Harsh Criticism of Palin from Rural Alaska. Tucker “Insulted” and Wants Apology.
5 03 2009Nicholas Tucker of Emmonak, Alaska has become known as the man who brought the plight of rural Alaska’s crisis of food, fuel and fish to national attention. The problem has existed for a long time, but until now has played out beyond the view of most of Alaska, nevermind the rest of the country. But one simple letter changed it all. Alaska Natives are proud people, and do not like to ask for help. Many rural villagers in Emmonak and the surrounding area were suffering in silence, making decisions about whether they should purchase food or fuel…decisions none of us would ever want to make.
Tucker called out on his radio to neighbors asking them how they were doing. The responses made Tucker keenly aware that something needed to be done. And so, he raised his voice. That voice which traveled at the speed of compassion went from the Bristol Bay Times to Progressive Talk Radio, to blogs, to mainstream media, and to national coverage in a matter of a couple weeks.
Finally after six weeks of concerned Alaskans asking, “Where’s Sarah?” the governor traveled to Western Alaska. She did not travel to the village of Emmonak, nor the village of Nunam Iqua where help was also needed. She traveled instead to the villages of Russian Mission and Marshall.
Nick Tucker, by now a bit of a celebrity here in Alaska, had to leave his village to travel north so he could see and talk to the governor. Here’s what happened. (Transcribed by commenter TLS with some additions by Phil Munger at Progressive Alaska):
Starts with NT shaking hands with LTG Parnell, who says, “Thank you for being here.”
NIcholas introduces himself .
LTG Parnell: Hi Nicholas, nice to meet you too. Are you a good blogger? Aren’t you a blogger?
NT: I’m not a blogger.
Parnell: No.. OK. (unintelligble).. thought you were a good one.
Scene cuts to a few moments later with NT talking to SP.
Someone off screen says to SP : This is Nick Tucker.
SP: Ohhhhhh, So nice to meet you.
NT: I’m Nick Tucker from Emmonak.
SP: From Emmonak? So good to be here
NT: First of all I want to thank you, for the fact that you acknowledged the needs of our people, not only in Emmonak, but throughout, and as a common citizen, I have deep respect for government because they have power and I don’t.
SP : You know….(unintelligible).. (gives NT a hug)
NT: And one of the things is, don’t forget us. The thing is, this is temporary help but we need sustainable jobs, fisheries.
And you know, we’re an oil rich state, and from our cries and our suffering we have allowed other people coming into
SP: Yes,…Yes..
NT: (unintelligible)… Now look what happened.
SP: So here’s what we are trying to do, also. Allowing our young people in rural Alaska … to recognize it is their resource… and development of these resources needs to …..
NT: We need you to come out and make sure you get things done for us. Because you can, you can help us with the Denaili Commission and any other resource that we can come up with. BIA’s helping right now and who else can we look up to?
SP: Right. So, working together, you and the local communities and state government, we’re going to be able to allow the economies to be revitalized and job opportunities for the young people.
NT: Yes, I appreciate your help but that’s barely enough. We want to get restored back to who we are. The Native people are very strong people and this is probably the only time that they cried out for help.
SP: I recognize that.
NT: They’re hungry, I mean they’re not starving, they’re hungry. On your way home, you can read my original letter. These are from real people that started the outcry….
SP: OK
NT:….and respect for who they are.
(NT motions toward a women standing to his right. SP turns toward the woman and puts her hand on the woman’s back. The woman says “Hi”, and SP says “How are you doing” . We also now see a second woman next to the first .
SP to second woman:
SP: So nice to meet you, what is your name?
SP turns toward 2nd woman and bends over to hear the name.
2nd Woman: (unintelligble)
SP Turns back to first woman.
SP: What is your name?
1st Woman: Natalia (hard to hear the name)
SP: So nice to meet you Natalia.
NT (handing SP the letter): You know the oil money and everything else came out of our land.
SP: I’ll read …(unintelligble).
NT: We want you to think about this. We have a long way to go. The healthier, more jobs in the villages, more opportunities, you wouldn’t have to come back to us…..
(Now we see a young girl in background standing next to the 1st woman).
SP: Also, Mr Tucker, we’ll let people know, young people in these areas also, that its not just the jobs inside the villages, but good resource development jobs with the mining and with the oil production and fisheries even if they are outside the villages. Like my husband, who grew up in Dillingham, the native village of Dillingham, He’s worked on the North Slope these years, so he could come back to the village and participate in the community, then go off to work again, then come back. That’s the ideal way to work.
NT: Our culture is too tied into us. It’s hard for us to live in Anchorage because of all the discrimination and things like that.
SP: Right. See that’s what these resource development jobs allow, just like with my husband, he didn’t have to leave forever the village, he would be gone, .. be off….and that’s understood (unintelligible)
NT: Like her, (motions toward the young girl standing in beside him) she’s going to grow up to take care of us. She will need a job.
SP: Yes
NT: They will. I don’t do politics. I come from the heart and the sorrow of our people.
SP: I respect you for that, Thank you, Thank you so much. I appreciate that and I’ll read (this).
The sound quality was poor, because Tucker was forced to meet with the governor in the middle of a giant crowd of people. Many expressed disappointment and upset at how the governor handled this meeting. Lt. Governor Sean Parnell thought Tucker was a blogger. Palin may have known who he was but certainly did not give him undivided attention, or set up a time to speak with him alone, or travel to the actual village where the situation had become known through Tucker’s efforts.
But what was Nick Tucker’s reaction to Palin’s visit and his interaction with her? Here is his response which was printed in The Arctic Sounder:
First off. I am outraged. [snip]
I felt like Governor Palin treated Emmonak with most disregard and disrespect by not coming here where it all started. Instead, we had to go up to Russian Mission to meet her and followed her to Marshall.
I was there. About whom and to whom was she referring that top leadership in what village(s) should be changed? This is a blow to all rural villages telling each one of us that our past and current leadership isn’t worth being there!
Why and on what basis? This message is dismal, not of hope. How do I take things?
Here, I had a person whom I voted for and who turns around and stabs us? I tell you, I want things done for Emmonak. And now, for all rural villages. We deserve better than that — respect. [snip]
I have faith in my fellow rural villages and their leadership. They have brought their villages to where and what they are today with challenges greater than most in our vast state. Is it not embarrassing enough to have to cry out, let alone be put down by our state leadership? I think all rural Alaska deserves an apology and never to be treated like this again. We are unique to the state, contribute our rich resources into the state and urban cities and barely have anything in return to improve ourselves. [snip]
Will I still cry out? I am an open man, but I feel insulted myself and on behalf of our rural native villages.
The entire letter is definitely worth a read. Tucker is a gentle, soft-spoken man who is a hero in the eyes of many. He speaks from the heart and is looking for answers to the problems facing his people today, and tomorrow. He is looking for the elected leaders of the state to….lead. To hear this response from him is absolutely astounding. Is anyone in this administration listening?
March 6th, 2009 at 8:26 PM
womanwithsardinecan, I know you’re the sweetest girl around. I know you do much more for others than other folks on the same budget. I know you work miracles with your few dollars; my late grandmother had that gift, too. And my dad always used to say you can count on the poor to help the poor.
Please don’t be sad that you can’t do more. You can express your love and caring in lots of other ways.
I just suggested at Anonymous Bloggers that maybe Cafe Press should soon be printing T-shirts for the Native cause. If that comes to pass, I will buy you one, so that you can publicly express your support.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Kate (20:05:48) :
And they want to know who paid for his trip to meet her???? Can someone tell me how he got there? I would love some ammo to go back with please!
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What makes you think that they believe the truth? They are still going on about Obama being born in Africa!
I wouldn’t think anyone here is going to justify anything for that bunch of closet alcoholics.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:34 PM
yes, I did a submission, but before that, I did put out a plea, that all of us who related to and agreed to being upset with the media picking up on, pounding and sensationalizing negative news, especially in regard to newly elected President Obama, to contact the national tv media networks. To let them know, that this sensationalizing for the sake of news does our country no good at this very critical time, that now is not the time for playing power or political games and doing this sort of thing.
Brian Williams acknowledged someone (I did not catch the name, I was outside just coming in, so paraphrasing, but I heard him say, a person’s name, who had contacted them asking for broadcasting about what’s positive out there, not just drilling in the negative, and he listened. SO THANK YOU, thank you, thank you! whoever you are, you got through, you did you did! whaahoo and hugs, whether from here or not, I am so glad someone got through and they listened.
Someone out there felt, heard, spoke and it made a difference. Yes, we, can!
March 6th, 2009 at 8:38 PM
@ Say NO to Palin in Politics
Your energy was apparently very STRONG and affected those around you.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Speaking of Anonymous Bloggers think tanking (Aussie Blue Sky), there is getting to be a lot of posts over there! Whew! We have some great ideas! I can’t keep track of them all. The webmaster is working on sorting into categories, and then more ideas come in. Very cool!
March 6th, 2009 at 8:45 PM
@ Women Who Run With The Wolves
OK, I’m taking my cape off for dinner and a glass of wine. Holler when you’re ready!
March 6th, 2009 at 8:56 PM
@ womanwithsardinecan
Maybe to give you a little smile today
Everytime I see your name on the blog – I think back about a month ago when my cat returned home after SEVEN weeks of being lost/trapped somewhere during this miserable Eastern MT winter. Arriving home weak – lost almost half her body weight – purring like mad. We couldn’t just “give her food”, so we fed her “juice ala sardine”.
She’s been home 6 weeks and has gained back quite a bit of her weight. She’s happy & healthy, still purring and we owe it all on SardineJuice. !!
March 6th, 2009 at 9:12 PM
“Are you a good blogger?” Is that ALL they are focused on and worried about? Who is saying “what” about them? If Sarah and Parnell were doing their jobs with any kind of humanity, they would not have to worry about all the bloggers. Just do your damned jobs! What the hell is government for if not to help people?
March 6th, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Well, it looks like I might have gotten spam filtered earlier–so will try to post again with nothing more than PG! :::::washing own mouth with soap::::
**********
They thought he was a BLOGGER? How could ANYONE who has been reading the news in Alaska NOT KNOW who Nick Tucker was? Oh, wait, I just answered my own question…Palin doesn’t read, that’s right.
The exchange between Palin and Tucker is really sad. Was Queen Sarah already thinking hours ahead to that evening, when she would be back home in her luxurious warm home with her passel of kids and grandkids, eating a nice dinner? Or at the nail salon the next day? I love how she brings 1/whateverth “Eskimo” Todd into the equation. As if he would give a hi diddly doodly about these people’s plight, either. If he had, HE could have flown to Emmonak in January. He didn’t. So shut up about him.
The problem with someone who is self-absorbed is that the behavior is not a temporary, on-again, off-again thing. It is complete, 24/7 and lifelong. Sarah Palin is not interested in the light of starving Alaskan people because they are not her. And even if SHE were hungry, she would never be able to make the mental leap to associate her suffering with someone else’s and have empathy for that other person. People who exhibit narcissistic behaviors don’t do that. They treat people with condescension and indifference, EXACTLY the way Palin behaves toward Tucker in this interview, and they never, ever change.
Please, Alaskans, in the name of all that is holy, get this dingbat out of Alaskan politics. And I don’t mean send her to Washington to torture Americans as a Congressman or Senator instead; I mean vote her OUT. Look at how disrespectfully she brushes off the concerns of Nick Tucker, a highly respected elder in Emmonak. That is exactly how she would treat YOU, or your elderly parents, or your kids. Vote accordingly.
March 6th, 2009 at 9:25 PM
new thread
March 6th, 2009 at 9:34 PM
womanwithsardinecan (19:12:58) :
Not in a mood to chill. Just wanted to help with what I have. I hate this world. Crying now.
________________________________________
Your wisdom and insights have helped inspire many of us to get involved- you’ve done more than you know.
Warm hugs sent your way…
March 6th, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Karen (21:17:34) :
They thought he was a BLOGGER?
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I found that an incredibly rude suggestion. Is there anything about Nick Tucker that would make you think, within 5 seconds of encountering him, that he was a mouthy progressive blogger?? No!
OTOH if they thought he was a blogger then they would have been afraid that every second person in the room was a blogger. Afraid.
“What’s your name?” she asked both women in the video. Not “Hello, are you from Russian Mission?” or “Where are you from?” – but, “What’s your name?”
March 6th, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Wow, just read through all of these posts, and wow (shaking my head) is what I have to say, so much brilliance, wit and care. Thank all of you!! That you care so much. Absolutely all of you, for coming here (I have no clue who the heck AKM is, I’m not a friend or relative and I’ve never even been in AK) But this mudpup appreciates all those out there, either new, quiet, or talkative mudpups, yep, warm hugs to the world.
It’s late here, I need to get to bed. Good things to all of you, where ever you be. (and those in need speak up, k, do it)
March 6th, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Why am I totally not surprised? And you think it is different in the lower 48? Nope.
Sarah is doing what all non-First Americans do: injecting their thinking into the culture of another and, in the end, causing more friction.
Yes, it is a disgrace which Palin should know better than to do. No it is not exceptional.
The saddest part of this is that Nick has to rely on the BIA, also with anything but a stellar history concerning First American rights.
It is never an exception when the US government takes the resources (or, steals them). Look at the Hopi and coal. It has been ongoing for several decades and no one cares to stop it.
Believe me, I am no supporter of Palin. But realize, that this is the pattern everywhere when it comes to First Americans: Too late, too little, always.
March 6th, 2009 at 10:21 PM
@womanwithsardinecan (18:03:27) :
means putting dental on credit card.
——-
Don’t do that! I’m tellin’ you, don’t do that!
March 6th, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Ann Strongheart & Vic:
**Ask your regional airlines to donate flights for Vic to fly to the gardening thing!**
They are used to getting requests for donations! You already have people willing to pay part of it! Ask them to donate the rest. They will do it …… trust me …… they will do it ….. just tell them your story.
March 6th, 2009 at 11:13 PM
hey woman with sardine can! i wish i could have some jam.sometimes when i feel sad and bad, a jam sandwich with ice cold milk really perks me up. girl, you don’t know what you mean to other people until they tell you. so i am telling you that you mean more to us than anything you could put in a box. it has been a hard decade for us all. we are all a little weary and worried,but winter will soon pass and spring must then follow with it’s assurance of renewal and awakening for not only the earth but for ‘her’ children also. hold tight lady we will make it… love b…p.s. it’s 3:48 am new york time so i’m off to bed
March 6th, 2009 at 11:26 PM
Enjay in Eastern MT (20:56:59) :
I wanna say I’m so happy that your cat came home. I know from experience that cats will purr when they see their loved ones, regardless of their physical condition. I’m so glad that your story has a happy ending.
March 6th, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Hey, womanwithsardinecan, honestly, I can’t imagine anyone refusing homemade jam. I make and ship tons of jam every year to our friends and relatives, and I’m sure I’m not nearly as careful as you are. No one has had a problem in all the years I’ve been doing it (and I DO so miss living in the PNW where I could go pick blackberries! I envy you.). You send jam, we’ll get you a check to cover the postage. I think I can figure out how to do that, as I seem to have met some women who live outside the sardine can!
March 6th, 2009 at 11:32 PM
@tigerwine
Nick Tucker for Governor!
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wouldn’t that be a kick up side palin’s stupid head!!! yesssssss!
I’m back from vacation-how ya’ll been?
I see palin has not had her epiphany yet…same o same o
March 6th, 2009 at 11:39 PM
welcome back, Lainey!
March 7th, 2009 at 1:56 AM
To Woman with Sardine Can:
I hope you’re feeling better now. I certainly didn’t intend to insult you but to give a reminder on distributing home prepared foods.
March 7th, 2009 at 2:25 AM
This is their solution:
State modifies rules for Nelchina hunt
Under the new rules, the Ahtna villages will be able to bag up to 300 caribou and 100 moose — which is roughly twice as many animals as hunters in those villages currently take, said Fish and Game spokesman Bruce Bartley.
This year, an estimated 600 to 700 additional moose and at least 700 caribou would be available for other hunters.
The Board and Ahtna officials hammered out the compromise this week.
“It provides for the village and it also provides a hunt for Alaska at large,” said Ahtna chief executive Ken Johns.
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/713825.html
March 7th, 2009 at 2:47 AM
Palin mercy mission not without a price
So when folks in the Y-K Delta receive a gift, it’s a big deal. Giving food aid anonymously was the right thing, because that way there is no obligation to repay and it becomes an act of pure kindness toward a people temporarily in need. But Franklin Graham made a calculated, public display of giving, creating an obligation that must now be repaid by the Yup’ik of the villages. Obviously, Samaritan’s Purse does not expect food in return, but they do expect access and influence and that, of course, has been one of several strategies of missionary activity since the advent of colonialism.
Gov. Palin used the Russian Mission event to promote a rural strategy encouraging young people to take week-on, week-off jobs in mining and the oil industry, thereby living in villages part time and receiving a good paycheck in an otherwise unstable economy. Many Native Alaskans already do work in resource jobs but this scenario does nothing to secure economic stability for the community, and the net result is still outmigration.
http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/713792.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=4938656#Comments_Container
March 7th, 2009 at 4:42 AM
Sorry to be a pain last night. Thanks for the support.
March 7th, 2009 at 4:45 AM
Okay this is a bit off topic – but only sort of, kinda . . . about sending home-prepared foods like jams and jellies, etc. . .
When I was growing up overseas, one of the bestest most happiest days were when we received a package from the States – with HOMEMADE jams and jellies. Inside that box would be strawberry preserves, blackberry preserves, grape jelly, apple jelly, orange marmalade – a real life treasure chest of yummy love. Because of those boxes, I fell in love with quince jam, lingonberries, blueberries, cherry preserves (spooned over vanilla ice cream and drizzled with hot fudge sauce). . . .and mulberry jam. The love and effort that went into those precious bottles and jars of gold is immeasurable. Even though we lived in the tropics and had access to all sorts of “exotic” fruits, the home-canned jars of apples were always set aside for Christmas – and home-made apple pie (otherwise we had to use casava). . . later on, when we returned stateside, my folks always made a point of introducing us to the folks who’d sent those jams and jars – and of course, my brother and I immediately adopted them into our family – and to this day, consider them our “aunts and uncles”. . . .food is not just the staff of life, it is the tie that connects us one to another. And to take the time and effort to can, preserve, and then mail out your homemade goodies – WOW. Even a small package of one or two jars is a treat beyond compare.
March 7th, 2009 at 4:50 AM
womanwithasardinecan – Please listen to “I won’t back down” by Tom Petty. Also – Johnny Cash did a cover of it. Turn it up and sing along……..you will feel better……..I promise !!
March 7th, 2009 at 4:52 AM
Lainey – So , are you tanned,rested ,and ready ??
March 7th, 2009 at 5:02 AM
Greytdog – Now I have to sop all the drool off the key board……….
March 7th, 2009 at 6:02 AM
“Are you a good blogger?”
—–
“Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?” (The Wizard of Oz)
Can’t get past the image of Glenda the Good speaking to Nick Tucker.
OK, I’m past it now. I have to say I LOVE the names here–I’ve been itching to paint portraits–Martha Unalaska Yard Sign, Woman With A Sardine Can, Aussie Blue Sky, GreytDog…need I go on? I just keep seeing this long line of wonderful portraits. I’ve never seen a blog with more visual names. I have to set my easel up again.
March 7th, 2009 at 6:06 AM
@ womanwithasardinecan_ I empathize completely with your melt down. Been there done that!
Several years ago here in Eastern Maine, the international supermarket chain had a big recall of e-coli tainted ground beef. That led the State Legislature to pass very strict laws governing food safety. All the Downeast housewives who were picking crabmeat and selling it for income supplement, for their families, were forced to spend heaps of money they didn’t have; to bring their kitchens up to par or stop doing business. Unlike the corporate entity, they CARED and took PRIDE in their product! Also in a small area, if they were sloppy about it the word would spread!
Last fall, before leaving W enacted a law to “protect our children” from Chinese melinine and lead paint in children’s products. Unfortunately cluelessly, it also protects us from “buy American” small entrepreneurs, who have to subject their products for expensive testing, to “private” laboratories. Think: American Girl doll clothes knitted baby booties, hand carved wooden toys!
My Democratic Congressman, Mike Michaud, is already working on a revision of that law, bless his heart!
Did you all see Rachael Maddows cutting edge story on FDA food safety last night on her show.
March 7th, 2009 at 6:08 AM
Also meant to say..GINO’s eyes and mouth say NO, in that video, even while
she is hugging!
March 7th, 2009 at 6:12 AM
Here’s a question–I live where apples and oranges are plentiful and cheap, and was thinking of sending a couple boxes. The upside, of course, is that they’re good for you and taste great. The downside is the weight, the potential of freezing (after which they don’t taste so great), and the whole “donating unpackaged food” thing. Anybody have wisdom to share on this? I’ve been sending gas money, but the apples and oranges are calling….calling…
March 7th, 2009 at 6:53 AM
@yukonbushgrma……….thank you
@austintx………….yes, I’m rested and READY!!! not so tanned
March 7th, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Austintx
re:: SillyWhabbit – Well……..mighty fine!! Never any hair splitting with you………
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I don’t live in a black and white world. I see the different shades of gray. I would say there IS hair splitting. Just because I see her for what she is and I call her out on it does not mean everything else is cut and dry. She just treated Nick in a condescending way, tossing stupid shit out there and again with reasons Natives should leave their villages.
We would all do MUCH better if some angry people with pitchforks gave a call to arms and chased her out of her village with pitchforks while reminding her it is all in the name of “progressing” a state she is raping of it valuable resources AND it’s Native People.
I’m sorry I don’t see her as humorous or a play thing in between elections. She’s dangerous, she’s a gash, and she doesn’t give a SHIT about the people of Alaska unless they have candy in their pockets for her.
March 7th, 2009 at 8:05 AM
Speaking from Pittsburgh, PA…I’m so relieved Obama won. And I feel bad for you Alaskans that you’re still stuck with Her-who-shall-not-be-named.
Not much I can do from here, except offer to buy some of your traditionally smoked salmon (and if you’re selling one of my emails is KaterinaSKY (at) att (dot) net.
Alaskan author Dana Stabenow posts Alaskan news on her Facebook page and that’s how I found out about this. Mr. Nick Tucker is a formidable man and I applaud his courage in face of the governmental machine.
March 7th, 2009 at 10:39 AM
More people caught in the corruption net……..tsk, tsk,
http://aprn.org/2009/03/06/former-don-young-aide-indicted/
March 7th, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Hey guys……Ken Salazar is coming to Anchorage for the offshore oil drilling talks next month, he wants to hear from communities that will be affected by it and he plans to visit AK quite a bit……this should be interesting, should we send him a tin hat, lol.
good report, listen to it.
http://aprn.org/2009/03/06/us-interior-secretary-salazar-to-visit-alaska-in-april/
March 7th, 2009 at 10:51 AM
good report on how the proposed mailing rate increases will affect rural AK, sounds all wrong to me…….
http://aprn.org/2009/03/06/alaska-delegation-takes-aim-and-new-bypass-mail-increase/
March 7th, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Women Who Run With The WolvesNo Gravatar (09:52:42) :
â?¦â?¦ I couldnâ??t agree more with your statement. This woman and her side kick, Parnellâ?¦.they have no shame.
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Disrespect towards an elder is not to be tolerated. Never. When will Alaska be rid of this lamia that calls itself “governor?”
March 7th, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Hey March is heart health month……has Palin ever done an Salmon promtion during it? I think she or someone from Ak should. I love grilled Salmon and salmon patties. It would be nice to know where a person can locate and buy Alaska Salmon in the lower 48, is there a way to search online? guess I can try, lol
March 7th, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Bodie P:
I drive past roadsie vendors selling oranges on every trip to the PO. I have thought about sending a bag, also. There would be no food safety concern, but I also wonder about the temperature problem. The clerk at the PO said he used to send crates of fruits and vegetables to a mission in Sitka. He sent them parcel post and they were very appreciated.
As a dietitian I worry about the vitamin C in the native diet, and I would think that oranges would be of great benefit.
Maybe someone who has been in the shipping business would be able to help us on this.
March 7th, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Regarding the acceptance of home processed fruit preserves:
I’ve gone on line to see if I can find any problems related to home preserved jams and jellies. I am relieved to see that there is no “new problem.” (Who would have thought that we had to worry about salmonella in salad ingredients and commercial peanut butter?) The basic nature of jams with the high sugar content restricts growth of any microorganisms except mold. Probably an exception to restriction of accepting home preserves should be with jams and jellies only. Then these should be sealed with lids, not paraffin.
I again apologize for any misunderstanding and suggest the distributors (Ann and Victoria) consult with their extension agents and consider their list of acceptable foods.
March 7th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Re: home made preserves
Slightly OT here–long ago I wrote an article about historic food preservation. In the past there were issues with acid and copper pots–if you leave acidic fruits in them for too long there’s chemical reaction. I can’t imagine that anybody is still making their preserves in copper wash boilers (the Receptacle Of Choice long ago, apparently), but in the past people died from it. So how’s that for a trip down Memory Lane?
March 7th, 2009 at 3:25 PM
BodieP; that is an interesting factoid. I hadn’t heard of that. I would expect that the fruit would discolor and not be very acceptable. Probably not a problem with modern cookware.
There can be some problems with fermenting. Some people (Bantus, I think) brewed their beer in iron pots and suffered from iron overload. A country doctor told me of treating a hippy (in the 60’s) who was suffering from lead poisoning. He did a home visit and discovered they were making prune wine (Prunes are abundant in oregon) in a discarded bath tub. Apparently the porcelain was chipped and the metal had a high lead level. The person who was suffering was an alcoholic, so he drank a lot of the wine.
Thank you for your comments.
March 7th, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Victoria is going to the conference!!
Just a quick update. We have the ticket purchased and are working on hotel and other arrangements for me to make it to the conference in Fairbanks this coming week.
It is all due to the Mudflat ‘puppies’. As soon as all is confirmed I will get the details out for all to see.
Thank you so much – man that just isn’t enough of a phrase but I sure mean it.
Victoria
March 7th, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Just thinking the fresh fruit and veggie idea over. If it was wrapped in newspaper, then sent in a styrofoam cooler (same way we all send frozen salmon stateside) The fish always arrives still frozen, wouldnt the same principle work in reverse?
March 7th, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Bodie P:
A couple suggestions:
1. If you wait until around April 1 there is less of a chance of freezing especially if you insulate boxes. After May 1 there is very little chance of freezing.
2. The post office has told me to mark “perishable” on perishable shipments. I don’t know if that applies to mail coming from outside of Alaska– talk with your postmaster.
3. Look at weather forecasts– if you can get a long term forecast (7 days) that looks good, (not too cold and o.k. flying weather for western Alaska) that would be your best bet. Weather forecasts are always a gamble especially in Alaska. However if a big storm is heading towards western Alaska, I’d wait until it has blown through.
4. Usually it takes 5 to 10 days, depending on weather and destination, for stuff to arrive.
March 8th, 2009 at 6:06 AM
sandra in oregon– I didn’t mean to react so strongly. I’m just frustrated that I have so little to give and can’t even afford mailing costs. Jam that I made myself is one of the few things I have to give. I also live in bulk organic heaven where many of the things they need up there are quite cheap in bulk, yet there is a restriction on stuff that is not factory sealed. I could fill a box with low cost bulk organic items, but it doesn’t sound like that is acceptable. I can’t buy the same things in packages because they cost too much. Just leaves me feeling frustrated.