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[futurexpat?]

This is one of the few sites I have ever posted on. I made an introduction to myself on one of the topics yesterday when I posted for the first time, but I'll do it again. About the only other places I have posted at all are on websites in Costa Rica and Panama, so my screen name does reflect some of my thinking.

My husband and I have been to Alaska five times, and we love the state. It defines the word majesty. We have even gone up in the winter to Fairbanks, just to see the northern lights. It was definitely worth the trip! We've been through Wasilla many times, and we really saw it change in our time up there. We have ocasionally talked about moving there, but I don't think I could take the short winter days or the politics, although Mudflats gives me a little hope on the latter. We have not been up for several years, though. We've been doing more international travel, mostly Central and South America, and dealing with aging parents. We have missed our trips up. I keep in touch with friends we made staying at B&Bs up there; read the Anchorage Daily News most days online; and read Alaska Magazine. We finally got to see Mr. Whitekeys on our last trip up, and he retired soon after that. What a field day he would have in Spenard this year! I usually head right to the last page of the magazine each month.

I've been a registered Independent in Pennsylvania most of my life, and I'm happy to stay that way. I've been a relatively keen watcher from the sidelines of politics. Obama was not my first choice, nor even second choice, during the primaries (which I can't vote in in PA as an Independent), but he is so far and above anything that was on the Republican side I'm quite happy to be supporting him. The article about Doug in Juneau inspired me, and I now have the information I need to call the local Obama/Biden headquarters and volunteer any way I can. I was able to buy some Obama/Biden pins and bumper stickers at a local community day yesterday where they were doing voter registration. Our local U.S. Representative, a Republican, and hopefully on his way out, had a booth opposite. He left as all the action was across the aisle!

I found Mudflats only a few hours after the announcement about Sarah Palin. I already knew about her, and I was appalled when I heard she was the choice. And I had far less knowledge about her then than I do now. Thank you, Mudflats!

I have always been a history buff, and what I've seen happening to and in this country for the last eight years has scared me. I was shocked, but not surprised, on 9/11. I know the history that led those people down that path, which in no way excuses them. I never bought into any of the rhetoric leading into the war. I have watched as the Republicans took over control and the Democrats either can't or won't do anything. I need to do more than just be informed, so I will now do what I can. As I believe Howard Dean has said, democracy is not a spectator sport.

As a history buff, I have always been fascinated by 1930s Germany. The parallels over the last eight years are alarming. I know that you lose points in an argument if you use that comparison, but that's because most people are unaware of exactly what transpired.

I've never enjoyed a site and followed one as closely as this one. As many others have said, it is addictive! I also appreciate that the language is kept in check. I'm not offended by it; it's just a breath of fresh air not to have to read it.

On a personal level, I am a local correspondent for a local paper and an editor (and as such will be horrified if I find any typographical errors after a posting!). I will check in often.

Thank you, Mudflats, for such a great site. I'm also impressed with the really smart people it seems to have attracted. It's really encouraging. Some sites leave me feeling really down; so far this one buoys me up!

Andy AKA Plop Hero Palin

[DownInMississippi]

Hello Plop,

Mudflats has been such a comfort for so many of us searching for information.  I agree with you that it has attracted some very smart people and that the people here are respectful. 

Good to see you here.

[Engine Nighthawk Palin]

Hi.  Very glad to see another Keystone State person here.  I live in Lancaster

(PS vote in my poll below)

 

[futurexpat?]

 
I love Lancaster. My husband and I get out there occasionally for a day or two, usually on our way to Longwood Gardens. We were there last in March. It's great to see so many Pennsylvanians here at Mudflats! I's great to see so many people!

Andy

[LJP aka Revolver Trooper]

I am a history buff, too, although that makes life a lot harder right now.  It's tough to know that we are far afield in terms of the Constitution and so close to slipping into something horrifying. 

I am of two minds about last week's financial crisis. On one hand, I think of Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine; she argued on Bill Maher on Friday night that the economic "shock" will provide an excuse for things like failing to do healthcare and privatizing Social Security.  On the other, maybe it will wake up the good Senators and representative as well as the people.  We are on the edge of very bad things, but we can still pull it back.