Shannyn Moore in Palin’s Crosshairs.
[A similar piece is up on The Huffington Post. This one is just for Mudflatters]
Just when you thought you’d seen the back end of him, he returns; one of our favorite characters here at the Mudflats. I refer, of course, to Sarah Palin’s personal attorney, and the man in Alaska with the most dastardly sounding bad guy name ever: Thomas Van Flein. I put his last name in bold italics to remind you to pronounce it with a dastardly accent. I still don’t actually know what he looks like, but for our purposes in the past, we have imagined him in our mind’s eye as having a long, thin moustache which he twirls when hatching fiendish plots, or reflecting on the mischief he has caused. He’s also got a black cape, and a really sharp pair of knee-high boots.
As a matter of fact, after the third or fourth time we enjoyed a story starring Mister Van Flein, it occurred to me that I already posessed an archetypal image of his character in my head from childhood. He is Snidely Whiplash. Now, in all fairness to our villain, he’s really not the one calling the shots. His client, soon to be ex-governor Palin shows him the hoop, and pays him to jump. And as we know, she’s not really known for her wise and thoughtful handling of bad situations.
There is an old expression which says, “In a crisis, do nothing.” Wise words indeed, which means that the soon-to-be-ex-governor won’t likely heed them. She’s sort of adopted another philosophy. It’s more like, “In a crisis, be reactionary and threaten to sue someone for defamation in the hopes of intimidating the entire blogosphere and all national print and televised media into not talking about something.” I’m not an oddsmaker, but this strategy seems likely to become a crumpled up tin can on the refuse pile of epic failure.
There’s no doubt that the week has been a bad one for the governor. It started with an unflattering Vanity Fair article. This was followed by a CBS piece about some leaked emails in which she asked the McCain campaign to lie about Todd Palin’s 7-year membership in a secessionist party. McCain strategist Steve Schmidt said that Todd was a member, and it was a secessionist party and he wasn’t going to create an issue in the media if it didn’t exist already, nor would he lie for her. Remember that part, because it comes back later.
Her week culminated, of course, in a strange, twitchy, impulsive announcement that she would be stepping down from office. The last time Alaskans were this gobsmacked by the governor, it was when she said ‘yes’ to John McCain when he popped the question back in August.
Her reason for resigning? The media was unfair. People were filing ethics complaints against her. Bloggers were making silly photoshops. The state would be better off. We kept waiting to hear the big reason, the real reason, the reason that would explain it all. We waited for the reason that would come at the end, after all the silly stuff. But it never came. That was it.
We were left scratching our heads. A woman who was the Vice Presidential candidate for the Republican Party, and has been discussed as a plausible contender for her party’s nomination for president of the United States in 2012, is quitting her job as governor, 17 months before the end of her first term, because people are picking on her? This just didn’t compute. Even in the wildest contortionist spin of her most ardent supporters, this was not going to improve her chances in 2012. Leadership through quitting… Believable?
What this means is that now, the line on her resume right underneath “Almost-one-term Governor, before I quit” reads “Mayor of a small Alaskan town with a population of 7000 people.” This is not the way to be taken seriously as a presidential contender. Yes, she draws crowds, but so does Brittany Spears, and I sure wouldn’t vote for her to take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Naturally, with the overwhelming doubt in the minds of the public that this could possibly be the real reason she was stepping down, questions were asked. Phones started ringing in Alaska from friends and relatives who wanted the “real story.” Alaskans were even asking each other what they thought was really going on. There seem to be dozens of rumors circulating about the governor at any point in time, and this week was no different. People were muttering about personal family problems, about new ethics complaints, about legal cases involving her use of personal off-the-radar Yahoo email accounts to conduct state business. Then there was talk about the legality of her legal defense fund which is currently being questioned, or maybe personal illness. But the ones that seems to have gotten under the governor’s skin were reports involving rumors floating about town about shenanigans going on with the simultaneous building of the governor’s house, and the Wasilla Sports Complex, and a supposed IRS investigation. Are any of these rumors true? Who knows. Are they being talked about in open conversation at holiday barbeques all over the state today? Oh, yes.
And all this brings us back to the governor, Thomas Van Flein, and a certain Shannyn Moore. Moore is a radio host, blogger, and frequent guest on MSNBC’’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann. There were scads of blogs, both local and national that reported on the rumors above, but Moore really got under the soon-to-be-ex governor’s skin. Why? Apparently it’s because she watches TV more than she reads.
Saturday, July 4th, Van Flein issued a four page letter regarding reports of these rumors, and it was sent by SarahPAC spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton to media outlets across the state.
Van Flein’s letter threatening legal action specifically pointed the finger at Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore as “most notably” claiming as “fact” that Palin resigned under federal investigation.
Van Flein, asked why he singled out Moore, said it’s because she went on national television and talked about it. Moore was on with MSNBC’s David Shuster on Friday, the day Palin said she will resign.
“There is a scandal rumor here that there is a criminal investigation into some activities and that’s been rumored for about, I don’t know, probably six weeks or two months,” Moore told him.
You can go back and read that quote again that Van Flein says claims a fact. The only fact is that there are rumors. I know because I’ve been hearing them since last October. They even have a name – “Housegate.” If you Google “Sarah Palin Housegate,” you get 8,600 references, beginning with an article that appeared in the Village Voice. Googling “Palin sports complex scandal” gets you 230,000 results. Kinda looks like a rumor to me. I’m not exactly sure how the legal dynamic duo of Palin-Van Flein is planning to un-rumorize almost a quarter of a million online references to a rumor, and then prove its non-existence, but it will be interesting to watch.
“I’ll sue you for defamation!” is the toothless wonder of the legal world. It’s meant to scare people, intimidate them, and get them to be quiet. In this particular case, it’s not going to work. Moore has already discussed the issue on her own radio show, where she said emphatically, “Bring it on.” She said she already had a long list of attorneys who had emailed her, champing at the bit to depose Sarah Palin in such a case. Now that would make for some damn good blogging material.
So why would this bizarre comical scenario be taking place at all? Remember when I mentioned how Steve Schmidt had to intervene and explain to Palin that it just wasn’t a good idea to over-react and start making grand statements to the media about negative things being said about her? He firmly told her no. And he had to do it twice. Her personal attorney, on the other hand, is being paid to do what she wants. After a recent fund drive, Palin’s legal defense fund may be well stocked, so no skin off the nose of her legal team. And there’s nobody in her inner sanctum who feels like telling her it’s a really bad idea. So she marches on.
Using the substantial might of the Executive branch of government to bring down unenforceable legal threats on a local blogger, and attempting to curtail free speech on the Fourth of July? Not a brilliant PR move. By specifically naming Moore, Palin has done two things; she has shown herself to be a reactionary immature politician, and she has given a Shannyn Moore the spotlight. And she is not the only one in Sarah Palin’s crosshairs. You stand warned Huffington Post, New York Times, MSNBC and The Washington Post. You just better knock it off.
The New York Times and Washington Post haven’t written anything about this, but Van Flein said he believed they were asking questions. “What I’ve been informed is that they’ve been interviewing people in Wasilla about this, and have tried to interview the governor’s parents about it,” Van Flein said.
Well then…in the case of The New York Times and the Washington Post, you’d better stop even thinking about asking questions about it., or writing about it maybe. At some future date.
In solidarity with my friend and fellow blogger Shannyn Moore, may I be the next to report the news to the legal eagles Whiplash & Palin, and to the entire blogosphere at large:
THERE ARE RUMORS.
There. I said it.
Sue me.
Wasn’t there a RUMOR about a salacious video or picture ??
So sue me.
Perhaps a Snydly Wiplash kinda guy-
Good article AKM_
I can only imagine the troops’ heads are spinning. She visited the Alaska National Guard troops deployed overseas last week, honors their service, their sacrifice, and then as CIC of the Alaska National Guard decides to cut and run.
Just down right disgraceful.
One of Palin’s excuses as told by Andrea Mitchell…. Sarah is tried of the commute from Wassila to Juneau.
Per your usual excellence, AKM.
And now, to top it all of, Palin is a Twitter bully!
On the 4th of July!
I think there was just a photo of Van Flein in the ADN today…
AND, for crying out loud, can’t they just shut up? Not the press and bloggers; you know, the other ones…?
Sarah might want to remind herself of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC-tOzXQOsk
Is anyone else curious why the trust fund embezzlement rumor was not specifically addressed by Van Flein? An anonymous poster has posted on various blogs that he/she is said “victim’ of the rumored embezzlement and has stated that it will “bring Palin down.”
Is Van Flein trying to intimidate and shut down speculation about the real reasons Palin resigned by drawing the attention away from the real issue with his laboriously long, detailed explanation of the sports center and the Wasilla house? It would make wily sense to bluster and blow about one issue to take away the spotlight from a possible real issue.
Pure speculation here but…..perhaps Palin’s resignation was a prerequisite in a deal brokered to resolve this trust fund issue??
EXCELLENT!!!! (wouldn’t expect anything less from a most erudite and eloquent writer though!)
This is all over the blogsphere, and even the big kids (natl & intl news) are picking up the story. . .
Is anyone else curious why the trust fund embezzlement rumor was not specifically addressed by Van Flein? An anonymous poster has posted on various blogs that he/she is said “victim’ of the rumored embezzlement and has stated that it will “bring Palin down.”
Is Van Flein trying to intimidate and shut down speculation about the real reasons Palin resigned by drawing the attention away from the real issue with his laboriously long, detailed explanation of the sports center and the Wasilla house? It would make wily sense to bluster and blow about one issue to take away the spotlight from a possible real issue.
Just curious.
Another great article! I do have to take issue with your literary device of saying that you don’t know what Van Flein looks like when his picture is plastered all over Google Images. Still, it’s a good device to get into the mustache twirling image, so it’s OK.
Sarah has complained about how many millions in legal bills she has run up, well, maybe $300,00. or $500,00. It’s hard to tell with a serial exaggerator. I think that some of Van Flein’s tactic is to pad the Legal Defense Fund so he’ll get paid. If Sarah has her eye on travel (to promote her new calling) and a nice wardrobe to go with the gig, she’ll be needing more contributions big time.
When Karl Rove said that this political strategy made no sense, you’re listening to the master. Just the fact that Sarah loves that Blackberry and twitters away at State Expense makes me wonder why she’d give up that perk. The office of Governor comes with alot of power, far more than the average citizen has. And, the office comes with some restraints. So we are left to guess as to which restraint was too much– not being allowed to make money on the outside, not being allowed to drag the family along anymore, not being able to mix personal and government email accounts. The surprise nature of her announcement, her breathless nervous delivery only fuels the rumors that have been so much the subject of discussion lately.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Palin will sue me for claiming she recklessly endangered the life of her unborn child last April.
I would *(((WELCOME)))* an opportunity to appear in court with Palin having to defend her actions. I bet I could get 99% of OB/GYN’s to agree with me (FYI-I would avoid the 1% who didn’t agree). And I would <> to hear what CBJ had to say, under oath of course.
We would find out a bunch of stuff about what really transpired on Trig’s supposed birth date of April 18, 2008.
Sue me, please…, por favor…, si’l vous plait…., bitte!!
Is anyone else curious why the trust fund embezzlement rumor was not specifically addressed by Van Flein? An anonymous poster has posted on various blogs that he/she is said “victim’ of the rumored embezzlement and has stated that it will “bring Palin down.”
Is Van Flein trying to intimidate and shut down speculation about the real reasons Palin resigned by drawing the attention away from the real issue with his laboriously long, detailed explanation of the sports center and the Wasilla house? It would make wily sense to bluster and blow about one issue to take away the spotlight from a possible real issue.
Pure speculation here but….perhaps Palin’s resignation was a requirement in the settlement of the trust fund issue?
Face it, the Distasta from Alaska will never stop.
It amazes me that some of the talking heads at Faux (now that the shock has passed) are calling her latest stunt “brilliant”. So I guess that when the other pump falls and she is totally discredited that will all be part of her “brilliant” plan to take the oval office in 2112.
FOX news and all of the other pundits who’ve professed their love for Palin are just trying to save face, nothing more.
Deep down they know she’s toast but don’t want to alienate the right-wing, especially right-wingers with money.
“One of Palin’s excuses as told by Andrea Mitchell…. Sarah is tried of the commute from Wassila to Juneau.”
All the real important money making enterprizes happen at GINO’s home on the lake. Were, big govement has no access unless invited. She is holding onto the Regian vision of a,”Shinny house on the hill”. Better back off of Gino’s CASA big goverment, you don’t want the AIP or Van Flein serving you papers.
SHe has the Shinny House on a Lake for now. All this attention will build her far right bace. Gino’s likes to shop and vacation/tour Gino around the Good America in the carring and controlling arm of her right wing bace. For there is a major movment to take back America and instill gods ways again. Lead us to the 7 mountains Gino…….. Did god tell you to Drill baby Drill for dollars in the 7 mountains too, also.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/images/palin-lawyer-muck.jpg
photo of Van Flea and his paramour.
Yes, it’s called harassment of the press.
Seriously, one of the very best things to come out of the entire Sarah Palin Greek-Tragedy-With-Moose is that AKM’s remarkably great writing has reached so many of us lower staters in need of a little sense and a good laugh. Thank you, once again, for explaining the inexplicable. Without using basketball analogies. Also.
“THERE ARE RUMORS.”
phaw. that’s just a rumor =)
Appears that an FBI spokesman in the Alaska bureau is claiming there is no federal investigation into Sarah Palin: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-palin5-2009jul05,0,7018263.story
Any thoughts on this mudflatters?
(pfaw? typofail!)
You go, girl!
Scandal or not I think Sarah has flipped out. And I doubt she’s the type to ask for Xanax. I hope she doesn’t start pounding the table with Trig to make a point.
I had no idea her lawyer had been around the Troopergate scandal — he knows well how much she needs that legal defense fund — those dollars are going to him! Well, he won’t be paid — we all know that. Palin will throw him under the bus in a few months if he ever put son his thinking cap and uses that law degree he claims to have.
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/09/02/spotlight-on-sarah-palins-new-lawyer-anchorages-thomas-van-flein/
interesting that most of the links from that article have been taken down…
Secessionist Sarah tried to ruin Fourth of July by Threatening Lawsuits and War against Private Citizens for Daring to Speculate on the Queen.
SARAH, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL. Ha, just kidding. Funny, no??
SUE ME.
GINO has live up to her moniker, in the biggest show of lunacy this country has seen in a good long while…. Governor in Name ONLY.
How about we make up a new one, now, something along the lines of GONE!!!!
Nice work on the HuffPo.
+d at the end of live… dang it all.
Great article AKM and the HP version is keeping the mods busy over there
I had a comment scrubbed when I suggested we get tee-shirts made that read “So Sue Me Sarah!”
paula Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Appears that an FBI spokesman in the Alaska bureau is claiming there is no federal investigation into Sarah Palin: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-palin5-2009jul05,0,7018263.story
Any thoughts on this mudflatters?
______
Plenty of other initials still possible… IRS, DOJ, CPS, WNTW. Okay, What Not To Wear is probably NOT investigating Palin. But they should be.
Palin is represented by Attorney Thomas Van Flien, of the law firm Giloolley, Stant, Smith, Eckardt and Van Flien.
Your writing gives me such joy!
The fact that you will make fun of the weasel lawyer who is threatening to sue people for making fun of his client, is, well, a double whammy! And especially delightful reading. Hey, Mister Villain Meanie-Head hear this, “Nanna Nanna boo-boo! Your client is a punchline …so sue me too.”
What struck me the most during Palin’s dimwit, snit fit, snake bit drivel yesterday was her glaring immaturity. No, not the juvenile behavior I am exhibiting right now, it was the fact she seemed nervous, anxious, mad and bitchy while believing her basketball point guard verbal hologram was profound.
She didn’t need to say as much as she did. In fact, she had me at “hell yes”…
What was THAT about?
I’ll never understand how Bible Spice uses evangelical code words, spins on her corked heel, wipes the blood off her teeth and sneers, “Hell yes”…oh “Hell yes”….
She really needs counseling.
I had to make it through her campaign without professional counseling.
She owes us a trip to the shrink.
Meanwhile…let’s continue to enjoy watching her circle the drain.
“The Trailblazing Quitter…Tonight at Ten.”
SInce I coined the original “GINO” long ago I’ll take Ripley’s lead and start off a new naming contest (?)
GONE: Governor or Nothing Else
Paula, this FBI “spokesman isn’t even an agent. He is a recruiter.
Great article. I also just listened to the podcast which was again highly entertaining, and it was so lovely to hear all the mudpups call in.
Van Flein is just trying to intimidate Shannyn, which does make you wonder if there is any truth to that rumour. It’s funny how Palin reacts to certain things and then lets other rumours slide, which one might think would be more harmful to her reputation. I can’t understand her at all.
GIMO: Governor in Memory Only
I truly believe that in the end, we will realize that the sole purpose of Sarah Barracuda being born, growing up to be as ambitious and nasty as she was “hot” and intellectually challenged, was that through her, the Great AKMuckraker would be revealed to the world! Thank you for appearing – and disappearing, Sarah
I think Van Flein knows that he’d better extract all the cash he can from the Alaska Fund Trust before it too disappears in a puff of illegality.
He’s got a vengeful and willing dipstick for a client so he’s going to sue, sue, sue then take the money and RUN! Perhaps we should rename him VanFleece?
on the last thread, it was suggested that we adopt Shannyn’s name for Palin…..BUTTERCUP!! I already put Lynnrockets onto a song.
17
paula Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Eric Gonzalez is an Applicant coordinator for FBI according to their website, not an investigator.
http://anchorage.fbi.gov/
How about
“Sarah Paycheck”
As in “take this job and shove it”.
Palin only sues, or attempts to sue, women.
She’s the most oppressive type of female: a female who hates other females.
That’s right, she did learn everything she needed from a basketball court: How to hate other women and take away, or threaten to take away, all of their rights.
In the name of God, or Sarah…..same thing to her.
I enjoyed it at huffpo, and again in your mudflats version.
I would note that the FBI has (uncharacteristically?) denied investigating, but the IRS does not seem to have been asked if they are investigating (or more likely they refuse to comment).
Oh, yes, there are rumours. And there will continue to be rumours. Forever.
I thought the same thing AKM Shannon said rumors not fact what a loser her and her lawyer are if they don’t know the difference,You are so right the 4th of July and she wants to stop free speech or die trying.I sure don’t see anything brilliant about her quitting and the few that support her better think again about what they will actually lose with her as head of anything,it would be much more than an abortion issues,Look what has happened in the past and even now in Iran when the religious take over murder and mayhem.I see nothing wrong with an Christmas scene on government property but real oppose having any religion take over our government.Do any of you want them telling you how and when to pray and who to vote for etc like in Iran.?Again the American Taliban at it’s best or is it worst
How about TWIT instead of GINO?
Tweeting
While
I
Tan
@Ripley–GONE, as in Governor Once, Now Exiting?
I have said it before and I will say it again. Sarah Palin is TWITTERPATED!!
@Jim
Or how about GONE: Governor Once, Now Egressing (We all know how she ***Loves***those military terms, by golly)
I think Palin has decided to cash in. Being Governor means you have to sit through long meetings about oil pipeline siting issues, and stratgegy meetings about how to help communities finance municipal sewage treatment plants. She doesn’t enjoy that stuff– she would rather be a free-lance, sassy, sexy GOP babe who runs around the country giving lucrative speeches and being the darling of the wingnuts. She will be a cross between a Barbie doll and a conservative mascot, and will be handsomely rewarded. And she won’t be known as Sarah Palin– she will simply be called “Sarah,” with just an iconic first name, in the manner of Elvis, Madonna, Gandhi, and Jesus.
I expect that we will soon see ‘Sarah’ backyard B-B-Q aprons, a line of salad dressing, a complete set of ‘Sarah” assault weapons by Colt Industries, a signature ‘Sarah’ Hummer, and weekly TV and radio talk shows with our hero as the host. She is seeking to fill the void left by Michael Jackson.
SecretShopperforHungryChildren Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 11:37 AM
SInce I coined the original “GINO” long ago I’ll take Ripley’s lead and start off a new naming contest (?)
GONE: Governor or Nothing Else
______
WINO: Whining Into National Obscurity
and perhaps in a few months…
ONIG: Obsolete Narcissist In Gaol
)
(hope UK lady won’t mind my borrowing the Brit spelling!
Jim: I like it!
I really think that Buttercup never grew up emotionally. Every aspect of her life & how she does things reminds me of what goes on in high school. I can’t even believe her lawyer would even think that there was a possibility of suing Shannon or any other blogger. What a nutcase. I think she seriously needs a nice long vacation & please let it be in another country!
@Bea
I like WINO!!
okay — i want t-shirts or bumper stickers or heck, even a tote bag or two that says
1. suck it up buttercup (man i LOVE that)
2. so sue me sarah (maybe with an option to add our own special rumor)
these items will go nicely with my obamasign mousepad and coffee mug.
oh– i didn’t realize van flein was so young. that kinda explains a lot of things for me.
also — is it my imagination or is JTP verwee verwee quiet lately?
How about Iran, the vacation spot of the Middle East!
Jo in AK @ 14
http://tinyurl.com/rxrues
I was just getting ready to post that link for AKM. He has the same smirky X-Gino look and really needs a lesson in ironing. I guess that goes with her need for a lesson in irony.
AKM if you google Thomas Van Flee’n (Flein) your graphic for this post pops up! Also, too, very interesting interactive graphic of Van Flee’n’ relationships.
OMG, not Sarah salad dressing! She can’t do that, because a mudpup has already come up with fecal dressing for her word salad. It would just draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. Scratch that. She will market a salad dressing, and have no idea of the irony.
Ex-GINO did not like “GINO” so we probably have to use another one she won’t like… tradition you know. “GONER”? But I like Buttercup, so sue me.
I really, really like “Suck it up, Buttercup.” Perfect.
But what’s with the 2-week notice? Usually, a resignation is effective immediately. Does she think she’s quitting a job at Denny’s?!
@Deb
I suspect Palin is geting a lot of advice from her Scientology buds, they love to threaten to sue.
It’s just intimidation. Instead of contacting Shannyn directly she had to stick her attorney on Shannyn, the worst kind of wimp since she probably had to pay $500 or more for that statement.
A real woman would have picked up the phone for free.
BTW… outstanding article AKM. You have a gift and I am so glad you are sharing with the rest of the world!
GONE: Governor Once, Now Ex.
Ok, back to the thread at hand….
Shannyn has to know that we all have her back. Let them try and intimidate. Methinks that Ms. Moore is highly unintimidatible.
Shannyn Moore’s “Suck it up, Buttercup!” Had me laughing and smiling. LOL
Quick! Call the waaaaaaaaaaaambulance!!!
What a group of immature people. Good grief. Just think of all the accusations, lies, mistruths, rumors, smears, defamations, and photoshops that Obama has endured over the past couple of years! Not to mention one major network dedicated to smearing him!
P.S. AKM, I fear that you may be getting a letter from Van Flein for defamation of character. He does *not* have a long, thin mustache that he twirls, and he’s gonna sue!
I’m fairly certain she won’t like TWIT.
“(Tweeting While I Tan.” It can also mean: “Thus Whining I Tweet.”
Last one, don’t want to get sued by AKM for being off-topic
MINO- Mother in Name Only
Prof… that’s a good one! (TWIT) You will probably be sued.
GINA – Grifter in Name Always
or Grifter in Name ALSO!!!!
Palin does not surround herself with anyone that says “NO”, so it appears so far VanFleas has been her “yes legal boy toy”. The day he says no to her, he should expect himself under the bus too.
He’s the one that set the legal fund up stating from the onset that her legal fees were $500,000. That number hung out there for a number of months, only recently being raised to $600,000. Never a document produced verifying. The two of them just fling numbers around and amazingly, people buy into them blindly.
@Prof Geezer
Love that latter. Palin won’t get it, too Shakespearean! Palin probably thinks Shakespeare is a brand of spear used to kill an animal
Love the latter, not that ladder!
Andrew Sullivan (The Daily Dish) has dubbed her “Lady Ga Ga’). Van Flein must see the AK Fund Trust (aka the Palin Slush Fund) as a bottomless pit of money. Based on the latest fundraiser, I don’t think so. When Van Flein can no longer get paid for talking illogical orders from the Buttercup, he will abandon her crusade I believe.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-schweber/sarah-palin-the-first-ame_b_225906.html
here is another huffpo piece on Shannyn vs. Van Flein
So..if I embroider a T-shirt with Suck it up Buttercup to wear around my farm..whos gonna sue me..and in what order..? I wanna be prepared!!
I keep wondering how Palin could ever face down the Russians in a nuclear confrontation if she can’t handle snarky comments from a bunch of bloggers.
I heard a rumor that van Flein bills out at $500 an hour. I heard a rumor that van Flein wants a new fire-engine red Hummer. I heard a rumor that van Flein is annoyed that all that legal defense PAC money is burning a hole in his pocket! I heard a rumor that some advisors told Sarah that she can raise $2 for every $1 they spend on frivolous lawsuits against the big, bad bloggers of Bloggerland. Has anyone else heard these rumors?
I would love to see a Photoshop of Palin with Tammy Faye mascara tears. For some reason I could just see Sarah and Todd on their very own 700 Club show bilking their followers for money with their crocodile tears.
It’s what they are doing now.
OT: Went to sunglass store to have sunglasses fixed. Store guy told me that Willow is photographed wearing $260 Versace sunglasses!! She’s 15!! Yeah, they’re really hurting. Boo hoo! Send us more money…..we need more Versace!!!
Shanny just tweeted she’s having a Press Conference at 2 PM…
Sarah Palin is the POLAR opposite of a good leader.
(How about that northern reference?)
Alaska probably has a small FBI office. He has to be an agent before he does any community coordination. He probably also does investigations. They are not allowed to say anything anytime, even after an investigation goes public.
Zipper lips!
Cut and run Sarah, cut and run.
press conference? can we listen?
EDMONTON SUN: “In addition to posting to her Facebook wall, she directed her Twitter followers to a statement from her lawyer disputing any suggestion that an embezzlement scandal could be looming…Thomas Van Flein is threatening legal action against a number of websites and news organizations that resurrected an allegation that Palin is under federal investigation involving the simultaneous construction of her lakeside home and a sports complex in Wasilla.”
Sigh, I guess she has to threaten newspapers in Canada too. And that is what is so ridiculous about the press release. Now, anyone can discuss the exact things they were telling Shannyn to shut up about. They made “the rumors” public knowledge by placing them into the public sphere. Normally, defamation includes passing along rumors that you know to be false. That is exactly what they did in their press release. It was a mind-boggling legal maneuver.
@gizmo
She’d have Van Flein send a threatening letter to them just before pressing the big red button. Scary thought….
Something Awful is making T-Shirt Ideas:
http://starbucks.mirror.waffleimages.com/files/c2/c272fafbd64a61ba2c34ab27fa818296981fdade.png
Interesting, how soon to be, ex-governor Palin, refers to “governor” as a “title”– – Governor, is a JOB, not a title! sheesh… no wonder…. she’s always in pageant mode, looking for a “title”…
@EyeOnYou
LOVE IT!! I want a poster size, thinking about putting it on my car and driving all around Anchorage with it!!
Thoughts???
Isn’t that what did Michael Jackson and Elvis in. Surrounded by a bunch of people that are afraid to say no to them?
Hopefully AKM will post something here about Shannyn’s Press Conference
@Polly
Always thought Palin has had issues with coming in second in her beauty contest to an attractive black woman. Then last year she came in second to an attractive black man.
See the pattern??
I think that apology she got from Lettermen went to her head . We must all apologize or else.
Is anyone else curious why the trust fund embezzlement rumor was not specifically addressed by Van Flein? An anonymous poster has posted on various blogs that he/she is said “victim’ of the rumored embezzlement and has stated that it will “bring Palin down.”
Is Van Flein trying to intimidate and shut down speculation about the real reasons Palin resigned by drawing the attention away from the real issue with his laboriously long, detailed explanation of the sports center and the Wasilla house? It would make wily sense to bluster and blow about one issue to take away the spotlight from a possible real issue.
Pure speculation here but….perhaps Palin’s resignation was a requirement in the settlement of the trust fund issue?
I love how she whines about a double standard. Other people have left office for higher callings and are not criticized, so why can’t she? The problem is she didn’t leave for any higher calling. She just left (or will soon, God willing). I’m sure she just found out that she would have to report the size of her book advance and couldn’t claim that the amount was a trade secret. Probably gets paid on August 1, so needed to be out of office before then to avoid any accountability. Accountability if for common people, not the royal palins.
She should be a lot more concerned about the Wonkette running back to back stories, extremely unflattering starting w/ the somethingawful.com creative payback a few days back. They’ve been relentless, and have referred to the “other” rumor.
This is one of the more pleasant comments which the Wonkette highlighted:
http://wonkette.com/tag/pt-comment-of-the-day/
“In the middle of this monster Palin Chaos Theory post, commenter-person Alaska Girl reminds us why Sarah Palin’s latest “I’m gonna take my ball and go home” move is standard Wasilla Snowbilly behavior: “She didn’t finish her term as mayor, stepping down to run for Lt. Governor. She didn’t finish her term on the petroleum board ethics panel, she resigned in protest and then ran for Governor. She doesn’t want the office, she just likes running for office. She doesn’t want (can’t actually) accomplish anything, she just wants to talk about it.”
WE remember when Palin quit the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and whined about no Republican ethics. Then as governor, wanted to make the ethics guidelines stricter, but only pursued this in a narrow range of influence.
And now, she starts her new direction in life – criticizing once again, attacking once again. Too bad for her, but she’s all done with the “under the radar” part. What a negative beginning for the “first day of the rest of her life”.
We have your number, Sarah. And… so GLAD you progress yourself by reading each and every Alaskan blog (all of them!). Remember that line? So do we.
Out of the 15 ethic complaints, and 13 were dismissed, I bet one of the two that are sticking is filed by the Anchorage Police Employees Union defending Officer Wooten, who was stalked by her and hubby. What happens to it, when Palin is out of office?
So Caribou Barbie is going to sue people who say mean things about her?
Way to build the base, victims of Swirleys and wedgies will be on board if she can pull this off.
Wait… is it Shannyn that’s having the presser or GINOmore?
SecretShopperforHungryChildren Says
I want a poster size, thinking about putting it on my car and driving all around Anchorage with it!!
_____________
BRILLIANT IDEA!!!! I say GO FOR IT!!
I think her leaving has to do with the Legal Defense Fund, you know, the ethics complaint NOT YET resolved.
I agree with Diva, I think that she was told the only way she could keep the $ from the fund was to resign as gov. Otherwise, she would either have to give the money back, or take it to court and it becomes a matter of public record.
This way it all stays quiet. I suspect the complaint will be dismissed this week. We may not here about it though, since she would have to waive her confidentiality. She won’t.
The money was more important. Who da thunked??
grammar correction:…IS sticking was filed by..
Vander Fleapee is just as wacky as his client, but he’ll cut and run by the end of the month.
Lee – I agree completely. I am very curious about that too. Are ethics complaints dismissed in Alaska if the defendant is no longer in office?
does anyone have thoughts on the press conference?
i found it strange that Palin/Van Flein served notice to the national media, rather than the person they were accusing of defamation. really tacky and ethically questionable. i hope she addresses the rumors. i would write an entire article and at the end, eloquently ask that them to sue me if they felt i was lying. it would be impossible for them to win such a case, so you could recover attorney fees for their frivolous suit; and then you could profit, by turning around and suing them for defamation and punitive damages. even if, by some small chance in hell she won a defamation suit, i bet that so many sources would cover the expenses, just to force her to go through the discovery process and get the truth to come to light.
I can’t spell today: Hear, not here. Time to step away from the keyboard.
I too, also, think that this whole quitting thing might be related to some damaging information that might be kept under wraps until she’s out of office. Then after she’s a private citizen, it will explode and nobody will hear about it.. except us, of course.
There is also the possibility that she struck some kind of deal…. and having her designate that AFT money as basically for “anything” she deems it necessary means that Taahd is covered by it all, too.
Something is definitely up and she’s seen it coming for a good long while.
I think what Shannyn should do is wish her ex-governor a nice life and best of luck on the raising of her rapidly expanding family. Then bid her adieu. Maybe she’ll leave the media spotlight then. Well, until the poop hits the fan legally. She seems to thrive on controversy. Start playing nice in the sandbox and she won’t know what to say.
Imagine: ” Oh Scarah, I really hope that you get the help you need and enjoy being out of the spotlight….I just want what’s best for you.”
“Oh, You’re just being nice to me because I have a shiny new Tonka. I know you don’t really like me”. Come ON.
Wasn’t the AK Fund Trust established for the governor and family, not the Palins? If she isn’t governor, wouldn’t Gov Light then have access to that money? Or, was it really truly just a fundraiser for her. That makes the AK Fund Trust very misleading, and, oh I don’t know, unethical?? (I know, the obvious is stated…)
paula Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Appears that an FBI spokesman in the Alaska bureau is claiming there is no federal investigation into Sarah Palin: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-palin5-2009jul05,0,7018263.story
Any thoughts on this mudflatters?
~~~~~~~~~~
No one ever said FBI! AKM posted a blog a week or so ago with a link to AKReport that mentioned possible “long simmering IRS/embezzlement” (I don’t know how to find that blog) AKReport has updated last night:
“Big dirty scandal about to hit the Palin universe
Evidenced by Palin’s abrupt announcement that she’s quitting the State of Alaska without explanation. If it smells like a duck, looks like a duck, and walks like a duck. It’s a duck. Stay tuned…”
This is the *iceberg* everyone, EVERYONE has been buzzing about. Van flea called FBI and they say no, and he throws it out as red herring! The base is happy, emptying their piggy banks for Buttercup, but no one mentioned FBI.
Suck it up Buttercup!!!!
Hang tough Shannon were on your side!! their sights are on you.. once again they forgot Alaska is still part of the USA!! freedom of speech and freedom of the press..and on mudflats freedom to assemble.. To Van Flein and Sara pac of lies” F “ALL YOU ALL!
@HistoryGoddess
I think it specifically states Governor Palin.
I still think, as I stated above, the LDF caused her quick departure. Could be other things as well, I’m just following the money trail.
Who is broadcasting Shannyn’s press conference? I need to watch it. AKM, do you know?
She’s playing to her base and this lawsuit is nothing more than another fundraiser for her legal defense fund. Of course, if she were honest and actually did her job as Governor, there’d be no need for a legal defense fund. And about that defense fund, their mission statement claims that it was established to ease the financial burden on the budget of the Executive branch of the Great State of Alaska. . .and then goes on and on about Governor Palin. Then the site mentions that any remaining funds that are left once legal defense of the Governor’s Office is no longer needed will be turned over to a 501(3)(c) of the adminstrator’s choice – so look for Palin to announce she is establishing a non profit 501(c)(3) – prbably under the guise of special needs (like her legal fees) or something.
Can you guys picture AKM and Shannyn walking arm in arm into the Netroots shindig, basking in the standing ovation? Now THAT’s a fantasy!!
rocket Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Sarah Palin is the POLAR opposite of a good leader.
(How about that northern reference?)
—————————————–
And if she visits the North and the South Pole… does THAT mean she is ‘ Bi-polar’?
THIS is funny, Jason did a good job of this Sunday Roundup…not as informative as AKM of course……(.thanks again AKM…your fingers must be sore, but we surely appreciate your work)…….but Jason is pretty funny.
A mockumentary show of solidarity for fellow blogger Shannyn Moore
Highlights:
Jason Linkins
TV SoundOff: Sunday Talking Heads
FOX NEWS SUNDAY
OMGZ HA HA SARAH PALIN! She’s resigning! And suing the entire internet for defamation! And breaking new ground in CRAZY AWESOME? Here’s the super-media ready Sean Parnell, the Lieutenant Governor who is now governor. Palin used the word “crazy” in her remarks, as well as a tortured metaphor involving point guard
Huckabee says that the challenge Palin will face is basically that she’s a big old quitter who runs from challenges. Rove says that it’s “unclear what her strategy is,” but doesn’t that mean that her strategy is potentially AWESOME and CRAZY? Plus she’s SUING THE INTERNET, with lawyers, and stuff.
Oh hai! Sean Parnell? Forgot all about you and junk? You’re the guy who did that “Lazy Sunday” rap, or something? He says Palin went to Kosovo and proved that she “didn’t need a title” to effect change, because she laid on hand and healed wounds and make cotton candy appear in mid air.
It could be a brilliant strategy,” Huckabee says, “we just don’t know.” Rove says she’ll have to be unconventional and that she’s “lost control of time.” IT’S LIKE SHE’S A DOCTOR WHO EPISODE. OH, JESUS! Is Sarah Palin going to fight the Daleks, or something?
What’s up with North Korea, launching their crazy missiles? Mullen says that they are trying to “send a message.” That message: I AM RESIGNING AS GOVERNOR OF ALASKA, TOO! POINT GUARDS! MOOSE! SHUT UP BLOGS, OR I’LL SHUT YOU UP.
PANEL TIME: Hey, Bill Kristol? Explain what your girlfriend, Sarah Palin, is up to? Kristol says that it’s a “high-risk” move, but that being Governor of Alaska is for losers like Sean Parnell and that it’s time to study issues and travel the country shooting everyone’s wolves and fighting Daleks alongside the TimeLords, from Gallifrey. He says that the “media” has been really tough on her, but she’s gone “all in” now, and will probably be awesome, and hey, “Bristol Kristol” has a nice ring.
THIS WEEK
Today! VPOTUS Biden! Shiny! Plus a panel that I believe has been de-Liz Cheneyed in favor of bringing in Todd Purdum, to talk about crazy Eskimo grifter Sarah Palin and how everyone on the McCain campaign hated her, except Randy Scheunemann, and now she’s going to become the White Oprah in the hopes of putting Meghan McCain on her Anti-Book Club. Then her lawyers will sue the entire universe, and the Sun.
GS points out that half of the United States are going to fail, and require Sarah Palin to come and protect them from Wolfen with her YouBETCHACopter. Biden says that nobody knows for certain is a second stimulus is necessary, and that time will unspool and more of the first stimulus will hit the economy.
Finally, Biden has to talk about deranged frostvixen quitterface Sarah Palin, because he was the last person to run against her and her expert point guardery. Biden says that “personal decisions” have an impact on politics, and that maybe she wasn’t happy with her personal life, but that he doesn’t know and won’t “second guess” Palin. As for it being a result of “political bloodsport,” Biden says no, it wasn’t. And hell, he’s got a point! Palin has always shown a real eagerness to dispense the bloodsport, herself. Anyway, she will now sue stimulus packages, with her team of gobbling lawyertwits, and it will be awesome.
PANEL TIME, woo! Sarah Palin tells the world that staying as Governor of Alaska would be apathetic, and dead fish like, and point guards and BURN THE INTERNET FOREVER. CLEANSE THIS LAND IN THE WHITE-HOT FIRE OF MY ESKIMO ANGER! But what does the panel think of this?
GS is like: “Were you driving you car, or living your life, when Sarah Palin decided to go foxtrotting CRAZY in front of cameras, while seals and moose gamboled around in the background moaning in sexual frenzy? Because WOW WHAT WILL MITT ROMNEY DO TO TOP THIS EPISODE IN OUR LIVES.
Sarah Palin will not accept being a “lame duck,” by which she means, “have a few years left in my very first term in an office of even marginal importance.” She will also not be a “turkey, shoved in a woodchipper” or a “raven, at your chamber door” or a “bluebird of happiness” or a “murder of crows” or a “point guard for the Washington Mystics” or a “figure who is talked about on blogs” or a “realistic contender for any public office ever again.” SHE WON’T PUT ALASKANS THROUGH THAT. Instead, she will put the rest of the country through something, and Alaska shall secede from the United States and blast off into space and settle on top of the Hale-Bopp Comet, where they shall forever glide through the celestium on a ribbon of white-hot ice.
George Will, fresh from setting off pinwheels and roman candles at the recent Washington Post Lobbyist Foxtrot-Fest And Hot Baby Oil Rubdown Hour With Fred Hiatt, says he does not understand why Sarah Palin did what she did, maybe she is from that alternative universe in FRINGE where the World Trade Center still stands and David Letterman is kept on a leash for Bristol Palin’s own amusement. Anyway, whatever, she’s BORED of working and wants to quit and wants “peace.”
Cynthia Tucker is all “bish pls!” “If she wants peace, we won’t be seeing her on the campaign trail.” And now Palin’s lawyers are suing Cynthia Tucker for slander and assault and arson.
Todd Purdum says he “can’t rule out” that there’s a scandal or another shoe to drop. Tony Blankley says, “I think she’s the best intuitive contender in the Republican party.” GS, is all, “Intuitive? What the Foxtrot are you talking about, Tony Blankley?” He says, “She has good political gut-sense on how to talk to the American people.” Wow. To think that on July 3rd, America needed to be talked to in such a loopy and rambling way, on the importance of quitting your job and giving up and GOIN’ ROGUE and launching a weaponized polar bear attack from Galt’s Gulch. AWESOME. This was so foxtrotting intuitive! Maybe Tony Blankley can intuit up a box of ball peen hammers to fall from the sky, on everyone’s head, so that we could better align ourselves mentally, with our snowbilly savior.
Blankley says that it’s just impossible for Palin to be President and run for Alaska, let alone sue the media for pointing cameras at her as she self-immolates. Will says that there is no “plausible comaback strategy,” but he’ll consult with any lobbyists who are willing to pay him $25 to rub butter on his bare nipples. Cynthia Tucker calls Palin “Richard Nixon without the policy experience.” SHE’S LIKE SPIRO AGNEW WITHOUT A RECORD DEAL.
Todd Purdum slaps her around for her self-regard and grandiosity. Speaking of: Purdum’s editor is Graydon Carter! And now they’re all talking abour narcississm and self-involvement. Pots are shinin’ up kettles!
George Will goes off on his “RISING GENERATION OF GOP STARS” which he mentions every foxtrotting week. SHORTER VERSION: “PLEASE NO MORE SARAH PALIN, GAH.” Blankley insists that Sarah Palin is the only Republican giving off “positive energy.” “There’s a lot of pulsating going on,” he says. Dowd says, yeah, “that’s a huge problem,” because she’s like a million carnies or something.
Oh boy, it’s over! I can sit back, have lunch and wait for Sarah Palin’s lawyers to show up at my door and Foxtrot me, but good. Have a nice Sunday, everyone! Finish shooting off those fireworks, for America!
By the way: Pourmecoffee, for the win:
twitter:
Beers inside me but I am still releasing this one-word Palin joke which is killing here at party:
………………………………..Iquitarod
You’ve got to see this.
http://openleft.com/
Palin PAC seeks end-of-term boost
United Press International – Jun 30, 2009
A “webathon” brought in more than $100000 for the Alaska Fund Trust, which pays Palin’s legal expenses.
SarahPAC pushes for donations to meet deadline today
Anchorage Daily News – Erika Bolstad – Jun 29, 2009
The donations, which are capped at $150, go to the Alaska Fund Trust.
There has been a hardcore press for donations recently. I wonder if there is any particular reason why. I know she wants to make it seem like she is popular through monetary donations. But no other politician is soliciting funds like this, especially since the election is not even one year old and the upcoming elections are over a year away. Very curious.
Where can we see Shannyn Moore’s press conference at 4 PM Alaska time? Any chance you could stream it? Massachusetts can’t get enough.
jhop-It would be scarey if you were Buttercup’s lawyer.
There are actually two trust funds at issue here:
1) The known Alaska Fund Trust which is the one Palin set up for donations for her (and her family’s) legal expenses.
2) The shadowy, rumored personal trust fund of an anonymous poster that he/she claims has been embezzled by the Palins. The poster claimed that it had been ignored a long time but now is receiving the “Feds” attention….and will “bring Palin down.”
Obviously, the anonymous poster could be Santa Claus for all I know but I find it curious that this poster posted these comments a couple of weeks ago…and now Palin abruptly resigns. Seems a wee bit too coincidental.
Iquitarod!!!! ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!! That is too cute!!
In-ter-es-ting re: the response to the FBI saying there is no criminal investigation into Palin. But mudflatters, the IRS investigates tax dodgers for possible prosecution; not people who someone thinks might have taken money from a public project. There are other agencies that have the ability to investigate what could be a crime, but I’m wondering who it would be in this case if the FBI isn’t involved …
“frostvixen quitterface Sarah Palin”
ROFL
Shannyn’s twitter message says 2pm AK time.
Has the time changed already as Wendy #106 shows 4pm AK time?
Will this be carried on the radio station that carries Shannyn’s show??
I’m like that guy at Huffpo. Please,please, pretty please Shannyn. File suit against her!!
this was Shannyn’s Twitter:
will have a press conference a 2pm Alaska time.
34 minutes ago
Hopefully we will hear more from AKM shortly…
HistoryGoddess Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Wasn’t the AK Fund Trust established for the governor and family, not the Palins? If she isn’t governor, wouldn’t Gov Light then have access to that money? Or, was it really truly just a fundraiser for her. That makes the AK Fund Trust very misleading, and, oh I don’t know, unethical?? (I know, the obvious is stated…)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Alaska Fund Trust, is her own little “Slush fund” personal ATM. Her using the word Alaska, smacks of fraud (JMO so sue me!!!) because it implies that this fund benefits Alaskans somehow, when it truth it only benefits her, her family and she can use it for any reason, without any accountability. So it was not for Gov. use but HER use, HER Family, or HER friends use.
Here I come to pass out the forks to all bloggers. Stick one in Buttercup. She’s toast!!
106 Wendy Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Where can we see Shannyn Moore’s press conference at 4 PM Alaska time? Any chance you could stream it? Massachusetts can’t get enough.
******
2 PM Alaska, 3 PM PST, 4 MST, 5 CST, 6 EST.
we still have an hour to find out where it will be airing.
Hey! It says for the office of the Governor. That means that it’s Sean Parnell’s money! It comes with the “title”…
“The New York Times and Washington Post haven’t written anything about this, but Van Flein said he believed they were asking questions”
I have never seen the 6 college/university names that Palin attended in the 5 years, the last one which finally gave her her degree.
But, upon seeing the comment made that Palin/VanFleas are aware that the NYT & WP are “thinking” what they are being accused of, tells me that Palin must have graduated from MRU.
Very few certificates have ever been handed out from this University. I must admit, I obtained mine years ago!! I’ll have to check the yearbooks to see when Palin got her’s.!! (WINK! WINK!))
Some of you may not have heard of MRU before:
MIND READERS’ UNIVERSITY!!!!
lol, i have always said that i couldn’t go into criminal defense because i could never look myself in the eye representing rapists, molesters, and murderers. everyone deserves counsel, don’t get me wrong – but it is just not my thing and i personally couldn’t do it. but now that you have mentioned it, palin is officially added to my list.
i will not represent rapists, molestors, murderers, and/or sarah palin.
hypothetically, however, if i did represent her, i would tell her to lay low, shut the f**k up, and keep working on her crayoned and glittered manifesto of awesomeness. she is damaging herself and any representation a competent lawyer could provide. if shannyn decided to sue palin for defamation tomorrow (god, i would do anything…), the first evidence submitted after the ridiculous press release would be her twitter account – she relentlessly adds fuel to her own fire.
The Alaska Fund Trust is being run by Kristen Cole, the real estate agent, I think the head of the creamery — that Kristen Cole. Remember too – it’s been said there is basically no rules, regulations, she can do pretty much whatever she deems fit with it.
There are actually two trust funds at issue here:
1) The known Alaska Fund Trust which is the one Palin set up for donations to her (and her family’s) legal expenses.
2) The shadowy, rumored personal trust fund of an anonymous poster that he/she claims has been embezzled by the Palins. The poster claimed that it had been ignored a long time but now is receiving the “Feds” attention….and will “bring Palin down.”
Obviously, the anonymous poster could be Santa Claus for all I know but I find it curious that this poster posted these comments a couple of weeks ago…and now Palin abruptly resigns. Seems a wee bit too coincidental.
being governor was above her pay grade and she finally got it…move on or they may really find out the deal.
It’s 1 o’clock Alaska time now so synchronize our watches.
Fork accepted, Gramiam. Thanks from Washington, the state.
Thanks for the clarification, crystalwolf. For some reason, I didn’t think it stated her name, just the title. Nice scam. So she has two fundraisers going right now- SPAC and AFT? Jeeze…
Martha Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:31 PM
_____
OMG that Jason Linkins is a funny one! GINOmore vs. the Daleks. LOLOLOL.
the Alaska Fund Slush was established some time back….
I’m willing to bet (once things clear), and the path of her madness can be seen, that it will come to light that the fund was established & is directly connected to the reasoning she was FORCED out of office…(started because she got wind of the coming events).
Wonder if Buttercup has had time to have someone read HuffPo to her… so many people to sue, so little national interest after a holiday weekend, also.
If you quit the Governorship for no particular good reason, do you still get referred to by the honorific title “Governor” for the rest of your life?
She’s going to fish pick for a day. – Maybe we will get a break from the twit-ing.
http://twitter.com/akgovsarahpalin
As has been the case for decades, family is commercial fishing in Bristol Bay-I look forward to joining the work crew for 1 day picking fish
Late night phone conversation overheard:
One ringy dingy dingy, two ring dingies: “Hello FIB, er, I mean FBI? This is Sarah, everyone’s favorite governor!”
“Ya know, I just wanted to check, ya know, whether you handsome guys, uh, you’re a girl? Well, ya know whether, by the way did you know I was a weather girl? (and a weatherman), the FBI is investigating the fact that Todd & my small, modest 4,000 square foot house on pristine Lake Lucille was built using free materials and labor provided by the companies that I awarded those lucrative contracts for the Wasilla Sports Complex to?”
“Oh, so you aren’t investigating our crimes whatsoever? We are in the clear?” “Thanks a buncha!”
“I knew it! Those evil jamma clad bloggers got it wrong!”
“Let’s sue them.”
Scene 2:
“Agent Murphy: Who was that on the phone?”
“Some crazy lady that said she was Governor Palin. She said something about using free materials and labor to build the Palin castle. As crazy as it sounds, maybe we should open up an investigation!”
…what happened Sarah…you weren’t able to squeez all the way thru the door after G_D opened it just a little bit…OR maybe G_D padlocked the door – blocking you out….
crystal wolf: i agree completely about the personal ATM machine. which makes palin bitching about money even more ludicrous. it isn’t like it is coming out of her own pocket. instead, donors and obsessed fans across the country are using their savings to bail her out of the corrupt things she is caught doing.
now that we are talking about this more, i think her resignation could have something to do with the trust. on its face, it seems illegal. i wonder if there was any sort of ethics deal in place. if the choice was giving up millions but staying in office, where she is hated, for another year OR telling everyone to screw themselves and getting the hell out, i think that palin is greedy and selfish enough to just say i quit.
AKM must do a post with the title “Iquitarod.” Too hilarious.
OMG I can’t keep up! How do you guys do this so fast……..
It is hot and sunny here… I should be outside…..
I can’t leave comp…..
I have to pee….
Jason Linkus………. can’t breath……
AKM Thank you….
Bailin’ Palin is losing it. So is her lawyer.
But those are just rumors.
my last comment disappeared when i pressed submit for some reason…
crystalwolf: i agree about the personal ATM machine. which makes it even more ludicrous that palin complains about money – it’s not like it is coming out of her own pocket. instead, backers and obsessed fans across the country are bankrolling her defense whenever she is caught doing something corrupt or illegal.
now that we are talking about this fund more, i think it could have something to do with her resignation. on its face, the fund seems illegal. she is not allowed, by law, to use her office for personal gain. so i wonder if there was any sort of ethics board deal. if the choice was to give up millions but remain in office for another year (where she is despised) OR to resign and keep her fund, i think that palin is selfish and greedy enough to just say i quit. very curious.
Picture it. St peter goes up to God and sez,”there’s an hysterical woman outside. Says she is Sarah Palin. Wants to see you.” God replies, “Sarah who?”
The Rubber Room Hotel,
OMG I can’t keep up! How do you guys do this so fast……..
It is hot and sunny here… I should be outside…..
I can’t leave comp…..
I have to pee….
Jason Linkus………. can’t breath……
AKM Thank you….
—————–
OMG — I can’t stop laughing!!
I know now I have to invest in one of the roll up washable rubber keyboards!! Soon my laptop keyboard will be unusable due to pop spittage!!!
For the love of God, enough with the sports analogies!
Sarah Barracuda, you played high school basketball, more than half your lifetime ago – almost 30 years ago you were on a winning basketball team. You weren’t even good enough to get a scholarship to any of your schools to get your laughable degree in journalism and political science. You were a ’sportscaster’ for like a second, and you are not a sponsored athlete of any kind.
So let’s get all this cleared up lady,
You are not a professional athlete, active or retired.
You are not an expert on energy.
You are not an expert on the economy.
You are not an expert on being a mother, wife or Christian.
You are not an expert on special needs care or programs (you’ve barely just begun to get an idea of what a lifetime of special needs care entails.)
You are just a woman that tasted that 151 proof Everclear that is power and thought you deserved it just because you want it.
I can’t believe we have lowered the bar so much so that the fringe right are desperately propping you up enough to keep you viable for 2012 or any year thereafter. We have that much of a leadership vacuum? If you all want a Washington outsider badly enough, look at your own small town mayor or Governor and prop him or her up.
In Sarah’s words, “LIFE is about choices,” again, THIS is irony, that you would deny so much to others when you revel in your choices in life. Happy 4th and retirement from any elected office ever again.
Hey all, I just read on http://www.taylormarsh.com that the feds say they are not investigating Palin. I do not know if they are being truthful, but if any of you want to go to Taylor’s site it’s a good one. I’m a regular there.
I was really happy to see that she resigned but I do fear that she will run in 2012 for President. I read somewhere that she was told after she lost to go back to Alaska and study issues. And she never bothered. The only thing she has going for her are her looks, and of course men will love that.
All I know is that you guys hopefully can keep her missteps in the national news. I don’t know how except hopefully Shannyn keeps her in the limelight through Huffpo.
@Rubber Room… there’s no hope in leaving computer… took me 1/2 hour to catch up with those nasty bloggers after only an hour away. Family insists on being fed. I never did like those people
U.S. libel law exempts politicians from successfully suing for libel. You can’t libel a public figure, elected officer, or candidate. True, if Palin’s puppy-mouthpiece files suit, it will give the defendant a major migraine, and the expense of a lawyer to file a motion to dismiss. Said motion to dismiss will surely succeed. See the first sentence of this paragraph.
I saw this over at Progressive Alaska
Update: Shannyn Moore will be holding a press conference today at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Governor’s Anchorage office.
Haven’t read all the comments about the FBI denial, but isn’t the RUMOR actually that they’re investigating SBS, and not Palin? So, not much of a denial if the wrong question was asked. The RUMORED SBS investigation could still shed light on the Housegate RUMOR, and the quitter-in-chief.
CNN: Palin is Alaska’s ‘greatest gift’ to U.S., her successor says
“I was very surprised at first,” he said of Palin’s decision to resign, which he said she told him Wednesday. “But then as she began to explain why she was doing it, I began to see it was Sarah Palin, once again, moving to put Alaska’s interest first,” Parnell told CNN.
WTF? Who is this guy?! I just threw up in my mouth a little.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/04/alaska.parnell.palin/?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker
In front of Buttercup’s office yet.. Nice touch, Shannyn. Buttercup made a major booboo when she pissed Shanny off. LOL!
Can see by some of the posts, that some people are limbering up for Tuesday evening. Getting in some practice posts!!! LMAO
Oops… my previous comment was directed to Canadian Neighbor… please sue me.
I’ve got it. If in fact Sarah has resigned because she wants to run for president, I think it’s the same as quitting college before you have your bachelor’s degree because you’ve decided you’d rather have a Ph.D.
tealwoman….. LOL!!
This just in:
MudflatsShannyn Moore is giving a press conf addressing bogus threat to blogosphere by Palin
I feel a tad guilty. This is just too easy. But like they say, “Screw Guilt”!!
JHop,
I was going to say the new and improved Governor as of the 26th but if I did, I would be partly lying. He will be the new Governor but certainly not improved if those statements are any indication.
They may have said they are not investigating Sarah, but what about Todd?
Anybody in Anchorage who can take a lap top over to Shannyn’s press conference and live blog– or whatever the technical term is– for us?
Don’t feel guilty Gramian. I just think back to the surreal fear I felt when Buttercup was nominated for VP….and I live in Ireland!
BJA – really good analogy.
imagine if palin wasn’t certifiably crazy and her actions became precedent??! if all of our leaders resigned because they had lame duck status and just said, i could make more money in the private sector? it would be insane.
if shannyn’s press conference isn’t on the web or radio, but is only on tv there – will someone please give us non-alaskans a play by play?
And also, just to throw this out there, I am always willing to use my resources and pro bono services to help in this situation, however it’s needed or desired. If anyone had a good idea or cause of action, but didn’t want to spend their own money for representation to make it happen, I am more than willing to do so…
Canadian Neighbor……
sneeze guard?
I tried visqueen (sp) to hard to read through.
I can identify, Irishgirl. I ran to the nearest Obama office and signed up to help. Buttercup creeped me out from day one.
Thanks JHop… now we can tell everyone to talk to “our” attorney. Empowering!
Only good thing about her recent behavior is that it will help derail McCain’s bid for re-election as Senator here in Arizona. For that I thank her.
any idea if the press conference will be on national tv?
I think McCain toast, too. Choice of Buttercup seals the bad judgement thing.
I will say it too. THERE ARE RUMORS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w76dv8k-ZT4
And here’s a track from the Rumors album, covered by an artist who I think has much more in common with GINO than Stevie Nicks ever did.
Do you think GINO will start trashing her hotel rooms?
AKM – LOLOLOL (in a sad way)
Just went to AKM’s twitter page – states Location: TEHRAN
From your mouth to God’s ear Nebraska Native. Arizona is really hurting since Janet Napolitano left office to become Sec. of Homeland Security. Not that Nebraska doesn’t have it’s problems. I lived in Omaha for over 30 years and things ain’t good. I regret supporting Ben Nelson, Big Time!!
Wonder if Brian is at Shannyn’s presser?
I hope Shannyn’s press conference isn’t a Letterman-type apology thing….
Can someone contact Dr. Chill or FlyinurEye…?
I think the new catchphrase ” Suck it up Buttercup” needs to be memorialized with a new ‘ photo shop ‘ picture for the occasion.
Maybe that sour puss look pic or some other appropriate photo with a big baby bottle ( or something of their choice … sour grapes, sour lemon.. etc ) in her face with the caption ” Suck it up Buttercup”. Lots of ways to go.
It would also be a good idea of Wonkette ran with that line. Could be fun.
After “Suck it up, Buttercup” and “Bring it on!” last night? NOT!!
that’s what I’m hoping too Ds55, but then that would mean about 20 bloggers would have to do the same from huffpo, not to mention all of us. lol
Gramiam.. I regret supporting Nelson, too. And Johanns.. he used GINO’s playbook.. lots of quitting of things before time was technically up. But I don’t think we have had the level of drama in NE that AK has…yet.
JHop Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:57 PM
my last comment disappeared when i pressed submit for some reason…
crystalwolf: i agree about the personal ATM machine. which makes it even more ludicrous that palin complains about money – it’s not like it is coming out of her own pocket. instead, backers and obsessed fans across the country are bankrolling her defense whenever she is caught doing something corrupt or illegal.
now that we are talking about this fund more, i think it could have something to do with her resignation. on its face, the fund seems illegal. she is not allowed, by law, to use her office for personal gain. so i wonder if there was any sort of ethics board deal. if the choice was to give up millions but remain in office for another year (where she is despised) OR to resign and keep her fund, i think that palin is selfish and greedy enough to just say i quit. very curious.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just now noticed a her biggest Bot site where they had the Begathon recently they took it down! Now they kept it up way after the begathon for the “slush fund” was over. Hmmmm? If she got to keep the money but step down wouldn’t they have to close donations to said fund?
And anyway I don’t think its that,(only) I think its what Dennis is saying. Dennis is so down on corruption!!!! He will probably be the one filming Shannyn’s pressor
I think Buttercup opened a huge can of worms here, lol!
@Nebraska Native–who–the bloggers–the family–or the Palins?
Have just read her lawyer’s letter. As a former practicing attorney (still an attorney, proud to say, just no longer practicing), I thought it was a well-done piece of misdirection. The way he stitched the Anchorage News articles together to “prove” his point was well done. Also, the way he linked the “bidding” of the sports complex project to the rumors about “embezzlement,” again to prove his point that the bidding was on the up and up, therefore, it proves that the rumored embezzlement didn’t happen. Clearly one thing has nothing to do with the other. It’s a classic example of a fallacious argument: if all As are B and B is a C, then A must be a C. Well, A might very well be a C, but A doesn’t have to be a C.
Following Mr. Van Fleim’s fallacious argument, he is positing that if Sarah Palin didn’t oversee the bidding and anyone who didn’t oversee the bidding couldn’t have been in a position to commit embezzlement, then Palin didn’t commit embezzlement. That leaves out a number of associated steps that could mean that Palin embezzled or could prove her innocence. But nothing in that lawyer’s letter proves anything, one way or another.
And, of course, she very well might not have committed embezzlement or any other crime (other than annoying the voting public). In fact, we have no reason to believe such a thing unless someone with prosecutorial authority accuses her of breaking the law AND (most important in our free society), she is convicted in a court of law.
As to the threat against the blogger–oh yawn. I assume that, despite his bulldogged defense of his client (which is what, after all he is being paid for), Mr. Van Fleim surely knows how hard those suits are to bring. A first-year law student could draw up the motion to get this one tossed out of court right quick.
OH noes! That makes it sounds like I supported Johanns. No way Jose.
@Paula… MY family. Demanding people, every one. Food, shelter, clothing– you know the drill.
We now know that the Lt Governor was aware of the resignation for several days. What seemed like a last minute thrown together announcement on Friday may actually showcase her team’s best planning!
Misuse of campaign funds could be something coming, just ask the RNC. I know the Federal Election Commission is a joke. But is there something similar for the State of Alaska?
Hilarious post at Dkos on Palin and her attorney.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/5/750267/-Legal-Threats-from-Head-Crybaby-Vogon-Lizardin
Not if all my fellow Democrats in District 2 have anything to do with it. I was proud they carried President Obama over the top. I busted my buns for over 30 years there.
@Nebraska Native: I do indeed! Well, at least I’m grateful I don’t have Sarah Palin’s family to deal with … (desperately trying to link to the thread somehow!)
I’m hoping Shannyn does some whoop a$$ on Buttercup for the press conference.
What TV station in Juneau would cover a press conference?
It would be great if Shannyn, at the press conference, has attorney with her to slap down VanFlea (not that Shannyn can’t do this on her own). I wish there was more lead time, so Anchorage mudpups and Shannyn supporters could arrive in DROVES. Anyone know WHAT station(s) are covering this? Any of them National? A star is born and her name is Shannyn Moore. : )
crystalwolf: If she got to keep the money but step down wouldn’t they have to close donations to said fund?
I don’t think so. It depends on how it was set up. If they are allowed to change its purpose, they would just make it a personal trust. and she would get to keep everything and it could continue being active. and i agree about there being more to her resignation than the trust. i think there is something under the surface too.
now i just want to know what exactly that is!
@ Paula
A frivolous, money wasting lawsuit you say?
“I agree with Diva, I think that she was told the only way she could keep the $ from the fund was to resign as gov. Otherwise, she would either have to give the money back, or take it to court and it becomes a matter of public record.”
Interesting pont the fund is specifically “created to defend the integrity of the Alaska Governor’s Office from an onslaught of political attacks launched against current Governor Sarah Palin, the First Family, and state-employed colleagues.”
and
“will allow the Governor, her family, and her colleagues to retire their legal debt at no cost to Alaskans and reduce the incentive for mischief by her opponents. Together, we can help Governor Palin and future elected officials turn back the tide of overtly partisan and unnecessarily personal political attacks.”
So everything is clear (sort of) as long as she is Governor – once she is not then there are problems as she will no longer be in the Alaska Governors Office which is being defended.
Of course one wonders whether “will allow the Governor, her family, and her colleagues to retire their legal debt at no cost to Alaskans” implies that somehow the Alaskans would be paying otherwise (ie SP would not be paying anyway – rather confusing that).
And one realises that the fund is pointless as apparantly there are “countless unfounded ethics charges” to be addressed so no matter how much is raised SP must go bankrupt due to the infinite number of complaints (unless no one involved can count in which case there is a fundamental problem with having a fund).
But more telling is this quote
“Still, there is much left to be done, so let’s help Governor Palin continue the job she was elected to do without all these petty distractions.”
Hey, doesn’t the fund have to stop collecting money now she’s quit?
Dr. Chill did an awesome graphic for Phil over at Progressive Alaska – Palin as Gulliver! http://progressivealaska.blogspot.com/
crystalwolf aka caligrl
If you are talking about the pee’er site, they took the ‘big’ one down a few days after it finished as I clicked on a link from a message and it took me to their page. The trust donate is on the left column and the Pac at the bottom of left column.
ds55 Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 1:19 PM
I hope Shannyn’s press conference isn’t a Letterman-type apology thing….
HELL NO! This is Shannyn we are talking about here! It will basically be “suck it up buttercup” Nice….or Don’t tread on me!
paula Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Following Mr. Van Fleim’s fallacious argument, he is positing that if Sarah Palin didn’t oversee the bidding and anyone who didn’t oversee the bidding couldn’t have been in a position to commit embezzlement, then Palin didn’t commit embezzlement.
———————————————————————
Not sure what the legal difference is between embezzlement and theft of services, but the IRS wouldn’t care about any such distinction. Housegate appears to fall into the theft of services and/or materials, rather than the theft of money…and IRS would clearly tax the value of same.
Canadian Neighbour Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 1:28 PM
crystalwolf aka caligrl
If you are talking about the pee’er site, they took the ‘big’ one down a few days after it finished as I clicked on a link from a message and it took me to their page. The trust donate is on the left column and the Pac at the bottom of left column.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, but it was up for quite a few days afterwords? I wondered why?
Suchanut: That graphic is from here, several weeks ago. It’s so apropos, even now
Really, what DOES happen with the donations? Is this the reason for the pleas for the June 30th deadline– she knew she was going to resign, or whatever it was she did?
There is a Gilbert and Sullivan song about Buttercup….
I’m called little Buttercup,
Poor little Buttercup,
Though I could never tell why.
I’m called little Buttercup,
Poor little Buttercup,
Sweet little Buttercup I.
I think it fits Poor Me Sarah well.
OK, now the rumors are moving away from Housegate to embezzlement/fraud associated with one or more trust/legal funds.
The plot thickens. But I think it fair to say that she’s running scared.
her “In case I get Bust(ed) Fund” sure gonna come in handy right bout now…
zyggy Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 1:25 PM
I’m hoping Shannyn does some whoop a$$ on Buttercup for the press conference.
What TV station in Juneau would cover a press conference?
~~~~~~~~~
Is it going to be in Juneau?
Shannyn has a post on her web site with her statement!
embezzlement is the “conversion” of property by a defendant in lawful possession of that property, with the specific intent to steal or defraud.
here, they would say that SBS provided materials to the Wasilla sports complex, which the state of Alaska paid for. so the state of alaska paid for the property, which palin had lawful access to – but ONLY for the completion of the sports complex. if/when she took those materials to use on her own house, she converted the property with the specific intent to defraud (she knew the materials were not hers to use personally).
I just mailed ten cans of “Whoop A$$” and a can opener up to Shannyn!! Go, Tiger!!
@GA: Well, yes, but also something that a good lawyer would gently try to dissuade his client from even if he did a lot of posturing about it for the benefit of the other side, the media, and not least, to keep his client happy. It’s very hard to win anything on slander/libel lawsuits, especially if the client is a public figure and litigation is always expensive. I have no idea if Mr. Van Fleim is a good lawyer or not, but I will assume, for the sake of argument, that he is and, therefore, is posturing for all the above-stated reasons. Personally, I don’t think it’s a good thing for the legal community when lawyers start acting as public relations mavens because they are two distinctly different roles, but that seems to be the way of the world these days.
I’m here at Shannyn’s press conference. AND is here.
@Cassie Jeep–very good point!
Oh and what a MAGNIFICENT statement it is.
Go Shannyn!
Shannyn plans on taking down Buttacup. I’m so proud of her, just wish I could listen to her.
If you havn’t been over to Immoral Minority recently… You HAVE to see the photo of GINA when someone snapped a pic of her at the parade yesterday.
Is that sweater she is wearing….’ buttercup yellow’…?
It certainly won’t work with those ‘red Sarto cork-heeled ‘ shoes.
I went to the live streaming on radio to see if they carry the conference on the news.
Her prepared statement is up on her blog http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/
waving to akm…
keep us updated
Before I take the time to read.
Has the announcement of Shannyn’s news conference been put up?
Damn the b**ch. I promised myself I was going to sware off Palin a couple of days ago. Damn the b**ch!
oh honesty in gov……..yes! I would LOVE a coffee cup or something to commemorate the historical event of Scarah stepping down. Cheers!
“I think the new catchphrase ” Suck it up Buttercup” needs to be memorialized with a new ‘ photo shop ‘ picture for the occasion.”
Shannyn plans to call her out. A coward and a bully. OMG, to be a fly on the wall when she hears that.
I’m proud to know you Shannyn Moore, insofar as one can “know” anyone online.
gramiam – have you figured out any way to get access to the press conference?
her statement is great. bring it on, indeed. i am so impressed and happy. and proud that a (gasp!) blogger is the one to challenge sarah palin.
she will be taking questions….i wish we were all there to ask good ones.
Is anyone televising this? Any chance MSNBC is there?
And for the record, I actually don’t know what Van Flein looks like. I could find out, but I don’t want to know. I’d rather preserve my illusion!
Thank you for being there for us AKM, once again, you are our eyes and ears! Go Shannyn– great statement, call the bully out!
I just heard about the press conference, Scarah is gonna come unglued!
yup akm, he looks just like Snidley. lol
ktuu.com will they be televising the conference?
“aborting her term as Governor”
Just shy of her third trimester if I’ve done my math right.
AKM, someone posted a link to his picture… He’s a sniveling, smirky type of guy. He’d look perfect with the hat, boots and and mustache.
)
i hope than van fleis is realizing what an incredibly stupid move it was to issue that ridiculous, legally insufficient press release.
and ripley, i would pretty much sell an organ on the black market to watch palin’s reaction and meltdown. she has no one to blame but herself.
I’m listening in to Fox radio where we were for Shannyn’s show last night. News will be on shortly so I hope they will have something on .
Live coverage of Shannyn, I want live coverage! Aarghthphtpt!
Yeah, as regards Van Klein I was sorrry that I clinked on the link. I like to think of him with the big twirly moustache.
Is Brian there too, AKM? Make sure to get pictures!
can someone please send me the link to that radio station again?
I have KBYR on just in case
JHop,
If the Fund Trust remains active after her leaving office, that would mean she would have to claim every cent of it for IRS purposes on her personal taxes — would it not?
There would no longer be the restrictions as to amounts like the gift restrictions while she is in office????
Also raises the issue of the blurred lines of legal funds and the Pac being more like campaign funds as she would be a private citizen.
There being so many things with her, it becomes a blur as things being claimed as gifts, PAC funds etc. while in the Gov’s office.
This is called me thinking out loud via keyboard!!! and not necessarily making sense.
http://radiotime.com/WebTuner.aspx?StationId=31918&
Great article, AKM.
Buzzards are circling, so to speak. I believe the letter from the attorney was to provide just enough information to make folks shut up. Too bad, so sad.
Palin lies so often, IMO she probably is a card carrying member of the AIP herself. If she can fake a pregnancy, then she can fake being a republican. That would certainly explain some of her behavior. Why else would she make a video for the AIP convention? And quit 3 days after the emails regarding the AIP were disclosed.
McCain and his camp failed to properly vet this person before the RNC convention. Shameful. McCain owes me, and the rest of the good folks of America, an apology!!
Nebraska Native…thats what I believe…that months ago the ‘we’ mentioned in her resignation speech’ knew about the coming storm, so they started the ANTI-trust-fund…
BONUS: she named/blamed the bloggers/media as the reasoning for starting it….it’s all a cover-up
Come to think of it, blamming the bloggers has pretty much been her mantra the entire time she’s ben in public office…..
“What is she but a foul contending rebel…”
That yellow sweater she wore at the parade… definitely buttercup done badly.
Radio just spouting canned news.
Read Shannyn’s statement. YOU GO GIRL !! We got your back. {like you really need it}
Hey sarah – Bring it the F^*K ON.
Psycho-billy , grifter piece of trash. Coward ass quitter.
Sue me too.also.
canadian – i agree that the trust presents a messy situation. it depends how it was set up originally. trusts have to be formed with a specific purpose and its hard to change that purpose at all. so the fact that it was created for the governor, creates a problem. but political trusts have different, specialized rules than regular trusts. i know that hillary had one, but that was for election purposes. i don’t think palin would have to personally declare anything. but the trust itself would. this is also me talking out loud.
Always liked you Austin… but you need to quit sugar coating your feelings
Getting a photo of Thomas Van Flein is no problem at all … just Google it, then click on Images.
A good one’s at http://www.daylife.com/photo/06Co4KY6Ev5nn
It’s big, too, so it could be used as a darts target.
Keep talking outloud JHop.
i wonder what media outlets are at the press conference. i wish we had access to it!
LOL @ Nebraska Native @ AustinTX!!! PMP
ew… big picture. Into retro Miami Vice look?
I just love how Shannyn is firing back at the Queen of Mean with both barrels!
Where can I get a concise compendium of these rumors so I can post them and also become a Defendant?
Next to my sons, you are my favorite Austintonian, Austintx!! LOL!
AKM… what is happening?
bobbyg – the reason shannyn got called out specifically was because she went on msnbc. and that ruffled palin’s feathers apparently, considering a million different places made references to the same rumors.
so it appears we need to make a video. preferably viral. posted on youtube and sent out to the mainstream media.
AlaskaGuy @2:12
“aborting her term as Governor”
Just shy of her third trimester if I’ve done my math right.
__________________
Dang but that was excellent observation. Hat tip to you, Sir!
AKM and Gryph are probably with Shannyn. I hope someone is taping/filming.
Ah, that system of tubes works everytime… God bless the internets! And those dang people in their pj’s blogging in their parent’s basement.
JHop,
I’m not sure whether you have seen the Fund Trust site. Here’s the link if you haven’t
http://alaskafundtrust.com/
Flipping Heck! darned family wanting feeding, don’t they know I’m not a blinking domestic goddess by now. To add insult to injury I had to talk to them and be nice. I’m all twitchy now with trying to catch up, b*gger!
So do you think the Republican party made a deal with Scarah? no more email leaks if you step down and don’t run otherwise no guarantees?
Also, too, will Shannyn’s press conference be early enough to get on both the 5:00 and evening news? I hope I hope
TNR talked with Laura Chase, Palin’s former campaign manager when Buttercup ran for mayor. . . it’s pretty interesting http://tinyurl.com/n9znun
Shannyn cut into GINO’s air time, thus a tantrum.
Simple math, no calculus needed.
*ack* information vacuum…. can’t breathe….must..have..news…… waiting.is.killing.me..
McCain strategist Steve Schmidt must be having a good chuckle at all the free exposure that Palin (rumored to be a cretin) is giving Shannyn Moore.
In-laws stopped by and I had to put down the laptop. Kept one eye on the clock, though, in a polite sort of way. Didn’t even bother coming up with a reason why the house was a mess. This has been a great staycation so far. I am already plotting my hotspots for when we really do leave on Tuesday
Jhop, the viral video has major legs. Would,nt it be cool if Dennis and video camera are there too. Anybody else want those forks I brought?
Curtailing free speech on independence day and every day. She speaks and acts like a crazed and emotional dictator. The secessionist thing does not surprise me a bit. The first vision I had when she was trying to bully David Letterman: The movie “V for Vendetta” when the comedy show host was dragged out of his house to be beaten and murdered for airing an hilarious skit that poked fun at the chancellor.
If it walks like a duck
and
quacks like a duck
and
farts like a duck
changes are
it’s Van Flein.
If it walks like a duck
and
quacks like a duck
and
farts like a duck
chances are it’s Van Flein.
I obviously have a high tolerance for dumbass Governors….but this whole sarah business just really chaps my ass.
JHop – If a person is gonna file a lawsuit against a Corporation , ie. NYT , don’t they have to do it in the state where the main office is ?? If so , Van Flea is gonna be flying all over the place just to get laughed out of court………
Serverguy ,things are SLOW!!!
Me, Gramiam. I’ll take a fork, please.
Here, austintx. Have some baby powder!! Be strong for Shanny.
it’s obvious to me now, after 23 minutes that we’re not going to hear this live. lol only took me 23 minutes to figure this out.
It better be on somewhere in the next hour, I can’t take the suspense. Makes me all crazy like, but not like crazy like buttacup.
Any word yet? Please let it be filmed and on YouTube. My local news would never cover it and anything on regular national news will be sound bits. I want the whole Buttercup Blogger Smack Down Meal- statement, questions, and answers. (oh, and a glimpse of Brian for that little touch of specialness.)
UK Lady Says:
Flipping Heck! darned family wanting feeding, don’t they know I’m not a blinking domestic goddess by now. To add insult to injury I had to talk to them and be nice. I’m all twitchy now with trying to catch up, b*gger!
—–
Have they no shame!! How dare they!!
ROFLMAO!!!!!
I’m going to start wearing a mask. That, or quit having any beverage while on the ‘puter. COM keys are too stickly for the moment!!!
Thank you for the trust link! it DOES create a problem. the purpose of the trust is clearly set up only as a legal defense fund, which is fine, and only for those actions stemming from her time as governor. she can continue to use it for legal defense issues, even after she resigns, so long as the issues she is defending arose when she was governor. I am reading more about it, but this is the pertinent part in my opinion:
This Trust Agreement…establishes THE ALASKA FUND TRUST, a trust for the payment of expenses or amounts incurred, undertaken or paid in connection with claims, allegations, investigations, accusations, complaints, legal inquiries, requests, and proceedings, including the response and defense thereof, arising out of or by virtue of the activities of or performance of duties as, or on Governor Sarah Palin, in her capacity as (or as a result of her being) the Governor of Alaska. Alaska Trust Company shall serve as administrative and custodial manager of the Fund as provided herein below…..for the purpose of defraying, paying, or satisfying the fees and costs that have been and will be incurred by SARAH PALIN..in connection with or otherwise as a result of SARAH PALIN’s service as Governor of the State of Alaska.
Filer gets to choose the venue, austin. Van Flein can file in Alaska as that is Palin’s place of residence. But will he file in state court (will he then have personal jurisdiction?) or in federal court?
Or is he just blowing you-know-what out of his rear end in the hopes of putting an end to the “rumors”?
Sorry if these links are dupes.
1st is for an LA area interview done earlier today with Shannyn & includes a link to the interview itself.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ian-masters/shannyn-moore-radio-inter_b_225912.html
2nd is well, the title sez it all…Sarah Palin, the First Amendment, and Santa Claus
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-schweber/sarah-palin-the-first-ame_b_225906.html
WAH. ME MUST HAVE NEWS.
PS: the HP posting now has almost 1600 comments…
Nice work, AKM…as anyone here & at HP has come to expect…
AKM, don’t torture fans. Dish, woman!!
At 2pm AK time, CNN was talking about Palin and showing a bit of her Friday dust up. I was hoping. Maybe, Maybe!! But ohhhh no —– they’re back to the covering of what has become the Michael Jackson Memorial Circus plans, etc.
I don’t have anything intelligent to add to the Palin-Van Flein implosion, but I would like to thank our host for clearing up a bit of trivia I have had wrong every since I have watched The Bullwinkle Show and I watched it as a kid if that dates me. I always thought it was Snaggly Whiplash. Go figure……
I called ktuu, they are recording it and will broadcast clips of it between 5 and 5:15 Alaskan time, but it’s not live.
Somebody should have told Shanny to moonwalk.!! Geeeesh!!
Nothing on the local stations in Alaska. I’m sure they are saving it for the 5:00 or 6:00 news.
jhop: So…a bunch of lawyereze for “show me the money”
JHop, keep reading.
Somewhere in there it as much as says “no reason need be given” for a … uh, withdrawal (?) or some such. I’ll see if I can find it, I’ve got the whole thing around here somewhere
Have you got the live streaming URL, zyggy?
Thanks, Zyggy—that’s 9 or 915 EST, right?
And—”if you are stupid enough to give it to me, I’ll take it and then I’ll quit”
no, gramiam, nothing live that I know of. =(
JHop – If a person is gonna file a lawsuit against a Corporation , ie. NYT , don’t they have to do it in the state where the main office is ?? If so , Van Flea is gonna be flying all over the place just to get laughed out of court………
all kinds of specific rules on choice of law/jurisdiction. you can potentially sue where the company’s nexus of business is, where the harm took place, etc. but it also depends on any long arm statutes (which give jurisdiction to a court even though the cause of action arose elsewhere). normally you need a “substantial connection” to whatever state you want to sue in. if palin tried to sue the NYT in alaska, the judge would say they dont have jurisdiction unless alaska has some absurd statute i dont know about.
and the viral video would be awesome. i think we should reenact housegate without actually reporting the rumors about it. it would be hilarious. but if we wanted to be serious, a real video explaining the rumors would get press playtime. it would be meaningless coming from me, a NYer. it would only have credibility from someone in alaska who can actually attest to the rumors first-hand.
Nan? Palins never withdraw! LOL
sauerkraut is right, though.
the filer can choose any court to sue in. but the defendant can move to dismiss based on lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
JHop
The other site is www(dot)sarahpac(dot)com
Someone may have said already, but Shannyn Moore just posted her statement on her website (2:34 AK time). Not the same thing as seeing it on video but she says her piece very well.
when they broadcast the press conference, will someone please give me a play by play?
now we can hope the akm, Blue Dive or Gryphen are recording this and will post on youtube, ktuu will not be airing the whole thing. I suspect AKM is filming since she has been so quiet.
AlaskaGuy Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 1:44 PM
“aborting her term as Governor”
Just shy of her third trimester if I’ve done my math right.
__________________________________
Good one!
Some others:
The Abandonator
A hamster with lipstick–going up against a real momma grizzly in Shannon
GIRO–governor in retrospect only
Bravely Bold Sir Palin rode forth from Alaska’.’
She was not afraid to die, oh Brave Sir Plain.
She was not in the least bit scared to be written abount in nasty ways.
Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Palin!
She was not in the least bit scared to be ridiculed into a di-sasta.
Or to have her eyes burned out and her glasses broken.
To have her kneecaps split and Her body blurred away
And Her photos all hacked and mangled, Brave Sir Palin.
Brave Sir Palin ran away. “No!”
Bravely ran away, away. “I Didn’t!”
When danger reared its ugly head,
He bravely turned his tail and fled. “All Lies!”
Yes, brave Sir Palin turned about
And gallantly he chickened out.
Bravely taking to his feet
He beat a very brave retreat,
Bravest of the brave, Sir Palin!” “I’d Never!”
Sorry, if someone has beat me to this one. But I could not resist.
wondering::::Did ‘Your Heavenly Father’ twitter today…yet?
I figured it out, she quit so she could better play G_D….
lol
Well this sucks. She can still use the $$$????
Friend of mine had the nerve to come over to help me figure out what was wrong with my ATV ( major transportation) right at 2:00. I about had a stroke…..
You just can’t say Gee so glad you took time out of your day to come and help me but i am way to busy “blogging” and waiting for the Buttercup smack down from Shannyn Moore. Could you come back later?
I thought I was gonna have a stroke…..
Now i see that I wasn’t alone….
“somethingIcan’tremember” abhors a vacuum. Me too, also.
JHop
They would have taped it. AKM, Shannyn, Gryphen, CD & Phil will all put it up on their sites as they’ll load it as a youtube I suspect.
rubber room — i feel your pain.
How about Denis, will he video it?
Don’t know if anyone has posted this but FieryBlazingHandbasket has a photo on the July 4th post of a sign that says:
ALASKA SWINE FLEW
http://fieryblazinghandbasket.blogspot.com/
Nan Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 2:20 PM
JHop, keep reading.
Somewhere in there it as much as says “no reason need be given” for a … uh, withdrawal (?) or some such. I’ll see if I can find it, I’ve got the whole thing around here somewhere
~~~~~~~~~~
That part is not on the website, I remember it too, b/c reading the fine print its basically a personal ATM fund she can use for ANYTHING not just legal! But the web site puts out the “illusion” that it is only for legal. And that fact that chief grifter kriston cole (sue me!!!!) set it up and her mom is wanted for embezzlement of 2 trust funds(sue me!) makes it even MORE SUSPECT!!
Cassie Jeep Pike Palin Says: (276)
Nan? Palins never withdraw! LOL
______________
ROFLOL
I was not expecting that! (cleaning off keyboard now)
From the Lotus position…..”Ohm…..ohm……ohm…..ohm!
Having a bit of trouble here explaining to the other nebraska natives who live in my house why I am so obsessed with AK politics… they demand food. Food? Now? *sigh* Back later to catch up.
Gosh, doesn’t this remind you just a bit of those days just after August 29th? So long ago, yet it feels like yesterday.
I will be watching Fox News Sunday panel on Palin, up next PST. I can re-read Jason L’s take on HuffPo to laugh a bit harder.
Oh, thank you crystalwolf aka caligrl!
I was starting to doubt myself! Although I think I did read it on the site – somewhere. I almost certainly did a pdf of the pertinent part, and am rummaging through the files to find it (computer files, not printed out files)
Thanks again
Nan
this from Syrin in Wasilla (via Shannyn’s blog): Interesting stuff….
“There are several more RUMORS going around.
Such as: Palin was found guilty of abuse and misconduct for wrong doing with her ‘Legal Defense Fund” (WHY DOES SOMEONE ETHICAL NEED A LEGAL DEFENSE FUND?) millons of dollars are said to be un accounted for RUMORED embezzlement- Sarah Pac sponsored?… She was given an ultimatum (I think this is highly improper, possibly unlawful) by her appointed 3 member personnal board that she, if continues to be the Gov the TRUTH of the matter would have to come out and the whole mess and paper trail would have to be released to the public. However, it’s RUMORED if she RESIGNS she was told by that appointed 3 member board that determines ETHICAL matters in the State of Alaska that she can essentially TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a RUMOR”
I don’t think Federal court would have jurisdiction to hear a civil damages case.
The laws pertaining would be the State’s Civil Code.
sauerkraut and JHop – Thank you both for the explanation. One would think even an Alaska judge would immediately toss it and say “frivolous and without merit”.
OMG Ripley.. you just made the defendant list. Now, I am really leaving for awhile. Also.
“The sole and exclusive purpose of this Trust is to provide a proper
means for the acceptance of money, property, and services, including, if necessary, pro bono legal services, to provide for all reasonable, necessary, and appropriate fees or charges incurred by (i) SARAH PALIN as a result of the fact that she is Governor of the State of Alaska or as a result of the performance of her duties as Governor of the State of Alaska.”
it is very very vague. you can argue that the purpose of the trust is to collect fees for ANYTHING incurred by Palin. But it is very specific about her needing to be governor or the actions resulting from her time as governor. Lawyers are magicians with words. They set this up so they have an argument that anything falls into it.
Rawr, Palin is just a barrel of false outrage.
Ohhh weeee . . . I just can’t wait until I can hear some news from Shannyn’s press conference!!! Does anyone have a link to a live site?
crystalwolf aka caligrl
Wasn’t it an article in ADN or somewhere or a release by Kristen Cole where she may as well have flipped the bird at everyone — I can do whatever I want with it and I don’t have to file disclosing anything???
“The term of the Trust shall be for an initial period of ten (l0) years and shall be irrevocable. In the event, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Trustee, the purposes for which the Trust is created are fulfilled or no longer exist prior to the expiration of ten (l0) years from the date of this instrument, the Trustee shall terminate the Trust.”
It appears that based on that statement, as long as every legal action resulting from her time as governor is settled within 10 years, this trust would have to be terminated. but then again, it is only up to the trustee to do so.
BREAKING NEWS:
THE REAL REASON BEHING PALIN’S LATEST MOVE
She’s resigning to go into full time training for the grueling Iquitarod.
Iquitarod! Heeheehee
Alaskan lawyers are particularly good at “vague”.
JHop,
what I’m remembering (and crystalwolf, too) is not vague at all. It states (or seems to, as I’m not an atty) that no reason at all need be given (this may be after the initial withdrawal – dunno what else to call it but withdrawal, sorry)
JMO I guess.
yes History Goddess it DOES remind me of the days just after he selected her, I’m back getting nothing done except reading about her drama and upcoming train wrecks. sometimes I feel like a tool for her friggin book, lol
OK- so buttercup is out slaying and picking fish. Who is running the state? Who is addressing all of the problems that need addressing while the sun still shines here? Why didn’t she just resign on Friday and be done with it? What’s up with giving notice?
nothing on youtube yet, just checking. =)
@305 BobbyG
Iquitarod! ROFLMAO!
trusts are very very peculiar, because they offer so many benefits. i hope you guys realize that they are not only collecting donations for palin – the trust can create profits too. it is up to the trustee to invest the trust money in order to have the best market return for the beneficiary (palin). so they could very well be investing the donations, creating more money, which palin has full and unrestricted access to, according to the trust. however, the purpose is clearly “as governor.” i dont know how they will get around that eventually.
JHop
When the trust fund was first set up, it not only stated that it was to cover Palin’s expenses, but any other state employee’s expenses (if deemed appropriate by the administrator), and that Palin and members of her family could make withdrawals up to $13K/yr w/out declaring any reason for the withdrawal. There was a lot of that info posted back when the fund was new – what you’re posting today sounds revised to me.
Thinking about the whole FBI investigating/its supposed response from a fairly bottom level employee/normal protocol used whenever a fed agency is asked about whether it’s involved with this or that. Enough to get you brain cells a crankin’ away!
Leads me to these thoughts/conclusions:
That while the FBI has not provided a definitive spokesperson’s response (ie: official statement from a member of the media matters division), there are OTHER Palins, if not her own Heath family, that could be under investigation as the question supposed “asked/answered” was if SP was under investigation. Even if an official spokesperson does speak out on the “is SP” question, he/she wouldn’t answer beyond “no comment/can’t confirm that”.
Also, too…you betcha…there are plenty of other federal agencies who could be investigating. IRS seems ot be the most logical, but what about Homeland Security (think AIP angle perhaps)? Or just the DOJ itself (wouldn’t have to notify FBI, as it has its own investigative forces)? Or the SEC?
As an additional thought to ponder, there’s the fact that the whole Veco connected investigation hasn’t been completed yet. Sentencing is still needed for at least 2 key players there, and a number of others posted about this fact, along with the fact that June 30 was thought to be a key date about when sentencing might occur, assuming the investigation was finished.
So to me, the whine of “foul” by SP/TVF to me is nothing more than a red monkey shoe herring to see how widespread the knowledge of “something is happening” runs. Besides, I think it was something over from Bradblog that started the whole thing rolling, then it got picked up by others, including Shannyn, who I think has always predicated her writings, current and past, as including the phrases “rumor” or “supposedly” when dealing with possible SP issues (a very good thing). AKM has done the same repeatedly.
Oh yeah, finally…not all federal investigations are known within the jurisdiction/regional office that would normally be in charge. Reason? Thoughts of “leaks” to the subjects of the investigation that there is an investigation, improper “cozy” relationships between the investigators and the subjects, and finally, a pretty big one, FISA, if it involves something connected to security.
Anyway, sorry for the length…but I have a lot of things still poking around in my head over the whole mess of 7/3 thru today.
JHop, Caligrl, and Nan – I remember that part as well. It sounded like she could take the whole crew to Tahiti if she wanted. Wish I had a copy of the original document.
Bobby G—you really set me up for that one!
Legal defense fund thought: If donation’s are under $150 each. Then you can keep them not matter what ’cause it not that much money each and maybe not to many people are going to ask for their money back. Now that’s a simple view.
IANAL, but truth is, it’s across state lines and most likely enough people will want their money back for a class action law suit (REMEMBER anyone can file on class action “behalf of….” HINT HINT – is there a lawyer in our house?)
nan, you’re right in terms of the fact that palin has unrestricted access to the money without any reason for needed it. but the trust i just read has a vague purpose of being for palin, “as governor or her actions stemming from being governor.” technically, right now, she can say that anything falls into that.
but with her resignation, it muddies the water a bit for the future of the trust.
JHop: Go to Shannyn’s blog
http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/shannyn-moore-will-not-be-muzzled/#comment-5339
scroll down to poster “Syrin” You will find it interesting
Also Syrin I believe when buttercup was tapped by JM someone in the palin administration told her to “stop blogging, stop blogging now!”
Obviously she didn’t
JHop: Go to Shannyn’s blog
http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/shannyn-moore-will-not-be-muzzled/#comment-5339
scroll down to poster “Syrin” You will find it interesting
Also Syrin I believe when buttercup was tapped by JM someone in the palin administration told her to “stop blogging, stop blogging now!”
Obviously she didn’t
Housegate has nothing to do with her performance as Governor. In fact, any illegal stuff would have been done long before she became governor. So I don’t see how the ATM trust helps her with those legal fees, except for the slush-fund type withdrawals of up to $13,000 per person per year for any purpose (lots of minor kids who could make withdrawals, of course). But still, that’s not nearly enough to fund a legal defence of any quality.
“Screw Political Correctness”
Hitler Finds Out Sarah Palin Resigns
‘The GOP has lost its balls and now has lost its ovaries as well’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IzNPEGWNos&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Falaskacommons.wordpress.com%2F&feature=player_embedded
yes right now, if she wants to go to tahiti, and the vacay has some connection, any connection, to her being governor, she can withdraw money. it includes her family and her employees. but i dont know what will happen when she gives up her title. the trust specifically states that the purpose of the trust is for palin “as governor”
238 JHop Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
bobbyg – the reason shannyn got called out specifically was because she went on msnbc. and that ruffled palin’s feathers apparently, considering a million different places made references to the same rumors.
I wonder if Palin or Meg told Van Flein that Shannyn had made a direct accusation, and he didn’t realize that she has referred to the “rumor.” If they lied to the lawyer he may become a tad miffed>
housegate may have started when she was mayor. but any ethics complaint or investigation came later. they purposely drafted this very vaguely in order to give them as much leeway to work within the purpose of the trust (any trust, to be established, must have a purpose and stick to that purpose).
JHop,
I see what you’re saying.
I’m sure thought, that she’s had her atty vet the entire trust as to its wording and legality, you betcha. Also, too. (wink)
retreating to meow corner,
Nan
paula Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:38 PM
In-ter-es-ting re: the response to the FBI saying there is no criminal investigation into Palin. But mudflatters, the IRS investigates tax dodgers for possible prosecution; not people who someone thinks might have taken money from a public project. There are other agencies that have the ability to investigate what could be a crime, but I’m wondering who it would be in this case if the FBI isn’t involved …
That would probably be the DOJ Public Integrity Section.They can investigate any elected offical.
lovemydogs @ 3:09 said: Why didn’t she just resign on Friday and be done with it? What’s up with giving notice?
Just one answer to that, — SHRED, BABY ! SHRED !
crystalwolf –
“stop bloggin now” = Ivy Frye (I think)
314 PepperzMom (GA) Says: Oh yeah, finally…not all federal investigations are known within the jurisdiction/regional office that would normally be in charge. Reason? Thoughts of “leaks” to the subjects of the investigation that there is an investigation, improper “cozy” relationships between the investigators and the subjects, and finally, a pretty big one, FISA, if it involves something connected to security.
*********************************************************
After the Uncle Ted debacle , your point is right on. If I was AG Holder , I would not let the office in Alaska handle a big case.
And then lets remember “where” the help to set up this “legal” trust fund came from. ahem……John Coale, so the wording most likely came from him. That slippery scientologist, whose wife Gretta loves Toad and would do anything to keep him out of trouble if he bats his pretty blues at her.
Such a mix of pals, Fred Malek spoke with Scarah last Friday before her speech according to a time mag quote. Did he help council Scarah to “get Toad” home and call a conference, resign?
I just watched Fox ( only to see if they would talk about Shannyn) and Wallace said he had read that Gino had been offered a job at NBC, wouldn’t it be a hoot if she had to deal with Keith or Rachel?
ValleyIndependent Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 2:43 PM
JHop, Caligrl, and Nan – I remember that part as well. It sounded like she could take the whole crew to Tahiti if she wanted. Wish I had a copy of the original document.
————–
If the trust fund website has taken the trust documents down, PM me in the forum with your e-mail and I can send you a copy of the PDF (as it originally appeared) tomorrow. But from JHop’s commentary, I’d say it is still up and in its original form (I haven’t checked it for a few weeks).
Great post! Let’s face it. The only reason Sarah Palin is being paid attention to by anyone is: wait………for………..it:
FEAR OF DEATH
That’s right. What is really going on here is that Palin represents the idea that the human personality survives the death of the human body. The entire religious right movement is built on people wanting to deny that the brain creates the personality and when the brain dies, the personaliy probably dies with it.
Palin is the current Joan of Arc for the message that that doesn’t happen.
That is why a certain hard core of people support her regardless of what an ignorant air head she is and why she has at least a shot at getting the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
I say: BRING IT ON! I can’t think of a better candidate for Barack Obama to drop kick through the uprights of the 2012 election!
“Just one answer to that, — SHRED, BABY ! SHRED !”
when did she last speak to Cheney? lol
JHop
Veddy interesting (twirling my mustache.) Hmmmm. Great information, thanks.
JHop,
The Trustee of this fund is Kristen Cole, who is firstly a friend of Palins. A Beauty Pageant Winner!! She has her own real estate agency. Her mother who somehow was involved with the real estate was charged with embezzlement and is or was in BC, Canada. Kristen also is or was in charge of a Creamery which was state owned I believe. (The creamery is a whole story of it’s own) And if I recall, she’s been under investigation for it from what I have read Allegedly!!!
Therefore — it all adds to the suspicions of the fund!!!
As AKM says so many times: You can’t make this stuff up!!!
i agree with everyone who thinks the FBI statement is not the end to ‘investigation’ rumors. there are a lot of different agencies that could be investigating her.
syrin’s comments are interesting. it is my biggest fear that there was an ethics board agreement, because everything they do is secretive. i am afraid they said something along the lines of, we will have to submit a report of wrongdoing and potential legal action; however, if you resign, we can just dismiss the complaint or bury it, as it will no longer have standing to be heard.
KTUU’s blurb on Shannyn:
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10646276
Didn’t think of it earlier, but, if in fact Cheney is going to Alaska for a holdiay –
DUCK!!!
HIDE!!!
You then have Cheney & Palin with guns!!!!!!
i agree about the trustee. she is totally in palin’s pocket. which is not how a trustee should be; they have a fiduciary duty to protect the trust. so it is super sketchy.
what is the forum, i have been wondering this…
http://www.thealaskafundtrust.com/site/downloads/alaska_fund_trust.pdf
this is where i was reading from….
Say NO to Palin in Politics Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 2:52 PM
And then lets remember “where” the help to set up this “legal” trust fund came from. ahem……John Coale, so the wording most likely came from him.
——————
It was apparently set up by this company.
http://www.alaskatrust.com/
I think they have their own in-house legal support. At least one of the owners is a lawyer.
They also manage the fund monies for Kristen Cole.
Yep, GINO’s sudden exodus is a pure case of CYA. Cover Your A$$. Once the C4P’ers find out what she’s been up to all along, I imagine great hair-pulling and gnashing of teeth.
Problem child – thanks, noted
JHop
this is from the “addendum” on the website (not what I was looking for, but interesting anyway – specially the next-to last sentence)
“5. Can Money Held in the Legal Expense Fund be used for Personal Purposes?
Pursuant to the trust document governing the Legal Expense Fund, funds may only be
used for certain limited purposes including providing for all reasonable, necessary, and
appropriate fees or charges incurred by (a) Sarah Palin as a result of the fact that she is Governor
of the State of Alaska or as a result of the performance of her duties as Governor of the State of
Alaska and (b) certain individuals that the trustee of the Legal Expense Fund may select as a
result of or arising out of their association or relationship with or employment by Sarah Palin, in
her capacity as Governor of the State of Alaska. In addition, in order to allow for donations to
the Legal Expense Fund to be eligible for the annual exclusion, beneficiaries have been given a
limited power to withdraw property held in the Legal Expense Fund for their benefit. Beyond
these limited purposes, funds cannot be otherwise used for personal purposes.”
JHop
CC raised an interesting point last night when she was on the Mike Method program (right after Shannyn’s program).
An ethics complaint was filed against Palin regarding the trust fund – alleging that it is illegal because Palin’s ability to draw money from it (as governor) puts her in the position of using her position as governor to generate financial benefit, which is explicitly outlawed. No information has yet been released about that ethics complaint, and SP did not waive confidentiality. CC’s hypothesis was that the Personnel Board Investigator advised Palin that the complaint has merit and can’t be swept under the rug, thus her cut and run. Sounds plausible. Any thoughts on that?
Another funny, in solidarity………..so much support for Shannyn, Palin has created a $hit storm against herself:
John McNamara
I know how victimized you feel about the lies being spread online and in the media. I know you believe it’s your right to threaten and silence those who would question or disagree with you. So let me offer my help in giving you the grounds to sue me for defamation, win and drive a stake into the heart of the First Amendment.
Because everything I’m now going to write about you in this public forum is a total lie:
Ready?
God, I admire you.
You are a skilled public speaker, a thoughtful public strategist and a natural leader.
You should wear longer skirts because your legs are an embarrassment.
The thought of you holding political office fills me with pride and joy.
Your reason for resigning will soon be revealed as measured, selfless and strategically brilliant. In future histories written about you it will be referred to as “the genius move.”
You have been the recipient of more unfair attacks than any figure in world history.
And in the future, the words “quitter,” “diva,” “crybaby,” “psycho,” and “Little Miss Pouty Pants” will never be used against you.
I hate your hair, especially when it’s kind of down and loose and… y’know.
You are a lock for president in 2012. Obama should just give up now. Because that guy’s the kind of leader who, when he’s questioned or attacked, just fires back low level insults then stomps off to sulk. You will wipe that guy off the map. Poor Obama.
You are the Democratic Party’s worst nightmare.
You are respected.
Feared.
And will never be a political punchline.
I love you and truly hope that after you sue me, beat me and silence all dissent, you ascend to the heights of absolute monarchy and bring about the nation of intolerance, ignorance, fear and greed you see in the rabid faces of your followers.
You don’t remind me at all of the President in THE DEAD ZONE. Not even a little.
That’s it.
Consider yourself defamed, Madam, and let our journey together now begin.
I await your attorney’s first threatening phone call by holding my breath starting… hang on… now.
Yours Truly,
John McNamara
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mcnamara
Maybe Toad will take Cheney and Sarah “fishing” and they can throw each other over the side (a new form of waterboarding?). Then the kids can have at them with a couple of gaffe hooks.
A girl can dream.
i agree that basically anything falls into that right now. that is my exact point. but the key part of that clause is “as a result of the fact that she is Governor of the State of Alaska or as a result of the performance of her duties as Governor of the State of Alaska”
so right now, yes, anything at all can arguably fall into that category. and even after she resigns, she can still argue that some things were a result of her performance as governor. but the “as governor” part is what is going to give them trouble in the future.
but, regardless of everything we are saying now, all they have to do is terminate this trust and use the money to start a new one with a different purpose. the trustee, who is in palin’s pocket, has the sole power to terminate.
Palin leaving as Alaska Governor seems to have erupted into a take sides on a national level (not to her advantage) as I see it anyway. I had a friend I know from a flea mkt.Got so mad at me today he was almost speechless,he got red in the face and exploded at me,I hate Democrats and walked away.Guess thats the end of our friendship.His argument was that she was’nt guilty of anything and everyone was picking on her.Guess she’s not the only nutcase out there.
JHop, the forum is the “back room” of mudflats. Link is close to the top on the sidebar. Lots of interesting conversations going on in there. You do have to sign up to participate, but you can take a peek at most topics without doing so.
Closet Mudpup: “An ethics complaint was filed against Palin regarding the trust fund – alleging that it is illegal because Palin’s ability to draw money from it (as governor) puts her in the position of using her position as governor to generate financial benefit, which is explicitly outlawed. No information has yet been released about that ethics complaint, and SP did not waive confidentiality. CC’s hypothesis was that the Personnel Board Investigator advised Palin that the complaint has merit and can’t be swept under the rug, thus her cut and run. Sounds plausible. Any thoughts on that?”
Yes I agree with this thought 100%. There is definitely a cause of action for saying that palin is personally benefiting from her government position, which is against the law. And I am afraid that the ethics board, consisting of her friends, made some kind of deal with her about it.
Haven’t had time to read thru the posts here, as it took almost 3 hours to read thru the replies over at HP, so forgive me if this is a repeat of something someone else has said somewhere in the whole world-wide internets blogging places:
After watching her “speech” for the 3rd and final time, I have to say that this mishmash reminds of what happens at the end of a trial. You know, when the newly convicted gives his/her own statement in a plea to avoid the maximum sentence/hammer.
It sounds like SP was trying to butter-cup-up the masses into remembering all the “good things” she has done in an attempt to avoid the inevitable “but yeah, I really was a bad’un after all”. Why else in a resignation speech would there be anything except “hello, goodbye as of day Z”.
Just sayin’….
#314 Pepperzmom – all GREAT points, amen and BINGO!
Love how everyone is bringing JHop up to speed. Welcome JHop – wait ’til you tackle babygate (if you haven’t)- it will make your head spin.
Any word on Shannyn’s Presser at Buttercup’s office? How it went and what were the follow-up questions?
JHop, EyeOnYou posted this section to the forum when we were discussing this at the time.
In addition, the purpose of the Trust shall be to pay
all reasonable, necessary, and appropriate expenses of Trustee’s counsel and such other and
usual, customary expenses and services that have been or may be incurred in connection with the
above-stated purpose. In the event that SARAH PALIN or any Covered Individual is considered
to have received taxable income as a result of being a beneficiary of the Trust, the Trustee shall
be permitted to reimburse SARAH PALIN or such beneficiary, as the case may be, from the
corpus of the Trust for the actual amount of taxes incurred by SARAH PALIN or such
beneficiary, as the case may be, as a result of being a beneficiary of the Trust. Trust funds may
be used for no purpose other than those specifically provided herein. All such payments may be
made by the Trustee from either principal and/or income.
this is the forum topic link
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,7114.0.html
Also, Jonathan Blattmachr had a hand in setting up this trust and keep in mind him and his brother were instrumental in setting up Alaskan Law as it pertains to trust, making Alaska The best state to set a trust up in, very lax laws.
You can bet they knew exactly how they wanted it to be worded so that they could pander to her supporters about how much it was needed for those nasty ethic complaints, and yet would benefit the family no matter what happened. I doubt they foresaw the resignation, but the trust was set up to outlast her term or terms as Governor, so I’m sure she will be covered.
Now, now, Lori in LA, you know how AKM feels about babygate discussions!
JHop, I appreciate your insights. I wish they would have to give the money back to the donors. I think a lot of them have been duped.
@ #323 marnie, that thought crossed my mind, also, that Meg or Palin were not forthcoming with their attorney. It happens all the time that clients get poor advice from their attorneys and accountants because clients don’t give those professionals the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Garbage in, garbage out, as it were.
I have been reading a couple of Duhbya’s bio’s. The end or time folks actually want a world wide war so the prophesy of Revelations will come true in their life time.
They want to die and cause a billion or so others to suffer and die, – JUST – TO – PROVE – THAT – THEY- ARE – RIGHT!
And they though God sent Duhbya to start a wars in the Mideast to fulfill the prophesy.
Martha
re McNamara’s article
Holycats! wow.
JHop
That was exactly what CC had in mind – her resignation in exchange for stamping it “Resolved.”
I hope it’s true – I like the idea that a thoughtful private citizen, rather than a federal investigation, may have put an end to her shenanigans and her tenure as governor.
Closet Mudpup: “An ethics complaint was filed against Palin regarding the trust fund – alleging that it is illegal because Palin’s ability to draw money from it (as governor) puts her in the position of using her position as governor to generate financial benefit, which is explicitly outlawed. No information has yet been released about that ethics complaint, and SP did not waive confidentiality. CC’s hypothesis was that the Personnel Board Investigator advised Palin that the complaint has merit and can’t be swept under the rug, thus her cut and run. Sounds plausible. Any thoughts on that?”
Yes, Syrin from Wasilla (Sherry) speculates same scenario – adding that SP MAY have been given option to “take the $ and leave” or face this complaint that will NOT be easily dismissed (paraphrasing).