Open Thread – Bad Plan
4 02 2010Note to self:
If I ever steal a snowmachine and try to evade police in my truck with a tub of methamphetamines, do not…. I repeat, do NOT bury myself in snow up to my neck to hide. [click]
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February 4th, 2010 at 6:07 PM
http://www.wimp.com/babymoose/
February 4th, 2010 at 6:09 PM
Note to Mr. Van Flein on his lawyerly explanation:
Hogwash!! You can’t convince me that Palin never became acquainted with local property tax laws during her eight years as the mayor of Wasilla. Do you enjoy sounding ignorant as well as deceptive, Mr. VF?
February 4th, 2010 at 6:12 PM
I think I know why the tax assessor didn’t know about the improvements to the Palin property that was still showing, on the books, as unimproved vacant land:
The Palins never pulled any building permits whatsoever. These apparently vary from region to region, and for smaller structures in some municipalities not all of them are required, but I have a feeling those improvements were done on the sly, with no permits or code compliance inspections whatsoever.
Just to be sure, I checked it out. And according to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough website’s Code Compliance Division:
“When constructing or placement of any building 480 square feet, or an addition to an existing structure greater than 10 percent of the existing square footage; requires a Mandatory Land Use Permit. A Borough Code Officer will review the application and determine compliance with Setbacks, Zoning, Flood Plain Development standards, Conditional Uses and other related ordinances.”
They are so very busted.
If they *had* pulled any building permits, any at all, the tax authorities would have known there were improvements being made to the property, right?
February 4th, 2010 at 6:14 PM
the norwegian blue
The Problem is that Huffington Post put up the AP story instead of AKM’s story. Basically the AP story is a rewrite of AKM’s post about this, so Rachel D’ORO is getting the headlines for AKM’s breaking story.
While I am glad that the story is getting attention AKM deserves the credit for it not D’ORO!
That is TOTAL BS!
February 4th, 2010 at 6:29 PM
Correction to post 99:
I just picked this up at HuffPo re the Lake Lucille houses- the story was based on the wrong tax file:
“Actually, the listing ending in “1231000T00E” is for another piece of property, not the one at 1140 Parks Highway. Here’s the link for the one at 1140 Parks Highway:
http://www.matsugov.us/myproperty/detail.aspx?taxID=1054B01L003”
Thus gives a building assessment of 416,000– close to the campaign declaration.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:42 PM
The HuffPo “cabin” story by the AP has exploded with comments. No moderation in effect.
Way to go, AKM!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/04/palin-did-not-pay-taxes-o_n_450344.html
February 4th, 2010 at 6:47 PM
With all that’s come out these last few days, it’s one of those times that provokes one to ask where have all the good guys gone? is there no integrity, or honesty anymore? Those in power, media, seem to lie without blinking. Exagerrating, lying, manipulating, twisting truth, and the worst, those who use people and get away with it.
If it wasn’t for the good guys who understand and know the truth, it would be a pretty sad state of affairs. Thank God for blogs like this and others who seek the truth, and stand up to deception. I think this election, media and the Palin affair have taught us that beauty, charm and charisma hold a kind of hypnotic effect on gullible people. Sadly, people vote officials in with their eyes, not their heads. And, the Sarah phenomenon is a perfect example of why celebrity idol-worshipping shouldn’t mix with politics. Pride comes before a fall.
The Republican party must be going through an identity crisis right now, not surprisingly.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:50 PM
Kate – the red house is assessed at $416,300-structure and $116,200-land. The new property, #1120 W. Parks, is $0-structure and $116,700.
Here’s the link for the red house assessment:
http://www.matsugov.us/myproperty/detail.aspx?taxID=1054B01L003
February 4th, 2010 at 6:51 PM
we all know that palin continually pushes the envelope…playing ignorant to the hilt…breaking the law constantly…always an excuse of this or that.
I’m actually tired of hearing the never-ending lists, ranging from her short-comings to her blatant violations…the question is not that she’s doing these things (she may be a quitter, but this stuff she won’t quit) but when is SOMEBODY going to punish her for them? You or I would’ve been in jail by now…and we can’t play the misinformed card.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Slank @ 100 That was beautiful awesome and oh my so precious! AKM must see this and this wins the Brian contest hands down IMHO. Brian would be so proud. I had to send it out to my kids and Dad. Check it out puppies!
Love you all so much
February 4th, 2010 at 7:03 PM
Here’s the link https://secure.avaaz.org/en/chevron_toxic_legacy_5/?cl=467170498&v=5331 to sign a petition to hold Chevron accountable for dumping TONS of toxic waste in the rainforest! Please sign it and distribute it widely. Thank you.
Energy companies must be held accountable for environmental degradation (something Alaskans are all too familiar with).
Health and peace.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:22 PM
I am so glad that AKM researched and got this story rolling. Bless the source and bless our dear AKM. Grassroots growing from the mudflats. She will be her own downfall if we keep raking.
leenie17, BenL, aussie, Slank for the video, everyone peace and big hugs (o:
February 4th, 2010 at 7:43 PM
I’ve been reading comments and links off and on all day and evening, including over at HuffPo. Comments are still rolling over there.
Good job everyone,
GREAT WORK AKM!
and
Good night, all.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:56 PM
Wow, AKM! You’ve really hit the big time with your secret sources and scandalous breaking story, now being picked up by that lazy MSM (ya know…the ones that let the bloggers do all the hard stuff!). You’re becoming quite the Woodward/Bernstein of Alaska!
Keep up the great work and we’ll soon see the last of the Grifter Barbie!!!
February 4th, 2010 at 7:56 PM
Go check out Andrew Sullivan’s blog – he has another post about Sarah, Limbaugh and the R word. Apparently a new press release by Mego that states she wasn’t specifically pointing to Limbaugh (The Michael Steel Defense -tm)
AND there’s a nice new Beck clip of him using the term too. Popcorn!
February 4th, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Gee , the new guy is a dumbf^*k. Hope you guys in Mass. are happy with your choice of Scott Brown.
Newly-sworn Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown says the last economic stimulus bill did not create even one new job, a claim that most economists would dispute.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/04/AR2010020403908.html
February 4th, 2010 at 8:08 PM
I wish Perry would say this to sarah when she comes to Texas this Sunday. Glad I’m in Colorado.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4tWZNxnABk
February 4th, 2010 at 8:26 PM
114 austintx Says: February 4th, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Gee , the new guy is a dumbf^*k. Hope you guys in Mass. are happy with your choice of Scott Brown.
——–
A good part of MA has forgotten about Scott Brown due to the death-by-bully of Phoebe Prince in South Hadley – home of uber-liberal Mount Holyoke College. The school district told a local newspaper that their investigation of the matter is complete and that there’s likely to be a press conference tomorrow as to… well, they told 3 different media outlets 3 different things about what to expect tomorrow. Police and DA investigations continue regardless and could take a few months to complete.
Judging by comments left at my blog (comments are moderated), people in the western part of MA are really ticked that this girl died this way. It’s overshadowed (and replaced) the election of Brown.
11 pieces of anti-bullying legislation being considered but not one piece will actually make it into law and so some other kid will soon die without any consequences to the bullies.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:54 PM
AKM – I hope you have a hard copy of the tax assessment. I’d swear when I looked at it before the address on record was the Palin’s home address. The address now showing is Scott Richter’s PO box and HuffPost article has been updated with the appraiser’s office saying the bill goes to Scott.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:06 PM
so my next question is : how did the Palins pay for the construction of these two “cabins” ? Are these “Ted Specials” ? WHERE is the IRS ??? Does Alaska’s Dept of Law have a Fraud department ?
February 4th, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Richter (willingly) goes under the bus, why is anyone surprised? It was set up that way. Everything has been carefully orchestrated since the beginning (The Mandation of Sa-Rah). The taxes will be paid and the point will be made that Sarah Palin has been victimized once again. Blecch, pfft.
I do want to know what is up with Alaska that they pay such a small amount for property taxes. Jeez, you guys are wealthy compared to Michigan!
I tried to direct posters questions to AKM’s post on Huffpo from Rachel D’Oros. I could be wrong but I don’t think AKM cares so much about the spotlight right now as she does the results. The credit will come in due time. Thank you for all you do, keep on going girl (o:
February 4th, 2010 at 9:48 PM
AKM,
Since the story broke, has the address of the property owner been changed to a Big Lake PO Box from a Park Ave, Wasilla address.
This was just pointed out at the Bree Palin site by a commenter.
http://www.matsugov.us/myproperty/detail.aspx?taxID=2357B04L012-1
February 4th, 2010 at 10:03 PM
They’re setting up Richter to take the fall.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:04 PM
mxm, the address hasn’t changed as far as I recall and I clicked all links when AKM first posted.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:07 PM
ds55 – that’s what I think (119) as I’m sure many of us do. It is her pattern afterall.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Sarah will NEVER comply with the Spirit of the Law, if she can gain by manipulating things so that she is not breaking the strict lettering of it.
It’s like dealing with a teenager …”be home by 11″….you didn’t say Pm or AM, Dad!!!…
February 4th, 2010 at 11:38 PM
@94, R’ip — I’m pretty sure that every property-taxing agency has laws that say the property owner is responsible to keep their info up to date.
I mean, otherwise you have SWAT teams of assessors in black helicopters; and it’s been years since any municipality could afford black helicopters.
Van Fluck is indulging in the perennial attorney-speak favorite known as busshlitt.
February 5th, 2010 at 12:43 AM
If you use the Googles the Palin Cabin Tax story of AKM’s is popping up everywhere. NYT, L.A. Times, MSNBC and various other papers now.
I see that the AZ Central has posted it as well… as I chuckle
I wonder If McCain still wants her to come..? Is he embarrassed… Yet?
You deserve her John. The signs when she shows up there are going to be so much fun.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/02/04/20100204sarah-palin-cabins-propery-tax.html
February 5th, 2010 at 1:09 AM
I’m thinking AKM knows there’s much more to this story, but has presented only the facts she could solidly substantiate because she’s smart like that.
I hope someone (bloggers or readers) can flesh out the rest of this mess soon.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:17 AM
They look like vary large 2 story homes. Those don’t come cheap. Even if Toad and his “buddies” did all the labor the supplies add up to 6 figures easily. Not to mention the transportation to get them into the site.
Since the chalet is mentioned in stories even before the VP nod I want to know how they paid for these homes. Are there mortgages? Just how were they paid for?
February 5th, 2010 at 1:46 AM
I heard this story while listening to Shannyn’s show the other day.
Who else is doing this in Wasilla..?
————————-
” Mat-Su narcotics investigators say they’ve broken up a mom-and-son commercial marijuana growing operation after finding garbage sacks full of weed inside a Wasilla home.
Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement investigators arrested Wasilla resident Jane C. Cain, 51, and her son, Palmer resident Katsuhige C. Lewis, 29, on drug charges after discovering 20 pounds of freshly cut marijuana stuffed into garbage bags. ”
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/147486
February 5th, 2010 at 2:14 AM
Excellent article tonight on HuffPo regarding federal funding to faith-based organizations –
“Faith, Hope and Charity: Why President Obama’s ‘Faith-Based’ Agenda Must Change”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barry-w-lynn/faith-hope-and-charity-wh_b_450099.html
“Mr. President, this is not “change,” and I am losing “hope.” Please set your “faith-based” house in order. Shut down the Faith-based Council and issue executive orders and regulations clearly banning hiring bias and proselytizing by faith-based groups that take public funds.”
(Author The Rev. Barry W. Lynn is executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.)
—————
Way to go, AKM, on the tax story!!!
February 5th, 2010 at 2:21 AM
EyeOnYou Says:
The Problem is that Huffington Post put up the AP story instead of AKM’s story. Basically the AP story is a rewrite of AKM’s post about this, so Rachel D’ORO is getting the headlines for AKM’s breaking story.
While I am glad that the story is getting attention AKM deserves the credit for it not D’ORO!
That is TOTAL BS!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, I agree. AKM’s post should have been on the front page.
However, I am delighted to hear that this is now getting more attention from the MSM.
@ sauerkraut, I was very saddened to hear of the suicide of that young Irish girl. That is just so awful.