Boots on the Ground – Palin Book Signing in Washington, PA.
Here is our first “Boots on the Ground” report from the Going Rogue book tour! Thanks so much to Mudflatter 10cats4me who took one for the team and got up before dawn to be there and share the experience with the Mudflats community! There will be more Boots on the Ground reports coming so stay tuned. If anyone else out there has a “stiff spine” and wants to brave the rogues, send me an email!
A tale of a book signing in Wash Pa.
(If you are native you say Whoosh Pa. Like Stillers for Steelers.)
by 10cats4me
I was determined to check out the territorial invasion of my hometown by the Palinites. I arrived very early so I would not miss the magic mystical bus.
At 4:45 am, there were already many people in the back and many cars in the parking lot even though all the stores were closed. Parking attendants were directing everyone to the outer areas of the lot. Dozed a little and woke about 8 am. 
Checked out the bumper stickers and especially the license plate for God.
Talked to a few folks, especially the one handing out the 9/12 brochures.
There was a sweet little lady who was very nice and a devoted Glenn (well, you know that guy’s name on Faux who cries a lot) fan. She thinks he is a prince.
Asked her about using 9/12 and implication to 9/11. She began explaining the nine principles and 12 values. Will let you know more about those later if you want along with a photo of the brochure. That guy Glenn’s project.
She explained that her husband and sons were all pilots and part of the Flight 93 association (?). I asked if she had ever been to the Flight 93 crash site. She had not, I have been there. It’s a stark, lonely place. Always windy. Near the highest spot in PA. She talked a lot about what Obama was doing the country—socialism. I asked her if she would be willing to give up social security and Medicare. That kind of stopped her and she changed topics. Don’t remember all the dialogue, but she ended up called me a communist cause I did not go along with her principles.
Whew, had to get away. Checked out the crowd and talked to a couple of news guys.
They told me that Scarah had arrived during the night and had been parked in the back of SAM’s. At that time she was off to the hair dresser not too far away and would be back at 11 am to start signing.
Crowds kept coming.
Talked to a Vienam Vet who has the same dialogues about Obama and socialism. Gave me a card of the 12 principles of the communist manifesto. Neither of these folks liked my statement about the lies in the book.
He praised what Scarah did for Alaska –reduced taxes, higher incomes, and a third item that went out the window of my mind as soon as he said it. He turned his back and walked away.
Got a good shot of Eddie Burke’s look alike cousin in a t-shirt that said “Guns, God, Guts and Palin.”
Checked inside Sam’s a couple of times before princess arrived. Interesting set up as you can see from the photo.
She is behind a curtain signing books. A photographer was there to capture the magic moment. Belongings are dropped in bins out front and picked when you leave. When she arrived, Mom Sally and Aunt Kate were with her carrying Trig. No glasses and no hearing aids, although he seemed well aware of he action going on around him.
Watched the signing for a bit and then went outside o find the bus. Very high security that would not let me near by at least 100 yards or more. Actually kept everyone away from behind the back of the store and bus. But was hidden from view.
Met Sally and Katie walking around the store as they were walking Trip, who was in his stroller. We chatted, both are very friendly. Got invited to Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Katie’s. Joked with her about inviting the country. She was kidding of course, but that was okay.
Later saw both of them at a table outside of Starbuck’s having coffee with Trig in tow.
Time was getting short but there were still people waiting in line.
Subjects leaving with their treasure.
It was getting late and I did not get any shots of Sarah or close ups of the bus. Enjoy the photos and I’ll answer any questions I can.
eyerollery, indeed
The dude was a member of 9/12 but had never visited Shanksville?
How un-American can that freaking communist be?? It’s a state law that all good pennsyltuckians visit the crash site. Or has he already forgotten the real fight for freedom on Flight 93??
Were all the people at that mall as ugly as those in the pictures?
Lol! at “Eddie Burke’s look-alike cousin”. These people are just hopelessly deluded. Thanks for sharing and most of all for enduring. Love the pics and your commentary.
It really didn’t look like there were that many people there….were there?
Your stomach is stronger than mine! Good looking out, and thanks for the reportage. I didn’t know there were nine principles and 12 values (or whatever). I’ve thought for years that using the word “values” in place of the word “principles” was just another indication of the overwhelming influence of capitalism/consumerism. I have principles. “Values” I find on eBay.
10cats4me,
Thanks for the boots on the ground coverage.
AKM, thanks again for Mudflats.
Thanks for taking one for the team. I’m in eastern PA, and since SP has no desire to venture east, I likewise have no desire to venture west.
Hooo..
Some guy thought she lowered taxes and highered incomes for us…?
Good thing the 3rd thing didn’t stick cuz the first 2 are … ummm…not true.
Signing behind a curtain…?
This is trip of hers getting wierder as time goes on .
Thank you for going10cats4me.
I hope you bought one of those huge bottles of antacids while you were there…
Can you imagine all the good it would do if all those people were going to the gym instead of a GOING ROGUE event?
Signing books in a warehouse. Now that’s a class act.
Didn’t look all that crowded. But Faux will come up with some footage to make the Fictional Mystery Tour look far more successful, I’m sure. Probably something from last spring with the trees in bloom . . .
I guess obesity is one of the criteria for being a fan of this mad woman!!
Read Andrew Sullivan in the Timesonline for great critique of SS book!!!
Never mind that woman behind the curtain!
Professor geezer @8. You make me laugh.
Thanks…WOW….The pics really tell the story !
thanks for taking one for the team.
she was signing books behind a curtain-guess the trip to the hairdresser didn’t work out.
AKM, great idea calling these people “rogues”. I like it.
What is up with the frog at the end, why is she signing books behind a curtain, and why does she continue to drag her 2 kids through this nightmare. It cannot be good for them, especially the baby.
Professor geezer, you make me laugh too!
Palin lowered taxes in Alaska? But we don’t pay any state taxes – oh, there I go again, getting all hung up on facts and truth……….just like a damn communist!
Thanks for biting the bullet and interacting with the Stepford Palinistas.
bus was parked at the loading dock…how appropriate…
prisonernumber6 has an absolutely hilarious report over at the forum.
and barracuda has a report from Rochester that is brilliant.
Hazards of watching Fox apparently is that; IQ becomes inversely proportional to waist size.
SeattleFan: I suspect that she signs the books behind the curtain to maintain a certain aura or mystique….build up the suspense. It’s all about control of her image (which is actually a commodity)…..not to mention that she doesn’t want any unauthorized pictures of her taken…..unless they pay dearly for it.
She has to keep that curtain in place so the common person never realizes that she is actually…..common. She is the biggest political bullsh*tter we’ve seen in a long time.
I need a cookie.
Hey! How did you get a picture of me? (one photo up from the frog)
I might just have a PTSD episode the next time I set foot in Sam’s. Your report was just too good, 10cats4me!
Imagine happily perusing the automotive section and turning the corner to the toilet cleaning supply aisle and….Blam!…coming face to face with Scarah shrouded in curtains with obsequious supplicants staring at her with glazed eyes (and perhaps glazed donuts from the bakery aisle. Maybe a ham or two between clenched teeth while proffering “Going Rogue” for that all-important signature. Heck, maybe a rump roast in the other hand…maybe she’ll sign that by mistake.)
The Wizard of Oz was behind a curtain too.
10cats, thanks for going. What a sorry crowd.
…of course, I could be over-analyzing the cunning curtain-shroud device.
Being the common whoa-man of the people, the curtain might just be there so she can surreptitiously pick her nose or scratch her butt.
Yep…that’s probably it.
Lee323: Don’t forget the case of diet Dr Pepper.
About the stupendously fantastic and awesomely wonderful (I’m channeling a Sarahphile, there) photo op behind the curtain, 10cats4me … do you know if *everyone* who gets their book signed gets a picture taken with her? Do they have to pay (additional) for it?
What an incredibly odd set-up. I can see her not wanting people to take unflattering pics of her, but, sheesh, behind a curtain? Did she not read (or watch) _The Wizard of Oz_? Does she not realize how she’s inviting –nay, begging– comparisons between what was behind the curtain in *that* work of fiction and what is (now) behind the curtain as she hawks *her* work of fiction? My, my, my…
One more quick question: Does there seem to be any security around anything *other than* the curtained area and the bus? The reason I ask is that it doesn’t seem too terribly wise for her family members to be traipsing around amidst a whole bunch of random (un-searched/wanded/metal detected) folks who’ve got who-knows-what on their minds…or in their hearts. If I knew I had as many folks who thoroughly disliked me as I had folks who utterly adored me, for one, would never put my family ‘out there’ *without* really strong protection/guards. Surely SP has some inkling that there are those who just might wish to do harm to her by doing harm to her family? Surely SP has some inkling that not everyone loves her? [raising voice, now] Where is that self-centered britche’s brain? [/raised voice] beth.
Great reporting job 10cats4me! Truly took a hit for the team! Thx from the ‘other’ Washington on the left coast!
I would just like to testify that all obese or overweight people are not rogue loving idiots. My personal waist size is large but my IQ is larger, as is my heart. I do not think it is their weight which conflaberates their brains, it is their choice of tv shows and reading material. And their lifelong habit of sniffing fumes at Nascar races also too!
Correction: that would be: “_I_ for one, would never put my family…”
Sorry. beth.
Well done 10cats4me.
Best coverage so far.You made it look real.
Tantef Says:
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:21 PM
I would just like to testify that all obese or overweight people are not rogue loving idiots. My personal waist size is large but my IQ is larger, as is my heart.
************************************************************************************
There is just more of you to love, Tantef. And the hugs are better from us “stout” progressives!! LOL! Besides, we can more easily infiltrates the wingnut festivities and report back on our toothbrushes!
Wolfpack…
“Hazards of watching Fox apparently is that; IQ becomes inversely proportional to waist size.”
Engendered tea all over my keyboard.
Hah!
I see lots of fat white folks.
I went back and had a look at your post again.
You know what struck me, none of these people looked happy.
I remember going to Wimbledon, people down one side of the street lining up to get those few tickets left,Tshirts with “I lined up at Wimbledon” on them
Laughing and happy,giving us who had tickets a bit of good natured ribbing.
They made me laugh.
Those people where very glum.
What is up with the short sleeves and barefoot on Trig? Everyone is dressed warmly, but Trig’s arms and feet are left in the cold. I noticed this with a video of Palin meeting Franklin Graham at the Asheville NC airport. Does Sarah not care about Trig’s health? Or is she hoping that he will get the pneumonia? That woman’s mothering skills are pathetic.
I almost went to the signing to check it out… opted not too, decided that hauling hay and diging ditches would be more fun (looks like I was right). Thanks for the report.
Today was talking to a book collector. I happened to mention the signing (asked if she’d gone yesterday)… nope, but then did I get an ear full about how her kids were mistreated, Obama’s were not… then she told me about anti-Obama bumpter stickers that she wanted for her car.
The area is SUPER redneck alley, I don’t dare publicly speak against anything Republican (or Palin)… most of the members of my church think Fox news is the only “trust worthy” news and they think Glenn Beck is wonderful.. heaven help me, I tried to ask about his Mormonism… while its a problem for all others, not for him… I guess he’s getting into heaven on his “good works” despite his belief in magic underwear and that Jesus was the brother of Satan.
I can’t believe that to get a Palin signature you have to do nearly the equivelent of an airport security screen. I’d tell them to f** themselves if they wanted me to give them my purse while I waited inside the screened area. In my opinion, this is the height of paranoid on someone’s part.
(In answer to someone’s question, I’ve read elsewhere that there are NO pictures and that is probably part of why you have to leave all your personal belongings outside the screened in area, so you don’t sneak in a camera or recording device)
moseyon: If the brightest spot in your day was a moron with big hair you’d be glum too.
Of course there is that “the bigger the hair, the closer to god” thing…..
@moseyon
Oh no, Palin’s fans are HAPPY. Her base is angry, hateful, and cynical. They are people with darkness in their hearts and souls. Why would people like that look happy?
oops- I mean AREN’T happy.
Oh yea, the frog… that’s Froggy 103 FM, local country station (actually I think its a national chain of stations to operates a local office).
They send their mascot any where and every where.. its a good station and Froggy has supported many non-profits and other worthy causes… I’m guessing he was there to get publicity for the station, you should send a link of your blog to their specific station (contact info: http://www.froggyland.com/info/contact_1035.php ) If you send them a short write up, they might talk about your blog on air. Be prepared though, they serve a very pro-palin area, so it might not be “good talk” (but there are many of us who aren’t bought into the Palin band wagon in the closets in this area)
Thanks for the report & pictures. And once again, Trip only has a short sleeved shirt & bare legs while everyone around him are wearing heavy sweaters & coats. SNARL! And according to her, he just got over a cold a week or so ago. CPS where are you when you are needed?
This is what I don’t get on the Trip thing… As a DS kid, his immune system is probably not as good as the average kid. Yet, last year, as a 4-6mo old, he was dragged across the country and exposed to how many MILLIONS of people… now this flu season, and with H1N1 being especially hard on infants with pre-existing conditions, he’s once again being dragged across the country and being exposed to thousands of people? He may have been vacinated, but still
(a) vacines require a good immune system to develop the protective results, limited immune means limited vacination results
(b) there is no telling HOW effective the vacine is. In a Feb 2009 Penn State study, children ages 0-6yrs were 3 times as likely to be hospitalized IF they had been vacinated than if they had not been.
And of course Piper is along for the ride (guess shool is secondary)… really can’t wait for her to turn 18 and write her tell all book. She always has such a scowl on her face, I’d be suprised if she doesn’t “go rogue” in a big way… she’s been used from the day she was born:
“Ahead, on my right, I saw the Alaska Right to Life (RTL) booth, where a poster caught my eye, taking my breath away. It featured the sweetest baby girl swathed in pink, pretend angel wings fastened to her soft shoulders.
“That’s you, baby,” I whispered to Piper, as I have every year since she smiled for the picture as an infant. She popped another cloud of cotton candy into her mouth and looked nonchalant: Still the pro-life poster child at the State Fair. Ho-hum.”
There she is continuing to use that sweet baby as a prop. Why can’t these people see right through her. She is the phoniest person I have ever seen and is by no means trying to hide it. I feel sorry for these people that really believe in her, she is making fools of them and they will soon see and be embarassed like a lot of us Alaskans.
Thankyou 10cats4me. Well done.
97 Listings of autographed Books on e-bay so far. Mmmhhh, someone looking for a business opportunity rather than having her coveted signature for their private collection?
No offence intended here, but seriously-
Is is every one of her ‘fans’ grossly obese? Could their arguement against ‘socialism’ actually have more to do with a potential soda tax than anything else? These are some sad looking people.
Note to self-
Must get some bright yellow dress sweat pants. Are they the bomb or what?
(eyes rolling)
“I asked her if she would be willing to give up social security and Medicare. That kind of stopped her and she changed topics.”
Funny, that’s exactly how my dad reacted. I love the next-but-one Greatest Generation, don’t you? Biggest spongers in the universe. Their rallying cry is, “I Got Mine!”
Thanks guys. This was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The 9/12 actually has nothing to do with 9/11. That’s what the little gray haired lady told me. Stands for 9 values and 12 principles or vice versa. The org was founded by that Faux guy-GB. I was very surprised when she just whipped out the statement–”Why, your a communist.” My final rebuttal at leaving was, “No, I’m probably more American than you.”
The setup behind curtains was interesting. In this shot she is already there and a photgrapher, probably from a news outlet or maybe one that was travelling with her was taking Photos. You could see them slightly from the side. Local news, KDKA, WTAE, and I believe some others were allowed to film her arrival and get shots of the signing to make everything look normal.
The news guy told me about the hairdresser visit.
I’m not sure how to measure crowd size, but there were probably not more than 1,000 if that many. The elderly lady and the Vet have the same dialogue. Oba<<a is equal to socialism. But, neither of them would be willing to give up any benefits though.
I wanted to stay to see her leave, but need to get other things done. Soo glad to getaway.
Thanks for your report, 10cats4me. I intend to observe her Plano TX signage. Whew! Looks like a whole lot of waiting and boredom. I will take a interesting book to while away the time. Moseyon commented that most of these people do not look like they are having a fun time. Humm… I will be interested to see how the crowd in Plano behaves. Maybe the upscale location and Christmas decorations will make it seem more festive.
10Cats4Me – Thanks for braving that crowd and doing such a good report.
Regarding the curtains and cameras. I read somewhere else that those getting her autograph can also get photos taken with her. I don’t remember exactly where (but I think it was on here) that I read it, and that the top cost was $39.95. Just another way to make more money – and they couldn’t do that if folks were trying to take photos with their phones.
Isolating her from view must make her feel soooooooo important. Good grief, even Queen Elizabeth isn’t that removed when she goes out in public!
In Ohio – I completely understand what you are experiencing. It is the same way here in southwestern KY and I don’t talk with anyone about politics now. During the campaign, I tried and became a bit nervous with the reactions of people I knew, so decided to stay sane and safe. There was a great deal of vandalism once Obama/Biden signs went up. There are still McCain/Palin stickers on cars, but even more are yard sign still flapping in the breeze, tattered and faded – sort of a badge of honor for those losers. I’ve submitted countless letters to the editor and everyone of them has been rejected.
I’ve written miscellaneous op-ed pieces through the years that have been published in various Army post newspapers, so I understand the format, procedure, and requirements for an article to hit print. However, I’ve never experienced the absolutism of one-viewpoint-only that our local paper exhibits.
10Cats4Me – Found it! This was on the part 2 of 3, just prior to this one:
11 meede Says:
November 21st, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Looks like the rules are changing on the fly after people have lined up overnight and from early morning which is going to upset lots of people. If the story is correct according to 13wham.com a local TV station:
“Palin will sign 1,000 books total, and people were allowed a maximum of two books each. They received a wristband for each book. So if everyone in line had two, only 500 people were allowed in.”
Have read on another local station site “News 8 has learned that Palin’s representatives are only making 500 wristbands available, rather than 1,000 as originally reported” Rochesterhomepage.net
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091121/NEWS01/91121001
Another story, short video of when they were lining up and comments.
Gotta say though, this site takes the cake. They have put up a pic of Palin inside the store meeting with one of the liner uppers. YOU CAN PURCHASE THE PICTURE — WTF??
Unframed 8X10 – $25 for the first one and $23.00 after that. WHAT????
7″ photo framed & matted – $39.95
Pic on a Mug $14.95
Digital Download $50.00
Never head of this on site with an article.
10cats4me, the communist charge is the final salvo of their weak arsenal when they can’t convince someone to “come on down” to their gutter world.
I’m hoping to make the Orlando signing. . . it’s at B&N and I’m trying to figure out how they can keep anyone from the store if we’re there before the signing. . . hmmm
The signing isn’t until tomorrow so I still have time to recon. . .
Thanks so much for this report on the deluded of this country. And now, I know where most of the food goes, too.
BTW, meant to ask. Does anyone know how many stops $carah is going to make, and will she quit halfway through it? Sounds like they’ve already reduced the wrist bands from 1,000 to 500, according to a previous post. : )
And, of course, it’s also worth repeating that $carah seems to be concerned only about HER OWN security, while the family members, including her own child (underclothed in a drafty bigbox store), are exposed to any nut that might want to do them in, strolling around the site and all? Isn’t that just so $carah, impressed with her own importance and not caring one whit about anyone else’s safety? The woman behind the curtain, indeed. I have so much disdain for this woman I can’t even begin to express it.
I’m curious about all the security, especialy around the bus.
Who is afraid of what?
Is Sarah pretending that she is in danger to try to excuse her calls to violence?
Is this the tour ie. Harper Collins idea?
Or is it the local bookstore and the community police that are afraid her violence loving, gun loving groupies might let loose on a nongroupie, or get cheezed off at being “left behind” and take it out on the store?
Do they really think somebody is likely to stick a bomb under the bus? Don’t they want that sign on the side of the bus to be part of the local and national news photo shoots, up next to the store and the crowds?
Marnie, of course there’s a chance someone will stick a bomb under Palin’s bus. Do you honestly think someone might not think she could do even more for the US from heaven? Or maybe you think all progressives have four wheels on the ground? Not hardly. There’s always the anarchist who just wants to make a point, or a martyr. Palin needs security — and that her family is left to walk around without security is extraordinarily selfish of her.
And I can’t believe she hid behind a curtain for the signing. I’ve been to nearly 50 book signings, and I’ve NEVER seen an author hide from the people who cared enough to come out and see him/her. Most of them do readings, and usually pick a few people out and ask them to wait and visit afterwards.
Never mind the clever ‘ignore the…’ jokes — someone put a mic in front of this woman and ask WTF?
Paula: I noticed that too. Maybe these very obese people are sad and she is some bright light in their lives. they are also angry deep down and she gives them a target, people to blame for their sad tough lives.
What is amazing is how quickly they turn on her if she doens’t fill their fantasy.
Maybe she put up a curtain because she hates our comments on the hair-do of the day.
Well now that this is almost over; it is time for Going Rouge to do their book tour. Would of been nice if they had it at the same time as your ex-gov. It would of diverted the attention from her and focused on the truth.
GreatGranny ” I tried and became a bit nervous with the reactions of people I knew, so decided to stay sane and safe.”
You know they weren’t going to threaten you personally — you felt threatened socially. All you could possibly lose is the good opinion and social chit-chat from people who are judgmental, demanding and close-minded. And sadly, that was enough to stop you from standing up for logic and ethical standards.
This is why our social discourse is so easily moved away from fact into absolute fantasy. People are “afraid” to simply look a lousy human being in the eye and say — “You are racist, and I won’t accept any political stand based on racism.” 98% of the time, all we are “afraid” of is being tagged as Not One Of Us.
Well We’re Not One Of Them! And if they won’t talk to us anymore, good! Get out of your rut, take a stand, get off your couch and out of your tatting group and find people who offer at least a modicum of respect for the opinions and rights of others!
I’ve dropped people because they were white supremists, gay bashers, disrespectful of someone else’s beliefs, misogynistic (lost lots right there) hard-core feminist, anti-white, -brown or -jewish, anti childrens-rights, careless of their pets, mean to waitresses, insulting to fat people, or snottily Xian. Oh, excuse me, every single person I’ve ever dropped for one reason or another has ALSO been Xian — every single one. Do I have a whole lot of friends? No, and not a whole lot of acquaintences, either. But the ones I do have are choice, and I know I’ll never have to sit quietly and AGREE with racism or Palinism just so that I can keep the good opinion of people I despise with every atom of my being.
In other words — man up, Granny, and begin startling your friends. I’m willing to bet there’s a couple sitting there just like you are, AFRAID to admit they are decent human beings and not beasts that have somehow learned to walk on two legs while destroying the lives around them.
Wow…..10cats4me, you get a big shiny gold star. Great work. Thanks from all of us. I couldn’t do it.
That is one scary looking crowd. Also too, noticed the all white, fat, and very unhappy look on their faces.
I bet not one of them will make it through the book. I hate to think what the guy in that last photo will do with his book. Yikes.
Lonely, fat, angry, unedumacated, white dudes for Palin 2012.
Pictures are worth a thousand words, and in this case, about 10 gazillion calories. I am personally overweight and on a very boring diet – but my family doc and my high blood sugar & cholesterol levels put the fear of god in me about a year ago. Happy to say I’ve lost 22 lbs. over the past year (with another 40 or so to go), no longer need meds for cholesterol, and the blood sugar is safely down.
All that said, me at my fattest would make less than 1/2 of the many behemoths in the pictures – they have to weigh well over 300 lbs. each! Guess the point I want to make, is that people who ignore and neglect their own health to such an unbelievable extent must have the ability to deny reality as to the rest of the world.
I sense an “I may be Washington County’s red-necked answer to Jabba the Hut, but I am bi-god white, so that makes me better than any black man – even if he is editor of Harvard Law Review, a constitutional law scholar, a Nobel Peace prize winner, president of the US of A, and leader of the free world.”
Does anyone know how much this tour is costing, and who pays for it? All those cops there for a whole day – that’s a lot of money. Now, it could be that the city’s PD is absorbing that cost, but if they are paying hired security guards, that’s out of pocket for someone. The store? the publisher?
How much does a bus like that cost, anyway? Is the publisher footing the bill? Is it being deducted from Sarah’s royalties?
10cats4me, thanks for braving it. Ya done a good job. I always wonder what I would say to people in such a situation. While I can ad lib day and night about stuff I know – I mean REALLY know – I have a harder time with political issues if I don’t have sold facts to back me up.
Unfortunately, if we try to say such-n-such in the book is a lie, they’ll say it isn’t. If we ‘prove’ we’re right, they’ll dismiss it as ‘one little error’.
As for “Obama’s a Marxist/Communist who’s leading America down the path to Socialism”, I know I need to get my talking points in order. Asking people if they even know what those terms mean and the differences among them is a great start, but I must be able to answer it, so off to the Google I go.
It’s got something to do with “The workers control the means of production” if I remember correctly from the ever-so-reliable source, Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
SP’s latest rant is about urging people to “kill the bill” and calling it government takeover of “1/6 of our economy”. Where is she getting that number, anyone know? Since when is regulating an industry a ‘government takeover’? This leaves the current system of private insurances in place, please explain how this is a ‘takeover’? I am trying to get my talking points ready to go as I know I will need them some where along the way.
Is there a subliminal message in her book-signing ads, like free mickey d’s and moonshine after the signing?
Just like North Carolina, where is Trig’s jacket, sweater, sweatshirt? Is he not wearing shoes too, like in NC? I notice everyone around him is in jackets, sweaters, and down vests. UNBELIEVABLE!
Someone threw an egg at her in Rochester which, I believe, explains the screen. No charges were pressed against the man who threw the egg – he said he was sorry.
Oh but Rochester was AFTER Wash…so the egg thing would not account for the curtain
I always called it “little washington” coming from pittsburgh..that is just how we knew it growing up
I am going to have my friend who is from lil wash check this out..just to see if she can id anyone…
and NO she nor her spouse, who is also from wash, big at all…
Great reporting!! thanks for the show…
OregonBird @58 – No, I’ve never felt threatened by these people for my physical well-being, nor socially. My concern has been for property damage and the annoyance factors such as beer bottles and fastfood wrappings tossed on my front lawn. This is a small area and everyone knows everyone and where they all live.
As to the social aspect, that is a non-issue. We have a small group of friends, some are very conservative and we respect one another’s different views and simply don’t discuss politics. If they were overtly racist and bigoted, they wouldn’t be part of my circle of friends. They are simply nice folks who try to live right and be kind to others. None are religious fanatics.
These friends and family are more than enough to fill my day and my life. I don’t think of myself being in a rut, my life is quite full of joy. Years ago, I was very vocal and held my own with those who wanted a heated discussion, and I have no guilt about no longer debating issues. I’m now house/bed (couch) bound and have no energy left to engage in verbal battles and simply want a bit of peace and I will leave it to you younger and more energetic folks to stand up and speak up.
(((GG2C)))
The curtain was probably for the draft that is always present in those Sama stores.Wouldnt want Queen Quitter to get chilly!! Trig,on the other hand,if she can get him to catch pneumonia in his tiny t shirt,she can make up for her failure on the “wild ride”.
Funny that the bus is gaurded so well and so is Sarah,but her son can be paraded around in achilly store with what looks like an undershirt on,and no thought to any dangers to him.
@65 Judi
Thanks for the clarification. I can’t keep up with it all. : )
The book “tour” is getting weirder and weirder as each day passes. I’m looking forward to seeing how things turn out in Tempe. Will she throw her “support” behind McCain seeing as how he was so gracious to introduce her to the rest of the country or if he’s just not “pure” enough any more. Hmmmm.
Well, granny, you did your part and I’m more than half-done with mine. Did you enjoy the outraged youth/idiot part as much as I did?
How many of the Palin-readers does anyone think hung around and found other books or settled in and read? Or did they just grab a copy, stand in line without doing more than looking at the cover, then leave as quickly as possible?
The Democratic Party is on fundraiser trac simply to respond to SP’s tour. I say she needs a heavy dose of BEING IGNORED! I find it difficult to even read a Summary of the book. Sick, it’s all sick!
I was so excited about this report I have not even read all the comments – unusual for me. LOVE this report. My sibs and I were raised in Bradford County which was at the time staunchly Repug –much to our parents’ chagrin all 4 of us and all 8 of our children became staunch Liberals and love our country and our President. Grandchildren are still forming opinions-we’ll see. Liberals with open minds seem to produce open minded children I guess. One sister has a repub husband and she has learned to keep quiet on certain issues as her husband is quite perfect in every other way and she would like to keep him. (her two children are both Dems.-also do not discuss things with Dad too much).
I moved to Mass. 30+ years ago and hope Scarah dares to come here! Her security issues are astounding–the security around our good man in the White House should be as strong. Question–were the gun toters toting around the Queen? Or do they just put on the gear for OBama? His security is nothing like Bush had-I remember protesters held behind barricades in designated areas far far away from him! And they only wore tee-shirts! A gun around Bush would have netted them a vacation in Cuba I guess.
I am going to read the rest of the comments now-did catch the comment from PennLawyer and it is soooo right. Having been well over 300 lbs at one time myself I agree so totally. btw-I am closer to 160 now and at 5’8″ and 65+ I do not look like my old Penn self at all.
Someone asked who’s picking up the tab for security on this tour. It’s Harper Collins. She’s not a public official or a politician, just a celebrity. There’s an interesting article giving lots of behind the scenes details here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111904055.html?sid=ST2009112000217
Forgot to mention Bradford County is in NE Pa.
I’m a little surprised to see the snide comments about weight. That’s not the issue here and we are not them. Let’s move past the physical on to more important matters like “character” or lack there of!
Palin has shown time and again how she is quite capable of appealing to the small minded, mean spirited, hypocritical, racist, so called God lovin Americans. And yes, it is sad to see BUT let’s keep this in perspective – they aren’t a big percentage of the whole. And Palin should not forget recent events, they WILL turn on her in a heartbeat cause that’s how they are – ya know, just like she has done to others.
Karma is coming her way and it will not be pretty…or depending on your perspective it will be! Oh yes, I can be petty also!
Curiousity has me:
Do they show up for Scarah ‘carrying’ like they do for Obama’s Town Halls?????
May be one of the reasons for so much security. For having so many, would it be HC or the store paying for this as taxpayers shouldn’t be responsible to pay for on duties. They should be off duty picking up a side job paid by HC and/or store.
Bless ya 10Cats4Me…Good job on …owe ya one….
Trig has a short sleeve t-shirt and grandma has a long sweater and big winter vest what the?????
Why can Trig be photo’d and NOT Tripp?
If Sarah wants to be a celebrity so be it. But if she wants to be a politician she does not have the intergrity or honor! To continually use a DS baby for her political gain is sad.
geez, I’m really missing those months she was not in the press. Anchorage Daily News and Channel 2 have a daily tribute to her. She”s going to be in my sister’s town (Richland WA) soon, I told her to take a copy of Going Rouge to have autographed. Wonder what she’d think of that!
Newsweek covered her well, thought the writing was the clearest I’ve read.
Makes us Alaskans want to crawl into a hole again.
futurexpat? was able to get behind the scenes at this same book signing with her press pass and got photos of Her Highness signing books!! So many boots on the ground in Washington PA and Rochester – love all you stalwart, brave, intrepid Mudpuppies! Check the Forum at Sarah’s Magical Mystery Bus Tour – http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,8760.0.html.
OT – PA~John and PennLawyer – check the Forum for Tri-State Mudstock in Kennett Square, PA! Looked for you on the Forum and couldn’t find you.
@MissSunshine While you wait, may I suggest a real book to read? How about Audacity of Hope… Love it.
terpsichore writes (@62): “SP’s latest rant is about urging people to “kill the bill” and calling it government takeover of “1/6 of our economy”. Where is she getting that number, anyone know?”
““““““`
I checked out that 1/6th bit a while back; I’d heard it used as an argument for why we *had* to have private-run health insurance companies – the premise being that if we got rid of the for-profit health insurance companies [like we have in our current set-up], we would, literally, be destroying 1/6th of our entire economy.
And, yes, I admit, doing away with that huge of a segment of our entire economy does sound like it’d be a horrific and moronic idea and, yes, it is sounding very much like a totally valid argument *against* having government taking over health care (and that much of of our economy). However…
(Let me first say: Yup, according to a Google of articles on the economy, it’s a correct figure.) But, here’s where the “However” comes in ~ the 1/6th accounts for ALL monies associated with health care in the US — doctor’s pay; a med office receptionist’s pay; ER charges; reasearch, testing, and manufacture of medicine; the manufacturing of crutches and bedpans; Medicare and Medicaid (including cost of paying fraudulent claims to said); health insurance premiums; ambulance maintenance; etc.
In other words, everything *related to* (and necessary for) health care is included ~ even the overtime for the driver who delivers gauze squares and rolls from the company to the hospital, gets counted. As does the cost of flying a donated organ from Point A to Point B for transplant. All of it, taken together, adds up to 1/6th of our economy.
So, it ends up as my impression, that SP et. al. are using the “1/6th of the economy” as another one of their talking-point scare tactics (much like their use of “death panels”). They’re tossing things out to the public in hopes that that public won’t bother to check for the accuracy and honesty, the nitty-gritty, of what it is they’re saying.
What they are really fighting tooth-and-nail against isn’t the government running health care (like it’s run in every other progressive country!) at all; it’s the getting rid of ‘middle-man’ private, for-profit health care insurance companies that they’re fighting so hard against. You know, those private, for-profit health care insurance companies that lobby them so heavily and pay to their campaign war chests ever-so handsomely? Yeah, those companies.
Now, I don’t know what percentage of the “1/6th of the economy” is from the cost of paying into, running, and maintaining Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, etc, but I do know their none-too-soon demise would NOT –as Sp et. al. are so relentlessly implying — cause 1/6th of our economy to collapse. Far from it. beth.
Lilady NY,
I think he said he was sorry he missed her (with the egg).
But I could be wrong.
Someone else hoping to get their 15 minutes of fame???
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/sarah-palin-meets-her-dou_n_367586.html
Note under the pic – Copyright SarahPAC – New business venture??? LOL
Now the PAC is copyrighting pictures. Give me a break.
Accch…forgot to add in my loooooong post (@ 87)
Even though the bill does have private health care insurance companies included, it ALSO has the Public Option. And, since the Public Option is something that seems to have over-whelming support [from the 'unwashed, socialist peons'?], there is *great* fear that passing a bill WITH the PO will be the death-knell for private health care insurance.
Apparently, or so the thinking goes, Americans should *not* be allowed the option of paying for the less-expensive, less-obstructive PO rather than paying exhorbitant premiums to for-profit health care insurance companies. Since the PO has such support across the nation, it can’t –legitimately– be argued against by SP et.al… they can, however, trot out the “”1/6th of the economy” meme to roil up anger (and confusion) in their effort to stop a bill that would, ultimately, do away with their good friends and sources of mega-revenue: Cigna, Blue Cross, etc. And that is exactly what they are trying to do. beth.
Don’t want to see folks go overboard about the weight issues with folks. I am fairly heavy myself and in need of a good diet.
Thought about getting in touch with the Pgh mudflatters, but my schedule was pretty hectic.
I thought I would get at least a glance at Palin, but that didn’t happen. Really surprised at the security. A large black SUV is to the left and out of the picture in the shot of the security folks. A lot of local police were around outside, helping to manage traffic and back up security, I guess.
Scarah WAS behind the curtain. I assume that coming in from the back the way that she did no one inside the story saw her at all. Local news casters were directed to someone who took them to an area so they could get some footage of Scarah arriving.
The people in line to see her that you see, must have been there all night in the cold. It was very cold, low 40s, I think, for me. I kept my jacket on and zipped up all the way. Trig was covered up with an adult coat in his stroller. I guess the Alaskans are used to much colder temps.
Well, I certainly don’t photograph well myself, so I can’t be completely snide….BUT, the book tours would be a great place to set up free medical screenings for those waiting in line. It might give them a new outlook on the health care debate.
a most excellent boots on the ground report. I thought $P WANTED to see her adoring public???? a Curtain? Oh my.
Oh and three words from that crowd: “Pass the Porkrinds”
Re: Susan in PA #85
Yes, futurexpat? and I got “inside” photos of the signing and some photos of the exterior of the bus. An article is coming soon.
What I would love to see is someone going to these book signing events with a petition for Palinistas to sign that calls for the ‘repeal the socialist Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security’ programs.’ Similar to the Billionaires for Wealth. Wonder how many folks would sign such a petition?
@ #88 Molly
LOL!!
Great job 10cats4me!!! Thank you.
I suspect the black screening and off-the-beaten-path area of the book signing is in part a security measure and in part (mostly) a method of maximizing her income from the sales. It’s also a way to keep wonkette from getting nice shots that they can then snarkify.
Yeah, that’s a word. Beginning now.
I haven’t read any of the responses yet… Sorry!
What jumped out at me amongst many other things is that Trig was in a thin, short-sleeved T-Shirt. How warm was it? I noticed most of the other people (including his aunt) were in long sleeves and over coats. Isn’t a non-mobile baby like Trig more likely to get cold??? (I don’t know about DS babies, if they run a higher temperature tolerance than “normal” babies, but this was a glaring fact to me)
@89 meede
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/sarah-palin-meets-her-dou_n_367586.html
—
That lady really is a double of Sarah. Bet that took the wind out of Sarah’s sails. Ms. Beauty Pageant Queen has a double.
—
I noticed in the comment section, someone referred to the mudflats as a hate site. yuk
I agree with the posts concerning the child, he should be dressed more warmly, especially when everyone else is warmly dressed in sweaters and such.
I don’t agree with the overweight comments. Yes they are overweight, I can also lose a little, but their views should be discussed not their physical attributes.
I have also noticed how grumpy everyone looks. What a depressing day and I would like to Thank You for braving the signing for us.
Thanks!
I have a few comments about Trig. This may sound “elitist”, but I have a Masters in Exceptional Children and I have actually worked with DS kids.
From my research and experience, they are very susceptible to infection, especially upper respiratory problems.
My first red flag about SP was when she carried her baby out onto the floor at the convention. She was not only exposing him to a multitude of germs, but also the stimulation from the noise and lights.
It was then that I realized that there might be something wrong about SP’s judgment and sent me in search of an Alaska blog. I’ve been reading ever since and am now neck high in red flags!
The fact that she is still dragging Trig out in the winter in crowds makes me sick. Hopefully it won’t make him sick also.
Just noticed on her latest Facebook note, a picture of her standing outside at night with Trig wearing a sweatshirt and no shoes, no socks and no pants! AKM
beth, thanks for the good info.
So, it would be great if someone could ask HER (SP) to explain what she means, because I’m sure she just read that number off one of her non-liberal news sources and didn’t bother to fact check anything herself. I would Luuuuuvvvv to hear her try to explain it.
Gosh, by this criteria, I’d sooner have voted for beth for VP!
I find it amusing that if you dare disagree with the teabaggers or Palin in even the slightest manner, you are a communist. Hmm, my dictionary defines communism a bit differently than that. But they seem to have mastered all the subtleties and intricacies of the modern geopolitical world.
They are effectively arguing against what has been American democracy for over 230 years. They want lock-step fealty. They are opposed to free speech. Oh they’ll claim it for themselves, but if you don’t agree with them then you better get your sorry liberal socialist a** right on outta’ this country. Why would you disrespect our troops like that?
These folks are pathetically uniformed about even the most basic civics lessons concerning our nation. Like the woman who changed the subject when confronted with the fact that Medicare and Social Security are “socialist” programs that she gladly benefits from, these folks are hypocritical morons who think what Sarah Palin (and Limbaugh and FauxNews) tell them to think. You are also going to hell if you don’t support Sarah Palin. It’s right there in the Bible, doncha’ know?
I’m willing to bet that not one out of eight (or more) of them will read Palin’s book all the way through. They simply don’t have the patience or the endurance to move their lips for that length of time.
Okay Mudflatites, count your blessings, name them page by page. This book will expose McQuittyCutty for the lying fraud that she is. Once her rapid followers find someone who can read it to them, their first and only impression will be, If-She-Wrote-That-About-Her-Supporters-What-Will-She-Say-About-Me?
Afterwards, she’ll co-host with Pat Robertson on the 700 Flub or take Oral Robert’s place and preach about her Breck Shampoo Jesus.
Now isn’t looking on the bright side so much nicer? (chuckle)
[[Polly (@ 97) ~ there's now a post up on HP refuting the claim leveled at The 'flats. Funny how the SP (et. al.) folks are so eager to trash a site without actually even looking at it to see how it functions...without personally seeing what sort of information the site includes, in what context the site includes that information, and why the site includes that information. Possibly they are just so used to the 'accept-this-without-question!' hot-air from their own sites that it wouldn't dawn on them to explore the contents (and concept) of a site that only posts completely reputable-source-linked, totally-verifiable, information. More's the pity. beth.]]
“I asked her if she would be willing to give up social security and Medicare. That kind of stopped her and she changed topics”
Socialism, when did it become a dirty word or a bad thing?
I also heard a lady on the news about a month ago say; she would give up Social Security and all service Government had to offer. She wanted no part of Socialism.
I take federal Interstate highway 5 to the air port and all passengers fly with the guidance of Federal Air Traffic Control. There is hardly a day that passes that I don’t use some service of government weather its county, city, state or federal. It seems that even the local county library would be considered a social program. So what is all this talk about Socialism? Is it a bad thing? Can a democracy society have socialism within it and be a good thing? I think so. We do have a lot of it, and have had. As for those that think its bad, I don’t think they realize how much there willing to give up. Or they just don’t know.
Hate to tell the Gopers this, but FRANCE has the best health care system, a mix of public and private. It seems very American, which means, if you are rich you get more.
This country is dedicated to that proposition: You get what you can pay for, house, education, clothes and healthcare. It’s just that this doesn’t really work for healthcare. You can rent instead of buy a house, get clothes from Target, go to a state school but you can’t go to Walmart for cheap Chemo.
but in France there is basic healthcare for all and if you want more, you pay.
makes sense
Thank you 10cats4me; you are very brave. I haven’t watched any of her interviews or read her book and have no intention to do so. The people at the signing certainly didn’t look very happy or excited to see their “moosiah.” This is probably the first hardcover book they ever bought. I wonder where those who think President Obama is socialist were when Bush signed the drug bill for people on Social Security. I don’t recall they called Bush a socialist, and they don’t seem to be worried about all the money spent on the wars. They seem to have no shame.
It looks like a “white supremacist rally.” Where are “people to color?”
Oops, meant “people of color”.
@ 10 cats4 me… along with all the others, Thank you!
@ Oregonbird and GreatGranny2C: Oregon, after your first note I was ready to tell you to lay off someone who is very engaged in the political discussion, but held off, hoping you two would come to an understanding, which you did.
Very liberal (speak civil) of you both to have a measured discussion…
There really are times when age and experience supercede youth and exuberance. You say you are halfways there, Orgonbird, so please do enjoy both your memories and what may yet come with experience! Both methods have their advantages. Congratulations to you both.
On the subject of the little one, I shiver looking at the pictures of this underdressed baby who cannot complain, but what concerns me even more is this: What effect do repeated flights with their altitude/cabin air pressure changes have on an infant/small child with a cardiac malformation, compromised respiratory system? Is there anyone out there with the relevant medical knowledge who will address this?
It seems more than careless
…oops, this one jumped right onto the coment page. Th last sentence was not quite finished:… feel free to insert a stronger term than “careless”.
@fromthediagonal – good point there about the baby. It would seem to me she is negligent which is another way of saying “extremely careless” and why hasn’t anyone brought this to her attention? It seems her “fans” are more interested in seeing Sarah than any concern for the baby. Her careless behaviour with the baby only goes to show you he is used as a prop. Also, too,
she left him home for the Oprah and Barbara interviews but drags the poor kid around so that her fans could see what a “wonderful”, “caring” mother that she is…NOT.
Sheesh, I don’t think I have seen so many overweight people in one place as I saw in those pictures. How much do you want to bet that a majority of the people in that crowd would be much better off financially under policies the Democrats hold near and dear?
I guess you could go visit the Jimmy Swaggart type churches, you know the old Jimmy & Tammy Faye crowd…betcha’ these are a lot of Sarah’s book purchasers. I wonder if Palin is creating any dip in the evangelical business fundraising also too. Perhaps the GOP isn’t the only one losing revenue to the Quitster.
Thanks 10cats4me you did great and gave a very good accounting.I guess we are all communist because we don’t fall to our knees for others and we think for ourselves and fact check things instead of taking everything at face value..Very good pictures for back up.
10cats4me–
I wish we had kinown you were going. I would like to have met up with you. We got behind the magic curtain because I had a press pass.
The number of clueless, uninformed people in this country is scary.
This is serious guys. It is not funny knowing the many ignorant people who are drunk with Sarah and Glenn Beck Cool aid.
This country is so screwed. Total destruction ahead of us. Almost half a nation believes in this clueless lier.
Talking about being paranoid about Obama stickers etc.MY son-in-law drives my vehicle and I had several Obama and Obama /Biden stickers on my vehicle..They used my vehicle to travel to Kentucky and down to New Orleans.I noticed that my stickers were gone and asked about them.The Kids said they were afraid of any violence they might encounter,this was before Obama was sworn in,Also he was worried about where he works as those were mostly republican leaning people as he soon found out by listening to them talk amongst themselves.Didn’t want to take a chance on damage to the vehicle.I did make sure they left my mudflat sticker on though. He asked me about it and I just told him it was a site I blogged at and left it at that.He doesn’t know the site.So I am safe and he moved to a different location,same job as a manager but a lot of different people some even blue collar workers instead of all white collar.
10cats….
Hmm, how many of your 9 lives are left after this foray into the demon-realm???
SKY @ #118:
You’ve said it:
Ignorant and Proud Of It!
Armed and Angry!
They do not seem rational…
How can we provide a counter balance to this phenomenon?
Suggestions welcome…
I am wondering why noone ever asks Palin if and how her family’s health care is covered. Are they on the state of AK COBRA or with Indian Health Service which Todd and his dependents should be eligible for, or are they paying out of pocket with her new found riches?
Sarah has spent most of her adult life as an active participant and representative of the government – from City council, Mayor, to Governor and national VP candidate – she is hardly anti government, it has been her career.
@ Nora #122
I have asked the same question when I noticed the irony of her position for the book signing in Ft. Bragg under not one, but two TriCare signs.
She probably has no idea that TriCare is the title of military (and dependents’) health care. And yes, it is a government-run program that has been in effect for decades.
Looks like I am not the only inquiring mind… answers, anyone???
hubby’s family hails from this community. I can’t believe that many people are so enamoured with SP. btw was everyone retired or off work for the day?
I sent this on to my friend who is from wash pa…she and her spouse knew noone in photo…but they are sure they most likely went to hs with some of them…one of the reasons they moved
she copied the health care counter to her computer
she and her spouse own their own business here…and cannot afford health care insurance…they are two of the statisitcs, as well as their thirty yr old daughter who works for them… who work Full Time, yet cannot afford health insurance..
Thanks for the news! This may have been asked and answered but my only question is – who pays for all the security at these events?
Re #124 Bonnie:
The book signing was on a Saturday, but I did talk to a number of people who took the day off work to attend. There are a lot of wage people and shift people in this area. It was truly a gathering of the faithful.
futurexpat? and I submitted a report with pictures on the activities of the day to AKM. It should show up on the blog presently.