Way to Go Auntie!

AuntieLib at 2 Helena Handbasket has an in depth analysis of the Good Guv, and what he is doing. Between Schweitzer and Racicot, I am amazed at the snake oil salesmen, er I mean politicians that we elect to the highest office in the state. Their ability to sell us smoke and tell us it's cause we're "hot" is how they get elected and stay in the limelight.
But Auntie does a great job at the whole analysis and in the end leaves off with wondering about BS's political future. I had speculated before that Tester having so little cash on hand for a reelection run meant that he would probably not do so. But then he goes and surprises me by refiling. Except that I have heard a rumor from people not too far from his campaign that he is telling his people to start sending out their resumes because he doesn't think that he'll win. So, what if Tester drops out of the race, and Schweitzer drops in? Sufficient name recognition and probably the most popular Democrat state wide right now.
Auntie's analysis will probably be the biggest impediment to BS going to the Senate, but I am sure that he still has dreams of ever higher glory.

Great job Auntie!

The End of Sarah Palin Month

What began as part of a grassroots response to the State Controlled Media's announcement that they were no longer going to cover Palin is now coming to an end. This will be the 50th post that I have made this month, (I am writing this on Saturday) and while not all of them are about Palin, this is the most amount of posting that I have ever done, and the traffic statistics point out that it does draw eyes. It's not that Sarah needs or for all I know even wants my support, but I am highly pissed off at the idea that those who are supposed to provide me with information decide to arbitrarily cut off all such information.
I may have made only a blip on the blogosphere, but add us all together and we carry weight. If we can shed some light on the ignorance peddled by the Left and their media, we will have accomplished quite a bit. So Sarah, here's to you. Without all of the hatred, you would probably never have achieved what you have.

Now, what should I do for the next month? I have thought about correcting Rob Kaily/Wolfboy, but there is not enough time in the day. Then I thought about correcting the rest of the Leftosphere, but again, what is the point? They are irrelevant even while being noisy. I will have to think about some new subject. Any suggestions?

Even Jerry Springer Gets It

Just found this wherre Jerry Springer says it's a mistake for liberals (Although I think he means Leftists) to attack Palin. The Reader's Digest version is that when they mock Palin, they mock people like her, and there are twice as many people like her as there are Leftists.
Sitting in their comfortable echo chamber where they only talk to like minded souls, they miss the fact that the rest of the country is not like them. Oh sure, they look with disdain on those they want to help (Think "What's the Matter with Kansas?) even if they don't want the help.
But keep it up. As a minority, your ability to piss off the rest of us is much greater than your numbers would be expected to.

Why Sarah Palin Really Matters

Most tall buildings have lightning rods that help direct strikes away from the building and safely into the ground. In much the same way, Sarah Palin is the lightning rod for conservatism. I have no idea if she will run, but the amusement never ends when the Left decides that she is not fit for office. This obsession is almost a "birther" equivalent for the Left, in that it has taken on a life of its own.
Unthinking in their hatred, they claim that she is not worthy, while they ignore Joe Biden. You know, if they had any consistency, they would be calling for Biden to step down at the end of Obama's first term. But this is not about consistency, nor morality or even facts. It's about winning, and Sarah imperils that goal and they know it.
There is no use in discussing it with them, because they are emotional and thus irrational. Their morality is fake, and their facts questionable. But it's still fun to watch the flop sweat coming off of them as they stamp their little feet and scream "I am too relevant!"

No you're not. But Sarah is.

The Government is Taking Over

At least in the State of Montana. Apparently, government is now the largest single employer in the state, and also has the largest share of the economy. Of course, the reason for that is the slowdown in the economy more than anything else. But if instability continues in the Middle East, as it would be reasonable to presume, the price of oil will stay high which very well could prolong and deepen the recession.
Our only hope is to grow the economy, and that is not going to happen anytime soon with so called "Green Jobs." We need to change the bureaucratic mindset from "prove you will do no harm" which is proving a negative, to buy a bond that will make it uneconomical to do environmental harm. If we could just catch up with North Dakota and Wyoming, we might be able to provide more of the economy from something other than government.

The Problem With Government Unions

I have not seen it addressed, and no one seems to want to talk about the inherent conflict of interest for the government (especially Democrats) and unions when it comes to bargaining. As the above cartoon shows, there is a collusion between what should be separate and equal competitors bargaining over resources.
The government does not actually represent the taxpayer interests when it negotiates with unions. As an example, in the 2008 campaign, unions contributed $400 million to Democrats and were in the top five of the top ten contributors and the top ten of the top twenty contributors. The majority of the money seeming to come from the government unions. If the government was an independent entity, it would try to maximize work while minimizing costs. But the government is nothing more than a cash cow to be milked for the advancement of Democrat Party, it will help to funnel massive amounts of money to sustain the attack on the taxpayer. And the amount of money the unions are able to churn out shows how effective the relationship is.
I wonder if there isn't a lawsuit out there?

Sarah to go International

She will be traveling to India for a seminar on global leadership. Seems to be buffing up the international diplomacy resume, although in comparison to Obama, the fact that she travels over Canada on her way to the lower 48 shows more acumen than he has.

Sarah Palin and Birthers

From Texas for Palin, I  found this analysis of how the New York Times distorts its reporting (I know, what else is new) to make it look like Sarah is repudiating Birthers after first embracing them. Like all NYT articles, you need to look at the whole statement, and not what they give us, because they have an obvious agenda that they won't give up.
But it got me to thinking, why does the press and the Left (I know, same thing) keep bringing up Birtherism, when every time that they do so, it prolongs the story? And then it came to me, they need to keep birtherism up front because they are afraid someone will ask "How's Obama doing?" And the answer is not good.

Mitt Romney Thinks Sarah Would be a Great President

One of the original members of Dextra who no longer posts here, used to be a very strong champion of Mitt Romney during the 2008 campaign. I still have my reservations about him, mostly for RomneyCare and a few other reasons. But it seems that he has the good sense to realize that Sarah would make a fine President.

Sarah Trademarks her Name

According to ABC News, she and her daughter are trademarking their names. Would be interesting if they decided to ask a court for a cease and desist order if someone was doing a parody or such.

The Winter of Our Discontent

It's the 22nd of February people! Spring is less than four weeks away, and I am sick and tired of looking at dirty crappy granular snow with high winds and low temps. Not only that, I am becoming very discontented with our legislators in Helena as well, and apparently, I am not alone in that regard.
I will give them credit for trying to be fiscally responsible, mostly because the final push on the spending bills hasn't happened yet. But what part of being "conservative" or "limited government" explains what the hell has been going on at the Montana State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, East Campus?
Repeal medical marijuana? Is it that critical? Are people suddenly growing third eyes in the middle of their foreheads? Or is it just that some may not really need medical marijuana and are skating by and getting high without a legitimate reason? And if so, why the hell does it matter to you?
My biggest problem with the Left is that they want to amass power to the government in order to tell us what to do. Please explain why that is different than what our "leaders" are doing right now? I mean let's face it, if I wanted to have someone telling me what to do, I would have voted for the Democrat. But I don't!
Here is another little secret: If you don't waste time with these stupid bills, or the repeal of term limits, you could conceivably get done early. That would be a good thing.
Last year, Roger Koopman sent out letters deciding who the real "conservatives" were that were running for office. I can tell you right now, if you aren't in favor of limited government (yes, even if someone has some fun that you don't approve of)and vote accordingly, then in 2012 I will find someone who will. Even if I have to do it. I am no longer going to put up with Democrats trying to tell me what to do because they have an R behind their name. Time to buck up folks. We don't need 75% of what you are working on. So ask yourself the question: "Why are we working on this?"

A Day to Celebrate!

Apparently, it's National Margarita Day.  And I didn't get you anything.  But I know how I am going to celebrate.

New Montana Blog Sighting

Just found Montanafesto and it seems like a hoot.  I wouldn't characterize it as necessarily Left or Right, but more down the middle Cranky.

I'm up with that.

Sarah at the Iron Dog

This is apparently an endurance race for snowmobiles in which her husband is racing.

Poor Visuals

Imagine for a moment that you just got home from work where you put in a full day. You leaf through the mail, look at the bills and calculate when your next paycheck comes in so that you can pay them. You ask your spouse how their day went, since they had to stay home because the schools were closed again and you can't afford daycare for your kids who are too old to go anyway, but still too young to be left alone while you both work.
So you sit down and turn on the TV to watch the news and the reports are about the teachers attacking the capitol in Madison Wisconsin to argue against what the governor is doing in order to balance the budget. Then a commentator comes on and tells you that the teachers have been getting fake doctors excuses so that they can be paid for sick days while they protest. You think to yourself, "I bet my spouse would have loved to get sick days at their job" because their employer doesn't offer it. But at least your spouse has a job. In this economy, the fact that both of you have work is considered to be a blessing. Then the commentator lets you know that these teachers make 50% more per year than you do. And they have their summers off. Sure, they have to get continuing education credits, but they could actually take a longer vacation than you can, because you are limited to one week paid vacation per year. And you start to think about how much time the teacher is at school versus how much time you are at work, and you start to get angry. Then you think about all the time you spent listening to how much more money is needed because teachers are underpaid, and you wonder how that could be if they are making half again as much as you.
Are you going to be able to identify with the protesters? Or are the images of them screaming like lunatics likely to make you just tell them all to kiss off, and let you have vouchers so you can send your kids to whatever school you want?
I think the protesters have a lousy sense of timing, but then again, I am amazed at how many people think that money for the government just "appears" as out of nowhere. But people are not that happy that they have to sacrifice in this economy and government workers are busily demanding more.
Which raises the question: "When is enough, enough?"

MSNBC Loves Sarah

At least according to this article. Seems they report on her more than Fox News does.

Okay, This is Funny

Sarah Makes Another Convert

The hatred toward Sarah Palin is incomprehensible to me. Why be so upset with a woman who is the former Governor of Alaska and only has a Twitter and Facebook account with which to express herself to the world? And along comes someone who used to be on the Left who recognizes the hatred for what it is: Fear.

With my new awareness of myself and the world around me, I decided to keep my eyes open for someone I can trust, someone who represents truth, honesty, goodness, and above all, strength of character.

Enter Sarah Palin. The moment I heard her speak, I knew she was special. There was an unmistakable honesty and strength about her. All hell broke loose on the left when she entered the scene. The ferociousness and vileness of the attacks towards her comforted me because I know how the left operates. She was telling the truth, and in doing so was exposing the underlying falsehoods of their belief system. This is when the left always lashes out, it is their gut reaction to their fear of being exposed, and anger and hate speech are their weapons.

If you look at the response and reaction to Sarah Palin from the left, you will realize that this isn't just about political views. Their intense, over-the-top reaction to everything she says and does is because they know she holds the truth that threatens to destabilize their world.

Read the whole thing.

Mind Numbed Robot Nails It

The Mind Numbed Robot has this post that absolutely covers the issues in Wisconsin. I really love this photo with the caption:

Do read the whole post, and look around at the rest of his site. He is very entertaining.

Texas4Palin

In my own miniscule attempt at keeping Sarah in the forefront of everyone while the Lame Stream Media impose a blackout, I found Texas4Palin which provides actual, you know, good stuff about Sarah. I should probably concede it all to them, but it's still fun nonetheless.

Let's Kill People We Disagree With

Is ObamaCare Derogatory?

It appears that the harpy from Florida known as Debby Wasserman-Schulz made it a point of order to declare that the term "ObamaCare" is derogatory, and should not be used on the House floor. From the article:

"In two previous gentlemen’s statements on the amendment, both of them referred to the Affordable Care Act, which is the accurate title of the health care reform law, as ‘ObamaCare,’" Wasserman Schultz said. "That is a disparaging reference to the President of the United States. It is meant as a disparaging reference to the President of the United States. It is clearly in violation of the House rules."

What happened to the idea that we were all going to love it as soon as it was passed, and we finally got to see what was in it? I wonder if she was even aware that the Department of Health and Human Services (the largest damn department in the country) purchased the word to use in their websites?

Sarah Still Hasn't Made Up her Mind

According to CBS, she is still undecided. About running for President.

Is Journalism Really a Profession?

I have been asking that question for some time now, and I would have to say that the answer is no. First, while there is a specialized body of knowledge supposedly, anyone can become a journalist without going to J school. Secondly, there is no body that selects who is authorized to practice their art, nor to remove those who fail to maintain the standards as set forth by the regulatory body. Finally, there is no expectation that journalists would actually be performing a public good.
I know that there are some who would disagree, saying that the Fourth Estate is valuable to a functioning democracy. And I would agree, but the Fourth Estate apparently has nothing to do with the way journalism is practiced at the moment.
As a quick example, consider what the New York Times had to say about Denny Rehberg as noted by James Taranto's Best of the Web.

The New York Times continues its fraudulent campaign to depict conservatives and Republicans as, in the words of its latest editorial on the subject, purveyors of "Dangerous Threats." The latest purported example:

Representative Denny Rehberg, a Republican and Montana's House member, boasts that he brings Made-in-Montana solutions to Washington. His latest, proposed last week in a speech advocating states' rights to the State Legislature, is to put a judge "on the Endangered Species List."

If you are familiar with the Times's swindle, you will recognize its method of supplying a brief out-of-context quote, and you will suspect that the quote in context is actually far less invidious than the Times's description would lead you to believe. You will be right. The (Butte) Montana Standard has the full text of Rehberg's address. Here is the relevant portion:

Environmental obstructionists found a federal judge in Missoula that was willing to ignore the scientific evidence as well as the expert opinions of on-the-ground wildlife managers here in Montana. And he ruled last August that the grey wolf had to remain on the Endangered Species List.

When I first heard his decision, like many of you I wanted to take action immediately. I asked: how can we put some of these judicial activists on the Endangered Species List? I am still working on that! But in the meantime, I have introduced legislation that would permanently end federal jurisdiction over the gray wolf population--and return responsibility to the wildlife managers here in Montana.

The left-wing site ThinkProgress.org--which seems to be a frequent, though uncredited, source of raw material for Times smears--picked this up and accused Rehberg of making "a thinly-veiled threat" against the (unnamed) judge.

ThinkProgress omitted the last sentence in the passage we've quoted, so that it appeared "I'm working on it!" was his conclusion. In fact, it is clear from the full quote that it was the punch line of a joke that preceded Rehberg's statement that he was proposing legislation to change the statute he thinks the judge interpreted wrongly.

The Times's treatment of the quote is even more misleading than ThinkProgress's: The paper falsely asserts that Rehberg said he wanted to put a particular judge "on the endangered species list," when Rehberg actually referred to "some of these judicial activists"--to a type, a metaphorical species, of judge.

Read the whole thing, and you understand why anyone would question journalism as a "profession" other than the oldest one.

For Once, I Agree With Chris Matthews

He of the tingly leg, has taken a more martial tone in his latest piece, in a "call to arms" against the "unpatriotic Bush and Rumsfeld." Specifically, he wants us all to call our Senators and to harass them into holding a hearing on the reasons that Bush led us into the Iraq war. As he says:

We now know from the Secretary of Defense's own hand that there were no nuclear weapons in Iraq, no production facility to make them, no evidence of any purchases of such weapons, no attempt to buy such weapons. Nada.

And

I ask you to call your senator and cite the Rumsfeld book, cite the National Intelligence Estimates of late 2002, which he cites, and the report of the intelligence director for the joint chiefs and the Secretary of Defense. All this is in the book, all this evidence that there were no nuclear weapons in Iraq despite all the talk by President Bush and his people about "mushroom clouds.

Of course, all these facts were found out after the war. Now, seems to me that Saddam had an opportunity to clarify the issue, but he deliberately chose not to. In fact, he actively conspired to make it look like he had weapons of mass destruction. But, innocent until proven guilty, right? Why should Saddam have to prove he didn't have them? The answer is that the end of the First Gulf War was an armistice, not a peace treaty. One of the elements was that Saddam had to demonstrate that he had disarmed. He never did do that, and therefore, the Second Gulf War was legally a continuation of the First. Ergo, legal.
Chris continues his cute little rant and stomps his feet, but the reality is that such a hearing would finally dispel the nonsense that he is talking about. Bush never "lied" because you have to know for a fact that something else is true and state the other in order to be a lie. Bush knew as much as everyone else in the world about the presence or capability of WMDs.
No, this is just more partisan tripe, and it needs to be examined so that the people who allege that Bush to be a liar, are themselves shown to be liars. And the worst thing is, that they so wanted to destroy a president in the middle of a war.
God may forgive them, but I am not God.

Sarah Palin News on Facebook

If you are on Facebook, (and I'm not) you can follow all Sarah all the time.

Sarah News

Topix has a site dedicated to Sarah Palin news.

Sarah 2012?

It may be nothing or at least not that big of a thing, but Sarah has hired Michael Glassner as her Chief of Staff for Sarah PAC, her campaign political action committee. As Politico notes

One of the key hurdles most Republican operatives say Palin has to clear in order to seriously run for president is hire an experienced staff. Glassner is a step in that direction.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49390.html#ixzz1DlZdw4Ni

What is it with the Press and Birthers?

David Gregory made an ass of himself on Sunday's Meet the Press, by repeatedly demanding that Speaker Boehner repudiate "Birthers." This in spite of the fact that the Speaker kept saying that Obama is an American and is a Christian. I wish that Boehner would have just said that it's not his place to tell Americans what to think (which he did) but it is the job of the Fourth Estate to convey the information. Of course, their lack of credibility is what is allowing this nonsense to keep on festering. Good job David.

The Washington Post on Sarah

They have a spot called "Who Runs Govt?" that has an analysis of her. Notice how they pick a particularly unflattering photo.

Sarah has fun with Time Magazine

A successful con game requires something that the mark wants to believe is true. For the lamestream media, that is Sarah Palin saying things that are over the top. Except she didn't.
From the post:

"Subject: Great job, MSM!

Jay - pls tell your bosses there at Time Magazine thank you for the invitations to attend the upcoming functions. I'll sure put a lot of thought into those invitations.

Then, have your editors retract Time's most recent ridiculous lies about me supposedly giving Sean Hannity a radio interview wherein I supposedly talked about Christina Aguilera (that I slammed her for her Nat'l Anthem mistake, and called for her deportation, etc). You guys were fooled into running a fake story that even US Weekly pulled and apologized for their blunder. Total lies - and you guys (once again) even put quotation marks around things I have never uttered. Then, Time needs to run an apology to Christina along with the retraction. (Add Hannity in your apology, too...those good folks don't deserve to be in a caustic, untrue story about me.) Thanks much - keep up the great work, Time Magazine."

Read more: http://nation.foxnews.com/media/2011/02/12/palin-crushes-time-magazine-over-their-lies#ixzz1DoLD31U9

Getting Old

Something about today, and the fact that I am old, has really hit home. First, I learn that for women over 50 they feel as if they have become invisible. Not a word about guys over 50, but women feel that no one looks at them anymore. Hmm, 50. that's almost robbing the cradle for me if I was single.

But there are moments of levity, of course they are usually provided by some whippersnapper.



H/T Ed Driscoll

Drinking and the Deficit

I'll drink to that.

Jimmy McMillan Wants Sarah as his VP

Jimmy McMillan of the Rent is Too Damned High Party wants Sarah Palin to be his Vice President. According to Jimmy,

Love her. Constitution. American citizen. Exercising the right to privacy. Free speech. Haters -- those who don't like Sarah Palin. That's what they are. Sarah Palin: I love you because America gives you the constitutional right to do whatever you want to do as a woman. And people don't think you can do because you're a woman. They try to make a mockery out of you. But you stand up for your rights and stand strong for your rights. And don't let anyone try to cut you down. Not only are they talking about Sarah Palin. They're talking about me.

Only in America.

Happy Birthday Sarah Palin

Just in case you didn't know.

Interesting Facts about Sarah Palin 41-50

Finally:

# Palin’s widely criticized interview with Katie Couric on CBS News caused her poll numbers to decline and prompted several high-ranking Republicans to request her resignation from the campaign ticket. For example, conservative writer Kathleen Parker asked Palin to step aside to save “McCain, her party, and the country she loves.”a
# When ABC News' Charles Gibson asked Palin if she had ever met a foreign head of state, Palin said no and argued that many vice presidents before her hadn’t met a head of state before taking office. However, every vice president over the past 30 years actually had met foreign heads of state before taking office. Spiro Agnew was the last VP who had no contact with foreign heads of state before becoming vice president.d
# Palin worked briefly as a sportscaster intern in Anchorage from March until May in 1988.d
# Palin’s book Going Rogue is 432 pages long and retails at $28.99 with a huge (1.5 million) first printing. The two primary Palin antagonists, McCain campaign senior strategists Steve Schmidt and Nicolle Wallace, have made it clear that the accounts of their actions in Palin’s book are fiction.l

d grade
Palin’s initial campaign fear was that the press would expose a "D" she once received in a college course
# When Palin was first selected to be McCain’s running mate, she thought the biggest secret would be that she once got a D in college.t
# Palin said she resigned as Alaska’s governor 18 months before her term would end because she knew she wasn’t going to run for a second term and that she would be going to work each day just to defend herself.q
# Levi Johnson, Palin’s almost son-in-law and recent Playboy model, is suing for joint custody of his son because the Palin family is allegedly making it difficult for him to see him.n
# After becoming Wasilla’s mayor in 1996, Palin asked for resignation letters from city heads who had been loyal to the former Mayor Stein. She also told department heads that they needed her permission to talk to reporters. The resulting animosity led to talk of a recall vote, which never materialized.h
# Bill McAllister, who works for Palin’s press staff, calls Palin’s uncanny gift of knowing what voters are looking for at a particular moment of of “Sara-dipity.”u
# Though McCain’s aides had said during the 2008 presidential campaign that Palin had traveled to Ireland, Germany, Kuwait, and an Iraq battle zone in 2007, they later admitted that Palin merely stopped in Ireland to “refuel” and did not venture beyond a military outpost on the other side of the Kuwait-Iraq border (the Khabari Alawazem Crossing, or K-Crossing).d

Unbelievable!

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has told his daughter to buy a Japanese car. What's the deal, has he shorted all of his Government Motors stocks?

Why I Can't take Democrats Seriously

Barak Obama

Nancy Pelosi,  and again.

Robert Gibbs

Andrew Cuomo

Paul Krugman

Jonathon Alter

Ezra Klein

Bill Maher

$100 Billion in Cuts

Should not be that hard to find in a $3.5 Trillion dollar budget. But the Republicans are still struggling? That's less than 3% of the total budget.

We are doomed if they can't find that amount.

Tell Me Again Why We Have the Dept. of Energy?

Formed in the Carter years, the Department is supposed to be working on reducing our dependence on foreign oil. And they do this how? Why, by not stopping private investment from developing oil in this country. North Dakota with 3.8% unemployment, growing so fast that workers are being housed in tents, why on earth would we want that while we wait for "Green Jobs?"

Because they are real jobs right now and not pretend jobs for the future.

Ain't This the Truth

Sarah Palin on the Issues

From her 2008 campaign.

Sarah Palin on Abortion
Click here for 15 full quotes on Abortion OR other candidates on Abortion OR background on Abortion.

* Use my daughter Bristol as a teaching tool for others. (Oct 2008)
* Constitution does offer an inherent right to privacy. (Oct 2008)
* Abortion should be states� issue, not federal mandate. (Oct 2008)
* While mayor, Wasilla charged rape victims for rape kits. (Sep 2008)
* Rejected sympathy for Down�s Syndrome son, as gift from God. (Aug 2008)
* Opposes embryonic stem cell research. (Aug 2008)
* Every baby is created with a future and potential. (Aug 2008)
* Safe Haven bill: allow surrendering newborns without penalty. (Feb 2008)
* Adoption is best plan for permanency for foster care kids. (Oct 2007)
* Pro-life. (Nov 2006)
* Choose life, even if her own daughter were raped. (Nov 2006)
* If Roe v. Wade got overturned, let people decide what�s next. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes use of public funds for abortions. (Oct 2006)
* Pro-contraception, pro-woman, pro-life. (Aug 2006)
* Only exception for abortion is if mother�s life would end. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Budget & Economy
Click here for 17 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other candidates on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.

* Vetoed $25M stimulus earmark; Alaskans don't desire "help". (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Praised Bush $700B bailout; opposed Obama's $787B. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: No, Alaska doesn't deny federal stimulus help. (Nov 2009)
* Restraint of last two years should continue in tough times. (Jan 2009)
* We suspended campaign to work on economic reform. (Oct 2008)
* Predatory lenders got us into the housing crisis. (Oct 2008)
* We should not reward poor financial decisions. (Sep 2008)
* McCain�s experience makes him best judge in economic crisis. (Sep 2008)
* Program of $1,200 to every Alaskan: spent on consumer goods. (Sep 2008)
* Workforce fundamentals are strong; economy needs oversight. (Sep 2008)
* Taxpayers cannot be looked to as Wall Street bailout. (Sep 2008)
* Control spending by request if possible; by veto if needed. (Sep 2008)
* $7 billion savings plan for education & transportation. (Dec 2007)
* Reduced general fund spending by $124 million. (Mar 2007)
* Aim to reduce general fund spending by $150 million. (Jan 2007)
* Firm believer in free market capitalism. (Nov 2006)
* Coordinate state tourism marketing but no additional funding. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Civil Rights
Click here for 19 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.

* First female mayor of Wasilla; first female governor of AK. (Oct 2008)
* Non-support of anything but traditional marriage. (Oct 2008)
* I�m a feminist; equal rights for women. (Sep 2008)
* Equal pay for equal work; but not Ledbetter Act. (Sep 2008)
* Hillary put 18 million cracks in glass ceiling. (Sep 2008)
* Would like support from women�s groups, but won�t woo them. (Sep 2008)
* Vetoed bill denying benefits to gays, as unconstitutional. (Aug 2008)
* ADA brings expanded freedom to Americans with disabilities. (Jul 2008)
* Recognize Juneteenth to celebrate the end of slavery. (Jun 2008)
* HIV/AIDS among Alaska Natives is public health crisis. (Mar 2008)
* Recognize Martin Luther King holiday. (Jan 2008)
* Comply with same-sex partner benefits despite disagreement. (Dec 2006)
* Marriage only be between and man and a woman. (Nov 2006)
* Value our cultural diversity. (Nov 2006)
* Prefers term �anti-rural� to �anti-Native�. (Nov 2006)
* Special legislative session on same-sex health benefits. (Nov 2006)
* Ok to deny benefits to homosexual couples. (Aug 2006)
* No spousal benefits for same-sex couples. (Jul 2006)
* Top priorities include preserving definition of �marriage�. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Corporations
Click here for 5 full quotes on Corporations OR other candidates on Corporations OR background on Corporations.

* Small businesses have to be brave enough to fail. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: No, Obama�s plan won�t tax millions of businesses. (Oct 2008)
* Wall Street violated public trust & caused mortgage crisis. (Sep 2008)
* Governor must act as effective CEO on behalf of Alaskans. (Nov 2006)
* Encourage small business growth by reducing business taxes. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Crime
Click here for 12 full quotes on Crime OR other candidates on Crime OR background on Crime.

* Establish �FBI Day� to support fighting global crime. (Jun 2008)
* Register sex offenders; & investigate internet sex crimes. (Jun 2008)
* Victims� rights are critical to �justice for all�. (Mar 2008)
* We are tough on crime and beefing up law enforcement. (Jan 2008)
* Collect DNA samples from felons. (Jun 2007)
* Gang members on probation must wear electronic monitors. (Jun 2007)
* Maximum sentence for first-degree murder by police. (Apr 2007)
* If legislature passed death penalty law, I would sign it. (Nov 2006)
* Strong public safety presence, via police, courts & prisons. (Nov 2006)
* Death penalty for adults who murder children. (Oct 2006)
* No special hate-crime laws; all heinous crime is hate-based. (Jul 2006)
* No expansion of gambling in Alaska. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Drugs
Click here for 7 full quotes on Drugs OR other candidates on Drugs OR background on Drugs.

* Rejected making Wasilla bars close earlier than 5 AM. (Sep 2008)
* Highway fatalities down because of strict drunk driving laws. (Aug 2008)
* Maintain alcohol sale database; bar giving alcohol to minors. (Jun 2007)
* Questions cruise ship gambling, under casino gambling ban. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes legalizing marijuana, but meth is greater threat. (Aug 2006)
* Smoked marijuana when it was legal under Alaska law. (Aug 2006)
* Top priorities include gangs & drugs; they harm family life. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Education
Click here for 26 full quotes on Education OR other candidates on Education OR background on Education.

* 3-year plan: $1B for early learning, vo-tech, accountability. (Jan 2009)
* We need more flexibility in No Child Left Behind. (Oct 2008)
* Never tried to ban books in the Wasilla Library. (Sep 2008)
* Science teacher as dad; believes in teaching evolution. (Sep 2008)
* Teach creationism alongside evolution in schools. (Aug 2008)
* Supports teaching intelligent design in public schools. (Aug 2008)
* 294 Alaska public schools progressed under NCLB. (Aug 2008)
* School debate should focus on accountability. (Jan 2008)
* Committed to providing strong education, including morals. (Jan 2008)
* Budget funds education, but will to work is also critical. (Jan 2008)
* Court ruling against NEA: state adequately funds education. (Jun 2007)
* Fully fund K-12 and support early funding of education. (Jan 2007)
* Supports $20 million needs-based aid for U. Alaska. (Nov 2006)
* Forward-fund K-12 schools to allow better planning. (Nov 2006)
* Supports charter schools, home schools, & other alternatives. (Nov 2006)
* Target early education programs to at-risk groups. (Nov 2006)
* Alignment between parents, teachers, schools, & business. (Nov 2006)
* Faith-based materials ok in homeschooling. (Nov 2006)
* ABC method: back to basics, plus patriotism & ethics. (Nov 2006)
* Supports parental choice for what is best for their children. (Nov 2006)
* Don�t push school boards on creationism but allow discussion. (Oct 2006)
* I believe we have a creator; and many theories of evolution. (Oct 2006)
* Support charters & home schools; not private school vouchers. (Oct 2006)
* Let parents opt out of schoolbooks they find offensive. (Jul 2006)
* Parents know best, about school spending & school age. (Jul 2006)
* Pledge of Allegiance with �Under God� is good enough. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Energy & Oil
Click here for 50 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other candidates on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.

* 2006: Replace secret gasline deal with open competition. (Nov 2009)
* Open gasline process, but $500M inducement to oil company. (Nov 2009)
* Cap-and-Trade is a Cap-and-Tax program. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Gas pipeline deal was not open & competitive. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama climate law costs consumers $145/year. (Nov 2009)
* Sues federal EPA for misusing Endangered Species Act. (Jan 2009)
* FactCheck: No, Obama has always supported clean coal. (Oct 2008)
* Exxon & Conoco are not my biggest fan. (Oct 2008)
* Nonsensical to leave domestic supply untapped. (Oct 2008)
* First and foremost, we must become energy independent. (Sep 2008)
* Energy is inherently linked to security and prosperity. (Sep 2008)
* Produce more of our own oil & gas, for national security. (Sep 2008)
* More pipelines; more nukes; more coal; more alternatives. (Sep 2008)
* Resource rebate: suspend AK 8-cent fuel tax for one year. (Aug 2008)
* To win, GOP must push energy independence. (Aug 2008)
* Windfall oil profits tax prevents investment. (Aug 2008)
* Lift moratorium on offshore drilling. (Jul 2008)
* Exxon-Mobil should pay $507 million for Exxon Valdez spill. (Jul 2008)
* Energy relief plan: $100 per person monthly, for oil & gas. (May 2008)
* Fully fund the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office. (Feb 2008)
* $250M for proven alternative energy, including wind & hydro. (Jan 2008)
* National energy policy not an either/or proposition. (Nov 2007)
* Fund cellulosic biofuel research in Farm Bill. (Oct 2007)
ANWR & Alaska Energy
* Goal of 50% of Alaska electric power from renewable sources. (Jan 2009)
* Drill, baby, drill. (Oct 2008)
* Crowning achievement: Alaska Gas Inducement Act. (Sep 2008)
* McCain wants healthy deliberation on disagreements like ANWR. (Sep 2008)
* Gas pipeline:history�s largest private-sector infrastructure. (Sep 2008)
* Claimed major triumph: $500 million subsidy for gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
* Gasline Inducement Act: 1,715-mile natural gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
* Commercialize Alaska�s North Slope natural gas. (Aug 2008)
* Appointed an Alaska oil and gas commissioner. (Aug 2008)
* Agrees with Obama on more Alaska oil & gas production. (Aug 2008)
* Convinced McCain to drill offshore; not yet on drilling ANWR. (Jul 2008)
* Unlock ANWR; we�re ready, willing and able to contribute. (Jun 2008)
* Bush is right: drill ANWR & develop our own supplies. (Apr 2008)
* Gas pipelines are approved if they meet Alaska�s needs. (Jan 2008)
* Submitted legislation to build natural AGIA gas pipeline. (Mar 2007)
* Stranded Gas Development Act no longer applies. (Nov 2006)
* Get ANWR open. (Nov 2006)
* Chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. (Nov 2006)
* Pursue gasline plan that is best for ALL Alaskans. (Nov 2006)
* Met with producers and employee groups for pipeline deal. (Oct 2006)
* Firm start date as part of gasline incentive offer. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes natural gas reserves tax--it�s not earned income yet. (Oct 2006)
Global Warming
* I do support capping carbon emissions. (Oct 2008)
* Cyclical temperature changes affect climate change. (Oct 2008)
* All-of-the-above approach to deal with climate change. (Oct 2008)
* Global warming affects Alaska, but is not man-made. (Aug 2008)
* Analyze potential costs associated with climate change. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Environment
Click here for 15 full quotes on Environment OR other candidates on Environment OR background on Environment.

* Exxon Valdez spill was environmental & economic disaster. (Nov 2009)
* 20 years to recover Exxon Valdez damages for people of AK. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Praised $500M for Valdez victims; but wanted $2B. (Nov 2009)
* Opposed protections for salmon from mining contamination. (Aug 2008)
* Sue US government to stop listing polar bear as endangered. (Aug 2008)
* We must encourage timber, mining, drilling, & fishing. (Jan 2008)
* Wolf predator control is important for subsistence hunters. (Sep 2007)
* Feds shouldn�t list beluga whales as endangered. (Aug 2007)
* Provide stability in regulations for developers. (Jan 2007)
* Convince the rest of the nation to open ANWR. (Jan 2007)
* Fish platform: �Resource First� philosophy. (Nov 2006)
* Rail provides critical link for business development. (Nov 2006)
* Supports �Roads to Resources�: subsidized access to mines. (Oct 2006)
* Don�t duplicate effort in monitoring cruise ship emissions. (Oct 2006)
* Don�t amend AK constitution for rural subsistence fishing. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Families & Children
Click here for 7 full quotes on Families & Children OR other candidates on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.

* Caring for special needs kids is part of culture of life. (Jan 2009)
* V.P. role would include helping special-needs children. (Sep 2008)
* Special-needs children will have her as a friend & advocate. (Sep 2008)
* 17-year-old unmarried daughter is 5 months pregnant. (Sep 2008)
* Praised by pro-life groups for keeping Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008)
* Recognize the vital role of family child care homes. (Mar 2008)
* Opposes explicit sex-education programs. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Foreign Policy
Click here for 12 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR other candidates on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.

* Some dictators hate America & what we stand for. (Oct 2008)
* Two-state solution for Israel/Palestine is a top priority. (Oct 2008)
* When Putin rears his head he goes into Alaskan airspace. (Sep 2008)
* We cannot meet rogue leaders without conditions. (Sep 2008)
* Would not second guess Israel if they attack Iran. (Sep 2008)
* Agrees with Reagan that US is �beacon of light� for world. (Sep 2008)
* OpEd: Didn�t comment on foreign policy as mayor or governor. (Sep 2008)
* Cold War with Russia is off the table. (Sep 2008)
* Rising democracies look to America as a leader. (Sep 2008)
* Visiting injured soldiers in Germany was trip of a lifetime. (Sep 2008)
* Get Ukraine into NATO, and maybe Georgia. (Sep 2008)
* Peace Corps strengthens US ties abroad & enriches US at home. (Jan 2007)

Sarah Palin on Free Trade
Click here for 7 full quotes on Free Trade OR other candidates on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.

* Bothered by China's bid to control Alaska gasline. (Nov 2009)
* Establish viable commercial fisheries in international seas. (Jan 2009)
* Trade important to Alaska, but keep Alaska residents first. (Sep 2008)
* Allow wineries to ship by mail within state. (Jun 2008)
* International markets and companies trust Alaska. (Apr 2008)
* Exempt Alaskan cruise ships from customs rule changes. (Dec 2007)
* Record-high exports; growth of 12.6% since last year. (Feb 2007)

Sarah Palin on Government Reform
Click here for 31 full quotes on Government Reform OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.

* Conflict of interest in fellow Councilor's garbage proposal. (Nov 2009)
* 2006: Small donors;returned checks with conflict of interest. (Nov 2009)
* Refused per diem expenses for housing and First Family. (Nov 2009)
* As Gov., avoided "high-end, robe-and-slippers" hotels. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Yes, usually chose frugal travel, but not always. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Over half of her campaign funded by large donors. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Criticized conflict of interest, but did the same. (Nov 2009)
* Overall reduction of 7% spending, plus state hiring freeze. (Jan 2009)
* Agrees with Cheney that VP as executive is flexible. (Oct 2008)
* Many Supreme Court rulings are better addressed by states. (Oct 2008)
* No state-mandated religion, but public faith is ok. (Oct 2008)
* McCain is maverick who wants to reform government. (Sep 2008)
* Alienated legislators by line-item-vetoing their projects. (Sep 2008)
* Regulate for people & against cronyism & lobbyists. (Sep 2008)
* Only independent mavericks can reform Washington. (Sep 2008)
* Small town mayors are on front lines of accountability. (Sep 2008)
* Never been part of an Alaska secessionist party. (Sep 2008)
* Shook up the good-ol� boys network with major ethics reform. (Sep 2008)
* Vetoed nearly half a billion dollars in wasteful spending. (Sep 2008)
* McCain: She�s a soul-mate who implemented ethics reform. (Aug 2008)
* Individuals make better decisions than government. (Aug 2008)
* VECO scandal & Stevens indictment shows need for GOP cleanup. (Jul 2008)
* Comprehensive ethics reform: change politics as usual. (Jul 2007)
* Presented comprehensive ethics bill in early 2007. (Mar 2007)
* Sell previous governor�s jet on eBay--it�s impractical. (Dec 2006)
* Attended numerous debates & did not avoid any unnecessarily. (Oct 2006)
Bridge to Nowhere
* Replaced �Bridge to Nowhere� with improved ferry system. (Sep 2008)
* Killed �bridge to nowhere� project as unneeded. (Aug 2008)
* Supported infamous �Bridge to Nowhere�; now criticizes it. (Aug 2008)
* Fight �bridge to nowhere� and all earmarks. (Jul 2008)
* Supports state funding for Gravina Island bridge. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Gun Control
Click here for 6 full quotes on Gun Control OR other candidates on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.

* Shot her first rabbit at age 10; freezer filled with game. (Sep 2008)
* Hunts and fishes, as did her father. (Aug 2008)
* Hunts as much as she can; freezer-full of wild game. (Aug 2008)
* Supports ending D.C.�s 32-year-old ban on handguns. (Jun 2008)
* Lifelong NRA member & champion of right to bear arms. (Feb 2008)
* Supports Constitutional right to bear arms. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Health Care
Click here for 12 full quotes on Health Care OR other candidates on Health Care OR background on Health Care.

* Greater competition, more choices, and less litigation. (Jan 2009)
* Health Care Commission recommends habits against obesity. (Jan 2009)
* $5,000 tax credit for families to buy their own coverage. (Oct 2008)
* FactCheck: Obama�s plan does not remove private insurance. (Oct 2008)
* FactCheck: McCain�s plan costs $14B/year; not budget-neutral. (Oct 2008)
* Signed up as organ donor; Alaska leads the states. (Apr 2008)
* Health care must be market-and business-driven. (Jan 2008)
* Take personal responsibility for personal health & all areas. (Jan 2008)
* Doctors should manage health care, not bureaucracies. (Jan 2008)
* Personal responsibility & choices key to good health. (Jan 2008)
* Flexibility in government regulations to allow competition. (Nov 2006)
* More affordable health care via competition. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Homeland Security
Click here for 17 full quotes on Homeland Security OR other candidates on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.

* Economic sanctions on North Korea for nukes. (Oct 2008)
* Terrorists in Iraq are the biggest threat to Americans today. (Oct 2008)
* Pakistani people & leaders want to get rid of terrorists. (Sep 2008)
* Fight terrorism to spread democratic ideals in world. (Sep 2008)
* Any country that houses Islamic terrorists is a danger to US. (Sep 2008)
* Energy is a foundation of national security. (Sep 2008)
* Only a very small percent of Islamic believers are extreme. (Sep 2008)
* Agrees with Bush Doctrine, if enough legitimate intel. (Sep 2008)
* Focus on fighting Al-Qaeda terrorists, not on reading rights. (Sep 2008)
* Strong military and sound energy. (Aug 2008)
* Armed forces, including my son, give us security and freedom. (Jan 2008)
* Ask all candidates �Are you doing all you can for security?�. (Oct 2007)
* Visits Kuwait; encourages Alaska big game hunting to troops. (Sep 2007)
* Obligation to support our troops, even if criticizing war. (Jun 2007)
* Proclaim �Loyalty Day� to reaffirm loyalty to America. (Apr 2007)
* Promote from within, in Alaska�s National Guard. (Nov 2006)
* Let military personnel know how much we support them. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Immigration
Click here for 8 full quotes on Immigration OR other candidates on Immigration OR background on Immigration.

* Supports a path to citizenship, but no amnesty for illegals. (Oct 2008)
* Never supported Pat Buchanan for president. (Sep 2008)
* Has not often expressed views on illegal immigration. (Aug 2008)
* OpEd: Palin is sick to death of this immigration nonsense. (Mar 2008)
* Address jointly with Canada the border security challenges. (Jan 2007)
* Immigrants want more vocational training & senior assistance. (Oct 2006)
* Took no action on Alaska�s �sanctuary cities�. (Sep 2006)
* Tightened restrictions on illegal alien�s drivers licenses. (Sep 2006)

Sarah Palin on Jobs
Click here for 7 full quotes on Jobs OR other candidates on Jobs OR background on Jobs.

* Closed last factory in Wasilla in 2007. (Sep 2008)
* Alaska Construction Academy: 2,520 students learn skills. (Aug 2008)
* Leverage job-training dollars thru voc-tech curriculum. (Nov 2006)
* Focus Workforce Investment Board on vocational careers. (Nov 2006)
* Praised the Red Dog zinc mine for bringing rural jobs. (Oct 2006)
* Department of Fish and Game is under-funded. (Oct 2006)
* Unions should get member permission for political donations. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Principles & Values
Click here for 56 full quotes on Principles & Values OR other candidates on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.

* 2005 gubernatorial race: Ambition drives; purpose beckons. (Nov 2009)
* Resigned because relentless tabloidizing prevented work. (Nov 2009)
* FactCheck: Autobiography sounds like presidential ambition. (Nov 2009)
* Named first female GOP VP candidate on suffrage anniversary. (Oct 2008)
* By working with all parties, never had to compromise. (Oct 2008)
* Admires Geraldine Ferraro & George Bush Sr. (Oct 2008)
* Favorite movie: �Hoosiers�, for underdog tenacity. (Oct 2008)
* Shares McCain world view of US as shining city on the hill. (Oct 2008)
* Officiated a marriage in the aisle of Wal-Mart. (Sep 2008)
* OpEd: Vetting process for V.P. included no one in Alaska. (Sep 2008)
* Proud of being a Washington outsider. (Sep 2008)
* Good-old-boy networks are created by both parties. (Sep 2008)
* Americans are just getting sick & tired of politics as usual. (Sep 2008)
* When I hear our National Anthem, I get a lump in my throat. (Sep 2008)
* Came of age in the era of Reagan; thinks about him daily. (Sep 2008)
* There is a plan for this world and that plan is for good. (Sep 2008)
* Underestimating Sarah always proved to be a big mistake. (Sep 2008)
* Small towns produced Harry Truman as V.P.; and produced me. (Sep 2008)
* OpEd: shores up McCain as a conservative AND as a maverick. (Sep 2008)
* Before selection, questioned role of vice president. (Sep 2008)
* Gained political prominence as a whistleblower. (Aug 2008)
* Shatter that glass ceiling once and for all. (Aug 2008)
* Leadership is a responsibility to prepare for tomorrow. (Jan 2008)
* Top priorities for AK include ethics & balanced budget. (Mar 2007)
* Decries �politics as usual� of attacking opponents. (Nov 2006)
* Endorsed by Sen. Ted Stevens. (Oct 2006)
* Endorsed by United Fishermen of Alaska (commercial group). (Oct 2006)
Mayorship & Governorship
* Known to Wasilla residents as personable multi-tasker. (Sep 2008)
* Embraced �City of Character� religious program as mayor. (Sep 2008)
* Signed up for PTA; then ran for City Council; then Mayor. (Sep 2008)
* Trounced incumbent governor in 2006 on platform of reform. (Aug 2008)
Personal History
* Sarah Heath born in Idaho; moved to Alaska at age 2 months. (Sep 2008)
* Entered beauty contests to help pay for college. (Sep 2008)
* Family emphasized education; read newspapers as child. (Sep 2008)
* Miss Congeniality in statewide beauty pageant in 1984. (Aug 2008)
* Star high school athlete in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. (Aug 2008)
* Voted �Miss Wasilla� in local beauty contest; eloped at 24. (Aug 2008)
* Husband left oil job to avoid conflict; now works for BP. (Aug 2008)
* Husband is part Eskimo; won Iron Dog snowmobile races. (Aug 2008)
* Raises kids with network of relatives, plus Todd as Mr. Mom. (Aug 2008)
* Had 6 months to adapt & prepare for Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008)
* Studied journalism; ran for office to make a difference. (Aug 2008)
Religion
* OpEd: Core values defined by political ambition plus church. (Sep 2008)
* I�m one of those bitter people clinging to guns & religion. (Sep 2008)
* Religion: non-denominational Bible-believing Christian. (Aug 2008)
* Declare a National Day of Prayer in Alaska. (Apr 2008)
* The Bible has profoundly influenced America. (Oct 2007)
* Recognize America�s historic and founding Christian heritage. (Sep 2007)
* Fight for freedom of religion and freedom of expression. (Oct 2006)
Troopergate
* OpEd: Popularity hurt by Troopergate and at-home per-diem. (Sep 2008)
* Troopergate: brother-in-law tasered child, but still trooper. (Sep 2008)
* Fired controversial state trooper for threatening family. (Aug 2008)
* Investigated for firing ex-brother-in-law in custody battle. (Aug 2008)
* Independent prosecutor probing Cabinet firing. (Jul 2008)
* Replaced Public Safety commissioner based on lack of results. (Jul 2008)
* Denies all allegations in Department of Public Safety affair. (Jul 2008)

Sarah Palin on Social Security
Click here for 2 full quotes on Social Security OR other candidates on Social Security OR background on Social Security.

* Fund the Seniors Longevity Bonus Program. (Nov 2006)
* Home-based assistance more cost-effective than institutions. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Tax Reform
Click here for 14 full quotes on Tax Reform OR other candidates on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.

* FactCheck: No, Reagan didn't end 1980s recession by tax cuts. (Nov 2009)
* Under Obama plan, small businesses will see tax increases. (Oct 2008)
* FactCheck: Undoing Bush tax cut only hits families over $83K. (Oct 2008)
* No Alaska sales tax; and $3,200 payments annually. (Sep 2008)
* Everybody benefits when government takes less. (Sep 2008)
* Raising taxes hurts small business and hurts jobs. (Sep 2008)
* Elected mayor based on tax cut promise. (Aug 2008)
* As mayor, cut property taxes & increased sales tax. (Aug 2008)
* $60M annually for municipal revenue sharing. (Mar 2008)
* Eliminate taxes that inhibit business. (Jan 2008)
* Repeal �nuisance taxes� including the tire tax. (Jan 2007)
* Mitigate impact of new $50M annual cruise ship tourism tax. (Oct 2006)
* No income tax; no taking the people�s dividends. (Oct 2006)
* Would support a seasonal sales tax, but no income tax. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Technology
Click here for 5 full quotes on Technology OR other candidates on Technology OR background on Technology.

* After selection, scant info on her life, even on Internet. (Oct 2008)
* OpEd: Neglected Wasilla infrastructure; left with $22M debt. (Sep 2008)
* Supports $130M in research investment in U. Alaska. (Nov 2006)
* Efficient transportation system is vital to our economy. (Nov 2006)
* Alaska needs a state funded highway program. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on War & Peace
Click here for 21 full quotes on War & Peace OR other candidates on War & Peace OR background on War & Peace.

* FactCheck: Disputed that Obama tried to delay Iraq deal. (Oct 2008)
* No white flag of surrender on Iraq. (Oct 2008)
* Divest from Sudan; enforce no-fly zone in Darfur. (Oct 2008)
* FactCheck: No, we�re not back to pre-surge troop levels. (Oct 2008)
* FactCheck: No, Afghan general did not say a surge would work. (Oct 2008)
* Surge needed in Afghanistan; we cannot afford to lose. (Sep 2008)
* Retreat is defeat in Iraq. (Sep 2008)
* Nuclear Iran is dangerous to whole world. (Sep 2008)
* Russia�s invading Georgia, unprovoked, is unacceptable. (Sep 2008)
* No new Cold War with Russia. (Sep 2008)
* Don�t go to war over Georgia, but pressure Russia. (Sep 2008)
* Don�t second-guess Israel if they act against nukes in Iran. (Sep 2008)
* Keep option to go into Pakistan to go after terrorists. (Sep 2008)
* McCain: She has right judgment on Iran and the surge. (Aug 2008)
* Visited Alaska National Guard troops in Kuwait. (Aug 2008)
* We don�t know what the plan is to ever end the war. (Aug 2008)
* Wants exit plan; also assurances to keep our troops safe. (Mar 2007)
* We have not been attacked since 2001; so support our troops. (Oct 2006)
* I support the mission of our troops in Iraq. (Oct 2006)
* Our troops in Iraq keep us safe at home. (Oct 2006)
* I support President Bush�s efforts to stop terrorism. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Welfare & Poverty
Click here for 3 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty OR other candidates on Welfare & Poverty OR background on Welfare & Poverty.

* EITC moves thousands of welfare recipients into workforce. (Jan 2008)
* Recognize Salvation Army and encourage charity to them. (Nov 2007)
* Funding for faith-based initiatives is adequate today. (Oct 2006)

Interesting Facts about Sarah Palin 31-40

Continued

# A legislative panel launched a $100,000 investigation into “Trooper-gate” to determine if Palin abused her power by trying to fire her former brother-in-law who was a state trooper.h
# In Going Rouge, Palin talks about her two miscarriages, her Creationist beliefs, her wedding dinner at Wendy’s, and the letter she wrote her children about their brother Trig from the point of view of God.m
# Palin’s daughter Bristol (1990) is named after the ocean bay where the Palin family likes to fish. Willow (1994) was named after the willow ptarmigan, Alaska’s state bird. Piper Indy (2001) was named after the Piper cub that Todd flies and the Polaris Indy Snowmobile Todd drove on his first Iron Dog Race.f
# The Anchorage Daily News has called Palin “the Joan of Arc of Alaska Politics.”j
# Palin says her favorite author is C.S. Lewis.g
# Palin opposes same-sex marriage, embryonic stem cell research, and abortion, even in the case of rape or incest—though she opposes sanctions against women who obtain an abortion.m

Todd once told his high school friends that Palin did not know how to kiss
# In Going Rouge, Palin reveals that Todd told his locker room friends that Sarah didn’t know how to kiss.m
# In August 2008, Palin tried to sue the U.S. Department of the Interior in an attempt to remove polar bears as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act because it would hinder Alaska’s gas industry and drilling development.a
# Though Palin often said during her campaign speeches that she had said “Thanks, but no thanks” to the “Bridge to Nowhere” in Ketchikan, Alaska, she actually initially supported the bridge. It was only when the idea to build the bridge became unpopular that she reversed her position.d
# Though Palin claimed she sold the former governor of Alaska’s (Frank Murkowski) jet on eBay, and McCain even said she made a profit, it was actually sold offline to a Palin contributor at a $600,000 loss.d

Interesting Facts about Sarah Palin 21-30

Continued

# In an 2008 interview with the conservative newspaper Newsmax, Palin disputes the notion that humans are completely responsible for the global warming crisis.k
# Oprah Winfrey’s TV show with Palin was her most watched show since 2007 when 100 members of the Osmond family appeared.s

MSN.com named Palin as one of the sexiest women over 40 (#8)
# MSN.com named Sarah Palin as one of the “Sexiest Women over 40.”p
# In response to Palin’s critique on Obama’s work as a community organizer, the Community Organizers of America created a Web site titled “Organizers Fight Back” in which donations were accepted for their new tongue-in-cheek “Sarah Palin Action Fund.” Every dollar donated to the fund was devoted to train new community organizers.c
# While she was mayor, the town of Wasilla charged rape victims and/or their insurance companies for rape kits. Former State Rep. Eric Croft reports that the only ongoing resistance to a bill that provided free rape kits was from Wasilla while Palin was mayor from 1996-2002.v
# While she was pregnant with daughter Willow, Palin dressed as a pregnant Jane Fonda for Halloween.h
# Palin is a member of Feminists For Life (FFL) an anti-abortion, pro-contraception organization.f
# During the governor’s race, Palin was the only candidate who said that creationism should be discussed in school alongside evolution.i
# Palin is a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).m
# Palin supports capital punishment.r

Sarah Palin on Ronald Reagan

Reagan v. Gorbachev

It's been fashionable on the Left to argue that the end of the Soviet Union came about not because of Reagan, but Gorbachev. This would suit their version of the world that Reagan was either an amiable dunce and therefore incapable of bringing down the most powerful military empire in the world, or that America is so deeply flawed, that the world changed without any help or assistance from us. Delusion is so much fun, isn't it?
The truth is that there wouldn't have been a Gorbachev if there wasn't a Reagan. After the death of Brezhnev, the Soviets followed the usual Republican method of leadership selection by finding the oldest still breathing member who had loyally served. No one really remembers Kuznetsov, Andropov, Chernenko, Gromyko were the leaders in the interregnum of Brezhnev and Gorbachev. While all seemed to have the nasty habit of dropping to sleep at a meeting and never waking again, (God only know where their poor atheistic souls went to) Gorbachev was actually young enough to last more than a few weeks. But his world had already been preordained.
Gorbachev could do nothing but react, no matter how brilliant he may have been, at least according to our friends on the Left. But having to deal with the residue of the Afghanistan invasion, the inability to maintain military supremacy in the face of US qualitative improvements in their military and tactics was more than anyone could handle in the time allotted to him.
But I don't want to disparage Gorbachev for one thing. That is the death of the Soviet Union could have been a violent thrashing resulting in nuclear destruction. Instead, and I do give him credit, Gorbachev presided over the orderly dismantling of a force which had been designed, built and equipped to rampage from the Elbe to the English Channel in only two weeks. And they were never used.
So, while Gorbachev needs to get credit for preventing a disaster, the dismantling of the Soviet Union credit can only go to Ronald Reagan.

Happy 100th birthday Mr. President.

Losing Their Religion

From Newsbuster



And it's true, is there one thing that Gore will say doesn't point to AGW? Global Warming is man's arrogance combined with Calvinism. We are all unworthy, but we are so unworthy, that we can screw up a planet.

Interesting Facts about Sarah Palin 11-20

Continued:

# During the 2008 presidential campaign, Palin was the second female vice presidential candidate (after Geraldine Ferraro in 1984) and the first Alaskan on a national ticket. She was also the first female vice presidential nominee of the Republican Party.h
# Palin attended five colleges in six years before graduating from the University of Idaho-Moscow in 1987 with a Bachelors degree in communications-journalism. She began her college education at Hawaii Pacific University and subsequently transferred to North Idaho College, the University of Idaho, and Matanuska-Susitna College.f

Palin won the Miss Wasilla pageant and finished third in the Miss Alaska pageant in 1984
# Palin won the Miss Wasilla pageant in 1984 and placed second in the Miss Alaska pageant, where she won the “Miss Congeniality” award and a college scholarship.f
# During her first term as mayor, Palin would keep a jar with all the names of the citizens of Wasilla on papers. Each week, she would pick a name and call the person and ask, “How is the city doing?”f
# Palin was Alaska’s first female governor and the youngest (age 42) governor in Alaskan history.h
# In 2007, polls indicated a 93% and 89% approval rating for Palin as governor. In 2009, her approval rating was at 54%.b
# In 2007, Palin supported a policy that would allow wolves to be hunted from the air and that a bounty of $150 per wolf would be paid. The bounty was later declared illegal.f
# Publisher HarperCollins said that Going Rogue sold 300,000 copies its first day, making it one of the best openings ever for a nonfiction book. In 2004, Bill Clinton’s book, My Life, debuted at 400,000 copies. The year before, Hillary Clinton's Living History started at 200,000. Going Rogue is poised to make Palin millions.e
# While mayor in 1996, Palin asked Wasilla librarian Mary Ellen Emmons if she would approve of censoring books if she were asked to do so. A few weeks after Emmons replied with “Definitely not,” she received a termination letter from Palin.h
# One of Palin’s most significant contributions as mayor was an indoor sports complex. However, Palin authorized the complex before she had the title to the land, leading to at least $1.3 million in legal fees.o

Palin Month is Now International

Even Leftie Brits are spiraling downward in paroxysms of absolute sheer hatred. You gotta love it. But the best part from the article that sort of mirrors my own view:

Even, if she entered the White House in 2012 and proved the worst president in US history (quite a challenge, given the standards set by her immediate predecessor), even if she – “whoops” – accidentally pressed the red button that nuked North Korea leading to the global conflagration that destroyed most of the planet, even then I still think I would find it in my heart to love and forgive her. Why?

Because of all the many qualities Sarah Palin has, the best of all is this:

She drives liberals totally crazy. So crazy, in fact, that Washington Post libtard Dana Milbank is boycotting Sarah Palin for the month of February and urging other journalists to do the same. But here on Telegraph Blogs we’ve decided to do the opposite. Every day a blogger will mention her.

Welcome to Sarah Palin Month on Telegraph Blogs, everybody. It’s there to celebrate. It’s there to annoy.

Interesting Facts about Sarah Palin 1-10

Thanks to Random Facts

# Sarah Louis Palin (née Heath) was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, on February 11, 1964. She was the third of four children. Her family moved to Alaska when she was two months old.a
# Todd and Sarah Palin met at a high school basketball game. When she first saw him, she whispered to herself, “Thank you, God.”m
# In her book Going Rogue, Palin insists that she was manipulated into doing the famous Katie Couric interviews by Nicole Wallace, a communications aide for the campaign, and that Couric was just interested in catching Palin in a “gotcha” moment.m

female basketball
Palin earned the nickname “Sarah Barracuda” in high school for her competitiveness on the basketball court
# Palin was known as “Sarah Barracuda” on her high school basketball team because of her ferociousness on the court. She was also the co-caption of the 1982 State Championship basketball team and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.h
# Palin’s parents, Chuck and Sally Heath, were a high school science teacher and school secretary, respectively. Her father also worked as a hunting and fishing guide and a bartender as well as for the Alaskan Railroad to make ends meet.f
# While attending the University of Hawaii-Hilo, Sarah tried marijuana and didn’t like it. “I can’t claim a Bill Clinton and say I never inhaled.”h
# When Sarah and Todd eloped on August 20th, 1988, they forgot to bring witnesses, so they went next door to a nursing home and brought back two people, one in a wheelchair and one using a walker. Eight months later on April 20, 1989, their first son, Track, was born.f
# Track was named after Palin’s favorite spring activity, running track. Sarah joked that if he had born during basketball season, she would have named him “Hoops.”f
# Palin and five of her friends formed an exercise group called the “Elite Six.” During the 1990s, they would perform aerobics as a group at the Alaska State Fair in exchange for free parking and food.h
# When Sarah was helping with Todd’s commercial fishing business in 1993, she failed to register as a gillnet permit holder and pleaded “no contest.” The violation was inadvertently registered as a felony.h

Palin Gets the Truth Out

James Taranto who does the Wall Street Journal's Best of the Web has an excellent piece on the lies about Obamacare that have been perpetrated by its supporters. Among the biggest lies, is that Palin supposedly lied about "death panels" or "government takeover of healthcare." You can read the whole thing here. But for the link adverse, if I may, a few clips:

Four months later PolitiFact.com, a project of the left-leaning St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times, named the phrase "lie of the year":

Her assertion--that the government would set up boards to determine whether seniors and the disabled were worthy of care--spread through newscasts, talk shows, blogs and town hall meetings. Opponents of health care legislation said it revealed the real goals of the Democratic proposals. Advocates for health reform said it showed the depths to which their opponents would sink. Still others scratched their heads and said, "Death panels? Really?"

In truth, PolitiFact was more vulnerable to the charge of lying than Palin was, for its highly literal, out-of-context interpretation of her words was at best extremely tendentious. What she wrote was this:

The Democrats promise that a government health care system will reduce the cost of health care, but as the economist Thomas Sowell has pointed out, government health care will not reduce the cost; it will simply refuse to pay the cost. And who will suffer the most when they ration care? The sick, the elderly, and the disabled, of course. The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's "death panel" so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their "level of productivity in society," whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil.

Palin put the term "death panel" in quotes to indicate that she was using it figuratively. She was not lying but doing just the opposite: conveying a fundamental truth about ObamaCare. Proponents were describing it as a sort of fiscal perpetual-motion machine: We're going to give free insurance to tens of millions of people and reduce the deficit! As a matter of simple arithmetic, the only way to do that is by drastically curtailing medical benefits.

"Health care by definition involves life and death decisions," Palin wrote. ObamaCare necessarily expands the power of federal bureaucrats to make such decisions, and it creates enormous fiscal pressures to err on the side of death. Whether it establishes literal panels for that purpose is a hair-splitting quibble. By naming this "lie of the year," PolitiFact showed itself to be less seeker of truth than servant of power.

There is quite a bit more and well worth the read.

Markos Moulitas to Dems: Commit Suicide

You gotta love the true believers, and Markos Moulitas of the Daily Kos would be one of the champion Kool-Aid salesmen for all things Democrat. But in this article from The Hill he tells all the Democrat candidates that they should vote for things against their constituent wishes, because that is what will get them re-elected.
I wonder when it comes to the health care vote if Tester will be listening to that advice?

Maybe this is the problem

If you had to listen to someone, would you rather they looked like this:

or this:

From a purely aesthetic point of view, I would rather shove knitting needles into my ears than listen to Pelosi or Wasserman Schulz. And don't let anyone tell you that Palin or Bachmann are not up to the task intellectually, especially after the Democrats selected Joe Biden, and Obama has done nothing to live up to his supposed brilliance.

Update: For Mike H.

As opposed to this:

Don't Forget

In honor of Dana Milbank's desire to go cold turkey for the month of February and not make any reference to Sarah Palin, this is the first of what will hopefully be 28 to cover the month for him. That way, he will be able to concentrate on what is really important: Michelle Bachmann.