Just two days after HarperCollins announced that the release of Palin's memoir, "Going Rogue," had been moved up from the spring to Nov. 17, preorders for the former Alaska governor's book have made it No. 1 on Barnes & Noble.com on Wednesday and at No. 2 on Amazon.com, trailing only Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol."
Palin, in collaboration with author Lynn Vincent, completed her 400-page book just four months after agreeing to terms with HarperCollins, which plans a first printing of 1.5 million copies.
Yeah but is anybody actually going to READ it?
If you are unfamiliar with this particular scam, let me clue you in.
You see what the Conservatives do is pre-order a whole ton of books by one of their minions like Glenn Beck, or Bill O'Reilly, or Rush Limbaugh, Or Sean Hannity, or Sarah Palin, and then either change their mind, leaving the book store with a whole bunch of books that NOBODY wants, or they have their money laundering book outlet, the Conservative Book Club, sell the books later at a loss.
What this does is push these poorly written books to the top of the bestsellers list and cause panic among the few hundred people who may legitimately want to read one of these future doorstops, and they rush to the bookstore to reserve their copy before they are all sold out.
This way they reinforce the mythology that conservative authors sell way more books than do their liberal counterparts and they get to funnel a buttload of money to one of their Conservative mouthpieces without alerting the IRS to the scam.
Where does this money come from? Well I would look at the GOP fundraising machine and SarahPAC to start, when it comes to this particular book, but I do not personally have the resources to investigate much further.
But perhaps if somebody were to ask....oh I don't know...Rachel Maddow or Keith Olbermann to investigate? I bet THEY could get to the bottom of it pretty damn fast.
But one fact is irrefutable, NOBODY is buying this book for its literary qualities!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
What if you made a "Word Salad" and nobody came?
After quitting as governor of Alaska in July, Palin signed with the top-notch Washington Speakers Bureau, which also repsGeorge W. Bush, Laura Bush, Condoleezza Rice, hero pilotChesley Sullenberger, LA Dodgers manager Joe Torre and magician David Blaine.Palin's bookers are said to be asking for $100,000 per speech, but an industry expert tells Page Six: "The big lecture buyers in the US are paralyzed with fear about booking her, basically because they think she is a blithering idiot."
Many big lecture venues are subscription series, "and they don't want to tick people off," said our source. "Palin is polarizing, and some subscribers might cancel if she's on the lineup." Other lecture buyers are universities, which have a leftist slant, and corporations, which dislike controversy.
"Palin is so uninteresting to so many groups -- unless they are interested in moose hunting," said our insider. "What does she have to say? She can't even describe what she reads."
Oh God that is so funny it brought tears to my eyes!
She supposedly quit her job to make money and nobody wants to pay her.
Does it get any better than that? You know, I just bet it does.
David Letterman's Top Ten Sarah Palin Tips for Writing a Book.
Oh my God that made me laugh.
P.S. If you enjoyed that you might get a kick out of the second part of Dave's monologue which has a number of funny Sarah Palin jokes in it.
It looks like Sarah Palin's ghostwriter is just as "honesty impaired" as the Ex-Governor herself.
For all the attention paid to Palin's faith during the campaign, we don't remember her volunteering much on the subject. But as a co-author, she has chosen an editor with World Magazine, a Christian publication that offers a conservative take on issues and events.
Lynn Vincent has written about prayer in schools, gay marriage and, mostly, abortion for World. She is also co-author of the book “Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime and Corruption in the Democratic Party,” which the ad copy on Amazon.com promises will reveal:
• How corrupt Democrats in Congress outnumber corrupt Republicans by as much as three to one.
• How Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and John F. Kennedy were elected with the help of the Mob.
• What two eyewitnesses said about JFK's obsession with hookers.
• How union operatives take from working families to deliver millions of dollars to Democrats.
• How Democrats in the 1990's covered up a conspiracy one expert called "the largest incidence of obstruction of justice in American history."
• Why Democrats ignore crime victims and take the side of rapists, robbers, and cop-killers-then stump for the right of felons to vote!
And as many of the visitors to this site are already aware, the co-author of the above book is an especially disgusting piece of excrement whose name I will not type as I do not want to get a bunch of "ick" all over my keyboard. Just the fact that this Lynn Vincent would co-author a book with this sad excuse for a human being tells us a great deal about her character, and her respect for the truth.
I certainly hope that Barnes & Noble have cleared off a shelf or two in their Fiction section for this Palin fairy tale.
But have no fear my fellow truth seekers, I know for an absolute certainty that there are a number of GOOD authors writing their own Palin books that will reveal a little thing called "facts", which will certainly refute just about EVERYTHING in her book. And there is another surprise book coming that I am not sure Sarah even knows about yet.
Sarah believes she can bury the truth forever, but she is sadly mistaken. Just ask Audrey and Bree Palin.
Lynn Vincent has written about prayer in schools, gay marriage and, mostly, abortion for World. She is also co-author of the book “Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime and Corruption in the Democratic Party,” which the ad copy on Amazon.com promises will reveal:
• How corrupt Democrats in Congress outnumber corrupt Republicans by as much as three to one.
• How Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and John F. Kennedy were elected with the help of the Mob.
• What two eyewitnesses said about JFK's obsession with hookers.
• How union operatives take from working families to deliver millions of dollars to Democrats.
• How Democrats in the 1990's covered up a conspiracy one expert called "the largest incidence of obstruction of justice in American history."
• Why Democrats ignore crime victims and take the side of rapists, robbers, and cop-killers-then stump for the right of felons to vote!
And as many of the visitors to this site are already aware, the co-author of the above book is an especially disgusting piece of excrement whose name I will not type as I do not want to get a bunch of "ick" all over my keyboard. Just the fact that this Lynn Vincent would co-author a book with this sad excuse for a human being tells us a great deal about her character, and her respect for the truth.
I certainly hope that Barnes & Noble have cleared off a shelf or two in their Fiction section for this Palin fairy tale.
But have no fear my fellow truth seekers, I know for an absolute certainty that there are a number of GOOD authors writing their own Palin books that will reveal a little thing called "facts", which will certainly refute just about EVERYTHING in her book. And there is another surprise book coming that I am not sure Sarah even knows about yet.
Sarah believes she can bury the truth forever, but she is sadly mistaken. Just ask Audrey and Bree Palin.
Rachel Maddow reveals that after FOX News and the Republican party are finished trashing ACORN they have another target in mind.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Here is the very informative study put together by Peter Dreier PH.D, who Rachel just interviewed, and his partner Christopher R. Martin PH.D. (It is in PDF form.)
Dr. Dreier's point is very important that if the progressives do not stand up for ACORN and other organizations like them, they will start losing the elections as fewer Democrats are registered for future elections.
The Republicans are very smart when it comes to smearing organizations that make it hard for them to win elections. Not all Republicans are as ignorant as Sarah Palin.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
It is an MSNBC Alaskan Blogger double header tonight!
Okay Alaskan blogger fans get ready to have your minds blown!
Tonight we have the lovely Shannyn Moore appearing on Countdown, with guest host David Shuster.
And then in the next hour, on Rachel Maddow's show we have.......wait for it.......AKMUCKRAKER! That's right kids, Jeanne Devon herself will make her national broadcast debut with Rachel.
Ooooh this is going to be big!
If you want to see a picture of both Shannyn and AKM that was taken while they were at Netroots just click the title and visit Shannyn's blog.
Here is Shannyn's appearance on Countdown.
Now here is AKM's Rachel Madddow appearance.
Tonight we have the lovely Shannyn Moore appearing on Countdown, with guest host David Shuster.
And then in the next hour, on Rachel Maddow's show we have.......wait for it.......AKMUCKRAKER! That's right kids, Jeanne Devon herself will make her national broadcast debut with Rachel.
Ooooh this is going to be big!
If you want to see a picture of both Shannyn and AKM that was taken while they were at Netroots just click the title and visit Shannyn's blog.
Here is Shannyn's appearance on Countdown.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Is church attendance more important than saving your business? Saving your marriage? Caring for your children? Jerry Prevo thinks it is.
The Reverend Prevo, of mega church Anchorage Baptist Temple and "hating the gays" fame, tries to convince his congregation that they must come every Sunday and give him their money in order to have a happy life.
And the egomanaical shall lead them. Is that in the bible?
And the egomanaical shall lead them. Is that in the bible?
In his mind apparently the only conduit to happiness and eternal salvation is through his ministry.
What is it the the Bible says about false prophets?
2 Pet 2:2 [NIV] Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
2 Pet 2:3 [NIV] In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Sometimes I have to wonder if the people in this "church" have even bothered to read the book they claim to hold so dear?
This Sunday at 11:00 ABT is going to celebrate 38 years of Jerry Prevo's particular hateful brand of Christianity and its impact on my state and its people. I think I may have to show up to this little soiree and see for myself just how self delusional these people really are.
(By the way if you click the title of this post it will take you to the Alaska Commons where you can read their take on Prevo and his minions. And I let me offer them a hat tip for bringing my attention to this unsettling video.)
Even Sarah's ghostwriter is too embarrassed to talk about Palin's new book.
One San Diegan knows all the details of Sarah Palin's soon-to-be released memoir, but don't ask her about it. She can't tell.
Lynn Vincent, Palin's ghostwriter, has signed a non-disclosure agreement. (Believe me she is not going to want to talk about it after it comes out either. She is going to be too embarrassed about the lies.) She has been hard at work on the book for the past few months with Palin, the former Alaska governor and John McCain's running mate.
So quick did their writing progress that the publisher announced yesterday that the 400-page memoir's release date, originally scheduled for spring, has been moved up to Nov. 17, with an e-book version following on Dec. 26.
After resigning as governor in late July, Palin spent most of August in San Diego working with Vincent on the book, “Going Rogue: An American Life.” Rumors swirled about Palin sightings at Vincent's condo complex in north San Diego County. Palin reportedly was joined here by her family and top aide, Meghan Stapleton. This month, Palin huddled with her editors in New York. (I understand that Meg was the only one who stayed with her the entire time. What is up with their relationship anyhow?)
Harper, the publisher, announced a first printing of 1.5 million copies, the same quantity as Sen. Ted Kennedy's recently released book, “True Compass.” (The only difference? Kennedy's book is about a lifetime of public service and Palin's is about less than three years of sabotaging Alaska, hurting her family, and single-handedly destroying the Republican party. Oh yeah, there is a comparison for you.)
Just as Palin was relatively unknown when McCain tapped her as his running mate, Vincent hardly is a household name.
For the past 10 years, she has been working for Christian-based World Magazine, from which she took leave to work full time with Palin.
So Sarah's ghostwrite is somebody who regularly places faith over facts. Well what other kind of person could possibly have subjected themselves to the "Palin pile o' lies"?
And what will Lynn Vincent do when she is besieged with interviews wanting to get her opinion on the other books that completely refute Sarah Palin's version of events? I am guessing her ghostwriting career will come to a screeching halt.
Lynn Vincent, Palin's ghostwriter, has signed a non-disclosure agreement. (Believe me she is not going to want to talk about it after it comes out either. She is going to be too embarrassed about the lies.) She has been hard at work on the book for the past few months with Palin, the former Alaska governor and John McCain's running mate.
So quick did their writing progress that the publisher announced yesterday that the 400-page memoir's release date, originally scheduled for spring, has been moved up to Nov. 17, with an e-book version following on Dec. 26.
After resigning as governor in late July, Palin spent most of August in San Diego working with Vincent on the book, “Going Rogue: An American Life.” Rumors swirled about Palin sightings at Vincent's condo complex in north San Diego County. Palin reportedly was joined here by her family and top aide, Meghan Stapleton. This month, Palin huddled with her editors in New York. (I understand that Meg was the only one who stayed with her the entire time. What is up with their relationship anyhow?)
Harper, the publisher, announced a first printing of 1.5 million copies, the same quantity as Sen. Ted Kennedy's recently released book, “True Compass.” (The only difference? Kennedy's book is about a lifetime of public service and Palin's is about less than three years of sabotaging Alaska, hurting her family, and single-handedly destroying the Republican party. Oh yeah, there is a comparison for you.)
Just as Palin was relatively unknown when McCain tapped her as his running mate, Vincent hardly is a household name.
For the past 10 years, she has been working for Christian-based World Magazine, from which she took leave to work full time with Palin.
So Sarah's ghostwrite is somebody who regularly places faith over facts. Well what other kind of person could possibly have subjected themselves to the "Palin pile o' lies"?
And what will Lynn Vincent do when she is besieged with interviews wanting to get her opinion on the other books that completely refute Sarah Palin's version of events? I am guessing her ghostwriting career will come to a screeching halt.
Rahel Maddow continues her investigation of the ACORN witchhunt.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Rachel seems almost completely alone as she points out the hypocrisy and "ginned up" charges being brought against ACORN. I wish that there were more in the MSM that had her courage.
I had a conversation with one of my liberal friends about ACORN, and even THEY thought ACORN should be investigated and that they were suspect. That is how successful the smear campaign against ACORN has been.
Look I agree that those low level workers who gave the faux "hooker and pimp" FOX News operatives the illegal advice should be fired and some education is clearly needed for the people who are manning their offices, but that does not mean the whole organization is corrupt. Far from it.
And be aware that the same smear used against ACORN is also being used against President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, the Census Bureau, health care reform, and it was even used against me!
This is what FOX and the Republicans do. They simply repeat a lie over and over again in the hopes that after people hear it enough times they will accept it as fact.
But we are progressives. Facts are something we ferret out, not something that is shoveled into out brains by large prejudicial media outlets. Remember? We are the smart ones.
Monday, September 28, 2009
AkMuckraker has some issues with the title of Sarah Palin's book. And believe me, she is not alone.
AKM remembers the origin of that word, as used by Palin's minions, and she is angry that Palin would dare use it to sell this book of half truths and moose crap.Click the title to read AKM's Huffington Post article. It is will enlighten you as to the slap in the face the word "rogue" is to the Alaskan people.
(BTW I noticed that AKM's picture of Walt's mom was broken at Huffington. But it just so happens I have my own picture which you can see to the left over there. She is a great lady by the way.)
Palin pushes book release up from spring of next year to November 17. What is her hurry?
That was fast.
Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate, has finished her memoir just four months after the book deal was announced, and the release date has been moved up from the spring to Nov. 17, her publisher said
Does anybody else find it extremely coincidental that Sarah's book gets moved up the day after Bree Palin's earth shattering post?
I was told a long time ago that Sarah reads the blogs. Especially the Alaskan blogs and Palin's Deceptions. I would not at all be surprised to learn that she has expanded her reading list and made this decision in response to this new damaging information.
So now the question is can we reveal the lies that are undoubtedly in her book and make it impossible for her publishers to put it out there?
My money is on the bloggers. What do you think?
Sarah's 5-Day Pregnancy Solved!
How? How could anybody have been fooled by such a careless attempt to fake a pregnancy? She was able to fake this pregnancy with the strategic use of SCARVES? How ignorant are people?
I think when all of this is said and done THAT is the question that must be asked of every Palin staff worker, every so called Alaskan reporter, and every person who swore up and down that they KNEW she was pregnant and MUST have had that baby.
The choices are simple. Either these people lied, or they were too stupid to realize that they were being punked.
Update: For those of you joining our little discussion late the first picture in the above montage is from about 4 seconds into this Fox News video. (H/T to Bree Palin)
(Updated to better quality video found by Patrick.)
And the last picture is from this photo dated April 13.
Shannyn Moore helps Governor Wally Hickel express his vast disappointment in Sarah Palin.
When Gov. Sarah Palin surprised us by joining Sen. John McCain on the Republican ticket, I agreed to support her, sticking to my commitment to put "Alaska first." When she took the podium at the Republican National Convention, however, I was greatly disappointed. The race-against-race and class-against-class message of the McCain/Palin campaign was transparent.
I urged Sarah to take control of her message and appealed to her in this column "to rise above the worn-out, negative tactics of presidential politics and assume the role of stateswoman." (Op Ed of September 14, 2008).
My hopes were dashed. Palin became the spokesperson for the divisive voices in American politics. She dismissed the greatness of our immigrant heritage, indeed of today's Alaska, where in Anchorage alone nearly 100 languages are spoken in the homes of the children in our public schools.
I think Governor Hickel does an admirable job of expressing the feelings of many Alaskans. And many Americans as well.
I urged Sarah to take control of her message and appealed to her in this column "to rise above the worn-out, negative tactics of presidential politics and assume the role of stateswoman." (Op Ed of September 14, 2008).
My hopes were dashed. Palin became the spokesperson for the divisive voices in American politics. She dismissed the greatness of our immigrant heritage, indeed of today's Alaska, where in Anchorage alone nearly 100 languages are spoken in the homes of the children in our public schools.
I think Governor Hickel does an admirable job of expressing the feelings of many Alaskans. And many Americans as well.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Bree Palin blows the lid off of the fake Palin pregnancy.
Bree has discovered video footage that was taken on April 8, 2008. (You can view it by clicking the title)
This footage connects to the famous photo that Audrey had up on Palin's Deceptions of the two young men that were photographed with a clearly NOT pregnant Sarah Palin.
Now if Bree's post has not sufficiently blown your mind, consider the following:
We have been lied to repeatedly about the birth of two Palin babies. FACT.
Sarah wants to adopt her daughter's baby to cover for her pregnancy (There have been alot of rumors about Sarah's poor parenting and she does not want this to come out.) FACT.
However Sarah's request to adopt the baby is rejected. FACT.
Sarah Palin fakes a pregnancy. FACT.
So who does Trig Palin belong to? Sarah did not have him, and Bristol would not give up her baby. Forget what you think you know about the birth dates of these babies, remember there is no evidence to support them except the word of the Palin/Heath family.
Now let me quote from Max Blumenthal's book "Republican Gomorrah", Chapter 24, page 287:
After learning through a sonogram that her child would have been born with Down Syndrome, Palin bravely chose to carry him to term.
Her decision excited James Dobson (of Focus on the Family), and he wrote her a letter congratulating her for having what he called "that little Down Syndrome baby." "What a way to emphasize your pro-life leanings there," Dobson declared on a September 2 radio broadcast. Tony Perkins, who phoned in from the Family Research Counsel office in Washington, DC, echoed Dobson: "It's one thing to support the policy. Its another to live it out."
People had been talking about Palin possibly being a VP candidate as far back as February 2008, BEFORE the supposed birth of Trig Palin. But it was THAT BIRTH that cemented the decision of the Evangelicals, led by James Dobson, to support her.
John McCain earned his parties nomination, on March 5th ("Coincidentally" Sarah announced her pregnancy the next day), but could not get the Religious Right to endorse his candidacy. Without them he had no chance of victory. Then he tapped Sarah Palin, on August 30, and they came over in a flood of support.
So the math is simple. No Trig Palin, no VP nominee Sarah Palin.
I know this is a lot to digest and I wish I could give you more, but I am still digging and trying to overcome a few final obstacles. Of course I have never given up and absolutely don't intend to.
And I am not alone.
This footage connects to the famous photo that Audrey had up on Palin's Deceptions of the two young men that were photographed with a clearly NOT pregnant Sarah Palin.
Now if Bree's post has not sufficiently blown your mind, consider the following:
We have been lied to repeatedly about the birth of two Palin babies. FACT.
Sarah wants to adopt her daughter's baby to cover for her pregnancy (There have been alot of rumors about Sarah's poor parenting and she does not want this to come out.) FACT.
However Sarah's request to adopt the baby is rejected. FACT.
Sarah Palin fakes a pregnancy. FACT.
So who does Trig Palin belong to? Sarah did not have him, and Bristol would not give up her baby. Forget what you think you know about the birth dates of these babies, remember there is no evidence to support them except the word of the Palin/Heath family.
Now let me quote from Max Blumenthal's book "Republican Gomorrah", Chapter 24, page 287:
After learning through a sonogram that her child would have been born with Down Syndrome, Palin bravely chose to carry him to term.
Her decision excited James Dobson (of Focus on the Family), and he wrote her a letter congratulating her for having what he called "that little Down Syndrome baby." "What a way to emphasize your pro-life leanings there," Dobson declared on a September 2 radio broadcast. Tony Perkins, who phoned in from the Family Research Counsel office in Washington, DC, echoed Dobson: "It's one thing to support the policy. Its another to live it out."
People had been talking about Palin possibly being a VP candidate as far back as February 2008, BEFORE the supposed birth of Trig Palin. But it was THAT BIRTH that cemented the decision of the Evangelicals, led by James Dobson, to support her.
John McCain earned his parties nomination, on March 5th ("Coincidentally" Sarah announced her pregnancy the next day), but could not get the Religious Right to endorse his candidacy. Without them he had no chance of victory. Then he tapped Sarah Palin, on August 30, and they came over in a flood of support.
So the math is simple. No Trig Palin, no VP nominee Sarah Palin.
I know this is a lot to digest and I wish I could give you more, but I am still digging and trying to overcome a few final obstacles. Of course I have never given up and absolutely don't intend to.
And I am not alone.
Oh you are not going to BELIEVE this!
What is wrong with these people? No matter how much evidence is provided about Obama that confirms his status as a United States citizen, and that he was born in a hospital in the 50th state, they simply will not let it go!
Snopes.com has already investigated and dismissed this Republican lie. (You can see the actual document here.) FactCheck.org has also verified the authenticity of the document.
You know it seems to smack of desperation. As if THIS is their last hope of stopping Obama from doing a good enough job to make his re-election a certainty.
I would like to say I feel sorry for the people duped into sending these assholes their hard earned money, but if it wasn't them it would be some televangelist or QVC pitchman that would be lining their pockets with their thirty bucks. These kinds of people were born to be fleeced.
Jerry Prevo would like to invite you to come celebrate 38 years of oppressing human rights in Anchorage, Alaska.
You know there are a lot of things of which I am proud.I am proud that I helped children overcome adversity, learn to read, and set them on the path to becoming educated, well rounded adults.
I am proud that I taught women to defend themselves against those who would victimize them.
I am proud that I have lived my life trying to put the needs of others before my own. I am by no stretch of the imagination perfect, but I do try to be better tomorrow than I was yesterday.
And then there are the things I am not so proud of.
The times when I used aggression against assholes instead of words, when I carelessly broke somebody's heart or let one of my friends down, and not being there for my daughter when I was working two jobs and in a constant state of exhaustion. The memory of those lapses still makes me sad.
So I cannot imagine how badly I would feel if I had spent the majority of my life fighting to keep the rights that I take for granted from others on the grounds that they do not love in a manner I find acceptable. Or that I had used the teachings of Jesus Christ to lend gravitas to my prejudice and hate.
No I could never take pride in that.
But then I am not Jerry Prevo.
Perhaps next Sunday, as Jerry prepares to celebrate his many, many years of fighting against human rights, it would be instructive for him to look up from his podium and witness an audience full of the very people he has spent a lifetime oppressing.
I am just saying.
(H/T to Alaska Commons for the picture.)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Senators, Diversity, and Famous Authors, Oh My!
It was right after I arrived at Bartlett High School for Mark Begich's Health Care town hall that I learned that not only was I missing Countdown, I was missing my friend Shannyn Moore on Countdown. Well crap, this town hall better not be boring.
My first impression was that the place was packed, but just who had packed it? Rational citizens interested in learning more about Obama's potential health care reform plan and Mark Begich's take on it, or a bunch of moronic Fox News viewers dedicated to yelling insults and stalling the health care reform process?
Oh yeah, I almost forgot I was in Alaska.
The very first question of the evening set the tone.
"Since you are a politician I know three things about you. You are a liar, a thief, and a lapdog for the DNC". Oh God it was going to be one of those nights.
The questions came fast and furious with several morons yelling out questions without benefit of a microphone, or of IT BEING THEIR DAMN TURN! Okay, so yeah it kind of irritated me.
For some reason, which I still cannot quite figure out, whenever somebody rose to speak that claimed to be a veteran or currently a member of the armed forces the crowd burst into sustained applause. I mean yeah, I honor their service, but they are all either current or past recipients of federal health care. Isn't that what the majority of these imbeciles were against?
And when somebody finally stood up to thank Mark Begich the applause was cut short by the moderator, who seemed to pick that moment to enforce the rules of the forum. (Julie Haskett, Mark Begich's Press Secretary who was standing to my right, leaned down to say "I wish we would allow this applause to last a little longer." Yes, I agree it would have been nice to allow some of the more positive applause drown out all of the negative hand clapping.)
I stuck it out until 7:00 and then left to drive downtown for the True Diversity Dinner. (To read a more expansive take on this town hall let me direct you to AKMuckrakers wonderful post over at Mudflats.)
I arrived at 7:23 and the PLACE WAS PACKED! The change in atmosphere from the stuffy negativity of the town hall to this dinner was almost enough to give me a mood whiplash. Smiling nattily dressed people were all over the place, and let me just tell you it was not a "diversity event" in name only. There were Alaskan native dancers, African Americans, Asians, gay couples, bloggers, politicians, gorgeous women, and a few token white guys just for balance. It was one of the few times in this city that I have felt like part of the minority. And IT WAS GREAT!
I frantically looked for a familiar face, figuring I would sit with my fellow bloggers, but then I spied Bob Poe and his lovely wife Terzah and I knew that was where I wanted to sit.
As usual Bob was happy to see me and his wife Terzah, who I had never met before, broke into the biggest smile when he introduced me as Gryphen. (Apparently the lovely Mrs. Poe is a fan as well.) When I sat down I realized that I was also sharing the table with Diane Bensen as well.
I knew what conversation I was going to be having later.
I sat and talked to Terzah for quite awhile before the presentation started and found her to be extremely knowledgeable and very funny. (I almost wonder if the wrong Poe is running for Governor. Nah, Bob's cool too.)
There were a number of great speakers, including Assembly woman Elvi Gray-Jackson (Who looked especially fit and showed off her amazing arms ala Michelle Obama.), Diane Benson (Who talked with great emotion about the violence against women and native people in our city), then a wonderful song by Steven Alvarez, followed by a fiery speech from Marquita Pierre, and finally the Keynote Speaker, the lovely Shannyn Moore.
Shannyn delivered a bawdy, laugh out loud speech that had the crowd cheering and laughing at all the right moments. (The only misstep Shannyn made was calling the crowds attention to a very flamboyant drag queen who promptly raced to the stage snatched the microphone away from Shannyn and did almost three minutes of improvisation theater.) Shannyn ended her delightful speech with the line "Next year let's see if we can pack the Sullivan". A double entendre concerning the sports arena named after Mayor Dan's father, that took the crowd a few minutes to finally catch on to. The titters of laughter went on for several minutes as John Arronno prepared to start the Diversity Dinner Awards. ("Did she just say pack the Sullivan?" he deadpanned.)
And then the awards were announced.
The Excellence in Business Award went to CIRI.
The Excellence in Non-Profit Award went to Identity, Inc.
Excellence in Print went to ADN's Julia O'Malley.
The Excellence in Online Media Award went to Mel Greene of Henkima.
The Excellence in Outreach Award went to Tiffany McClain.
And the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jane Angvic and Vic Fischer.
After the awards were all handed out, the tables were pushed to the side as the dance music was cranked, up and people started to mill around to press flesh with some of the numerous political figures that had graced the gathering with their presence. Ethan Berkowitz, Les Gara, Diane Bensen, Bob Poe, Evi Gray-Jackson, were the ones that I noticed though there were undoubtedly more. (Hollis French could not make it due to a death in the family.)
And then just when I thought we had seen the best and the brightest that Alaska politics had to offer, who should walk in the door but Senator Mark Begich! He appeared at first to be completely drained from the bruising experience of the back to back town halls he had just endured. But as he walked into the welcoming embrace of the Diversity Dinner he visibly brightened. By the time he finished his short speech and started meeting the attendees, and getting his picture taken like a rock star, he looked completely refreshed and the boyish dimples were once again on display.
I soon left the gathering and drove to Shannyn's house where we sat talking politics and gossiping until Max Blumenthal's plane arrived, at which time Shannyn and I drove to the airport to pick him up.
Back at the house we talked about Max's book, Republican Gomorrah (available in fine book stores everywhere), his website Max Blumentahl.com, and his experiences in the deep dark recesses of Sarah Palin's Wasilla. (By the way Max does the most spot on impression of witch hunting African preacher Thomas Muthee I have ever heard.)
The hour was late so I took my leave and drove home to get a few hours of sleep before my busy weekend officially began.
By the way tonight at 8:00 you can meet Max for yourself at UAA's Arts Recital Hall and you can also listen to him right now on the Shannyn Moore Show.
My first impression was that the place was packed, but just who had packed it? Rational citizens interested in learning more about Obama's potential health care reform plan and Mark Begich's take on it, or a bunch of moronic Fox News viewers dedicated to yelling insults and stalling the health care reform process?
Oh yeah, I almost forgot I was in Alaska.
The very first question of the evening set the tone.
"Since you are a politician I know three things about you. You are a liar, a thief, and a lapdog for the DNC". Oh God it was going to be one of those nights.
The questions came fast and furious with several morons yelling out questions without benefit of a microphone, or of IT BEING THEIR DAMN TURN! Okay, so yeah it kind of irritated me.
For some reason, which I still cannot quite figure out, whenever somebody rose to speak that claimed to be a veteran or currently a member of the armed forces the crowd burst into sustained applause. I mean yeah, I honor their service, but they are all either current or past recipients of federal health care. Isn't that what the majority of these imbeciles were against?
And when somebody finally stood up to thank Mark Begich the applause was cut short by the moderator, who seemed to pick that moment to enforce the rules of the forum. (Julie Haskett, Mark Begich's Press Secretary who was standing to my right, leaned down to say "I wish we would allow this applause to last a little longer." Yes, I agree it would have been nice to allow some of the more positive applause drown out all of the negative hand clapping.)
I stuck it out until 7:00 and then left to drive downtown for the True Diversity Dinner. (To read a more expansive take on this town hall let me direct you to AKMuckrakers wonderful post over at Mudflats.)
I arrived at 7:23 and the PLACE WAS PACKED! The change in atmosphere from the stuffy negativity of the town hall to this dinner was almost enough to give me a mood whiplash. Smiling nattily dressed people were all over the place, and let me just tell you it was not a "diversity event" in name only. There were Alaskan native dancers, African Americans, Asians, gay couples, bloggers, politicians, gorgeous women, and a few token white guys just for balance. It was one of the few times in this city that I have felt like part of the minority. And IT WAS GREAT!
I frantically looked for a familiar face, figuring I would sit with my fellow bloggers, but then I spied Bob Poe and his lovely wife Terzah and I knew that was where I wanted to sit.
As usual Bob was happy to see me and his wife Terzah, who I had never met before, broke into the biggest smile when he introduced me as Gryphen. (Apparently the lovely Mrs. Poe is a fan as well.) When I sat down I realized that I was also sharing the table with Diane Bensen as well.
I knew what conversation I was going to be having later.
I sat and talked to Terzah for quite awhile before the presentation started and found her to be extremely knowledgeable and very funny. (I almost wonder if the wrong Poe is running for Governor. Nah, Bob's cool too.)
There were a number of great speakers, including Assembly woman Elvi Gray-Jackson (Who looked especially fit and showed off her amazing arms ala Michelle Obama.), Diane Benson (Who talked with great emotion about the violence against women and native people in our city), then a wonderful song by Steven Alvarez, followed by a fiery speech from Marquita Pierre, and finally the Keynote Speaker, the lovely Shannyn Moore.
Shannyn delivered a bawdy, laugh out loud speech that had the crowd cheering and laughing at all the right moments. (The only misstep Shannyn made was calling the crowds attention to a very flamboyant drag queen who promptly raced to the stage snatched the microphone away from Shannyn and did almost three minutes of improvisation theater.) Shannyn ended her delightful speech with the line "Next year let's see if we can pack the Sullivan". A double entendre concerning the sports arena named after Mayor Dan's father, that took the crowd a few minutes to finally catch on to. The titters of laughter went on for several minutes as John Arronno prepared to start the Diversity Dinner Awards. ("Did she just say pack the Sullivan?" he deadpanned.)
And then the awards were announced.
The Excellence in Business Award went to CIRI.
The Excellence in Non-Profit Award went to Identity, Inc.
Excellence in Print went to ADN's Julia O'Malley.
The Excellence in Online Media Award went to Mel Greene of Henkima.
The Excellence in Outreach Award went to Tiffany McClain.
And the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jane Angvic and Vic Fischer.
After the awards were all handed out, the tables were pushed to the side as the dance music was cranked, up and people started to mill around to press flesh with some of the numerous political figures that had graced the gathering with their presence. Ethan Berkowitz, Les Gara, Diane Bensen, Bob Poe, Evi Gray-Jackson, were the ones that I noticed though there were undoubtedly more. (Hollis French could not make it due to a death in the family.)
And then just when I thought we had seen the best and the brightest that Alaska politics had to offer, who should walk in the door but Senator Mark Begich! He appeared at first to be completely drained from the bruising experience of the back to back town halls he had just endured. But as he walked into the welcoming embrace of the Diversity Dinner he visibly brightened. By the time he finished his short speech and started meeting the attendees, and getting his picture taken like a rock star, he looked completely refreshed and the boyish dimples were once again on display.
I soon left the gathering and drove to Shannyn's house where we sat talking politics and gossiping until Max Blumenthal's plane arrived, at which time Shannyn and I drove to the airport to pick him up.
Back at the house we talked about Max's book, Republican Gomorrah (available in fine book stores everywhere), his website Max Blumentahl.com, and his experiences in the deep dark recesses of Sarah Palin's Wasilla. (By the way Max does the most spot on impression of witch hunting African preacher Thomas Muthee I have ever heard.)
The hour was late so I took my leave and drove home to get a few hours of sleep before my busy weekend officially began.
By the way tonight at 8:00 you can meet Max for yourself at UAA's Arts Recital Hall and you can also listen to him right now on the Shannyn Moore Show.
Kentucky census taker found naked and bound with duct tape. I think we can safely assume this was NOT a suicide.
A part-time census worker found hanging in a rural Kentucky cemetery was naked, gagged and had his hands and feet bound with duct tape, said an Ohio man who discovered the body two weeks ago.
The word "fed" was written in felt-tip pen on 51-year-old Bill Sparkman's chest, but authorities have released very few other details in the case, such as whether they think it was an accident, suicide or homicide.
Jerry Weaver of Fairfield, Ohio, told The Associated Press on Friday that he was certain from the gruesome scene that someone killed Sparkman.
"He was murdered," Weaver said. "There's no doubt."
The word "fed" was written in felt-tip pen on 51-year-old Bill Sparkman's chest, but authorities have released very few other details in the case, such as whether they think it was an accident, suicide or homicide.
Jerry Weaver of Fairfield, Ohio, told The Associated Press on Friday that he was certain from the gruesome scene that someone killed Sparkman.
"He was murdered," Weaver said. "There's no doubt."
There is not yet definitive proof that this was a hate crime, but if I were a betting man I would be putting all of my money on that possibility.
And if it was, and it turns out the perpetrator was a FOX News junkie, I hope to hell that Homeland Security investigates them fully for the hate mongering that pours forth from that vile cable channel daily. And if a connection can be found between the spittle drenched rantings of Glenn Beck and this murder I hope they arrest his ass his on camera, right in the middle of one of his signature crybaby tantrums.
And while they are at it perhaps they can prove a link between Dr. Tillman's murder and the rantings of Bill O'Reilly. Perhaps if few of these assholes get thrown in jail for conspiracy to commit murder Fox News will finally either leave the air completely or evolve into a REAL news outlet.
Update: Leah Burton, of God's Own Party, finds that the crazies may be using biblical language to foment fear about census takers. Is there no level of insanity that the bible cannot be used to reinforce?
Letterman's Top Ten Questions to ask yourself before spending $63,500 for dinner with Sarah Palin.
(H/T To Huffington Post whose take on this you can read by clicking the title.)
Shannyn Moore's Countdown appearance yesterday.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Wow Shannyn was great as usual.
I apologize for being so late to post this but I was on my way to Mark Begich's Health Care Townhall when I learned about it (Apparently it was last minute for Shannyn as well), then attended the True Diversity Dinner, and afterward went with Shannyn to pick up Max Blumenthal from the airport. And yes there is a very long post about my evening coming soon. Just as soon as I fully recover from it.
By the way if you want to read Sarah's Facebook note about the "high holy days" click here.
By the way keep in mind that Sarah Palin's church promotes the idea that Israel plays a pivotal role in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Her concern and empathy for the Jewish people only exists to ensure that they will play their part in bringing forth the Rapture.
After that they will be incinerated and Sarah believes she will be sitting at the right hand of the Lord. It is kind of like inviting your friends to go to an amazing party with you, using them to give you an excuse to drive in the carpool lane to save time, and then right before you get there taking them out of the car and shooting them in the head. "Sorry, no Rapture for you!"
Friday, September 25, 2009
Is Sarah Palin the new role model for the disgruntled workers of America?
This question was sent to an advice columnist in a Wisconsin paper.
Dear Tell All: While I don't agree with her politics, I've been mystified by Sarah Palin ever since she hit the national spotlight last summer. She obviously has a knack for climbing the career ladder. And similar to her frustrations with being governor, I'm tired of my job and don't feel like I'm achieving my professional goals. Should I follow her lead and just quit, hoping to be more effective through other means? Is this the latest trend in career building?
Fidgety in Fitchburg
I at first believed this to be a joke, but nope, it is serious. Somebody is seriously inspired by Sarah Palin's cut and run approach to doing her job.
And even more concerning is the columnists response to her question.
Dear Fidgety: Must...resist urge...to trash... Palin. Don't want...to end up in doghouse...like Letterman. Oh, what the hell. One paragraph can't hurt, right?
When Palin announced her resignation, she said that she could be more effective outside of government and that quitting was "doing what's best for Alaska." Then she got her maverick on and tromped away in her waders. That's a bit like an airline pilot announcing over the intercom that he can do a better job of flying the plane from outside the plane, and then bolting through the door with a parachute. But if the pilot is incompetent, maybe that is best. Let the co-pilot take over.
In a normal economy, it would be completely irresponsible for me to tell you to quit your job without having another one lined up. In this economy, it would be ludicrous. But then again, there are times when a fresh start is exactly what you need to bring out your own inner maverick.
But if you're looking for a role model, don't waste your time on amateur quitters like Palin or me. Look up to a legend. In 1993, Michael Jordan did the unthinkable and quit basketball, partly to pursue a childhood dream of playing baseball. After getting sand kicked in his face, he returned to basketball in 1995, then quit again in 1999, came back in 2001 and quit for good in 2003. By definition, you could say he was a professional quitter.
So if you quit, you're in good company. But do it wisely.
So is THIS the legacy of Sarah Palin? Has she just positioned herself as the idol of unhappy cubicle jockeys everywhere? Losers of the world unite, you have found your leader!
Well fine, if you are going to follow in our Twitter Quitters footsteps let em help you to choose where to start.
First quit whatever Sarah Palin fan club you belong to. Trust me it is destroying your soul.
Second quit giving money to SarahPAC. Believe me you need the money far more than she does.
Third quit the Republican party. They never gave a shit about you anyhow.
And finally quit looking to failed politicians and reality show celebrities for inspiration. These people are failures! If you can look in your bathroom mirror in the morning without having to fight the urge to cut your own throat you are already much healthier than these pathetic wastes of space.
Here is some advice for you vaguely remembered from my days as an athlete: "Winners never quit, and quiters never win". And you can take THAT to the bank.
Dear Tell All: While I don't agree with her politics, I've been mystified by Sarah Palin ever since she hit the national spotlight last summer. She obviously has a knack for climbing the career ladder. And similar to her frustrations with being governor, I'm tired of my job and don't feel like I'm achieving my professional goals. Should I follow her lead and just quit, hoping to be more effective through other means? Is this the latest trend in career building?
Fidgety in Fitchburg
I at first believed this to be a joke, but nope, it is serious. Somebody is seriously inspired by Sarah Palin's cut and run approach to doing her job.
And even more concerning is the columnists response to her question.
Dear Fidgety: Must...resist urge...to trash... Palin. Don't want...to end up in doghouse...like Letterman. Oh, what the hell. One paragraph can't hurt, right?
When Palin announced her resignation, she said that she could be more effective outside of government and that quitting was "doing what's best for Alaska." Then she got her maverick on and tromped away in her waders. That's a bit like an airline pilot announcing over the intercom that he can do a better job of flying the plane from outside the plane, and then bolting through the door with a parachute. But if the pilot is incompetent, maybe that is best. Let the co-pilot take over.
In a normal economy, it would be completely irresponsible for me to tell you to quit your job without having another one lined up. In this economy, it would be ludicrous. But then again, there are times when a fresh start is exactly what you need to bring out your own inner maverick.
But if you're looking for a role model, don't waste your time on amateur quitters like Palin or me. Look up to a legend. In 1993, Michael Jordan did the unthinkable and quit basketball, partly to pursue a childhood dream of playing baseball. After getting sand kicked in his face, he returned to basketball in 1995, then quit again in 1999, came back in 2001 and quit for good in 2003. By definition, you could say he was a professional quitter.
So if you quit, you're in good company. But do it wisely.
So is THIS the legacy of Sarah Palin? Has she just positioned herself as the idol of unhappy cubicle jockeys everywhere? Losers of the world unite, you have found your leader!
Well fine, if you are going to follow in our Twitter Quitters footsteps let em help you to choose where to start.
First quit whatever Sarah Palin fan club you belong to. Trust me it is destroying your soul.
Second quit giving money to SarahPAC. Believe me you need the money far more than she does.
Third quit the Republican party. They never gave a shit about you anyhow.
And finally quit looking to failed politicians and reality show celebrities for inspiration. These people are failures! If you can look in your bathroom mirror in the morning without having to fight the urge to cut your own throat you are already much healthier than these pathetic wastes of space.
Here is some advice for you vaguely remembered from my days as an athlete: "Winners never quit, and quiters never win". And you can take THAT to the bank.
$63,500 is chump change. But $200,000 is some serious money. Will Palin accept?
Here is a the offer from former Wall Street Executive Ken Morris to Ex-Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
What the flippin' flapjacks is going on here? The pounding in my head is like a bongo on steroids and unless I gain some understanding of what looks like an ocean of crazy stew, I'm liable to take up residence in a rubber room.
Here's what's got my head Linda Blairing: Sarah Palin--who must've said our President was "pallin' around with terrorists" a thousand times--gave a speech in a communist nation known for human rights abuses, forced late term abortions, child sweatshops (thereby making products so cheaply that U.S. manufacturing cannot compete), and poisoned dog food. She then criticized the president in this foreign land for implementing trade restrictions. Does anyone remember the Dixie Chicks?
Days ago, when I lost out on the eBay auction to have dinner with Ms. Palin, I rationalized that with the restrictions, I'd not have been approved anyway. So, as I wrote shortly thereafter, "In the great American tradition of never say die," I proposed a more substantial offer for an on the record discussion.
I will donate $100,000 to veterans' charities for a second dinner with Sarah Palin and four guests, this one on-the-record and taped so as to minimize misrepresentations. In the name of fair play, my list of invitees will include a subset of Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, Thom Hartmann, Oprah Winfrey, James Carville, Randi Rhodes, Arianna Huffington, Frank Rich, Mudflats' Jeanne Devon, Jane Hamsher and Shannyn Moore. On her side, Sarah Palin may invite guests as well (how about Bill Kristol and Glenn Beck?). The only additional conditions are that the dinner/event last the entire four hours and questions asked are answered and discussed civilly. No filibustering, no third party prompts, just face-to-face honesty. Hostility by any invitee will be cause for removal. No discussion of children, Vogue, Katie Couric, The Enquirer, or Levi Johnston permitted (Well there goes MY invitation). My reasons for such an offer are honorable and important. With the Supreme Court positioned to overturn campaign finance laws in the Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission case now before it, corporate contributions to federal elections will be unfettered. In other words, Sarah Palin with the help of an unlimited dose of corporate funds might one day be president. Already she has what appears to be a heady stable of influential supporters: Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, Bill Kristol, Lawrence Kudlow, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. In other words, I take her prospects seriously. And, as she has chosen to be a spokesperson for, as she says, " American Main Street ," it is vital that she come out from behind her handlers and speak on the record in unscripted fashion. We deserve to be enlightened by honest insights not merely prepared comments and pre-screened questions.
Many readers didn't expect Ms. Palin to accept my offer and, so far, I've not heard a peep from her handlers (though I did get a few candid comments from some of her supporters and to them, yes, I do know who my parents are. Thanks for asking).
How to generate interest from Camp Palin? To that end, if it's a question of numbers, I'm prepared to up the ante. I originally wanted to post a challenge to the hundreds of readers who have expressed a willingness to contribute to veteran charities if this meeting of the minds came about. My thought was to match public contributions up to an additional $100,000. However, there are many logistical problems beyond my ability to address, so I'll simply double the offer to $200,000 and suggest to Ms. Palin that there are many people who will add to the total. The $200,000 minimum might well be something substantially larger.
The only change I'd like to make in the original proposal is to add one additional name to the list of potential attendees. As Ms. Palin claimed in her speech that de-regulation and lower taxes would end the financial crisis, it would be useful to invite Paul Krugman. From a recent interview with Rachel Maddow, I gather he isn't in full support of that economic analysis.
While I've not quite matched the reported $300,000 China fee, with public help we might yet reach that level and Ms. Palin won't have to travel across the world to attend. Best of all for her, the visibility and good will should be priceless. As I said before a win-win and tres cool.
Well if "citizen of Main Street" Sarah Palin really cares about charities it would seem this is too good of an opportunity to pass up. Just think how many veterans $200,000 plus dollars could help? That is a substantial amount of money.
Anybody think she has the guts to accept?
(Please click the title to read all of AKMuckrakers wonderful Huffington Post article.)
What the flippin' flapjacks is going on here? The pounding in my head is like a bongo on steroids and unless I gain some understanding of what looks like an ocean of crazy stew, I'm liable to take up residence in a rubber room.
Here's what's got my head Linda Blairing: Sarah Palin--who must've said our President was "pallin' around with terrorists" a thousand times--gave a speech in a communist nation known for human rights abuses, forced late term abortions, child sweatshops (thereby making products so cheaply that U.S. manufacturing cannot compete), and poisoned dog food. She then criticized the president in this foreign land for implementing trade restrictions. Does anyone remember the Dixie Chicks?
Days ago, when I lost out on the eBay auction to have dinner with Ms. Palin, I rationalized that with the restrictions, I'd not have been approved anyway. So, as I wrote shortly thereafter, "In the great American tradition of never say die," I proposed a more substantial offer for an on the record discussion.
I will donate $100,000 to veterans' charities for a second dinner with Sarah Palin and four guests, this one on-the-record and taped so as to minimize misrepresentations. In the name of fair play, my list of invitees will include a subset of Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, Thom Hartmann, Oprah Winfrey, James Carville, Randi Rhodes, Arianna Huffington, Frank Rich, Mudflats' Jeanne Devon, Jane Hamsher and Shannyn Moore. On her side, Sarah Palin may invite guests as well (how about Bill Kristol and Glenn Beck?). The only additional conditions are that the dinner/event last the entire four hours and questions asked are answered and discussed civilly. No filibustering, no third party prompts, just face-to-face honesty. Hostility by any invitee will be cause for removal. No discussion of children, Vogue, Katie Couric, The Enquirer, or Levi Johnston permitted (Well there goes MY invitation). My reasons for such an offer are honorable and important. With the Supreme Court positioned to overturn campaign finance laws in the Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission case now before it, corporate contributions to federal elections will be unfettered. In other words, Sarah Palin with the help of an unlimited dose of corporate funds might one day be president. Already she has what appears to be a heady stable of influential supporters: Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, Bill Kristol, Lawrence Kudlow, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. In other words, I take her prospects seriously. And, as she has chosen to be a spokesperson for, as she says, " American Main Street ," it is vital that she come out from behind her handlers and speak on the record in unscripted fashion. We deserve to be enlightened by honest insights not merely prepared comments and pre-screened questions.
Many readers didn't expect Ms. Palin to accept my offer and, so far, I've not heard a peep from her handlers (though I did get a few candid comments from some of her supporters and to them, yes, I do know who my parents are. Thanks for asking).
How to generate interest from Camp Palin? To that end, if it's a question of numbers, I'm prepared to up the ante. I originally wanted to post a challenge to the hundreds of readers who have expressed a willingness to contribute to veteran charities if this meeting of the minds came about. My thought was to match public contributions up to an additional $100,000. However, there are many logistical problems beyond my ability to address, so I'll simply double the offer to $200,000 and suggest to Ms. Palin that there are many people who will add to the total. The $200,000 minimum might well be something substantially larger.
The only change I'd like to make in the original proposal is to add one additional name to the list of potential attendees. As Ms. Palin claimed in her speech that de-regulation and lower taxes would end the financial crisis, it would be useful to invite Paul Krugman. From a recent interview with Rachel Maddow, I gather he isn't in full support of that economic analysis.
While I've not quite matched the reported $300,000 China fee, with public help we might yet reach that level and Ms. Palin won't have to travel across the world to attend. Best of all for her, the visibility and good will should be priceless. As I said before a win-win and tres cool.
Well if "citizen of Main Street" Sarah Palin really cares about charities it would seem this is too good of an opportunity to pass up. Just think how many veterans $200,000 plus dollars could help? That is a substantial amount of money.
Anybody think she has the guts to accept?
(Please click the title to read all of AKMuckrakers wonderful Huffington Post article.)
ADN covers the True Diversity Dinner and Mayor Sullivan's ham handed approach to diversity and unions.
First the unions:
The annual event is meant to wrap up diversity month in the city but comes on the heels of a bitter debate over a failed anti-discrimination proposal. This year it's being held at the Hilton Anchorage downtown, which is where the union's beef comes in.
Locked in a labor dispute with owners, Hilton workers in Anchorage voted in May to urge a boycott of the hotel. The statewide teachers union is on board, agreeing to cancel six events this year and next. The Alaska Federation of Filipino Americans canceled a banquet too.
The union of roughly 1,000 Anchorage hotel and restaurant workers this month asked new Mayor Dan Sullivan to move the dinner to another venue.
Sullivan declined, and the union, which is seeking a better offer on wages and benefits from the hotel's Kentucky-based owner, now plans to protest the event.
Oh yeah that is exactly the group you want to piss off as mayor, the unions. Isn't there like a handbook that comes with this job or something?
Now the LGBT supporters:
John and Heather Aronno, married college students in their 20s, helped organize the evening's other protest.
The couple supported a proposal before the Assembly this summer that sought to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Sullivan vetoed the ordinance Aug. 17, saying he hadn't seen clear evidence that discrimination exists and that majority of people who contacted him opposed the change.
"As elected officials, we are charged with reflecting the will of the community in our decisions, particularly in the absence of compelling data that would supersede that will," Sullivan said in a written statement at the time.
That veto, combined with Sullivan changing the name of the annual "diversity" dinner to the "unity" dinner, prompted the Aronnos and fellow political bloggers to plan a dinner of their own.
It looks like the only demographic that Sullivan is interested in reaching out to is the attractive young female voter demographic. (It is either grabbing ass or kissing ass with you isn't it Mayor Sullivan?)
(H/T to Shannyn Moore for the photo)
The True Diversity Dinner will be held at the Snow Goose Restaurant tonight starting at 7:30. All of the cool people will be there!
(By the way, please click the title to read the entire ADN article. It was written by Kyle Hopkins who is one of the few GOOD reporters the ADN has left.)
The annual event is meant to wrap up diversity month in the city but comes on the heels of a bitter debate over a failed anti-discrimination proposal. This year it's being held at the Hilton Anchorage downtown, which is where the union's beef comes in.
Locked in a labor dispute with owners, Hilton workers in Anchorage voted in May to urge a boycott of the hotel. The statewide teachers union is on board, agreeing to cancel six events this year and next. The Alaska Federation of Filipino Americans canceled a banquet too.
The union of roughly 1,000 Anchorage hotel and restaurant workers this month asked new Mayor Dan Sullivan to move the dinner to another venue.
Sullivan declined, and the union, which is seeking a better offer on wages and benefits from the hotel's Kentucky-based owner, now plans to protest the event.
Oh yeah that is exactly the group you want to piss off as mayor, the unions. Isn't there like a handbook that comes with this job or something?
Now the LGBT supporters:
John and Heather Aronno, married college students in their 20s, helped organize the evening's other protest.
The couple supported a proposal before the Assembly this summer that sought to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Sullivan vetoed the ordinance Aug. 17, saying he hadn't seen clear evidence that discrimination exists and that majority of people who contacted him opposed the change.
"As elected officials, we are charged with reflecting the will of the community in our decisions, particularly in the absence of compelling data that would supersede that will," Sullivan said in a written statement at the time.
That veto, combined with Sullivan changing the name of the annual "diversity" dinner to the "unity" dinner, prompted the Aronnos and fellow political bloggers to plan a dinner of their own.
It looks like the only demographic that Sullivan is interested in reaching out to is the attractive young female voter demographic. (It is either grabbing ass or kissing ass with you isn't it Mayor Sullivan?)
(H/T to Shannyn Moore for the photo)
The True Diversity Dinner will be held at the Snow Goose Restaurant tonight starting at 7:30. All of the cool people will be there!
(By the way, please click the title to read the entire ADN article. It was written by Kyle Hopkins who is one of the few GOOD reporters the ADN has left.)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Rachel Maddow calls out the media for going along with the scurrilous attacks on ACORN by the Right Wing.
I was in the process of writing my own post on the fallacies being perpetrated about ACORN, but I never could have done a better job than Rachel did tonight. Please take a moment to educate yourself about his indefensible smear campaign.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Kirk Cameron fights back against critics of his idea to distribute Creationist friendly copies of "Origin of Species" on college campuses.
He's used to getting love letters and high-fives as a former teen heartthrob, but onetime Growing Pains actor Kirk Cameron isn't letting the mockery and criticism dissuade him from promoting his controversial project to dispute evolutionary theory.
"Atheism has been on the rise for years now, and the Bible of the atheists is The Origin of Species," Cameron tells PEOPLE. "We have a situation in our country where young people are entering college with a belief in God and exiting with that faith being stripped and shredded. What we want to do is have student make an informed, educated decision before they chuck their faith."
First off "Origin of Species" is NOT the Atheist's Bible. This is.
Second isn't it possible that the reason so many young people "chuck their faith" by the time they exit college is because of the first time they have the tools to "make an informed, educated decision" ABOUT their faith?
I am guessing that for many teens raised in small towns, and educated by people who for the most part attend the same church and share the same faith, college is the first time they are exposed to the idea that not everybody in the world embraces their particular brand of faith.
With eyes now wide open they are finally able to make a choice concerning their own religious point of view based on a potpourri of new and exciting information. Many college graduates still return to the church of their childhood. In my opinion religion is less an intellectual choice than it is an emotional choice. If students feel an emotional connection to a church that made them feel safe and loved, chances are pretty good they will return. If they are looking for something that they cannot find sitting in the pews, or kneeling with their head pointing toward Mecca, or burning incense in their temple, they will look elsewhere.
But what Cameron is doing is providing fallacies about the impact of Origin of Species, and attacks on Darwin himself, to scare students away from learning about Evolution.
But never has he ruffled so many feathers, especially among academics, as he has this week, slamming evolutionary theory as untrue, inherently un-Christian and the driving force behind some of the most horrendous catastrophes of the 20th century, including Adolf Hitler's plan to destroy "inferior races." "You can see where [Hitler] clearly takes Darwin's ideas to some of their logical conclusions and compares certain races of people to lower evolutionary life forms," Cameron says. "If you take Darwin's theory and extend it to its logical end, it can be used to justify all number of very horrendous things."
This of course is bullshit!
In fact Hitler had books about Dawinism removed from German libraries:
The Nazi Party in general rejected Darwinism and supported Christianity. In 1935, Die Bücherei, the official Nazi journal for lending libraries, published a list of guidelines of works to reject, including:
Writings of a philosophical and social nature whose content deals with the false scientific enlightenment of primitive Darwinism and Monism (Häckel). (Die Bücherei 1935, 279)
On the other hand, an undated "Blacklist for Public Libraries and Commercial Lending Libraries" includes the following on a list of literature which "absolutely must be removed":
c) All writings that ridicule, belittle or besmirch the Christian religion and its institution, faith in God, or other things that are holy to the healthy sentiments of the Volk. (Blacklist n.d.)
It is widely known that Adolph Hitler was a Catholic (Well widely known by those of us that read, that is). However I would certainly NOT blame the Catholic church, or Christianity in general, for the horrific things that the Nazis did. That would be ignorant.
So why bring up Hitler and try to connect him to Darwin?
Because Hitler is universally reviled. If you can somehow connect the actions of that mass murderer with a guy you are trying to denigrate it makes it that much easier to do so.
Which is also why you saw those posters of Obama with a Hitler mustache and the word "fascist" underneath, which by the way may be an even stupider comparison than the Hitler/Darwin association.
So what exactly is Kirk Cameron's major malfunction anyhow?
"I am proud to bring this to people's attention," he says. "You see things in the world that are truly distressing and you think, 'What can I do?' Well this is something I can do."
So something he "can do" is to make himself a laughingstock while perpetrating a lie in a desperate attempt to suppress a widely accepted truth? Is that how he wants his kids to remember him?
And speaking of his children:
And if his own kids ended up believing in evolution? "Could I accept it? Yeah sure," he says. "I accepted a lot of things that are not true before I was able to sit down and listen to more then one side and think things through the issues. I would sit them down and tell them that I was happy that they were thinking about this stuff, now let's look at all of the information and see if we don't come to a better conclusion. If after that, they still come to the same conclusion, so be it."
Well good, at least Cameron sounds like a loving father. I can respect that.
However Cameron's mission is doomed before it starts.
Handing intellectually hungry young adults these books will certainly get them interested in the subject, but if Kirk were to sit in on one of their conversations about his "gifts" I doubt very seriously he would like which direction it took.
How long do you think it would take, in the age of Google, for these inquisitive young minds to research Cameron's claims? And how much longer until they read up on recent findings in Evolution? My guess is that in less than an hour they would have educated themselves well enough to realize that Kirk Cameron is completely full of shit. But hey no loss, because then they would still be in possession of one of the most important books in the history of science. (Gee thanks Mr. Ex-teenage idol!)
They could always rip out that stupid introduction if they wanted, but if I were them I would leave it in to serve as a testament to the importance of getting a well rounded education.
If only Kirk Cameron had taken the time to get one.
"Atheism has been on the rise for years now, and the Bible of the atheists is The Origin of Species," Cameron tells PEOPLE. "We have a situation in our country where young people are entering college with a belief in God and exiting with that faith being stripped and shredded. What we want to do is have student make an informed, educated decision before they chuck their faith."
First off "Origin of Species" is NOT the Atheist's Bible. This is.
Second isn't it possible that the reason so many young people "chuck their faith" by the time they exit college is because of the first time they have the tools to "make an informed, educated decision" ABOUT their faith?
I am guessing that for many teens raised in small towns, and educated by people who for the most part attend the same church and share the same faith, college is the first time they are exposed to the idea that not everybody in the world embraces their particular brand of faith.
With eyes now wide open they are finally able to make a choice concerning their own religious point of view based on a potpourri of new and exciting information. Many college graduates still return to the church of their childhood. In my opinion religion is less an intellectual choice than it is an emotional choice. If students feel an emotional connection to a church that made them feel safe and loved, chances are pretty good they will return. If they are looking for something that they cannot find sitting in the pews, or kneeling with their head pointing toward Mecca, or burning incense in their temple, they will look elsewhere.
But what Cameron is doing is providing fallacies about the impact of Origin of Species, and attacks on Darwin himself, to scare students away from learning about Evolution.
But never has he ruffled so many feathers, especially among academics, as he has this week, slamming evolutionary theory as untrue, inherently un-Christian and the driving force behind some of the most horrendous catastrophes of the 20th century, including Adolf Hitler's plan to destroy "inferior races." "You can see where [Hitler] clearly takes Darwin's ideas to some of their logical conclusions and compares certain races of people to lower evolutionary life forms," Cameron says. "If you take Darwin's theory and extend it to its logical end, it can be used to justify all number of very horrendous things."
This of course is bullshit!
In fact Hitler had books about Dawinism removed from German libraries:
The Nazi Party in general rejected Darwinism and supported Christianity. In 1935, Die Bücherei, the official Nazi journal for lending libraries, published a list of guidelines of works to reject, including:
Writings of a philosophical and social nature whose content deals with the false scientific enlightenment of primitive Darwinism and Monism (Häckel). (Die Bücherei 1935, 279)
On the other hand, an undated "Blacklist for Public Libraries and Commercial Lending Libraries" includes the following on a list of literature which "absolutely must be removed":
c) All writings that ridicule, belittle or besmirch the Christian religion and its institution, faith in God, or other things that are holy to the healthy sentiments of the Volk. (Blacklist n.d.)
It is widely known that Adolph Hitler was a Catholic (Well widely known by those of us that read, that is). However I would certainly NOT blame the Catholic church, or Christianity in general, for the horrific things that the Nazis did. That would be ignorant.
So why bring up Hitler and try to connect him to Darwin?
Because Hitler is universally reviled. If you can somehow connect the actions of that mass murderer with a guy you are trying to denigrate it makes it that much easier to do so.
Which is also why you saw those posters of Obama with a Hitler mustache and the word "fascist" underneath, which by the way may be an even stupider comparison than the Hitler/Darwin association.
So what exactly is Kirk Cameron's major malfunction anyhow?
"I am proud to bring this to people's attention," he says. "You see things in the world that are truly distressing and you think, 'What can I do?' Well this is something I can do."
So something he "can do" is to make himself a laughingstock while perpetrating a lie in a desperate attempt to suppress a widely accepted truth? Is that how he wants his kids to remember him?
And speaking of his children:
And if his own kids ended up believing in evolution? "Could I accept it? Yeah sure," he says. "I accepted a lot of things that are not true before I was able to sit down and listen to more then one side and think things through the issues. I would sit them down and tell them that I was happy that they were thinking about this stuff, now let's look at all of the information and see if we don't come to a better conclusion. If after that, they still come to the same conclusion, so be it."
Well good, at least Cameron sounds like a loving father. I can respect that.
However Cameron's mission is doomed before it starts.
Handing intellectually hungry young adults these books will certainly get them interested in the subject, but if Kirk were to sit in on one of their conversations about his "gifts" I doubt very seriously he would like which direction it took.
How long do you think it would take, in the age of Google, for these inquisitive young minds to research Cameron's claims? And how much longer until they read up on recent findings in Evolution? My guess is that in less than an hour they would have educated themselves well enough to realize that Kirk Cameron is completely full of shit. But hey no loss, because then they would still be in possession of one of the most important books in the history of science. (Gee thanks Mr. Ex-teenage idol!)
They could always rip out that stupid introduction if they wanted, but if I were them I would leave it in to serve as a testament to the importance of getting a well rounded education.
If only Kirk Cameron had taken the time to get one.
I was going to move on, but you simply must read this reporter's take on Sarah Palin's China speech.
Grotesque, unprecedented, bizarre, unbelievable. Sarah Palin was all of that in Hong Kong yesterday. And more. Dressed in a cutesy virgin-white blouse and black skirt with the infamous bee-hive hairdo, she was a blessing to every predicting spectator.
That is how Robert Fisk's vivisection of Palin's speech begins, and it only gets more brutal after that. Here is another portion.
She spoke too fast. She gabbled her words. Scatty was the word for it. We slalomed between the fall of the Berlin Wall, the break-up of Yugoslavia and 9/11. Then it started. The war on "vicious terrorism", the war against "violent fanatics who wished to end our way of life", our battle against "radical Islamic extremists" with "twisted vision". This was not a clash of civilisations but "a war within Islam". We slalomed again. Asia – "what an amazing place!" – was at its best "when it was not dominated by a single power".
Oooh he is GOOD! Do yourself a favor and click the title to read the whole thing.
(H/T to Wes Ben)
Update: Also for those who have been jonesing for Sarah's return to Facebook here is her post about the China speech, which includes an excerpt.
Update 2: Bree Palin has video of Sarah.
That is how Robert Fisk's vivisection of Palin's speech begins, and it only gets more brutal after that. Here is another portion.
She spoke too fast. She gabbled her words. Scatty was the word for it. We slalomed between the fall of the Berlin Wall, the break-up of Yugoslavia and 9/11. Then it started. The war on "vicious terrorism", the war against "violent fanatics who wished to end our way of life", our battle against "radical Islamic extremists" with "twisted vision". This was not a clash of civilisations but "a war within Islam". We slalomed again. Asia – "what an amazing place!" – was at its best "when it was not dominated by a single power".
Oooh he is GOOD! Do yourself a favor and click the title to read the whole thing.
(H/T to Wes Ben)
Update: Also for those who have been jonesing for Sarah's return to Facebook here is her post about the China speech, which includes an excerpt.
Update 2: Bree Palin has video of Sarah.
Former Anchorage Mayor, and father of current Mayor Dan Sullivan, has died.
George Sullivan, the mayor who steered Anchorage's city government into a modern municipality, died at home Wednesday night of complications from lung cancer.
I have no doubt that there will be numerous times when I am very critical of our current mayor, but today is not a time for political disagreement as I offer my heartfelt condolences to him and his family.
It is unfortunate that this occurred at a time when there is so much rancor directed at Dan Sullivan. Hopefully we can express our sympathy for his loss while remaining true to our differences concerning politics and human rights
Namaste Mayor Sullivan.
I have no doubt that there will be numerous times when I am very critical of our current mayor, but today is not a time for political disagreement as I offer my heartfelt condolences to him and his family.
It is unfortunate that this occurred at a time when there is so much rancor directed at Dan Sullivan. Hopefully we can express our sympathy for his loss while remaining true to our differences concerning politics and human rights
Namaste Mayor Sullivan.
Last night's Rachel Maddow Show discusses the hanging of a census bureau employee.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
If this in fact turns out to have been a homicide committed by somebody who was terrified that his "guvment" was gathering information in order to take away his freedoms, as promoted by Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and Bill O'Reilly, then I believe that Homeland Security should launch a comprehensive investigation into the anti-American activities promoted by Fox News.
I would love to see the Fox News talking heads being interrogated as to where they received their information, why they believe the country has turned to socialism, and why they do not accept Barack Obama as their President.
Rachel Also addressed Palin's China speech with guest, Nobel Prize winner in economics, Paul Krugman.
You know I have to include this.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Who wouldn't pay big money to watch a debate on economics between Sarah Palin and Paul Krugman? Or is that just mean?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Jon Stewart has a little something to say about the Value Voters Summit and Tom Delay's recent attempt to come out to America.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Moral Kombat | ||||
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You know after watching this, and being several chapters into Max Blumenthal's "Republican Gomorrah", I am left wondering just how many homosexuals are in the Republican party? If they could all be led out of their conservative closets and into the accepting light of liberalism is it possible the GOP might simply cease to exist?
Worth a try don't you think?
Shannyn Moore destroys the Republicans attempt to blame Ex-Mayor/Current Senator Mark Begich for city's financial woes.
Hypocrisy, offensiveness, and lies, oh my!
It is not unusual to blame the previous administration for the current economic problems facing your constituents. However accusing them of a conspiracy is a step too far. But what else can this new Republican administration really do with so many daunting challenges facing them? Solve them? Now we all know that is not the Alaska Republican way of doing things.
And Dan Sullivan is a dyed in the wool Alaskan Republican.
I will say one thing for Mayor Sullivan, he is simply not a guy who wastes time.
For instance in just a handful of months Sullivan has managed to upset the LGBT crowd, the Assembly, and now the Unions.
The guy is demonstrating a propensity for self-destruction the likes of which I have not seen in this city in my lifetime. But hey who am I to complain about a guy who is working so hard to help elect a Democrat in the next Mayoral race?
(Just click the title to read Shannyn's wonderful post and to see the most revealing picture of Dan Sullivan thus far.)
It is not unusual to blame the previous administration for the current economic problems facing your constituents. However accusing them of a conspiracy is a step too far. But what else can this new Republican administration really do with so many daunting challenges facing them? Solve them? Now we all know that is not the Alaska Republican way of doing things.
And Dan Sullivan is a dyed in the wool Alaskan Republican.
I will say one thing for Mayor Sullivan, he is simply not a guy who wastes time.
For instance in just a handful of months Sullivan has managed to upset the LGBT crowd, the Assembly, and now the Unions.
The guy is demonstrating a propensity for self-destruction the likes of which I have not seen in this city in my lifetime. But hey who am I to complain about a guy who is working so hard to help elect a Democrat in the next Mayoral race?
(Just click the title to read Shannyn's wonderful post and to see the most revealing picture of Dan Sullivan thus far.)
Census worker found hanged with the word "Fed" scrawled on his chest.
The FBI is investigating the hanging death of a U.S. Census worker near a Kentucky cemetery, and a law enforcement official told The Associated Press the word 'fed" was scrawled on the dead man's chest.
The body of Bill Sparkman, a 51-year-old part-time Census field worker and occasional teacher, was found Sept. 12 in a remote patch of the Daniel Boone National Forest in rural southeast Kentucky. The Census has suspended door-to-door interviews in rural Clay County, where the body was found, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Investigators are still trying to determine whether the death was a killing or a suicide, and if a killing, whether the motive was related to his government job or to anti-government sentiment.
To be fair we do not know exactly what happened in this particular case, but don't you think when people start making these kind of unfounded allegations about government workers, community organizers, and sitting Presidents, that somebody is bound to get hurt?
And when it finally happens who holds those who created the fear and hate accountable?
The body of Bill Sparkman, a 51-year-old part-time Census field worker and occasional teacher, was found Sept. 12 in a remote patch of the Daniel Boone National Forest in rural southeast Kentucky. The Census has suspended door-to-door interviews in rural Clay County, where the body was found, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Investigators are still trying to determine whether the death was a killing or a suicide, and if a killing, whether the motive was related to his government job or to anti-government sentiment.
What in the hell would make somebody kill and deface the body of a census worker? When did people become angry at this group of government workers?
Oh yeah.
To be fair we do not know exactly what happened in this particular case, but don't you think when people start making these kind of unfounded allegations about government workers, community organizers, and sitting Presidents, that somebody is bound to get hurt?
And when it finally happens who holds those who created the fear and hate accountable?
The Washington Wire has excerpts from the speech.
Here are a few tidbits. Ask yourself if ANY of this sounds like the REAL Sarah Palin.
You can call me a common-sense conservative. My approach to the issues facing my country and the world, issues that we’ll discuss today, are rooted in this common-sense conservatism… Common sense conservatism deals with the reality of the world as it is. Complicated and beautiful, tragic and hopeful, we believe in the rights and the responsibilities and the inherent dignity of the individual.
The use of the term "common sense" is an obvious indication that Palin did NOT write this. Sarah has never exhibited any common sense as far as I can tell.
Now even Milton Friedman, he recognized that the free market is truly free when there is a level playing field for all participants, and good financial regulations aim to provide the transparency that we need to ensure the level playing field does exist, but we need not, we need to make sure that this regulatory reform that we’re talking about is aimed at the problems on Wall Street and won’t attack Main Street.
I would bet my house that if asked for ONE quote from Milton Friedman that Palin would simply stand there working her mouth as she desperately attempted to decide if he was the guy who invented the board games Battlefield and Candyland or not.
But if you want to read the funniest take the Palin's speech you need to head on over to Wonkette, who knocks this one out of the ballpark. Here is just one example of the comic goodness:
“And we have a special place in our hearts in Alaska for the Pacific Rim… Personally, I’ve always been really interested in the ideas, too, about the land bridge. Ideas that maybe so long ago, had allowed Alaska to be physically connected to this part of our world so many years ago.” Indeed, the land bridge from Alaska to Hong Kong. This is a geological thing she thinks about constantly. Why did Jesus destroy this friendly friendship bridge with the Oriental bankers?
Very funny! You can click the Wonkette link to read more. (And to read ALL of the Washington Wire excerpts just click the title of this post.)
Update: I managed to find a little piece of video on YouTube. The speech really cannot be truly judged until you hear Sarah deliver it. Enjoy!
You can call me a common-sense conservative. My approach to the issues facing my country and the world, issues that we’ll discuss today, are rooted in this common-sense conservatism… Common sense conservatism deals with the reality of the world as it is. Complicated and beautiful, tragic and hopeful, we believe in the rights and the responsibilities and the inherent dignity of the individual.
The use of the term "common sense" is an obvious indication that Palin did NOT write this. Sarah has never exhibited any common sense as far as I can tell.
Now even Milton Friedman, he recognized that the free market is truly free when there is a level playing field for all participants, and good financial regulations aim to provide the transparency that we need to ensure the level playing field does exist, but we need not, we need to make sure that this regulatory reform that we’re talking about is aimed at the problems on Wall Street and won’t attack Main Street.
I would bet my house that if asked for ONE quote from Milton Friedman that Palin would simply stand there working her mouth as she desperately attempted to decide if he was the guy who invented the board games Battlefield and Candyland or not.
But if you want to read the funniest take the Palin's speech you need to head on over to Wonkette, who knocks this one out of the ballpark. Here is just one example of the comic goodness:
“And we have a special place in our hearts in Alaska for the Pacific Rim… Personally, I’ve always been really interested in the ideas, too, about the land bridge. Ideas that maybe so long ago, had allowed Alaska to be physically connected to this part of our world so many years ago.” Indeed, the land bridge from Alaska to Hong Kong. This is a geological thing she thinks about constantly. Why did Jesus destroy this friendly friendship bridge with the Oriental bankers?
Very funny! You can click the Wonkette link to read more. (And to read ALL of the Washington Wire excerpts just click the title of this post.)
Update: I managed to find a little piece of video on YouTube. The speech really cannot be truly judged until you hear Sarah deliver it. Enjoy!
More on Sarah's CLSA speech.
Her 90-minute address, which was closed to the media, was heard by 1,100 people, according to CLSA head of communications Simone Wheeler.
Ninety minutes of Sarah Palin speaking? Oh those poor people! Even I have never had to listen to her speak for a whole hour and a half.
Those who attended her speech said she did well, though some could be seen leaving early on. A few of those people said they were heading to other forum offerings. Most people declined to speak with the media about the speech.
She "did very well", but "people could be seen leaving early"? That does not exactly sound like a ringing endorsement.
"I can't say I was actually impressed," said Mel Goode, a business developer from New York who lives in Hong Kong. "She speaks well -- a broad spectrum of what her beliefs are, family views.
"She didn't get (into) anything too harsh ... just kept it, five children, my husband's here, we believe in what Asia's doing, America has a way to go to get itself back together, Reaganism."
Wait, her husband was there? Are there any pictures of him? Oh, that is right. No pictures allowed. Convenient.
One area she touched on was human rights, calling on Beijing to be more attentive to the issue in Tibet and countries such as Myanmar and North Korea, he added.
Somebody should have got her opinion about "human rights" while our native population was starving last winter and our elderly were dying from lack of care.
Rajesh Kothari, a fund manager, noted that Palin's "address was more geared towards politics and very focused on China."
"She did speak about the political implications of China's rise on Asia and the region, and China with America," he said. "I was quite impressed by her knowledge. It seemed like she did her homework now, this time around."
"I was quite impressed with her knowledge"? You know what that means don't you? Sarah has a new speechwriter. "It seemed like she did her homework". Well that cinches it, Sarah DOES NOT DO HOMEWORK!
Palin also spoke about Alaska, the need for less government and fewer regulations, fiscal responsibility and "how the U.S. and Asia can be better partners on the global stage," said Jasbeena Layman, a fund manager in the United States.
"I think she is very well spoken," she said.
Okay so just like we all suspected, somebody wrote her an informative, well polished speech, and she managed to deliver it adequately. No surprises there.
Chad Tendler, who works in the financial industry, said Palin's speech tried "to tick a lot of boxes," touching on domestic and foreign policy, as well as issues that resonate with investors. He said she spoke about the U.S. relationship with China and recent issues, such as a tariff dispute between the two nations involving the sale of tires.
He said her speech was "very well scripted," but a question-and-answer session afterward "brought out a bit more color about her as a person" and reminded everyone of "the candidate who we all saw campaigning for vice president."
She talked about her family, her interests and even Alaskan moose, he said.
"As she arrived in Hong Kong, coming in from the airport, she was surprised -- not surprised -- but, very different from the rural setting to an urban setting."
Yep don't forget to mention moose Sarah so these people remember how exotic you are. And of course you are "surprised", who knew that the Chinese restaurant industry could support this many people?
Ninety minutes of Sarah Palin speaking? Oh those poor people! Even I have never had to listen to her speak for a whole hour and a half.
Those who attended her speech said she did well, though some could be seen leaving early on. A few of those people said they were heading to other forum offerings. Most people declined to speak with the media about the speech.
She "did very well", but "people could be seen leaving early"? That does not exactly sound like a ringing endorsement.
"I can't say I was actually impressed," said Mel Goode, a business developer from New York who lives in Hong Kong. "She speaks well -- a broad spectrum of what her beliefs are, family views.
"She didn't get (into) anything too harsh ... just kept it, five children, my husband's here, we believe in what Asia's doing, America has a way to go to get itself back together, Reaganism."
Wait, her husband was there? Are there any pictures of him? Oh, that is right. No pictures allowed. Convenient.
One area she touched on was human rights, calling on Beijing to be more attentive to the issue in Tibet and countries such as Myanmar and North Korea, he added.
Somebody should have got her opinion about "human rights" while our native population was starving last winter and our elderly were dying from lack of care.
Rajesh Kothari, a fund manager, noted that Palin's "address was more geared towards politics and very focused on China."
"She did speak about the political implications of China's rise on Asia and the region, and China with America," he said. "I was quite impressed by her knowledge. It seemed like she did her homework now, this time around."
"I was quite impressed with her knowledge"? You know what that means don't you? Sarah has a new speechwriter. "It seemed like she did her homework". Well that cinches it, Sarah DOES NOT DO HOMEWORK!
Palin also spoke about Alaska, the need for less government and fewer regulations, fiscal responsibility and "how the U.S. and Asia can be better partners on the global stage," said Jasbeena Layman, a fund manager in the United States.
"I think she is very well spoken," she said.
Okay so just like we all suspected, somebody wrote her an informative, well polished speech, and she managed to deliver it adequately. No surprises there.
Chad Tendler, who works in the financial industry, said Palin's speech tried "to tick a lot of boxes," touching on domestic and foreign policy, as well as issues that resonate with investors. He said she spoke about the U.S. relationship with China and recent issues, such as a tariff dispute between the two nations involving the sale of tires.
He said her speech was "very well scripted," but a question-and-answer session afterward "brought out a bit more color about her as a person" and reminded everyone of "the candidate who we all saw campaigning for vice president."
She talked about her family, her interests and even Alaskan moose, he said.
So in other words the questions focused on her personality and not her knowledge base. Less chance of anybody asking her a question which would result in the stammering response we all saw in the Katie Couris interviews.
"She said on her way to the airport in Anchorage, there was a moose in the town," he said."As she arrived in Hong Kong, coming in from the airport, she was surprised -- not surprised -- but, very different from the rural setting to an urban setting."
Yep don't forget to mention moose Sarah so these people remember how exotic you are. And of course you are "surprised", who knew that the Chinese restaurant industry could support this many people?
I simply cannot believe these people believe that Sarah did anything more than serve as a spokesmodel for the neo-cons. If they believe her speech contained any of her real thoughts they need to do a quick Google search of her resignation speech. Now THAT was a Sarah Palin speech!
Update: Bree Palin has a good close up picture of Sarah. Time to get out the glasses kids and do some plastic surgery scrutiny. Did she, or didn't she?
Update2: here is some Twitter feed of Sarah's speech. Here is my favorite part:
"palin ties her lineage to asia by saying todd is part eskimo"
How is THAT for trying to desperately connect to your audience? (H/T to Greasy Gopher Guts)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
She showed up!
(Pic courtesy of a sneaky Twitter user. Thanks secret Twitter ninja! Update: Picture had been removed from Twitter account, but I saved it. I am not new at this you know. Nice try Sarah-bots!)
Okay so FINALLY Sarah showed up to someplace that she had promised to show up at.
Will wonders never cease?
Here is all that has been reported so far:
Palin, 45, began her speech to a full house at the main ballroom of Hong Kong's Grand Hyatt hotel shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time.
Exciting isn't it?
(You can read the full article by clicking the title, but I warn you I chose the most informative portion. But if more leaks out you can bet I will post it.)
Kirk Cameron to fight evolution by giving away the book "Origin of Species" on college campuses with attacks on evolution included within.
There is so much stupid in this video that I don't even know where to begin tearing it apart. But the one point that I do want to make is that attacking the "Origin of Species" in order to tear down the theory of evolution is kind of like attacking modern aviation by pointing out that the Wright Brothers never flew more than 24 miles. Clearly the study of Evolution has, if you will, "evolved" through continued discovery and testing and has grown far beyond the initial hypothesis of Charles Darwin. Just like ALL sciences, it has been vastly improved by further investigation. If its initial premise had proven false it would have quickly been replaced by a competing scientific theory.
If you have never heard of Kirk Cameron, other than as the wisecracking older brother on "Growing Pains", and his buddy Ray Comfort then let this groundbreaking, "Atheist's Nightmare" video be your introduction.
So did you get that? Bananas, easy to open and shaped to fit the human hand, are proof positive that there is a God.
Of course following that same line of logic then doesn't the existence of the coconut, almost impossible to open and hard to hold onto, prove just the opposite? (Damn those Atheistic coconuts!)
But if that wasn't enough of a problem with Ray Comfort's ridiculous theory than his complete lack of knowledge concerning bananas proves his undoing.
Look here is the thing. Science is science, and religion is religion. One depends on verifiable facts and theories that are reinforced by newly discovered information, the other depends on faith. Period.
Science could not survive a faith based approach to research, and religion cannot stand up to scientific scrutiny.
So stop trying to defend your religion by pretending science supports it. It doesn't! Nor does it support Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Scientology, Zoroastrianism, or any other religious belief. If you are seeking a religion that is supported by scientific data then I do not see church attendance in your future.
If your religion makes you happy, and makes you feel connected to your community, and provides you with a sense of security, then go with God. Or Gods. Or animal totems. Or spirit guides. Or saints. Or whatever you identify as your connection to a world beyond your own. I do not fault you the beliefs that bring comfort to your life.
Just so long as you do not expect everybody else to agree with you. Or insist that your chosen religious views be taught in public schools. And if you keep your God off my science, I will keep my science off of your God. Sound fair?
P.S. I know this is not the topic that brings MOST people to this blog, however it is one of the topics that I started this site to discuss. For the last few years I have focused mostly on politics and current events, and even more recently on Alaskan politics and Sarah Palin, but you can expect a few forays into the topic of religion or philosophy occasionally.
If you, like me, are fascinated with the topic of Evolution vs Creationism then you may enjoy this debate that occurred back in 1997, and featured the powerful intellect of William F. Buckley on the side of Creationism/Intelligent Design. (The link takes you to the first of eight videos in the series, you will have to look to the right side of the screen to watch the remainder of the debate.)
Will Ferrell and friends defend the insurance company executives.
Nicely done. Never underestimate the power of parody.
A dancing Tom Delay called "crazier than Sarah Palin". So Sarah Palin is the new measure of crazy? How proud are you Alaska?
Paired with professional partner Cheryl Burke - a two-time winner when dancing with singer Drew Lachey and football star Emmitt Smith - the former Texas Congressman known as "the Hammer" sits third from the bottom on the judges' scorecards after one night of competition, the season premiere.
DeLay and Burke danced a cha-cha-cha to open the competition, performing to the Troggs' 1965 hit "Wild Thing."
The judges were left shocked by DeLay's hip-shaking moves - Tonioli proclaimed, "You're crazier than Sarah Palin!" - but were less-than-impressed with the actual dancing.
I can't imagine who would want to watch this old fart stumble around the dance floor.
If you wanted to see an out of shape middle aged man trying to shake his groove thing, you could witness that by simply going to any wedding reception in the country and waiting for Uncle Phil to slam back a couple of glasses of champagne before waddling out onto the dance floor to make a fool of himself before losing his balance and falling into the wedding cake.
Haven't we seen that a hundred times on America's Funniest Home videos?
But the thing about this article that caught my eye is that this Bruno Tonioli guy, a British choreographer/TV Personality, has decided that the barometer for crazy is our own Caribou Barbie. Has this gone international? Does EVERYBODY use the Sarah Palin bar to determine levels of insanity?
Oh sure we use it in Alaska, but hell we saw it first hand as she delivered batshit crazy speech, after batshit crazy speech, and then went home to eat Taco Bell Crunchwraps and watch wedding programs as our state slipped into disrepair. We KNOW Sarah Palin crazy when we see it.
But I had no idea that the entire world was going to use our Twitter Quitter as a measuring tool. I mean don't they have to pay us some user fee or something?
After all, if WE hadn't voted her in as Governor you all would never even have known about her. Shouldn't that be worth a couple of pennies per use at least? I may have to talk to a lawyer.
And by the way, speaking of crazy, if you are spending your Monday evenings watching a disgraced Republican Ex-Congressman stumbling around the dance floor while groping some poor young dancer desperately trying to resist vomiting all over him, you may be due for a "checkup from the neck up" yourself.
DeLay and Burke danced a cha-cha-cha to open the competition, performing to the Troggs' 1965 hit "Wild Thing."
The judges were left shocked by DeLay's hip-shaking moves - Tonioli proclaimed, "You're crazier than Sarah Palin!" - but were less-than-impressed with the actual dancing.
I can't imagine who would want to watch this old fart stumble around the dance floor.
If you wanted to see an out of shape middle aged man trying to shake his groove thing, you could witness that by simply going to any wedding reception in the country and waiting for Uncle Phil to slam back a couple of glasses of champagne before waddling out onto the dance floor to make a fool of himself before losing his balance and falling into the wedding cake.
Haven't we seen that a hundred times on America's Funniest Home videos?
But the thing about this article that caught my eye is that this Bruno Tonioli guy, a British choreographer/TV Personality, has decided that the barometer for crazy is our own Caribou Barbie. Has this gone international? Does EVERYBODY use the Sarah Palin bar to determine levels of insanity?
Oh sure we use it in Alaska, but hell we saw it first hand as she delivered batshit crazy speech, after batshit crazy speech, and then went home to eat Taco Bell Crunchwraps and watch wedding programs as our state slipped into disrepair. We KNOW Sarah Palin crazy when we see it.
But I had no idea that the entire world was going to use our Twitter Quitter as a measuring tool. I mean don't they have to pay us some user fee or something?
After all, if WE hadn't voted her in as Governor you all would never even have known about her. Shouldn't that be worth a couple of pennies per use at least? I may have to talk to a lawyer.
And by the way, speaking of crazy, if you are spending your Monday evenings watching a disgraced Republican Ex-Congressman stumbling around the dance floor while groping some poor young dancer desperately trying to resist vomiting all over him, you may be due for a "checkup from the neck up" yourself.
FOX's complaint that the 9-12 protests were not covered have already been disproven by CNN and MSNBC, and here is Bill Moyers take on the protest.
I have to imagine that this is not what FOX had in mind when it imagined how their fake protest would be covered by the media. But you know what they say, "be careful what you wish for, for you will surely get it."
(H/T to FEDUP for sending me this link.)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Keith Olbermann, phony grassroots 9-12 protests, and BIll O'Reilly's cowardly acceptance of the Value Voters "Media Courage" award.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Don't you love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning?
This next clip has Keith, Craig Ferguson, AND Sarah Palin! Oh you just know I have to post this one!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Wow! I cannot believe that Craig talked about Laura Bush's underpants on basic cable television! I bet he wouldn't have the balls to do that on HIS program! Oh well, the Bush's already hate Keith anyhow.
Perhaps that is something that Sarah Palin should consider. If the Chinese audience can see your underpants perhaps they will not realize how stupid you are.
I am only trying to help. It's what I do.
Palin to talk about US foreign policy to Chinese audience. Following up with tips on building a gas pipe line and the secrets to a healthy marriage.
Former US vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin is expected to speak about US foreign policy and China in her first keynote speech outside North America, Hong Kong organisers said on Monday.
Palin, mocked during last year's presidential campaign for her lack of experience in foreign affairs and for her verbal gaffes, is due to address hundreds of financial big-hitters at the CLSA Investors' Forum on Wednesday.
"We have asked her to address US foreign policy, to discuss her views on governance, healthcare, and of course, China," Jonathan Slone, chief executive officer of the Asia-focused brokerage, said in an interview with AFP.
I had to re-read the article to be sure it was not another parody from the folks at the Onion.
But no, beyond all comprehension, this is serious.
Sarah Palin, the same Sarah Palin who just got her passport for the first time in 2006, and who claimed that her national security experience came through the proximity of Alaska to Russia, is actually being PAID to talk about foreign policy to people in a FOREIGN COUNTRY.
Are they hoping that the language barrier will protect the audience from the "stupid"? Well that won't help because from what I understand most Chinese business people understand English far better than Ex-Governor Palin.
Is she supposed to be the comic relief? I mean that is the only possible excuse isn't it?
Aren't there some topics that she IS knowledgeable about?
Like for instance, controlling the media? As good as the Chinese government is, it simply cannot hold a candle to how well Sarah cowed the local media up here.
Or perhaps she could give instructions on how to take credit for the work of previous administrations, before leaving the blame for your mistakes on the next administration?
Or perhaps she could teach Chinese women how to hide their pregnancies with tight abs? There must be a lot of interest in that subject in a country that does not want women to have more than one baby.
My point is that of all the possible topics that Sarah Palin could talk about, and yes I understand they are limited, foreign policy seems like the most ridiculous. Wouldn't you agree?
Update: By the way what does THIS mean?
But CLSA, an arm of French bank Credit Agricole, decided to close Palin's session to the media after the former Alaska governor indicated that she would have to adjust her speech if reporters were present, Slone said.
"We are very pleased with her attitude towards us. Sarah could have come here and made a media circus," he said.
"But we said to her, 'Look, we want you to give the most information to our clients. Do you feel comfortable doing that with the press around?'
"She said, 'If I do that with the press in the room, I will have to say different things.'"
Does that mean she is planning to lie to the Chinese audience about her time in government and her personal life and does not want any press around to discredit her?
Palin, mocked during last year's presidential campaign for her lack of experience in foreign affairs and for her verbal gaffes, is due to address hundreds of financial big-hitters at the CLSA Investors' Forum on Wednesday.
"We have asked her to address US foreign policy, to discuss her views on governance, healthcare, and of course, China," Jonathan Slone, chief executive officer of the Asia-focused brokerage, said in an interview with AFP.
I had to re-read the article to be sure it was not another parody from the folks at the Onion.
But no, beyond all comprehension, this is serious.
Sarah Palin, the same Sarah Palin who just got her passport for the first time in 2006, and who claimed that her national security experience came through the proximity of Alaska to Russia, is actually being PAID to talk about foreign policy to people in a FOREIGN COUNTRY.
Are they hoping that the language barrier will protect the audience from the "stupid"? Well that won't help because from what I understand most Chinese business people understand English far better than Ex-Governor Palin.
Is she supposed to be the comic relief? I mean that is the only possible excuse isn't it?
Aren't there some topics that she IS knowledgeable about?
Like for instance, controlling the media? As good as the Chinese government is, it simply cannot hold a candle to how well Sarah cowed the local media up here.
Or perhaps she could give instructions on how to take credit for the work of previous administrations, before leaving the blame for your mistakes on the next administration?
Or perhaps she could teach Chinese women how to hide their pregnancies with tight abs? There must be a lot of interest in that subject in a country that does not want women to have more than one baby.
My point is that of all the possible topics that Sarah Palin could talk about, and yes I understand they are limited, foreign policy seems like the most ridiculous. Wouldn't you agree?
Update: By the way what does THIS mean?
But CLSA, an arm of French bank Credit Agricole, decided to close Palin's session to the media after the former Alaska governor indicated that she would have to adjust her speech if reporters were present, Slone said.
"We are very pleased with her attitude towards us. Sarah could have come here and made a media circus," he said.
"But we said to her, 'Look, we want you to give the most information to our clients. Do you feel comfortable doing that with the press around?'
"She said, 'If I do that with the press in the room, I will have to say different things.'"
Does that mean she is planning to lie to the Chinese audience about her time in government and her personal life and does not want any press around to discredit her?
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