Friday, July 24, 2009

ACORN Under Congressional Microscope

ACORN engaged in a scheme to use taxpayer money to support a partisan political agenda, according to a new report from Republicans on a House oversight committee.

The report, released Thursday, accuses ACORN of fraudulent activities and widespread corruption and calls for a criminal investigation into the advocacy group. It offers the first detailed account of the allegations that have dogged the organization in recent months.
ACORN, or the Association of Community Organizations for Reform, has been under constant fire from conservatives since last year for its support of Barack Obama's presidential candidacy and its planned participation in next year's 2010 census.

The report was released by Rep. Darrell Issa, the top Republican on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Issa's GOP colleagues.

"This report is about getting to the truth and when there are significant accusations and questions outstanding regarding an organization that has benefited from millions of taxpayer dollars, those questions should be answered and the truth should be brought to light," Issa said in a statement.

The executive summary of the report says ACORN provided contributions of financial and personnel resources to indicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and candidate Obama, among others, in what the report calls a scheme to use taxpayer money to support a partisan political agenda, which would be a clear violation of numerous tax and election laws.

"Both structurally and operationally, ACORN hides behind a paper wall of nonprofit corporate protections to conceal a criminal conspiracy on the part of its directors, to launder federal money in order to pursue a partisan agenda and to manipulate the American electorate," an executive summary of the report reads.

ACORN, which was sent a copy of the executive summary by FOXNews.com, dismissed the report as a "partisan attack job."

"We are busy fighting to stop the foreclosure crisis, to win quality affordable health care for all Americans and to build a stronger economy for working families, so we haven't had the opportunity to read Rep. Issa's screed at length," Bertha Lewis, CEO of ACORN, said in a written statement to FOXNews.com.

"But an initial review indicates that the document is a recycled and repackaged partisan attack job on ACORN's good work," she added.

The report accuses ACORN, after receiving more than $53 million in federal funds since 1994, of blurring the legal distinctions among 361 tax-exempt and non-exempt entities to divert that money into partisan political activities.

Evidence found in the report relies in part on documents provided by former ACORN employees.
"Operationally, ACORN is a shell game played in 120 cities, 43 states and the District of Columbia through a complex structure designed to conceal illegal activities, to use taxpayer and tax-exempt dollars for partisan political purposes, and to distract investigators," the report read.
"Structurally, ACORN is a chess game in which senior management is shielded from accountability by multiple layers of volunteers and compensated employees who serve as pawns to take the fall for every bad act."

Kurt Bardella, a spokesman for Issa, said ACORN's response suggests the report "hit a nerve."
"We stand by the findings of the report," he told FOXNews.com. "There are a lot of legitimate questions raised about the political activities and organizational structure of ACORN. We'd certainly like to have a venue and platform for ACORN to respond to our report."

In his statement, Issa said, "It is outrageous that ACORN will be rewarded for its criminal acts by taxpayer money in the stimulus and is being asked to help with the U.S. census. This report shines a light on clear criminal conduct and it is abundantly clear that they cannot and should not be trusted with taxpayer dollars."

It would be up to the chairman of the oversight panel to hold hearings on the ACORN report and up to the Justice Department to pursue a criminal investigation. Likewise, the census director will determine whether ACORN remains a partner with the U.S. Census Bureau to assist with the recruitment of the 1.4 million temporary workers needed to go door-to-door to count every person in the United States.

A spokeswoman for Rep. Edolphus Towns, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, did not respond to e-mails seeking comment.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Chattering Class is Pushing back




Uncle Barry is losing his grip on the chattering class of America and he knows it. We are resisting our forced march onto Uncle Barry's plantation in greater numbers by the day. For the fourth straight week Republicans lead the Democrats in Rasmussen's Generic Congressional Ballot and support for Repubs is at the highest level in over two years.

We are getting and staying informed about issues that will affect us for generations to come and we are coming prepared for battle, witness these courageous members of the chattering class as they actually laugh out loud at the bald faced lies their congressman is trying to feed them...





...and this chattering class hero tells Obama sycophant Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius "It will be a cold day in hell before he socializes my country"





We are finally digging in our heels and showing the some of the same grit and determination that our forebearers used when they brought the British Empire to a stumbling halt in the Americas over two centuries ago as we find out more and more about Uncle Barry's promised healthcare plan for us. The outrage grows as we learn the truth about the care the elderly will or will not receive under Obama's ration-based plan. Our parents and grandparents will simply be told they are not worth the expense to care for and their healthcare will be withheld. Our elderly will be hounded, yes hounded, by end of life councelors who come every five years to advise them on their end of life choices. (I double dawg dare a pencil necked wonk from Washington to show up and councel my father about end of life choices, you might just get a lesson in end of life choices yourself.)

As word spreads that abortion and the entire vile abortion industry will be included in the package, even Democratic lawmakers are becoming squeamish at the prospect of having to face their constituents with this blood on their hands.

We are standing up to the liberal media as we witnessed during the TeaParties when the snotty reporter from CNN tried to bully a TEA party participant(her contract was not renewed with CNN by the way ) We realize the media is part of the problem and very many of us view the mainstream media as aiding and abetting the enemies of our nation as they try to force us to live in a marxist state.

We tried to warn you back in the winter when we took to public squares all across this nation, but the liberal elites chose to answer with derision and scorn. But, the average American took notice and started to listen and do their own research, independent of the mainstream media sources. We emailed and blogged to organize a true grassroots network and still the elites refused to heed us. We organized and held ever larger TEA parties and shouted our defiance to an administration that has refused to hear us. But, Mr. and Mrs. Average American has heard us and joined their voices to those of us who were considered to be "far right wing extremists" Is it possible that over 50% of the nation is now saying the same thing those "far right wing extremists" spent so many days and nights jumping up and down and blogging about? If over 50% of the nation does not want this healthcare package shoved down our throats, who does that leave out on the far edges then?

But, of course Uncle Barry tried to soothe our concerns by reminding us that no, this isn't about him...it is about us, he is doing this for our own good. Oh goodie! Uncle Barry is only looking out for us because what...we aren't smart enough to look out for ourselves? Well, if it isn't about Dear Leader, then surely he is not worried that his presidency will be destroyed if healthcare is defeated, right?

..."Let's just lay everything on the table," Grassley said. "A Democrat congressman last week told me after a conversation with the president that the president had trouble in the House of Representatives, and it wasn't going to pass if there weren't some changes made ... and the president says, 'You're going to destroy my presidency.' "...

Oops, my bad, it seems like it IS all about him after all.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Monday, July 13, 2009

Madame Speaker, can we talk?

Last week I read of Justice Ginsburg's horrifying statement about her views on Roe v Wade. Her response is the sort of thing that "right wing conspirators" toss around about the true motives behind abortion and frequently those people get called "right wing conspirators". Is it a conspiracy if it is the truth? If this was truly her understanding of the purpose of Roe v Wade, and for years she remained silent about it, I do not believe it is too great of a stretch to suggest that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an extremely vile racist human being and guilty of many things, including deriliction of her duty as a Supreme Court Justice. [I get called racist frequently because of my opposition to the policies of the Obama administration so I do not use the word racist lightly]

From Catholic Fire

Emily Bazellon of the New York Times Magazine conducted an interview with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg entitled “The Place of Women on the Court” which appeared in its’ July 7, 2009 issue.

Justice Ginsburg was amazingly candid about her support of unrestricted abortion. In response to a particular question she supported even eugenics as a legitimate reason for a woman “choosing” to take the developing human life growing in her womb.

Here is an excerpt:

Q If you were a lawyer again, what would you want to accomplish as a future feminist legal agenda?

JUSTICE GINSBURG: Reproductive choice has to be straightened out. There will never be a woman of means without choice anymore. That just seems to me so obvious. The states that had changed their abortion laws before Roe [to make abortion legal] are not going to change back. So we have a policy that affects only poor women, and it can never be otherwise, and I don’t know why this hasn’t been said more often.

Q: Are you talking about the distances women have to travel because in parts of the country, abortion is essentially unavailable, because there are so few doctors and clinics that do the procedure? And also, the lack of Medicaid for abortions for poor women?

JUSTICE GINSBURG: Yes, the ruling about that surprised me. [Harris v. McRae — in 1980 the court upheld the Hyde Amendment, which forbids the use of Medicaid for abortions.] Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.(emphasis added)

Read the entire article here.This is so sick! And someone like this is on the Supreme Court? Lord, have mercy! Related Information:LifeSiteNews.Com: Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg: I Thought Roe Would Help Eradicate Unwanted Populations Through AbortionWorldNetDaily: Ginsburg: I thought Roe was to rid undesirablesWhat Does The Prayer Really Say? Justice Ginsberg originally thought Roe v Wade was about control of undesirable populations




On the other hand these 19 members of Congress are standing up to Madame Speaker and insist that she remove abortion completely from the health care reform legislation and they deserve at least a phone call of encouragement...and yes I do know that one of them is John Murtha. But, for me, the defense of life is the top priority.

From Creative Minority Report

Dear Honorable Pelosi:As the debate on health care reform continues and legislation is produced, it is imperative that the issue of abortion not be overlooked. Plans to mandate coverage for abortions, either directly or indirectly is unacceptable.We believe in a culture that supports and respects the right to life and is dedicated to the protection and preservation of families.


Therefore, we cannot support any health care reform proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan. We believe that a government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan, should not be used to fund abortion.

Furthermore, we want to ensure that the Health Benefits Advisory Committee cannot recommend abortion services be included under covered benefits or as part of a benefits package. Without an explicit exclusion, abortion could be included in a government subsidized health care plan under general health care. The health care reform package produced by Congress will be landmark, and with legislation as important as this, abortion must be addressed clearly in the bill text.

Furthermore, funding restrictions save lives by reducing the number of abortions. The Guttmacher Policy Review, a leading pro-choice research organization noted "that about one third of women who would have had an abortion if support were available carried their pregnancies to term when the abortion fund was unavailable."

Thank you for taking the time to consider our request. By ensuring that abortions are not funded through any health care reform package, we will take this controversial issue off the table so that Congress can focus on crafting a broadly-supported health care reform bill.

Respectfully yours,

Reps. Dan Boren (D-OK); Bart Stupak (D-MI); Colin Peterson (D-MN); Tim Holden (D-PA); Travis Childers (D-MS); Lincoln Davis (D-TN); Heath Shuler (D-NC) Solomon Ortiz (D-TX); Mike McIntyre (D-NC); Jerry Costello (D-IL); Gene Taylor (D-MS); James Oberstar (D-MN); Bobby Bright (D-AL); Steve Driehaus (D-OH); Marcy Kaptur (D-OH); Charlie Melancon (D-LA); John Murtha (D-PA); Paul Kanjorski (D-PA); and Kathleen Dahlkemper (D-PA).

Thursday, July 9, 2009

We Just Aren't That Into You, Barry**Updated**

Wow, its getting rough out there, isn't it, Barry? It's the economy, Mr. President, I don't think you can keep blaming Bush for this mess.



Wow, somehow I don't think the One saw this coming. This is good news for our nation. Yes, I know, there I go again...he didn't have enough time, he inherited a whole bunch of problems, it's not his fault, he's just misunderstood and attacked, etc, etc. In my hometown paper, after the elections and in between the shouts of “raaaacist” whenever I would voice a concern I had about the incoming Obama administration I was met with “well give him time...he’s only been president for X number of days”

Should we give him a few more days? Perhaps then, he will really hit his stride and be the great leader the mainstream media promised us. Perhaps the president should wake up from the dreams of his father and take a long hard look at the reality of the world around him, before his support slips any further. But, how can this be possible? Wasn't Barry Sotero aka Barack Hussein Obama supposed to be the One? Wasn't he supposed to be the one who was going to fix our souls as Michelle Obama pronounced? It would seem his support is slipping just a bit, down from +30 all the way to a -5 ...




But here is what I think this means, that America is finally getting wise to President's motives and they are backing away in a hurry, because by now, most Americans realize this man is spending far more money than we will create in our lifetimes and is showing no signs of slowing down. In my opinion, too many Americans just don't understand the dangers of a socialistic form of government so they tune that part out--or attribute it to more "right wing" bloviating.


However, start hitting the average American family, already struggling to pay their bills and find work, with more debt and higher taxes, that is when it appears they start to pay attention. We are stretched out over a barrel, America. Pay attention or pay more taxes...that's almost bumper sticker material.


Mr. President, you are wrong and you need to just take a time out and re-think, in my opinion. As I said yesterday:


I agree with this guy's comment at American Thinker, 100% "Evidence is mounting that Mr. Obama is a fool. This suggests that he cannot learn from his mistakes and that he will respond to negative results caused by his foolish ideas with still more and more harmful foolish ideas. He will dig deeper in the hole he has dug for himself and the rest of us. He will reinforce rather than relinquish failure. He will throw good money after bad. This, after all, is what fools do and why we call them fools. They are incorrigible.


It is unfair and misleading to single out Mr. Obama for being a fool since it is obvious he is surrounded, backed, advised and supported by equal or greater fools, people who will never learn from experience, people who will react to the failure or bad outcome of imposing their foolish ideas by redoubling their folly and like Procrustes mutilating whoever and whatever needs mutilating to fit their folly. A bad business. A very bad business."

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

We Are So Deep in It Now

In case you missed this story, buried as it was between the hyperventilation of the MJ funeral plans and the murder of McNair, I think this one is pretty interesting.


It seems the New York Times has finally started to act like a major newspaper(emphasis on news) and published this story about an article Obama wrote when he was in college. I think this is practically the only work I have ever seen of Obama's college years. I think it is worth noting Obama's opinion on such topics as nuclear disarmament--and yesterday Obama spent the day trying to charm the Russians into disarming, along with our nation, of course.


and during his Russian tour he stated: "If Iran stops its nuclear weapon development program, the US has no reason to develop a missile defense system..." Now what kind of simple minded BS is that?
What person truly believes 1. that Iran will ever stop it's nuclear weapon development program, 2.that we will not at some point in the future NEED a missle defense system. For crying out loud, hasn't President Barry been paying attention to NORTH KOREA? How many missles did they manage to fire off over the 4th of July weekend? I'm pretty sure Hawaii, Japan and South Korea WANT a missle defense system. This man has moved from stupidly naive to dangerously stupid in just 6 months.


I agree with this guy 100%

"Evidence is mounting that Mr. Obama is a fool. This suggests that he cannot learn from his mistakes and that he will respond to negative results caused by his foolish ideas with still more and more harmful foolish ideas. He will dig deeper in the hole he has dug for himself and the rest of us. He will reinforce rather than relinquish failure. He will throw good money after bad. This, after all, is what fools do and why we call them fools. They are incorrigible. It is unfair and misleading to single out Mr. Obama for being a fool since it is obvious he is surrounded, backed, advised and supported by equal or greater fools, people who will never learn from experience, people who will react to the failure or bad outcome of imposing their foolish ideas by redoubling their folly and like Procrustes mutilating whoever and whatever needs mutilating to fit their folly. A bad business. A very bad business."

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
and with Thy angels
Forever and ever
Amen
I love to pray this prayer after communion. Before I kneel, I pull my veil closer around my face as though I am drawing a curtain between the outside world and my spiritual world and I begin:
"Soul of Christ sanctify me" Make me pure, make me worthy
"Body of Christ save me" I mentally reach for the hand of my Beloved, many times feeling as scared as Peter did as he began to sink beneath the waves
"Blood of Christ inebriate me" Make me drunk with your love and grace, intoxicate me, fill me with your love, Oh Lord.
"Water from Christ's side, wash me" Oh Lord, they cruelly pierced your ripped and bruised flesh. Help me to remember each time I am tempted to sin, your great sacrifice of love for me and wash away my temptations and weaknesses.
"Passion of Christ, strengthen me" Your courage and steadfastness as you struggled through the streets, carrying your own cross is an inspiration to me. I doubt I will ever be publicly scourged and crucified, so when I am tempted to complain of the trials of my life let me remember your demonstration of strength.
"O good Jesus hear me" oh my Lord, you know that I often fail you. Never turn away from my struggles, but always heed my prayers to you.
"Within Thy wounds hide me" Pull me into your bloodied wounds, hide me from my weaknesses
"Suffer me not to be separated from Thee" Please, Lord, do not loosen your grasp on me, even when I flirt with the temptations of pride, anger, lust, and hatred. Please help me to over come those weaknesses so that I will not slide away from you forever.
"From the malicious enemy defend me" Defend me from my enemies Oh Lord, I do not fear the worldly ones for they can only destroy my body. The evil one, whom our Father cast from Heaven hungrily waits for my soul and takes great delight in my failings. Defend me oh God!
"In the hour of my death call me" When my time on this earth is over, grant me a merciful death, be at my side and lead me to my eternal rest.
"And bid me come unto Thee" Take me into you, O Lord that I may be with you for all eternity.
"that I may praise Thee with Thy saints and with Thy angels" I will lift my voice in song to the greatness of the Lord. I will sing of the goodness and compassion of my God
"for ever and ever" For ever and ever I will praise you, O God.
"Amen" Amen.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

A note fromSarah Palin

Like the rest of the US I was surprised by the resignation of Sarah Palin, but I totally understand. I take her statement at face value, I have no reason to believe she means anything other than the words she spoke yesterday at her press conference.
Here is her speech on Friday

Palin Announces No Second Term

12:00pm AKST - Update from Governor Palin: We'll soon attach info on decision to not seek re-election... this is in Alaska's best interest, my family's happy... it is good, stay tuned.

Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.

I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln's cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked "North to the Future". But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this "Seward's Folly". Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States.

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska.

Alaska's mission - to contribute to America. We're strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this - Alaska would be part of America's great destiny.

Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It's energy! God gave us energy.

So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America's security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence... no more conventional "politics as usual".

And we are doing well! My administration's accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.

We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world... to HELP people... and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies.

Here's some of the things we've done:

We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson - and finally for the first time in decades - they're drilling for oil and gas.

We have AGIA, the gasline project - a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) - also succeeding as intended - protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence.

And ACES - another bipartisan effort - is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas "clear and equitable formula" is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin.

We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.

We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes... but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow.

We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands - where it should be.

We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.

We broke ground on the new prison.

And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets... the entourage.

And the Lt. Governor and I said "no" to our pay raises. So much success in this first term - and with this success I am proud to take credit... for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It's because of the people... good public servants surrounding the Governor's office, with servants' hearts and astounding work ethic... THEY are Alaska's success!

We are doing well! I wish you'd hear MORE from the media of your state's progress and how we tackle Outside interests - daily - SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an "all-knowing attitude" - I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America - I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we're forcing our children to pay, because of today's Big Government spending; it's immoral and doesn't even make economic sense!

Another accomplishment - our Law Department protected states' rights - TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state's favor over the last two weeks. We're protectors of our Constitution - federalists protect states' rights as mandated in 10th amendment.

But you don't hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?

Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year - the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate - I say others changed.

Let me speak to that for a minute.

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I've been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations - such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters' questions.

Every one - all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We've won! But it hasn't been cheap - the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to "opposition research" - that's money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers - or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the "politics of personal destruction" ... Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn't cost them a dime so they're not going to stop draining public resources - spending other peoples' money in their game.

It's pretty insane - my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more "politics as usual," but THIS isn't what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!

Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and "go with the flow".

Nah, only dead fish "go with the flow".

No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time... to BUILD UP.

And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I'll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE... I'll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won't deride them.

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska - or Outside Alaska.

But I won't do it from the Governor's desk.

I've never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this - to make a difference... to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more "freedom" to progress, all the way around... so that Alaska may progress... I will not seek re-election as Governor.

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn't run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks... travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade - as so many politicians do. And then I thought - that's what's wrong - many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and "milk it". I'm not putting Alaska through that - I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That's not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old "politics as usual." I promised that four years ago - and I meant it.

It's not what is best for Alaska.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election... I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration - with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future - can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.

My choice is to take a stand and effect change - not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities - and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.

Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me - sports... basketball. I use it because you're naïve if you don't see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket... and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I'm doing that - keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities - smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it's time to pass the ball - for victory.

I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully... and my last day won't be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in - in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor's picnics.

I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision - but it's no more "politics as usual".

Some Alaskans don't mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won't allow it either. ? Some will question the timing. ? Let's just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile...

In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life - my children (where the count was unanimous... well, in response to asking: "Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children's future from OUTSIDE the Governor's office?" It was four "yes's" and one "hell yeah!" The "hell yeah" sealed it - and someday I'll talk about the details of that... I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig - I know he needs me, but I need him even more... what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT - that time is precious... the world needs more "Trigs", not fewer.

My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security... we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops... they're bold, they don't give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF... and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions - those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport.

May we ALL learn from them!

*((Gotta put First Things First))*

First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what's best for Alaska. I've explained why... though I think of the saying on my parents' refrigerator that says "Don't explain: your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway."

But I have given my reasons... no more "politics as usual" and I am taking my fight for what's right - for Alaska - in a new direction.

Now, despite this, I don't want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL "climate change" that began in August... no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what's right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside.

We need those who will respect our Constitution where government's supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over... but rather, will be protectors of individual rights - who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it's time so the team can win! And that is what I'm doing!

Remember Alaska... America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It'll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family - to ALL Alaska - you have my heart.

And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.

In the words of General MacArthur said, "We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction."

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This is her note to TeamSarah members on Saturday
Happy 4th of July from Alaska!

On this Independence Day, I am so very proud of all those who have chosen to serve our great nation and I honor their selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too.

If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you.

First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska’s best interest and it always feels good to do what is right. We have accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two – and I am proud of the great team that helped to build these wonderful successes. Energy independence and national security, fiscal restraint, smaller government, and local control have been my priorities and will remain my priorities.

For months now, I have consulted with friends and family, and with the Lieutenant Governor, about what is best for our wonderful state. I even made a few administrative changes over that course in time in preparation for yesterday. We have accomplished so much and there’s much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most. And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier – I’ve never been one to waste time or resources. Those who know me know this is the right decision and obvious decision at that, including Senator John McCain. I thank him for his kind, insightful comments.

The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the “politics of personal destruction”. How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it’s right for all, including your family.

I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change; I’ve never thought I needed a title before one’s name to forge progress in America. I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me. Now is the time to rebuild and help our nation achieve greatness!

God bless you! And I look forward to making a difference – with you!

Sarah