Linda Kellen Biegel has received her final asking price from the Palin administration to provide the e-mails she has requested from them under the Freedom of Information Act.
However Sarah Palin and her cronies do not seem to understand the term "free"-dom. For the Palin administration you have to pay through the nose to get something that every other American can get from their government officials for free.
Apparently in Alaska it takes 16 hours totalling $924.66 PER E-MAIL!
The only thing "transparent" about this administration is how afraid it is that the citizens of Alaska will learn the truth about Sarah Palin.
Please click the title to visit Celtic's Blue Oasis and read the rest of this troubling story.
A couple of points:
ReplyDelete1. in the state of AZ, it costs $0.10 per page for copies, so there's little free here; though it is NOWHERE near the jaw-dropping price Diva's been quoted. UNbelievable!
2. I have a feeling there's an attorney who would LOVE to do some pro bono work and sue the state of AK for the LACK of transparency and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Wonder if Rex happens to know of anyone....
I suspect that GINO's office needs these funds in order to upkeep her "s|utty flight attendance" wardrobe!!
ReplyDeleteI will give when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteI want to see those emails.
The use and abuse of public office by this slutty tramp is amazing isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHer salary is paid by citizens who have no right to information obtainable under the "FOIA"?
I agree with the attorney and the Pro Bono request. Why not a lawsuit? At least it wouldn't be heard in front of her personnel board.
I don't get it. It takes sixteen hours to go through ONE email account?
ReplyDeleteI am not very computer savvy, but I believe *I* can do the job in under ONE MINUTE! All you do is type in the search term in the 'search' function of ANY email account, annd within seconds, you have the results!
I would not pay the ransom, but would use the money instead on finding a lawyer that is not in GINOs pocket...
Yes, a lawsuit needs to be filed to get the Palin Administration to abide by the freedom of information act. And this crap needs to reach the MSM. If she actually decides to run for pres in 2012, she'll have to stop avoiding the media that actually asks real questions. One of the first ones they should ask is why she charges residents of Alaska over $900 per email under the FOIA. Let's see her wiggle out of that one. Nobody with even half a brain can help but draw the obvious conclusion. She has something to hide, and she's willing to go to great lengths to keep it hidden. Somebody should whisper in her ear that people are not going to give up. They WILL get those emails or they WILL take her to court for destroying state emails. She's going down and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking that whether the emails are 5 cents or 5 thousand dollars, nothing of relevance will be released. I think I read that they have a right to withold information that might be sensitive for security reasons - easy to paint that with a broad brush for this corrupt administration. This will look like the ethics complaints, the path to nowhere, since it involves the AK State Government doing anything.
ReplyDeleteGet those pesky "Feds" involved, or be prepared to end up nowhere again.
I, too, will give $$ towards this when the time comes. Count on it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I want to take this moment to offer something up, FWIW.
Sometimes I feel guilty for posting on AK blogs. It's true that I have been to Anchorage, Wasilla, Valdez, Denali, and many other beautiful places in AK. But I am not an Alaskan. I don't want to be like the Crazies4Palin, who seemingly know nothing about Alaska politics, yet interfere with the ADN, and freep polls online related to Alaskan issues. They hurt Alaska. And they have a patronizing attitudes towards Alaskans as is shown in all of their political "movements" and responses.
That is great folly on the part of the "opposition." AK progressive bloggers are all smart, so much fun to read, and have such great insights. I think it will be an Alaskan issue that brings Ms. Palin permanently back into the AIP fold (or back to Wasilla--or wherever one goes into retreat with Palin's background), and out of any national political spotlight. I think it will be Alaskans who do not vote her back into office again. I think it will be Alaskans who force her to answer for her corruption while in office.
And so I feel confident in observing this: Palin's political career is nearly over. Surely it will be a "local/state" issue which derails the governor. And who is smarter than Alaskans? Certainly not the folks who run Sarah Palin fan clubs from L.A. or the anti-choice folks who pay for pro-Palin posters to write online comments.
Go progressive Alaskans! I honor your tenacity, your perspicacity, and your spirit. I have total faith in your judgement, your political acumen, and your solutions. Tip of the hat!
Go Celtic Diva! You ROCK girl! I sent what I can, hope it helps!
ReplyDeleteHey, the state offered Linda a "discount" price if she didn't want the e-mails that had been "deleted" for some reason or other (state employee rolls eyes across ceiling, hands shoved deep into pockets, whistling casually...)
ReplyDeleteG-d knows what GINO/FINO (feminist in name only) hid on those Yahoo accounts!
It strikes me, from a Canadian's POV, that the U.S. allows the states too much autonomy. This autonomy is reflecting a rightist attitude of allowing each state to control their own destiny and that's chiefly because of the tax bogeyman. There is an attitude of, screw the other states, our state is doing fine, while an attitude of caring for your fellow Americans is much more appropriate. Here in Canada we take a much for social/socialistic view of the issues and we maintain some sort of equilibrium which takes care of our poorest. No doubt the greedy Albertans are trying to change it and so the upsurge of power from Alberta which is largely supported by the political right.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Obama understands this only too well and all that needs to be done now is develop an attitude amongst the American people to insist on holding his feet to the fire. Proper affordable healthcare is only the tip of the iceberg.
But no, tell any American that Canadians are a bunch of godless commies and they will buy it hook, line, and sinker!
Get with the program boys and girls or little Nazis like Sarah will not be stopped. There is no mechanism to stop her in place.
get it?
I am predicting right now that if SP supporters have this bad info on Palin as was suggested, that SP is going to come out with it herself!!!
ReplyDeleteShe will spin it the way that makes her look like the victim... again... and it wont hurt her.
All this waiting for the right moment is benefiting her greatly.
If it doesn't come out soon and blindside her, she will twist it to her advantage.
If there are photos I'm having trouble believing that SP's enemies are sitting on it. Those enemies definately don't include the liberal bloggers then. They would be posted in a heartbeat I'd hope. And someone else could sell them for tons right now.
But if Palin comes out with it herself, the effort is toast.
Here's a very interesting.... and devious thought..? What if Celtic Diva or one of the Progressive blogs were to call up or email David Letterman and ask him if he would like to ' purchase'some emails...? (how FUNNY would THAT be)
ReplyDeleteAll for a pawltry $5552.64....What a good investment.
There is no way that anyone should fall for this trick--paying for public documents! Play a better game and play it smarter!
ReplyDeleteGo to the Feds, hire an attorney, research AK law regarding freedom of information.
I think any legal challenge would hinge on:
ReplyDelete(1) The "reasonableness" of the price charged. FOI laws tend to allow for recouping reasonable costs only if they are reasonable. Clearly, the Executive Branch hasn't put in place (or is failing to use appropriately) the search systems that would allow the searches to be conducted in minutes, not days.
(2) The apparent new blanket policy to charge in all cases, ignoring the public interest exception that is written into the law.
Where I live, this would be done by means of a judicial review application. In other jurisdictions, it would be done by writ of mandamus, which basically forces a public servant to follow the law and do what is legally required of them in a reasonable manner.
Good luck!
You could turn her into the feds for violation of FOIA laws, or you could offer to copy them yourselves-bring a portable copier and your own paper....that is what I did for years...( even brought own extension cord when they turned the power off one time) different state- still a bitch of a gov- ...
ReplyDeletethink on it..or let me know if you need other ideas...
don't give up...
;-)
No efforts by the left is going to work in Alaska if it endangers Palin. The U.S. allows the states to control their legal systems and that makes the legal system politically corrupt. Your highest court in the land, the supreme court is nothing more than a fight between the left and the right now. The rot needs to be ferreted out at it's roots but how do you eliminate rot in your supreme courts?
ReplyDeleteAnd then at the state level and especially in Alaska where a bunch of hillbillies are far enough separated from the rest of the country, Palin is the ruler supreme because the flawed system is controllable by a governor. You don't have a FOIA if she can charge more than a person can afford to pay for information. I would also suggest that you don't have a lot of freedoms which you are brainwashed into bragging about.
Get together and force Obama to get up off his ass and do what you elected him to do. You may not have a better opportunity to make changes for another 30 years. Bitterly complaining on this little blog is not going to do it.
Sarah Q., pls. don't lecture me on U.S. politics, and I won't lecture you on Canadian politics. Deal?
ReplyDeleteI am a First Nations member, so I have a lot to say about Canadian politics.
Anon @ 9:48,
ReplyDeleteI'm not lecturing you, I'm just giving you the straight goods. No deal!
If you have something to say about Canadian politics by all means say it. If the charge is true then you won't find me defending against it. This my dear, is how we Canadians usuallly differ again. We don't wave the flag near as much and we don't defend our country when it doesn't deserve defending.
If you are a first nations member and you want to criticize Canada for it's treatment of F.N. people then do that. If our treatment of F.N. people is worse than the U.S.'s then that should be pointed out.
I know enough about U.S. politics to know that it needs to be criticized. Hopefully you know enough about Canadian politics to criticize, because criticizing actions that are wrong are a good thing, no matter what side of the border is concerned.
Let this be another lesson for Americans. Rise above your patriotism and brainwashing and smell the coffee dear. Somebody needs to start doing it.
@Sarah Q., is "the straight goods" a Canadian colloquial expression?
ReplyDelete@Sarah Q...I too am Canadian. I love my american blogger pals, but like you, I see the differences. It is very easy for some, not all of course, but some, Americans to label us.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. We do not wave the flag or flaunt our patriotism. I have often wished we did it more, but its not the Canadian way...not in our DNA I suppose. I like how we are, and for the most part I enjoy the type of governing we have. I get frustrated with my government as I am sure you do too...but our system seems a bit more ....not sure of the word...but I would say..."level".
The Sarah Palins of the world don't do well in our politics...thank heaven. We do take care of one another, and I am grateful for that.
We are called socialists and commies because of universal health care. It is lied about to the extreme. We dont get proper care...we dont get to choose our docs...we dont get surgeries or care we need. That is BS and you and I both know it, but its something Americans will learn only when they have a different health care system than they currently have.
Yes...we could do better with our first nations peoples...but so could the US. Just saying...
Laurie
Very thoughtful post Laurie. Yes, they are fed a bunch of lies about our healthcare system but there's a lot of big money behind protecting their status quo.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why I have to be vocal about our differences is because even their left IMO is too far right. And for a good example of that, even the American left is not accepting of the simple fact that a universal healthcare system is far superior to what they have now. On the positive side, they will have to change sooner or later because not only their choices on healthcare but other rightist choices is going to bankrupt their country if they don't.
And of course there is the real danger of American influence seeping over the border to pollute the good that we have. You are probably well aware of the rightist influence of Alberta in Harper's government which is intent on turning our healthcare system into a commercial/for profit enterprise similar to what the U.S. has. This is putting money and profit over the welfare of our people and must be guarded against vigilantly by Canadians.
Sadly, most Americans don't seem to get it yet, but it's encouraging to know that some do! Now my biggest fear is that Obama will be bullied and cowed into going with the efforts of the big money influences and not live up to his word and his high ideals. Christ, already he is being applauded by his supporters for going belly up on real changes! Duhhhhhhh!
I love Canada, but I wouldn't go to a Canadian blog and give my opinion about serious issues in Canadian government or of regional Canadian politicians, and generalizations about the opinions of of Canadian citizens.
ReplyDeleteBut Sarah Q. and Casey, feel free to carry on.
Anon.2:39...you don't mind our canadian support when we donate to your blogs...or to causes like the travesties that have taken place in Alaska this year...or during hurricane Katrina. Canadians were the first on the ground in one parish in Louisiana...but heaven forbid we have an opinion.
ReplyDeleteYour politics whether you believe this or not...does affect us. Sarah Q just explained how that happens beautifully. I..like many Canadians want you to have the best there is to offer...and we sure as hell dont want to lose what we have. We will not though...cause one thing we do well is scream and yell till our politicians hear us. Minority governments can be hell....but often they are heaven.
@Laurie-Ann, whoever said American politics does not affect Canadians? That isn't what my post says. My post says I would not presume to post on a Canadian blog making generalizations about opinions held by Canadian citizens. And that I love Canada.
ReplyDeleteFor a Canadian who "isn't patriotic," you sure have waved the Canadian flag around here. Me thinks you doth protest much!
Anon @ 7:15,
ReplyDeleteIf you have some criticism of Canada or Canadian politics then let's hear it. I for one would welcome it with open arms providing it's rational and sincere. To hear criticism and react to it only makes us better. You Americans don't seem to understand that and you feel a need to stick up for your country and it's politics even though the politics have become ridiculous. This can't be illustrated in any better way than to point out how you elected an idiot puppet for pres with Bush and how Palin is a real danger. Wise up, we Canadians pointing that out to you and helping you in your cause to stop these kind of idiots is meant to help you, while at the same time helping ourselves in making sure that you do better and not have the influence leak over the border.
Criticize us, go ahead and you are going to learn in short order that we won't fight back with denial of your criticism if it's truthful. That is how we differ. Or in other words, we just are not flagwavers for inane and stupid reasons as so many Americans appear to be.
Laurie-Ann, I think it has a lot to do with how Americans are taught to wave the flag and sing the praises of their country right from childhood. It's sort of like being raised a Christian, if you are raised with it you will usually keep it for life to some degree. It's human nature to hold on to childhood teaching and only the more intelligent and questioning among us are able to break free from it. This, I believe, is quite purposeful in America because it guarantees patriotism and loyalty from the people. Unquestioning loyalty when that is required to convince the people to sign on to and support wars, or in other instances, to support Christianity.
ReplyDeleteIt's controlling upbringing and raising of a child which turns into an adult not being capable of using common sense and logic to accept or reject what is asked of him.
We Canadians are not immune to it but our churches and our government are not yet masters of the methods used in the U.S.
That's my opinion of where the differences originate from.
Wow, Laurie-Ann and Sarah Q. are totally TEAM CANADA here. We inferior Americans bow to your superior wisdom, compassion, and politesse, TEAM CANADA. We thank you and wish you great Canadian peace.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 9:58,
ReplyDeleteI can be on team U.S.A. or any team. I will condemn my own country quite readily if the condemnation is deserved. I will also applaud the U.S. if it's politics rise above ours. You simply don't understand because that's something you are incapable of doing. You are controlled by the political system because that's how you were raised from the cradle. You have had your freedom stolen from you right from under your nose and you don't even realize it. All you can do is make excuses and condemn others who have what you have lost.
Anon@9:58
ReplyDeleteI love Gryphen, so it pains me to fill his blog with things like this. I do not..for some strange reason believe you to be a loyal Gryhen follower...at least not for the reasons most of us. If you were, you would know that we usually try to have polite discourse. Disagreement is fine...but personally I (Laurie-Anne) am not a flag waver. Just because I point out some differences ...does not mean I think we are better. My country has plenty of challenges...we have much to work on. Sarah Q is right though. If you read any of the Canadian posters on these blogs you will often see where we slap our collective heads. We know we have work, but we are trying.
On the other hand, I can see what Sarah is saying...because I live in her world. The world where we have had to tolerate some pretty silly things. Like some uni professor at Harvard no less....signing a petition to "force the Canadian government to banish the great Saskatchewan seal hunt". Or the governor of one of your states telling Rick Mercer he thought the American government would be amenable to the Canadians having a Navy (which we already do...and a darn fine one) and we could "park our ships in Florida or some such place".
We have a gun registry that we are ridiculed for...( yes...assault weapons are banned..thank heaven) yet per capita Canadians own more guns than any other nation. Nobody comes and takes our guns...they just make sure we are who we say we are when we buy them...and that we havent got a criminal past linked to weapons. Not a bad thing really.
Is this flag waving? Probably. However, its the first time I have ever done it, and its only because I am tired of "anonymous" (plural) telling us we should mind our own business. It is our business. We do care you see...and would really like you to have the good things we do. I for one am just tired of all the BS lies told about us, to protect your insurance industry.
We happen to have a prime minister currently...who would love to lead us down the neo-con path. He quite enjoyed having George Bush as president I am sure. He would love to change our abortion laws...(its legal) he would have for certain had our soldiers in Iraq...and he would love for religion to play a role in our government. It. Will. Not. Happen. If it even looks like he is heading in that direction...he will be done. Heck...he may be anyway. He may even get beat out in the next election by a Canadian who lived for many years in the US and was a Harvard professor. Who would have thought it.
Just having a rant...I mean no harm, and those who know me from this blog, will know that.
Laurie