of calling the use of the phrase “bridge to nowhere” a "derogatory term" comparable to calling someone from MatSu “Valley Trash.” In a separate interview on that same day, she said that we had to "come to defense of Southeast Alaska" and not allow "spinmeisters" to determine our resource development.

In an article from October 2006, the Anchorage Daily News also confirmed her support for both bridges.

The Governor released a Sept. 2007 press release at 5:00 AM ~~East Coast time~~ Alaska Time (9:00 AM EST, so it was to make the media on the East Coast) cancelling the Gravina bridge project...there was no communication with the Congressional delegation, Ketchikan or anyone else involved. She promised to come to Ketchikan to explain but has never done that.

"Earmarks"

Mayor Weinstein also pointed out that despite Palins claim of fighting "earmarks" she actually loves them. Sarah Palin aggressively pursued earmarks while she was Mayor of Wasilla ~~and since becoming Governor~~ she used the same lobbyists Ketchikan hired to push the Bridge project. As Governor, Palin has requested 750 million in Federal earmarks.

Tony Knowles also pointed out one more interesting bit of information, that the second "Bridge to Nowhere" was the Knik Arm Bridge which would cross from Anchorage to Point MacKenzie...benefitting the Governor's precious Wasilla. That project is far from "dead" and is moving forward.

As Governor Knowles quipped..."she said “thanks” without the “no thanks”".

Bob Weinstein also pointed out that a 48 million earmark was not stripped from the Ketchikan project and the contract was awarded to construct 3.25 mile road. Even when they cancelled the Juneau access road they DID NOT cancel the Gravina road. So now, the Gravina Highway (since it has no bridge attached) really is a "road to nowhere."

The DNC plans on regular "Mythbusting" telecons and I hope they happen often. It will be interesting to see if they actually make an impact.

***UPDATE***

Per Mayor Weinstein:

Re your story

You wrote: Mayor Weinstein also pointed out that despite Palins claim of
fighting "earmarks" she actually loves them. Sarah Palin aggressively
pursued earmarks while she was Mayor of Wasilla and since becoming Governor
has used the same lobbyists Ketchikan hired to push the Bridge project. As
Governor, Palin has requested 750 million in Federal earmarks.

Being a picky person--the press release- I'm told- was sent out 5:00 AM
Alaska time, not EST, to meet the national media news cycle.

As governor Palin does not use the same DC lobbyist (Steve Silver) as
Ketchikan (borough) did for bridge. She used him when she was mayor.

Regards.

Bob

Sorry, I normally fact check what I heard based on the press release that is normally sent out right after a teleconference, but I didn't get one. (Dangers of being your own "ears" and editor.)

I thank the Mayor for his corrections and for reading the blog and I've encorporated these changes above!

There will be something for EVERYONE Saturday in Anchorage!

2008-09-09T15:30:00.002-08:00

**Cue calliope music**

"The Ex-Gays are Coming! The Ex-Gays are Coming!"

Focus on the Family's "~~Love~~ (Hate) Won Out" Conference will be at the Abbott Loop "Community" Church this Saturday, September 13th. Yes, THIS is the conference that Sarah Palin's Church has been promoting which has been broadcast all over the news.

The explanation is per Bent, Alaska:

On Saturday morning, PFLAG families, supporters and allies will come together in Anchorage, Alaska as Love Won Out brings its so-called "ex-gay" conference to our 49th state. PFLAGers will gather outside the conference to offer support for youth attending and information for parents and families.

"Families never win at Love Won Out," said Jane Schlittler, president of PFLAG's Anchorage, Alaska chapter. "The conference's organizers maliciously target often well-meaning parents who are dealing with a difficult issue in their lives, and in the process put their kids' well-being at risk. Make no mistake: There is far more 'preying' than 'praying' taking place at these meetings, and far more harming than healing in the doctrine of Love Won Out."

Programs such as Love Won Out, which is a project of the far-right American Family Association, use out-moded medical theories and radical religious beliefs to justify trying to alter gay and lesbian people's natural sexual orientation.

"Programs like Love Won Out are dangerous for kids and divisive for families," said PFLAG National executive director Jody M. Huckaby. "Every bit of evidence available suggests that children who grow up in homes that accept them – and not try to change them – are far happier and healthier than those subjected to these anti-family tactics. It is nothing short of extremist to imply that families should do anything other than love their children as they are, and nothing short of outrageous to infer that LGBT kids aren't fine just the way they are."

In response, the LGBT Community and PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will be hosting some excellent events starting on Thursday September 11th. Go to the blog for more information and to RSVP.

To be part of the Saturday event outside of the Abbott Loops Community Church, email Anchorage PFLAG President Jane Schlittler. (I'll be there with my friendliest smile!)

Big Eddie is coming to Anchorage this Saturday because "It's our turn!"

Per KUDO/Tati Broadcasting Press Release:

NEWSTALK 1080am KUDO, Alaska's Progressive Voice is pleased to announce:

America's premiere progressive talk show host, Ed Schultz, is coming to Alaska to host a town hall meeting!

Now that she has been chosen by Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain to be his running mate, Big Eddie wants to learn everything he can about Governor Sarah Palin. He also wants to learn about Alaska... from its history, to its people, to its issues.

The town hall meeting will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2008, from 7 to 10pm at The Wendy Williamson Auditorium at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

The event will be recorded and played back Monday, September 15th on all of Schultz’s national affiliates coast to coast.

If you would like tickets, the only way to get them as of right now is to go to the Ed Schultz website and order them.

I highly recommend going...we'll be there (husband and I) and it's going to be a blast!

I mentioned these ladies yesterday on the blog...while I agree with CC from KUDO 1080 that I'd rather see them named "Alaska Women for Biden," I support the idea to show that Sarah Palin is NOT a "woman-friendly" candidate. All I know about this event is on the flyer pictured above.

So, we have NO EXCUSES this weekend as there are so many "blue friendly" events taking place. Pick one or go to all of them!

I feel Twitter-pated!

2008-09-09T13:29:00.004-08:00

I've been using my social networking program "Twitter" account a lot more since the Convention...that was the only way I could get info out of Invesco Field during the last day.

The website to sign up.

You can add me at: http://twitter.com/celticdiva

It's really easy to get breaking news out to folks this way. Does anyone else use it a lot and what do you find useful about it?

Tell me your Twitter ID in the comments so I can add you!

CELTIC DIVA'S BLUE OASIS IS MOVING!!!!!!

2008-09-09T00:22:00.003-08:00

Thursday night I will transfer my feed to the new site: http://divasblueoasis.com

NOTICE FOR FEED SUBSCRIBERS: Don't forget that you will have to resubscribe when I transfer the feed as the old feed will be broken!

Sarah's boo boos, nasty revelations of how she treated rape victims while Mayor of Wasilla and lies about pork

2008-09-08T22:12:00.014-08:00

So, today, I got an email with this video attached:

Per Huffington Post:

...lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had "gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers." The companies, as McClatchy reported, "aren't taxpayer funded but operate as private companies...

...Economists and analysts pounced on the misstatement, which came before the government had spent funds baling the two entities out, saying it demonstrated a lack of understanding about one of the key economic issues likely to face the next administration.

"You would like to think that someone who is going to be vice president and conceivable president would know what Fannie and Freddie do," said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. "These are huge institutions and they are absolutely central to our country's mortgage debt. To not have a clue what they do doesn't speak well for her, I'd say."

Yeah, you'd like to know that, wouldn't ya?

Of course, you'd like to know that a candidate for Vice President would know that the Founding Fathers did NOT write the Pledge of Allegiance.

You'd like to know that a candidate for Vice President would know the difference between science and creationism.

You'd also like to know that a candidate would have a clue what the duties are of the job that they are vying for (i.e. Vice President of the United States)

Of course, that's not the nastiest (but true) thing that came out today. Americablog posted about an issue from Palin's mayoral reign in Wasilla...something I didn't know about and I lived here (I need to invest in Lexis-Nexis). From an article in the Frontiersman (which is VERY MUCH a real newspaper that frequently scoops the Anchorage Daily News).

From the Frontiersman:

Gov. Tony Knowles recently signed legislation protecting victims of sexual assault from being billed for tests to collect evidence of the crime, but one local police chief said the new law will further burden taxpayers.

The governor signed House Bill 270, sponsored by Rep. Eric Croft, D-Anchorage, outside the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exam room at Alaska Regional Hospital. In attendance at the signing were members of victims advocate groups, law enforcement agencies and legislators.

The new law makes it illegal for any law enforcement agency to bill victims or victims insurance companies for the costs of examinations that take place to collect evidence of a sexual assault or determine if a sexual assault did occur....

While the Alaska State Troopers and most municipal police agencies have covered the cost of exams, which cost between $300 to $1,200 apiece, the Wasilla police department does charge the victims of sexual assault for the tests.

Wasilla Police Chief Charlie Fannon does not agree with the new legislation, saying the law will require the city and communities to come up with more funds to cover the costs of the forensic exams.

In the past weve charged the cost of exams to the victims insurance company when possible. I just dont want to see any more burden put on the taxpayer, Fannon said.

According to Fannon, the new law will cost the Wasilla Police Department approximately $5,000 to $14,000 a year to collect evidence for sexual assault cases.

The quotes from Fannon are absolutely horrific. However, we all agree that he was just being the fall-guy for Palin.

I would say that any women's organization should spread this information far and wide to our "sistas" and see how they feel about Palin after that!

Also, here's a great rebuttle of the new McCain/Palin add when it comes to her "Bridge to Nowhere" and earmark lies--go TPM go!!!!

After over three and 1/2 years on this blog, I'm now moderating comments

2008-09-08T21:43:00.003-08:00

Sorry to the 95% of the folks who are excellent readers and posters, the other 5% pushed my patience too far.

Those old stereotypes, myths and lies keep on working for Sarah and those RepubsUPDATE women are fighting back

2008-09-08T11:37:00.014-08:00

***UPDATE***
Running L8 mentioned in the comments that there was an Alaskan group called "Alaska Women Reject Palin" and that they are having a rally on Saturday...which is a very busy day in Anchorage (I'll be posting more about that later).

Here are the links for more anti-Palin groups:

- the blog for "Women Against Sarah Palin" and the website

- The Wiki "Sarah Palin is NOT Hillary Clinton"

**********************************************8

You know, I'm really sick of seeing Sarah's dysfunctional family splashed across the screen as "cute" and "normal" so I'm going to start using more pictures of Obama's adorable kids.

And I'm also sick of folks who claim there are 1) a large group of "angry white women" out there disaffected by Hillary not being on the ticket who are 2) going for McCain/Palin purely because of gender.

Don't believe it for a minute. First off, at the Convention I saw lots of evidence of "Unity" and the only evidence of anything else was someone handing me a solitary PUMA flyer.

I went out to dinner last night with one of my best friends of about 17 years where, of course, the Palin issue came up. Our waitress came over and after the drink and food ordering was over, we started having a discussion with her. We discovered that she had lost her husband not terribly long ago and we could see the pain in her face.

It's actually good that I found that out before the rest of the conversation so that I could mentally strap myself down for what was still to come.

She asked us how we felt about Palin and then before we could really answer, she talked about being a Democrat who was probably going to vote Republican for the first time. She talked about frustration and anger over Obama not picking Clinton for VP and how she didn't like Biden (probably because he wasn't Hillary) She also stated that no matter what Obama said, he was really a Muslim and that she wasn't racist because she "liked black people."

**and the red flags started flying**

She also talked about how "honest" and "ethical" Sarah Palin was and that "she would fight for us."

Clearly she hasn't heard about "Troopergate" or Palin lying about the Ketchikan bridge.

Later on, it got a little tougher for me to keep quiet. She said that "we can't let "that black man" win."

So much for the "not a racist" argument...

I've read a number of the articles from the small number of "PUMA" supporters out there. Many of them fit into the category of this waitress...they'll swear to high heaven that race has nothing to do with it but all McCain had to do was add a white uterus...any white uterus...to his ticket and they have an excuse to vote for the Republicans. In doing so, they are voting against every single ideal that Hillary Clinton stands for, but voting against a black man...errrr...I mean "for a woman" seems to take priority over that.

Folks need to stop giving these lost causes any attention.

Comments from Judy Salo, Former State Senator, (D) for Kenai and South Anchorage

2008-09-07T12:47:00.007-08:00

I received this forwarded email today:

I just received a copy of the full text of the Kilkenny letter that was referenced in the Anchorage Daily News article today. It is very thorough and puts words to some of the discomfort I feel about Governor Palin's meteoric rise to power. I don't know Ann Kilkenny, but I do know that her recount of events rings true by virtue of other things I have heard here in Alaska political circles.

I would like to see Governor Palin put in a full four years as Alaska's Governor to see if she can sustain progress (and popularity) over time. She has never held any job for that length of time (being Mayor of a small town and hiring a city administrator to do the work doesn't count). There are some red flags about her leadership and serious questions about her experience -- she will paint a pretty picture but should be questioned thoroughly on her rendition of the truth. I applaud the effort of Ann Kilkenny in raising some of those questions.

Sincerely,

Judy Salo (Former State Senator, D for Kenai and South Anchorage)

I got hold of her to ask if I could print this on the blog and she graciously gave me permission but was concerned that we stick to Anne Kilkenny's wishes, clearly unaware that ship had long-since-sailed when Kilkenny's email went viral all over the internet, even possibly used by some to appear as experts on Wasilla.

When we discussed the "fear" part of the equation, she stated that she "had nothing to lose" which is why she spoke up.

I guess Sarah doesn't include that negative part of her "small town experience" in her narrative; she knows how to hurt other small-town people to get what she wants.

Credible vs. non-credible vs. unverifiable

2008-09-06T23:09:00.003-08:00

********UPDATE********

In case I wasn't clear...

I think Steve's blog is excellent, he's a wonderful writer, he has absolutely impeccable journalistic credibility...moreso than most of the rest of us. I posted this to contrast his impeccable journalism with the crap that I discussed in the previous post.

There, I hope there is no confusion!

***********************

Steve Aufrecht of What Do I Know posted this article on Track Palin.

I've heard this information (at least the bus vandalism story) from multiple private citizen sources and multiple media sources over time (i.e. before Palin was VP nominee). I also know that Steve has some truly excellent credible sources in fields that would be in-the-know on this issue. His post is completely appropriate as a result.

Note: Most of the bloggers I know in Alaska...I'd trust their anonymous sources more than I'd trust others whose sources go public.

So while this information (due to the sealed records of the minors) is unverifiable unless someone's parent or sibling comes forward, I still find this credible.

Someone's friend's housekeeper/waitress who happens to overhear a conversation at a table where someone allegedly says something that NO ONE ELSE has ever heard her say? Also not verifiable but this time, not credible.

"The Progressive Curmudgeon" may have journalistic history, but I think he's making a mistake on this one. UPDATED

2008-09-06T18:11:00.013-08:00

****UPDATE**** Mr. James has only now added in my comment on his blog.

*****************

On a previous post, I had a reader named Franco leave a comment for me regarding an article on the blog "The Progressive Curmudgeon." One of the articles accuses Sarah Palin of saying some very serious racial epithets. (I'm not going to cut-and-paste anything from the article or link to it because of the accusations it makes, you guys can find it and read it yourself.) Franco asked me what I thought about it.

My first response to Franco in the comments:

If you are talking about the "racist epithets" article, I don't know. I've never heard anyone make that claim and I've lived here 25 years and have lots of Valley friends. Also, her husband is part Yupik...enough to be a member of the Native Corporation. That's no proof, of course, as people can justify anything in their heads. However, it would make the use of those epithets rather ironic.

I'm seriously considering asking my brother-in-law. He's one of the leaders of Alaska Right-to-Life, was an ardent worker on her campaign, writing on some of her speeches and dragged all of his kids out to carry signs for her during the election. I would hope he wouldn't want to so strongly support someone who is racist.

So I went to the "Curmudgeon" and read everything. I even posted. The results ended up in the second comment:

Franco:

I wrote a comment on that article. I said that I was a Dem and if I could prove something like that was true, I'd post it in a heartbeat. However, in the 25 years I've lived in Alaska, of all the folks I know in Wasilla and the rest of the Valley who know Sarah Palin and including my bro-in-law, leader in Alaska Right-to-Life and worker on her campaign, I've NEVER heard ANYTHING about Sarah expressing racism in any form.

I also mentioned that his article was quite misleading regarding Alaska politics. I told him that many of the old guard, hard-core Republicans hate her. Some because she exposed Randy Ruedrich's inappropriate use of State resources (which she should have) but also many die-hard Conservatives because she's not a real conservative. She espouses conservative stances on social issues, yet while in either office never did anything to further them. She espouses conservative fiscal values but has run up the debt and increased spending both times in office. So his insinuation that she is "in" with the Repugs is wrong, which makes his article somewhat suspect to me.

Interestingly enough, he didn't print it. I did not write the comment anonymously unlike the others who criticized him so anyone reading it would be able to find their way to me and my blog. Also, all other disparaging comments printed (other than being anonymous) were also written by McCain/Palin lovers. I guess he knew their questions would be viewed as less-credible.

Additionally, he seems to have taken a lot of what he's saying straight from Anne Kilkenny's wonderful email-turned-call-to-action which has gone viral all over the internet. Anyone can use that sucker and sound like they know what they are talking about for awhile...until they try ad-libbing.

Do I understand anonymous sources? Obviously...all folks have to do is read the blog the last week and a half to know that. Is there a Lucille? Maybe...although I've NEVER heard anyone use the term "Aboriginal" up here to describe someone of Alaska Native descent. Even if there is a "Lucille," we don't know for sure that she is telling the truth.

Other things I find suspect:

In the 25 years I've lived in Alaska, I've worked in Prudhoe Bay, have spent time in Fairbanks, Kodiak, Juneau, Barrow and all over the Kenai Peninsula. I've worked in Construction for most of my career which is the reason for my...errrr...salty language. I have never heard the terms: "Aboriginal" (I explained that before), "Arctic Arab" or "Sambo" in reference to Alaska Natives or black folks. As I've heard a number of epithets in my time, especially those directed towards me since my daughter is black, I'd probably have heard that one before.

(Regarding "Sambo"--that's wayyyyy out of Sarah's and my generation -we're roughly the same age.)

Now, here's a disclaimer: his articles could all be true. His anonymous source could be real. His information could be attained from people who know what they are talking about.

However...while I went forward with the comment from McHugh Pierre about the McCain people coming to Alaska without naming my extremely-credible-source, that was with information that was not-at-all damaging to anyone on a personal level. (It annoyed McHugh, but who didn't enjoy that?) This information is not something I would ever take public without verification...it is very personally damaging to Governor Palin and I'd better be ready to back it up.

So, like I said, this could all be true and maybe someone will come forward who has experience with other examples of this behavior. However, for many of the reasons I previously stated I wouldn't be surprised if we never hear a peep.

Since I wrote this comment I've made contact with some other Valley friends. Realize, some of these folks have had close connections to either Sarah or her kids for many years. (Yes, he got that part right, they are scared...I wrote about that HERE and for Firedoglake.) The information I get from them is that NO ONE has EVER heard Sarah use racial epithets or anything like that. As much as they might like to see Sarah lose her VP nomination, they (like me) won't support lies which tarnish the whole Progressive movement.

I also have another reason for writing this: I refuse to have my credibility damaged by someone making claims that may be geared solely to "grab the limelight." Yes, Alaska is hot right now and it's amazing how many new blogs have sprung up both within and outside of Alaska. Suddenly, all kinds of folks are "Alaska experts" or "have a good friend with information." I welcome them...whatever it takes to get more folks in the blogosphere, I'm all for it.

However, I won't tolerate folks who don't know what they are talking about smearing the rest of us with bad journalism...and bad journalism can happen from folks who once had good reputations. I would rather waste valuable writing time posting this on the blog to distance myself from the "Curmudgeon" than be thrown into the same category next time I post legitimate information on all-things-Palin from a credible anonymous source.

(Photograph courtesy of "The Progressive Curmudgeon.")

THIS IS A VICE PRESIDENT!!!!!

2008-09-06T12:39:00.008-08:00

Please notice how, when someone yells "Give 'em hell Joe," Sen. Biden goes completely off script and brings up his grandfather's recounting of Harry Truman's response when folks used to say "Give 'em hell Harry."

"I'm not going to give 'em hell, I'm going to give them the truth and they'll think it's hell!."

Let's see what happens when Sarah tries to pull something that good out of her ass.

He's going to kill her in the debates. Folks just need to find a way to get her off script.

Oh, and for the absolute final word on Sarah's speech and that night at the Convention, I finally caught up with my "Daily Show" videos:

He nailed it!

Community Organizers = Sarah Palin!

2008-09-05T16:23:00.006-08:00

This YouTube video was sent to me after Sarah Palin's speech in a giant wash of email that night and the next morning. I had forgotten about it, but was reminded that I had it today when on MSNBC, I heard Palin repeat those same anti-community organizer soundbites as part of a traveling stump-speech with John McCain.

I have no doubt that we'll be hearing that same speech over and over for 60 days. God knows they wouldn't dare let Sarah actually write anything herself.

The amusing piece of all of this is that before she was mayor, Sarah Palin was a "community organizer" herself. Of course, it was all wrapped up in her short-lived time on the PTA. I wonder if when she couldn't get her way as a member of that organization, she decided to run for Mayor of Wasilla?

Anyway, according to Wasilla residents, part of Sarah's goal at that time was to get the School Board to accept teaching Creationism in the schools. She was also rumored to be supporting "stealth candidates" for the school board...those folks who were evangelicals and wanted their religion to have more influence in the education process.

So, as you can see, Sarah Palin was a "community organizer" by her own definition...just not one that the majority of Americans would support.

On the topic of "community organizers," Writing Raven has assembled her own list, including the Alaska Native activists who have changed this state for the better.

Random Republican Ridiculousness--Friday, Sep 5th--60 days 'til the election

2008-09-05T09:19:00.006-08:00

--McCain's "green screen" had been previously so unflattering viewers were confused why it was being used again, until they saw the full picture. Then they were confused as to what building it was. It turns out to be Walter Reed.................Middle School in North Hollywood, California. The Campaign isn't talking, but did their "Google-meister" commit a fatal fumble because he meant for it to be Walter Reed Medical Center?--Daily Kos with more on TPM.

--It seems that Sarah Palin will be holed up here in Alaska and not doing unscripted interviews per Firedoglake. CREW, in a report released yesterday on how the Governor has been proclaiming to be cooperating has been (not-so-secretly) undermining it all along, doesn't believe she'll cooperate in giving a deposition (which is supported by Van Flein's announcement the other day that she'll be "too busy" to testify):

Palin's attorney, Thomas Van Flein, is unlikely to agree to depositions, forcing the Alaska legislature to issue subpoenas for Palin and other present and past Alaska state employees. At that time, Van Flein will either move to quash the subpoenas, likely claiming the legislature has no jurisdiction to authorize the inquiry and that subpoenas for records violate the Alaska Constitution’s right to privacy or, those subpoenaed will refuse to appear, forcing the state legislature to seek judicial enforcement of the subpoenas. The delay will push the conclusion of the investigation past November 4, 2008.

Someone please explain to me how "holing up in Alaska" makes her "too busy" to testify in a deposition...in Alaska?

--While the front page of the Anchorage Daily News has been full of "Golly Jeepers!" pictures and stories of Sarah Palin, one tiny bit of news seemed to escape their notice. Not so of NBC, CNN, Yours Truly and AndrewHalcro.com, none of whom thought that PSEA, the trooper's union, filing an ethics complaint against the Governor wasn't worth their attention.

ADN, what is wrong with you?

Trooper Union files a complaint against Palin Wednesday

2008-09-04T16:12:00.009-08:00

Union Director John Cyr

Per NBC (hat tip to Daily Kos diaries):

The GOP candidate for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, may be facing yet another ethics investigation back in her home state of Alaska. An ethics complaint obtained by NBC News was filed Wednesday by the police officers union in Alaska, requesting a probe into possible wrongdoing by the governor or her office. It was brought on behalf of state trooper Mike Wooten, an ex-brother-in-law of Palin who is at the center of the "Troopergate" scandal.

The complaint alleges that the governor or her staff may have have improperly disclosed information from Wooten's personnel records. The complaint alleges "criminal penalties may apply."

John Cyr, director of the union that filed the complaint, told NBC News, "It seems obvious to us somebody has improperly accessed [Wooten's] personnel file."

HERE is the complaint.

Now let's watch the McCain/Palin tapdance:

The McCain/Palin campaign Thursday launched a spirited defense when contacted by NBC News. They say the personnel files were not protected; a campaign source says Wooten himself had previously signed a waiver allowing a divorce lawyer to obtain his personnel records. The campaign then sent a copy of that waiver to NBC News, which reads "I hereby waive any privilege I may have to said information to said attorneys."

Because of my health issues, I've filled out a ton of freakin' "waivers" in Alaska for personnel (and personal) records. Any legal waiver specifically lists the person or persons they apply to and NO ONE ELSE can use such a waiver to access or use private information if they are not listed.

Sooooo...the divorce attorney cannot allow someone else not listed to access the information on his/her waiver. If they do, they can also be prosecuted.

Oooops...

The issue concerns disclosures about Wooten's records made by a Palin aide - Frank Bailey - in a February 2008 phone conversation. The police officers' union complaint claims the transcript of that conversation clearly indicates there was improper access to Wooten's records.

The McCain/Palin campaign, in a response to NBC News, provided a family twist to the story, saying the governor's husband - Todd Palin - was the source of that information to Bailey. They say the information came from divorce proceedings, and that Gov. Palin never improperly accessed any records.

As is typical of "pageant pit bull" Palin, she just threw a) the divorce attorney and b) her husband under the bus.

Ooops...

Taylor Griffiths, a spokesman for McCain, said "When you're a real reformer like Sarah Palin, who isn't afraid to take on entrenched political interests, scurrilous attacks and empty allegations come with the territory."

What's scary is she's got to be loving how much easier it is to lie and strike-out at your "enemies" when you have an entire presidential campaign to do it for you.

Hope she doesn't get used to it.

Alaskan loyalty...and fear of retribution: Why Palin stories didn't break before the nomination -- my Firedoglake post

2008-09-04T10:15:00.009-08:00

Here's my post up at Firedoglake:

It was clear that Editor and Publisher was peeved at the Alaska media for sitting on a story for weeks, even months...the pregnancy of Bristol Palin. I can understand why a reporter from a large media outlet in a populous city would be baffled by all of the secrecy. Understand that NO ONE was saying ANYTHING on the record and the blogs (and the Anchorage Daily News) had to make due with emails and on-line comments. Also understand that there is a reason no one was saying anything and one must appreciate living in Alaska to get the full picture.

I like to explain the State of Alaska as a small town (600,000 +) broken up by great distances into many VERY small towns. Alaskans will snicker if someone from the "lower-48" assumes we know their second cousin thrice removed on their mother's side just because he happens to live up here. However, we're also quite accustomed to running into our politicians and other "celebrities" in line at the grocery store, coming out of a movie theater, dip-netting for salmon on the Kenai River, etc... Folks from other parts of the country don't understand our nonchalant familiarity as was evident by the chuckle I had with progressive radio talk-show host, Cary Carrigan, when I was reporting on his show from the Democratic Convention. He recounted a phone call that he received from an Obama campaign worker (probably an intern) who was "excited" to tell Cary that he could "get him some media time" with former two-term Democratic Governor, Tony Knowles. I later was able to laugh about it with Governor Knowles, who was at my breakfast table.

So on one hand, Alaskans feel a connection to their politicians because those politicians are more available to their constituents. This breeds loyalty. The next reason for silence and secrecy, however, is not filled with "lollipops and rainbows." As a matter-of-fact, it has people fearing for their jobs and believe it or not, their lives.

Friday, July 11th, the highly-respected Walt Monegan was fired as the Commissioner of Public Safety for undisclosed reasons by a Palin underling, not by the Governor herself. Many of us who had been at least guarded supporters of Palin on some issues were perplexed and outraged. Walt Monegan seemed to be working towards actual solutions to serious problems with more than just a band aid. Plus, there were indications from the very first press event that the new appointee, Chuck Kopp, could end up being a disaster. (He was...he lasted 10 days.) It was around that time that many of us were starting to write highly critical articles of the Governor that her spokesperson, Sharon Leighow, started "selectively" handing out press releases. One day, while a number of us were waiting by our email accounts for the Governor's statement regarding Chuck Kopp, I got a phone call from a friend at progressive radio, declaring "Dan Fagan (conservative talk-show host) is reading the statement on the air NOW!"

The Governor's spokesperson, Sharon Leighow, was Dan Fagan's radio partner on his talk show before she worked for Palin.

So, as you can see, Sarah Palin and her spokesperson do the George W. Bush (and now John McCain) practice of punishing those they don't like and rewarding those they do. As a result, Alaska MSM...a business that depends on getting timely information...has been putty in her hands.

The media manipulation is just a small demonstration of how she does business in Alaska. The Monegan firing and then ensuing information regarding the attempt to get her ex-brother-in-law fired is only the most recent example of what she does when she perceives that someone has "crossed her." She also has a history of exactly the same behavior.

When she was Mayor of Wasilla, she fired the police chief, Irl Stambaugh saying that he "intimidated her." Palin also wanted to ban some books from the library and when library director Mary Ellen Emmons fought her on it, she fired her as well. Her explanation:

“I do not feel I have your full support in my efforts to govern the city of Wasilla. Therefore I intend to terminate your employment …” (The Anchorage Daily News, via nexis)
Ultimately, Palin let the library director have her job back; though Stambaugh’s position was not returned. The police chief took the matter to court, where a judge sided with Palin, saying city law allows the mayor to fire the police chief without cause.

When questioned by the Anchorage Daily News at the time, Palin refused to give details on how Stambaugh had not supported her, saying only: ”You know in your heart when someone is supportive of you.”
According to the nationally-touted comments (read on the Randi Rhodes Show today) in the Washington Independent article from Wasilla resident, Anne Kilkenny:

She [Palin] has bitten the hand of every person who extended theirs to her in help. The City Council person who personally escorted her around town introducing her to voters when she first ran for Wasilla City Council became one of her first targets when she was later elected Mayor. She abruptly fired her loyal City Administrator; even people who didn’t like the guy were stunned by this ruthlessness.

Fear of retribution has kept all of these people from saying anything publicly about her.
The fear has escalated now that Palin is in line to potentially hold the second-highest position in the country.

A blogger told me that he needs to back off the more sensitive Palin information because he's afraid of getting shot by some of the more fanatical, hard-core "Palin-bots." I've been told that when media representatives attempted to speak to several members of Palin's former church, one member wouldn't speak out of fear of his/her life and the other declined out of fear of potential treatment by law enforcement who are also members of the church.

Wow. Can you imagine Sarah Palin with full access to all Departments of the Federal Government? Perhaps G.W. Bush wasn't the worst we could do after all.

There may be some Alaskans who are incensed by the deluge of national media into our state, especially Wasilla. However, I am grateful for their help and I offer my assistance to anyone who needs it. After all, what we are all looking for is change and unless for you that means a power-mad, inexperienced, vindictive former Alaska Governor one step away from the Presidency (and the button), we can use all of the research help we can get.

Factchecking Sarah Palin's speech

2008-09-04T09:00:00.007-08:00

A big chunk of Sarah's speech was bull last night. Let's share with you the facts that those of us in Alaska know so well.

-CLAIM-

PALIN: "Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all."

-FACT-

REALITY: PALIN SAID SHE WOULD BEG TO DISAGREE WITH ANY CANDIDATE WHO SAID WE CAN'T DRILL OUR WAY OUT OF OUR PROBLEM

Palin Said She Would Beg to Disagree With Candidate Who Said We Can't Drill Our Way Out of Our Problem. Asked by Invester's Business Daily "Some politicians and presidential candidates say we can't drill our way out of our energy problem and that drilling in ANWR will have no effect. What's your best guess of the impact on prices?" Palin responded, "I beg to disagree with any candidate who would say we can't drill our way out of our problem or that more supply won't ultimately affect prices. Of course it will affect prices. Energy being a global market, it's impossible to venture a guess on (specific) prices." [Investor's Business Daily, 7/11/08]

-CLAIM-

PALIN: "Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works."

-FACT-

REALITY: PALIN OPPOSED CRUCIAL EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND SENIORS FUNDING

EDUCATION/CHILDREN

Total: 396,000.

Anchorage – Fire Lake Elementary School Replacement of Unsafe Sports Equipment. Palin vetoed $10,000. [FY08 Budget]

Tanana City School District – Repair School Bus. Palin vetoed $36,000. [FY08 Budget]

American Lung Association of Alaska – Asthma Control Program and Champ Camp. Palin voted $350,000. [FY08 Budget]

HOSPITALS/HEALTH CARE

Total: $4,527,500.

Ketchikan General Hospital Surgical Suite Expansion/Relocation. Palin vetoed $4,400,000. [FY09 Budget]

Ketchikan General Hospital – Replacement of Outdated Equipment. Palin vetoed $70,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Sitka – Community Hospital – Medical Equipment. Palin vetoed $31,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Kenai Peninsula Borough – Diagnostic Hospital Equipment. Palin vetoed $26,500. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

SENIORS

Total: $600,000.

Ketchikan Senior Citizens, Inc. – Access Road for Pioneer Heights. Palin vetoed $300,000. [FY08 Budget]

AARP Ketchikan – Access Road for Ketchikan Senior Housing Project. Palin vetoed $100,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Catholic Community Services – Angoon Senior Center Stove, Refrigerator and Freezer. Palin vetoed $20,000 twice. [FY08 Budget, 2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. – Delivery Van and Moveable Building. Palin vetoed $20,000. [FY09 Budget]

Older Persons Action Group – Senior Voice Equipment Upgrade. Palin vetoed $20,000. [FY09 Budget]

Statewide Independent Living Centers – Assistive Technology for Alaska's Centers for Independent Living. Palin vetoed $125,000. [FY09 Budget]

Kodiak Senior Center – Facilities repair and Equipment. Palin vetoed $15,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

(Thanks to Laurin Manning for sending this to me.)

OK, Fox News...let's see you be "fair and balanced" on THIS one--Sarah Palin sits through anti-Jewish sermon

2008-09-04T00:07:00.000-08:00

You don't even need to go to You Tube to get it...Wasilla Bible Church very kindly has the audio and transcript on their website--August 17th.

David Brickner of Jews for Jesus:

But what we see in Israel, the conflict that is spilled out throughout the Middle East, really which is all about Jerusalem, is an ongoing reflection of the fact that there is judgment. There is judgment that is going on in the land, and that’s the other part of this Jerusalem Dilemma. When Jesus was standing in that temple, He spoke that that judgment was coming, that there’s a reality to the judgment of unbelief. He said “I long to gather you, but...” what? “You were unwilling.” God never forces His way on human beings. And so because Jerusalem was unwilling to receive His grace, judgment was coming...

...When Isaac was in Jerusalem he was there to witness some of that judgment, some of that conflict, when a Palestinian from East Jerusalem took a bulldozer and went plowing through a score of cars, killing numbers of people. Judgment—you can’t miss it.

Ben Smith has an excellent analysis of what Sarah Palin's addition to the ticket means to the Jewish voters in this election.

Sarah is speaking...in words she never uses

2008-09-03T18:33:00.017-08:00

(I don't hear one "cool")

6:33 PM -- Oh God...they are honoring Track Palin for going to Iraq. Anyone read Shannyn Moore's piece? I wonder if he deserved it?

6:38 PM -- "Too-Odd"--touting that Union affiliation again--so, what has Sarah done for Unions exactly?

6:41 PM -- Hockey mom and PTA--things she did for about 5 minutes each.

6:43 PM -- Hmmm, talking about working people -- "John McCain is the same man" -- who still doesn't know how many houses he has and hasn't held a real job. And Sarah is going to Washington to "serve the people of this great country"...until they piss her off. Then she'll have them all fired and say that "they serve at her pleasure."

6:46 PM -- Expected to govern with integrity..."I will carry myself in this spirit as Vice President of the United States." Stood up to the good old boys. "We put the government of our state back on the side of the people." Uh...that was the FBI... "That luxury jet was over the top...I put it on Ebay" and took a loss. "I love to drive myself to work." Without using child restraints.

"Our state budget is under control...we have a surplus." OMG...she's taking credit for oil prices?????

OMG--she's touting the oil money we're getting.

OK, getting ill now...yeah, she's "helping to lead America to energy independence"...by sending the work to Canada.

OMG--"Take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska, we've got lots of both." (Oil and Gas) Says Obama wants to "do nothing"--Jesus, so alternative energy is nothing?

6:54 PM Sarah Palin just lifted a bunch of Barack Obama's energy policy and claimed it as their own.

Wow, I don't think I've heard so many lies told at one time. They roll so easily off her tongue.

6:58 PM Obama will increase the tax burden on folks making $150,000 because of Bush's serious economic f*ck up. Lies, lies, lies...saying that he's adding tax burden to farmers

OK...I've had enough. Read Jane's liveblogging at Firedoglake

P.S. MSNBC reported that on the teleprompter, Sarah had a number of the bigger words spelled out phonetically.

So, where did she get that degree again?

Sarah's address to and Todd's membership in Alaska Independence Party--a party that has an interesting history

2008-09-03T08:51:00.011-08:00

This is Sarah addressing the Alaska Independence Party convention this past year.

Also, Todd was a member of AIP most of the time from 1995 to 2002 when he then registered as "undeclared.":

...the director of Division of Elections in Alaska, Gail Fenumiai, told TPMmuckraker that Todd Palin registered in October 1995 to the Alaska Independence Party, a radical group that advocates for Alaskan secession from the United States.

Besides a short period of a few months in 2000 when he changed his registration to undeclared, Todd Palin remained a registered member of AIP until July 2002 when he registered again as an undeclared voter.

The AIP has an interesting history. Back in 1990, Alaska State Senator Arliss Sturgelewski won the Republican candidacy for Governor when the Republicans still had an open primary. Mayor of Anchorage at the time, Tony Knowles, won the Democratic Primary. Both of them were similarly aligned on social issues. (Arliss was one of the last openly Pro-Choice Republicans in Alaska)

Joe Vogler, founder and chairman of the Alaska Independence Party, saw an opportunity. He offered former Governor Wally Hickel and the Republican Lt. Governor choice Jack Coghill the chance to run on the AIP ticket against Knowles and Sturgelewski. Coghill jumped ship from the Repubs, he and Hickel jumped on board where they sailed to victory in the election. Hickel never endorsed secession and he rejoined the Republican Party in 1994 as soon as his term in office was over.

In other words, AIP was a means to an end. They have a very conservative, influential membership which cannot be ignored.

Speaking of a means-to-an-end, Healing a Nation has a very interesting video and post of current AIP Vice Chairman, Dexter Clark:

Clark’s following statement is found at 8:26.

Clark talks about *masquerading inside political parties in order to win elections: “I think Ron Paul has kind of proven that …and he’s a dyed in the wool Libertarian. I mean he came to Alaska and spoke as a Libertarian and he put the Republican label on to get elected. That’s all there is to it. And anyone in your organization should be using that same practice….you should infiltrate, I know that the Christian Exodus is in favor of it, The Free State Movement is in favor of it. I don’t know if they even care which party it is. Whichever party you seem in that area you can get something done…get into that poilitical party even though, it does have its problems right now… that is one of the only avenues and when you get a few people on a city council or county board you can have some effect………………… I kind of digressed there a little bit….”
Imagine Republican/media response if Barack Obama was a former member of a group inciting Party infiltration by way of *masquerade, in addition to state secession. Just imagine the frenzy.

While I don't believe AIP affiliation alone will determine her success as a candidate, I do believe that combined with other affiliations, such as a wingnut right-wing church and their subsequent activities, her attempts to ban books in Wasilla and the firing of the librarian who would not comply, and other disturbing events now surfacing in the media may cause people to wonder about her real agenda.

It seems that she's aligned closer with George W. Bush's ideology than McCain.

Soulmate? gag

2008-09-02T10:41:00.006-08:00

Can someone please remind John McCain that his "soul" does not reside (nor does it make decisions from) below the waist? (Watch him "check out" Sarah below)

Andrea and Stephanopolis knows what we know

2008-09-01T14:19:00.004-08:00

From Talking Points Memo:

According to Stephanopolis:
“They are sending a rapid response team of about 10 people that includes lawyers up to Alaska right now. They know there’s going to be an army of investigative reporters going up there, and they want to be ahead of it.”

“Some senior Republicans operatives outside the campaign say there’s no way they could have had a complete vetting with this kind of information coming out. Democrats say… the McCain campaign didn’t even go through Gov. Palin’s local newspapers.”

McHugh Pierre tells retired U.S. Army Officer that McCain Campaign is on its way to Alaska

2008-09-01T09:36:00.015-08:00

Barbara Bachmeier walked into the Republican Party offices Friday looking for someone else but she found McHugh Pierre. He's on leave from the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and hand-picked by Sarah Palin to act as the Alaska Republican Party spokesperson in place of Republican Chair, Randy Reudrich.

Bachmeier walked in just as Pierre hung up the phone. She described his look as "the cat that just swallowed the canary."

Pierre: "I just got off the phone with the McCain people. They are coming in tomorrow to do their investigations."

Bachmeier (incredulously): Now???!!! This is going to be like an episode of the "Beverly Hillbillies!"

Pierre: (nods and smiles)

Bachmeier: "Do you really think she's going to win?"

Pierre: "No, but she's really going to do a lot for Alaska."

Bachmeier goes to the Republican Party office as often as she visits the Alaska Democrats. She also attended the conventions of both parties. She is a registered "non-partisan" and maintains her neutrality in all-things-political because of her roll as an advocate for woman veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the debilitating Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is the result in most cases. As an MST survivor herself, her avocation is helping others like her by starting the 501-C3 "Women Serving Women Veterans" and the "Alaska Military Veterans PAC"--the only Federally recognized veterans Political Action Ccommittee in Alaska.

As a matter of fact, Barbara inadvertantly shared her conversation with Pierre while we were discussing the progress of both organizations and the work we would do together when I got home (I was still in Denver). My personal mission is to work with veterans...especially disabled vets. I am already dedicated to one non-profit, Veteran's Aviation Outreach, and I am also going to do some work with Barbara.

It was clear when she recounted the story of her day at Republican headquarters that she didn't expect my reaction.

"Oh my GOD...YOU ARE KIDDING ME!!!!"

In my writing, I had been very careful to leave Barbara's name out of it because a) she didn't have any political agenda when she told me this information, we were just talking about veterans' issues and b) I didn't want there to be any kind of retaliation against her.

However, McHugh Pierre's insistance upon lying in the comments of the blog posts got her back up. His second comment especially irritated her:

I figured I would share the truth with you. Obviously you don't care about the truth so soldier on rumor monger!

She found it interesting that he used the term "soldier on."

"If you don't stand for something, you stand for nothing. I am a soldier and I stand for the truth," Bachmeier stated as we talked in my cramped little office. "I can't stand it when anyone is being disingenuous and I know about it."

However, she wants it known that she's not anybody's "mouthpiece."

"I have no loyalty to either party. My loyalties are with the active-duty soldiers and the veterans. Many of Alaska's veterans are in dire straits and I need everybody's help to bring about change. I just call them as I see them"

It's Official! Palin announces Bristol's Pregnancy!!

2008-09-01T09:03:00.002-08:00

Per CBS:

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has announced that her 17-year-old daughter is five months pregnan.

Ohhh...gee...color me surprised...

The announcement is “intended to knock down rumors by liberal bloggers that Palin faked her own pregnancy to cover up for her child,” says the Reuters news service, which carried the first report.

Nooooooo...that's not why...those stories made "liberal blogs" sound crazy. It's because a number of us were trying to straighten out those blogs and tell them what the abundance of credible rumors ACTUALLY said...that Bristol was pregnant now.

And it probably didn't help that the intrepid Kim...member of Team Blue Oasis, found Meghan McCain's blog...who had a number of realllllly inconveniently angled pictures of Bristol backstage in Dayton, Ohio. (It has since been taken down but not before I got them on my blog.)

In a statement, the Palin family says that Bristol Palin is “about five months pregnant” and that she intends to marry the father. “We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us," the Palins said in the statement. "Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.”

I'm glad this is out now and that everyone can now leave Bristol alone. Seriously, I posted on it to dispell the rumor about Trig, but had no intention of talking about it again and I truly hope that her impending marriage will only be happy.

But THIS is the part that made me laugh out loud:

According to the Reuters report, John McCain’s campaign was aware of the pregnancy when the Arizona senator selected Palin to be his running mate last week.

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure he was...because a VP with a daughter pregnant out of wedlock is a shoe-in to bring in those evangelicals!

I think Palin has just had "strike one!"

Home sweet home!!!!! Yup, I just got back to Alaska and the news is fast and furious!

2008-08-31T22:31:00.003-08:00

Morrigan and I are both so happy to be home, it's not funny. We had an absolute blast in all of the hectic craziness, Kim and Erick were the most wonderful host and hostess (with the mostest) and we truly loved meeting so many fabulous people from all over the country.

However, we were ready to come home and I desperately missed my husband!

I'm pleased to say that there are many new and exciting developments happening on the blog in the coming week!

- It seems that Ed Schultz has decided to come to Alaska in two weeks and do a National Town Meeting on the Palin selection! KUDO is in the thick of the organization process with "Team Fargo" and more information will be forthcoming as the week progresses.

- Many have wanted verification from the "source" on my story regarding McHugh Pierre's revealation that the McCain team was coming to ask questions about the "Trooper-gate" issue...vetting after the fact!!!!! Well, McHugh can thank himself for trying to lie about it...the source became so incensed over his comments on the blog that the source will be coming over for dinner and an interview. The identity will be revealed on a post...with pictures...tomorrow!

- Of course, I also have tons of pictures, stories and material from Denver that I haven't had time to edit or print yet. Those will be appearing periodically this week (probably for the next several weeks)!

Thanks for reading!

Alaska Blogs dispelling Sarah Palin myths part 2--Bristol Palin

2008-08-31T21:45:00.018-08:00

There is quite the way-beyond-a-buzz happening on the internet over allegations that Trig Palin is not Todd and Sarah's child, but belongs to Bristol Palin and an unknown father.

That's not how I've been hearing it for the last few months at all. As a matter-of-fact, I've been hearing that Trig is very much Todd and Sarah's child while Bristol Palin is actually pregnant now.

More than one Alaska blogger has received tips, emails, comments, etc...alleging that Bristol Palin has been pregnant since last spring, when she was moved out of the Valley to Anchorage to continue high school (allegedly away from the father of her unborn child). A commenter at Alaska Mudflats called Sue Williams who claims to be a neighbor of the Palins gives this story:

During this period is when Bristol, Sarah’s sixteen year old daughter, turns up pregnant. So, it’s kind of interesting to note that the Republican Vice Presidential Nominee and her sixteen year old junior in high school unwed daughter were carrying babies at the same time. Once Bristol’s condition became more obvious this summer, she was whisked out of sight and hasn’t been seen in public until yesterday in Ohio. This is why Trig’s blanket was strung across her entire abdomen and torso, but, when she walked down the stairs from the stage, in a profile shot, it was very clear to see she is well into her third trimester of her pregnancy.

It has come out in the past couple of days that she and her high school boyfriend had a quickie wedding and that she is home schooling her senior year.

The Anchorage Daily News has known about this for months - and haven’t touched the story. But I can’t imagine the national press or the Democratic Party will be as willing to turn a blind eye.

I can attest that versious of this story have been around for months, at least in the Alaska blog world, and no one has been willing to come forward with it due to lack of folks "in the know" willing to discuss it on the record one way or the other.

However, John McCain's daughter Meghan may have inadvertantly "kicked it up a notch."

In a post on her blog "McCain Blogette.com", Meghan posts a gazillion photos of all of them at the introduction of Sarah Palin as the VP choice in Dayton, Ohio. These two pictures were part of the bunch:

In both pictures Bristol looks like she may be quite pregnant. On the picture below, I noticed how extremely conspicuous the blanket looked covering practically down to her thighs when the baby was on her shoulder.

While I commend bloggers and other media who are doggedly pursuing an issue, I believe they are currently working on the wrong issue. Considering how many ethics and legal questions are swirling around the Palin's, questions about a pregnant daughter seem a little silly.

***UPDATE***

a) I'm posting this because I've received many emails on the topic. This is my answer.

b) Other than the "hypocrite" value, I really don't think that Bristol Palin being pregnant at the moment is a primary issue with Sarah Palin's VP candidate selection...there is too much that is potentially illegal and unethical going on to focus on this.

c) I don't believe that the "Trig is her grandson" story is true and I think it could end up decimating the credibility of those folks who continue to push it.

d) This will be the one and only post on this subject.

Alaska Blogs are dispelling the Sarah Palin "myths" running rampant across the MSM and the blogosphere

2008-08-31T05:16:00.006-08:00

I've seen an amazing amount of misinformation making it's way across both the MSM and the blogosphere since Friday's announcement of the Palin pick for McCain's VP running mate. Luckily, Alaska blogs are on the case.

1) When I heard Rachel Maddow, after an excellent analysis of the VP pick, display some confusion on the facts regarding the Mike Wooten issue I posted an open letter in an attempt at providing clarity.

2) There have been conflicting "rumors" of Sarah's "gay-friendliness" all over the web. Bent Alaska is on the case:

The national LGBT media recognizes her opposition to equality and civil rights - except the Log Cabin Republicans (gay republicans, believe it or not) who think she is a wonderful choice.

And the fringe elements are joining the fray.

In these reports, I found only two LGBT Alaskans quoted (both in the same article by Gay City News):
Some press reports following the McCain campaign announcement have repeated the right-wing rhetorical flourish that has Palin declaring that she has gay friends. That softer image is not what some Alaskans saw.

"That's just completely wrong," said Allison E. Mendel, the attorney who brought the 1999 [partner benefits] case. "She spoke on radio programs all throughout the campaign saying, 'I want a constitutional amendment, I think these things are only for a man and a woman.' ... I don't think she's ever said a friendly word about gay people, that they ought to have health benefits like other people do or anything along those lines."

On AIDS issues, Palin simply has no record at all.

"There is not a lot to speak of for AIDS policy because she hasn't done much," said Trevor Storrs, executive director of the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association. "She's never been given the opportunity to address our situation here because it has never been put before her."

"She has done very little to address the major epidemics," he said.

I want to add that one of the issues folks point to as her "gay-friendly" stance was her decision to veto the bill which would have blocked gays from recieving equal health benefits from several agencies. However, the explanation doesn't match up,per the ADN in 2006:

In the first veto of an administration that isn't yet a month old, Palin said she rejected the bill despite her disagreement with a state Supreme Court order earlier this month that directed the state to offer benefits to same-sex partners of state employees.

Advice from her new attorney general said the bill passed by the Legislature was unconstitutional, she said.

"Signing this bill would be in direct violation of my oath of office," Palin said in a prepared statement released by her administration Thursday night.

That doesn't sound "gay friendly" to me.

3) Much is being made of Todd Palin's "Eskimo-ness" and it has actually been stated outright that his percentage of Inupiat blood makes the Palin family "Alaska Native" friendly. Per Alaska Real's Writing Raven:

But this is the kind of stuff that concerns me about the Todd Palin mentions (from the Baltimore Chronicle):
Married to a native Eskimo, and with four mixed-race children, she can expect to appeal to many non-white American voters, on whose support the Obama campaign is counting.
I cannot stress enough - Sarah Palin has done nothing for the Alaska Native community - a community that includes her own children.

Any venture into the Alaska Native community has been superficial at best. I can't even take issue with her Alaska Native policies, because she has NOTHING of substance. She has ignored Alaska Native people from before she took office as governor - an act all the more harmful because it is her own children's heritage she is not acknowledging.

The only thing I know she's "done" for Alaska Native people - fire them. Or not hire them in the first place. The more recent one is Walt Monegan. I absolutely don't believe she fired him because he was Native - I believe she fired him because he wouldn't fire her ex-brother in law- despite the investigation that had already been done on him, with findings and reprimand.

So far, from the phone calls and hits on my blog, it seems that media across the country are at least curious enough to research some of these facts. I only hope that these and other "myths" can be nipped in the bud before the McCain Campaign can imprint them as "fact" on an Alaska-ignorant public.

McHugh Pierre makes a CYA comment

2008-08-30T20:15:00.008-08:00

McHugh Pierre said...

Thanks for the plug, but could you please pick a better picture of me! ; )
I never said McCain folks are coming to Alaska to investigate Palin and "Troopergate"! That is hilarious!

What I did say is that Obama political snoops just came up to Alaska to dig dirt on Palin and were going to be looking into the "Troopergate" allegations and anything else they can find.

Good luck running down more rumors and gossip.

Hey, McHugh, thanks for stopping by! I'm guessing you're doing so because your unguarded remarks got you in a whole lot of trouble!

You and I both know that the phone call was from the McCain folks. You and I both know that you said (yesterday) they were coming "tomorrow" not that they had already arrived. You and I both know that they are now forced to do belated vetting because they didn't do it beforehand.

You seemed to have thought as carefully about your cover-your-ass response as McCain did about his VP pick...your explanation is idiotic. How could you have said yesterday that Obama had "just sent up" folks to "dig dirt" on Palin when the announcement was just made yesterday? Also, why would the Obama Campaign need to send folks up here at all since THEY ALREADY HAVE 5 FULLY-STAFFED OFFICES (SOON TO BE 7) AND HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS ACROSS ALASKA! This has been the case for weeks.

Nice try, though...

Besides, the comments by Gail Phillips in the ADN betray the reality...

Former House Speaker Gail Phillips, a Republican political leader who has clashed with Palin in the past, was shocked when she heard the news Friday morning with her husband, Walt.

"I said to Walt, 'This can't be happening, because his advance team didn't come to Alaska to check her out," Phillips said.

Phillips has been active in the Ted Stevens re-election steering committee and remains in close touch with Sen. Lisa Murkowski and other party leaders, and she said nobody had heard anything about McCain's people doing research on his prospective running mate.

"We're not a very big state. People I talk to would have heard something."

Also, ABC News had an interesting story on the (lack of) vetting process for Palin:

The campaign secretly flew Palin into Dayton last night. She and McCain met privately for a couple of hours. McCain concluded she would "shake up the system" and was "a maverick," qualities he believed Lieberman would have brought to the ticket. But she also would appeal to conservatives -- which Lieberman most certainly would not have done.

After their meeting, McCain concluded he was comfortable with his choice. He notified Pawlenty this morning that he was going in a different direction.

Feel free to comment on my blog anytime, Hugh. You are always entertaining!

P.S. I have mad Google skills but seemed to have problems finding a decent picture of you. I think this one is better. However, I promise, I'll post whatever picture you send me of yourself.

An Open Letter to Rachel Maddow--Let me help you update your Sarah Palin "Trooper-gate" info

2008-08-30T06:13:00.004-08:00

Dear Rachel,

Congratulations on your new MSNBC Show. I cannot wait to see it. Also, I regret so much not getting the chance to see you in Denver. At the time, we were trying to get more passes (we did) for my whole team to go to see Obama at Invesco Field so I had to miss your talk. I still hold out hope that someday I'll meet you in person.

But that's not the point of this letter.

I saw you on Keith Olbermann's "Countdown" and while your analysis of McCain's choice of Sarah Palin was spot-on, you obviously lacked some vital information regarding "Trooper-gate." I'd like to help you there.

I made THIS POST after attending the press conference where Mike Wooten asked the union TO RELEASE HIS RECORDS to the media. In spite of the fact this would reveal any flaws he may have in the matter, he wanted folks to know that their Governor, her family and her friends were spending a whole lot of time trying to get him fired. I also believe that (at the time) with Monegan gone and with the short-lived appointment of Chuck Kopp, he believed his job was not long for this world so what did he have to lose?

I recommend that you look at the documents closely...they are all linked in the post on the Public Safety Employees of Alaska that I linked above. You will read all of the allegations against him. I especially encourage you to read the "email" from Sarah Palin to retired Col Julia Grimes. Try to figure out which cereal box produced Sarah's Communication degree. Then read the interviews she does with the troopers, where they discover that her email was based entirely on the hearsay from her sister (the woman scorned) and Sarah knew NOTHING first-hand.

A couple of corrections to what you said last night:

1) Wooten NEVER physically hurt his wife. When she was asked in the interviews if he hit her, Mary said he did not.

2) The "taser incident"--it was stupid, it was poor judgement, it was irresponsible but having cared for 10-year-old boys before, I could see how it happened. I can imagine that, if the boy indicated that he'd just get someone else to try it on him, Wooten (who was trained on tasers) may decide to do it the safest way possible to show him what it was like. Like I said, stupid and poor judgement but not completely out of the realm of understanding...if you know 10-year-old boys.

Anyway, I hope this information helps. Rachel, if you have any questions, feel free to email me, call me, send a signal flare or any other way you can. Thanks!!!!!

P.S. Don't call Alaska Native folks "Eskimo." Most Natives aren't and those that are often don't like the term...it's a "white man" label.

BREAKING: McCain Campaign heading to Alaska to investigate

2008-08-29T19:41:00.003-08:00

A very reliable source overheard Republican spokesperson McHugh Pierre state TODAY that he had spoken to the McCain Campaign. They are coming to Alaska tomorrow to check out the "Troopergate" investigation.

In other words, THEY DID NOT DO SO PROPERLY AHEAD OF TIME.

So, I wonder what else they may not know...like why Bristol Palin may be holding a blanket over her abdomen in public when she's turned to the side towards the cameras?

The Chauffeur Speaks

2008-08-29T10:19:00.001-08:00

Let me preface this by stating that I did not vote for Barack Obama in the primary in Colorado. My personal preference had been for John Edwards, but this option was denied me by his withdrawal before the Colorado primaries. Since a family friend died years before his time due to lack of medical insurance for a preventable ailment, national health care has been my major deciding factor when voting and I felt that Hillary Clinton’s plan was better. The battle between Clinton and Obama was fierce, but I was ready to back Obama in the general election because some health care plan is better than the farce that John McCain offers.

When the tickets for Obama’s acceptance speech sold out so quickly, my wife and I were resigned to finding one of the numerous public viewing locations in Denver to watch this momentous, historical event. I was resigned to simply acting as a chauffer for Team Blue Oasis, experiencing the DNC from their perspective and not mine. Never before had American been given the opportunity to vote for an African American candidate in the general election with a major political party and I wanted to be part of it in some fashion. When I dropped off Celtic Diva and Writing Raven at the delegation breakfast, the plan was to try to obtain Writing Raven a pass so both of them could attend the speech while Monocot and I would take Morrigan with us to watch. Celtic Diva worked some incredible magic and managed to turn her one pass into five, getting the entire Team Blue Oasis in, though only Writing Raven and Morrigan were able to sit together.

What does one do when they find out that they are going to be able to take part of history? Yeah, I called my Mom… clichéd I know, but my mother and I have a close relationship and I had to tell her. I also sent a text message to numerous friends, most of which were congratulatory, if not jealous. My wife Monocot and I stuck together as much as possible, but once we entered the gates of Mile High Stadium, we had no choice but to move to completely different sections of the stadium as sections were being strictly enforced.

As I became situated in my nosebleed section directly behind the stage, giving me an excellent opportunity to view the back of the head of everyone at the podium, I was prepared to listen to the various speakers and watch history with Obama’s acceptance speech. Win or loose, America was going to have the opportunity for someone to actually live up to Martian Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, coincidently on the same day 45 years later. I had already made my logical choice for a candidate for the November election and while the speech could influence my decision, it was highly unlikely.

The people I was sitting with were nice, but they were strangers and something this large I wanted to share with friends. My wife had turned her phone off to save battery power, so I was prepared to make the best of things when I got a text message from Steven in Florida asking my opinion about Bill Richardson’s speech. With his wife in night school after finishing her day job, he wished to communicate with another adult with similar views. There was much banter between us, including some sophomoric humor that could only be truly appreciated by disciples of the wit of Monty Python.

By the time that Joe Biden hit the stage, the tone of conversation turned more serious, as we both were intrigued by the events taking place in front of us. During the video biography of Obama, Steven admitted that he was having difficulty explaining to his five year old son what was going on without crying and the full magnitude of the importance of this nomination hit me. As Steven said in his text, he is the father of a wonderful five year old boy who is a mixed race child; his father is African American and his mother is white… just like Barack Obama. On the anniversary of Emmet Till’s death 47 years earlier, the magnitude of black man with a white wife telling their son about a man who was exactly like him sunk in. I lost my logical detachment and general skepticism about all politicians and allowed my emotions to come to the forefront.

I will not reiterate the analysis that Steven provided of the speech; suffice to say that I do agree with many of the points. Not having a child of my own, I can only imagine how Steven felt, but it was enough to make me rather misty eyed also. As Obama spoke, I allowed my heart instead of just my mind to listen and I will admit that I dared to hope for a better future. As the speech went on, I could clearly envision Steven trying to explain this to his son and I started weeping due to as much as what Obama said as to what it meant for Steven’s family and millions of others just like him. Hope. Love. Perseverance. Pride. I had become so disgusted by politics in general that I did not think anyone could move me, but thanks to the magnificent speech, the honesty that was behind the words and the text messages exchanged with a friend 1,800 miles away, I was truly moved. I am not ashamed to say that my “male bonding moment” over texting left two grown men weepy eyed.

Today has reverted to politics as usual. McCain is doing his best to steal all of Obama’s thunder by announcing his Vice Presidential running mate. This will be hashed out by all the media and dissected ad nauseam. In their focus on the facts, figures and opinions of the day, they will completely overlook the hard to quantify emotional aspects of last night’s acceptance speech. How does one quantify the impact of people opening their hearts and feeling hope? The feeling was a tangible presence last night at Mile High Stadium, and I was far from the only person with red eyes from crying. Win or lose, Obama has undoubtedly inspired this generation that Yes, We Can, if only we put our minds to it.

The Danger: Losing sight of the issues in the dazzle of Sarah Palin

2008-08-29T08:54:00.005-08:00

These were comments on my Sarah Palin/VP Candidate thread from a blogger I deeply respect, Radical Catholic Mom:

Diva,

First: This is historic. She is the second female to run for office since 1984.

Second: I worked the polls when Sarah was elected. Dems voted for her, Independents voted for her, and non-voters voted for her.

Third: Both hubby & I worked on her campaign. Last night we were Obama supporters. Now? We are going to have to REALLY decide. This is going to be very tough for us.

Fourth: Don't underestimate her or dismiss her because of whatever. That would be a mistake and not persuasive for undecideds.

8/29/2008 8:29 AM

*************************************

Radical Catholic Mom said...
Correction: VP run for office (excuse me! I sound like an idiot)

8/29/2008 8:48 AM

**************************************
Here's my reply:

CelticDiva said...

Hey, RCM...

I know that the Pro Life folks worked very hard on her campaign...my bro in law did as well.

However, don't lose sight of the issues here because our dazzling Gov. has stepped into the fray.

John McCain proved through the Georgia incident that he will be quick to commit our troops to another war whether we have the troops to spare or not.

John McCain has voted with Bush 90% of the time.

The Republican Party has now yanked drilling in ANWR off the Platform, yet Sarah Palin, the champion of drilling in ANWR is now on the ticket. How much do you really think she's going to have a say in a McCain Administration?

If you honestly look at the Palin Administration...she had nothing to do with "reforming Alaska" other than expose Randy Ruedrich. All of the other "exposure of corruption" was attributable to Ray Metalfe and the FBI.

Additionally, I'd like to add that our economy is failing, health care is at critical mass, the Arctic is melting, we have a hurricane bearing down on a city that still has not gotten the gov't help it needs from the first one...none of these are issues that John McCain and Sarah Palin will fix.

The Obama Speech--A Father's Perspective and a comment from Celtic

2008-08-29T08:27:00.007-08:00

Below is a wonderful piece by a friend of Kaerick's with his reactions to the Obama speech. He wasn't there but he might as well have been--his reactions resounded profoundly with me, especially the reactions he had as the parent of a mixed-race child.

I learned the depths of my own feelings that morning as the "community passes" were being passed out and I learned that my 10-year-old Morrigan actually had a shot at going to Invesco Field. The tears started coming and I couldn't stop them. My vision of the speech had always been standing there and watching it side-by-side with my daughter...explaining to her the importance of the connection between MLK's "Dream" speech and what was happening before her eyes. However, I had resigned myself to the reality that despite all of my efforts, she not only could not be by my side, she could not be there at all.

Suddenly, that all changed.

We sat while members of the delegation met to try and hand out the passes fairly. Suddenly, it turned out that both Writing Raven and Morrigan were going. I kept crying...I couldn't sit with Morrigan but Raven would, another female of color like my daughter who understood well the gravity of this event because of the wise teachings of her mother and grandmother.

At Invesco, my cell phone died early because Morrigan kept texting me asking me questions and reminding me that we really were there together. I was moved to tears at many points because I realized that Morrigan was hearing the same thing...from Martin Luther King's grown children, from various folks from around the country sharing their problems and why they support Obama, from Barack Obama's amazing and overwhelming narrative...which left me breathless and beaming.

So, we post this as kind of a "Team Blue Oasis" coverage of the speech and I include my pictures and video of the beginning and end crowd reactions.

*******************************************************************
A good friend of mine in Florida who is the father of a wonderful 5 year old mixed race child shared his thoughts with me about the Obama speach that I felt were powerful and moving. I will attempt to convey my own thoughts, but his were so moving that I felt compared to share them. With his permission, here is what Steven in Florida felt about Obama's acceptance speech:

Last night, I decided to watch the Obama acceptance speech at the DNC with an open mind. I am a registered Green Party member who does not believe in preemptive war (as our actions have a very bad habit of coming back to haunt us) , is very concerned about the status and health of the planet (as we have only one), and thinks our corporate trade policy is quickly becoming a race to the bottom, and our security policy seems designed to keep everyone who disagrees away from those in power. No one talks to anyone different. Ideas are not given room to evolve.

I find it hard to fathom that with all of the wealth of planet Earth, that we have people who are poor, sick and dying because others think they need to have so much.

I find it hard to fathom that as a planetary people, we can't sit down at a table and discuss our differences like civilized people. The more I talk to those I don't agree with, the more I find we have the same end goals - we want our children smart, healthy, safe, and permitted the opportunity to go further than we do. We want our health, our safety and our opportunity to improve our lot in life.

It's not about so-called "1 world government", it's about what your mom taught you when you were 4. That everyone should be respected, no matter what they look like, or how they dress, or what they believe, as long as they aren't trying to hurt you.

Every election, I keep hoping that the candidates speak to me, whether local, state or national. Every election, I want things to be different. I want everyone to progress. The table truly is big enough. They never do. I'm either talked down to, or my issues never get addressed. I vote for candidates who speak for me. I will not cast a "strategic vote".

The recent campaign has worried me because of several things. First off, the same tactics of a campaign based on personality and personal attacks and not a real sense of what the policies of the major candidates will be. The only way you could find that was through alternate media, which provided detailed analysis of candidates, their records, their staff - really substantive analysis.

The MSM worried about what they were wearing, is america ready to elect a(n) (insert divisive typing here, such as black, old, female, etc...) candidate.

It was with cautious optimism that I turned to cspan (didn't want someone to tell me what I thought, I just wanted to watch it straight up.)

As Obama walked to the stage, something started to bubble up within me. The importance of the moment was not lost on me.

45 years ago, MLK Jr. delivered his speech on the Mall in Washington.

47 years ago, Emmett Till was murdered for interacting with a white woman.

And here we have the first American of African descent winning the nomination for president of the United States. So yes, I was very curious about what was to come.

Barack Obama got my attention right away.

"more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less."

Yes, I put in more hours and get less money. I have actually LESS money now than last year at this time.

"more have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet"

More people I know have hit points where they were literally worried about keeping their house, or are one illness or one missed check away from abject poverty, and I have direct experience with this.

"More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit cards, bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach.

"We are a better country than this."

Yes! I keep saying, "Why do we have poor people? Why do people die from anything other than non-preventable, untreatable disease? Why does the conversation devolve into stereotypical, racist, classist, ineducated and frankly RUDE soundbite-fest?"

So yes, I'm ready to listen.

And it continued. On issue after issue, point after point, I kept nodding my head. Not that all of it was I wanted to hear, to be sure - We could have done without clean coal, nuclear power (what are you going to do with thousands of years in half-life?) 10 years to end dependance on Middle East Oil? How about we end dependence on --all-- fossil fuels (we can give the workers in these industries to the new green jobs)?

So no, I do not agree with Barack Obama in totality. But in listening to this speech, I heard something that I had not heard in anyone for some time.

Love. Love of this country. Love of what it could possibly become, and passion for what it should be and is not now. Many of us, progressive minded folk especially, have thought we were locked out of this conversation. And I have been talking about this with my conservative friends.

(For the record, I don't believe in marching in lock-step. I -like- candidates who can think for themselves and adjust positions accordingly. Who aren't so rigid in their thinking that they can't empathize with others needs.)

In those conversations my thinking has been more along the lines of "our sense of common purpose.

"We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country."

YES! And there's more than 3 ways to do that.

"the reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than they are for those plagued by gang violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals."

YES! I have had cousins shot at. Guns should NOT be easy to acquire. Period. Everyone packing everywhere does not make me feel safe. It DOESN'T.

"We can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and to live lives free of discrimination."

YES! I have not forgotten that it was just 41 years ago that my marriage could not have happened legally. It is not fair that a healthy, loving relationship be denied because of a narrow-minded definition of what "love" is.

"passions may fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers"

YES! These are not objects. They are human beings. With families. With dreams. Are they not allowed a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Are these things only reserved for Americans? Who said we were "the chosen people"?

Obama has me believing in the 3rd option. Holding firm in some places, and compromising in others, all with the goal of elevating everyone's lot in life. Everyone. By making the choices stark. If I choose to be a bus driver, that's okay. If my ambition is to go further, then I should only be restricted by my abilities.

We are better, people. There is too much wealth for anyone to be left out. There are too many people with dreams deferred. Now maybe I am egalitarian. But I want everyone to have the best that they choose to. Our current level of consumption, industry, and corporatism cannot be sustained. It just CAN'T.

Do we not understand that everyone doesn't want 7 houses? I'm personally doing my best to hold on to ONE. I don't need millions of dollars, I just want to be able to start a business, raise my family, stay healthy and enjoy my life. It's not terribly complicated.

I started thinking these things were possible after last night's speech.

The weight of the moment reached back through my ancestry.

My son, who has mixed ancestry (as I do, just further up my family tree), wanted to know what I was doing watching TV. I explained calmly that the man on the tv had parents that looked like he did. And that today was a very important day. He asked me why. I said that I'm now proud to be able to answer many of his questions honestly. He asked me why.

I couldn't get through the answer without my voice breaking, tears rolling down my face. I did my best.

"Son, now, if you ask me if you could be President of the United States of America, I can tell you the truth in no uncertain terms. Yes. Yes you can."

When you have been told in various ways, overtly and covertly that your ideas don't matter, that you are a second class citizen and/or worthless, to see true signs of equality is heartwrenching. I can't wait for us to have multiple candidates from multiple parties across all walks of life.

What just happened is only the tiniest step. But an important one.

I can vote for love. I'm so tired of people trying to justify hate.

I've been crying off and on since watching this speech. I get it.

Feel free to respond in kind. I'd love to know your thoughts as well.

Peace be upon you, and all you care about.
-Steven

Lord help us all, Sarah Palin is the VP pick--UPDATE

2008-08-29T06:53:00.007-08:00

UPDATE: It's official.

For all of those who need more information about Sarah and her scandals, I have written extensively on the issue. The link to those posts is HERE.

I will be doing a lot more writing on all of this but that reading should tide you over as well as the linked posts to Andrew Halcro's blog...the blog that broke a lot of these stories. Bear with me...I didn't get back from Invesco Field last night (due to transportation mismanagement, which I'll discuss later) until quite late and it's only 10:00 am Denver time (8:00 AM Alaska time). I still haven't posted on the Obama speech, which I think is rather important and I refuse to be completely sidetracked by this Republican media grab.

She's under investigation.

Her Lt. Gov is in the political fight of his life.

She said she wouldn't leave Alaska.

Selfish much?

Invesco Field...take THAT Focus on the Family!

2008-08-28T04:36:00.004-08:00

****UPDATE****

MORRIGAN AND RAVEN GOT COMMUNITY PASSES...WOOOO HOOOO! They are already there standing in, as Morrigan says, "The biggest line I've seen in my whole life!" The delegate busses don't come for 30 min or so and I'll be jumping off here shortly to catch one.

By the way, remember THIS? Focus on the Family prayed that it would rain on the Obama speech.

Ummmmmmm...guess not! You can't see even the hint of a cloud anywhere in the Denver sky.

If raining on Obama would infer God's wrath...what could we infer from this?

Keep checking in with my Twitter page to see what's happening!

****************
Today, I'm heading to the breakfast with the AK Delegation where we'll find out if a pass for Writing Raven is possible. If yes, then we'll work from that. If no, at this time I am planning NOT to bring my laptop because a) there is no power on the field b) there is no wifi or other internet access on the field c) the "blogger lounge" is with the rest of the MSM and very small and is at the tippy top of the Stadium (i.e. using a cane and hauling gear up there a no-go for me).

However, I have "Twitter" which means I'll be texting from the Stadium and my comments will show up on the right hand side of the blog in the "Twitter Update" section. I'll post and show pictures of what went on when I get back from the shindig and I'll be writing posts and analysis on everything I've seen heard and experienced during the Convention for days!

I want to thank all of you who have been following Writing Raven's and my journey this week! We've appreciated all of the feedback and support!

Too tired to finish posting tonight...

2008-08-27T22:16:00.002-08:00

I'll write more in the morning.

Obama in the house!!!!!!

2008-08-27T18:58:00.001-08:00

And speaking now!!!!!!

Joe Biden

2008-08-27T18:21:00.008-08:00

The video about Joe they are playing before his speech makes some nice connections. He talks about hating the abuse of power whether it's a parent slapping a child or a President wrongly launching a war. It talks about his family, his daily commute home from DC, losing his wife and daughter. His son got up and talked about how he'd always been there for him when they were growing up, how "the whole family" married Jill.

All I can think is not what they can say about John McCain at the Repub Convention, but how much they'll have to leave out.

Joe talks about his wife leaving him "breathless and speechless." McCain offered up his wife as a piece of meat at a biker convention.

Biden (as many have all night) talked his friendship with John McCain. However, (as has happened all night) he launched into the "McSame" policies McCain wants to continue for another four years.

The energy in the hall is amazing.

THANK GOD!!!! John Kerry talks about torture!!!!

2008-08-27T17:36:00.005-08:00

He actually said that Obama will shut down Guantanamo Bay.

Classic..."before he ever debates Barack Obama, John McCain should finish the debate with himself."

"Who can we trust to make America safe?"

John Kerry is stealing the show...Bill Clinton's speech was good but John Kerry is just unexpectedly great.

This theme was continued by the first 3 star women general, Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, US Army (Ret.).

I'll do a whole Veteran's post later.

Bill Clinton is speaking now

2008-08-27T17:13:00.005-08:00

Wow...he is decimating McCain with total class.

Woot--Melissa Ethridge!

2008-08-27T16:13:00.002-08:00

The security guys were very nice to me.

I can't even describe to you how incredible this performance was.

I apologize for the boo boos...folks kept bumping me.

By the way, this is how Fox News acts during the Invocation, Pledge and National Anthem

2008-08-27T15:34:00.007-08:00

Typing and talking.

With their backs to the flag.

Nice...

(Tipped off by Dennis Zaki, who told me he saw the same thing yesterday while CNN, MSNBC and the others stood respectfully with their hands on their hearts.)

Hillary releases the delegates

2008-08-27T15:01:00.006-08:00

More is revealed...

The plan was for her to come up on stage right before South Carolina to release the delegates. She came onto the floor right by our delegation, but the prep took a long time and the Secret Service trapped everyone here. I stood and waited to get a good picture.

In the mean time, Chuck Schumer was also waiting for Hillary in the hallway. He saw me take the picture and smiled.

So we are waiting, packed together like cordwood, for each state to finish. When you are waiting for one specific state, you discover how many of them you forget when running through the alphabet.

Finally, she comes through...

Recognize the ear and the hair?

Anyway, thank God for the jumbotron!

ALASKA ROLL CALL!!!!!! 15 Votes for Barack Obama, 3 Votes for Hillary Clinton

2008-08-27T14:02:00.007-08:00

Color me surprised...I'll talk to Patti about it a little later...

DNCC--Day 3 has begun!!!!!

2008-08-27T13:23:00.008-08:00

It's in full swing today...roll call is supposed to happen at about 4:00 PM MT which is the fun stuff. Right now, the nominating speeches are happening for Barack Obama...they already happened for Hillary Clinton.

Today, the challenge is keeping our seats. The aisles are already packed and the MSM is encroaching on our area since we are in the back. I volunteered to be bouncer and I'm trying to keep the riff raff out.

Democratic National Convention--Day 3 Wednesday Podium Schedule

2008-08-27T08:50:00.002-08:00

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

"SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE"
Time shown as local – Denver, Colorado MST

Hour # 1 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)
Call to Order
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator from Texas
Co-Chair, Democratic National Convention

Invocation
Archbishop Demetrios
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America

Presentation of Colors
Colorado Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Franz Wedeman, Thomas Chesner, David Shuker, John Harrington

Pledge of Allegiance
Paul Bucha
Ridgefield, Connecticut recipient of the Medal of Honor for distinguished service as a commanding officer in Vietnam

National Anthem
Robert Moore
Distinguished singer from South Dakota and elected council member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe

Presidential Nomination Process
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Nominating speech on behalf of Senator Hillary Clinton

Seconding speeches on behalf of Senator Hillary Clinton (2)

Nominating speech on behalf of Senator Barack Obama

Seconding speeches on behalf of Senator Barack Obama (3)

Call for Roll Call Vote
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Roll Call Vote
Alice Travis Germond
Secretary of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks
The Honorable Charles Schumer
US Senator, New York
Chair, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

The Honorable Tom Udall
Member of the US House of Representatives, New Mexico

The Honorable Jean Shaheen
Former Governor of New Hampshire
Candidate for US Senate

Jeff Merkley
Candidate for US Senate from the State of Oregon

Tom Allen
Candidate for the US Senate from the State of Maine

Hour # 4 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Richard M. Daley
Mayor of Chicago, Illinois

The Honorable Robert Wexler
Member of the US House of Representatives, Florida

Video - The Course of Our Nation
Brittany Washington
A student at Howard University in Washington, DC from Los Angeles, California

Women of the US House of Representatives
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
Member of the US House of Representatives, Connecticut
The Honorable Nita Lowey
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable Hilda Solis
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Louise Slaughter
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable Maxine Waters
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Kathy Castor
Member of the US House of Representatives, Florida
The Honorable Lois Capps
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Remarks
The Honorable Elijah Cummings
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland

Mark Docherty
Veteran and a firefighter from Sterling Heights, Michigan

The Honorable James Clyburn
Member of the US House of Representatives, South Carolina

The Honorable Manuel Diaz
Mayor of Miami, Florida

The Honorable Jay Rockefeller
US Senator, West Virginia

Live Performance
Melissa Etheridge accompanied by Phillip Sayce (guitar)
Award-winning singer/songwriter

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

Remarks
The Honorable Harry Reid
US Senator, Nevada
Senate Majority Leader

CSM Michele S. Jones, US Army (Ret.)
First female command sergeant major of the US Army

The Honorable Patrick Murphy
Member of the US House of Representatives, Pennsylvania
Joined by Iraq war veterans

The Honorable Madeleine Albright
Former Secretary of State

America’s Town Hall - Economy
Moderator: The Honorable Joe Sestak
Member of the US House of Representatives, Pennsylvania
Panelists: Kathy Roth-Douquet, CSM John Estrada, Collin McMahon,
Representative Ellen Tauscher/California

Remarks
The Honorable Evan Bayh
US Senator, Indiana

Xiomara Rodriguez
Nevada delegate and retired member of the US Coast Guard

The Honorable Jack Reed
US Senator, Rhode Island

The Honorable Tom Daschle
Former US Senator and Senate Minority Leader, South Dakota

Hour # 5 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Bill Clinton
Former President of the United States

Beth Robinson
Stay-at-home mom from Hampton Roads, Virginia

The Honorable John Kerry
US Senator, Massachusetts

Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, US Army (Ret.)
First woman to achieve the rank of three star general in the US Army

The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor of New Mexico

Video – Changing The Course of Our Nation
John Melvin
Iraq war veteran from DeWitt, Iowa

Veterans Video and Remarks
The Honorable Chet Edwards
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas

Hour # 6 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
Tammy Duckworth
Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
Helicopter pilot and wounded Iraq war veteran

Vice Presidential Nomination
Remarks and nominating speech
Seconding speech

Vice Presidential Nominee
The Honorable Senator Joe Biden
US Senator, Delaware

Benediction
Sister Catherine Pinkerton
Congregation of St. Joseph’s in Cleveland, Ohio

Recess
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator from Texas
Co-Chair, Democratic National Convention

Democratic Convention--The main speeches

2008-08-26T23:06:00.003-08:00

Hillary Clinton

Mark Warner

Over two hours of coverage, including Michelle Obama's Speech

Alaska Delegates and other Democrats in Denver

2008-08-26T19:15:00.009-08:00

Last night, our own Ryan Bucholdt was honored on stage as a young delegate--the future of the Democratic Party

Patti Higgins

Lindsey Holmes, Vic Fisher and Jane Angvik

Obama fans showing their enthusiasm next to a small contigent of McCain supporters

Former Alabama Atty General, G. Douglas Jones, spoke at the Alaska Delegation Breakfast this morning. He helped to put away the bombers of the 16th Street Church back in the 1960's where four little girls were killed and gave a moving and informative reminder that not-so-long-ago, racial violence was common.

Writer and Air
America radio personality Thom Hartmann spoke and signed his new book "Cracking the Code" at Border's Books tonight. Since I missed him at the Big Tent, I got a chance to listen to him while Writing Raven was at the Pepsi Center. He discussed (among other things) the battle against economic tyranny and how the task facing Barack Obama was similar to the one that faced FDR. My friends, Kim and Erick, are on either side of him.

9:10pm MST - Last live post for Tuesday, reaction from Gov. Knowles

2008-08-26T19:09:00.006-08:00

Last post for the night. As a reminder, Celtic Diva and Writing Raven are switching night, and tonight Writing Raven was doing the live blogs. More details will be posted later, here and on Alaska Real.

The night truly belonged to Hillary - yet such a strong Obama message. Everybody I've talked to has been genuinly impressed with her speech, and no one is begrudging anything.

More later, but an immediate reaction from Gov. Tony Knowles (exclusive to the Team Blue Oasis!)

"It was a seamless transition from (Clinton) to Obama."

9:07pm MST - Hillary - wow.

2008-08-26T19:06:00.002-08:00

I will post more later, but Hillary just finished, and wow! She's got many people in tears, and others - not supporters, going, "Wow - she's doing a really great job."

One of the Alaska delegates just said, "Wow. Pretty intense. Pretty amazing."

8:30pm MST - It's getting complicated down here

2008-08-26T18:09:00.004-08:00

Standing room only!

A punishment for having such good seats, Alaska delegates are constantly doing battle for their seats.

For those that don't know, the floor plan was pretty strategic. Illinois and Delaware are front and center, and highly targeted swing states (including Alaska) are right on the floor surrounding the podium.

The video for Hillary is playing now, and the place is starting to go pretty nuts!

8:00pm MST - Bad timing

2008-08-26T17:52:00.004-08:00

Bummer for timing. Gov. Ted Strickland had some unfortunate timing problems.

While he was being introduced...

This is what the crowd was looking at. The Obama family and Biden coming in to sit down.

He even had to wait a minute before speaking, just to try and get the crowd's attention back.

He's got the crowd back now though!

7:37pm MST- MITT WHO??

2008-08-26T17:29:00.002-08:00

Rumor? Dennis Zaki came by and said Mitt Romney is in the house!

He has pics, but has limited media credentials and is running around trying to get everything in that time.

He reports that Mitt was booed when he came in - and that Guiliani is reported to be in the area as well.

7:15pm MST - Fairbanks Mayor Whittaker!

2008-08-26T17:13:00.002-08:00

The Alaskan delegation got up and started cheering as soon as they announced Mayor Whittaker.

He was very eloquent with his speech - saying that he wasn't here to say bad things about McCain, but:

"I'm a registered Republican, and I cast my vote for Barack Obama!"

7pm MST- Knowles and McAulliffe

2008-08-26T16:17:00.003-08:00

Governor Knowles has arrived!

Former DNC Chair Terri McAulliffe greets Alaskans. His advice for Alaska?

"Win that Senate seat!"

5:50pm MST - Regular Americans and what the delegates are doing

2008-08-26T15:30:00.009-08:00

It was pretty rough listening to this guy - Robin Golden. He is one of the chosen regular Americans to speak, and he'd just lost his job, can't pay for diabetes treatment. He was introduced just after Sweeney, the AFL-CIO president.

Alaskan delegates Patti Higgin and Blake Johnson make the Alaska pole "better."

Alaska Delegate Ryan Buchholdt on his experience at the convention:

"It's exciting and energetic - surreal at times."

On what he's been doing at the convention:

"Network - I was up on stage yesterday. I was able to meet Chairman Dean three times. I met Donna Brazile and Nancy Pelosi yesterday."

On hearing Hillary Clinton's address later today:

"I'm very excited - the Clintons have done a lot for the party. It's good that they were able to have such prominent speaking roles."

One kind of funny note - they took a commemorative photo just now, a panaromic shot. The lady announcing has been doing a great job of doing so, but stumbled over the pronounciation of "commemorative" on her first announcement. The second time around:

"We are now going to take the commem... comm.....

Thank you."

5:15pm MST - Surprise!

2008-08-26T15:20:00.002-08:00

This was kind of funny.

There was a bit of a lull, and someone yelled, "Whoa, it's Hillary!"

About a hundred eyeballs went straight to the podium. Nobody was expecting her to show until much later.

It was actually an introduction Clinton had taped to introduce the Women's Caucus.

4:30pm MST - Who's the rock star?

2008-08-26T14:56:00.009-08:00

Who got the whole crowd on their feet?

It's Kucinich!

No doubt he will get overshadowed in the news by Hillary, coming on in prime time, but his "Wake up America!" sure got everyone fired up. If you can, find a YouTube video of his speech.

The Black Caucus led the memorial moments for Tubbs-Jones, the congresswoman who recently died. Although the whole time was meant to highlight those who passed away in the past year, Tubbs-Jones was given some special moments of her own.

The Alaskan delegates have been pretty popular here. Pictures, requests for interviews, or just shouts of, "Hey! You from Alaska??" are heard round the room.

Alaskan press!

We didn't think there were any members of the mainstream Alaskan press here - just bloggers! - but Tim from Cordova showed up. He heard of someone from the Juneau Empire showing up, but hasn't seen a trace yet.

Know why it's not televised?

There's no one here.

All right - not totally true - most delegates are networking, finding out schedules, coordinating who knows what. It's filling up slowly, but the cameras tend to angle it so all these empty seats don't show up.

4pm MST - Everyone gets settled in

2008-08-26T14:12:00.009-08:00

David Gipp is a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux tribe, and was chosen as an "everyday American" to speak at the convention. Although given a time with few people in the crowd, he still got some pretty good cheers for his speech, which was strong on Native American issues.

"We are not just another special interest group trying to get a piece of the American pie," he said. "We are, after all, the first Americans."

This got a pretty good cheer from most of the crowd, but especially the Dakota states.

Gipp got an even bigger response from the crowd when he talked about the patriotism shown by Native Americans. He was talking about how America has become something that "liberty for all" no longer applies to, but despite the heavy social costs of the past, the Native people have never wavered in their patriotism, that the First People of this land have joined the military - and every war - "greater numbers per capita than any other ethnic group... We never forget the sacrifices of our veterans or our Elders."

Gipp ended with a quote by Sitting Bull, "Let us put our minds together, and see what kind of life we can make for our children."

I really wanted to be here to hear Gipp, and I made it just in time!

The delegates are busy trading information, networking, and generally getting ready for more to come.

My grandmother told me to make sure and bring pins to trade, and now I see why. Here Alaska delegate Cal Williams and a Hawaii delegate trade buttons and pins.

The New York governor, David Paterson got a huge response (who would've guessed) the New York delegation, practially a quarter of the crowd at this point.

How close is the Alaska delegation to the Fox anchor station?

This close.

I'm in! 3:30pm MST - God bless the Denver PD and the Secret Service

2008-08-26T13:55:00.006-08:00

Writing Raven will be posting on the Blue Oasis for the duration for the duration of the Tuesday convention. She will be back posting live on Alaska Real tonight, but all live blogging will be on the Oasis.

3:30 MST- I'm in, but it took quite a while to get in. They seemed to have worked out the kinks in getting people in fast - except bloggers maybe. There was a hiccup in exactly how I was supposed to get in the building. Although I arrived at the arena with (part of) the delegation, I am "press." But a very helpful Denver PD guy spent a whole lot of his own time to make sure I didn't have to take a bus back to the hotel just to get in. It took some discussion and guarantees to the Secret Service to do it, but now I'm in...

The place is about 2/3 full now, and full of energy - though most of it is backstage at the moment. I nearly walked in on an NBC suite, and there's quite a buzz in the room.

By the way, if you're checking in live from Alaska, have you voted?

Dem-Con in Denver-- the overrated, the underrated the superb and the absurd

2008-08-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

Alaska Delegates having a blast..they get an A++

Denver--what a cool city! The scenery is beautiful, the weather has been hot, but beautiful, the public transport is clean, fast and efficient. Also, "hot" here is dry like Alaska so 85 degrees is "bearable" to me, unlike in the Midwest.--"A"

Protesters--come on, folks, get some friggin' direction! Even standing outside of MSNBC we see signs about 9/11 "truth," anti-war, environmental stuff, anti-meat...good Lord! Also, way-to-go starting a riot on Monday...at least it gave something for all the police to do!--"C-"

Delegates--all I can say is "WOW" what a bunch of friendly, wonderful people! Writing Raven talked about our experiences on the Light Rail the other day with the Texas Delegates...they literally welcomed us on board with open arms! Everyone I have met has been fabulous and that's a big part of the fun walking around Denver and visiting the various venues--"A+"

The Big Tent--a facinating experiment and a great alternative for those bloggers who are not credentialed and a really nice option for blog teams who don't have enough credentials. Hopefully they'll have worked some of the kinks out (like the sound) by tonight. The workshops during the day are a nice touch as well.-- "B+"

Republican "Rapid Response" Team--So far I've seen a maximum of 15 "NoBama" McCain drones at one time...and Mitt Romney and Rudy Guiliani showing up at the Dem Convention is nothing less than PA-THE-TIC.-- "F"

P.U.M.A--The "Party Unity My Ass" idiots have managed to get a lot of press considering their threats won't mount to a hill of beans...nor do they have the support they claim. I've seen one sorry woman with a stack of fliers.-- "F-"

To be continued...

Writing Raven is live blogging tonight...here is the Convention Schedule

2008-08-26T13:16:00.002-08:00

"RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE"

Time Shown as local – Denver, Colorado MST

Hour #1 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

Invocation
Reverend Cynthia Hale
Disciples of Christ - Decatur, Georgia

Presentation of Colors
The American GI Forum
Mile High Chapter, Colorado
Congressionally chartered Mexican-American veterans & civil rights organization

Pledge of Allegiance
Koby Langley
From Fort Meade, Maryland, he received the Bronze Star for leadership in the US Army
Credited with design & implementation of 1st Foreign Torts Claims Policy Act - Iraq

National Anthem
Rocky Mountain Children's Choir
A multicultural, multiracial choir committed to forming community around music

Remarks/Video
The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton
Non-voting Member of the US House of Representatives, District of Columbia

Remarks
Ted Sorensen
Special Counsel, advisor and speechwriter to President John F. Kennedy
Researched and drafted Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage"

The Honorable Mike Honda
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Dr. David Gipp
Member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
President - United Tribes Technical College

The Honorable Linda Sanchez
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Chet Culver
Governor of Iowa

The Honorable David Paterson
Governor of New York

The Honorable Patrick Leahy
US Senator, Vermont

Hour # 2 4:08 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Chris Van Hollen
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland

Remarks
Cecile Richards
President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Daughter of the former Governor of Texas, The Honorable Ann Richards

Congressional Black Caucus
The Honorable Carolyn Kilpatrick
Member of the US House of Representatives, Michigan
The Honorable Charles Rangel
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable John Conyers
Member of the US House of Representatives, Michigan
The Honorable Bennie Thompson
Member of the US House of Representatives, Mississippi

Moment of Silence

Video – “In Memoriam”

Remarks
The Honorable Dennis Kucinich
Member of the US House of Representatives, Ohio

The Honorable John Chiang
State Controller, California

The Honorable Jim Doyle
Governor of Wisconsin

DGA - Remarks
The Honorable Joe Manchin
Governor of West Virginia

Hour # 3 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)

US Senate Women
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski
US Senator, Maryland
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
US Senator, California
The Honorable Mary Landrieu
US Senator, Louisiana
The Honorable Blanche Lambert Lincoln
US Senator, Arizona
The Honorable Debbie Stabenow
US Senator, Michigan
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
US Senator, Washington State
The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri
The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Remarks
The Honorable Ed Rendell
Governor of Pennsylvania

The Honorable Tammy Baldwin
Member of the US House of Representatives, Wisconsin

The Honorable Xavier Becerra
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

John Sweeney
President of the AFL-CIO

Robin Golden
Autoworker from Michigan scheduled to lose his job

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

Remarks
The Honorable Rahm Emanuel
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Live Performance
Alejandro Escovedo
Vocals & guitar

Hour # 4 6:01 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Steny Hoyer
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland
Democratic Majority Leader

Katherine Marcano
Cedar Rapids, Iowa flood victim

Anna Berger
Officer with SEIU & 1st Chair of America's newest labor federation, "Change to Win"

Pauline Beck
Homecare worker & member of SEIU from Oakland, California

The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona

America’s Town Hall - Economy
Moderator: The Honorable Jennifer Granholm – Governor of Michigan
Panelists: Aimee Christensen, Jim Rogers, Jim Bauer, Jerome Ringo

Remarks
Jim Whitaker
Republican Mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska

Gloria Craven
Laid-off North Carolina textile worker with huge medical bills

Nancy Floyd
Founder of Nth Power – an energy technology investment firm in Portland, Oregon

Hour # 5 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas

The Honorable Federico Peña
Former Secretary of Energy and former Mayor of Denver, Colorado

The Honorable Nydia Velazquez
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York

The Honorable Robert Casey, Jr.
US Senator, Pennsylvania

Lilly Ledbetter
Her actions against Goodyear Tire led to the passage of the Fair Pay Restoration Act

Keynote Speech
The Honorable Mark Warner
Governor of Virginia

Remarks
The Honorable Ted Strickland
Governor of Ohio

Hour # 6 8:00 PM – 9:04 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson
President, Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire
Lifelong Republican

The Honorable Deval Patrick
Governor of Massachusetts

Pamella Cash-Roper
Unemployed nurse and lifelong Republican from North Carolina

Remarks
The Honorable Brian Schweitzer
Governor of Montana

Hillary Clinton Segment - Video/Remarks
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
US Senator, New York

Benediction
Revs. Jin Ho Kang, Yoougsook Kang
Methodists - Aurora, Colorado

Recess
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

Blue Red Rocks

2008-08-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Notes from Monocot:

I am somewhat late on posting this. My excuse is the heady mix of caffeine and constant motion from the past few days. Sorry Celtic :>

Team Blue Oasis members Monocot and Writing Raven attended the Host Committee's celebration “Green Sunday” at Red Rocks, Sunday evening. AP video information on the concert is here
Red Rocks is a large amphitheatre style stadium carved out of wait for it…large red rocks.

concert goers at Red Rocks

The show began with Mayor John Hickenlooper; who welcomed everyone to Denver. I’ve heard many mentions in blogs and news articles this week of his unusual last name. For those curious, it means "Hedge Hopper" in Dutch.

Hickenlooper was followed by Sheryl Crow. Crow played several songs and dedicated “Strong Enough” To Obama and Biden. She was the only singer who stayed theme with concert, which was in support of environmental awareness and responsibility. Cheryl Crow told the crowd that: “Obama is a lot like what we heard from Robert Kennedy. No matter what campaign ad we see or how it's spun, hope is important.”

Will Ferrell treated everyone to a filmed video impression of George Bush. It was similar to performances he has done in the past such as Here . The performance was a crowd favorite, with many jeers, cheers, and laughs. Other video performances included the Blue Man Group and Ben Harper. Country band Sugarland also performed.

The most electrifying speaker of the night was environmental advocate Robert Kennedy Jr. For those that may not know, Robert Kennedy Jr. suffers from spasmodic dysphonia. A friend of mine in Jacksonville suffers from the same disorder. Every time I hear Kennedy give a speech, I am awestruck over his dedication and tenacity. Kennedy welcomed the crowd to the amphitheatre and talked about the origins of Red Rocks. Red Rocks was a government project sponsored by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Work Projects Administration.

Kennedy prior to his speech

Kennedy then spoke of a trip he made as a child with his famous father. “I saw as a little boy in the faces of those vast crowds of hundreds of thousands of people the hope for leadership for the United States of America. Not to just do good things for our country but to do great things for all of humanity.” If you can find the entirety of speech transcribed anywhere on the internet, I highly recommend it.

Governor Kaine introduced fellow Virginian Dave Matthews. Dave referenced the recent death of bandmate Leroi Moore by apologizing for his hoarse voice. “It’s been a rough week”, he said.

Michelle Obama's speech and the photos from the Mon 8/25 Democratic Convention

2008-08-26T03:29:00.011-08:00

I did this video from the Alaska Delegation on the floor of the Convention. There was no way I could go anywhere else by that point since the MSM pretty much had everything blocked. She had me in tears by the end...especially when she talked about Barack's lack of a father.

Here's a contest for you: name this actor (as I have no idea what his name is). I recognize him from a few rolls but couldn't tell you which ones for sure. I think he was in Officer and a Gentleman. We were outside of the Pepsi Center at the time.

So this older man and his grandson were talking behind me and he was explaining to him about how the Convention works. It was very sweet and I turned around to look...and saw that the grandfather was Dan Rather.

Joe Scarborough appeared to be every bit the jovial, yuck-it-up guy that he does on MSNBC.

Alaska Delegation is right next to Faux News. Why must this be?

David Kellner-Rode of Wasilla was selected to be a Page for Howard Dean at the Convention. Here he is with his mom, Abby Kellner-Rode who has been hanging out with her sister, Rachel Binah...a delegate from California!

Even though it's obvious I'm trying desperately not to blink, I love this picture. Senator Jim Webb is a hero because of what he's done (and continues to do) for Veterans. I got a chance to personally thank him...and tell him that there are lots of Vets up in Alaska who want to shake his hand. I also mentioned that my good friend, Veteran Aviation Outreach's Mo Bailey, would love to take him fishing!

I'll post lots more pictures later.

Liveblogging the Democratic Convention Aug 25th, PART II

2008-08-25T16:45:00.011-08:00

6:47 Barack's sister gave a very sweet and touching speech.

Best line of the Convention so far came from Jessie Jackson Jr. (paraphrased): "I know Dr. King is smiling down on us here tonight since this is the first Democratic Convention in history within sight of a mountaintop."

That was the beginning of a very stirring speech...the man has his dad's talents without the baggage.

(Remember how loyal he's been to Obama, he condemned his dad's whispered comments.)

OK...this band they have kicks some serious ass. They are doing some amazing covers but adding their own personality to it. Really getting everyone moving (if I could dance holding a laptop, I would be.)

7:47--Frustration: trying to get a decent picture of Carolyn Kennedy and having the MSM completely clog the aisles and then snap at us when we are trying to get through (can you say "fire code?)

Tears: Watching the tribute to Ted Kennedy. Then he clearly got choked up after he was introduced and the entire audience screamed, clapped, shouted "Teddy" and lifted up "Kennedy" signs. I talked to CC from KUDO 1080 briefly today and she mentioned that she got choked up when she heard there would be a tribute to him. I couldn't help but cry as I watched. Ted Kennedy is the end of an era for folks my age...the end to our childhood.

8:06--Jim Leach, Republican (yes, I said Republican) Representative from Iowa is speaking--one of the two "prominent" Republicans who have come out and endorsed Senator Obama. The other is former mayor of Fairbanks, Jim Whitaker and he speaks tomorrow.

Quotes: "America has seldom faced more critical choices." "This is not the time for politics as usual." "Little is riskier to national interests than more of the same."

8:19--Claire McCaskill's kids introduced her and she's emphasizing the theme "that's the change we need." Claire says "I know that this son of a single mom will stand up for America's daughters..." Very nice pull at those who are still grumpy over Clinton.

BTW--our Alaska Clinton delegates met and decided ahead of time that no matter what happened at the Convention, they were supporting Obama. I've seen very little of these "PUMA" people...was just given a flier and that's about it.

Michelle Obama video on now--her mom is narrating. She'll be speaking soon.

8:28--Lovely blonde BBC reporter is broadcasting right next to me and the blonde chicky babe from Fox is on the other side. What a friggin' difference in intellect.

Craig Robinson is speaking right now--big brother to Michelle Obama. She's next.

BTW...I now know why they don't allow signs in here because they give you a new one every friggin' 10 minutes. They just handed out "Michelle" signs on long sticks.

Heh...new BBC reporter switched out the other one...still cute and blonde.

Craig quote about Barack: "He's a team player who approves the people around him."

8:38--BBC is on my nerves now, they keep redoing this spot. Michelle is speaking and it's distracting.

8:58--That was an excellent speech and rather than write about it, I got a chunk on video. I'll post it and all the photos when I get back to Kim and Erick's.

Here we go! Liveblogging from the DNCC Monday!

2008-08-25T14:06:00.008-08:00

Here is the schedule for tonight:

Barack Obama’s story is an American story that reflects a life of struggle, opportunity and responsibility like those faced by Americans everyday. The opening night of the Convention will highlight Barack’s life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans who are calling for a new direction for this country.

Monday’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Former Governor of Vermont

Invocation
The Honorable Polly Baca – Greeley, Colorado
Former Colorado State Senator
President & CEO Latin American Research & Service Agency

Presentation of Colors
Navajo Code Talkers Association
Keith Little, Frank Willeto, Bill Toledo, Jimmy Begay

Pledge of Allegiance
Angela Morgan –Alexandria, Virginia
Served 9 years in the Marines and now runs a leadership development small business

National Anthem
Colorado Children's Chorale
Group over 30-years old – Tad Koriath (piano)
Local children (7-14) performing throughout US & the world (China, Asia, Europe, etc.)

Welcome
Reverend Leah D. Daughtry
Convention CEO & Chief of Staff, Democratic National Committee

Video - “Welcome to the West”

Introduction of and Report by the Credentials Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Eliseo Roques-Arroyo
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Former Executive Director, Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
James Roosevelt, Jr.
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Pres. & CEO Tuffs Health Plan (HMO) and grandson of FDR
The Honorable Alexis Herman
Co Chair Credentials Committee
Former US Secretary of Labor

Introduction of and Report by the Rules Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Sunita Leeds
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council
The Honorable Mary Rose Oakar
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Member of the US Congress, Ohio,
President of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee
The Honorable David Walters
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Governor of Oklahoma
President of Walters Power International

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Ashley Baia -Native of Pennsylvania and an Obama field organizer mentioned in Obama's Philadelphia speech. Know as the "sandwich girl" who, at age 9, convinced her mother she liked mustard & relish sandwiches to save money while her mother was fighting cancer. She is now twenty-three.

Introduction of Convention Co-Chairs
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator, Texas District 26
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Turning Over the Gavel
The Honorable Howard Dean, temporary Chair of the Convention turns over the gavel to
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic Convention.

Remarks
The Honorable Doris Matsui, Parliamentarian
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Andrew Tobias, Treasurer
Democratic Party Treasurer

Remarks by the Secretary and the Electronic Roll Call of Attendance
Alice Travis Germond - West Virginia
Secretary, Democratic Party
Member of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks – Presentation of Platform
The Honorable Patricia Madrid
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Attorney General of New Mexico

Judith McHale
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Business Executive (former President, Discovery Communications; Board of DigitalGlobal)

Remarks
The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Mayor of Denver, Colorado

Congressional Hispanic Caucus
The Honorable Joe Baca
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Grace Napolitano
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Silvestre Reyes
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas

Remarks
Nancy Keenan
President, NARAL - Pro-Choice America

The Honorable Emil Jones, Jr.
State Senator, Illinois
Amanda Kubik
Young Delegate – North Dakota

Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson,
Pres. Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord – lifetime Republican

Reg Weaver
President, National Education Association

The Honorable Manuel Diaz
Mayor of Miami, Florida

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Gabrielle Grossman
New Hampshire Obama Supporter "U2 mamma for Obama"

Remarks
The Honorable Lisa Madigan
Attorney General, Illinois

The Honorable Dan Hynes
Comptroller, Illinois

The Honorable Alexi Giannoulis
State Treasurer, Illinois

Randi Weingarten
American Federation of Teachers

The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Musical Performance
John Legend (vocals & piano) and accompanied by:
Agape Choir - International Spiritual Center, Culver City, CA
Trans-denominational Spiritual Community founded by Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith

Video/Remarks
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

America’s Town Hall – Economy
Moderator: Senator Sherrod Brown - Ohio,
Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Remarks
Margie Perez
New Orleans jazz singer & song writer from Musicians Village

President Jimmy Carter Segment
Jimmy Carter/New Orleans Video
Acknowledgment of President Carter

Remarks
Maya Soetoro-Ng
Half-sister of Barack Obama
High School teacher - Hawaii

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Remarks
The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Mike Fisher & Cheryl Fisher – Beech Grove, Indiana
Mike – Amtrak tech & Cheryl – hospital tech (hosted Obama for lunch)

Tom Balanoff
President, SEIU Local 1 (Chicago)

Senator Edward M. Kennedy Tribute
Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
Daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy

Video - Edward M. Kennedy Video

Remarks
The Honorable Miguel Del Valle
City Clerk of Chicago, Illinois

Candi Schmieder
Delegate Chair, Iowa County Convention

Jerry Kellman
Hired & supervised Obama at Developing Communities Project - Chicago, Illinois

Introduction of Jim Leach by
The Honorable Tom Harkin
US Senator, Iowa

The Honorable Jim Leach
Former Republican Member of the US House of Representatives, 1st District, Iowa

Introduction of Claire McCaskill by
Austin Esposito
Son of Senator McCaskill

The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri

Video - Michelle Obama Package

Introduction to the Michelle Obama Package
Craig Robinson
Older brother of Michelle Obama

Remarks
Michelle Obama
Wife of Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

Benediction
Don Miller -Portland, Oregon
Best-selling author & public speaker focusing on Christian spirituality

Recess
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas

4:10--So far, I've gone through the nightmare of getting here (it is NOT walking distance from the Big Tent), getting set up, just becoming overwhelmed with the media, the energy, and the beautiful job the lighting and decorating folks did with the Pepsi Center.

We've heard from Howard Dean and the Credentials Committee, the Rules Committee, P (MI and FL have full votes), our first hearing from Nancy Pelosi, the Platform Committee with Patricia Madrid--first Latina Attorney General, New Mexico and Judith McHale. Nancy Pelosi called for a vote and the Platform has been adopted.

5:00--OK, while the other kinda repetitive speeches were happening, I got pictures of Ryan Bucholtz on stage with young Democrats. I also got a chance (be still my heart) to thank Senator Jim Webb for his work for Veterans, invited him fishing in Alaska (with Mo Bailey) and got my picture taken with him.

Dan Rather stood right behind me with his grandson and talked to him. I got an amazing picture.

5:45 Interesting idea...questions from the people of the country (via video) to Sherrod Brown and a panel of Obama surrogates answering them.

Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Public Education--how can we improve it: Ned Helms--invest in every single child--as parents take responsibility for our children's education. Helms also said that Barack Obama proposes a $4,000 education credit.

Working Families--cannot afford health insurance. How will you assure that working families can afford insurance for all members of the family. Dr. Laura Tyson--Obama health care plan affordable, people won't be turned away--Jon Schnur--if you have insurance, you can keep it. If you don't, Obama and Biden wants you to be able to sign up for the same plan they have.

Questions ended early due to technical problems.

Nancy Pelosi speaking now and listing the accomplishments of the House. 9/11 Commission, Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims (recovery rebates), passed legislation to keep working families in their homes, increased minimum wage for first time in 10 years, improved fuel efficiency, passed new GI Bill, passed largest Veterans health care increase...largest in 77 years.

I heard someone say quietly "why didn't we impeach Bush?"

She's talking about honoring the Veterans and doing so with a new leadership in the White House.

It's hard to blog about this and not get distracted and enthralled by the amazing technology going on during her speech. Biggest LED screen I've ever seen showing beautiful beach backdrop and a close up of her so clear if she had warts, we'd see them.

The speech wasn't bad...there were some more inspiring speeches before hand.

Jazz Singer Margie Perez is doing a description of her experiences with Katrina and the lead-in to a tribute to Pres. Jimmy Carter.

The Katrina video which also honored Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity was a tear-jerker. I ran into a cool Texas delegate I met on the train and he was crying. We hugged each other and he said "that's why I'm here."

Former Fairbanks Mayor Jim Whittaker to speak at Dem Convention...also, waiting for "Team Blue Oasis" to get back from Red Rock

2008-08-24T20:35:00.005-08:00

Per the DNCC today:

Prominent Republicans Former Congressman Jim Leach and Fairbanks Mayor Jim Whitaker to Speak at 2008 Democratic National ConventionAugust 24, 2008

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign announced today that two prominent Republicans will address the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 25, 2008 and Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Former United States Congressman Jim Leach and Fairbanks Alaska Mayor Jim Whitaker will speak about Barack Obama's record of bringing Republicans, Independents and Democrats together to bring change and his vision for unifying our country.

Former Congressman Jim Leach will speak on Monday, August 25, 2008. The opening night of the Convention, themed as "One Nation", will highlight Barack Obama's life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans calling for a new direction for this country. Michelle Obama will be the keynote speaker on Monday night and the Convention will feature a video tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Fairbanks Mayor Jim Whitaker will speak on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Tuesday night, themed as "Renewing America’s Promise" will focus on Americans' concerns about the economy, rising healthcare costs and the need to expand educational opportunities for all. United States Senator Hillary Clinton will be the keynote speaker on Tuesday night.

Former United States Congressman Jim Leach represented southeastern Iowa in the US Congress from 1977-2007 and earned a reputation as one of the most respected foreign policy experts in Washington. Jim Whitaker is the Mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska. Leach and Whitaker endorsed Barack Obama earlier this month.

I'll be trying to talk to him while he's here. Hopefully, he'll be at the Delegate breakfast.

Also, Raven and Kim are at Red Rock: the concert with Dave Matthews and Cheryl Crowe. They'll report here about it.

Democratic Convention Security in Denver -- Fact and Fiction

2008-08-24T18:14:00.016-08:00

Several of Denver's Finest engaging in some friendly banter...with Kim, Raven and Morrigan of Team Blue Oasis in the background

I got this in the comments on my post about last night's media party:

angela said...

Hey CD

Gee what a nice post. Did you make it past the bracides, and is Blackwater manning them? Did your 'credentials' get you though the fences, the freespeech cages? Did you check you bags for those items that the Denver police class as weapons?

http://colorado.indymedia.org/node/857
These items include bricks piled in someone’s yard (I sure hope no one was planning to do any masonry, say fixing up that patio you’ve dreamed about for the past few paychecks), as well as baseball helmets and catchers’ safety gear (beware “soccer-moms,” the cops may accuse you of being a ‘violent protester’ if you should so happen to be driving a minivan full of baseball equipment on your way to pick up the team), and most certainly we can’t forget about bicycles – they already banned carabiners and U-locks through City Council – that’s right…now they are listing actual bicycles as items that ‘violent protesters’ use to “blockade sidewalks.” They are claiming that sticks used for mounting signs (a constitutionally protected form of free speech, not to mention a time honored American tradition) are some sort of weapon, and to top it all off…maps. That’s right, maps, not with any particular markings or anything specific…just plain maps. Maps are used to find your way around, and those who come from out of town – such as Democratic Party delegates and tourists – will likely be carrying maps. Hand held radios, cell phones, what’s the difference?

Will you even see any protesters? How does martial law feel? All safe and cozy? How about some pictures of cops cracking heads. Pictures of the cages, barbed wire and warnings about being tassed for protesting your arrest, wanting a lawyer?
I await your next post.

Does this look like the face of martial law????

First off, my suggestion would be to source the original article so that people can read the actual bulletin , not someone's blog post about the original article.

Secondly, it's important to note on the bulletin (easy to do considering it's bolded and underlined) where it says "be alert for medium and large numbers of these items that seem out of place for its location." A van full of sports equipment heading to a game isn't exactly a) laying around on the protest path or b) "out of place for its location." Neither are bricks in a yard. (P.S. My friends here in Denver also say that if someone can transport their yard full of bricks into downtown Denver, that would not only be a "concern" it would also be a helluva trick. This isn't Anchorage...their zoning laws are strict.)

Note the "Denver Police" patches

Thirdly, every bit of "security" I've seen so far (since I'm here, I'm actually seeing it) has been the Denver Police Department. Suggesting that "Blackwater" has anything to do with this event makes me think that you must be confusing it with the Republican National Convention. That's in September in Minnesota, FYI.

Peaceful protesters, peaceful police

Lastly, witness a protest in Denver and please let me know if anyone is hauled away for signs, maps or anything else they are carrying. I witnessed one today (Raven has much better pictures that she'll post later) that went round and 'round where the shuttles were supposed to run by the Sheraton (media credential hotel.) No one...no one was arrested that I could see. Huge numbers of police did follow them on bikes, horses and on foot but nothing happened.

However, the protesters did manage to shut down the shuttles so that a bunch of us (including disabled folks) were stranded and unable to go to the Big Tent or the Pepsi Center.

As a matter of fact, read some of the angry posts from the blogs that are here...blogs who are usually friendly to protesting. We all believe, however, that it should have a point...otherwise it's kind of embarassing. None of us understand exactly what your protesters are trying to do. There are signs regarding every conceivable issue out there (including the way-out-in-left-field issues) so there is no cohesive message. All they are doing is mostly making it very difficult for Democratic Delegates and Bloggers...you know, people who are on the same side as the protesters on most issues...to get to the places they are supposed to go and do the jobs they are here to do.

I hope you do continue to read, Angela, and I welcome your comments, whether I agree or not.

DNCC Media Party--first event of the Convention!

2008-08-24T12:05:00.003-08:00

I've been trying to take it easy this weekend. Got up at 5:30 Alaska time this morning...blogged and went swimming. Then we geared up to hit the DNCC kick-off event which was the media party.

So it turned out that Writing Raven, Morrigan and I were the ones that got to venture to Elitch Gardens (formerly "Six Flags") for the big media event. I tried to get more "credentials" because Kim and Eric also blog on Blue Oasis, but they wouldn't do it. I literally begged for Morrigan's pass and the kind women took pity on me.

Of course, we were hoping to see some of our favorites (Oh, Keith...).

It turned out to be mostly an opportunity for us to have fun!

First, there was a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the "Phamily"--a organization of folks with disabilities.

There was a wonderful session of Native American drumming and dancing.

And then we had introductions of the Host Committee and speeches from Mayor Higgenlooper and Governor Ritter.

And then...the party!

We noticed that there didn't seem to be folks we could identify by name...probably reporters for the bigger networks who we'd seen before but just didn't know who they were. We also saw a lot of delegates and probably techies!

Oh yeah...did I mention the food?

And the rides? I was really glad I got Morrigan in...this was probably the only real "fun" DNCC event for a 10-year-old!

Tomorrow is very much up in the air as to what the schedule is going to be. I know for sure that I'm heading to the Big Tent at about 3:30 to meet up with a bunch of the other State Bloggers...important strategy session, which I believe may involve some type of alcholic beverages on their part. Seriously, we are going to pick up our credentials and then discuss what events we each thing are worthwhile to cover. That's probably when I make some decisions as what I'll fit into the schedule...and how Raven and I will split some stuff up.

Hope everyone is doing well there...the weather has been kind so far...about 75 degrees today.

The Delegate Party, Pike's Market in Seattle and now WE'RE HERE just in time for a VP candidate!

2008-08-23T09:37:00.016-08:00

Holly Miowak Stebing, the Alaskan chosen to be backstage with Barack at the Thursday speech, was at the Delegate Party. I was very impressed by her intellect, candor and insight regarding her experiences and research of Alaska Native issues.

So, it's been radio silence for a bit but now we're here!

Before we left, I went to the Delegates Party at Club Soroya--it was a great time and a great job! Thanks Cal and Barbara for putting together a great time for all!!!

The Samoan dancers were a wonderful addition to the party!

We took off from Anchorage Airport after 1:30 AM and flew to Seattle where we had a six hour layover. We decided to hit Pike's Market, have breakfast and walk around. What inadvertantly happened is we became incredibly depressed over the difference in prices between Seattle and Anchorage--we Alaskans are so ripped-off!

We then took a walk on the waterfront in Seattle. It was about 65 degrees but I forgot that the dampness in Seattle makes it feel colder. Morrigan was smart and was wearing her new kuspick.

We got back on the plane and arrived in Denver at 4:45 Mountain Time--picked up by my friend Erick. We passed out almost immediately after we ate a yummy beef stew cooked by my friend Kim (Erick's wife) so we didn't get the text message about Joe Biden until I got up at about 7:30 AM. (He was the best choice, by the way.)

Anyway, I'm going to be mostly relaxing today until the media party this evening (the kickoff for the Democratic Convention) which I'll write about tonight. Tomorrow I plan to attend the Faith Gathering and I have media credentials for the Cheryl Crow and Dave Matthews concert! We'll all be putting our heads together over the next two days to come up with a planned schedule (which will probably change constantly) so folks have an idea what I'm planning to do. By the way, feel free to make suggestions!

Off to Club Soroya!!!!!

2008-08-21T18:30:00.001-08:00

See you there!!!!!!

A quick post about Begich and the annoying, biting insect called Ray Metcalfe

2008-08-21T10:48:00.005-08:00

Running for office, he is...fooled you into thinking he's a real candidate, he has

No, I don't have time for this today but I couldn't help it...much of my respect for Ray Metcalfe is eroding after the crap he's pulling in regards to Mark Begich.

The latest is in regards to the debate on KAKM:

...Ray Metcalfe told Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich he suspected him of taking a bribe from developers.

Metcalfe said he doesn’t believe Begich’s statement that he received an interest in the Midtown Calais Towers as compensation for a reduced commission for a 2002 real estate deal.

Metcalfe said he’s long been in the real estate business.

“I’ve never seen anybody pay a real estate commission in the manner that you described it and I don’t buy it…I’m asking you to meet your commitments of openness by dispelling my suspicions of bribery and by allowing the public to see your 2002 tax returns and your broker’s information showing where it went through your broker,” Metcalfe said.

Begich said he’s answered the question. He said he was in the real estate business at the time, not in office, and “was paid a reduced commission of $22,000 for that transaction you talk about, a couple of months later I received a share of the Calais buildings…everything about me is an open book,” he said.

I couldn't take it anymore so I posted this on the ADN Alaska Politics blog comments:

Ray, you know damn well why this will never amount to anything: Begich was not in office at the time.

Not in office=no bribe.

Not only was he NOT in office, let's not forget that Begich only won the 2003 election by 11 votes over the number needed to win--there was NO WAY to guarantee or predict that he WOULD be in office!

If it was meant as a "bribe," that would make Rubini kind-of stupid, no?

Gee, Ray, a jeweler friend of mine made me two necklace and earring sets in exchange for advertising on my blog. Oooooh Nooooo...she threw in a couple of extra necklaces for my daughter and I've thought about maybe, possibly running for office in 2010!!!

Does that look like a bribe to you? Quick, get the 'cuffs!

(Actually, I think the correct "b" word here is "barter.")

Another important point: you can demand to see his tax returns or other financial records from 2002 all you want...you are not entitled to those records as none of us are entitled to the records of any private citizen. If you have a problem, take it up with the IRS who are the only ones entitled to that information. I'm betting you already did, though, and they threw it back at you as did everyone else.

For the record, I wouldn't open up my private finances to any non-friendly type demanding to see them. I have nothing to hide it would be purely on principle and the fact that it sets a dangerous precedent regarding privacy. I think most Alaskans feel the same way. If I were Begich, I'd have told you to "get stuffed" a long time ago but he's a lot nicer than I am.

Speaking of principle, Ray, did you ever take care of that "little problem" you were having with the FEC?

Not long ago a dear, honorable friend of mine was running against someone for a president's position in a non-profit. His conniving opponent spread unfounded accusations far and wide about about the finances of my friend's own non-profit and demanded to see his records.

Problem: no one except the IRS is entitled to the financial records of a non-profit as they are private...like a private citizen.

I'm guessing his opponent was copying a page from your playbook.

MEET THE DELEGATES RALLY AND FUNDRAISER TONIGHT!

2008-08-21T01:25:00.003-08:00

Getting Fired Up and Ready to Go!!!!! 24 hours until I'm flying to Denver!

2008-08-21T00:56:00.005-08:00

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!

- Not packed yet
- Need an additional laptop battery
- Need a cord to plug into the net by my seat at the Pepsi Center
- Need a new camera (if I can afford it after the other stuff, which I can't really afford either but I need them)
- Need another 24 hours to do all the other stuff on my to-do list!

Anyway, this was mainly an excuse to test-drive (and put in storage on my blog) the header I'm going to use for the live-blogging posts. That way folks will know which is specifically gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Convention.

Six Questions for Alaska Congressional Candidates--#4 Earmarks

2008-08-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

I submitted six questions to all of the Progressive candidates for the Alaska At-Large Congressional seat (running against Don Young) as well as the U.S. Senate seat (running against Ted Stevens). The ones who responded were Ethan Berkowitz, Diane Benson and Mark Begich. Here is the answer to question number four from AK-AL candidates Diane Benson and Ethan Berkowitz, running in the primary on August 26th. I'll post the last two before I leave for the Democratic Convention tomorrow night.

4) Earmarks: While the use of earmarks by Senator Stevens and Congressman Young has given Alaska a black eye throughout the rest of the country, that practice has also made them popular with many Alaskan businesses as well as individuals. Do you think it’s possible to juggle Alaska’s dependence on earmarked government projects without making some of those same mistakes and/or further damaging Alaska’s reputation? If so, how will you accomplish that?

DIANE BENSON

Earmarks are not the problem, the abuse of earmarks are the problem. Like the rest of America, Alaskan’s are not opposed to earmarks. Alaskan’s are opposed to earmarks spent on lobbyists and special interests rather than the people of Alaska.

When I’m elected to Congress I will propose two common sense solutions to greatly increase transparency. The first step involves transparency. If legislators believe the earmarks they put in bills are being ethically used then they should have no problem with the public knowing how much money they’re spending and where the money is going. It’s taxpayer money and taxpayers have a right to know. Second, rather than continuing the chaotic spending of billions of dollars in earmarks, I propose that Congress set aside a certain amount of the budget for direct congressional spending. By limiting earmark spending to a predetermined amount, and then dividing that amount per Senator or Congressperson, the American people would no longer need to worry about out of control pork barrel spending increasing the budget.

By proposing these two solutions, Alaskans can go from being regarded as the state known for “government waste” to the state that brought much needed reform to out of control government spending.

ETHAN BERKOWITZ

Alaska’s next member of congress has the challenge of restoring trust and transparency, of making sure that the public interest, not special interest is served. Against that backdrop, earmarks can serve a useful purpose. Take the Denali Commission, for example.

The federal bureaucracy sometimes fails to move quickly enough, or be flexible enough to respond to uniquely Alaskan conditions. Earmarks -- discretionary spending -- can correct those sort of problems. We just need to know who asked for them, that there is a clear process to examine them, and that they are not used to reward contributors and supporters.

Diane Benson's New Ads

2008-08-20T14:36:00.005-08:00

"Breaking Barriers"

"Freedom"

It's official...she has the Harley vote!!!

"Integrity"

(I love this B&W silent movie-style ad with Tony Vito as the "Dick Dastardly" character!)

"Honor"

This one is heart-rending.

New Videos from the Begich Campaign

2008-08-20T14:29:00.004-08:00

"On the Trail with Mark Begich"

"At Home with Mark Begich"

Breaking: UPDATE--AP AND CNN RECANTING...TUBBS JONES IN CRITICAL CONDITION

2008-08-20T10:05:00.006-08:00

Consgresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones became well-known as a strong Clinton supporter and spokesperson

I received this email just two hours ago:

Statement From the Office of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday evening, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was admitted to Huron Hospital after suffering an aneurysm while driving her car in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. At the present time Rep. Tubbs Jones' condition has stabilized and she is receiving the best care available.

Tuesday's condition followed a full day of activity, including planning for an upcoming forum on electoral reform, scheduled for September 4, 2008 at Cleveland State University. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was scheduled to travel to Denver on August 24, 2008 to attend the Democratic National Convention as a superdelegate.

~~I just heard on CNN that Congresswoman Jones passed away so it must have happened within the hour. My heart goes out to her family, friends and constituents.~~ CNN, AP and other sources are now recanting their story, explaining that Tubbs Jones is actually in critical condition.

I'm very sorry folks--I figured getting it on CNN as an AP story (and hearing it on Ed Schultz) made it a pretty safe story to report.

McCain's big mistake

2008-08-20T06:18:00.004-08:00

Low water level in Lake Powell in Arizona (McCain's home state) as the result of long-term drought

Mark Twain once wrote the truism: “Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting.” Here on the arid land of the west, that statement has never been truer as McCain has ignited the ire of Coloradoans by threatening to take their water. Here is a particularly acerbic editorial from the Denver post on the issue:

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_10239045

Being from Arizona, it’s natural for McCain to want to negotiate more water for the lower states. Think of all the golf resorts in Palm Springs or recreation lakes in Vegas that would suffer forced to adjust to the realities of having been built in a desert…The problem is that he made these statements in Colorado, the source of that water. Colorado already receives a meager share of water as a result of the current treaty.

McCain won’t win any votes from Colorado by threatening to take away their water. This may eventually spark off a water war if he gets elected. I think it would be great to see Colorado embrace the new industries of rice production, or cranberry farms ;) It will be interesting to see how this gaffe plays out in the election.

The crazy-busy days before the Democratic National Convention! How you can keep up with the information (when I can't!)

2008-08-19T17:21:00.007-08:00

Obama "wall of hope" at the Midtown Campaign for Change office in Anchorage, Alaska

Right now, I'm experiencing what I like to call the "shame spiral" leading up to leaving for the Convention on the Friday morning red-eye flight. I'm trying to wrap- up some projects while putting some on hold, getting my daughter ready to go back to school tomorrow and meeting with her teacher (which has turned out to be difficult) to get the work she'll miss, constantly reading/answering/RSVPing email that has more-than-exploded over the last few days (150-200 a day), giving interviews (keep your eyes on the New York Times), helping with the "Meet the Delegates" party this Thursday (6:30 - 9:30 PM at Club Soroya), etc...etc...

The "shame" part (it's a Catholic thing) comes from the fact that this frenetic activity is keeping me AWAY from the reason FOR all of this...the blog.

Add to it the myriad of press releases coming from multiple sources with information of every kind...speakers, more "green" activities, parties, etc...there is just so much communication I feel like my head is going to explode.

(It makes me look forward to switching over to the new blog platform when I get back so that folks can write diaries about their interests and I can include them...a real community effort! But I digress...)

In musing on all of this, I suddenly realized that I've never discussed the Rootswire aggregator...the widget to the right of my blog and what it means. Granted, it wasn't working properly for a short while but now it seems to be doing just fine. Blogger Steve Hanson ("Uppity Wisconsin") put his considerable energy and expertise into this project, which pulls from the feed of participating Convention bloggers as well as the DNCC Blog and the Democratic Host Committee. The aggregator also grabs stories about candidates and all things Obama/McCain.

In Steve's own words:

Many of you may have noticed the widget that has been displaying around this site for the last few weeks from RootsWire.org. RootsWire is an exciting project that we've been working on in conjunction with many of the bloggers who are covering the Democratic Convention. We are pulling together content from many of the best bloggers in the country in a single site, covering the convention from many angles, both in different parts of the planet and from different political viewpoints. This has been a great experience, and we're thrilled that so many well-known bloggers from around the world are participating.

So, when you check my blog throughout the Convention for the "Alaska view," make sure you click on the widget as well and see what bloggers from all over the country are experiencing. I think that collectively, we'll have the most comprehensive coverage ever seen!

Six Questions for Alaska Congressional Candidates--#3 Campaign Finance: Taking money from lobbyists and PACs

2008-08-19T01:16:00.008-08:00

I submitted six questions to all of the Progressive candidates for the Alaska At-Large Congressional seat (running against Don Young) as well as the U.S. Senate seat (running against Ted Stevens). The ones who responded were Ethan Berkowitz, Diane Benson and Mark Begich. Here is the answer to question number three from AK-AL candidates Diane Benson and Ethan Berkowitz, running in the primary on August 26th.

(P.S. I've had several people ask why I have not been including any commentary on these posts. I wanted to present these answers to you as I received them from the candidates and allow everyone to analyze and decide for themselves.)

3) Campaign Finance: Senator Barack Obama, as the new leader of the Party has told the DNC that they are no longer permitted to accept money from lobbyists or PACs. For his own campaign, this requirement has been so stringent he’s returned small, personal donations to anyone who identifies him/herself as a “lobbyist” of any kind. Will you be incorporating that directive into your own campaign and refusing money from these sources?

ETHAN BERKOWITZ

Time and again I stood up in Juneau for campaign finance reform. For limits from big money, against easing restrictions on lobbyists – for more accountability and more transparency in our political process, and for measures that defended the integrity of institutions against corruption.

Those are the principles I have imparted to my campaign.

It’s about more than PACs. I believe that working families, and not just the wealthy, should have a voice in the political process and am proud to accept the support of labor unions. I am honored to receive the support of members of Congress. I am grateful that supporters of groups like Planned Parenthood and the Human Rights Campaign have found a way to pool their resources and support my candidacy.

I will continue to speak out for public financing of campaigns. I will continue to oppose corporate participation in the political process, and I will continue to be a proven voice for ethical government.

DIANE BENSON

Let me be clear. Representatives of the people should not take money from lobbyists. It’s just that simple. I applaud Senator Obama and the DNC for taking such a bold stance on campaign finance reform. I believe that we as democrats, the party which represents the heart, the soul, and the voice of the average American, have an obligation to resist the temptation of special interests.

As many of you know, I’ve been calling for campaign finance reform since I ran to retire Don Young in 2006. I’m proud to run a campaign financed by people and not by special interests. This is why I’ve never taken money from lobbyists or Industry PACs. The simple truth is these sources don’t hand out large piles of money without expecting something in return.

Clean government is THE defining issue in this election. Campaign finance reform is the best way of cleaning up government and is the primary difference between myself and my opponents. When our elderly are forced to choose between life sustaining food and life saving medicine, when telecom companies get off the hook for violating our civil liberties, or when Congress watches while families collapse under the weight of excruciatingly high gas prices; and yet refuses to act…we can bet it is because Representatives took money from big business lobbyists. Campaign finance isn’t just a matter of ethics. It’s a matter of making progress as a country. I hope that all voters will think long and hard between now and August 26th. Before the people of Alaska vote they need to ask themselves one simple question, “Do you want your Congressperson to represent you or lobbyists?”

Barack Obama's "Backstage with Barack" Campaign--one of the 10 folks is an Alaskan!

2008-08-18T12:13:00.004-08:00

The Obama Campaign had a fund-raising drive where if you donated $5.00 or more within a certain time frame, your name would be put in the hat to be selected as one of 10 folks to be backstage with Barack Obama before his historic speech at Invesco Field a week from Thursday.

One of those folks selected is an Alaskan!

Per the email:

Holly Miowak Stebing of Anchorage, Alaska

Holly, a 20-year-old Alaska Native Inupiaq, is spending her summer break from Stanford University at the First Alaskans Organization interviewing native elders about their experiences with segregation. Holly is passionate about improving healthcare access for Native Americans, and protecting Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. The 2008 presidential election is Holly's first as a voter. She says: "This was the first campaign I felt I needed to support. I don't have a lot of money, but I donate what I can because I believe in [Barack]." She will attend the convention with her mother who is the first Native American woman to pass the Alaska bar.

Six Questions to Alaska Congressional Candidates #2--Solutions for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

2008-08-17T16:12:00.007-08:00

2) Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault: Do you have a plan to address and provide solutions to protect the mostly women and children affected by this chronic problem? Can you address solutions especially geared towards the Alaska Native Community considering the frighteningly high number of Native victims in proportion to their population?

DIANE BENSON

Having worked in the field of violence and recovery, I find several conditions evident for both the Native and non-Native communities:

1) There are not enough shelters in the state of Alaska for the protection of family members suffering in fear of and at the hands of violence.

2) Alcohol and drug abuse constitutes the major cause of violent crime committed in Alaska, yet we are sorely lacking in funds for alcohol and drug addiction treatment let alone for family support programs.

3) Education for women of every age about self-defense, protection, and resources is lacking.

4) First responders and police need more training and support to meet quicker and adequate response time and reporting requirements.

5) Community leaders and health care providers need to be adequately educated and trained in sexual assault prevention, mandatory reporting and reporters, safe homes, rape kit requirements, and victim testimony etc.

The Amnesty International report that alarmed many as to the level of sexual violence in Alaska was unfortunately only a fraction of the actual chronic levels of violence. Some who work in the field speculate that the rates of violence are as high as 90% in unreported cases. As Alaska’s Congressional Representative I would actively pursue ending this crisis in Alaska and therefore would:

1) Work with the Department of Justice and advocate for more funds directed to sexual assault and family violence prevention
.
2) Work with the state to increase rural police and VPSO programs, and appropriate training for these and other first responders.

3) Act on local recommendations for alternative/tribal court development, funding crisis centers, and act on school and other child safety plans.

4) Advocate for an increase in funds for justice for victims of crime.

5) Make reporting safer.

6) Work with the state to increase drug and alcohol recovery programs, and awareness – and support such federal bills as the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

7) Support a mandate to end sexual violence in Alaska.

8) Listen.

ETHAN BERKOWITZ

Too many lives, too many families have been shattered by domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked on too many cases with too many victims, and know that this violence casts a dark, dark shadow over Alaska. The statistics impersonally convey the extent of the problem.

I know the humanity from experience.

I remember the dignity of a young woman, raped repeatedly, under circumstances too horrific to recount here. I remember the strength of an abuse victim, so badly beaten, her face swollen, her arm broken, supported by two officers as she made her way to the witness stand to testify against her attacker.

Those experiences as a prosecutor, my work with the Criminal Justice Assessment Commission, and my time in the state legislature make it clear that any effort to reduce crime depends on implementing a comprehensive strategy linking prevention, policing, prosecuting, and prison. It depends on making sure that victims can have a voice, and that they receive the counseling and treatment needed. It means making sure that government provides adequate resources so we can break these cycles of violence.

Rural Alaska suffers disproportionately because it lacks so much. There is simply not enough law enforcement in the Bush – more than eighty villages don’t have even a VPSO. There is a lack of drug and alcohol treatment, and a lack of probation and parole officers to help offenders reintegrate into communities. Too many places in Alaska lack a complete justice system. And too many rural Alaskans fall easy prey to predators when they come to our larger cities because the support they should have, the deterrence that should exist, and the prevention measures that should be in place are simply lacking.

I'm so excited...Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis will be a Community Blog!

2008-08-16T14:11:00.003-08:00

Yes, that's right...I haven't posted today because I've started work on the new site for this blog, divasblueoasis.com!!!!

As you can see, I have a long way to go and though it would be nice, I doubt seriously I'll have it ready by the Convention. However, this will be what I'm transitioning to as soon as possible! The diary function will mean that anyone who registers can post their own diary and if we like it, we can move it to the front page!

Anyway, take a look at it but don't bother to post there right now. While you may see some diaries from Kaerick and Monocot, those are just test diaries to help me with formatting. It's also on a completely separate feed and I'm not going to fix that until I'm ready to go.

Anyway, take a look at it and tell me what you think!