“Are My Children Invited?” and Tales of Voodoo Travel Magic.
We all know the scenario. There’s a wedding and the invitations are sent out. The envelope arrives in the mail box of Jim and Sally Smith. The envelope is addressed to “Jim and Sally Smith” or “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”. The host and hostess have a clear idea in mind of how this evening will go, how many people they are inviting, and why. But invariably there will be one person who calls and says, “Are my kids invited too?”
The host or hostess, whoever has had the ill fortune to answer the call, is put on the spot. What do they say? If they are secretly hoping that the Smiths won’t show up, they may answer, “I’m so sorry, it’s adults only.” If they really want the Smiths there, then the answer might be, “Sure you can bring them. Gosh we love your kids.” And even if neither of these scenarios is the case, our generous host and hostess may just not have the heart to say, “No. Your children are NOT invited to my wedding.” It’s kind of awkward, and people usually like to be nice, and not risk offending people. So the invitation will be extended.
So, with that in mind, check out the new form on the Governor’s website.
Sarah Palin, who now has agreed to reimburse Alaskans for 10 out of 40 trips in which she billed the state for her children’s travel expenses, has figured out a great way to weasel out of future problems.
The form that constituents fill out to invite the governor to an event, now asks flat out, in flaming red letters:
Is the First Family invited?: *
(The asterisk indicates that this is a ‘required field’ and must be filled out before the form can be submitted.)
This raises a whole host of interesting questions.
Governor Palin has already told us that regarding her children:
“…the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.”
Does this mean that she is less likely to attend an event to which the “first family” is not invited? And what is this whole “first family” concept anyway? I don’t remember a Murkowski “First Family” or a Knowles “First Family” or any other “First Family” for that matter.
And who exactly IS the “First Family” that we mean when we click the box to invite them all to our event? Trigg, Piper, Willow, Bristol, Track and Todd? Oh, wait. We forgot Tripp. And what about Levi? Do fiances count? What if Track decides to pop the question? Would his fiance count? What about the governor’s parents, Chuck and Sally? They were present on the campaign trail, so why not? And if Bristol has another baby, would that baby be invited too? Exactly how many extra mouths to feed, and hotel rooms to sleep in will the “First Family” need?
So, the person who wants to invite the governor looks at the form and decides that if they really want the governor to show up, they’d better invite the whole fandamily.
With all these questions swirling in our poor confused heads, let’s take a moment to read a memorandum from the Alaska Department of Law on the issue of travel. The memo was written in 2004 by then AG Greg Rehnkes, and then re-released in March of 2007. Read it HERE.
Tim Petumenos (the investigator whose findings on Palin’s ethics lapse in the Troopergate investigation somehow directly contradicted the Legislative investigation that found her guilty of abuse of power) has also used his magical skills to decide that only 10 out of the 40 trips the Palin kids took had more personal benefit than benefit to the State of Alaska. He must have all kinds of complicated and impressive formulas to figure this stuff out. I guess that’s why he gets paid the big bucks, because, call me stupid, but I can’t figure this out. If it wasn’t in the best interest of the state to have the Pain children travel to attend the Startof the Iron Dog snowmachine race in Anchorage….then how was it in the best interest of the state to pay for the first family’s travel and lodging expenses to attend the Iron Dog Finish in Fairbanks the following weekend in both 2007 and 2008? (Scratching head, stroking chin, rubbing temples and doing all kinds of things trying to figure this one out….but alas to no avail)
In addition to Petumenos’ impressive ethical travel calculation voodoo, he’s been trying to find some precedence to help him out. But, there just doesn’t seem to be any. It appears as if the former governors of Alaska just never seemed to have this problem. Is it because they didn’t have kids? No, it’s because they didn’t have bad judgment. They just never billed the state for family trips because why would anyone possibly think that was appropriate?
And in exchange for Palin paying back about $10,000, he wouldn’t bother to check further. As a matter of fact he’d just stick his metaphorical fingers in his metaphorical ears and go, “LALALALALALALALALA!” until the nasty media just goes away.
It’s an interesting way of doing business. It feels like studying the cultural anthropology of the Palin administration. And one can’t help but wonder, knowing what we all know about the cultural anthropology of the IRS, what will happen when these two civilizations meet?
Stay tuned for the fun!
FYI: Yesterday I posted this comment on the ADN in response to their article “More on Palin kids’ travel – governor will repay 10 trips not nine.”
Somebody please explain how Petumenos and the Personnel Board have ANY authority to have anything to do with this ethics complaint.
According to the article Petumenos was only “hired by the Personnel Board to investigate the case as an independent counsel.” That does not give him any authority to settle anything, just to investigate the case. This is the same as a cop, who investigates a case and then negotiates a plea deal with the accused. That is not the cop’s role. Here too, it was not Petumenos’s role to negotiate any settlement.
The article also states: “A state law specifically exempts the governor . . . from state personnel laws . . . The governor is taken out of the entire personnel act . . . Petumenos said.”
Thus, any questions about Palin’s compliance with “state personnel laws” is not for the Personnel Board to consider, since apparently it only deals with matters within the “entire personnel act.”
So, something is very wrong with how this ethics complaint was handled, no?
Omg, “Is the ‘First Family’ invited” indeed!
I know this isn’t the point being made here, (it’s just a different point is all) But there is a website called “Etiquette Hell.” I wonder how this would fit there, too. Also, even
You would also think that if roughly 25% of the trips were considered … more family than Official State business…. they would look further.
Off Topic ~~~
Why does this not really surprise me, especially the High School buddy part? Palin Changes Line of Succession
“””If both Palin and Parnell left office early, Schmidt would become governor.
Schmidt started in the prison system back in 1988 as an officer at Spring Creek Correctional Center. Before he became commissioner, he was superintendent of the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm.
Last year the Alaska Correctional Officers Association voted against him in a “no confidence” measure. But Palin stood behind him and called him a reformer.
Schmidt and Palin go way back. They went to high school together in Wasilla. McAllister said he didn’t have information Friday on why she appointed him to the line of succession.
The Legislature still must confirm Schmidt’s new place.”””
read more @ http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/705347.html
its all about sarah…you never see the Obama kids. you see the president and Michele but not much of the kids which is the way it should be.
The new form is defective. It doesn’t have a check box for “Hell, No”.
Doesn’t look like I’ll be inviting the Gino any evemt I’ll be hosting this year, not that she’d care to come even if I could afford the whole famdamily, not.
The only first family I know is in the White House. Is she asking if Barack, Michelle, Sasha and Malia are invited?
ugh! Not saying much for working women huh? GINO! UGh
Does this mean Gino’s PAC fund is not filling up fast enough to include the kiddies in her travel plans? I thought that was her new hedge fund for Photo Ops.
Now this new Travelgate twist, has put a whole new meaning on “pay to play” with the kids even.
I so hope that this bites her in the butt when she gets audited by the IRS. How can they not go after her with this much publicity on what she doesn’t pay for but also doesn’t claim on her taxes. She can’t have it both ways. Imagine what she would cost the taxpayers if she were Vice President or **shudders uncontrollably** President?
Here’s an interesting tidbit:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/19431.html
Seems the RNC’s finance director quit.
“a source familiar with the situation said Crawford was given a choice — resign or be fired. ”
Is it a coincidence he’s also treasurer of Palin’s PAC?
OMG, I thought you were actually kidding about the new form, so I had to go check myself. It really does say that!!!!!!!!!!! I am utterly speechless…
Except to say that she also asks:
Will the media be invited?: *
Yes
No
OK I Think I know the answer….
Petumenos did in fact probably use a very complicated mathmatical and ethical formula to figure this out. I’ll try to explain it to y’all
first you have to find a coin, quarters seem to be popular
then you toss it up in the air deciding before hand that heads is yes and tails is no
now when it lands heads up SP has to pay for the trip and tails up she doesn’t.
now you can repeat this process over and over again on the same trip until you get tails. But then making sure your throw in enough heads to make it believable that you actually did put some serious thought into the decision
So I suppose if the answer to the media question is yes, she’ll have to do a followup to find out if it’s “friendly” media or just the darned gotcha type!
Oops, meant to post this comment on this thread:
Hey, news on the US Atty. in AK situation: http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/705358.html
U.S. Attorney Nelson Cohen said Friday he is returning to Pittsburgh, leaving the job he accepted on an interim basis in August 2006. His replacement, also on an interim basis, will be assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler.
Did Sports Complex Contractors Build Palin’s House for Free?
At the same time that the Palins had their house built — supposedly by “friends who were contractors” — the nearby Wasilla Sports Complex was also built.
Just who were these “friends who were contractors” who did such a huge favor for the Palins by building their house for free?
Was it payback for the sports complex contracts?
More “mavericky” graft by Alaska’s most famous phony “reform” couple.
Hey, can I call you dishonest crooks, Sarah and Todd?
Hey, can I call you a corrupt politician, Sarah?
Here’s some interesting articles on this ethics scandal:
http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-10-08/news/the-book-of-sarah/5
http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/02/housegate.html
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/house-gate/
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Essene/17
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/11/111018/34/47/627460
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/forums/?ID=117541754
Now this is what I call being “transparent”, that is, transparently obvious in GINO’s attempt to circumvent ethics/tax issues.
Keep it coming GINO, we’re watching you! And so is the IRS….
I’m not quite sure why this was left out:
___No (If you check this don’t bother submitting your request because it won’t be considered).
Petumenos (PET) has seriously taken over Talis Codpiece’s Shakespearean Twit service for the guv.
Her PET will no doubt follow suit and fall on his rusty li’l sword if the grumbling on this issue accelerates….. and Palin will think she can sweep all this away like she did with Codpiece’s resignation after the Troopergate scandal.
As far as the form with the Red Letter Challenge on First Family invitations……Palin is a classless hillbilly. A rank amateur in actual governing but a pro in grifting and arm-twisting.
Ann Strongheart, statistically speaking, tossing a quarter in the air ought to result in 50% heads and 50% tails. But Petumenos determined that 16.87% of the trips were reimbursable to the state. Please explain to us again how the math works… ?
now you can repeat this process over and over again on the same trip until you get tails. But then making sure your throw in enough heads to make it believable that you actually did put some serious thought into the decision
So after reading the form and looking at the thoughtful and insightful questions asked, I FINALLY have something different to call her and I hope you all find it less offensive. She is a total attention hoe.
What notable people will be there? (To advance my agenda)
Will there be a microphone and or podium? (To advance my agenda)
Size of audience? (To advance my agenda)
Yep total attention hoe.
@InJuneauNo Gravatar (00:32:58) :
Oops, meant to post this comment on this thread:
Hey, news on the US Atty. in AK situation: http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/705358.html
U.S. Attorney Nelson Cohen said Friday he is returning to Pittsburgh, leaving the job he accepted on an interim basis in August 2006. His replacement, also on an interim basis, will be assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler.
———————————————————
Is is not strange how all of the links keep coming back to the baby bush and Rove. Isn’t his boss (Cohen) the sister of Pat B. I keep getting the feeling that your election, Alaska’s, was stolen. also,too. All the TV reporters on election night kept saying “Alaska is so red” then the number were starting to get bluer then all red again. Just in MHI..Thank you for posting this. I will be so glad to see Karen Loeffler in office.
I wrote SP’s office today about this, which I haven’t done for a few months since i don’t trust her staff to properly record constituent contacts. I basically told her that she started out doing a good thing, and Alaskans were happier with the outcome than to have her ignore it, but THEN she has to ruin it all with her whiny statement:
“It is troubling that this complaint was such an obvious political weapon, with an associate of a political adversary filing this and making it public — against state law — just before the election”
I told her to quit being a whiny celebrity with hurt feelings and to do her damn job. I said this had absolutely NOTHING to do with partisan politics and that she was undermining her effectiveness (yeah right) and credibility with Alaskans. I also mentioned that although it was a good start, more reimbursements should have been paid back, such as the $700 plus hotel room she shared with her daughter.
God that woman is just the WHINIEST! She just needs a good slapping, spanking and mouth washing with soap.
I know a woman in Juneau who worked for the Gov’s office for a few months, maybe up to a almost a year. She left because the office made her sick. Physically ill. First she thought it was environmental as they had put in new carpet (glue) recently, or maybe there was something else. She couldn’t recover while she was working there, so she finally left. That wasn’t very long before the announcement of SP – and I’ve talked to her since about it she said “Now I know why I was sick in that office and couldn’t get well. It’s a sick environment, period.”
She is rather sensitive to people and vibes that others don’t see or feel. And she is now quite happy (and much healthier), instead of disappointed, that she left that job.
mlaiuppa – that was an interesting tidbit about Crawford resigning!
Now, if I’ve got this right, does it mean that SP can just select who is to replace her? Anyone? Usually, it is an elected office, not a particular person, that is specified by law. Alaska, you gotta change that, pronto!
I tried to tick NO .
The more I read about Alaskan politics it seems like you guys have more of a monarchy than a democracy. I never heard of a governor being able to appoint their own successor. Most state constitutions have this spelled out just as the US constitution does.
Everytime I read about SP, the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz leaps into my mind. “I am the great, all seeing wizard”…then oops “pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”
I know you folks don’t cotton kindly to outside advice, but it seems like you should lobby,bombard your elected officials to change your state laws.
Glow- Palin math is very complex. Not all minds can comprehend it. I advise 3 to 5 drinks before trying to understand anything she does. It helps a lot to numb at least 3 billion brain cells before you can see the light.
On: “Schmidt and Palin go way back. They went to high school together in Wasilla. McAllister said he didn’t have information Friday on why she appointed him to the line of succession.”
I see this as a -when I run in 2010 and win some other seat, a loyal fundy will take my throne (as the lt. gov. will be working in some other fashion for the queen).
The question is, is it possible he could be worse or stupider than Palin? And, more importantly, how does he feel about turkey slaughter on camera?
Martha:
“God that woman is just the WHINIEST! She just needs a good slapping, spanking and mouth washing with soap.”
And then FIRED.
Loeffler said she’s been a Democrat “since the day I was born.”
Whewie! AKA a real liberal you got there. And Dartmouth… Go Alaska.
An amateur athlete in team and individual sports, Loeffler, 51, grew up in Minneapolis and got her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth, where she was on the varsity downhill ski team and was captain of the tennis team. She got her law degree from Harvard.
#1. I bet she doesn’t being her kids to court with her. Or her grandkids. Or her husband. And I bet she doesn’t have her dad make phone calls for her either.
#2. A real education, how nice.
_______________
Speaking of children, the GOP found their leader (and best speaker) in a 13 year old. Go figure.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/27/jonathan-krohn-13-year-ol_n_170642.html
A Modest Proposal – inasmuch as the Empress Palin insists upon her entourage of family accompany her, I hereby raise the motion that from henceforth, the children of Palin may accompany her on all state trips with one proviso: they must, on all trips and on all conveyances and vehicles of transport for said trips, be provided a seat equal to and not less or not more than the “seat” provided by the Romney family for their beloved pet during their family trips.
Some family members gave my grand-daughter a baby shower. Her first is due in March. Inside the invitation was a small piece of paper which contained two words: “adults only.”
It must be that I’m old — and old school — but there are family functions that are appropriate for the entire family — and my mama raised us to know which was which.
Since I first heard of your Governor — I’ve been amazed at her lack of “social knowledge.” Baby showers have usually been “adults only” in the family. (The expectant mom is under enough stress — without adding hyper-active children to the mix.)
When a woman runs for public political office, — there are always sacrifices. Usually family time is one of the biggest.
You put yourself out there — as someone who can run the State’s business. And business is what it is.
So, Governor, do you take your kids to the office every day? If you do, how do you get the business of the State of Alaska — done? If you don’t — why would you think they would be included in other “state-related” functions?
You ran for the job. You wanted the job. Family time is one of the sacrifices all politicians make. The kids have a father. He’s old enough to baby-sit.
Our Govs wife is a judge, so wouldn’t even allow her photo to be used during campaigns. A few tidbits (and something for Brian, too):
Pennsylvanians did not get to know Marjorie Rendell — known as “Midge” since she was a baby because she was so small — during the campaign. She is a federal appellate court judge, and ethics restrictions prevent her from politicking in any way. The candidate could not even use her photograph.
She is now one step away from a seat on the highest court in the land, the U.S. Supreme Court, and Specter says that could be in her future.
“She’s been an outstanding jurist,” gushes the state’s senior senator, a Republican. “I think she could be a prospect for that someday. I met her when Eddie brought her to a party in the district attorney’s office, I think it was 1969. If you call them a power couple, you are understating it.”
Some facts about Midge Rendell: She’s 54, speaks French, sews, adores dogs, loves the taste of peanuts, is blessed with a Broadway-caliber singing voice, has a great sense of humor and is capable of zaniness.
She once dressed up for Halloween as a moose, friends relate. She is not above throwing herself wholeheartedly into a confetti food fight, as related in author Buzz Bissinger’s book “A Prayer for the City.”
The Rendells have long lived in a stone, two-story house set back from the road in the predominantly upper-middle-class East Falls, a neighborhood in Philadelphia’s northwest section. Although the property is landscaped and has a lengthy driveway leading to it, the home is by no means palatial. First-time visitors often are struck by how modest the home is, considering that its occupants are a federal judge and the former mayor of Philadelphia, now governor-elect.
And how her job will effect her ability to conduct the duties normally associated with the state’s first lady is an obstacle that has yet to be surmounted.
“I think it will be interesting to try to craft what I can do time-wise and ethics-wise,” she mused. “I’d have to give it some thought how’d it work.”
She and Rendell have been married for 31 years.
> Not only does their son stay out of the limelight, so does the wife. Ethics in action. Just thought you might want to see what that looks like
I am just laughing imagining all her kids sitting through Senate hearings…
Who does this? This is really a slap to competant working mothers everywhere. I value kids and family, but I don’t bring them with me to work. No do I go to college with my son or to work with my husband. I don’t think we’re off kilter there.
Palin Math:
Agree to travel if X is greater than H
X= [(A + 3S) x 2F x P/6U + O/5 +8M] x .9
Where:
A is total cost of travel (ticket, hotel, meals) and S is swag (clothes etc)
F is number of family members coming along
P is number of friendly press and U is unfriendly press
O is chance to meet Obama
M is chance to meet missionary
.9 adjusts for 10% chance of having to pay back family cost as required by Petumenos
and H is per diem pay to stay home
Is the First family invited? WTF!
” Barracuda’s gone wild”
THis is kind of historic move for a politician that works out of her home for the most part.
This is going to progress into more self serving boxes on future forms.
How about:
Check the box if your are for opening up ANWR to,” drilling gone will operations.”
Check the box if you will vote for me again
Check the box if you believe in PRO LIFE ONLY!
Check the box if you want more prisons.
Check the box if you want, Snow machine racing to be Alaskans official state Sport.
Check the box if you are working on the 7 mountains.
Check the box if you are a NRA member.
Check the box if you have ever blogged.
Paula – thanks for the info about the 13 yr old political prodigy (I guess). I’m glad he’s someone else’s kid, and not mine! Can you imagine having a kid so obsessed with politics beginning at 6 yrs. old
“Bill Bennett really became an idol for me. I listened to him every morning from 6 to 9 for, oh, years.” Every day? Most kids at that age are dressing for school, eating breakfast, travelling to school and beginning their day of education. I predict he will be the next Rush Limbaugh.
I am glad the Bill Bennet was his idol – he is one of the lesser evils in the R party.
where is the Legslature on this? Where is the ethics panel?
Also, think of it this way: this gives people a real “out” who are required to invite her out of proper political pedantry, but who don’t really want her to attend. Just check “No”. Like, we could invite her to a summer cook-out….never intending her to be welcome. Then we check “no” on the form, knowing full well she won’t show up without her brood. I wonder if this is why she didn’t go to the CPAC debacle. They didn’t want her chilluns there.
t
I think besides the obvious of the “posse de Palin” not being welcome anywhere……..the tribe is getting restless and it might be getting hard to have everyone stand together with a fawning smile………….
Regarding the coin flipping method to determine trip payment. He probably used two coins, a quarter for Sarah, a dime of Todd and/or the kids. If both come up heads then payment is required. If any are not heads then payment would not be required. The probability of both being heads is 1/4 or 25% . Bingo…..10 of the 40 trips would require payment.
Re: “Bill Bennett is my idol”……..uh……. his parents better get him to the nearest Gamblers Anonymous meeting pronto !!
So if the family are all invited, and they go, who picks up the tab?
Is it the hosts, Republican private purses? OK let them waste their own money.
Palin?, not a chance.
The taxpayers of Alaska?, they will be delighted I’m sure.
p.s. What is all that about then, the treasurer of SP’s PAC, being forced out? Soething very dodgy there.
That takes some damn balls,to put people on the spot like that.If it was me,I’de say hell no feed those kids on your dime.
Well, of course she’s got to ask if the family is invited. Let’s see, she needs to have a tutor so they don’t miss school, a mechanic to keep 1st Dud’s snowmachine in working order, plus if you checked ‘yes’ on media, then a makeup artist to keep her looking fresh and perky (if you checked ‘no’ she’s not coming).
Sarah desperately needs a reality check along with a Minister of Etiquette.
tewine- I had one. He has Aspergers! When he was about 5 he went to a sunday school thing where some loony talked about end times fireball. That obsession took about 5 years to recover from. He’s now an athiests. Much better for someone with Aspergers. My guess is this kid has the big A and a fundy family. My money says athiest by 21.
HOW TACKY!!! And, also, you betcha, I don’t know what “Gino” means. Am I the only one?
In the last week, the founder of Focus on the Family, James C Dobson, resigned, as did Tim Crawford Financial Chairman of the RNC. Why is this of interest? James C Dobson serrupticiously bankrolled the defense of SP’s folks in troopergate, and Tim Crawford is also treasurer of Palin’s PAC.
Coincidence? Probably not.
Problematic for SP? Probably not, as Franklin Graham will probably be the successor to the conservative throne, and Sarah’s big bucks operatives set her and Franklin up on that blind date/photo op/ humanitarian mission last week.
GINO=Governor in name only
Great posts everyone: I started the morning laughing!
Sillwabbit: I agree – maybe her new nickname should be Tahoe.
Kate: That formula is brilliant!
Seriously Palin is such a disgusting piece of work. She is the queen of all grifters. This is a family who probably sneaks out food from an all-you-can-eat buffet.
I realized I don’t even know anything about our California Gov’s kids. I know who his wife is because she is a very famous Kennedy – Maria Shriver but I’ve rarely seen his children in public. I guess that is probably because they are too busy doing silly kid stuff like going to school.
I remember watching poor Piper during the campaign and thinking to myself. That poor little kid. It must be pure torture to sit through all those boring rallies and all those mind-numbing speeches. Pure torture bordering on child abuse.
Palin is one hell of a lousy governor but she is an absolutely horrific parent.
Even if the “first family” (gee, ego much?) IS invited, it doesn’t necessarily follow that the inviter is going to pay for them to go. I mean, when you invite people to a party, or a wedding, or a graduation, you’re not offering to pay their expenses to attend. Do you think that Sarah thinks that if the “yes” box is checked, she could pay the expenses and they’d automatically be exempt as a benefit to the state of Alaska?
Sorry, I didn’t finish my thought. I meant to say, even if the inviter DOES agree to pay the “first family’s” expenses, I don’t think that means Sarah’s in the clear with the IRS for accepting them. I’m not sure that checking the “yes” box circumvents the requirement that the presence of the “first family” must benefit the state more than it does Sarah. And I agree she’s doing a huge disservice to working parents everywhere.
This woman’s got ‘em the size of bowling balls, how does she even walk. The Audacity of the Hoe… She’s really beginning to tick me off, with this FORM business. Can’t she find some pressing State Business to tend to, say, the rural emergency situation there, rather than wasting more taxpayer money fiddling around with this picayune stuff… Is THIS what she does all day?
The legal memo sounds to me like that form is irrelevant anyway. Whether or not the kids are “invited” has nothing to do with whether they are on official State business. I don’t see how anyone could say the kids, or husband (most of the time anyway), have anything to do with official State business. Her “authorizing” them to attend with expenses paid by the State seems to fit in perfectly with what the memo says about that being a completely inappropriate thing because it is based only on their relationship to her, etc. So I think her quack lawyer, or whoever advised her to put that into the form, is peddling complete hogwash. Some good ole Alaskan lawyer needs to challenge this (on a volunteer basis)… because this is a complete CROCK. Who exactly does she THINK SHE IS? Now I AM going on the TUMS… and SHE’S NOT WORTH IT.
ocliberal (06:14:57) :
I believe that Maria and the kids are still living most of the time in their home in Brentwood…yes? Arnold had a suite in the Hilton and would fly home on week ends.
God help any woman with children who wants to run for governor in the future. What state can afford this nonsense? WHY does she get away with this? Are people that afraid of her? What do they think she’s going to do?
2009
duct idaho palin (06:15:01) :
Even if the “first family” (gee, ego much?) IS invited, it doesn’t necessarily follow that the inviter is going to pay for them to go. I mean, when you invite people to a party, or a wedding, or a graduation, you’re not offering to pay their expenses to attend. Do you think that Sarah thinks that if the “yes” box is checked, she could pay the expenses and they’d automatically be exempt as a benefit to the state of Alaska
I was thinking the same thing. You mean as long as the invitee says the kids can come , the state will pay for them .I really don’t get it. What a classless idiot.I sure hope this ends up biting her in the ass.If you ask me GINO is digging her grave.
Its nice to see Sarah put her extreme snotiness in black and white for all to see, isn’t it?
There is no way to get around the pettiness of that statemtent in her “invite me” fillout form.
Regardless of who is invited, only the governor is going to these invitations “on state business”.
Wonder what happens if a dozen or so more brave (or just fed up) Alaskans file more ethics charges on the grifting. A least it will keep Petumenos defending why the other 30 events were at tax payer expense.
Wonder what would happen of all state empolyees and elected officials started to do the same thing, just to make the point. If Petumenos and his staff are drowned in vouchers, maybe he’ll decide that refusing all is easier than justifying paying or not paying all state employee expenses that match the ones he has decided to pay Palin for.
“I am glad the Bill Bennet was his idol – he is one of the lesser evils in the R party.”
Mr. Bill “Abort All the Black Babies to Reduce Crime” Bennett?
If he is one of the lesser evils, the GOP is indeed the party of Satan.
That thirteen year old child was fed a steady diet of right win radio, religious bulls hit, and lies from the time he was a baby. No wonder he is the next GOP wunderkind. His idiot parents better make sure he attends a 110% right wing university or his head will explode once he realizes how wronged he has been.
Willow and Piper, et al need to donate their frequent flyer miles to a worthy charity.
Candy Knight asks: “God help any woman with children who wants to run for governor in the future. What state can afford this nonsense?”
Well, apparently these states since their coffers are overflowing so much they can even afford to say no to the stimulus bill regarding the extension of unemployment benefits:
Louisiana
South Carolina
Texas
Alaska
Mississippi
Minnesota
Just when I think Palin can’t be any more classless – she surprises me. We call people like her “white trash” here in Texas.
Since the governor’s mansion in Juneau is her assigned duty station and she is not using it, and is charging the state for her expenses in not using a freebee, as well as office space and office staff in Juneau (home, travel, office elsewhere that she is charging for), why is she not being dunned for the expense of maintaining it, as set against the expense of her living in non state provided housing, as well as charging her for redundant office space and redundant staff that the state is having tp support in Juneau?
Alaska lets this bizarre stuff happen on a daily basis and does nothing. And they pride themselves on a model “state constitution.” Well you can have it Alaska. I’m thinking that snow machine guy has got it right, secede.
And furthermore, I will not settle for anything less than FULL reimbursement for ALL those little family excursions. There is no reason at all for her to get away with paying only some. She is stealing from the taxpayers. The legal memo is quite specific about the state being reimbursed (at lowest coach fare) for the travel of SPOUSES. Children specifically are not even mentioned, probably because the whole idea of dragging your kids all over on GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS is just absurd. I worked for the State of New York for many years in an office where I had visibility to travel issues, and I never even heard of such a thing as kids going along. Spouses traveling was even a very rare thing, no doubt because there was no incentive – it was no bargain, no freebie. It had to be paid for at regular retail rates, so what’s the point?
Miss SPECIAL seems to think her job comes with all kinds of fringe benefits, she thinks it’s just a big free-for-all = just grab whatever you want. It’s just a big candy store and everything is FREE. Your normal food and lodging – paid for; travel for your whole family to “anywhere” – FREE; child care expenses? There are none because you “work” at home. Management issues? There are none, no one watches you. You can do interviews, sleep, shop, or do whatever you want on State time. You don’t even have to show up at all. So what if people wear buttons wondering “Where’s Sarah?” What can they do about it? Nothing. You can just draw a pretty nice secure salary and in addition, grab everything in sight, and no one’s going to stop you. You can do as much, or as little, as you like, it’s up to you. You don’t have to tire yourself out. Nice work if you can get it.
That woman trally needs to be shown where the bear slept in the buckwheat…
I want Petumenos (or anyone for that matter) to explain what constitutes “State business” and how a child can perform “State business”. Details, I want details. If Alaska is actually benefiting from having the Governor’s children at an event, I’d really like to know how. Spin…just pure spin. I bet it is difficult to explain how having the Gov. at an event actually benefits the State of Alaska, much less the entire clan.
Farmhouse Lady wrote: That woman trally needs to be shown where the bear slept in the buckwheat………………………………………………………………………..and how the cow chews a cud.
I’d leave her sorry ass home. It would be an embarrassment to have her attend an otherwise worthy function.
All those miles earned on state time, with state money, need to belong to some kinda general ‘miles fund’ for the states use not that family of ZEROS who paid ZERO of their actual dollars for the travel ticket….
And just how is inviting Sarah the gov…made a better benefit by inviting the kids…It’s just a way for her to muscle the state into paying & paying & paying for their travel…
Were she on the up & up, she would ask that the sponsor pay for the kids travel…or leave them at home with Todd & company
Nan
“Omg, “Is the ‘First Family’ invited” indeed!
I know this isn’t the point being made here, (it’s just a different point is all) But there is a website called “Etiquette Hell.” I wonder how this would fit there, too. Also, even”
And since when is it polite for the invitee to dictate terms of the invitation.
Granting that public personalities can twist the inviter’s arm to get their way, assuming the inviter really wants that particular personality.
But that kind of attitude ain’t going to do Sarah any good.
She forgets that she is a PUBLIC SERVANT. (Think server, as in “feed me. I’m freezing and starving.”) It the rest of Alaskans that are the governor’s servees, not to mention, employers.
Knock a few more % points from her popularity, and wait for the echo of silence from RepoTalibans in support of her “need” to stay constantly in control of her family at the expense of the state’s pocket book and the state’s business.
Marnie (06:49:26) So right…I’ll like to se the job description and contract she signed for the job…I bet there’s something about work place and travel in there….
Never ceasing from her toil,
Burning the precious midnight Exxon oil,
Through the perma-frosted Arctic soil,
Sarah digs, digs, digs her own grave.
it would be nice to see in print that not only are the kids/todd invided, but what purpose is there in inviting them & who will pay their total cost of the entire trip…
SORRY, that ‘Invite Me’ thingy does not go far enough…
GINO is sticking it to AK, and AK seems to be laying down & allowing it
What about how much school little Piper misses ? These kids, including Willow, and Bristol have missed a lot of school days while attending these events with Queen Gino. Shouldn’t the children’s education have a priority over attending these events?
Everyday it seems there’s something new to distract her from doing her job. It must be exhausting having to walk behind her with a broom and dust pan cleaning up her daily messes. She so dearly loves the drama of it all.
Didn’t I read on here that Todd’s travel was well over $40,000.? Doesn’t she have to pay back any of his?
AKM – y’all didn’t just elect a Governor. You elected her, her husband, her kids, and grandkids.
No wonder there is crisis all over the state. You are being governed — or not — by a collective of children, from infants on up.
If I had to file the form — I would check the “no” box — and beside it — I would write “adults only.”
That would also exclude your Gino.
Lordy, she gives hard working professional women a bad name.
I wonder if that “State” form is “ethical” asking if “First Family” is invited, if media going to be there blah, blah, blah?
If that isn’t the most Tacky thing I have ever seen!
And looking at the king Alaska Air site it became clear to me…you know about dud, why he was always sitting in meetings….She “with a servant’s heart” being a good christian woman needs her husbands “advise” so that entitles him to be attending all state biz and cc’d on emails,and flying for free on King Alaska! uh huh! Duh!!!
How could we not get that???
AKM you invite scenario cracks me up, you know at every wedding you go to somebody’s kid starts crying in the middle of the wedding and the stupid parent won’t shut them up or leave…..
numbskullery……tacky, rude!!!!
Didn’t I also read here or at Halcro’s site that someone overheard “Gino” screaming from her office, when they presented her with a bill for her Kids travel, that if anyone invited her again it was to include her family or she wasn’t going!!
Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
“God that woman is just the WHINIEST!”
I have a little adopted alley cat that is Sarah’s preincarnation. She is the only cat that I have adopted that actually says “meow.” Except when she is excited, as in hungry, when it is must “Me, Me, Me, Me.”
Maybe I should rename her. The cat that is.
Someone should flood her website with invitations: invite her to Juneau and Anchorage, and the family is not invited.
and
I wonder why Palin didn’t phrase the question: ” Won’t the state benefit greatly if my family comes too?” wink wink
I’m sorry…I’m going to hurt myself with all of the head-shaking I do reading about SP.
My husband travels all over the world for business. I’d love to go with him. He would love to have all of us go with him and hates to sacrifice family time due to the rigors of his job. Would the company support his wishes to be with his family and do his job at the same time? Would they pay for even one trip a year for all of us to travel with him? No. Why is that? Because we our presence does not benefit the company…ever.
Sarah needs to remember that she is a Public Servant. It is a job, not a lifestyle.
@ SarahGates of Hell said Teal…..It’s not like we are laying down (Alaska) and taking it. We have just never in our short history, have had to deal with a Governor like this. We are having major problems in this country as well as in Alaska, and she just keeps on throwing out these smoke screens or bombs to distract us from really seeing that she is a fraud. Instead of her doing the job we hired her to do, she’s doing everything she can to avoid it.
We elected our Senators and House Represenatives to represent our districts and sent them to Juneau with a job to perform and hopefully produce results. Now some of these elected officals have to daily walk behind Gino with a broom and dust pan to clean up the mess she creates just by walking down the hall. How unfair is that to Alaskan’s? Our Legislators seem to know what their job titles are, why is it so hard for Gino to do her job?
A person’s family should NEVER be considered as a pre requisite for an official duty. She is setting woman’s rights back light years by her special demands.
What will happen if she only attends functions where the family is involved?
Can she be sued?
Does the state not realize that she is setting it up for a lawsuit? Only the wealthy can afford a Palin visit if they have to pay for the ff?
Or is she doing this so she can only pick and choose and really limit the number of official visits she has to do?
This really has the potential to be nasty and if I lived in Alaska, I’d be upset that
1. She didn’t mention that her family had to flown and invited everywhere she went while she was campaigning for the job.
2. The possibility that only the wealthy that can afford the whole ff will be visited by Palin during the next two years other then state functions.
Pay to play much, Sarah?
Maybe not OT here; but I read the timeline, a list, on another site, don’t know if it’s accurate, but the travel dates where gov and her 3 girls air traveled to and fro for the year 2007 has to make one ask, “When did those girls have time to be in school? Unless these trips were on the weekend. But it really boggles the mind.
Oh, mercy… I’m not a big fan of the IRS but I’d sure like to see a smackdown for all this dumba$$ery.
*sheesh* (shaking head in disbelief)
My question is this, let’s say that someone wants an interview or an invitation to an event that involves her running for president in 2012. Now, wouldn’t that be illegal? Isn’t that what she had some guy ousted for, using state equipment for an election. She definately has no morals. She just makes it so obvious when she starts looking for loopholes when ever she is caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
caligrl – you reckon Todd passed along any thing he heard in all those meetings to his creepy little buddies in the AIP ??
For hahas I checked out CT Govenor Rell’s invitation form. The differences between hers and Gov SPECIAL are hilarious. It’s like comparing the Ivy League to Wasilla Jr High.
http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?a=1317&q=289148
I bet if you all look up your govenor’s site, you’ll find that Alaska is the only state asking if the “first family” is invited to events. You’ll also find that no other gov asks if a podium or microphone will be available.
farmhouselady-Its Repub WELFARE!!! they want LESS GOVERNMENT(which is THEM) tax cuts for the rich(which is them) Higher taxes for us (THAT pay their salaries)
WTF???
NOW we’ve got GOV. Grifter asking if First Family is invited!!!! I wonder if that’s why she didn’t attend CPAC! Or last weeks gov. meeting or Red Carpet at the WH? B/c “first family” wasn’t invited??? And AKM has a good point, who all is FIRST FAMILY? Sally, Chuck? Bristol/Levi? Sherri, Sadie? Dud, Dud’s parents? Didn’t the RNC have a Huge motorcade for them all?????
IRS AND FBI NEED TO CHECK THIS OUT, THIS IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH HOUSEGATE!!!
Oh yesterday on Gryhpen’s blog someone posted a email for Impeachment of GINO. If I lived in Alaska, I would be so on that in a hot second….!
Marnie (06:49:26) : Sorry I was speaking of those elected officials who ‘let’ GINO do what shw wants…not the good everyday folk…
austintxNo Gravatar (07:30:01) :
caligrl – you reckon Todd passed along any thing he heard in all those meetings to his creepy little buddies in the AIP ??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well you did see that Warm welcome she recorded for them last year? HeHe.
DIANE!
I think you hit the nail on the head!
But who’s gonna stop her? I mean it’s on the OFFICIAL WebSite, so it must be legal????
Yeah! it would be interesting to find out [at some point] that she only attends events when the family is also invited]….
ME THINKS her religion is getting in the way of her being an effective gov – way too much
Gino’s stupidity never ceases to amaze me. Who’s advising her? I’d love to see all this backfire on her:
Because no inviters really want her kids and hubby along, they check the “NO” box.
Gino doesn’t go to many events because she’s insulted the whole family can’t go.
Alaskans get even more alienated/frustrated that she doesn’t connect with the citizens. They aren’t paying her to supervise her brood on their dime and what do the “so-called first-family add to it anyway”.
Bye-bye Gino. Nice way to piss poeple off.
Does she think Alaskans are as stupid as she is?
This was posted by Andrew Halcro on his blog, coincedently, days after her executive secretary/scheduler quit:
(Author’s Note: Any resemblance to actual real life public figures is either purely coincidental or the result of hours of interviews.)
1/12/09 – With one quick pull, the faux Burberry scarf comes unwrapped from around the governor’s neck as she strolls into the office, the clock reads 10:00am. Seems earlier than normal she says to herself.
While the governor huddles in her office with her assistants cackling and complaining about the prior days media coverage and Dan Fagan in general, the governor’s husband makes a bee line to the inner office to talk to a staff member.
I want the windows on the Suburban tinted really dark; we need privacy when we drive into town, the first spouse says.
But the staff member knows that the request for darker tinted windows isn’t because of a desire for privacy, it’s because over the last few months complaints have been filed about the governor’s apparent disregard of posted speed limits on the Glenn Highway.
After being told that the vehicles factory tint on the windows is the darkest allowed by Anchorage Municipal code, he stalks off as if looking for another answer from another staff member. The governor’s husband has become a permanent fixture in the office, more so than any previous first spouse.
Later that morning, the phone rings in a staff members office and its a commissioner saying he’s having a hard time getting in to see the governor. The employee calls up the governor’s schedule and sees nothing but blank spaces.
However, the employee has grown quite accustomed to seeing a blank daily schedule for this governor. The employee has also seen where the schedule has been modified with meetings the governor did not actually attend.
In the first eighteen months of the governor’s term, the governor has held less than six full cabinet meetings.
Her failure to meet with community leaders, commissioners, lawmakers or even return phone calls has become legendary.
If not for the prepared pep rally speeches to various civic groups or bill signing ceremonies where there is little substance, we wouldn’t see the governor at all.
During the employee’s tenure under former governors, their schedules were always full of meetings. Meetings where they did the talking instead of having their staff talk for them. The lack of substance during the business day is the reason why the current governor shed her security detail.
Forget Wooten. Given how much time she spends not working on state business, the bigger threat was having State Troopers hanging around while she’s shopping or doing personal political interviews or photo shoots in her living room during the work day.
The truth is the operations of the governor’s office has changed dramatically since this governor has taken over. The executive office now hosts more public relations people than public policy people. The governor’s office was remodeled to make room for more in house PR people who are tasked with keeping the governor’s image up on the national stage.
In fact, this governor has spent more time over the last two years speaking to members of the national news media about her personal political aspirations than speaking to Chamber of Commerce members about her vision for the State of Alaska.
Meanwhile the governor’s spokesman is on the phone to a local reporter who has called to inquire about rumors swirling around about the governor’s daughter and her boyfriend who have just become proud parents. The type of rumors that could land a huge payday from inquiring minds.
Consider yourself fortunate because the governor hasn’t even returned the phone calls of Barabara Walters or Chris Matthews, the former news reporter turned press flack says to the young local reporter.
But the reporter isn’t buying the fortunate son angle. He’s knows his intel is solid and the governor will have no choice but to pick up the phone and talk to him. And that she does.
Later in the day, the governor’s voice can be heard getting louder from her office.
A bill to cover the travel expenses for her children has landed on her desk and she is incredulous.
From now on, if I get invited to an event I’m not accepting the invitation unless my children are also included and their airfare covered, she tells her assistant.
It’s 3pm….time to head home.
Tell the commissioner to talk to the Chief of Staff she says to her assistant. Don’t worry the governor says, I have my Blackberry. The governor’s faux Burberry scarf can be seen trailing her into the elevator.
Sleep well Alaska, the state is in good hands.
Andrew Halcro’s blog
And another thing….Her excuse for having an “office” in Anchorage is so she can be near the population base of Alaska and be easily accesible to Alaskan’s ? NOW clearly we all know she is NOT easily accesible to any Alaskan, nor her Commissioners. The office in Anchorage is used to avoid her responsibilities down in Juneau….this new invitation has narrowed down her accesibilty even more from everyday “Joe’s” in Alaska.
Now that Jindal has blown up his political career, Palin is the leader of the Repubs, along with Joe the Non- Plumber and a home-schooled 13 year old.
What is up with the “code of silence” around Palin? The Mafia could only dream of having such an ability to intimidate people into silence. Fifty people know who provided the materials and labor for the Palin house, and no one talks. Is there such a thing as an investigative reporter in AK?
Keep it up, you pathetic anonymous bloggers in your pj’s! You are our only hope to stop the most dangerous person in American politics!
There is a good post on Phils blog anon@11:57pm
http://progressivealaska.blogspot.com/2009/02/tribute-to-frank-gwartny.html
A PERSON from WASILLA!
@ Candy Knight…………….you are exactly right about the example she is setting for women. That was some of the excuses men used for years to keep women out of the work force not to mention high ranking positions.
Who remembers in school passing notes, saying circle yes or no if you like me? lol, this is exactly what is in my minds eye when I see that form.
I would think that there is an ethical question there dealing with that form. She is basically is saying if family can’t come neither do I. I believe she took an oath to represent Alaska and the citizens of the state. She is basically EXTORTING her position and her power.
We as outsiders have to remember we are outsiders. I write this in reference to some times we let our emotions get the better of us and start blaming the citizens of Alaska for the Gov.’s actions. We need to remember lots of citizens didn’t realize what the Gov. was doing until she got smacked for VP choice. It was then that most of this information came out into the public showing the under handing dealing that the Gov. has been facilitating in. Troopergate they knew about but before she was clubbed for VP pick she had agreed 100 % to comply with the investigation.
yeah! what’ss the point of that Invite?
I guess Ak is use to GINO doing stuff without notice or explaining…NOT VERY TRANSPARENT is it?
it’s like a Gov Office Maze, you go this way, that way, trying to see her, [get on her scheduel], and the point is no matter which way you go, there’s a block cause she’s not actualy in the Gov Office, she’s in Anchorage or Wasilla. and her henchmen/women are further blocking access….because they’re smart and they know that she is not, and they need to edit what she says, screen what she will say…that is except those $60.00 phone calls, she can handle those…
Again I ask, how many members of her church are in her administration…
@Strangelet
The new form is defective. It doesn’t have a check box for “Hell, No”
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
lmao
@mlaiuppa
The only first family I know is in the White House
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
yep, but palin fantasizes a lot…a lot about EVERYTHING!
I thought there was a hiring freeze declared by Palin…….if it’s deemed a security measure, what the heck is she worried about? what’s up? eh?
A very good article from Regina about Joe Schmdit one of Palins “Bud’s”
Alaska REALLY needs to be rid of her!!!
http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/02/sarah-palins-buddies.html
Isn’t it the forty ninth Family?
I trust someone (or many someones) have filed complaints with the IRS about Palin’s disregard for tax laws.
1. She has to pay taxes on her per diem (which she knew or should have known when the unethical payments first came to light.
2. She has to pay taxes on the value on her state vehicle (which she gave up using when she was told, “Pay your taxes, ma’am.” Did she pay taxes for the vehicle she was given as Wasilla mayor?
3. Petumenos said that he did not look at the tax question regarding her travel, and it probably wasn’t his job to do so- he was supposed to look at violations of ethics. But virtually every independent tax attorney who has look at the question has concluded that she owes taxes on every trip involving her kids.
If you are concerned about this, contact the IRS and report it.
Bystander (07:52:57) :
What is up with the “code of silence” around Palin?
I’ve often asked this question. What if all the pathetic anonymous bloggers in pj’s start a fund to pay an investigative reporter and publish the findings in the blogosphere? Let the MSM get a hold of it and prove to the country she has no business in public service and, for the sake of Alaskans, lead to impeachment.
No offense to other citizens of Alsaka but your present governor should be at the end of the line.
Palli Holubar (08:07:31) :
Isn’t it the forty ninth Family….
VERY funny!
I just went to sarah’s site and invited her to Palmetto, Fl., date 4/01/09 for April fools day. Family invited “no”, important people “the country that wants to know when you are going to be doing the job you were hired for without per diem’s” First family is in the White House!
tacky tacky Palin…….btw does family include a certain other grandma with drug charges and trial pending? huh granny Sarah, Every day leave’s me with so many more questions, lol
you’re so intriguing and mysterious aren’t ya…..sly like a fox, sneaky as a snake, scary as a grizzly bear….dumb as sheep, gosh you’re so deep and complicated!
mmboucher FloridaNo Gravatar (08:14:31) :
I just went to sarah’s site and invited her to Palmetto, Fl., date 4/01/09 for April fools day. Family invited “no”, important people “the country that wants to know when you are going to be doing the job you were hired for without per diem’s” First family is in the White House!
…………………………….
priceless!
I remember in the video of SP’s urban walk in February, the high-heeled, six month pregnant governor, who deftly marched up hill and dale, on ice no less, said that Todd has been kept very busy working on the endless repairs and upkeep to the Governors mansion.
So, when was the mansion remodeled? I thought they stayed away because it was being remodeled. Was Todd one of the contractors? Did they do a lousy job and Todd had a big list of honey-doos because of that? Or was this before the remodel, and they justified his travel to Juneau as the Official Handiman to the Governor?
I wanted to include this link as a reminder of what she said in an earlier interview…
Note her defense of per diem travel AND she says later that she has such tough skin that rumors don’t bother her a bit, “…like what kinds of rumors?” the interviewer asks…oh boy, get out the umbrella! There is going to be a deluge of poor poor pitiful me raining down! Tough skin my asshat!
Don’t even get me started on having a seven year old carry around (up and down stairs too) a special needs baby with NO ONE, I MEAN NO ONE, even glancing her way to see if Trig is ok!
*Safety advisory* I had to have a couple under my belt before I watched this last night, so you may want to follow suit!
I’ve often asked this question. What if all the pathetic anonymous bloggers in pj’s start a fund to pay an investigative reporter and publish the findings in the blogosphere?
……………………………..
or how about a PI
sorry, I was so worked up, I forgot to post the link;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tebyjibeBg&feature=related
The IRS also has a whistleblower program, with rewards of up to 15% to people “who provide specific and credible information to the IRS if the information results in the collection of taxes, penalties, interest or other amounts from the noncompliant taxpayer.”
http://www.irs.gov/compliance/article/0,,id=180171,00.html
It should be easy money for anyone interested.
mhrt (01:20:07) :
I keep getting the feeling that your election, Alaska’s, was stolen. also,too. All the TV reporters on election night kept saying “Alaska is so red” then the number were starting to get bluer then all red again.
===========
I have this feeling as well. Had it so strongly that I went to the place where votes were being counted (via Dem Hdqtrs) to see if I could watch the process. Brought a little info back, but not sure if I accomplished anything. Not sure if it is HOW votes are counted or WHO is counting them. I feel a bit mavericky about it….
I wonder if ADN will do a story on that cute little form with the required and red fields? wink, wink I would love to see the 300 or so comments on a story like that.
I looked up my governor’s Scheduling request page (VA – Tim Kaine – with teenage kids) .. No box for Can My Children Come too?
Then a woman Governor that had kids that weren’t grown
Jennifer Granholm (3 kids born in the 90′s so they should still be at home)
I couldn’t even find the link to scheduling an appointment aphttp://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21995—,00.htmlp
Just “contact information”
All other female governors seem older with grown kids
The Hawaii one (no kids) did have a box asking if the Governor could bring “a guest”.
Palin has 5 kids plus the new grandbaby.. Why would she ask anyone to multiply the cost of sending JUST HER x5 ?
Quick somebody capture the form and send it to KO and RM before they change it
When I filled out the form, I put real address, e-mail, and phone #, my better half said they will call you, I said I hope so!
now you can repeat this process over and over again on the same trip until you get tails. But then making sure your throw in enough heads to make it believable that you actually did put some serious thought into the decision
……………………………
good one Ann!
crystalwolf aka caligrl (08:06:14) :
A very good article from Regina about Joe Schmdit one of Palins “Bud’s”
Alaska REALLY needs to be rid of her!!!
http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/02/sarah-palins-buddies.html
Read the article and he’s 3rd in line, sheese. Well, SP has this thing for facial hair. Looks like he’s ready to sing “um papa um”
Next will be an addendum with a list for a “green room” with a rider specifying food and beverages and that “Superstar” must have – a swag bag full of goodies !!
mmboucher Florida…
Great idea! Now lets ALL take it one step further BEFORE it’s pulled and/or changed again!
Put on our creative mudcaps and come up with legitimate sounding events to invite GINO to, ones that may BENEFIT from her family’s actual presence… and then check ‘NO’. Flood the GO with them. One after another. Do you think she’ll get the hint? My money says no. That’s why mine will be an invitation to a McDonalds Birthday Party to which the precious will NOT be invited along with her!
Oh the irony!
pvazwindyNo Gravatar (08:47:09) :
crystalwolf aka caligrl (08:06:14) :
A very good article from Regina about Joe Schmdit one of Palins “Bud’s”
Alaska REALLY needs to be rid of her!!!
http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/02/sarah-palins-buddies.html
Read the article and he’s 3rd in line, sheese. Well, SP has this thing for facial hair. Looks like he’s ready to sing “um papa um”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well I meant get rid of all of them! Her and her Bud’s!
austintxNo Gravatar (08:48:23) :
Next will be an addendum with a list for a “green room” with a rider specifying food and beverages and that “Superstar” must have – a swag bag full of goodies !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
diet dr. Pepper
White skinny Latte
baby bottle & diapers
mooseburger’s for “First Family”
I think she should have conferred with ‘Ask Heloise’ – OOOHHH, let’s send her a letter – and ask her if this is proper etiquette!!! I can imagine her reply.
Is the First Family invited?: *
Hmmm – why does she need to know if the Obamas will be there?
It is so hard for me to wrap my head around so many of the things this woman does. I find myself shaking my head and wondering how her mind works that makes this kind of unethical behavior and self-promotion the right thing to do. Narcissism indeed.
if this is her way of establishing precedence for the family, did she even think to run this by the legislative ethics group? or did she manage to cook this up all by herself, including Toad of course with her newly appointed attorney kiss my ass general.
Probably all the existing accepted invitations are being re-processed to clarify whether “the first family” is included. Wonder if they get to invite individuals or the entire tribe?
OK. Time to get this thing rolling.
Time to contact the IRS. Here is something I got from another blog (sorry, forgot which one it was…)
The IRS tells you:
“If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by completing Form 3949-A. You may fill out Form 3949-A online, print it and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888 If you do not wish to use Form 3949-A, you may send a letter to the address above. Please include the following information, if available:
Name and address of the person you are reporting.
The taxpayer identification number (social security number for an individual or employer identification number for a business.
A brief description of the alleged violation, including how you became aware of or obtained the information.
The years involved.
The estimated dollar amount of any unreported income.
Your name, address and daytime telephone number Although you are not required to identify yourself, it is helpful to do so. Your identity can be kept confidential. “
Address of Sarah Dearest (as if they would need it, LOL!) :
Sarah Palin
1140 W Parks Hwy
Wasilla AK 99654
Slightly OT: I think we may have been looking at this issue all wrong. The Gov of Ak has sent a present to every working Mom in AK. By allowing that she has the right to work at home or if she has to work outside of home she has the right to take her whole family to work with her, she is saying that all women have this right, Right? So, woman of AK should be so glad to support her in this new Right.
Working Mom’s Unite to support your Gino, don’t go to work Monday without your family, just work at home if you can’t take them all with you. Grandpa, Grandma, Hubby, and all the kids, don’t forget the Aunties and Uncles and the grand kids. Oh, how sweet it is, a real family affair. Show up with them all or don’t show up at all. I’m sure your home is a much better environment for your family than your work place. If your boss doesn’t understand just have them call the Gino’s office, oops, I meant her home she doesn’t have to be in an office, either does she?
Peaceful Granny (09:12:43) :
Thats a great idea!
Anyone know the link to the “FORM” to invite her?
I would love to look at it and possible actually fill it out and inviting her to Nunam.
Does it have a special section you can add things like..
bring your own food
don’t forget your winter gear
if you plan to stay overnight bring a tent?
don’t forget the reverend (rolling my eyes)
description of appropriate “BOOTs” to wear!
leave the rifle, you can’t take back any of our moose
etc etc
LOL, very good Ann.
Ann Strongheart (09:17:41) :
The site for invite is:
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/gov_eventinvite.php
the kids and school? ha, it will probably come out that they’re being homeschooled and tutored at the states expense, perhaps that gosh darn nanny? after all, the gov needs to be close to the kids
what does the oath of office for AK gov state? OATH Sarah, look it up
Can someone post another link to the invite page? Thanks.
I see you did it as I was writing -Thanks!!!
I don’t know about y’all, but the only time my kids were allowed at work was when they popped in to get ‘money from me’ for something and I couldn’t get home to give it to them.
Other than that ….they did not come to my work place…they didn’t want to…I had to BRIBE
them to even go shopping with me after they turned 12….WHAT KID REALLY WANTS TO BE SEEN WITH THEIR PARENTS BY THEIR PEERS AFTER 12 YRS OF AGE…..UUUHHH….Not many.
BTW my sons are now 49 and 50 yrs old and they still don’t want to go shopping with me…..might be seen by their PEEPS as “MAMAS BOYS.”
But I love them….they will do anything for me..so what the H***
Do the Palin children want to be with her…..THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION…but not one that your state has to pay for….
IMAGINE….. if all those Senators and Representatives had all their children running up and down the aisles DURING SESSIONS..OMG!!!!!
SayNoTOPalinInPolitics…
I think you mean ‘loath’ with an ‘l’, not ‘oath’!
loath: adj… meaning unwilling or reluctant… from Middle/Old English: dispeasing, hateful, hostile…
She should look THAT up!
Never mind if GINO ran this form by the legistlators, did she run it past any one of her FIVE PR people? If she did and they OK’d it they are in the wrong jobs, maybe they are old school pals of churchy friends.
I agree with ‘Say No to Palin’, this needs to go to KO or RM, or even Jon Stewart, it is comedy gold.
The unethical invitation link is:
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/gov_eventinvite.php
My daught was in FFA for years. They have these long drawn out ceremonies. I thought I would die sitting through them. I cannot imagine a kid sitting through things like that. You cannot tell me they wouldn’t rather be in school and at home playing and sleeping in their own beds.
I work in a home office and my family knows when I am working -if your buggin’ me, the house better be on fire or you need a ride to the ER. Who can work with people all around you? Oh, that’s right, she doesn’t actually work. Just bithces, winks and collects funds. My bad.
Will there be a podium and/or microphone?: *
WTF………. Iam surprised GINO didn’t ask will be a Throne for the Queen’s seat.
I sent an invite to0. Crowd of one -god. She’ll have 1 minute to explain her actions to him. No family invited.
Sorry -God, not HIM, him or her or them. Sorry my Wiccan/Pagen friends.
OK so I am looking at this form hmm how to fill it out…
Name/Organization, address, phone, email, dates of events, requested attendance dates, requested attendance time, duration of gov. time, all pretty self explanatory.
Now we get to TYPE of Event the choices are:
auction
breakfast
celebration
ceremony
conference
dinner
fundraiser
interview
luncheon
photo-op
reception
visit/tour
other
Hmm where does..come visit the needy in Nunam Iqua who are surviving thanks to Mudpuppies and Anonymous Bloggers due to the lack of the States Response fit?
OK now Event title… hmm can think of several
PJ CLAD Anonymous Bloggers visit the ones they are helping and throw a pajama party?
Education on how to use snow machines to survive, not race?
How to make your own clothes and save a $100,000 +
Event Location.. All of Rural Alaska?
Size of Audience (number of Attendees) well if we are including all of Rural Alaska that’s gonna take some time to add up those numbers
OK THIS is MY PERSONAL FAVORITE…..
List/Identify Notable Attendees:
So my impression is if there isn’t any other notable attendees she is less likely to come?
If the Governor is not able to attend this event, would you request the Lt. Governor’s or Governor’s Office staff to represent her?
Hmm can we just request them in the first place?
Is the first family invited?
My question would have to be: are they bringing their own food?
Ok enough of that, I need more coffee I can’t come up with witty responses without more caffeine.
But y’all get the idea!! tee hee
In ANY job, if you travel for business, your family IS NOT included. If you choose to have your spouse/kids travel with you, IT IS ON YOUR OWN DIME. The only thing you might be able to get away with is sharing the hotel room. But NO travel tickets, NO meals.
GET THAT, SARAH?!? Being a GOVERNOR does not mean being a FREELOADER!
I see Sarah apointed yet another of her high school pals to be her “successor”.
Anyone who is 45, and still obsessed with high school pals is a moron.
How can you describe the AK political system? Is it more like feudal England, or more like a remake of “Dukes of Hazzard” with Sarah as Boss Hogg?
AK, please stop this monster before she invades the lower 48 again!
I had heard somewhere before that GINO can not seem to separate her personal life from her job.
People should do a chain letter kind of e-mail, urging each recipient to invite the governor to some event (real or not).
Ann Strongheart:PJ CLAD Anonymous Bloggers visit the ones they are helping and throw a pajama party?
Education on how to use snow machines to survive, not race?
How to make your own clothes and save a $100,000 +
Event Location.. All of Rural Alaska?
Size of Audience (number of Attendees) well if we are including all of Rural Alaska that’s gonna take some time to add up those numbers
OK THIS is MY PERSONAL FAVORITE…..
List/Identify Notable Attendees:
So my impression is if there isn’t any other notable attendees she is less likely to come?
If the Governor is not able to attend this event, would you request the Lt. Governor’s or Governor’s Office staff to represent her?
Hmm can we just request them in the first place?
Is the first family invited?
My question would have to be: are they bringing their own food?
Also bring your own THRONE (since we use hunny buckets here) 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ann, LMAO!
The Hellfire Club of Wasilla was pleased to invite GINO to its latest event. Family welcome to attend. Duration: Eternity.
A fast and fun read of the GOPs week of disasters. LOL!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/27/cornyn-preaches-moderatio_n_170490.html
Actually, this just sets Palin up. When the media asks Organizations at functions if they invited the Governor and they say “yes, but she declined” and asked “why?” they can say “We didn’t think it was appropriate to invite her children so she refused to come.”. Maybe directing the Media to her little invite page. Add enough of those up and it make look Palin look even worse…if that is possible.
I wonder if Jindal’s failed speech is related to Crawford now being her full time PAC treasurer and the change of guard at Focus on the Family. Is she ramping up her bid for the 2012 ticket already?
Hellfire club, eternity. God one. And she’ll know everyone there!
I heard Jindal wrote the speech himself -and the fictional story, hahee!
It was a BAD speech, but not near as bad as Palins Gov conv. speech. That was utterly pathetic. Dressed in fire ho red, “I’ve done some travelin’ had a baby…drill baby drill…” as her head expands and explodes on the cocktails. Sure they were all impressed.
Well, one of the notables is going to be GWB. Are they already acquainted?
Invite the Governor……..
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/gov_eventinvite.php
I’m still for emailing President Obama and MO informing them that their being included on the Gino’s invite page. They surely need to know what responses Gino is getting, would you think?
GINO left Wasillah in da hole ’bout 2mill, any way too know what she’s cost the state as gov?
I have a feeling that this webform will be shortlived in it’s current incarnation. Her schedulers are likely to resign en mass if it doesn’t change soon. Oh wait, they already did that.
If she leaves the kids home they get knocked up and party too hard. Abstinence is only realistic if Mom can be on guard 24/7.
I am just astounded that the AK school system allows these children to have that much time off from school to travel with parents – attend functions. Like Piper traveling from Sept – Nov with campaign.
Miss several WEEKS (months?) due to an illness (Bristol).
There is something seriously wrong.
Our schools get State taxes based on attendance/enrollment — kids aren’t in school the school looses $$
Having read the comments and so many of the issues regarding GINO, it boggles this Canadian’s mind. Not knowing the path for which is ‘supposed’ to be the proper way of filing complaints within your state/U.S. but knowing from the blog and comments that she appoints many of her ‘friends’ to positions of office, which has not allowed you to be heard and the matters therefore not addressed as displayed so many times as the deck is stacked a la Talis et al. Also the fact that the rules change up at the convenience when needed without actually being brought about in what appears to me a legal procedure as it is not in the best interests of the state but set up for the best interests of ‘her use and abuse’, This invite issue appears that she is holding people hostage for her attendance together with premeditated misuse of state funds. Anyone else doing their job does not have the option of taking their family when doing their job. This reeks of abuse of her duties as the ballot contained her name. She was hired. Not Todd and the certainly not the flock.
I know I am on the outside but I see this in a way of how courts work. When you file with a court and a decision is made, you have the right to appeal to the next higher court. If I understand it correctly, your AG is there to act on behalf of the people of the state — not her. Again, knowing she stacks it, therefore the citizens have no representation to be heard. Time and time again it has been tossed aside. Please know, in my ‘real’ life outside of blogs, I’m known to toss these verbal things out to friends and family which blows them away. They know I don’t just work it in my mind, I throw it out there!!
So, on the idea of appeal to higher court, would it not be possible for an individual being able to draft a letter explaining the matters for which the numerous issues have been submitted but dismissed with no review or investigation, inclusive of issues like the travel tax for which there is statement proof that Bozo appears to have taken a sampling instead of investigating all the travel and made a deal, which investigation shows lazyiness, favortism and an act of fraud, and proceeded to change regulations without (stacked) legislative consent to address a ‘personal’ gain instead of that of the State. There too is the matter of conflicting testimony or emails (can’t recall which) of Palin and Walt, but was ignored in the decision. You know the list can go forever with all the ethics abuse. My reference to the ‘higher court’ would be that of the office of AG Holder, being that you are not getting a legal representation as a citizen in your state, whether it be you file with the AG of Alaska or the Personnel Board (can’t remember the proper name). Putting it together, so many of you know the issues and collectively compile it and a person puts it together and submits it.
Again, I’m one to verbalize ideas. In this case, it’s via my keyboard. This may be totally wrong path of thinking but this is how I had to resolve some issues via my local government office and climbed the chain of command. It’s by my doing this that my family had the biggest laugh with GINO referred to herself as the pit-bull, as they know what I am like on a mission. It’s been added on in our family that GINO is an appetizer to this Pit-bull as in the end I was successful and didn’t care who I climbed over and on for months!! I went from my local town rep right up to the Minister of Health, who was the Deputy Prime Minister, and would have climbed over him too and still might on another issue!!
Thanks for hearing my keyboard out. May be totally whacked but my way of throwing it out there.
I sent her an invite to Emmonak to deliver the food sitting in Wassila, 15 mins. of her time to wink and smile into the camera, no family invited and no homemade cookies or preaching needed.
Here is something I don’t get and I haven’t seen it mentioned, but there were a lot of comments so maybe I missed it.
It says the Governor is exempt from the personnel rules. It does not say the Governor’s FAMILY is exempt from rules. Even if the Governor is allowed to take additional travel expenses or per diem than other govt employees, that means the GOVERNOR is entitled to it. It does not mean that the whole family gets special entitlements.
The family was not “hired” by the state to do the job. ONE person was and that ONE person may (or may not) be entitled to some special travel or per diem reimbursements, that doesn’t mean everyone they are related to is allowed the same.
What I don’t understand is how anyone can even remotely think this is ok. I was reading comments at ADN last night and was horrified at how many people think that all the stuff she does is ethical and there is nothing wrong with it.
I weep for society!
It brings up the Question, If a City or Village or another State wanted Palin to come for a visit for a real legitimate reason would she NOT agree to come if the “First Family” were not invited? How about I invite her to kiss my ass and no the family is not invited.
Two things I forgot in my other post.
First, I think it was 72 trips, not 40. PET only looked at 40 of the 72 (as I understand it anyway).
Second, even PET said that the “first family” being invited was not the ONLY criteria in determining whether charges were appropriate or not.
It would seem like that many other things, SP is choosing to ignore that point as well with her little question on the form.
Like many, I found the presence of the children on the election trail troubling on several levels. As others have pointed out, the sight of a seven-year-old packing a baby up and down steps made me want to suck in my breath and put my hands out behind her. I wondered about school. I wondered about the expense of having such a very large “entourage” to feed, house, clothe and transport. Mostly, I wondered why, when we all acknowledge that politics is a game that should NOT involve children (we can’t even vote before we’re eighteen, for pete’s sake), Governor Palin’s children were present so very much present. I wondered about their safety at some of those rallies. And I wondered about the double standard in parading her family before the public eye, and then saying, “Don’t talk about them; they’re not part of this.”
Now I learn that they have been a constant presence. I am a single mother. I have a son. I started my own business so I could raise him myself. He is a joy in my life, and certainly very present–and when my work necessitates that participate in events and activities where I cannot divide my attention, I Make Arrangements. And that’s just one kid. I cannot imagine how anyone could imagine that they could both parent and govern a state simultaneously–I loved the line above, that the First Dude (just kill me now) is old enough to babysit. And he has no job.
Governor Palin needs to choose–either she is a full-time mom, or she is a governor. She cannot do both. The fact that she “works from home” makes no difference. I also work from home–and every morning I get up, shower, get my son off to school, then come home and sit down at my desk and work. On days when he is off school I have to make plans for his entertainment, or to take time off work.
The fact is, if you’re “on 24/7,” you’re not really “on” at all. You’re parenting on public time, and squeezing the state’s business in around the edges.
Canadien Neighbor: You have to wonder why someone has not done what you’ve laid out. Good thinking! I would but
i’m not a resident. But I’ll raise holy hell if she pursues a national platform again. And we all know she will.
Former Alaskan- LOL nice job!
tealCA (10:07:16) :
I believe she left Wassila $20 million in debt.
If, instead of charging the state (and Alaskan taxpayers) to bring the “First Family” on travel engagements, Gov. Palin, allocated that money to help feed the rural villages she’d win untold good will. But, alas, this is one more bit of chicanery.
Palin never fails to disappoint and I find it heartening (and so often, funny) to read the good words here at Mudflats, Shannyn Moore and Andrew Halcro. At the same time, it frustrates me no end that Gov. Palin continues to escape ANY retribution from her various “gates”. How she manages to do it is a mystery. Why those that surround her are so protective and fiercely loyal and tight-lipped is even a greater mystery. You would think with as many people as she’s stepped on that one person…just ONE…would come forward with enough credible information to confirm at least one “gate” and lay to rest any chances of her political future.
One of these days I hope to come here and read that single defining story that’s full of enough facts that are so indisputable that not even her “special prosecutor” can defend it. I can only hope. Keep up the great work AK.
penny (06:13:41) :
In the last week, the founder of Focus on the Family, James C Dobson, resigned, as did Tim Crawford Financial Chairman of the RNC. Why is this of interest? James C Dobson serrupticiously bankrolled the defense of SP’s folks in troopergate, and Tim Crawford is also treasurer of Palin’s PAC.
Coincidence? Probably not.
Problematic for SP? Probably not, as Franklin Graham will probably be the successor to the conservative throne, and Sarah’s big bucks operatives set her and Franklin up on that blind date/photo op/ humanitarian mission last week.
—–
Jeez, I wish this whole corrupt Sarah Palin Administration was taken down now, fast, before the cockroaches get to hide when the lights come on.
———-
Bystander (09:50:31) :
I see Sarah apointed yet another of her high school pals to be her “successor”.
Anyone who is 45, and still obsessed with high school pals is a moron.
_______
Her heyday is over–evidently she must have peaked in High Skool.
A list of all the children’s trips is posted on the net. When you look at all their travel (remember this is just the trips for which she’s seeking state $$$) you’ve to wonder how much school these kids miss. Those lost days must be difficult to make up. Not to mention the truancy laws probably aren’t being enforced for her kids.
Plus, she’s moved them from schools in Wasilla to Juneau and back to Wasilla all in the SAME SCHOOL YEAR. They literally follow her around the entire state. Some of Piper’s trips start early in the morning and end late at NIGHT. The list give you a good idea of the family dynamics. No wonder there’s quite a few pictures of Piper in flip flops and summer dresses at Winter Balls and in mommy’s high heels carrying Trig upstairs. She must be dressing herself, poor thing.
http://www.flickr.com/people/33163903@N05/
I really feel sorry for her kids.
Also, I’m SO GLAD that somebody else has said something about all that “First Family/First Dude” crap. It’s bizarre and creepy and pretentious, and just makes them look like they’ve got a towering sense of entitlement. Let’s get real. Before Sarah hit the big time they were a family of fishermen, right? A little contracting? Swanking around calling themselves the First Family makes them look nouveau riche, and not in a good way.
TessinTx
Every day I check in here hoping to see the same thing. I think the best hope at the moment is Housegate (if the IRS are indeed on to it). Hopefully this will not only finish her political career, but throw her miserable, sorry ar$e in jail.
BodieP, well said.
She is a poor example of a career woman. How many times in the struggle for equal rights/pay have men/employers used the excuse of “She’ll just get pregnant and quit,” “She’ll expect extra time off,” “She’ll whatever…”
My uncle was a stay at home dad for 5 years because his wife had the better paying job.
My sister has a FT live in nanny for her 3 kids.
And Bristol saying “Telling my mom was worse than labor,” is, well, very telling. It says it all.
Her poor kids are props. Nothing more. It’s sad, really.
I looked at GINO’s form and this question caught my eye:
“List/Identify Notable Attendees: * ”
OMIGOD. ’nuff said.
Since this whole thing came to light I have been thinking about the voter and how does the voter know whether a candidate will take advantage of this travel situation. Now that Sarah has come out with a form that asks if her family is invited it seems that we should also put this together as a voter initiative. Every candidate should be required to state how many family members he has. (This should be defined on the form first.) He/she should name each one. He should then be required to say if he/she will require the state to pay for his family’s travel expenses when they accompany he/she.
We can then calculate how much each candidate will cost if elected. This may figure into whether to vote for an individual. Maybe we would prefer to vote for one who has no family over one with 6 or 7. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Maybe a smart prospective candidate for Governor can actually use this as part of his/her platform. go Sarah…go…going…gone!
AKMFanNo Gravatar (10:24:56) :
Two things I forgot in my other post.
First, I think it was 72 trips, not 40. PET only looked at 40 of the 72 (as I understand it anyway).
Second, even PET said that the “first family” being invited was not the ONLY criteria in determining whether charges were appropriate or not.
It would seem like that many other things, SP is choosing to ignore that point as well with her little question on the form.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A recent example of abuse is Fairbanks/Iron dog….Now Gryphen reported she spoke at a function either Sat or Sun night in Fairbanks, so probably her travel, hotel, food were covered!!!! Plus she brought Bristol(to be interviewed by GVS), Trip, Trig and Piper and of course dud came in at the finish line. So will she take a “per diem” for all this???? We will have to keep a close eye and see, but I bet she will!
Greytdog ? (10:35:22) :
I looked at GINO’s form and this question caught my eye:
“List/Identify Notable Attendees: * ”
OMIGOD. ’nuff said.
When I sent it out my answer to that question was, “Th Alaskan people you are working for with per diem’s”
The invite to the Gov. in Idaho is very similar. Perhaps it is a standard was of covering ones butt.
http://gov.idaho.gov/ourgov/schedule_request_form.htm
Canadian Neighbour (10:13:42) :
Well said. I couldn’t agree more. Someone needs to stop this nonsense. Like Obama’s saying goes…….. “ENOUGH”
What – no Teleprompter ??
Good point Bodie P: The fact is, if you’re “on 24/7,” you’re not really “on” at all. You’re parenting on public time, and squeezing the state’s business in around the edges.
As a mother of three, who, in the past 17 years, has worked full time, part time and part time from home, I can attest that, based on the demands of a full time job and on the demands of being a parent of several children, something has to give—and from the list of her kids’ travels posted on the flickr site I posted above, I’d agree with your statement that she’s parenting on public time and squeezing the state’s business in around the edges.
Plus, she’s squeezing in the state’s business from Anchorage or Wasilla, appearing in Juneau only long enough for the Mansion’s Open House or First Family Photo or merely to present the STate of state address–then she flies right out of Juneau, pronto!!!
Wow. Just checked time line. They’re never in school.
How old are Willow and Piper?
I don’t even see an invite on Gov Perry’s website. I know he is a republican . I live here and I am stuck with him.
http://governor.state.tx.us/
Went to ADN to see what was happening and saw this:
Wasilla considers building shooting range
CITY OWNED: Ordinance proposed that would allow an outdoor facility.
By RINDI WHITE rwhite@adn.com
Published: February 24th, 2009 05:19 PM
Last Modified: February 24th, 2009 11:40 PM
WASILLA — In the hometown of Gov. Sarah Palin, who was lauded last year for being able to field-dress a moose, hunters have long despaired for a place to sight in their rifles.
Now, Wasilla officials are considering building a city-owned range, perhaps at the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex, and have put forward rules that would allow others to build ranges in Wasilla too.
Jim Holycross, city planner at Wasilla, said residents visit his office to complain about the lack of shooting ranges a half-dozen times or so each year. Craig Pell, whose family owns Chimo Guns, said his yearly complaint count is in the thousands.
———
Draw your own conclusion. One can only hope.
Blue IdahoNo Gravatar (10:41:13) :
The invite to the Gov. in Idaho is very similar. Perhaps it is a standard was of covering ones butt.
http://gov.idaho.gov/ourgov/schedule_request_form.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But he only asks first Lady, like “Couple”….hers is first Family, meaning as the RNC called them, the “Wasilla hillbilly’s”!
Idahos says “First Lady to attend?” Not your mom, dad, kids, grandkids, cousins, friends, etc.
I think it is certainly appropriate at certain functions to bring ones partner. But 5 kids? Hell no.
A socialist gun range???
“Out of the 733 correctional officers working in the state of Alaska over 500 of us voted. Out of those less than 20 said they had confidence in Schmidt. The rest of us voted ‘no confidence’ in his leadership. This was unprecedented. At no time, before Schmidt was appointed as our commissioner, had we ever initiated a ‘no confidence’ vote in one of our commissioners.”
http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/02/sarah-palins-buddies.html
……………………………………………….
who in the H is pulling the strings up there? this guy she just appointed sounds terrible!
nswfm CANo Gravatar (10:47:09) :
Went to ADN to see what was happening and saw this:
Wasilla considers building shooting range
CITY OWNED: Ordinance proposed that would allow an outdoor facility.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pork!LARD! Whatever!
How much is “Chimo guns” donating to her PAC????
It will be just like the Sports rink! Wonder if she’s adding on to her house, a cottage perhaps for Bristol & Trip?
OMG! WATCH this people!
Hey all…I just spoke with a friend from Juneau who says that Sarah has re-enrolled Piper in the Juneau school system. I guess this must mean that at least Piper will be living in Juneau.
I feel very sorry for that little girl. She’s missed a lot of school, and if her teachers decide to promote her to a class beyond her comprehension….well, I guess only Piper will have to live with the consequences.
If I were to drag my child in and out of school, and in and out of airplanes, day in and day out, in order to fit my working schedule, I do beleive DFYS would be knocking at my door.
Do all Governors call their families The First Family?
Yes but his kids are over 18 sor I don’t think it would be the same. Other parts are the same. Trust me I am not defending her. Perhaps we shoul look at a state that has a Gov with children under 18 to compare.
Documentation of “First Famly” Travel paid by the state and not taxed is available here:
http://media.adn.com/smedia/2009/02/25/16/Travel_Authorizations.source.prod_affiliate.7.pdf
2009
Blue Idaho (10:41:13) :
The invite to the Gov. in Idaho is very similar. Perhaps it is a standard was of covering ones butt
………………………
I noticed that it says is first LADY invited NOT the whole F in Family.LOL
hey, we need to start a train wreck list for all the busts that happen, lol
RatfishNo Gravatar (10:55:45) :
Documentation of “First Famly” Travel paid by the state and not taxed is available here:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, that would be a nice link to send to the IRS to “go over” with her!
ATFNo Gravatar (10:54:06) :
Hey all…I just spoke with a friend from Juneau who says that Sarah has re-enrolled Piper in the Juneau school system. I guess this must mean that at least Piper will be living in Juneau.
…………………………..
explain to me what this means? she’s gone there before? and when is she to start back?
C.Rock – Perry spends at least 1-2 hrs. a day toodling in and back to the 9k. a month villa out west of town. He does fly commercial though , a friend was on a Southwest flight a few weeks ago that Perry was on.
Hey! I think that is great. For ONCE, Sarah Palin is attempting to address an issue that the taxpayers have raised instead of ignoring them, and then pretending that she has done nothing wrong. This is progress. Apparently, we are making some impact in changing the way these government officials do business. It may not be perfect yet, but it is a start. This is one of the positive effects of citizen advocacy.
How ironic that this news comes out at the same time a story appears on ADN telling Alaskans, ‘don’t worry, you’ll still probably get a PFD this year.’
The market’s plunging, PFD fund is dismal, oil prices way down – but whew, maybe we’ll still get $1000 this year.
And Palin grabs every dime she can. Yeah, some public servant.
@mlaiuppa (00:13:29) :
Here’s an interesting tidbit:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/19431.html
Seems the RNC’s finance director quit.
——–
Saw that too. How coincidental. Wonder if he knows where all of those designer duds are.
She’s going to get away with this too, unless you vote her out next election. But I don’t think she’ll be running, she wants the White House, and then she can take her kids to Iraq.
@Say No….
Apparently, all the girls were enrolled in the JSS when Sarah took office. They each returned to Wasilla. Bristol moved from Wasilla to West High in Anchorage (before she dropped out, only to enroll in correspondence courses) Willow remained in Wasilla (where I was told, she still is), but that Piper has be re-enrolled in Juneau. Piper may have attended Kindegarten or First grade in Juneau. Her age would put her in either 2nd or 3rd grade now.
Why do you ask?
@Paula (04:03:23) :
Loeffler said she’s been a Democrat “since the day I was born.”
———–
Also loved the fact that according to ‘tradition,’ Begich gets to make the appointment!
snark
PacificnwgalNo Gravatar (11:09:28) :
Hey! I think that is great. For ONCE, Sarah Palin is attempting to address an issue that the taxpayers have raised instead of ignoring them, and then pretending that she has done nothing wrong. This is progress. Apparently, we are making some impact in changing the way these government officials do business. It may not be perfect yet, but it is a start. This is one of the positive effects of citizen advocacy.
………………………………………
yeah, sad though. it’s because she can get her way doing this, plus it keeps her butt out of legal trouble, she got busted, but she’s still fightin
@Ratfish: travel vouchers
Gee, and if she’d already been in Juneau, WHERE THE CAPITAL AND HER JOB ARE LOCATED, we wouldn’t have to cover the costs of her travel there for things like the First Family Reception. Or interacting with the legislature.
If being the Gov of Alaska is taking too much time from her family to be able to travel without them, imagine what it would be like if, heaven forbid (lightning cracks, thunder booms, crashing waves, earth rending apart) she became the leader of the supposedly free world?
How about we help her out by giving this Large And Loving Family (LALF–pronounced “laugh”) a hearty, “No, thanks!”
Just sayin’, also. . . .
A little birdie whispered in my ear that GINO is really annoyed by the term “GINO.”
GINO= Governor In Name Only. It suits her perfectly!
I say we keep it up and use it EVERYWHERE, until everyone uses it exclusively. No more SP, Sarah, Palin, SWWNBN, etc. Just GINO!
I suggest we start a GINO-PAC, and perhaps use the funds to hire a PI or an investigative reporter as others have suggested.
Thoughts???
Oh my heavens..I just read the PDF travel documentation Ratfish posted earlier.
On page 25, the purpose of travel states “Piper is the poster child for the NEA”
How embarassing for the National Educators Association to honor a child who misses so much school.
Good Grief! Isn’t there anyone in Alaska to apply the law to her?
Even if the Foist Family is invited to something, there isn’t necessarily any relevant connection to serving the mission of the State!
That’s what lawyers and legislators need to look at, and then change the law/admin code if needed.
Good Grief! Isn’t there anyone in Alaska willing to apply the law to her?
Even if the Foist Family is invited to something, there isn’t necessarily any relevant connection whatsoever to serving the mission of the State!
That’s what lawyers and legislators need to look at, and then change the law/admin code if needed.
ATF……I was just curious about Piper, but also thinking all the pressure for Sarah to get her butt to work in Juneau is finally working
us darn blogger trouble makers makin her accountable and all, lol, she must grrrrrr us daily
Also too, I think we may need to take this “travelgate” stink to the legislators, it isn’t okay. They’re gonna love that huh, lol.
Also too and also…….I bet no one in AK (who can) wants to jump ship or come out of the shadows and take Palin down, can you imagine the reputation of that, being “the one”?
what a meanspirited horrible person that would be…..lol…..it’s gotta be really obvious, illegal and
bad before the state or citizens (other than those who are trying) are going to take her down or the IRS, any other way she’ll be a martyr and everyone but her will be blamed for poor poor Sarah, look what they did to her.
she can dish it out and smear others but pity poor Sarah…..anything that does happen, she’s going to spin it as a smear on her.
I hope we give her as many headaches and indigestion as she gives us. We’re not the frauds.
ATF – re: poster child……..so says Sarah. What say NEA ?? She needs to be cked. on every thing that comes out of her mouth or staff.
I looked at the timeline linked on Gryphen’s blog, and was shocked at the amount of travelling these kids did during the school year.
Anyway, I went on the govs website and invited Sarah here to the DC area to give a talk/workshop with former DC mayor Marion Barry (now a Ward councilman) on how to sustain a political career while involved in tax evasion and personal scandals. Children not welcome.
Sarah sweetie, time to leave the kids at home and do your job in an ethical, professional manner if you want still want to have something resembling a career. This “Is the First Family Invited?” stuff willl be all over the MSM next week. Take a hint from Michelle Obama…she had her mom move in to the White House just to prevent the kind of nonsense you are doing and give her kids routine and stability. I know you don’t put too much emphasis on education, but seeing how your first two kids turned you may want to rethink things.
Thinking back on the ballot when she was elected gov, I don’t remember ever seeing check boxes for Todd, Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Chuck, Sally ……
We didn’t elect her family. We elected her. She should be filing for travel reimbursement just as if she were a single person. Amen.
I think it was a misprint- Piper is the poster child for the NRA, not the NEA.
Mooseburgers, anyone?
Sec. 39.20.050. Exclusive compensation.
The compensation fixed by law for the governor and lieutenant governor is in full for all services rendered by each of them in any official capacity or employment whatsoever during their respective terms of office, and shall be paid throughout their respective terms of office unless the office becomes vacant.
Sec. 39.20.060. Exclusion of governor and lieutenant governor from personnel laws.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the governor and lieutenant governor are not considered employees of the state for the purpose of state personnel laws relating to hours of employment, annual leave, sick leave, overtime, compensatory time, and travel allowances. This section does not deprive the governor and lieutenant governor of the right to participate in the state retirement system or in state group insurance plans.
Can someone please explain, if the Gov/Lt Gov’s compensation is in full for all services rendered, and they are exempt from travel allownaces (?? per diems} how can GINO charge 1 day’s per diem for taking a phone cal etc. Let us see Lt. Gov’s per diem claims for comparison.
Secret Shopper
I was wondering how GINO was taking the moniker…………
So how will she like her theme tune?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__WJJgIXk6U
Treat yourself and listen!
Tell me fellow mudpuppies, are these the kind of press release comments Governors from other states make?
“It is troubling that this complaint was such an obvious political weapon, with an associate of a political adversary filing this and making it public — against state law — just before the election,” her statement said.
And this lovely gem…………….
Palin said: “I am disappointed that Representative Ramras failed to express his concerns to my office before issuing a press release with incomplete and misleading information. This is particularly concerning since he knew I would be attending a meeting with his entire caucus that evening. Representative Ramras did not mention the specific issue of using state assets to me personally at the meeting.
Instead, I read about it later in the press release. Truly Alaskans deserve better than that kind of ‘politics as usual’. It is unfortunate that the representative sees this as an opportunity to play politics rather than help in the response.”
Who’s really playing politics here? BTW… Just how ethical was it for Sarah to access Randy Ruederich’s computer at the AOGCC when she knew he would be out of town?
That posting by Regina at Palingates reminds me of a comment Anne Kilkenny made with regard to Sarah’s desire to leave the AOGCC.
If it is not too late, I say we pitch in and have an ice or snow sculpture carved at Fur Rondy with Andrew Halcro and Frank Gwartney’s likenesses. We can call it “Alaska’s Heros”
…ATF – re: poster child……..so says Sarah. What say NEA ?? She needs to be cked. on every thing that comes out of her mouth or staff.
———
OK, now that’s officially weird. I went to the NEA site and found no mention of a poster child of any stripe. So then I went to Wikipedia and found the following:
“In recent decades the NEA has greatly increased its visibility in party politics, endorsing almost exclusively Democratic Party candidates and contributing funds and other assistance to political campaigns. The NEA asserts itself “non-partisan”, but critics point out that the NEA has endorsed and provided support for every Democratic Party presidential nominee from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama and has never endorsed any Republican or third party candidate for the presidency [4][5]. However, NEA has endorsed and supported Republican political candidates for Congressional and Gubernatorial offices. In 2006, NEA funded over 300 candidates, a list which included Democrats, Republicans and Independents, such as Mike Simpson, Richard Lugar, Olympia Snowe, Jim Gerlach, John M. McHugh and Bernard Sanders, among others.
Based on required filings with the federal government, it is estimated that between 1990 and 2002 ninety percent of the NEA’s substantial political contributions went to Democratic Party candidates. Although this has been questioned as being out of balance with the more diverse political views of the broader membership, [8] the NEA maintains that it bases support for candidates primarily on the organization’s interpretation of candidates’ support for public education and educators. Every Presidential candidate endorsed by NEA must be approved by majority vote among the members themselves at NEA’s annual Representative Assembly.”
The organization, first of all, it aimed at TEACHERS, not children. A “poster child” typically exemplifies the constituency the organization exists to serve. For example, the March of Dimes poster child is typically a child in leg braces. Given that the organization seems to be closer to a teachers’ union than anything else, it’s odd they would be cited as having a “poster child” at all. And even if they DID for some reason have a poster child, how does Piper Palin fit that description? Is she a particularly challenged student who exemplifies the great need for good teachers? Is she a particularly good student who demonstrates educator excellence?
As I said, I couldn’t find any press releases on NEA’s site. Nor could I find any on the google news site. Nor could I find any on the internet in general. Moreover, given the perceived NEA bias toward the Democratic party (though as the article notes they HAVE supported GOP candidates at the state level) it seems unlikely that they would pick the apparently erratically educated child of a controversial, hardline GOP conservative governor as their poster child. I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m just asking, what are the odds here?
That Rep kid is definetly Aspergers,he is regurgitating the words and talking points that became his focus while he was fixated on Bennets talk show for years.My GS is Aspergers and he can really impress adults with his speaking ability,he seems to talk way beyound his years and when it is something that he is fixated on his command of facts and terms is huge.However,he has no friends and cannot interract with children,because he is so “different ” and they do not understand him.The CPAC attendees were wowed by a child who should be receiving counciling and help to be able to form and maintain relationships with his peers,not paraded around like a prize pet monkey .
Somethings very interesting on those travel authorizations–classroom visits on 3/19/08-first family inaugural luncheon 3/ 21/08 prayer breakfast 3/22/08- etc. Departed Juneau 3/13/08- return Juneau 3/23/08. Did Piper do this by herself, I thought Sarah went to TEXAS and flew back to Anchorage to have Trig on 3/18/08??? Were they living in Juneau or Wasilla at the time? VERY STRANGE TIMETABLE!!
mommom – my thoughts exactly! You said it better than I did. I get the Atlanta news channels, wonder why I never heard of this kid.
Blue Idaho (10:54:30) :
Michigan has a female Gov with young children… can we explore this further? How does MI deal with per diems for family travel/
The Palin-related scandal du jour? Tim Crawford, SarahPAC treasurer was forced to resign after 2 weeks as finance director of the Republican National Committee. Maybe, like Sarah, he wants to “spend more time with his family”.
wow, lol, Palin sure loves to stir the pot, that witchy’s brewing up trouble……she’s so dang good at it! so Schmidt who she appoints to succeed Parnell OR her, has to be approved by the legislature and she expects this to fly?
They must think she’s lost her marbles! Maybe a psych evaluation can be ordered. Wouldn’t I love to be a fly on the wall in the leg, lol.
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/705347.html?commentSort=RecommendationsDescending&pageNum=1
………………………………………………….
MizzR wrote on 02/28/2009 01:09:14 AM:
“Schmidt has had a few problems during his tenure as Corrections Commissioner, but what the Senate will be looking at is that 96-1 vote of “no confidence”.
As reported last year, Jay Ramras said, “I have never, never heard a commissioner speak so disparagingly of the people who work for him. It is hurtful to morale.”
The Alaska Correctional Officers Association accused Schmidt of cutting prison staff to dangerously low levels and covering up medical issues in jails. There was a scandal over one prisoner who committed 23 rapes over a five day period because he was not properly monitored due to not enough guards. Even before that, the legislature called for an audit of Schmidt’s performance.”
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armistice_peace wrote on 02/28/2009 04:22:03 AM:
Why doesn’t the legislature, instead, change state law so that the line of succession to the Alaskan governorship is not at the whim of an elected official, but is clearly defined, as it is in the U.S. Constitution, and in many states?
The idea that your governor can tap a person who’s had an overwhelming vote of ‘no confidence’ in his performance — what does that say about her concern for the citizens of her state? A man without a full college degree, but who was a high school pal of the politician who’s chosen him?
Would the voters elect this person? Shouldn’t the next-in-line be someone who’s elected by the populace? Not selected because he’s a crony?
Why not get in touch with your legislators and have them change the law pdq?
Recommend (42)
BodieP – The odds look pretty slim to me. But we don’t live in the land of GINO – some mythical place where everything revolves around her (remember she told Katie Couric that the world doesn’t revolve around HER).
My mistake I guess Trig was born 4/18/08, maybe?? Sure a lot of travel for Piper, I thought they were living in Wasilla, why is she always going from Juneau to Anchorage? Where did she go to school? or did she?? I feel sorry for those kids, looks like everything is always in an uproar for them, always coming and going, and having to be put in the spotlight because of their mother.
True, Libby–
and in the scheme of things I find Piper’s purported status as a “poster child” considerably less troubling than the fact that the guy who’s run the prison system so badly has been annointed the Palin successor. That’s just plain creepy. Poor Alaska.
maybe the governors get to “appoint” a NEA poster child and she chose Piper, lol, that would be a bit biased wouldn’t it, but believable, lol
I’m glad to hear that GINO doesn’t like our pet name for her.
In my mind, at least, it rhymes with RINO and DINO? How about you?
Also short for Vicious Annoying Governor In Name Only. Although the feminist in me objects, I can’t help myself. She gives women a bad name.
…Also short for Vicious Annoying Governor In Name Only. Although the feminist in me objects, I can’t help myself. She gives women a bad name…
——-
I thought I was the only one who got the whole gyno reference, and I was going to let it pass, just let it pass…we’ll DEFINITELY be roomies in the old folks’ home!
V.A.G.I.N.O. ! Love it! Does anyone know if that’s the “V” word in Italian????
I think everyone needs to pay attention to GINO’s most recent found silence. Evr since she went to washington a few weeks back, she’s been really quiet. Something is brewing. whether its her new image she trying to portray or she knows somehting bad is on its way.
How about the “The VAGINO Monologues”?
Think we could get Eve Ensler’s permission to parody her play?
If you remember, one piece of bad news has come out since she went to wahsingto. She having to pay taxes on her family travel and lodging.
BodieP LOL! Looking forward to it. And stocking up on gag items, beer and whiskey, also, too.
The “First Family” and that type of talk makes it sound like they think they are royalty. I find it the strangest thing I have ever heard. I have NEVER heard people refer to themselves that way in any state I have lived in……
I also feel VERY sorry for these children. Growing up with a narcissistic mother is a recipe for disaster……
Anyone listen to any of the CPAC speeches? Rush L is on and he is a total idiot. I can’t believe this is who they think their leader is. He is so full of crap.
former alaskan (12:12:13) :
Somethings very interesting on those travel authorizations–classroom visits on 3/19/08-first family inaugural luncheon 3/ 21/08 prayer breakfast 3/22/08- etc. Departed Juneau 3/13/08- return Juneau 3/23/08. Did Piper do this by herself, I thought Sarah went to TEXAS and flew back to Anchorage to have Trig on 3/18/08??? Were they living in Juneau or Wasilla at the time? VERY STRANGE TIMETABLE!!
…………………………………………………
If them dates are right she went to a classroom visit the day after Trig was born.? just asking
I think I may be channelling SillyWhabbit today.
Trig was supposedly born on 4/18/08 not 3/18/08. Before she went to Dallas for the conference Sarah was in Juneau for the end of the 2008 Alaskan Legislative.
BodieP – thanks for cking the NEA site. Sarah Palin reminds me of what they say about drug addicts – “You know how to tell when an addict is lying ??…..when their mouth is open”. No offense to addicts intended……..
Methinks Sarah has notions above her stations.
Irishgirl – She best stay in the shallow end of the pool……….
Why is Palin charging and being paid for ANY per diem allowances?
Here’s the relevant law:
Alaska Statutes AS 39.20.050. Exclusive compensation:
The compensation fixed by law for the governor . . . is in full for all services rendered . . . in any official capacity or employment
whatsoever . . . .
Alaska Statutes AS 39.20.060. Exclusion of governor . . . from personnel laws:
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the governor [is] . . . not considered [an] employee of the state for the purpose of state personnel laws relating to . . . travel allowances.
Therefore, considering that the law is very clear that Palin’s compensation is “in full” for all services rendered, and specifically excludes her from being entitled to any travel allowances (such as a “per diem” allowance), why is Palin charging and being paid for per diem allowances?
Discuss.
The thing that I’m increasingly finding troubling is the willful selection of ignorance. This has been going on for a while now, but for me the recent election and the political shenanigans since have really highlighted the issue. It’s not so much the misinformation as it is the misinformation/debunking/repeated misinformation that I’m seeing. I know that spin’s a part of politics, but when the spin is discredited and then respun–then it gets worrisome.
I recently watched “Religulous,” which is pretty thought-provoking, dealing as it does with the same issue. Bill Maher travels around and talks to various religious persons and asks how they reconcile some of the more outre fundamentalist principles with science. No matter where you stand on matters of religion, I think it’s always helpful to examine your position.
Several of the people he spoke to were perfectly willing to talk until he asked a question they couldn’t reconcile with logic–and when he called them on it (which he did very gently, by the way).
As I watched I kept thinking of the GOP positions and actions of late, and how very divorced they’ve become from the reality of life. They have their “doctrines”–small government, tax cuts, no abortion, big wars–and when faced by the failure of their “theology” they become angry, and simply insist even more fervently on their position. Any day now I expect some GOP spokesman to to say, “That’s just where faith comes in.” Because that’s what it’s become–a matter of faith, and the electoral failure of the party simply reinforces their position.
Think of the imagery being used: They are “wandering in the desert” like the Hebrews did at the time of the Exodus. The corollary, of course, is that they are God’s Chosen People, and if they get their act together, straighten up and fly right and prove their faithfulness to that Old Time Religion God will bless them with a return to the Promised Land. Even the reasons given for the party failure have religious connotations–they have become “too liberal,” have “compromised their principles.” Somebody soon is going to start talking about bowing down to idols (they’re already talking about people “worshipping” President Obama).
I find it a little frightening, quite frankly, because it’s an unassailable position–you can’t argue with a zealot, and that’s the mentality we’re talking here. Every critique and check is seen as “persecution,” as vindication of the rightness of their position (after all, it’s “the Devil Working Hard” against them, right?)
Better quit here and go write my own blog entry! Guess what it’ll be on?
I dont care if she asks if the kids are invited. I have no problem with her taking all the kids, in-laws, grandparents, fiances, dates, whatever.
WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS, IS THE STATE OBLIGATED TO PAY THE TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR THESE “INVITED” FIRST FAMILY MEMBERS JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE INVITED?
I would think each individual would still have to prove they were doing business for the benefit for the state in order to ride free.
Her form is tasteless, classless and manipulative/demanding/controling but hopefully her republican inviters will see how ill bred Palin is,
ANYBODY KNOW IF “BEING INVITED” CONSTITUTES STATE BUSINESS? ESPECIALLY WHEN THE INVITATION IS COERCED?
Seeking-the-truth – I’m not being a smarty pants , but when SP was Mayor of Wasilla and spent 50k to refurbish the office , she said that she will do whatever she wants until a Judge tells her to stop. She has an off the chart sense of entitlement and will not stop until a Judge tells her to. She said those words.
My, my, look who is a sponsor of the 2009 CPAC:
Susan B. Anthony List/Team Sarah
This Susan B. Anthony group is an anti-abortion group who appear to target politicians who support Pro-Choice while supporting politicians who support Pro-Life.
Still looks like Sarah and Alaska are being run from out of staters, something that’s been in effect since she was selected as the VP Candidate for Little Johnny McCain
And furthermore—-by what legal authority does Petumoneus have the right to decide NOT to investigate other travel that he himself states are questionable? He made this part of the “settlement” ( aka plea bargain) that he may or may not have a legal right to make, but HOW IS IT LEGAL TO AGREE NOT TO INVESTIGATE OTHER LEGITIMATE TRAVELS?
It would be one thing to say he had investigated them all but was only going to charge her with certain ones, BUT HE SAID HE WOULD STOP INVESTIGATING THE OTHER ITEMS. HOW IS THAT LEGAL?
DID HE GET PERSONNEL BOARD AUTHORIZATION FOR THE SETTLEMENT AND/OR IT’S CRITERIA?
These are important issues because I am not sure Petumoneus’s ruling has legal standing.
Breaking news …off topic;
Romney Wins CPAC Poll, Palin Finishes Fourth
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/28/romney-wins-cpac-poll-pal_n_170787.html
Here are the official results:
Mitt Romney – 20 percent
Bobby Jindal – 14 percent
Ron Paul -13 percent
Sarah Palin – 13 percent
Newt Gingrich -10 percent
Mike Huckabee – 7 percent
Mark Sanford – 4 percent
Rudy Guiliani – 3 percent
Tim Pawlenty – 2 percent
Charlie Crist – 1 percent
Undecided – 9 percent
@BodieP,
Great post.
Flippin’ Rush is on TV. He needs taken out, I can’t stand the stinkin lies he spews. I just can’t believe the number of followings he has. He’s so immature, ppl are just standing up and clapping at everything he says. Makes you want to puke.
Normal everyday math:
2 + 2 = 4
Palin math to get the same result:
2 + [(x_1 + x_2)/2 , (y_1 + y_2)/2],
where
SAcyl = 2(pi)r2 + 2(pi)rh,
then
(a + b)^n = sum[k=0,n][(n over k)a^(n-k)b^k]
and
x = 3/3 = 1, y = –6/3 = –2,
and the divergence (Div) is, e.g. for some arbitrary vector F (F = F_x + F_y + F_z)
Div F = @F_x/ @x + @F_y/ @y + @F_z/ @z
Where ‘@’ is taken to be the partial derivative symbol
In solar applications, the vectors D and H are seldom, if ever, used, and neither is e_o . For example, for equation (4) one is more apt to make the following changes:
H = B/ u
curl (B/ u) = J + @(e E)/ @t
which leads directly to:
curl B = u [J + @(e E)/ @t],
thus
Total rest mass on left side = 6.015 + 2.014 = 8.029 u
Total rest mass on right side = 2 × 4.0026 = 8.0052 u
Missing rest mass = 8.029 – 8.0052 = 0.0238 atomic mass units,
and
1/? = R × (1/4 – 1/n2)
where ? is the wavelength, R is a constant (now called Rydberg’s constant) equal to 1.0967758(±7) × 107 meter-1, and n is an integer greater than two,
plus the orbital variance and juxtaposition of said electrons,
= 4
Isn’t 13 considered an “unlucky” number ??
NY Dem,
Give the protons and neutrons a chance!!
lol, well we know that that will be lost on Sarah!
Here are the official results:
Mitt Romney – 20 percent
Bobby Jindal – 14 percent
Ron Paul -13 percent
Sarah Palin – 13 percent
Newt Gingrich -10 percent
Mike Huckabee – 7 percent
Mark Sanford – 4 percent
Rudy Guiliani – 3 percent
She sure is in good company!
Tim Pawlenty – 2 percent
Charlie Crist – 1 percent
Undecided – 9 percent
Here are the official results:
Mitt Romney – 20 percent
Bobby Jindal – 14 percent
Ron Paul -13 percent
Sarah Palin – 13 percent
Newt Gingrich -10 percent
Mike Huckabee – 7 percent
Mark Sanford – 4 percent
Rudy Guiliani – 3 percent
Tim Pawlenty – 2 percent
Charlie Crist – 1 percent
Undecided – 9 percent
Oops. Should read like this: She sure is in good company!
BrodieP and Austin Tx -
Unfortunately it seems that Piper was featured as a so-called Poster Child. The February 2008 edition of Alaska Magazine has the following quote from the writer Melissa DeVaughn.
“In her office, Palin continues to pace near the television screen, watching the legislators while she conducts her usual, day-to-day business. An aide
brings a letter for her to sign, which she does after reading it closely and clarifying one point. Representatives from the National Education Association
present her with a framed promotional poster that shows the governor sitting in a chair, reading a story with Piper on her lap.”
If I find anything further I will post it here. In any case Melissa DeVaughn could always be contacted to confirm her story which I believe was written in December 2007 but could have been written as early as September 2007 when some photos were taken by Alaska Magazine of the Palin family.
NY Dem – It appears you like to crunch numbers. Story on Huffpo has #s on who the biggest consumers of pxxn are in America. What was interesting to me was how they got those #s. Credit card #s and zip codes.Ck. it out. Oh – and guess who the biggest consumers are……….
Sorry I forgot the all important link to the article.
http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/fast_facts/elections/documents/08-AlaskaMagazinePalinProfile02-08.pdf
Daisy Daisy – Thank you for finding that. Alas – the lies far outweigh the truths , so our job is never done………..
Okay, here’s Booby Jindal’s invitation page. How come he doesn’t ask if he can bring his first family to events? Oh, that’s right, he’s not doing the ol’ covering his arse to bilk his state out of money for their travel expenses. Not that I like the guy…just sayin’.
http://www.managekeelson.com/websites/la2.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=home&cfmid=295
I just had to make another comment – Having the question on the page is one thing, MAKING IT A REQUIRED FIELD is just ridiculous.
I believe that the purpose is to justify family travel as a state expense as I was under the impression that if the whole family is ‘invited’ it is supposedly ethical for the state to pay for their travel. Is that correct, or am I thinking of something else?
Secret Shopper for Hungry Children (11:29:46) :
A little birdie whispered in my ear that GINO is really annoyed by the term “GINO.”
GINO= Governor In Name Only. It suits her perfectly!
I say we keep it up and use it EVERYWHERE, until everyone uses it exclusively. No more SP, Sarah, Palin, SWWNBN, etc. Just GINO!
I suggest we start a GINO-PAC, and perhaps use the funds to hire a PI or an investigative reporter as others have suggested.
Thoughts???
Thanks Secret Shopper for that, made my Day, have you notice lately the “what’s GINO stand for” comments??? GINO,GINO,GINO!!!!!!
I put Gov. in name only in the comments…. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And there is a reporter that knows VERY much about her. ADN Lisa Diener (sp)
UK Lady-Thanks for the “GINO” song,
Oh yeah, for sh*ts and giggles, we should start linking the GINO video with all GINO videos! hehehehe!
Hey Daisy Daisy–
No apologies necessary. You found something I didn’t, which seems to give at least a little substance to the whole “poster child” thing. As far as I’m concerned, the point isn’t to vindicate a position, but to find out what’s there. Since this is “there,” obviously it needs to be part of the equation, odd as it may seem.
Funny she got 13% and the kid is 13………just sayin’……….
Limelight Sarah lost the straw poll… to Jindal and Mitt. Wow.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2009/02/romney-wins-cpac-straw-poll-palin-tied.html
the chances of a regular Joe/Jane getting away with ONLY paying part of the money back WOULD NEVER happen…so why are new rules set in place for GINO…Puls, would they not be punished, even fired?
Not a State Employee, so does that mean that she deserves breaks that State Employees wouild not receive? is she BETTER than AK State Employees?
OK, so even with no rules regarding her per diem, why set new rules, why not follow what those Gov’s before her followed….
Again how can she be found half-way guilty? Not even half realy, since she was advised to only repay a small samplening.
Can Pet install new laws RE: FamilyTravelGATE?
Daisy Daisy (14:31:22) :
Sorry I forgot the all important link to the article.
http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/fast_facts/elections/documents/08-AlaskaMagazinePalinProfile02-08.pdf
austintx (14:31:57) :
Daisy Daisy – Thank you for finding that. Alas – the lies far outweigh the truths , so our job is never done………..
Did you notice in the article that GINO was wearing a black skirt and sweater & the part about Piper sitting in her lap. GINO was 7 months preg at the time . Funny no mention of that. Just saying
Bystander (11:53:20) : “I think it was a misprint- Piper is the poster child for the NRA, not the NEA.” ______________________
hey, That’s a good one, I’m still laffing
That poor 13 yr old boy .. the new face of the GOP
Shouldn’t he be enjoying these young years? What will happen.. he will enter politics once he turns of legal age and be dragged this way and that.. and then will “cut lose” and finally live out his “teenage years” (Everyone ALWAYS does! You can’t ignore them.. they come back to haunt you .. he has human genes)
is probably a big time nerd boy
and then go down in some sort of “scandal’
I blame his parents.. poor soul
Secret Shopper and UK lady….
All you mudpuppies provide me with endless fun…
GINO, GINO, GINO on my myspace blog…
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll
Seeking__the__truth (13:43:58) : “The compensation fixed by law for the governor . . . is in full for all services rendered . . . in any official capacity or employment whatsoever . . . .”
Seems clear to me…so why is it going thur?
Why is her HitMan allowed to announce NEW RULES as if they can not be challenged…?
Just how many deals were made on this one issue, I’m sure it’s more than, “I agreeded not to look for other charges, and She agreeded to pay a part of the part I found…”
test
C. Rock -
The interview for the article probably took place at the same time that the photos were taken, that is 14th September 2007 but I have heard that it could have been written in December 2007 so I cannot be conclusive on this point.
Regardless, the photos for the poster were likely taken at least a month or so before the interview took place so I doubt that we can say that Sarah was seven months pregnant at that point.
I believe that limbaugh needs to take a pill…or many pills. He needs to keep quiet and go away. He reminds me of Jim Jones with his mindless followers…it’s a shame that so many conservatives can’t think for themselves…and of all people to rally around. I wonder if we can arrest limbaugh for treason.
dynamite blog alert!
Philip Munger has really outdone himself on this one. Somehow he managed to put everything together into a clear, concise picture of what’s going on:
Saturday Alaska Progressive Blog Roundup – February 28, 2009
http://progressivealaska.blogspot.com/2009/02/saturday-alaska-progressive-blog_28.html
SarahGates of Hell said Teal (15:12:49) :
Just how many deals were made on this one issue, I’m sure it’s more than, “I agreeded not to look for other charges, and She agreeded to pay a part of the part I found…”
———————————————————-
Don’t forget she had Van Flea representing her in all of this.
Mudflats should have its own event and tick “yes” to the question “Is the First Family invited? Then, have all the Obamas–the real first family there. When her kids show up, tell her there was some misunderstanding. She never asked if the Governor of Alaska’s family was invited. Then stick her with all the expenses. Heh heh. Perhaps a media event in a bush village delivering food. Michele can bring real food and help and have her kids help distribute it. Sarah can bring her cookies and tracts and have her kids stand around taking turns holding all those babies. Just make sure that you invite the media, and tick “yes” for that box, too, also, you betcha!
Lainey – re: pills and Rush……….Well we KNOW about at least 2 kind of pills he takes……..
I predict the “Invite site” will be down by Monday. She’s probably getting so many off-the-wall (loved that albumn BTW) requests. They can’t figure out which ones are legit. *snicker. Also (ugh) check out this site. The bible thumpers are definetly not pleased with GINO/VAGINO’s interview at all. Make sure you read the comments: http://bibchr.blogspot.com/2009/02/sarah-palins-stupid-mistake.html
@austintx
yes we do…with his low self esteem and self-loathing (to quote Janeane Garofolo) and his addictive personality and lack of restraint, we won’t be dealing with him much longer. his ship needs to sail! he’s incorrigible just like palin, just like jindal, just like bush & cheney
seriously…the way that Don Imus lost his career, I wish the same for lame..baugh. where’s the FCC?
GinaM – yikes……..got as far as the Be Clear paragraph and had to eject myself outta there !! Sarah Palin is a focused , disciplined , excellent woman ?? Reading that psycho-tripe gives new meaning to the word unhinged.
Lainey – Saw her on KO !! Did she not nail his bisquit butt to the wall , or what ?!?!
yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar (15:30:58) :
dynamite blog alert!
Philip Munger has really outdone himself on this one. Somehow he managed to put everything together into a clear, concise picture of what’s going on:
Saturday Alaska Progressive Blog Roundup – February 28, 2009
http://progressivealaska.blogspot.com/2009/02/saturday-alaska-progressive-blog_28.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks, that is a great read.
Austintx….that’s the funny part. Keep reading…he proceeds to rip her to shreds in later paragraphs. Be strong…just carry some Sage. LOL
If you’d like to compare: use this Google search to find others who have on-line invitation forms.
invite governor form site:.gov
I didn’t find anyone (else) who wants their family to be invited …
GinaMNo Gravatar (15:44:07) :
I predict the “Invite site” will be down by Monday. She’s probably getting so many off-the-wall (loved that albumn BTW) requests. They can’t figure out which ones are legit. *snicker. Also (ugh) check out this site. The bible thumpers are definetly not pleased with GINO/VAGINO’s interview at all. Make sure you read the comments: http://bibchr.blogspot.com/2009/02/sarah-palins-stupid-mistake.html
I had to stop! I’m expecting fire and brimstone to erupt out of my browser at any second!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Geeze-Louise
Who is this person? Yowza!
I notice, they do change the online forms as soon as MSM gets ahold of it, remember when she named her husband on there under those training programs when she made a big fuss about her soon to be son in law, finishing an apprenticeship program. Isnt nepotism illegal?
So those concerned, they do have a line to call if you believe a parent is neglecting their child. I believe in Ketchikan it is 907-225-6611, ask for child welfare, it is against the law for those people to give the name of the person reporting it, but they do have to follow up. I can double check on the numbers, but that is child protective services.
@ Paula when Palins daughter,, bristol mentioned she was scared to tell her mom, is that a past tense of “i had a baby” when did she tell her mom she was pregnant? It is interesting that she mentioned this… it implies that she already knew the experience of labor pains. Im thinking palin adopted her first grandchild still. 8 months in between births,, just saying.
@ GinaM…………I went and read most of it and some of the comments. I felt so sorry for Bristol, I believe they would burn her at the stake. Wow, I thought I wandered into an alternate universe. It is almost nauseating to read that article and those comments. Wow, sorry for the wow again, but wow.
@GinaM (15:44:07) :
The bible thumpers are definetly not pleased with GINO/VAGINO’s interview at all. Make sure you read the comments: http://bibchr.blogspot.com/2009/02/sarah-palins-stupid-mistake.html
———–
Oh my! I read it – and the comments. Some argue they’re married already (cuz Todd OK’d it), many are disgusted by her ‘advocacy.’ What I loved best was the moniker ‘CINO.’ Wonder what gave ‘em the idea to cook that one up?
Alaska is old school in many ways. Very stubborn to change, especially if there is funding competition from other parties, private sector, or the non local boy network. Are small towns are pretty churchy and are schools are far from liberal. Thats why we have such a youth problem. So if you are able to codify are schools, local government, city council, pta, churches, and major service providers, with the Sarah Team approach to state government, its hard to change and is the situation we presently have.
Alaska grew very fast in the 50 years of state hood, SP is the local beauty quean that has deep roots in Alaska and is singing her own tune and beating her own drum. Her support base was largely in place before she became GOV.
Now in Power with out a clue, she can and will dance on anything, and spin her own drama and web of lies. It just doesn’t matter to most Alaskans. She is drill baby drill. Promoting and providing high paying jobs to her believers, supporting the old school conservative base, and the Independent party. The Independent party of less government, My Alaska, My money, My guns, My rights, My land, and MY WAY!
This is the Sarah that we can believe in.
GinaM – Looks like caligrl and I will have to take your word…….I know it’s there , I’m aware , I just want to enjoy my Sat. evening.
@austintx….she did and so articulately too! lol
OMG-Sounds as though the bible thumpers are about to throSister Sarah under the BIBLE BUS, Who’s she going to turn to now? Shes just whacking her chances for 2012 left and right!!!
OT Limbaugh says
“We can take this country back. All we need is to nominate the right candidate,” he said.
_____________
Falling down, laughing hysterically. They don’t HAVE a right candidate to nominate.
So, Romney won the straw poll. ‘The straw poll is not binding. ‘ No kidding. The conservatives have lost whatever ‘bind’ they’ve had, thank God.
Jindal?
Palin?
Gingrich?
Ron Paul? Possible, if he changes parties.
They need to take a page out of Xe’s (formerly known as Black Water’s) book. A re-brand is in order. Not that it will do any good. Re-brand only works if the management changes.
cool…..I just turned on the tv to find Michelle introducing Stevie Wonder performing at the white house.
That religious site skeer’ed me, I will have nightmares now.
@crystalwolf aka caligirl…..Yes, Progressive Alaska Blogger, Phillip Munger did indeed hit it outta the park on todays blog. We have so many issues dealing with Alaska, it just infuriates me that Gino would rather look for photo opportunities, then do her job. The far, far right is pulling the strings here and she is a tool that they can easily use to get where they want to go. Big business wants her as well, for basically the same reason. She can and will be bought, due to her need for power. She hides out in Anchorage or Wasilla because she does not understand her job description, or how serious our issues facing us in Alaska are. She’s way over her pretty little head and hopefully Gino will just implode..soon.
re: palin’s stupid mistake blogger and his kind…my hope is that these single-focused, flame-throwing, judgmental, sinners themselves, ball-busting, frenzied conservatives will destroy each other in the name of their religion.
they want to cleanse humanity, but it will back-fire!
Lance – They DID have the 13 yr. speaking at the soiree……
former alaskan – re: who to turn to………Sarah and Greta von Scientoligist are sure tight these days……..
Quite O/T, but just saw this on Huffpo; wondering WHAT parallel Universe I/they live in…
(WARNING: EMPTY YOUR MOUTH FIRST BEFORE YOU READ ON!!!)
“More than 1,700 people cast ballots in the 2009 CPAC poll, 57 percent of who were between the ages 18 and 25. Of the respondents, 95 percent said they disapproved of the job that President Obama was doing, only four percent approved. Meanwhile, 70 percent approved of the job Republicans in Congress were doing, 29 percent said they disapproved.
Here are the official results:
Mitt Romney – 20 percent
Bobby Jindal – 14 percent
Ron Paul -13 percent
Sarah Palin – 13 percent
Newt Gingrich -10 percent
Mike Huckabee – 7 percent
Mark Sanford – 4 percent
Rudy Guiliani – 3 percent
Tim Pawlenty – 2 percent
Charlie Crist – 1 percent
Undecided – 9 percent “
Ah – to be young and dumb and full of *** ………….
austintxNo Gravatar (16:16:52) :
GinaM – Looks like caligrl and I will have to take your word…….I know it’s there , I’m aware , I just want to enjoy my Sat. evening.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
autintx-hope you get to enjoy your Sat. Eve
I got down to the part of him ranting about GINO not mentioning Christ…. not one time….Oh boy I bet he would sacrifice her to the volcano gods right this second! But I still have to wonder…WHY did GINO do that to Bristol???
Throw her under the bus, not once but twice
New thread!
Repeat post, I know…, but I think it is worth a re-posting.
(Remember, this letter will go to the IRS in FRESNO,CA – NOT to Alaska, where Sarah Dearest has influence…
OK. Time to get this thing rolling.
Time to contact the IRS. Here is something I got from another blog (sorry, forgot which one it was…)
The IRS tells you:
“If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by completing Form 3949-A. You may fill out Form 3949-A online, print it and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888 If you do not wish to use Form 3949-A, you may send a letter to the address above. Please include the following information, if available:
Name and address of the person you are reporting.
The taxpayer identification number (social security number for an individual or employer identification number for a business.
A brief description of the alleged violation, including how you became aware of or obtained the information.
The years involved.
The estimated dollar amount of any unreported income.
Your name, address and daytime telephone number Although you are not required to identify yourself, it is helpful to do so. Your identity can be kept confidential. “
Address of Sarah Dearest (as if they would need it, LOL!) :
Sarah Palin
1140 W Parks Hwy
Wasilla AK 99654
Yeah that “Christian” site is nightmare provoking for sure. I had to read the comments in 15 minute intervals. You should try reading the conservatives4palin site. Now they are funny!! They manage to spin every bad thing GINO does into something postitive!!! That’s who she needs to put on her payroll. They will make Van whatshisname obsolete. They were losing it today when they got the results of the Straw poll.
Wurzelhexli
said they disapproved of the job that President Obama was doing, only four percent approved. Meanwhile, 70 percent approved of the job Republicans in Congress were doing,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PO only been on his job a month or so? And what is the repubtaliban doing? Saying no, so he (PO) can’t do his job….???
Long awaited new thread!
Who ARE those people on that “Christian” web site? Dear God, I am a seriously lapsed Catholic because of certain ideological differences with the church. But holy crap! If I ever walked into one of these churches by mistake I’d think I was on another planet. Sickos.
I have a neighbor who is a grand pooba (or whatever you call it) in the Jehovah Witness church. She’s the nicest lady in the world and she doesn’t push her gunk on anyone. (Well, once she talked to my son and my little Dem set her straight and came home to gleefully tell me all about it.)
Limpbaugh (hence the need to take those little blue pills when he visits the little Dominican boys) is on the boob tube and the big fat pig looks like he’s going to blow up. The clock is ticking for the Repub Messiah! And why are there only two people seated at the panel table? Love that they keep giving him “fist bumbs.” Yep, Steele and Bachman and Limp will get those hip-hopper votes. You betcha!
karin in ct. – re: hip hop votes…………in their dreams!! Russell Simmons and Spike Lee who are both very politically active will call out both those wannabe punks at the right time. You KNOW they busted a gut laughing.
Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but it simply isn’t enough to simply ask whether the first family can come in order for the travel to be covered for reimbursement.
Isn’t there a pesky little clause about it being of benefit to the state?
First. lol. Family, applies to the President of the United States, so I assumed [being Canadian and all]. Anyone else co-opting the title themselves is an imposter. Who mentioned the monarchy? BINGO./ Dead on. So special, blue blood me arse.
Furthermore, the kids were not voted in by the constituents [of Alaska], therefore, the parents will have to pay their way. Does Sarah insist on the family call her Governor at home? Probably. Some Sunday dinner that is! HA!
Gov’nor, may I. Bloody Oliver Twist is it? Welcome to the 18 hundreds./ It’s a plague, I tell ya.
Therefore, NO, Your Family is not invited. In fact, get the hell out of Alaska, also. LOL.
Heads I win, tails you lose, that’s the coin toss philosophy, amirite, Ann? Q)
As David Allen Coe sung, Well it’s fourty below and I don’t give a fuck got a heater in my truck and I’m off to the rodeo… piss me off, fuckin’ jerk, get on my nerves… LOL.
I’m thinking I’ll collaborate with les masques… of Québec, who pranked Sayrah by phone imitating Sarkozy…. an invite, indeed, half a million strong…ALL FAMILY [rrrring, 'allo IRS, oui, regarding a trip with family to Québec, name-Sahra P., reimbursements/tax write off...uh-huh, Remember the Sting] that’ll tweak her… LOL. Easier than a phone call….
Joe Schmidt as lieutenant governor? Wait a minute. Whoa. This smells to high heaven. One doesn’t even have to be from the neighbouhood, to smell a rat. or is Palin hanging him high? Does he have a criminal record? Just curious. Really really fucking curious, because I smell something really nasty here. Who buried the criminal record and why, because I sense something here with a typical pattern…. and yes, it has a lot to do with the fact that Schmidt and Palin go way back. Doesn’t mean they were all nicely nicely Johnson [Finian's Rainbow reference] and convival, does it….?
@Paula“if your buggin’ me, the house better be on fire or you need a ride to the ER. Who can work with people all around you? Oh, that’s right, she doesn’t actually work. Just bithces, winks and collects funds. My bad.”
LOL. I tell my hockey playing friends, if you aren’t going to show up for a game, where’s your note from the coroner?” Where’s the commitment?
Oh, and Sayrah is Jindal’s copywriter. LOL.
oi, <Canadian Neighbour, we have Ignatieff [the chameleon lizard] as ‘opposition leader’ who doesn’t oppose. It appears to me, all government ‘leaders’ are in pocket of *ahem*, oil [for instance], big businesses that employ many [yet trash earth] and don’t think ‘outside the box’. Hello, National Geographic and tar sands photo’s. When it comes to the law and courts, what about some legislative laws with teeth? None to be had, it appears, yes in Canada. We’ll discuss this, soon….
@FW Marion Barry? Coke head Barry? jeesus crisse tabernack.
@UJLady Thanks for the ska interlude. Excellent./ O GINO! [HouseofCommons] Wicked./ Oh yeah, I posted a comment and ditto’d crystalwolf. so there.
Pardon the lulz, it’s too much. But very enlightening.
My goodness, it’s taken me an hour to get through all the comments! Along with the links to blogs, articles, etc.
Omg, that so-called Christian site was SKEWERING poor Bristol to the wall! This one takes the cake (about when Bristol was with her friend and Levi, before telling mom):
“The three of them sat her parents down, and her parents had to hear it from her friend. Not their daughter, not the brave father. The friend. Great.”
They’re flaying her alive while calling Levi “the brave father” – WHAT?! The also called him [Bristol's] accomplice just before calling him the “brave father.” Good grief.
Nan
Nan
My “favorite” part was when the one poster got into a blog smackdown with the owner of the blog about Levi and Bristol are “married” per the bible. Then they got in to a bible verse smackdown until the owner of the blog told him he couldn’t post anymore because he wasn’t “listening” to what he had to say. Whew…CRAZY.
C.Rock
“Will there be a podium and/or microphone?: *
WTF………. Iam surprised GINO didn’t ask will be a Throne for the Queen’s seat.”
To be, sort of, fair – she is height impaired, and that pinched voice probably does not carry very well, and whoul get shreeky if she yelled.
However, it is usually a “Great” person’s staff that takes care of those kinds of details.
However, again, I can’t imagine a professional staff person who deals with prepareing PR visits would put those things in an online application. – So, it was probably petty Sarah who wanted them in there.
Hey, you need an eye for detail to be a great leader.
I couldn’t stop reading! They were so self-righteous and just plain mean. One poster was saying that “they” needed to contact GINO pastor and get him to talk to her about what she was going to do about Bristol. Then somebody said Bristol should give the baby up for adoption (Hmph…probably was Ann Coulter sneaking that one in). Man..it was just so bizzare.
@ GinaM
I never made it to the Bible verse duel. Somewhere around the 14th (or was it 24th) condemnation of the entire thing, I just got tired of the sniping and closed it (now I have to go back to it – ha)
Maybe I should have signed in and said something about “let he who is without sin..” etc (cast the first stone). Better yet, just post the “chapter/verse” – they don’t take that down until they’ve looked it up, so it stays for a little while, at least.
Can you imagine living a life that is so circumscribed? How – barren it must be. Yikes.
Freakin’ unreal, that site.
I really wanted to post about proverbs 10:10!
I also wanted to tell them Levi is living in Casa de Palin and may have “knocked up “another woman.
Ok, I just went to that conservative christian site, and I have to say that I’m pretty happy about what I read there. I can understand how their comments came across as harsh, but they at least believe in their ideals. What bothers me about the Palins (and the Bushes, et al) are that they court the evangelical right and depend on the evangelical right, but clearly don’t believe in the evangelical faith or apply its strictures to themselves. The evangelicals need to wake up — Palin is manipulating them. I don’t think I need to convince anyone here that Palin does not have a servant’s heart, is not humble, is not interested in devoting herself to a cause larger than herself — but it would be great if the evangelicals could see through her hypocrisy. I was appalled when Bristol’s pregnancy was first revealed that the evang. right bent over backwards to suggest that was somehow ok, simply because she was going to have the baby. That to me was a complete betrayal of THEIR belief that premarital sex is sinful. It was done simply for political expediency. Mind you, I have very little sympathy or agreement with the evangelical community (despite having close family in it) but it’s easier to have a little respect for them when they are at least not hypocritical.
GinaM – any comments on the witch doctor ?? how do they deal with that ??
Pacificnwgal
“This is progress. Apparently, we are making some impact in changing the way these government officials do business.”
Not to be sarcastic but you win the “see the positive side of this situation” award for the day.
You do make a very good point. Somebody, in her office is listening and has reacted.
austintx….umm definetly no to that!!! But there was a comment about Greta Van Blah Blah. Something about GVS was probably setting up GINO and that FOX must have paid Bristol for the interview. One thing I’ve noticed on these GINO blogs…the ones COMPLETELY devoted to her is that they will not allow to much bad stuff said about her…except they did mention the witch doctor but not by name…just to say that the media lied about her praying in a video and how it was misinterpeted. *Snicker
IMO I think this week something big is going down with GINO. It’s like she’s getting all her ducks in a row or something. My feeling is that the IRS is coming for her and its going to CRAZY!!!
Oh lord…it looks like I’m talking to myself!
Heading to the new thread……
GinaM – The video is chrystal clear and the audio is unmistakable. Only a moron could deny it. Oh……..never mind……
LOL @ austintx…yeah you caught yourself there. Don’t worry we all know what we saw and heard in that video. DENIAL is thy name.
One of the characteristics of Aspergers is that those individuals are socially dysfunctional. So the 13 year old conservative is not likely to be a future POTUS. For example, they have difficulty reading facial expressions, or vocal tones and integrating that with the actual words spoken. This often leads them to misinterpret others, and creates high levels of social stress on them as they realize that they often “don’t get it.” They have no problem understanding written words, but may have to consciously “translate” facial expressions, and other non-word types of expression.
I read some about the 13 year old and won’t begin to guess if he has Aspergers, but such an individual, though they may become highly successful in other areas, is not likely to become a good leader of men, as strong personal relationships are a real challenge for them.
Geeze, maybe this explains everything. W has Aspergers!
it would be funny if someone filled out that form, checked he NO box and wrote “HELL NO” on the side.
Wow! I didn’t read this whole thread as it is so long, so forgive me if this is a repeat, but…………why would she assume anything she does related to her job would include her family? Do any of the rest of us working women have that option? She took the job and should perform it without having her family involved. It is not like bring your dog to work or bring your family to work day every day.
Again, sorry, it someone already made this point.
Something a commenter on the Halcro blog said struck me – something about how the “gov’t can’t take care of [a village]” so why should anyone expect the gov’t to take care of her kids? (as in air fare)
Good point, I thought.
@GinaM – OMG – fire and brimstone doesn’t cover it. What would Biblical Christianity have VAGINO (Vacuous, Atrocious Governor In Name Only) do? Yell “Be gone foul sinner” and turf her own daughter out (a distinct possibility according to BP’s statement) to die in the frozen snow? Given that the evil “A” word is not an option, just what does a God-loving family do when faced with an out-of-wedlock pregnancy? While I have absolutely no respect/regard for VAGINO, at least she didn’t do THAT (quite possibly poli