Wayne Anthony Ross in His Own Words.
9 04 2009Sarah Palin’s pick for Alaska’s new Attorney General, Wayne Anthony Ross, a controversial and divisive figure in Alaska politics sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon. And yes, I listened to the whole thing. There were many moments that stuck out for me, but here are two, since I didn’t have time to transcribe them all. I’ll let his words stand on their own as much as possible.
On Resource Development
Senator Bill Weilechowski: The governor in her press release said that you will work with the governor on issues surrounding Alaska’s rich natural resources. I never thought of the attorney general as being someone who was involved in the development of natural resources. The governor’s put you in that situation, and I guess I’d like to hear your answer on that. The governor is saying that “I want you to help out with resource development.” Are you saying that’s the job of the attorney general or not?
Wayne Anthony Ross: I think that the Attorney General should challenge, for example, perhaps some federal regulations that prevent us from developing our resources. I’d like to have a role in that. While we’re being kept from developing our resources properly. We were promised in the statehood contract that we would get a certain percentage of the resources we would develop in the state and then suddenly the federal government seems to be closing the door and preventing us from reaching those resources, and I would like to see us get involved in challenging some of those. That doesn’t mean we develop the resources willy-nilly and without proper regard for the environment.
So I think that’s what she had in mind, that we need to make sure we have the freedom to develop our resources, and that we don’t have people outside telling us how we should do it. The management of fish and wildlife is a good example, where we have people outside telling us they don’t like us shooting wolves from the air, and we believe that we should cut down the predators so that we can build up our moose and caribou populations, and I think that was one of the resources she was referring to also.
On Subsistence and Rural Preference
Alaska Natives are deeply upset about Palin’s selection of Wayne Anthony Ross. In 2002, Ross said that if he were elected governor, he would hire a band of “junkyard dogs” (assistant attorneys general) and challenge the federal law that requires a subsistence preference, or to seek changes in the law through Congress, according to The Associated Press.
“It almost looked like she was rubbing our face in Anthony Ross’s appointment,” said Tim Towarak, co-chairman of the Alaska Federation of Natives. “Like rubbing our face on the ground, saying ‘Here, take this.’ ”
Native leaders object to Ross’ history of opposing what’s known as the rural preference for subsistence hunting. In 1989, Ross was co-counsel on a lawsuit that led to the Supreme Court tossing out the state’s rural-preference law. When Steve Cowper, governor at the time, talked about creating a constitutional amendment restoring the law in 1990, Ross called it “the worst thing that could happen.”
Native organizations opposed to the confirmation of Ross have started contacting state legislative offices. Angoon Democratic Sen. Albert Kookesh said there will be consequences for Palin, even if he cannot stop the Ross confirmation.
Here is an emotional exchange between Senator Donny Olson of Nome, and Mr. Ross that occured in the Senate Judiciary meeting yesterday afternoon. Senator Olson refers to Ross’ self designation as a “general” who is sent to fight the war, and let’s everyone know that “war” is the acronym of his initials.
Senator Donny Olson: There seems to be, at this point, a polarization of what’s going on because of different views and different agendas. [snip] You’ve talked today about some of the issues related to subsistence and rural preference, and how those people who didn’t have the financial resources had to go 5000 miles away to [Washington D.C.] to try to get something done with federal law that preempted state law. And what I see is that’s the problem with what’s going on here, and I’m afraid that your confirmation, and your sitting in that position as “the General”, that you’re not the one declaring the war, but you’re the one that’s going to have all the casualties under your command. [snip]
The problem that I see is that the casualties may be those people out there in rural Alaska that I represent, that I’ve had torrents of emails , and torrents of communication stating that they have difficulty with your appointment. And this is the allegation – that as an appointee looking for confirmation, the answers will be there to placate the legislature, until the confirmation is over, and then the war will really start. What do I say to those people who are out there who’ve got reams of statements that you’ve made that are put in the category of not being able to bring people together as you’ve talked about…where they’ve had to go to Washington D.C. to get some type of arrangement to continue to do what they’ve done for years? What do I say to them?
WAR: You don’t go to Washington D.C. anymore. Washington D.C. is not friends with Alaska. The General’s job is not to cause casualties with its own people. The General’s job is to win the war against the enemy. Alaskans should be working together. I’ve felt that the subsistence issue is very divisive . It could have been handled a long time ago without being divisive. But the problem with subsistence is that some people felt that they should have more rights than other people, and instead of sitting down and working out to make sure that subsistence was protected… you can’t have “those who have” and “those who have not” and not develop enemies.
OLSON: Would you say that once more, again?
WAR: If you say, “I’m better than you are. I should have a bigger car than you.” I’m not going to make friends with you by doing that. [*Please don't miss the irony of this statement coming from a man who drives a red Hummer with the vanity plate W A R.] But if we sit down and say “How can we arrange our transportation?” we can reach an agreement. We never did that.
Instead some people went off to Washington to try to get rights over others which was violative (sic) of our constitution. It wasn’t willing to handle it, in my opinion. And now we’ve got the federal government sticking its nose in the state of Alaska, and we need to realize that we’ve invited a giant to our state and that we need to work together to protect all of us from the giant. We’ve invited….have you seen the old Western movies where they get a new marshal in town and they bring the marshal in and he turns out to be far worse than they had before? That’s what we did. OK? And we can work out our problems . If we sit down and talk about what’s needed, we can work those out. As I told you at the very beginning, 95% of my cases were settled because even though there’s a lot of emotion in divorce cases, we were able to calm them down and get it worked out. But, you don’t invite the giant into your house, or the bear (if you want to say that) invite the bear in your house and expect not to get eaten up. We’re being eaten up and we need to get together.
Olson: I respectfully disagree with your allegation that we’ve invited the bear into the room. The “bear” you call, is the United States government and that’s what had to step in here, because state law was starting to run over the rank-and-file little guy out there that’s trying to make a living out there in rural Alaska! And if you say this place is better off without them around, I beg to disagree. That guy that voted for me out there, that may have even voted for the governor, does not have that same view. And he’s the guy on the lower end of the pecking order. You happen to be a well-to-do person, a respected person who’s got a lot of drive, and a lot going on. But some of the views you have…and as it was pointed out, you don’t call people “junk yard dogs” and try to rectify a situation, especially if it’s trying to help the guy out in Kipnuk.
WAR: I didn’t call anybody a junk yard dog. I said I was going to hire a junk yard dog to get the feds off our back, and that would have been my intention had I been elected governor, because I believe Alaskans should be working together. You don’t just represent the people out there, and that’s all the people you represent… You’re a senator. You represent all Alaskans and you should be working with other Alaskans to develop solutions, rather than going out and cryin’ to Mama out somewheres else, and saying, “Mom, you gotta help me.”
April 9th, 2009 at 1:49 PM
I put this on the newer thread also, too..
ALASKANS, please read and become super hero constituents:
How to make your wishes known to the committees in charge of confirming Wayne Anthony Ross:
First, there are two Judiciary Committees, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. Each committee has a Committee Aide. The BEST way to make sure your request becomes part of the permanent record is to email or fax the Committee Aide. It is then the Aide who prepares the packets, which go to the respective committees and are entered into the public record. This is the simplest; fastest way to make sure your comments are recorded (they do need to be timely).
Second, I asked the House Judiciary Aide, Jane Pierson, if there was a difference in the type of contact a constituent makes to the legislative body such as letter, fax, email, Public Opinion Message system, phone call or personal visit. Jane said that as LONG AS THEY ARE RECORDED as part of the permanent record, then any method of contact carries the same weight as any other. For obvious reasons to Alaskans, a personal visit would not carry more “heft” than any other form of contact because you’d have to be in the capital city to do so.
The Senate Judiciary Committee had their hearing with the acting AG yesterday, Weds the 8th. The House Judiciary Committee meets tomorrow, Friday the 10th for their hearing. Then, the full confirmation with both bodies present happens on the following Thursday, April 16th.
Right now, emailing the Committee Aide for the House Judiciary Committee is the most time sensitive since they meet tomorrow. However, it’s not too late as per Jane Pierson to ALSO email the Committee Aide for the Senate Judiciary Committee – just make sure it’s prior to the full confirmation hearing on Thurs April 16th.
If you have already contacted legislators regarding your comments about the acting AG, there is no need to send another… UNLESS you have any NEW reasons that you do, or do not, want Wayne Anthony Ross to be confirmed. If you do, please contact again right away with ALL of your comments, old and new, summarized.
THANKS!
HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE – meets for confirmation April 10
Jane Pierson, Committee Aide
jane_pierson AT legis.state.ak.us
907.465.4990
Reps Ramras, Dahlstrom, Coghill, Gatto, Lynn, Gruenberg, and Holmes
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE – met for confirmation April 8
Cindy Smith, Committee Aide
cindy_smith AT legis.state.ak.us
907.465.3717
Senators French, Wielechowski, (Elton = no one), McGuire and Therriault
April 9th, 2009 at 1:49 PM
194 SMR Says:
April 9th, 2009 at 1:23 PM
I have a HUGE problem with the gay-bashing, disenfranchisement of Natives, and all of the religious beliefs stuff that defines his actions as an individual, in his professional capacity, and as he attempts to foist all of that personal poisonous baggage onto Alaska politics. I have an even bigger problem with someone who has his stated beliefs about domestic violence.
***************************************
No doubt Ross-bo buys into this :
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/09/marriage-murder/
April 9th, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Martha UYS – You are working very hard for your fellow Alaskans. I thank you all the way from down here !! You go Girl !!
April 9th, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Egads! Does WAR sound as dumb, narrow-minded, arrogant, and PARANOID in person as he does in your written text!!!
Generals? Marshals? Wild West crap? Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!?!?
How did this small-minded person make it through law school??
I can see why GINO picked this whack-job…..he’s a mirror-image of her.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Say it again, yeah, AKdennis. Terrific and memorable song.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:02 PM
2#187 “C4Peeeee has this to say:
WAR’s next hearing will be on Friday at 1:00 p.m. AK time before the House Judiciary Committee. And guess who chairs that committee? The Jerk from Fairbanks! We expect the RINO Jerk to grandstand like the drama queen he is. There are two Dems on the committee, Max Gruenberg and Lindsey Holmes. Gruenberg shouldn’t be bad, but Holmes is a worshipper of The One and she’ll likely tag-team with the Jerk to grandstand against WAR.
My bad if I didn’t link this correctly….
Then you’re supposed to email all the reps and they list who is an ally, etc….”
Yeah. I bet they start off their e-mails to Rep. Ramras with “Dear RINO Jerk”
I hope the Judiciary committee goes all Doogan on them. Only them, of course, never us, she said with appropriate sarcasm.
Actually, I don’t. I greatly dislike seeing unprofessional and/or disrespectful behavior from people in positions of leadership, but that’s mostly why I cringe about Ross as potential AG for you good folks.
Do you think it would help for any of us outsiders to e-mail them with a generic “I hope you’ll use your best judgement” sort of letter?
One thing’s for sure, if he gets confirmed: the first idiotic thing he does will be a big nail in Palin’s “chances of getting reelected Gov.” coffin.
Are AG appointments for life, like US Supreme Court? Or just for the term of the Gov. appointing them, like US cabinet members? I should probably know that but I don’t.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Ashcroft: the shining star that lost an election to a dead man! Thus, W rewarded him much like we now reward wall streeters for their accomplishments!
April 9th, 2009 at 2:12 PM
@austintx,
That Wonkette link was a hoot…..how do they get away with using language like that?
My favourite quote was ” is Trig the President of the USA?”
It’s not funny, but it is funny!
April 9th, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Just for the term. I’m still here, so I thought I’d answer. In most states they are voted on, I believe, as a separate ballot issue, but I don’t know the percentages on that. Hope that helps.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:14 PM
I am encouraging everyone to email our legislators urging them to reject this nomination.I believe that Mr Ross is dangerous. His racist, discriminatory, rigid belief system will with out a doubt impact his decisions and on the job performance as our state’s top AG–this could be our worst nightmare. Mr Ross made a comment at one point that our child protective services agency increased the number of children they took into custody in order to up their stats to increase funding for their agency—that is an outrageous accusation and totally ignores the appalling rates of domestic violence and substance abuse that our state struggles with. We need to be up in arms in regards to this CRAZY man.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Sure sounds like Ms Palin and War want a dictatorship or something on that line. I would say the same as some of you but their are many Alaskans that need the help the federal government gives.I felt the same way about other republican governors saying they refused the money but them had to rethink cause a lot of people weather repugsa or dems need the help.I hope this is not something that the other governors will follow along with.Hopefully their are enough people who will vote her out of office.Remember we have a base up there and I don’t think they want any part of Palin and war.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:16 PM
@ Terpsichore
Technically, I don’t believe any non-Alaskans who contact the committees will carry any weight, as what counts is what goes into the permanent record from constituents, including public testimony.
Obviously, because the Sarah Rats have nothing better to do it seems, I’m sure there will be a lot of email sent from their sewers of choice, mostly not from Alaska either (if any?). I honestly don’t know if it is an aggravation or a boon to get emails re: Alaska politics from outside. I know this session has been short and furious and responses from legislators have been slow in coming, like they are completely back logged.
Alaskans – we need to go back to the 120 day schedule, otherwise Executive Branch oversight and constituent contacts are curtailed w/ the 90 day session. The frenzy in Juneau is palpable. Not enough time!
April 9th, 2009 at 2:19 PM
If war gets in I would hopeth base could or would be moved along with all the equipment let Ms Palin and war set up a defense system.From what I have heard we do not get all that much oil from Alaska.Take you bussiness and move to the lower 48 and bring your families with you. My niece left the Wallasa area because of the rampant drug use and selling there.She did not want her son growing up around that
April 9th, 2009 at 2:21 PM
@ Carol
Use the information I posted earlier on contacting the Judiciary Committees if you haven’t already, and pass it on to others!
When I talked to Jane Pierson, she said that it was always safest to send comments directly to the committee itself, because sometimes the INFO IS NOT PASSED ON from other offices as it should be. Just human error, I guess – but it’s so worth knowing! You can always CC your representatives with the committee contact email / fax / letter if they are not on one of the committees – but the original contact should be directly to the committee!! I guess I can’t stress this enough – sorry if I’m being obnoxious here!
April 9th, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Shannyn Moore has just posted a story about WAR on Huffpo.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannyn-moore/survivor-juneau_b_185367.html
I posted an earlier message I sent to the DOJ (#174) but with this new posting I will link her story and send another email to DOJ (Eric Holder)
April 9th, 2009 at 2:54 PM
@Martha UYS –
Here is the body of the letter that I sent to Ms. Pierson & Ms. Smith. I will follow up with a phone call to ensure that it is received:
It would be much appreciated if you could forward this to those of the House Judiciary Committee so that my concerns can be related and entered as public record. I will phone you to ensure that this email has been received by your office.
Thank you,
To the Senate & House Judiciary Committees of the State of Alaska,
I am writing this letter to voice my concerns about the appointment by Governor Palin of Wayne Anthony Ross as Attorney General of Alaska. I sincerely hope that this appointment will not be confirmed.
I am certain that you have already heard many constituents voice their quite justified concerns about the position that Mr. Ross has taken in regard to the subsistence rights of Alaska Natives.
I am certain that you have already heard many constituents voice their quite justified concerns about the position that Mr. Ross has taken in regard to homosexuals.
I am certain that you have already heard many constituents voice their quite justified concerns about the position that Mr. Ross has taken in regard to the issue of domestic violence.
I am a born and raised Alaskan who does not believe that the subsistence rights of Alaska Natives in any way infringe on my rights as an Alaskan or citizen of the United States of America. I do not believe that one person’s choice of life partner infringes on my personal freedoms or ability to lead an honest, productive and happy life, nor does it infringe on that of my children.
However, words cannot express the concern that I have in regard to Mr. Ross’ stated position in regard to domestic violence. Alaska leads the nation in domestic violence and rape statistics. How, in good conscience, can our leadership possibly justify having an Attorney General that holds the beliefs of Mr. Ross? How can our state expect to address and ameliorate these problems with Mr. Ross as our Attorney General?
Domestic violence is a generational problem; I speak as the granddaughter of a woman beaten and eventually killed by her husband. My mother, my aunts and uncles, my cousins and I have grown up without the love of my grandmother. Children are shaped by exposure to domestic violence. Families are changed forever. What is the cost to individuals and society when the cycle of domestic violence is not addressed and treated?
Should Mr. Ross be confirmed as Attorney General, Alaskans will get an Attorney General more concerned with undermining the rural subsistence rights of Alaskan Natives than with addressing the prejudices and challenges that they face daily. Should Mr. Ross be confirmed, Alaskans will get an Attorney General committed to abolishing the rights of gay, lesbian and transgendered Alaskans, rather than supporting the rights of each and every Alaskan regardless of their sexual orientation or religious beliefs. Finally, if Mr. Ross is confirmed as Attorney General, Alaskans will continue to reap the sorrows perpetrated and perpetuated by domestic violence and rape as he fights for gun rights instead of human rights.
Please do not confirm Mr. Ross as Attorney General of Alaska.
Sincerely,
April 9th, 2009 at 2:57 PM
I just read the Warwords & buzzed thru the comments. I….I….I don’t know what to say. Why do idiots always think they’re patriots?
April 9th, 2009 at 3:02 PM
# 47 Marnie…didn’t Alaska vote on the State Dog a couple of weeks ago?
Guess what AGiNO wasn’t even in the running….
Leave the junk yard dog right were he is…
April 9th, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Speaking of Juneau…how is it that GiNO wants to pick it’s leadership, but won’t even work in the captial – with the leg Bunch?
April 9th, 2009 at 3:09 PM
@ SMR
That is an EXCELLENT letter! It is precise, it has context, and resolve. Way to go!
April 9th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
I just read Shannyn’s post at Huffington. Holyfu**ng crap! Thank you all, including Carol and Martha and honesty, for all that you do for your state. It is a marvel of beauty and nature that is to be found nowhere else. I fully and wholeheartedly support you in your efforts. With all gratitude.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:18 PM
@SMR Fantastic letter! That’s the kind of “1, 2, 3 with 3 as your strongest and most personal point” letter that the legislators need to hear!
April 9th, 2009 at 3:19 PM
*standing and clapping*
Excellent, SMR. Thoughtful and to the point. Brilliant.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Wow-he really is something. I hope they broke the mold after he was born. He was speaking AIP words. It seems to me he was referring to our federal government as the enemy. So, if he and GINO are in charge-God help the State of Alaska and the United States of America-and anyone else around us.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Thank you so much for the info, Martha! I have emailed them. I don’t know how much detail to put in. I have no first-hand knowledge, but reading just these out-takes from AKM is more than enough for me!
Is there any
HOPE?
April 9th, 2009 at 3:27 PM
@ Hope
There is ALWAYS you (Hope)! Thank you for writing! I’ve written once, but I have NEW reasons so I’m writing again. I doubt I’ll be as eloquent as SMR (fat chance) but I’ll sure give it a whirl!
April 9th, 2009 at 3:27 PM
WAR, GINO, and many republican leaders are going the way of the dinosaur in their inability to see that the majority of voters are turned off by their divisive, ethnocentric, and gut-instinct type of leadership.
It’s a global community now….and there is no going back. They know it and it scares the heck out of them. Paranoia, xenophobia, militarism, extreme nationalism…..all have their roots in fear, ignorance, and hatred.
Their message may resonate in Alaska and scattered pockets throughout the US but the majority of the country has moved on.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:37 PM
(#221) MinNJ
Thanks for the compliment ,BUT I have to say Martha and Carol are doing all of the ‘heavy lifting’ for all of the Alaskans up there…..and doing the tough fighting.
My State, CA, has some rather intelligent Democratic minds…usually
Not like “Sarah’s 3 Ring Big Top Circus”
She wouldn’t dare show up in my State.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:40 PM
This post is a great example of my deepest fears. I want to do something concrete and positive to stop this confirmation from happening. It isn’t funny to me, even though I know that gallows humor helps sometimes. I know that this choice, and others like it, will “sink” GINO eventually, whether this man is confirmed or not, maybe sooner if he IS confirmed. But it may sink or disenfranchise or even kill a whole bunch of us first – or worse. It really is not funny for Alaskans who love our state and our neighbors and our nation. Thank you all for concrete information on what we can do to make our puny little voices heard over all the laughing and celebrating on both sides.
hope.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:40 PM
@ honestyinGov
That’s right – CA has its own REAL celebrities, plenty of them. No fake ones needed, or desired!
April 9th, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Irishgirl said: You are very welcome to visit me in Ireland.
Thanks Irishgirl – I’ll be out on the next plane. LOL
Found out a few years back my great-great grandmother was from County Cork. I always knew I had a wee bit of the Irish in me. : )
April 9th, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Palin’s AG Opens Mouth, Inserts Foot
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/30/palins-ag-pick-called-gay_n_180599.html
which in turn points to this full post/blog
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=10144
Full article:
Palin’s AG Pick Called Gays “Degenerates”
by: Bent Alaska
Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:09:48 AM EDT
Gov. Sarah Palin named Anchorage lawyer Wayne Anthony Ross as her new attorney general on Thursday. We did not expect her to pick a gay-friendly AG, however his blatant prejudice expressed in a public letter to the state Bar shows that he is a poor choice for our top attorney:
**”During a fight several years ago over gay rights, [Allison] Mendel helped organize Anchorage lawyers in support of an anti-discrimination ordinance. Ross wrote a nasty letter to the Bar Association newsletter, using words like “immoral”, “perversion” and “degenerates.” The language went way beyond reasonable disagreement, Mendel and others said.”
— from Wayne Anthony Ross never a quiet force, Anchorage Daily News**
The state House and Senate will hold separate confirmation hearings on his appointment.
Other interesting facts about Wayne Anthony Ross, known as WAR, the initials on his vanity plate:
• He was a founder of Alaska Right to Life and represented, without fee, anti-abortion protesters charged with trespassing. “I feel I have a good relationship with the good Lord (but) if I could overturn Roe vs. Wade, I figure I got my ticket,” he told a reporter.
• He was the defense lawyer for former Rep. Vic Kohring, who is serving a 3 1/2 year sentence on corruption charges.
• He opposes Native subsistence rights and was the lead lawyer in the case that got Alaska’s subsistence law declared unconstitutional. When running for governor in 2002, he said he would hire a band of “junkyard dog” assistant AG’s to challenge the federal law that requires subsistence preference, or seek changes through Congress.
• He wrote for the Anchorage Times and the conservative Voice of the Times, and titles like “KKK ‘ Art’ Project Gets’ A’ For Courage” are listed on the publications page of his Ross & Miner law office.
• 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 defended a man who twice poured buckets of water from a passing pickup onto anti-war demonstrators in the rain and snow. His client was convicted of harassment and violating constitutional rights.
• 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?)
April 9th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Hope – YES WE CAN!
I don’t know of any groups (individuals, yes) which have come out in favor of WAR – I think there’s a good chance we will dump him. Many have spoken against him with conviction. Keep the faith!!! And if it makes you feel better, send a SECOND email to the Committees like I am.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:46 PM
New thread – more on Ross!
April 9th, 2009 at 3:50 PM
The general news media is not doing half the job of reporting that you are, AKM. Thank you so much from deep in the slough.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Hope,
You are our hope. And I, and many others like me, love you and wish you and your truly gorgeous state all good things. Always.
My love to you,
Mary
April 9th, 2009 at 4:12 PM
From Pam’s House Blend on 3/30/2009:
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=10144
…interesting facts about Wayne Anthony Ross, known as WAR, the initials on his vanity plate:
-He was a founder of Alaska Right to Life and represented, without fee, anti-abortion protesters charged with trespassing. “I feel I have a good relationship with the good Lord (but) if I could overturn Roe vs. Wade, I figure I got my ticket,” he told a reporter.
-He was the defense lawyer for former Rep. Vic Kohring, who is serving a 3 1/2 year sentence on corruption charges.
-He opposes Native subsistence rights and was the lead lawyer in the case that got Alaska’s subsistence law declared unconstitutional. When running for governor in 2002, he said he would hire a band of “junkyard dog” assistant AG’s to challenge the federal law that requires subsistence preference, or seek changes through Congress.
-He wrote for the Anchorage Times and the conservative Voice of the Times, and titles like “KKK ‘ Art’ Project Gets’ A’ For Courage” are listed on the publications page of his Ross & Miner law office.
-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 defended a man who twice poured buckets of water from a passing pickup onto anti-war demonstrators in the rain and snow. His client was convicted of harassment and violating constitutional rights.
-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?)
Oh boy! What a weiner!
April 9th, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Wow. For once, I am speechless.
No wait, I’m not.
What an unmitigated a**. As for Palin, she is beyond contemptible. She has done a litany of Very Bad Things, but this will certainly be the cherry on her crap sundae.
I am sorry, Alaskans, that you have to deal with this on a daily basis.
April 9th, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Wow. I am going to get down on my knees tonight and thank God that Rich Cordray is our attorney general. He is one of the main people I point to when bitter, cynical people insist all politicians suck: a squeaky-clean official, brilliant and educated in the best schools who could easily be getting rich in some provate law firm, who has chosen public service because he wants to fight predators such as payday lenders, crooked mortgage brokers and greedy for-profit charter school owners who are allowed to suck hundreds of millions dollars out of our public schools for their failing, underfunded institutions because they’ve paid off every Republican in this state. My thoughts are with the people of Alaska who deserve better than this kind of swaggering, narcissistic bully (Actually, you deserve a governor who isn’t a swaggering, narcissitc bully too, but that’s a whole other topic). This guy sounds just terrible.
April 9th, 2009 at 6:35 PM
God help us if this man gets in as AG. This is alarming! When is the vote again? Tomorrow right?
April 9th, 2009 at 6:56 PM
177 akdennis
Edwin Star not the Temtations performed WAR [the song]
April 9th, 2009 at 7:20 PM
WAR… what is he good for?
Absolutely nothing!
April 9th, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Leah Burton is the daughter of of former Alaska Public safety officer, Richard Burton. She has written a letter quoting things she personally heard Ross say and that letter has been reprinted with her permission on the Huffington Post by Shannyn Moore. Here is the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannyn-moore/survivor-juneau_b_185367.html
The two quotes I found most disturbing are as follows:
“There wouldn’t be a domestic violence issue if women would learn to keep their mouths shut.”
“If a man can’t rape his wife, who’s he gonna rape?”
I hope that every Alaskan who reads this will take a minute to contact the house and senate aides whose addresses are given in an earlier comment and also their senators and representatives. Ross is also not interested in child support enforcement. The women and children of Alaska have had enough trouble. They deserve a champion, not yet another oppressor.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Is he a member of the AIP? I have never heard an AG speak with such disrespect for the laws he is suppose to uphold. Even before AK law, he is suppose to uphold the laws of the USA. Isn’t he?
April 9th, 2009 at 9:31 PM
wow….he’s scary. Good luck Alaskans in giving this guy and your GINO the boot. Even though Alaska is not getting much media coverage on this, there are many many of us here in the 48 who are paying attention and hope you all come out of this ahead of the game. We’re rooting for ya! Keep fighting back (and please DO NOT re-elect Palin= big, costly mistake.)
April 10th, 2009 at 12:00 AM
The man is insane.
Who is the enemy? We are he.
April 10th, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Good post. Thanks for the analysis. More of the historical quotes from Ross would be helpful. There’s a dearth of Ross history out there.
April 11th, 2009 at 1:20 PM
Forgive me if this has already been said, but it seems that WAR is carrying the Alaska Independence baton–the US gov referred to as the “enemy”???!!! Would he power a secession effort? How do people like this get away with being more patriotic than thou?
April 11th, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Oops just saw someone raised the AIP point!