Randy Evans: Palin's Trust Fund Does Not Violate "Any Law - Alaska, IRS, or Federal"

Ethics expert Randy Evans attested to the legality of Sarah Palin's legal defense fund, which he created, in an op-ed published yesterday in the Fayette County News. Attorney Evans disclosed that "the Alaska Fund Trust, was drafted and created to mirror the language used by the John Kerry Trust fund," and he says "the Alaska Perkins Coie attorney found that the trust fund document (which it had drafted for John Kerry) was in fact ILLEGAL. In Attorney Evans's opinion, "the only illegality in the matters surrounding the Alaska Fund Trust is the illegal leak of the 'CONFIDENTIAL REPORT" in direct violation of Alaska law."

Randy Evans also wrote an op-ed about Sarah Palin on The Political Vine during the 2008 election. In it he discussed the obstacles women have faced in politics and the criticisms that have been (and continue to be) leveled at Sarah Palin. A memorable quote from his article is this: "Barriers are built over time and they do not fall easily. Sometimes, it takes a political earthquake. Hurricane Hillary meet Earthquake Palin - it is a new day in American politics." A new day indeed!

A blogger at the Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported that at breakfast at the state GOP convention in Savannah yesterday morning, the GOP chairman announced that Attorney Evans would no longer serve as legal counsel for the Georgia GOP Party. As Jim Galloway reports, "Evans was leaving her for Sarah Palin, she said." According to Galloway, Evans acknowledged that he is "now doing legal work for Palin" but declined to state in what capacity.

This led to a lot of speculation in the blogosphere about the role that Attorney Evans will play. However, Sean Cockerham at the Alaska Daily News, which habitually publishes slanted headlines and articles critical of Sarah Palin, reported that he had questioned Meg Stapleton, who said that Attorney Evans was one of several attorneys consulted to make certain that the Alaska Trust Fund met legal standards but that he was not working for Sarah Palin.

Celtic Diva, who runs the Blue Oasis blog and is a bitter opponent of Sarah Palin, is up in the air about Attorney Evans's involvement. She blogged, "Sarah Palin has hired the biggest gun YET" and called Evans “the equivalent of a legal bazooka.” It appears the anklebiters are afraid their little game is just about to be over.

Whatever his role will be, Governor Palin couldn't have asked for a more qualified attorney to be involved. Attorney Evans has a formidable resume and is a prolific writer and frequent speaker on ethics in government and politics. Evans has been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America.” If he does indeed serve as legal counsel for Sarah Palin, as he has for many other political figures, including Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert, her cause, and ultimately, that of the country she loves, will be well-served.


The Palin trust fund: the rest of the story

Fayette County News
2009-07-30

By Randy Evans

Having created The Alaska Fund Trust, I can tell you that the suggestions of illegality referenced in various Associated Press stories (which were then repeated on various cable news stories) are absolutely untrue. The truth of the matter is that the trust, which was created to help pay and defray the legal expenses associated with endless frivolous attacks against former Gov. Sarah Palin, was specifically patterned after a number of well recognized legal expense fund trusts of prior Presidential candidates as well as other high profile public servants - both Democratic and Republican.

As with the other trusts (which were subject to intense media scrutiny as well as scrutiny by well-financed political opponents and experienced lawyers of both parties), there is and was no impropriety in the creation or operation of the trust and any suggestion to the contrary is candidly absurd.

So, as Paul Harvey would have put it - here is the rest of the story.

The Alaska Fund Trust, was drafted and created to mirror the language used by the John Kerry Trust fund (named the "Fund for Truth and Honor"). This was by design (although the name "The Alaska Fund Trust" was not as clever). The idea was that if it was good enough for the leading Democratic candidate for President of the United States, then it should be good enough for the Republican Vice Presidential candidate.

Here is what the media does not report. The John Kerry Trust Fund was drafted and created by a very well respected international law firm named Perkins Coie, a huge presence in Washington, D.C. Indeed, Perkins Coie is the lead counsel for the Democratic National Committee, President Obama, and many other national Democratic leaders. Its website touts its reach and expertise in political law matters on behalf of a virtual who's who of Democratic politics.

Given its expertise, when an outside firm was selected to spearhead the investigation of The Alaska Fund Trust, it was not surprising that Perkins Coie's Alaska office would be selected. Aside from the political implications of having President Obama's and the Democratic National Committee's law firm review a trust aimed at helping with the legal expenses associated with defending the Republican Vice Presidential nominee, the Perkins Coie firm seemed like a reasonable choice. (Of course, this is like saying, other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?)

Then came the surprise. On July 14, 2009, eleven (11) days after Palin announced that she would resign, the Alaska Perkins Coie attorney submitted his conclusions about the Alaska Fund Trust. In a "CONFIDENTIAL" report (that was promptly leaked to the media in violation of Alaska law), the Alaska Perkins Coie attorney found that the trust fund document (which it had drafted for John Kerry) was in fact ILLEGAL.

Make no mistake, the Alaska Fund Trust is the exact same structure and fund created for and used by President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State and former Presidential candidate (then Senator) Hillary Clinton, former Presidential candidate (then House Minority Leader) Richard Gephardt (also represented by Perkins Coie), Senator Ted Stephens, and many, many others - from both political parties. (At the time of its creation, the Alaska Fund Trust posted all of these trust fund documents on the Alaska Fund Trust website for easy comparison and validation.)

So how could President Obama's law firm conclude that the trust fund it drafted was illegal? Well, the gist of the "CONFIDENTIAL REPORT" is that any payment of legal fees incurred defending against frivolous complaints necessarily involved an illegal personal benefit. Of course, no explanation is given why such funds were not illegal for John Kerry, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Richard Gephardt, Ted Stephens (from Alaska), and so on.

Significantly, NO ONE with any experience in legal expense trust funds (including the Perkins Coie attorneys experienced in this area) has ever contended (or even suggested) that the trust fund as set up (following the Perkins Coie model for legal expense fund trusts - indeed the gold standard for legal expense trust funds) violates any law - Alaska, IRS, or federal.

The fact is that, as evidenced by the detailed legal memorandum released by the trust, the numerous trust agreements (including those prepared by Perkins Coie itself), the legal writings on the subject, and the positions of every governmental agency to consider such trusts, the Alaska Fund Trust is not only legal, but it is the most restrictive and transparent trust of any well-known public servant in history.

In the end, the only illegality in the matters surrounding the Alaska Fund Trust is the illegal leak of the 'CONFIDENTIAL REPORT" in direct violation of Alaska law, not anything to do with the trust itself.

But then, no one reports on that. Welcome to the world of Sarah Palin.

(Evans is a columnist for this paper and a longtime Georgia attorney with strong ties to the Republican Party)

http://www.fayettedailynews.com/article.php?id_news=4001


See also:

A new lawyer for Gov. Palin? (Updated with Palin saying it's not true) http://community.adn.com/alaska/node/141180

Atlantan Created Palin's Defense Fund http://www.11alive.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=132865&catid=166

From the state GOP convention: Sarah Palin’s new lawyer http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2009/05/16/from-the-state-gop-convention-sarah-palins-new-lawyer/

The Palin trust fund: the rest of the story http://www.fayettedailynews.com/article.php?id_news=4001

Randy Evans http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Randy_Evans

Randy Evans http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Evans

Randy Evans: The man behind Palin's legal defense fund http://www.gop12.com/2009/07/randy-evans-man-behind-palins-legal.html

Report: Can Sarah Palin Defend Herself With Defense Fund? http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/palin_defense_fund/2009/07/22/238900.html

“Sarah Palin is a nice enough person, but…” http://politicalvine.com/politicalrumors/political-boxers/sarah-palin-is-a-nice-enough-person-but/

Over 600,000 Polled: 80% Support Governor Palin 2012 Run

A Newsmax.com poll reveals that nearly four out of five respondents would support Sarah Palin as the Republican nominee for president in 2012.

A slightly larger majority believe the then-Alaska governor helped John McCain in the 2008 presidential race — while only 31 percent think McCain did a good job running for president.

The poll drew more than 600,000 responses, and Newsmax will provide the results to major media and share them with radio talk show hosts across the country.

1) What is your opinion of Sarah Palin?

Favorable: 83%

Unfavorable: 17%

2) Do you believe Sarah Palin as a running mate helped or hurt John McCain?

Helped: 80%

Hurt: 20%

3) In the election between McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden, who did you vote for?

McCain-Palin: 81%

Obama-Biden: 16%

Other: 3%

4) Would you support Sarah Palin as the Republican nominee for president in 2012?

Yes: 78%

No: 22%

5) Do you believe McCain did a good job running for president?

Good Job: 31%

Bad Job: 69%

6) Do you believe Barack Obama "bought" the White House by outspending McCain?

Yes: 72%

No: 28%

http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/palin_2012_newsmax_poll/2009/07/29/241397.html

The Final Word On Quitters?

Probably not. But I found this over at the E3 Gazette and thought it put to bed the notion that a "quitter" could never go further in politics. This is also a good time to remind everyone that the last time Sarah Palin "quit" her job, she ended up taking down most of the Alaskan Republican party hierarchy as well as the Governor of Alaska!

Anyway, the folks at E3 Gazette offer up an interesting wager:

Imagine a politician who is elected to one
office, then two years later loses in the Electoral College. Two years and seven
months into the term of the first office, months after the loss, this politician
resigns! Can you imagine such a "quitter" being elected POTUS in the next
election? I'll bet you $20 it can happen.




You'd lose the bet.

Andrew Jackson resigned his US Senate
seat on October 14, 1825, after two years, seven months, and ten days in that
six-year term. For those keeping score, that’s a dozen days fewer than Sarah
Palin served of her four-year term as Governor of Alaska. He won the 1828
election for President, the first to do so in the "Democratic Party" faction he
formed from the "Democratic-Republican Party". So the next time you hear a
Democrat talk about a "quitter", remind them about Old Hickory.

Something more up to date but equally appropriate is a look at Ronald Reagan, the nation’s last great conservative leader, and one of our greatest Presidents. Reagan was generally disliked by the media, the democrats, the beltway elites, and the Rockefeller wing of the Republican party, the ones we today call RINOs.

Reagan was said to stupid, a B-movie actor who worked with chimps. (They always forgot he was a two term Governor of California...much like some, including Obama called Palin the Mayor of Wasilla) Reagan was said to be lazy, intellectually uncurious, a right wing nut, a warmonger, and much more.

The thing to remember about people is they generally attack who they fear the most. Just like Reagan, if Palin was such a dolt, such a joke, they wouldn’t be spending so much time trying to marginalize her.

In the last election a lot of people were upset because they perceived that the left "chose our candidate" because John McCain was the left’s "favorite Republican" and they propped him up, only to tear him down when the actual campaign against Obama started.

Well, I say this time we should let the left pick our candidate for us, as well!

In fact, they already have. You don’t see the democrats spending one minute of time attacking Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee. Not one minute. But they have thrown every dirty trick in the book at Sarah Palin to stop her.

Unfortunately for them, Sarah Palin won’t go!

A quitter indeed.

NEW TASKS FOR A NEW DAY

Yesterday, July 27, 2009, was a day many of us have looked toward for a number of weeks; perhaps even months.

Governor Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) awakened on her first morning as Citizen Sarah Palin, Constitutionalist, Federalist, Patriot and American Freedom Fighter from Alaska.

This is indeed the day Conservatives in America got a new, dedicated and determined voice to speak up for us with no worries about who would attack her from which venue. The point is, it doesn’t really matter now. Sarah Palin can speak up for herself now.

File a charge against Citizen Sarah Palin, and she can fight back in the media just as you broke the law to do as well. Accuse her of wearing a jacket outdoors in cold Alaska, and she can tell you to go cut a hole in the ice and go fishing.

Tell her she shouldn’t be holding that fish, and she can tell you which lake she would have caught it from if she hadn’t been too busy being your governor to go fishing herself.

Tell her she shouldn’t leave the state for 24 hours after the State lawmakers have taken a week off to go to Washington, D.C., and she can tell you where she’ll be when she gets back for you to take your best shot. After you pick yourself up off the floor, you can look at her and softly say, “Did you have a nice time while you were away?”

No more Mrs. Nice Lady. The gloves can come off now. You know as well as I do that your time of blatant jealousy because she’s intelligent, beautiful, successful, devoted to her family and still in love with her husband has run its course; you can no longer accuse her of the first thing that comes to your mind just to continue wasting Alaska taxpayer money and Sarah Palin’s personal money as well.

A deep love for America, and a sincere desire to see our country returned to the basic principles upon which it was founded; religious, personal and self-governing freedoms. These are the ideas of Conservatism. We strive to repair the damage done, in our view, by the liberal force in America as a result of removing God from our society.

The liberal forces, the atheists, the socialists and the ruling elitists have had their day. It’s time for them to move on as well. A REAL Conservative voice will be leading a national force of what you formerly called “the silent majority” as we fight with the only weapons we need against you and your continued ruination of America. Her words and our votes in the next election will soon be waving at you from your own bridge to nowhere.

Our singular goal will be to return America to the greatness she once knew. We will defeat tyranny and injustice instead of allowing it to overtake us. I don’t know which of your “trusted institutions” will be the first to go, but I can assure you, before Sarah Palin and the Conservatives in America are finished, you will all be looking for a big rock to hide your shame, embarrassment and hatred for our nation.

Many years ago, we had a phrase we used to describe this feeling of Patriotism: “America. Love it or Leave it.” You remember that I’m sure. Just in case you don’t, you’re going to hear a lot of it from now on so that you can be reminded of what it means to live and enjoy the American freedoms men and women since the Revolutionary War have fought and died to provide for you.

If I have my way, the first of your institutions to go will be your atheistic church of self. Since you are obviously unfamiliar with exactly what the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States says, allow me to refresh your memory.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Just a few words that take so little space yet say so much.

The argument of the separation of church and state as misinterpreted by many of today’s lawmakers and citizens is not found anywhere in the American Constitution. Given the context of this writing, the reference is, in simplified form, to a “Church of the United States” that would exist as the “American Church of Choice” in the same manner as “The Church of England” was in the country from which they had declared independence and won the freedom to govern this new nation. Instead of separating the church and the state, it separates the state and the church.

It was never the intention of our Constitution to wed the two inseparably. Instead the document was providing for the religious freedom of all citizens to believe or to not believe; not to follow a national religion which by implication carries the unspoken threat “or else”.

Our Founding Fathers held this view. First President of the United States, and the man considered “The Father of America,” George Washington, said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

In his farewell address to the nation on September 19, 1796, President George Washington remarked, "Let it simply be asked where is the security for prosperity, for reputation, for life; if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in the Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion."

John Adams, America’s second President, is quoted in an address to the military on October 11, 1798, "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people, it is wholly inadequate for the governing of any other."

With excerpts engraved on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. taken from his “Query XVIII of Notes on the State of Virginia in 1781, Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States remarked, "God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God?"

"We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." These words are attributed to James Madison, considered the Chief Architect of the US Constitution and fourth President of the U.S. [Attributed (1778) -- Gary DeMar, God and Government - A Biblical and Historical Study (Atlanta, GA: American Vision Press, 1982); Benjamin Hart, Faith & Freedom - The Christian Roots of American Liberty (Dallas, TX: Lewis and Stanley, 1988), p. 18; David Barton, The Myth of Separation (Aledo, TX: Wallbuilder Press, 1991), p. 120]

Patrick Henry, orator and Statesman, was a member of the Continental Congress and a five-time Governor of the state of Virginia. He is probably most recognized by this famous quote from March 23, 1775: “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

Henry also said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here." [Attributed -- Steve C. Dawson, God's Providence in America's History (Rancho Cordova, CA: Steve C. Dawson, 1988), Vol. I, p. 5.; David Barton, The Myth of Separation (Aledo, TX: Wallbuilder Press, 1991), pp. 25, 158. M. E. Bradford, The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia (Marlborough, NH: Plymouth Rock Foundation, 1991), p. iii.]

These are the words, the thoughts, the ideals, and the beliefs of our Founding Fathers. If our nation is to be returned to its full status as “The Greatest Nation on Earth”, we must return to the intentions of those who paved the way of Freedom for all of us in America. We must return God to His rightful place in our society. We must strive to restore the dedication of these great men within ourselves to fight for the America we love and the God who provided it.

Go Get 'Em, Sarah: A Post by Conservative Girl with a Voice

Sarah did it again Sunday!!! She stood tall and spoke strongly and clearly-no rambling, msm-about everything from the biased media to the problems with big government. As she spoke from the heart-something she does better than any politician I have ever heard since Ronald Reagan, I heard that fighting spirit that her supporters have come to know and love. Her final speech as governor definitely illustrated the passion and love she had as governor of the great state of Alaska, yet also illustrated her intended desire to spread the common sense message Americans, like myself, are so eager to hear.



There were many parts of the speech that I loved. In true maverick fashion, Sarah gave the media a piece of her mind, which as a former journalism student captivated my heart. All my regular readers now how I feel about what the media have become, and I commend the gov for letting the media have it so to speak. As a former journalist, she studied the same thing in school that I did, and the so-called media of today have become unrecognizable. As Sarah mentioned in her farewell speech, the media of today find it totally acceptable to report false stories and take unfair shots at children of political candidates, which not surprisingly never includes the children of President Obama. Unfortunately these issues have become so commonplace that it is hard to identify the truth anymore. For more on media bias, scroll down and read my post entitled "Slime Journalism."



A highlight from her farewell speech came when Sarah told the crowd that she was going to use her first-amendment right. This spoke volumes to me because this is what America is all about, but sometimes you wouldn't even know it in the age of Obama. In Obama's world, if someone chooses to speak out against him or any of his policies, it is as if they are committing treason. Whatever happened to the America in which speaking out was a right, not a punishment? Sarah hit the nail on the head with her assessment regarding the first-amendment; it's about time someone reminds us that we have the right to stand up and hold our politicians and government officials accountable for they work for US!


Sarah's words on the government in general were also very inspiring and right on target. We live in an age in which the government is taking over our lives. Simple daily acts are becoming harder to achieve because the government has decided that it knows how to run our lives better than we do. I don't know about you, but I sure as hell don't want the same government that has virtually bankrupted our children's futures in charge of my healthcare decisions. The common phrase, "government's the problem, not the solution" could not be more true. Sarah gets it when it comes to government. Like us, she KNOWS a smaller government is a more efficient government. With spending out of control, the government keeps assuming it knows best when WE the people REALLY know what is best for us and our families. This is what is so refreshing about Sarah- she understands; she gets it. Why can't the msm and liberal haters see this? The answer is easy:They are too blinded to what is really going on. Instead of reporting the facts about the threat of big goverment, they continue to sugarcoat the truth. Luckily we have Sarah to give us the straight talk we so desperately crave! Sarah is our voice in these hard times, and is not afraid to give us the facts. Thank God! It's about time someone cares for average Americans. This is a woman who loves her country and actually takes the time to thank our military men and women instead of apologizing for their actions on the battlefield. I'm sick and tired of the apologies, and I have a feeling Sarah is too. It's about time someone took a stand. As the days go by, she is going to be our voice, and I couldn't be more thrilled and excited to have her as the voice of reason. So rock on, Sarah, and continue to speak out because we ARE listening!!!!


I'm a Conservative Girl with a Voice. Check out my blog at http://conservativegirlwithavoice.blogspot.com and become a follower-Thanks!

(On a side note, I just want to thank fabulous Sarah Palin's hairdresser extraordinaire Jessica Steele, of the fabulous Beehive Beauty Shop in Wasilla, AK for sending me the beautiful Beehive Beauty Shop T-shirt. I love it and will wear it proudly!)

Video: Øbama & Democrats Conspire Against Governor Palin (Dems tried to ban from youtube)

Link:

Luntz & Hannity: Gov Palin CLEARLY A Candidate For 2012

Shameless Libs Use Palin's Name... Again!

MoveOn.org is using Sarah Palin for one of their new ads because of Palin's stand against Cap and Trade or 'Cap and Tax' as Palin refers to it.

MoveOn.org is telling people to tell congress to not side with Palin.

The following was posted at www.gretawire.com

New Ad: Meet The Face Of The Republican Party - Sarah Palin

As Palin Steps Down, Ad Asks Congress: Do You Stand With Palin Or With New Clean Energy Jobs?

A new 30-second television ad, released today, reintroduces Americans to the new face of the Republican Party’s opposition to clean energy jobs – formerGovernor Sarah Palin. The ad, “New Face”, comes on the heels of Palin’s last day as Governor of Alaska and two weeks after Sarah Palin’s recent attack on the energy bill, which ran in The Washington Post on July 14th. As the energy bill moves to the Senate, MoveOn.org Political Action’s ad asks Congress if they stand with Sarah Palin or for new clean energy jobs.

The ad will run on national cable for one week.

“Sarah Palin has a lot more free time on her hands now, and it appears she’s decided to lead the Republican Party in attacking a strong clean energy jobs plan that could jump start our economy and create millions of jobs,” said Justin Ruben, Executive Director of MoveOn.org. “Congress needs to think long and hard about whose side they’re on: Sarah Palin’s or the millions of Americans who would benefit from the creation of green jobs.”

This ad is part of MoveOn’s larger campaign to ensure a strong energy bill that fosters green job growth and does not repeal a key provision of the Clean Air Act. The campaign has included both national and local advertising, field actions and lobbying activities.

MoveOn.org Political Action is a political action committee powered by five million progressive Americans. We believe in the power of small donors and grassroots action to elect progressive leaders to office and to advance a progressive agenda. We do not accept any donations over $5,000, and the average donation to MoveOn.org Political Action is under $100.

Moveon.org and their ilk stand to make money if Cap and Tax were to pass. The average person though has lots to lose, up to hundreds of dollars every month in increased home energy costs, increased gas prices, and overall higher costs of groceries and other goods as the companies that pay more for energy will pass their costs onto the consumer.

All of us who follow Palin know that she is pro clean energy and pro job creation especially by the private sector. She has championed the AGIA gas pipeline which will supply much needed energy and jobs to Americans while making sure it was the private sector that put up the money for it.

So who do you side with?

Contact your congressman and senator today and say NO to Cap and Trade.

Then show Moveon.org what you think of them using Palin in their campaign by throwing a couple of bucks in the jar over at Sarahpac.com

Below is Moveon.org's commercial featuring Palin.

July 27, 2009 Synopsis of Governor Palin's Accomplishments

Governor Palin was invited to speak at Ronald Reagan Library on August 8, 2009. Michael Reagan may introduce her (note, despite many media reports circulating, this invitation was issued but has NOT yet been accepted).

Governor Palin resigned office effective July 26, 2009 to pursue national politics free of gubernatorial limitations and frivolous ethics complaints. Her entire administration remains intact to execute her agenda.

Governor Palin's Farewell Address was Reaganesque to the core. It is more the announcement of a bold new beginning than a farewell.

Governor Palin signed several pieces of legislation and resolutions during July 2009. They were:

• SB-125: Encourage aerospace development in AK
  
• SB-177: Extend sunset for sport fishing guides and address harvest data collection
  
• Pro-energy development and missile defense resolutions
  
  HJR-27: Alaska a Sovereign State
  HJR-25: Hydro-Electric a Renewable Resource
  HJR-28: Oppose Federal Restriction on Oil and Gas Development
  HJR-12: Support Missile Defense System
  
  
• SB-88: Power cost equalization
  
• Defending Second Amendment rights.
  
  SB-201: Extends Concealed Carry Permit Expiration to 5 Years from Birthday
  HJR-17: Urges Congress not to pass HR-45.The federal legislation would put burdensome licensing and registration controls on individual gun owners.
  SJR-10: Urges Congress to pass S-371. The legislation was to ensure that citizens of each state who are licensed or authorized by their home state to carry a concealed weapon, could do so in another state as long as they comply with the laws of that state.
  SJR-3: The resolution expresses support to Congress for repealing the ban on carrying a firearm on National Park Service lands.
  
  
• SB-3 Requiring information sharing between two agencies.
  
• HRJ-19 Supports requirement of escort for loaded tankers traversing Prince William Sound.
  

The Governor appointed 29 people to boards, commissions and councils and made three judicial appointments between July 6, 2009 and July 26, 2009.

Governor Palin's total appointments for 2009 was123, including 116 to boards, commissions and councils, five judicial appointments, one legislative and one attorney general. Governor Palin averaged one appointment every 1.67 days during 2009.

According to the website Africa Matata, Miss Malawi, Perth Msiska has given up her crown to pursue a career in politics. She cites Sarah Palin as her inspiration....It is also reported that Malawian President, Bingu wa Mutharika was also inspired by John McCain when he picked Joyce Banda as his running mate. Even better, Vice President Banda the first female Veep in Malawi's history, will look to run as her party's Presidential candidate in 2013.

Governor Palin wrote an editorial, "The 'Cap and Tax' Dead End," which appeared in the Washington Post on July 14, 2009.

Though pertinent to the prior synopsis, photos and video were not available for the following item: Governor Palin elevated the ranks of three soldiers while in Kosovo. Photos extracted from YouTube video are available exclusively at Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's Accomplishments.

SarahPAC has raised $933K since its inception.

The Alaska Fund Trust has raised $250K since its inception.

Governor Palin has sent condolences to families of soldiers killed in action or taken prisoner, who were at any point based at Alaska military installations. So that they are not forgotten, these soldiers are:

• Private First Class Bowe Bergdahl -- Taken Prisoner
  
• Private First Class Nicolas H. J. Gideon, 20 -- Killed in Action
  
• Private First Class Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20 -- Killed in Action
  
• Private First Class Justin A. Casillas, 19 -- Killed in Action

---

Complete stories at:

http://sarahs-accomplishments.blogspot.com/

En Español:

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한국어 (Korean)

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עִברִית (Hebrew)

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日本語 (Japanese)

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繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)

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Governor Palin's Farewell - Transcript

Text of Governor Palin's Farewell Address
[July 27, 2009] at 6:16am

It is my honor to speak to all Alaskans – our Alaskan family – this final time as your governor, and it is always great to be in Fairbanks!(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶1)

These rugged and hearty folk – some of the most patriotic people you’ll ever meet – live here. If there is one thing you are known for it your steadfast support for our military community up here. Thank you for that and a thank you to the U.S. military for protecting the greatest nation on earth. Together we stand!(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶2)

Getting here can be described as the best road trip in America! Soaring through nature’s finest show you will see Denali – the Great One – soaring under the midnight sun. Alaska has so many extremes. In the wintertime the frozen road competes with the view of the ice-fogged frigid beauty. The cold, though, doesn’t it split the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs? And in the summertime – when temperatures are 150 degrees hotter than they were just a few months ago and than they will be just a few months from now – you will see the fireweed along the frost heaves. Merciless rivers rush and carve and remind us that Mother Nature wins. The big, wild and good life teeming along that road leads north to the future. That is what we see here. What we, and the rest of America, see in the Last Frontier is hope, opportunity and country pride, and it is our men and women in uniform that secure it.
(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶3)

We face challenging times with some hell-bent on tearing down our nation by perpetuating pessimism and apologizing for America. They suggest that our best days were yesterdays. But how can this pessimism exist? Proof of our greatness and pride is all around us today. We produce proud and great volunteers who sacrifice everything for their country. This week alone, at the chapel at Fort Rich, I heard the last roll call and the sounding of Taps for three very brave, very young Alaskan soldiers who gave their all for all of us.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶4)

Together we stand with gratitude for the troops who protect all our cherished freedoms. This includes our First Amendment guaranteed freedom of speech – which, par for the course – I shall exercise. First, with some “straight talk,” I will address some, just some, in the media because another right that is protected is the freedom of the press. You have such important jobs reporting facts and informing the electorate and exerting power to influence. You represent what could and should be a respected and honest profession that could and should be a cornerstone of our democracy. Democracy depends on you. That is why our troops are willing to die for you. So, how about in honor of the American soldier you quit making things up. And don’t underestimating the wisdom of the American people.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶5)

And, another thing, media: Our new governor has a very nice family, so leave his kids alone! (Palin’s Farewell,2009,¶6)

As we swear in Sean Parnell, no one will be happier than I to witness, by God’s grace Alaskans with strength of character advancing our beloved state. Sean is that. Craig Campbell has that.(Palin’s Farewell,2009,¶7)

I remember that December day when we took the oath to uphold our state constitution. And it was written right here in Fairbanks by very wise pioneers. We shared the same vision for government that they ground into that document. At the time, the founders wrote:(Palin’s Farewell,2009,¶8)

“All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people. It is founded upon their will only, and it is instituted for the good of the people as a whole.”(Palin’s Farewell,2009,¶9)

Their remarkably succinct words guided us in all of our efforts in serving you and putting you first. We have done our best to fulfill promises that I made on Alaska Day 2005 when I first asked for the honor of serving you.(Palin’s Farewell,2009,¶10)

Remember then, our state so desired and so deserved ethics reform. We promised it, and now it is the law. Ironically, it needs additional reform to stop blatant abuse from partisan operatives. And I hope lawmakers will continue that reform.(Palin’s Farewell,2009,¶11)

We promised you that you would finally see a fair return on your Alaskan-owned natural resources. So, we built a new oil and gas appraisal system – an equitable formula to usher in a new era of competition, transparency, and protection for Alaskans and the producers. ACES incentivizes new exploration, and it is the exploration that is our future. It opens up oil basins and ensures that the people will never be taken advantage of again.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶12)

Do not forget, Alaskans, that you are the resource owners, per our constitution. And that’s why, for instance, last year when the price of oil soared, our state coffers swelled, but you were smacked with high energy prices, so we sent you an energy rebate because it is your money, and I have always believed that you know how to spend it better than government can spend it for you.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶13)

I promised that we would protect the environment while safely and ethically developing resources. And we did. We created the petroleum oversight office and a sub-cabinet to study climate conditions.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶14)

I promised that we would govern with fiscal restraint so as not to immorally burden future generations. And we did. We slowed the rate of government growth. I vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars of excess, and with lawmakers we saved billions for the future.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶15)

I promised that we would lead a charge to forward fund education and hold schools accountable, while improving opportunities for special needs students and elevating vo-tech training. And we did. We also paid down pension related debt.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶16)

I promised that we would manage our fish and wildlife for abundance and defend the constitution in doing so. And we have. However, outside political interests just don’t seem to get it. Alaskans need to stick together on this with new leadership. Encourage the new leadership. Stiffen your spine to do what is right for Alaska when the pressure mounts because you will see anti-hunting, anti-Second Amendment “circuses” from Hollywood. And here is how they will do it: tiny, delicate and talented celebrity starlets will use Alaska as a fund raising tool for their anti-Second Amendment causes. Stand strong and remind them that patriots will protect our individual guaranteed right to bear arms. And by the way, in Alaska, we eat, therefore, we hunt.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶17)

I promised that we would seek energy solutions. And we have – with an energy plan calling for 50% of our electricity generated by renewable resources and by insisting that those who hold the leases to develop our conventional resources do so on Alaska’s terms. And now, finally, after decades of inaction and just talk, we are drilling for oil and gas at Pt. Thomson.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶18)

I also promised that we would get a natural gas pipeline underway. And we did. Since I was a little kid growing up here, we would talk about, hope for, and dream of commercializing our clean, abundant, and much needed natural gas. Our Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) was the game changer. This is, of course, thanks to our outstanding gasline team and the state legislature, who adopted this law by a 58-1 margin. They knew – they know – that AGIA is the vehicle to drive this monumental energy project and to bring everyone to the table. This bipartisan victory came from Alaskans working together with free market, private sector principles. And now we are on the road to the largest private energy infrastructure project in history. It is for Alaska’s future. It is for America’s energy independence. And it will make us a more peaceful, prosperous and secure nation.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶19)

What I promised, we accomplished. “We” meaning state staff and conscientious Alaskans outside of the bureaucracy, such as: Tom Van Flein, Meg Stapleton, Kristan Cole, and many volunteers who stepped up to the challenge as good Alaskans. Nothing could have succeeded without my “right hand man” Kris Perry. She is the sharpest, boldest and hardest-working partner, and much success is due to Kris.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶20)

To Alaska, there is much good in store further down the road, but to reach it we must value and live the optimistic and pioneering spirit that made this state proud and free!(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶21)

We can resist enslavement to big central government that crushes hope and opportunity. We must be wary of government largesse. It doesn’t come free and often accepting it takes away everything that is free. Melting into Washington’s powerful and caretaking arms will only lead to suck away the incentive to work hard and chart our own course. This will only contribute to an unstable economy and dizzying national debt, and it will make us less free.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶22)

I resisted the stimulus package, and we championed earmark reform, by slashing earmark requests by 85%, in order to break the cycle of dependency on a stifling and unsustainable federal agenda. Other states should follow this example for their, and America's, stability.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶23)

We don’t have to feel that we must beg an allowance from Washington – except to beg the allowance to be self-determined.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶24)

See, in order to be self-sufficient Alaska must be allowed to develop, to drill and build and climb to fulfill our statehood’s promise! At statehood we knew that we were responsible for ourselves, our families and our future, and 50 years later we can not start believing that government is the answer. It can’t make you happy or healthy or wealthy or wise. What can? It is the wisdom of the people and our families and our small businesses and industrious individuals. And it is God’s grace helping those who help themselves. And then this allows that very generous voluntary hand up that we are known to enthusiastically provide those who need it.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶ 25)

Do you remember that years ago we sported the old bumper sticker that read, “Alaska: We Don’t Give a Darn How They Do It Outside.” I remember that. It was because we would be different, and we would roll up our sleeves and diligently sow and reap. We can still do this. We can carve wealth out of the wilderness and make our living on the water – with strong hands and innovative minds, now with smarter technology. It is what our First People and our parents did, and it worked because they worked!
(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶26)

We must be prudent and persistent and press for the people’s right to responsibly develop God-given resources for the maximum benefit of the people.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶27)

We have come so far in just 50 years. We are no longer a frontier outpost on the periphery of the world’s greatest nation. Now, as a contributor and a securer of America, we can attain our destiny in the promise of our motto: North to the Future!
(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶28)

The pressing issue of our time is energy independence, because there is an inherent link between energy and security, and energy and prosperity. Alaska will lead with energy. We will prove that you can be both pro-development and pro-environment. After all, no one loves their land, clean air, water and wildlife more than an Alaskan! We will protect it!(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶29)

Americans must look north to the future. For security, for energy independence, for our strategic position on the globe – Alaska is the gatekeeper of the continent.
(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶30)

We are here today at a “changing of the guard.” Now, knowing how much I love this state – some still choose not to hear why I made the decision to chart a new course to advance the state. It should be obvious. It is because I love Alaska this much that I feel it is my duty to avoid the unproductive, typical “politics-as-usual” lame duck session in one’s last year in office. How does that benefit you? With this decision I will be able to fight even harder for you – for what is right and for the truth. And I have never felt that you need a title to do that. So, as we all move forward together, let us vow to keep championing Alaska and to advocate for responsible development and smaller government and freedom.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶31)

When I took the oath to serve you, I promised to steadfastly and doggedly guard the interests of this great state – like that grizzly guards her cubs, as a mother naturally guards her own. I will keep that vow wherever the road may lead.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶32)

Todd and I, Track, Bristol, Tripp, Willow, Piper and Trig – we will forever be grateful for the honor of a lifetime to have served you. Our whole big, diverse, full and fun family thanks you!(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶33)

I am very blessed to have had their support all along, and for Todd’s support.
(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶34)

I am thankful too that I have been blessed to have been raised in this Last Frontier. Thank you for our home, Mom and Dad.(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶35)

In Alaska it is not an easy living, but it is a good living. It is impossible to lose your way here because wherever the road may lead us, we have that steadying Great North Star to guide us home. So let us all enjoy the ride!(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶36)

God bless you and God bless Alaska!(Palin’s Farewell, 2009, ¶37)

Commentary

This is why people love her: she is one of us. She loves and respects nature. She is thankful to God. She appreciates the military. Unlike "the One who shall not be named", she is positive about America, and is unapologetic for her country. She is truthful, and calls out what is wrong. She stands up for the American people. She is fiercely protective of her family. She acknowledges others' contributions and is thankful for them. She defends liberty, and the rights of the people. She advocates fiscal responsibility and less government intrusion. She wants to develop the resources we have, and progress forward.

She is not politics as usual - she is a voice for the people, because she believes in people. There is a spirit in her that will not be quenched. Whichever path she chooses to go, we wish her well.

References

Palin, S.L.H., "Governor Palin's Farewell" Facebook (July 26, 2009) Retrieved July 27, 2009 from: http://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin#/note.php?note_id=108512348434

The Rules Have Changed. Sarah Palin Changes Everything.

Back in the mid 1990's The Chrysler Corporation went public with a really new and exciting business model. The company best known for the K-car and inventing the mini-van at that point in time, had spent a lot of time behind the scenes to totally remake the company. They threw everything out, and started fresh. New "cab-forward" styling on their cars, and a brand new pickup truck, the first completely new truck in 25 years, and a completely refocused management, design, and manufacturing team.

Chrysler became the most exciting car company around. Envied by the other manufacturers. It really was the rebirth of a company that since the it’s formation had always been recognized as one of the best at engineering. This brought Chrysler back in a big way. Record sales, especially in trucks, helped Chrysler show healthy profits. If fact, Chrysler became so successful, Mercedes-Benz would soon come knocking with a bundle of cash and an offer!

The Dodge Division of Chrysler was in a really good place. They not only had a pick-up truck that just knocked people’s socks off! They had a world class sedan in the Intrepid. There was a new mini-van, and at the time Chrysler ruled that market with over 50 percent share. And Dodge really shook things up with the Viper, an incredible hand built sports car/muscle car that just had to be driven to be appreciated.

Dodge had a great slogan they used among the dealers and employees:

"The rules have changed! This changes everything!"

This was a real rallying point. Nothing like being in a room with hundreds of dealers and having the Dodge folks yelling "the rules have..." followed by the dealers screaming "changed!", followed by "this changes..." "EVERYTHING!" shouted by Dodge folks and the dealers respectively.

Well, I’m here to tell you, with Sarah Palin, the rules have changed!

Look, much like Chrysler’s history, the Republican party was known for solid core principles. This dates back to Abraham Lincoln. And just like Chrysler, the party has had it’s ups and downs. It’s had periods of great highs and low lows.

One of the very best eras for the party was during the Reagan years. In car guy terminology, this was like the muscle car era when Chrysler’s Hemi(c) engine was introduced and was unbeatable on the race track. NASCAR actually ended up banning the thing and NHRA factored it into oblivion.

Ronald Reagan was that dominant as well. To this day he still inspires millions.

And of course, there were those heady days in the mid 1990's when the Republicans, led by Newt Gingrich and others took back Congress. That was the culmination of the Reagan Revolution.

But sadly, the Grand Old Party is currently in the K-car business. Utilitarian and somewhat solid, but not exciting, and devoid of any real leadership or ideas. Now for sure, there are some exceptions, there always are. But basically, the GOP is at this point.. Not bad, but certainly not great.

Then there is Sarah Palin.

Sarah defies political definitions and traditions. Yes, she is a true conservative, a novelty in itself in the Republican party these days, but this woman is unconventional, to say the least! Just the fact that she is a woman is a big deal. While there are a lot of women in politics, and a lot of Republican women in key roles, none have the shear magnetism and gravitas Sarah Palin has.

Sarah is different from any politician out there. For one thing, she’s not a Beltway hack. Sarah Palin is an outsider. You can’t be more outside the Beltway than Alaska! Palin is someone who speaks her mind, and when she speaks, people listen. And, unlike most, Sarah Palin says what she means, and means what she says. Unheard of in Washington. In fact, Palin is so straightforward, that many either refuse to believe it, or simply can’t comprehend it.

Case in point: When Sarah gave her Independence Speech on July 3, most of the "elites" in politics, and the media claimed they "couldn’t understand her" or as one put it, they needed "Rosetta Stone" to help them decipher!

Funny thing, millions of us regular folk understood exactly what she was saying. Far from "rambling and incoherent" which has become the state run media’s talking point, Palin simply spelled out what she had achieved in her time as Governor, a lengthy list by anyone’s standard. She also explained why she was doing this. Of course, there were several reasons for Sarah’s decision to step down. This is a complicated situation, the fact of which seemed to fly right over the heads of the elitists.

Not to rehash the whole thing, but one huge factor was the fact the democrat operatives were basically stealing millions of dollars from the Alaska tax payers by filing so many bogus ethics complaints, all of which had zero credibility or merit.

Then there was the personal cost. These democrats have cost Palin and her family over a half million dollars in legal fees, defending false accusations. Palin actually had to set up a legal defense fund to help pay her bills. Of course, this is not uncommon. Many big name politicians have has to do this. But to hear the democrats tell it, Sarah is the first politician ever to do this. They’ve actually filed complaints because she is defending herself against all of the complaints! They even managed to get someone from Barack Obama’s law firm, Perkins Coie to play "special investigator" in this deal! And no one seems to see a conflict of interest by having Thomas Daniel "investigating" Sarah Palin!

You can read more about that here, and more on Perkins Coie, here.

Basically the democrats had ground Palin’s government to a halt. Nothing was getting done. That bothers Sarah immensely. Sarah is a doer. And someone who is all about getting things done doesn’t allow themselves to be halted for long!

Now one other thing that helped Sarah make her decision was the fact that to the media, and the democrats, her children absolutely fair game. Everyone knows the details, so I won’t waste your time, but the really low point was the concerted and coordinated effort to attack her youngest, Trig, who has downs syndrome. Even for democrats, this was as low as it gets.

But, the media conveniently overlooked one of the really important reasons for Sarah’s decision to step down and redeploy her efforts. Maybe since common sense is in short supply among the media and the Beltway elites, the idea of a politician stepping down voluntarily for a higher calling seems silly. To that bunch it’s all about acquiring power and never letting go. This is why they all complained that Palin’s speech was "incoherent!"

Of all of the reasons Sarah is stepping down over, the one big reason, in my mind, is her love of country. Her deep patriotism. Her sense of duty.

Sarah knows that Barack Obama is heading us on a road to ruin with his communist ideals. Obama’s plans are destroying the economy and destroying our liberty and freedom. And he is doing it at breakneck speed!

Sarah, a fiscal conservative, who slashed Alaska’s budget by nearly 17 percent for FY 2010, sees that Barack Obama has spent more money and created more debt than all of the previous 43 Presidents combined. Palin instinctively knows that Obama and the democrats are bankrupting the country, and stealing our grandchildren’s future.

Sarah also knows we need energy independence and has actually taken concrete steps toward that effort. Palin knows the nation’s economy runs on energy. Cheap, plentiful energy. This is a foreign concept to the democrats and Obama.

Sarah understands instinctively that schemes like cap and tax, and the government take over of the health care industry, are destructive to the economy, will cause massive job loss, and will destroy freedom and liberty.

Sarah gets national security. In fact, according to A.B. Culvahouse, the high powered D.C. attorney, and former Reagan advisor, who vetted all of John McCain’s prospective vice presidential candidates, Palin’s offer to be the vice presidential candidate came after her solid answers on three national security questions.

Like the rest of us, Sarah looks at Barack Obama and sees Neville Chamberlain, wrapped up in Jimmy Carter, and seasoned with a good dose of naivete. This is a dangerous world, and this is no time to be the appeaser-in-chief, or the apologist-in-chief.

So, what’s a girl to do?

Well, if you are Sarah Palin and know that Obama and his minions must be stopped and stopped now, before he and his gang do irreparable damage to our nation, you can’t sit idly by and watch.

Sarah knows she couldn’t be effective as Governor. Never mind the fact that the democrats in Alaska, the anklebiters, went insane every time she even thought about leaving the state. And logistically, Alaska is too far away from the rest of the country. So it makes sense for Sarah to step down, so she can step up.

The media elites and the establishment Republicans can’t comprehend the fact that one doesn’t have to be in any sort of political office to effect change. They certainly can’t comprehend anyone giving up what they perceive as power. These cats are the ones who have to be dragged kicking and screaming out of somewhere once they have wore out their welcome!

The media elites and the good old boys in the GOP don’t know Sarah Palin!

The story of Palin is that of a true reformer. She has done it since her earliest days as a Wasilla councilwoman, where she battled with a fellow council member over ethics. Nick Carney, the council member that actually encouraged her to run for office in the first place, had a waste management business. Not a shock, most small town council members and mayors do have some sort of business. But Carney was pushing for an ordinance that would have basically given his company a monopoly in and around Wasilla for garbage collection. Even though they were friends, Sarah fought and defeated the measure, and thus, a reformer was born.

The most well known story is how Sarah cleaned up corruption at the AOGCC. The oil and natural gas commission she chaired. This was pure Sarah Palin.

After being term limited as mayor, Palin ran for Lt. Governor. Even though she didn’t win, Palin caught the eye of Governor Frank Murkowski. Murkowski appointed her to the AOGCC. This is a powerful, good paying job. So what happened next had to be a tough decision to make.

There was a serious good old boy network in and around the oil business in Alaska. Many of the state GOP party officials worked at Palin’s agency. Most notably party chair Randy Ruedrich and former attorney general Gregg Renkes. There were major conflicts of interests between AOGCC people and those in the oil, and coal businesses which the commission regulates. Additionally, Ruedrich was known to spend a lot of company time doing party business.

When Palin tried to fix these issues, tried to clean house, she met incredible resistence. Her boss, the Governor wanted to protect his boys! In what had to be a painful decision, Sarah Palin decided to resign. She "quit." But, she didn’t really quit!

Now just like today, all of the so-called experts said she was "committing political suicide" was destroying her chances of ever being in politics again. It seem they was slightly incorrect!

You see, far from quitting, Sarah Palin had only begun to fight! In the end, resignations were tendered, fines were paid, and some ended up in prison. As a private citizen, Sarah Palin basically took down the whole Republican establishment. No wonder the establishment types hate her!

Sarah wasn’t done quite yet though. Her next move was to run for Governor of Alaska. She beat Murkowski in the Republican primary in a landslide and then took on popular former democrat Governor Tony Knowles and beat him convincingly.

This is the history of Sarah Palin that the state run media, and Beltway elites either ignore or simply don’t understand. For someone like Sarah, an out-of-the-box thinker, and an incredibly unconventional politician, it makes perfect sense to "give up power" and step down as Governor. Just like she saw an unwinnable situation over at the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, she saw an unwinnable situation if she stayed on as Governor.

Anyone paying attention knows that Sarah Palin is not going to fade into the woodwork. Palin has already said that she is ready to come to the lower 48 and support pro-American conservative candidates. She wants to promote candidates that share her philosophy of small government, fiscal responsibility, strong national security, and energy independence.

Sarah already has speaking engagements lined up and more invites than one can imagine. If you are one of the nearly 120,000 people who follow her on twitter, you know Sarah is chomping at the bit wanting to get busy. She’s been dropping a lot of hints, and going after Obama. She will have a new account after she leaves office, and has promised it will be less "politically correct!" More of a Sarahcuda unleashed!

I did get a kick out of this tweet from Friday night:

Detroit Down" & "Rollin": "Aint gonna shut my mouth/I know there's got to be a few hundred million more like me/just trying to keep it free"

That pairs up quite nicely with her comment made in June in Anchorage at an event honoring Michael Reagan. Sarah was talking about how bad of a shape the nation is, and how Barack Obama’s policies were doing grave damage. She spoke of how all of her critics wanted her to just sit down and shut up. She said this:

"Politically, if I die, I die, but I won’t sit down, and I won’t shut up!" She then added: "Stand up, speak up, and be bold! Screw political correctness!"

Words to live by.

And that in a nutshell is what Sarah Palin is all about. This is someone who doesn’t care if she has hurt her chances of ever holding public office again, she has bigger fish to fry!

Sarah has a deep love for this nation. She has a love that will not allow her to just go with the flow. As she said in her Independence Day speech: "Dead fish go with the flow!"

Sarah Palin has guts, something sorely lacking nowadays. She is fearless. Sarah sees the dire situation we are in and has decided that since no one else is answering the call with full force and determination, that she will do it herself. With Sarah Palin, the rules have changed.

No one knows where this journey will take her. But we all know it will be exciting and productive. Frankly, if all Sarah accomplishes is getting a great number of conservatives elected and helps take back Congress so we can stop Obama and start reversing all of the damage he has done, she will forever be remembered as a patriot.

But Sarah Palin is a unique figure in American politics. She draws huge crowds wherever she goes. And once she has these crowds she doesn’t fill their ears with empty rhetoric like that hopey-changey guy we know. Sarah talks substance and policy. That will prove problematic for the unicorn and rainbow salesman-in-chief!

Look for Sarah to energize the nation. To lead a real movement in this country. She has the Republican base. In fact, latest polls show she has a 76 percent approval rating among all Republicans. And her numbers among independents, and even moderate democrats are growing.

Much like Ronald Reagan, Sarah has the ability to build a strong coalition of common sense Americans who have had their fill of business as usual in Washington. A coalition, that if she chooses, can propel her into the White House in 2012.

By seizing the moment and breaking all of the rules, Sarah Palin will be able to turn the Republican brand around. She can bring it back to it’s solid conservative roots. Sarah can transform the GOP from the K-car of politics to the most dynamic and exciting brand going!

AK Gov Sarah Palin Farewell Address

Sarah Palin Farewell Address Part I...



Sarah Palin Farewell Address, Part II

Developing...

Straight from the Heart, NOT the teleprompter: Thank You, Sarah!!!

The Presidential election of 2008 changed my once-held perceptions about politics and political candidates. Prior to this election, I viewed presidential elections as, in the words of Sarah, a good-old-boy network of sorts, in which only elite and powerful males came out to play. Sarah Palin changed this status quo, and I couldn't thank her more for all she has done to inspire young women like me all over the country. She literally changed this powerful good-old-boy network into a place where conservative women could take a stand, knowing that we too had a voice and could make a change for the better. Now, don't get me wrong, I know women have been involved in politics for many years, but Sarah is the first woman who has inspired me to KNOW I can make a difference. Not only was she the first woman to become governor of the great state of Alaska, but she was the first woman to become the Republican Party's Vice-Presidential nominee. Sarah has cracked the mold for conservative women everywhere, and I thank her for putting a few more cracks in a ceiling that once seemed unbreakable. When the presidential election of 2008 was off and running, the candidate whom I hoped would lead our great country was none other than America's Mayor, Rudy Guilliani. I really admire Rudy for the way in which he inspired a nation following the horrific events of September 11, 2001. His no-nonsense approach, love and commitment to our country inspired me to the point that I knew he would make a tremendous leader for America. When John McCain ended up the last man standing as the Republican Party's nominee, I had to admit that I was not too excited or overjoyed, yet when looking at the options on the other side of the table, I threw my support to a man who had fought and sacrificed for our country. I knew I could count on McCain to work tirelessly to protect our country and remain fiscally conservative.


I started this blog for two reasons. Lisa, who runs the blog "Why Mommy is a Republican," told me that I should be writing and that a blog was a great place to start. I urge you all to check out her great blog and become a follower. Lisa not only gets the truth out there, but she is not afraid to be candid and set the record straight. The day John McCain announced Sarah to be his running mate had to be the happiest I had ever been, politically speaking. History had been made, and immediately I was transformed from someone who had simply just voted to fulfill my civic duty into someone who wanted to stand up and make a difference. I know this may sound korny to some of you, but as a young woman, I felt that I was finally being represented politically because a conservative woman, yes a conservative woman, had been nominated to the second highest job in the land. I need to make something very clear: The simple fact that Sarah Palin is a woman was not the main selling point for me. I have never voted for someone based upon gender. While I admire all women in the political arena, I always look at their beliefs and opinions on issues I care most about. THIS is how Sarah Palin earned my support. Now, with that said, the fact that she was a woman did make me look up to her in a way I had never been able to do toward any male politician in the past. (I believe the same can said for female supporters of female democratic politicians as well.) As I became more familiar of Sarah's life-story, I saw a woman who worked extremely hard to get to the level she was at politically. I also saw a woman who shared many of the values I hold most dear. Her pro-life, pro-traditional family values, pro-God, pro-small business, pro-second amendment, pro-fiscal conservative values and beliefs are the same values and beliefs I hold most dear. She didn't just talk about these values, as many politicians tend to do today, but she actually illustrated these values on a daily basis throughout the campaign and continues to do so to this day. She is a life-long member of the NRA, her family owns a small business, her record as governor illustrates her success as a fiscal conservative, and precious little Trig is a testament to everything we in the pro-life community hold most dear. In choosing to keep Trig, Sarah is illustrating everything it means to love a child unconditionally. I have learned so much from Sarah's love for Trig and her other children and look to her as a prime example of what a mother's love should symbolize.


Sarah inspires me to want to do great things. She is a woman who came from humble beginnings, which gives hope to average-day Americans like me who did not go to a fancy ivy league school or have a membership to that prestigious country club. Sarah's dedication to the people is one of the main aspects I admire most about her. She is not afraid to get down on my level and just have a good heart-to-heart about the issues that effect people like me. Her ability to connect with a large variety of Americans is no act. I will never forget during the presidential campaign when Hillary was at a local bar and took a shot of liquor. I could tell that this was something she was not used to doing-it was a total act. Sarah, on the other hand, just has that Ronald Reagan ability to make voters feel comfortable in their own skin because she is comfortable in hers, and this is a quality that is very hard to come by these days. Not only did Sarah inspire me to start this blog, but she has inspired me want to spread her commonsense message. I have what I like to call my Pre-Sarah and Post-Sarah days. In the days of Pre-Sarah, if someone said something that I politically did not agree with or slandered our commander in chief, I would have just quietly sat there without so much as saying a word. Ever since Sarah stepped onto the national stage, what I call my post-Sarah days, I no longer sit back and let this happen. While I may not convince people that they are wrong in their assumptions, I, at least, let my feelings be known, and contrary to popular belief, the people on the other end come to respect me and my opinion for the mere fact that I took a stand. I no longer fear being attacked for standing up for what I believe in for I know that I have the right to stand up when I see the principles and ideals I hold most dear threatened, and this is all because Sarah stands up for what she believes in. No matter how viciously and ferociously she and her family are attacked, she continues the good fight because she believes in the message she is spreading. Instead of sitting down and throwing in the towel, she perseveres onward for a cause greater than self and for love of country. She accomplished more during her time as governor of AK than most governors are able to accomplish in one or two terms. Many people, including some of my own friends, believe she made the wrong decision in resigning as AK's governor. I believe she made one of the smartest moves in political history. Not only is she NOT going to be considered a lame-duck governor, but she is giving her lieutenant governor the head start at governing, which gives the people of AK the benefit of seeing Sean Parnell in action, which, if all goes smoothly, should give AK a republican governor in the 2010 gubernatorial election. In resigning, Sarah is not only helping her state, but herself as well because now that she is not tied down to the governor's office, she is able to travel across the country to spread a commonsense message that so many people are craving during a time in which so many are hurting. I like to refer to the Obama administration not as "hope and change," but "hype and pain," for they are literally re-defining America and all she stands for. I cannot wait for Sarah to get out and speak on the effectiveness of smaller government, the importance of tax cuts, the benefits of small business, as well as about the gut wrenching, yet apparent path America is taking toward socialism. People are craving to hear her message, as the polls are suggesting. She is more popular now than she was prior to announcing she would resign as AK's governor. The unconventional way in which she goes about things is what draws people toward her. People are sick and tired of the politics as usual, and I am one of them. I am ready for someone to represent me and to truly fight for me and the conservative values I hold. Perhaps Dennis Miller said it best when he told Bill O'Reilly that the more the media harass and pick on Sarah, the more he respects and admires her-I couldn't agree more. So on behalf of Palinistas everywhere: thank you, Sarah, for not being afraid to take a stand! Thank you, Sarah, for speaking the truth! Thank you, Sarah, for the integrity you possess! And finally, thank you, Sarah, for inspiring women all over our great country to not be afraid to stand up and fight for what we believe in!!!

(I'm a Conservative Girl with a Voice!!! Visit my blog at http://conservativegirlwithavoice.blogspot.com and become a follower-thanks)

Limbaugh: Attacks on Sarah Palin Tell Us Who the Democratic Party Is Most Afraid Of - Who They Think Can Beat Obama

As Sarah Palin's last day as governor of Alaska approaches, the left wing media is trying with several hit pieces to offset the publicity that will surround the annual picnic in Fairbanks tomorrow . The Washington Post has a 3-page online article that apparently uses Andrea McLeod, whose sixth frivolous ethics complaint was just dismissed, as its primary source. Denver Post also has a negative article. Even Reuters got in on the act. Expect to see more as the day progresses.

However, Rush Limbaugh got it right as he talked with Greta van Susteren about Sarah Palin during an interview at his radio studio earlier this week:

Transcripts of the two-part broadcast can be seen here and here. (The transcript for Part Two does not seem to be complete.) In Part One, broadcast at On the Record on Thursday night, he primarily talks about Obama. During Part Two, which was broadcast on Friday night, he discusses Sarah Palin.

See also:

Limbaugh Says Don't Count Palin Out for 2012 (CBS) http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/06/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5136617.shtml

Rush Discusses Gov Palin with Greta 7/24/09 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oGPz19O0Vw&feature=player_embedded

Rush Discusses Palin's Favorablitiy Ratings July 16, 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrisuxyYygI&feature=player_embedded

Rush Goes On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Part One transcript & video link) http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_072409/content/01125106.guest.htm

Rush Goes On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Part Two (transcript & video link) http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_072409/content/01125121.guest.html

Rush Gushes over Sarah Palin in Greta Interview http://www.examiner.com/x-2304-DC-Republican-Examiner~y2009m7d25-Rush-Gushes-over-Sarah-Palin-in-Greta-Interview

Rush Limbaugh: "Sarah Palin Could Build the Party" (5/5/09) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CePCkgds3c&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emomsforsarahpalin%2Ecom%2F2009%2F05%2Frush%2Dtalking%2Dabout%2Dpalin%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded

UPDATE:

As expected, the negative spin by the liberal mainstream media on Sarah Palin's last weekend in office continues. Add to the list the Houston Chronicle, MSNBC, and the Los Angeles Times. As someone has pointed out (hat tip @StopTheSmears), a former Democratic state senator from Alaska also took it upon himself to post an op-ed yesterday in the New York Times to call Sarah Palin a quitter.

This sentence from Matthew Daly's Associated Press article has been repeated frequently today, "She leaves office Sunday with her political future clouded by ethics probes, mounting legal bills and dwindling popularity." Yeah, right. 16 ethics complaints DISMISSED so far. Legal bills that her supporters have raised the money to pay because they are irate at the political attacks against her. The surges in SarahPAC donations do not attest to any dwindling popularity - on the contrary. The ABC/WaPo poll that has been quoted over and over is biased by a 33 % Democrat to 22 % Republican ratio. In addition, the reliability of their polls are low in the pollster rankings anyway.

What the liberal media refuses to do is to take Sarah Palin at her own word that she is leaving office to save the state of Alaska millions of dollars of expense related to the politically-motivated attacks against her. Sarah Palin is not quitting, she's just changing direction. And believe me, that's what they're afraid of.

Roses for Sarah

Team Sarah is planning on sending roses to Sarah Palin on her last day as governor and her first day as a private citizen. You can send a rose and show your support through TS for a $5.00 donation. For more information visit: http://www.teamsarah.org/profiles/blogs/team-sarah-is-sending-roses-to

Atlanta Attorney Who Set Up Palin's Legal Fund Is Ethics Expert

Atlanta attorney Randy Evans has stepped forward to vouch for the legality of Governor Sarah Palin's legal defense fund, which he created. Attorney Evans is an expert in the field of ethics in government and politics and, as stated here, "has lectured on attorney ethics in over thirty states and has published hundreds of papers and articles regarding professional ethics and malpractice". What an excellent choice of attorney to set up a legal defense fund to defend Governor Palin against ethics complaints by her political opponents!


Atlantan Created Palin's Defense Fund


Posted By: Jaye Watson
11Alive.com
Updated 7/22/2009 8:08:44 PM


ATLANTA -- Atlantan Randy Evans created the legal defense fund for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Evans is former general counsel for Georgia's Republican party and a senior partner at McKenna, Long, and Aldridge.

He said, "There were some folks who reached out to me who knew I had some experience preparing legal defense funds." Evans stepped forward, revealing it was he who prepared the fund, just days the release of a report that found Palin should not be able to use the money.

Thomas Daniel, an investigator for the state personnel board writes in the report, "That the fund was trading on Ms. Palin's status as a public official to solicit donations and that contributions to it could amount to improper gifts under Alaska Law."

Evans calls the report "absolutely ridiculous."

"This is the gold standard in legal defense funds. It parallels the funds created by John Kerry, Dick Gephardt, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Senator Ted Stevens who's from Alaska. It meets every provision for both the IRS, federal election laws and the laws of the state of Alaska," Evans said.

Evans says Palin's decision to resign has nothing to do with the report and her announcement came more than a week and a half before the report was even released.

"The governor cares deeply and loves the state of Alaska and that all of the things associated with her became a distraction. It became a distraction in terms of being able to get anything done," he said. Evans is in Washington, D.C. for the next few days to make the cable news rounds.

http://www.11alive.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=132865&catid=166


See also:

Arnall, Golden, Gregory, LLP Just Lost Their Entire Political Law Practice...
http://www.politicalvine.com/news/newsview8963.html

Randy Evans
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Evans