Thank You, from AKMuckraker.
As I sit here writing, there is a strange mixture of wind, snow and volcanic ash swirling around outside my windows. It’s tempting to yell, “The sky is falling!” and at times it has felt that way. If you had told me last week that a State Legislator would send me a threatening email telling me he was going to out me, and reveal my real identity on his official legislative newsletter, I’d have thought to myself, “Never in a million years would someone be so foolhardy.” But once again I have overestimated the common sense of Rep. Mike Doogan. And here we are.
I have to admit this has taken a bit of getting used to. I’m not one to crave the spotlight, and I generally enjoy my boring little life. So, I’m needing a little time to regroup. Thank you all for the understanding, and indulging this naturally private and introverted blogger who normally posts pretty frequently. Public figures choose a public life. Private citizens don’t necessarily choose that. The possibility is always there for a pseudonymous blogger to become public, but we’d like to think that this would be at the time and in the manner of that person’s choosing….without the unwanted help of a State Representative, who is, after all, supposed to be working for us.
In this stressful time, I have been absolutely overwhelmedby your messages of love and support. I have read every single comment on the blog, and at times I laughed, at times I was brought to tears of joy and grief, and at times I was stunned by the insight and clarity of your thinking and assessment of the situation. And I loved it all. Truly, you all gave me a soft cushion on which to ride this rocky road after being dragged out of my cave. For those of you who have sent emails, or messages on Facebook, I have not yet had the opportunity to read all of them, but I will.
I have not only appreciated the personal support for me and my family (and Brian the moose), but I appreciate that you all getthe big picture, and the most important issue, which is not me. The big picture, the thing that should outrage all of us, despite political party or affiliation, is this: an elected official in a position of power and authority utilized state resources to deliberately and with malice, knowing there would be negative consequences, impinged on the free speech and privacy rights of a private citizen.
Heartening as well, have been the emails and comments of support I have received from conservatives who love and respect the right to free speech as much as those further left on the political spectrum, and who also recognize the big picture. There have been messages of support from the conservative community that have made me hopeful for finding common ground, even with those with whom we thought it would be impossible. This is a good thing for all of us.
I am working on a new post. It was difficult to know quite where to begin. As a friend said, it’s a bit like losing your favorite instrument, and having to learn how to play a new one. But I’ve enjoyed some down time with family, and the challenge of learning to play this new and strange instrument and seeing what I can do with it. Because there’s no doubt, things are different. The next post will be one of my favorite kinds – a good story. We haven’t had one of those in a while. The ending is uncertain, but it’s one that should resonate with all of us.
Thank you, thank you again for your love and support. Even though I’m a “word person” I know I will never fully be able to express to you my deep and abiding gratitude for this community.
**************
*I’ll be putting up open threads as they are needed when the comments get clogged.
*The site will be down for a couple hours tonight, while ServerGuy outfits us with a brand new server! Thanks ServerGuy!
And yes, I’ll always be AKMuckraker.
Glad to see you AKM..made it worth being up at 1:00 Am my time
And yes I am addicted to Brian& Brenda, blame it on the Monty the Moose video & plushie my son received from Alaska a decade ago
God bless you, AKM!!! And I’m so glad you’ll stay here. You’re one of the greatest blogging muckraker around and that’s saying a lot.
Happy days are here again. Love ya AKM
AKM – it is you who deserve the thanks! Thank you for creating this wonderful and welcoming community. I don’t comment often but I read The Mudflats every day and I have come to adore you and the many people who post on your blog regularly. I also prefer to remain away from the spotlight and am sorry that you have been thrust into one. I hope that your life will not be disrupted too much and that you and yours will be safe. May you flourish always.
God bless you AKM! You’re a terrific blogger andd a terrific person. I look forward to reading your posts from now on.
More.Power.To.You. The Good that is Mudflats and AKM will triumph, no doubt about it.
Good to hear that you’re still around and figuring out what’s next. Whatever it is, know that we’ll always be here for you (and I’m good for a cup of tea or coffee or a beer if you ever make it down here on future journeys). Loads of love, AKM, Spouse, and Brian and Brenda…
You’ll be fine, AKM. I look forward to many spirited and contentious debates with you in the future.
Go AKM!
Go ServerGuy!
Just remember, AKM, you are in a long, proud, frequently pseudonymous, and very much American tradition of raising h–l.
And let’s all of us remember that Mr. Doogan is a symptom, and not the problem entire. Many people in power have gotten a little too comfortable, a little too arrogant, a little too greedy, and a little too stupid to do the jobs they were hired to do. We need to do more than replace them. We need to reform as many of them as we can. Mr. Doogan does not seem particularly trainable. He can and I hope will be simply replaced.
I am looking forward to the tidal wave of protest impacting with Mr. Doogan’s ego over the next few days. It certainly looks like Unstoppable Force meets Immovable And Extremely Inflated Object. You didn’t call for that protest. We, who believe that privacy is a right, did.
May the road rise up to meet you.
I may just lurk here, but be rest assured that your blog has been a regular read since Sarah Palin was foisted upon us late last summer. Keep on fighting the good fight!
This mess certainly adds a whole new dimension to the meaning of March Madness. Usually, I’m all caught up in how my picks are doing in the NCAA and pulling for my team – the UNC Tarheels. If they make it past Oklahoma tomorrow, they will be in the Final Four.
While, I still watch the Heels play, I am more concerned about AKM. Heck, because of her and the Muddyflats, I know more about Alaskan politicsthan I do about those in my home state. Thanks for everything, you are the best.
AKM, we love you from “The Badger State”. Can we start cursing at the bums now!..
AKM – I went into lurker status after really burning out from too much time on here during the election, and then time putting together the cookbook (which was fun but it sure took a while!) Then, we did have quite all the excitement in Illinois with Blago. After being quiet for a time, it seemed strange to suddenly start posting. So I’ve remained quiet. But I still read every day and remain extremely interested in the developments in Alaska, and how it affects the rest of our country.
My best to you as you work out your new situation. I hate that this happened to you, but I am intrigued now by what will happen next. I know you won’t disappear from us. I spent 13 years taking music lessons – and can verify that it takes study and practice to learn a new instrument. Start wit the scales!
How wonderful that your brief respite has brought you back to the community that whole-heartedly supports you and your eloquent writing. Please continue to feed my daily mudflats habit. And, I look forward to reading that BOOK you must pen after all the dust settles.
I was so surprised to see that you had posted, AKM. I was in the process of voting for best blogs and clicked on the mudflats link to make sure I’d found the right one (no image was showing), and voila! you had posted. Yay!
Take all the time you need, we are with you all the way, and we will be as patient as you need us to be. I too was glad to see that there is support from all sorts of people that some of us have avoided for quite some time. That was a bit of a nice surprise.
After looking at the post from Doogan on his state web site, I was even more outraged and wrote him a very long email. It’ll be interesting to see if he actually reads it. I did sign my name just so he couldn’t go off on that silly tangent of his about people not signing their names. That is so . . . well, beside the point. All it shows is that he hasn’t kept up with the internet and the way people use it. He is clueless. And he hasn’t paid attention to history either. It’s not like people writing anonymously is something new.
So, I await the new things coming from you and everyone here. What a great community this has turned out to be. Whatever Doogan’s purpose was, he has only succeeded in strengthening the bonds of friendship that were forged last fall when, one by one, we found our way here.
Hugs to you and your family, AKM.
Pat
Glad to see this post and I am looking forward to more from you.All the best!
AKM, thanks for the message. I read you every day, and now I can go to bed.
In solidarity,
duncan
AKM: Wow, It’s so crazy. Ash is falling everywhere up there and here you are rising from some proverbial ashes of your own.
I know you must be overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and knowing how you are, probably maybe a tiny bit embarassed. I guess it’s kind of like going to your own funeral and hearing all the obits.
But one thing is certain. You are you and we are us who treasure you. You have a gift and a talent that by sharing you make this crazy world just a tiny bit better for many, many people. You have created a community of like-minded individuals from all over the world who deeply treasure this community the you, AKM of Alaska have created.
We eagerly await your next post.
Stay safe!!!
AKMuckraker. Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for having the spirit, the love and the concern for Alaska and our country to keep on keeping on!
It is so nice to see that you are fine. I knew you would be, your a strong person and it shows in your writing. This is very big for the whole of U.S. regarding rights for the internet and blogging as a whole. My support is behind you 100%. I have enjoyed each and everyone of your articles, your so talented in this area, a book needs to be written, whether it be fiction or nonfiction (LOL, at the tune of 11 million, a little humor here). Just want to say, “AAAAwwwww, I love you man.
Group Hug!! And you will always be anonymous, AKM. The only one ‘OUTED’ now is the little fella who will always be remembered for the worst of reasons.
Wow, AKM, I was just saying to someone, ‘Where AKM was born and raised they don’t make sissies” (so I didn’t think you’d gone to water) and now here you are so soon. I can’t say how great it is to see you here. Snos has been remarkable in keeping the homefires burning.
No doubt it touched your heart (as it did mine) to see not only long-lost Mudpuppies returning, but the more quiet ones finding their voice to show their support. To me, it had the atmosphere of a family funeral – people gathering together whom you haven’t seen or heard from in some time but are so happy to see, in the midst of hugs and sad smiles, and tears.
There are going to be some challenges for you, so please take good care of yourself and remember to always put yourself first.
There is only one you. Welcome home!
AlaskaDisasta (20:45:31) :
Aussie Blue Sky (20:47:15) :
Group Hug!!
AKM~
Just hearing from you made my day!
Be encouraged to continue…
Take good care.
So glad to hear you are doing okay. I too will sleep much better tonight knowing that.
And I’ll be sure to have a nice bottle of shiraz ready to enjoy with your promised story.
Love to you, the family & dear Brenda & Brian,
Bea
I’ll just say something trite like keep on keeping on.
I am so glad to hear from you. I have been going through my own hell in this state based on corruption and abuse. It has only been a short time since I found your blog. It has given me strength to know there are other people who understand the culture of bullying that goes on here in Alaska. In fact I am thinking of posting my story on line. Thank you for your courage.
AKM, so wonderful to see your post tonight/this morning! You may be playing a new instrument but you still have the innate gift that’s needed to make beautiful music. You also have an audience that cannot wait to hang on every note!
Story Time at Mudflats are the best! I look forward to your next post and send thoughts to you and yours for your safety and hope that you are free from harassment. I also look forward to what I hope are stories of the fall of Mike Doogan through the AK court system for reasons that have been cited so well on this blog and others.
And this from the ADN, (The Ear). The daily that worships SP. “So, now you want to know what once-anonymous (but not very) Ear says, right? The Divine Appendage says, Chilton Devon is a volunteer in the political blog business. If you can’t take a punch, don’t get in the ring.”
It’s good to see you’re up and posting again, AKM. *Big Hugs* from Minnesota. I’ve been thinking of you all day long as I joined the FaceBook groups and voted for Best Political Blog. I’m a daily visitor to Mudflats, and this incident made me realize how important this online community has become to me. Hang in there. We’ve got your back.
Dude, you make so many people’s day, EVERY DEH, you gotta keep strong. We are behind you.
That is why the freaks run around so freaked out all day long.
AKM,
AKM you have the gift of being able to put your thoughts into words people want to read.
Those words ruffled the feathers of an elected official enough to drive him to distraction.
Support for you and Mudflats is flourishing all over the Internet.
When you started Mudflats, you really weren’t sure anyone would read what you wrote.
Thousands now read you daily.
Use the confidence we have in your words to continue to be our voice for truth and our gracious hostess for this wonderful community.
Glad to see you back! If there is any thing you want me or us to do, just let me/us know.
I did send a letter protest with a cut and paste re: right to privacy from the AK Constitution and the fact that Doogan has shamed us all. This was sent to the minority leader, minority whip and the ethics committee members (oxymoron?) (they didn’t do so well with Bad Sarah but then again Doogan is NOT signing their checks and maybe they will want to redeem themselves, who knows, they eat him alive!
The comments have been so clogged that I haven’t been able to reply since this all happened. I am sorry that…well, things are different now. Stay safe.
Got goosebumps reading your post! Only an exceptional writer and person could create a blog and community with such impact. You must not be silenced.
Cheers!
Jeanne–You are so wonderful, and I too felt the love surrounding you and your family from all your mudflatters…..isn’t that just GREAT?! ;0) Someone in my family was a victim of Palin’s vindictiveness…..if I can share a few words of advise from our attorney as we worked through a legal issue. First of all…don’t ever post your photo on this site. We all know your name but at least we will not recognize you at Costco or Fred Meyers. Our attorney recommended that… and don’t let the news channels interview or photograph you—that stuff stays around forever in their stock files and they can pull it back up and there you would see yourself on every big screen TV in the state. Keep your head down, offer no interviews…you can say whtever you want right here without having to be cornered by a reporter. In the end for us, it was great advise (even though when I was so mad at what had happened I wanted to scream to the rooftops about my family member being thrown under the Palin Bus) Time will make it better, but you are right …..Doogan stole something from you that you can never get back. You will find your way and be happy again…just know…we are behind you and understand what is happening to you. You have an enormous FAMILY…worldwide—how many people will ever have that in their lifetime? You are a lucky girl! Bless you and yours.
Boo-Boo Bear
I’ve been an avid reader of The Mudflats since McCain announced Palin as his V.P. pick. I’m not sure anymore how I found your blog but it is a must read for me every day (usually several times a day). You have a gift for writing and I am hoping you continue to use it every day.
I’m sure that before this is over Doogan will be really sorry he made his little announcement! He has sure made a lot of mud puppies really angry!
Just hang in there AKM! I think all of your readers will still think of you as AKM. I know I will!
Hi AKM, I think I am one of the 64,000 who read your Palin post the first day, or maybe I read it the second day. It doesn’t really matter, I have looked forward to reading your blog nearly every day since.
So thank you for injecting some reality, civility, and common sense into the public discourse the past few months. And thanks for giving us some humor as well.
And best of luck in the future. I know that whatever path you and Mudflats takes will be the right one.
God bless!!! Knowing you’re ok, I can now feel more peaceful. We’re all with you!
PEACE
I’ve lurked on this blog for many months. Only recently have I posted. All this time, I’ve held AKM and this site in the highest esteem. There are times when I read a post and my eyes pop at just how much AKM has dug for the truth.
AKM, you DEFEND AMERICA by exposing the truth of what goes on there, and for making sure the “door” remains nailed shut. Doogan is right when he says you “strip away” from Palin. The world would suffer should she remain in the political spotlight. I love this country, and can see how it would suffer should Palin charge through the “door.”
I’m not a young man, but I am in tears right now. I have been all weekend. I’m witnessing bravery in you, AKM, that in my jaded, cynical mind truly thought had been erased from the world. If I could be thousands of miles closer, I’d camp in your front yard to keep you and your family safe while you continue in this most noble endeavor to reveal the truth, For that is all you are doing: simply revealing the truth when nobody else will step up to the challenge. Who else there will ease your burden and take up the slack?
AKM, you’re my hero. I’ve never had one, and nobody can ask for more than what you’ve already done. You’ve done so much. I think I speak for everyone when I say I don’t want you to stop what you’re doing, but I fully understand if you do.
Everyone, after what you’ve read in this blog before leading up to this moment, and this latest response by AKM, is the true essence of Budo, heroism, and honour. Savour it, because it does NOT happen often in one’s lifetime. It chokes my heart.
God bless. Be safe. Be strong.You are loved.
@PVAZwindy –
Wow, either there’s a new writer for the Ear at ADN, or Toomey has developed early(ish) onset alzheimers and has forgotten that she wrote it anonymously for years and years and years and years………….and years. What an a@@wipe. Oh well, canceled my subscription to that unfortunate news-challenged rag from hades waaaaay back before the election when it became clear that they would not take a stand.
AKM,
All I can say is Thanks for rising like a Phoenix from the ashes! My equilibrium is now restored. mr. doogan (no caps, no respect) is indeed an ashole.
Much love and peace to you awesome person, spouse, Brian & Brenda!
Kat
AKM
Thanks for coming back! I don’t know why I am addicted to Alaska’s politics, but it has become like a second family to me. Thanks to you, its better than TV. It may sound corny, but you really are a hero. Kind of like the man who stood up to the tank in Tiananmen Sq. One person confronting power. You are an inspiration.
Cheers to you AKM!
I’ve thought of you often today.
And of this quote, from Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“We ought not have to march every time there is an injustice. We ought to be able to elect people of good will.”
Obviously Representative Doogan is NOT someone of good will.
But you are.
We are all working to get the representatives we need in this challenging times.
And you, and people like you, people of incisive intelligence and great good humor, and no small measure of courage, are helping us.
A toast to AKM!
AKM, Welcome back!
The phoenix has risen, and with it the vision for tomorrow looms. Count me in for the ride. You have been missed, and your friends have been holding down the fort. I think I have seen more new names on the blog than ever before, and all in support of you. I send love, hugs, and prayers to you and your family.
I must amend: there are plenty who are aiding in this endeavor to expose the truth about corruption in Alaska. I truly do not mean to offend anybody else (Celtic Diva, I’m on your side!!). Not to take away from these brave souls, because anyone willing to expose the truth in Alaska is in for a fight I admire and respect…
AKM has anonymously infiltrated quite a few events and meetings at great risk. That’s all I’m saying…
Very glad to see that you are finding your bearings – there is, as many have already said, a world of support and understanding for you and your family. I hope you will keep posting – I would feel kind of lost if I weren’t able to check your site every day!! Thanks for all the time you’ve given to keep this blog going, the invaluable, entertaining information you’ve provided to us and thanks to your family for sharing you with us!
Welcome back, good to see you…We are here for you, so glad you aren’t going to be gone to long. Looking forward to marvelous new music from your new instrument.
Welcome home AKM – I have lost sleep over your ordeal, and I am so relieved to “see” you here and know you are ok. Stay strong, stay safe and know you are loved – world-wide. Lori
you are by far one of the best bloggers I’ve ever had the privilege to read. THANK YOU!
Glad to see you back! You must know how much support is out there for you! I have been sitting at my computer so long today it literally hurts! LOL! I have been out there under many user names pushing this story. We have your back and I can’t wait to see the aftermath of what this “lawmaker” has done. I’m sure there is much we don’t know and much we have yet to learn. Bless you and your family. Stella (redacted) sends her love as well.
Dear AKM:
I am a lurker, not at all like a stalker, but I have been reading Mudflats since September. I have commented only once previously. I first heard of this site on NPR and visit here at least twice a day to see what is up in your corner of the world. I love to read your perspective on state politics and the ambitions of those politicians. I love to read the wonderful articles you write with your humorous, caring, and lucid insights. I equally enjoy the comments from the people I have grown to know through their blog names, like Irish, Dr. Chill, Caligirl, womanwithsardine and too many others to name. On your site I rarely read any of the nasty or contemptuous comments that I see on other blogs. Somehow this fine group of people has come to the understanding that it is more purposeful to talk of ideas and ideals of people rather than just talk of other people. It brings tears to my eyes to think that this may change. I hope not. I support you in your intelligent response to this change of events and know that you will do the best option for you and your family. Please know what an incredibly valuable service you provide to the world, yes the entire world. Just look at all those dots on the map. I have never been much of a joiner of anything, but if I were to join any group, it would be Mudflatters. I am so honored to have shared this moment of time with all of you. May the Spirit be with you and carry you forward. Love and more love.. Pam
2:05 am here on the east coast…. and I’m cramped and sore from sitting at this computer since 10:35 this (no, yesterday!) morning!
So happy to ‘hear’ from you, AKM…. ;D
Helloooooooo AKM! Was this a weird week or WHAT? Guess what? You can’t make this stuff up! Hey, I’ve heard that somewhere before… maybe it will come to me!
Does this mean I can go back to my poop jokes in awhile? I have a new subject and the poetry is just dying to come out (oh that sounds bad!).
You know I joke around because the alternative would be to throw myself from our lovely little bridge across Gastineau Channel if I didn’t have the haven of humor, perspective and sanity at the ‘Flats.
My cape is ON – ready to go (Women Who Runs With Wolves, are you there, too?) Just tell us what’s next and what we can do to help! I’ve been flying around all over today fighting the good fight and my cape is still streaming out behind me and looking pretty good for all the wear!
love from another californian here.
good night all
Oh, AKM, it’s so good to hear from you! My love to you and your family.
Mary
As I sit up up late with a quilt draped over my lap and a fluffy white cat curled up on the couch across from me, I want to thank you, AKM, for the comfort you’ve given us Mudpuppies by posting again so soon after the Doogan fiasco. Like many who read your blog every day, I was worried about what effects Rep. Doogan’s smarmy and uncalled-for actions would have on you, your family, and the future of The Mudflats blog. But it’s obvious you’ve got the goods to speak truth to power; your courageous and compelling postings prove what a strong resolve you must have, and I don’t give a flying flip whether or not you’re anonymous! That’s was your choice … until now.
And you rock, ServerGuy, by increasing server power to allow even more folks around the world to become Mudpups!
BTW, I just KNEW there was a darned good reason voters cast their ballots for their state and national representatives in private — ANONYMOUSLY — and Doogan’s egregious act demonstrates why. A vote cast is one of the most powerful forms of “opinion” there is, so no wonder secret ballots are carefully guarded to keep the privacy of the anonymous voter protected.
Good night to you, AKM, and to your family and to everybody’s darlin’ moose, Brian.
Glad you made it back. The good fight isn’t over yet.
Welcome back – I have thoroughly worn myself out scanning all the blogs about this and commenting here and there along the way. Sent you a little prayer today and have several more polished, primed and ready and waiting for intermittent dispersal. I, too, noticed a good number of supporting comments from conservative sources including some Maet Haras folks – hooray and how encouraging. And now, that all is better in one little corner of the world, in that AKM is not afraid of the keyboard on her new instrument I bid you all adieu and good night.
Glad to know your hanging in there. My thoughts are with you after this cyber assault by a public official no less.
Hang in there, I have no dobt you will learn to use your new instrument well.
I will be spending my time crunching numbers figuring how much we can haul out on the boat without sinking we will commence hauling summer supplies to remote villages and fishing camps in about a month we will be joined by three other volunteer boats. Had it not been for you and your blog that wouldn’t be happening. Alot of people have already and will continue to benefit from the things that you have written. Don’t you ever forget that.
It is truly a shame that your politicians up there are more worried about discovering your identity than trying to deal with the problems you have highlighted here. You know that work they are actually paid for.
Your “breather” was all-too-brief, AKM, but your return is enough to bring me out of nearly seven months of lurking. “And we’ll all go out to greet her when she comes. And we’ll all go out to greet her when she comes…..” with love and cheers…
I finally registered here (after months of faithful reading) after this happened. I wanted to be able to say I belonged here and to be able to support you during all of this. I am happy to see you posting again!
Your blog is fantastic and the one that I rely on to keep the muck here in Alaska illuminated and exposed. I have never felt so connected to the bigger picture and I thank you for providing a place that allows that to happen.
Thanks from a new mudpup!
AKM, welcome back! Excellent writing, honest and decency are qualities that money cannot buy. I am thankful that you’re brushing yourself off to return a little tattered but wiser to give voice to the truth. The world I envision for my grandchildren is one based on truth. Thank you for your unselfish efforts to make our world a better place one blog at a time. Blessings to all in your family.
Ditto to all the appreciations above. I am so relieved with your message, and
realize with that, how on edge I have felt.
Besides the information and fun and wonderful writers in this community,
and besides the opportunity to make some tiny contribution to the rural
Alaskans that you were a catalyst for, I think that it is because of what
@aspiecelia called ‘the culture of bullying’ in Alaskan politics
that your efforts have become so important to me.
The haraSnalinP effect is of bullying, regardless of her personality defects,
but bullying had become fashionable, not just in AK, but all over this country.
Our national posture has been of a bully.
It is really hard to stand up to
a bully, especially one with money behind him/her. But you have been
shining light on them, and now you were caught in the retaliation.
But you are not being bullied.
It is important to all of us that no one gets to bully anybody.
As usual, I am not saying all what I want. I can sleep better knowing you are
up and on line, even if just for tonight, so will shut up and just say agian,
it is so good to know you in your writing, and through this community.
I too have not slept well, but will sleep tonight — although it’s 1:30 a.m. here too. Thank you for posting tonight, AKM. So happy to have you back. We were sure you would be, but that awful thought kept intruding “What if she decides to quit?????” Now I am off to bed. My “behind” is sore from sitting at the computer all day reading blog comment after blog comment on all the blogs and decided once more to check for any latest developments here before toddling off to bed. We are here for you in any manner you wish. Sending great big cyberhugs to you, AKM, and to all my Mudflats family. Take good care, and God Bless…..
AKM,
One thing I know for sure: you have brought people from all over the world together and created a family. You can feel the love in blogs all over the interwebs, even in places you never thought you would. Your words have touched so many people and have given us hope, laughter and joy during a time of turmoil.
Thank you for what you have contributed to the world of politics and for what you have done for this community of wonderful people.
Oh Yay! It’s me – your most ardent Alaskan Evangelical Conservative fan and I’m glad to hear your voice again. Sleep well and keep the face mask at the ready – this ash is nasty.
Glad to see you’re okay.
I am however amazed at the hypocrisy of certain people who post under made up names and write books under made up names getting all snuffy over someone elses privacy.It is an interesting idea doogan has though first mailing out email addresses and then getting some one to tattle on you for pointing it out. As for his thing for Sarah she probably sent him a case of liquor poor fool. I don’t know actually if that’s true but he got something for his trouble.
@ Duncan-
Jim, is that you, “in Solidarity” Duncan? “In Solidarity” ounds like your brand of BOVINE EXCREMENT.
What’s the story of the AFSCME Local 52 president suddenly walking off the job? Is it time for the indictments or something? You figure they’ll get Gordon Glaser, too?
How about publishing a copy of that Conflict of Intereest file , Jim? You know the one, where you conspired with the Murkowski Administration? Lemme see…. AAG file #223-03-0342, the agreement to let you break ethics the laws as long as you didn’t file any grievances?
Wasn’t filing grievances one of the most important parts of your job?
That is the type of fraud that makes Federal Judges LIVID.
I have stayed up til 2:44 am (Eastern time zone over here in SC) hoping to see something and Oh Happy Day! You’ve come back! I am like the poster above who said he/she didn’t know how on edge they were until they saw your new message. And try explaining an addiction to an Alaskan political blog to any “rational” person in South Carolina!
Much love to you, AKM, from the Deep South.
AKM,
Thanks for the update. Even those of us who aren’t here often are glad you’re okay and hope the best for you. They say sunlight is the best disinfectant. Seems Mudflats works best in Alaska. Your one voice makes a difference. Keep up the good work.
ov
That’s it. It took till 11:53pm Seattle time and wouldn’t you know it, that post made me cry.
You walk a good road AKMuckraker.
Thanks.
So glad to see you are doing all right, and I know, will be doing even better than before. Have heard it said that challenges are opportunities, and from what you’ve shown all along, this will be a great opportunity… you will make it so. Take much care. Looking forward to your next post.
@DUNCAN-
Jim, Don’t you think I should file a motion for reconsideration with the Ninth Circuit to make sure they have a copy of your Conflict of Interest file? I think Federal Judges need to know about that fraud and conspiracy stuff, don’t you?
After all, I think they like following up on my suggestions, and I really like the SOA being less corrupt!
In Solidarity to you,too, Jim Duncan!
**********************************************
From Ninth Cir. 05-35694 opening brief asking for investigations of Alaska Corruption filed 11/05:
[ ] characteristic of corruption After a week or so the Plaintiff sent articles of the retirement fund deficit which was at a projected $ 7 Billion, growing at a rate of $1 7 million a day for the first 1,000 days of the current Administration, and at approximately minus $700,000 per current employee This would seem to be criminal negligence.
These matters are somewhat the workings of the a flawed government and Union. Labor Management, and hopefully there can be a Grand Jury convened to address corruption in the State of Alaska as it will make for a better environment for a student of Fishery to work in.
The Grand Jury investigation of the Kentucky Governor that is current was begun with a State employee whistleblower, and though the Plaintiff is not an attorney nor versed in Ripeness Doctrine and takings, there is surely some things to look Into with the State of Alaska’s officials and Unions, and ethics machinery.
Most recently the Senate President Ben Stevens has been petit1oned for recall, and has allegations of conflict of interest an several of his business dealings including Aleutian Spray Seafood / Adak fisheries Pollack allotments legislated by his father, and VECO, the Alaska Pipeline contractor which is wanting legislation that robs from the Permanent Fund , and several other questionable consulting relationships This is all available online, and the Plaintiff would ask that the Ninth Circuit reviews some of this material to be familiar with the Legislature’s ethics committee leader and his concept of ethics and what the Plaintiff has described as the ‘existence of a crisis” in Motion for a Preliminary Injunction and as at may apply to the case before the court As it is the need for the injunction prevents the Plaintiff on his limited means to attach the copious amount of newspaper articles and Department of Law opinions relating to Ben Steven’s …[ ]
OPENING BRIEF 1
My heart just skipped a beat, AKM, when I realized that you had a new post for us and that you were not going anywhere!!! I always knew you just needed a moment to regain your land legs, but to see it happen so soon, well, I almost feel giddy.
No need to thank us, we all thank you. Based on what I have been reading since last night, you have become an intricate part of many of our lives. No matter what time zone or where we live in the world, it seems that many of us start the day with you and peer in throughout the day, as well.
We have established our special mudpuppy routine. But in reality what we read at the flats is never routine. This is what always draws us back for more.
I understand exactly the way you feel. Some revel in the limelight and other just want to do their thing without fanfare. I would be in the latter category myself.
Methinks, this has bonded together our tight, caring community even more.
XOXOXO
(((((((((((((((((((AKM))))))))))))))))))))))))))
You are truly a treasure.
@ Duncan-
Hey Jim, why don’t you pull a Doogan “out” me (us) again like you did on the JE. Don’t you remember?
Jim, I think YOU are being outed. Almost like being “ousted” as Speaker of the House, but it could get worse. Was being ‘OUSTED’ in the 24 years you are proud of ? Proud of being ousted….Sheesh.
*****************************************************
2hondas:
You mean Jim Duncan, right? You must mean Jim Duncan because nobody else from Juneau has been convicted of anything like that, and under our form of government everyone is assumed innocent until proven guilty. So, if you are declaring some other Juneau elected official is guilty of illegally “selling out his office” then you are about as low as the guy holding the rope in a lynch mob.
On the other hand, I can appreciate your comments if they are referring to when Jim Duncan was Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives. A former legislator who was there told me all about how Jim Duncan promised so many others in that body so many different things that they all came to realize he couldn’t possibly deliver what he promised. They abruptly replaced him with a Republican Speaker and a Republican majority. It has been a Republican majority in the Alaska House ever since.
I could tell you more about political reality but I don’t think facts mean to much when you already have your mind made up.
******************************
Posted by: jcduncan at Mar. 1, 2008 at 1:55:24 am
akdonn ~ Don’t attack Jim with your lies about promises. You have no idea what you are talking about. Jim was right there for Juneau and still is. He faught against the capital move. What gives you the right to attack him here. If you really believe what you are saying, why not come face to face with Jim about what it is you think he did. Come on, be a man.
Charlotte Duncan
****************************************************
Posted by: akdonn at Mar. 1, 2008 at 8:42:54 am
jcduncan:
Is that really you, Charlotte, or is it Jim behind your skirts? The topic of this thread is the FRANK initiative but I’ve got a proposition for you:
Maybe *you* can better explain what happened when Alaska House Speaker Jim Duncan was abruptly replaced as Speaker in the last legislature to have a majority coalition of Democrats in the lower body back in the early 1980s. Shouldn’t be to tough–tell us all about it.
Also, tell us about why Slick Tony hired Jim as a short-term “labor negotiator” at the Department of Administration in February of 1999–and Jim eventually became Commissioner of Administration in August of 2000. Was his job to help the unions or to represent the best interests of the State of Alaska?
Finally, Charlotte, can you explain the conditions that were placed on Jim’s job as a conflicted Business Manager of ASEA in a stipulated settlement agreement (to an ethics complaint) with the Alaska Attorney General that he signed on September 25, 2003? (It’s a public document and I could provide it for you if you need help remembering!)
I submit that there was good reason why the Murkowski Administration was happy to have Jim Duncan as business manager of ASEA, given certain understandings about limitations on what he would be able to do for the members. Some people might think this is another example of the kind of stuff that goes on in Juneau that makes them want the capital to move regardless of the cost to be identified in the FRANK Initiative.
******************************************************
-1 Rating
Posted by: jcduncan at Mar. 2, 2008 at 6:11:46 am
I do not normally participate in these forums or respond to the uninformed and libelous comments that ak donn (****************) who was fired from ASEA and salmonshark (****************) who was fired from the State of Alaska makes on this or the ADN website and I will not do so again.
Donn, the posting was from Charlotte and not me hiding behind her skirts as you ask. She did that because she is tired of your raving. I have asked her do not post any more. And salmonshark your ravings are not worth a reply.
I am proud of my record of 24 years of service to Juneau and its citizens and those who were there during that time know I served with a high level of integrity.
I do not need to defend myself any further to you two and will not.
Jim Duncan
Juneau State Representative 1974 to 1986
Juneau State Senator 1986 to 1998
Commissioner of Administration August 2000 to November 30, 2002
*******************************************************
Jim , You left out Corrupt Union Boss from 2002 to present!
AKM-
YEE-haw!
Here you are!
Happy dance, happy dance…!
(Ooooh, I’m too old to dance. Gonna sit down…
Martha Unalaska lil sis, What ARE you doing running around in a cape in the middle of the night?!)
Best wishes AKM,
Thanks to your family for sharing you.
Thanks to the mods and admins and the Servor guy…
Thanks for a place here of comfort and sanctuary-
We all owe you… ask right up if you need anything…
AKM, Glad to hear your are recovering and I look forward to your next post. I don’t comment much but I check Mudflats morning, noon and night for updates (literally). I couldn’t get my comment yesterday to load. You obviously have many, many supporters but I wanted to still throw in my support as well. I picked up on Mudflats last fall in an attempt to try to figure out who Sarah Palin was. I moved to Alaska in Fall 2006 and like many I was only suppose to be here 9 months but haven’t left yet. I love my new home but Alaska politics are a very complex and interesting beast. I have always appreciated your take on the issues that confront our state. I consider your wit and wisdom to be immensely valuable. I wish you the best as you confront this brave new world.
I just put up a “call to action” kind of post at Progressive Alaska, called “What Doogan Did and What Alaska’s Progressive Bloggers Hope to Do.”
AKM – Katie Hurley says “You go, girl!” Her 44th X 2 birthday is Monday. I got to lead a bunch of people in “Happy Birthday, Katie!” tonight. What a rush.
Shout out to you, AKM!
I have thoroughly enjoyed and depended on your excellent and forthright bloggage ever since I was introduced to your site two years ago. I admire your tenacity and am quite distraught about what the Dooganman did. Thank you for sticking with us, because Alaskans need you, and the rest of the voters in America need you!
I agree that the only thing outed here was Mike Doogan’s dark heart.
Look. If anything, if you stop blogging, then Doogan Wins.
That’s what he wants. He wants to not have to have the uncomfortable feeling of being criticized by a constituent. He thinks that if he knows who you are, (and he found out, obviously) then he can pigeon hole you, categorize you and then dismiss you as an unimportant person. Instead of dealing with the SUBSTANCE of your words, he can discount them and justify his own actions by not giving any weight to your observations if he thinks you are just … who you are… like you said… “just me.”
I hope you will continue to blog and post. The thing that probably stings the most, will be the anonymity with which you gained access to those super fun Republican events. (/snark off) You might just have to send someone else to stealthily film the events, or maybe just proudly go where no blogger has gone before, even though you might now be recognized, you can hold your head up high and still give your very observant insight into the proceedings.
Let them worry about their choice of words around YOU.
Be Brave. Take Care. Remember that when you shine your light, you give others permission shine theirs. And when a door is closed, another door always opens. Like Sarah Palin, herself, would say… “God would tell her if there was a door open with a tiny crack, and she would, “by god”, just push through it.” You should consider doing the same.
Peace.
Glad to see you have bounced back AKM. it was just a week ago that I had the opportunity to email you ( IE: sticker idea ) after your “Belly from the Beast ” story.I loved your story. I could almost feel that I was in the room with you, with all the details and everything that was going on.
I had been emailing every source I could think of today. I was afraid the story would not get out. I was wrong. If you search the blog stories though…you have a lot of support across MANY blogs. The Daily Kos stories are great.
Others need to still email Think Progress. At last check… There was still no posting there. And these are the same people (with Keith O ) that are going after the Fox/Bill o’reilly TV ambush squads that were going after the other bloggers there in AK. they need support as well.
Just another idea: Anybody that can Twitter… send a message out…. maybe to Obama and CNN. They were the biggest followings.
I see some YouTube parady’s of doogan soon . We need humor as well to move on.
I don’t see them as ‘flattering ‘ though.
Lots of hugs from another SoCal Mudstock mudpuppy – keep fighting the good fight!
AKM – I didn’t expect to see you so soon, but I’m delighted that you’re not only
back, but back with renewed strength and determination. And no, I don’t consider his “the next phase” of your life.
Isn’t it interesting that GINO and Doogan have almost verbatim views on anonymous bloggers? They both say that anonymous bloggers are attacking them, the bloggers are hiding like cowards, the bloggers should come out of hiding and face them and, especially from GINO, anonymous bloggers are trampling on their First Amendment rights. Did GINO get Doogan to do her dirty work so her name stays out of it? They both seem to have conveniently forgotten that the First Amendment was created in large part to protect the media from politicians.
Whatever your chosen course of action, the Mudflats community will support you and defend you. But I hope you choose to slap Doogan with a lawsuit; someone else should file an ethics complaint on him. I don’t favor a lawsuit as retribution, but as a test case that should go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary. I believe this needs to happen to force Doogan, Palin, and all public officials to remember that the First Amendment is not just words on a piece of paper, but is a serious law with far-reaching ramifications for all of those elected officials who only exist to serve us.
We are all here for you, AKM, and you have legal and monetary resources from the entire international Mudflats community, should you need them. After all, one who has given so much on behalf of AK and, indirectly, to the world, deserves nothing less.
For those who would like to target their emails more precisely, send them to the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics. Their emails are:
Representative_John_Coghill@legis.state.ak.us
Representative_Berta_Gardner@legis.state.ak.us
Senator_Gary_Stevens@legis.state.ak.us
I can only second the words of Pat, Washington state at 20:38:16, who said, “So, I await the new things coming from you and everyone here. What a great community this has turned out to be. Whatever Doogan’s purpose was, he has only succeeded in strengthening the bonds of friendship that were forged last fall when, one by one, we found our way here.”
To the legions of well wishers who have responded in the thousands of comments on this and other blogs, I add my deep and abiding gratitude and thanks for all you have done to provide a platform of consolation for all of us seeking the company of like-minded, ordinary citizens concerned with the future of the country we all love. You have well and truly been a force with which to be reckoned. Your words have enlightened multitudes and raised awareness of the political process not just in Alaska but aroung the world. Bravo!
While my selfish hope is that you continue on as before, I, and I’m sure all your faithful regulars and lurkers alike, realize that the future of Mudflats is contingent on what is best for you and your family. These are troubling times with questionably sane people easily provoked to violence and retribution–and there is long line of agent provocateurs, several of whom are given national coverage, willing to incite this lunatic fringe. Please don’t let any threat, overt and/or implied, pass without seeking all legal forms of redress available to you.
May the bright Alaskan stars (and Brian) watch over and protect you.
Jackie
AKM, I’m so glad to read this post. You have the love and respect of such a large number of people for the candid straight-forward, often witty, insight into Alaskan politics, politics at large, life in Alaska and so much more.
I wish the best for you and your family, and hope that, while unexpected and unwanted, this change brings about good things for you. As well as hoping it brings about VERY bad things for Mr. Doogan.
Sincerely yours, and semi-patiently awaiting your next post,
and with love and respect, from Chicago, IL,
Steve Z
Dear AKM:
So glad you were back at the computer. I do hope you continue to get some rest and time with the family while you continue to sort things out. Just know we mudflatters will be there to help in any way we can.
I have tears streaming down my face as i finish reading your entry…I am saddened that this has happened to you and the implications for all bloggers not only in alaska but the whole world has been impacted by your/this situation….
believe me we are all here for you whatever needs to be done we will all work together
the alaskan govt needs to do the right thing…they need to oust this narcissistic/hitlerish man
My heart goes out to you and your, remember we will help you Thank you for all you do
Oh wow, it sure is different, kinda squishy! We’re all going to have to lose some weight! You first.
I’ve just been reading the comments on Alaska Ear. It’s kind of interesting to see which commenters have slammed AKM – you can tell that each of them has never read Mudflats. One even said AKM “apparently” slams Mrs Palin 24/7 – he can say stuff like that without even looking at AKM’s blog, yet I’d always thought that he was one of the more reasonable ADN commenters.
I suppose it serves me right for thinking there was any other place in Alaska where people think about what they write, than on the blogs we know and love.
Erin is so right in her post…you helped to create a worldwide family here…we LOVE you..
My prayers and much positive energy is sent to you to help you and your family, including Brian, get through this twisted web.
and the larger issue was not missed by any of us…
You are in good standing. Our founding father’s penned the Federalist Papers anonymously. The pen is mightier than the sword. And you have the talent which is so obvious when we see politicians cry and try to bully you. Truth to power is the best disinfectant.
I do wonder if a new scandal is brewing called PrivacyGate. Exactly how did Doogan breach you privacy, did he illegally use State databases? Did he get assistance from the Palin administration? I suspect your web server guarantees privacy and you have an agreement with them and they probably provide insurance against a breach. Perhaps the ALUC can help you determine if laws were broken.
The First Amendment is first because it is most important for a functioning Democracy. Nothing get’s people more upset than a politician trying to bully, intimidate, and threaten a critic for exercising his/her First Amendment civil rights.
I was so, so happy to see your post this morning and I’m so, so happy to see you back … in very fine form I might add
This blip will pass. It might be rocky for a while. But from all the comments and emails to Mike and other state representatives I’m sure it will be rockier for Doogan (big smile).
So glad you’re back!!!!!
oh sweetie I am sooooo glad you chose to come back!!
“She’s Back”, wow this is great, (phew long sigh) welcome back, so glad to see you, we are here for you, as you can tell you are much loved.
Bless you, AKM! Take all the time you need for yourself and your family. Your struggle is our struggle. Your desire and right to anonymity – and the outrage that it was stolen from you (by a legislator sworn to uphold people’s rights!) – shine a laser on an issue close to the heart of any of us, including myself, who treasure their anonymity but who deeply care about their nation, their society, their communities, large and small.
I posted on this at TPM and there was an immediate groundswell of support for this issue. This issue is so important. I’m sorry it fell in your lap. But sometimes fate comes calling. And I suspect that the person who outed you, a man with a prior history of ethical blunders related to this very issue of privacy, did this to the wrong person. He may already be regretting the negative publicity he has brought upon himself.
You have lost something. But it is not your reputation. You are a fantastic writer. Yours is one of the few blogs I read nearly every day. You’re on my short list! I do not know what your future holds, but you are a shining example of citizen journalism and citizen power.
Doogan, however, has shown himself to be the lowest of the low. He has broken his oath of office. He has knowingly affected your privacy. He has abrogated his fiduciary responsibility. And he is a threat to all citizens who might seek redress in Alaska or file a complaint against him. He may be acting on information fed to him via your governor – that would not surprise me. But he surely knew that blowing your cover would expose you to her vendettas.
I can see it all. Plain as day. This is an issue which cuts at the heart of democracy. It could have been any of us. It could be any of us! And therefore I, and many others, stand ready to assist you. Just say the word!
Government must work FOR the citizens. And not against them. Elected officials must work FOR citizens. And not against them.
I refer you and others to two blogs of mine. The first relates to your situation. And the second relates to how the web allows citizens to confront the powerful. And how the powerful disregard that at their own peril:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/therap/2009/03/bloggers-identity-outed-by-ak.php?ref=reccafe
and a warning to the powerful who disregard voters or the truth:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/therap/2009/03/outing-the-lies.php
And here’s a blog I did on ethics in Oct:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/10/failure-to-draw-boundaries-why.php
This third link may assist people in understanding how public officials make ethical blunders. And why “character” is likely the most important quality that voters need to assess when casting any vote.
OH Good Morning From Colorado,Thank You for coming back.This has got to be hard but I found good things are a lot of the time.Hang in there,so MANY people all over the world are handing with you.Could you in your wildest dreams imagin there would be thousands of people coming to your site every single day and night to read what you write.Your gifted.Once again THANK YOU
{{{{{HUGS}}}}} for AKM! Keeping you in my prayers!
{{{{{HUGS}}}}} for all the Muddpuppies!
Muddpuppies, please pray for our President’s safe and successful trip as he travels overseas this week.
oops forgot to say Thank you again, snoskred and all the others that held our hands and helped this blog and all that wonderful traffic
AKM, welcome home. That’s my condensed version of all that has been said.
———————
Alaska Pi says:
March 28, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Martha Unalaska lil sis, What ARE you doing running around in a cape in the middle of the night?!)
————–
Big sis, maybe she’s “helping” mr doogan with his yard sale.
Welcome Back AKM. I have been sitting on edge till this story broke. While I am usually a very docile individual, the anger I felt at Mr Doogan is very unusual for someone like myself. The harm I wished to inflict on this person has me embarassed. Maybe it is because I have been a Mudpup for so long, even though I did not comment very often, I felt protective for my Muckracker. You were always the word of reason in a world so mixed up it made my head spin.I got to know Alaska and you like if we were neighbors.This is why I visited the Mudflats almost daily, so I could feel sane again. I am so happy to have you back and be assured that you have many many followers and supporters the world over. My prayers and support to you and your family and Brian,(He’s so cute), is here to help you through this.Keep up the good fight.
Well, now, AKM. Tears of joy I can handle!
Oh, what a beautiful day!
All of the above, I am so relieved you are back! Your site is the first thing I look at in the morning and the very last at night. I think we should have an April Fool’s surprize for Mr. Doogan!
Welp, its up, and you will notice a change in comment format, 50 comments per page.
We will be tweaking the actual template for the comments over the next few days, to return them to the original style (while keeping 50 per page)
hehe and while most don’t know the name, Danny is fine
this is all I had going through my head as I read this post and afterward:
YYAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! Welcome home, AKM, welcome home!
glad to hear from you !
AKM, I’m soooo glad you are back! Morning coffee just wouldn’t be the same without a spoonful of mud added to get me moving! Keep up the great work.
Everything I wanted to say has been said in every way by several other community members.
AKM you must be amazed and proud at the strong community of citizens your writing has attracted to Mudflats. I don’t think Doogan realized what kind of force he would be dealing with when he took the low road of no ethics and outed you. It is obvious mudpuppies and many others on the interweb are ready and willing to stand up for and with you.
Thank you for all you have done (and will continue to do ;-} ).
AKM, I just learned of the “outing” this morning. I am outraged, but hopeful. Sometimes disasters like this are like conflagrations–they burn things down to their essence and only the pure and enduring are left standing. You are weathering this storm with grace and wisdom, as always. Your support is enormous, and well earned. On the other hand, I fully expect this to sound the death knell for Mike Doogan. I cannot fathom who or what arguments can come to his defense.
We are all here for you. For many years I was a member of a horse community forum, and we all went by our “handles.” (Mine is Mollys Mum, and it follows me everywhere now). Subsequently, I met many of the board members in real life and we became fast friends. To this day, I call them by their forum names, not their “official” ones.
You will always be AKM to us.
MM
Whahoo! There you are AKM! throwin hugs at you from way down here in MO, also standing, proudly clad in my pj’s, raising my coffee cup (with Baileys,it’s weekend) and loudly I say Hip Hip Hooray to our AKM! 100 Happy Cheers to you our good friend! We proudly join you here at MudFlats in making the world a better place as best we can. We are proud and happy Mudpuppies!
Whahoo so good to hear from you! Ya make my heart sing, wild thing.
I can hardly wait to read your “story”!
Love and Hugs…….Yes We Can! Come together pj bloggers of the world! Welcome to everyone new and those who have spoke up for the first time! good to hear from ya all! It’s a pj party, lol. Bring your warm blankies and pillows, lets curl up and listen to our AKM, to our precious story teller. Hot coco, hot tody, I can hear a fire cracklin. And I am smilin. (tear’in up a little too, but it’s from joy, love and graditude, they can’t take that away from us)
I for one sincerely hope you grab that rat bastard by the proverbial balls and go after him for ethics violations and whatever legal recourse you can possibly string him up on. Did Alaska wind up with all of the dimwitted idiot politicians that haven’t a clue what ethics and responsible management of political power are? At least you all are stuck with some of the worst and I feel for you.
Let the blogging community at large go after him and see how he likes it.
Hang in there and please don’t stop blogging or you let the bastards win.
i stayed up til the wee hours waiting to see if you would be able to share with us. I cried when i saw that you were hear. I just re-read all of the here and I am touched by the similarity of thought and resolve.
I was finally able to sleep peacefully and continue to do my part in my corner of the world to advance democracy through example and action.
We are with you and each other as we strive to create a safer, more just society.
Bless you and yours AKM!
‘here’ not ‘hear ‘…. sorry
AKM, welcome home!! I have been so angry about Doogan outing you that I have posted everywhere I can. I have donated to you and I have even emailed Doogan. Fat lot of good that’ll do me from the UK, but hey ho!
Now, whilst Doogan gets his stupid head around what he has done to himself maybe you can give some thought about who should play your part in the movie – My vote would go to Ashley Judd –
AKM, I couldn’t sleep last night, so I thought I would just slip in here to my computer to see if anything new had been posted. Lo and behold, it had. Thank you, thank you! I, like so many others, spent all day yesterday glued to my computer screen reading all the comments and anxiously awaiting new ones. I, too, read you every day, and my world just isn’t right until I’ve checked into the ‘flats. All of my friends know that I now am way more knowledgeable about AK politics than those of WA state, where I reside, because I cannot keep myself away from Mudflats. Your humor, your wit, your intelligent thrashing of the issues all have been addicting to me. And, of course, I consider this a positive addiction! Obviously, many share my addiction; what amazes me is the interest from around the world. All because of one pajama-clad blogger with an incredible gift for painting word pictures. Thank you, AKM, from the bottom of my heart.
judy
akm! oh,i am so happy to hear from you this morning. i have read every comment and i am glad to see so many new faces coming to join us. though it is a damp and foggy morning here in the lower east side, for me, the sun is shining and birds are singing. the mudpuppies are on the move and we are not leaving….love b
AKM glad to see you up and posting.
I am mostly a lurker but a sometimes poster. I also post on the forum from time to time.
In the small community that I live in I am a blue drop surrounded by red, Because of the small community and being the wilds of Alaska it is best to keep you political feelings to your self (most of the time) though I am kind of a political junkie.
I live off the grid and for many years did not have access to much info and by the time it did get here it was pretty old news. My whole small world changed with the installation of satellite internet.
I am not going to get into much detail but I have had some close personal contact with a few of Palins close cronies and have not been impressed, maybe I will pass on more soon, you have helped me to come up with the courage to speak out.
I was so happy the day I found this wonderful refreshing read. I enjoy your wit and writing a great deal and also the musings of many of your regular posters. But mostly I feel so much better informed about our states politics.
I was so bent out of shape when I read about this episode. I wrote a letter to Mr. Doogan and his snarky response to me well lets just put it this way I was so bent out of shape I was a pretzel.
This evening my husband went out to use the facility, he came in and put his finger to his lip and gestured for me to come out side. (yes i have high speed satellite internet but still have outdoor plumbing)
About 100 feet from my back door in a small valley behind my house in the woods were 3 moose ,a cow and with 2 yearlings. We had 3 loose dogs who were just standing there watching and being quiet (weird). The three moose have bedded down for the evening. We tried to get some pic’s but the woods are very thick If they are still there at daylight I will try again.
As I stood watching the moose I thought of you and hoped maybe you could have the luck of such a sight tonight. More than just ash anyway!
Bless you and your family and Sno who helped to keep us all focused and up to date today and all the other mudpuppies that help hold down and up the fort and are so ready to bear their weapons in support of you and Mudflats.
The Pen is mightier than the sword!
Happy to see your post, AKM. Don’t worry about the new instrument. It is not the talent, you are. The instrument, whatever it might be, is simply the conduit for your talent.
Write on!
thanks Serverguy Dan! your da guy! I have a suggestion for what it’s worth, ya might make links at the “other comments selection, like 1-50, 50-100, etc? I haven’t clicked it yet, it’s just something that came to mind as I was looking for how to read the other posts.
~AKM~
So good to see you posting again. I hardly know what to say, the other “mudpuppies” have said it all. Whatever you decide to do is what should be done. Just know that you and your wit and wisdom would be sorely missed if you decide not to continue.
To paraphrase from the winning campaign~YES YOU CAN.
Dear AKM,
Glad to see you back! You sound good. Looking forward to much more from your neck of the woods.
As I write this I must admit, though, that I am not in my PJs…I’m in my sweats. Does that count?
Keep up the good work and thanks again for all you have given us.
L&L,
Scott
@Say NO to Palin in Politics
its on the cards if we can do it, someone else actually manages the blog, and the templates here, I just offer ‘scratches head, hrm try that’ ideas.
I really only do deal with the ‘meta’ level for themudflats, other people deal with what you actually see, I just keep the parts that let you ‘see’ running.
AKM, it’s so good to know I’ll keep “hearing” your voice! I’m another one of the folks who almost never posts, but I come here first thing every morning and last thing every night. I’m not anywhere near as articulate or insightful as you or the many others who post here, but I enjoy learning from all of you! Thank you!
Well if I didn’t believe that you don’t appreciate what you’ve got until it’s gone, it’s when there’s a message saying that Mudflats is under construction – gulp! So yes, glad to see you back.
Love and best wishes from Boston – wouldn’t have made it through the election without you!
Welcome home Dear AKM!!!! I just scared the youknowwhat out of the cats when I turned on my computer this morning and saw your post. Jumping up and down, crying and yelling WOOHHOO AKM!!
AKM it is so good to see you post! I am heartened by the support you are receiving from the mudpuppies and other conservative people in the political spectrum. Like you said that part of your post gave me hope too. Rest up and be well. We will all be here.
AKM! Glad to see you back.
Selfishly, I am thrilled to hear that you plan to continue. I would really miss hearing from you. I know you will learn how to make awe inspiring music with the new instrument that has been thrust upon you.
I have to believe that the idiot who “dragged you out of your cave” will rue the day. But really, a cave? I hope it’s more a case of letting the genie out of the bottle. If so, Mike Doogan may find he rubbed the wrong bottle. I suspect his life has changed forever too. And not in a good way.
Bless you and yours.
Just returned here after reading comments on Alaska Dispatch. I was, and continue to be, amazed that a reporter – Amanda Coyne – would even try to justify what Doogan has done. Coyne apparently does not understand the underlying principles of her trade too well. She does not understand taht there are great differences between a public figure and a private figure. Perhaps she, as with Sarah Palin, went to that great journalism school down in Idaho. A place where little is apparently taught, and even less is learned.
Needless to say, I won’t be returning to the Alaska Dispatch anytime soon.
There was an interesting question posted at the Dispatch, however. Who will file the ethics complaint against Doogan for using state resources to settle a private score? Personally, I’ve been wondering whether there is a criminal act in what Doogan did in “outting” AKM. Here in pennsyltucky, the use of a computer to settle a personal score in Doogan’s fashion is tantamount to harassment by communications device. No, seriously. In this state, you cannot use the computer to harass people.
So anyways… it’s what now… Day 3? And Doogan is still a stinkbug.
This is the second day in a row that I’m submitting a comment to Mudflats, which is a record for me. I’m just a humble lurker and a closet Libertarian-leaning Republican, but I can’t refrain from chiming in with a hearty “Welcome back, AKM!” and best wishes to you for many more Mudflats posts in the future. I have enjoyed Mudflats immensely and look forward to reading more of your great blog posts in the future. Here’s a big “Thank you!” to the ServerGuy for upgrading the digs.
I’m looking forward to your next post, AKM.
– Maggie in NC, still blushing at the hat tip on dailykos yesterday
AKM My heart is singing to find that you have posted letting us know you are well and adjusting after this atrocious attack. Being violated by someone you should not ever have to worry about is hard to comprehend. I am so very thankful that you aren’t letting him take your selfworth away. I keep hearing for you, No No they can’t take that away from me.
As so many others have said, yours is the first and last sight I go to each day for info, laughs, and insight. God Bless You.
Cindy
AKM, you are strength with grace. I am awed.
Wow! I have been reading this blog since I stumbled over it in Sept. wen Palin was first announced and I was trying to figure out who she was. I have mostly lurked quietly, enjoying the wealth of information and the wonderfully sane community I found here. It was empowering to find that other people shared the same ideals of a government that works for the people, not for themselves. I have joyfully read this blog almost every day since, often checking in 2 or 3 times a day – and even tried commenting a few times.
After taking 48 hours off for a family occasion, I return to find that a WEASEL politician has violated his position of trust by forcing a private citizen into the public spotlight. There can be no reason for him doing this, other than to pressure AKM into silence. If he disagreed with anything she wrote, he is perfectly welcome to dispute facts or offer his own opinion, but he chose not to do that. It is obvious that his outing was his attempt to curtail her 1st Amendment rights to free speech – which does not require revealing your name.
Obviously I share the concern about AKMs safety and that of her family, since there are some rabid nutjobs out there who cannot accept anyone who does not agree with them. If there is anything we can do to help you, let us know.
I was SO RELIEVED to see this post. I am, somewhat selfishly, happy to know that you will continue to write. I look forward to your unique voice and wonderful insight. I also love the supportive community of intelligent people who regularly comment here.
Don’t let the weasels win!
AKM, you have been a voice of enlightenment and reason in the wilderness we call politics. Your facts are accurate, your duckies lined up nicely in a row. Your writing style is humorous, insightful and inspiring.
Please do not let this duffuss stop you from being the light of reason in an otherwise dark place. You may not have ever imagined your thoughts would create a family that stretches around the world when you began, but that is what has happened.
Our love and support to you and yours (((AKM))).
http://www.akdemocrats.org/ is still hosting the enews from doogan. gaaag
Welcome Back AKM , I just finished your post & the first thing I thought was YA AkM is back bigger & stronger, nothing will get Him/Her down.Brought tears of joy to my eyes. Can’t wait for your best yet story ever told.That’s a big plate to fill .
Hi AKM. I imagine great relief has been felt and expressed across the globe on seeing your words grace the screen again. Glad to see you posting again, perspective and humor intact. Of course, the next eye-rollery event was bound to bring you back – but might as well make it on your own terms. In that, Doogan did not win. The smug schmuck.
I hope the voters take a hard look at a Representative that treats them and other Alaskan citizens with such contempt.
No matter how we look at this, this event is going to become a defining moment for the sign of the times. A progressive lawmaker took it upon himself to out an anonymous blogger. He turned himself into Goliath taking on David. Journalism versus Blogging. How the internet has affected the dissemination of information and shapes opinion – and in Doogan’s mind, the public process.
Ironically, Mike Doogan (journalist/novelist/Juneau insider) – personifies the arrogance of elitism that Palin railed against on the campaign trail. He derides people who take the time to participate in the system and send him their two cents – whether it is by circulated talking points, form letters or original thought should not be his concern – the matter is being expressed. If the people who ask him to represent their concerns are not being heard, they should find another representative that is willing to be their public servant. Not the other way around.
The behavior of people like Doogan is exactly why AKM came to be. Be it McCain, Palin, Stevens or Begich, you are all on notice from an outed blogger who will always be AKM to us.
Quyana AKM, for coming back, now let’s hear that keyboard roar!
All I can say is “O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” You are SO LOVED, APPRECIATED, & ADMIRED!! I was telling spouse this morning over coffee how much I missed Mudflats and was angry with Doogan over ruining such a wonderful blog, threatened a dear friend and community, and violated our freedom, friend, and Constitution. Spouse, who used to be a Republican, said, “can you believe I’m saying this: Mudflats should contact the ACLU”
I had checked in this am and saw the “server maintenance” site which I took for a good thing. 2 hours later, I couldn’t help myself and clicked “refresh” to find…..voila! A bright and shiny new mudflats, with a new post by my favorite Muckraker – I am grinning from ear to ear to read your post. You have brought a ray of sunshine metaphorically, and literally as the sun is trying to break through our cloud cover here.
Can’t wait for the new story you are working on. I’m working on a post on my blog about this. I’ll send a link when I post it.
Keep safe – from ash fall, and, well, as# fall! I am also too praying that Chevron’s tank farm is safe. I don’t need to hold anyone’s hand for that prayer. (GINO is such a schmuck, and so is Chevron, and then of course also too Doogan).
A quick Off Topic question – any update on Redoubt Volcano and the status of the Drift River tank farm?
This is yet another topic not getting enough coverage anywhere else!
Huge hugs AKM! Keep on keepin’ on!
Theresa in Maine
love and hugs from Texas !! I will forever think of you when I hear this -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IJw9jid5Yk
Thought i’d echo all the others from down here in Mississippi. I’m one of your multitude of lurkers who enjoy your writing and insights on a daily basis but who contribute nada. I was put onto your blog by the Mississippi blog Folo which has recently transitioned into nmisscommentor.com, both of which earned their spurs by chronicling the fall of the king of torts and bribery — dickie scruggs.
Thanks for what you do. All you need to know about the republican party is that they fell so hard for palin. Please keep pointing out her idiocies and other fascinating aspects of her rise and hopefully fall.
The sun is shining, the birds are singing and AKM is having coffee in her jammies! (Picture Snow White holding a twittering bluebird on her finger as she sips her coffee, while deer and bunnies scamper about). No longer a lurker, now an active participant in the histsorical saga of Mudflats, I feel like I have physically moved to Alaska and can see your courage from my front porch. I like the view
Yesterday was a tough one all the way around. Between March Madness games (GO Spartans!) I would strike the enter key to wake up my sleeping computer, hoping to find you there waving madly at all of us. Alas, I had to wait until morning here in Arkansas-where the deer peer in the window occasionally. But, the wait was well worth the worry, disgust, anger and froth dribbling down my chin that I carried around with me all day.
To see you filled with resolve, clear wits and a champion’s spirit this morning is wonderful. You look great, by the way. I tip my hat to ya and say “Welcome back! We missed you!” ( I do a little Happy Dance and bow in your direction, hat in hand)
Now, for Snidely Whiplash (%*&$^#^#!!!-Big bass drums please)…to paraphrase what several have written (Poe, Halcro, Shannyn, et al)…bring out the lemons, we’re makin’ lemonade in the Mudflats all over the world! What goofy eyed, addle brained, clueless Doogan did was present you with the prettiest, shiniest, brand spankin’ new mirror with which to reflect his and others remarkably inept words right back atcha
Kudos to your family, who stand (I am sure) proudly and a little squinty eyed from all the flashbulbs, behind you with loving hands on your shoulders. What a great family portrait. A little further behind you, and off to the left is an army of pj’d, sweat suited, flip flop wearin’ bloggers, lurkers, a few conscientious conservatives (God love ‘em), Brian and friends (watch the antlers, mind you), and millions of freedom lovin’ people from various and sundry outposts across the world..possibly further…did I hear they read you on the space station? Instead of mobile phones, we all raise our keyboards in your honor and say en mass, “You’re good to go, we got your back”. Happy Sunday AKM, long may you type!
antiAntiNo Gravatar says:
March 29, 2009 at 4:32 AM
http://www.akdemocrats.org/ is still hosting the enews from doogan. gaaag
—————
They might want to quit that. Unless, of course, they’re eager to share in the liability.
AKM, SO glad you’re back and at the instrument, with more “music” to come!
lurker since election time, delurking for the first time. i just wanted to say thank you akm and best wishes!
anyone know when Doogan is up for re-election?
I’d like to see a public collection of his responses to emails/letters/etc. A person who was remotely intelligent would simply thank people for expressing their opinions and say he disagrees. A person who was somewhat intelligent would go further and thank people for expressing their opinions and say he understands and appreciates their viewpoint. And a person who was genuinely intelligent would publicly apologize and say that sometimes everyone doesn’t entirely think through an issue and that there was a side to this which has been a lesson to him. (whether he meant that or not).
Instead, this complete imbecile is likely to escalate his insults and condescension. It should be collected so that it can be used against him, either for impeachment or a request for censure or when someone runs against him.
It’s interesting that the two states with the most corrupt politicians are diagonally opposite each other (Florida and Alaska). Carl Hiasson , one of my favorite authors, says that the reason Florida is corrupt is that the US tilts down toward Florida and all the sludge slides there. Does the US also tilt west and upward and all the rising hot air ends up there? Just wondering…
What a relief to hear from you! Marilyn
AK, you made my heart sing! I was relieved and overjoyed to read your usual thoughtful, brilliant words.
Truth is a powerful and beautiful light — thank you for shining your light, AK.
Glad to see you are adjusting. I’ve been trying to place the source of your popular appeal, and I’ve realized it isn’t just that you are a brave, wonderful writer (although you are) who always zings straight to the heart of an issue. It’s because you have an incredibly clear, logical head and a unerringly honest heart. Ironically, I think it’s your heart Doogan envied the most.
I live in Louisiana, for Christ’s sake; I come here every morning with my cup of tea because I’m interested in the phenomena that is Sarah and because I’ve found Alaskan politics entertaining (and disturbing). But I also come because I am inspired by reading your calm, clear-sighted, profoundly right-headed analysis of events. I may be very well educated, but I am not always any of those things; perhaps I secretly hope a little bit of your innate wisdom will rub off on me! At any rate, thank you for all you’ve given me. Your spouse is a lucky person, and I hope your children treasure their parent. (And yeah; this isn’t my real name, either. These are the times we live in.)
Welcome back AKM…..Hugs and kisses from Ireland.
HEY AKM!
We also ‘loves them words’
But sometimes we’re left speechless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGL4btEIoTo
HI MORNING, AKM
And a beautiful morning it is with our favorite blogger back at the Mudflats computer 
Make it sing like only you can 
(Yes, I can’t stop smiling.)
I just had a thought, it seems like a case the ACLU would be interested in. I don’t know how it works to have the ACLU involved and have to go to a family dinner right now — just delayed to catch up on AKM news. Will research ACLU later, but just wanted to put it out there.
Mr. Doogan has been a busy boy. According to IM, in addition to stalking AKM, he has a new book coming out. It is not on Amazon yet, but you can watch for it to appear at this link.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mike+doogan
Anyone with an Amazon account can post reviews and ratings.
Good to hear from you. Stay brave and don’t let the bastards get you down, OK?
Glad to see you have bounced back AKM. It was just a week ago that I had the opportunity to email you ( IE: sticker idea ) after your “Belly from the Beast ” story. I loved your story. I could almost feel that I was in the room with you, with all the details and everything that was going on.
I had been emailing every source I could think of today. I was afraid the story would not get out. I was wrong. If you search the blog stories though…you have a lot of support across MANY blogs. The Daily Kos stories are great.
Others need to still email Think Progress. At last check… There was still no posting there. And these are the same people (with Keith O ) that are going after the Fox/Bill O’reilly TV ambush squads that were going after the other bloggers there in AK. They need support as well.
Just another idea: Anybody that can Twitter… send a message out…. maybe to Obama and CNN. They were the biggest followings.
I see some YouTube parady’s of doogan soon . We need humor as well to move on.
I don’t see them as very ‘flattering ‘ though.
AKM, I would just like to say Thank You for coming back and posting. I hadn’t realized that I had been holding my breath in shock and dismay for two days until I saw your post. With you at the helm and all of these wonderful mudpuppies behind you, the a** that is Doo Doo will soon know what he has done.
Welcome back and again, Thank You. Hugs and prayers from a grateful mudpuppie.
So glad to hear from YOU, AKM, as clearly a very solid you.
I was heartened to have read earlier, on Progressive Alaska, http://progressivealaska.blogspot.com, Phil Munger’s post – “What Doogan Did and What Alaska’s Progressive Bloggers Hope to Do” (with a different and likely evern more accurate title, suggested by a commentator, of “What Doogan Did and What Alaska’s Progressive Bloggers WILL Do”. I am relieved to have actual solid evidence that you are surrounded by a supportive, substantial real community in Anchorage in addition to this virtual one around the world. It is hard here in the Lower 48 wanting to do much and yet able to do little that is concrete except e-mail, and use the credit card at the donate button and Mudflats shop.
In my imagination, if I were there in Anchorage (since I do not know you personally and would not intrude) I would be doing Brian and Brenda care and protection. Just hiking in any neighborhood woods that I could go in without trespassing, wearing bright clothes to remind anyone into out-of-season hunting that people are watching, and hoping to see how Brian and Brenda are faring in the ash.
Dear AKM,
This is my first post but not my first visit to this site. Your posts have been a source of wisdom and clarity for me over the 6 past months. I have been praying for you and your family. Last night when I was asking that you be surrounded with safety, peace and the strength to move forward in whatever way you need to, I opened a book by John O’Donohue called Bless the Space Between Us and found this
it’s a blessing for continued courage
When the light around you lessens
And your thoughts darken until
Your body feels fear turn
Cold as a stone inside,
When you find yourself bereft
Of any belief in yourself
And all you unknowingly
Leaned on has fallen,
When one voice commands
Your whole heart,
And it is raven dark,
Steady yourself and see
That it is your own thniking
That darkens your world.
Search and you will find
A diamond-thought of light.
Know that you are not alone
And that this darkness has purpose;
Gradually it will school your eyes
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within the night-corner.
Invoke the learning
Of every suffering
You have suffered.
Close your eyes.
Gather all the kindling
About your heart
To create one spark.
That is all you need
To nourish the flame
That will cleanse the dark
Of its weight of festered fear
A new confidence will come alive
To urge you toward higher ground
Where your imagination
Will learn to engage difficulty
At its most rewarding threshold!
I continue to bless the space between us and I’m looking forward to supporting you as you have supported each of us through some very dark and scary times.
@Maggie in NC: We are all truly in this together. Thank you for your contributions! And your well deserved shout-out on Daily Kos.
LOL, yes Scottpalin……I’d say sweats count as pj’s, even when we’re all duded up in work clothes checkin Mudflats, it’s a pj state of mind. All day yesterday I purposely and literally in honor of AKM stayed my vigil in bathrobe and pj’s.
Palin labeled us anonymous bloggers as “just” pj clad kids in our parents basements, scoffing at us and discounting our worth, then got angrier and angrier with our blogging until now this pail of cold water got thrown on us, doesn’t it just sound like her type of mean hearted sick fun. What goes around comes around, Karma’s a bitch sarah and doogan. Well I’m a very 50′s adult blogger with a young at heart attitude, most of the time, until someone jerks my chain if ya know what I mean, like taking advantage of innocents and playing dirty corrupt politics.
okay, going back to the cracklin fire and hot coco with peppermint schnapps keepin my hands and insides warm, readin the internet in my pj’s, blanket on my lap, warm slippers on and waiting for AKM’s story.
list of email addrs for the adn.com staff
http://www.adn.com/help/newsroom/
=====
I sent emails asking why adn.com doesn’t have doogan’s lawmaker transgressions on the front page, as surely every citizen should know what doogan might very well do to them too.
Methinks that Mr. Doogan will disregard the inevitable email barrage he is and will be receiving. Mayhaps it’s time for an old style snail mail blizzard. He might get a better perspective of our outrage if he receives a few thousand letters dumped on his doorstep every day.
Just a thought.
Hang in there AKM!!!
Glad to hear you are in good spirits and welcome back.
Sorry, now I’ve got the giggles bigtime. I have been going hither and yon following links provided by your family of friends and admirers and when I got to this one:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mike+doogan
I discovered that one of Mike Doogan’s books, and the first on the list at Amazon, has the title “Capitol Offense”. How prophetic is that????? And another one has the title of “Fashion Means Your Fur Hat: A Guide to Good Manners and Social Survival in Alaska.”
And, thanks to his vendetta, HIS bad manners are what he is now known for throughout the entire WORLD!
And WE all have a nice cozy family ready to defend OUR AKM!
WONDERFUL to hear from you AKM — keep your chin up — you have MUCH to be proud of!!!!
Good morning gang! One of my (our) heros is rolling up his sleeves and is steaming full speed ahead to help out AKM. Head on over to Progressive Alaska, Phillip Munger’s blog. AKM is in such great company with her blogging friends. I am so impressed with Gryphen, Celtic Diva, Progressive Alaska and Andrew Halcro. I seriously cannot start my day without reading their blogs….and you know what…I am so thankful to them for helping me understand the political landscape in Alaska. AKM, thank you for getting back in the saddle, you are so appreciated!
LOVE the poem from PATinPA
Thank you for sharing that – lovely sentiment.
Overslept and missed church this morning so now checking in to Mudflats with my coffee. Idea for new bumper sticker: Coffee and Mudflats. Or Coffee and Mud! Just a lighter note. Take care Muckraker.
Good morning all, and AKM, thanks for the smiles and warmth that reading your post brings. YES, we CAN and WILL!
To the “Chief Angel” of all “Angels” – Welcome home !! The Ladies and I have been besides ourselves over this. There are a couple of “missions” in the works. Stay tuned.
ABOVE YOU IS NO OTHER.
Welcome back AKM.. The story teller of Alaska
I’m so glad to see you up and about! You have our support every step of the way. Go AKM!
AKM is back !!
Ever soaring – ever watchful – over the mudflats.
http://www.travel-destination-pictures.com/data/media/57/bald-eagle-in-flight-homer-alaska_175.jpg
Yay! So glad to see you back! I know it’s been said many times, in many ways, but Mike Doogan is a real tool. And you, AKMuckraker, are a treasure!
I just can’t wrap my brain around his thought-process…what on earth was he expecting to happen? Does he really believe that the 1st amendment grants him that right? Or that even if he really does think that, how can he think it would be a good thing to do? Did he really think the majority of people would praise him for this? I’m sure Sarah, Ted, and Don think he rocks, but really, is that who he’s trying to impress? Boggles the mind!
{{{AKM}}} YIPPPIIEEE!!! YOU’RE BACK!!!
) have your back and front and sides and your above and below – you are surrounded by help and good wishes and support!
We missed you, and we hope this little, welldeserved, break has helped getting your mind cleared a bit. I hope you are getting support everywhere you turn. Please, never give up! (Alos, please: do not NOT consider suing that Doggone (sic) guy and his source(s) – he/they shall be made into a posterboy of what happens when you disregard the rights of citizens! Go gett’em, AKM!
The Mudpuppies (and now we are ALL Mudpuppies – even some conservative people who have contacted you
Doogan just couldn’t contain his stalking behavior so he sends an email from the State system to drive his harrassment as far as he can before letting the cat out of the bag. He definitely took any chances away for any kind of a defense that his actions weren’t premeditated…who knows whether his office emails and phone records will uncover just how passionate he was about this. His staff should also be included on the investigation, cell phones etc., let’s see how passionate this idiot was about this whole thing. He felt obliged to expose someone else, it’s his turn to provide the information to the public. We sent our donation yesterday with a virtual hug from Southeast Alaska, united we stand sista!
All is well with my soul.
All is well with my soul.
Go AKM! Thank you Lord!
Ya! You’re back up so I can post my comment from last night.
AKM, I, too, echo the phoenix rising out of ashes comment. As I have posted on countless blogs (as well as my own), you have been the beacon that has constantly shone a bright light through the muck that is Alaskan politics. I found you after hearing that McCain picked Palin as his VP, and I visited daily. I finally started commenting, and I posted frequently through the silly season.
Never once did it occur to me to ask who you were. It’s not because I didn’t care, but because I already knew. I didn’t need a name or a gender or any other identifying mark to go with your writing to give you more credibility. I checked what you wrote with other sites, and you were invariably on the mark. You write with clarity, humor, intelligence, insight, and you laid out the facts for us to examine.
I came for the politics, and I stayed for the stories of Brenda & Brian, life in Alaska, and your marvelous bed time stories which made me sleep just a tad bit better at night. Your blog is what finally gave me the nudge I needed to start my own blog as well.
I am deeply grateful to you for all you’ve done. You are a TRUE patriot, and a strong-hearted one at that. I am thrilled that you will continue with the blog (thanks, ServerGuy!), and you will always be AKM to me.
Good morning gang! One of my (our) heros is rolling up his sleeves and is steaming full speed ahead to help out AKM.
I think he may have just discovered the person who gave Doogan AKM’s name. I’m willing to bet the farm that the name came from the ADN.
I asked Doogan in an e-mail why he wasn’t giving up the person who ratted out AKM, but of course, he didn’t answer me. I’m thinking he thinks that keeping his source anonymous is the right thing to do which makes no sense since he seems to think that no one should be anonymous.
AKM, so glad to see you again. Now Doodoogan is infamous and you’re famous. Much better to be the later.
He didn’t know what kind of support you, but he does now. If he thought about re-election, he can kiss that goodbye. I know Mudpuppies in the lower 48 and across the world will be donating to his opponent whoever that might be.
Maybe he can be a janitor again, sense he has so much to clean up now.
Dear AKM, so glad to have you back so soon! You are a strong, intelligent woman and there is much work to be done. Unfortunately, I do not think the thousands of email Mr. Doogan will no doubt have received will impress him. He probably won’t even read them. He is just like GINO, he simply does not get it. My comfort is that he is steaming over the outpouring of support that you have received, literally worldwide. Let him now stew in his own juices!
Just know that you family of Mudpuppies everywhere are with you. I am sure that, like you dear AKM, this will make us all stronger.
I checked in after being away for a few days. I am stunned. I was just talking about you last night to a friend, talking about the “anonymous blogger” who writes so incisively about Alaska politics. I have been saying for a while that the best way to get news these days is to read a blog that knows what it’s talking about. AKM, you are certainly such a blog. I hope you do continue. I say, stay “anonymous” and maybe the cat will go back into the bag, as you say it might. But you should do what is right for you, keeping your well-being, and that of your family, in mind. I wish you luck with your decision.
As an anonymous blogger (very small-time), I support the format! I will think about what my exact stance is on this situation, the outing of an important anonymous blog by a petty public official. At first glance, it seems he is trying to intimidate you. As I said, it’s up to you how you will handle it, and I wish you luck.
What’s this? mr. doogan thinks anonymity has a place in the public discourse?
Who’da thunkit?
After reading Mr. Munger’s post I felt compelled to send Ms. Toomey a note:
“My, my…whining and moaning??? Me thinks you doth protest too much, Ms. Toomey. No mention of the credible issue….unethical or illegal behavior? Abusing the power of his office? Sounding a little too gleeful for someone who floats rumor and innuendo on the water of Alaskan politics in your column. Complicit maybe?
Hey, just asking.”
Greetings from Iowa!
Just another lurker, have never posted. I also showed up last fall to learn about
Sarah Palin, boy, did I learn! Who would have ever guessed just how many lurkers were lurking around? The MPS(mudpuppies) are the best! The whole world is here, hi to Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, the three places I’d love to visit.
Bear with me, I’m not illiterate, just computer challenged.
After spending most of yesterday here reading all of the comments, all I can really say is Damn right, everything they said. AKM, you are a gem. We’re all behind you.
These ridiculous politicians need to be put in their place, all of them, Repub. or Dem. One thing these self serving a$$holes never expected, the power of the keyboard. They know that they can’t even fart anymore without it being reported. I think many, if not all, are scared to death they’re next. And they should be, they all have something to hide and we all know it. Each and every single one of them is responsible for the destruction of America. To be fair, which I am, we are all responsible too for letting them get away with this crap for so long. How about no more?
Any way, just wanted to say, Kick ass and don’t let some crazy, nasty, old man stop you from doing what you do so well. Write on AKM!!!!!
Just an independent old crow from northern Iowa.
I could be reading a little too much into this latest unhinged moment by Douche bag Doogan.
So now that Queen Taliban Gino stood up the legislators and flat out lied about it, and was caught red flakey skin handed in telling a lie….it’s been swept under the carpet with Douche bag’s unhinged asinine moment. Hmmmmmm….since he’s been waiting a long time for this revealing AKM’s identity, what a coincidece ? Taking the heat off of Queen Taliban Gino and Douche bag Doogan falling on the sword of Gino….how convienent?
Hi AKM – Good morning! I am so hopeful that you will continue with your work, YOU are sooooo needed right now to help us all make Alaska a better place to be!
A group of mudpuppies looking out for each others views on how things could…..how things should be here in our beautiful state Alaska.
Our Polar bears whale’s caribou moose and wolves all need you to.
your time is now
godspeed to you and yours
P.S. Thank you, Danny (ServerGuy) for getting the new site up and running. Thank you, moderators for all that you do. In short, thank you everyone who contributes to this site to keep it running so smoothly.
It’s good to be in the mud again.
I would also like to see an attorney present him with a big fat restraining order, if he hasn’t been served as yet. He should be prohibited, and his staff should be prohibited from utilizing state resources or state time in furthering his vindictiveness. Sigh, just another arrogant “political drunkard” who became so full of himself he fell into the gutter.
my own business, watz it to ya?
What matters is who I am, what I think, what I do, what I say.
Fond thoughts, AKM.
A “Mudflats and Coffee” bumpersticker sounds great- I check here every morning and am amazed how many of us do!
For myself, I have forgotten your name–by choice. You can still write anonymously for me! Also, Doogan felt threatened because what you say is powerful and thought provoking and people listen. Those are all good reasons to keep saying it. I do think that since Mr. Doogan is an elected public official, and since he violated your privacy with malice aforethought, that this represents a very good place to begin using the power of the law to set down what the new rules are and perhaps the best and most effective way to do that would be to sue Mr. Doogan and possibly the state of Alaska whose time facilities and influence he used to stalk you. If nothing is done, we can all expect to see more of the same treatment for those who offer a liberal view for consideration and do so via the web. And that would be a great travesty. All good thoughts for you and yours.
This is wonderfull!! Fast, mind blowing speed, and numbered posts….. Looks like the mudflats team has been working over time. Great Job!
I must read a few hundred posts before anything creative comes out of my mind, and explore what ever else is new with my favorite web sight. (-:
I have a feeling that there is going to be a few new posts on these web pages.
Smiles to all.
Could not be more thrilled to see you back, darling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Again, AKM, all our support.
I hope you sue the douchebag and show that they can’t do a thing like that and go unpunished.
@womenwhorun…
No, I don’t think you are reading too much into it. Divert/distract is a favorite tool in Sarah’s belt.
So glad to see you out and about AKM. I am encouraged by what you wrote that you won’t give up the good fight. I also hope that you do take legal action against Mr. Doogan. Please let us know if you need contributions to a legal fund or any other fund you want to set up. I sent a contribution yesterday as a “thank you” for all the good work you do. I would be happy to send more to help pay for better servers, a legal fund, etc. All you have to do is ask.
Nice to see you, AKM. You are my favorite Polemicist!
Wow – this new server is awesome – WTG Danny Server Guy!
It is a dim and dismal ash-covered day in Anchorage – a perfect kinda day for a story with an uncertain ending
It is also wonderful to see so many mudflatters from the past.
Please send an e-mail to the ADN at newsroom@adn.com and let them know what you think about the fact that they allowed one of their writers, “Alaska Ear” (who once wrote anonymously for the ADN) to publish AKM’s full name in their newspaper.
You might also like to leave a comment for her:
http://www.adn.com/news/politics/alaska_ear/story/740056.html
I believe that Ms. Toomey is the person who released AKM’s name to Doogan. I also believe that both of them are blindly jealous about AKM’s success in the blogging world.
Snos…I posted a good self search link at the forum in reply to your “So you think you are anonymous.” post. It pissadeared!!!! In 20 months when this all calms down, can you see if it is hanging someplace so I don’t double post?
If Alaska Ear (ADN) was Doogan’s source, I wonder if they would be liable or if they may have broken any laws.
AKM:
I like your writing because your words speak for themselves.
I’m an artist and I have long realized art takes on a life of its own after it has left the studio. It assumes its own sovereign existence.
The difference between you and Doogan is: when I read something Doogan has written, I continuously keep in mind that Doogan wrote it– it looks like Doogan’s, smells like Doogan’s, tastes like Doogan’s. His writing is just stuff that periodically gets ejected from his conspicuous personality. Like his mouth, its a form of noise.
Your words are everything. You don’t need to prop them up with human theatrics– they’re self sufficient.
I don’t care who you are! I just care about what you write. You are such a good, ethical, thoughtful writer.
I’m pretty sure you will manage to continue to write.
Best wishes.
AKM,
I am so thankful to have this post from you. I know that you will deal with this challenge with the grace, humor, and intelligence I have found in your writing. You are a true inspiration and rest assured that the mudpups have your back. I am thankful for all of them and for all the conservative bloggers who also recognize this as an attack on public speech, and are concerned. There was an interesting article on HuffPost where the creator of the Wire (best TV show ever!) stated that with the sad state of most U.S. newspapers, he expected there to be a huge increase in political corruption. It is extremely important for the work of political bloggers to not be stifled in these dangerous times.
“And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!’ He chortled in his joy. ”
AKM!! Welcome back. I knew you just needed a little time to regroup. When I log on to Mudflats every afternoon, I feel like I’m sitting at the kitchen table with my “family” and we are conversing about the happenings of the day as I then do in the evenings at dinner. And what an amazing family this is from every corner of the globe. AKM, you have “writ large” indeed. Since I heard SP speak at the convention last year and felt there was something very disturbing about her and knowing the “Thanks, but no thanks” line to be a blatant lie, I researched to learn more about her. Thus, I happened upon Mudflats. I have been amazed, amused and educated time and again by your posts. You have spoken nothing but the TRUTH easily backed up by the research if anyone took the time to seek it. Those people whose minds are closed will not let a little thing like the truth open them. Leave them at the wayside as the insignificant drones they are!
Please please do NOT let this silence your voice! Take legal action if you feel it is appropriate (and I believe it is). For too long we have allowed our freedoms to be chipped away through fear and distortion. It is time to say Enough! We need you, but more importantly, Alaska needs you. (We need Brian too) To me you will always be (((AKM))), my friend.
Namaste
Georgette in NY
Hmmmm, the little thought that was sprouting yesterday just bloomed as I skimmed that Amazon page littered with Doogan’s books for sale.
NO PUBLICITY IS BAD PUBLICITY, IS IT MIKE?
I think Mike is grifting on Mudflat’s popularity and worldwide audience to get his obscure Alaska name publicized so he can cash in on the blog and press notariety and increase his income. I just know FOX NEWS wants him on. Gosh is he going to be famous or what! That’s his little chortle, he’s loving this.
We are doing the work of high paid publicists for Mike BadWolf Doogan and all he has to pay for are a few measly lawsuits. He was tired of being in the Legislature anyway, he wants easy tabloid money and lots of book royalties.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{AMK}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
For Doo Doo Goober Boy, PFFFFTTT! A six year old mentality deserves a six year old’s response. (My six year old grandson asked me why I was yelling at my computer. I told him that a mean boy did a mean thing to a good person. Then asked him what he says to a bully. He produced the best, loudest, spit filled raspberry I have ever witnessed.)
During the election, you and this community kept me sane.
Continuing to hold politicians’ feet to the fire encourages us to do the same. Bringing to light the suffering of communities is dire need, opens our eyes and hearts to do better and be better. To paraphrase our President, this is a rough road best traveled together.
Kudos! And Keep On Truckin’ . . . .
AKM back in true form. All of us are grateful for your wonderful addition to our daily lives. What a treasure you are AKM. What a joy you are AKM.
Does anyone besides me think it is curious that Doogan was not in Juneau during the legislature sesson, he was in Anchorage the same as “GINO” Just asking.
You know it would really help if I reread my posts before hitting submit!!
Let me try that again…..
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{AKM}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
AKM,
you are great and you will emerge much stronger out of this.
This is not the end, it’s just the beginning!
Patrick (palindeception)
AKM….glad to see you back. Reading your message made me cry and now I feel the need to help you. So I will be watching and waiting for my call to action.
Dianne in Hot Springs,AR
Loved, loved your comment!!
Ok…back to reading comments.
AKM – I cannot express my outrage at the behavior of an elected official. I am so glad to see you are back!!! I am from the lower 48 and found your site during the campaign because I wanted to know more about GINO. Boy, did I learn a lot. While your outing must be making both her and doodoohead extremely happy at this time, I have lived long enough to know that karma has a way of circling back and taking care of matters such as this!!! If anything, I think his actions will bring even more attention to GINO’s lack of caring for so many people in your great state. I say leave no stone unturned and get someone to find out the truth about the Wasilla house builders. People like her and doodoo have to be stopped and held accountable. Please let us know if you decide to sue the creep and set up a legal fund. I and many others will willing donate to your cause. Thanks for all that you have done to educate many of us on the state of Alaska. Please continue your site or the bad guys win!!
Welcome back you wonderful person you!
Please don’t silence your voice, it is badly needed for truth and fairness (and lots of fun stories and pics too!)
In essence, we need you – your strength, your ethics, your thoughtfulness, you personal caring.
And if you are “ambushed” by FAUX – take the tip from Keith O … repeat “Andrea Mackris, Andrea mackris, Andrea Mackris” and Loofa Loofa Loofa – it won’t be necessary to say anything else. They’ll run so fast they will kick up lots of that ash that’s falling. Although you were “outed”, you are still a private citizen and you don’t have to talk with them.
Protect yourself and your family – and thanks for letting us know how you’re doing.
Can the AK House of Rep. censure a member after the end of the legislative session or does it have to wait until the next session? Sorry for the question, but I couldn’t find the info the state’s web sites.
Hi AKM!
What a treat to read your words again!
Hugs to you and yours from one of your “angel’s” in CT.
Hi AKM, welcome back! I am so glad that you were able to feel the love and support we sent out to you. I don’t understand all of this technical stuff about a server, but I am impressed by how fast it was completed.
So, you’ve had time to think this over, your new “operating station” is spanking brand new, you’re feeling energized, I just know it…let’s go get ‘em.
As AKM sees what kind of damage control needs to be taken and what steps will be taken for the future…. that is the true picture and path that AKM projects. AKM always looks for a brighter future for ‘all’ of Alaska. As others have noted, I do not think the idea of a lawsuit is or was ever in AKM’s picture or path for the future.This would be stooping to the level of doogan.
That is NOT to say there will not be ONE…. But it will not be driven by AKM.
The legal ramifications and the trouncing of civil rights will force the ACLU and or a group of lawyers and the courts to decide how this goes forward.
I am sure there are bloggers on the web who are lawyers ( or know people who are )in their professional career who are lining up to take on doogan. He has made it soooooo easy for them. The evidence is in plain sight…. wrapped with a big pretty bow. This ‘case’ will make History….They will make a name for themselves for taking it on. The Lawyers may even become famous…. doogan is already ‘infamous’.
Welcome back AKM! I know you know now how much you are loved, appreciated and cared for!
AKM, I am overjoyed to see you back up as our beloved leader! We are all your body guard in the word wide Mudflats community. We have your back at all times. This community cannot be stopped by some clueless twerp who does not understand the power of this mighty community worldwide. Thanks to ServeryGuy and Sno for the fine job they did. And thanks to all the volunteer moderators behind the scenes that keep the Mudflats humming. You have done a magnificent thing in your work. We needed you in the Great Disorientation of Aug 29/30 2008. We all scrambled and found you. You had set a place for each on of us at the table as we showed up at your door. All have been welcome every since. I think every one of us has stayed in some form or another. We will all be with you as we go forward in the long column of the vast and limitless worldwide Mudflats community.
Peace to all Mudpuppies worldwide in our rejoicing that AKM has returned to the head of the column!
Just as the pen is mightier than the sword, so to is your keyboard sharper than any politicians’ blunt club of a newsletter. Words are sharper than the best surgical scalpel. In the movie “A Knight’s Tale” there is a character loosely modeled after Chaucer, a writer who loses a gamble and therefore his clothes. He says something to the tune of, “As you have made me naked for a day, I shall make you naked for eternity.”
People will forget your real name, it’s not that big of a deal….kind of like saying that Superman farted when he saved all those people. Mike Doogan , on the other hand, will have deserved derision and mocking for the rest of his days from this if you and your ilk take it to him.
From this conservative civil libertarian, best wishes, keep up the good fight, and for the love of all that is good, please keep Sarah Palin from anywhere near DC…
Sitting here with tears trickling down and a huge smile stretching this middle aged lady’s face for miles. . . Ahhh. AKMuckraker – what a voice! What a truly awesome voice. Thank you thank you thank you for teaching us all how valuable our voices are in this wide open space we call democracy. I think the blogsphere has finally see the potential of its destiny. BRAVO!, Well Done and Keep On Keeping On
“And yes, I’ll always be AKMuckraker.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AKM, its time to take your message to the next level.
And yes, BigSlick will always be looking out for you.
I found this through a comment some left on Phil Munger’s blog or maybe it was the Toomey screed (first time there and don’t thing I’ll be back). I’m sure most of you folks are familiar with it but it was news to me and very interesting. It is the Supreme’s court decision in McIntyre vs Ohio Election Commission. It directly addresses anonymity in the arena of political discourse. You can go here to read the whole thing
http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/93-986.ZO.html
but this is what I thought was the interesting bit:
“Anonymous pamphlets, leaflets, brochures and even books have played an important role in the progress of mankind.” Talley v. California, 362 U.S. 60, 64 (1960). Great works of literature have frequently been produced by authors writing under assumed names. [n.4] Despite readers’ curiosity and the public’s interest in identifying the creator of a work of art, an author generally is free to decide whether or not to disclose her true identity. The decision in favor of anonymity may be motivated by fear of economic or official retaliation, by concern about social ostracism, or merely by a desire to preserve as much of one’s privacy as possible. Whatever the motivation may be, at least in the field of literary endeavor, the interest in having anonymous works enter the marketplace of ideas unquestionably outweighs any public interest in requiring disclosure as a condition of entry. [n.5] Accordingly, an author’s decision to remain anonymous, like other decisions concerning omissions or additions to the content of a publication, is an aspect of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment.
The freedom to publish anonymously extends beyond the literary realm. In Talley, the Court held that the First Amendment protects the distribution of unsigned handbills urging readers to boycott certain Los Angeles merchants who were allegedly engaging in discriminatory employment practices. 362 U.S. 60. Writing for the Court, Justice Black noted that “[p]ersecuted groups and sects from time to time throughout history have been able to criticize oppressive practices and laws either anonymously or not at all.” Id., at 64. Justice Black recalled England’s abusive press licensing laws and seditious libel prosecutions, and he reminded us that even the arguments favoring the ratification of the Constitution advanced in the Federalist Papers were published under fictitious names. Id., at 64-65. On occasion, quite apart from any threat of persecution, an advocate may believe her ideas will be more persuasive if her readers are unaware of her identity. Anonymity thereby provides a way for a writer who may be personally unpopular to ensure that readers will not prejudge her message simply because they do not like its proponent. Thus, even in the field of political rhetoric, where “the identity of the speaker is an important component of many attempts to persuade,” City of Ladue v. Gilleo, 512 U. S. ___, ___ (1994) (slip op., at 13), the most effective advocates have sometimes opted for anonymity. The specific holding in Talley related to advocacy of an economic boycott, but the Court’s reasoning embraced a respected tradition of anonymity in the advocacy of political causes. [n.6] This tradition is perhaps best exemplified by the secret ballot, the hard won right to vote one’s conscience without fear of retaliation.”
Now, I’m not a lawyer or anything but doesn’t it sound as though Rep. Doogan may have violated AKM’s First Ammendment rights?
Welcome back, AKM! It ruined my day yesterday when I got up and saw what had happened. It made my day today when I saw you back. Take your time to do whatever you feel you have to do and is right for you, but we are anxiously awaiting your return. I was so glad to hear you say you will always be AKM!!!
I’ve enjoyed and learned a lot about Alaskan culture, people, wildlife and politics from the Mudflats. The substance and style of your writing is warm, witty, droll, acerbic-as-appropriate, and intelligent. You have reminded me a lot of Molly Ivins. But Molly was far safer in her exercise of freedom of speech in Austin & the lower 48. Based on the time I’ve spent in Alaska, and a personal tie I have with a journalist there, I’d say your blog entries have been fair and accurate.
Palin has been vindictive pretty much her whole life. She earned the nickname “Sarah Barracuda” as a basketball player, not because she was agressive against opposing teams, but because she never missed a chance to rat out a fellow team member to their coach for rule infringement (like someone was late for practise, but the coach hadn’t noticed it) so she (Sarah) could get more court time. Well now Ms. Vengeance-Is-Mine-Sayeth-the-Governor is in the catbird’s seat. Her attitude toward rule of law, expressed when elected Wasilla’s mayor and she started ignoring rules, was “I’m Mayor and I can do anything I want until a Judge tells me I can’t”. Now Palin has just appointed her red-neck, wahoo campaign manager as Attorney General.
It makes good sense for any political blogger in AK to maintain their anonymity. But now that you’re outed, I’d like to see you publish a syndicated column (some place like HuffPost), and a book of collections of your blog entries/discussions.
Good to see you back.
You must do what is best for yourself and for your family. That said, I hope very much that you will keep blogging.
AKM – I love you and I’m glad you’re … kinda sorta okay.
I could gush praise, but I thought I’d post this from conservatives4palin blog.
“To be perfectly honest, I’ve seen venom on conservatives sites too. We’re not all angels. Let’s engage them on the issues and leave the personal crap behind.
I’ve donated to Republicans. I don’t care who knows it. So what if the Mudflats lady donated to Democrats? She’s a lefty — of course, she’s donated to Democrats. Perhaps she has a day job outside of her blogging that she is worried will be in jeopardy because of this outing. Surely we can all sympathize with that. She’s a citizen blogger too. She’s never delved into Trig Trutherism, which means that she is not worthy of our contempt. She disagrees with us. We may even go so far as to say that she’s a blithering fool at times, but she is still a human being and worthy of dignity. Let’s not forget that we are defenders of liberty and the Constitution. We are not Alinskyites.
We’ve communicated with her in the past, and she has been very respectful. Let’s treat her as a worthy political opponent.
Sure, I’m mocking the moral indignation that the left feels towards this, though they felt no such moral outrage over the invasion of Palin and Joe the Plumber’s privacy. But maybe this will be a “teaching moment” for the more enlightened lefties. And as for the others, they’re crackbrained weirdies. Rebuke them. If they don’t listen, then mock and ignore them. But don’t be evil to them. Remember the Golden Rule!”
=============
Okay is not high praise exactly, but I think its notable that AKM gets respect – even from that end of the political spectrum.
Oh and did you notice the part about being not evil and being respectful and leave the personal crap behind?
Not Bad, not bad at all.
AKM – remember: when a door closes, somewhere a window opens. Can you imagine the magnitude of the good kharma that is being direct at you as a result of this? Can you imagine the impact of it if you allow yourself to be open to it? Be open to it – see where it takes you.
Dear AKM:
I am so happy to read your post again. I missed you terribly. You are a voice in the wilderness for me and I need your insight and humor. Welcome back. Hugs and all blessings for you and your family.
Speaking of that artless hack, Doogan (aka the one-man Alaskan intelligentsia), if you’re interested (yes, i know) in his book on “manners”…
http://www.amazon.com/Fashion-Means-Your-Fur-Hat/dp/0945397542/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238347408&sr=1-6
There are 51 used (almost new) copies available on Amazon for $ 0.01 each. That’s right, if you can find a couple of quarters hidden under the cushions of your favorite sofa, you can purchase (almost) all of them.
Obviously, you will have to pay somewhat more for shipping!
AKM, just a little thought, from Winnie the Pooh, for you, from me: :O)
” If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.
There is something you must always remember.
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
This is how I felt when you were away. I think it’s true forever.
Then there is also this gem:
“People who don’t think probably don’t have brains; rather, they have grey fluff that’s blown into their heads by mistake.”
{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}
AKM ~ When things get rough, style dissolves into character. Thank you so much for showing us that your true character and your style are tightly meshed.
This will all bode well for you (and the rest of us in the bargain).
Where can i get a “PROUD MUCKRAKER!” sticker?
You speak for so many, including me! Thanks for coming back! Your voice is so very important for letting the world know about politics in Alaska. Keep up the blogging AKM! We need your voice!
NO PUBLICITY IS BAD PUBLICITY, IS IT MIKE?
Poor Mike Doogan has sold his soul to the devil for fifteen minutes of fame and if he get’s really lucky, a slight uptick in his book sale royalties. He’s the Tanya Harding of the Alaskan Legislature.
He and GINO are true soulmates. Ahh, his name in print everywhere, Trash News on the phone, What, No!@!! No! Stop! Stop that van! They’re leaving to go cover Mt. Redoubt? It’s blowing again? [M.D. chasing van down driveway.]
Can I please remind commentors who may be inclined to post Mike Doogan’s home address and phone number here on this site – we don’t sink to his level. Other sites might be posting it. We’re not going to.
Posts like that will end up in the spam bin and they will *not* be removed, which could lead to future posts of yours arriving in the spam bin.
Please everyone.. stop and think. I know you’re all angry. I know that when someone gets bitten, they want to bite back. It is instinct. But we must take the high road. We know this guy has not shown AKM the respect AKM deserves, but that does not mean we get a pass on doing the right thing ourselves. Karma. It comes back to bite people who put bad karma out there, yano?
Yes, sometimes taking the high road is no fun at all – but please take it..
Welcome back AKM! Lots of love coming your way from Oklahoma. And thank you Snoskred for filling in and letting everyone know what was going on while AKM took her break. You are both truly wonderful people.
AKM,
Like most of your readers, I am outraged by Doogan’s releasing your name, not to mention using his position as a State official to do so. That is inexcusible. I used to love reading his columns, and I was excited when he was elected … but clearly somewhere along the way he has changed.
I didn’t write at first, since my spouse told me your site seemed to be getting hammered and was really bogged down. So rather than adding to the overload, I figured I would wait.
These last couple days (it seems longer) I’ve been concerned. First and foremost concerned for you and your family. Take care of yourself and do what is best for those you love.
But I’ve also been concerned for our little community that is in its infancy, here in Alaska. I was never all that politically active until this past year during the election when the public discourse offered by your blog and some others in Alaska helped motivate me to get off my hiney and show up for rallies, volunteer for the candidates I supported, etc. I know I’m not alone, since I SAW a lot of other mudpuppies waving signs and letting their voiceS be heard. Mudflats (along with others) has helped serve as a kernel around which some of this collective call for action has crystalized.
And I have been concerned about losing a quality source of breaking information. By comparing coverage by the AK blogging community and my two former sources of information (largely KTUU and the ADN for local news), it is clear that those former trusted sources are transparently biased in their reporting. To go to a rally with more than a thousand others and see it described as “dozens” in the MSM highlighted this media bias. Or to see them give equal weighting to the one or two counter protesters, vs. the hundreds at the rally, takes away from the overall message and impact.
And as the last election demonstrated, many across the globe are interested in what is happening here on the Alaska frontier. I look at the Mudflatters Around the Globe map and am astounded. It is so cool that your reads come from all over. They too are relying on this community of “correspondents” to keep informed of what is going on up here.
As you weigh your future, I hope you realize how important this forum is for many of us still anonymous, boring types who read it regularly and use this information to keep up on what is really happening in the Great Land.
Thanks for all you do, and I hope you keep up the good work!
So glad to read your post. I e-mailed what’s his name and Andrew Sullivan, too, and was delighted this issue got some play on Daily Kos. There are just so darn many ways this whole thing is wrong that I’ve run out of fingers and toes to count them. Good luck, and I hope you sue the pants off what’s his name (now, THAT is not a pretty picture. Sorry.)
Hey, the high road is GREAT! The view is Awesome!
I have been having a blast seeing all the new pups come out !!The concerns and accolades honestly bring tears to my eyes. Please speak up when you feel the urge. I am SO jazzed about the new pups !!
{{{ Big Squish }}} AKM and welcome “home”
As just “one” of the thousands that gravitate here several times a day to enjoy your insight of Alaska Life, its great to have you back! I have read so many “other blogs” and comments this weekend. The outpouring of love & worry for you (and family), in addition to the outrage & potential ramifications (legal / career / etc.) to doogan has been astronomical.
Whatever you personally decide to do – many of us are with you. But you absolutely MUST take us with. Thank you AKM – for this community, for your writing, for the Window to Alaska Life, and for your Strength & Courage.
Special thanks to Snoskred, ServerGuy and the many others that toil beyond our line of vision to the inticate nuts and bolts behind Mudflats.
When winter’s fitful night has melted into spring, when Redoubt’s grey ash has sunk into the soil, will the lupines be brighter and taller?
No Fertilizer Goes Unused.
NFGU? enefgeeyou… nahhh…
high road, high road, it’s off to anchorage we go…
we’ll have some fun, throw-wing our plum…
at mike doogan’s head oh oh.
Someone said on another site that GINO had a role in this in that she said in a recent speech(is that possible for her?) that anonymous bloggers will be revealed…the alaskan govt needs to take action against donogood and specifically GINO needs to take action…what is not said is often a symbol of something else….
Welcome back, AKM – you are truly loved by all the Mudpuppies!
There was a column in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer written by the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that hit on the very topics that have been discussed here. He was writing about the recent Federal conviction of a member of the Pennsylvania legislature, but his words apply to Doogan and Palin as well:
“We must also make it easier for those who wish to blow the whistle on unethical behavior to do so anonymously and without fear of retribution.”
“The public has a responsibility to right this ship as well. As voters, it is our duty to hold elected officials accountable. Turning a blind eye to a legislator’s unethical behavior because he has “done a lot for my district” is unacceptable.”
“The bottom line – if we learned anything from the verdict – is that conduct guided by ethical standards was lost. Honesty, integrity, and transparency were stuffed in a locked drawer and supplemented by an intoxicating sense of entitlement that allowed a public official to believe that, because he might be doing something good with his right hand, it was OK to reach into your pocket with his left.”
Hmmm – an “intoxicating sense of entitlement” – sound like anyone we know??
I found this website at its earlier stage of posting. I stayed with the site because at the time, it was one of the few places where I could get information on Alaskan politics, especially, Palin-itis. We in teh lower states had no idea who “Sarah” was, and I watched the main media get closer to the truth rather than fictionalized personality that this site and a few others saw way ahead of time. I actually watched cablevision in agony for two weeks while they were totally infatuated with “Sarah.” I wondered today what if I were in your place, with the protective armor removed, feeling exposed. I wouldn’t like it. Nor would I like my real name be exposed here. It’s not that we are saying anything harmful, but it is because we all come from different backgrounds, and it’s great to be able to express our truth beliefs on a site such as yours. So, thank you, for all the months you have devoted to this work. Also, I hope that you will find a new and exciting way of writing here. With or without your real name, you still have a great sense of humor and a real sense of what is right and wrong.
Great to see you back, AKM!
Sending love and hugs from U.K., and purrs and headbutts from the two furries I’m slave to
“pseudonymous”–Did you make that up? Perfect. Welcome back.
When I turned on my computer this morning & there was no email from Mudflats I had a strange empty feeling, then I felt a tinge of anger at the injustice. Vindictive, mean-spirited envy will not be rewarded by thinking people. A person who has been both a columnist and author & has protected anonymity in the past has used some amazingly bad judgment & will probably reap the rewards. Hey Mr. Doogan, this Buds for you. Welcome back, AKM.
Welcome back, AKM. I missed all the uproar on Friday, due to being away from my computer, so when I came here on Saturday, my stomach sank to my boots. Maybe because I read more progressive blogs than conservative ones, or because I read more blogs by women than by men, I “lose” about a blog a year due to threats to and indimidation of the blogger. I’m glad and relieved you’re back, and thrilled to pieces that you have received such an upswell of positive support.
You go, girl!
Welcome back, AKM. I enjoy reading your posts and the comments, but I rarely contribute. As you can see, everyone was hoping that you would continue to entertain and inform us about Alaska and its quirky politics. As someone from Illinois, I can appreciate the local “charm” or “harm” that is uniquely state politics. Your voice has been a call to action locally with the great response to public political gatherings as well as internationally as you helped us understand and respond to the needs of the rural community.
If you decided you needed to stop writing, it would have been a loss for Alaska and the vast community of those you invited to join your discourse. However, it seems that you have inspired others who would be ready to take up the call. I hope you are proud of what you have accomplished so far.
Stay safe and take comfort in knowing that mean-spirited, bitter old men usually get what’s coming to them!
oops – the “Straight Talk Express” bus just ran over sarah !!
http://gawker.com/5189244/mccain-on-president-palin-id-have-to-see
Thank you dear God for returning AKM to our humble midst.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotolandia/3199304415/sizes/o/
austintxNo Gravatar says:
March 29, 2009 at 9:14 AM
oops – the “Straight Talk Express” bus just ran over sarah !!
http://gawker.com/5189244/mccain-on-president-palin-id-have-to-see
——-
ROFLMAO…….if sarah runs true to form, she’ll respond. Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
Good to see you writing! I love it!
Hang tough AKM and we will hang tough with you.
This is interesting esp. re: anonymous sources.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/29/greta-van-susteren-rips-i_n_180465.html
Thank God you are back. I really missed you! And I hope all goes well for you and your family.
You kept me sane all through the election, but even after it was over, I found that I really looked forward to your insights on what was going on in the northern-most part of our world. And I have relatives up there who participate in your calls to action.
Stay strong AkM – you are loved and needed.
Thank you!
AKM…
With tears in my eyes and smiling face…I will always consider you, AKMuckraker, the JEWEL OF THE BLOG!
What a model for your kids! Sometimes, one has to bite that bullet, so to speak. You have my respect, admiration and gratitude.
Now, back to work…tired of putting too much in ol’ Doogan, let the authorities handle him. I would love a new story telling me more about that tank farm at the base of the volcano, the
dangers of Pebble Mine to the salmon, or maybe another Palin/Ross connection story. You sorta got sidetracked (that was their purpose)…pick up that pen…I know, I know…your keyboard!
To AKM’s great team…tip of the hat to you! Gems.
And to all co-mudpuppies, thanks for sharing with me, too. Hearts, hearts to you! Doogan and his rats tried to jeopardized connection to this great community! I hope Doogan will be pleased with his reward.
GA Peach – Thru a press release I’m sure !!
Hi AKM, Doogan is an a$$hat. He probably knows better, he just doesn’t care.
You will be happy to know (the Mod’s may have already told you) that I’m trying very hard to be a good boy. My butt can’t take much more spankin’. Do want you to know that you go girl. Always thought you might be a woman. “White men can’t
jump and Real Men can’t write like you do. So glad that you are posting again.
As many have already said; WE GOT YUR BACK.
don’t know if this has been posted yet, I’m about 100 behind in my reading, lol…….but I wanted to direct you to an article on ADN about bycatch fishing that is very important to the Native subsistence fishing. Ann and Victoria are quoted in it. ta da! Way to go girls!
http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/740118.html
Greta says she doesn’t have sarah’s phone # or e-mail !?!? I say Greta is LYIN’ !!
And did you know our talented Snoskred has a blog? I’ve been perusing around way over there in that part of her world, it’s absolutely delightful!
Snos, congratulations! I love it! Your “Snoskred is……” page is fun and witty!
http://www.snoskred.org/
@austintx: I felt the very same way when I read the article. That witch with a capital b doesn’t know the meaning of truth. Just my humble opinion.
DEUCE
Welcome back, AKM!
You are much loved and respected. You’ve got lots of friends and supporters to help you get through this particularly thick, gooey patch of mud. It seems to me like doogan tried to throw you into the muck. I’m guessing he didn’t even bother to think about what an expert you are at tiptoeing through that muck or how many fellow mudpuppies have also honed their skills. Since he appears to be such a little man I’m wondering what kind of splat he will make when he lands in the mud. Will it be small because he’s small minded or will it be big because of the significance of what he has done. Either way, I doubt he will be able to get out.
Thank you also to Snos, and serverguy, and the entire team – you have done an awesome job once again!
And thank you to all the blog communtiy who has stood up for AKM!
This site is my most valued daily read and I’m greatful that you have shared your talent with us. It truly is amazing. When I have my next glass of wine my first toast will be to you. Cheers!
Wildlife AvengerNo Gravatar says:
March 29, 2009 at 9:28 AM
GA Peach – Thru a press release I’m sure !!
———–
Yeah, written no doubt by one of those 4 or 5 pr people she’s got.
Thought…regarding that Palin/Ross connection…
Palin was represented by Ross in a former legal matter before becoming governor. His appointment as State Attorney General would cost taxpayers for independent attorneys hired to deal with any complaints against Palin, wouldn’t it. Conflict of interest, totally, too. I heard some stuff about Ross that was not flattering whatsoever, his opinion of women. Any news?
Thanks GinaM….It was my pleasure
Kudos to all the other mudpuppies out there who responded to folks who just don’t get it.
austintx–
Greta complaining about Politico on HuffPost…she doesn’t like his news articles..called them “hit and run.” Methinks like-minded with Doogan.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/29/greta-van-susteren-rips-i_n_180465.html
Well, I’m a conservative (from Australia) and although I’m a bit bewildered why being a conservative would make a difference (I’m not really up with Alaskan politics) I just wanted to pop over and say how horrified I was that this could happen. I hope you all go get him!
this is from Gretta in response to the Politico article now on huffpost
………and guys call me paranoid but I think it might be them placing ammo out there for what just happen to AKM……this is from Gretta blog and it sounds dangerously familiar don’t you think? and her making the jump to taking a witness stand and oath of truth? whoa!
anonymous sources=phoney
she hates sources (yeah I’m sure, lol)
identify yourself
grossly unfair journalism
you can’t do “hit and run”
attacked by the media
gratuitous attacks
treated unfairly
digging herself out from under lawsuits, ethics complaints and unfair attacks
but, but, but…….Gretta says she doesn’t have sarah’s phone number, email address and did not talk to her but 45 seconds off camera, so how the heck did she know all the sad details to the lawsuits and ethics charges and that’s why hubby helped scarah, like I’m sure all details to Gretta von nosy reporter were second hand by her husband the source, lol.
and ah ha……..Palins “staff” was working behind the scenes and doing the “heavy” work with Gretta’s “staff”, I’m sure there were no copied emails shared huh, and was this Palin’s staff doing this on state time? these were personal interviews, and they were before sarahspac, eh? and if the producers went to AK “mutiple” times, staying for days and days? who were they talking to and on whose time? staff, eh?
so many questions…….but my main concern is AKM outting and that Gretta may be positioning herself to be lead busting story carrier, GRRRRRR!
Sound like more public record emails need to be requested!
someone say ya just can’t make this stuff up? lol
http://gretawire.foxnews (dot) com/2009/03/29/huh-5/
“I don’t even have her phone number or her email address. I don’t think I have ever had a conversation with her off camera and if I have, it was 45 seconds!”
“As for booking her, the article is not only wrong but disses the On The Record staff who works this story hard. The producers are the ones who book her, who have made multiple trips to Alaska to work the story….staying there for days and days… and what I have done – which is not much compared to their heavy lifting – is follow up emails – at the direction of our staff on the ground – to her staff (yes, staff!)”
“Note that it is from a “source” — is that code for phoney? In this instance yes. This is why I hate “sources” and where journalism can be grossly unfair — in the law you have to step up on the witness stand and identify yourself and take an oath to tell the truth. You can’t do a “hit and run!”
“And yes, he thought it wrong the way she was attacked in the media. As a matter of fact, so did I think she was treated unfairly by the media (I don’t like gratuitous attacks…issues, yes….but not gratuitous attacks) and I am not the only one who thought that in the media.”
“My husband helped with the PAC – I did not – AFTER the election when she was not running for office but trying to dig herself out from lawsuits, ethics complaints and unfair attacks by the media. Big deal. So he was nice to her and wanted to help her and did help her.”
So sorry to hear what happened to you. You truly kept me sane on the worst days during the election, and I’ve continued to follow your posts throughout.
I sincerely hope that doooooogan gets his socks sued off to your benefit, and that he will never be able to run for office again. If he does, let us know so we can fully fund his opponent. I’m embarrassed to have to claim him as a Democrat.
My prayers are with you AKM, and with your family to find peace and joy again. Best wishes to Brian as well!
http://www.adn.com/news/politics/alaska_ear/story/740056.html
says there is whining and moaning in the land -
guess writer did perceive any abuse of power by doogan. You can tell the writer what you think
Contact Sheila at stoomey@adn.com
new thread mudpups
I was surprised to hear what this government official did – it’s a bit scary to be honest. I write an anonymous blog as well and it’s unnerving to think someone in the government would take it upon themselves to track me down and publish my name.
I emailed him my thoughts – no reply as of yet.
Hang in there.
I just posted a message on Huffpo. From reading Mudflats, I got the feeling the rest of the AK Legislature is slow to act… especially if Palin is applying pressure to her cronies. It is in her best interest to keep doogan because the spotlight and pressure if off her own ethics issues. And doogan is accomplishing her goal…without getting her hands dirty.
My question:.. Will the rest of the AK Democrats have the guts to remove Him..?
Will they take action?
I have two STRONG Dem. Senators in my State (CA). I will email and call them tomorrow to say they need to apply pressure on the AK Democrats to have him removed. It feels good to email doogan and vent… But, asking other States Representatives to apply pressure… will THAT get action…?
(Do we email Sen. Reid to complain as well)
I posted this on palingates- Anonymous blogging
Anonymous said…
FEDUP, I agree with you.
GINO has been complaining:
-Her office is paralyzed by having to answer “bogus” and “frivolous” ethics complaints and also too on and on….
-She might need a to set up a legal defense fund.
-Another bogus and asinine EC.
-She wont take a bribe.
So, she circles the wagons:
-Posts A press release “Aren’t Alaskans tired of…….” that might as well have said:
Doogan, when are you going to deliver? Fox News, get over here!
To those of You who I like to pray with, get creative, be rabid!!
W.A.R., join me and be my shield!
Now protected by the turmoil caused, WHO is going to make HER work on or pay attention to what she does with:
-The natural gas pipeline.
-Rural Alaska.
-Replacement of Rep. who went to work for Obama.
-The permanent fund.
-Any other issue that pertains to “progressing” ALASKA.
If she thinks Mt. Redoubt is taking side with her, she is sorely mistaken.
The legislature should censure Rep. Doogan and remove Palin.
Thank you, my dear, for letting us all know you are ok and carrying on!
Bravo madam!
I’ve missed you – even though I am still new to this blog =) Your insights and words always make me laugh and challenge me.
I am really happy that so many people, regardless of affiliation, have supported you.
Know that you are much much appreciated and from one introvert to another – you are loved.
=)
*looks down at the ground and scuffs shoe in the dirt*
Forever Anonymous – You would think with 5 p.r. hacks to handle the “paralysis” , no problem. Have you ever heard such whiney , dopey , lame-ass crap in your life ?? Here is a mug for her Skinny White Latte.
http://www.zazzle.co.uk/pull_up_your_big_girl_panties_and_deal_with_it_mug-168828945374358644
This is my first post to ANY BLOG.
I’ve checked out others, but not one of them appealed to me as much as the AKMuckraker site. So, I dropped them.
I’ve only been to Alaska once and it was an awesome experience.
My father worked on the ALCAN (Alaska/Canada) highway in the early 1940′s, before I was born. So, the frozen North has always had a place in my heart.
You have an amazing way with words.
Each post you make to the world, is inspiring and makes people want to hear everything you have to say… THANK YOU!!!
Just put up an Ode to AKmuckraker over at my place… well, kinda sorta.
AKM, just keep on keeping on…you have a strong and dedicated group of administrators, moderators, and readers behind you to help you in whatever ways you need. We are all behind you! Don’t give Doogan the satisfaction of having any impact at all on your posting–and sue his slimy a$$ off to boot! (sorry, that last part just kinda slipped out..
Leadership in Alaska is undergoing a rapid generational change. Doogan comes from my era, the Vietnam era. Some from this era will gracefully become elder statespersons or continue public service in other ways, happy to have a continuing role, happy to watch the emergence of new leaders, and some will have difficulty in the change. Doogan’s inexplicable behavior falls, I think, into this latter category. His time is fading, and he is lashing out. Maybe he feels that since he kept such a high public profile in his decades-long battle with VECO, then others should do the same. In any case, his actions were wrong.
Thank you for your blog and your inciteful writing, and for reinstating a long American tradition, long preceding Doogan, clear back to Benjamin Franklin, of writing from an amusing pseudonym for the times. Please continue as AKMuckraker.
austintx,
I don’t believe any thing she says. I do believe in her capacity to create an atmosphere, a mantle for the actions to come. She look very reptilian while whining at the Lincoln dinner. Listening to that rant I wondered if she is about given up Governing, get her book deal and continuing campaigning for the presidency. But not before taken down those anonymous bloggers!
Anyways, I seem to write like the way she speaks- Sorry -my idea is that her whining is a set up for her decepetives actions.
BTW- When is she meeting with the legislators to deal with the stimulus package?
Go Girl. WE love you . Your writing is great. Keep writing. Do’nt give the Ass….e and GINO the Satisfaction.
Big Hug
Although I don’t post much I do read often. A big hug and vote of support from Puyallup! (you know, just a bit east of Tacoma)
Greta is not married to Coale, they live in separate houses.
I wish someone would copy the pict. of GINO as a walking advertising for Artic Cat on the comment section of the article where Greta asserts shes not close to that woman.
Greta’s husband is in the background of that picture. He was there by himself.
hmm..well I’m just trying to make Greta’s fib stick.
Austintx,
The legislators could use her”paralysis” and give her the mug as a souvenir in her way out of public office.
AKM, you are a person of great integrity, personal strength, and tenacity. I’ve loved reading Mudflats since you burst on the scene when the media picked up your famous post about Sarah, and have read it every day since. What happened to you made me spitting mad. I’m so glad that you were comforted and supported by the community that grew up here around you, and hope that your life and that of your family will not be disrupted. Please keep writing – but only in a way that makes you feel safe as you speak your truth.
AKM I am so glad to see you did not let anyone stop your voice from being heard.WE need more like you out there.All of our voices need to be heard no mater the party.What this man did was unjust and unfair.As for Greta I believe she is working behind the scenes on another case of outing only this time it is posters themselves.I am sure if anything comes from it she will be the first to announce it.So far first admendment attorneys have been fighting it..I just got an e-mail from my Neice who moved from Talkeetna about a year and a half ago and she sent me a picture of tow white moose just over the border of Wi. and Canada .I asked her to either forward it to ADN or here so it could be seen by the Alaskan people .It was really neat
AKM, it was a wonderful start to my day to see your article after turning on my computer. Coffee in hand, (and yes, in my pj’s), I then read your letter, and the comments from mudpuppies. I’d be less than honest if I did not also say it brought a lump to my throat, and yes, a few tears slid down my cheeks, as well….
I’ve been a lurker since September, and although I did not even register until today, Mudflats has been a ‘must read’ site for me ever since John McCain stunned the world with the Sarah Palin VP nomination.
I am appalled, speechless, disgusted, [fill in the blanks]… at what Rep. Mike Doogan has done and spent all day yesterday (quite literally) from 6 am until almost midnight, chained to this computer, reading everything I could find about it. This afternoon I finally decided I’d lurk no more
and here I am.
It filled me with a great deal of happiness, on your behalf, to see the outpouring of love, support, solidarity, and genuine concern at what has transpired. If I felt this way, I can hardly imagine how moved you must be. (That silver lining one always talks about).
I look forward to getting to know everyone now that I am an official mudpuppy… and in closing, wish to reiterate once again how happy I was to read your letter this morning. A very dark cloud vanished from the sky this morning….
West Coast Raven aka Sack Panther Palin!
AKM and crew-Thank you for keeping ‘The Flats up and running. We all appreciate your hard work.
I am betting Mike Doogan has a very interesting last few weeks of this legislative session ahead of him. He will NOT be winning Mr Congeniality this session either.
West Coast Raven – yup !! You’re here !! HI !!
AKM – I’m so thankful you are back and strong as ever. I am a liberal in the extremely conservative Northeast Florida area and found your website last fall through a friend. She recommended your blog as a place to gain information on the infamous Palin and joined your forum as a relief to her thoughts and her feeling of being alone. I feel the same way, and check on all of you daily as I feel “at home” here at the Mudflats blog. I was very upset with the current happenings and I think your new AK pariah, Mr. Doogan made a huge, personal blunder. The power of the pen remains one of our most advantageous weapons for right vs. might. Thanks again AKM and keep up the great work – we need you and this wonderful, informative website.
Thank you AKM for just being a spirited individual who likes to look at all the sides of a story. Your site has opened my eyes to the wonderful state you live in and love dearly. Keep it coming and do not let anyone tell you that your voice cannot be heard. Love it, cannot get enough of it so please, please never stop.
A Canadian who wishes only the best to you and yours.
It is good to hear your voice again AKM.
I have been rather busy the last couple of days, but have checked daily to see if you would post in the mudflats site again.
I hope that you will continue to speak, you have a nack for creating word images that are more elquent than words alone would create. That and a nutty sense of humor combine into a potent weapon and make reading your blog an adventure and a pleasure.
Shit happens. And it landed on you. Take a hot soapy emotional shower and see what you feel like when the yuckyness has been washed away and your are renewed again in your heart.
Well, hell, AKM, I hadn’t read in a while (although I did link to it a few days ago) and had no idea this was going on.
I am stunned beyond belief. I am gobsmacked. I cannot believe a state legislator did this, and quite publicly and unabashedly.
Like any good attorney, I can play Devil’s Advocate and make his argument better, except that he is a goddamn public servant, bullying a blogger who offers critical analysis on a variety of topics, not just him. Moreover, you weren’t a salacious blogger – you held back on most of the more salacious Palin stuff (rumors, truths and falsities) and primarily just posted your opinion (with cites).
I am sure you have heard this a million times in the last few days, but I won’t be surprised if this turns out to be a career changing decision for both of you. Alaska is weird when it comes to politics (your new AG is ridiculous, and this from a state governed by Palin), so perhaps he won’t have the fallout he would get in any other state.
But you have a talent for writing editorials and I think this may eventually open doors you never contemplated. But I don’t discount the interim stress you are surely experiencing.
So, if I may speak for many of your long-term readers (who found you on that glorious day Palin was announced), I am truly sorry for the stress, fear, and intimidation that you are currently experiencing and am disgusted (once again) at your state politicos and politics. I do, however, believe that talent of your type, and your ability to frame contentious topics in reasonable, interesting terms, will prevail over Doogan.
One person emerges from this with class, dignity and respect, and it sure isn’t him. He comes across as a very small, petty man who has no business representing anyone in the state of Alaska, or anywhere else. He should start his own blog and see how many people are interested in hearing what he has to say, under his own name or any other.
karionNo Gravatar says:
March 29, 2009 at 6:29 PM
“Alaska is weird when it comes to politics (your new AG is ridiculous, and this from a state governed by Palin), so perhaps [Doogan] won’t have the fallout [Doogan] would get in any other state.”
_____________________________________________________________________
Agreed. That is why if AKM decides to sue Doogan (and I really hope that is the decision), the case should be brought in federal court, so that Palin’s AG will not able to get involved and sabotage the case.
Also, because of the obvious US constitutional First Amendment free speech implications, federal court would be the correct forum. The numerous torts that can also be sued for (even under state law) can all be brought together in one big lawsuit in federal court.
AKMuckraker:
I’ve read your work off and on since November. Regarding the outing by Doogan, I’m really quite stunned by his actions and justifications. It’s clear that you get it and he’s really lost. As a public policy analyst, I understand the vital role that you play in the democratic process–please keep blogging!
I found your blog about the time Palin was nominated and have been reading it since that time. I like both your writing style and thought process and enjoy the intelligent comments. I am very surprised that Mr. Doogan took the step he did and wonder if he thought about what the possible reprecussions might be….if he did, he obviously did not care. I was certainly glad to see you up and blogging again and look forward to reading your blog far into the future.
Just heard Shannyn on CBC.
Sounds like you really have plenty of support but permit me to voice mine:
You. Go. Girl!
NH politics never seems to attain the level of non-sensibility that other state’s politics do, at least not on a regular basis.
There is a terrible conspiracy that has been afoot for years to chip away at the constitution (state and federal) but so far, despite some damage, it still remains strong. I pray it may continue.
BTW, we have mooses (moose swarms?) here too and they are biggern’ yours
I attempted to leave a reply to the original outing, but was rebuffed as part of the server move.
I read this blog more than daily during the election, but let it lapse as Palin returned to her little existence and proceded to self-destruct. Local information from Alaska no longer seemed important to me, a Canadian. I thank you for the information and insight you provided when time was tight and Wasilla seemed a long ways away from the infosphere.
There is little that we can do other than just stand WITH you out in that exposed field. My regular id was only marginally obfuscated, but today I’m out in my full googleable identity.
Signed,
Greg Goss of Calgary
(for googlers: Gregory James Goss, the accounting student, not the marine biologist from Edmonton)