Response to Palin’s Stimulus Rejection & Rally at the Loussac Library Tomorrow!
20 03 2009
~~~~~Anti-Palin Rally at the Loussac Library in September 2008
That’s right, Anchorage area Mudflatters, it’s RALLY TIME! Tomorrow morning, Anchorage Legislators are having a meeting at the Loussac Library. All those who want to encourage the Legislature to accept the federal stimulus money for Alaska, come join other like-minded people at the rally.
Saturday, March 21 outside the Loussac Library 9:30am
Dress Warm! Bring Signs! Tell Your Legislators How You Feel!
Your governor has rejected:
money for weatherization, energy efficiency grants, immunizations, air quality grants, emergency food assistance, homeless grants, senior meals, child care development grants, nutrition programs, homeless grants, arts, unemployment services, air quality, justice assistance grants and other programs that help Alaskans who want to be able to weather these difficult economic times.
Here’s what prominent Alaskans had to say about Palin’s decision to reject these funds:
Rep. Les Gara (D)
“40% of our children aren’t graduating from high school. When the President of the United States offers to help you hire teachers, and to help your kids, you say “thank you”. If it were me, I wouldn’t have looked for a way to poke a stick in his eye.”
Matt Claman, Acting Mayor of Anchorage
“Her rationale is like turning down a gift card because it expires in two years.”
Senator Mark Begich (D)
“I trust the legislature will do the right thing and take Alaska’s share of the money for education in the economic recovery package,” the Alaska Democrat said in a written statement. “We owe it to our children to give them the most opportunities possible, and this is money fairly allocated to Alaska in this stimulus package.”
Congressman Don Young (R) AK-AL
No Comment. Doesn’t want to “take sides.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R)
Palin has made her decision on what funds she thinks meet that criteria and now it’s the Legislature’s turn to review it.
Carol Comeau, Superintendant of Schools
“We’re shocked and very disappointed that the governor said she would reject the education stimulus money for Title I and IDEA programs. We believe that we can make very good use of the funds, not only in job preservation but also in adding new positions to ultimately use these funds to increase student achievement for our neediest children.
“Earlier this week, I met with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to discuss various ways to use the funding to advance education among students, as the secretary and the president intended.
“One of the opportunities the Anchorage School Board, my administration and I have discussed is to add more preschool programs in Title I schools. Many of the children in neighborhoods served by these schools are not prepared to enter kindergarten. Title I schools have a large number of students who qualify for free and reduced price lunch, have high mobility rates, and are English language learners. Additional programs and support at these schools have proven to make a difference for our students in helping them be ready to enter kindergarten. Stimulus funds could also be used to extend learning time for students who need additional academic assistance.
“Additional stimulus funds designated for IDEA and special education give us a rare opportunity to use an increased amount of money for professional development to assist our classroom educators to better work with students with disabilities. It would also allow us to increase opportunities to use best practices within our Special Education department.
“If we were to implement additional programs with the stimulus funds offered by President Obama, and the funds were to diminish a few years from now, we would be prepared to redistribute General Fund money or other federal funds to keep programs that have proven to be effective.
“ASD would absolutely be transparent and accountable for federal school stimulus funds. We intend to actively engage the public to develop a plan to best use those funds.
“We urge the legislature to engage both the district and the community in a dialogue regarding these stimulus funds very quickly, as the decision on whether to accept the funds is two weeks away, April 3. We hope the legislature is willing to recognize the importance of this money and will take swift action.”
Barb Angaiak, President of the National Education Association of Alaska (NEA-Alaska)
Palin’s decision to reject more than $160 million of federal stimulus funds for Alaska education is “logic-defying, dumb-founding, short-sighted – and a slap in the face to parents, children and educators across Alaska.”
“Governor Palin has deliberately chosen to ignore the education needs of tens of thousands of children across Alaska. Her attempt to score short term gains will have long-term, dire consequences for our students and educators,” Angaiak said. ”Her message to our children is callously blunt: ‘In the interests of my political agenda, you’re on your own.’”
Patti Higgins, Alaska Democratic Party Chair
Palin’s position on rejecting stimulus money is “outrageous and troubling,” “It’s very clear that Palin is sacrificing the needs of Alaskans for her national political ambitions,” Higgins said.
Bob Poe (D) - Gubernatorial Candidate for 2010:
Federal spending represents about one third of Alaska’s economy each year, 59 per cent of Alaska is under federal ownership and Sarah Palin is rejecting $288 million in federal funds because she believes they will give the federal government too much control over Alaska?
The list of things impacted by this narcissistic decision on Palin’s part is really too long to go over now, but consider …
She is turning down almost $75 million in education funding – this money could be used to develop our future workforce for things like the gas pipeline. You can be sure Texas and Oklahoma won’t be turning down these funds and may get to use some of ours.
And while the governor may not personally need unemployment insurance or vocational rehabilitation every-day Alaskans are now starting to feel the financial pinch from the global economic decline. [written statement]
“Let me say this as clearly as possible. Sarah Palin is sacrificing Alaska’s future for her own politial future.” [This morning on KUDO 1080am]
Rob Rosenfeld (D) Gubernatorial Candidate for 2010:
“I am simply appalled with Governor Palin’s recent decision to reject federal stimulus money at the very same time that Alaska experiences 3rd world living conditions. Rural Alaska is in a state of emergency. We must bring national attention to the conditions of Rural Alaska and to Governor Palin´s lack of interest in addressing the urgent needs of the people.”
Anonymous Legislative Leader: (qutoed by Andrew Halcro on his blog)
Here’s the scoop on the Big Stim funding. Until 24 hours before her press conference, the Governor was going to accept most everything, and reject a few items that we all pretty much agreed were not acceptable. Most of the Big Stim money is really pretty benign and does not require unsustainable new permanent programs.
The issue became a big tug of war for control of the Gov between folks in state government and Sara PAC. Sara PAC won, literally hours before the announcement was made. Alaska was sacrificed again to the godless pagan illusions of her national ambitions.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:13 PM
I’m going to be good.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Nite all.:)
March 20th, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Nighty~nite…..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
8~)
March 20th, 2009 at 5:20 PM
zzzz’s from socialist!!
March 20th, 2009 at 5:20 PM
@Cynamen Winter (17:07:06) :
Let it go IrishGirl….and rise above the fray. She was simply howling at the moon! But help me to understand, for I’ve never quite understood the “First?” thingy…
Btw, Go Ireland!!!
Wuhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
And I’ll be holdin’ up my virtual signage on tomorrow, also….in favor of Alaskan rights as Americans! We’re in this thing together!
__________
The “first thingy” has been an issue from way back. Personally, I have NO problem with it. Considering that this blog is world-wide, with all the different time zones, it’s cool as hell to be “first.”
Instead of complaining, simply skip over that comment and read the other posts. Why is that so difficult?
March 20th, 2009 at 5:21 PM
I just want to know which “legislative leader” made those remarks! We know it wasn’t Therriault. Chenault is out of the picture too. And Johanson, well…does anyone but me know who that guy is?
I’m going to say they came from Gary Stevens.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Good night Irishgirl. Sweet dreams!
March 20th, 2009 at 5:26 PM
nite Irish Girl……..we’ll hold down the fort………
March 20th, 2009 at 5:28 PM
“He said she hasn’t yet decided yet whether taking the money would be good for Alaska. A statement from the governor’s office had the same message:”
““““““““““““““““““““““`
YET, that sounds like it is straight from the hypocrite’s lips…YET me thinks that she got her hair- in- a- bunch as momentum is growing in rally formation.
Don’t drop your guards, nor your signs. Let your voices be heard, resoundingly, from AK to DC!
Later for the bull…people’s lives and livelihoods are at stake here.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:29 PM
MNo Gravatar (17:21:22) :
I just want to know which “legislative leader” made those remarks! We know it wasn’t Therriault. Chenault is out of the picture too. And Johanson, well…does anyone but me know who that guy is?
I’m going to say they came from Gary Stevens.
————–
I’m guessing one of the Rs from ‘governing’ side. They’re the ones who would be in on deal-making, I guess.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:32 PM
@ Sabrina~
The “first thingy” has been an issue from way back. Personally, I have NO problem with it. Considering that this blog is world-wide, with all the different time zones, it’s cool as hell to be “first.”
””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’
Thanx for explaining it that way, for I’ve also noticed the trend on other boards as well.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:44 PM
With sincerest apologies to Pink Floyd, the Sarah Palin song;
We don’t need no education,
We dont need no birth control,
All we need is our religion,
Teachers, leave the kids alone!
Leave the kids alone!
All in all she just another brick in the wall
March 20th, 2009 at 5:44 PM
http://www.2012draftsarahcommittee.com/
No need to explain….
March 20th, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Sabrina – thank you. N.O.T. I.M.P.R.E.S.S.E.D.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Holdin’ up my virtual sign already:
I.M.P.E.A.C.H. the SCREECH
March 20th, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Go for it, mudflatters and citizens of Alaska!
I hope you have a fantastic and outrageous turnout! I will be watching and waiting for news.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Will someone hold up a sign for me that says, “Education doesn’t work for the Palins. Why would it work for us?”
March 20th, 2009 at 6:10 PM
a@austintx (17:51:02) :
Sabrina – thank you. N.O.T. I.M.P.R.E.S.S.E.D.
Me either! GINO makes my blood boil like all of you…just wanted to let you know what is out there…
We have our work cut out for us to remove/prevent HER out of ANY of her ilk to perpetuate her dream world.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Bystander (17:44:00) :
With sincerest apologies to Pink Floyd, the Sarah Palin song;
_______________________
hahahahaaaaa!
No apologies necessary as they’d likely approve your fair use edit.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:33 PM
You guys, I believe the legislators will overrule the GINO…and all the monies will be used. GINO is using the monies for her own personal political gain…fiscal conservative…and I believe she will not chance running for anything except for POTUS.
Rally to impeach…
March 20th, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Amazing…Sarah, I mean Kim, using “gimme.” Oh, here are some more gimmes for you…
gimme per diem to live in own house
gimme per diem to fly family around on “state business”
gimme car with tinted windows
gimme new designer clothes
gimme a new house
gimme 5 PR folks
gimme dead wolves and bears
gimme dairy company for my friends
gimme 2 preachers and a purse
gimme photo-ops, a mike and a podium
gimme a new sports arena for my kids
gimme money for SarahPac for early campaigning for POTUS
gimme a hair stylist and makeup artist
gimme $500M so my pipeline might be built in 7+ years maybe
gimme props
gimme, awwwwwww
Oh, Sarah…sorry, Kim, so many gimmes, I know I’ve missed some along the way.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:42 PM
CG @ 14:47
Thanks for posting this site…
An op-ed on Palin’s position on Special Needs:
http://www.philosophercrip.com/2008/10/16/palins-record-on-special-needs-kids/
—
Irishgirl…don’t worry about any troll, you know we all luv ya!!
March 20th, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Somebody be there waving a sign for me to saying:
“IMPEACH THE BEACH”!
Good luck mudflatters – have a great demo.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Anon~
You forgot “gimme lipstick, some Aquanet, and my shiny black boots, also!”
March 20th, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Ooops! Missed an important “o”, also, too…
March 20th, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Sorry, completely off topic…….Go Ireland!!!!
==========================
i agree, totally off topic but i must say GO IRELAND!
———————————
thanks AKM!
and now we bring you back to our regularly scheduled program….
March 20th, 2009 at 7:12 PM
…gimme a letter of recommend for Levi on the N Slope [that will keep him outta the way for a while]
March 20th, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Cynamen Winter::: Do you mean those ‘I can see myface in my boots”, those [wanna be] stripper go-go boots with those high heels? She has lots of pract walking in them, why even at 5/6 months with snow on the ground, she would walk miles in them cause don’t ya know she ‘got’ those tight abs…
eeewww
March 20th, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Sarah Palin believes that the only proper use for special needs children is as campaign props. Otherwise, ehhh f*** em.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:22 PM
I really want to read this whole post, and will…tomorrow. But I got stuck on the “40% of Alaska’s kids don’t graduate from high school”. Oh, My, Flippin God!!! 40%??? And yet this dipshit woman rejects $$ for education?? I’m sorry…I’m really sorry. This is flippin dumb striking (and pardon the pun). Would someone please smack that woman up side the head??
March 20th, 2009 at 8:41 PM
I can understand why Sarah Palin would not need any money for education in her state. None of her children has graduated from high school, and at present, only one child–Willow–even attends school (at least I haven’t heard otherwise). So why would she want money for education? She has no need of it, and she doesn’t care about anyone but herself. Yup–it makes perfect sense to me. Sarah is for Sarah, and her family has no use for education.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Bill Maher has a pull string baby [doll] on the show tonight….
“why is grandma always winking?”
“What the Freak kinda name is Tripp?”
“Explain it to me again, that other baby is my Uncle?”
and several other phrases…my stomach was hurting I laffed so hard…
i’m sure you can see it for yourself – somewhere on the internets right now…
March 20th, 2009 at 9:05 PM
I would LOVE to see palin go straight to hell for this one! If this doesn’t start impeachment proceedings with Alaskans, nothing will. The cost to Alaska is too great to ignore this crazy b****!!!! but if your legislators choose to take the money…she wins! She can’t be allowed to keep her power any more!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:23 PM
This was probably covered earlier (i.e., yesterday).
I’ve heard from a couple sources (including C.C. on KUDO) that this argument of hers re: the Recovery Bill requiring continued funding of programs after the Federal funds run out is bogus. If SP says it, I’m immediately suspicious anyway, but it would be nice to know she’s wrong about this fact, “Also.”
Clearly, things like education, public health, public safety, help for the unemployed and job training deserve support, in both the short and long term. So even if she was correct that the State is committed to supporting them in the future, in my mind these should be priorities anyway.
PS: I haven’t been out of the habit of checking the blog lately. What does GINO stand for?
March 20th, 2009 at 9:24 PM
Make that I “have” been out out of the habit …. oops
March 20th, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Mudman: GINO=gov in name only!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:26 PM
It’s late I know. Would love to be there for the rally. It would be so much fun to rally with a wolf’s head on (paper mache?) Or even a mask! Tee Hee
If you see Gryphen, tell him I said Hi!
Ginger
March 20th, 2009 at 10:31 PM
@M (17:21:22) :
Frighteningly, I do know who Johansen is, but then I’m rather an Alaskan political junkie. Don’t tell me he’s your rep.? If so, sympathies all around!
March 21st, 2009 at 3:07 AM
What would be interesting to find out is what monies sarah palin kept.
I assume it road money for her pet project the gas line.
So Alaska, you have a choice now. You can keep a governor that does not believe in education, after telling countless parents of special needs kids how she fights for them in her state. Or you could impeach/unseat her before 2010 so she can start her campaign for President early.
Your choice and the lower 48’s are waiting!!!!!
March 21st, 2009 at 4:14 AM
UK Lady,
March 21st, 2009 at 4:16 AM
Bystander, Roger Waters would be PROUD!!!!!
March 21st, 2009 at 5:06 AM
anon bloggerNo Gravatar (18:42:10) :
CG @ 14:47
Thanks for posting this site…
An op-ed on Palin’s position on Special Needs:
http://www.philosophercrip.com/2008/10/16/palins-record-on-special-needs-kids/
———–
ouch.
March 21st, 2009 at 5:11 AM
Has all the media been informed of the rally? I expect mudflatters who are present at the rally to take lots of pictures. Please.
Our Republican governor hugged Obama and stuck his hand out for the money (Ahnold), so no rallies for us. We’d be happy to take that Alaska money off your hands if GINO finds it so distasteful. California is currently down around 48th place for money spent per child on education, so those dollars are most welcome.
March 21st, 2009 at 8:04 AM
I’m noticing in the comments from Alaskans that, if there was more notice for upcoming rallies, there would be more people able to attend. Maybe it’s time for Alaskans to plan a series of rallies, in addition to short-notice hot-topic rallies like this one. If GINO has to walk through a crowd of angry citizens whenever she steps outside her Juneau or Anchorage office, it will rattle her and make her angry, which always leads to some good whining.
March 21st, 2009 at 8:08 AM
The ‘Stimulus to Nowhere’
Sarah’s political ploy is so blatant, it is laughable.
To the media, she says she rejects the stimulus money (exaggerating the amount while she is at it, for maximum future campaign points).
At the same time, she tells the legislature that she is quite willing to take it as long as they force her to.
(All that is left is for her to ask them to please force her to, since that is what she wants.)
Just like the Bridge to Nowhere funds.
“Give me the political points for saying no…but for God’s sake give me the Money!”