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Monday, November 23, 2009

Dangerous I Get, but Boring Too? A Post by Conservative Girl with a Voice


When so many actresses in Hollywood seem intent in tearing Sarah Palin down, it is refreshing to see a fearless, classy actress like Angie Harmon come to Sarah's defense. Recently, Angie said the following regarding a possible Sarah 2012 presidential run:

"If she wants to, I think she's great.... I think she's a woman who has her own set of values and morals and ethics and has the courage to live her life accordingly. I admire that."

Angie is right on the money. I have long respected Angie for a variety of reasons. Not only is she a respected actress, but she a wonderful wife and phenomenal mother. Like Sarah, she knows the value of hard work and the extreme importance of family. Angie is also a strong woman who is not afraid to speak her mind, no matter how popular or unpopular her beliefs may be. It is no secret that Angie is a conservative in Hollywood. I have extreme respect for her because unlike other actors and actresses who are fearful of speaking out against the liberal left, Angie has never been afraid to say and do what's right. While she is unafraid to speak out, it is important to note that she has never been hateful toward President Obama. This is a far cry from her liberal Hollywood counterparts who time and time again spew hatred at Republican leaders. In typical conservative fashion, Angie uses intelligence and class to voice her disagreements with this administration. It has become so commonplace for the liberal left Hollywood types to lash out against conservatives, using the most disgusting language and displaying a total lack of regard, not to mention commonsense. This just goes to show the difference between liberals and conservatives. Liberals lash out and use expletives in an attempt to gain favor, while conservatives use intellect and commonsense.


Although members on the liberal left preach tolerance and acceptance, they are the most intolerant people out there. Take Martha Stewart for example. It is no secret that Ms. Stewart has had run-ins with the law, but she conquered and survived. Now, one would think that she would know first-hand what it is like to push on and persevere. You would think she would look at a woman like Sarah Palin with extreme regard because Sarah is also a fighter. While it is clear that Ms. Stewart is a member of the liberal left and doesn't agree at all with Sarah politically, you would at least think she could admit that Sarah is a strong woman like Hillary Clinton, but then again we are talking about the liberal left- the liberal left who are on an all-out assault against Sarah and her family. Many of you know why I am bringing up Ms. Stewart. For those of you out there who may be unaware of Ms. Stewart's latest stunt to get attention, let me clue you in on what this woman recently said about Sarah in an interview with CNN's Showbiz Tonight:

"She's very boring to me, very boring. And a very, to me, kind of a dangerous person. I mean, she's dangerous. She speaks, she's, she's so confused. And anyone like that in government is a real problem."


I was actually watching this episode of Showbiz Tonight, and I heard and saw Ms. Stewart make these vile comments. I saw the way she scowled and the way in which she tensed up and squinted her eyes in an "I hate Sarah" kind of way. You know the facial expressions I'm writing of because we have seen them before. We have seen other liberal buffoons like Sheryl Crow, Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Joy Behar, Sarah Silverman, not to mention countless others who think Sarah is stupid and unqualified just because she is a conservative. They can't understand why a woman- a young, beautiful, classy woman, can be a conservative. They can't understand how a woman can call herself pro-life. It all comes down to these qualities.


As a young, conservative woman, I don't agree with liberal women like Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, but I can honestly say that I respect them for all they have accomplished. Why can't those on the left do the same? Do they have too much pride? Do they hate conservatism and all it stands for that much? I have to say no to the first question and in the words of one of Sarah's family members, a big "Hell yeah" to the second question.


I find it funny that liberal loons like Ms. Stewart find Sarah boring (Has Martha looked in the mirror lately? As the old saying goes: a skunk smells its own scent, and frankly, Ms. Stewart, you are not only the queen of mean, but the queen of boring too.) And if boring wasn't enough, they find her dangerous too? That first trait comical, but the second one, well maybe these loons are on to something. While they want you to believe Sarah is stupid and unintelligent, they call her dangerous. What gives? They are calling a self-described Alaska hockey mom, loving wife and mother "dangerous"? It would be laughable if it were not so true; Sarah is dangerous, but the dangerous they speak of is not the dangerous I am writing about. Ms. Stewart's definition of dangerous has to do with the very platform Sarah holds dear. Her pro-life, pro-capitalism, pro-Second Amendment, pro-God, pro-traditional family values beliefs are values she holds close to her heart. I'm sorry, Ms. Stewart, but calling Sarah dangerous for holding these beliefs is like calling Hillary Clinton dangerous for her beliefs, and you and I both know you would never do this. Yeah, so much for tolerance.


Sarah is dangerous, not because of her views, but because of the common sense solutions she has for America. In Sarah, we have an individual who is not afraid to tell the truth, no matter how much the truth may hurt. There is an intense discussion out there that Sarah is the reason behind the conservative revolution that is currently underway across America. While liberal loons like Ms. Stewart would never admit that this is the case, I believe this is exactly what is happening. There is no other individual in modern-day politics who could draw the crowds she draws day in and day out on a book tour, not even President Obama. I say this because while President Obama's approval ratings continue to drop, Sarah's approval numbers continue to skyrocket. What do you have to say about that, Ms. Stewart? It's not so much a good thing, now, is it?



Ms. Stewart and liberals like her realize that they no longer have the clout they once had. They no longer have America under their control. The slogans for change and the "Yes we can" chants may have worked during the 2008 presidential campaign, but people are beginning to realize that that's all they ever really were. Slogans and chants may be fun for a while, but there comes a time when these things grow old, and just as the the styrofoam pillars got taken back to that Hollywood Lot, as Sarah so eloquently put it, so too do the chants and slogans into thin air.


The members of the liberal left fear Sarah and the members of her army because they realize they don't have any power over us. We are not going to back down, we are not going to sit down, and we are definitely not going to shut up. I believe God does things for a reason, and Sarah is exactly where God wants her to be right now. She is traveling across America, meeting with folks from all over "Mainstreet U.S.A." Sarah is speaking for us, on behalf of all of us. We are a mighty army that will not stop until our country is back on the right track. Although America is a little off course at the moment, we are holding firm to our conservative principles, and in the end, we WILL win and take our country back!


(Click here to visit Conservative Girl with a Voice. Click here to follow me on Twitter.)

Sarah Palin: Detractors have it all wrong

I have been cruising the web, reading the stories, and shaking my head. It doesn't surprise me anymore, the vicious attacks against Sarah Palin and her family, although it does sadden me. With all the media coverage surrounding Sarah's book tour, a new sling of accusations against our former governor have emerged, once again focusing on her as a wife and mother.

I tend not to read the comments posted by readers of online articles, particularly those commenting on articles involving Sarah. There will be comments by supporters, but more often than not there will be comments by those who have nothing good to say, and pick apart those who do. Reading articles I have seen a common thread in recent days, attacking Sarah once again. These comments accuse her of using the kids as props, traveling with the kids, and even a comment about Trig not having shoes on in one video clip, asking "what kind of mother are you?" of Sarah.

Remember Princess Diana? I thought today of an article written years ago after Prince William, her oldest, was born. It said that Princess Diana would spend time playing music in Prince William's nursery, even standing over him with a camera, clicking away so that he could get used to the sound of the cameras that would flash his image and follow him everywhere he went. This is their reality, the reality of someone in the spotlight. Trig, who has Down Syndrome, seems to have adjusted very well to all the attention which might not have been the case had his family not gotten him used to the attention. Supporters are interested in seeing the children, because it is part of who Sarah is - she is a working mother - and many of us admire her for that. Her children are part of who she is, and it would be foolish and impossible to hide them away. I am certain that if she did hide them away, we would again be hearing from detractors, this time accusing her of not spending time with her children and keeping them shuddered.

I live in Wasilla (Sarah's home town) and have spent time with the family and I have to say this - this is one of the most well adjusted families I have seen. The kids are involved in sports, after school activities, and are very social. I've seen them running after school to go sledding, walking pets, and playing with family and friends. When asked how a trip went, often you get a quick "OK" and then a change of topic. They move on. Many, many children of those in politics and celebrity have traveled with their parents. Imagine the opportunities these kids have already had. They have met people and seen parts of the country most of us will never get a chance to see. These children are not hidden away. They are out there for us to see, but are supported, loved, and reminded of how blessed they are to have the opportunities they have. I have never seen any of them take it for granted.

And as far as Trig and his shoes - obviously this comment was not written by the mother of a young child. To that commentor I say this: When you invent a way to keep socks on little feet, let the rest of us know, ok?

If you liked this article, please visit my conservative Alaskan blog at Finding Myself In Alaska


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Sarah Palin: US Troops Must Be Second to None

Complete transcript of Governor Palin's Facebook note:


US Troops Must be Second to None
Today at 6:30am EST



Can’t wait to meet our troops – and all those who love the U.S. Armed Forces – today at Ft. Bragg. Read my book’s dedication page. The book is for these Patriots who fight for freedom. They deserve our support and our government’s unwavering commitment to equipping them for victory.


The book tour is beyond all expectations. This feels like the time when a team comes
together, gearing up before a major competition to show unity and supply strength and encouragement to each team member equally, regardless of the team member’s role or title.


On this tour I hear the grave concerns Americans have for our children’s future. I also feel the hope so many of you want to cling to – hope for those on Capitol Hill to see the light, hope for politicians to be humble enough to acknowledge that growing the federal government isn’t the answer to our economic challenges, hope that it won’t take another terrorist strike to wake us up to continued threats by those who hate America and our allies.


At every stop on this tour I see Americans coming together to say, “Enough. We love our country too much to just sit down and shut up while politicians take us for a ride. We shall be heard.”


We see a united team.


Now, I want to give you more hope: We are Americans. Anything is possible in America. Anyone can make a positive difference. You don’t need a title or a political position or a pedigree. We can take our country back from those who think growing national debt will grow prosperity for us, the little guys. We can take it back from those who think shrinking military power will make the homeland safer for us, the little guys.


We can take it back because we’re fired up, and we’re all about telling our government to listen to us, trust us, get back on our side… or politicians: you’re fired.


Plunging our country deeper and deeper in debt; borrowing billions from foreign countries; relying on foreign nations to supply us with energy; talking about sanctions against dangerous regimes but not following through; hesitating to surge aggressively to stop terrorist strongholds from growing; allowing government to take over health care, banks, the auto industry, and who knows what else they’ve got up their sleeves... it’s all too much and we’ve had enough.


Ronald Reagan knew it took a united team to right the wrongs of Washington. He told his team in essence, “Gentlemen and Ladies, I hate inflation; I hate taxes; I hate terrorists. Do something about it.”


America, you’re doing something about it! Thank you for standing up and speaking out. Thank you for holding on to hope, for loving America so passionately and supporting our troops who fight for freedom. Keep the faith!


- Sarah Palin


PS: Please continue to follow the tour’s progress by following me on Twitter at SarahPalinUSA. Enjoy the photos below!


Gov. Sarah Palin greets a crowd at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH, on Friday, November 20, 2009, upon her arrival at a “Going Rogue” book signing event. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin works from her BlackBerry prior to a “Going Rogue” book signing event at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH, on Friday, November 20, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin reacts to a photo given to her during a “Going Rogue” book signing event at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH, on Friday, November 20, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin greets two soldiers during a “Going Rogue” book signing event at the Borders bookstore in Columbus, OH, on Friday, November 20, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin receives a Buckeye necklace from a new friend, Meredith, during a “Going Rogue” book signing event at the Borders bookstore in Columbus, OH, on Friday, November 20, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin looks through a copy of “Going Rogue” that was inscribed with personal notes and messages and given to her as gift from a new friend, Brendan, and others who camped out overnight at the Borders bookstore in Columbus, OH, on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin talks with a new friend, Brendan, and his family at the Borders bookstore in Columbus, OH, on Friday, November 20, 2009. Brendan was among a group who camped out overnight at Borders to hold a place in line for that evening’s “Going Rogue” book signing event. He and others signed and wrote personal messages in a copy of “Going Rogue” as a gift to Gov. Palin. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
The crowd camping outside of the Barnes & Noble in Roanoke, VA, on Saturday, November 21, 2009, get a surprise visit when Gov. Palin stopped by to say hello. The crowd was camping out that night to get their books signed at the event scheduled for the next morning. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
The crowd camping outside of the Barnes & Noble in Roanoke, VA, on Saturday, November 21, 2009, wave to Gov. Palin’s bus as she stopped by for a surprise visit. The crowd was camping out that night to get their books signed at the event scheduled for the next morning. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin takes advantage of a quite moment to sign some books before the start of her “Going Rogue” book singing event at the Barnes & Noble in Roanoke, VA, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Tito Munoz (“Tito the Builder”) and Mrs. Munoz greet Gov. Sarah Palin during a “Going Rogue” book singing event at the Barnes & Noble in Roanoke, VA, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Also in the photo is Gov. Palin’s 8-year-old daughter, Piper Palin. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin and her father, Chuck Heath, greet people, while Gov. Palin’s mother, Sally Heath, takes photos during a “Going Rogue” book singing event at the Barnes & Noble in Roanoke, VA, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin and her parents, Sally and Chuck Heath, react to a photograph that was presented to Palin by a person passing through the “Going Rogue” book signing line at the Barnes & Noble in Roanoke, VA, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin; Chuck and Sally Heath, Palin’s parents (standing); and Rev. Billy Graham (center) pose for a photograph prior to dining at Graham’s residence in Montreat, NC, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin; Chuck and Sally Heath, Palin’s parents (standing); Katie Johnson, Palin’s Aunt (right); and Rev. Billy Graham (center) pose for a photograph prior to dining at Graham’s residence in Montreat, NC, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin talks with Rev. Billy Graham at Graham’s residence in Montreat, NC, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Ann Graham (left), daughter of Rev. Billy Graham, talks with (from left) Gov. Sarah Palin; Rev. Billy Graham; Chuck Heath, Palin’s father; and Franklin Graham III, during an evening at Rev. Billy Graham’s residence in Montreat, NC, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin and Rev. Billy Graham converse prior to dinner at Rev. Graham’s residence in Montreat, NC, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.
Gov. Sarah Palin and Rev. Billy Graham converse prior to dinner at Rev. Graham’s residence in Montreat, NC, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Copyright SarahPAC.


Sarah Palin Meets the Rev. Billy Graham

I have been watching with interest, as I'm sure many of you have, the travels of Sarah Palin these past few days. Her journey started in Michigan, then moved to Indiana, then finally Ohio. I'm from Ohio, so these states are my old stomping grounds. I had emailed my aunt who lives just north of Cincinnati when the tour dates came out, but I haven't heard whether she was there or not.

From Ohio, the book party moved on to Pennsylvania in an area just a few miles from where my husband is from and his family still resides. Kind of ironic, huh? Her next stop yesterday was Rochester, NY. I have been watching various video clips to see Sarah of course, but also to see other members of the family that I knew were traveling with her. I was excited for Adrienne Ross who was able to actually work the Rochester event, even though a hater caused a scene after Sarah had left. All in all though, it seems to be a good trip.

I was especially excited today to see a story on Conservatives4Palin about Sarah landing in Asheville, North Carolina (not far from where I lived in Virginia) and getting the chance to meet the Rev. Billy Graham. What a blessing! Through the video, I was able to see Sally and Chuck and the rest of the family, landing there in Asheville and after a short interview, being whisked away to meet with the Grahams. How wonderful would that be?! I can remember watching Rev. Graham as a young child, looking up to him and knowing this man was sent by God himself to witness to all of us. I could see that there was something special about him, as there is something special about Sarah. Sarah said she was looking forward to speaking with him about how best to deliver her message, and I can think of no one else on this earth that would be a more wise counsel. Here is a clip from Space Mountain Productions as found on Buncombe County Republican Party website. Enjoy!

Sarah Palin arrives in Asheville NC to have Dinner with Billy Graham & Family from richard bernier on Vimeo.



You can also follow me on my conservative Alaskan blog at Finding Myself In Alaska


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Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part VI -- Going Home

Farewell Borders and Thank You...

I awoke, showered, cleaned up, packed up, had breakfast and while eating saw my Palin Power button on YNN Rochester. Click this link and go to 2:04 in the 3:33(a providential, lucky number of mine) video:


After breakfast and before my flight, I had to do one more thing. I went to Borders, drank a white mocha latte, then walked to the area where Governor Palin was signing...and went to the space she occupied and spent a few minutes there. I saw a couple of copies behind me near the floor were a little disarrayed. I knelt down, made them correct, left the space, came back again, left, came back a third time, then left -- forever. I drove slowly out of the lot, then picked up speed after Borders was out of sight.



Slipping the Surly Bonds...

I was seated in 1A of the US Airways Dash 8 100. I shut the iPhone off after a strategy-related email exchange with Fay, Editor and Publisher of the Sarah Palin Information Blog and an author on Accomplishments. We departed Runway 22 and arced to the left. I found the mall right out the window where Borders is. Just as I bid farewell silently, the plane slipped into the overcast and re-emerged a few seconds later.....



Glory

When the light from the sun strikes an airplane, if you are sitting on the side opposite the sun and are flying over an under-cast, you will see a circular rainbow. The phenomenon is called a glory. Immediately after crossing the cloud layer, the shadow of the plane was encircled in a glory. Soon, the shadow disappeared, but the glory remained moving ahead of then behind the left propeller.



Aerial Tour

As the trip progressed, the solid under-cast went broken, then scattered. We broke out of the clouds in an area unfamiliar to me. Finally, I saw water...then a city below and to the left...Stamford, CT....what was about to unfold would be one of the most beautiful flights of my life. With Stamford to our left, we turned westward and followed the coast of Connecticut and Westchester. I saw Mamaroneck. Again, I remembered some of the Edison sites I've worked at over the years....I remembered another Sarah....my great aunt, Sarah Hackman who died in 2005. She lived in Tuckahoe, and her daughter Barbara had special needs, being crippled from Polio (this was in the pre-vaccine days).

We crossed the Bronx with Westchester now to our north. My mother's Yonkers home would be off the right wing. I saw the George Washington Bridge and the plane turned left. More Edison sites, both Yankee stadiums. I could see clearly the de-construction of the former Yankee Stadium...we crossed into Manhattan. I figured we were going to turn left over 125th St. and land on Runway 13. We were not....we flew right over Central Park and through Midtown. All the skyscrapers below passed in striking detail. I saw Harper Collins at 10 E. 53rd St, and all the familiar landmarks: Met Life, Empire State, NY Life -- Con Ed Headquarters, Zeckendorf Towers...the Federal Building, I sat spell-bound as my life's memories flooded through....I could see Queens and Brooklyn clearly....

We continued over NY Harbor...as all the familiar Edison sites passed by. The Verrazano Bridge came into view...we were overflying Staten Island!!!! My home! I saw the rented house Elsy and I spent our first four Staten Island years in....but there was more to come...we flew all the way down to Great Kills tracking the Island's core. I saw the little pizzeria where I have my second job. We took a descending left turn, out over Lower NY Bay and another descending left to parallel Staten Island's south shore. Now...our approach to LGA was underway.



I could see the Bayonne Bridge on the other side and could see the general area where my house is. Once again, the Verrazano Bridge and we tracked through Brooklyn, passing the accursed BQE and the streets I dodged through just two days before. I saw Daisy's Diner...were a fellow customer and I talk politics and Governor Palin each time I'm there. We flew right over the apartment Elsy and I rented in the first four years of our marriage. My childhood home in Flushing NY was off the right wing. We landed on Runway 4 and as we pulled into the terminal area, all of Flushing was in my direct view.



By juxtaposition, Governor Palin touched every aspect of my life.

In these six posts, you may wonder why I would include material that on the surface has absolutely nothing to do with Governor Palin or Going Rogue.

So...what does this all have to do with her? Everything. Simply go to the bottom of Page 8 in Governor Palin's book.

All will be revealed.




Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part I -- Journey

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part II -- Camping

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part III -- Ready

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part IV -- Books Signed

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part V -- Egg Attack


Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part VI -- Going Home 

 

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part V -- Egg Attack

No Better Than the Book Burners of Old

The impact of the egg striking the stack of books resounded like a gunshot in the nearly empty Borders. I was behind the display stack talking with Kristina,  Kate and Rachelle. JD had already gone home. Adrienne and I had our backs turned. Adrienne was right next to the display stack, which was in the center of the store as you walked in the front door.

Following the sound, I heard a voice proclaim, "Sorry I didn't hit you Sarah!" The egg thrower then sauntered out of the store as if victory was his. I ran toward the stack and saw several books covered in yolk and egg white. Adrienne's outfit was splattered too...collateral damage from his attack.

I screamed out to the Borders staff..."get him...he destroyed several of Sarah's books, and Adrienne's been hit!" The staff told me they'd take care of it...don't get involved! I waited...and I took pictures of the damage:






Photography by Ron Devito: Adrienne Ross -- collateral damage from egg attack on Going Rogue display.


Photography by Ron Devito: Overall shot of the display. The more highly reflective covers have egg white on them.


Photography by Ron Devito: Close-Up. At least eight books were destroyed.



Photography by Ron Devito: Close-up. Yellow on the second book in the stack is egg yolk.


Photography by Ron Devito: Target of hate.


Photography by Ron Devito: Note the wet spot on the carpet and the egg shells. These books were located behind Governor Palin's display.



Throw the Book at Him?

The egg thrower was caught and arrested. He came to realize that his form of "political protest" did not exactly serve him well. Borders chose not to prosecute him, because he opted to pay for all the destroyed copies of Going Rogue. In essence, this brilliant Obama Kool Aid drinker now bought the largest number of copies of Going Rogue for a single customer in the entire day!

Also ironic and providential: Governor Palin was accused of trying to ban books as Mayor of Wasilla...except for one minor detail: the books she was accused of trying to ban did not even exist at the time. But, book banning is a lie Obama's followers continue to perpetuate. Adrienne Ross risked her job to protest a display at her school perpetuating this falsehood.

Ironic that this man wanted to not just ban...but destroy Governor Palin's book....and since he indicated that the egg was intended for Governor Palin herself, I was loudly pushing for him to be prosecuted...but Borders accepted reimbursement. Now it was up to Adrienne.



Mercy and Forgiveness? Or Pursue a Pyrrhic Victory?

The arresting officer told Adrienne, she had a choice to make. Prosecute him for criminal mischief and harassment; which meant she would have to stay the night, then drive four hours from her home each way to be present at his trial...or have him released.

I was pushing for prosecution. Kristina and Kate calmed me down and told me to defer to Adrienne -- it was after all her decision to make....and they were right. It was her decision.

Adrienne chose the path of mercy and declined to press charges. She did not pursue him for the soiled outfit...she wanted nothing more to do with him...rightfully so.



Farewell Dinner

Our tired band of Rogues went to Uno's right across from Borders to have our farewell dinner. We discussed the incident...the pros and cons of prosecution. For a few minutes, we wondered if the right thing was done not pressing charges. "Sorry, I didn't hit you, Sarah" played in my head over and over again like a broken record. Could he be motivated to attempt to harm her in some way later on? Would Borders' and Adrienne's act of mercy embolden him? Conversely, what was to be gained by Adrienne prosecuting him for harassment? To appear before a judge and say "this man harassed me as a byproduct of destroying several copies of Going Rogue"? With the primary case disposed of, there really was little point in pursuing it further.

Finally, the conversation shifted to more joyful subject matter -- some related to Governor Palin, some of it not. We enjoyed our meals and conversation.

It was nearly midnight. We all exchanged hugs and the band of Rogues broke up. Having Gone Rogue, now it was time to Go Home.





Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part I -- Journey

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part II -- Camping

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part III -- Ready

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part IV -- Books Signed

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part V -- Egg Attack


Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part VI -- Going Home 

 

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part IV -- Books Signed

Entertainment Tonight and Hamburg TV Station

I did a media interview with Entertainment Tonight. The reporter was very friendly. He asked me to explain why I supported Governor Palin -- and why I would wait over 24 hours to see her. "I support her Reagan Conservatism, her positions on the Second Amendment and oil drilling. I admire her 17 years of executive experience and Transformational Leadership. We have not seen a leader like this in 150 years." Do you want her to to run for President in 2012?, he asked. "YES! I believe she was summoned to carry Reagan's torch. But I will support her no matter the path she chooses," I said. We agreed to do a second interview after the signing. The first interview was completed at 1516 EST. My second interview with Entertainment Tonight took place at 1759 EST.

The same questions were asked in my interview with the Hamburg, Germany with my responses mirroring what was said to Entertainment Tonight. The Hamburg interview was completed at 1656 EST.



Ron Devito Going Rogue with Governor Palin

Finally, the time had come. I deposited my jacket and gift card on the table. I threw Adrienne a salute and passed her the books to give to Governor Palin. It was Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the seventeenth hour and the fortieth minute.

"Governor Palin...Sarah....it's nice to see you again." We locked eyes...she shook my hand, said "Hi, what's your name." "I'm Ron Devito, from Staten Island. You signed my heart in Pennsylvania." She smiled...I could tell she remembered. "I like your buttons," she said. But...I saw her looking at the Palin Power button, I had been selling. Pointing to the button, I said, "Today, I prototyped this one. And I will be giving it to you in the gift box. It is yours." "Thank you," Governor Palin said. It was time to leave....I turned back...."It was nice to see you again" -- followed by a pregnant pause -- "my President." She ended the conversation with a final thank you and I took my signed books.

There was no time for personalization, and for collectors, non-personalized signed books are worth more money (mine is NOT for sale at any price). My fleeting time with Governor Palin went by faster than a Concorde flying overhead at Mach 2.2. 

When SarahPAC photographer Shealah Craighead releases the photos, I will acquire. She may or may not grant me permission to post, but I will ask.

I went to the main shopping area, finished off the gift card and took what was now Governor Palin's property off my heart, put it in with the card, sealed it and left it and went outside to work the crowd, and wait for my colleagues....




Photography by Ron Devito: (iPhone Camera) Crowd awaiting entry to the store following my signing.





Photography: Ron Devito. Trig Paxton Van Palin. Photo re-touched to remove red-eye.





Photography: Ron Devito. Sally Heath, with whom I shook hands and had two brief conversations. When I told her I'm from Staten Island, her eyes lit up. "We worked on Fresh Kills." "I know...it's only 8 miles from my house." We exchanged some pleasantries, and then I said, "Your daughter is going to make history."





Photography: Ron Devito. Chuck and Sally Heath announce to the overflow crowd that Governor Palin will sign their books. Mrs. Heath hugs a supporter. Photo re-touched to remove red-eye.



From the Outside Looking In

Having had my books signed and awaiting my colleagues...we were going to eat dinner together after the signing, I took some potshots with the camera of Governor Palin signing books....



Photography: Ron Devito. A shot of Governor Palin with the back of her head facing the window. Piper Palin is to her right.



Photography Ron Devito. Profile view of Governor Palin.



Photography: Ron Devito. A blurred view, but one where Governor Palin's face is visible.



From Going Bust to Going Rogue

As the evening progressed, jubilant supporters emerged with their signed books. One small boy was ecstatic: "she touched me! She actually touched me." The little child wasn't expecting Governor Palin to shake his hand. JD Merkel returned after the Heaths' announcements. I told him to get on that line NOW....his book was going to be signed....JD went Rogue, not Bust after all....



Farewell

Governor Palin and her staff left through the back of the store, they same way they entered. I ran to try to see her along with the crowd, but only saw the motorcade pull away. The store re-opened, the crowd dispersed, and I went to meet with my colleagues. We were all exhausted and hungry. Governor Palin had been gone 15 minutes, when an ugly act of hatred unfolded....an act reminiscent of the days not of banning books, but of burning them...





Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part I -- Journey

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part II -- Camping

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part III -- Ready

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part IV -- Books Signed

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part V -- Egg Attack


Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part VI -- Going Home 

 

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part III -- Ready

Reveille

After cleaning up and showering and getting dressed, I checked my iPhone. Governor Palin had published a Facebook Post regarding health care. It was not covered. I launched into action, got the item on Accomplishments, did my Buzz, Digg, Fark, and Delicious, and put aside the laptop.

Not wanting to wait for the condensation to clear off my car, I wiped the driver's side mirror with my hand, turned on the rear defroster and drove with the windows down in the freezing cold. Borders is only two miles from the Day's Inn Henrietta, and my bee-line got me there in two minutes.



Back to Hustling...


I greeted Amy, Ed, Barb and the others. I went back to working the crowd with the business cards and buttons. I met Kristina, Kate, and Rachelle. Within the hour, the rest of my buttons were sold or given to those promised. All I had left was Adrienne's and mine. Another generous soul brought coffee, bagels, and donuts. It was like a huge tailgate party -- just as Governor Palin would Tweet in reference to her next stop. Like earlier, I whiled away the rest of the time reading Going Rogue -- continuing to laugh or cry as the story continued to unfold. The time to 0900 -- the opening of Borders -- flew. I made it to page 105 and stopped.



Wristband Secured...

I got my Blue A wristband and immediately went outside and put on my right wrist. I wanted it there along with the red shirt I now wore -- for Reagan Conservatism. I met Adrienne and gave her the promised button. Now, only the one over my heart remained....




Houston, We Have a Problem....


I alternately went in and out of Borders holing up in the cafe and returning to the camp post just outside the door. While talking with Kristina, her sister Kate, and Rachelle, we heard a commotion outside.

Apparently, the store did not get all 1,000 wristbands. They got 500. The second group of 500 were angry. But they got stickers...they became the overflow group. If Governor Palin had the time after the first 500, the overflow would be taken in. JD Merkel, Rochester Organizer, 2012 Draft Sarah Committee was in that second group. He resigned his fate to Going Bust....

Adrienne and the store's staff had to deal with the crowd. Everyone calmed down, but I did not find her to be in an enviable position at that moment....Adrienne handled it like a skilled professional -- as if she had been doing this all her life.



The Final Hours

The final hours were spent continuing to read Going Rogue, charging devices, going in and out of the store and learning about the structure of the event. A gift box was placed. I took out a business card and chicken-scrawled a message of support. But going into that box, it would get lost.

So, I opted for a greeting card and wrote my message. I emailed a trusted colleague for review. She loved it. I left the card envelope unsealed....The content of my message will remain private; however, I will state that it is based very strongly on the bottom half of Page 8 of Going Rogue.

A Sarah Palin look-alike -- Sharon from PA -- came in. I posed with her:



Then, Adrienne, Kristina, Kate, and myself posed at the book signing table.



 Adrienne Ross


Front: Kate Lazzaro. Rear: Kristina Lazzaro



Ron Devito



The time drew nigh...We all left the bookstore and assumed our new positions to the left of the door...





Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part I -- Journey

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part II -- Camping

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part III -- Ready

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part IV -- Books Signed

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part V -- Egg Attack


Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part VI -- Going Home