One more reason not to trust Wikipedia

Evidently, someone edited the page to show that Rush Limbaugh died last night.

Shortly after the news broke that the conservative political radio talk show host was hospitalized, Wikipedia updated his page – and pronounced him dead.

Folks (like us) who happened to take a look at Limbaugh’s biography, saw this:

Rush Hudson Limbaugh III (pronounced /ˈlɪmbɔː/;born January 12, 1951, died December 30, 2009) is an American radio host and conservative political commentator. He is the host of The Rush Limbaugh Show, the highest-rated talk-radio program in the United States. It airs throughout the U.S. on Premiere Radio Networks.

Happy New Year!

And with that out of the way, here is a Scripture verse to ponder:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Update on Limbaugh's condition

I heard today from Rush Limbaugh's website that he is resting comfortably in the hospital and is well on his way to making a full recovery. Like many people, I was alarmed by the news I heard yesterday, however, my fears have been quickly alleviated. Get well soon, Rush. We need you more than ever in this fight.

Rush Limbaugh hospitalized

I just heard from Team Sarah blogger Sarah fan that Rush Limbaugh has just been hospitalized for chest pains. Let us all hope and pray that his condition improves quickly and that this incident is not serious.

GOP Attorney Generals gear up for fight

It seems that the Republicans on the state level are not letting the unconstitutional bribing of Democrat Senator Ben Nelson go unchallenged. I like what the Attorney General from South Carolina, Henry McMaster, called it, a "Cornhusker Kickback". Because that's just what it is-a kickback for towing the party line-just like the whole bill itself is a kickback to Democrat voters. But that said, I think the odds of us prevailing over this bad piece of legislation aptly titled ObamaCare just went up.

Memo to NPR: Palin will run for President in 2012

I was perusing the web, and silently browsing for information concerning the daily news when I happened onto this NPR article that supposedly answers "the Top 10 Political Questions of 2009". This question in particular is of interest:

Question No. 7: Will Sarah Palin go back to Alaska and tackle its thorny problems as governor or pursue a career as a national media figure? Answer: All too obvious. Palin resigned as governor in midsummer and mounted a national tour as co-author of a tell-and-tease autobiography trashing the campaign staff of her ticketmate John McCain. We expect to see a lot of her on TV and in the blogosphere in months to come. And she will campaign for other Republicans around the country in 2010. But don't bank on her being in Iowa and New Hampshire in 2011. She will flirt with another national campaign, but the downside of a poor showing would be too steep. She will opt for the spotlight but not the hot seat.

Given that NPR is one of the most preeminent sources of news that abides in this nation, concerned citizens should take them at their word when they authoritatively make bold proclamations about Sarah Palin's political future. Indeed, whenever has a mainstream media outlet been wrong when predicting her ultimate fate?

All sarcasm aside though, I have to laugh quietly to myself when reading this nonsense. Governor Palin has surprised everyone (including myself, I must admit) in demonstrating utter resiliency against the torrent of lies that threatened to destroy her. The very same people who say she has no chance at ever being elected for office down the road were the same people all to happy to pronounce her finished off when she resigned. Of course, the rest is history.

So I'll make a bet with NPR that not only will she run for President in 2012 (and win at least the GOP nomination), she will also announce her candidacy after the Republicans make significant gains in both the House and Senate next year. Time will tell who's right, but remember, with my credibility at stake, I always make sure to have a winning hand.

Pray for the family of Major Philip Wise

Two days ago on Christmas eve, Major Philip Wise, accompanied by his three children, returned to a Salvation Army community center to get his wife and head on over to his mom's house for Christmas. However, when Mr. Wise arrived he was attacked by two men who demanded money before shooting and killing him. His wife, Major Cindy Wise, who was present in the building at the time, called 911, but it was too late.

To anyone who may happen to read this, please remember this family in your thoughts and prayers. Loss of material possessions can always be mended, but a good husband and father is irreplaceable. May God watch over and protect them.

Governor Sarah Palin: Merry Christmas!

Latest Facebook note:

Merry Christmas!
Yesterday at 3:15pm

Todd and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! The Palin family is blessed to all be together among family and friends this Holiday – and that is one of the greatest gifts of all. But while this is a beautiful time of the year for families and friends around the world, we recognize that it is a difficult time of the year for so many others – especially this year. May we remember all those who are lonely or in need on this blessed night, and please join us in saying a special prayer for those away from their loved ones in the service of a grateful nation. May God bless you all and continue to bless our great country.

- Sarah Palin

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas!

I wish to bid our everyone a Merry Christmas, not only to all the Great Americans who work hard day in and day out to make our country the best in the world, but to all the brave men and women overseas who daily sacrifice so that we can be safe here at home. And on that note, have a Happy New Year, and may better things yet come.

Avatar contains hidden messages? No kidding!

I recently saw this article on Yahoo!'s front page and had to laugh. Hidden messages? I was thinking of another word, something more along the lines of overt. Come on, this glaring example serves as one of the better reasons why you simply can't trust the media to do its job anymore. There was nothing covert about Avatar's message. Its anti-war, environmentalist, and pagan propaganda was front and center for everyone to see. In fact, Cameron's thoroughly patronizing tone caused me to despise the film, and I've urged others not to see it-a first for his movies. That being said, I won't rehash my review, but I thought this understatement of the evening deserved a mention.

Sarah Palin defends herself from critcism

Sarah Palin's most recent Facebook note:

Midnight Votes, Backroom Deals, and a Death Panel
Yesterday at 7:52pm

Last weekend while you were preparing for the holidays with your family, Harry Reid’s Senate was making shady backroom deals to ram through the Democrat health care take-over. The Senate ended debate on this bill without even reading it. That and midnight weekend votes seem to be standard operating procedures in D.C. No one is certain of what’s in the bill, but Senator Jim DeMint spotted one shocking revelation regarding the section in the bill describing the Independent Medicare Advisory Board (now called the Independent Payment Advisory Board), which is a panel of bureaucrats charged with cutting health care costs on the backs of patients – also known as rationing. Apparently Reid and friends have changed the rules of the Senate so that the section of the bill dealing with this board can’t be repealed or amended without a 2/3 supermajority vote. Senator DeMint said:

“This is a rule change. It’s a pretty big deal. We will be passing a new law and at the same time creating a senate rule that makes it out of order to amend or even repeal the law. I’m not even sure that it’s constitutional, but if it is, it most certainly is a senate rule. I don’t see why the majority party wouldn’t put this in every bill. If you like your law, you most certainly would want it to have force for future senates. I mean, we want to bind future congresses. This goes to the fundamental purpose of senate rules: to prevent a tyrannical majority from trampling the rights of the minority or of future congresses.”

In other words, Democrats are protecting this rationing “death panel” from future change with a procedural hurdle. You have to ask why they’re so concerned about protecting this particular provision. Could it be because bureaucratic rationing is one important way Democrats want to “bend the cost curve” and keep health care spending down?

The Congressional Budget Office seems to think that such rationing has something to do with cost. In a letter to Harry Reid last week, CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf noted (with a number of caveats) that the bill’s calculations call for a reduction in Medicare’s spending rate by about 2 percent in the next two decades, but then he writes the kicker:

“It is unclear whether such a reduction in the growth rate could be achieved, and if so, whether it would be accomplished through greater efficiencies in the delivery of health care or would reduce access to care or diminish the quality of care.”

Though Nancy Pelosi and friends have tried to call “death panels” the “lie of the year,” this type of rationing – what the CBO calls “reduc[ed] access to care” and “diminish[ed] quality of care” – is precisely what I meant when I used that metaphor.

This health care bill is one of the most far-reaching and expensive expansions of the role of government into our lives. We’re talking about putting one-seventh of our economy under the government’s thumb. We’re also talking about something as intimate to our personal well-being as medical care.

This bill is so unpopular that people on the right and the left hate it. So why go through with it? The Senate is planning to vote on this on Christmas Eve. Why the rush? Though we will begin paying for this bill immediately, we will see no benefits for years. (That’s the trick that allowed the CBO to state that the bill won’t grow the deficit for the next ten years.)

The administration’s promises of transparency and bipartisanship have been broken one by one. This entire process has been defined by midnight votes on weekends, closed-door meetings with industry lobbyists, and payoffs to politicians willing to sell their principles for sweetheart deals. Is it any wonder that Americans are so disillusioned with their leaders in Washington?

This is about politics, not health care. Americans don’t want this bill. Americans don’t like this bill. Washington has stopped listening to us. But we’re paying attention, and 2010 is coming.

- Sarah Palin

What goes around comes around-especially for those bloggers with PDS

I have recently been made aware that a certain blogger and photographer were banned from Sarah Palin's Wasilla book signing. Of course, they did not buy any books and get in line like everyone else, but they tried to present themselves as part of the "press". They are not part of the press. They are from the school of tabloid journalism, and rightly received the treatment they deserved.

There is an old saying-what goes around comes around. I guess this time things came around for those two.

Update: I'm not going to mention any names, but I think most people can figure out who the bloggers are that I refer to.

Obama at 56% disapproval rating

From a Rasmussen poll via the Drudge Report, Obama has reached a 56% disapproval rating. What's even more interesting is that 55% don't want ObamaCare passed.

Democrats can't blame the GOP for their indecisiveness

The Democrats as of late have been unable to agree on ObamaCare, so what do they do? They blame the Republicans for holding things up, despite the former having overwhelming majorities in both houses of Congress. This seems to be the Dems new MO- put responsibility for their failures, their incompetence, on the GOP.

This once worked, but not now. The people are are on their A-game, and won't let the statists in Congress pull the wool over their eyes for the umpteenth time. The Democrats may succeed in ramming this bill down an unwelcome citizenry's collective throats, but they will own it.

Palin visor flap? No big deal, says McCain

It seems the press have made such a big deal about a particular visor Sarah Palin was wearing on her little family vacation to Hawaii. Naturally, the paparazzi would not leave the Governor alone, and decided to invade her privacy, obtaining photographs of her spending some quality time with her children and husband. While it was nice to finally get to see them have some time off, the sensationalist media simply could not leave them alone, and as such the Palins were forced to cut their vacation short. I haven't said much about this because I respect their privacy, however, I think Senator McCain's remarks regarding something that occurred in relation to this Hawaii vacation bears repeating.

Sarah Palin, while over there on our island state had blacked out the lettering on a McCain campaign visor, one evidently she kept from last year's election. While what she blotted out was only visible on extreme close-ups on a few photographs, a few in the media made an issue of it. Palin quickly responded, saying she wished to remain "incognito", but had failed to elude the paparazzi. The whole ordeal quickly died in the lamestream media, however, Senator McCain was asked about his thoughts on the issue on Fox News Sunday, and he expressed understanding of the steps she had to take to retain her privacy.

I haven't agreed with John McCain on everything, but its good to see he does stick up for his running mate in his public appearances. At the very least, it is the honorable thing to do.

Avatar review

I'm doing something different today. I'm going to review Avatar.

I saw the movie Friday night on a 2-D screen. I've heard many accolades from reviewers about how great the move looks in 3-D, but alas, I had to make to do with what was available. So my review will be based on how it looks when played on a normal screen, just like any other movie.

That being said though, I can sum up the plot like this: evil human corporate clichés land on a pristine, unspoiled moon where they want to mine the "MacGuffin mineral" on the giant blue cat people's home, so the corrupt bosses use a marine-controlled alien to negotiate a truce that falls through, of course, and then the marine goes native, joins the indigenous residents in a fight to drive those destroyers of the environment, the wicked humans, off the jungle world. Then in a scene after the credits, Algore shows up to befriend the peaceful aliens, but unfortunately, a blizzard follows in his wake and kills everyone under a mountain of snow.

I made the last part up, but the the truth is that the whole plot of Avatar can be distilled into a single sentence. Whatever may resemble originality in storytelling nowadays does not exist in this piece of cinema. I don't speak as a professional film critic. I speak as one who goes and sees a movie every once in a while, expecting to be entertained, not preached at. Disaster movies are OK. The Day After Tomorrow was not. Sci-fi action movies set are OK. Avatar is not.

As I said before, I don't like being preached to at the local movie house, and thus if I read in early reviews that a particular film simply condescends to its audience and espouses basic liberal propaganda, I generally avoid it. I made an exception for Avatar. Why? Because James Cameron made this film. You know the guy who directed Terminator, Aliens, T2, and True Lies? Don't bring up Titanic, a fictional romance disguised as a flick about a historical tragedy. It was Twilight on steroids, and its success an oddity of nature. (Though not the most successful worldwide when you take into account inflation, as I think Star Wars still holds the top spot).

It's fairly obvious I really didn't enjoy Cameron's last motion picture, but otherwise I have enjoyed the ones previously mentioned, for they were genuinely good action films, and hold up well today. I don't think they were masterpieces of storytelling, but they were good solid entertainment for two hours, and in T2's case a riveting spectacle (One that didn't require 3-D glasses).

Given all that, I came into the theatre with an open mind, and was willing to judge Avatar for what I saw on the screen, despite my fears. However, these fears were slowly realized over the course of the nearly 3 hour period I sat there, listening to such typical anti-Bush dialogue coming from the caricaturized military leader who spouts off lines with words like "preemptive strike", "fight terror with terror", and "shock and awe". Really? James Cameron actually let this anti-Bush diatribe pass as dialogue? Well, if letting George Soros write the script wasn't bad enough, apparently someone let Gore help out.

You see, the natives of this planet live in peace and harmony with their world, which by the way, is not just a simple moon, but is actually a living organism unto itself, with the trees and bushes and grass all being part of a synaptic network that forms some sort sentient being that the giant blue cat people worship as the "mother goddess". Ah, the perfect environmentalists worshipping the perfect nature deity. That's what all the tree huggers want in the end, right? But I digress. Of course this whole display of pagan rituals is fine within the context of the movie, as the aliens are nothing more than virtual avatars of the American Indians (pun intended), but when a literal "dues ex machina" happens near the end, it simply lowers my opinion of Avatar considerably. Cameron doesn't need to rely on cheap tricks like that.

Now most people would say (if they happen to read to this point in this extremely long rant) that yes, the story is a weak trope and that the characters are shallow clichés, however, Avatar is a spectacle, a visual feast, something that we only see once in a decade. To that I say this: Jurassic Park's special effects looked better than Avatar's. The latter had great SFX, and it may be an entirely unique experience when viewed in 3-D, but when it came time to fully immerse me in a foreign universe, only JP could fully succeed. I have a rule when watching a movie that is heavily reliant on CG-don't ever let me believe for an instant that what I am seeing on the screen isn't real. Only a few films have done that, but Avatar wasn't one of them.

In closing, and I know this has been said before by people, but it must be restated that Avatar takes the CG-heavy style of the Star Wars prequels, blends it with the politics of The Day After Tomorrow, than stirs in Dances with Wolves plot. The result is a cinematic abomination that results in an hour-too-long, heavy-handed film with a beaten-to-death plotline and unrealistic characters and run-of- the-mill visual effects. I won't be seeing it again, and won't advise anyone else to see it. I don't support statist propaganda, period.

P.S.

To those who may be wondering why I use the term “run-of-the-mill” when describing Avatar’s special effects, watch District 9. That little gem, on only a tenth of the budget of Cameron’s most recent endeavor, possesses not only vastly superior special effects (especially when it comes to the insect-aliens, they look flawless), but a far superior story. I might also add, it wasn't over hyped to death, either. I recommend it highly.

Sarah Palin's last stop on her book tour: Wasilla!

Sarah Palin will be signing copes if Going Rogue on December 22 in Wasilla, Alaska, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Now isn't this a fitting way to end her wildly successful book tour? She pays homage to the very people who represent the core of our nation, those residing in small towns, and she honors her hometown, which has given her so much, and where she began a remarkable career in public service. I must say this, the Govenor truly is a class act and in a league of her own.

Sarah Palin no longer speaking at fundraiser, but will still raise money for charity

Sarah Palin has been unceremoniously removed as a speaker for a fundraiser for the Jaravinski Cancer Center and St. Peter’s Hospital, where she would have raised a considerable sum of money for both institutions. However, due to the complaints of around 60 people (which of course represents a sizable percentage of Canada's population), they have decided not to hold the fundraiser.

I guess that's just too bad for them. Sarah Palin could have raised money that could have helped people who were in genuine need of treatment, however, she will not let this incident stop her from assisting others. Apparently, local businessmen have arranged a speaking engagement where she would raise money for Charity of Hope, a group that works with helping children. Now that's the way you turn lemons into lemonade.

Sarah Palin writes a letter to the editor

Governor Palin's most recent Facebook note:

My Letter to the Washington Post
Today at 1:41pm

Letter to the Editor
Washington Post
Thursday, December 17, 2009

I’d like to thank Eugene Robinson for highlighting Alaska’s achievements on climate change [“Palin’s own ‘Climate- gate,’” op-ed, Dec. 15] and for noting that I’ve “treated the issue as serious, complex, and worthy of urgent attention,” while making “any number of pragmatic, reasonable, smart decisions as governor.” But he’s wrong to suggest that my views have somehow changed or that now I’ll have to “renounce” my past efforts.

Once again: I don’t deny that climate change is real. In creating a sub-cabinet to deal specifically with the issue, I said that “Alaska’s climate change strategy must be built on sound science and the best available facts and must recognize Alaska’s interest in economic growth and the development of its resources.” That goal made sense to me then, and it makes sense to me now.

Mr. Robinson tries to make hay out of the fact that I asked the group to advise me regarding opportunities to participate in “carbon-trading markets.” But considering voluntary participation in carbon-trading programs is much different from endorsing the economically disastrous cap-and-tax proposals put forward by Democrats in Washington. Those proposals will burden our job creators and raise energy prices for all of us, and that’s why I oppose them.

As governor of Alaska, I sought common-sense solutions that took real-world costs and benefits into account. That’s what I’m looking for now. But that’s not what’s on the table in Washington or in Copenhagen.

Sarah Palin, Wasilla, Alaska

The writer, governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009, was the 2008 Republican nominee for vice president.

Why didn't Sarah Palin appear with Glenn Beck? Is there some bad blood between them?

In the blog post, "Beck Fears Palin?", Phyllis from Team Sarah brought up what might be considered some inappropriate commentary from the talk show host regarding Palin. In a comment, I made note of the fact that Governor Palin did not appear on Glenn Beck's afternoon show, or even his radio show, despite her doing so in the past. I found it to be "interesting". Personally, I don't think there is any sort of fued between the two, but they seem to be keeping their distance. Nevertheless, I have an idea as to why they may not be on such amicable terms as they used to.

On August 26, in one of her Facebook notes, Sarah Palin gave a shout-out to Glenn Beck, urging her readers to watch his FOX show. He is the only talk show host she has done this for. However, a few weeks later, Glenn Beck went on with Katie Couric of all people and claimed that not only would he probably have voted for Hillary Clinton over Senator McCain, but went on to say Barack Obama would have been better for the country than John McCain.

Those are strong words, and would most likely have been something Sarah Palin would have taken umbrage to, given she ran on the same ticket as Mr. McCain. So any slight aimed at him could naturally be a seen as a slight against her. Beck's basically saying there was a very good possibility he wouldn't have voted for Palin, and if I were in her shows, I definitely wouldn't be happy about it. This incident could very well be the reason she hasn't been seen on his TV program recently.


So I ask this question to everyone who reads this post: Why didn't Sarah Palin go on one of Mr. Beck's radio or TV programs? Any input would be welcome.

Sarah Palin: Happy Hanukkah

Sarah Palin in her latest Facebook note:

Happy Hanukkah

Today at 8:19pm

Todd and I would like to offer our best wishes to the Jewish community as they celebrate Hanukkah. Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah commemorates the eight-day miracle that took place when the Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated. Though there was only enough consecrated oil for one day, the flame miraculously burned for eight – just long enough to prepare more. This beautiful story is rich with life lessons for members of all faiths. With hope and dedication nothing is impossible, and the Almighty never abandons those who seek the light.

- Sarah Palin

“Trace the universe back to God’s power, and follow His power upstream to His wisdom.” - Max Lucado

Sarah Palin takes on Schwarzenegger

In one of her recent Facebook notes, Sarah Palin has this to say on Facebook:

Greener Than Thou?

Today at 6:36pm

Why is Governor Schwarzenegger pushing for the same sorts of policies in Copenhagen that have helped drive his state into record deficits and unemployment? Perhaps he will recall that I live in our nation’s only Arctic state and that I was among the first governors to create a sub-cabinet to deal specifically with climate change. While I and all Alaskans witness the impacts of changes in weather patterns firsthand, I have repeatedly said that we can’t primarily blame man’s activities for those changes. And while I did look for practical responses to those changes, what I didn’t do was hamstring Alaska’s job creators with burdensome regulations so that I could act “greener than thou” when talking to reporters.

- Sarah Palin

Sort of speaks for itself.

61% of Americans oppose ObamaCare

A recent CNN poll found that 61% of Americans oppose ObamaCare. Hmm..., I wonder why? Now I am not the only one saying this, but how could the Palin factor have figured into this? Ever since she went and told the truth about the "death panels" in the bill it has been all downhill for Obama. Just food for thought.

Sarah Palin's Facebook updates

Sarah Palin has more photos of her book tour on one of her recent Facebook posts. I recommend checking them out, as the pictures speak far louder than my words.

Also, see what Sarah Palin had to say about her appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. It looks like she had a blast, and I if might say so myself, she did a terrific job. There are more photos I can't post here, but they are also worth seeing, especially those of the Wounded Warriors.

Stephen King buys the troops a ticket home

Stephen King, in an act of great generosity, has decided to help pay for the transportation of 150 of our brave men and women in uniform, from Indiana to Maine, so that they can come back home for Christmas. These troops will eventually be leaving for Afghanistan, and that makes this Christmas all the more special, as it could be the last one they have with family.

I don't agree with everything Stephen King has said about politics, much less the positions he has articulated over the years, but this action deserves commendation. Thank you for what you have done here, Stephen King. It's nice to see one celebrity make a little bit of sacrifice for those who protect our freedoms.

"Going Rogue", soon to be released for the Kindle

If you own an Amazon Kindle, then this is for you. Sarah Palin's Going Rogue will be released on the E-book device on December 24, a day before Christmas. I don't own a Kindle (I still read the old-fashioned way), but this will extend the ubiquity of Palin's tome into all formats, printed and eletronic, and comes as a welcome bit of information. So Kindle users, treat yourself to an early Christmas present and support Governor Palin by buying her new book in this new format. You won't be disappointed.

Phil Crone: "Do Not Count Sarah Palin Out for 2012"

Phil Crone, an Obama supporter, has an interesting piece on how Democrats should not underestimate a Sarah Palin Presidential candidacy. It is will worth the read, and it seems more and more people on the left are beginning to realize that Governor Palin is not a mere "entertainer", but a serious political foe with which they have to deal. Now, if we can only get the RINOs to think likewise...

Who can't understand Sarah Palin's popularity?

Lee Benson and I have one thing in common-we both don't understand the BCS. I mean, why can't things just go back to the way they were? No playoffs, fewer bowls, Michigan triumphing over Ohio State on a regular basis, that sort of stuff. Oh well, I guess progress eventually takes over even in the world of college football, where tradition is everything.

However, the one thing we don't have in common is a shared view of Governor Palin. And yes, I use her proper title, "Governor", because I know how angry the liberals get when she is referred to as such. That aside, the good Mr. Benson seems baffled as to why Sarah Palin is so popular amongst the right. He thinks the only claim to fame Sarah Palin has is that she looks like Tina Fey. (Which is something that one would know to be blantly false if you ever saw the Governor up close. But I digress.)

Being in a good spirit myself, I thought I might share my opinion as to why Palin continues to draw such huge and adoring crowds. In fact, the reason is quite simple. Sarah Palin is the leader of the conservative movement in this country right now, and most people identify themselves as conservatives. So what the people want is to simply meet their leader. She is not an entertainer, as I once told a CNN reporter in Grand Rapids.

I hope that settles the issue for you, Lee Benson. I could go over this in greater depth, but I'll let you digest this little morsel for now and see if you can handle it.

Mike Gravel says Sarah Palin will run for President

Sarah Palin is running for President, and no, this time it is not just me saying it. Mike Gravel, a former Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator from Alaska, predicts that Governor Palin will indeed run for President, and will "surprise" many people, perhaps being extremely effective in a campaign.

Now this is old news for most supporters for Sarah Palin, who not only want her to run for President, but practically know that she will. How can she ignore the call of the people? I was there when the crowds in Grand Rapids chanted "Sarah, Sarah!" This is not some slavish group of fans who are hoping just to meet their idol. These people wanted the once in a lifetime chance to talk to the one woman who is redefining the American political landscape. This book tour is only the beginning of something much bigger.

How is Palin reshaping U.S. politics? She outlines her plan for commonsense conservatism in her book, Going Rogue: energy independence, tax cuts, lower spending, and a strong national defense. Empower people to live their own lives the way they feel best. Let them take control of their own destiny. That is essential to the conservative message Sarah Palin espouses.

Governor Palin doesn't need the Presidency to preach conservatism to the people. Yet I and others feel she is the right person for the job, the job of setting this nation back on track, away from its destructive course of statism.

Will Sarah Palin heed the people's call? I just don't think she will; I know she will.

Last leg of Sarah Palin's book tour

Home to Alaska

Today at 11:53am

This book tour has been an amazing and inspirational experience for me and my family as we crisscrossed the country and met so many wonderful Americans. At nearly every stop we met someone with a connection to Alaska – usually through the military from being stationed at one of Alaska’s bases. With that in mind, we’ve decided to hold the final book signings at Alaska's Elmendorf and Eielson AFBs. Hope to see you there!

- Sarah Palin



Sunday, December 13, 2009

Elmendorf AFB
Joint Military Mall
5800 Westover Avenue
Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506
12:00 - 3:00 PM

Eielson AFB
AAFES
451 Broadway Avenue
Building 3338
Eielson AFB, AK 99702
6:30 - 9:30 PM

Sarah Palin's jacket going to auction

Ingraham’s Auction to Benefit Our Military

Today at 8:19am

It’s a privilege to participate in the auction Laura Ingraham is organizing to help our men and women in uniform. Laura asked if I would donate the jacket I wore on the cover of my book, “Going Rogue.” I can’t think of a better cause, and it’s especially fitting because the book is dedicated to patriots and in particular to our women and men in uniform.

All the proceeds from the auction go to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and The Fisher House (please click the links for more information about these wonderful organizations).

Our military and their families sacrifice so much to protect us. That sacrifice was so evident at our visit to the Walter Reed Hospital on Sunday. It was deeply moving and inspirational to hear our recovering troops’ stories and to see their patriotism reflected so vividly in their willingness to serve a cause greater than themselves.

Please join Laura in helping these brave and selfless Americans and their families. You can participate in the auction by visiting Laura’s website here.

- Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin discusses Climategate in a Washington Post op-ed

Here is her op-ed, now released via her Facebook page:

The Washington Post Op-ed and Response to Climate Change and Gravity
Today at 2:34pm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copenhagen’s political science

The Washington Post
By Sarah Palin
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

With the publication of damaging e-mails from a climate research center in Britain, the radical environmental movement appears to face a tipping point. The revelation of appalling actions by so-called climate change experts allows the American public to finally understand the concerns so many of us have articulated on this issue.

“Climate-gate,” as the e-mails and other documents from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia have become known, exposes a highly politicized scientific circle -- the same circle whose work underlies efforts at the Copenhagen climate change conference. The agenda-driven policies being pushed in Copenhagen won’t change the weather, but they would change our economy for the worse.

The e-mails reveal that leading climate “experts” deliberately destroyed records, manipulated data to “hide the decline” in global temperatures, and tried to silence their critics by preventing them from publishing in peer-reviewed journals. What’s more, the documents show that there was no real consensus even within the CRU crowd. Some scientists had strong doubts about the accuracy of estimates of temperatures from centuries ago, estimates used to back claims that more recent temperatures are rising at an alarming rate.

This scandal obviously calls into question the proposals being pushed in Copenhagen. I’ve always believed that policy should be based on sound science, not politics. As governor of Alaska, I took a stand against politicized science when I sued the federal government over its decision to list the polar bear as an endangered species despite the fact that the polar bear population had more than doubled. I got clobbered for my actions by radical environmentalists nationwide, but I stood by my view that adding a healthy species to the endangered list under the guise of “climate change impacts” was an abuse of the Endangered Species Act. This would have irreversibly hurt both Alaska’s economy and the nation’s, while also reducing opportunities for responsible development.

Our representatives in Copenhagen should remember that good environmental policymaking is about weighing real-world costs and benefits -- not pursuing a political agenda. That’s not to say I deny the reality of some changes in climate -- far from it. I saw the impact of changing weather patterns firsthand while serving as governor of our only Arctic state. I was one of the first governors to create a subcabinet to deal specifically with the issue and to recommend common-sense policies to respond to the coastal erosion, thawing permafrost and retreating sea ice that affect Alaska’s communities and infrastructure.

But while we recognize the occurrence of these natural, cyclical environmental trends, we can’t say with assurance that man’s activities cause weather changes. We can say, however, that any potential benefits of proposed emissions reduction policies are far outweighed by their economic costs. And those costs are real. Unlike the proposals China and India offered prior to Copenhagen -- which actually allow them to increase their emissions -- President Obama’s proposal calls for serious cuts in our own long-term carbon emissions. Meeting such targets would require Congress to pass its cap-and-tax plans, which will result in job losses and higher energy costs (as Obama admitted during the campaign). That’s not exactly what most Americans are hoping for these days. And as public opposition continues to stall Congress’s cap-and-tax legislation, Environmental Protection Agency bureaucrats plan to regulate carbon emissions themselves, doing an end run around the American people.

In fact, we’re not the only nation whose people are questioning climate change schemes. In the European Union, energy prices skyrocketed after it began a cap-and-tax program. Meanwhile, Australia’s Parliament recently defeated a cap-and-tax bill. Surely other nations will follow suit, particularly as the climate e-mail scandal continues to unfold.

In his inaugural address, President Obama declared his intention to “restore science to its rightful place.” But instead of staying home from Copenhagen and sending a message that the United States will not be a party to fraudulent scientific practices, the president has upped the ante. He plans to fly in at the climax of the conference in hopes of sealing a “deal.” Whatever deal he gets, it will be no deal for the American people. What Obama really hopes to bring home from Copenhagen is more pressure to pass the Democrats’ cap-and-tax proposal. This is a political move. The last thing America needs is misguided legislation that will raise taxes and cost jobs -- particularly when the push for such legislation rests on agenda-driven science.

Without trustworthy science and with so much at stake, Americans should be wary about what comes out of this politicized conference. The president should boycott Copenhagen.

_______________________________________________________________________


Steven Hayward has a great article in The Weekly Standard on the Climategate scandal. Be sure to check it out.

The response to my op-ed by global warming alarmists has been interesting. Former Vice President Al Gore has called me a “denier” and informs us that climate change is “a principle in physics. It’s like gravity. It exists.”

Perhaps he’s right. Climate change is like gravity – a naturally occurring phenomenon that existed long before, and will exist long after, any governmental attempts to affect it.

However, he’s wrong in calling me a “denier.” As I noted in my op-ed above and in my original Facebook post on Climategate, I have never denied the existence of climate change. I just don’t think we can primarily blame man’s activities for the earth’s cyclical weather changes.

Former Vice President Gore also claimed today that the scientific community has worked on this issue for 20 years, and therefore it is settled science. Well, the Climategate scandal involves the leading experts in this field, and if Climategate is proof of the larger method used over the past 20 years, then Vice President Gore seriously needs to consider that their findings are flawed, falsified, or inconclusive.

Vice President Gore, the Climategate scandal exists. You might even say that it’s sort of like gravity: you simply can’t deny it.

- Sarah Palin

Lamestream media surprised at recent polls

The drive-by media is completely surprised that the gap in the polls between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama has shrunk to a measly 1%. Nevertheless, there are quite a few of us who think that this reversal of fortunes is not only to be expected, but is simply the beginning of a pretty big trend. Sarah Palin is only getting more popular by the day, while more and more people see the failure of Barack Obama's policies. 2012, here we come.

Sarah Palin: Drill, Baby, Drill... Even Off-Shore

Sarah Palin, in this recent Facebook note, commends a decision to explore off-shore drilling:

Drill, Baby, Drill... Even Off-Shore

Yesterday at 7:01pm

I commend Interior Secretary Salazar’s decision today to conditionally approve drilling at three exploratory wells in the Chukchi Sea off the northwest coast of Alaska; it’s a decision that’s been a long time coming. The area north of the Arctic Circle contains some of the world’s richest oil and gas reserves. U.S. Geological Survey researchers estimate that it contains 1.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 83 billion barrels of undiscovered oil.

The international community recognizes the potential of Arctic off-shore drilling; it’s about time our government allowed us to compete with them by developing these rich reserves in an environmentally responsible way. As I said last April in my testimony before the Secretary during a federal hearing in Anchorage, “Alaska’s oil and gas resources can and should be a major part of the implementation of any creditable energy plan for our nation. Alaska has proven that these resources can be developed safely, but Arctic exploration and development is a slow, demanding process. Delays or major restrictions in accessing these resources for environmentally responsible development are not in the national interest or the interests of the State of Alaska.”

As an Alaskan and an American, I am very grateful for the decision today because it is a step in the right direction toward prosperity for Alaska and energy independence and security for America.

- Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin's speaks about Pearl Harbor Day

Reflection on Pearl Harbor

Yesterday at 2:32pm


On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on the U. S. Naval Station at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in which thousands of Americans lost their lives and our naval fleet was severely damaged. The events of that day, which President Franklin Roosevelt vowed would “live in infamy,” proved for many Americans that aggressors would not simply ignore us if we ignored them. The attack on Pearl Harbor launched America into the Second World War, and our Greatest Generation did not hesitate when asked to sacrifice for their country. American men enlisted in droves, American women went to work in the factories that became our “Arsenal of Democracy,” and many Americans gave what little money they had to buy the war bonds that funded it all. They stormed the beaches at Normandy and fought on little known islands in the Pacific in the name of liberty. They don’t ask for our thanks, but I hope we will continue to give it because the sacrifice that began at Pearl Harbor is one of the many events that have defined the United States of America as “the last best hope of man on earth.”

- Sarah Palin

Liberals can't throw tomatoes

Some man threw a couple of tomatoes at Sarah Palin, but failed spectacularly, only hitting a cop. Bad move on his part, as now he has been arrested for assault.

However, this is a serious matter. What if this had not been some punk with a grudge against Governor Palin, but a deranged lunatic who was intent on causing actual harm? Personally, I think she needs tighter security. For all intents and purposes she might as well be a Presidential candidate, considering the crowds she draws. It's time she got the protection afforded to one.

Remember our troops

Today is Pearl Harbor Day. I'm not going give a history lesson on the second-worst attack on American soil by a foreign aggressor; but I want all of us to simply take the time to pray and think of our troops overseas. Our brave men and women in uniform daily protect this bountiful land from a savage enemy that would stop at nothing to destroy this country, and because of this courage exhibited, all Americans are truly grateful.

Remember their sacrifices. Honor their efforts. Cherish the freedom they provide.

Not so fast!

Heard it straight from Mark Levin. Evidently, Barack Obama's poll numbers have dropped to 47% in a new USA Today/Gallup poll. Hmm..., Palin and Obama are practically in a dead heat. Not for long though.

Sarah Palin's poll numbers up! Not possible!

Apparently, Sarah Palin's book tour has not been her death knell after all. In fact, according to a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll, she has reached 46% approval. About on par with Obama's approval rating right now. It won't be long before the former overtakes the latter.

Text of Sarah Palin's Gridiron Club speech

I would like to thank Conservatives4Palin for finding the text of Sarah Palin's speech at the Gridiron Club yesterday. Via Greta Van Susteren, here is the text of the speech:

Some ask the question: Is Sarah Palin running?

A Bloomberg.com article raises the question: (paraphrased) Is Sarah Palin testing the waters for a potential Presidential run? Short answer-yes! Isn't it obvious by now? She alone has the ability to generate an intense enthusiasm amongst the base, not only because of her solid conservative principles, but also because of her natural charisma. My friends, this is only the beginning.

Insight into Andree McLeod Palin hatred

In this fascinating article by Sarah Palin Examiner Lori Calabrese, she questions Andree McLeods ultimate motives and asks this question:

...but are political activists abusing the system to politically damage the subject of the complaint?

Yes, they are, is the conclusion that I and many others have to come to. These are politically motivated, partisan attempts to destroy a woman that many believe to be a threat. In Andree McLeod's case, she is simply bitter, and as Lori Calabrease says, jealous. Why you might ask? It might have something to do with this:

Last January, Bill McAllister, Palin's communications director and target of McLeod's ethic complaints, said, ""This is a person who I think was disgruntled because she wasn't considered for a (Palin administration) job, has some time on her hands, apparently, and wants to wreak havoc with people's lives and reputations."

I say stop paying her any attention, and she will whither on the vine.

Sarah Palin speaks at the Gridiron Club

At a supper for the Gridiron Club, a group of Washington journalists, Sarah Palin spoke as the Republican representative. Actually, she had some good lines, a little self-deprecating humor, and came across, dare I say it, just a little Presidential?

A response to Leon

A recent commenter on my blog made a few points, and being particularly good-natured today, I thought I might respond. (I paraphrased his comments for the sake of brevity)

1. Sarah Palin did not write the ethics legislation she championed while running for Governor.

Of course not. That is what legislatures do. However, she was the force behind it, and she signed it into law. An executive can often use their influence to persuade the legislature to take up matters they would not under ordinary circumstances.

2. The pipeline Governor Palin signed into law is dead.

Not according to this report. Remember, this is a 10-year deal (barring anything unforeseen). It won't be completed overnight.

3. It's easy to cut spending as a Governor. Anyone can do that.

I speak simply from life experience here, but who among us finds it a lot easier to spend rather than save money? Come on, raise your hands. That's right. I didn't see too many arms up in the air.

Spending money is downright simple for any government to do. It's human nature to want more, to acquire more things. It takes effort to be frugal with what you have, to live within your means.

Update:

Here is some more information on the Alaskan pipeline project that Sarah Palin helped get off the ground.

Another frivolous ethics complaint

Does the "falafel lady" ever stop? She does not, it seems. She has recently lodged another ethics complaint, this time against Sarah Palin's former staffers, alleging that "eight staffers in the former governor's office violated the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act by using state time, property and resources to benefit the campaign of presidential hopeful John McCain and running mate Palin."

Like the rest, this allegation will go down in flames, but what is this woman's problem? Is she so obssessed with getting revenge against Governor Palin that she will pull out all the stops? I mean this woman has been shut down five times before, and yet she keeps on coming back for more punishment. Just another routine case of PDS.

Sarah Palin interviewed by Lars Larson

Sarah Palin was interview by Lars Larson yesterday, and it can be listened to here.

Andrew Sullivan-the perfect test subject in the study of Palin Derangement Syndrome

Andrew Sullivan, you really have gone off the deep end now. Look at you. How can a blogger like yourself quote a person, then claim in the next sentence that the person's words mean something that is in direct contradiction with what was actually said? Mr. Sullivan does this not only once in a recent blog, but twice! I think showing everyone would be best: Governor Palin's quote comes first with no formatting, and then Sullivan's response, in bold.

Voters have every right to ask candidates for information if they so choose. I’ve pointed out that it was seemingly fair game during the 2008 election for many on the left to badger my doctor and lawyer for proof that Trig is in fact my child. Conspiracy-minded reporters and voters had a right to ask… which they have repeatedly. But at no point – not during the campaign, and not during recent interviews – have I asked the president to produce his birth certificate or suggested that he was not born in the United States.

... And her current target, Barack Obama, has also produced his birth certificate a long time ago, and yet she is still demanding that he produce it.

Uh, no she isn't, Andrew Sullivan. She just made herself clear in a Facebook note! How can you produce evidence that undercuts your own argument and get away with it? You are not even being intellectually honest.

Here is a second attempt at his misdirection, the order of the writers being the same as above:

In that weird conspiracy-theory freaky thing that people talk about that Trig isn’t my real son. And a lot of people say, “Well you need to produce his birth certificate! You need to prove that he’s your kid!” Which we have done.

My italics. Palin has never produced Trig's birth certificate or a single piece of objective medical evidence that proves he is indeed her biological son... Her doctor, Catherine Baldwin Johnson, offered a two-page summary of Palin's health just hours before polls opened on November 3, a bizarre approach to transparency.

What do you call a medical letter other than evidence? How is that possibly transparent, when it was longer than the one-page letter Barack Obama's doctor released.

I have, in very few instances, rarely seen such a preposterous case of cognitive dissonance. There is nothing I can add to this. Andrew Sullivan undercuts his own argument, decimating his own credibility in a way that none of his own enemies ever could.

The potrait of a "military man"-a message from Sarah Palin

Sorry if I am late on this, but Sarah Palin released this Facebook note last night:

Worthy American Heroes - Reminding Us What Really Matters

Yesterday at 10:39pm

Ready and anxious to see America’s finest at Ft. Hood tomorrow. My heart is with every military mom, dad, spouse, child, grandparent... every supporter of our proud men and women in uniform.

My brother passed the following along to me because he thought I’d like it; he was right. Enjoy... and please honor America’s finest.

- Sarah Palin

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father’s, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He’s a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you’re thirsty, he’ll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He’ll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ‘square-away’ those around him who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.

Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this. A short lull, a little shade, and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

There is no further comment required on my part. Let us all pray for our men and women in uniform overseas protecting our freedoms, let us pray for their victory and safe return home.

Two more frivolous ethics charges dismissed

(H/T to Conservatives4Palin)

The Ethos of Ethics

Today at 4:11pm

When the Governor announced her decision to resign on July 3, she pointed out the then 15 frivolous ethics complaints that had been filed against her and dismissed. It was intended to explain, in part, her decision to resign as well to educate the public about the abuse of the Alaska Ethics Act through a repetitive stream of baseless partisan accusations, each one seemingly more pointless and frivolous than the next. The Governor’s message was not intended as an invitation to run off half-cocked and file more baseless ethics complaints, but not everyone understood that message—or wanted to understand. In August 2009, largely in response to the abuse of Alaska’s Ethics Act by partisan shills and low level lackeys, the Attorney General issued an opinion recommending changes to the Ethics Act ”to prevent another potential harm—abuse of the process. Some Alaskans have argued that the Ethics Act has been used inappropriately in some circumstances to politically damage the subject of the complaint.” (August 5, 2009 Attorney General Opinion). That argument was asserted by the Anchorage Daily News. “Our View: Abuse of Ethics Complaints Turns Good Law Into Bad Politics,” Anchorage Daily News, May 3, 2009. The Attorney General further recommended “another safeguard to discourage habitual complaint filers who use the Ethics Act process to harass executive branch employees. Statutory amendments could provide authority to the personnel board to decline to process further complaints filed by a person who has abused the Act in this way.” Though it is encouraging to see an impartial evaluation of the problem, it is ultimately up to the Legislature to implement any of these recommended changes. Governor Palin has been subjected to 24 ethics complaints, several lawsuits, and dozens and dozens of public information act requests, few of which raised even a scintilla of a good faith issue, and most of which were simply done to garner a headline or promote opposition research for political gain.

Recently we learned that two more ethics complaints against Governor Palin have been dismissed—complaints that were filed after the Governor announced her plans to step down. One complaint asserted that it was unethical for the state to follow its own per diem regulations and pay per diem to the Governor as set forth by law. Of course, the complainant conveniently overlooked that the Governor and her family received less per diem than they were entitled to under State law—why let such details stand in the way of an ethics complaint? The other complaint that was dismissed asserted that the Governor, through me, supposedly violated the constitution because we informed a person who falsely implied that the Governor was “under investigation” by the FBI, that such statements are defamatory. It is notable to watch those who agitate on all things Palin—locally and even across the Atlantic—as they Huff and puff falsehoods about Sarah Palin under the guise of free speech, which brings us to a teachable moment. All too often we hear about constitutional rights—as we should—but many forget about constitutional responsibilities. As citizens we have both rights and responsibilities. Though we have the right to exercise free speech, we have the responsibility to exercise that right without defaming people. I like the way our Alaska Constitution describes it: “Every person may freely speak, write, and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.” Ak. Const. Art. I, Sec. 5. The irony of filing an ethics complaint because of a reminder about the constitutional parameters of free speech is no doubt lost on those consumed by irrationality when it comes to Sarah Palin; but one does not need an ethics law to know that positive political discourse depends on a robust debate about facts and the policy implications stemming from such facts. The nation is not helped by calumnious ad hominem attacks against Sarah Palin, matrilineal conspiracy theories, and aberrant notions of ethics.

- Thomas Van Flein, Personal Attorney for Sarah Palin

I love the smell of vindication in the morning.

Sarah Palin talks about Climategate

(H/T to Conservatives4Palin)

Mr. President: Boycott Copenhagen; Investigate Your Climate Change "Experts"

Today at 4:17pm

The president’s decision to attend the international climate conference in Copenhagen needs to be reconsidered in light of the unfolding Climategate scandal. The leaked e-mails involved in Climategate expose the unscientific behavior of leading climate scientists who deliberately destroyed records to block information requests, manipulated data to “hide the decline” in global temperatures, and conspired to silence the critics of man-made global warming. I support Senator James Inhofe’s call for a full investigation into this scandal. Because it involves many of the same personalities and entities behind the Copenhagen conference, Climategate calls into question many of the proposals being pushed there, including anything that would lead to a cap and tax plan.

Policy should be based on sound science, not snake oil. I took a stand against such snake oil science when I sued the federal government over its decision to list the polar bear as an endangered species despite the fact that the polar bear population has increased. I’ve never denied the reality of climate change; in fact, I was the first governor to create a subcabinet position to deal specifically with the issue. I saw the impact of changing weather patterns firsthand while serving as governor of our only Arctic state. But while we recognize the effects of changing water levels, erosion patterns, and glacial ice melt, we cannot primarily blame man’s activities for the earth’s cyclical weather changes. The drastic economic measures being pushed by dogmatic environmentalists won’t change the weather, but will dramatically change our economy for the worse.

Policy decisions require real science and real solutions, not junk science and doomsday scare tactics pushed by an environmental priesthood that capitalizes on the public’s worry and makes them feel that owning an SUV is a “sin” against the planet. In his inaugural address, President Obama declared his intention to “restore science to its rightful place.” Boycotting Copenhagen while this scandal is thoroughly investigated would send a strong message that the United States government will not be a party to fraudulent scientific practices. Saying no to Copenhagen and cap and tax are first steps in “restoring science to its rightful place.”

- Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin lays down the law in this Facebook op-ed. We need to stop letting ourselves be bullied by likes of Algore and think for ourselves. Global warming is not the existential threat it has been made out to be. The truth behind it probably comes from the same source that fuels the 2012 conspiracy theories.

Huckabee: He and Palin headed in "a very different political direction"

Now, whatever you may think of Huckabee, he is no amateur to the political game-I think he senses the very same think many of us do-that Governor Palin wants to run for President. I also believe that this statement is pretty much an admission he won't run in 2012. However, a possibility I think is interesting is if Sarah Palin won the nomination and picked Huckabee as her running mate, though I don't think that will happen. Would he want to run on a ticket where he was second? I don't think so. After ten years of being Governor, playing second fiddle probably isn't part of his plans.

And why would Sarah Palin want to talk to you?

It seems CBS is surprised that Sarah Palin does not want to have the drive-by media attend her events. Can you blame her? They seem to make a sport of savaging her, pillorying her character and reputation, and even attacking her family, even her own children, in the most fowl, debased, and lewd ways imaginable. Sarah Palin has had enough of the "lamestream media", and so has everyone else.

Sarah Palin praises American patriots

Sarah Palin just released this Facebook post, which contains a personal message to American patriots.

Faith, Family, Freedom: Remembering What Really Matters

Today at 12:07am

My parents and I just had a wonderful time at “Hard Work U” – the school motto of College of the Ozarks. It earned that proud nickname because students there work their way through college and graduate with little or no debt. (In other words, a place after my own heart, and the hearts of others who worked their way through college and, like me, maybe took five years to finish because of work schedules!)

At tonight’s patriotic event at the college we heard some amazing personal stories of heroism and sacrifice by our military veterans in attendance, including members of our Greatest Generation, who we honored tonight. It was such an inspiration to hear their stories and affirm the principles that make this country great – faith, hard work, perseverance, patriotism, and public service.

All Americans need to hear from these true, proud patriots. May we never forget their fight for freedom. Their battles make the petty shots and irrelevant “challenges” some of us face today pale in comparison. I thank them for allowing us a healthy perspective and a reminder of what really matters.

- Sarah Palin

PS: Please enjoy the photos below from Arizona, New Mexico, and Missouri!

Sarah Palin, a "serious" candidate?

As I troll the Internet I unfortunately managed to find this particularly asinine article written by Andrew Sullivan, where he outright lies regarding Sarah Palin and even Dick Cheney. Let's review it, shall we?

They represent a real populist and authoritarian option for a declining power. In the face of a bewilderingly changing world, they stand for white America, the extension of its power across the globe, the elevation of torture as a core American value, the permanent Israeli occupation of the West Bank, and American occupation of client states like Iraq and Afghanistan. They represent a contempt for addressing climate change, and an indifference to debt - both Palin and Cheney have records of appalling fiscal profligacy. They also represent religious fundamentalism as the core Republican political philosophy. Cheney supports a party that would strip his own daughter - and has stripped his own daughter - of basic civil rights. Palin would criminalize all abortion.

Really? Governor Palin represents smaller government, lower taxes, less spending, and a strong national defense. She wants to keep our government within its Constitutional bounds. She wants to keep this country safe from terrorists would murder and enslave every one of us.

Let's look at Sarah Palin's record. She instituted ethics reform desperately needed in Alaska. She was the force behind a push to build a new pipeline which would create American jobs and make us less dependent on foreign oil. She reduced state spending when other Governors would have been content to let it grow.

This is the record that Americans want. Energy independence, less corruption in Washington, and a government that lives within its means.

So Andrew Sullivan, save your rantings for someone who cares. Only the fringe pays heed to your conspiratorial nonsense anymore. And by the way, Dick Cheney actually supports same-sex marriage. Blows your mind, doesn't it? A conservative who doesn't live up to your stereotype. Stick a fork in it, Sullivan, you're finished.

Sarah Palin can't sell that many books-OOPS!

A few weeks ago, somebody called Sarah Weinman was meandering on about how Governor Palin might be lucky to break the 750,000 mark, carping about how the "math might not add up for HarperCollins". She even suggested that it was a possibility the publisher might not break even, and that they may not recoup their expenses. Well, given that Weinman already has too much egg on her face right now, I won't rub too much salt in the wound except to say that since Going Rogue was released it has sold over 1,000,000 copies. To offer my own advice to Weinman on this matter, I would stick to lecturing people on subjects other than math. It just isn't your forte.

The truth about Sarah Palin's flights

I wish to address this non-issue concerning Sarah Palin's use of a plane on her book tour (spread by a cabal of liars in the drive-by media) one last time.

Fact: Sarah Palin never said she was going to be on a bus 100% of the time.

Fact: Sarah Palin admitted she was flying via Twitter. She was being upfront and honest about it.
Fact: She only took flights when it was impractical to take a bus.

That's all I have to say about this right now, and to demonstrate Sarah Palin's openness about the whole matter, I will quote her tweets here.

"Landed in VA/swung by overnight campers to say "thx & we'll see u again tmorrw!" Reminiscent of Alaskan camping trips-slash-tailgate parties 9:44 PM Nov 21st from TwitterBerry

Just got off flt/got word of Senate's disappointing action; USA-do u realize what's up in D.C?Senators-do u realize "change" coming in 2010? 6:48 PM Nov 21st from TwitterBerry

Sarah Palin talks about troop surge

Finally, A Decision for Afghanistan: We're In It to Win It

Today at 7:29pm

Three months ago, I joined a number of Americans in urging President Obama to provide the resources necessary to achieve our goals in Afghanistan. Tonight, I am glad he mostly heeded that advice.

At long last, President Obama decided to give his military commanders much of what they need to accomplish their mission in Afghanistan. In the end, he decided to endorse a “surge” for Afghanistan, applying the counterinsurgency principles of “clear, hold and build” that worked so well in Iraq. Given that he opposed the surge in Iraq, it is even more welcome that he now supports a surge in Afghanistan.

This approach means, as Senator John McCain has noted, that “We now have an opportunity to build a bipartisan consensus in support of a vital national security priority: defeating Al-Qaeda and its violent extremist allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and ensuring that these countries never again serve as bases for terrorist attacks against America and our allies.”

We should be clear, however, that fewer troops mean assuming more risk. Talk of an exit date also risks sending the wrong message. We should be in Afghanistan to win, not to set a timetable for withdrawal that signals a lack of resolve to our friends, and lets our enemies believe they can wait us out. As long as we’re in to win, and as long as troop level decisions are based on conditions on the ground and the advice of our military commanders, I support President Obama’s decision.

- Sarah Palin

Let us as a nation pray for the safety of the troops and hope for their swift victory.

Huckabee, don't run for President

I don't hate Huckabee. I just thought he should take responsibility for his commutation of the Maurice Clemmons' sentence. I have recently been informed that he has done so in this CNN report.

Listen, I don't hate Huckabee. Indeed, I think he can do a lot of good for the conservative cause. However, he should not run for President. This lapse in judgment on his part will be used against him, and to be frank, rightfully so. I knew he was angered by the conservative criticism of him following the tragedy Sunday, yet that was to be expected, considering this brutal killing touched a raw nerve in many people. Yes, the killer was the at fault, but Huckabee allowed him to be on the streets. There is no getting around that.

So Huckabee, keep up the good work. Your TV show isn't all that bad. But don't run for President.

Sarah Palin responds to critics

Sarah Palin has just posted this new note on Facebook:

Media's Priorities Shine Bright, Again! :)

It’s really comical at this point! Despite all of the important events happening in the world today – the president’s speech tonight on the strategy in Afghanistan, the Senate debate over health care reform, the disturbing details of the “Climategate” scandal, the continuing challenges facing the world economy – the media is concerned about my travel and lodging arrangements on my book tour?! Does this sound familiar? It should. The media showed the same out-of-proportion obsession with my personal arrangements, clothes, and hairstyles last year instead of focusing on the crucial issues involving the election.

So what is this news “story”? That I fly on an airplane to complete some of the stops on my book tour when it’s impractical or physically impossible to reach the next event on time by bus. Some news outlets are behaving as if my travel was a secret that they didn’t know about – despite the fact that I’ve tweeted about my flights and at least one local newspaper reported on the arrival of my flight into Rochester, NY. What’s even funnier is that these same media outlets think it’s shocking that we stay in hotels. I guess they expected us to pitch a tent alongside the road. We love the great outdoors, but such an arrangement is hardly practical for a book tour. Using common sense, it was determined that traveling by plane between some stops would save time and energy and allow me to go to more events. Economically speaking for HarperCollins, it’s more efficient to travel by charter, and I am very grateful to the publisher for providing my family and me with this incredible opportunity to shake hands with as many Americans as possible on this book tour.

If you’re scratching your head wondering why my flight and hotel logistics warrant news coverage, join the club. They can, of course, report on whatever they like, but in my opinion CBS loses whatever professional integrity it still has when it links in its report to a website devoted to the bizarre conspiracy theory that I’m not the real mother of my son Trig.

I’m truly humbled by the response to my book tour by everyday Americans, and if traveling by plane means that I can meet more of these wonderful people, I’ll travel by plane (or bus or train or canoe or dog sled or whatever it takes). Please enjoy the photos below!

- Sarah Palin

Good to see that the Governor and I agree on CBS' credibility issues.

Sarah Palin will answer critics

Via Twitter, Sarah Palin will answer the "lamestream media" as she calls them in a new Facebook post. Stay tuned for more information.

Shame on ABC, too

I've seen more shoddy journalism than this, so I'll give ABC a pass. Not really. This is atrocious.

First, they make mention of a fake story first ran by a website that purports conspiracy theories. The ABC story has to do with Sarah Palin's alleged plane travel. It's not a big deal, she travelled by plane when she could not practically get from a to z by bus. Did she ever say she was going the entire length of the journey by bus. No.

So this ABC story comes out and makes a big heyday out of it. However, to further confound their readers, they link to this article, also an ABC piece, where they claim the book tour is actually billed as "bus tour." Well, I read that article. I could not find where Sarah Palin or one of her associates said this was strictly a bus tour. The writer did say that, but not the Governor.

So get your story straight, ABC. Who said what? From the way I see it, you are both the accuser and the witness-it really makes Palin-bashing easy, doesn't it?.

Who's right here?

The author of this rather bland and trite blog post calls Sarah Palin "embarrassing and incompetent" when it comes to the issues.

This must be the same woman who said she would listen to what our generals were saying from the beginning, and not dither around, as Dick Cheney might put it. She was also the one calling for less taxes and lower spending to provide a boost to the real job creators, small businesses. Well, I suppose Obama's policies worked magnificently, so there is no need to listen to her, right?

I forgot. 10.2% unemployment. Rampant government deficits. No surge in Afghanistan. No results in Afghanistan, period. It looks like things aren't going as well as Barack planned. Maybe we should listen to the Alaskan Governor after all?