Sarah Palin's Family Tree

On GretaWire today, Greta van Susteren asked for reactions to an article about the low profile Sarah Palin has kept since she announced her resignation as governor and the mystery surrounding her future plans. One of the Palin detractors replied by saying that you can tell a Republican by the lack of branches in their family tree. So I responded to that person by posting an excerpt from the following article by Rosemary E. Bachelor:

Sarah Palin's Ancestry: Solid New England: Vice Presidential Candidate Has Multiple Mayflower Lineages

Ms. Bachelor prefaces her article with this statement:

Sarah Palin is upper echelon when it comes to descent from the nation's
colonial era founding families in New England.

According to Ms. Bachelor, who obviously did some thorough genealogy research on the subject, Sarah Palin's family tree includes several ancestors who came over on the Mayflower, one of whom she shares with Senator John McCain:

Palin’s Mayflower ancestors include William Brewster, John Howland, Stephen
Hopkins, Joan (Hurst) Rogers, John and Elizabeth Tilley, and Richard Warren. She
also descends from Thomas Prence, an early governor of Plymouth Colony, and her
pedigree is laden with numerous pre-1650 immigrants from England.

President Bush, Barack Obama and Sarah Palin all descend from Samuel and
Sarah (Soule) Hinckley. Their son, Thomas Hinckley (1618-1706), held several
governmental posts in the Plymouth Colony and served as its last governor from
1681 to 1692. Palin is also a 12th cousin of John McCain and descends from Simon
Newcomb of Edgarton, MA and Lebanon, CT, as do both Bush presidents.

Two of Governor Palin's ancestors were kings, and the emperor Charlemagne was possibly one of her ancestors as well:

Palin, Obama and McCain all claim William 1, King of Scots, as an ancestor. Her
descent in this Carolingian line is via ancestor Edmond Hawes (1612-1693) of
Yarmouth, MA, who held many local offices. She also descends from Henry III of
England by way of ancestor Edward Raynsford, who died in 1680 in Boston. He is
alleged to be a Plantagenet descendant of Charlemagne.

Governor Palin shares one of her Plymouth Colony ancestors with four former United States presidents, a famous poet, one infamous figure, and several other well-known figures, including - believe it or not - Mitt Romney:

Sarah Palin shares ancestor John Lathrop with presidents Ulysses S. Grant,
Franklin D. Roosevelt and both Bush presidents. Lathrop descendants have earned
fame in many ways. In addition to Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold, the
list includes Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon religion, poet Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow, Dr. Benjamin Spock, financier John Pierpoint Morgan and the original
fuller brush man, Alfred Fuller.

Tumbling out of the list of politicians
who descend from Lathrop are Adlai Stevenson, John Foster Dulles, Thomas Dewey
and presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

This article is well worth the read and may surprise some of Governor Palin's detractors who equate her down-to-earthness and affability to being not up to the job of President. (I won't repeat some of the terms I have seen them use to describe her.) It seems that ever since the election, it has been open season on this remarkable woman because of her adherence to conservative ideals and values.

What a pedigree for someone so unpretentious and gracious but strong and tough as nails when it comes to getting the job done and doing what is right for her state and her country! Governor Palin, we salute you for a job well done and for a decision made in what you deemed to be the best interest of the state that you have governed with a servant's heart. Whatever path you take next will bring outstanding results. Naturally, we hope it will lead you to the White House eventually. Like Ronald Reagan, you are truly a gift from God to our country at such a time as this. In the meantime, God bless you and your family, Governor Palin, and God bless America!

Hat Tip:

On his The Book of Sarah blog, Josh Painter has two additional articles about Sarah Palin's ancestry. In fact, I followed a link from one of them to this fascinating article.

Libelous and Defamatory Statements Against Governor Palin are Actionable

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 4, 2009

On July 3rd, 2009, Governor Sarah Palin announced her intent to resign her gubernatorial duties and transfer the powers of Governor to Lt. Governor Sean Parnell.

Almost immediately afterward, several unscrupulous people have asserted false and defamatory allegations that the “real” reasons for Governor Palin’s resignation stem from an alleged criminal investigation pertaining to the construction of the Wasilla Sports Complex. This canard was first floated by Democrat operatives in September 2008 during the national campaign and followed up by sympathetic Democratic writers. It was easily rebutted then as one of many fabrications about Sarah Palin.

Just as power abhors a vacuum, modern journalism apparently abhors any type of due diligence and fact checking before scurrilous allegations are repeated as fact.

The history of the Wasilla Sports Complex is publicly known. Contrary to the insinuation that as Mayor of Wasilla, Sarah Palin “personally” oversaw bidding, construction, funding and accounting for the project (and thus, the allegation goes, “embezzled” from the project), the truth is far more mundane, and publicly available:

Curtis D. Menard was instrumental in spearheading the effort from conception to realization of the Wasilla Sports Complex. He directed the steering committee that was responsible for placing the issue before the voters of Wasilla and subsequently passed. He remained chairman of that committee through the design and construction of the facility. He was an ardent supporter and leader of civic, educational and athletic endeavors within the community as well as an advocate of the continued success of the Sports Center.

http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=114. Thus, as any basic fact checker would learn, the Mayor of Wasilla is not listed as “chair” of the Steering Committee. As Mayor, Governor Palin did appoint the committee, another fact readily verifiable, and she was publicly on record supporting the need for such a facility—as was most of Wasilla.

“Wasilla weighs sports facility” published December 6, 2001 and available at http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/background/story/517370.html.

While her public support of this project was deemed pivotal by many, the actual construction, bidding, financing and other day-to-day management of the project was not in her scope of authority as Mayor.

In addition, Sarah Palin was then criticized by some of not showing enough interest in the project. The Frontiersman reported that at a public meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, an opponent of the project “accused Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin of staying quiet about the arena because of her campaign for Lieutenant Governor.” “Sports Arena Campaign gets Rolling” http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2002/02/21/news6.txt (February 22, 2002).

Further, this was a highly public project, approved by the voters, and subject to public bid requirements. As described by the City of Wasilla itself:

The city uses competitive means for the purchase of all goods and services as required by Wasilla Municipal Code 5.08. The city also utilizes contracts and price agreements established by the State of Alaska, the Western States Contracting Alliance and other cooperatives or agencies when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the City. The city believes in open, fair competition and strives to ensure that all vendors have equal opportunity to compete for city business.

The City of Wasilla operates under a decentralized purchasing system. This means purchasing decision up to $5,000 is made independently by the departments in the city (with the exception of Management Information System purchases). When the estimated amount for goods or services is between $5,000 and $9,999, departments are required to obtain three quotes prior to purchase. The departments may utilize the services of the Purchasing/Contracting Officer (PCO) for this process or may do it themselves; however, when this processed is selected, the PCO must sign off on the final product prior to purchasing or contracting.

For purchases beyond $10,000, the city requires all departments to contact the PCO who will utilize the city's bid process according to Wasilla Municipal Code 5.08. The bid process is initiated through either an Invitation to Bid (ITB), utilized when the city knows the specifications for the purchase; or a Request for Proposal (RFP), utilized when the exact specifications or process is unknown.

http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=360#82.

Accordingly, the Sports Complex was publicly bid, in accordance with City and state law, and was accounted for in the time and manner all public projects are handled. The Mayor of Wasilla, be it Sarah Palin, or her successor, did not handle the funds, or the materials, for this project. To thus suggest she “embezzled” is as false as it is impossible.

The additional claim of “proof” of wrongdoing is the allegation that the Palins purchased building materials from Spenard Builders Supply—and that this company may have provided supplies for the Sports Complex. Prior to the construction of Lowe’s and Home Depot within the last few years in Wasilla, Spenard Builders Supply was the primary building supply company in Wasilla. It can hardly come as a surprise that it would sell materials to small homeowners or that it would also bid to supply commercial contracts.

One would be hard pressed to find a home, cabin or outbuilding in the Mat-Su Valley in which Spenard Builders Supply did not sell at least some of the materials.

The Palins built their Lake Lucille house using Todd as the general contractor. Todd’s family owns a hardware and building supply business in Dillingham. He is no stranger to construction, or to rolling up his sleeves and doing work. The Palins used a combination of personal savings, equity from the sale of their prior home, and conventional bank financing to build the house—like millions of American families. The deeds of trust are recordable public records. Basic journalism and fact checking would confirm this.

The Sports Complex was built in 2002. It is now 2009. While the Federal Government has a process to follow, and that process sometimes takes time, we can categorically state that we are not aware of any “federal investigation” that has been “pending” for the last seven years. We are aware of no subpoenas on SBS regarding the Palins. We are aware that the Federal Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation have been helpful, responsive and diligent in prosecuting the email hacker and in cleaning up Alaska’s corrupt legislators. To be blunt—this “story” was alleged during the campaign, evaluated then by national media and deemed meritless. Nothing has changed.

To the extent several websites, most notably liberal Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore, are now claiming as “fact” that Governor Palin resigned because she is “under federal investigation” for embezzlement or other criminal wrongdoing, we will be exploring legal options this week to address such defamation. This is to provide notice to Ms. Moore, and those who re-publish the defamation, such as Huffington Post, MSNBC, the New York Times and The Washington Post, that the Palins will not allow them to propagate defamatory material without answering to this in a court of law.

The Alaska Constitution protects the right of free speech, while simultaneously holding those “responsible for the abuse of that right.”

Alaska Constitution Art. I, Sec. 5.
http://ltgov.state.ak.us/constitution.php?section=1. These falsehoods abuse the right to free speech; continuing to publish these falsehoods of criminal activity is reckless, done without any regard for the truth, and is actionable.

Thomas Van Flein, for
Governor Sarah Palin

References

Van Flein, T. (2009, July 4). Libelous and defamatory statements pertaining to Governor Palin's resignation. Clapp, Peterson, Van Flein, Tiemessen, Thorsness, LLC. Retrieved June 9, 2009 from: http://conservatives4palin.googlegroups.com/web/Press%20Release%20July%204%2C%202009.pdf?gda=8nhBWWQAAACPgrsFYYeNCJc2VCWrdAoAPjwoOTKeu6rC_TutLoZcAuaGK7jOueLbx0WqwyEcuCyKH9HyOblH0ode8uf5149nvUuk5dtM-pra9GqaEPCiOFXq71KIRN2DRDZ98DIdT53NzgFmQudIVZfn2evkHEao&hl=en

Governor Palin Announces No Second Term: No Lame Duck Session Either

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Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor (New Road, 2009, ¶1).

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine (New Road, 2009, ¶2).

I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln's cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked "North to the Future". But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this "Seward's Folly". Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States (New Road, 2009, ¶3).

Alaska’s mission – to contribute to America. We’re strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this - Alaska would be part of America's great destiny (New Road, 2009, ¶4).

Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It's energy! God gave us energy (New Road, 2009, ¶5).

So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America’s security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence… no more conventional “politics as usual” (New Road, 2009, ¶6).

And we are doing well! My administration's accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans (New Road, 2009, ¶7).

We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world... to HELP people... and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies (New Road, 2009, ¶8).

Here’s some of the things we’ve done: (New Road, 2009, ¶9)

We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson – and finally for the first time in decades – they’re drilling for oil and gas (New Road, 2009, ¶10).

We have AGIA, the gasline project – a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) – also succeeding as intended - protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence (New Road, 2009, ¶11).

And ACES – another bipartisan effort – is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas “clear and equitable formula” is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin (New Road, 2009, ¶12).

We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform (New Road, 2009, ¶13).

We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes... but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow (New Road, 2009, ¶14).

We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands – where it should be (New Road, 2009, ¶15).

We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance (New Road, 2009, ¶16).

We broke ground on the new prison (New Road, 2009, ¶17).

And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets... the entourage (New Road, 2009, ¶18).

And the Lt. Governor and I said "no" to our pay raises. So much success in this first term – and with this success I am proud to take credit... for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It’s because of the people… good public servants surrounding the Governor's office, with servants' hearts and astounding work ethic... THEY are Alaska's success! (New Road, 2009, ¶19)

We are doing well! I wish you'd hear MORE from the media of your state's progress and how we tackle Outside interests - daily - SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an “all-knowing attitude” – I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America – I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we’re forcing our children to pay, because of today’s Big Government spending; it’s immoral and doesn’t even make economic sense (New Road, 2009, ¶20)!

Another accomplishment – our Law Department protected states’ rights – TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state’s favor over the last two weeks. We’re protectors of our Constitution – federalists protect states’ rights as mandated in 10th amendment (New Road, 2009, ¶21).

But you don’t hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you? (New Road, 2009, ¶22)

Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year – the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate – I say others changed (New Road, 2009, ¶23).

Let me speak to that for a minute (New Road, 2009, ¶23).

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I've been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations – such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters’ questions (New Road, 2009, ¶24).

Every one – all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We’ve won! But it hasn't been cheap - the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to “opposition research” – that’s money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers – or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the “politics of personal destruction” … Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn’t cost them a dime so they’re not going to stop draining public resources – spending other peoples’ money in their game (New Road, 2009, ¶25).

It’s pretty insane – my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more “politics as usual,” but THIS isn’t what anyone had in mind for ALASKA (New Road, 2009, ¶26).

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices (New Road, 2009, ¶27)!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people (New Road, 2009, ¶28)!

Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow” (New Road, 2009, ¶29).

Nah, only dead fish "go with the flow" (New Road, 2009, ¶30).

No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time... to BUILD UP (New Road, 2009, ¶31).

And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I'll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE... I'll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won't deride them (New Road, 2009, ¶32).

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska (New Road, 2009, ¶33).

But I won’t do it from the Governor’s desk (New Road, 2009, ¶34).

I've never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this - to make a difference... to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more "freedom" to progress, all the way around... so that Alaska may progress... I will not seek re-election as Governor (New Road, 2009, ¶35).

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn’t run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks… travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade – as so many politicians do. And then I thought – that’s what’s wrong – many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and “milk it”. I’m not putting Alaska through that – I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That’s not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old “politics as usual.” I promised that four years ago – and I meant it (New Road, 2009, ¶36).

It’s not what is best for Alaska (New Road, 2009, ¶37).

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable (New Road, 2009, ¶38).

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election… I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration – with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future – can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success (New Road, 2009, ¶39).

My choice is to take a stand and effect change – not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities – and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans (New Road, 2009, ¶40).

Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me – sports… basketball. I use it because you’re naïve if you don’t see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket… and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I’m doing that – keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities – smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it’s time to pass the ball – for victory (New Road, 2009, ¶41).

I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully… and my last day won’t be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in – in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor’s picnics (New Road, 2009, ¶42).

I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision – but it’s no more “politics as usual” (New Road, 2009, ¶43).

Some Alaskans don’t mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won’t allow it either. ? Some will question the timing. ? Let’s just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile… (New Road, 2009, ¶44)

In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life - my children (where the count was unanimous... well, in response to asking: "Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children's future from OUTSIDE the Governor's office?" It was four "yes's" and one "hell yeah!" The "hell yeah" sealed it - and someday I'll talk about the details of that... I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig - I know he needs me, but I need him even more... what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT – that time is precious... the world needs more "Trigs", not fewer (New Road, 2009, ¶45).

My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security… we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops… they’re bold, they don’t give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF... and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions – those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport (New Road, 2009, ¶46).

May we ALL learn from them (New Road, 2009, ¶47)!

*((Gotta put First Things First))* (New Road, 2009, ¶48)

First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what’s best for Alaska. I’ve explained why… though I think of the saying on my parents’ refrigerator that says “Don’t explain: your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe you anyway” (New Road, 2009, ¶49)

But I have given my reasons… no more “politics as usual” and I am taking my fight for what’s right – for Alaska – in a new direction (New Road, 2009, ¶50).

Now, despite this, I don’t want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL “climate change” that began in August… no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what’s right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside (New Road, 2009, ¶51).

We need those who will respect our Constitution where government’s supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over… but rather, will be protectors of individual rights - who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it’s time so the team can win! And that is what I’m doing (New Road, 2009, ¶52)!

Remember Alaska… America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It'll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family - to ALL Alaska - you have my heart (New Road, 2009, ¶53).

And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska (New Road, 2009, ¶54).

In the words of General MacArthur said, “We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction" (New Road, 2009, ¶55).

Commentary

Following is extract from a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis that this author along with 30 other people performed on Governor Palin and delivered to her. The extract has been modified slightly for publication here:

A second term as Governor poses some significant disadvantages to Sarah Palin for a 2012 run and they relate mainly to timing. Governor Palin’s 2012 POTUS run would start in earnest around the same time as her second gubernatorial term. The first half of her second term would be devoted to balancing her duties with her campaign. Should Governor Palin win, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell would likely have to take over her duties for much of her term, or a special election might have to be held. This could turn Governor Palin’s local supporters against her, and reverberate through the campaign. The extreme distances between Anchorage/Wasilla and even Juneau and the political centers of the conterminous 48 states exacerbate this problem and could rapidly take a physical toll on the Governor.

From the Conclusion section of the SWOT:

We are not certain as to whether she should run for a second gubernatorial term, at which point her POTUS campaign would begin, or if she should serve only her existing term and devote her future efforts to private sector work and full-time to a POTUS campaign should she choose to undertake it.

This is a decision not to be taken lightly and we do not purport to have all the facts available to us with which to guide such a decision. This is a decision Governor Palin will need to make in consultation with her best advisers, her family, and ultimately with herself.

From the foregoing, we see that Governor Palin has made her decision. She gave it careful consideration over the past several months. She recognized that like her forebear -- Ronald Wilson Reagan -- she could not continue to serve the people of her state if she was going to serve her country. Everything written in the SWOT document that this author and his colleagues composed is coming to pass.

This was a brilliant move for Governor Palin on so many levels.

Governor Palin resigned from a position of strength with a long list of accomplishments. Her administration already accomplished the goals it set forth. She recognized that now the Governor's job is more a liability to her than an asset. The ethics complaints and other nonsense will stop. She elevated Sean Parnell, who will continue advancing the change she brought forth, ensuring that it sticks. She made the announcement on a slow news day and captivated the nation's attention. She chose Independence Day to declare her independence.

Governor Palin can now marshal her resources and build her organization, travel, make speeches. She knows she has been summoned; she is answering the call, and she is beckoning us to follow her home to that Shining City on a Hill......




On June 22, 2009 this F-22 broke Mach 1 during a fly-by of the USS Stennis as part of Operation Northern Edge Exercises. Governor Palin visited that ship on the day this happened. This author does not know if Governor Palin bore witness to this event or if a woman was piloting the plane....or both. Here's hoping this event was a sign of things to come for Governor Palin....

"SuperSonic Sarah -- Smashing glass ceilings from above...."

References

Palin Announces No Second Term. No Lame Duck Session Either. (2009, July 3). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved July 3, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/exec-column.php

Britt, R.R. (2009, July 2). What breaking the sound barrier looks like. Fox News. Retrieved July 3, 2009 from: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529667,00.html?test=latestnews

Sarah Palin's Selfless Act

Governor Palin dropped a bombshell at her news conference at 11 AM Alaska time today from her Wasilla home in Alaska. She has not only decided not to run for re-election, but she has decided to resign her position as Governor at the end of this month. She will be transferring power to Alaska Lieutenant Sean Parnell on July 26. According to KTUU.com, Lt. Gov. Parnell said that Governor Palin first discussed this with him on Wednesday. Sean Parnell is quoted as describing Gov. Palin's decision as a "selfless act on her part" done in the "best interest of Alaska."

Governor Palin's decision apparently came partly as a result of the expense to the state and the encumbrance on her duties as Governor of the politically-motivated complaints launched against her by anklebiter Alaskans. She obviously felt that the state of Alaska would be better served if her administration, which had accomplished so much so far, moved forward under the leadership of her second-in-command. Parnell also announced that he would be running for re-election as governor in 2010.

Later, Governor Palin sent this tweet on Twitter: "We'll soon attach info on decision to not seek re-election... this is in Alaska's best interest, my family's happy... it is good, stay tuned" She obviously has plans for the future and will be sharing some of them with us. Given the numerous opportunities for interviews and speeches that she has already turned down, there is no doubt that she will stay plenty busy. There was a news flash a little earlier 9hat tip @SarahPalin_News) that she will be campaigning for Republicans in 2010. What more effective fundraiser and speaker could the Republican Party ask for?

One thing that we can be certain about Sarah Palin is that she is no quitter. Her decision, like everything else she does was most likely made after considerable thought and prayer. From her tweet, we know that her family is supportive of her decision. When I was listening to a short video of her resignation speech, it reminded me of her resignation from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Her next step was Governor.

Of course, all of us hope that her plans go beyond 2010 and that we will see her campaigning for President in 2012. But whatever her choices, we are confident they are good ones. And that America will be the benefactor of whatever those choices are. Just like Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin is God's gift to America - a natural leader with strong ethics, an indomitable will, and a great determination to do what is right for America and in the sight of her God.

Palin's High School Yearbook "signed" on eBay for Charity

The eBay auction reads:

1982 Wasilla High School Yearbook

Autographed by Sarah Palin June of 2009

This yearbook book is in good condition. It originally belonged to a member of our church. She donated the yearbook along with many other things to raise funds for a mission trip our youth group is taking to Mexico July 19th - August 1st. Someone pointed out the yearbooks in the pile, discovered Governor Palin and her husband Todd. Governor Palin was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to autograph these year books, knowing we would be offering them on ebay to raise money for our trip. We are thankful for her support.

The yearbook contains 10 different photos of Gov. Sarah Palin (Sarah Heath) and 5 of her husband Todd Palin. Some of the photos include a baby photo of Sarah, Sr. High photo, Basketball photos, Student council, and Cross Country photos.

The only signature in this yearbook is that of Sarah Palin.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290328107204

Help Gov. Palin Spread Conservative Message: Donate to SarahPAC

Memorandum From: Meghan Stapleton, SarahPAC To: SarahPAC Supporters Greetings from Alaska where the fish are running and the sun is shining late! Not long ago, I had the opportunity to spend time with Governor Palin as we visited Central New York, Manhattan, Long Island, Washington, D.C. and Texas. It never ceases to amaze me that every time we travel together, virtually every moment of her time is spent talking to and caring for others, while listening to and learning from them as well - like brave, young Robert whose life we celebrated at the Autism Speaks Walk or the historical voices of the strong men and women upon whose shoulders we stand, including Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony and former Secretary William H. Seward. Below, I attached a quick note from the Governor which she penned before leaving the country last week. I am attaching it to this memo because I am asking you to help Governor Palin and SarahPAC today! You have been so incredibly supportive and generous, and now we ask you again for your help - and we ask that you please also encourage your friends and family to give. SarahPAC needs to be in the position to help fund candidates who are going to fight for what we all believe - smaller government, less spending, and fewer taxes. With your help, we can take the Governor's message and encourage others who also have hope and are firmly rooted in the conservative belief that you know how best to spend your money and not government. SarahPAC can't do that without your help. Please visit this link and give to SarahPAC today - and encourage others to do so as well. Sincerely, Meghan Stapleton SarahPAC P.S. Please give before June 30th. Your help is critical. Visit this link to give! Dear SarahPAC Supporter: I wanted to drop you a quick note about my trip earlier this month - a whirlwind tour and an opportunity to share a bit more about Alaska. (I am writing this before heading overseas to visit our Troops; I know that will be a most inspiring journey!) It is such a treat to talk to everyone about Alaska and hear stories of fishing, hunting, and camping. And it thrills me to hear from those who wish to visit our beautiful state! Alaska has much to offer - from her magnificent glaciers to her abundant natural resources to fuel our homes and businesses. When we travel outside Alaska, the hospitality is always overwhelming, and Todd and I so enjoyed meeting many new people on our recent trip to the Lower 48 - all emblematic of so many across this country who are willing to give of time, energy and effort to help one another. It was thrilling to see the look on both young and old faces as I traveled to New York, Washington, D.C. and Texas. Words can never express the incredible spirit of all those who dedicate their lives to making even one life more comfortable. Todd and I always recognize how grateful and proud we are to be citizens of the United States. We are so very blessed. With an Alaska Heart, Sarah Palin

The Face Of Democrat Insanity

You know, the definition of insanity is doing the same stupid thing over and over, and expecting different results. With that in mind, some Alaska democrats have earned a lifetime stay in a padded cell.

Folks even remotely knowledgeable about Governor Sarah Palin know all about the epic failures Alaskan democrat bloggers and their operatives have experienced in their attempts to smear the Governor. Currently they are batting 16-0 with their ridiculous "ethics complaints." 17-0 if you count the failed "troopergate" attempt. Details are here, here, and here.

So what does Alaska’s official DNC blogger, Linda Kellen Biegel, have up her sleeve now? Well, she’s cooking up another ethics complaint, of course!

You might remember all of the commotion this hateful gal caused when she posted a photoshopped image of Governor Palin and her youngest child. It led everyone to ask why is it OK for democrats to attack small children, especially when they are the children of conservatives.

You’d have thought she’d learned her lesson from the fallout David Letterman experienced after his series of insults aimed at the Governor’s 14 year old daughter. But again, we are talking about the clinically insane here.

Biegel, who blogs as the Celtic Diva eventually took the photo down, and now has pages worth of explaining posted. That’s something else democrats are really good at. They will insult you in the most vile ways, and then "apologize" or "explain" things to you. But mostly they’ll just tell you that you aren’t smart enough to understand the nuance of discussing the rape of a 14 year old girl or how photoshopping a picture of a down syndrome child is some sort of high art form.

And of course, all of them band together to express their outrage when called on their hatefulness. Democrats are the do as I say, not as I do party.

As you know, Biegel, who is rapidly becoming a laughing stock in the sane world, used the image of Governor Palin and young Trig Palin as part of a fund raising effort she has ongoing. She is raising funds to file more insane ethics violations complaints, of course, and says so on her blog. Now, she refuses to disclose donors names, and claims this is not a "political fund" so she doesn’t have to follow the law on this sort of thing. Or file the proper paperwork.

Ironic, because she wants to use this money in an effort to "gain more transparency" from Governor Palin.

No really, I’m not making this stuff up!

So what is Alaska’s self appointed "ethics chief" caterwauling about now?

Well, people who keep up with the Governor will tell you that she made a trip this weekend to visit Alaska National Guard troops during a training exercise off the coast, and then spent time at Camp Bondsteel Ferizaj, Kosovo and then visited wounded troops at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

This is Governor Palin’s second trip abroad to visit her Guard troops. In 2007, not long after she was elected, she traveled to Kuwait and then Germany.

Funny thing, that wasn’t an ethics violation back then. But of course, she wasn’t the odds on favorite to unseat Barack Obama in 2012 either.

At any rate, as Commander-In-Chief of the Alaska National Guard, Sarah Palin was well within the scope of her duties on this trip. And as Maj General Craig Campbell, who accompanied the Governor on the trip pointed out in this interview, Governor Palin takes these duties quite serious.

The issue?

It seems our poor misguided Diva now fancies herself a constitutional scholar. Of course so do these two!

Was able to pull this off of her website:

"NEW VIOLATION BY PALIN!!!

Found this on palingates (emphasis mine):
Frank said...

BlackMountain wrote on 06/27/2009 03:27:42 PM:

Something for the Palinbots to think about- Palin violated the US Supreme Court Greer vs. Spock decision which banned partisan political speeches or rallies on military bases. Palin also caused every soldier to violate a military directive that bars service members from attending partisan political speeches either in uniform, on duty, or at any military base/facility.

Isn't it just a doozie that Palin would violate a US Supreme Court Decision - and top it off with having our soldiers violate military directives!"

Now I won’t even pretend to be a constitutional scholar, even though it seems that pretty much anyone can get away with saying so! But I will claim that I have a reading comprehension at or above the third grade level.

I took a look at Greer v Spock. This is a case from the 1970's.

Without quoting chapter and verse, here is a synopsis of the case:

"Fort Dix, a federal military reservation devoted primarily to basic training for newly inducted Army personnel, and over which the Government exercises exclusive jurisdiction, permits free civilian access to certain unrestricted areas. However, post regulations ban speeches and demonstrations of a partisan political nature and also prohibit the distribution of literature without prior approval of post headquarters. Pursuant to these regulations, the commanding officer of Fort Dix rejected the request of respondent candidates for President and Vice President to distribute campaign literature and hold a political meeting on the post and the other respondents, who had been evicted on several occasions for distributing literature not previously approved, were barred from reentering the post. Respondents brought suit to enjoin enforcement of these regulations on the ground that they violated the First and Fifth Amendments. The District Court issued an injunction prohibiting the military authorities from interfering with the making of political speeches or the distribution of leaflets in areas of Fort Dix open to the general public, and the Court of Appeals affirmed. "

So basically this case was about the distribution of partisan election materials without prior approval. The case was upheld. It states that a military commander MAY restrict political speech as well as printed material. MAY is the key word here. Maybe it’s too many years pouring over the old NHRA rule book, but one tends to learn what words like "may" and "shall" and "must" mean.

The ruling goes on to leave us with this gem:

"As to the regulation governing the distribution of literature, a military commander may disapprove only those publications that he perceives clearly endanger the loyalty, discipline, or morale of troops on the base under his command, and, while this regulation might in the future be applied irrationally, invidiously, or arbitrarily, none of the respondents even submitted any material for review, and the noncandidate respondents had been excluded from the post because they had previously distributed literature there without attempting to obtain approval."

Now you can watch Governor Palin’s speech to the troops, but unless you are a complete loon, or a member of the Obama Administration, a Governor thanking her troops for their hard work and sacrifice is hardly "dangerous" to the troops loyalty, discipline or moral! In fact, from the loud cheers she elicited from the troops, I’d say the Governor was a great boost to moral!

So where does this leave us?

Well, as we know, Linda Kellen Biegel is a seriously deranged woman void of all reason or self-restraint. So you can bet she is cooking up a way to file this ethics complaint! Of course, she may not do it herself. She has many surrogates like Andree McLeod or Sondra Tompkins, or Theodore "Chip" Thoma!

But her MO will be the same as always. Before she even files the paperwork, or gives it to a "designated hitter" to file, the details will be all over the internet. All of the various blogs will put it out, and the three hate bloggers from the Huffington Post, Amanda Coyne (whose husband conveniently works at the Anchorage Daily News), Jeanne Devon (AKMuckraker) and Shannyn Moore will most certain have star placement over at Arianna Huffington’s rag.

You know, these people are why we cannot get good and decent men and woman to take part in the democratic process in our country. Just as soon as a real leader emerges, folks like Biegel, and the rest pull out their tattered copies of Saul Alinsky’s "Rules For Radicals" and go to town.

It seems that all liberals are given a copy of the old communist "community organizer" from Chicago’s book, at birth.

So far, these miscreants have cost the state of Alaska around $300,000 and have run up a personal legal tab of around a half million dollars for Governor Palin.

What can you do?

Get involved! This woman is an official blogger for the Democrat National Committee. She is also endorsed by the democrat party of Alaska. And enjoys a premium placement on their official website.

Conservatives 4 Palin has a great list of contacts that you can get in touch with. One can certainly ask them if this sort of economic terrorism is something they really want to endorse. Or for that matter, see it used against them in the future. More and more conservatives are reading Alinsky these days!

You can also help spread the word through friends and on the various blogs you frequent. If nothing else, when these loons try to come out with this "complaint" everyone will already know that it is bogus!

And one thing more, this isn’t just about Governor Palin. These aren’t the only underhanded democrat operatives out there. Even if you aren’t one of Governor Palin’s strong supporters, remember this, if they’ll do this to her, sooner or later, they’ll do it to someone you do care about! This sort of character assassination and economic terrorism is standard operating procedure for the modern democrat party. Just ask David Axlerod or Rahm Emanuel!

This is as good a time as any to draw a line in the sand! Enough is indeed enough!

I’ll leave you with this thought from Pastor Martin Niemöller the German anti-Nazi activist:

"In Germany they first came for the Communists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,

and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —

and by that time no one was left to speak up".

It is a time to choose.