Bedtime in Alaska – The Daily Wrap Up
GOP Golden Girl – Lisa Murkowski
Strengthening the theory that the GOP powers that be will do anything to make Lisa Murkowski bullet proof against a potential Palin assault in 2010, Alaska’s Senior Senator was chosen to deliver the Republican response to the stimulus bill. Her remarks drew this criticism from the Alaska Democratic Party chair Patti Higgins:
“Sen. Murkowski’s vote against the economic recovery package shows that she and most Republicans are out of touch with the needs of working Alaskans.”
“The $789 billion economic recovery package is expected to bring about $1 billion in federal spending and tax breaks to Alaskans. Some of our communities are in desperate need of jobs and economic activity, and throughout the state many Alaskans are experiencing hardship as a result of the country’s economic problems.”
“In October Sen. Murkowski voted for the huge economic bailout for the banks and financial firms, when there was no accountability, no oversight, and no rules to keep them from spending the bailout money on outlandish executive bonuses. How can Murkowski now justify voting against this needed economic recovery money that will benefit so many Alaskans? Why was she willing to help the banks, but not Alaskans? ”
“Alaska needs statesmen and women who will be guided by the needs of Alaskans rather than conservative platitudes,” Higgins said.”
Senator Mark Begich was the only member of Alaska’s congressional delegation to vote in favor of the bill.
Adopt a Wolf in Sarah Palin’s Name!
This is a lovely suggestion that’s been zooming across the internets. Here’s how it works. You go to the website for the World Wildlife Fund, where you can select an animal you’d like to “adopt”. You can send the adoption kit, and even a little plush toy wolf to anyone you like, including a certain governor! Click HERE to bring you to the discussion thread in the Forum, which includes details and some interesting background information.
FIFTEEN Candidates
A record fifteen candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for Mayor of Anchorage. Guess that position became a whole lot more appealing now that the seat’s last occupant is living in Washington D.C. Ready? Here goes. See if you can say them all in one breath – Former DPS Commissioner Walt Monegan, Ex-cop Paul Honeman, Former Legislator Eric Croft, Assemblywoman Sheila Selkregg, Ex-Assemblyman Dan Sullivan, Acting Mayor Matt Claman, Snowzilla the Snowman’s Dad Billy Ray Powers, Marine Engineer Merica Hlatcu, Businesman Dominic S.F. Lee, Paul Kendall, Richard Wanda, and a guy listed as Bob “Joker” Lupo. Hmmm.
If nobody gets at least 45% of the vote on April 7, the top two contenders will have a runoff election on May 5. I can already tell you the likely outcome. On May 5 we will have a runoff election between Dan Sullivan and the person I will vote for.
The Mudflats Forum
For newer members of the Mudflats community, and to remind others, the Mudflats Forum is the perfect place to post your off-topic comments, brilliant ideas, and topics for discussion. The Forum is set up to make conversation simpler by providing places to talk about a wide variety of events, while leaving the blog comments on topic. If you haven’t joined the Forum yet, just click HERE and sign up! Once you make the leap, you’ll find lots of friendly folks who will guide you through how it’s all set up, and make you feel at home.
Other Ways to Connect
Other ways you can stay connected to Mudflats are by signing up to get Twitter alerts (click the link in the sidebar on the lower right), and by looking on Facebook for AKMuckraker.
It does amaze me the level of questioning and concern over spending when it comes to helping out those of us who have worked hard and are suffering from the economic down turn caused by others. Where was the questioning and concern by these Republicans where they were handing out money to Wall Street and the Banks? These mixed up priorities are what caused the Democrats to get elected in high numbers. When do you think they will figure that fact out?
AKM, thank you for the shout out to the World Wildlife Fund!!!
If you wish to read BigSlick’s Detailed Instructions for designating an SP (Special Person!) in whose name you chose to donate, then go here first!
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6310.msg58321.html#msg58321
I made my own donation to World Wildlife Fund online yesterday!
I also spoke with their representative over the telephone, a nice young man named Joshua who was very helpful.
Joshua explained how I could send the Adoption Certificate, Wolf Photo, and Gift Item to whoever I wished while divulging only the information I wanted to release. My SP should get her Wolf Plush Toy and Adoption Kit in just a few days!
Benefactors can rest assured their privacy will be protected! If you wish to go directly online to the World Wildlife Fund page for Adopt a Gray Wolf donations, go here:
http://www.worldwildlife.org/ogc/species_SKU.cfm?cqs=CTGW
You can call and make your donations on the phone if you prefer at 1-800-CALL-WWF. If you do, tell them you are there thanks to Joshua!
I hope Mudpuppies around the globe will support and promote more scientifically justifiable and humane solutions to balancing our ecosystem than aerial shooting of helpless wildlife.
AKM, thanks again for the shoutout!
Even though no one liked the way Lisa was put into office many people had high hopes that she would do a good job. I for one am saddened that she has decided to play party politics instead of doing what is right for the country and Alaska.
When they passed the initial bailout money and it was reported that AIG went on a junket I sent an e-mail to Ms. Murkowski asking how they were going to oversee the company’s making a mockery of the system, (I was later to read that there really was no oversight) all I received was a form letter about why the bailout was a good idea, never did see anything on how Bush, Murkowski or anyone else in power at the time were going to protect out country’ assets.
Lisa needs to get back in touch with people in the state of Alaska and worry less about who she is pleasing in the republican party.
The Republican Taliban is using their insugancy of NO. No support for Obama. No helping the economy. No helping unemployed Americans. No, no, no. Somehow they think this will help them in 2010, 2012 and 2016. They collectively seem to think Americans will forget the unjust wars, disregard for civil liberties, war crimes and record debt they created over the last 8 years. They’re new mantra “small government – no debt” is such a joke. As though they have been following it. Ever. And their new inclusive party and their selection of Steel… In 24 hours they went from Barack the Magic Negro and the Star Spanglish Banner to the party of minorities? In what magic world?
Good Post this morning AKM, the Republican Taliban and all it’s warriors, including Sen. Murkowski helped the banks and big corporations do the only thing they could do once they saw the numbers and the power of the people behind Obama last Nov. 4th, they fortified their coffers with as much as they could possibly scare out of congress as fast as they could before the new Pres. took over. They knew it was going to be a new day in town and that they didn’t stand much hope for the new 8yrs with the masses so fed up with their wars and wasteful money grabbing scheems. Breaking the banks before they lost their shirts was their brillant idea of how to keep the power and hopefully get McCain elected but it back fired on them. And only make McCain and Palin look even dumber.
Rebuilding the party by appealing to the masses only has to do with their attempt to get the kind of numbers that the left was able to get to the polls, they had never in their money grubbing lives seen so many turn out to kick them out of Washington. Even ther own double speak worked against them. Now the only thing they can hope for is the Obama’s plan fails, so they have to do every thing they can to make that possible, while attempting to not look like it is their fault. Good luck with that Groppers.
Sen. Murkowski donated $1,000.00 to Norm Coleman to help fight his legal battles and his fight to keep Al Franken from taking his seat in the Senate.
If you’d care to show your support in favor of the three bold Republicans who stood with the President and Congress, with courage and conviction, despite the adversity within their own party…here is their contact info:
http://snowe.senate.gov/public/
http://collins.senate.gov/public/
http://specter.senate.gov/public/
SNL/Huffington Post chipping in on the GOP Taliban
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/15/snl-republican-meeting-mo_n_167036.html
Ok, Higgins makes the most prudent point in this whole debacle: How could any of them vote for the bank bail-out, and not for the bail-out of their constituents?
That question needs to be posed to each and every Rethug that didn’t vote for the people, and whomever asks must wait for an answer. I suspect they will all be answering in Palinese, by hedging and changing subjects, using improper grammar, shifting uncomfortably, playing with a pen, and winking.
Oh, and GO WALT!!! I wish we could all vote! heh heh
“Alaska needs statesmen and women who will be guided by the needs of Alaskans rather than conservative platitudes.”
The popular Florida Governor Crist, guided by the needs of his constituents, supported President Obama during the recent town hall meeting in Florida to promote the Stimulus Bill. Not surprisingly, the local Republican Taliban are threatening to derail his political career.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/jim-morin/image_media/903060.html
Thanks for the direction to the forum with the particulars on how to adopt a wolf in Mooselini’s name. Done and done. I hope she is buried under little plush wolves!
PaulaNo Gravatar (05:08:12) :
The Republican Taliban is using their insugancy of NO. No support for Obama. No helping the economy. No helping unemployed Americans. No, no, no. Somehow they think this will help them in 2010, 2012 and 2016. They collectively seem to think Americans will forget the unjust wars, disregard for civil liberties, war crimes and record debt they created over the last 8 years. They’re new mantra “small government – no debt” is such a joke. As though they have been following it. Ever. And their new inclusive party and their selection of Steel… In 24 hours they went from Barack the Magic Negro and the Star Spanglish Banner to the party of minorities? In what magic world?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes Paula totally agree Republican Taliban is it! Well I love how PO keeps reminding him he will not support the “Failed economic programs” of the last 8 yrs….!
And Big Slick your idea is good to donate in her name however keep the wolf yourself, I got one for my hunny and it is very cute, too cute for GINO and Co. If I had know you could also send a card however I would of done that in her name. When I saw Ashley Judds vid, it just reminded me to donate again, I do it pretty much every year. If you don’t want the wolf you can take it to a local hospital and donate for the children there. You know she will just put them in the garbage, she wouldn’t think to donate them, or she would just raffle them off on ebay for her PAC! Look what she did with the RNC clothes? A garbage bag?
That SNL skit was priceless! Too bad more Repub taliban don’t watch SNL.
I have GINO’s name on email alert and I am surprised at the number of new anti-Palin/Rethug blogs springing up linking to the progressive bloggers in Alaska! Good job to you all!
On one blog I came across “White noise insanity” she talks of the “FREEPER” Trolls….
WHITE NOISE INSANITY
Typical WNI trolls….
(Karl and his Other Brother Karl)
Don’t be afraid. It’s not only here at White Noise Insanity do the trolls look like this. They’re all morbid and vile. They’re completely harmless, though, because in actuality, they have no IQ’s, live under the front porch of the RNC, and only come out for a few seconds to spew their vile crap, in the hopes someone will pay attention to them, because they thrive on the attention, because they get none from their parents (which is so weird because most of them are sleeping with their parents!). Sooo….
….do what I do. I rev up the WNI limo, drop the clutch, and burn rubber on their heads. When I get bored with that, I put the WNI limo in reverse and do the same thing until the little Sarah Palin supporter matches the dried up dead frogs on the side of the road. See? Nothing to worry about. Remember…rev the engine, drop the clutch, and then hit the gas.
After her description the word “home schooled” comes to mind and all the stupid ignorant Palin supporters we saw at the rallies.They don’t practice birth control so they over populate like rabbits of Australia, and they don’t go to school.(by choice)
This is what we are dealing with here. Add the SNL skit and “here is the RNC”
I started watching “W” last night. So far it is pretty good. Showing what a dumb ass he is. Dumb ass=Republican Taliban.
On the wolf adoption, Defenders of Wildlife has them for $25, if the $50 price tag at WWF is too much for you. I sent Sarah two in November but I sent them to her Anchorage office where they would at least be seen by someone outside the family – not so easy to hide that way!
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1700
Anchorage, AK 99501
Chances are better Lisa, and others, would stay closer to Alaskans and farther from the National GOP, if only we had term limits. And I mean only National Term Limits. State by State will hurt smaller populated states. The sad thing about sending Mark Begich to DC, is eventually, if he stays there long enough, he too, will put his kid in school there, have a second (really, first) home there, and voila! the Senate culture comes first. Ted, Lisa and Don all have small summer homes in Alaska, but really reside in DC. Lisa tried the commute, but that lasted only during the interim time when she was appointed. Soon as she won reelection, the hubby sold his business and the family moved to DC. Her official Alaska residence became a small ski house in Girdwood, ala Stevens. Ask the folks in Fort Yukon how much time Don has spent there in the last 20 years (other than hunting season). http://flickr.com/photos/8360320@N03/2247911648/
Home is where the heart is, and their homes speak volumes.
In Alaska, these folks are ‘just folks’ you run into at the market, can stop by their offices and talk issues. But once they become ensconced in DC and the rarefied air of the Congress, Alaskans seem so very, very far away.
I have a little plush toy wolf already!
I bought it on my most recent trip to Alaska, when we took a car trip up from Skagway to the Yukon Territory on the highway that parallels the small-rail train that goes up the pass to the summit and high plains.
I also bought a small carved (resin, I think) polar bear head (maybe you can call it a bust; it’s mounted on a pedestal). I believe the sale of both of them had donations earmarked for protection organizations.
crystalwolf a.k.a. caligrl (10:50:58) :
I started watching “W” last night. So far it is pretty good. Showing what a dumb ass he is. Dumb ass=Republican Taliban.
———————————————————-
I watched this movie a couple weeks ago and needed a smudging afterwards.
Aussie: What, exactly is a “smudging”. I love the expression already. I’m wondering if it is like our traditional steam baths, where we smudge ourselves with ashes and smack our skin with willow or spruce boughs? Good visual
CRFlats, smudging here is a smoke ceremony done usually by burning sweetgrass. In other parts of the continent it is done with sage. It is a traditional native purification ritual. http://www.gnb.ca/0016/wolastoqiyik/spiritual-e.asp
CRFlats: A ‘smugding’ is a ritual of cleansing done with smoldering sage, often followed with sweet grass and/or cedar, to clear away negative energies.
http://www.asunam.com/smudge_ceremony.html
Thanks, All. It does sound like our cleansing in the banya (sweat house): We sometimes use smoldering wild sage. The rocks are heated, and water is poured over to create steam. Some folks use ashes for scrubbing, and boughs for stimulating the circulation. I bring my favorite Crabtree and Evelyn soaps and scrubs (I’m a 21st century Native), sage, rosemary and cucumber
Aussie Blue SkyNo Gravatar (16:04:14) :
crystalwolf a.k.a. caligrl (10:50:58) :
I started watching “W” last night. So far it is pretty good. Showing what a dumb ass he is. Dumb ass=Republican Taliban.
———————————————————-
I watched this movie a couple weeks ago and needed a smudging afterwards.
***************************
oooooOOOOOh! Good thing I’ve got LOTs of white sage here!!!!
Thanks for heads up, Aussie!