Todd Palin in Contempt of Senate. His Lawyer Responds.
He’s baa-ack! One of my most favorite dastardly characters in the Troopergate drama has returned to the show for a “two minute monologue,” as it were. I refer to the Palin’s lawyer, Thomas Van Flein. He figured heavily in Troopergate before Sarah Palin’s VP nomination. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from him, so allow me to remind long time readers and introduce new readers to the little Mudflats ritual regarding Thomas Van Flein.
Let me start by saying, that I don’t know Mr. Van Flein personally, and he looks nothing like this in real life, but for the purposes of our story, he has a snazzy black satin cape, a pair of killer pirate boots and a long, thin moustache, perfect for twirling between thumb and index finger. In addition to this, he has a German accent something like Colonel Klink on Hogan’s Heroes, and he can raise one eyebrow independently of the other one. And when you read the name “Van Flein”, (with a long i sound) which I will italicize as a reminder, you read it in your mind with the accent. OK, let’s try it out. (clears throat) “Van Flein”. Perfect.
We all know that Todd Palin, and nine others were recently held in contempt by the Alaska State Senate for ignoring legislative subpoenas to come and appear before the Legislative Council to testify in the ethics investigation commonly known as “Troopergate”. The vote was a staggering 16-1. That means Republicans and Democrats, Legislators who are attorneys and those who are not, young and old, conservative and progressive, those representing urban areas and those representing rural areas, all agreed. Contempt. It’s there in black and white. Nobody can unring that bell.
Now settle into your seats. We’re about to begin. The house lights go down, the curtain opens. There is no set, and the stage is black, except for one white hot spotlight. We hear steps….sounds like some kin of shiny black boots. A figure steps into the round pool of light. He looks at the audience, raises one eyebrow and twirls his moustache. It is….Van Flein.
He has two minutes to explain to us, why he thinks that Todd Palin did not ignore his subpoena. We’re all anxious to hear this, because we, being informed and knowledgeable people in the ways of Troopergate, know the following:
These ten people were subpoenaed to appear in person before the Legislative Council for questioning.
They didn’t.
They sued, arguing that the subpoenas weren’t valid.
They lost.
So what could he possibly have to say? This oughtta be good. He surveys the audience with an air of satisfaction, and pulls a scroll from under his cape, unrolls it, holds it out in front of him, and begins to read in a thick but understandable accent:
I write today to set the record straight regarding the inflammatory allegation that Mr. Palin, or the other witnesses, “ignored’ their respective Senate Judiciary Committee subpoenas. The true facts are that the Legislative Council asked for these subpoenas to further its investigation. On October 10, 2008, the Council unanimously passed a motion concluding that the witness’ responses satisfied their respective obligations under the subpoenas. The transcript for this meeting reflects the following: “That the following individuals have submitted responses to interrogatories, thereby aiding the investigation conducted by Mr. Branchflower. They include: Diane Keisel, Annette Kreitzer , Janice Mason, Nicki Neal, Michael Nizich, Kristina Perry, Brad Thompson, Ivy Frye, Todd Palin and Randy Ruaro.” The Chair, Sen. Elton, then stated that the reason he asked for this motion was because “I want to make sure tha…..
I nudge you in the ribs with my elbow because you started to nod off.
…that the public understands and knows that these people were responsive.”
On behalf of Mr. Palin, I object to a meeting held without notice to Mr. Palin or his counsel, and conducted in a manner that prevented Mr. Palin from providing evidence and testimony that he did not “ignore” a subpoena and did not act contemptuously.
Further, as the Legislative Council authorized the investigation, under its own rules, the Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure applied to the investigation. Pursuant to Civil Rule 45, the recipient of a subpoena has three options: (1) comply in full, (2) object or (3) seek court intervention by way of a motion to quash. Mr. Palin timely filed written objections pursuant to Civil Rule 45. It was then the committee’s duty to convene ….
By now, a large portion of the audience is scratching their heads, or looking at each other and shrugging. The rest are either reading the program to see what comes next, or slumping with chins on chests having slipped off to dreamland. There’s even one guy in the third row whose head has tipped back completely with his mouth wide open. I confess I was one of those who nodded off, because the longer Van Flein read his scroll, the less it sounded like a compelling arguement, and the more it started to sound like the voice of Charlie Brown’s teacher in the Peanuts cartoon. “Wah waah wah waaah waaaaahhh.”
But, I did manage to startle awake, and catch the last part.
Not one witness “ignored” a subpoena. Further, it is troubling that the Senate would pass such a resolution without giving notice to the people most directly impacted, or to provide them with the most fundamental right of due process–an opportunity to confront their accusers!
He rolls up the scroll, gives the moustache a final twirl, and strides off stage with his cape trailing behind him. The curtain falls to the sound of crickets, and a loud snore from the guy in the third row.
During intermission, conversation can be heard at the bar. “Did you understand that Van Flein monologue?” asks a woman of her friend. “No…I mean he’s saying they didn’t ignore the subpoenas, but they didn’t show up, right? I mean, am I missing someting?” After drinking deeply from a glass of red wine, her friend says, “Ooooh…I think I get it. If they didn’t “ignore” the subpoenas, and yet they didn’t actually show up, then he must be saying that they willfully and actively shunned them. You know, “ignoring” sounds like he just didn’t pay any attention. So maybe he’s saying that he DID pay attention and decided to deliberately thumb his nose at them.” “Yeah, that’s got to be it. Because otherwise he’s saying that basically the entire State Senate are either liars or idiots.”
The lights flash, signalling the end of intermission. A man passes, grumbling, “I hope Act II is better. That guy in the cape was pretty bad…”
For anyone interested in reading Van Flein’s entire letter to Senator Hollis French, click HERE. But get a good strong cup of coffee first.
I can’t wait for Act II…and the writing that describes it. Thanks! Who’s paying for the dud-defense theatricals?
South Side Chicago
Gee Toad…just like the ice queen. Ya just can’t be quite can you..ya just got to send off a email.you guys just don’t know when to just stay home by the warm stove and take a bath and have piper read you a book and fall asleep. duh…
bravo! thank you! AKM, and hugs to you! appreciating a laugh thanks to you.
AKM …completely off topic…some one posted before that you should right childrens books. You are so gifted with words That I would be proud to read your books to my granddaughter but you would have to hurry or else soon she could read them to her self. That also , too would be ok .ya you betch ya
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I am glad that the senate at least did this .. it put a black mark at least on these people and is a warning that this is not ok and the courts backed them up..when the Governor has so many people that depend on her for their pay check…I am sure that it brings out the grizzly bear mom/dad in them and they have to stick up for the witch from wasilla. To bad she had not taken up the violin, she could have sat around her WARM, WARM, home fiddling away as the rest froze. Poor Poor sarah there waits a special place for you….You can hope that’s NOT a door god opens for you, but I am afraid when you say “say it an’t so” sarah that special door will open just for you.
I am not setting in by parents basement and I am not wearing PJ (how ever that would be nice)
Hunh?
Inflammatory allegations?
They didn’t show up , sir. No, they did not.
I’m not sure this bunch o yahoos would have shown up if given the “right to due process’ to hear the Senate pass this resolution…
They didn’t seem to think the Senate Judiciary Commitee counted last summer , what has changed?
Go home Mr Van Flein.
The jerk got paid, that’s all he cares about. He probably couldn’t give an actual whit about the Dud, he’s just doin’ his job and playin’ the part for the Palin money. Being a lawyer for those two could just turn into a full time job with cash rollin’ in from the PAC-o-lies.
Weell- Martha Unalaska lil sis-
What’s that thingy ma had to swear when she became an attorney? Something about upholding the laws of the State of Alaska ?
Providing the best defense for your clients should maybe include that…
Those folks CHOSE not to comply with a legal subpeona. They chose to ignore, argue, and defy their subpeonas.
I am glad the Senate passed their resolution.
I am glad there has been a public statement that this was wrong.
I have a smidge of hope we can clean up some messes around here.
I have had enough of backrooms on Blackberries and this whiny combative governor .
I felt sick to my stomach when session started and there appeared no will to at least deal with some part of this horse pucky. Can’t say we have rolled up the rugs and thrown the brooms out- so nothing can be hidden- but the air REALLY is a bit cleaner after this…
Go Legs.
Yeah, ’cause if they’d been given “notice” that the Senate was meeting about holding them in contempt, they TOTALLY would have shown up. Uh-huh, yup, no question about it.
As our friends across the pond would say…. PULL THE OTHER ONE, Van Flein!
Well now, somebody seems to have a case of subpoena envy….ay, Todd?
Double what Bea (00:22:39) said..
Go home Mr Van Klein. Go inside and shut the door and stay there.
Your part in this is despicable. don’t add to it.
After reading the blog, I took a google trip down memory lane of last fall regarding this issue. In a nutshell:
1) The Guv. promised cooperation/transparency with the Senate investigation in the summer, 2008.
McCain and Palin got their butts whipped good and for good reason, Nov. 4th, 2008.
2) August 29, 2008, cooperation and transparency were shot to hell with her VP tapping.
3) McCain’s and Palin’s battalion of lawyers proceeded to throw justice off the rails.
4) The Dud and the loyal minions ignored the subpoenas on advice of AG Codpiece.
5) The Dud and some of the loyal minions finally wrote answers approved by their lawyers.
6) Palinette was found guilty of abuse of power and ethics violations, Oct, 2008.
7) Personnel Board issued a stay of execution of the guilty plea on election eve. (So dramatic!)
9) Palinette slaughtered turkeys in anger over the election results.
10) Angry chickens come home to roost in the Senate in Feb. 2009.
Addendum: Lawyers in #3 above were financed to the tune of $185,000 by holy, blessed money out of Tx. and Dobson’s “Focus on the Family” ( specializing in family values of corruption, obstruction and obfuscation )
AND………..Now comes the rebuttals by the buttals. So predictable.
Yup. That about sums it up! Nicely done. AKM
@Lee323 -
Good job ‘cept you forgot the part about the stay of execution by Personnel Board being private cuz the ghastly gov woulda, ya know, made it all public ‘cept others were involved. the aforementioned contemptors…or are they contemptees?
How is this stuff playing out in the mainstream media? Is it talked about by a range of Alaskans?
Would you say that ordinary people are discussing/questioning/arguing about these issues?
Just wondering how the attitude to Palin and Co is unfolding as time goes by.
Do you have any reliable polling of poular opinion going on?
OK, so Van Flein says that one of the options when subpoenaed is to object, and that Todd and the others did so in a timely manner. So do we have a record of Todd’s objection, the stated grounds for objection, and Branchflower’s or the Legislature’s response to the objection? Were the grounds claimed for objection those rejected by the Supreme Court?
@ Lee323: You forgot at #5 that Todd and the others’ statements were provided to Branchflower too late for inclusion in his report. Presumably Todd’s gang were trying to delay the report until either after the election, or so close to the election as to add credibility to the claim it was partisan. But Branchflower didn’t blink – because when you’re on a mission you can’t blink, also. Apparently.
Van Flea is an ignoramus. Dud was subpoenaed to testify, which he refused to do. Of course he’s in contempt.
If Van Flea thinks that the late filling-in of a questionnaire changes that, then clearly he is wrong – as he can see for himself.
Why do all these Palin people whine so much?
JP (00:52:13) :
OK, so Van Flein says that one of the options when subpoenaed is to object, and that Todd and the others did so in a timely manner.
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You can object to court-issued subpoenae – this was not one. And Colberg the amateur AG filed his ‘objection’ a few hours before Dud was due to comply with the subpoena.
I wouldn’t mind betting that the legislature are really ticked off now.
Just watch for fireworks,
It is never the deed that sinks people like this, always the denial.
Popcorn anyone?
This is just a case ,, in which the Palins say, they can do NO WRONG, can you imagine when they stand before Their creator,,,one day. will they pull the same BS they do here. and now. I get the feeling they would put themselves above him too.
pompous …
So, is Van Flein going to be cited for contempt now too, also, you betcha?
And what is gonna happen to Callous Trolberg?
@ Big sis Alaska Pi
“What’s that thingy ma had to swear when she became an attorney?
Something about upholding the laws of the State of Alaska ?
Providing the best defense for your clients should maybe include that…”
How could you be around the Palins and at the same time be clear on what the State of Alaska laws are? Laws, what laws? AG, what AG?
UK Lady – you are so right! It’s usually not the actual deed that trips you up, it’s the denial. Look at Watergate.
I’m trying to absorb the reasoning behind this – it’s all about showing up, right? Todd & Co. chose not to appear when they were suppoened, yet the lawyer is wah-wahing about them not being informed of the Senate vote so they can show up? Once again, the Palin way of looking at things is so skewed.
By the way, the Iron Dog race starts today. There will probably be lots of publicity on it and #22.
@ Aussie Blue Sky
you are absolutely correct, they waited to the last minute to file their objections to the subpoena’s. I love how that group conveniently forgets to mention all the details and they only tell what they want to…
Ann I saw this everywhere yesterday on the news outlets it is being reported everywhere.
Now not only does AKM give us AG Codpiece now I have visioned Sir Scareyteer, mustache and leggings, gee thanks AKM oh and I can’t forget that dastardly handlebar group of hair.
I think it is funny that Sir Scareyteer is demanding respect for his client to be given due process and right to be informed of the meeting. What a joke this is the same people that wouldn’t even talk to the investigator’s or give the depositions and failed to comply to subpeonas , but wow they want better treatment what a joke. This is wrote for anyone that reads this and was involved in the arrogant behavior, bite it off, chew it up, suck it up and accept the fact guilty has charged, CONTEMPT…..
OT- Does Franchitti participate in the Irondog event? That could get interesting since Ms. Judd would be there also, wow that could be a Kodak moment. Or Ms. Judd pushing Gov. in a snow bank, priceless….
All you Aussies out there – I hope the fires are not near you!
tigerwine (03:15:12) :
All you Aussies out there – I hope the fires are not near you!
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The nearest fires are 30 miles from us, we only have smoke. In my home town, over 50 houses have burned down so far. Victorians don’t have forced evacuations, that’s why so many people have died making the wrong call. Our island paradise is more like hell atm but we are safe here. Thanks for your concern.
wow Aussie Blue Sky please be careful, that fire is awful. So sorry to hear about this tragedy.
Tewise – Mr. Franchitti races Indy cars…….your visual of Ms.Judd giving Sarah a face plant in a snowdrift would be funny !! AKM – thanks for the theatrical flourish in the presentation of the douche-bag barrister. What a putz !! He and Talis should take their little show on the road as some sort of vaudeville act………………
The Palins must be insane. Like horses with blinders. They will never see the truth. And God sais SLAM!
Posted by BobPoeForAlaska at 4:37 pm, January 9, 2009
Will Palin shriek at sight of her new foe, Keith Olbermann-look a like Bob Poe?
Minnesota Independent
“Mix up the letters of two names in the news this week — “Bob Poe” and “Olbermann” — and I’m pretty sure you get “Doppelganger.” At least that’s the word that came to mind when I saw a photo of Poe (pictured on the right), a leader in Alaskan business and government.”
Seems that Palin & Co. with their legal “advisor” have now set a legal precedent when dealing with subpeonas – you can ignore a subpeona & not show up, then have a lawyer simply cite Van Flea – “the Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure applied to the investigation. Pursuant to Civil Rule 45, the recipient of a subpoena has three options: (1) comply in full, (2) object or (3) seek court intervention by way of a motion to quash. (insert name) timely filed written objections pursuant to Civil Rule 45. It was then the committee’s duty to convene” then go on to show that the committee was the one who failed to fulfill it’s duty thereby making the subpeona illegal and “unwarranted”. I’d like to see that defense used in court. . . .talk about the destruction of the rule of law… I guess Palin simply proves that she and hers are ABOVE the law. . . cuz God loves her.
Where is the Alaska Bar Association in all this? Van Flee and Codpiece are subverting the laws of the state of Alaska – seems like somebody would stand up and call them on it.
But, I have to hand it to Van Flee – he’s got the obfuscation part down pretty good.
Okay peeps, what we need is a new law called ‘contemp of contempt of the law’!!
The problem for Sarah/Todd is that according to their “beliefs” , there is that final subpeona that must be answered. A fella named St. Peter is waiting at some gate ( or door in SP’s case ). According to their “beliefs”…..I don’t think you can phone it in or send some hack lawyer to give a Mickey Mouse excuse. According to Sarah/Todd’s “beliefs” , you personally have to show up for a full accounting. Isn’t that what Sarah Palin SAY’S she “believes” ??
Deuteronomy 17:8-12
Appeal to a Higher Court
17:8 If a matter is too difficult for you to judge – bloodshed, 1 legal claim, 2 or assault 3 – matters of controversy in your villages 4 – you must leave there and go up to the place the Lord your God chooses. 5 17:9 You will go to the Levitical priests and the judge in office in those days and seek a solution; they will render a verdict. 17:10 You must then do as they have determined at that place the Lord chooses. Be careful to do just as you are taught. 17:11 You must do what you are instructed, and the verdict they pronounce to you, without fail. Do not deviate right or left from what they tell you. 17:12 The person who pays no attention to the priest currently serving the Lord your God there, or to the verdict – that person must die, so that you may purge evil from Israel.
Got that, must die so the evil can be purged.
Sarah is a Win Win type of person. She must always have the last word.
Good luck with that honey because you’ve shown Alaska your arse…..
@ austintx
Yes I know he is a driver, I mixed up this is what I was thinking of http://www.neracing.com/0902-01as.htm, lol, knew had something to do with snow, forgive me (pitiful face) pwease..
avahome – according to Sarah’s “beliefs”……there is only one “final word”……..Sarah , what do you REALLY “believe” ??
I read it. I laughed at the part where Von F– said it didn’t he didn’t show up matter because there wasn’t a quorum. I’m imagining the following:
8/15
“Dear Tom, I know you want me to show up at our wedding, but I’m not going to make it. I have something to do on that day. I hope you take this as full cooperation.”
8/25
Dear Tom -My Dad tells me that “I can’t, I’m doing my hair that day” is a lame excuse. I’m still not showing up.”
9/01 “Dear Tom, I heard you weren’t at the church on our planned wedding day, so I guess it doesn’t matter that I didn’t show up. – Yours in full compliance, your ex
09/05
Dear Tom Stop saying those awful things about me. I didn’t IGNORE our wedding, I just didn’t show up. But I”
PS how was the cake?
typos !
I read it. I laughed at the part where Von F– said
showing up didn’t matter because…
…
But I was fully there in spirit.”
PS how was the cake?
“……..in the name of the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost.” ……..Sarah is the ghost Gov. Just the invocation of her name makes her present. Her minions and disciples pass her words and wishes upon us.
Oh geez! You are so funny, AK! You are always my morning read before I do anything else. Me thinks you dabbled in theatre arts while at college.
the Palins just dont know when to Shut The F up. Like children that HAVE to get the last word in. CONTEMPT. its on the record. The next time they will be FBI subpoenas, and there wont be any “wiggle room”….
OK. I am going to be the one who’s stupified! What in the heck do the last 2 options mean, exactly????
“(1) comply in full, (2) object or (3) seek court intervention by way of a motion to quash.”
It seems that a lawyer like Van Flein and, oh so many that are as transparent as a brick wall, would have much room to poke holes in this Civil Rule. Most would not read past Option 1 but OTHERS would simply put it on the back burner, gurgling and spitting on a high flame until it’s totally evaporated. So, what’s left of this Civil Rule?
Aussie Blue Sky – 30 miles is too close! Take care!! Our whole table was talking about the fires at breakfast after church this morning. Our thoughts are with you.
OT – Just read in the ADN where Iron Dog racers use duct tape to protect their faces agains frostbite. Think they could spare some for SP’s mouth? Meow, but it’s what came to mind. You can follow the race at the ADN or Iron Dog sites. It starts at ll am today.
Oooohhh, I betcha Todd is upset because he had designs on the governor’s mansion…now he is guilty of contempt.
I would advise them all to just STFU about this, because they got off scott free, no penalty, no fine, nothing. I’m not entirely sure WHY that is, but if they keep that door open, the wheels of justice might just roll on in after all.
I think also, too, the best thing to happen is that “they” (whoever they are) go after Todd. Housegate, Troopergate, any other gate they have that is not a direct executive order from SWWNBN, should be pursued. Take him down and the whole house of cards falls. He’s a too-full balloon that’s about to pop, in my humble opinion. He has secrets, that dude does.
Where are all the tabloids? You’d think they would want a piece of this action.
Mr. Palin’s legal counsel isn’t really saying anything at all!
Sounds like the first DUD is just taking after his wife. She doesn’t show up for work, doesn’t show up for the people that are freezing and starving and didn’t show up for the RNC.
About the only time she does show up is to whine about the Anon Bloggers being mean to her and her family. And too, also…to get a fancy meal or some great clothes.
DF (06:41:22) :
OK. I am going to be the one who’s stupefied! What in the heck do the last 2 options mean, exactly????
Option 3 means that – if you dint want to comply – a court can rule to quash the subpoena, if your argument has merit. He did, they didn’t, it doesn’t.
option 2 object. Ha ha ha that IS a reply. Not compliance, but it is a reply.
Van Flein is slicing bologna real thin here. He thinks any reply is not “Ignoring” the subpoena. And since the legislature accepted written testimony, that satisfies their obligation to move their butts and testify in person.
See my post above using a wedding analogy in which Van Flein’s betrothed stands him up at the alter…
You know how SP is always talking about how if God opens a door she will walk through it ? When does she figure out that while she is trying to push that door open,He put the deadbolt on ?
I spnt 20 minutes over at TS last night,they are really ugly people ! It was like listening to catty highschool gossip,lots of talk about sex,mostly snide innuendos,bashing Gays,blacks,and the surprise to me,the woman with 14 kids !! They were pretty much arguing about her,one person was defending her saying all babies are right,almost evryone else was calling her disgusting and wrong for choosing to have all of those babies.Pro-life people !! What a bunch of bigoted hypocrites.Many were talking about being drunk. This Team Sarah is no force to be reckoned with,its actually a bunch of sour losers getting together to talk about other people,with a handful of real true belivers who seam to be lost in the bunch.Their policy of making you register and not allowing any but the self professed sycophants to join keeps them from ever making any difference for SP,its the choir preaching to the choir,you know,betcha ya.
Ripley in CTNo Gravatar (06:48:36) :
I would advise them all to just STFU about this, because they got off scott free, no penalty, no fine, nothing.
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My thoughts exactly. They should both STFU. They don’t know when to leave well enough alone.
It also seems kinda like Van Flee just glove slapped the Legislative Council. Wonder how they’ll take that.
Lance the Boil aka Crust Scramble (07:38:23) :
Ripley in CTNo Gravatar (06:48:36) :
I would advise them all to just STFU about this, because they got off scott free, no penalty, no fine, nothing.
———–
My thoughts exactly. They should both STFU. They don’t know when to leave well enough alone.
============
But thats what makes it so entertaining, and obvious. If they were more thoughtful, self controlled, more subtle, it would be harder to point out their errors. I say keep it up. Sarah, go for it in 2012!
GOP, put all your eggs in one basket. Let Team Sarah make a mess of it.
I like scrambled eggs… heh.
Let her put her foot in her mouth, also.
1) comply in full, (2) object or (3) seek court intervention by way of a motion to quash.( Mr. Palin timely filed written objections..)
Palin did not comply in full(1) and did object(2) through his lawyer. Was seeking to quash(3) Van Flein’s responsibility, or was that done by Colberg?
Having read that the legal fees of $185,000 were a “gift” and the atmosphere of ‘paying and non-paying of taxes”, where might the $185,000 “gift” appear on tax filings?
You’re right, Dr. Chill. Sometimes their stupidity factor makes me forget their entertainment value.
Yeppers, like I wrote under the comments of the Poe post… and to note that Todd Palin’s “response” was so incomplete and lacking in details as to leave van flein (probably not a german name) subject to a contempt citation should this actually be a court case.
“sauerkraut (20:17:54) :
I’ve been thinking about what Todd Palin’s lawyer wrote in his letter to the ADN, particularly this part:
“several parties moved to quash the subpoenas, and others filed timely objections. Contrary to some reports, this is not “clever” lawyering or exploitation of a “loophole.” Rather, this is civil procedure 101. Immediately after the court ruled that it would not intervene in what it deemed a political question, all subpoenaed witnesses, including Mr. Palin, filed detailed written responses.”
1) As the court stated, mr. halfass lawyer, it is a political question. therefore, rules of civil procedure – applicable only to cases heard before a court of law – are irrelevant,
2) I remember The Dud’s written responses. What you write is true, with one exception: the responses are not “detailed.” Indeed, his responses (most likely drafted by you) are so full of holes as to be totally incomplete, and
3) I’d like to say your letter to the ADN was a bit of “clever lawyering” but it is such a poor effort/result as to not be worthy of anything a legitimate law school graduate would claim credit as his/her own. Did Sarah Palin, the famous journalism major, write it for you?”
Canadian Neighbour (08:33:01) :
Having read that the legal fees of $185,000 were a “gift” and the atmosphere of ‘paying and non-paying of taxes”, where might the $185,000 “gift” appear on tax filings?
=======
Good point!
If these are fees to defend her personally, and not to defend “the Governor” then this is a personal gift of value.
OT – but I was wondering if Team Sarah is registered as a non-profit, not-for-profit or some sort of political entity in Alaska. Anyone know? I notice their website collects “donations” but I’ve yet to see any filing with the IRS on the IRS website.
I know this is off topic, but since I only respond to a few blogs, but read many, I just want to comment on Celtic Divas and Palingates blog. I am out of Southeast Alaska, and seeing what went on in Juneau last year when they lost their electric power due to an avalanche, it was NOT a good situation. We had such a heavy snowfall last year, and this year is not that far behind in percipitation, as I look out my window at the snow continuing to fall. One really worries about their elderly parents being able to pay for fuel, let alone eating right. You worry about the young families and the infants that are in a cold home. You see, southeast Alaska and the villages out West have that in common with each other. Our gov. just ignores those that need their governor the most.
But here we have this gov. who makes sure that you know, she can’t stand Southeast Alaska. She would just as soon sell us to Canada, move the Capital up to Wasilla, as well as the Mansion. I have to admit, I have disliked her and her politics from the beginning, and I “was” a Republican. I have recently re-filed as an, Undeclared. I am ranting here…sorry. But, I have never disliked a person so much in my life, as I dislike her and those that she surrounds herself with. She is a master manipulator, a cronic liar and cares nothing about Alaska, let alone the families that live here. That is, unless you live in Wasilla. Gross.
why aren’t all these responces public now, the state of Alaska paid for them! Sauerkraut, I heard smeone talking about Sarah’s pac, and they said once she collected from the public, all of her income records had to be made public
Van Flein is a snake and should be held accountable.
After Troopergate got started the governor promised full cooperation. Based on Palin’s statements, the legislative committee decided that subpoenas would not be necessary.
Van Flein was hired by the state to represent Palin.
It was only after August 29 that Palin- under orders from the McCain campaign and fearing what an honest investigation would really show, ended all pretenses of cooperation. Van Flein somehow switched to being the Palins’ private attorney (no conflict there with any work done on behalf of the state?).
Subpoenas were then found to be necessary. Van Flein and the out of state g(r)ifters spent about $200,000 fighting the subpoenas in court, and lost. It was only then the gang showed up and gave statements. While they may have been “responsive” (and that was just Elton being nice) that simply means they did respond at some point after doing their best to delay the investigation until after the election. That doesn’t mean they were promptly and appropriately responsive.
The bottom line is that, with the help of Van Flein, the Palins and their gang did whatever they could to derail an investigation, and to this day maintain their fiction that they never ever- and mean ever- did anything to put pressure on Walt Monegan to fire Wooten.
Too bad Bailey was dumb enough to get caught on tape.
“Not one witness “ignored” a subpoena. Further, it is troubling that the Senate would pass such a resolution without giving notice to the people most directly impacted, or to provide them with the most fundamental right of due process–an opportunity to confront their accusers!”
Sigh and here it is the “Blago” defense. I kept wondering when it would show up in a Palin defense.
Next up will be Executive Privilage to all. Remove my name now. Defense.
I have a visual of SP stomping her Naughty Monkey shoes telling Van Flea “Do Something Now!” “This is ruining my public image!” “Lie I tell you, Lie and write something that makes no sense! Just make sure it confuses people and makes me look good!”
Hmmmm makes me wonder if Dud becomes to much of a liability if a divorce could be in the future? I hear the bus speeding down the Highway.
Didn’t Gov. take her family on the state plane to meet todd at the finish line of last years race? Will she do that again this year?
I’m quite sure that any “Palin money” that bought this jerk’s services…was YOUR money, the tax-payers of Alaska…you hired him, you can fire him.
You go, Alaska! To quote Obama…”ENOUGH!” Is there NO end to this story?
@ mmboucher Florida
I think i read she stated it was official state business last year.
Ok, we have Barbie found to be guilty of abuse of power (Branchflower report) and then her hand picked personnel committee saying no abuse at the very last min.
Now we have dud found guilty of contempt, and a codpiece saying no he’s not guilty?
What does it mean? Why no action?
Why the whining from dud and barbie? Does this mean the end of troopergate, or the beginning to the finish of it?
With that being said, I hope he looses Iron dog!!!!!
Since nearly everybody in and out of Alaska knows that what comes out of Sarah Palin’s mouth is a lie, shouldn’t that claim be investigated?
I’d like to know when ethical watchdogs in Alaska will be prepared in advance for each and every one of Sarah Palin’s excuses, instead of merely reacting to them?
Or are there no watchdogs? Some of these politicians who are beginning to mobilize, to position themselves for the 2010 election, for getting through the AK 2009 legislative session without declaring the state bankrupt — I can understand why they might not want to look like either a wolf or a pitbull, politically speaking. Maybe a bulldog.
Just a little aside here, though still on topic. Here are a comple lines from
lyrics I found online…”Never enough ~ All of the horror that you’ve put me through ….Never enough ~ This is where I will draw the line” …. the tune is by Epica, a Dutch symphonic metal band.
Not usually my cup of tea, but they seem to have nailed a sentiment here….
Has anyone see this on Alaska Dispatch? Barbie writing “Drill baby drill”
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/tundra-talk/9-talk-of-the-tundra/716-anwr-drill-baby-drill
There is also a article from Doogan (I guess he’s sober now) and Bob Poe!
One person wrote a very good comment to barbies “article” and was invited to write for Alaska Dispatch.
Interesting.
What a well written story about a big bunch of jerks who break the law. Hold them accountable, AK. From that description of someone’s trip to Team Sarah, they are sounding like the dregs of the country. Nice to have that group as your following.
I maintain that she’s going to go down like Al Capone on some IRS thing–in this day and age, you know there is financial BS going on in her life. No amount of “churchy double speak” is going to get the Palins out of that.
The Elephant In the Room
So all this hub-bub is centered upon whether they legally complied to the subpoenas …and yes, I am thrilled they were found in contempt of ignoring them… but let’s not forget the underlying question:
If they’d done nothing improper regarding abuse of power then why weren’t they willing to appear and clear their names from the get-go?
KaJo – The only dog that comes to mind right now is – lap-dog.
16-1 vote, Ramaras (R), and probably some more I’ve missed. (Give me a list someone! – Don’t include Les Gara though, he was always against her.)
Certainly looks like the tide is turning on Palin.
The more they collectively call the Legislature pricks the more they’re likely to fight back.
AKBlogger – It is a “Rovian” thing. He was advising her during that time……and lookee now……..’ole Turdblossum has agreed to finally go under oath……agreed literally at the same time AG Holder was being sworn in………same day at around 10am.
I read the entire letter.
Wow…got dizzy from the spinning.
Why are Todd and the others able to shrug off these contempt charges and go about their lives as though nothing has happened?!
You can be sure the Joe Six Packs and regular ol’ hockey moms would get more than a slap on the wrist if they did the same.
One again, Gov Winky believes laws don’t apply to her and her cronies. What a travesty….
How long before we hold Gov Jet Set and her family accountable and demand some straight answers, Alaska? Press releases don’t cut it.
mommom, I don’t know how you could stomach even one minute over at TS! Are you ok? Do you need to lie down? How about some pie? I am not surprised by your assessment. They are wannabees. But look at what they wannabee!
nswfm CA (10:15:35) :
I am with you…Sarah will go down by the hand of the FBI or IRS…just like Uncle Ted and Blago. All three of them have the same narcissistic personality disorder, no self awareness, and think they are untouchable. The I’m right, everybody else is wrong, either you’re with me or against me attitude that eventually causes everyone around them to turn.
The Alaskan legislature is full of pussies. They all need to grow a pair and stand up to this sorry excuse for a governor, if they truly care about their state.
With that said, she is perhaps the second best thing to happen to the democratic party, after Pres Obama. Her antics keep everyone entertained, but unfortunately at the expense of alot of good people in Alaska.
If anyone is curious as to who is married (or who would want to be married) to Meg Stapleton, behold:
http://tinyurl.com/bowfek
He’s the rotund physical therapist in the photo.
Thanks AKM, I needed the nudge in the ribs,,:}
Has anyone seen Michael Steele, the new RNC chair, hanging around Palin’s house recently? Should be interesting to see if she claims any fees for lessons on how to speak ‘Palinese’. The more he talks, the more he sounds like her as you come away shaking your head.
His talk regarding whats a job and not and 2006 senate campaign funds. These funds were supposed to have been paid to his sister whose company according to a blog post was called ‘Brown Sugar Unlimited’ was closed. Company name like that — you be the judge of what it ‘really’ stands for!!! He’s blaming it on a convicted felon who I believe was his campaign finance chair. He best be careful what he says about felons — Mike Tyson is his ex-brother-in-law!!!
Seems Steele suffers from the ‘blame it on everyone else’ syndrome.
Also interesting — on Huff there is a post that Ann Coulter is being investigated for voter fraud!! In fact, this is the second time. The down side is it will give her more airwave play.
and yes,,,i have strong coffee,,,.
Lee,
While mining your URL, I found an old interview of Meghan from Alaska Journal of Commerce Online , November 5, 2006, that I found interesting. In particular, her response to these two questions:
If you could trade jobs with anyone, who would it be:
A homeless person; I want to know what they go through and how we can help.
One word that describes you:
Tenacious
Mudflats guy you are a good writer! I predict you will slay this Palin dragon eventually!
Signed,
former Alaskan
Hopefully Meghan will be jobless soon…….also being a therapist does require patience and compassion……..2 things he has to use every breathing , awake minute with Meghan. Poor dude…….
f you could trade jobs with anyone, who would it be:
A homeless person; I want to know what they go through and how we can help.
_________________________
Having worked with the homeless in the big city, this response of hers sure sounds stupid and clueless. Why would anyone in their right mind, or sober, want to know what it’s like to be homeless? Take my word for it, being homeless is one tough way to live. But very few would want her pity.
Let’s consider the source here, folks. Mr. Van Flein is a defense attorney. When I was working in the field, he was known as the go-to guy for professional license holders who faced charges of violation of professional ethics; in other words, individuals who had commited extremely questionable acts and were at risk of losing thier licenses. To the best of my recollection, he rarely won his cases. He is still representing sleazoids, and is still not winning. But to give him credit – he whines well.
A turd defending turds as it were…………..
@ Mag the Mick
It figures, now that explains why he was hired….
I went to the above link (Alaska Dispatch) and read her letter to Congress. This lady makes me so mad!
She says, “Contact Congress……Remind politicians about their promises to……….”
What about “HER” promises to the people of Alaska? You know. That open and transparent government!
There is so much negativity about her on the internet and she knows it. She was hoping for a job in Obama’s adm. someplace in energy. Perhaps with McCain pushing for her but I don’t think that’s gonna’ happen.
With the roof caving in, I’m watching where her safety net is. A job with Trans Canada? Who knows! But, she’s got something cookin’!
Oh, what a rich rich tale. Say it isn’t so. Did they really waltz on the record and bitch slap the Alaska Legs.?
It certainly sounds like a call to arms if I’ve never heard one before.
Question is does the 16-1 have the bullocks to answer this shot directly into their reputations. Not even a glanced blow, no feign of attack, just a straight up ”You guys are liars” and for the whole world to see.
I’m shaking my head and muttering to myself. You couldn’t write this stuff.
@mommom
Re: Team Sarah. I joined when they first started..just to see what it was about, and what kind of people would take it seriously. I was honest when I filled out the questionairre, and stated I joined because I wanted to see how many fools would be there.
Once I realized what a horrible joke it was, I stopped going. I was forever getting emails and notices from them, and I kept emailing them telling them to take me off their list. I told them I thought they were a joke…and pitiful.
Anyhow…on Friday, I got another email, so I went on the site and made a comment. It wasnt nasty or rude…but it was in disagreement with them. lol..they dont like it if you have a different viewpoint on things.
Not 5 min later…I received notice from someone named Bill, that I was banned. These people are horrifying…and not one of them can think for themselves. Can you imagine being part of that??
http://brighthall.aol.com/2009/02/08/how-to-avoid-testifying-in-alaska/
I found this at aol today. Glad to see that someone else thinks the same way we do.