The Mudflats

Tiptoeing Through the Muck of Alaskan Politics

Archive for January, 2009

pi01dayone

One Man’s Journey from Juneau to Obamaland.

Anyone who has been reading this blog since September will remember Mudflatter Doug.  He’s the guy that painted a big green sign that said, “Palin Lies” and headed out for the cruise ship docks in Juneau.  The story of his day and the reactions he received was amazing.  Doug became an example of what one person, [...]
emmonak3

Bedtime in Alaska – Daily Wrap Up.

The Speech What a day.  I slipped away early in the day and popped in at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on the campus of UAA, to listen to Obama’s inaugural address.  It seemed right to be with a crowd if I could.  There were hundreds there, and the mood was “out with the old, in with [...]

Where in the World is Dennis Zaki? Part 3

Dennis Zaki just checked in.  He is heading out for Emmonak today at 2:30 from Bethel.  While he was there he saw the finish of the Kuskokwim 300, and got a great interview on the fuel crisis with local newspaper owner Kelly Lincoln.  You can see a photo of the winner, musher Mitch Seavey at [...]
obamaflag

Open Thread – Hopin’ Thread!

Welcome to a new day, a new president, and a new era.  Today feels like a long cool drink after eight years wandering in the desert. As many of you will be watching this historic event, whether on your TV, or online, or with a group, or in person, here is an open thread so we can [...]
goodnightbush

Andy Borowitz Has Outdone Himself.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of acquainting yourself with my all time favorite political satirist, Andy Borowitz, do yourself a favor and sign up for his email list  HERE. Today, on George Bush’s final day in office, he has truly outdone himself.  Enjoy.   Bush Repeals English Language Last Official [...]

To Pardon or Not to Pardon…

Hmmmm. (strokes chin) It seems as though former Senator ConvicTed Stevens may not get his pardon after all. “We don’t expect any more,” said Stuart Siciliano, a White House spokesman, referring to pardons and commutations. We learned yesterday that the new Senior Senator, (R) Lisa Murkowski had asked our allllmost ex-president George Bush to pardon [...]
bethel

Rural Alaska in Crisis – An Update

Dennis Zaki is busy in Bethel today with a full schedule.  Tomorrow he’s off to St. Mary’s and then Emmonak to continue documenting the situation there. Thanks to all the Mudflatters out there with ears to the ground who have taken the time to keep me posted on the situation in the villages from different [...]
muckboots1

Boots on the Ground – A Mudflatter in D.C.

Just got a report from one of the scads of Mudflatters who are in D.C. this week.  Fawnskin (who hosted the Southern California Mudstock recently) checked in to give us a peek into her pre-inaugural activities. All in D.C. are invited to send me updates & pictures to share! *********(report from Fawnskin below)****************** I attended the [...]

Eight Years in Eight Minutes.

This is it.  It’s officially the last day of the Bush presidency. Eight years ago, I thought he’d never get elected. Four years ago, I really thought he’d never get elected. And there are arguments that he didn’t.  But in either case, we’ve had to endure the last eight years with him at the helm.  [...]

Where in the World is Dennis Zaki? – Part II

Just threw out an email to Dennis Zaki of The Alaska Report, hoping he wasn’t still in Anchorage waiting for the Bethel airport to open.  I just got a response back.  Dennis is in Bethel, and just getting settled in!  He arrived right before they closed the airport again. He’s got a couple interviews lined [...]
stevensshirt

Murkowski Asks Bush to Pardon Ted Stevens.

Is anyone surprised? I’m not. Murkowski’s spokesperson, Mike Brumas spoke to CBS News’ Ryan Corsaro by phone, saying that Sen. Murkowski had made the request to President Bush, but would not give details. “It’s a sensitive time right now,” said Brumas after confirming the pardon had been requested. Murkowski does not have an announcement scheduled [...]

I’ve Got a News Flash! Bob Lynn is (___fill in the blank___) and Beth Kerttula Rocks!

In an article just out on the Anchorage Daily News on the upcoming Legislative Session, I found myself almost clapping spontaneously to read the words: “TROOPERGATE ISN’T GOING AWAY” Because, to me, it’s like seeing a headline saying “The Law Isn’t Going Away” or “Accountability Isn’t Going Away.”  It just makes you feel good to [...]

Bedtime in Alaska – Odds & Ends!

Before I hit the pillow, here are a few odds & ends: Food drop for Emmonak and surrounding villages – Food donations are being gratefully accepted at the Calista Building for the residents of the Emmonak area.  Dry, lightweight foods are best.  No glass jars, or heavy items that will be hard to ship.  For [...]