To Serve For The Wrong Reasons
By Cernig Saturday Aug 30, 2008 8:00pm
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What does it say about Sarah Palin that in her first big appearance before a national audience - her introduction as McCain's running mate - she decided to flat out lie about her accomplishments?
I told Congress -- I told Congress, "Thanks, but no thanks," on that bridge to nowhere.
If our state wanted a bridge, I said we'd build it ourselves. Well, it's always, though, safer in politics to avoid risk, to just kind of go along with the status quo. But I didn't get into government to do the safe and easy things. A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not why the ship is built.
Politics isn't just a game of competing interests and clashing parties. The people of America expect us to seek public office and to serve for the right reasons.
She did that? Well, no. When told that Congress had stripped funding for the bridge, she said she was still in favor of Congressional assistance for that and other Alaskan projects. And when that assistance didn't materialize, she got all sour-grapes about it.
When she finally canceled the $400 million project, Palin lamented the fact that Congress was not more forthcoming with federal funding. She said in a statement at the time:
Despite the work of our congressional delegation, we are about $329 million short of full funding for the bridge project, and it’s clear that Congress has little interest in spending any more money on a bridge between Ketchikan and Gravina Island.
Despite her claims to be a reformer and "govern with integrity", Palin has kept up her relationship with indicted Seanator Ted Stevens, the father of the bridge to nowhere. He endorsed her for Governor in 2006 and, on July 2, 2008, Stevens and Palin held a joint press conference on energy issues. As Steven's hugged Palin she said "I have great respect for the Senator... He needs to be heard across America. His voice, his experience, his passion needs to be heard across America--so that Alaska can contribute more."
Contribute more to what? America's prison population? Republican coffers? What?
Now, both John McCain and Lindsay Graham are repeating Palin's claims. In response to Graham, George Stephanopoulos told him "But Senator, she turned against that, only she campaigned for it in her 2006 race, and turned against it in 2007 only after it became a national joke. "
Then there's the shadow governor, Todd Palin. He sits in on legislative meetings dealing with oil company negotiations while he's still working for BP. He took a very short hiatus back when Palin was first elected Governor but returned quickly to work citing the need for the "extra income". The Governor of Alaska pulls down a six figure salary and the Palin's own three houses - one residential and two recreational.
Oh, I get it now - contribute more to lying to the American public. To serve for the wrong reasons.
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How McCain really selected Palin
WTF is Stevens babbling about???
the idea that she rose through the ranks of gop politics in alaska on the strength of her squeaky-clean principals is just another bit of republican myth-making.
So Little is known about Sarah Palin that a search on Factcheck.org receives no hits at all.
This is what confounds me: the Repubs put up a ticket they tout as featuring 2 "mavericks," meaning people who are willing to buck their own party and go their own way. Well, if they think it's so great to run 2 people who don't hold to the party line, isn't that telling us that their party line isn't worth holding to? Aren't they admitting that they are a failed party?
Trooper Gate.
it's all a FRAME up. that's interesting....republican myth making....you got that right.
delusion is running this country into the ground.
i've been on boards for the last two days, and the rightys are fanatical about her.
it's like they are in a trance.
yet not one of them has seen her give a speech or anything other than that couple of minutes at her acceptance.
they were looking for an excuse and i sure that obama's 80,000 seat event scared the helll out of them.
they are channeling that fear into excitement for palin.
The Sarah Palin obsession continues unabated.
There's NOTHING to worry about!"
A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not why the ship is built.
- Sarah Palin
Huh???
Gawd, we want 8 more years of ignorant babble?
I find it offensive that politi-fact rates this as a "Half-True"
http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/personalities/sarah-palin/
What The F. There is nothing true about her statement, as she did not turn down congress, congress turned her down. Oh, and she kept the cash too!!
That is Pants-On-Fire territory!!!
Boo hoo.
Palin is as corrupt as Biden. She just doesn't have a heart breaking story about a spouse like he does for the American public to lap up as the best drama since Gone With The Wind.
For many, John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for presidential running mate came as a surprise. Political heavyweights such as Mitt Romney or Tim Pawlenty had to stand aside for the little-known Alaska governor with "telegenic" looks.
McCain's choice may not have been predictable but it shows him moving further towards the interests of the industry most concerned about a Republican victory this November - Oil.
US oil firms have given John McCain three times more declared campaign money than to Democratic nominee. Big oil contributions to the Republican Party outweigh oil money to the Democrats by a similar ratio.
Sarah Palin hasn't been in the game long enough to have shown all her political colors but on one key issue she has made herself abundantly clear. Oil drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.
Lanny Davis Jr. writes an WaPo Op-ed on behalf of the great statesman, Joe Lieberman (Warning: Don't eat before reading).
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/29/AR200808...
Without taking away from the substance of the article, I think Cernig needs to run spell-check before he/she publishes.
Noface @ 13:
Cernig's native language is not English.
I don't know....Is it possible she will literally be gone,( off the ticket), within a week or two? It just seems so completely unstable and erratic.
Combine that with the fact that they are gonna use Gustav to short circuit their own convention, (Bush and Cheney aren't even going to show up) and you have one nasty nervous breakdown.
I risk having this post deleted depending on whether or not C&L wants to talk about this yet, but there's also the little matter of whether or not Sarah Palin OR her 16-year old daughter Bristol actually gave birth to Trig, the child with down's syndrome, this year.
Whether or not the Desparate Housewives-style drama is true, Palin should still be called out for (possibly) endangering her child by taking an 8-hour flight, and then a one-hour car ride, to a small clinic in Alaska AFTER her water broke.
Do with this post what you will, mods. Sorry if it's too taboo at this point.
So HOW many houses does that make between the Republican nominees? 10? That's the American Dream.
Meanwhile the Gestapo move in on peace groups like "Seeds of Peace" and other terrorist sounding named groups of young protesters with guns drawn.
Dozens Detained Ahead of Convention
By COLIN MOYNIHAN
Published: August 30, 2008
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On the weekend before the Republican National Convention, law enforcement agencies detained dozens of people and issued a series of search warrants aimed at groups believed to be organizing demonstrations while delegates and Republican officials are in town.
What does it say about the GOP when all it takes to be a paragon of independence and purity is to have opposed blatand graft? And now apparently Palin doesn't even meet that low standard.
McCain-Palin -- Building a bridge to 1500
#16 Aperturius
I hope your post doesn't get deleted as it is a legitimate discussion for us non-campaign folk. On the other hand, I don't think the Obama campaign should get anywhere near it (and I'm guessing they have the good sense to realize it). Let the Enquirer or some of the more tabloid type blogs track down the truth. If her daughter had the baby, it will come out. But calling Palin out for any aspect of the whole affair (down syndrome, opponent's underage daughter) would be political suicide for Obama. His only comments should well wishes for Palin's family and new baby.
Huffington Post has this little gem. No vetting at all by the GOP of Sarah, but not only that, the Republicans are so worried not that 3 days after the VP announcement, they are now in Alaska vetting her.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/31/mccain-camp-didnt-search_n_1228...
The GOP is a joke.
John McPOW is pulling out all the stops because he knows his chances of winning slim and none. He figures he has nothing to lose since the "I didn't even have a kitchen table for 5 1/2 years" has lost its mojo.
New, timely, from the unauthorized McSame Store:
The Bridge to Nowhere!
I think there is PLENTY to go after this woman without bringing a special needs child into this.
Leave the child angle alone. It is low class and common.
So does this mean they (McCain and Palin) own 10+ houses between the two of them? Hurray!
Please keep posting pics/videos with Ted Stevens and Palin together. It'll cement them as Alaska's two most famous (and corrupt) politicians in the minds of Americans.
FG @ 26:
Yes. It's right there emblazoned on their campaign yacht.
The GOP= "TO SERVE for the wrong reasons
TO PROTECT their arses.
abarts @ 25:
Agreed. Leave that kind of stuff to the Republicans, please. No one's baby deserves to be fodder for this kind of thing (though I also wish Palin weren't using him to prop up her opposition to reproductive rights--I admire her for deciding to have that baby, but I despise her for seeking to refuse to allow other women to make that choice for themselves). I'm also not fond of dragging 16-year-olds into such a mess. Even if her daughter did get pregnant, it's really no one else's business (and I don't think that we can justify being intrusive by saying that the Republicans do it too).
BobbyG @ 27:
Hilarious! And an admirably quick use of Photoshop.
FG @ 30:
Thanks. I luves me Photoshop. Getting better with it. Unfathomably feature-rich app (running CS3 suite on an iMac)
Like Darwin's ravings, truth is only a series.
/snark
Post convention, post Party Unity, post Greatest Speech of All Time..... Dead Heat.
CNN, Opinion Research: Obama 49, McCain 48
No worries.
Or is that theory?
abarts @ 25:
The child is not the issue. Was a birth certificate forged here? If so, we are talking jail time. After all that crap about Obama's birth certificate, this is absolutely fair game.
Latest Composite Polls
sled_dog @ 1:
Actually, that info (the real stuff) is here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/us/politics/31reconstruct.html
It says random chance operated in McCain's favor, and he chose wisely.
Well folks, I'm late for breakfast, have a nice day/evening/afternoon, depending on your whereabouts.
Abbia un giorno meraviglioso.
Ciao. .... BB
pennis@33 Oh, it's Cee Enn effin' Enn; I guess it's settled.
Mick Piobr @ 39:
no feed trolls
A series of lies!
This woman reminds me of Congresswoman (cough) Michelle Bachman from MN, the one who attached herself to Bush at the inaugural night speech and wouldn't let go. Still freaks me out.
BB@40 oops!
Once again the media has made the choice not to research or investigate the beverly hillbillies but rahter take Mccain's as gospel. Shocking
BLIZZARD OF LIES
We must have lunch real soon. Your luggage is checked through.
We've got inflation licked. I'll get right back to you.
It's just a standard form. Tomorrow without fail.
Pleased to meet you. Thanks a lot. Your check is in the mail.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Your toes and knees aren't all you'll freeze
When you're in it up to your thighs.
It looks like snow, but you never know
When you're marooned in a blizzard of lies.
You may have won a prize. Won't wrinkle, shrink or peel.
Your secret's safe with me. This is a real good deal.
It's finger lickin' good. Strictly by the book.
What's fair is fair. I'll be right there. I am not a crook.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Better watch your step when your old dog Shep
Can't even look you in the eyes.
You're cold and lost and you're double crossed
When you're marooned in a blizzard of lies.
We'll send someone right out. Now this won't hurt a bit.
He's in a meeting now. The coat's a perfect fit.
It's strictly fresh today. Service with a smile.
I'll love you darling 'till I die. We'll keep your name on file.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart.
And you're in for a big surprise.
When you're marooned, marooned, marooned
marooned, marooned, marooned,
marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
A blizzard of lies.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Written by Dave Frishberg
Dennis @33
Same network that labeled Obama the Antichrist. They are corporate lapdogs doing the bidding of their masters. Nice try though, look forward to some credible and impartial polls from a credible network.
When asked about her and Tubes Stevens relationship (at the 3:00 mark), after having tried to dodge the question by passing it to Stevens first(that's the courage we need in a vice president, pass the buck!), Palin's response sounded like that other beauty queen's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww
Any chance the R's are trying to use Gustav to delay their convention so they can do another round of "vetting" Palin (in response to all the emerging dirt) and replace her if necessary before the convention starts?
dennis @ 33:
Roughly half the country are idiots, Bush's two terms proved that. This poll if accurate supports what many of us already knew.
I still can't believe what I'm reading.
There's a link on that Huffington Post article going to a Times of London article about Ms. Palin. It brings up the baby rumor (which I still don't believe), but it talks about much more. I am having trouble putting hyperlinks into posts, here, so follow that Huffington link in #22 above, go to the comments section, and then find that TimesOnLine article.
That Times article claims that Ms. Palin only recently got a passport; it also reported on Cindy's comment about Alaska being close to Russia as example of Ms. Palin's foreign policy experience.
What are the Europeans going to think about that? I mean, we need so much help in our credibility and moral standing in the world; this just is NOT helping!
Actually, the vetting process was quite simple. A McNounVerbPOW flunky calls her at 3:am and tells her the Republican Party is in a tight spot. Asks her if her record is squeaky clean, and of course, the Republican that she is, lies and says yes. The flunky, being the Republican that he is, believes the lie and tells her she wins. The lying liars are then put into full court press. Tomorrow is another day.
General Jack D. Ripper @ 50:
The same thing they think after we elected Bush to a second term, that we're a bunch of idiots.
The ethical difference between Stevens and Palin, near as I can tell, is:
- He's apparently spent his professional career selling constituents on the idea that the lower 48 exist primarily for the purpose of funneling money to the land of the midnight sun; and
- She doesn't seem to know it's just a story.
General Jack D. Ripper @ 50:
The Republicans have put an end to the American empire and American influence. We are broke, depleted militarily and morally and alienated in the world. The Republicans have kicked America to the ground and essentially opened the door for China to emerge as the world's new superpower.
The was the GOP, not Al-Queda, that brought America to its knees. The enemy within.
motorfingaz @ 9:
The exact quote from Walt Whitman is this:
A ship is safe in the harbor, but what is the purpose of a ship?
Plagiarism anyone?
#16 - Aperturius. Maybe she was hoping that God would do the dirty work.
john,
i wish you had posted the part where she boasts about giving the people alaska back monies taken in from taxes on the oil companies...cuz the money didnt come from there...those monies came from the bridge to nowhere fund that the state never returned
and if she is willing to blatantly lie about something that is so easy to catch as this...what else has she lied about?
i want to see the dna test of her son...i want to see pictures of the delivery...i want to see that little baby popping out of her vagina
♠♠...Bangkok Bob...♠♠ @ 12:
Correction: Pawlenty is a political (and mental) lightweight. His chief duties are vetoing whatever legislation the Tax Payers League wants shut down, letting MNDOT suffer under incompetent management, and saying anything he thought might get him on the ticket.
You know McCain might have something with this Palin girl. It is obvious from these hard hitting speeches and the interview letting Sen Ted Stevens do what he does best (Filabuster). that because of the proximity of Alaska to Russia. palin is very intelligent and smart became a very high quality in the realm of foriegn relations.
Its as plain as day folks. Her PTA is actually in closer proximity to Canada which makes her an ideal diplomat in dealing with or northern unchristian canadian neighbors as we will soon have to do something about.
She will follow Osama Been Laden into a Abortion Clinic if she has to.
Even if her figner nail polish isn't dry yet. She will do it. Ask Sen Ted Stevens what she is capable of doing for us/ him/ them.
can gov palin explain why her husband, who only has an hs education, sits in on legislative sessions?
oh, and how much does he make in his blue collar job for bp? is it commensurate with others in that position?
does he still need to work as a commercial fisherman to make ends meet?
oh, and not only do they own 3 homes...but they own a plane too
there's a great article in the alaska mag where palin shows off a 15 dollar dress that she bought for some function and hubby getting pissed at their eldest daughter for spending 30 bux getting her legs waxed....nice show for the reporter
and what about trig? and why did they name him after a horse?
What is that, 10 houses between McCain and Palin?...
I didn't see Pulon today. Did she have her grandchild with her?
Jindal is saying put. No Bush, No Cheney and now the Muslim Governor is staying away. SMART!
Most of my friends are a bunch of football watching, beer guzzling, junk food eating slobs with no interest in politics. But after those guys got a look at Sarah Palin they decided to register and vote for McCain. The prospect of having a smokin hot Vice President was a temptation too great for those red blooded virile males to resist.
I'm just curious...if Palin has more executive experience that Obama and Biden being they are Senators, wouldn't that mean she has more experience than McCain?? Talk about an argument made ready to lose, thats almost a self imposed ad hominen attack upon the troll making the argument. Half the public will vote for this refuse because they believe it will solve their problems, end Roe v. Wade, and crack some ceiling...
McDuff @ 11:
What the hell is that supposed to mean? You doubt what happened to Biden's first wife? You don't think that's tragic?
Politics aside, have a little compassion........
dennis @ 34:
Why not show all of the polls? It seems they range from Obama +1 to Obama +6... funny I don't see any McCain +'s anywhere...
RCP Average 08/18 - 08/31 -- 47.6 44.2 Obama +3.4
CNN 08/29 - 08/31 927 RV 49 48 Obama +1
Gallup Tracking 08/28 - 08/30 2730 RV 48 42 Obama +6
Rasmussen Tracking 08/28 - 08/30 3000 LV 49 46 Obama +3
Hotline/FD 08/18 - 08/24 1022 RV 44 40 Obama +4
USA Today/Gallup 08/21 - 08/23 765 LV 48 45 Obama +3
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_electi...
For an Alaskan's perspective on the matter of this debacle, check this out:
Worthy of a read.
Palin has probably been able to utilize that health care plan the Gov't provides her and her family.
Palin is a conservative fundamentalist christian right Republican. At least something like that, its hard to keep up with all their word play.
But, As one of those Republicans. She must dislike Gov't and its interference.
So she runs for elected office of public service she doesn't believe should exist?
Well exept until the corporations feel they don't need her and tax payers subsidies, anyways.
I swear I used to see her on Showtime latenight.
lol
dennis @ 34:
Don't believe the polls, they are setting up presidential election fraud #3, this time using using 40 million electronic ballots with no paper trail. McCain can "win" by a hair, but only if the polls are in a dead heat before the election. If Obama was up by 10 they couldn't get away with it.
I hope I'm wrong but it's already happened twice.
The guy you saw her with on showtime. The guy you thought was Leslie Neilson.
That was Mccain............................
Tom in PA @ 69:
But wait... there's more!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-mitchell/2-top-alaska-newspapers-q_b_...
Her Campaign has tried to scrub this one out of existence but unfortunately for them Google cache retains the stories... nothing ever really disappears on the net... except GOP white house e-mails that is.
This one is funny though:
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:wbCGTUeD1r0J:www.gov.state.ak.us/ne...
Governor Palin raised taxes on oil companies.
http://thinkprogress.org/wonkroom/2008/08/30/palin-raised-taxes-on-oil-c...
Governor Palin is against 'the Pill' and the use of condoms.
She seems more suited to play a role as a spunky city politician, on "Desperate Housewives", than to be VP of the USA, like, for real.
53 Ruthless People Says: General Jack D. Ripper @ 50:
….What are the Europeans going to think about that? I mean, we need so much help in our credibility and moral standing in the world; this just is NOT helping!
The same thing they think after we elected Bush to a second term, that we’re a bunch of idiots.
=========================
Just Europe? The USA is not the country we thought it was. That's for sure. Personally, I think you're losing your credibility with non-Americans. The only reason anyone still listens is you've got all the money.
JHR @ 67:
Again with the reading comprehension problems?
Explain how my post raises doubts about Biden's story concerning his wife!
I'll spell it out for you so you won't trip over yourself next time. The public was cheering Biden at the convention, some had tears in their eyes when he told the story about his wife's tragic death, but very few have raised doubts about Biden's involvement with Wall Street and big business.
Then people come on here and harp about how Palin is soooooooo corrupt. Biden's a war monger to boot. You just wait and see.
This is scary folks. The results of recent CNN poll over the weekend:
Is Sarah Palin qualified to serve as president?
Yes: 45%
No: 50%
No opinion: 5%
Do you think John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin reflects favorably or unfavorably on McCain’s ability to make important presidential decisions?
Favorably: 57%
Unfavorably: 40%
No opinion: 2%
We're going to need to get work hard to get Obama elected.
Ali @ 80:
unfxxking believable.....i can't believe people
Andrew Halcro, who has some experience with Palin, indicates the arrival of a vetting crew to Wasilla..."cleaners"?
http://www.andrewhalcro.com/vetting_the_veep_post_announcement
He also claims that in regard to the "Bridge to Nowhere",
"In fact the state kept the money, planning to use it on other transportation projects."
That's takes some balls if it was federal money, especially when a "special rebate" of $1200 was recently provided to the rough and tumble citizens of AK by their Gov.
bill maher was right in what he said about edwards ... the republicans continue to embrace indicted members of their party and democrats cut members lose because republicans tell them to.
to a compulsive liar, it just gets so easy they can't stop.
heck, at this point, she's been able to get away with it so long and had so little scrutiny she didn't mind firing people who worked for her and didn't vote for her. why wouldn't she? the law was written so she could dump whomever she wanted for whatever reason she wanted from her KINGDOM.
Hello to all the TownHall bloggers following us Kossacks around, by the way. That certain diarist must be right about the shotgun wedding type name and car accident in front of the maternity clinic.
Could a person say that Sarah Palin voted FOR the bridge before she voted AGAINST it?
McDuff, link please?
constituent @ 81:
i didn't see that poll up just now ... and msnbc has a story up "john mccain's complex family of warriors."
instead of their stench being concentrated at their convention, the republicans are going to "voluntarily" scaling back their convention because of "concern" for those in the wake of the hurricane.
at this point i'm no longer in a boil about this ... i'm voting for obama, i'm putting up my yard sign, but if mccain gets elected so be it -- this country will finally get what it deserves for allowing the religious right to take control of the discourse and the government.
Good ol' Ted Stevens, was still at it.
Proposing continued use of carbon pollution. Hey you corrupt bastard
did ya' get a coal company agree to make your summer home a high rise.
By the way how is your 300 million bridge to "NOWHERE" doing
you corrupt bastard.
I mean the internet is full of stories about how this unknown woman. She and her husband it seems are both sales clerks for the big oil thugs.
It is a blessing that it seems American women are not going to be fooled by this one and that is for sure.
She seems to be hated more and more as the days go by.
She didn't want the bridge, just the dollars.