The Point at Which an Alaska Native Blogger Loses It.
We’ve all been closely following Sarah Palin’s reaction to the plight of rural Alaskan villages over the past six weeks. There have been many Alaskan bloggers who have commented on this issue. But one in particular brings a unique perspective and insight into the situation.
Writing Raven, an Alaska Native blogger at Alaska Real has given permission for me to cross-post her latest piece. This post was written in response to both the video footage of Sarah Palin before she left on her junket to Western Alaska with her backup band Franklin Graham, Jerry Prevo and Lt. Governor Sean Parnell, and the recent article in Alaska Dispatch amazingly titled: “Palin Speaks from the Heart on Struggling Rural Alaska.”
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This post could have easily been titled, “The point at which I lose it.”
When I read, and watched, the remarks Sarah Palin made about rural issues to the Kyle Hopkinns of the Anchorage Daily News, I nearly punched the screen. I had to leave my laptop and go fume for many, many hours – talking (venting) with my parents and grandmother and even brother – before I could return and be relatively sure I would not toss my innocent little laptop into the snow for being the bearer of bad news. Even then I couldn’t trust myself to post without liberal use of curse words, which I usually try to avoid.
What got me into this murderous, computer-killing rage? Please read Mudflats and The Immoral Minority for more detail, but let me try and summarize some of Ms. Palin’s points as she answered questions:
- Palin thinks youth need to consider leaving the villages.
“Another purpose of the trip today, is not just delivering food for a short-term solution, but to remind those, especially young people, in rural Alaska of the job opportunities that are available, albeit it requires in some cases leaving the village for a short time.”
This one is what really infuriated me. The Native people of Alaska have been fighting and fighting for generations to ensure rural communities thrive, thinking up solutions to get especially the young people to stay and contribute to the community. The boarding school times in which young people left “for a short time” were some of the most devastating to these communities. Did we learn nothing about what this kind of thinking leads to? Is there no thought to a real future? Palin shows a lack of the study of Alaskan and American history. So much time and energy trying to salvage these towns and villages from social and economic collapse, and the governor of our state can sweep them aside with one ignorant comment.
What these communities need is infrastructure, jobs in the communities themselves. Ironically, I just got a look at the Indian country provisions in the stimulus bill, and was thinking how forward we’ve come in our look at what Native communities really need. Maia of Own the Sidewalk forwarded me a link to a National Congress of American Indians page devoted to the Indian country provisions of the stimulus bill. I haven’t been talking about the stimulus package becuase the last thing anyone wants is me commenting on anything to do with money. But I was incredibly impressed with the funding set aside for Native country projects.
Basically, it’s all about infrastructure in these communities. Energy projects, building projects, roads and weatherization. Things that will not only create jobs and a viable economy in the short term, but ensure a future community exists at all. I don’t know about the rest of the stimulus, but in this, they’ve got it dead on. Why are the only solutions Palin talks about all about getting out of the community? Helping out the oil companies? She throws out something about becoming VPSO’s (Village Public Safety Officers) or teachers in your own community – but how can they when the whole youth of the village is now set on leaving? There’s no one left to police or teach.
- Palin’s reminder to villages: We’re in a cash-based society now.
“because it is a cash-based society right now…” “but in a cash-based society…” “…let people know perhaps what their own experience has been in terms of finding success and being a part of the community, at the same time, having income — there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Does she think the village people are trading beads? Seriously, the amount of times Palin talks down to rural people in these remarks is nauseating. Attention Palin: The people of rural Alaska are INCREDIBLY aware that we are living in a cash-based society! My guess is more aware than Palin. What little money is trickling in has not been spent on Neiman Marcus clothing and $60 phone calls. THERE IS NO INFRASTRUCTURE = THERE ARE NO JOBS.
Regardless of the governor’s solution to have the youth leave and find jobs, maybe even a better solution is to get the state working on a viable plan of creating jobs in the community. If we had a little leadership, Alaska could be the most forward, technological marvel of how to get both energy solutions and indigenous populations working to better, not only the state, but the nation. The resources out in rural Alaska are incredible, and instead of promoting that, we are currently squandering it and giving it away. In this case, the human resources are being encouraged to leave.
- As our leader, Palin is not going to make an example of what to do in this situation.
“It’s a scripture that says, ‘let not your right hand know what your left hand is doing.’ If you’re going to do a personal charitable effort … what we do personally to support and tithe and offer assistance to some of these missions, I’m going to keep that to myself.”
This comes right after she’s chastised the leadership of these communities to do a better job of making an example of themselves. The inability of this governor to not practice what she preach continues to astound me. Why invite all these reporters to see you off, handing out food, if it’s not to show them how “you” are helping? The only possible wayI can read this is, “I didn’t do anything, so don’t ask.”
- Palin learned about this situation from the media, not from actually listening to the people of her state.
(Lt. Gov. Parnell) “Frankly, the first weekend that this particular regional hardship hit the web from Emmonak, both the governor and I tried to get our there and we were hampered due to weather.”
I will say it again – this problem did not just spring up six weeks ago. Not only has this been generations in the making, the whole last year Native leaders, state leaders, corporations, people in the communities have been speaking out, warning about this, and even asking for help before it “hit the web.” I’ve posted this before, but I want to reiterate how far in advance the governor had to prepare for this, and did nothing:
In May, the Bristol Bay Times reported on rural residents calling for emergency relief and to declare an energy diaster.
In early August, the Anchorage Daily News reported prominent Native leaders directly talking to Paling about these problems, and the solutions that including building infrasctructure.
In early August, even USA Today noticed the problem and reported on it, referencing data showing just how bad it could get from a study done in May.
In late August, Sen. Murkowksi held a meeting about the crisis, and urged residents to stay in their communities (report by ADN).
“I urge you not to give up your way of life, your culture and your connection to the land and move into urban areas. We will find a creative way to beat this,” she told Bethel residents…
In September, Sen. Begich (then Mayor) and Anchorage School Superintendent sent a letter to Palin (from ADN) regarding the migration from villages to the city due to high energy costs. Palin refuted high energy costs had anything to do with it, later.
In October, Native leaders continued their call for an energy emergency declared at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention (reported by the ADN). Of course, Palin was busy campaigning and may not have noticed.
In November, Indian Country Today did a story highlighting the Alaska Federation of Natives resolution to the energy crisis and village migration, as well as the incredibly poor response from Palin.
In late December, Indian Country Today reported on the dismal reaction of the Palin administration energy crisis, focusing on the rural subcabinet formed.Of course, this is only in recent months. This stuff goes back years, as far as addressing the real problems. Not to mention the other villages that have had true emergencies, including Adak. Once again, I point to the Alaska Native Commission Report done in the 90′s that point out both problem and solution. Palin should think about reading it.
“The Rural Subcabinet formed by Governor Sarah Palin in response to what many consider a crisis in rural Alaska has reportedly met, but specific information about their activities has been difficult to find…” “The group has no fixed meeting time and the date of their next meeting is unknown.” “…As of Dec. 8, the AFN had apparently heard nothing about actions or meetings of the subcabinet…”
- Palin blames the villages for the probem, not the policies, restrictions and initiatives she can do anything about. So don’t ask.
“Some of these areas … they may need to see some change in leadership within the community, also.” “…And in some of the communities I would say that perhaps new leadership would help provide solutions.”
After stewing all night, I woke up this morning to a phone call from Celtic Diva. She and Mudflats pointed to an article in the Alaska Dispatch, praising Palin for “speaking from the heart” and being “thoughtful” about solutions for the communities.
You can only be thoughtful if you’ve met with the people from the communities and listened to them. Palin is calling for a change in leadership – with who? What are these leaders doing wrong? Who are they? When has she talked to them? And she gave NO solutions except to say these youth should think about leaving. So the solution is “leave the village”? She can’t be a spark to “real dialogue” when she’s never taken part in a dialogue! The dialogue has been going on, but Palin doesn’t care to be part of it.
The article was also preemptively defensive about the race card being thrown at Palin. As if Palin needs to be a racist to make ignorant remarks about the state of rural Alaska. Personally, I believe Palin is willing to be pretty racially equal about throwing rural Alaska under the bus. For that matter, she’s screwing us all equally in her painfully obvious stab for national attention. I didn’t agree with the remarks about Ted Stevens at the time (don’t think the guy was racist, just wrong) and it is interesting to note that the only people to bring up racism with Palin’s remarks have been the people of the Alaska Dispatch.
To be very clear – Palin’s remarks aren’t racist. They are ignorant of the real issues, display a willingness to decide what is right having never had the dialogue, and take us back about 50 years in the struggle to maintain thriving rural and cultural communties. But in ignorance, she’s being quite equal.
Once again, Palin offered no solutions to these problems. She talks about them getting jobs, but not about training, or the availability of them. Does she think every Native youth has a father on the slope and the governor willing to write a letter of recommendation to get them that job? It’s really not that easy. It also displays an incredibly poor grasp of the situation. Some of these families are paying $2,500 a month just for their oil. Getting a job on the slope doesn’t fix that problem, and it will continue to be a problem.
Again, she shows us she hasn’t really looked at the situation. One of the men who sent a letter from a village just after Nick Tucker’s letter was brilliant in displaying what they are trying. From Kongiganak, he talks about three projects that have the potential to help out the community. Yet:
The school project, AMI, told us that they will hire only 10 people from our village and the rest will come from the lower 48…about 20 out of state workers. We have many certified carpenters, welders, plumbers, electricians, and equipment operators that only a handful will work in these projects. What is wrong with this? Our legislators say that these projects are supposed to give our villages jobs and the people from Alaska.
Despite Palin’s assertions that this is not the governments problem, this has everything to do with government. Lack of support for energy projects, restrictions on subsistence, laws about fisheries and over-fishing… The short-term problem is hungry kids and no heat. But the short-term problem could have been avoided completely by addressing these long-term solutions that Palin has been unwilling to even look at, much less be part of a dialogue about.
Akm:
Didn’t she also say they need an education?
I hope this information is sent “to the four corners of the earth”……well done, Writing Raven. I will be passing this on.
The people in Alaska just don’t get it, SHE DOESN’T CARE!! SHES LOOKING OUT FOR #1. Do something to get rid of her, don’t just bitch and moan about it, its your state, but you let her do whatever she wants, and she gets away with it.
Great piece. Thanks, AKM.
WOW !!…….. deep sigh……..Whoa!……..sigh…….Whenever I get sub-par or shitty service , I go over the guilty parties head. I hope D of I in D.C. is watching. When Michelle O. spoke there she said “……..Native Americans have a partner….” Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. And Sarah Palin , F**k you !!
Being a little bit Alaska Native, I know exactly what your saying. Great piece. But Alaskans had better get off their duffs and do something about her, she is doing what she wants and getting away with it. Silly Sarah does not care about you, SHE ONLY CARES ABOUT # 1 HERSELF and she will step on everyone to get what she wants.
Why do I feel like I have to say I am soooo sorry for the way Queen Gino acts. This woman is so “Out to Lunch” Does she really not see how icky of a person she actually is? So does she think those of us down in Southeast Alaska need to move to the big city and take responsibility for the way we live and the lack of jobs? We need to move out of our villages and elect new leaders? She really is a piece of work.
Wow, I think I may be the first to read this! THAT Woman is unbelievable! I sit here with two flat rate boxes, getting filled, for my new friends in Nunam Iqua. I have already sent a couple. I know I am only one of many… but it seems that by the time she figures something out that will actually HELP with the REAL crisis of FOOD and FUEL, it will be summer…. what a waste of space she is…. well, mudpups, we must continue to support our new friends in the villages, even if it is one flate rate box at a time, because that is still more than the governor has managed to do…… all that business about her being an anonymous donor…….. yeah right… and Bristol’s a virgin!~
I am feeling the urge to say bad words and toss my own computer into the icy waters out front.
Palin needs to be taught a HUGE lesson. Vote her out of everywhere. These right wing freak lunatic know it alls HAVE TO GO! Every last one of them!
Excuse me, I think I am going to vomit.
Moose Pucky had to thrash the trees with its antlers upon hearing her comments about how “oversight” was needed for the communities and things will be all better in the future.
As soon as I saw the PR coverage of Palin and her crew my first thought was that of hope that an AK native would start a campaign to blast Palin and her idiotic comments made in the name of publicity. Well done Writing Raven, you answered my hopes. Hopefully the MSM in the lower 48 will get a hold of this brilliant piece.
I just can’t understand anyone who says “It isn’t the Government’s problem.”
I mean really..WTF? What are governments for?
Irish Girl: I just can’t understand anyone who says “It isn’t the Government’s problem.”
I think the leaders in Myanmar said that.
short story is Palin doesn’t give a F*ck……..pretty sad and very pathetic. Get a heart for “everyone” Gov.
But why is there a SarahPac Google Ad on Alaska Real’s page? Just curious.
Wow!
She sure is a piece of work. A poorly formed one.
I was talking to one of those ‘village leaders’ the other evening and she said that our village sent an invitation to Palin to visit us. No reply was given. And this is 2 years into her administration.
Tony Knowles came out here 3 times. He said that it was important to try to get out to the rural areas as much as possible as he needs to see the people of Alaska. Besides, he said, my village is ‘just a hop from Fairbanks.’
Wanna be Queen Palin can make time to attend the polluting Iron Dog Race, yet is unable to make the effort to visit a rural village. And when she finally does, she insults them and brings along a group of ‘knee bending, a– licking’ future wannabe’s.
Nice going.
YEP!!!!!
“Some of these areas … they may need to see some change in leadership”
AND THE FIRST AREA IS THE GOVERNORSHIP OF ALASKA.
Uh oh… Sarah your woes just follow you around like you are flypaper – why is that? I think you’ve just pissed off another excellent Alaskan writer and blogger, not a journalist who is afraid to ask the hard questions and lay it on the line like it really is. Uh oh.
But, didn’t you watch the video? She gave Alaska to Jesus. How can you take it back now? All you sinners have to leave!
another short story is…….absolutely anything she does is not to be trusted, period.
Agree Say No. 100% agree.
Ravens are one of my absolute favorite Alaskan characters. The ARE characters, too – and smart as hell. Did I say OUD??????? Never a dull or quiet moment with a raven or two around, and they also make outstanding mimics when they so desire!
ooops …. LOUD
Thank you AKM for posting this and sharing Writing Raven’ s perspective.
Why do we claim she has to be “shamed into” anything. We have apparently all forgotten that she has no shame!
It’s more of a “Get her attention” thing, or suggest there is some benefit in it for her.
She was not shamed into doing something when she hauled the “faith based” (i.e. proselytizing) reps with her. She saw an opportunity to ditch the Energy conference, make points by skipping it purportedly for the benefit of the schlubs in rural Alaska, and come out looking like Lady Bountiful for having brought the guys there, along with some freakin’ cookies. Matthew 6, indeed. (forgive me for forgetting the verse, please). Not to mention she would appear concerned by talking about jobs and leaving town.
I would have choked on those dang cookies.
And don’t forget, there were no cameras that were not hand-picked by She of No Shame.
Lance the Boil aka Crust Scramble (15:14:15) :
But why is there a SarahPac Google Ad on Alaska Real’s page? Just curious.
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Google link their advertising to keywords. ‘Alaska’ is obviously one of them for this PAC. The keyword doesn’t necessarily have to be prominent, either – it can just be a word in a post.
Sometimes it can give you the creeps.
@ Paula
“She gave Alaska to Jesus.”
Heaven help me, I could only get through one of those videos, although I did read those words somewhere on one of those links.
But that sentence just … deep breath…
Humpf.
“Gryphen” pretty much debunked that video of Palin speaking from her cold stone heart. She’s nothing more than a liar. And why hasn’t a movement been organized to remove her from office?
Aussie Blue SkyNo Gravatar (15:37:13) :
Google link their advertising to keywords. ‘Alaska’ is obviously one of them for this PAC. The keyword doesn’t necessarily have to be prominent, either – it can just be a word in a post.
Sometimes it can give you the creeps.
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For sure. Can they be blocked?
There is a special little room waiting for Palin and Rove and Coulter and………..well we know the rest. Thank you for the post AKM.
PASS THIS ON!!! To whomever you can think of…it is despicable! Thanks you from the lowere 48!
Palin only seems to know how to speak in talking points. She is really like a parrot. She learned a lot of buzz words on the McCain campaign and uses them without context frequently.
She says what she thinks she is supposed to say but has no idea what it means. This to me is the reason for the disconnect between her actions and words. She is expecting a reward for ” saying “the right thing, not actually doing the right thing.
And of course by right thing, I mean what ever the American Taliban is promoting these days.
Writing Raven: “….. – Palin’s remarks aren’t racist. They are ignorant of the real issues…”
Agree with the second sentence pertaining to ignorance.
Disagree with the first statement. Palin’s comments were not only ignorant but also “racist” since she views the Native Alaskan villages’ problems and possible solutions through the very narrow lens of her own race, values, and culture.
Ignorance, especially willful ignorance, is the progenitor of racism ( and other biases and predjudices ). “Writing Raven” gives excellent evidence in her blog’s fourth paragraph of the willful aspect of Palin’s ignorance.
Adding further to the willful aspect of Palin’s ignorance is that the Rural Advisor could not get an appointment with Palin for the 10 months before she resigned in Oct ’08….and that rural post went unfilled until a few weeks ago, well after the acute crisis went public on the blogs and news.
No question about it…..Palin is the quintessential ethnocentric ignorant racist.
Nan wrote: Why do we claim she has to be “shamed into” anything.
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Nan, I guess the answer to your “why” is because this is politics. And that shame thing, well it’s whats working right now and btw, that shame thing, I think it absolutely should be applied if a person has it coming, at any time.
The unemployed teen mom in the Palin brood could use a little dose of Palin’s sermon on a cash-based society. Might even make the teen yearn for a change of leadership.
After reading a lot about the crisis, and now seeing it put into succinct, exasperating summary her article, I am going to email 60 Minutes and see if they would do a story on it. I know, it’s ridiculous to think they will consider it, but then again if they received a lot of emails… (their address: 60m@cbs.com)
I’m just saying…
Martha Unalaska Yard Sign (15:22:21) :
Ravens are one of my absolute favorite Alaskan characters. The ARE characters, too – and smart as hell.
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heh, yeah, and sneaky too! gotta watch your trash…
I just sincerely hope that all of the kind hearted people here that have sent boxes of food and money (myself included) are willing to keep this up for the next 10 years until some sort of solution is reached regarding financial stability and independence in these communities. It’s not going to go away just because we helped. It’s here to stay, in at least some of the villages hard hit by lack of fishing. There must be a solution or it’s never going to go away.
Writing Raven– beautiful piece of writing. Thank you for cross-posting it here.
@Lee323– I agree with you. This is the definition of racism. It’s not about name calling, it’s about operating in the world with a blind ethnocentrism.
Sister Sarah WANTS the Native Alaskans to leave the villages after all they are stomping all over her dreams and desires. One of the first things she did as Governor was sue the Federal Government to nullify the treaty the Natives have with them and she wanted the courts to take away a large portion of their substance land so she could open it up for sport hunting and sport fishing. I’m sure she was pissed for a month of Sundays when they told her that they couldn’t do that. She sees the Natives as second class citizens and not worth her time and effort. She has shown and will continue to show that she cares nothing about them or their heritage. But I’m sure she’d be up there in a wink of an eye to help them move.
This makes me seethe.
In a way I agree with Writing Raven about SP not necessarily being racist. What she said offends me personally as a rural bush resident who doesn’t live in a Native village. The Rural Advisor thing – doesn’t he work with all rural communities, not just Native?
That is a wonderful point by point response along with Time Line of warnings.
Even I remember reading Walt’s predictions if something wasn’t done last fall after finding MudFlats.
Thank you AKM & Writing Raven for posting this for us.
antiAnti – Right On !! I keep waiting for the mutiny on the” S.S. Delusion”. The stress level must be off the chart at “Casa de Palin”!! Notice how Todd is not around ??? He has to hold down the fort and make sure no one walks and talks.
Have lived with several ppl with narcissistic personality disorder. I sometimes think I can smell them a mile away. I pray that I never pick up these traits, it destroys, divides, families and there usually is no therapy that can stop it.
Envy, competitiveness, even with children, immaturity, 3-year old childish tantrums, no accountability for any bad behavior, feeling entitled, extremely vain, spiteful, vindictive, pathologically lies, cannot control urge to create chaos in a peaceful situation. Must and will always have control. Just saying.
so now I have chest burn, dang……gotta get outta here, I do have another life.
Great piece!
OT just a tad… I need some “talking down”
On ADN, there is a slide show of the gov and group before they left. The last one shows them in a prayer circle. Now, I pray, but it is very private, or in rare instances if with others, also very private. Knowing that “missionary zeal” of theirs, and knowing that she is the governor, I felt uncomfortable. NOT that praying is bad, but for the cameras, especially knowing it was going to the newspapers? What was the message for the readers?
I guess, if she was going as Sister Sarah, that is OK, but it was a picture of “Gov Palin” and that is why it was in the papers. I am assuming she is strictly on her own time. I am NOT opposed to praying, but as a photo op?
I am not wanting to start any disagreements. I am just confused, maybe by my own surprise and discomfort.
Jan (SW Washington)No Gravatar (16:23:40)
I am NOT opposed to praying, but as a photo op?
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Just Sarah being Sarah. She doesn’t believe in separation of church and State.
Thank you, Raven. Well done.
rebekkah – yup – been there , done that……..did not get the t-shirt. Along with all the wonderful attributes you named , I got to watch meth abuse………Like Sarah , this girl was hot. Could play guys like a fiddle. Never got that first good spanking either. also.
antiAnti and AustinTX:
I actually get stunned that we don’t hear more from the kids or friends of the kids, etc
Are they all Palin lovers around her?
Jan (SW Washington) (16:23:40) :
I am NOT opposed to praying, but as a photo op?
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Totally agree. Smacks of ethics violation.
LBL NYC
very few Palin lovers around Sarah – mostly fear, a few still in the dazzled stage maybe, but fear predominates (IMO).
Moose Pucky still has antlers to thrash? They must be magical antlers.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Alaska Statutes states that the Office of the Govorner declares a disaster per the statute:
AS 26.23.900. Definitions.
In this chapter,
(1) “commission” means the Alaska State Emergency Response Commission;
(2) “disaster” means the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, loss of life or property, or shortage of food, water, or fuel resulting from
(A) an incident such as storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, avalanche, snowstorm, prolonged extreme cold, drought, fire, flood, epidemic, explosion, or riot;
This is from the website: http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title26/Chapter23/Section900.htm….“shortage of food…or fuel resulting from prolonged extreme cold…” sounds like Western Alaska to me. But like I said, correct me if I’m wrong, but what Statutes is the Govorner reading from?????????????
Help me out here.
The reason, I think, conservative politians (like extremist palin) want government “to get out of the way” is so they themselves can use and abuse it…taking the taxpayers money and benefitting personally…with her, it’s been blantantly obvious. Then that leaves the more financially comfortable, that are not in right wing politics, to prey on the less fortunate over and over again without consequences. It’s criminal and she should be imprisoned for all her actions and inactions! They all should be! There shouldn’t be two sets of rules.
You would think that “prolonged extreme cold” would fit – however the beloved Gov. is prob. thinking its only “prolonged extreme cold” because of fuel prices – not that it is really cold.
Flo (16:41:20) :
…or fuel resulting from prolonged extreme cold…”
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I think there could be something there. Although I read somewhere (someone will have to find it, as I have no idea where it came from) that SP’s staff looked into it and determined the villagers didn’t qualify due to income requirements – their incomes were too high. (Now, remember, these are her words!)
Anyone have a link to that?
@wired differently– you said it so succinctly: Sarah Palin “operate(s) in the world with a blind ethnocentrism.” She has no understanding of the diversity of cultural and social environments and has no interest/curiosity in learning about them. It is scary to think that someone that illiterate is in a position to affect the lives of so many.
In regards to her admonishing the youth of the villages that they might need to leave “for a period of time” for education or work, she mentions her husband as a great example of someone who “grew up in the village of Dillingham” and had to leave the village to work on the North Slope although he would return to Dillingham between work assignments for a “subsistence lifestyle”. This is a piece of fiction! Her husband grew up in Glennellen and Wasilla and graduated with her from Wasilla HS. Yes, his grandmother lived in Dillingham and he visited her there, but that was not his home.
See http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/background/story/561419.html
I am not on official Alaskan, but I am a recent Alaskan at heart from NC (thanks to AK Muckraker and the mudflats). When I watched SWSNBN make her comments before boarding the plane, I was utterly dumbfounded. Is this woman really that out of touch? And worse, is she really your governor?
Its bad enough that her solution to the village crisis is that the young people should move away from the villages to find work. What happens to the villages? Did she stop and think about how the older people and the people too young yet to work are supposed to survive with a lack of jobs and resources and not to mention that oil and food prices so high? Does she really think that all the young eligible people can just go get a job on the North slope? Even Levi Johnston had to relinquish that opportunity because of his lack of qualifications and the long waiting list for such a coveted opportunity.
Also, too, though, has she not heard about the already existent problem of rural to urban migration that is over burdening Alaskan cities? I have only been paying attention to Alaskan politics since her VP announcement last October, and it seems I am more aware of the situation and problems in her state than she is.
She seems so unbelievably incompetent. How does she keep her approval rating so high? This woman just needs to take a book deal or a reality/talk show opportunity and give the people of Alaska a seriously needed break from her craziness. Alaskan’s deserve so much more than this moron could ever give.
I will say a prayer for you Alaskans tonight and ask God to give you better results from your representatives. Please know that others ARE paying attention and we truly care about things getting better for you. Do your best to hang in there and stay warm.
antiAnti – yup – fear……..the person I knew that is a lot like Sarah is capable of the most vicious , volcanic , mind-blowing outbursts. I’ve asked before if any one in AK. has seen or heard of this.
Gino is afraid that some state money will be used helping others, then there will be less for her to bill the state for. She is all about money and the power that seems to go with it. Of course she can never admit this as it is contrary to biblical teachings. She needs the so called “Christian right wingers” to push her into higher office regardless if she is honest or trustworthy.
as an honorary Alaskan via these mudflats, I am proud of you Writing Raven, for speaking out with authority! Your state, as well as the rest of us, need more people like you to speak out about the hypocrisy. Make noise up there. Show her as the fraud she is. Save us all. No amount of bible thumpin’ and fancy pageant walkin’ should save her. She must go.
I am sending all good vibes to the IRS, for the first time in my life, so they can move forward and root through her records. Keep up the good work, Alaskans. We are all behind you. All of us, in our footie spongeBob pajamas, in our parents’ basements, sipping milk and pepsi.
*clap clap clap* thank you AKM for bringing us this real and honest perspective.
@ flo & @ yukonbushgrma
Flo, I’m so glad you posted that! It’s something I’ve wondered about, but it would get lost in all the “latest” shenanigans.
yukonbushgrma – I think the criteria they were using was for a “economic emergency.” And frankly, they’re idiots for calling a $26K income “adequate.” (Even in the lower 48, that’s chicken feed. When you consider this is AK, and way the heck away from so-called modern conveniences, it’s positively insane.)
Supposedly, they (that 5-person jaunt a few weeks ago) are going to put in the “cost of living adjustments” and then see if that makes a difference (or hope that it all gets forgotten, who knows). I don’t understand why that hadn’t been done from the get-go. Geez.
Nan (17:07:46) :
@ flo & @ yukonbushgrma
Flo, I’m so glad you posted that! It’s something I’ve wondered about, but it would get lost in all the “latest” shenanigans.
yukonbushgrma – I think the criteria they were using was for a “economic emergency.” And frankly, they’re idiots for calling a $26K income “adequate.” (Even in the lower 48, that’s chicken feed. When you consider this is AK, and way the heck away from so-called modern conveniences, it’s positively insane.)
Supposedly, they (that 5-person jaunt a few weeks ago) are going to put in the “cost of living adjustments” and then see if that makes a difference (or hope that it all gets forgotten, who knows). I don’t understand why that hadn’t been done from the get-go. Geez.
———-
Nan, yes, that’s what I’m remembering too. Seems I remember SP (or her rep) was being asked about a disaster declaration, but then they went off on this tangent about incomes and such.
But really, who needs to look at incomes in a time of disaster? Where does it say that’s required? When someone is cold and hungry, does it make sense to waste time looking at their bank statement? In that case NO disaster would ever be responded to. (sorry for dangling preposition)
Hmrph.
How are the natives groups in the south east doing? Seem like a little cooperation and demonstrating down in Juneau might be in order. A little drum circle, calling of the spirits, and dancing for a new governor in front of SP’s governor mansion, would be a quite a party!
disaster rules were changed about 10 yrs ago to limit economic disaster declarations…
Go see SB101 in 1999 and track it through to Statute change-on SOAk Legislative pages…
Team Alaska
Adding my drum circle to my daily anti-Palin routine. Thanks
Alaska Pi (17:26:31) :
disaster rules were changed about 10 yrs ago to limit economic disaster declarations…
Go see SB101 in 1999 and track it through to Statute change-on SOAk Legislative pages…
——–
Thanx for the citation!
Trying to untangle the threads… economic disaster declaration in 1998 for BB region(? )ticked off some…
Follwing session rules/law changed…think the income test was to maintain ability to rcv fed funds if necessary but also limit help by using income level NIOT adjusted for Ak cost of living…
could be remembering it all wrong too…
Great post Writing Raven! I wish I could write as clear and logically. I got sick just after I read/watch the clips of Gino and pals yesterday and have been so dizzy and sick to my stomach every since that I can barely read or write, but I just copied and pasted the url’s above here and am sending them off to the list of MNM that is posted on the forum. We can get this out for tomorrows headlines, Yes, we can!
Woops- NOT adjusted…
It was a very good thing that happened when McCain chose Palin as his running mate because it provided much needed transparency in which her self-proclaimed areas of expertise could be closely examined. I noticed recently that she’s been shying away from the media, except for interviews with Faux Nooze. Rawstory has a youtube video I watched just a few minutes ago which questions Palin’s qualifications for leading AK since the oil market has bottomed out. Montana Gov. Schweitzer also took a swipe at her for not attending the governors’ meeting on energy. BTW, I love Gov. Schweitzer because he speaks his mind ,even though I don’t live in Montana. I also read a response from the head of an abstinence organization (through HuffPo, I think) in which Bristol Palin’s comments about abstinence were criticized.
Things are definitely looking up for Gov. Palin.
As long as she has political plans, I’m collecting information and sharing it with others on the internet.
The communities in Southeast Alaska are fairing better then the villages out West. I worry about the elderly living on social security, trying to keep up with their fuel bills and their medication bills.
It’s quite a bit warmer down here in the Panhandle as opposed to Southwestern Alaska. We are on islands, and we have grocery stores within minutes from our homes, if you are on a road system. If you are on a remote island, then you have to skiff to town. Prices are still high in the grocery stores, but nothing compared to Western Alaska.
If Gino keepsup with her ignorance and her antics, I can see a demonstration on the Capital steps or in front of the Mansion that she refuses to live in.
Alaska Pi (17:26:31) :
disaster rules were changed about 10 yrs ago to limit economic disaster declarations…
Go see SB101 in 1999 and track it through to Statute change-on SOAk Legislative pages…
========
Haven’t read the above yet, but it strikes me that if they’re going to address “economic disasters,” then — since the subject is ‘economic’ — they would have to adjust the limit amounts on an annual basis to keep up with current cost of living. Did someone just go to the statute (from 1999), see a dollar figure, and say ‘nope, too high’?
Rock On, Raven! I swear you read my mind with this post. Thank you for putting it down succinctly. Thank you, AKM for the cross-post.
This is a call to arms (figuratively speaking) to the Native community. We have excellent leadership and institutions and we must work together, as we do not have a governor with the capacity (personally or professionally) to address any of these problems. We do have a Federal delegation we can work with and a Commander in Chief that has done more for Indian County in 4 wks than his predecessor did in (and undid) in 8 yrs. We can do this!
yukonbushgrma (17:35:13) :
I’m still rooting around in records trying to put pieces back together for myself…Getting too old to remember details.
Anyone remember Gov Knowles sending food out in 1998- BB area?
SB101started out as a change to rules which was a prerequisite to funding something…
Whatever it’s final form, it DID end up tying the state’s hands in ways that folks did not anticipate… leastwise not we regular everyday folks…
@Lance the Boil aka Crust Scramble (15:41:08) :
Google pays.
AntiTx:
At Gryphen’s blog he goes through some exerpts of the “Trailblazer” book. It quotes some fellow teammates from her basketball days. Is that what you were referring to??
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2009/02/all-we-need-to-know-about-sarah-palin.html
On that same note: The tribes down here in Southeast Alaska are very vocal, very organized and don’t like taking crap from most people. Oh hell, that just describes Southeast in general. In Alaska, when you marry into a tribe, you marry into a nation. When pushed, we push back.
Ok, b/c I’m just to dizzy at the moment to go looking all over the AK news papers online, can anyone tell me in a nut shell just where and what Gino and pals did deliver to villagers and if that has helped in those areas. So we know which other villages we need to focus on now.
And has our friend Ann check in lately? I’m still looking for news of her visitors this weeK.
Thank you to Writing Raven. You make some very salient points. Sorry to disagree, but I think this word salad is rooted in racism/ cultural ignorance. Just my opinion, though.
I don’t understand why they can’t call it a “natural disaster” since the straw that broke the camel’s back was the early freeze that kept the barges from delivering the fuel (bought at the height of gas prices).
(Back in the late 80s, the state of Missouri was criticized for not adjusting its financial “labels.” They hadn’t changed the numbers for 15 years or more, and people who were making more than a 1975 level were really *hurting* (ask me how I know. Idjits.)
@Peaceful Granny
See http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/update-from-nunam-iqua/#comments
You may have to scroll up, instead of down…
Sorry: austintx (16:54:08) :
Nan (17:51:38) :
I don’t understand why they can’t call it a “natural disaster” since the straw that broke the camel’s back was the early freeze…
======
an early freeze is **prolonged extreme cold**
some is here in archives too…
http://www.ak-prepared.com/disarchive.htm
This woman is utterly despicable. Granted, Alaska is HUGE and there are many issues to address for the gov, but WTF?! She is a shameful nothing.
@bushgrma & AK Pi: I found an article from the ADN, July 31, 1998, that addresses the disaster you refer to. Here’s the summary.
“Gov. Tony Knowles on Thursday declared Western Alaska communities an economic disaster area and proposed a $19 million package of state and federal funds to help residents cope with this summer’s meager salmon returns.
Knowles asked legislative leaders to authorize $12 million for needs including food, fuel and electricity for the 8,000 families affected in the fishery-dependent Bristol Bay, Yukon River and Kuskokwim River regions.
No one knows exactly what’s causing the salmon shortfalls, but Knowles tied the low runs to weather conditions. He is seeking additional federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Act and the Department of Commerce. Although FEMA turned down the state’s request for aid last year, Knowles hopes this year will be different, likening the low return this year to weather-induced agricultural crop failures in Texas that have garnered aid.”
I found this article in ProQuest, a periodical database we get in all libraries here in WA. I’m going to look now for info on the income level limit…
OT: If I had a congressman that I could actually get to do anything, I’d write and ask him to write a law making it unlawful for any elected person paid by the government to speak negatively about “government” unless they cut their own salary 10% each time they make such a declaration and then spend 8 hours working in a food bank, or vet hospital for free.
Who do these anit-government politians think they are working for…oh, yeah I forgot, big business…they just get per diem and pocket change from their government checks, the big bucks come from their big business pals.
Gino watch out that new government job you have your sites on may be slipping out of site soon….
God has heard your prayers Gino and the answer is “No Way Palin! You haven’t taken care of your own children or the children of AK, don’t even consider taking on another job until you learn a thing or two about the one you aren’t doing now!
@ yukonbushgrma
Exactly!
And that’s why I wonder why they even bothered with the “income” qualifications, if the “prolonged extreme cold” was the culprit!
I think we’re both saying the same thing, really – why hasn’t something been done, why wasn’t a way found to get something done (without waiting for some “faith-based” initiative). I know I don’t have the answer; just more questions.
and Writing Raven-
Thank you.
AKM- thank you for posting this…
Thank you AKM, and RAVEN. Well Done!
This is the point. Palin has no intention of provideing long term solutions to these problems. She wants the natives to leave the villages, and she wants the Big Oil and Big Gas people to move in.
The village people are in the way, and she has no intention of solving these problems unless she is shamed into it. Raven speaks the truth.
@Peaceful Granny: I was wondering the same thing. She posted to the anonymousbloggers blog yesterday.
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/
Wired…
look for federal poverty limit…
Right on sister. So thankful you have the time to articulate the angst and extreme umbrage Alaska Natives should take on the Governor’s backhanded charity.
For all of you sweet mudpuppies outraged, you do not realize that that 60% citizenry that support Palin are those that think we are, in fact, a burden and an irritation to the State. That is why the radio DJ’s and Board of Game members can tell off-colored jokes about Natives drunk on the streets or getting paint-balled for sport and only increase the ratings or have legions of fans objecting to their censure.
I have often said that non-Natives like Sarah and her ilk that have ties through marriage or employment to Rural Alaska (especially with Native villages) become the worst judges of us as a people and as communities.
They hide behind their association and experience with Natives to talk tough on our realities – We are all drunks, we waste our money on bootleggers, bingo and trips to Anchorage or Fairbanks, we sexually abuse or neglect our children and despite already being Christian, still need folks like Sarah Palin, Jerry Prevo and the good Reverend Franklin Graham to “save” us.
Sarah’s had decades of getting her feet wet in Rural living (for one, Wasilla, 45 minutes outside of Anchorage, still claims that status) through the TOWN of Dillingham with Todd’s summer fishing (if their biography is to be believed) and as I’ve stated from above, and she still thinks government is not the answer to our institutional neglect.
She wants Alaskans, nay, Americans, to be contributing members of society – but she doesn’t want the responsibility. As a person with power over policy and budget – she does not see the necessity to invest in Rural Alaska in order to see fruition, see those results.
Rural Natives like Writing Raven and I have always said that we need infrastructure in order to level the playing field. There is not just unemployment in our communities, there is UNDERemployment, the fact that there are no jobs to be had. It isn’t a case where we laze about on our couches and not go after jobs. . .
When an urban Alaskan criticizes our very real complaints about the high cost of energy, they speak from the very Ivory Tower built by government that affords them cheap goods, services and energy.
Two points I’ve been dying to make about Palin’s comments:
1. “It is reprehensible and hypocritical that the Defenders of Wildlife would use Alaska and my administration as a fundraising tool to deceive Americans into parting with their hard-earned money. – Sarah Palin
Sarah, Samaritan’s Purse and other telegenic mega churches doe exactly the same thing well financed, glitzy wildlife groups do, deceive Americans into parting with their hard-earned money.
2. “. . .remind those, especially young people, in rural Alaska of the job opportunities that are available, albeit it requires in some cases leaving the village for a short time,” Palin said.
Are you honestly going to speak to that? You yourself aggressively went after a job that requires you to leave your home for a short time. . .it’s called being the Governor of Alaska, in which your designated job site is in Juneau. You knew that going into your job and you not only insist on making your private home in Wasilla your base, you charge us for that privilege too.
And you opened that door with your daughter, so I have to go there: When are you going to make Bristol leave your home to get her job or education? Make sacrifices leaving her family in order to make a living? It is a hard and painful reality right?
Back on topic without my snide observations – the fact that she has this romanticized, rugged background with Rural Alaska, she comes to the plate as Chief Executive of the State with the stunted opinion that jobs can’t be created at a Rural level? That the Alaskan Native village workforce is limited to the youth (and not the skilled adults?) that needs to be shipped out for manual labor in Prudhoe Bay or the slime lines in the Bering Sea?
My god Sarah, why do we need progressive, visionary leaders when we are reaping so much benefit from a Sarah-six-pack elected official? I’m so glad we all feel like we can sit down and have a beer with you, because, it has become so glaringly obvious that that is all you are good for.
Good night.
IrishgirlNo Gravatar (15:08:41) :
I just can’t understand anyone who says “It isn’t the Government’s problem.”
I mean really..WTF? What are governments for?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Republican Taliban think they can sit on their A$$es all day and collect Taxes from us to pay their salary, and collect per deims and $60 phone calls.
And do nothing for the people who vote. HELLO!!!!
We have a new President who wants Govt. to be ACCOUNTABLE AND WORK FOR THE PEOPLE!!!!
That’s why they are throwing their little tantrums.
And the native situation I remember reading about it during the election, but no one noticed.
Just like Ann coulter said the other day on Larry king show, the economy just “suddenly” went “just like the dot com”!!! NOT!!!! Of course those idiots weren’t reading the signs…they watch Faux news…”The fundamentals of the economy are strong” John mccain says. 3 weeks later Their scrambling to sign TARP. Rational people say this coming 2 yrs/1 yr ago.
The Taliban doesn’t remember TARP. The just harp on PO and the stimulus bill!
Idiots! Idiots!!!!!
And watch GINO refuse the stimulus, just watch her….! If she does you guys need to impeach her. Any gov. who refuses should be impeached/recalled…whatever. They are trying to wreck the country what’s left after 8 yrs of the Shrub. And PO trying to save what’s left.
DAMN ALL THEM TO HELL!!!!!
Off Topic – Reading the write up on Gov. Crist (R-FL) from Meet the Press regarding the stim at Daily KOS – something all Gov’s should consider doing before deciding to reject the Fed Stim $$
“”It’s fundamentally important that we help the people, we reach out to them, we understand they’re in a time of need. In the past five weeks, I’ve visited six unemployment offices throughout Florida. I look into the eyes of these people and I understand that the challenges are serious that they’re having to deal with, and I want to do everything I can to help them.”"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And SP should consider spending a couple days in a village instead of a “touch & go” to really understand the challenges.
read more @ http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/2/22/124846/451/247/700468
Alaska Pi (17:41:14) :
“I’m still rooting around in records trying to put pieces back together for myself…Getting too old to remember details.
Anyone remember Gov Knowles sending food out in 1998- BB area?”
=======
This isn’t food, but could it possibly relate?
http://www.iphc.washington.edu/Staff/hare/html/decadal/salmon/salmon98.html
“Alaska salmon returns are down in 1997 and 1998:
Harbingers of a new regime?”
LBL NYC – Actually I was referring to someone I knew that had a lot of traits that Sarah exhibits. The switch gets flipped and they go bat-shit. The vicious , vile , and downright mean things they say is incredible. 5 minutes later it never happened. I really can see that in SP. She has everyone cowed and browbeat around her. At the end of the day though – Sarah Palin is your run of the mill , pedestrian , lame-ass , chickenshit COWARD.
Governor Knowles did declare and emergency and relief entailed State and Federal aid along with purchased salmon shipped up to coastal villages. They were frozen surplus fish from Southeast.
Section 312 of the Manguson Stevens Act also provided economic relief at a community level – most villages got a chunk of change for some sort of infrastructure project that had some relationship to fisheries.
@Pi: Still doesn’t give the amount, but it’s full of good information.
Apologies to all for this long comment, it’s the full text of a newspaper article re. previous economic disaster and gov’t. response.
ANCHORAGE DAILY TIMES Jun 10, 1999
Disaster relief
Last piece of puzzle in place
Finally, federal aid for Western Alaska and the Yukon is complete. The state got word Tuesday that $18 million for disaster relief is headed its way. For individuals hit hard F C 0 THEN ENDALL}by salmon fishery collapses, this portion of a $50 million federal-aid package is perhaps the most meaningful.
That’s because the money will help impoverished fishermen and their families. Even before fish failed to return for two years running, the declared disaster areas in Western Alaska and the Yukon ranked as some of the poorest in the nation.
Life has gotten even tougher since then.
The final $18 million in aid was delayed because of a drafting error in the original appropriation language. The problem was recently fixed by U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, Alaska’s senior statesman and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The $18 million will be distributed to eligible individuals in the form of vendor credits. Vendors ranging from grocery stores to electric companies will be designated by applicants to receive the federal money. For instance, one family might steer half of its aid to the local grocery store and the rest would be split among other creditors like the electric company and the fuel supplier.
More than 5,000 individuals applied for assistance when the state put out the call for applications. The state expects to send out notices to them by this weekend that the federal money has been approved, says Dianna Alcantra, Recovery Manager at the state Emergency Operations Center.
The state’s notification letter will explain to applicants who haven’t already sent in proof of income that they must do so before money can be disbursed. Depending on how fast applications are completed, money to vendors will be disbursed starting within the next week or so. Ms. Alcantra expects disbursement on finished applications to continue for the next two or three weeks. For some distressed Alaskans, Tuesday’s good news couldn’t have come at a better time. For example, the statewide Alaska Village Electric Co-op, which serves 51 villages including at least two dozen in affected areas, recently sent out disconnect notices to delinquent customers. Some of those customers have applied for federal aid but did not know when it would be approved.
Ms. Alcantra says eligible applicants with delinquent notices from creditors can sign a release-of-information form so that her office can notify creditors that the delinquent bill or bills will be paid.
Proof-of-income paperwork can be mailed or faxed to the state Division of Emergency Services at 1-800-478-9525. “If they’re not sure whether they’re eligible, call and apply and find out,” Ms. Alcantra advises. The toll-free number is 1-888-388-3473. “We’d rather them not call six months from now and have been eligible (today),” she says.
This latest federal aid was complemented in the past year by $10 million in federal energy assistance to affected communities and $12 million in state disaster aid. Of that state money, $9 million was spent on vouchers that villagers used to pay for gasoline for subsistence hunting, food, fuel and utilities.
That state money went a long way in helping disaster-struck people get through an Alaska winter. With this $18 million in federal money now a sealed deal, thousands of people who depend on Western Alaska and Yukon fisheries for both sustenance and a cash have been thrown a life raft just when some of them were about to go financially under.
I can see the Village from my House – whew ! wow ! whoa !…….you get a heartfelt AMEN from me. I do believe you are gonna sleep good tonight.
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/cgi-bin/folioisa.dll/stattx98/query=jump!3A!27as2623020!27/doc/{@10526}/hit_headings?
somebody know how to jump through the leagalese?
Also- the changes were discussed in (probably )May 1999
Ok- Writing Raven, CRFlats and I Can See The Village…
Please be our gov, lt. gov, and AG?
Please…
Oh my- many apologies for the spellos…
See The Village:
Your post was so thought-provoking, I had to read it four times. Yes, unfortunately she can be called racist.
and, in general, anti-rural.
I’ve noticed in all of the articles they have at ADN about this fiasco that all the right wingers complain in their comments that the people in the villages spent their energy check at Best Buy for big screen TV’s and X-Boxes. That as usual, the people in peril created their own problem by not saving the money and instead chose to waste it on expensive toys.
Who put out that talking point because the right wingers sure all spout it at a drop of a hat.
Considering that Knowles was right there in the belly of the beast in 1999, why haven’t we heard from him re: the current situation? or have we?
I just don’t recall reading anything from him, but maybe missed it.
He would be a good source to ask right now.
Thanks to Writing Raven for explaining things so clearly. But I have a question. Are the native lands in Alaska considered Reservations? If so, aren’t they considered sovereign lands and do they not report directly to the Federal–not State–government? I know it’s complicated, but my understanding was that State and local government has no jurisdiction on Reservation lands. Hence, the question of if the lands in question are Reservations. It almost sounds like they are, (didn’t someone post about Governor Palin sueing to have some of the native lands opened for sale? If that’s the case, perhaps a possible long-term solution might involve not dealing with the local state government–which has, at best, deep conflicts of interest–and instead working with the Federal Government, which at the moment seems more inclined to actually provide some of the infrastructure needed to re-vitalize, rather than gut, the villages.
Another question: What sorts of tribal alliances are in place? One of the key turning points for the Native Americans down in my neck of the woods was the formation of the Warm Springs Confederated Tribes, a governing body that coordinates development and legislative efforts for the tribes across a huge area. The organization has done a great deal of good, helping individual tribes and Reservations fund development, but also providing a liaison point for such organizations as the Forest Service to coordinate programs that include reservation lands for the benefit of all. Is there anything equivalent in Alaska?
I understand the anger, and the frustration of having to deal with a local governor who seems to have her mind very much on other things. I guess my question is, is there a way of NOT having to deal with her at that level? I suspect she’s not going to change. I also suspect that her approval ratings among those who support oil and environment depradation will remain high. Creepy as it is, there are many people who are NOT bothered by a governor who very clearly blurs the lines between church and state, even enlisting religious organizations to fulfil state obligations. Those things aren’t going to change until there’s an election, and even then they might not unless those in power magical grow souls.
So, how can we find a way of revitalizing the rural Alaskan villages that doesn’t depend on divine intervention? And now, at a time when the Federal government is expanding so dramatically, is there a way of shifting the responsibility for such development from the state to a team composed of Federal government and Alaskan Natives?
That doesn’t solve the problem for other rural Alaskans, but it just seems that since there is already a reservation system in place in other parts of the nation, if it’s not there now it might pay to see what would be involved in having it done.
Another thought–what about choosing to “donate” the village lands to the Federal government as a National Park, with the proviso that subsistence living can be practiced on the lands in perpetuity? In essence, why not turn the Native Alaskan villagers into a protected species? I’m not meaning to be insulting here, truly I’m not, but it seems like it might provide a way of gaining protection.
What brought it to mind is that a group of Mexican fishermen around one of the gray whales’ birthing lagoons did something like that. They took their lands and, rather than farming or developing them (and in the process destroying the birthing lagoon) they had them declared a national nature reserve, and had themselves appointed the custodians. They regulate visitors to the lagoon, run whale-watching trips in their small fishing boats, and have built a life combining eco-tourism, ecology, and their traditional subsistence lifestyle. And the lands have the sort of protection that none of them could have afforded on their own.
Just thinking out loud here…
There have been a lot of really “tough to chew and then swallow” posts one after the other so I think AKM is trying to kill me. Will somebody holler at me when say, Ann Strongheart or Brian return for one of their guest appearances? I have to go write on my blackboard now because I have an assignment to write 100 times: “I promise never to turn completely red and throw my shoe at the computer with one hand, while pulling clumps of my hair out with the other (because for one thing it really freaks out the pets!)”.
@Bodie…
VERY different situation here…
go here and look at ANSCA..
Also – for an example…look up Calista Corp and read some about how and when lands were chosen and look at map of area on that link- see all the intertwined “jurisdictions”?
http://fairbanks-alaska.com/alaska-native-corporations.htm
Also- back a thread or so I Can See The Village… explained some more ins and outs of tribal status and affiliation here…
The arrangement is only about 35 years old and has not been sorted out very well yet- certainly NOT to the extent that rural alaska has gained parity with urban Alaska.
Hi, AustinTx; sorry about your experience with the npd; another thing about it, is that to outsiders, they are charming, and sweet; it’s like the saying, street angel and house devil.
Martha,
Did you read about Ann’s yesterday?
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/update-from-nunam-iqua/
Curl up with the pets and enjoy!
Jane
@ Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
I just found the story of the “Snow Lady” over on Anonymous Bloggers. I know you’ve already seen it (from your comment there), but I think I’m going to print it out and have it handy for my next near-meltdown.
Just thinkin’ out loud is all.
Nan
There are only 2 villages that are considered reservations, one I believe is Metlakatla and the other I think is Venetie near Fort Yukon. None of the rural villages are reservations.
I am sorry but I simply can’t stand Sarah Palin!! she is so clueless and so our her followers. The right wingers who post at ADN are off their rockers and plain stupid! This post summarizing Palin’s comments and the great response needs to be sent to every media outlet and person we know. How can she basically encourage the destruction of a culture!!!!!!
OT: again, Ann Strongheart is truly an AK treasure. I finally read her recent update, Snow Lady thanks for the link. AKM and other Mudpuppies.
@ Alaska Pi–
VERY different situation here…
go here and look at ANSCA..
Also – for an example…look up Calista Corp and read some about how and when lands were chosen and look at map of area on that link- see all the intertwined “jurisdictions”?
———
Thanks–I’ll go review the stuff posted on that link you forwarded. Not that I think I’m going to solve anything tonight, but hey, at least I can educate myself, right? Never thought I’d be saying this, but I have to say that in a way it’s a shame that you DON’T have many designated reservations; it would afford some protection. Enough–I’ll stop talking and go read before I embarrass myself here.
Whoa–just went and looked at the link you posted, Alaska Pi–complex doesn’t really even begin to cover it, does it? It reminds me of that old saying: “What’s everybody’s problem is nobody’s problem.” With all those interlocking and overlapping jurisdictions it must be a nightmare to try to get anything accomplished at all.
BodieP (20:03:53) :
Yup… nightmare.
But IF we dampen the winds off urban Alaska , we can hear our neighbors loud and clear, from the bush- telling us what they have plans for and what they want for their communities.
Rural America has taken it in the shorts for the last 40 years from phony applications of economic Darwinism and nowhere more than Rural Alaska .
@ Nan
That’s a perfectly WONDERFUL idea! I just went back to the update and laughed again.
(OT)
@ Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
so did I… LOL
unfortunately, palin followers are no different than those who drank the koolaid. there are just desperate, gullible people in the world who just want to believe in something. vultures (turkeys) like palin take full advantage. i would say those people get what they deserve, but palin is in my space as well, so i cannot let my guard down for a minute.
re: palin and the media…does she exclude MEDIA like limbaugh, hannity, o’reilly, & beck??? i guess the ‘elite’ media are only the ones that don’t buy into her bulls**t. read this and weep, palin! we are not going away until you go away!
oh i forgot media also too like greta & pat buchanan (lovefest)
I feel so humbled. Been here 11 years and thought I knew at least a *little* bit about AK history. Ha! The history of subsistence is just bizarre. I’m not the least bit ed-gee-kated.
For a bit of a summary of what’s happened in AK since 1925 re: subsistence, here’s a short history (looks like it might come from a biased source, but the facts are good):
http://www.subsistmgtinfo.org/history.htm
Subsistence Management Information
Management History
updated through 1/30/2007
(from their site: “Subsistence Management Information is a program led by United Fishermen of Alaska and aimed at increasing understanding of federal management of subsistence fisheries. “United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) is a statewide organization composed of 32 commercial fishing organizations, as well as individual and business members.”)
Still think somebody needs to track down Tony Knowles and ask him what he makes of all this. He could write a good Compass piece for ADN.
@ yukonbushgrma
You and I think alike on this subject! I have been missing Mr. Knowles a whole lot, and wondering what he is doing now. Also, too. His experience is tremendous, and his manner so polite, but very approachable.
There are many good Alaska democrats including Knowles. Too bad we’re usually a minority– I must remind myself– most Alaskans around me probably aren’t democrats. Democratic legislators advocated relevant relief for rural Alaska at last summer’s special session, but they were the minority so their proposals never made it to the floor.
Its nice to see that SP and her priorities in order. The Iron Dog Race is such an important event now. It sure is great to see our Gov. all dressed up in fancy snow machine clothing, and cheering on the duds. Was she the hottest babe there! TOO bad Sports Illustrated wasn’t there to capture the glory, and check out miss hotness in all her form. I think I’m going to get sick if I every see her hug and kiss toddy again after this incredible male bonding event. Go DUDS!
She took a full week to recover from the Iron Dog festivities, and Grata’s V’s interviews worked out. Next media campaign and mission from higher powers was food drop, with a little apostle action mixed in. WTF!! Was this another mission from god? Did God finally crack the door for SP to barge through to help Alaskans? Thats what she was waiting for. The higher powers guides her, sorry native elders……. Sarah does not here you with all that divine intelligence she is tuned into. Sorry kids, you should of hitched a ride back to Fairbanks on one of those Iron Dogs for a dollar meal and a coke.
Re: Palin’s second point: Reminder to villages: we’re in a cash based society now—
We’ll see about that: The way Bank of America and Citibank stocks are heading, we may all be in non-cash societies by the end of the week . . .
I have to go back and finish reading everyone’s posts, but I had a thought: Palin is not worth the effort, but could Alaska Natives and rural villagers put pressure on the AK Legislature to make some changes?
1. Change the definition of an economic disaster, and update income figures. I think the ones used were sadly out of date.
2. For the school project (plus two others) make hiring Natives a requirement, they get preference. And build in training programs, in construction, computers, whatever else they need- so jobs can be created.
3. Look at the agreement with the commercial fishing companies- put pressure on them/modify the agreements to decrease the amount of salmon kill. Or pay penalties-
This must come from the Legislature- I know the session is short, but maybe an emergency session can be called? Forget the Governor, she couldn’t care less.
…just wondering why GINO won’t listen to the Elders, listen and see what they want…didn’t do that just came up with what they should do
to those of you on here that have your finger on the pulse of alaska b/c your residents…have you ever considered running for public office to make a real, positive difference from the inside?
@ SarahPACK
“…just wondering why GINO won’t listen to the Elders, listen and see what they want…”
I know it’s not supposed to funny, I really know it’s not. But listen? Sarah Palin? Her comments in the “I’m killing the bush with kindness” (article on ADN) almost sound to me like it IS the Tribal Councils / Elders that she is targeting for “change in leadership”.
She has no control over Tribal Councils. She doesn’t understand them. She will not be bothered to learn, since she really wants them to go away and have the villages disperse to urban areas. Drill, baby, drill and Shoot, Baby, Shoot.
New thread’s up…updates from Ann Strongheart.
@yukonbushgrma and friends,
Agreed, it would be good to benefit from Knowles’ experience now. I can’t help feeling a little frustrated, though, that more of us didn’t value that experience back in 2006, when he was running against SP for gov and we had the opportunity to put him back in office. I wonder how many voters from that election would like a do-over right about now. Sadly, probably not enough. Yet.
North_of_the_Range (21:54:08) :
I wonder how many voters from that election would like a do-over right about now.
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More than we think, I’ll bet …
Ohh, I want a red quilt.
The Alaska Native populations and politics can be very confusing. There is one RESERVE, (federally recognized reservation) and you can find that information at this website. http://www.annetteisland.com/
The Alaska native Settlement Act allowed the formation of regional corporations, there are 12, and 13th region which included people all over the United states, predominately in Washington.
Each village, there are 217 that have IRA , which are similar to the reservations, this allows them to obtain federal funding.
As for this video writing raven, that was some very good points. When I watched it-it seems as though you came to dealing with it… from a point of trying to be careful in not stating she is racist, we have to be careful not to use this card too often. But I think she was. That might just be my opinion, but there is alot she isnt taking into consideration, that, not all natives are treated. Im sure 1/8 doesnt qualify any native for “native preference” So I doubt even her husband is registered, another palin lie. Check out the requirement. http://www.alaskool.org/projects/ancsa/annancsa.htm
Note that it compares ANSCA, to Washington’s point Elliot treaty! What I know of those tribes in Washington, is when they decided to reinforce this with the Boldt decision (a case to reinforce the Point Elliot treaty) It not only allowed the natives 50% of the catch, but the governing entities, i.e. the State of Washington allows members of their tribes to help in the negotiations. In Alaska, they have one token native , as a RURAL ADVISOR, but we need more Native input. And it might seem all good and right, that Washington natives get 50%, but when reading through all this, you have to remember that they owned it 100%. So , they still gave ..or lost alot. I wish we can come to the table, and have our input. It isnt like that with Palin!
The one thing I admire, about my friend here (I am attending college in Washington) is when he learned of his rights as a native, he went to this area where he used to fish. And, he brought this “fish in usual and accustomed place” he explained to this non native, that he needed to feed his elders and his family. Well, wouldnt you believe, that because he had all this information, that non native allowed him to hunt for his traditional food. I wish, that we can do this,,without harrassment there. But Nooo
GINO is too busy, and it has to take a dire situation for her to even extend the hunting season.
I remember it well, that Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich attended the AFN and asked GINO, to consider what may come up, and deal with the issue of RURAL alaskans moving to the cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks. Was she even concerned and did she take the time to address this issue NO! she was too busy galavanting around in her costumes. I mean $150K wardrobe!
So, I agree with you, that There are things she said, let us hope that we can pull together to figure out a way to make her more accountable, or vote her out. I dont buy into her husband being native, if so they need to show us the proof of that as well. and I know for a fact, its written on those websites native,, recognition comes from the BIA and it is 1/4.
if you also look for native corporations, it states they use the laws. but the best write up about that was by Bob Poe the other day in response to Fred Dyson.
For now, thats all I have to say.
Well, apparently she DID skip the governor’s convention with Obama. That surprises me. I didn’t think she would pass up an event like that where she would possibly be in the spotlight again. Maybe, she was making an effort by going to rural Alaska. But, she really is out of her league about helping anyone. I hope she does not get reelected for the sake of the people of Alaska.
@ I can see the Village from my HouseNo Gravatar (18:12:46)
At the end of your excellent comment, you wrote,
“My god Sarah, why do we need progressive, visionary leaders when we are reaping so much benefit from a Sarah-six-pack elected official? I’m so glad we all feel like we can sit down and have a beer with you, because, it has become so glaringly obvious that that is all you are good for.”
Wrong. She isn’t good for that, also.
and @ Jan (SW Washington) (16:23:40)
“I am NOT opposed to praying, but as a photo op?”
Agreed. Arguably violates the 1st Amendment and without doubt violates Mt. 6:5:
“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.”
Hubby pointed me towards a news article on the King 5 web site about one of our Seattle restaurants that is trying to help. They pointed out the very obvious connection that we have with the Alaska fishermen – many of our restaurants (and grocery stores) serve salmon from Alaska. So Elliot’s is having a fundraiser this Thursday to benefit rural villages. I think they said that 25 % of the proceeds will be donated. (Since I’m not able to go there on Thursday, I’m going to see if I can just donate cash instead.)
So here’s the link to the story:
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_022209WAB-alaska-economy-help-SW.4092e92d.html
(Note: I’ve tried to post two different comments and for some reason, neither one is showing up. The one just seems to have not gone through and the other shows up on my profile, but only to me. Very frustrating, as the only comment so far is someone who obviously hasn’t read much about what is going on in Alaska. Argh)
Pacificnwgal (22:51:32) :
Well, apparently she DID skip the governor’s convention with Obama. That surprises me. I didn’t think she would pass up an event like that where she would possibly be in the spotlight again.
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I’m certain she passed it up because she knew she *would* be in the spotlight, and she wouldn’t be able to speak intelligently enough for 90 minutes to run the meeting!
@ PAT I will definately forward this to my listserve I have about 200 relatives in Seattle.
ALL ALASKA native .
I will also post it on my blog sites for my friends and family as well as my facebook. I can put this on my facebook for AARP as well. Thanks.
I will even try to go down there.
Pat-WA State:
That story about Elliot’s was heartwarming. We need to hear more like that!
deist (20:46:45) :
Democratic legislators advocated relevant relief for rural Alaska at last summer’s special session, but they were the minority so their proposals never made it to the floor.
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deist – sorry, I wanted to reply to this earlier and must have had one of those awful senior moments.
Yes, you put it all back into perspective. Legislators truly have been dealing with this all along. But as I found when reading about it tonight, even way back 20 years ago, the camps could never get together on a solution. How sad is that? Can’t even agree on a way to ensure the well-being, safety and prosperity of their own people. Unforgiveable.
Alaska Pi (18:36:52) :
REGARDING –
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/cgi-bin/folioisa.dll/stattx98/query=jump!3A!27as2623020!27/doc/{@10526}/hit_headings?
————–
Don’t understand it at all really, but was left with one nagging initial thought. There’s a lot of talk in it about financing, and how the disaster fund must be maintained. Just wonder how much money is in that fund right now …
She might be trying to cover for some mess in the budget. You never know.
Don’t s’pose that kind of thing is on the state’s online checkbook. Naw, they’d never show real account balances.
Read this lastnight at her blog & wanted to comment. I always enjoy reading at Writing Raven’s blog, but have to say THIS is the best piece I believe she has ever written. I hope that AKM’s posting it here will help send it to every Blogosphere in cyberspace!!
Even though I am a Caucasian Heinz57 Varieties person myself, Writing Raven captured the revulsion and disbelief that I too felt in watching Sarah’s insensitive photo-op bullsh!t session. In horror, I kept wondering when they were next going to trot out some of the Village Elders to pray for their suppers while doing the ‘happy face’. I’m also with the folks that believe Sarah’s “willfull ignorance” is racist, perhaps why she needs to keep trotting Todd out to prove she’s not racist – but she sure stays “willfully ignorant” doesn’t she?
It’s interesting, though, some of the other blogs I’ve been watching haven’t said a word about Sarah’s charity “mission”, even the folks that are fans of hers. Perhaps too embarrassed.
mt (23:26:49) :
@ PAT I will definately forward this to my listserve I have about 200 relatives in Seattle. ALL ALASKA native .
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heehee, Elliot’s had better think about putting up a tent!
The village communities are no less American than their ANCH/FBX/JUN counterparts. They deserve representative and compassionate government. As for Palin’s religious references; it’s hard to know her heart from afar. Christianity shouldn’t be indicted or lauded on the basis of any one representative. There is a new church plant in Anch which specifically aims to help and support the bush communities by sending out pastoral support, prayer, finances, etc (www.anchoragechurchplant.blogspot.com). In general it is the job of the magistrate (Palin, government, et al.) to govern with the interests of all their constituents at mind, but civil magistrates are usually more inclined to listen to those with power and money.
Ben, the villages are arguably more “American” than any of us, since the peoples who now live there have been there for thousands of years!
She is right about new leadership being needed, but I suspect she is not including herself in this case. Its ALWAYS someone elses fault.
re : SWWNBN personality disorder
Someone, somewhere pointed out that in the very odd ‘election eve’ letter supposedly released / approved by the good doctor CBJ, there was a mention of Sarah’s liver enzyme levels (of all things) and that they had not been tested.
An Alert Reader (Be a Lert, the world needs more Lerts) wondered WHY that little item was in there at all. Turns out, SSRI antidepressants affect liver enzymes ! Was CBJ giving us a clue ?
I have a cousin on Zoloft. She swears that she will be on it for the rest of her life (she is in her forties) and that it is god’s gift to humans. (Well, okay).
The thing is, she acts very much like SP. She has stayed with us. When she gets up in the morning she stumbles around like a zombie until she takes her little magic pill. Then it’s like zowie wowie, she’s speeding until midnite or so. I finally told her she acted like she was on speed. She was horrified, so proud of the fact that she has NEVER done illegal drugs. (I suggested that she might want to try a popular, mild one). But the pattern of absolute confidence in herself no matter what gibberish she was saying and the endless energy is the same as SP. (The cousin told me one time that she tried to take Zoloft in the evening but it had her ‘bouncing off the walls all night’ . . . I asked her ‘what does that tell you about this drug?’ but she didn’t get it.)
I’m starting to think that SP’s god comes in a little bottle and that CBJ was trying to clue us into that with the liver enzyme reference.
And yes, when this sort loses it, they totally lose it but then something turns over in their minds and it’s like their tantrum never even happened. Weird.
Regarding GINO:
I learned many years ago about talking;
“WHAT COMES UP DOESN’T HAVE TO COME OUT”
In other words, every thought that flows through your mind is not necessarily worthy
of words.
Sarah Palin really needs to learn this little ‘tid bit.’
I know of a leader who needs to be replaced….If not before her term expires then definitely keep her from returning. Get her OUT and get her good. She must go. she epitomizes all that is wrong with ‘merkans.
She stinks…and the more I smell her, the more she stinks…
Writing Raven, You missed an opportunity to nail Sarah to the wall for lying in that video. I can understand that you missed it as you were seeing Sarah Red.
After she suggested that the youth of the villages leave to find jobs elsewhere, she told a short story about her husband Todd to use as an example of someone who left the bush to get a job and make a better life for his family. Only the whole story was based on a lie.
To praphrase;
Sarah said that Todd was raised in Dillingham and after high school he realized he might have to leave there to get a job and take care of his family. Also, she said that the job allowed him to go back to Dillingham on his down time from his job on the slope and live a subsistence lifestyle. She was pointing him out as a shining example of a kid from the bush who moved away for work and how it helped him with his subsitence life.
The problem is, Todd wasn’t raised in Dillingham. He may have lived there for a while when he was very young, but from what I can gather, he was raised in Glenallen and Wasilla. His father was the Manager of MEA in Wasilla. Not sure what he did in Glenallen. His mother remained in Dillingham and Todd would visit her in the summer and setnet to make money. But he graduated from Wasilla High where he was Sarah’s high school sweetheart. He was long gone from Dillingham when he graduated, but that is not what Sarah implied in her little speech. In fact, When he applied for the slope job, they had just eloped and were living in Anchorage. By the time he was hired, Sarah and Todd had bought a condo in Wasilla and were living there again.
Todd wasn’t making any sacrifices to live in Anchorage and Wasilla, he’d been there for a long time and had friends, family, a wife, and a place to live there. He also had money from his commercial fishing and whatever else he was doing. He went to the Bush to visit family and make money. Ironic since Sarah suggested others should leave the bush to make money.
All that is quite different from what the average young person in the bush would have if they tried to go to the big city and find a job. They would be alone in a strange place filled with strange people with little or no money and where would they be living? Life would also be going along at a faster pace, with lots of distractions and no family or friends around for a support group. That’s a pretty scary thought for a youngster raised in the bush.
But to watch the whole story roll off of Sarah’s tongue left me flabbergasted. I realized then just how easy it was for her to make things up to make a point. And as you pointed out, not necessarily a valid point.
As a child of the bush and still living there a few things need to be brought out.
There is a lack of infastructure, jobs and opportunities.
There is also a lack of leadership in SOME villages by people who care about their youth more than how to get federal dollars through thier budgets. More than one ‘leader’ has told THAT has to be their first concern if they want to continue to even exsist.
What we need to do is help villages form short term and long term plans for development, know the difference between community development and economic development (jobs long term) and how they can move toward it.
Finally we have to help change our rules so that vilalges are encouraged to work together and NOT compete for money and projects that FORCE them into isolation.
This will take all of us and has to include an open discussion of the total scope of issues in villages.
RB:
Great message and very well put. We need to all work together to find solutions up here; long term solutions or everyone will just be banding together year after year to help communities in crisis, not create long term solutions. Some people here act like they are feeding starving puppies and breaking their arms patting themselves on the back for giving and “saving the villages”; short term aid is not a solution. Unless many generous souls band together year after year to provide food relief to communities in trouble the problems will only get worse. I hope that we in the state of Alaska can work together to meet a happy medium in the villages and address each town’s problems and try to find a way to fix them or come up with better ideas to assist people in being able to live within their culture but also enjoy a higher standard of living.