New Rules for July 31.

Very irreverent and very, very funny.

Countdown uncovers the source of the "Birther" movement.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Wait! They are blaming LIBERAL bloggers?

So does that mean Sarah Palin is secretly behind this movement?

Don't forget, you heard that rumor here first kids!

Comic of the day!

I found this on Shannyn's Facebook page. So I stole it!

Thanks Shanny!

Jon Stewart makes fun of the Republican's shameless use of scare tactics about healthcare.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Healthraiser
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Joke of the Day

The clip is funny but there is nothing humorous about the lies the GOP is spreading about this health care plan. The depths that the Republicans will go to in order to frighten American citizens into rejecting the President's plans is unconscionable.

I hope that these tactics come back to bite them in the ass during the next election cycle.

The GOP has turned into a gang of thugs that seemingly will stop at nothing to defeat any idea put forward by the this President.

Being an opposition party is one thing, but being a club full of adolescent assholes is quite another.

Palin poll numbers plummet.

Two-thirds, 67%, said they don’t ever want the former Alaska governor to be president, compared with the 21% who said they would.

While it should come as no surprise that 87% of Democrats said they don’t ever want Palin as commander-in-chief, some 43% of Republicans said the same thing—as well as 65% of independents.

Even 46% of self-identified conservatives said they do not want Palin as president, as well as 44% of those who voted for Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain in 2008.

At 44%, white evangelicals are the largest subgroup supporting Palin as president one day.

Well, believe it or not, that brilliant "quit halfway through your term" strategy does not seem to have worked as well as advertised.

WTF?

As repeatedly stated to several in the media over the last week, former Governor Sarah Palin is not committed to attend the Simi Valley Republican Women’s event at the Reagan Library and in fact is not attending the event. Neither the Governor’s state staff nor SarahPAC has ever committed to attending this event or speaking at this event, and even requested that the Governor's name be removed from the invitation several weeks ago. The Governor has other work and commitments to take care of at that time. She looks forward to visiting her friends in California soon. All event requests must be confirmed with Meghan Stapleton of SarahPAC. Additionally, all invitations bearing the Governor’s name must be approved by her attorney before proceeding.

Thank you.Meghan Stapleton

Why in the hell would Palin need to run an appearance by her attorney?

She is a private citizen now. Isn't she?

And by the way Meghan, that is EX-Governor Palin now.

Or as we like to call her, the "Twitter Quitter".

Sarah Palin's spechwriter applies for a new job. Pretty damn funny!

Dear Sir, or Madam, or American, or Patriot, or Alaskan, or Real American:

I am writing, addressing, appreciating the chance to speak directly to you, the voter, the constituent, the citizen (who is registered to vote), today, now, at this time to investigate, to ask, to inquire about the job, the position, the career opportunity that you have currently, nowadays, at present worked so tirelessly to post on Workopolis, while others in the old boys' network just kind of milked it.

By gosh, my work as Governor Palin's speechwriter has been rewarding and productive and industrious, and I know and understand and believe that I meet all the essential and vital and valuable criteria of the position, for the job, for the place in your company, for the employment opportunity, for the hiring option that you have communicated to me in one of the many forms of, in, in fact, all of the media, the newspapers, the press, in the vast variety of them that I was reading up here in my beloved Alaska when I saw your posting on Workopolis rear its head and come into view.

Fishing. Babies. Fishing. Troops. Fishing.

I am especially interested in this opportunity because my prior experience as a speechwriter for Governor Palin has prepared me and left me well suited for and makes me uniquely qualified to meet the challenges, the demands, the tougher tasks associated with careering, and I'm looking forward, ahead, onward to using my past successes, wins, achievements in my work in shoring up our economy and putting it back on the right track.

So health-care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending have got to accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans. And trade.

I would appreciate, cherish, savour an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my experiences can meet your needs and to answer all of your hollered-out, liberal gotcha questions in a timely way, you betcha, in what regards? Oh is that the time?

I am one to believe that I am so proud, that on account of the fact that I was tapped and hired and asked to, I am able to (oh look, I found a specific example and I'm bringing it to you), I am able to articulate a candidate's position both for and against cap and trade, sometimes in the same sentence, although that may take nine pages.

Maverick. The hand of God. Joe Six Pack. RUSSIAN

I'm all about getting my message out and then trying to rein it back in again like spending – it's got to be all about job creation too. We've got to see trade as opportunity, not as a competitive, um, scary umbrella, in the trade sector today, because that's just not me.

You can't blink (because then your eyes get wet).

In closing, I would like to say, to express the fact, to tell you that if you hire me for the position offered, that of Dean of the Department of Marine Biology at the University of Vienna, I am sure, am confident, am certain that my lack of any knowledge of any aspect of marine biology, my active dislike of marine life and my inability to speak, or understand or comprehend any German (because I'm just not wired to speak German) will bring a much-needed fresh perspective to your Department of Marine Biology.

My no-more-business-as-usual approach, my very pretty shell collection, my culture-of-life world view, my think-outside-the-box, do-I-really-have-to-get-wet? ideas say instead of same old, same old, let's talk directly to the marine-life issue.

This is a way of doing things that I promise to employ during at least two years of my four-year contract (or until the end times), and I promise you that it will be understood and appreciated by a mysterious and frequently quoted focus group referred to as “anyone who knows me.” This amazing group of Americans is composed of “folks” who will tell you that, with me, my “love of progressing Alaska and family and impacting, also, come first.” And faith.

Thanks, but no thanks, for your time.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Sincerely yours, Etc., etc., etc.

No I did not write this (wish I had). Just click the title to visit the Globe and Mail website where you will see a picture of the lovely, and talented, Tabatha Southey, the actual author.

Brief update concerning the ongoing Tennessee trial of the student who hacked Sarah Palin's e-mail account.

A federal magistrate judge has told defense attorneys they can't question FBI agents who scoured the laptop of a University of Tennessee student charged with improperly accessing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's personal e-mail account.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel said U.S. Magistrate Judge Clifford Shirley ruled Thursday that he must first decide if the search itself was legal before deciding whether to examine what agents did once they seized David Kernell's computer.

Hmm interesting so does that mean there is a possibility that this whole thing will get thrown out?

Kernell, the son of a Democratic Tennessee legislator, is accused of gaining access to Palin's account in September by correctly answering a series of personal security questions. He has pleaded not guilty.

Kernell's attorneys have sought to exclude evidence seized from the computer from Kernell's trial. Palin was the Republican vice presidential candidate at the time.

Personally I am very interested in seeing the content of those e-mails submitted as evidence and having Sarah Palin subpoenaed to explain why she used a Yahoo account to conduct state business.

I mean if hacking into the Yahoo account is considered a federal crime because it may reveal sensitive information then why did the Governor not use the more secure state e-mail account to communicate with her staff and others? Like every OTHER lawmaker in Alaska does!

I am going to keep an eye on this case as it may reveal some very interesting information indeed.

How is a media whore supposed to make a living if she cannot have access to the media?

Sarah Palin is expected to make a visit next week to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in California, in what would be her first public appearance outside Alaska since resigning as governor, and the sponsors said on Wednesday the event will be closed to the media.

Palin, the self-described hockey mom turned politician, is slated as “our expected guest” on Aug. 8 for a 50th anniversary gala hosted by the Simi Valley Republican Women, Federated, a nonprofit group of GOP volunteers, according to an e-mail from the group’s president Peggy Sadler. An accompanying notice states bluntly: “No press or other media allowed.”

I have to wonder if this is Palin's idea or the Simi Vally Republican Women?

I can understand Palin not wanting to take any questions from the press but she certainly seems to want as much camera time as possible. I am pretty sure that if she does not get photographed every two to three days her skin begins to wither and slide off her bones without the rejuvenating affects of the television cameras.

That is a scientific fact, which just so happens to be devoid of any scientific facts. They just get in the way anyhow.

Why would our ex-governor waste her time on any event that did not get national coverage anyway?

In a reminder of her often-testy relations with the media, she took a parting shot at the press during her farewell address in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Sunday, saying: “Democracy depends on you. That’s why our troops are willing to die for you. So how about in honor of the American soldier you quit making things up?”

Okay, well maybe. But doesn't she know that if she does not actually say anything in front of the press that they have no choice but to "make things up"? I mean empty spaces on a newspaper's "What's happening in Palin-town this week" section certainly don't help sell any papers now do they?

And that just means that all of our troops will be dying for nothing now doesn't it? Hey this Palin-logic thing is kind of fun!

William Shatner reads Sarah Palin's tweets. Oh my God this is funny!

I think that Shatner may have discovered an entirely new career for himself.

I laughed so hard I almost wet myself.

Jon Stewart asks "So you think you can douche"?

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
So You Think You Can Douche
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Joke of the Day

I think it is clear that Glenn Beck is the biggest douchebag. But damn is Lou Dobbs giving him a run for his money or what? And it is hard to believe that Sean Hannity is actually in third place in a "who is the biggest douchebag" contest.

Of course that is only my humble opinion.

Add Clear Channel to the list of media that Sarah Palin hates.

While you might assume Palin would be a better fit for conservative radio than the less partisan world of syndicated broadcast TV, my sources say the country’s biggest radio conglomerate, Clear Channel, has already passed on her.

The main objection to Palin as radio talk-show host is that she would have to hold forth for three hours a day. While some of her recent remarks may indicate a talent for improvisation, anyone who’s listened to Rush Limbaugh or Thom Hartmann or Don Imus or Howard Stern or even Ryan Seacrest knows it’s the rare personality who can blab extemporaneously for 15 hours a week. And relying on callers to get you through won’t help, because as we’ve all experienced, callers-in are usually more embarrassing than compelling.

Inside Radio also gleefully points out the irony of these rumors, since Palin’s disdain for the media is clear. As she admonished reporters in her departure speech: “Quit making things up.”

Can you just imagine what it would be like to hear Sarah Palin ad libbing on the radio for two to three hours, five days a week? It would be like shoving red hot pokers in your ears and slowly twisting them until you passed out from the searing pain.

And what would the callers into a show that featured Sarah Palin be like?

Oh God my mind reels at the very thought!

Senators Diane Feinstein and Ben Cardin ride to the rescue of Alaska wolves.

On Wednesday, Sens. Diane Feinstein of California and Ben Cardin or Maryland introduced legislation that would explicitly prohibit hunters from shooting and killing wildlife from aircraft. To ensure that anyone following the issue didn't miss the political element, the senators noted in the press release announcing the legislation's introduction that it would specifically end the targeting of "wolves."

The bill, which is endorsed by, among other groups, the Defenders of Wildlife, closes a loophole in the Aerial Hunting Act of 1971. And in an accompanying statement, Feinstein didn't hide her disdain of the practice that Palin now uses to illustrate the contrast between herself and the Hollywood crowd.

"Shooting wildlife from airplanes is not sport -- it is cruel and inhumane. It undermines the hunting principle of a fair chase and often leads to a slow and painful death for the hunted animals. This practice should be banned," the California Democrat said. "So, I've introduced a balanced bill that will enable states to responsibly manage wildlife populations, but ban the cruel practice of aerial hunting for sport. And it will not impinge on legitimate sport hunting."

It is about time that somebody spoke up to defend the wolves of Alaska against the inhumane slaughter that they suffer simply so that Caucasian boy-men will have something to shoot to make them feel like real manly men. (Check your shorts boys. Trust me, there has been no change.)

Now that Palin is no longer running the place perhaps Alaska can move into the 19th century and we can start interacting with the wild creatures that populate our wonderful state with less aggression and more acceptance.

Look I am not completely opposed to hunting, but if you do not need to kill to eat then you are simply killing for the joy of killing, and to my mind there is something psychologically damaged about that.

We are human beings for God's sake! We do not need to destroy the world around us to earn our place on this planet. We need instead to use our amazing intellect to protect the creatures who share our planet from the biggest danger that they face. Which is, ironically, us.

Update for the followers of "babygate".

Recently somebody asked in a comment whether I am still working on the babygate story. And the answer is "you betcha"!

However I have stopped giving updates because that they sometimes raise more questions then they answer, I am often asked not to share them (yet), and I am looking for more sources to back up what I have already learned.

I will say this, NOTHING I have learned has made me question my original hypothesis that Sarah Palin did not give birth to Trig. Beyond that I have learned things which absolutely make my head spin. I have been in long conversations with people who reveal blockbuster after blockbuster, that would make the National Enquirer orgasm in their pants, but I have to wait for certain things to be completed and people to get to safety before divulging.

I will post EVERYTHING when I have all of my ducks in a row.

Until then let me direct you to some amazing videos put together by my good friends regina at Palingates and Bree over at Bree Palin. They are both very inventive and revelatory.

Then take a moment to watch Pat Buchanan open the "babygate" can of worms on Hardball.

Uh oh! Somebody went off script.

Update: The portion on Hardball where Pat Buchanan referred to babygate has been removed! I swear I watched it, as did many other people who immediately contacted me, when it aired originally. But now it is MIA!

Well they sure don't know us very well if they believe they cover this up! (See update below.)

Here is a transcript of what was said courtesy of Politicususa.com:

MATTHEWS: Pat, can you think of something that the media, the national media, has reported about her that‘s not true? She talks about how our fighting forces overseas—and we‘re all for them—how we have to do them the favor, basically, or the honor of not telling bad stories about her. What has been said that‘s not true by the media about Sarah Palin? What‘s she talking about?

BUCHANAN: Well, I don‘t know. When it started off—I don‘t know where the source was—the allegation was floating all over the place, reported by the media, that Bristol‘s child—rather, the child she was born with, with Down syndrome, was actually Bristol Palin‘s. It was a horrible, ugly thing. And I think that‘s wounded her. There‘s no doubt her...

MATTHEWS: Well, who was reporting that in the media, “The New York Times,” “The Washington Post,” the networks?

BUCHANAN: Well, I was hearing it—well, look...

MATTHEWS: I never heard anybody report that.

BUCHANAN: Mike Barnicle, quite frankly, was one of the fellows who was telling me about it when we were out there in Denver. But Chris, she can answer that thing.

Update2: I am very sorry and must apologize. Apparently Politicususa.com had the WRONG clip. I did not realize that the original was from the day before and I jumped the gun. My bad.

Here is the real segment where Buchanan brings up babygate. (It starts at the 5:30 mark.)

Boy is my face red.

Update 3: Okay now Politcalususa.com has replaced the wrong video with the right video. Boy I bet their faces were red too.

Is this the most confusing post you have ever read or what?

Here is what Wonkette had to say about rumors that Sarah Palin is looking for a radio gig.

This is how Palin does everything now: passive-aggressively “gauge interest” and if people don’t kiss your ass enough, even though you commit to nothing, just say Fuck ‘Em and move on to the next assholes who won’t give you the proper respect. Then you can write a poem about it, on Twitter.

Beautiful!

(Just click the title to read the entire post.)

Stephen Colbert hearts the Birther movement.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Womb Raiders - The Fight for the Truth Behind Obama's Birth
http://www.colbertnation.com/
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Tasers

In this next clip Colbert interviews one of the craziest people I have ever seen on television. And I have seen Glenn Beck!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Womb Raiders - Orly Taitz
http://www.colbertnation.com/
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Tasers

Wow! Now THAT is some serious crazy!

By the way here are the 55 members of Congress who refused to vote on the resolution declaring the Obama was born in Hawaii. Chickenshits!

(By the way, believe it or not, Michele Bachmann DID vote that Obama was born in Hawaii. Who'da thunk it?)

Akin (R, MO-02)
Barrett (R, SC-03)
Bishop (D, NY)
Boucher (D, VA)
Brady (R, TX-08)
Braley (D, IA)
Brown (R, SC-01)
Camp (R, MI-04)
Campbell (R, CA-48)
Carter (R, TX-31)
Costello (D, IL)
Courtney (D, CT)
Crenshaw (R, FL-04)
Cuellar (D, TX)
Davis (D, AL)
Davis (D, IL)
Deal (R, GA-09)
Engel (D, NY)
Graves (R, MO-06)
Green (D, TX)
Grijalva (D, AZ)
Gutierrez (D, IL)
Higgins (D, NY)
Hodes (D, NH)
Hoekstra (R, MI-02)
Johnson (R, IL-15)
Kilroy (D, OH)
Larsen (D, WA)
Lynch (D, MA)
Maloney (D, NY)
Marchant (R, TX-24)
McCarthy (D, NY)
Miller (D, NC)
Murphy (D, CT)
Murtha (D, PA)
Olson (R, TX-22)
Ortiz (D, TX)
Paul (R, TX-14)
Platts (R, PA-19)
Quigley (D, IL)
Radanovich (R, CA-19)
Rodriguez (D, TX)
Rohrabacher (R, CA-46)
Rush (D, IL)
Schakowsky (D, IL)
Sestak (D, PA)
Sires (D, NJ)
Smith (D, WA)
Stupak (D, MI)
Tiberi (R, OH-12)
Tsongas (D, MA)
Wamp (R, TN-03)
Waters (D, CA)
Waxman (D, CA)
Weiner (D, NY)

(Thank you Maria for this list.)

Lou Dobbs has stepped way over the damn line now!

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, says anything ugly about Rachel Maddow! (She is after all the Alaskan bloggers FAVORITE cable news host.)

She is the smartest, fairest, and most intellectually honest commentator on the cable news channels. She is sooo much better than Lou "I hate me some Mexicans" Dobbs that it is not even funny.

And let me point something out Jethro. If you are not a "birther" then why do you insist that Obama produce his "original" birth certificate? If you really believed that he was an American citizen then you would not feel the need to make the request.

When has ANY OTHER American politician been asked to produce his original birth certificate? When?

The only difference between Barack Obama and every other President who came before him is that he is black. So how is this not racism?

I think it is time for Lou Dobbs to stop beating around the bush and simply appear on his show draped in full KKK regalia. I mean why not? Everything this man says demonstrates his complete prejudice against the non-whites in this country.

"Build a fence to keep the Mexicans out"

"Check the birth certificate of the black guy in the White House."

"I am against ethnic inspired holidays."

He tries to cover it up with dramatic pauses and the constant repeating of the phrase "in point of fact", which I assume he believes makes him sound erudite and debonair, but he uses it so much that it sounds much like Sarah Palin's constant overuse of the word "also".

Look Dobbs you may be able to impress the knuckledraggers that listen to your show, but if you pick a fight with Rachel Maddow she will totally eat your lunch for you. Do yourself a favor, shut up and stop trying to convince us that you are not simply the bloated remains of the Hitler youth that you once must have been.

Obama "birther" story is finally put to rest.

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution Monday recognizing the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's entry into the Union, which also included a statement declaring that "President Barack Obama was born in Hawaii on Aug. 4, 1961."

The resolution passed by a vote of 378 to zero, with 55 House representatives not voting.

Well there is absolutely no room for ANYBODY to question Barack Obama's birthplace now.

They would have to go up against the entire House of Representatives in order to make their argument and that would be a losing proposition.

Sure there will still be those among the low hanging fruit that simply will not give up on this story, but they will easily be marginalized and cannot hope to find any real support among the Congress. It was a stupid story with no factual basis anyhow.

I wonder if this will give Sarah Palin any ideas? Maybe she can ask Don Young to introduce a resolution for little Trig.

Yeah like anybody gives a rat's ass about Don Young anymore.

.

Carl Bernstein performs the final autopsy on Sarah Palin and then Pat Buchanan tries desperately to resuscitate the corpse.

"She's a demagogue! She's ignorant. She's a flake!"

I could not have said it better myself.

How does Pat Buchanan shave his face in the morning without wanting to cut his own throat? If I had to go on television now to defend Sarah Palin I would leave the studio, climb out onto the balcony of my hotel room, and swan dive onto the New York streets below.

I almost feel sorry for these people. And that includes the websites that are still demonstrating fealty to her after she essentially abandoned them, after convincing them to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for her.

Come on people! Buy a clue here!

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert do hysterical segments on Sarah Palin's farewell speech.

I know I have been embedding a lot of videos, but they are so funny and so good that I simply cannot resist. Just take a look at this gem.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Quitter
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Joke of the Day

Here is Colbert's contribution.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Sarah Palin Will Be Missed
http://www.colbertnation.com/
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Mark Sanford

William Shatner reads Sarah Palin's farewell speech.

Oh my God! That is damn funny!

Shannyn's on Countdown right now!

I had no idea.

I will post the video later.

Here is the video:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Oh she mentions "Quitstock"! O'Toolefan will be thrilled!

And yes WE did know that she was "making things up" long before the MSM got up to speed. We actually helped them to get up to speed. You are welcome.

Awesome! Shannyn mentioned the thank you cards! Now the MSM is brought up to speed again, thanks to the lovely Ms. Moore.

As usual Shannyn did a great job!

Now I have a bonus, you cannot miss, video from today's Countdown. Just sit back and let the funny wash over you.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Norah O'Donnell, Mika Brzezinski, Pat Buchanan and Carl Bernstein weigh in on Palin's final speech as Governor.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Norah O'Donnell: "She has a tight circle of advisers consisting of me, myself, and I".

Did you hear how exasperated this group of commentators were about her anger and lack of substance? Hah! Welcome to our world!

Well except for Buchanan who seems to be headed toward honorary Palinista status.

Maybe he will be the next one in line to be Ivy Frye's boyfriend. Oops, did I type that out loud?

Because after all we have been through we deserve a little beauty in our lives today. Enjoy my friends.

Sarah Palin's final speech as Governor of Alaska. Get ready for some word "fruit" salad because this one has big chunks of crazy in it..

"In the winter time it’s the frozen road that is competing with the view of ice fogged frigid beauty, the cold though, doesn’t it split the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs? And then in the summertime such extreme summertime about a hundred and fifty degrees hotter than just some months ago, than just some months from now, with fireweed blooming along the frost heaves and merciless rivers that are rushing and carving and reminding us that here, Mother Nature wins."

For those of you who do not live in Alaska "Cheechakos' are what we call newbies that come to Alaska for the permanent fund dividends and "Sourdoughs" are the people who have been up here since before everybody got all fancy with indoor plumbing and electricity. "Fireweeed" is a beautiful, and very aggressive weed that Alaskan gardeners battle every summer. In Anchorage it managed to win so thoroughly that we gave up and named a road after it.

It is as throughout all Alaska that big wild good life teeming along the road that is north to the future.

Hey it is not just "big wild". It is not just "wild and good". No in Alaska it is "big", "wild", AND "good". And it is "teeming" right next to our roads. Jealous yet? I have no idea what point she was trying to make here.

“How can that pessimism be, when proof of our greatness, our pride today is that we produce the great proud volunteers who sacrifice everything for country?”

"Careful Governor, you got a little piece of irony on that big honking flower that you are wearing on your lapel." Clueless, party of one!

"And first, some straight talk for some, just some in the media because another right protected for all of us is freedom of the press, and you all have such important jobs reporting facts and informing the electorate, and exerting power to influence. You represent what could and should be a respected honest profession that could and should be the cornerstone of our democracy. Democracy depends on you, and that is why, that’s why our troops are willing to die for you. So, how ’bout in honor of the American soldier, ya quit makin’ things up. And don’t underestimate the wisdom of the people, and one other thing for the media, our new governor has a very nice family too, so leave his kids alone."

I think that you simply cannot have to many "could's" or "should's" in your speech, but that is just me. And as for the Sarah's request that the media "quit makin things up"? Well in Palin-land everyday is "opposite day" so what she is really asking is for the media to stop reporting those facts to the "electorate" which kept revealing her multiple lies to Alaska and the rest of the world. Sarah just hates that!

And as for Sean "Lapdog" Parnell, if he promises not to use his children to deflect criticism, or thrust them out in front of him ala "The Lion King" then he can rest assured NOBODY will say a thing about his children. Of course as you notice dear Sarah simply CANNOT resist now bringing his children into the limelight "also".

"I remember on that December day, we took the oath to uphold our state constitution, and it was written right here in Fairbanks by very wise pioneers. We shared the vision for government that they ground in that document. Our founders wrote “all political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people. It’s founded upon their will only and it’s instituted for the good of the people as a whole.” Their remarkably succinct words guided us in all of our efforts in serving you and putting you first, and we have done our best to fulfill promises that I made on Alaska Day, 2005, when I first asked for the honor of serving you."

But..and then you....and what about.....ethics......lies....promises? I simply cannot find the words to respond to this statement. I believe that if you took just this one section and had a Psychiatrist read it we could get Sarah committed. Just an idea.

"Let me tell you, Alaskans really need to stick together on this with new leadership in this area especially, encouraging new leadership… got to stiffen your spine to do what’s right for Alaska when the pressure mounts, because you’re going to see anti-hunting, anti-second amendment circuses from Hollywood and here’s how they do it. They use these delicate, tiny, very talented celebrity starlets (Ashley Judd), they use Alaska as a fundraising tool for their anti-second amendment causes. Stand strong, and remind them patriots will protect our guaranteed, individual right to bear arms, and by the way, Hollywood needs to know, we eat, therefore we hunt."

Oooh, oooh I want to join a "circus from Hollywood"! That sounds like a ton of fun! I wonder if I have to "stiffen my spine" first?

"We eat, therefore we hunt" Sarah Palin.

"I think, therefore I am" Rene Descartes.

"She speaks gibberish, therefore she is Sarah Palin" Gryphen the pajama clad blogger.

"Since I was a little kid growing up here, I remember the discussions, especially the political discussions just talking about and hoping for and dreaming of commercializing our clean, abundant, needed natural gas."

Wow! So Palin was pro-development since she was a little kid? Gee when I was a little kid I was pro-cartoons on Saturday morning, and pro-chocolate cake for dinner, and pro-teasing my little brother. What a strange household Sarah must have grown up in.

"What I promised, we accomplished. “We” meaning state staff, amazing commissioners, great staff assisting them, and conscientious Alaskans outside the bureaucracy - Tom Van Flein, and Meg Stapleton and Kristan Cole, so many others, many volunteers who just stepped up to the challenge as good Alaskans, but nothing, nothing could have succeeded without my right-hand man Kris Perry (Kris Perry is a man!). She is the sharpest, boldest, hardest-working partner. Kris is my right-hand man and much success is due to Kris."

So let me get this straight. Sarah Palin's idea of "good Alaskans" are a lawyer who threatens to sue a private citizen for reporting that there is a rumor, a woman with no soul, a woman who helped set up an illegal fund to funnel cash to the Governor, and a woman whose invaluable advice allowed Sarah Palin to stand in front of television cameras as a "Turkey holocaust " took place behind her. Oh yes these are definitely MY definition of "good Alaskans".

I wonder if her definition of a "good child" is one who pees into the punchbowl during a dinner party?

"It doesn’t come free and often, accepting it takes away everything that is free, melting into Washington’s powerful “care-taking” arms will just suck incentive to work hard and chart our own course right out of us.."

Okay is it just me or does this section sound oddly sexual? Personally I am a little turned on by "Washington's powerful care taking arms" right now. Whew I am going to need a cigarette!

"I resisted the stimulus package and we have championed earmark reform, slashing earmark requests by 85% to break the cycle of dependency on a stifling, unsustainable federal agenda, and other states should follow this for their and for America’s stability."

Did she really just ask other states to follow HER example? "Yes other Governor's should quit their posts as well, to progress their states forward into being more independent of BIG GOVERNMENT". Oooh the crazy is strong in this one Obi wan.

Are those boos? Are they daring to boo the great Sarah Palin? Yep.

"Alaska will lead with energy, we will prove you can be both pro-development and pro-environment, because no one loves their clean air and their land and their wildlife and their water more than an Alaskan. We will protect it."

"Yeah those people in other states like DIRTY air, and roadkill, and filthy water! Oh we Alaskans are soooo much BETTER than they are!" I find this hysterical coming from a woman that we all know can hardly wait to get the hell out of Dodge. Clean air or not.

"Now, people who know me, and they know how much I love this state, some still are choosing not to hear why I made the decision to chart a new course to advance the state. And it should be so obvious to you. (indicating heckler) It is because I love Alaska this much, sir (at heckler) that I feel it is my duty to avoid the unproductive, typical, politics as usual, lame duck session in one’s last year in office. How does that benefit you? No, with this decision now, I will be able to fight even harder for you, for what is right, for truth. And I have never felt like you need a title to do that."

My understanding is that the heckler yelled "Why are you leaving?" To which Sarah responded with the gobbledy gook of it being to "help" Alaska. Well you can hardly argue that her leaving will not "help" Alaska. Because of course it will. But did she actually say she was going to fight for "truth"? Because wouldn't THAT be a nice change of pace.

"....remember I promised to steadfastly and doggedly guard the interests of this great state like that grizzly guards her cubs, as a mother naturally guards her own."

Oooh she is doing the mama grizzly thing. I LOVE the mama grizzly thing!

"And I will keep that vow wherever the road may lead. Todd and I, and Track, Bristol, Tripp, Willow, Piper, Trig…I think I got ‘em all.(Did she? Is that all of them? Let's see one, two, three, eight, yep that's all.....that we know of.) We will forever be so grateful for the honor of our lifetime to have served you."

Okay now we know how big of a lie THAT is. She had a horrible time as Governor, and after being out in front of those adoring mobs of crazy Palin supporters coming home has been like a jail sentence. And this is her final day in the poky.

So let’s all enjoy the ride, and I thank you Alaska, and God bless Alaska and God bless America.

And with that she disappeared into a puff of smoke leaving behind only a few winged monkeys and half of a charred broom. Okay I am just kidding, but seriously didn't it kind of feel that way?

So long Sarah! Have a good life! And please break your promises of helping Alaska, and America. No seriously! I would like you to focus on YOU for a change. (Hold in the giggles, hold them in.) We will be fine without your "leadership", just go out there and milk your fading fame for as much as you can before you disappear into the fog of American disinterest.

And when things get challenging just remember the words of the NEW face of the strong Alaskan woman, "Suck it up, Buttercup!"

(Okay before I end this post I have to give a HUGE hat tip to my friend AKM who stayed up late last night transcribing this word "fruit" salad for all of us to use in our posts this morning. Thank you AKM, I love you!)

I have been trying to think of which past politician Sarah Palin reminds me of and then it hit me.

The resemblance is striking isn't it?

(Thanks to Phil Munger for posting this image over at Progressive Alaska.)

I have a question.

Why is the Governor choking this poor woman? Does she think THAT is Mudflats?

(Photo borrowed from the ADN website, which I linked to so that they can enjoy a little bump in traffic. After all I am a giver.)

Here is the video my daughter and I made of the Anchorage leg of the Governor's three day picnic-palooza.

I need to say thank you to my daughter, who worked very hard on this, and to apologize to her for being so impatient. I love you angel.

Palin tweets turn philosophic.

Wrapped up Anch Gov's Picnic, awesome. Now road trip to Fairbanks for farewell speech/changing of the guard. Camper full of kids & coffee...
about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Calling the Governor's picnic awesome is definitely a stretch. Sad, pathetic, maudlin, are probably more fitting adjectives. And by the way coffee, kids, and a cramped camper sounds like a dangerous combination.

W/kids in camper;on World's Best Rd Trip!To soar by Mt.McKinley&rushing rivers,we remember all of AK is BIG/WILD/GOOD LIFE;feel freedom here
about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Clearly Sarah is enjoying the wind in her hair as she tosses off the fetters of government and embraces the freedom that she anticipates awaits in the life before her. For my part I am enjoying the idea of freedom from Sarah Palin in the state of Alaska. Now I just have to get some wind in my hair and I am all set.

RdTrip7 hrs wKid Rock/Martina McBride/Big&Rich/Grtchn Wilson/Billy Currngtn/Hank/Toby/VanP/Blk I P's/Greenwd/Straight/etc&USO artists=heaven
11 minutes ago from TwitterBerry

Apparently Sarah Palin's idea of heaven is stuffed full of county western stars and seven hour journeys in a cramped camper along Alaska highways.

You know that sounds like a certain place connected to the afterlife to me as well, only my example is somewhat more sweltering and filled with tiny pitchfork wielding demons.

(By the way my Governor Palin picnic video is almost ready to post. It is a good one so stay tuned.)

Update: Okay it is going to take longer than I anticipated for my video to be ready, so I will post it in the morning. I promised Shannyn I would stop by for a celebratory drink along with her and AKM so I am headed out in a few minutes. I suggest that all of you have yourself an adult beverage to celebrate this wonderful day of independence as well. Tomorrow our great national nightmare comes to an end.

A small break from the Sarah Palin coverage today. Last night's New Rules.

Yes I noticed that there were a few Sarah Palin references but please, who is NOT talking about her right now?

Yesterday was the beginning of Palin's three day good-bye tour.

Some in the audience were there to catch a glimpse of Palin in her role as a national celebrity more than to support her political views.

Ozzy Cruz from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and a New York City resident who gave his name only as “Tom,” traded a camera back and forth, trying to snap photos of each other near Palin.

The two men had traveled down for the day from Talkeetna after hearing about the picnic. Dodging a question about whether they agreed with Palin’s politics, the two men said they found her “fascinating.”

Others, such as Wes Hamrick, relayed his admiration for the governor and his dreams for the future in song.

“In 2012, I’ll give you a hint. Alaska’s pit bull will be our president,” he sang in a tune titled “North to the Future.”

At the end of the song, the Big Lake resident shouted: “Sarah Palin for president!”

A teenage boy replied as loudly, “Obama!”

During the picnic, Palin said she was glad to be in front of her hometown as she kicked off a trio of picnics before she leaves office.

“This is my last time to speak to the Valley community as your governor,” she said. “I appreciate the support you have shown me and my family. I love you, and God Bless America.”

Another picnic will be held in Anchorage today and the third is scheduled for Sunday in Fairbanks, when Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell takes over as governor.

It still cracks me up that there are those people who really believe that Sarah Palin has a snowball's chance in hell of earning the Republican nomination to run for President much less actually have a chance to win the general election. She has handed her potential opponents a warehouse full of ammunition to use against her, and only the most uneducated, mentally deranged Palin-bots could possibly hope that she was still viable.

But if you were looking for the place to find just that kind of person, well then Wasilla is definitely the mother lode.

Sadly I, and most of my fellow progressive blogger friends, could not attend. But have no fear, intrepid progressive blogger Phil Munger donned his bullet proof vest and waded into the sea of Palinista's on our behalf. And this is what he saw.

And Mudflats had some "boots on the ground" there as well. (Great job AkPetMom!)

Today starting at noon will be the "soon to be ex-"Governor's second leg of her good-bye "here have a hot dog" tour. Anchorage will undoubtedly have the toughest, least supportive crowd, of the three and I am sure that Sarah is already pacing her living room in anticipation of the negative signs she will be subjected to and the possibility of running into one of those dreaded progressive bloggers.

And well she should because the rest of us will certainly not miss this opportunity to get our final look at the person who has dominated our blogs for the last ten months.

I am bringing my daughter to help capture the festivities on film and may even bring my iconic sign for one last hurrah. I am looking forward to a celebratory, but respectful, crowd of people who are going to be a lot of fun to interview and interact with.

If you are in Anchorage I hope you can come and help us to give our Governor the send of she deserves.

No surprise here as Personnel Board dismisses another ethics charge against Sarah Palin.

The Alaska Personnel Board has dismissed another ethics complaint filed against Gov. Sarah Palin.

Raise your hand if this surprises you. Ah! Nice to see you have all been paying attention.

The latest is the sixth complaint filed by Anchorage resident Andree McLeod.

In her complaint, McLeod says that two days before Palin was named John McCain's running mate in the fall of 2008, she signed travel documents that stated "conclusion of state business."

Upon returning to Alaska, a similar document indicated Palin was returning to duty.

McLeod says that Palin should have turned over the governor's responsibilities to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell as required by the state constitution, but instead continued to collect her $125,000 annual salary.

Independent investigator Thomas M. Daniel found that Alaska law fixes annual compensation for the governor and lieutenant governor for services while in office -- not the amount of time they spend performing those services.

Perhaps that is why Palin refused to hand the reins of power over to Sean "Lapdog" Parnell. She just could not give up that sweet $125,000. I think if we have learned anything about Sarah Palin we have learned that she NEVER gives back the money!

I really thought this one had some merit. I mean at the very least there should be a reduced income when the Governor is out of state and trying to conduct state business using dual Blackberry's. And considering how many things fell through the cracks while she was gone perhaps she owes US money.

KTUU unscientific poll shows that majority of Alaskans believe leak of Daniel report was beneficial.

In a poll conducted by Channel 2 News, respondents were asked if the recent leak of an ethics investigation report on Gov. Sarah Palin was a disclosure that benefits the public.

Here is the official question and results of the 841 people who voted.
Was the recent leak of an ethics investigation report on Gov. Sarah Palin a disclosure that benefits the public or an abuse that threatens the legal system?

Benefit to the public 52 %
Abuse of legal system 40 %
Both 5 %
Neither 3 %

All polls conducted by Channel 2 News and KTUU.com are unscientific.

Well I am of course firmly in agreement with that 52 percent.

I believe if it had not been leaked we would NEVER have known that the investigator had determined that Palin's defense fund was not ethical.

And I STILL think it was somebody connected to the Personnel Board who leaked it.

COME ONE, COME ALL. TO THE "SCREEN DOOR" CELEBRATION OF SARAH PALIN'S LAST FULL DAY IN OFFICE!

Where? The Delaney Park Strip downtown.

When? Between 12:00 and 3:00

What? Oh you mean why is it called the "Screen Door" celebration? Because we are asking that our dear Sarah NOT let the screen door smack her on the ass on the way out!

The Governor will be having her very last picnic in Anchorage tomorrow so I am sure she will be looking forward to seeing ALL of her soon to be ex-constituents before she flies away on Rupert Murdoch's plane to pursue her career in destroying the GOP one interview and rally at a time.

Let's not disappoint her!

All of your favorite liberal bloggers will be there and as well as many of your fellow Alaskans, so come join the party!

Bring your signs. Bring your kids. Bring your sense of humor. And hell while you are at it why don't you bring your copy of "Trailblazer: An Intimate Biography of Sarah Palin" for the ex-Governor to sign. That is the least she could do for us isn't it?

See you there!

New ad features nurses talking about turning away uninsured patients. Get your hankies ready.

I am beyond tired of the Republicans framing this thing as if it is going to make it HARDER to get the help you need if the government offers you health insurance. That is bullshit.

Currently the health insurance industry is charging incredibly high rates, refusing to cover life saving procedures, and making sick people spend hours on the phone negotiating with their insurers to please provide the coverage they were promised.

Health care in this country is broken and somebody needs to fix it. I applaud, and support, Barack Obama's efforts to do just that.

And only a politician whose coffers are filled with donations from health care insurers would think otherwise. Oh, and of course the people who believe the GOP bullshit.

Celtic Diva finds a lawyer willing to wade through the Alaska Fund Trust horse-pucky. Warning! Bring your boots.

Just click the title to visit Linda's wonderful blog.

Here is just a sample of what this lawyer discovered.

I think the AFT's (Alaska Fund Trust's) purpose is unethical on its face.

Pretty much says it all doesn't it?

Just for fun.

Sarah Palin Struts that Ass - watch more funny videos

You want to know a secret? I got this off of Levi Johnston's Twitter page. He and Tank are in Texas. No I don't know why.

The Twitter Quitter holds up the hoop and her lapdog dutifully jumps through. Jump, Sean! Jump!

So the (soon to be ex-)Governor is very pissy that somebody (Personnel Board) leaked the Daniel report which kept her from hiding from the public the fact that she did indeed break an ethics law/rule/guideline/whatever in the hell they call it.

So she (I am just guessing here) tweets a message to Sean "I can't believe I am about to be the Governor, oh what will I wear?" Parnell, that he damn well better do something about this if he ever wants her to tell him where she hid his balls.

So quick as a Palin-wink Sean puts out this announcement (which I will help translate for you):

(July 23, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska) - Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell today asked Attorney General Dan Sullivan to provide recommendations on how to prevent leaks of confidential information in ethics probes. (Hey Beav, Moms pretty PO'd that everybody is revealing a bunch of stupid truths about her. We better do something!)

Parnell’s request comes after the leak of an investigator’s confidential and preliminary report related to an ethics complaint filed against Governor Sarah Palin. (Somebody snitched!)

“These leaks must stop,” Parnell said. “If we allow public officials to be tried and convicted in the press through abuse of the legal process, then the Executive Branch is at risk. The rule of law is threatened.” (Hey guys knock it off! Or else Mom is never going to leave and let us have the house to ourselves!)

Parnell said that leaking the investigator’s preliminary report is just like walking into a courthouse, lifting some notes from the jurors’ break room and publishing them before all the evidence is in and before a verdict is reached. (Actually it is more like taking the juror's decision and publicizing it so the crooked judge cannot ignore and let the criminal off scott free.)

Parnell recognized the need for accountability for public officials, but said the ethics laws are being abused. (Look I know she is a huge fuck up but I am afraid of her and don't want to make her mad.)

“If confidential information was leaked from our courts, there would be an outcry,” he said. “There must be respect for the law when it comes to Executive Branch ethics investigations.

(Of course Sean fails to realize that respect is earned and not given. If the Executive Branch had been behaving ethically all along they would have all of the respect they could handle. But they didn't, therefore.......not so much.)

Are you wondering how I located this little nugget? Do you really have to ask?

Palin tweeted it of course:

Lt Gov says law must be fairly applied to protect public servants from malicious attacks & empower them to best serve the people.about 1 hour ago from web
Read press release @http://bit.ly/Bo4xa
Oh Sarah we are going to miss you. No we still want you to go! We are just saying.

Sarah tweets her ignorance of breaking news on blogs.

So Sarah's tweets of the day are the following.

AKGovSarahPalinThis wk saw add'l violation of law:filer of friv ethics complaint leaks confidential documents out of context 2 create false headlines, pre-
about 3 hours ago from TwitterBerry

AKGovSarahPalinLegal Fees Fund trustee's press conf yest set record straight w/facts/truth re:recent complaint;read transcript in case press chooses not to
about 3 hours ago from TwitterBerry

(Actually Palin is having a manic twittering day and has at least four other tweets on ANWR and pro-drilling bills but let's focus on the ethics stuff for right now shall we?)

You see dear Sarah seems to believe that Kristan Cole's little miniature press conference yesterday put any ideas of ethical violations by the fund to rest. But she fails to realize that much of what Cole had said was already being refuted on the Internet within an hour.

You can scroll down to read what I said, so let me give you some links to what OTHER blogs are saying.

Hypocrites and Heffalumps certainly has something to say about Kristan Cole's statements.

Mudflats also finds numerous holes in Cole's press release.

Shannyn Moore opines about the source of the Daniel document link and distinguishes between Palinistas and Palin-bots.

And Palingates has actual copies of the thank you notes that Sarah sent out to those contributors that she apparently did not even know existed until the day before yesterday. (Who else is hearing the "Time Warp" song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show playing in their heads right now?)

Methinks Sarah may want to stop using her Blackberry's to baffle us with bullshit and start using them to learn just how deep the pile of shit she is standing in has become.

Here is a hint: It is damn deep!

Jon Stewart pokes fun at the people who claim that President Obama is not a US citizen.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Born Identity
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Joke of the Day

You know Obama actually PROVIDED his birth certificate. Do you hear that Governor Palin?

Kristan Cole, trustee of the Alaska Fund Trust offers a press release.

Kristan Cole, Trustee
The Alaska Fund Trust
July 22, 2009


Thank you for being here today. My name is Kristan Cole, Trustee to the Alaska Fund Trust. And this is the Trust's attorney in Alaska, Jon Givens.

I am here to address the unusual letter that was leaked yesterday, the contents of which are unprecedented in the history of our country, suggesting that a legal defense fund could somehow be unethical. This is particularly notable, and concerning, in light of the fact that the Trust, on my instructions, has not paid even one penny to Gov. Palin or her lawyers. I issued that instruction because I was aware the Board was reviewing this matter.

This Trust was created by a team of expert lawyers from around the country. It was thoroughly vetted for compliance with federal and state law and trust law. So far Mr. Daniel is the only lawyer in the country who has questioned a legal defense fund despite the fact that his firm has set up legal defense funds for other office holders. Because his initial review was unprecedented and contained factual errors it was my understanding that Gov. Palin's legal team, including Mr. Van Flein, were in on-going discussions with Mr. Daniel. The matter was not final.

I want to be clear on a point that has been misrepresented: The Governor is not and was not involved with the Trust. The Governor has never worked on or with the Trust. The Governor has not even accepted or requested one penny from the Trust or quite frankly anything of me. And I have never expected anything from her. Really it’s quite the contrary; as I, and many other caring folks across the country have only sought to help with this legal burden.

The first and only time I have spoken with the Governor about the Trust was yesterday to alert her that I was responding to this violation of the law and leak of preliminary and confidential materials from the complainant. (The FIRST and ONLY time? Isn't Kristan Cole one of Sarah Palin's best friends from when they were kids? And yet we are to believe that they have NEVER talked about this fund?)

There is a loophole in Alaska law. Alaskans can file frivolous complaints against the Governor - violate the law and alert the media they are doing so, all the complaints can be dismissed and yet the Governor has to personally pay for representation. Legislators covered themselves with a law that warrants automatic dismissal of a complaint if it is leaked to the public.

It has been quite obvious to me, and to other every day citizens like me, that over the last several months that something needed to be done to help the Palins with the overwhelming crush of frivolous ethics complaints.

In their own humble way, the Palins never asked for help. The Governor never even asked anyone to contribute to this legal expense fund. (Really? Then why did her official spokesperson at the time tell her supporters to wait until this fund was formed to start giving donations? Are we to believe that Stapleton made this decision without ANY direction from the Governor?) This trust, and the thousands and thousands of dollars raised, were the results of hard working Americans and their outpouring of support. It is disgraceful that anyone would assume that the thousands of people who sent in $5, $10 or $50 intended to "influence" the governor's official actions in Alaska! And this in a state where a half dozen legislators have been convicted of corruption as well as the previous governor's chief of staff. Not one ethics complaint was filed against these individuals who were convicted, but this governor is harassed for having her picture taken with a fish, wearing a jacket, answering press questions and giving a speech.

A few select people have abused our ethics act. The public release of a preliminary document in violation of state law follows that pattern. The people of this state are losing hope that the ethics act has any real purpose anymore and that’s incredibly sad as ethics are so important. Mr. Daniel's preliminary assessment, unprecedented in history and harshly criticized by legal scholars, does nothing to restore credibility to this process.

Numerous individuals thought to help the Palins - not just me. But when I was asked, I was doing research of my own and determined that I would put my name on a Trust already going through an intense legal process throughout the country to ensure that this one was airtight and complied with every possible law under the sun. And this one does. It is one of the most restrictive and transparent trusts of its kind. The validity of the Trust is strong. It is unprecedented in every way imaginable... all donations must be under $150, no donations from lobbyists, and nothing accepted from foreign nationals to name a few. No trust has ever been found to be a violation of ethical standards for any governor, former president, senator, or house member, or former member of Congress. But this Trust which has more severe donation and donor limits than any trust in the history of legal defense trusts might violate ethical rules?

Some Trust funds are formed and accepted to defend politicians in true Courts of Law with regard to some very serious criminal charges. And yet, this Fund was created by others to help the Palins pay for their legal bills due to frivolous complaints - each of which has been dismissed thus far. I will let my attorney speak to the legal issues but I wanted to take this opportunity to speak to yesterday's blatant violation of the law.

You know, we have witnessed time and again the blatant abuse of process when it comes to people filing these complaints and illegally discussing them and leaking them to the press- but this latest move further crosses the line and we are all reviewing action for the reputational harm caused by Ms. Chatman based upon the leak of Tom Daniel's preliminary thinking on the matter - a product that may have ultimately been remarkably different and perhaps even dismissed. Where is the accountability for those who blatantly disregard the requirement to keep the issue confidential?

There are many questions which need to be asked following my read of what was leaked.

And, if I may digress - this is how backwards our laws are - I had to go online and read the preliminary letter about the Trust and me because Mr. Daniel and Mr. Van Flein cannot violate the confidentiality of the Ethics Act (even though it appears the complainant has)and therefore cannot even forward the preliminary letter to me. Now that I have read it, I still hope to inform Mr. Daniel of the important information that Mr. Van Flein had requested from me to be shared with Mr. Daniel.

What was the reason for my involvement? The preliminary letter suggests that perhaps I served as Trustee so I could get some job with the state. This is amazingly wrong and so incredibly hurtful. That is the last thing I want. I did this because it believed it was the right thing to do for our Governor. I love Alaska. I have lived here 40 years and I have always served the state when asked - and despite the fact that I am entitled to public monies in the form of expenses, per diem and wages - I have declined every single penny. (I wonder if this is verifiable.)I have served as a volunteer on others boards, and commissions (The Real Estate Commission and the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund Board) under a previous Governor so volunteer work has been part of my life for a long time. I was approached to serve as Trustee for the legal defense fund. I did not seek out this position just as I have never sought out any other position but was willing to step up to the plate and serve when asked because that’s what we all do when asked to serve our country, our state and our communities isn’t it? We do it because it’s the right thing to do and by all of us serving where we can, we all benefit. My sons and my husband have served our country. I have served our state and our community here in the Mat Su Valley with the hope that we are making a difference where we can.

So how unfair is it that the Governor can be told she was wrong for putting together the Fund, soliciting Funds, accepting the Funds and spending the Funds when she hasn't been involved at all----And no money has been spent on her legal defense? (Once again John Coale refutes this claim.)

If the Governor only accrued the bills because she is a public figure then why is it wrong for a Trust to collect funds to defend her as a public figure? Alaska law specifically states that there is only a problem if there is "intent" to influence the Governor. How can there be intent to influence a Governor in Alaska with a $5 voluntary donation from Kansas? To date, approximately 90% of the contributions are from Outside Alaska and many are $5, $10 and $20 donations. Not one penny has been paid to any law firm or entity for the Governor's financial gain. If the Governor has not solicited or accepted personal gain, how can she be in violation of soliciting and accepting monies for personal gain?

Let’s review what has been deemed lawful. Creation of the PAC and fundraising was deemed lawful. Writing a book was deemed lawful. All other legal defense funds similar, but not as restrictive as this one, have been deemed to be lawful. The very firm who put together Senator Kerry’s legal defense fund which was deemed lawful was put together by the very law firm that Mr. Daniel is employed by. These are inconsistent conclusions and defy common sense. That is why this matter was not final and Mr. Daniel and Mr. Van Flein were discussing these issues. (In other words it was not FINAL because Palin did not like the outcome of the findings.)

Potential future gain, based upon no active solicitations, in one of the most stringent legal expense funds in the country does not merit a situation much less a violation. Mr. Daniel says that because the Trust was an "official" Trust he felt it violated the law. This overlooks the necessity of having one "official" fund. The unofficial funds are the very ones that had the potential to harm the public by unscrupulous people.

We knew that in fairness to Alaskans and Americans, this site needed to be official because of the potential scams that could arise. How ethical would it be for a pensioner in Iowa or a single mother in New Hampshire to have their donation diverted by someone who had no intention of helping the Governor and may keep the money for themselves or other equally harmful things?

But let's think through the same logic, if a foreigner wanted to set up his or her own fund, collect a handsome payoff, and accept $5 million donations from rogue groups even, as long as that person did not tell the Governor, that would be okay? That is the conclusion that is being reached here in Mr. Daniel letter and flies in the face of good logic, common sense, and the good necessity of protecting the public. (Read that last paragraph again and see if you can locate this "logic" thing that she speaks of.)

Every aspect of the Alaska Fund Trust follows the law. Precedent allows for it. The Palins haven't been involved with it. It is unfortunate that some in the media were so quick to point the finger at the Governor for something others are responsible for and have established to assist her in the fight against these outrageous attacks. And this acceptance that the law can be continually violated for pure political gain ... is wrong.

Look I don't want to call Ms. Cole a liar, but she might want to get her pants off quickly because they very well may be on fire.

(By the way there was only 38 minutes notice given to the press before this announcement. Which did not give some Anchorage news outlets time to send out their reporters. Sound familiar?)

Update: Phil Munger has breaking news about who leaked the Daniel report to the AP.