Leave the Kids Alone!
“Leave his kids alone!”
Thus spake the ex-almost-one-term governor of Alaska. She was talking about newly installed Acting Governor Sean Parnell and his “nice family.” And the media, obediently heeding her hand-wringing plea has not invaded Alaska, to seek out the innocent children of Governor Parnell, even though he and his wife mention them all the time, and dangle them in front of cameras, and talk about their unplanned pregnancies and lemonade stands, and military service and basketball prowess to the national media, using them as examples of the kind of people the Parnells are. Oh, that’s right. They don’t.
Anyway… the “leaving kids alone” philosophy shouldn’t be applied too broadly, according to the Palins. The latest dastardly deed from Palin lawyer and Snidely Whiplash Wannabee, Thomas Van Flein, involves bringing down the iron-fisted, pointy-knuckled wrath of Sarah Palin in front of…(wait for it)… a classroom full of five-year-olds.
The Palin legal team thinks it’s a great plan to keep threatening to sue people, like local Alaska bloggers, and media outlets like the Washington Post and the New York Times because they won’t “quit makin’ things up.” The last Alaska blogger to be threatened by Van Flein, knuckled under to intimidation by standing before a group of TV cameras and journalists in front of Palin’s office and saying, “Sue me!” All eyes turned to the Palin camp. (crickets)
Never ones to learn a lesson from epic failure, they’re at it again. The best way to deal with a strategy that didn’t work last time? Try it again. This time, it’s the newly outed blogger of The Immoral Minority blog who goes by the pseudonym Gryphen, and Dennis Zaki of The Alaska Report. Zaki and Gryphen each received an ominous letter from Van Flein this weekend. They each, citing separate sources, claim among other things that the Palin’s are in ”splitsville.” This was met with an almost immediate Facebook response from Palin mouthpiece Meg Stapleton. Soon afterward, Van Flein had fired off an email to Gryphen.
This one had something new – a time limit! That added a dash of drama…like one of those movies where you see the glowing red numbers on the explosive device ticking down… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and then exactly at 3:00pm… (crickets) Yup, the announced deadline, sent via email came and went.
In addition the letter included a thinly veiled threat to pull a “gotcha,” by serving a complaint and summons in a kindergarten, where Gryphen works as an assistant. Way to keep the kids out of it.
Apparently, it’s only the kids of governors the Palins are concerned about. Regular Alaskan kindergarteners can just suck it up and watch Mr. Gryphen get served with legal papers by Snidely Whiplash during “circle time.” Nice.
Non-government Mommies and Daddies can just deal with the emotional cleanup later. Maybe it’s a good “teachable moment” about bullies.
This dubious legal strategy appears to do one thing, and one thing only successfully – make Alaska bloggers relevant to the conversation. If you give someone power, they have it. So, unless Palin’s strategy is to shine the national media spotlight on everything the Alaska bloggers have been reporting about her transgressions, and her track record in Alaska, and the big fat mess she’s left the state to clean up, it might be a good idea to have Van Flein and crew take out one of those little roll-up rugs, and lie down in the corner with a book for some quiet time.
<snark/>
1st…. ahhhhh….
Van Flee should read the kindergarten rules.
http://mamadance.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/kindergarten-wisdom/
Wasn’t “leave the kids alone” a line from the Pink Floyd song “The Wall” ?
BTW- Liked the Snydley Whiplash picture.
I think the whole nation has a pretty good idea of the true nature of the beast named Palin. What a punk she is to let her attorney throw down threats and ultimatums. What a punk…
SAy and Do anything to stay in the media spotlight. Good or bad, straight from the hip is the way this Maverick on the rocks likes it. She truly is the gift that just keeps on giving….i think i need to go and take care of that boil that just emerged…speaking of the gift that keeps on giving…….
Palin and pals are all nuts and they do not know when to shut up.
Wonder what Van Fleas mommy thinks about her dips^*t son ?? Personally , I don’t think the process server would have done it. More punk posturing by Van Flea.
Van Fleece
Van Flame
Van Flame’
Van Fink
Just off on a van tangent…..
Well, this is just another brick in the wall…of stupid $P tricks. To paraphrase Pink Floyd.
Can’t we just have them lie down on an ice floe with a starving polar bear?
This should end up on a new Letterman segment: Stupid Palin Tricks.
Ol’ Bible Spice doesn’t like the mainstream or elites much….except when it comes to lawyers. Can’t wait until she and Orly Taitz hook up.
The Palin twit doesn’t care about following through with those legal threats (well, I’m sure she would but knows she can’t without being deposed), she and the goons only care about their current press release or attorney’s action being splashed all over the collective subconscious of the nation. For those who don’t know, follow, or follow-up on the details, they tend to remember the dramatic statement, whether it’s the rebuttal or the attack. The order of the story segments don’t really matter.
The problem with that strategy is that it backfires constantly, such as the iconic image desecration attack by Meg with its resulting monstrous photoshopped images, & now the Facebook “press release” put out by Meg over the non-divorce, which caused the MSM to pick up the “splitsville” story. DUH. I have to agree with AKM above:
“Never ones to learn a lesson from epic failure, they’re at it again. The best way to deal with a strategy that didn’t work last time? Try it again.”
@ #10
I think that’s been taken at Palingate.com
oops… “order of story segments DOESN’T matter”
Worth waiting for, AKM.
I’m waiting for the Wasilla Mafia to be taken down by “the Feds” under RICO.
Btw, will go look at palingates.
Van Flein is disgusting, threatening Gryphen to show up at school is very low, and he should be called on it too.
Pink Floyd goes through my head while reading that blog title…
I’m not in Alaska but I’m rooting for you bloggers and I appreciate the good work you’re doing. I hate that moron and her goon squad from the bottom of my heart.
Perfect, AKM. You get extra cookies and the front of the line for outdoor playtime!
VoteNov4 Says:
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Ol’ Bible Spice doesn’t like the mainstream or elites much….except when it comes to lawyers.
————————————————
Except she never actually sues anyone. She uses Von Fleisch like a handbag.
I firmly believe that their m.o. centers around inciting the home-spun, domestic terrorists, which permeate their base. That can also be said about when they also threatened Shannyn, Andree, Linda and Kim; not to mention Doodoogan’s dastardly deed. They are pretty much guaranteed that their rancid followers will lash out like demons.
No small wonder she’s courting the military men and the NRA….
Just like those who shouted down Health care reform today….they calculate that if you continue to poison the feeble-minded, they will then do the dirty work.
V.Flea should be disbarred ~ and the XGino, behind bars.
Palin and Van Flea really don’t want Gryphen and his Kindergaten class to appear on Oprah. I would write her. She want National attention; well, she will get more than what she bargain for.
The websites that post “possible truths” that they have seen fit NOT to threaten are starting to intrigue me more and more.
The gun issue and the Sherry Johnston issue were also present in the “splitsville post”.
Also too, why the silence regarding other websites that question maternity or Todd pulling gun on Levi or Sarah setting Sherry up in drug case?
And too also too, why not putting forth documents to further prove that the housegate is in fact, not worthy of anyone pursuing?
The Palin camp obviously likes to make press out of certain “hot button” issues that they can “prove” are not valid but WILL NOT EVER TOUCH THOSE THAT THEY CAN’T VALIDATE! (sorry for caps but that’s how they operate…smokescreen anyone?)
@ zyggy Says:
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Van Flein is disgusting, threatening Gryphen to show up at school is very low, and he should be called on it too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Especially considering school is not even in session!
I’m confused about the deadlines. Mr. VanFlein cites 1:00 pm AST and 3:00 pm AST. I thought we were on ADT. Did Wasilla stay on standard time while the rest of us sprang forward?
You hit a home run with this “backlash” to the incompetent Palin Keystone Klowns, AKM. I hope you send it to HuffPo.
Van Flein has no idea what timezone he is in – he’s too busy counting Sarah’s money.
I agree with AKPet mom @ 8:02. It does make you go hmmmmm……
AKM, thank you for this.
What is the definition of insanity? You do the same thing over and over and expect different results? That’s the Palin PR strategy.
Hurray for AK bloggers! Go Gryphen! You rock. Go Dennis Zaki! You rock also, too!
I shouldn’t expect anything else, but good god, that’s classless, threatening to serve Gryphen with papers in front of his kindergartners?
Also, is it bad that the first thing I noticed in the letter is the inconsistent spacing between sentences, all of which are incorrect anyway, since the double-spacing-between-sentences rule is from the Age of the Typewriter, and not, in fact, correct in the Word Processing Age? (Why yes, I am a geek, thanks for noticing.
)
VoteNov4 Says: “Ol’ Bible Spice doesn’t like the mainstream or elites much….except when it comes to lawyers. Can’t wait until she and Orly Taitz hook up.”
I’m trying to imagine the two of them plus Michele Bachmann in the same room. I would hope if they do get together, it’s in mandatory group therapy…
I wonder if Van Flein has recently converted to Scientology, since Scientologists are well-known for their intimidation tactics by threatening to sue anyone and everyone. I suspect John Coale (GVS’s husband) is behind much of this.
Van Flein would, I guess have to wait three weeks or so to serve those papers seeing how the school is closed for the summer. He is as clueless as his client.
I think Van Flein needs a timeout, or maybe even a whack from the one-inch thick paddle my 7th grade homeroom teacher had prominently displayed on her chalkboard. It had holes in it….
(I went to school in Ohio, one of 22 states that STILL allows corporal punishment).
Sure hope those funds are rolling in the Alaska Fund Trust – believe XGINO will be needing many more $$ before long.
Perhaps she should just handcuff herself to Van Flein.
After all, the late Michael Jackson had his “on-site” doctor, only fair that XGINO gets her own “on-site mouthpiece”
Oh, thats right, she does have an official spokesperson -
yep, I’m on the Pink Floyd train of thought too, also, and.
No comment on the outing, but it appears that Gryphen is threatening to sue Dan Riehl. Isn’t that kind of hypocritical?
Excellent post! Love the visual. I hope HuffPo picks it up. What concerns me the most is SP’s blatant abuse of power and love of bullying. Threatening people is her drug of choice. I’ve been saying that a lot today…
She isn’t fit to run the local WalMart and she needs to be exposed nationally as the bully she is.
Isn’t it time that someone file a complaint about Van Weasel with the Alaska Bar?
Not a drinking bar but one the regulates the ethics of licensed attorneys in Alaska.
Van Weasel is obviously drunk with power to subscribe to such abuse. His rational to threaten to serve a suit that has yet to even be filed is outside the bounds of an ethical attorney and I am sure the Bar would agree if it has even half the ethics rules of those we have here in the lower 48.
Let Van Weasel know that service of said suit will be happily taken at any time and allow the media to film and broadcast it. Counter suits are always available to those that are sued and what a lovely discovery process Van Weasel and Palin will find themselves in. It would be required of Palin to produce not only income tax forms for the past several years as well as somethings we would all love to see,unaltered, authentic offical birth certificates for all her children.
Where is the lawsuits section of the Bible again? i can’t seem to find it…
Can someone put up a countdown clock? You know what I mean. It will tell how long it’s been since Vanflea and his sidekick, tweetergal made their threats and did not carry it out?
I remember from the campaign trail for Presidency. The object was to keep the other person on the Defense. Palin is trying to be on the Offense and put everyone else on the Defense. Unfortunately, for her it isn’t working. AKM, Gryphen and the others are not allowing themselves to be intimidated by Van Flute. Sarah needs to grow up and learn how to fight her own battles. She is not setting a very good example for her children.
I thought I had read that Van Flein hadn’t been paid in 10 months. There Ms. Palin goes again making another frivilous lawsuit.
Please, please, please put this on Huffpo!
One thing interesting about the Flea that I notice:
He goes after allegations that are not even made. For example, when he threatened to sue Shannyn he asserts that Shannyn mentioned FBI in housegate rumour (HE said FBI, and HE got statement from FBI that they were not invesigating).
When he sent notice to Gryphen (by e-mail no less!) he uses the term “divorce.”
Gryphen did not say the “D” word, he said “splitsville.”
Diversion smoke and mirrors. Is this supposed to be clever? It is assinine.
Van Flein is losing credibility from anyone who can read.
You’re my hero, AKM. How do you have time to take care of spouse, children (don’t know if you have those), dog, work, take great pictures and write so wonderfully well so often keeping us apprised of AK politics and the nonstop ridiculousness of sarah? Thank you. Who would’ve ever thought a south Georgia peach like me would have ended up there in Alaska?
Why isn’t the dim-wit speaking out for herself? Is she afraid William Shatner would do another reading of her tweets? What about all her lies? Not only is she a bully but a mockery as well.
I strongly recommend this to all Mudpups who have finally shaken off the shackles of She Who Must Be Obeyed, her minions and followers also too her legal reps whose credentials seem to be a bit suspect, judging by his actions on her behalf.
Dumb as a bag of hammers, as my old Gran used to say.
Good luck and happy sailing to you all.
http://jezebel.com/5307929/palins-soliloquy-a-textual-analysis-of-sarahs-resignation-speech
Great post, AKM! I hope The Huffington Post picks it up. Not only does it point out what a bully Quittypants is, but her selective use of children.
By the way, has anyone seen Bristol lately? Here’s to hoping she is “splitsville” with Mama Bear, establishing her own boundaries, and making sure the little ones are not being dragged all over the country.
“If she sues, she will be deposed.”
http://www.politicususa.com/en/node/7033
Sarah will never sue anyone.
She will avoid a deposition at any cost.
AKM says…Apparently, it’s only the kids of governors the Palins are concerned about.
____________________
Actually she only included Parnell and his kids in her speech because it gave her another shot at portraying herself as a victim. She is the master of victimology and she has finely tuned that role for herself. If she can find a way to portray herself a victim she’s going to do it because she can’t get by on substance.
It’s funny because one of her supporters wrote a line the other day that fits her perfectly, and oddly enough he didn’t even realize it.
If you spend your time looking for opportunities to be offended, your diligence will surely be rewarded R.S. McCain
Every day there are gobs of reports in tabloids, etc. about celebrities splitting up, getting pregnant, and other unsubstantiated rumors. What do the celebrities do??? They ignore them!
What does The Palin do?? React in a way that makes her look even more ridiculous.
But as the saying goes, even bad publicity is better than no publicity. That’s her motto!
Palin/Bachmann — CRAP 2012!
The Palin camp must be spitting nickels. It is such a loser move to threaten to sue. Sue or do not sue. There is no try.
Hypocrites and Heffalump trap is back with the one issue that keeps coming back since Palin aborted her first term as governor.
I’d venture to say that Van Flein had his instructions and pertinent data for some time now and have been waiting for a disguised outrage. Gryphen delivered much more.
Wayne A. Ross could have written that letter, I wonder if
van
flein feel proud of such comparison.
Van Flip Winkle thought that he could intimidate Gryphen by threatening to serve him with papers to sue at his place of employment, in hopes that Gryphen would feel not only intimidated and would not want to be embarrassed by such a scene, that Gryphen would back off. OOps!! It didnt work!!Sarah and Van Flip Winkle need to realize that ” these kiddies” are not afraid of the “the school bullies”. They have the kahunas to fight back!
BTW, I love the Snidely Whiplash reference, too.
When I was in law school, we debated lots of stuff. Law students like to argue about the law. One thing that everyone agreed on is that you never threaten to sue people, that as soon as you threaten to sue, you lose any advantage you might have had.
You make sure people understand your legal position, understand how the law applies to the situation. . . you make sure people understand that you have retained counsel because you expect everyone to adhere to the law. . . but you don’t threaten to sue.
Okay, Secretshopper, I went to school in Ohio too. But I went to Catholic school for twelve years, with nuns, so we didn’t have Corporal punishment, more like Colonel or General punishment. I like the fact that the letter is signed Thomas Van Flein (Insert Jerry Lewis saying VAN FLEIN), for Governor Sarah Palin. GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN? Hey, I think if you quit less than two thirds into your first term, you don’t get to use the title. I think that is in a rule book somewhere. And to echo an earlier post, Kindergarten doesn’t start for three weeks, so that process server is going to be standing in an empty class room for a loooong time. And there is nothing better than calling a bully’s bluff. “Meet me at the jungle gym after school” , “Okay”, “No, really, I’m going to beat you up if you show up”, “Okay”. And I wonder how much Van Flein charged Sarah for the time it took, to compose, write, and send out the letter. Does he charge her per word? I bet every time someone says something that makes Sarah mad, Van Flein says “CHA CHING”
I also read about a rumor SP is getting a divorce. So sue me too, Sarah!
uugh imagine how Palin will be telling Parnell ” They like you, they don’t talk about your kids” or “At least they don’t talk about your kids”
OK. before I get sick………….the device from mother ship is working perfecttly!
I have sources that tell me Van Flein has bad breath and cheats at golf.
Sue ME!!!
Claw Washout Palin (41)
… AKM, Gryphen and the others are not allowing themselves to be intimidated by Van Flute…
______________
That’s IT! On an old tv show, the principal of the school was “Principal Flutey.” Love it.
All this posturing serves more than one purpose. Besides the attempted intimidation, it acts as misdirection, too. No one addresses the mess in the kitchen when they’re busy watching the fight in the parking lot.
I have been lurking on this site since August, 2008. I could not believe that McCain could have chosen some unknown person, without being vetted, to be a heart beat away from the Presidency. My husband and I discussed this often and what he told me was “they could not win” because everyone’s eyes were opened after George Bush cheated two times to become the President. Sarah Palin is a nightmare, but my husband said it’s a good thing that she was exposed. Just think about it, if McCain did not choose her she would have continued creating havoc in Alaska.
Even though I know she is not qualified to be anywhere in politics, but she does have a “cult” following. Thanks AKM and all Alaskan bloggers for being on top of this and please continue to keep a sharp eye on her. She is dangerous!
I know I am ranting, I apologize, but when she was chosen I got off my butt and knocked on several doors, made several phone calls and took many people to vote so that this person would not continue to destroy America.
Please continue to expose her and don’t be afraid. I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and most peopIe that I talk to are insulted that John McCain would introduce this crook to the national stage.
Oh, and one more thing, AKM, I wish you would write an article on Huffpo on how McCain put “Country First” by choosing this person to be a heart beat way from the Presidency. Please!!
Lauren Says:
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Isn’t it time that someone file a complaint about Van Weasel with the Alaska Bar?
—-
Lauren, I asked on another thread whether anyone knew if a non-resident (me) could file a complaint with the Bar Association and didn’t get an answer. (Yeah, I used to be a lawyer, and was a lawyer in Alaska, but I don’t know the answer. When I practiced law, the LAST thing we wanted to ever think about was “grieving” another lawyer and fortunately, on many levels, I haven’t practiced since 1990.)
But Van Flein’s conduct outrages me.
So my question, again, expanded: Do any Alaskans/Alaskan lawyers think it’d be worthwhile to file a grievance against Van Flein? And, could a non-resident do so?
TIA.
Is it proper to call someone “governor” if they quit? It don’t sound right somehow. I also distinctly remember her saying she does not need a “title”. XGINO is a better fit.
(crickets) following a threat is hell on credibility. Brings back fond memories of our grade school bully. I think he eventually grew up and didn’t become a lawyer.
Welcome to the “Flats” Reesie!! And I like your rant. Keep posting, because you are among like minded people. Again, Welcome!
Van Flein knows a cash cow when he sees one!
FarfromFenwayFan: You are right. He also knows a lying dunce too, also!!
To Liz I. – I wouldn’t waste your time filing a complaint with the Alaska State Bar. I’m a lawyer and lawyers are always posturing in demand letters. If you don’t stop or pay up or whatever, you will be exposed to embarrassing litigation, we’ll serve you at work, etc. It’s normal B.S. that no one takes seriously (although it sure does make Van whathisname look like an idiot given the fact that his B.S. demand letter was bound to be leaked). The only thing lawyers get discplined for (other than stealing from clients) is outright attempted extortion — i.e., if you don’t pay up, we’ll report you to the IRS, etc. (you are free to report someone to a governmental agency; you just can’t threaten to do it to try to gain an advantage in civil litigation). If Van WhatHisName were to be disciplined for his juvenile demand letter, 75% of lawyers everywhere would be guilty of similar conduct.
AKM’s post is up on HuffPo. Let’s show the love and post some comments!
Oh, how very Presidential of her…obviously she’s not gonna run for the nomination with all this cannon fodder she been stacking up for the other side…lol
The thing about Palin and the Palinistas is that they are way too emotional. They over react to nearly everything. The first thing they want to do is get Revenge – without thinking first.
Their first instinct is to shoot the messenger when someone is being mean to the Iconic Saint Sarah of Wasilla. In this latest case, Gryphen is the messenger who is “so mean” to Sarah. He is the latest of quite a few.
They are oblivious that The Law doesn’t give a hoot about emotion – it’s based on fact. They don’t realize that Sarah Palin is a Public Person. They think that since she quit being a governor she’s off the hook. Ah, no, it doesn’t work that way. She is still very much a Public Person whereas Gryphen – who writes anonymously – is very much a Private Person who enjoys freedoms under the First Amendment among other laws.
The breadth of Palin/Palinista/Peebot ignorance is truly stupefying.
It’s as if they don’t even realize that they live in the United States of America – a nation with a Constitution and laws – but rather North Korea, China or Iran.
Black is white and up is down in the Palin Universe.
anonblogger: hmmmmmm (rubbing chin), something very serious to think about. Your theory may not be far off the mark. hmmmmmmm.
I never read Gryphen before this story broke.
Thanks, Meg and Sarah, for introducing me to his work!
Another star is born.
Van Flein should know that there are rules on school grounds about who can come onto the premises and visit classrooms. Nobody just comes waltzing in to a classroom without express permission of the front office. I don’t think ‘serving papers’ would pass muster as an appropriate reason to go into a classroom with children present. What a stupid threat.
From the Alaska Bar website
Examples of Misconduct
The Rules of Professional Conduct cover a wide range of lawyer conduct and misconduct that may be cause for discipline. Some examples of misconduct are:
* Neglect of your legal matter; failure to communicate with you;
* Dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in a case;
* Revealing your confidential information (except for special circumstances under law);
* Withdrawing money without your approval from a trust account set up for your case;
1. Complete the Attorney Grievance Form; (If you are filling out this form electronically, you must print out the completed form to sign and date it. Forms cannot be submitted electronically or by fax. We cannot accept a Xeroxed copy of your completed grievance form.)
2. Tell us what the attorney did, or didn’t do, that you believe to be unethical.
3. If there are papers or documents which would help us understand your grievance, please attach a copy of those papers to your grievance.
4. Attachments to the grievance should be arranged in a neat and orderly fashion. Please do not use staples or tabs.
5. Be sure to sign the form and return it with your original signature to this office. You should keep a copy for yourself.
If you have any questions concerning the grievance form or the attorney discipline process in Alaska, please contact the Alaska Bar Association at 907-272-7469, at the address listed below or e-mail us at info@alaskabar.org.
Instructions for Submitting Attorney Grievance Form
http://www.alaskabar.org/servlet/content/complaints_against_a.html
* Charging excessive or unreasonable fees; however, these complaints should be filed with the Fee Arbitration Committee first;
* Failing to follow court rules and procedures.
http://www.alaskabar.org/servlet/content/lawyers_must_act_ethically__examples_of_misconduct.html
Bar #9011119 Van Flein, Mr. Thomas
Attorney Active
Clapp, Peterson, Van Flein, Tiemessen & Thorsness LLC
Anchorage 711 H St. Ste 620
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3442
United States 907-272-9272 907-272-9586
Gryphen said in his blog that his “main job” allows some time to work with the kindergartners. With that fact known, it’s even more clear that Van Flatus was purposely using the part time kindergarten scenario as a public intimidation stunt. Tsk. Tsk.
What a scurrilous pettifogger and his squirrely petty, foggy client! :>)
#38 – News today said Walmart is now the second largest employer in Alaska …
$P couldn’t manage to run the State (not the largest employer here) hahahaha
no way she could run a Walmart – plus it would be much harder to embezzle from that corp compared to the state – not as easy as what she’s gotten away with as a celebrity “politician.”
Thanks for the good laugh!
Pain’s team: Acabradabra…. (lookie over here..) routine a’nt gonna cut it no mo.
Meg Staplemouth and Tom Van Flea will be the new unemployed unless the ‘supreme’ ex-GINO presents her constituents with her “house-gate” zoning permits, her medical records (in LONG form especially re: Trig.), Her “dairy-gate” meddlings and other state messy dealings.(cookies for the staving native Alaskans…)
This so called woman is nuts! Tha Quitta who Twitta from Wasilla seems a bit Bitta.
Sue me . Quitta
Bretta–just to clarify (from the ADN): Wal-Mart is now the second-largest private employer in Alaska, according to a new report by the state Labor Department.
The State is a public employer, not a private one.
more from the ADN: The state’s private employer list doesn’t include government jobs. Overall, the largest employer in Alaska is the military with 21,000 jobs, followed by the state.
And yes, Pink Floyd is running through my head too!
Palin needs to get on the road to NoWhere, but this time finish the trip, don’t quit half way.
In Juneau: Which Scary has no control over! Thank God for that!
Based upon that threat, I’m pretty sure Gryphen could file for a restraining order with the courts.
Wouldn’t that be lovely? Gryphen you should serve both Van Flea and Palin with restraining orders.
I think it’s hilarious that, as a couple of Mudpuppies have pointed out, school is not even in session, and that Van Flein sitpulated
AST when the state is on Daylight Time right now. Well, I’ve had my jollies for the day – time to start the coffee.
75 Writing from Alaska Says:
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:46 PM
“Nobody just comes waltzing in to a classroom without express permission of the front office. ”
.
I interpreted the “threat” as a way of outing another anonymous blogger. I wonder how many part time male kindergarten teachers there are in Alaska?
.
.
Oklad Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 3:53 AM
75 Writing from Alaska Says:
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:46 PM
I interpreted the “threat” as a way of outing another anonymous blogger. I wonder how many part time male kindergarten teachers there are in Alaska?
.
Thanks for the response, Lawyer. I do remember some dodgy behavior from other lawyers from my now distant past but honestly, I never ran into that kind of low-rent stuff in my years in Alaska, thank goodness.
But as Oklad says, I see Van Flein’s behavior as a deliberate attempt to out an anonymous blogger and encourage Sarah Palin’s minions to–as they did–pressure his employer and attempt to get him fired. It’s a small state and it took almost no time, after Van Flein’s information was publicly posted to discover Gryphen’s identity.
The Alaska Report published the letter, didn’t they? Who else? Van Flein knew, since his previous letters had been splattered all over the web (by him?) that this one would too.
Maybe I’ll just write him and his partners . . . .
I had read a post somewhere where a Sarah follower was saying how, SP was in God’s hands. The context of the post was that S was divinely pre-ordained to do something great, in christianese. In response to these people, they need to know that God is no respecter of persons. Idolatry is forbidden. Idolizing people is forbidden.
The bible admonishes not to sue anyone. I have never heard of a woman who supposedly represents christianity and has the wool pulled over so many eyes. It also admonishes people to hand around good people, good counselors. Not sue-trigger lawyers, and thumb their noses at anyone who disagrees. This whole Palin saga showed the true colors of the beast. Her reactions, and behavior have told us more than any book could. She has not shown the refined qualities of a kind, controlled heart, but of a vengeful, hateful heart. And, her little dog too, (Van Flein).
I’m not sure being an idiot, a jackass, a coward and a bully are ethics violations, per se. I would look to Van Flea’s role in soliciting dontations to the Queen using misrepresentations as to the amount of his “bill” and nature of his services. That is criminal fraud, and a clear violation of the ethics rules.
Follow the money.
Not sure if an e-mail carries much legal weight. First off, there is no signature so no way to authenticate who it’s from. Remember, you can’t believe everything you read online. Plus, there’s no telling if it will make it into the inbox. (One of mine is set so anyone not on my contacts list goes into the trash and I never see it) Also even if it makes the inbox there is no assurance it will be read. (on my other e-mail account I scan the list of e-mails and delete those that look like spam or where I don’t recognize the return address) Could all be another hoax to yank Gryphen’s chain. If it’s real, it was poorly thought out and poorly executed. Last thought, if they dug up so much info on Gryphen they know where he works part time, they must have his home address, so why not mail something to him via registered mail on paper with the company logo? Then they’d have proof it was delivered.
So they went to SD? I thought Mr. Palin said he was going back to the slope?? When was the last time he worked on the slope anyway? Now that the splitting rumor is out I guess she’s stuck with him!!!
teutonic13 Said
“Wasn’t “leave the kids alone” a line from the Pink Floyd song “The Wall” ?”
and InJuneau Said
“And yes, Pink Floyd is running through my head too!”
The Pink Floyd lyrics running through my head when I think of Sarah Palin are from Dark Side of the Moon.
The song Brain Damage to be precise.
The lunatic is in my head.
The lunatic is in my head
You raise the blade, you make the change
You re-arrange me ’til I’m sane.
You lock the door
And throw away the key
There’s someone in my head but it’s not me.
And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear.
And if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes
I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon.
I think Sarah has landed on the Dark Side of the Moon, a small step for her, but a giant step for Alaskans.
Bystander: I think Van Flop is still sporting a Palin drama hangover. It must be consuming all of his time trying to create the justification for Palin’s Legal Fund’s fleecing of America in broad daylight. They will never, EVER justify the amount they were begging for, EVER, also.
Also too, this Pink Floyd line is very fitting, We don’t need no education, NO!
Oklad: I think you are correct. That line was intended to out him. Seems to be very intentional in it’s purpose.
@ #94 Twoducks-
Now those lyrics bring back many memories of driving through cornfields in a smoke filled car…
Screw SP! Crank up those tunes !
What Bystander said:
“I’m not sure being an idiot, a jackass, a coward and a bully are ethics violations, per se.”
***************
Yes. Unless his actions include something like negligence, incompetence, or financial skullduggery, there is no grounds for complaint. Typically, the person who would complain is a client who on the receiving end of the incompetence, etc.
In this case, a formal complaint would just make the complainer look silly.
Now, what Sarah does when she decides that Van Fleece has not served her well enough…
Oh, and I forgot to say – the purpose of the letter to Gryphon was clearly to out him and create a target for the Palinbots. Otherwise he would just have sent Gryphon a nice registered letter like normal lawyers do, instead of the public threat.
Non-government Mommies and Daddies can just deal with the emotional cleanup later.
__________
Does that mean her kids are fair game again?
Bristal and Willow walk into a bar…
just kidding.
Nan (aka roswellborn) Says:
August 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Claw Washout Palin (41)
All this posturing serves more than one purpose. Besides the attempted intimidation, it acts as misdirection, too. No one addresses the mess in the kitchen when they’re busy watching the fight in the parking lot.
______________________________________________________________
I think you may be correct. This is the ol’ bait and switch. The topic du jour was Palin dumping the rich Republicans in California. All of a sudden, they throw light on this Alaskan blog and then threaten to sue. All conversation about Palin’s record of NOT keeping her commitments stopped.
Meanwhile, Palin spoke at an NRA function this weekend and received several awards. Was this an attempt to get the conversation off of Palin—yet again—backing out of a speaking engagement at the last minute to serve her own interests (being honored with an award by NRA)?
Seems so.
This is not the first time this has happened. Remember when Palin was getting a lot of bad attention for lifting Newt’s material? A few days later, she comes out swinging at Letterman and BAM—the topic changed. All conversation about her horrific speech and lifting Newt’s material stopped.
Maybe we need to go back to the prior conversation about Sarah bagging on California Republicans. Seems her camp wanted to stop that conversation.
Van Flein’s responsibilities, as Palin’s counsel, is to give her good advice and look after her interests. This is not the same as following Palin’s every harebrained suggestion-even if it does lead to a lot of “billable hours”.
Perhaps Van Flein’s referral to AST means he’s gonna hold off until school IS back in session? Nah, too forward-thinking for that camp.
BTW, his Palin baby name comes out as Fog Piles Palin. I like it…
VidOmnia Says:
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 PM
No comment on the outing, but it appears that Gryphen is threatening to sue Dan Riehl. Isn’t that kind of hypocritical?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well since him and mccain were the one’s who “outed” him…and spread his personal info all over the web?
Tim, I really don’t understand what your trying to say? BTW how was your trip to Alaska? Did you and RAM have fun?
Was Van Flea the one who told dud to ignore the supoena?
That’s a terrible story. Von Flea wants to terrorize a kindergarten with law officers serving papers? Unbeleivable! Scarah is “paling around with terrorists. Again.
40 Lauren Says: August 3rd, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Isn’t it time that someone file a complaint about Van Weasel with the Alaska Bar?
____________
On what basis? For vigorously representing his client? Or for continuing to represent that she’s the governor of Alaska? Well… on that last part, perhaps.
40 Lauren Says: August 3rd, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Counter suits are always available to those that are sued and what a lovely discovery process Van Weasel and Palin will find themselves in. It would be required of Palin to produce not only income tax forms for the past several years as well as somethings we would all love to see,unaltered, authentic offical birth certificates for all her children.
____________
What?!??? Why would she have to produce income tax returns or birth certificates? Those go beyond the scope of any future action on IM claiming that The Dud and The BitterTwitterQuitter have split.
And what would the content of any “countersuit” be? It’s got to be related to the original suit.
41 Mudbug Says: August 3rd, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Can someone put up a countdown clock? You know what I mean. It will tell how long it’s been since Vanflea and his sidekick, tweetergal made their threats and did not carry it out?
_____________
Statute of Limitations is probably similar to other states: 3 years.
She who must not be named aborted her Govenorship at the end of her second trimester. It seems that her lawyer has aborted his scary process serving in mid gestation too, also. Could it be conta…………..
E in New England
Also, is it bad that the first thing I noticed in the letter is the inconsistent spacing between sentences,
———–
The inconsistent spacing can happen because of the margin justification of the letter.
Well, a countersuit might include intimidation and or threatening behavior directed at suppressing one’s right to free speech.
The article is not malicious, even if Van Flea wants to name it such. It is just a reporting of what Gryphen believes to be fact from what he calls impeccable sources.
Dennis’ isn’t malicious for that matter, either.
Typo Alert: and/or
Apparently Mr Van Flea is as ignorant about education as Sarah—-Can’t really serve anything on anyone in front of children(wasn’t the deadline monday aft???) if school isn’t in session. Good for ALL of you Alaskan bloggers, Shannyn(who stood up to Sarahs empty threats, to Gryphen, who is not bending, to the Mudflats and all the mud puppies who have opened the rest of the nations eyes about Alaskan politics and at the same time given many of us a new respect for freedom of speech.
when they back off the action, it sort of adds validity to Gryphen’s stance, does it not? i mean, i haven’t read a retraction. Gryphen hasn’t stopped posting, as if he’s in hiding. Dennis Zaki hasn’t gone anywhere either.
remember that Palin Pregnancy blog that was posting photos and various photoshop work? the author received some threatening emails and pulled the blog down to protect his/her family, even though he/she stood by his/her work. i think THAT incident gave them (Palin & Van Flein) the idea that powers the action they sling around now: intimidation works.
now that she’s out of office, it would be interesting to see that blog come back on line now. because as we can see, the only thing of any use on this retired pitbull is her lipstick.
AZ Mom … the blog you are referencing is still up. Palin’s Deceptions. There have been times that not a lot is moving forward on the blog, and some times (such as recently) where other events take precedence on the blog (SP’s resignation, story about the alleged separation, etc.) but the blog is still there and committed to the truth of the story that it has followed since a year ago in September. Check it out.
where are all of those non PC tweets she was supposed to be spewing? still having problems with setting up the account?
So, can we now assume that anything that comes out of Palin’s mouth regarding “huntin’ and eatin” and Second Amendment rights…..should include the disclaimer:
This ad paid for by the NRA.
I don’t see anywhere any indication that VanFlein has backed off, balked, or relented or turned tail or anything of the sort.
Just because papers were not served the same day as the deadline passed means nothing. It takes time to prepare (and possibly file, depending on your rules of court) an effective, well researched and carefully worded lawsuit. Not that I expect this one to be effective, well researched or carefully worded, but it could still come any time.
Ok, again with profuse apologies to Pink Floyd, the Sarah Palin version:
We don’t need no education,
We don’t need no birth control,
All we need is our religion,
Teacher, leave the kids alone!
Leave the kids alone!
Letters of outrage directed to the partners in Van Flein’s law firm would likely be more effective than an ethics complaint to the Alaska Bar, especially if said letters were spell-checked, printed on nice paper, signed by Alasaka residents, and delivered via snail mail to each individual listed on the letterhead used in Van Flein’s letter to Gryphen.
Every name that appeared on that letterhead is implicitly lending the weight of his or her professional reputation to anything that appears on that stationary. It’s not just Van Flein’s reputation (such as it is) that is as stake here. Any partner whose name is listed on that letterhead and who does not address the issue when it is brought to their personal attention is explicitly approving Van Flein’s thuggish attempt to bully a private citizen into silence.
Problem child, as usual, is right on all counts. There’s a two-year statute of limitations in Alaska on bringing a defamation lawsuit. That means that in theory Buttercup could still have her mouthpiece file “defamation” suits as threatened against a number of selected people.
Of course, even setting aside what I take to be a nearly-insurmountable bar of a public figure (and this one is a public figure until the end of her days) proving actual untruth & malice, one would have to consider the damages aspect: how exactly is a an ex-politician’s reputation “damaged” by specific given material given evidence of her reputation.
Let’s keep in mind that this is the same ex-politician as to whom today’s HuffPo front page carries a link to a Salon article comparing her to a certain Iranian head of state.
Thanks, Ghostbuster. I’m going to go the letter route. My corporation frequently retained outside counsel for multi-million dollar litigation. And I still have contacts who must choose carefully among competing law firms for their (monetarily significant) representation. I believe that Van Flein’s firm will want to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I hope so.
…and here is the pdf of the letter, with names and contact info for Van Flein’s law firm:
http://alaskareport.com/news39/x71285_letter.htm
And let me be clear, by the way, that there is a HUGE difference between bringing this issue to the attention of the partners who have lent their names and reputations to anything Van Flein puts on that letterhead and to actions done while he was acting in his professional capacity, and dragging Gryphen’s students and the school staff into a matter that has absolutely no connection to Gryphen’s role or presence there.
The fact that Palin was a speaker at an NRA function this last weekend shows that she is still a public figure.
I don’t know if it’s true, but don’t they have to claim damages? What damage has been done to Palin, especially since this was posted on an Alaskan blog and Palin’s team made it larger than it was by posting a denial on facebook. Essentially, they damaged themselves by throwing national (or international) light on it.
The BLOGGING NEEDS TO CONTINUE! The Republicans wanted the month of August off to RAMP UP THEIR FEAR MONGERING. They are going to do the same things they did during the election. We need to REALLY KEEP BLOGGING, COUNTERING EVERY LIE THEY PUT OUT WITH TRUTH. Their GOAL is to oust the President. Plain and simple. They do not care about the people. SP does not care about people and only responded to criticism. KEEP THE BLOGGING GOING. That is the only way we all will be HEARD!
BTW: Happy Birthday Mr. President. On thing is for certain…YOU WERE BORN!
Sorry for all the shouting..I am just out of sorts this morning.
Love to all.
I agree, Ghostbuster, and you probably know that the Alaska Rules of Professional Responsibility include a specific provision making it unprofessional conduct for an attorney not the accord “Respect for Rights of Third Persons”:
Professional Rule 4.4. states that “[i]n representing a client, a lawyer shall not use means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, nor use methods of obtaining evidence that violate the legal rights of such a person.” (SCO 1123 effective July 15, 1993)
The Comment to that Rule notes that “[r]esponsibility to a client requires a lawyer to subordinate the interests of others to those of the client, but that responsibility does not imply that a lawyer may disregard the rights of third persons.”
Just my two cents, but it doesn’t seem to me that five-year-olds are appropriately offered up as a third-person target audience for an attorney’s claimed interest in the optimum place to serve an unrepresented party with a civil complaint.
With, Palin, one has to ask…..what purpose did this serve? What is she trying to do by making this a bigger story than it was to begin with?
Divert everyones attention?
What DID’NT Palin want the press (bloggers) to be talking about this weekend?
Her NRA speech?
Her inability to keep a commitment?
Blowing off Republican women in CA?
Serving her own interests by blowing off the Reagan Library gig to accept award from NRA?
Her higher calling—paid NRA spokesperson?
Maybe the Republican women dumped Palin?
Find out why she is trying to “change the subject”, and THAT’S your story.
That should be: “not to accord….”
A little more from the Alaska Rules of Professional Conduct, the Preamble to which notes that a “lawyer is a representative of clients, an officer of the legal system and a public citizen having special responsibility for the quality of justice…. A lawyer’s conduct should conform to the requirements of the law, both in professional service to clients and in the lawyer’s business and personal affairs. A lawyer should use the law’s procedures only for legitimate purposes and not to harass or intimidate others. A lawyer should demonstrate respect for the legal system and for those who serve it, including judges, other lawyers and public officials. While it is a lawyer’s duty, when necessary, to challenge the rectitude of official action, it is also a lawyer’s duty to uphold legal process. As a public citizen, a lawyer should seek improvement of the law, the administration of justice and the quality of service rendered by the legal profession.”
In addition, “[t]he legal profession’s relative autonomy carries with it special responsibilities of self-government. The profession has a responsibility to assure that its regulations are conceived in the public interest and not in furtherance of parochial or self-interested concerns of the bar. Every lawyer is responsible for observance of the Rules of Professional Conduct. A lawyer should also aid in securing their observance by other lawyers. Neglect of these responsibilities compromises the independence of the profession and the public interest which it serves.
Lawyers play a vital role in the preservation of society. The fulfillment of this role requires an understanding by lawyers of their relationship to our legal system. The Rules of Professional Conduct, when properly applied, serve to define that relationship.” (Amended by SCO 1332 effective January 15, 1999)
And Trisha, you’re on to something.
When’s the last time someone asked the rather pressing question of what happened to the AFT funds–the ones that the investigator found probable cause to believe improperly were solicited–once the Governor for whom they were solicited stopped being Governor?
That seems to me to be the biggest issue out there.
daisydem Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 6:08 AM
AZ Mom … the blog you are referencing is still up. Palin’s Deceptions. There have been times that not a lot is moving forward on the blog, and some times (such as recently) where other events take precedence on the blog (SP’s resignation, story about the alleged separation, etc.) but the blog is still there and committed to the truth of the story that it has followed since a year ago in September. Check it out.
~~~~~~
No the blog was not PD. It was called something else palin pictures truth or something similar and its creators name was Morgan. She had been getting threats and had 2 IP addresses from Wasilla. But she did not live in AK and despite threats vowed to carry on her Truth.
Then a sign or something was put on her car where she lives. She freaked out, closed her blog down and turned over all evidence to authorities. She also was getting to close to the truth.
I’m hoping she will come back and blog again. Her blog was awesome and her truth undeniable. MK where ever you are….?
If a lawsuit is ever filed against Gryphen and Zaki, I doubt service would be delivered on Gryphen in his classroom. Any process server would leave it with, more than likely, the secretary in the office, esp. a deputy sheriff, as long as the person signs for it and the info entered on the subpoena. I used to work in the legal field, and it’s not necessary to personally serve a defendant; heck, when we couldn’t find one through normal means, the next to last being a certified letter addressed to the plaintiff which was returned undelivered, we’d just publish in the local “legal” newspaper, which fulfilled the last requirement for service. Lots of divorces, foreclosures and estate matters are completed this way.
Quince, you are right about Rule 4.4, but I don’t think Van Flea’s threat to serve process in kindegarten will get any discipline beyond maybe a private admonition. If you want Van Flea, follow the money- his participation in soliciting donations to the Alaska Trust Fund by misrepresentations as to his bills (which he is hiding under an false and absurd claim of “privilege”). This is both a clear violation of the rule prohibiting a lawyer from participating in a fraud by a client ( not sure of the AK rule #) It is also a criminal fraud.
If Sarah ever gets her caffeine level up high enough to actually sue anyone, I trust there are plenty of lawyers willing to work against her for free.
FYI, if you are going to contact a lawfirm, and you only want to write one letter, the managing partner is generally the best one to contact is the managing partner. But they don’t seem to have one.
From the firm website:
“The firm maintains its reputation for integrity by focusing its clients on the avoidance, reduction, and resolution of problems. The firm has gained statewide recognition for its skilled trial and appellate advocacy and is noted for its civility and professionalism in and out of the courtroom.”
http://www.akcplaw.com/thefirm.asp
Just sayin’…
Caligirl, Daisydem, I’m sorry but I’ve got to say again that Morgan’s website, despite her breathless claims of “proof” and her claims of technical expertise, was a bunch of useless hooey. It is no great loss that it was taken down.
- She never revealed what tools and settings she used to generate her images, so no one could reproduce her results. Instead she made vague references to the types of photo-manipulation she was using.
- She never displayed control images to compare her “proof” with – images that were known to have been altered, or known to have been unaltered, before her techniques were performed – we only had her word that such-and-such would “never” happen in an unaltered image.
- Her attempts to use the JPEG Ghost technique were a complete failure, resulting in images that were patently NOT the result of the Ghostbusting technique. I am sure that was 100% due to misunderstanding of the process on her part, not an attempt to deceive, but when called on it she simply removed the images from her website without any explanation why. Her website was taken down shortly later.
I don’t doubt her sincerity, but what she had was not proof of anything except her enthusiasm for her subject.
Audrey’s approach at PD is to carefully research, offer as much detail about the process and the logic as she can, and let the readers decide how much credence to give to the results. When she adjusts the contrast or brightness on the image she tells you exactly how to reproduce the results yourself. Which is why her website has credibility and Morgan’s did not.
If Morgan was indeed threatened and harassed as she claimed (which is likely) I am very sorry for that, but please, let’s not pretend that there was anything more to her website than a lot of conclusions jumped to and questioned begged, sprinkled with unverified claims of experience and authority on the subject.
My addendum to the law firm’s statement of purpose: “except Van Flea, who is a frickin’ idiot”
Just a head’s up for everyone…the bloggers Stacey McCain and Dan Riehl are planning to go ahead and really go after Gryphen. They are back and forth blogging about it now…
McCain has posted an email he sent to Gryphen and my god is that man full of himself..name dropping, pointing out how fantastic he is…and letting Gryphen know just how lowly a person Gryphen is compared to himself. It’s a study in egotism if I ever saw one.
sjk -
The twitter acct. she had was on the state dime. She would have to pay for the new one. Grifter 101 sez always use OPM (other peoples money).
Just my .02 worth.
Eye –
Well , if Gryphen feels like he should sue , McCain can plan on producing any and all e-mails between himself and Van Flea. Could get fun.
Quince Squibb Underpinnings Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:00 AM
And Trisha, you’re on to something.
When’s the last time someone asked the rather pressing question of what happened to the AFT funds–the ones that the investigator found probable cause to believe improperly were solicited–once the Governor for whom they were solicited stopped being Governor?
That seems to me to be the biggest issue out there.
_____________________________________________
Exactly. How about those emails that the state won’t release? 10 months and counting and still claim they can’t capture her emails? Bull. Something’s up there.
Remember how fast the “The State” newspaper got Sanford’s emails? They had them in a few weeks. Can’t anything be done about this attempt to keep those emails hidden from the public?
I’m really stunned that they have been able to get away with this for so long. If Alaska actually had a decent newspaper instead of a PR piece for Palin, they would be on this story like glue.
It’s really sad that the ADN is so anti-investigative journalism.
trisha Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 6:52 AM
With, Palin, one has to ask…..what purpose did this serve? What is she trying to do by making this a bigger story than it was to begin with?
Divert everyones attention?
What DID’NT Palin want the press (bloggers) to be talking about this weekend?
Find out why she is trying to “change the subject”, and THAT’S your story.
———————————
How about finding out why she needs to clear any appearances she makes with her attorney first. Perhaps she can’t leave the state????? Hmm.
austintx Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:59 AM
sjk -
The twitter acct. she had was on the state dime. She would have to pay for the new one. Grifter 101 sez always use OPM (other peoples money).
Just my .02 worth.
————–
Unless things have changed recently, Twitter is FREE. So something else is shutting her up. Wait–why am I complaining about that? lol
“I agree, Ghostbuster, and you probably know that the Alaska Rules of Professional Responsibility include…”
QSU – I am flattered that you think I know anything about either law, Alaska Rules of anything, or for that matter, professional responsibility!
For the record, I actually, really and truly, don’t.
But I do know that politely expressed outrage directed at the peers of an offending party can often get results where threats of force or direct challenge will fail.
Amnesty International (um, somewhere on their website, I’m sure) has some excellent advice on how to write letters that are geared to get results (as opposed to writing letters that are simply venting the writer’s spleen, which can be useless or more often, counterproductive). Briefly, keep it brief, polite and respectful, and pretend that the party you are writing will without hesitation do everything in his or her power to rectify matters now that they have been made aware of the situation (e.g. they will be shocked, shocked! to hear that gambling is going on in their establishment!). And mention that you look forward to their reply letting you know how they made things right.
Sarah in SC—-good point. Maybe she “couldn’t” go to California and didn’t want people discussing that subject further. You are correct, the question was being raised about why why she needs to clear any appearances she makes with her attorney first.
Things that make ya’ go……………Hmmmm
austintx Says:
Eye -
Well , if Gryphen feels like he should sue , McCain can plan on producing any and all e-mails between himself and Van Flea. Could get fun.
_________________
I was thinking that I was in the open thread when I posted that. Sorry folks, it’s up in the open thread now…with a small portion of what this McCain guy wrote to Gryphen and boy is this guy a nutter. Talk about full of himself. He really thinks he is all that and a bag of chips on top!
Sarah in SC -
Sorry about that. I knew that. sarah would have to get her own Blackberry though.
austintx — twitter is free.
and I thought one of those bb was supposed to be her private bb?
Oh, and one more thing about writing those letters, it’s usually good to try to come up with some connection to the issue or to person you’re writing to…
- “As a resident of Fairbanks who keeps a constant lookout for flimsy excuses to sue parties over trivial acts of purported negligence, I’m always on the lookout for a good lawyer to hire…” [OK, no, not that that one.]
- “Every time a client sues me for breach of contract, there is just one law firm I turn to…” [Okaaaaaay...]
- “When my little brother was busted for setting up a meth lab in the school basement, an attorney from your firm assisted…” [Let's not go there.]
- “You represented my ex-wife, that B****, in our divorce, and took me for every dime…” [Hmmm. This could work.]
EyeOnYou, I think we’re on the same wave length but tell me if you didn’t at some point while reading a letter sent by McCain to Gryphen just start laughing your a#@ off? I did.
I think he might have been pissed that Gryphen doesn’t seem to have sent him an email and here he is cowriting a piece with Riehl, and not a word from the subject. What is a boy to do? Oh, well if the boy’s ego is big enough and if anyone ever doubted that just read the email to Gryphen, then he writes an email to the subject and post it on his website, so everyone can see how outraged he is, how honest in His communication and oh yes, how puffed up he is with his own accomplishments. Gryphen lecture him about libel? Last I saw it was Riehl reading his email to McCain over the phone (his words, not mine).
Lets be real, McCain is with the Washington Times, you know the D.C. conservative newspaper founded and owned by the Unification Church and it’s founder Sun Myung Moon and is subsidized by the church to the tune of around 1.7 billion so far, since the paper has lost money every year since it’s been in business. He has been with them since 1997, is the former national editor for them and has written numerous articles for them. Prior for that he worked for several smaller papers, at one time as a sports writer.
Austin..
I think that one of those blackberries was her “personal” one, the other for state business, but who knows I could be wrong.
The thing is she has now been proven a “liar” yet again by her claiming to have only a little over a week before “less politically correct tweets fly from her fingertips”…. She could have easily set up a twitter account and had it ready to go before she left office. It’s not like she didn’t have plenty of time to do that. Cripes it’s not like she was doing much else in respect to her job…except flying around wasting state money on flights etc..just to enjoy those last few weeks playing the lame duck governor that *is* what she was all about anyhow.
She’s taken the money from those fans and run with it. Right now we don’t know if she will be able to access the Legal Fund or not, but they are still collecting money for it….still soliciting for donations on the PAC for it….so I am thinking she already knows that she is going to be allowed to keep it.
She turned down a chance to really set herself up with Republicans and Republican women on top of that….instead opting to hit up the NRA. She’s out for graft..as much as she can get her grubby little paws on.
Dammit! (OOOOH! Sorry for the swearin’, but I’m wound UP!)
I can’t remember the link and am consumed with household maintenance (workin’ my LAND (.10 acre in the city – LOL before the storms!), so I don’t have the luxury of looking this stuff up, but …
There was an article from SOME reputable source (MSNBC????). Very recently… last few days at most.
The NRA (YES! The NRA!) is threatening to “diminish” the “scores” of Congresspersons (people???) based on their vote for EITHER the health care plan or the confirmation of Sotomayor (a most worthy and distinguished candidate for OUR Supreme Court).
My point (and I DO have one!) is that the NRA is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO influential in their opinions that SOME Congresspersons (people??? No time to look up my grammar at this point) are actually INTIMIDATED into voting as the NRA would like so they are not “degraded” in their standing with a huge population.
Crap! I wish I had time to look this up for all ya’all, but I MUST finish yardwork before the storms.
Google it… it’s OUT THERE!!!!
IOW: If the NRA disapproves, they THINK or they may HAVE the power to influence MANY MANY voters one way or another. Or at LEAST a Congressperson who doesn’t want their “rating” to be diminished with their disapproval.
SP aligns herself with this group. Just Sayin’
Sickening.
I don’t like bulllies..never have..and she should be ashamed..except that would be expecting way too much. thanks for writing this, and showing how absurd this whole thing was…so she is using her SaraPac to sue people, and harrass people…wow..so classy..
pacos_gal Says:
EyeOnYou, I think we’re on the same wave length but tell me if you didn’t at some point while reading a letter sent by McCain to Gryphen just start laughing your a#@ off? I did.
_____________
I cannot tell a lie…yes I did laugh my @zz off while reading it. I’ve come across people with ego’s like that before but still..it’s amusing to watch it play out.
It is Riehl who has said he communicated with the lawyer Van Flein. I’m not sure that McCain ever said he did.
His claim to fame is his connection with SP herself, from whom he got the now famous quote ” Divorce Todd? Have you seen Todd? I may be just a renegade hockey mom, but I’m not blind!” and of course his personal/professional connection to the ghostwriter for Palin.
Ah, it appears that McCain announced his resignation in January 2008 from the Washington Times to work on a book project. He seems to be a full time conservative blogger at this point.
Riehl is the one to keep an eye on at this point. McCain is the leftovers in the fridge that you throw out after a few days.
No one wants food poisoning from leftovers.
(have to admit, I never read or heard of him prior to this)
Anyone have this “McCain’s” link? I’m assuming we aren’t talking about THE McCain.
samper -
google Stacey McCain. Get ready to read some crap. He thinks he is hot s^*t.
samper:
http://rsmccain.blogspot.com/
here is the one for Riehl
http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/
samper ~ I posted it and added another link in the post and forgot that two would make it disappear…
http://rsmccain.blogspot.com/
Stacey McCain is a self-important jerk. Sue me, truth is a complete defense.
140 EyeOnYou Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:54 AM
McCain has posted an email he sent to Gryphen and my god is that man full of himself..name dropping, pointing out how fantastic he is…and letting Gryphen know just how lowly a person Gryphen is compared to himself. It’s a study in egotism if I ever saw one.
* ** * ** * ** * ** *
As Craig Ferguson would say, “full of himself? Name dropping? Pointing out how fantastic he is? SOUND LIKE ANYONE YOU KNOW?”
I was thinkin’ it’s the John Zeigler Syndrome.
I do so hope that it is all talk. It is certainly juvenile.
What I want to know is, has Megolomaniac confirmed that completely moronic statement about “Have you seen Todd? I’m not blind!” as coming from Quitterpants?
Because, otherwise, ya know, putting rumored information out there like that–it can get you a letter from Van Fleaswatter if they think it might keep everyone from noticing that Frostvixen can’t leave the state.
Just wonderin’. Also.
Yep, he said he got the quote from her.
So if I got the worldwide exclusive quote . . .
“Divorce Todd? Have you seen Todd? I may be just a renegade hockey mom, but I’m not blind!”
– Sarah Palin
“Perhaps she can’t leave the state????? Hmm.”…..double hmmmmm…Interesting angle…..SUE ME!!!!
Riehl says that he has sent a list of questions to Gryphen.
“I’ve submitted certain questions to Griffin I wanted to give him an opportunity to respond to before going forward. As of now, I have not heard back. Hopefully he will respond prior to any decision to post the full results of my research. For now, any writing and research is done.”
At the very least Gryphen is going to have an idea of exactly what is going to be written about him and given a chance to respond, although, whether he wants to do that, I don’t know. He might want to think about how he words any response in relation to how it will be put into the article?/blog thread.
Yeah, but I’m wondering if it’s been officially confirmed.
Cause, you know, otherwise, just anybody could claim to have an official response from, say, Todd?!
Like, “Heck ya–finally! Yeehaw!”
See–it would be really easy to just “say” you had a quote.
austintx,
The twitter acct. she had was on the state dime. She would have to pay for the new one. Grifter 101 sez always use OPM (other peoples money).
Just my .02 worth.
————
It has been written on this blog many times — Twitter is FREE
Terpsichore Says
As Craig Ferguson would say, “full of himself? Name dropping? Pointing out how fantastic he is? SOUND LIKE ANYONE YOU KNOW?”
I was thinkin’ it’s the John Zeigler Syndrome.
I do so hope that it is all talk. It is certainly juvenile
______________
Juvenile? You betcha.
I think what I loved the most though is the first response to him in his comments area
From “Michelle”
Good God you must be scared shtless to have to write that diatribe to Gryphen!!!
LMAO, at you thinking mainstream media will pick that up resume offering you a job from your little hell here with Palin freaks.
FYI, McCain, why don’t you STFU, wait this week for the Palin bomb to drop and fallout of her criminal behavior before being snarly know it all?
Palin already left Alaska on a red eye flight to a compound trying to escape prosecution. You believe you and your association with Dan & Van Flein will not be examined for collusion.
EVERYONE Palin uses is throwing under the bus…get ready to hit the curb.
Tue Aug 04, 12:14:00 PM
Thanks every one for reminding me that twitter is free. I knew that. I totally had a brain fart and typed before I thought. I’ll try not to do so again.
twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free
twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free
twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free – twitter is free
austintx–but that still doesn’t get to the fact that a Crackberry isn’t, so you’re not completely off! And we know at least one of the aforementioned and used ones was not being paid for by the SarahATMFund, so she’s down at least one…
(((austintx)))
Well, that was a bunch of hooey to wait for. *yawn*
no tweets….lots of lawyering up….No complaints about the Trig sites…..Sonething touched a raw nerve, and my leg is tingling!
#155 @samper
Here you go!
NRA Threatens to Punish Senators Who Vote for Sotomayor. . . No One Listens.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/01/nra-threatens-on-sotomayo_n_249288.html
maybe her BB is in the lake with the ring?
I doubt that Sarah knows how to actually use a web browser on an actual PC to
use Twitter’s website, lol.
She’s well trained on that BB though, you betcha.
AP & CNN reporting that the 2 US journalists have been pardoned.
Canadian Neighbour: Bout darn time!
This woman and her backup group just gets stranger and stranger all the time. Seems nearly every day brings a new adventure through fantasy land.
I wonder what colour the sky is in their world.
Canadian Neighbour, I just heard that too…wonderful news!
I have to say, I am still giggling about McCain’s site…all his claims to being a professional journalist stem from a stint at the Washington Times? What a joke.
Maybe Huffpo (or someone else) needs to report on the threats and fear tactics being used by Palin supporters and these bloggers against Gryphen. Maybe some nice investigative reporters will do some of their own snoopin’ around on these two bullies.
Seriously, can they prove that Palin is telling the truth?* Secondly, I would hope that they can back up every statement they have ever made on their blogs as 100% true.
*think about how many public figures deny, deny, deny until they are finally outed…example: Sanford.
As a reminder….Everyone remember to post a few comments on the AKM story here that also showed up in Huffpo.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/akmuckraker/leave-the-kids-alone-exce_b_250603.html
Oh well its legal child ab-use and Sarah’s doing it so that’s OK.
Glad HuffPo picked it up, The best defense is to go national with the threat and watch the national bloggershere speak up for bloggers in general, just like they have twice or more for Alaska’s bloggers.
Not to mention a national response of blogg commenters like us’uns.
daMamma Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 11:40 AM
This woman and her backup group just gets stranger and stranger all the time. Seems nearly every day brings a new adventure through fantasy land.
I wonder what colour the sky is in their world.
———————-
Whatever colour Her Royal Deludedness says, of course…
Drafted my letter re Van Flein’s letter. Wrote is as one who practiced law in Alaska for 13 years and values the Alaska Bar and the professionalism of its members, has contacts who manage multi-million dollar litigation and is consulted for referrals, blah, blah, blah fishcakes.
Am going to proof it, print it on personal letterhead and invest in a lot of stamps (copies to every member of the firm).
May not do any good but it’s something I can do.
pacos_gal (153)
EyeOnYou, I think we’re on the same wave length but tell me if you didn’t at some point while reading a letter sent by McCain to Gryphen just start laughing your a#@ off? I did.
_____________________
Okay, I go to work and this place goes nuts! I did manage to read something or other that connected (?) Van Flee to something else to someone else to somebody named Diehl (?). But it was way too early for the synapses to fire properly and I don’t remember details nor where I saw it. And, I saw nothing about any McCain writing Gryphen. (re the McCain – Stacy? Who is that?)
Would anyone be willing to point me to what I need to read to catch up? purdy please?
Nan
lagging behind again
@ nan — this is stacey mccain’s letter: http://rsmccain.blogspot.com/2009/08/gryphen-files-e-mail-to-jesse-griffin.html He links to Dan Riehl’s blog towards the bottom of the post.
problem child
Thank you!
I don’t get why this McCain person had to lose his free time this weekend dealing with Gryphen. I’m pretty confused about the whole thing.
191 AKPetMom Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 6:11 PM
I don’t get why this McCain person had to lose his free time this weekend dealing with Gryphen. I’m pretty confused about the whole thing.
**************************************************************************
He had to stay near the phone and computer to stay in touch with Van Flea and sarah.
Are Bill O’Reilly and Megan Kelly the latest to jump on Gryphen? What is their spin?
113 samper Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 5:54 AM
Well, a countersuit might include intimidation and or threatening behavior directed at suppressing one’s right to free speech.
The article is not malicious, even if Van Flea wants to name it such. It is just a reporting of what Gryphen believes to be fact from what he calls impeccable sources.
__________
Two parts:
1) “intimidation” is not an valid cause of action. further, since The BitterTwitterQuitter is no longer the governor, there is no valid 1st Amendment claim. Review your Bill of Rights if you are unclear on why.
2) Gryphen is not a journalist and does not enjoy the protections of a real journalist. He doesn’t even enjoy the protections available to gossip rags. Those rags get sued all the time for getting it wrong. He printed something he claims was told to him by an “unnamed source.” Whether he believes it to “be fact” is irrelevant. As irrelevant as what the birthers believe to “be fact.” What he believes is, frankly, not the point. That he may have printed something which may well be false is.
It seems to me that people are willing to give him a pass, or to make excuses for him, because he’s “on our side.” I’ve liked hanging out here with ya alls because most of the folks here tend to stick to facts and follow the truth with integrity. I hope that never changes. Straying from the course will simply result in a group that resembles p’land. I’m not gonna stick around should that happen.
Them thats got the goods , need to drop the bombs.
Lis Wiehl and Megyn Kelly are arguing to sue or not.
Gryphen’s lawyer will be on this because someone is making some serious accusations.
Not accusations, saying it is fact.
Governor or not, Sarah Palin is a public figure. She made herself into a celebrity.
As for Gryphen, he did not commit libel. And if Sarah Palin wants to try to sue him for defamation, she’ll have to not only prove some sort of damages (and be deposed) but she’ll have to stay married to Todd for the rest of her life. I don’t think that’s gonna happen.
The goods on Levi and Sherry Johnston may come to light sooner.
From ADN:
APOC is giving Palin until Aug. 17 to make public “information related to the dollar amount of the discounts from Arctic Cat,” as well as any gifts received in 2008 that she has not reported, said Holly Hill, the agency’s director. Hill found that the state law Palin cited in arguing for an exemption from the Arctic Cat disclosure “only protects information submitted under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, and does not apply in this matter.”
the Alaska Public Offices Commission has refused Palin’s request to keep secret the discounts that come from her husband’s Arctic Cat sponsorship. APOC also said Palin needs to disclose all the gifts she received last year, rejecting her interpretation that she doesn’t need to until after she gets around to actually opening the gifts.
Palin has told APOC “there are boxes of unopened mail at this point, even mail that was delivered in 2008.”
Iceberg dead ahead. The IRS doesnt do “frivilous”. I’m sure they are interested…
the AFT sounds more like mail and wire fraud….
Have a great day!
…it might be a good idea to have Van Flein and crew take out one of those little roll-up rugs, and lie down in the corner with a book for some quiet time.
Quiet time? No. A very l-o-n-g time-out, with no milk and cookies to boot!
mail and wire fraud is done by US Postal Inspectors.
A twitter account may be free but access to it is not.
So Sarah already owns a personal Blackberry. But she also needs an account for that. Now it could be that was being paid for by the state. Or maybe SarahPac or something. What is that? $60 a month through Verizon? AT&T? It could be Sarah is still arranging for who is going to pick up the bill for her new account and can’t use her Blackberry until the details are worked out.
And those attacking Gryphen better be very careful. He already made the decision to quit his day job. But calling and writing his place of employment to accuse him of pedophilia? That’s not free speech. That’s slander and libel. And Gryphen could have sued if it had resulted in him losing his employment.
You can sure tell a lot about a leader by their followers, can’t you.
They accused David Letterman of pedophilia and being a pervert too.
Actually the best thing John McCain ever did was to pick SP for his VP, that was the main thing that changed my mind about voting for him and made me go vote for Obama instead