A Bedtime Political Parable
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a good bedtime story at the Mudflats. We’re overdue. (Plumps your pillow, smooths the hair off your forehead and tucks you in. Scans the shelf and pulls out a nice hardcover) I know! Let’s have a parable.
A parable is a brief, succinct story, in prose or verse, that illustrates a moral or religious lesson. It differs from a fable in that fables use animals, plants, inanimate objects, and forces of nature as characters, while parables generally feature human characters.
Parables are lots of fun. And this one is not religious, but it does illustrate a moral lesson, but really it’s a political parable…a “paraliticable,” perhaps.
(Opens the cover, and thumbs through) Here we go. This is the one. It’s always fun to take on a part in a story, so let’s say in this story, you are the mayor of a little town. A cranky mayor. The kind of mayor who yells, “Hey you kids, get off my lawn!” And it’s kind of sad because you used to be fairly well liked….but something about being the mayor just didn’t agree with you. But that’s another story. For now, you’re the mayor. Sometimes it’s fun to play the villain because it helps you understand what’s going on in his head. Ready?
It’s a nice little town, and most everyone is happy with things. There’s the Queen of the Land who’s a bit of a disaster, but she’s so darn cute and spunky that most people overlook what she actually does because the idea of her is so appealing. But it’s not all peace and harmony. There is some rabblerousing villager who keeps making a fuss about things, including the fact that you, the cranky mayor, can be downright rude and condescending to the people of the village.
A few months ago, these little pamphlets started circulating around town saying, “Did you guys know that the mayor actually said THIS?” You read this pamphlet, and feel the blood rising up your neck. Yes, you said all this stuff…but the nerve of that guy to actually tell people! You go over and yell out the window to the crowds below who are also reading it, “Are you people NUTS?? You pass around this stupid pamphlet calling me rude?? And you don’t even include your name and phone number so I can…hold you accountable? Get a life, losers!!” The villagers look at each other, dumbfounded as you slam the window. “Did he just call us losers? Who does this guy think he is?” they say to themselves.
The next day you look out the window. There are a bunch of villagers again, reading a new pamphlet which says, “Can you believe the mayor said ‘Are you people NUTS? You pass around this stupid pamphlet calling me rude?….” The villagers are stunned. This guy is totally over the top. The new pamphlets get passed around, and soon there’s a gathering outside. Outrage is expressed.
You think to yourself that this calling you out on what you say has got to stop. If these people are allowed to continue to complain, your job security may not be very safe. And how dare they make fun of you using your own actual words! It’s outrageous. “Where did these people come from?” you wonder.
Suddenly you get an idea. You decide to send a spy out into the crowd. He dresses up like a villager, and slips out of the building into the throng of disgruntled townsfolk. After an hour or so, he reports back, taking the stairs two at a time, breathless, “Rumor has it (pant pant) there was some guy (pant pant) passing around these leaflets. Nobody knows who he is. (pant) Telling everyone what a total jackass you are, Sir.….I mean…um.. that called you a bad name.” The spy smiles really big, hoping you didn’t catch that. “You know. Because you called them losers.” The spy thinks to himself he had better just shut up now.
Hmmm… So, what’s your move? (You stroke your chin and pace the room) Remember, you’ve been embarrassed. You’re really ticked, and there is NO way…I mean NO WAY you are ever going to actually apologize to these people. I mean, they’re just villagers! Some of them don’t even live in your district for cripes sake.
There is only one answer. You need to find the guy who is writing the pamphlets and shut him up. You sit and drum your stubby fingers on the desk, and plan your strategy. “I don’t like you!” “You’re rude!” “Hey, get some stinkin’ etiquette, will ya?” The merciless taunts drift through the open window. You close the window, and address your cohort.
“Is this the same guy that’s been passing out all those pamplets talking about the Queen?” The spy is looking at you fearfully. You haven’t realized that your face has gotten a little red, and you have sort of a far-off crazy look in your eyes because you haven’t blinked in a very long time. “You mean the ones that talk about the drawbridge to nowhere, and how she’s shooting all the unicorns? I…I think it’s the same guy,” stammers the spy. “Find him!” you hiss, pounding your fist on the desk.
Months pass. Throughout the winter more pamphlets about the Queen emerge. They’re not particularly flattering. They always seem to be about “transparency” and “honesty” and that time when she was crowned and she said, “Hold me accountable!” that nobody seems to forget. It’s infuriating. Missives about you have dropped off, though. But it doesn’t matter at this point. You just. Can’t. Let. Go. Last night, you even awoke with a gasp after swinging your head violently from side to side on a sweat-soaked pillow muttering, “No….No….pamphleteer….must….stop!”
The pamphleteer is your white whale, and you are Mayor Ahab.
Down in the village, our little spy has been busy chatting up the locals. You keep bugging him all the time, and grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking. “Did you find out yet?” “Do you know who it is?” Frankly everyone’s getting a little bit tired of this game, thinks the spy, but nobody wants to be the one to tell you that you’re getting just a little well….obsessed. And you’ve got that weird throbbing vein in your forehead. So on it goes.
Rumors start to surface that it might be the guy who owns a little tavern on the corner. It’s a nice spot, and is frequented by the villagers. It’s right across the street from another tavern, owned by friends and supporters of the Queen. There are many loyalists in the village, but good beer and good food know no politics, so our tavern keeper (and secret pamphleteer) is making a decent living, and after the last patron goes home, he’s writing furiously by candle light, trying to wake the village up to the abuses of the local government.
The spy is finally able to confirm his information, and returns to the office. “Well, we know who it is but…it might cause some business or financial hardship for them if we announce it.” The spy looks at you. “It’s the guy that owns that fun little tavern on the corner. I really like that place.”
“Well, if he was worried about feeding his wife and kids, he should have kept his mouth shut, shouldn’t he?”
The spy ponders this. “So are you saying that only people who have nothing to lose should be able to speak up and express their opinions?”
“Silence!” you bellow. “Get me a quill.” You rub your hands together and chuckle. This is gonna be fun. (And you’ve always wanted a part where you get to bellow, “Silence!” Right? I mean, who hasn’t?)
Then sure enough, the next day a scroll arrives at the little tavern. “I, the Mayor, have learned that you, Joe the Tavernkeeper, are the pamphleteer! Tomorrow I shall make a proclamation to the entire village, announcing that you have been speaking out against the Queen, myself and various other miscreants village leaders. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”
Joe can think of lots of things he’d like to say, but realizing that it’s going to be announced tomorrow in the square, and that there may be children present with delicate ears, he decides against it.
And sure enough, the next day, the trumpets sound and the villagers gather round, and the announcement is made. It’s Joe the Tavernkeeper! (gasps and murmurs from the crowd) There is a lot of merriment and clinking of glasses in the Queen’s tavern. This may mean a lot of new business for them, when people decide to pass right by the tavern owned by the recently “outed” Queen-hater-mayor-basher-freethinkin’ S.O.B. across the street. As Joe walks home, he hears someone shout “We should throw a brick through his window!” “Which one is his horse?” There is laughter, and Joe isn’t quite sure whether he ought to worry about this or not.
Now, Joe and his family are in a bit of a sticky spot. What will happen? Should Joe the Pamphleteer stop writing pamphlets? Maybe he ought to just tone it down a little. Or maybe he’ll refrain from writing about particular people. Or maybe he’ll just throw caution to the wind, keep doing what he’s doing, and hope he doesn’t find a brick on the breakfast table, or the shoes taken off his horse.
But the Tavernkeepers are not the only ones affected by the news. (our imaginary camera pans down the street to look into the basement window of a local dairy maid) She’s been sitting by the fire, writing a little pamphlet of her own. She has some things she wants to get off her chest, that others in the village should know. She liked those pamphlets written by “JT” and felt like maybe she had something to say too. There’s a good story about the dairy business that the villagers might be quite interested to know. But the Queen’s not going to like it…. She stares down at the pamphlet.
She thinks of the little tavern down the street. It could be big trouble for them. She thinks about her name being read aloud in the town square by that red-faced gloating mayor, as he points his finger at her. And she thinks of her job, and her children. She shudders. That would be too much…. And she slowly and sadly crumples the pamphlet and tosses it in the fire.
(Closes book) And that’s the end of the chapter. We’ll have to find out what happens, and how it ends another night.
This is the insidious parable of the impingement of free speech. Throughout the history of the United States, anonymous or pseudonymous free speech has played an important role in America’s political life. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay wrote together as “Publius” to pen the Federalist Papers. Benjamin Franklin had a whole host of pen names, male and female, that he utilized to introduce ideas and concepts into the public debate without attaching them to his particular persona. There’s something that’s just irresistible about a big naked idea that stands on its own in the middle of the village square, and asks the people what they think.
The birth of the blogosphere has been an amazing thing. A forum was created where people are free, utterly free, to say what they really think. Letters to the editor require a name and a verification phone call, and thus tend to be toned down by most people. And shy readers may bypass the opportunity to speak altogether. But blogs have liberated all of us. You can be an elected official, a dairy maid, a minister, or a tavernkeep. You can be a flaming liberal or an uber conservative, and you have a blank slate to say how you really feel in the deepest corners of your mind, and your heart. You can rant, challenge, support, whine, or stun the world with eloquent prose. You don’t even have to tell anyone you’re doing it! It’s free speech, and it’s the ultimate intellectual freedom. And it’s all yours.
That is of course unless some half-crazed mayor with a chip on his shoulder makes it his mission to figure out who you are, and announce it to the world against your wishes, and regardless of your own reasons to keep that information to yourself. One of the first rules of internet use is “Don’t give out your personal information on line.” We’ve all heard the warning. That sage advice is designed to keep us safe from all kinds of nastiness. There are some pretty malicious villagers out there. But cranky half-crazed mayors don’t care about that.
It only takes looking through the comment section of this blog, or the Anchorage Daily News, or a host of others to see that there are few, if any, who use their real names. We have screen names for a reason. The screen name can reflect an opinion, cause a laugh, make a point, or tell a little bit about ourselves. Evenutally, if we become a regular, others will recognize us by that screen name and formulate opinions about us, just like in real life. Do we usually make sense? Are we intelligent? Are we completely full of BS? People will figure us out eventually. The once exotic “nom de plume” has become part of everyday life for most of us who hang out in cyberspace. And we love it.
Society can be intolerant. Those with unpopular or minority views can have it tough. Walking into a shopping mall and explaining to the masses why you think Obama is a socialist, or why you think the world dodged a bullet by not electing McCain and Palin and then handing out your personal information, might be a risky thing to do, depending on the mall.
Protections for anonymous speech are vital to democratic discourse. Allowing dissenters to shield their identities frees them to express critical, minority views . . . Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority. It thus exemplifies the purpose of the Bill of Rights, and of the first amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation. Supreme Court, 1995, McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission
When we allow a person in a position of power and authority who holds elected office to abuse his or her power with deliberate malevolent intent to infringe upon the ability of a private citizen to utilize the right of free speech, we have crossed a dangerous line.
I happen to be a big fan of the first amendment. I think the guys who signed it were too. And I think I understand why it got the honorary #1 spot.
Good night, Mudflatters. (Hands you a teddy bear and turns out the light) And tomorrow, we’ll be on to something new.
Very well put.
Fabulous…absolutely fabulous.
Very very very well put!
AKM is back and better than ever!
Goodnight AKM,
Sleep tight,
wake up bright,
to fight for right,
with all your might!
P.S. You are simply fabulous!
I loved your parable AKM!
Now…in the interest of protecting anonymous free speech and punishing those who trash it…Let’s SUE!!! Please start a legal fund! I’ll contribute.
Thanks for all you do!
continue fighting the good fight!!!
Hey Shannyn ,
I owe you a ‘coke’ as I did not see your comment before I replied – so true!
Loved it! Thanks for the bedtime story as I take my teddy bear upstairs and crawl under the big comforter to protect me against the still cold Alaskan night. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs (or the political bugs for that matter) bite.
AKM,
There are many reasons that I read your blog, one of which is the fact that you are an excellent writer. Bravo for this writing. I salute you.
I’ve read it a 3rd time now, and it just gets even better.
AKM, your spirit is indomitable and inspiring.
Bravo.
A superb compilation of everything we’ve been saying, in a way that anyone with half a brain can understand! I’m a big believer in parables, myself.
Your army has been gathering itself, as you’ve gathered your thoughts. Command us, AKM!
The Mayor and the Queen I’m glad to hear, are not going to get their own way.
Well done, AKM.
Good to hear that bedtime stories are still in fashion in the ‘Flats. Now that I’ve had a great one, I’ll shortly be off to bed to find my teddy bear. Everyone else, take care and sleep well!
Wonderful.
Good morning! It’s 4 am where I am, but a good story is a good story, no matter when it’s read. What a treat to wake up to. Hang in there, AKM.
They say you never fully appreciate something until it’s gone – how true! Didn’t know quite what to do with myself when you were recuperating. Hope something good comes out of all this!
Thank you AKM. It’s great to see you back, and in fine form, I might add. Your “parable” is quite delightful. I wait, with bated breath, for the next installment.
Thanks for the story. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard such a provocative parable outside of the New Testament.
awww AKM you are making my heart hurt…grand daughter talk ..but true..
When we allow a person in a position of power and authority who holds elected office to abuse his or her power with deliberate malevolent intent to infringe upon the ability of a private citizen to utilize the right of free speech, we have crossed a dangerous line. – AKM
Perfect, perfect, perfect! I can hear this phrase ringing in the air of a courtroom, as a prosecutor makes closing arguments to a jury…
G’nite, AKM. I will have sweet dreams.
I’m usually reticent with praise but this post is absolute perfection!!
Vintage AKM…..with fire in the eye and sharp quill in hand.
BTW, Mayor Ahab……your ship, The Essex, just sailed.
Hahaha….
Oh thank you AKM for a bedtime story that a middle age woman hasnt had in years but has given me a life lesson that I used to get when I was a child. You have taken the difficult task of taking all our thoughts and yours, along with ethical issues, and given us a parable (bedtime story) that is filled with truth, wit, intelligence, integrity and inspiration. I had to read it to my spouse and sent it to my adult children who I have talked so much about Mudflats that they are now interested. They were delighted with your parable. I am convinced that you have a future in delighting us with your writing on another level later because you have the ability to inform your audience of what is taking place in our world that has corruption but you lessen the sting but at the same time address the gravity of the problems. I know I dont put my writings in paragraphs most of the time but I am usually trying to say what is on my mind so quickly that I forget sometimes. Thank you for the bedtime story, and as usual, you were informative and entertaining . God, I am glad you’re back in full force. Hugs,hugs and hearts, hearts to your bravery. I said it before and I’ll say it again, you are my hero/ine. See you tomorrow and sleep well.
AKM – This deserves a Pulitzer at the very least. Fantastic!! Sweet Dreams…
AKM, is the Queen married to King Pyrrhus?
AKM:
My anonymous name is “Deist” because I admire great deist americans including at least one of the ‘founding fathers’ you mention above. Just because I believe in a creator doesn’t mean I believe in Jesus Christ or the theocratic (primarily Christ believing) government that our kids pledge allegiance to every morning at school.
We’ve already lost the constitutional separation, of church and state, that my deist, atheist, and christian founding fathers all had the common sense to advocate. They saw what religion could do to government. But Bush and Palin try to bond theocracy with government authority. And as we’ve seen they’ve got other problems too.
Unfortunately Obama would never have been elected if he hadn’t attended a christian church every sunday. I’m sorry. That’s true. I love Obama and I realize he did what he had to do and he had no choice.
Berkowitz got pulverized even against Don Young because Alaskans won’t tolerate non christians– the United States of America’s federal government is now a christian theocracy. There are “exceptions” (like Lieberman) but they are few.
Our founding deist and atheist and christian guys also advocated a bill of rights and freedom of speech. But I’m becoming skeptical of all our human rights after seeing how our government has already discarded our right to separation of church and state.
Next to go– our bill of rights and our freedom of speech. Americans will always have to fight to preserve our rights– now we must fight for our primary human rights including our freedom to express our opinions without being destroyed for what we believe in.
If we don’t fight for our fundamental rights, someone like Palin or Bush will always be around like parasites to take them from us. They’ll always be there.
Welcome back.
AKM
I lived in Northern Canada for much of my life. The kindredship between northerners is unique as most are more individual thinkers. The only thing missing was the parable of the emporer with no clothes. Keep up the good work as presently I am in the Sahara desert and enjoy your posts daily. it takes courage to be the spokesperson for those that are less capable or more afraid. You are helping the world to regroup and move forward by going back to the principles of respect and tolerance
Well done, AKM. I stand in support.
AKM,
Have you figured out who told Mike Doogan ?
Is that what I am supposed to get from this bedtime story?
Wonderful, AKM, just wonderful. Thank you.
Does this village have a lawyer who believes in the First Amendment and thinks that suing the mayor for his action, is a case that will benefit the public? I hope so.
Welcome back AKM. I am just now calming down enough to form words. I’m glad to see that you are still willing to write in your singular and excellent style. Please don’t let as trivial and small an individual as Doogan slow you down. I have a feeling he’s not gonna’ get reelected.
Well done, good to have you back
Great parable AKM. It’s great to have you back.
Excellent post. And you’re correct about all the bloggers.
As far as I’m concerned, when Doogan asks who is Mudflats?
I answer: I AM MUDFLATS!
Bravo akm, I get it. A parable is like a moral store that can teach us values, control, and ethics. I think a good parable can also save us alot of pain, suffering, and economic grief. I’m kind of slow learner you see, I think from being knocked unconscious over 6 times in my younger sporting days.
I can see that parables makes alot of sense and is a wonderful teach skill.
Maybe if I heard more parables when I was younger about risky and dangerous behavior, I might have saved myself a few of those nasty concussions and all those very expensive medical bills. You see, I was addicted to speed at one time in my life. Young and over ambitious with out someone to teach me a few grounding parables about crashing into trees at 65 mph during a down hill ski race, or motorcycle racing and crashing as well. Would be beneficial for a young fearless man with a typical invincible nature to learn alot of parables.
Now that I’m older and have survived into my 50′s, I’m going to teach my own adventurous 19 year old son a few more parables fast!
Getting back to your parable of Mayor Ahab and the white whale that he was trying to kill. If my memory serves me correctly that story didn’t have a happy ending for vengeful Ahab. You kind of left us with another cliff hanger tonight……. But its nice to drift out into the dream land of magical thinking, and ponder different endings to this fine parable. I wonder what old man Ahab is thinking.
Good night all…… Thanks for the parable akm, a most under used lesson of live.
It warms my heart to have you back. Your spirit shines bright.
Thank you
What a lovely story to wake up to !! Most certainly an inspiration to kick off the week. As always , the best !! Thanks AKM.
AKM
Bravo!!! Go for the throat. You have the 1st admendment behind you. I can not believe a public official did this to you and your family. World wide we all have your back! You are fantastic, and I look foward to your posts daily!!!
Thank-you for the bedtime story. I’ll sleep well…your couarage and wit have managed to warm my heart. I can assure you that many villigers here, are with you and your clan, in spirit…all the way in the distant land, where the king is named Formerbadactor II.
deist and califpat….. I take off my hat and bow low…..love your words….
great parable akm..i am a daily reader of the mudflats. your way of thinking represents so many people..thanks for expressing us all so well!
I wanna know what happens to the bad scary mayor. Does the good knight send him to his room and make him sit in the corner?
Does he learn his lesson, and say he’s sorry?
Oh I know, I’ll email him, and his legislative aides too.
Dear Bad Mayor Ahab,
Had enough yet? Is it beginning to sink in?
Have you had an “Oh my god what have I done?” moment?
No? Not yet? You will.
You will.
I promise you, you will.
DrChill
——
There I feel better. Back to bed. Nitie night AKM
Sweet dreams. … I missed you.
What CalifPat and everyone else has said goes for me, too.
I have a sneaky feeling we will all be gathered outside the tavern when the tavernkeep unlocks the tavern door in Chapter 2 of the parable. With coin in hand, we will all raise a pint of ale in honor of the free air we will breathe while singing songs of old.
The one customer across the street at the Queen’s tavern will be swilling grog all alone while the bartender is seen spitting tobacco into the dank air and wondering if anyone will notice as he tiptoes across the street to hum a tune or two at the ‘cool kids tavern’!
…and because it is 3:30 in the morning, I haven’t gone to sleep yet, and am probably being a bit over the top w/ lack of sleep… here is a somewhat unrelated rendition of “Men in Tights”.
With all of our Founding Father types being mentioned as of late, I figured we should add them into the mix, too.
http://tinyurl.com/dhxkjp
Drchill…. your pen is very sharp tonight!
I don’t see why AKMudflats should have to raise and spend money to sue (although I would be happy to contribute to the legal fund).
Isn’t this criminal, and something a state or federal prosecutor should pursue?
Any lawyers out there know?
Welcome back! You sure are one smart cookie!
Oh well there ya go, maybe Alaska’s new Attorney General will take the case…
-=:0
AKMuckraker is too kind to add the following paragraph, so please allow me:
“Suddenly, all the villagers (even some of the Queen’s loyal subjects) realize the mayor is being a mean, obnoxious bully and they rush over to his office, where he’s trying to barricade himself in, but he’s not quick enough. The villagers pick up the mayor, carry him over to the horse watering trough, and dump him in. Disgusted, they walk away, as the mayor wipes the water from his eyes and wonders what just happened.”
I personally believe the “mayor” doesn’t know how to swim and would drown in the shallowest water.
This is actually a wake-up story for me (I live in far-off Maine, where our politicians are mavericks in kind of a good way). Your predicament has been on my mind all weekend. I’ve done my share of e-mailing, too. I hope the ash is settling and everyone’s heart rate is returning to normal. AKM, you are an Alaskan treasure. Keep the tavern open…I’ll have a diet Dr. Pepper, please.
“The villagers pick up the mayor, carry him over to the horse watering trough, and dump him in. ”
A pig sty would have been a better place for said mayor.
Glad to have you back, sharp and witty and on point as ever.
Thank you
Wow! Wonderful story to wake up to with my coffee. All is right in the world again wehen I can enjoy a post or two over morning coffee. This was fabulously written – just a great example of why so many love you AKM.
Susan – I liked your addition but I would have put the mayor in the manure truck. I’m thinking like a 4th grader today! he he! Or maybe, in the watering trough, and then had the manure truck dumped on him! Ha ha!
great story, hoping for a good ending !
This is also a great story to wake up to. I felt compelled to e-mail Doogan and give him my own little theory about his political future. Keep up the good fight AKM. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gee, that was a fun story. I can’t wait to hear what happens to that nasty old mayor.
BTW – love the new “page” thingy. server guy in Tokyo and snos , you guys are the best……..working with the best !!
AKM: Stay on the road. You will always be our AKM and we will continue to read your parables and fables…wow, did not remember the difference.
Yanno, just look at the, what is his name, and remind him. Someday, someone will do the same to you, you will be outed, and, and, you may not like it.
…smiles at AKM…what courage you have, what honorable courage you have to give us the unadulterated truth about the underbelly of Alaskan politics.
You are our HERO.
A New Yorker who admires those who stand tall….
Itty, a pseudonom (sp?)
And what the cranky old Mayor Ahab didn’t realize was that all the Villagers then commenced to empty their pockets to pour their coins, small and large, into Joe the Tavernkeeper’s Tip Pot.
The very next night Joe the Tavernkeeper implemented wondrous happenings in the tavern. Suddenly, the ale spigots started flowing more quickly PLUS there were Clocks! For once the Villagers could read the actual time and knew when they were supposed to quit reading and crawl into their beds, pajamas and all.
Sweet dreams AKM! So happy to see you back in your finest form!
Welcome home AKM.
Why do I get this feeling there is a whole lot more you know, but couldn’t divulge in anonymity?
A well equipped Knight with a keen edged sword, as a force to be truly reckoned with.
Stay safe in your new shiny armor.
Yes, kudos to Snos and Server Guy!
Thanks so much for all you do to keep this place happy and sane and running! I love the new FAST server and clocks which don’t just show military time (I always have a mental block with military time). Nice work.
A new call to action has been posted – Email the Media.
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6760.0.html
PLEASE make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Also, there is info on internet safety here –
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6753.0.html
Thanks all..
Oh yeah, like the new post #s. Sooo much easier for my tiny brain. Now where was I?
This is why this is the best blog-you don’t get writing like this on any other sites.
Keep it up AKM.
See? This is one of the MANY reasons we love you.
Spot on, as usual. I also like the parable continuations from commenters!
Standing. Clapping.
*clap clap clap*
Can I be the Tavernkeeper’s bodyguard?
AKM – What would we do without you! Thank you so much for continuing to share your writing talent with the world. You give me hope and courage. No one should have to feel like the little dairy maid. Bless you.
http://www.themudflats.net/?p=2589#comment-34419
Yes as long as you bring the bread.
AKM: I knew I wasn’t wrong when I decided to move to this neighborhood,I mean where else can you read and be able to visualize what is written,makes it hard to wait for the rest of the parable .This is your gift to share AKM and because you do it so well you can’t let others stop you from doing what comes naturally.
Thanks for coming back fulll force. You shine good light into dark corners.
AKM, listen to your spouse and friends and the vanguard around the world – you are a national treasure because in a time of turmoil, you stood up and with wit, grace, and style showed the rest of us that One Voice can indeed change the world. YOU ROCK THE WORLD – heading over to the forums. Thanks to the Mudpuppies for keeping this rocking . . .
Standing tall, indeed, AKM. Your integrity is rock solid.
Mayor Ahab threw that spear and missed…he may have even sunk his own ship.
katek – AKM throws the best shindigs also.too.
Ripley – Any bread leftover ??
Thank you AKM. Keep it up!
Wonderful AKM! Can’t wait for more, oh so many possibilities, lol. fun, fun, fun…… you are brilliant.
ps…..web people, I too appreciate the time change, lol and the page numbers, good job.
Lovely to have you back AKM . . . .Will there be dragons munching on elected officials in the next story?!
and then one by one every villager shouted out we are ALL Joe the tavern keeper and we all contributed to the pamphlets…
AKM – your wit and courage are amazing. We’re with you all the way.
Brilliant AKM!! as usual.
That miserable little spy forgot to tell the cranky, pathetic mayor how many hundreds of thousands of big, beefy bouncers that tavern had on the payroll. And now the big, beefy bouncers are REALLY p*ssed off!!!!!
Well done AKM~well done. I and other mudpupplies appreciate what you have done and are doing. The flats is one of the stops (the best one) on my morning net surf.
Snoskred……….excellent! fellow mudpups follow this link, follow the suggestions for safety and courtesy. Use your right to free speech and expression! Power to the blog world to do good, not evil!
Defend AKM, all Tavernkeepers, (Innkeepers, gatekeepers, peacekeepers, milkmaidens, etc.) and villagers, young and old.
Snoskred (and helpers I’m sure, thank you!) have compiled an extensive list of media outlets to contact. Go forth! Use the mighty pen.
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6760.0.html
I´d like to post something, but I just can´t come up with anything that does you justice.
I´ll just stick to saying thankyou then.
I’m grateful to find you here this morning. I’ve never commented before, never had a reason to. Someone here has always said pretty much what I was thinking and besides, I go to bed with the chickens and you-all seem to be more owls. Point is, ( I include myself here) we all speak the same language and with an harmonic voice. I feel we have and identity. We have a name but it is IRRELEVANT. I’m grateful to have a place to go to join with reasonable people in polite discourse. I’m 65, when I started to see what was possible re: information and the internet, I was smitten and have renewed hope for our collective future. Thank you AKM, for what you do.
ROCK IT, AKM. I would have absolutely understood if you’d chosen to dismantle the blog, but am delighted that you have chosen to stand tall, as one of the other posters said.
Welcome back – hope to have you around for a long, long time.
We need to hear from that dairy maid. Tell her to sharpen her quill.
Bravo! I love a parable, and that one was spot on. Thank you.
Philosophizing and writing parables is fine, but seriously – sue the pants off him.
Colbertwatcher, Love the “I AM MUDFLATS!” comment.
I’ve had many fantasies in my head the last 24 hours, and one of them was a sort of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” where all bloggers stood up in support and became “Mudflats”. I also had a Boxing moment and a red hot poker vision.
Nice post AKM, Thanks again, You did well with the new instrument!
You are AWESOME… Man O Man you can write. It’s great to warm up the computer ,have my first cup of coffee and come here to read.What a way to start the morning.
love the story cant wait to hear the rest of it
this story is not finished. if i were hanging out in the queens’ tavern i believe i would just move myself and my custom to your tavern where there is warm welcome and good food and conversation, music and poetry. where everyone gets to speak and learn new things and meet new people from all over the planet. thank you …..loveb
Bravo.
As yet another villager with something to say, I really appreciate your beautiful parable AKM.
I think he next chapter in the parable is that all of the pamphlet writers band together and overcome both the cranky mayor and the evil narcissistic queen.
And after they are forced to flee into the black forest the pamphlet writers fix their town for good, and it becomes a haven for upstanding honest people everywhere, a place where corruption and evil can find no purchase and sightings of rainbows and unicorns are an everyday occurrence.
Bravo! Bravo! *whistles – cheers – claps* Far too exciting a story to be for bedtime, can’t wait for the rest!
AKM – glad to see you back.
BRAVO!! It’s amazing a little breather can do- not that you’re writing is ever short of fabulous, but this piece was brilliant! (not to mention how much more I enjoyed my morning cuppa java)
Welcome back AKM! (((((HUGS))))
and after one more slug of coffee, make that your instead of you’re
“Bravo, Bravo, AKM”, Molly Ivins shouts down from heaven, dancing,
and waving her glorious golden pen in the air, and grinning from ear to ear.
Oh, happy day!
Another literary gem! Thanks, AKM.
I wondered who stole my little stuff bear. (pouting) Thank you that story was spot on.
I have been fuming since the news about the petulant,cranky mayors action burst upon us. The parable nails his petulant, cranky derriere to the wall, (although a visit to the stocks complete with townsfolk tossing various overripe vegetables, sounds good also.) This is a call to arms to all of us that blog and give our opinions. In the words of the immortal President Thomas Whitmore, “‘We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on, we’re going to survive.”[ Independance Day, the movie.] Akamuckraker, you have my respect may you continue to say what needs to be said.
AKM you are such an excellent writer!! You have the tenacity of a PIT BULL, the soul of angel and the heart of a child don’t let anyone take that away from you.
Bravo!
The so-called powerful are now the “cowerful” – so long as we hold our heads high and call them out over the web!
Let’s hear it for free, unfettered speech!
Amen.
that should have been “an angel” yup time for more coffee
Not sure if anyone else is getting responses from their letters, but I am starting to hear from the staff of the Senators I sent letters too. I will post reply’s on the forum
That little bedtime story was truly wonderful. Good job!
They are discussing GINO on NBC,her failing popularitty, she’s a punchline of her own making. Not good, they said she’s dropping so fast that even McCain won’t even support her.
Keep up the good work! Bravo!
I have this tingly little feeling that Mr Doogan is going to rue the day he ever heard or mentioned the name AKM. Stand ready Mudpups. My credit card is dying to donate to the AKM Legal Fund, and I pray and hope that it comes about. This puny little man deserves nothing less. Welcome back AKM. Your irresistible power of words holds me spellbound as always.
You are awesome AKM……I am normally on the huffpo site most of the time and have never commented here before. I heard about all this on huffpo and I was outraged as well. I tried to send Doogan an e-mail several times and it’s always returned. Does anyone have a correct address for this joker? I went into AK’s gov. website and got his address but it just won’t go. If not, I will just pop it in the mail.
Thank you for the great story! Thank you for your inspiration!
here_in_PA – How about that quote from the Texarkana Gazzete ?? I’m trying to find it and capture it.
vegancheesenut on the forum there is a list of email address for Doogan
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6678.msg63585.html#msg63585
Great story. Please do not go away…
Have you considered this as your next step?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/announcing-the-launch-of-_b_180543.html
Everything that you’ve uncovered so far still slips through the cracks, otherwise NOBODY in the lower 48, even the MSM (with the exception of Faux) would ever consider Palin as an option for 2012, or any year… Everyone needs to know now!
Maybe it’s time to really go national. The well-recognized HuffPo would be a great start, and your writing skills guarantee you some of that financial support!!
Oh, and I agree: sue the pants off your mayor Doogie.
You helped me feel a little better with your parable..you are such an excellent writer. Thanks for all you have done!
I love a good story . . .
AKM, as always, your writing is entertaining informative, and articulate!. That is one of the reasons I have continued coming here, albeit not posting much, since the election.
BRAVO!!
Wow …… strong work! I think of Mudflatters as the equilavent of the medieval “heralds” in this story, sent by horse far and wide to spread the word to neighboring villages of what has happened, knowing that while the story may be just about people in one village, the MESSAGE is universal and is empowering to all villagers of this great big world.
AKM you are brilliant. I admire you more than I can say. Kudos. Thank you for continuing to speak out and giving voice to those of us who are shy dairy maids and don’t know how to string the words together as cogently as you do. I was born in Europe in a former Soviet Socialist Republic. Through great good fortune I came to the United States and am one of it’s proudest (most of the time) citizens. It is a terrible life to be in such a place that you fear to write what you feel in words, where you fear to say what you feel, where you live in fear of the knock on the door in the middle of the night. We must give great gratitude to those who gave their lives so we may, in this day, live in the light of freedom. Anyone who would constrain that must be fought against with every means at our disposal. Small-minded people must never dictate how we live and what we say!! I am sorry for the mayor that he is having difficulty in facing the challenges of a changing world. Tough. As Darwin would say, “Change or die.” I am happy beyond measure to be here with you and the Mudpuppies.
Thanks charcoal……I will get on this. I am new to your site. And another thought, is there any attorney out there that would be willing to take this on? I for one would donate as much as I can. My big question is why was he doing this on government time?
Love ‘ya and keep up the good work.
Speaking of “dairymaids” (in the link address), I found this interesting piece about “Mr. WAR” the Palibans new AG. After reading this, I thought it was a little scary that he has run for Gov twice before and may do so again!
Excerpt and link;
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=01E7937FC79C6B4F606B4BA7C20712E2?diaryId=10144
Palin’s AG Pick Called Gays “Degenerates”
by: Bent Alaska
Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:09:48 AM EDT
He represented Palin in her ethics case against state GOP chair Randy Ruedrich when both were on the Oil and Gas Commission, and co-chaired Palin’s 2006 gubernatorial campaign. He was hoping for an appointment to head the Department of Health and Social Services so he could “stop the department from interfering with families when they should not be interfering and get them interfering with families when they should be interfering” but he was passed over.
He was the co-chair of Alaskans for Phil Gramm. (Gramm is one of the people responsible for the current economic crisis, and as co-chair of John McCain’s presidential campaign he called us “a nation of whiners.”)
• He is a former vice president of the National Rifle Association and was in line to become president but was voted out of office. He is still a director of the NRA.
• He ran for governor in 1998 and 2002. (Think he’ll use the AG post as a stepping stone to the governor’s mansion?)
Your parable, AKM, is a window into your soul.
I can’t imagine how difficult it was to tamp down the flaming anger you must have felt after Doogan sent you that e-mail, long enough to write ANYTHING. You seem to have beem able to put a lid on it for the moment…and that makes your parable even more powerful.
Thanks. You’re a great example to all of us bloggers, some of us who often type before we think.
great story
I want to throw my hat in the ring to vote that you should definitely sue Doogan – there was a quote some where on a blog about this, by a lawyer who said if he lived in Alaska he would take your case with no out of pocket fees to you and that this is a clear cut win against Doogan (and the result for damages would include paying lawyer fees as well).
I know suing is most likely not your style and it is very messy (to say the least) business – BUT what he has done is too awful to go unchallenged and vibrates around the world for the rights of everyone for free speech and to protect themselves by remaining anonymous.
Hope you’ll consider it, and hope there is a lawyer in Alaska willing to take on the case with no cost to you. Just think of what you could do with the money for the villages of Alaska and how much relief you could bring to them or another worthy cause. Not to mention to the stress and risk he has put you through you deserve to be compensated.
Stay strong and keep safe.
Hi AKM, the case below sounds a bit similar to what you have gone through. I am not sure what you have decided to do, but sounds like you grounds to take court action. Good luck, see below.
Pilchesky v. Gatelli v. Pilchesky and additional Does
Public Citizen has filed a brief urging a trial judge in Scranton, Pennsylvania, not to accede to the request of Judy Gatelli, the president of the Scranton City Council, to order disclosure of the identities of about 90 citizens who have criticized her on an Internet message board. The requested disclosure would infringe the posters’ First Amendment right to speak anonymously. Gatelli claims that the comments have both defamed her and intentionally hurt her feelings, but Public Citizen argues that she has made no showing that anything said about her is false, and most of the comments are simply expressions of hostile opinion. Our brief also notes that a politician cannot sue constituents who hurt her feelings – if she is too sensitive to stand hostile comments, she should not run for office.
The citizens names, in this case, were never revealed. Yours was.
Raise a little heII! Raise a little heII! Raise a little heII!
http://palinaroundwithpoohpooh.blogspot.com/
The aformentioned case was handled by the ACLU of PA. You have an ACL of AK. You can even send the info in online. Or call. Whatever you decide to do. I am sure we’ll hear eventually.
As usual your writing is excellent yet I have a question for you AKM – I read your profile many many months ago and in that you said you may come forward someday with your true id. I would think with your ever increasing popularity being unwitingly helped by the stupidity of the Palin group that that day would be sooner than later. You controlled your time line until now the mayor Doodoo has now forced you to respond. Maybe now is the time to stand up in the crowd and yell “I am the Mudraker” and you know what – I would be proud and privilaged to stand up right next to you and yell “I am the Mudraker too” and no one can take that away from me.
Peace, love and much support to you – you are a gem!!
Is it too early to order ” Where’s Doogan?” buttons for the next legislative session which I am sure for ” one reason or another” he won’t be in attending?
I would never call AKM a whale! Well, maybe a smiling beluga.
I’ll bet Joe’s Tavern serves fish and chips too, whereas that dark place across the street just has stale peanuts.
So nice to have my mudflats back with my morning coffee, especially after spending an hour in the kitchen cleaning up the disaster left by hubby “helping” because I’m sick.
AKM rocks !!
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/moredetails.aspx?productNo=110414828&pr=F&showbleed=false&colorNo=4&tab=1&Zoom=2
Woke up this morning turned on the coffee pot, let the dog out, opened the shades, shut the door on the cat who sleeps in the far bedroom, and then straight to the spare bedroom office. Straight to Mudflats. Beautiful story. Our friend has returned and it feels so good. Now I went to get that first cup of coffee, with a big grin on my face. Love ya AKM. Best from Az.
AKM, Yesterday I read a bit on Gryphen’s blog (The Immoral Minority for anyone not yet a regular there as well), that he and your spouse were having a hard time convincing you that what you do is IMPORTANT. Well, I am here to say that I think what you do is very important. I am convinced that you played a key role in keeping McCain and Palin out of office. Information from Alaska made it to the MSM faster because you and the other bloggers were already on her case. Think about that!
And, as soon as I read about your outing on Fri. I started to worry about how we would be able to keep her out of national office — clearly her goal — without you should you decide you needed to quit. But, Happy Day, you have decided to keep at it and I for one am so grateful. Not only do we get to keep reading you incredible writing but we can continue to hope more stongly that The Queen will not be able to achieve her goals.
One last thought — has it struck anyone else that the total lack of any lawsuit from The Queen would seem to signify the veracity of what AKM writes? I mean, if she were publishing lies, wouldn’t The Queen sue for liable? But, she isn’t. Instead she is trying to shut AKM down via intimidation. So, AKM, keep the truth flowing. After this disasterous move, you will be read by more and more people and the Queen’s inadequacies will just be seen by more and more people.
Well done Comrade~
Continue to press….continue to beat the drum…for we shall not go away quietly; there is far too much work to be done…and who better to lead that charge.
Highest commendations AKM ~ for you’ve only just begun!
And yes, we were long overdue.
But the tavern owner discovered over the days and weeks after the Major made his pronouncement that things were not as bleak as he expected. Villagers came from everywhere ….even from villages far and away, to thank the tavern owner, to sit at his tables, ordering his ware, whilst sharing cheer and planning …… and the tavern owner with the wicked pen prospered beyond his wildest dreams.
As for the mayor, what was his name??…………
Lovely parable! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I can’t add much more. Free speech is the inalienable right of all American citizens (and hopefully, in the future, all the word….I’m talking to you, China!) – I hope Doogan gets that thru his thick head. Not holding my breath though.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Will the cranky mayor make an apology in the public square I wonder?
oppss….I meant to write “all the WORLD” =)
AKM – I hope this means that you are gearing up for a “showdown” with Mr. Doogan.
Mr. BIG MOUTH needs to know that the First Amendment protects you and others like you and he must be held accountable for his actions.
Truly, this is one of those “shining moments” that needs to be exposed for what it is and Mr. Doogan’s tail needs to be planted firmly between his hind legs while running off whimpering to his little bad boy corner!!
Also want to add that it was very, very awesome to see you bounce back so quickly with another wonderful and witty post!
Lots of love to you on this beautiful day AKM!….
vegancheesenut Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 3:54 AM I saw on one of the other Alaskan sites that one of the bloggers had been contacted by several civil attorneys that offered to take this case pro bono.
It’s so good to hear your voice, AKM. I don’t mean to sound evangelical here, but to me, the “mayor’s” action took place in the darkness of thinking — in denial, fear, and bitterness. Conservative, moderate or liberal, there is a light in all of us. It’s not that we have to agree, but it’s the place we speak from within us that makes the difference.
There is a lot of that same fear being expressed all across the nation and I think it is because we now have a balance of people willing to take a stand for truth that is shaking up the fear/control dynamic that was going on. Our President has given us a way to connect with each other and is a voice for us. You are too. You have connected with people all across the world and I want to thank you for your energy, intelligence, and insight.
I wondered if you’ve considered talking to the ACLU? I looked at their web site and there is an office in Anchorage. I don’t know anything about cost or other ramifications of engaging them, but this is right up their alley and they should have quite experienced lawyers available.
This is on the ACLU web site:
The ACLU is our nation’s guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.
These rights include:
Your right to privacy – freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.
Suzanne
Kipling’s poem, “IF” comes to mind. “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same….”
AKM, you have exhibited that ability to treat “triumph and disaster” just the same.
Thanks for a superb post.
Love you. Love the story. Waiting breathlessly for the next installment.
AKM your newly found instrument ( forced upon ) is sweet music to my ears. Bravo ! !
Inspired, you are. There is something “just irresistible about a big naked idea that stands on its own in the middle of the village square” ~ may your writings (many big naked ideas!!) be always irresistible and appreciated by all with ears to hear.
GREAT story, AKM, as always
And, as always, beautifully written!
I don’t think I can add much to all that’s been said here. It was a GREAT paraliticable! So happy to see you at your best! Take that, Doogan!!!
For some reason, I was reminded of the Dixie Chick’s response to what happened to them…. Perhaps it was a comment on a different thread. Sorry for the length.
Not Ready to Make Nice
Dixie Chicks
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I wonder if Mr. Doogan will make the “worst person in the world” segment on Countdown. If not, he should. AKM – your parable was the best. Thank you for all you’ve done to help save our country from the Palinista. My worthy cause contributions have dwindled these days, but surely can find a sixpence or two for your legal fees if you decide to take action in the courts.
I wish there was an “FLM” here in Florida – home to one of the worst state governments in the country. No kidding.
SnoskredNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 1:53 AM
A new call to action has been posted – Email the Media.
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6760.0.html
PLEASE make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Also, there is info on internet safety here -
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6753.0.html
Thanks all..
———
Thought this deserved a repost on this page.
AKM, it is so VERY wonderful to see you are still in finest form! I didn’t comment on all the other threads, but hopefully you will see this.
As for the importance of your free speech rights, and the true inspiration you bring with your thoughts and your pen, I can let you know that it has been your blog and your writings that actually inspired this previously apolitical being to vote for the first time in her life, at age 42. Thank you! The best to you and your family!
Seems to me Doogan has confused standing behind one’s words with being willing to say anything, anywhere, at any time, to anyone. He does that, and look at the result.
Like the way you pointed out the fallacy of Progressive Alaska’s argument for naming oneself.
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyy……. You tryin’ to give me an’ my kid NIGHTMARES or somethin’?!?!?!?!?!?!?
(Actually, that was PRECIOUS!!!!!!!)
I absolutely loved your story. You are such a gifted writer. The more I think about what has been done to you the madder I get. The shock is starting to wear off slightly and I mean slightly.
The reason I absolutely LOVE blogs like yours is that you back up your writing & opinion. You had nothing to be afraid of remaining nameless. How many people feel free enough today to give their honest opinions using your name? I know I don’t. I have seen too much vindictiveness & am now jaded.
I am not sure what the punishment for Doogan should be because I can’t think of anything bad enough to really hurt him (& I don’t mean physically). He has taken the most PRECIOUS thing from you – YOUR FREEDOM! Did he not even think for a minute what this could do to your children or other people you care about? The arrogance astounds me.
Please do NOT let these people take away your voice or we will all be harmed. If you set up a fund I know thousands of people who would donate money for your cause.
I wish you peace because you are going to need it. I think that you will be going through a process similar to the grief process because something has been taken from you. Know that what Doogan has done to you is also effecting those of us who LOVE freedom. We stand beside you and proudly!!!!!!
AKM+coffee=
Thanks AKM!
I wish us CT pups could send our AG up to AK. Mayor Ahab would already be in the stockade in the public square.
The guy dated his email newsletter March 27, 2008. Not so bright is he?
I think ending up on Keith Olbermann’s show as the Worst Person In The World is the least of Mr. Doogan’s problems. Perhaps you are aware that there is some very clear case law on the right to anonymity as a part of your Constitutional right to privacy. Perhaps not. In the event that you are not, it’s worth perusing: http://ilt.eff.org/index.php/Speech:_First_Amendment
“The Constitution provides a right to speak anonymously, as “[e]ven the Federalist Papers, written in favor of the adoption of our Constitution, were published under fictitious names.” Talley v. California, 362 U.S. 60, 65 (1960); see also Buckley v. American Constitutional Law Found., 525 U.S. 182, 197-200 (1999) (upholding the First Amendment right to speak anonymously by striking down statute requiring that pamphleteers wear name badges).
[edit]
Right to Anonymous Internet Speech
Each of the courts to consider the issue has further found that this First Amendment right requires a heightened evidentiary showing from the subpoenaing party before enforcement of subpoenas to identify anonymous Internet speakers. See main article on anonymity.”
See also: NAACP v. Button on the right of anonymity.
AKM! {{waves hands}} we so ♥ you! Thank you for another fairytale….
) The town cranky (drunk) mayor will rue the day he messed with the tavern owver, Joe the tavern owner….and so will the Evil White Queen(witch) when Aslan comes into town.
(if only it was
Has anyone read over the weekend that there was a fire at the dairy? Lots of fires around that Queen, doncha think?
Sorry don’t have the link but it was posted @ adn over the weekend.
And all the villagers started thinking, gee if the mayor can do this, then maybe the squire can do this, then maybe the earl can do this, then maybe the _QUEEN_ can do this, then maybe the _EMPEROR/EMPRESS_ can do this.
Mudpuppies,
Take a minute to look at the map to your right. The *flats* are ROCKING ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!
I think the Tavern Owner should run for Mayor!
Here’s the link to the fire, they are saying it was from roofers…using a torch, which I know from having a ex who is a roof contractor and does torchdowns, it can happen but still….
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/ap_alaska/story/739580.html
And a contribution like this, among others, is why my good friend who writes in Ireland (Alaskan-born/raised) calls you the ‘best writer she’s ever read’……keep it up, AKM!
AKM…grinning like the Cheshire Cat!
Oh, wow, the map! AKM, you truly are a ‘voice in the wilderness’ for those of us who believe in individual freedom and responsibility. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Great article; let me say that it wasn’t the politics that drew me here, but AK’s writing style. Of course the content was important. It was a crash course on U.S. politics 101 for me, as Ive always been marveled at this great democracy and country. I had tears hearing the Star Spangled Banner at my son’s basketball games, while living in the U.S. It’s a big part of me.
I hold up my mug of coffee to AKM, and say “Behold”! – and so thrilled you are back. Thanks.
A long time ago on an internet forum far far away, a very angry and mentally unbalanced person somehow found out Mehitabel9′s real identity and where she lived. And so began the messages saying things like “I know where you live and one of these days I’m going to come to your house and throw you down your stairs.”
The good news is that the person in question was all talk and no action, and when his threats were reported to the appropriate authorities and he was confronted by said authorities, he shriveled up and blew away like a burst balloon, and was never heard from again.
But Mehitabel9 spent a little bit of time feeling very, very threatened, exposed and vulnerable. It was scary stuff. And she would not wish it on anyone, with the possible exception of people like Mike Doogan, whom she believes to be in dire need of an object lesson on this subject.
On my third read of the “paraliticable” this morning, I took the time to click each of the links to reflect on AKM’s foundational thoughts. Certainly, a new comer to the mudflats could benefit from understanding the related historical foundation by clicking on those underline links of this blog post.
As we have waited for the ash to settle over this weekend, I have been more than encouraged in reading the support of the Alaska blogging community for AKM. There are not many things to thank GINO for, however, your State’s blogging community is responding sensationally to being in the right state, at the right time, with such a “you can’t make this stuff up” cast of characters.
I too hope the AKMuckraker vs. Doogan case will set a shining precedent for clarifying our rights under the 1st Amendment in the within the internet information exchange. It also would be refreshing to see the application of Alaska’s Ethical Laws rightfully enforced. Hence, I continue to anticipate a favorable outcome…for Diva’s 11th.
AKM…thanks for your continued commitment to your innate mission. Peace to you and your family.
AKM, if the next part of the parable has room, please give a few paragraphs to what happens when the mayor announces the name of person and it’s the wrong person. What happens to the person that the mayor targets who is just a hapless bystander?
if Doogan wanted to cause a distraction he could not have done a better job. I would love to hear AKM’s take on Palin’s latest response to the stimulus bill, Palin’s insulting pick to replace Kim Elton (with a ‘born-again’ Democrat) and perhaps to get a AKM perspective on the ‘Gang the Can’t Shoot Straight’ team.
Alaska is suffering from a lame duck Governor who has already left a steamy pile on her way out the door, in the persona of one W.A.R. guy who ambitions to replace Ms. Perky are pretty damn obvious. I wonder if there were any favors filled with that appointment? He was her legal counsel at one time and she does seem to have problems paying legal fees…. Just wondering…
Anyway, welcome back AKM. Ignore the assholes. Politics is dirty work as unfortunately you have now found out first hand.
I still believe Doogan’s motive was to shut you down or at least tone you down. DON’T LET HIM OR ANYONE ELSE!
I hope you business doesn’t suffer and i seriously don’t think it will. I would think if you were ever so inclined to drop a hint to what your business is to your devoted followers, your online sales would increase exponentially.
The map………………..so many new names. Nice to see the Mudflats community exploding in growth. AKM, your stature is stronger than ever.
Brava!!!! (from another big fan of the First Amendment)
The only way that Doogan could take any satisfaction here would be your silence. By continuing your brilliant writing and thinking, he loses. Your description of meeting in the tavern and handing out pamphlets brings to mind another image– that of concerned citizens, some time ago, who had grievances with their government but had no voice to express them. The harder the abusive government pushed, the more people it drove to the concerned citizens’ cause. With no internet, phone, or telegraph, they did resort to the written word, in pamphlets. One action by the government in power was to force them to accept a delicious shipment in the harbor, but doing so would result in mammoth taxes. They were already being taxed-to-the-max without any say-so (are you thinking “taxation without representation”) so they disguised themselves and dumped the stuff in the harbor. You can argue about the cause of the event, but the disguise was necessary because they could be arrested if recognized.
The moral of the story is simple. Please keep on writing, dear AKM! Every post shows Doogan who will win the New Revolution, the freedom to communicate in a new medium. (If we need more examples of people trying to stifle speech, look what’s happening to Billo when he read something he didn’t like. He tried “outing” (all right, stalking and scaring) the writer, and the backlash is still going on.)
Think of our most cherished obligation/responsibility/honor as a democracy.
The right to vote. the big decided. More important then a blog(sorry but true).
After we sign ourselves in on voting day. No one knows how we vote unless we tell them.
Our biggest responsibility as Americans is also done anonymously.
His constituents really, really need to ask him if they too will be outed if they criticize him.
And where does SP fit into all this? Is it too coincidental that she benefits from his actions? Again, dirty work done by others.
I am not intimidated to sign my name,
Diane Patyjewicz
Alaska gives us so much fodder, wonder where the next story leads us? I can hear the rustle of leaves on someone’s tree.
Good morning everyone! Well can you imagine how the little man feels today walking into the legislator….if he actually flew to Juneau last night? Can you imagine the eyes that are upon him, wondering…..why he would do such a thing to a private citizen of Alaska. I bet everyone in the room is wondering if it’s time to call in for an intervention, maybe a little needed vacation in a padded room on the top floor of the hospital ?
His colleagues long ago realized his intake of the “firewater” had increased drastically, but they had no idea how far over the cliff he was hanging. They also realize, he brought this upon himself and well….he’s going to be on his own in the arena of public opinion.
All in all, we have had a sad time in Alaska’s political history this past session. Gino has continued with her drama, even though she knows they are all onto her little smoke and mirrors act. It’s NOT working any longer, and the Legislators are becoming exhausted and frustrated with her junior high school games.
What will this week of drama bring us? It’s always something when you have a Manic Gino attempting to run away from governing your State.
Thanks, AKM, for climbing right back on the horse that threw you.
Mudflats has been a source of encouragement and inspiration for this wanna-be cowgirl who’s been thrown so many times she isn’t quite ready to stride back into the corral to rope the bronc that’s so big, bold and powerful. Not that I want to break it…I have too much admiration and respect for something so beautiful. I just want tame it enough to be able to ride along and know that I have some bit of control over where it where it takes me.
You got thrown hard! But you picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and climbed back on. If you can do it, maybe I can keep doing it, too. ‘scuse me, ma’am, while I pull on my boots…
A royal pain.
SPY: ” Your excellency! Your excellency!… the villagers are revolting!”
MAYOR: “Yes………. I can’t stand them, either”.
AKM and Snoskred,
Since only 50 posts show up at the time now, is there any way Snoskred’s call to action could be added to your post as an update or added as a ‘sticky’ on the top of each page? Just curious. Hate for new posters to miss it.
I don’t know if its the weather or the lack of sunlight but many, many brains seem to be malfunctioning in Alaska. Could be natural selection in that the more looney among us moved to Alaska in the first place. Either way, you have a lot of absolutey outlandish politicians who rival the worst of Huey Long in their ego and demeanor yet display none of his passion for the common folk to balance it out.
Women Who Run With The WolvesNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 5:50 AM
His colleagues long ago realized his intake of the “firewater” had increased drastically, but they had no idea how far over the cliff he was hanging. They also realize, he brought this upon himself and well….he’s going to be on his own in the arena of public opinion.
————
Gives whole new meaning to “hanging out to dry”
I am really shocked that Doogan would do this. I guess I always thought he was a died in the wool Democrat and a sort of lousy author. Anyway, having lived in Alaska most of my life and now retired to a warmer clime, just want you to know how much I love and admired Mudflats. Please keep up the good work – for the benefit of all of us.
AKM you are indeed a brilliant story teller in the true Medieval sense! I agree with the Right Reverend on the Huff Post idea. And what is more poetic justice than the fact this is what Mr. Doogan would like to do but he doesn’t have the talent or the intellect. Whatever decision you make from a legal standpoint we Mudpups will be with you 100%. Take that you nasty mayor!
Thank God You are Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have such a gift. And we are the lucky recipients.
I think I know who the spy is. If I am correct, he helped out you because he was pissed off that Anne Kilkenny was being honored by the Anchorage Press Club for her “Sarah Palin Fact Sheet” email that went viral. She’s not a journalist, and according to Brendan Joel Kelley and Rhonda McBride, Anne did not deserve this Honorable Mention.
It is sad when “real” journalists start attacking bloggers. “Real”journalists go after the facts and look for the news. Andrew Halcro is by far the best journalist in town. Oh, wait. Andrew isn’t a journalist. He’s just a concerned citizen who asked the right questions. A Blogger.
Psst… You want I should pay a visit to the Milkmaid? I bet I can get her to throw out those girlie undies and woman up! Sheesh….
Agreeing with what everyone said, your burst of creativity here with this blog shows just what a passion this is for you. Run with that, AKM.
I’ll be over at the forums writing limericks that I can’t get out of my head!!! Help me!
I cannot add to any of the comments above.
So I’ll just say: AKM, what you’ve done, and what you’re doing, is important.
Important.
IM-PORT-ANT!
important: (adjective) significant; influential; essential; crucial; critical.
Go ahead. TRY and argue it with me.
(*puffs-up chest, extends arm forward palm up, and twice curls all 4 fingers briefly, in that cocky “C’mon, sukkaaahhhh!” you-wanna-piece-of-DIS?!? fightin’ stance*)
I DARE you. Yeah, that’s right… yeah, you BETTAH stay quiet!
(Well, only on THAT topic. Dagnabit.)
♥ you. Bigtime.
@ elaygee…..I don’t know if it’s the weather or the lasck of sunlight, but many, many brains seem to be malfunctioning in Alaska.
Oh, elaygee…you have no idea how hard this Spring has been. We are talking about a very long winter here in Southeast Alaska and it’s really starting to get to people. One minute it’s sunny and cold, within thirty minutes it’s blowing and snowing sideways and then it’s hailing mixed with rain. For those of us that are lifetime Alaskan’s…it’s getting to be a little much.
Still absolutely NO excuse for what Douche bag Doogn did to AKM. Totally unprofessional, mean spirited, alcohol induced idiot and just all and all….a very miserable little man.
@ GA Peach a/k/a/ Lance the boil aka Crust Scramble Soup (whew that’s long)
Yes, he has hung himself out to dry, and as my grandmother use to do when the clothes on the clothes lines would freeze. she would hit them with a stck prior to bringing them into the house. Hmmmmm….might not be such a bad idea in this case. I kind of like that visual.
@SE Idaho Reader –
Boots, gloves, chaps, hat — saddle up! Don’t let the bad guys keep you down, get back on the bronco, just make sure you’ve got all of the protective gear on/in place.
This little (big) speed bump of AKM’s is, in many ways, a bit like what all of us experience in differents ways throughout our lives. Bosses &/or co-workers who intimidate us, exes who torment us, strangers who intimidate us, sometimes spouses or family members who torment &/or intimidate us. If we can all take a bit of strength from AKM’s resilience & fortitude our lives can be enriched in both small & big ways.
I wish I knew where Joe the tavernkeeper’s tavern was (is). I’d sit down and have a big dinner, order a couple of bottles of wine, tell all of my friends to stop by, have a big party there, write up an ad saying they serve the best ale in town, etc etc.
I need clarification. Several people have cited laws regarding the right to free speech. So do the laws mean:
1. (AKM) is protected under the constitution (how could Doogan not know that) isn’t he a legislator?
2. so if the perpetrator (Doogan) takes away the right, is there a specific punitative action that can be taken
@women who run w/wolves –
Are you in Juneau? I’ll be there in May…… let’s meet up!
After perusing the paralicable once again… I have but one question AKM:
“Do ya think that the “local dairy maid” will find the courage to continue?
For you see~ fire can destroy, but it will also “refine” (like silver and gold)…
Thank you for the nugget found in the “sweet dream.”
AKM- Glad to see you back and in great form! I found you after SP was nominated and was hooked. After the election, I stayed (checking in every day-mostly lurking and enjoying your blog and all the great responses). Why did I stay? I have only been to Alaska once- about 12 years ago (one of the tourists on the cruise ships). It remains one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. So when I read your posts on the Oil Tanks and the wolf pups, my heart breaks. When I see Brian’s beautiful mug, my heart sings. Your writing is beautiful and inspiring and I am SO GLAD you are back. I sincerely hope that your family is safe, and your livelihood unaffected by this. You are an incredibly talented writer and I hope that this little episode is what ends Mr. Doogan’s political career, and begins your professional writing career. Keep up the good work!
spelling correction “…punitive…”
Well…I visited Gryphen…and what did I find?
“Palin had to pick a Democrat from Juneau for the seat under state law. But Grussendorf was a registered Republican until just weeks ago, then switched to being a Democrat to qualify for the appointment.”
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2009/03/beware-wolf-at-door-in-ill-fitting.html
And, click on the title, and it will send you to ADN with article saying same.
So, how many times has this happened, I wonder.
mmboucher……………thanks for the heads up. I thought that this would happen. I think that this really needs to be pursued as I can see that if left unattended, may trickle down. It would be that only time trickle down worked. Seriously, this man needs to be brought down and hard.
Another amazing, stellar, spot-on post, AKM!
To All Mudflats Readers: I am not registered in the Forum, & I’m sure this would be more appropriate a comment there. But I will only post this one time. Here goes:
I believe in six degrees of separation. I know that we all, collectively, know lots of “important” people. I would like to get AKM nominated for a Genius Award with the MacArthur Foundation. Can each of you ask everyone you know if they happen to know anyone who might have access to the nominating committee? Can’t we try to make this happen? They give some Genius Awards for contributions in “New Media,” I believe, and this blog totally counts. AKM deserves a top national honor. Thanks.
Wow, I wish I could write like you! It is wonderful the way you have taken an uncalled for, unfortunate circumstance and turned it into a a very interesting paraliticable.
Keep up the good work, AKM. There are a lot of us out here that really enjoy reading The Mudflats.
I hope Doogan faces a lot of repercussions for his stupidity!
It’s morning here in AZ. After the wonderful story by AKM, I can start this day with a big smile…after the laugh I just had (mental picture)…oh my.
What drew me to this blog was your woman’s voice, AKM. I KNEW you were a woman– and I respected your anononymity because as a woman playwright I know how hard it is for (real) women to be heard when we speak on universal non-gendered issues. Your perspective on AK, politics, and life is valuable because you were willing to speak freely and from your heart, not just your head. I know you’ll find the courage to let your voice of freedom continue ringing– whether in the role of tavernkeeper or the moose!
Thanks, SMR. Yep, can’t forget the chaps!
Sue Doogan….call the ACLU!
Once upon a time, I knew a guy named James Madison.
And let me tell you, gerald michael doogan is no James Madison.
A poopyhead, perhaps, but certainly not a James Madison.
You mean to tell me, that in the village described in the parable, that there is an innkeeper who is not only a brilliant writer, but also someone who serves beer? Wow, I am so there. Look, there are issues here that go to the very core of representative democracy. But let us not forget the importance of a good tavern, particularly in Alaska. In fact, I’ve chosen a name that honors my favorite Alaska bar – Eddie’s Fireplace Inn in King Salmon, Alaska. No kidding, here is a picture:
http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc30671.php
Colibrimoon Wrote:
“I need clarification. Several people have cited laws regarding the right to free speech. So do the laws mean:
1. (AKM) is protected under the constitution (how could Doogan not know that) isn’t he a legislator?
2. so if the perpetrator (Doogan) takes away the right, is there a specific punitative action that can be taken?”
For those who advocate or contemplate legal action against Mike Doogan, read the Alaska Constitution, Article II, Paragraph 6: Immunities.
Under the Immunities clause, legislators are immune to lawsuits for actions taken in their role as legislators except in cases of criminal felonies and breach of the peace.
Many anti-Doogan bloggers have correctly pointed out that Mike did this deed “on state time using state resources,” which means, ergo, that he was acting as a legislator. It could also be argued that Mike, too, was merely exercising his First Amendment rights.
Joe LaRocca
North East (Erie County) PA
@Professor Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 6:30 AM
————————————-
I will post this on the forum for you.
Just excellent.
Of course, I think Joe the Tavernkeeper is going to continue to do good business. Good food and drink know no boundaries. His clientele may shift to the left a bit.
The danger here is if the Mayor’s goon squad start hanging out at the Tavern, taking names and then causing grief to those that frequent the tavern, even if they’re innocently going there just for a bubble and squeak.
Guilt by association. A whole other parable.
GA Peach a/k/a/ Lance the boil aka Crust Scramble Soup –
Oh ye master of the urban dictionary – http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Palin
Hooray AKM! Don’t have time until later to read all the comments but i am thrilled with your parable! You keep that pen in hand and keep on writing those pamphlets! There is a whole new world of Mudflatters standing behind you, next to you, beside you, heck you are surrounded by us and we are ready to work with you as soon as you decide your future steps. I can’t say it enough… welcome back!
re MacArthur Awards.
There are a certain set of criteria for this which does not include massive popularity.
As to the comments about tarring and feathering the dooganhead, please be informed that I need a new pillow and a new roof. Consequently, please do no misuse either the feathers (would work great in a new pillow) or tar (helps make the roof water-tight). Let’s just throw him in with the palin-lemmings and go watch the spectacle from near the base of his favorite cliff.
I still say, if doogan had any sense of personal integrity, he’d hand in his keys to the legislature and quietly go back to doing what he doesn’t do best: write.
Thank you this parable, but thank you most for being here and for staying here. When SP was first announced as the VP pick, my husband said this was a smart move and women would vote for her. I couldn’t believe this, didn’t make sense to me, so I started cruising the internet and I found Mudflats! Oh happy day!! It is what save my questionable sanity and kept me going through those dark months before the election. Without you I would have become a quivering mass hiding in the closet. With you, I went forward in my day, confident that good would prevail. And I was right!! Thank you a million times over!
Is this sarah getting in this car ??
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TxtOpAB0ckU/SRU_SMB82xI/AAAAAAAAAag/lcr24P6533M/s400/Jesuc+Car.jpg
One last thing. Or two.
1) rights under the state and Fed Constitutions: I am sure AKM is well aware of her rights under both. Whether AKM decides to pursue remedies is up to her. But I am sure someone out there is quite qualified on 1st Amendment issues and would be more than willing to pursue a pro bono handling of the matter.
2) using state resources to settle personal affairs: I’m not the only one who has suggested filing an ethics complaint with the appropriate state agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office. Might even be a federal issue since it involves using public moneys. Someone, anyone, please!! Make that filing.
Joe–That’s not correct. “Acting as a legislator” means voting–that is the understandable immunity. What Doogan did was to use his position with the state to commit a tort, which removes both his immunity and subjects the state to liability.
As for him exercising his first amendment right, that right is subject to the recognized limitations of libel and invasion of privacy.
Thanks Joe LaRocca for replying, my instincts are right. Legal recourse to Doogan’s outing of AKM will not be open and shut, there is a gray area, too bad.
Nothing so satisfying as a good story.
Thanks, AKM, you be da Muckraker!
austintxNo Gravatar Says:
- http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Palin
———
LMAO – so glad I’d just finished the last of my coffee!
(And just for you, I lost part of the soup!)
AKM you have my sympathy on being outted. It is the anonymity that enables some of us to be bolder in our efforts to bring out the truth.
The ability to learn the truth, and share it without the repercusions of having to worry about our safety in some aspect is a necessity of life. Bloggers aren’t journalists, bloggers aren’t OP/ed writers. They are a new breed of people, some good and some bad. The good find facts, as you do, and use that to back their opinions and champion change. The bad, use blogging as a vehicle to do evil.
I’ve come here from time to time since VP nominations, on a whim.. Or a misclicked link.. Guess what. Y’all are book marked now ^.^
I recognize talent when I see it, and you have more talent in your little finger than some of the so called “Journalists” out there.
Keep writing, keep bringing the truth to light, and keep sharing with us little bits of alaska.
and Mr Mayor… or Doogan.. or what ever. Your time is limited, the people have seen you for who you truly are. A vile, spiteful, vindictive, insecure shell of a man. There are people who can help you with that, and the first step in that road to being “Better” is a public appology for abuse of power, and stepping down.
You took a citizen of your fine state, a law abiding, truth seeking citizen.. And threw her to the wolves (that are being hunted from planes) … An that can’t be so easily pushed out of the spotlights.
austintxNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 6:49 AM
GA Peach a/k/a/ Lance the boil aka Crust Scramble Soup -
Oh ye master of the urban dictionary – http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Palin
———
LMAO – glad I’d just finished my coffee.
I tried to lose part of the soup, but I couldn’t post w/o it.
I showed my husband the mudflats member map. He immediately wanted to know who the heck is on the island east of Madagascar and who is in the boat off the east coast of the US. lol.
Keep those pamphlets coming AKM!! I’ve gone from part time lurking to needing my daily fix of Mudflats in a matter of weeks. You are inspirational to this extreme introvert that can barely form a cohesive sentence at times. So many comments I’ve wanted to make yet generally there is always someone here that sums up my own thoughts precisely! Thank you for all you do and your Mudpuppies too , also ( ahem!)
Re: “The Mayor” I keep think of ” The Burgermeister !!! “
SnoskredNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 1:53 AM
A new call to action has been posted – Email the Media.
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6760.0.html
PLEASE make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Also, there is info on internet safety here -
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6753.0.html
Thanks all..
———
Thought this deserved a repost on this page.
Oh ye master of the urban dictionary – http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Palin
This was my favorite:
palin
(v) to abandon one’s principles for short term gain
Tom, a devout vegan, palined when he consumed a happy meal solely to obtain the collectible toy it contained.
Well AKM,
That’s the best damned gourmet, lemonade any one ever mixed up from a batch of very sour lemons!
Loved the paraliticable!
Professor is right…..
“I would like to get AKM nominated for a Genius Award with the MacArthur Foundation.”
I wish I had a contact!
I also clicked on the Facebook link above, to add to my profile. I’m not sure the people on my friends list there are Personal rights savvy, but I’m sure they’ll be alarmed at something like this.
Perhaps it will bring them here, and perhaps they will share with you all. Or perhaps they will forward it along.
Joe, I with Donna.
Our fore-fathers laid down their wealth, status and lifes as possible payment to a dream that would someday allow JT (AKM) and that milkmaid (the average American) to critique, confront and present alternatives to our governing processes/entities; that was a frightening and good thing to do. Those efforts also allowed for a corrupt/idiotic mayor to use all available resources to “oust the enemy”. Such is the premise of our republic and its democratic system.
To AKM; I’m am so very sorry you, your family/friends and future are being put on the front lines this way. While I confess the mayor may be also within his “rights” I also can judge those actions from an ethical stance as well! That is my right and one I use most often when casting a ballot!!!! I pray the villagers will weigh ethical behavior as well as political stances when next this silly angry mayor comes up for re-election!
God’s blessings AKM,
pj
I know this is off-topic, but could you all please take a look at this? I would really really like everyone to see the comment made by SP’s pick for AG. It is imperative that citizens contact their legislators to voice their concerns about the AG pick. It must be clear that should legislators veto the gov’s pick that they are backed up by their constituents.
This is a community of caring people here at Mudflats. We have gone to extraordinary efforts to assist Native Alaskans (and each other when the need arises!), and must not let WAR set back the rights of Alaskans, Native or non-Native, though it seems that he has a special black place in his heart for Natives.
http://www.tolerance.org/news/article_tol.jsp?id=431
Hand faster than head…Joe, I’m with Donna.
womanwithsardinecan – Tell your hubby that the “Angels” are EVERYWHERE.
Hooray for AKM! You are indeed a white knight in what is often a downright frightening Alaskan political landscape these days. We owe so much to you and your brave pen! Thank you!
“For those who advocate or contemplate legal action against Mike Doogan, read the Alaska Constitution, Article II, Paragraph 6: Immunities.
Under the Immunities clause, legislators are immune to lawsuits for actions taken in their role as legislators except in cases of criminal felonies and breach of the peace. ”
This was a personal action and not “in the role as a legislator” unless it was done on behalf of the legislature. This did not regard any pending or past vote or legislation. His other items on the state legislative newsletter were also unrelated to any legislature business either, unless they are planning to enact a law where only professional journalists (whatever that is) can win a journalism award. He seems to be confused that the newsletter is for his personal complaints. That is what letters to the editor are for.
Keep up the good work. It is the nature of politicians to sit back and see if it will go away so we have to not let that happen.
I am a newbie mudpuppy, although I have lurked off and on (mostly on) since September…
AKM, while reading your parable (paraliticable) I was spellbound. Your gift is remarkable, made even moreso by the quality of responses it invokes. I am a visualization type of person and in closing my eyes, I see you as a bright light in the centre, with many other lights being drawn towards you, and all around you. Much like a moth is drawn to a flame.
Reading the comments this morning in response to your paraliticable, I am struck by their quality, both in content and imagination. I believe it can be said that in sharing of your gift, the outcome is a site where intelligent discourse and exchanging of ideas takes place. It is exponential. Like attracts like, they say. That being said, it is no small wonder an individual such as Mike Doogan would feel threatened. As Mudflats grew, and improved, the greater the difference between it, and someone who one could arguably describe as a ‘has-been’.
I believe in life each of us are presented with challenges. It is how we deal with these challenges that determine how successful (for want of another word) we have been in living our life when our end is near. Mr. Doogan was very unprofessional, rude, etc. etc. last December. You called him on it. He then had two choices. He could acknowledge his lack of professionalism and apologize, or he could attack. He chose the latter. He became obsessed until finally, last Friday arrived, and the rest is history.
I wonder how he is feeling this morning. His ego, immaturity, lack of remorse, sense of entitlement, anger and role-playing as the victim suggest to me he is a narcissist. That this story went national over the weekend has no doubt had a huge impression on him. Does he feel remorse, or has it instead enraged him? Once again, he is presented with two choices, and I wonder which one he has chosen. He can accept responsibility, or continue to blame.
Oh to be a fly on the wall … I can’t help but wonder what is happening ‘behind the scenes’ of the AK Democratic Party because of what he did, and as a result of the many letters they received because of Doogan’s most unfortunate actions.
The most important thing, looking at the big picture, is that AKM has not been silenced. Mudpuppies have not been silenced. The exact opposite, in fact, has happened and it is very important. This may very well be a very important piece of case law down the road (if you do decide to seek legal compensation for punitive damages, AKM. I say this as someone who was in the legal profession here in Vancouver, BC for 28 years, first as a legal secretary and then as a legal assistant).
Many adjectives come to mind when I think of you AKM. They are all good
. I cannot begin to express to you my admiration and I very much look forward to getting to know all of you better, now that I have ceased to be a lurker 
.
In closing, I would like to add my vote to the growing list of names that believe you would be a tremendous investigative journalist for Huffington Post. Perhaps, if it is something that would interest you, AKM, Snoskred could initiate an Action we could all endorse… (just a thought).
Gentle hugs, Namaste,
WCR
Karma is a wonderful thing.
This is the coolest Tavern; Great ale. Lively villagers.
Joe LaRocca @ March 30th, 2009 at 6:46 AM wrote:
“For those who advocate or contemplate legal action against Mike Doogan, read the Alaska Constitution, Article II, Paragraph 6: Immunities.
Under the Immunities clause, legislators are immune to lawsuits for actions taken in their role as legislators except in cases of criminal felonies and breach of the peace.
Many anti-Doogan bloggers have correctly pointed out that Mike did this deed “on state time using state resources,” which means, ergo, that he was acting as a legislator. It could also be argued that Mike, too, was merely exercising his First Amendment rights.”
And it could ALSO be argued that Mike Doogan was NOT acting as a legislator — in other words, is stalking a citizen who’s committed no crime or threatened anyone a legislative responsibility? Is publishing the name of that citizen in a legislative newsletter to constituents (his, not necessarily that of the citizen) in an accusatory manner for an opinion expressed by that citizen a legislative responsibility?
And it could ALSO be argued that Mike Doogan is NOT protected by that Immunity clause, because, as the Alaska Constitution states, in Article I, section 22, ” 22. Right of Privacy — The right of the people to privacy is recognized and shall not be infringed. The legislature shall implement this section. [Amended 1972]”
If stalking and publicizing the name of an anonymous citizen is “implementing this section” of the Alaska Constitution, then there should be a statement from the Majority Leader of the Alaska legislature confirming that Mike Doogan acted as a representative of the legislature and with the legislature’s approval — not on his own as a private citizen-stalker using state time and state resources.
Yes, Yes, Yes what all four pages of comments have already said, Yes, Yes, Yes! And thanks, thanks, thanks for coming back brave heart, stronger than ever. I’ve already sent my small contribution to the tipjar just to keep thing afloat until we learn the next best way to support you.
CAN ANYONE SAY ERIN BLOCKOVICH?
Excuse me, i believe i spelled her name wrong. Brockovich.
Remember Julia Roberts in the movie?
KaJo Says:If stalking and publicizing the name of an anonymous citizen is “implementing this section” of the Alaska Constitution, then there should be a statement from the Majority Leader of the Alaska legislature confirming that Mike Doogan acted as a representative of the legislature and with the legislature’s approval — not on his own as a private citizen-stalker using state time and state resources.
—————————————————-
um – yeah. Sounds like someone needs to make a statement……..
Not only will the tavern get more patrons, I believe, but the little dairy maid (and others) will stand up to the mayor and write! In fact, I believe just to spite the Mayor, more villagers will find the courage to write, and write well. AKM, pull me up a chair, pour me a glass of cider, and get out my quill. Game on.
Amazing story … cannot wait for the ending.
I believe using State Resources to commit a crime (2nd Degree Stalking) is hardly “acting as a legislator”.
Also would not protection under Free Speech (federal) trump the Alaska supposed protection?
I don’t believe he is protected from misuse of office charges.
There are smart legal beagles out there who would love to sink their teeth into his actions. But a question, does this guy drink anything but brown fluid in tumblers? Every time he is photographed, he’s holding a drink. A question of “competency” in an elected official?
As I see it, this will come around and bite him no matter how he tries to slice and dice it – his actions will have repercussions. An example must be set that individuals still have rights under the Constitution.
Keep up the FABULOUS writing AKM – you’re on top of your game now…
Oh, AKM, this, this is why I keep coming to the ‘flats. You are a master storyteller, and I will continue to come to your tavern as long as you are willing to keep serving the gin (I’m allergic to beer. It’s the Asian in me). I am the burlesque queen of the town, and I raise my quill in unity with yours. I will pull bodyguard duty in my off-time. I have the tats, the shades, and the attitude to do it.
Here is my contribution to the parable.
The mayor is triumphant at what he has done. He doesn’t care that he has put Joe the Tavern Keeper in danger because what does that matter to An Important Man such as himself? He preens about town, sniggering behind his hand, alongside his friend, EARlene, the Town Crier. EARlene used to wear a mask to cry out the news, but she has conveniently forgotten all about that.
The Queen is smiling behind the closed doors of her castle because she has been wanting to silence the pamphleteer for some time, but she, just, you know, never could figure it out. Also.
What neither the Queen nor the Mayor realized is that many of the town and nearby towns did not like what had happened to Joe the Tavern Keeper. See, they kinda liked the reading the pamphlets because the pamphlets let them know what was actually happening, and not just what EARlene wanted to trumpet. The townspeople were appalled that Joe the Tavern Keeper might be in danger for telling the truth. The townspeople were not going to take it lying down.
The barmaid, along with the burlesque queen, the livery boy, and even some of the servants in the Queen’s castle got up their gumption and began to write pamphlets of their own. The Mayor did not know what he had uncorked when he decided to out Joe the Tavern Keeper.
To Be Continued.
P.S. LibertyLover, thank you for posting the Dixie Chicks’ song. I love that song, and it fits so perfectly.
Thank you for speaking out! You have every right to an opinion and should be able to voice it without fear. I will be writing to Mike Doogan to tell him what I think of his morality and I will be leaving him my FULL name.
Damn. Typo in the second-to-last paragraph. Any chance of a preview function?
Irishgirl Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 6:47 AM
————————————-
“I will post this on the forum for you.”
Thank you so much, Irishgirl! We can make it happen!
Joe LaRocca @ March 30th, 2009 at 6:46 AM wrote:
“For those who advocate or contemplate legal action against Mike Doogan, read the Alaska Constitution, Article II, Paragraph 6: Immunities.
Under the Immunities clause, legislators are immune to lawsuits for actions taken in their role as legislators except in cases of criminal felonies and breach of the peace.
Many anti-Doogan bloggers have correctly pointed out that Mike did this deed “on state time using state resources,” which means, ergo, that he was acting as a legislator. It could also be argued that Mike, too, was merely exercising his First Amendment rights.”
====
And by your theory each AK state legislator can and should formulate their own “theory about the public process” and without prior notification to citizens about their criteria notify constituents whenever someone doesn’t meet their criteria.
That’ll keep me busy every night making sure I don’t break a rule a legislator won’t even tell me about…. just to keep off their enews. ANNNNDDDD what if the legislator slaps MY name in their enews and it isn’t even ME that broke the rule (which I still don’t know about)… I get to take the bricks through my front window??
Rumor has it that the mayor has a very small doogan, and drinks way too much mead. Of course this isn’t an excuse for his actions, but a reason for his insane actions. I’m sure he’s regretting his actions right now, but it’s way too late. He is the embarassment of the whole village, and is now know as the village idiot.
=)
And now the pamphlets are being read far and wide, yes even across the borders in distant lands because the poopy-head mayor created such a fuss that villages around the nation eagerly await the latest tale.
Just linked to your blog.
I find it amusing and more then a tad hypocritical of Doogan to “out” you, when he holds his own opinions very secret. When he first ran for the State House, I emailed him and asked what his opinions on gay marriage were. He wrote back a very terse reply saying the issue had already been decided by Alaska’s voters. I wrote back stating that I was aware of the marriage amendment, but I wanted to know if he would be willing to revisit the issue in the future and how he would vote on allowing a statewide vote on its repeal. At that point he got snarky, telling me I had no right to his personal opinions, etc. (OK, so at that point I got a bit snarky too) But remember I didn’t press him on his personal opinions any further, I kept my follow up questions related to how he would act as a legislator. Of course I got no where. And his newspaper column could also be a mess. He derided Princess Di as someone who was someone whose only notable accomplishment was dying, when in fact she created what is to this day the largest AIDS charity in England. In the end, voting for him was better then the alternative so I held my nose and voted for him, but it required me to do something soothing after, so I immediatly went to Kaladi Brothers and had a 20 ounce caramel latte!
womanwithsardinecanNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 7:05 AM
I showed my husband the mudflats member map. He immediately wanted to know who the heck is on the island east of Madagascar and who is in the boat off the east coast of the US. lol.
——-
Remember how during the election we wondered who was off the coast of West Africa in the middle of the ocean? Wasn’t it a cruiseship or a satellite router or something bizarre?
AKM, you’re brilliant and brave. Reading your blog makes me proud to be an American. All across the country people are supporting you and wishing you well. Great parable!
Perhaps the dairy maid owns a small business called Matanuska Maid and knows things the Queen does not want made public. Could there perhaps be taxpayer money being laundered to 4 dairy farmers? Surely not. Perhaps some of the Queen’s ombudsmen were investigating some unethical and illegal activities being pulled off by the Queen but are too afraid to talk. Perhaps the new guy in the village, Sir Wayne Anthony Ross could get to the bottom of the illegalities going on with the kingdom’s money. Perhaps there could be a nice ending to this fairy tale……………………..we can all dream, can’t we? Good vs. Evil.
@Joe LaRocca: You’ve got it backwards. Doogan wasn’t “acting as a legislator” but rather was engaged in a personal vendetta using state resources and his state position. This is precisely what subjects him to potential liability both for ethical violations and for a civil tort.
Mérida,VenezuelaNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 3:11 AM
“Bravo, Bravo, AKM”, Molly Ivins shouts down from heaven, dancing,
and waving her glorious golden pen in the air, and grinning from ear to ear.
*****************************************
Well said, Merida–Molly Ivins is indeed grinning from ear to ear; joyous that her successor is creating magic again.
When I first read AKM’s posts, I immediately thought of Molly Ivins. I attempted to compliment AKM in an email by referring to Molly. As Texans may know, that is “mighty high” compliment!!
Brilliant, AKM!!!
#
248
the problem child (an aunt, also)No Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 7:52 AM
womanwithsardinecanNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 7:05 AM
I showed my husband the mudflats member map. He immediately wanted to know who the heck is on the island east of Madagascar and who is in the boat off the east coast of the US. lol.
——-
Remember how during the election we wondered who was off the coast of West Africa in the middle of the ocean? Wasn’t it a cruiseship or a satellite router or something bizarre?
—————–
I don’t remember that. I must have been on a boat off the coast of La La Land that day.
I too do not think the immunity clause applies here because obviously Doogan was using his Legislative Office and governmental resources for personal vindication. As someone points out above, if not, then the Legislature needs to defend his actions as being authorized by them, therefore implicating the entire Alaskan Legislature in this unethical action. Otherwise, the immunity clause would give any member of the Legislature license to do almost anything to a citizen short of rape, murder, burglary, and not be held accountable? Give me a break? What kind of law are you following? This is similar to the immunity that GINO apparently thinks she has with regard to travel monies and per diem. NOT SO! Maybe a group of mudpuppies and other interested persons, should band together, hire one savvy lawyer (I would think there would be a lawyer in the mix who would donate his time and efforts) and wage some kind of citizen’s legal attack! Am I just so mad that I am unable to make sense, or does this have any validity whatsoever? P.S. I want to contact news agencies, or someone about what happened, but since I am boycotting CNN, never watch FOX, does anyone have a suggestion? I hope someone has contacted Olbermann of MSNBC.
How in the world is the Leg. supposed to do the work of the people with this circus going on ?? Between “no-show” slacker sarah and Doogan……..I mean seriously ??
To asiangrrlMN, it is not just the townsfolk and the neighboring towns who are alarmed at what happened. Girl, parts of the entire KINGDOM is seething. Maybe we could incite some riots? Take care.
It was me off the coast of Africa. Problem ??
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/800/tasmanian-devil-snarling-sw.jpg
To Boo-Boo Bear, comment 250………As for Sir Wayne Anthony Ross looking into “dairygate”……fat chance. The Queen will muzzle him just like she did Sir Talis Colberg. She only appoints people who WILL do her bidding. For those unfamiliar with this, you can goggle “Dairygate” and will be shocked at all it pulls up.
Sir Talis took all he could of the lies and decided to FLEE THE KINGDOM. Only “Yes Men” keep their jobs with the Queen.
daisydem,
I’m quite sure AKM has it under control in the legal department.
I know the urge to be doing something is there, and is strong, but in order to actually take legal action, you have to have “standing”, in layman’s terms, involvement in a situation that the law recognizes. The legal wrong has to be done to you personally. Mudpuppies, as much as we are hurt and angered, probably don’t have legal standing to do much (other than possible ethics complaints for those who are AK citizens).
@ 89
SillyWhabbit Seattle, WANo Gravatar
Thank you. Spartacus eat your heart out–today, we’re all AKMudflats!
If Doogan’s post is left up on the Alaska website doesn’t this decision implicate them too?
I bet the local dairy maid has a story to tell.
Wildlife AvengerNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 8:17 AM
It was me off the coast of Africa. Problem ??
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/800/tasmanian-devil-snarling-sw.jpg
———
Man, that internet savvy wildlife gets around!
198Alex Finlayson Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 6:37 AM
What drew me to this blog was your woman’s voice, AKM. I KNEW you were a woman– and I respected your anononymity because as a woman playwright I know how hard it is for (real) women to be heard when we speak on universal non-gendered issues. Your perspective on AK, politics, and life is valuable because you were willing to speak freely and from your heart, not just your head. I know you’ll find the courage to let your voice of freedom continue ringing– whether in the role of tavernkeeper or the moose
Hey Doc, Thats not you, is it?
Good Morning AKM & Bloggers…Sooo good to see you all. Didn’t know what to expect this morning…You’ve made my day!!! ((((hugs)))) to all…
We are legion.
Here is another Doogan address, since some of his aren’t working:
mike@mikedoogan.com
257
Wildlife AvengerNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 8:17 AM
It was me off the coast of Africa. Problem ??
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/800/tasmanian-devil-snarling-sw.jpg
——————-
I’m glad I swallowed the food in my mouth before I clicked on your post. Some days wiping off the computer screen and keyboard is a full time job.
I am going to stop drinking at home and go to “that fun little tavern on the corner” instead.
Sally
To all Mudflatters:
I honor of Mudflats’ Pulitzer-deserving piece, I think we should all go immediately to the “Make a Donation” link that looks lonely up in the right-column and needs a few “clicks” to perk it up.
Let’s face it, to buy this quality of a parable would cost a good bit, and this blog has probably saved us all in therapy costs!
I hereby challenge the following groups to a $10 donation:
Mothers of boys.
Mothers without boys.
Mothers who have husbands who act like boys.
Women with pets.
Women with male pets.
Women who like to pet males (are you paying attention?)
Women who love shopping.
Women who loathe shopping.
Women who love to photograph GINO loving the shopping she loathes.
Women with special ed children.
Women who teach special ed.
Women who think all education is special.
Women who love to read.
Women who read to love, or find love, or love what they read.
Did I miss anyone?? You too, then.
Donate!! Our sanity is worth a few bucks, right?
BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!!
I hope the ending of this parable includes the demise of the queen and of all her little minions who carry out her mean little tasks – the mayor having been exposed as being one of those little minions…
…And in the end, the pamphlet writers from the village and from the whole queendom came together and raised their quills against the major and the queen, and they threw them into the darkest, dankest dungeon they could find, where the queen and her evil servants rotted, forgotten by the rest of the world…
An excellent piece of wordsmithery, AKM.
As a fellow Alaskan, the only satisfaction to be gained from the outing of your identity is this: unsurprisingly, you are NOT an Obama operative or someone who leans far to the left or any other label that those who object to the truths that you bring to fore would like you to be. Instead, I suspect you are like me, a moderate Alaskan who is concerned about the lack of leadership in Alaska and about the untruths that both sides of the political spectrum are capable of promulgating, with the aid of sympathetic media outlets. In the case of Sarah Palin, those media outlets have failed miserably to ask the tough questions of the Governor, for fear that she will deny access to their reporters or adversely affect their careers, as a petulant child losing a game might take the ball home when their lack of ability has led to them losing a contest.
I think that there are a lot of us out here. Keep the faith, and keep the words a’comin’.
daisydem, if you are part of the kingdom, take care of yourself. I’m just a traveling burlesque queen, doing her best to get the message out.
AKM – I have been an avid reader since August 28, 2008 – then I was fairly new at the blogoshpere but bookmarked you from day one – although I am an arm chair blogger (don’t comment just enjoy the game) what has happened to Mudflats this past week is sickening – you are truely a light of comfort in these volatile times – your writing skills are truely amazing and I pray that you keep on keeping on – I am no longer going to be an arm chair blogger – you continue to hit the nail squarely on the head (I know -I be the janitor in the tavern across the street) you have my fullest support and are behind you 100% – Good Luck and keep on keeping on
Doogan should consider himself lucky that the standards for courtesy in ‘The last frontier’ are so low.
“A staggering rise in mobile phone usage in India has stoked an unacceptable surge in public rudeness and the most annoying offenders should be sent to prison, according to the country’s equivalent to the House of Lords.”
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/telecoms/article6003840.ece
Okay, I said I would only post once about this, but here’s my final post (and thanks to Irishgirl for putting it in the forum.)
Let’s get AKM nominated for a Genius Award! From Wiki:
“The MacArthur Fellows Program or MacArthur Fellowship (nicknamed the Genius Award) is an award given by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation each year to typically 20 to 40 United States citizens or residents, of any age and working in any field, who ‘show exceptional merit and promise for continued and enhanced creative work.’
According to the Foundation website, “the fellowship is not a reward for past accomplishment, but rather an investment in a person’s originality, insight, and potential.” The current amount of the award is $500,000, paid as quarterly installments over five years. As of 2007, there have been 756 recipients who have received a total of more than $350 million. The Fellowship has no application. People are nominated anonymously by a body of nominators who submit recommendations to a small selection committee of about a dozen people, also anonymous. The committee then reviews every nominee and passes along their recommendations to the President and the board of directors. The entire process is anonymous and confidential. Most new MacArthur Fellows first learn that they have even been considered when they receive the congratulatory phone call.”
Someone said that you can’t be wildly popular to win one, but I think that since AKM has been blogging less than a year, they would still consider her as “emerging,” in spite of her international popularity. I think they would want to “invest” in her future, so let’s give them a chance to decide!
Ask your friends. Let’s get SOMEONE who is reading this blog who is connected SOMEHOW to someone on the nominating committee (six degrees of separation) to consider AKM for a MacArthur Genius Award
Thank you, AKM, for continuing your quest to expose the bottom feeders that slither in the silt.
I was wondering what approach you would take in crafting your first A.D. (After Doogan) narrative and, once again, you have delivered in spades.
I shudder to think that were it not for the Mudflats, I would have to revert back to the Alaska Newsreader for my daily political fix. Unfortunately, I feel the ADN does not have the cajones to expose GINO for the ‘one trick pony’ that she is.
Thanks again,
Blooper
I have not read all the contact info in the forum (eyes glazing over, LOL!), but here is one that you also might consider:
http://www.truthout.org/contactus
How is Brian handling all of this?
All the best to AKM…
BigPete – Thanks – funny stuff !! Because of Dell , IBM , H-P , etc. here in Austin , I have had the privilege to meet many people from India. They are way cool !! Smart , funny , and basically a blast to hang with !!
Good morning, mudpups:
(doffing hat and sweeping a deep bow) I salute you, AKM, for your eloquently penned tale; Aesop would be pleased and proud.
As one of your loyal legion, I stand ready to support in any way I can whatever action you chose to take. If Dastardly Doogan used his state computer, web site, and server to restrict your rights as a private citizen, then I hope some clever minion will serve up proof that he violated the Alaskan Constitution and Legislative Rules on Ethics. Perhaps a turn in the dunk tank and public mockery will suffice?
@Professor,
I’ll include your last post over at the MacArthur Award thread in the forum.
Happy to help.
SMR Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 7:12 AM
Thanks for the link. Not at all surprised by this. My senator has already gotten an earful. GINO’s appointing controversial people just to pi$$ people off, not because they are eminently qualified.
WAR= Women Against Ross
The story was ‘ beautiful ‘… and show more creativity than doogan could ever come up with.
Support Mudflats with as many posts on the Huffpo as well. If you want, I have left many messages on CNN’s Rick Sanchez story tip line. He is all about the new technology gadgets as well.
1 877 692 – 6609 (toll free from anywhere)
The last one was also about “Rick ,check out Facebook… go to Shame Mike Doogan”
AKM,
I’m happy to see you have returned and in such grand style, (also) too! Your story was marvelous and I await the next chapter anxiously.
I haven’t posted on this topic the last few days because it has angered me so. I am not in Alaska, but I visit Mudflats many times a day (I just keep it open in a tab open at all times, actually).
I agree with the others that are suggesting action be taken regarding this matter. I have a feeling it’s not really your style, but I think in this case, given the state of politics in AK, that it’s a necessary move.
I also think an ethics complaint should absolutely be filed as well as a FOIA request for the mayor’s emails, which I suspect will bear fruit in a variety of areas, besides your own.
To the person that suggested that AKM should not bear the costs of litigation and that it’s a criminal matter, I agree. However, in a criminal trial the punishment would be jail and/or maybe a fine.
To get the REAL money, you have to go with a civil suit for punitive damages (which, IMO though IANAL) would definitely be in order as his motives were clearly to punish/silence AKM.
I also believe that in that type of civil case, any attorney fees would likely be awarded to AKM (assuming she won the case, which I have little doubt she would).
Stay strong, AKM and know there are many people all over the world that have your back!
How about everybody email ” Eye on Palin” all at once…?
http://actionfund.defenders.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=11920
This Group needs Mudflats to stay strong as well so that there is somebody always watching GINO. Mudflats allows them to get their message out.
We need to ask ‘Eye on Palin ‘ to step forward at this time… it’s in THEIR best interest as well. Email them.
I’ve donated to Mudflats! How ironic that Doogan has moved me to financial support of AKM – I doubt that was his intention, but that was the result.
I haven’t been back since #75 so I’m way behind on all your posts………
Just been thinkin about how mr mayor doggone doogan is doing at work today? hmmmm, do ya think he took a sick day? naaaa, too crass for that……..do ya think he’s gettin some “looks” and some “talkin to”, and some “talkin about behind his er, back”? ah yeah!
I’d love to be a fly on the legislative office walls. I’m sure someones ears have been a burnin.
@ SMR OT OT OT re: AG WAR
Yes, I emailed the Legislature re: Wayne Anthony Ross – do NOT confirm!
Alaskans, use the Public Opinion Message System for the quickest way to contact all Legislators at once (50 words or less):
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/poms/
ally C.No Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 8:30 AM
I am going to stop drinking at home and go to “that fun little tavern on the corner” instead.
——————-
I wanna meet that local diary maid… noooo, not for those reasons! But to give her a fresh pad of paper and a new pen, and to tell her to go ahead and write to her heart’s content. doogan’s had his moment and by now even he must feel like he’s been b-slapped back into reality.
“Someone said that you can’t be wildly popular to win one,”
___________________________________
Not what I said perfesser. I said massive popularity does not fit within the parameters. There needs to be more. I’ve met more than a few of the 750+ and let me tell you, they tend to be very selective, ie, specialists within a narrowly defined area. But we certainly can go ahead and try. At worst, all they will say is “no.”
I second and third the Molly Ivins invocation. Yes.
__________
@John (Canadian Mudpuppie) Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 8:21 AM
Nope, John. I’m the girl Alex Finlayson from TX and CA. (Yikes. Wow. It’s feels really scary and bold to use my real name and put my states!)
Keep writing Joe:)
I personally love the tavern (not to mention the tavernkeeper) and believe that the Progressive Community will start drinking there in droves!
In response to Joe LaRocca: there are three big issues here that need to be investigated and answered:
1) Federal–does this “outing” rise to the level of a federal violation of the 1st Ammendment–especially in light of Supreme Court rulings?
2) State–does this rise to the level of the Alaska Criminal Code regarding Public Servants?
Alaskan Criminal Code, S. 11.56.850. Official misconduct.
(a) A public servant commits the crime of official misconduct if, with intent to obtain a benefit OR TO INJURE OR DEPRIVE ANOTHER PERSON OF A BENEFIT, the public servant
(1) performs an act relating to the public servant’s office but constituting an unauthorized exercise of the public servant’s official functions, knowing that that act is unauthorized; or
(2) knowingly refrains from performing a duty which is imposed upon the public servant by law or is clearly inherent in the nature of the public servant’s office.
(b) Official misconduct is a class A misdemeanor. (§ 6 ch 166 SLA 1978)
3) Did Doogan violate the Legislative Ethics Law?
(a) A legislator or legislative employee may not
(2) use public funds, facilities, equipment, services, or another government asset orresource for a nonlegislative purpose, for involvement in or support of or oppositionto partisan political activity, or for the private benefit of either the legislator, legislative employee, or another person; this paragraph does not prohibit:
(J) a legislator from sending any communication in the form of a newsletter tothe legislator’s constituents, except a communication expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate or a newsletter or material in anewsletter that is clearly only for the private benefit of a legislator or a legislative employee
I am so proud to be an American — the bully cannot rule the playground for long. Thanks for hanging in there AKM.
I hope everybody who regularly reads Mudflats donates $10 today. Thank you AKM for your wonderful writing. I haven’t left my computer much (except to sleep — and sometimes fitfully) since Friday. Back in 1984 or so I wrote a Thesis for my Masters Degree on “The Silences of Women in Business.” Since then I didn’t think much had changed. In fact, my oldest granddaughter who is in college read it about a month ago and told me that not much had changed. You are proof that headway is being made! You are a shining beacon in the darkness. I am so proud to be one of your grateful readers.
If there is one person who needs to go Galt, it’s Palin. She needs to just go.
Barmaid? Barmaid? Here’s your quill and a fresh pad of paper. I’m with sauerkraut. I would love to read your pamphlet, too.
Grandma Nancy, is there any way I could read your thesis? I would be mightily interested.
I also wanted to echo the Molly Ivins comparison. Lord, but I wish she were still with us.
251Liz I. Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 8:00 AM
@Joe LaRocca: You’ve got it backwards. Doogan wasn’t “acting as a legislator” but rather was engaged in a personal vendetta using state resources and his state position. This is precisely what subjects him to potential liability both for ethical violations and for a civil tort.
=====
That sounds right. This wasn’t legal legislative business that gives him immunity. He might have free speech rights if this was purely an act of a citizen on his time off. The major error, as I see it, is the blending of the two, a personal issue and using State resources to settle a PRIVATE score.
I think this is why he may have no legal protection what so ever…
He may be liable as a citizen, and an unethical legislator.
But in Alaska who knows how the law will be interpreted?
WAR might hear the case and who knows what will happen!
“Did Doogan violate the Legislative Ethics Law?”…I’m sure the Personnel Board will say NO! The rest of us literate folks will say HELL YES HE DID!
@sauerkraut, I have only met three MacArthur Genius winners. But since you have been around so many of them, maybe you can further the cause!
Ahhhh, I haven’t been so lovingly tucked into bed for a long time. I eagerly await the next chapter as several possible scenarios are running through my head. As for playing the villain….I didn’t like that so much. I felt rather plucky putting a commoner in his place, having been empowered by the Queen’s prior words and actions to create an environment to squelch all criticism. I was imagining all the smiles and winks (perhaps even a pat on the back and favors) that would come my way. The right to free speech…..well, sure…..but, actual free speech….only at a huge cost.
Can you imagine what the village would be like if public servants fostered free speech and championed all “naked ideas”? I wonder what it would be like if an elected official said they could take criticism and wanted to be held accountable…..and meant it.
Brava, AKM!
I would edit what I wrote above. It wasn’t just a private score- (He could argue it was for the public good or Palin’s good) But it was to deprive a citizen of the full measure of her right to free speech.
If AK ethics law doesn’t address that, then Federal law will, I’m sure…
Way to go, AKM!
Don’t know if it will help, but I did email the MacArthur Foundation asking how nominate someone. I’ll let y’all know if I hear anything back.
To Whom it May Concern,
I would very much like information on how to make your nominators aware of an individual very deserving of the “Genius Award”.
She writes under the name of AKMuckracker from Anchorage, Alaska. She has been blogging at http://www.themudflats.net for less than a year.
Her writing is delightfully and thoughtfully creative and smart, She has become of great importance to her growing number of readers from all over the world. Administrators/Monitors of her site reside in such places as Tokyo and Australia. She has engaged an entire world. There is a world map on her site indicating where her readers reside.
Through her writing she has shown the best of American values by demonstrating our most basic freedom; freedom of speech in a constructive way. She received the Best Blogger Award for 2008 as a very new blogger.
To her great credit, voters in the lower ’48 gained insight not only into the indivudual who had the possibility of being one heart beat away from the presidency, but into Alaska politics as well. In addition, she has brought to national attention through her writing of the sad/dnagerous plight of native Alaskans, many of whom are going without food to heat their homes this winter. Now those small villages are being helped by folks across the globe.
The recent volcano activity that threatens fisheries and oil tank farms holding 6 million gallons, that may well affect all Americans, has also been brought to light by AKM’s writing.
Please pass this along to your nominators and I recommend you take at look at http://www.themudflats.net and review her past and current blogs.
Until last week AKM was anonymous by choice, as Alaska can be a very small state and what she had to say could have negative consequences for her and her family. A state representative of her own party decided to “out” her identity publicly as a response to a blog quoting him verbatim which he allegedly did not like.
He ignored the historical importance and significance of anonymous writing that is factual, truthful and necessary to a democracy when he did this, on a state website, in an effort to silence her voice.
Luckily AKM has decided to continue speaking out. Her courageous voice is important to our democracy. Her voice is compelling and heartfelt, as she loves her state and country.
She is more than worthy of this award and I hope you will give her consideration. If there is another avenue to pursue for those of us supporting this nomination, please let me know.
Thank You,
Diane Harry
Hot Springs, Arkansas
A Mud Flats supporter
Any one know when Happy Hour kicks off at the tavern ??
To: asiangrrlMN — in reponse to your question — of course, all we have to figure out is how to get an email from me to you.
I am Mudflats!
Sadly, I don’t have the time today to read through all the 300+ comments. And I say that’s sad because I ordinarily do read the comments before adding my own. There are always some that make me chuckle, and there are many that are just downright informative and filled with wisdom. I feel enriched when I have the time to read throug what all of you have to say.
But, for AKM, this is one outstanding parable you put forth with some great and insightful (as is usual) comments. This is an excellent example of the reason so many of us came here for the Palin information and just stayed, taking up permanent residence. You have a way of cutting to the heart of every matter in a creative and thoughtful way. And all of us are thankful that you are still fighting the good fight. We will be here to support you however we can.
I think the “grumpy mayor” may be surprised to find out just how much support you have and how this little obsession of his will blow up in his face. Mount Redoubt might pale by comparison. I’m sure there will be some bloggers who will pull back from speaking their mind, but I think that there will be others who will be encouraged to join in to make their voices heard as well.
Thank you,
Pat
NY Democrat use Palin , Limbaugh to rally supporters. LOL
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/30/ny-democrat-uses-palin-limbaugh-to-rally-supporters/
Here is a blogger that is watching Ross-bo.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=10144
Grandma Nancy, can I read your thesis?
Doesn’t the legislature have the day off today for Seward’s Day? DooDoo will have to face the music tomorrow, unless you guys also celebrate Cesar Chavez day like we do in Cali.
Grandma Nancy, if you are registered for the forums, we can send private messages through that. I am asiangrrl.
(both of my calendars are from Alaska)
AKM I have been reading you since the elections. I find you extremely talented and insightful (not to mention entertaining and funny) Please, Please do not give up. You are no less than the great forefathers of our democracy speaking out against those in power. I have expressed my disappointment to Mr Doogan on his website. My only regret is that I cannot vote him out of office as I live in Pennsylvania. But, you in Alaska can!!! I think he just delt himself a mortal blow. Oh and by the way, I am going to donate to you efforts today. WE NEED YOU
I am Mudflats!
Sorry to jump in with a new thread, but – ADN is reporting that La Palin has appointed Ted Grussendorf to fill the senate seat vacated by Kim Elton. This is a young man who was Republican until two weeks ago, and who is making the witless claim that he thought he was a registered Independant. If the legislature approves this appointment, along with that of Mr. Ross, I’d say it time to be takin’ it to the streets. (I am channeling the Doobie Brothers. This shows my age!)
womanwithsardinecanNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Doesn’t the legislature have the day off today for Seward’s Day? DooDoo will have to face the music tomorrow
———
So that’s why we haven’t heard anything……
I think the cranky, half crazed mayor is going to get a lot crankier & crazier before too long. I think he’s going to wish he had been less vindictive & had used better judgement. I’m off to the tavern now…hope it’s safe.
Mag the Mick
You have got to be kidding me. Well, if he’s not a Repub ringer, then he’s a witless wonder that may not know to come in out of the rain (and you don’t want that either).
Ouch.
Donna said:
“Joe–That’s not correct. “Acting as a legislator” means voting–that is the understandable immunity. What Doogan did was to use his position with the state to commit a tort, which removes both his immunity and subjects the state to liability.
As for him exercising his first amendment right, that right is subject to the recognized limitations of libel and invasion of privacy.”
Excellent points, Donna, but not dispositive. A grand jury indictment charge against the late state senator Ed Dankworth saying he used his public office for private gain was dismissed by the courts on grounds of legislative immunity.
You may recall that Senator Dankworth caused to be placed in the budget by a House member an appropriation for $3 million for the state to purchase a moribund Trans Alaska Pipeline camp for use as a state prision which he and a Seattle partner had quietly purchased for $900,000.
The immunity clause has been repeatedly held to protect legislators from anything they may say or do while acting as a legislator, whether in or out of chambers when the legislature is in session, except for the stipulated exceptions. This has been narrowly interpreted by the courts, which don’t want to be seen as intervening in the affairs of a co-equal branch of government. I’m not a lawyer.
My point is that legal action against Doogan is not the black and white remedy many bloggers seem to think it is. If there’s litigation, the state will have to defend Mike and pay the legal defense costs, just as it did when former Gov. Bill Sheffied was impeached (but not convicted) in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Joe LaRocca
North East (Erie County), PA
And interesting aside about Ross. When my mom was still in Alaska, working at the PD’s office in Anchorage clear back in the mid-80′s, there was almost weekly eyerollery amongst her colleagues about Ross’s latest exploits.
Yes, Grussendorf”s “oopsy” story shows that he is either an idiot or a Palinbot, or both.
Secret Shopper…… said:
“I honor of Mudflats’ Pulitzer-deserving piece, I think we should all go immediately to the “Make a Donation” link that looks lonely up in the right-column and needs a few “clicks” to perk it up.”
Done that. Friday. Also ordered a Mudflats tote bag same day. Figure tote bags are great advertising and who knows what carrying it around will bring my way in the way of new friends, up here in the Hudson Valley, NY/Berkshire MA area. Can’t wait for it to arrive so I can go shopping.
And where I see the parable at this time is that most of the village, and even some from the Queen’s Tavern are now in Joe’s Tavern raising their beers in a toast to Joe for his spirit and grit. The people in this village support Joe and will let the mayor know in no uncertain terms what they think of him and his actions.
I think I am most in favor of public censure of DooDoo by the legislature, or at least the Dems in the legislature. I’d also like to see DooDoo’s life disrupted a bit by anti-DooDoo rallies whenever he is in public. If the legislature is too cowardly to censure him, then they will also have to wade through the protesters to get to work. Speaking of which, there are only a couple more weeks of session, so you rally folks need to plan a heavy schedule of capitol-steps rallies and fast. After the session ends, folks can rally in front of bookstores carrying his latest book, and any other place he hangs out or has a stake in. Ya know what I mean? Keep it up and he just might wish that he was, ummm…anonymous. heh.
Rally against Palin, DooDoo, W.A.R., Grussendorf.
Capes and rubber boots ON!!
319womanwithsardinecan Says:
I think that if you are one of these things, it is compusory to be the other ‘also’
What AKM would do…? Be positive… look forward.
Use your energy NOW…in a ‘positive’ like little footsoldiers for AKM.
Go to Huffpo. There is a thread saying “Announcing the Launch of the Huffington Post Investigative Fund. ( I just posted the as CA Fan)
Post as an ‘idea’ that they investigate how a Politician like doogan is allowed to go after Mudflats because it dared to speak out….If they want to investigate something… THIS IS IT!! Imagine if 50 people here had the same suggestion????
AKM posts stories there as well. They need to step and defend,protect, and support their own… Mudflats.
New post, y’all!
Can anyone give me directions to Joe’s Tavern?
Although I haven’t been up in those parts since the road from the lower 48 was dirt, sounds like my kind of place. Dang it all, just mentioning that road makes me miss my 63 bug that got me there.
UK LadyNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 10:35 AM
319womanwithsardinecan Says:
I think that if you are one of these things, it is compusory to be the other ‘also’
—————
too!!
I noticed in the Mayor’s personal profile that at one point he had been a janitorial aide….if things don’t work out in the village for him perhaps he can return to one of his previous jobs.
Red dirt – I bet that was one heck of a trip!
306C.Rock Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 10:10 AM
NY Democrat use Palin , Limbaugh to rally supporters. LOL
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/30/ny-democrat-uses-palin-limbaugh-to-rally-supporters/
Rock, Thanks for posting. I haven’t gotten that one yet, but I am going to be at my polling place tomorrow to place my vote for Scott Murphy. The local Dems are feeling very good about his chances and that was before anyone tied the opponent to those awful Repugs. We did vote for Obama heavily in Nov, so am hoping we do it again.
317
Joe LaRoccaNo Gravatar Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Donna said:
“Joe–That’s not correct. “Acting as a legislator” means voting–that is the understandable immunity. What Doogan did was to use his position with the state to commit a tort, which removes both his immunity and subjects the state to liability.
Joe said:
The immunity clause has been repeatedly held to protect legislators from anything they may say or do while acting as a legislator, whether in or out of chambers when the legislature is in session, except for the stipulated exceptions.”
_____________________________________
So, the question, to determine any immunity Doogan may be able to invoke, can be framed this way: was Doogan, in his official capacity as a member of the state legislature, “acting as a [state] legislature” when he cyberstalked AKM, that is, when he used whatever means he used to obtain her personal information and then publicized that information on a state web page?
Or, said differently, is it part of a state legislature’s role, or part of his or her job description, or job responsibility, to use state time, state resources and state equipment, to cyberstalk and “out” a state citizen?
Ultimately, Doogan will have to convince the trier of fact (judge or jury) that what he did (cyberstalking and “outing” ) was, for whatever reason, in the best interests of the state, and/or benefited the state and/or its citizens in some way.
I rest.
I’ve read of this parable, only it had a different ending.
The villagers’ moral sensibilities were so offended by the actions of the mayor, they marched to his house that night, demanding an explanation. The mayor stepped out onto his balcony, bearing the limp corpse of a child whose blood he had just drunk. He tossed his prey into the street below, then laughed diabolically, turned into a bat and flew away, melting into the ink sky.
Some villagers had always suspected the mayor, who had once been a successful publican himself, had died some years before after stepping into the evil Queen’s lair, and re-emerged as an abominable demon blood sucker. There had been many reports of the publican-turned-vampire devouring the weak and vulnerable and leaving their remains in the forest.
The spy was remanded to the asylum to await further instructions from his master, staring out of the window at the moon, and howling at it whenever he got the urge. He delighted in trapping and eating alive small birds which landed on his windowsill – not because he was hungry, but because he loved the kill.
Many of the villagers were frightened to seek out the mayor because of his power, and even more because of his evil. But not Joe the tavern owner. Not only were there brave and trustworthy people in the village, but Joe’s tavern was so popular it had attracted many from outside the village. When Joe decided to purge the village of the vampire mayor, many rallied to his side. Word of the village’s plight travelled far. Smithies and scribes, millers and maids, knights and common folk all united with purity and purpose to send the vampire mayor into the Cavern of Oblivion, where he could do no more harm.
Shortly after, the evil Queen was banished from the kingdom, and she lost her magic powers. Her replacement was a fully human, non-flesh eating, benevolent ruler.
And the people of the village and the kingdom lived happily ever after.
@secret shopper……donation made. as my good friend Brian might say “money talks and moose snot walks.” what a character that Brian is. the guv’nor seems to be bent on doing as much harm to alaska as possible in the time she has left. well, that’s what these kinds of folk do and the people who support and defend them get trashed along with everyone else….b
We are fortunate if we can touch just one other life. We are blessed if we can be loved by just one other person. We are a light unto the entire world if we can reach into the hearts, minds, and souls of humankind. And this is AKM, a light upon the world as she inspires us, reminds us to inspire those around us.
I’ve been a (largely) lurking but (hugely) loyal reader of Mudflats since August 2008, and can’t begin to express what a valuable resource AKM has been regarding the state of the state in Alaska. For many of the us the lower 48, your state was barely on the radar screen until a certain governor was thrust upon us in one of the most alarming political episodes in recent history… and the rest of course is history. But out of near disaster emerged a world-wide community of newly-inspired citizens who are now so much more informed, and thus empowered to effectively participate in the critical process of civic discourse. We owe so much of this to the efforts of AKM, and to repeat what has already been said here, today we are all AKMuckraker.
I am not surprised by the outpouring of support in response to the current fiasco; nor am I surprised to see AKM continue to enlighten us in her brilliant and entertaining way. I have no doubt she will emerge from this latest episode even stronger than before, and in the interim, I add my voice of support to whatever direction she chooses to take in “tiptoeing through the muck” that has been thrown at her.
AKM, because of you, more of us are paying attention. I hope you take comfort in that achievement, for it ensures that Alaska will never be the same (in a good way)!
Gretta van nosy’s husband, Coale wrote a Pac paper for Scientology…….rather interesting, tid bits. Her supporters may not view is too well, kinda like making a deal with the devil if you are a christian.
This could be a dark sided character who does not live in the village but stealthy moves about village to village secretly making puppets of royalty and mayors.
http://gawker.com/5185546/
For Joe LaRocca
What it means is that an ethics complaint will not be heard during the current legislative session. His immunity only lasts until April 19th.
@Joe LaR –
You note the following:
The immunity clause has been repeatedly held to protect legislators from anything they may say or do while acting as a legislator, whether in or out of chambers when the legislature is in session, except for the stipulated exceptions.
So…
Wouldn’t the pertinent question as regards AKM’s situation be whether doogan was acting as a legislator or not? Is he a legislator 24/7/365? At what point does he become a legislator abusing his oath to uphold certain legal & ethical standards of behavior? Or, at what point does he become a legislator/elected official using state resources (constituent email newsletter) to pursue a personal matter? Because I really don’t see how this outing of AKM could be considered a legitimate political issue.
Hey, now that I have asked all of those questions, wasn’t that last one the sort of thing what SP had Randy Reudrich brought up on ethics charges for? And isn’t it also one of the many ethics charges that is currently being brought against SP?
By the way, I have about 30 relatives in Northeast, PA (the town, not the area). Totally OT, but what a small world since it is such a small town!
AsiangrrlMN and ColibrimoonSays – please visit
http://nanrgran.blogspot.com/
and then contact me — after all these months, still have not figured out how to contact through the forum. Sorry
MizzR: you misunderstand how immunity works. Immunity is either available as a defense or it is not as of the time of the challenged action. So, to say that “his immunity only lasts until April 19th” (when the current legislative session ends) is incorrect. When the current legislative session ends is irrelevant. In other words, it is never relevant to consider if a person can use immunity as a defense at the time of their prosecution or a civil lawsuit.
If the rule were otherwise, retired politicians, for example, could be sued (without being able to raise immunity as a defense) for something they did before they retired. That would be very unfair and is not the rule.
I hope I helped clarify things.
Yaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy (a loud and raucous cheer!)…she’s back!!!
Now here’s a question for you, AKM…
When is your first book going to be published??? With talent like this, you should be making some big money in the publishing world!
Ummmm…. If Doogan truly believes that anonymity has no place in public discourse, then why doesn’t someone ask him who gave him Mudflats’ name? What’s sauce for the goose……?
Who’s on first:
Agreed! Whoever gave Doogan AKM’s name will have to be revealed in the civil lawsuit I hope AKM brings against Doogan, so that AKM can then also sue Doogan’s source(s) as well. Whoever helped Doogan violated the law, AKM’s constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy and is equally culpable and liable, IMHO.
Ah, and that’s why we love you, AKM!
347Who’s On First Says:
March 30th, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Ummmm…. If Doogan truly believes that anonymity has no place in public discourse, then why doesn’t someone ask him who gave him Mudflats’ name? What’s sauce for the goose……?
Doogan and his attorney would probably say that the journalist (Doogan) has the right to protect his source. It is generally accepted. And, in this case it seems that “the source” turned over a name and might be allowed to remain “anonymous”. But, they would also say that AKM was writing opinions and therefore is not entitled to anonymity. Apples and oranges, so to speak. Unfortunately. Probably.
Actually, Doogan stopped being a journalist years ago. But who cares what Doogan and possibly his attorney have to say? Make them say it. Make Doogan explain that he is entitled to the safety of anonymity, but bloggers are not.
Hinman v State of Alaska is still in the superior court.
Alaska precedents:
Breese v. Smith (Alaska 1972) 501 P.2d 159
Messerli v. State, 626 P.2d 81 (Alaska 1980)
In Thoma v. Hickel, political activist Thoma lost the case against (former Alaska Governor) Wally Hickel, partly because Hickel invoked his right to immunity from tort actions. But in my view, Thoma’s lawyers made the wrong arguments. They didn’t make a forceful (Federal) constitutional claim. The court decided that Hickel had abused his authority, but Thoma’s lawyers had made the wrong arguments, so dismissed the case.
The difference between Thoma and a case against Doogan is, Doogan deliberately and maliciously revealed AKM’s private details (including her city of residence) in his so-called quest for an “open debate”. Her identity was completely irrelevant to that debate. What’s more, he threatened the retaliation in advance. In his tiny mind, he could only express himself if he could confront his critics by (their real) name. His First Amendment rights were therefore not curtailed by anyone except himself.
Ironically, Wally Hickel, a Republican, was appointed as Secretary of the Interior by Richard Nixon, and became a strong environmentalist, allying himself with liberals on environmental issues and on other issues. Hickel’s own open letter, criticizing Nixon’s Vietnam War policy in the wake of the Kent State massacre, resulted in his firing. Hickel then returned to Alaska and ran as the Alaskan Independence Party candidate, but as one of Alaska’s “founding fathers”, did not believe in secessionism and faced recall by members of his party. Near the end of his term, he rejoined the Republican Party. He was responsible for appointing Ted Stevens to the Senate in 1968 (although last year he called for his resignation), and endorsed Sarah Palin in 2006.
Lori in Los Angeles Says: Romantic words that sail swiftly to my heart…… Lori, have you been to Alaska?
Disgusted by the outing of AKM, my first instinct is to de-voyeur-ise as “the bouncer.” (I know it’s “de-lurk,” but to me, lurk implies sinister. I come in peace.) I’d stand at that tavern door, my beefy arm raising the business end of a pool cue to any who dare threaten AKM …
But, in the spirit of “being the change we wish to see”, and your parable, AKM: I channel the scene from “To Kill a Mockingbird” when Atticus, guarding the innocent man, stands alone facing the angry, shotgun-toting villagers. The inevitable violence is distracted and diffused by the voices of children, the quiet voice of Scout. So, “Hey” AKM & all ya’ll mudpuppies. AKM, you are a shining beacon. Would that I could disband the angry mob, that they leave, their heads hung low in shame. Until that day, your voice is mighty and your mission is honorable AKM.
Most taverns in AK have bells. If you ring the bell, you buy the house a round. I ring the bell at the pamphleteer’s tavern.
My favorite part of that bedtime story is when the villagers rise up, pitchforks in hand, slay the mayor, then acclaim Joe the Tavernkeeper as their new mayor! And everyone except the late Mayor lived happily ever after, The End.
Donna wrote:
“Ultimately, Doogan will have to convince the trier of fact (judge or jury) that what he did (cyberstalking and “outing” ) was, for whatever reason, in the best interests of the state, and/or benefited the state and/or its citizens in some way.”
Again, excellent points. But that’s precisely my point. Legal action against Doogan is not the cut and dried remedy many bloggers think it is. As a defendant, Mike wouldn’t have to convince the judge or jury of anything. The plaintiff has the burden of proof. There are many in Alaska (though not many who would post in this blog) who believe what he did DOES benefit the state.
Joe LaRocca
North East (Erie County), PA
Very good story AKM ,let no one stop our first amendment right to free speech.Let them all fall by the wayside.Keep your voice strong AKM
An excellent story and I hope the unfortunate additional publicity only serves to drive your message even further and make life even more uncomfortable for the Mayor and his, um, queen.
Warmest regards,
Super J.
http://thesuperjesus.wordpress.com
(ps: nice blog theme…I think I’ve seen it somewhere before)
An excellent story and I hope the unfortunate additional publicity only serves to drive your message even further and make life even more uncomfortable for the Mayor and his, um, queen.
Warmest regards,
Super J.
(ps: nice blog theme…I think I’ve seen it somewhere before)