Sarah Palin: Domestic Drilling: Why We Can Still Believe: Common Sense In The Face Of Tragedy

Finally, some calm and common sense:

Domestic Drilling: Why We Can Still Believe

We’ve all been shocked and saddened by the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico. My heart breaks for coastal residents who are facing fears of the unknown impacts of the oil spill.

As an Alaskan, I can speak from the heart about the tragedy of an oil spill. For as long as I live, I will never forget the day the Exxon-Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef and millions of gallons of North Slope crude poured into the waters of our beautiful Prince William Sound. The spill was devastating to so many Alaskans who, like my own family, make their living on the water from our commercial fishing industry. "Heartbreaking" was the word my husband Todd, an Alaska Native and trained oil spill responder, used to describe the scene as we watched it unfold on land and water that we feel is sacred.

Alaskans understand the tragedy of an oil spill, and we’ve taken steps to do all we can to prevent another Exxon tragedy, but we are still pro-development. We still believe in responsible development, which includes drilling to extract energy sources, because we know that there is an inherent link between energy and security, energy and prosperity, and energy and freedom. Production of our own resources means security for America and opportunities for American workers. We need oil, and if we don’t drill for it here, we have to purchase it from countries that not only do not like America and can use energy purchases as a weapon against us, but also do not have the oversight that America has.

In the coming days, there will be hearings to discover the cause of the explosion and the subsequent leak. Actions will be taken to increase oversight to prevent future accidents. Government can and must play an appropriate role here. If a company was lax in its prevention practices, it must be held accountable. It is inexcusable for any oil company to not invest in preventative measures. They must be held accountable or the public will forever distrust the industry.

This was the position I took as an oil and gas regulator and as Governor of Alaska when my administration ramped up oversight of the oil industry and created a petroleum-systems-integrity office to monitor our oil and gas infrastructure for potential environmental risks. I took a lot of heat for the stand I took "against the oil industry" (which is how political adversaries labeled my actions). But we took tough action because there was proof of some improper maintenance of oil infrastructure which I believed was unacceptable. We instituted new oversight and held British Petroleum (BP) financially accountable for poor maintenance practices. We also filed a Friend-of-the-Court brief against Exxon’s interests for its decades-old responsibility to compensate Alaskans affected by the Valdez spill, and I took other actions "against" the industry which ultimately helped hold it accountable.

All responsible energy development must be accompanied by strict oversight, but even with the strictest oversight in the world, accidents still happen. No human endeavor is ever without risk – whether it’s sending a man to the moon or extracting the necessary resources to fuel our civilization. I repeat the slogan "drill here, drill now" not out of naiveté or disregard for the tragic consequences of oil spills – my family and my state and I know firsthand those consequences. How could I still believe in drilling America’s domestic supply of energy after having seen the devastation of the Exxon-Valdez spill? I continue to believe in it because increased domestic oil production will make us a more secure, prosperous, and peaceful nation.

Our hearts go out to all Americans along the coast affected by this recent tragedy, especially those who lost family members in the rig explosion, and our prayers go up for a successful recovery. May spill responders be safe.

- Sarah Palin

Reality dictates that we will be using oil and natural gas as our main source of energy for the foreseeable future and it is in America's best interest to explore for our own God given natural resources. It's a matter of national security, and financial security.

Instead of all of the histrionics we are seeing from the radical left, and political opportunism from the Obama regime, Sarah Palin brings calm, experienced leadership to this situation. Something our nation is sorely lacking.

Sarah Palin Chosen As One Of Time Magazine’s Most Influential Leaders

The list is out and Time Magazine has once again chosen the world’s 100 Most Influential People. Sarah was chosen as one of the worlds’s Most Influential Leaders, and showcased in their coverage as an Icon. Sarah is seen with Time’s assistant managing editor Radhika Jones, who compiled and edited the project for the magazine:

 

As Time is want to do, they chose someone of note to write Sarah’s introduction. In this case it was none other than Texan Ted Nugent:

If Sarah Palin played a loud, grinding instrument, she would be in my band. The independent patriotic spirit, attitude and soul of our forefathers are alive and well in Sarah. In the way she lives, what she says and how she dedicates herself to make America better in these interesting times, she represents the good, while exposing the bad and ugly.

She embraces the critical duty of we the people by participating in this glorious experiment in self-government. The tsunami of support proves that Sarah, 46, represents what many Americans know to be common and sensible. Her rugged individualism, self-reliance and a herculean work ethic resonate now more than ever in a country spinning away from these basics that made the U.S.A. the last best place.

We who are driven to be assets to our families, communities and our beloved country connect with the principles that Sarah Palin embodies. We know that bureaucrats and, even more, Fedzilla, are not the solution; they are the problem. I'd be proud to share a moose-barbecue campfire with the Palin family anytime, so long as I can shoot the moose.


Nugent is an author, activist and rock-'n'-roll legend

That would be a fun BBQ to attend!

Also chosen for Time’s honor was Glenn Beck, and as luck would have it, Sarah was asked to write Glenn’s introduction:

 Who'd have thought a history buff with a quirky sense of humor and a chalkboard could make for such riveting television? Glenn's like the high school government teacher so many wish they'd had, charting and connecting ideas with chalk-dusted fingers — kicking it old school — instead of becoming just another talking-heads show host. Self-taught, he's become America's professor of common sense, sharing earnestly sought knowledge with an audience hungry for truth. Glenn, 46, tackles topics other news shows would regard as arcane. Consider his desire to teach Americans about the history of the progressive movement: he's doing to progressive what Ronald Reagan did to liberal — explaining that it's a damaged brand.

His love of the Founding Fathers inspires others to learn and respect our nation's history. Best of all, Glenn delights in driving the self-proclaimed powers-that-be crazy. (The whole country awaits the red phone ringing!) Even his critics (whom he annihilates in ratings) have to admire his amazing ability to galvanize everyday Americans to better themselves and peacefully engage their government. Though he sometimes dismisses himself as an aw-shucks guy or just a "rodeo clown," he's really an inspiring patriot who was once at the bottom but now makes a much needed difference from the very, very top.

Sarah was on Glenn Beck’s radio show today discussing their shared honor, as well as their affection for the Great State of Texas, and Sarah’s fondness for the neat little town of Giddings, where she and her family often stay when in the state.







Time also publishes a list of the 100 Least Influential People. Deliciously delicious is who makes the list, with the word loser beside his name.

Who knew American politics needed its own Kato Kaelin?

Ouch!



Video courtesy of The Right Scoop

H/T Doug Brady @C4P

Sarah Palin: Domestic Drilling: Why We Can Still Believe

Following is the complete transcript of Gov. Palin's Facebook Note asserting how vital it is that we proceed with responsible domestic energy development even in the face of the Gulf Coast tragedy:

We’ve all been shocked and saddened by the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico. My heart breaks for coastal residents who are facing fears of the unknown impacts of the oil spill.

As an Alaskan, I can speak from the heart about the tragedy of an oil spill. For as long as I live, I will never forget the day the Exxon-Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef and millions of gallons of North Slope crude poured into the waters of our beautiful Prince William Sound. The spill was devastating to so many Alaskans who, like my own family, make their living on the water from our commercial fishing industry. “Heartbreaking” was the word my husband Todd, an Alaska Native and trained oil spill responder, used to describe the scene as we watched it unfold on land and water that we feel is sacred.

Alaskans understand the tragedy of an oil spill, and we’ve taken steps to do all we can to prevent another Exxon tragedy, but we are still pro-development. We still believe in responsible development, which includes drilling to extract energy sources, because we know that there is an inherent link between energy and security, energy and prosperity, and energy and freedom. Production of our own resources means security for America and opportunities for American workers. We need oil, and if we don’t drill for it here, we have to purchase it from countries that not only do not like America and can use energy purchases as a weapon against us, but also do not have the oversight that America has.

In the coming days, there will be hearings to discover the cause of the explosion and the subsequent leak. Actions will be taken to increase oversight to prevent future accidents. Government can and must play an appropriate role here. If a company was lax in its prevention practices, it must be held accountable. It is inexcusable for any oil company to not invest in preventative measures. They must be held accountable or the public will forever distrust the industry.

This was the position I took as an oil and gas regulator and as Governor of Alaska when my administration ramped up oversight of the oil industry and created a petroleum-systems-integrity office to monitor our oil and gas infrastructure for potential environmental risks. I took a lot of heat for the stand I took “against the oil industry” (which is how political adversaries labeled my actions). But we took tough action because there was proof of some improper maintenance of oil infrastructure which I believed was unacceptable. We instituted new oversight and held British Petroleum (BP) financially accountable for poor maintenance practices. We also filed a Friend-of-the-Court brief against Exxon’s interests for its decades-old responsibility to compensate Alaskans affected by the Valdez spill, and I took other actions “against” the industry which ultimately helped hold it accountable.

All responsible energy development must be accompanied by strict oversight, but even with the strictest oversight in the world, accidents still happen. No human endeavor is ever without risk – whether it’s sending a man to the moon or extracting the necessary resources to fuel our civilization. I repeat the slogan “drill here, drill now” not out of naiveté or disregard for the tragic consequences of oil spills – my family and my state and I know firsthand those consequences. How could I still believe in drilling America’s domestic supply of energy after having seen the devastation of the Exxon-Valdez spill? I continue to believe in it because increased domestic oil production will make us a more secure, prosperous, and peaceful nation.

Our hearts go out to all Americans along the coast affected by this recent tragedy, especially those who lost family members in the rig explosion, and our prayers go up for a successful recovery. May spill responders be safe.

-Sarah Palin

- Posted using BlogPress from my Palin-Powered iPhone

Sarah Palin: The Hacker Case Verdict

This day, April 30, 2010, justice was served as David Kernell who hacked into Gov. Palin's email account was convicted:

My family and I are thankful that the jury thoroughly and carefully weighed the evidence and issued a just verdict. Besides the obvious invasion of privacy and security concerns surrounding this issue, many of us are concerned about the integrity of our country’s political elections. America’s elections depend upon fair competition. Violating the law, or simply invading someone’s privacy for political gain, has long been repugnant to Americans’ sense of fair play. As Watergate taught us, we rightfully reject illegally breaking into candidates’ private communications for political intrigue in an attempt to derail an election.

I want to thank the public servants who worked so hard on this case, particularly the jurors who gave up precious time from their jobs and families to listen to the evidence and reach a decision.

My family and I appreciate the good people of Knoxville, Tennessee, who showed us true Southern hospitality. We can’t wait to visit again – but without having a subpoena in hand.

- Sarah Palin

(NBC & Fox News Video) Governors Sarah Palin & Rick Perry In Austin, TX

Perry and Palin take aim at Obama administration

Governor Sarah Palin: 

"the most pro-abortion president to ever occupy the White House."

"so many prolife pro-family legislators"  "my friend Rick Perry."

"There are so many things to admire about your governor"

Governor Rick Perry:

"America is in the business of exporting abortion. I'm not happy about that,"

"Too bad we can't protect them from the federal government," he said.

Palin impressed with Perry's coyote killing

Governor Rick Perry 

Introduced Sarah Palin: "She often reminds me that size really does matter" 

He soon indicated he was talking about state size and Palin reinforced that idea.

Governor Sarah Palin

"It's really good to be back in Alaska's little sister state." 

Palin also Perry's recent coyote killing "really impressed."

Palin draws a crowd outside event

12 Protestors were outside the Austin Convention Center 

The signs:

"I got 99 problems and Sarah Palin is all of them"

"1 million Iraqis dead. Pro life?"

"Would you let the government choose your religion? Your clothes?"

Cross Posted From:

Citizen Palin 4 President

TIME names Palin one of the world's most influential people

TIME Magazine just released the 2010 TIME 100. Want to see the annual list of people whose ideas, innovations and actions are shaping our world? Then look no further than the May 10th issue.

Divided into categories such as heroes, artists, thinkers, and leaders, the list includes many names you're certain to recognize. Included in the list of leaders are Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Glenn Beck, and Scott Brown.

Sarah Palin, who New York Magazine recently claimed was in many ways bigger than Oprah, is introduced by author, activist and rock-n-roll legend, Ted Nugent.

Nugent writes, "Her rugged individualism, self-reliance and a herculean work ethic resonate now more than ever in a country spinning away from these basics that made the U.S.A. the last best place. We who are driven to be assets to our families, communities and our beloved country connect with the principles that Sarah Palin embodies. We know that bureaucrats and, even more, Fedzilla, are not the solution; they are the problem. I'd be proud to share a moose-barbecue campfire with the Palin family anytime, so long as I can shoot the moose."

And don't forget to check out the Least Influential People of 2010. Included in the list... Levi Johnston. Joel Stein of Time writes, "Who knew American politics needed its own Kato Kaelin?"

Read more articles by the National Sarah Palin Examiner at Examiner.com

Sarah Palin: The Media Lies

-cross posted at Patrick's World USA

Yesterday, I compared Time Magazine to the WWE because, as we all know, their writing is like wrastling: it's entertainment but it's not real. What a great smackdown it was last night on Hannity when Sarah Palin jumped into the ring and clobbered Joe Klein, Time Magazine and the mainstream media. Palin articulated the lack of credibility in what she calls "the lamestream media" effectively - bolstering the reasoning behind my favorite catch phrase: the media lies.

There is another post that's worth a re-read: Isn't it Great They're Smearing Palin Again? Check out the link to the Glenn Beck show and be prepared to laugh your ass off. On February 7th, I slammed Joe Klein in that blog post for calling Tea Partiers un-American and for attacking Palin. I was made happier for the writing of that post when our modern day journalistic Joe McCarthy went at it again calling Sarah Palin seditious as he continued his "conservative dissent borders on being anti-American" meme in his latest piece. Caleb writes on Western Journalism:

As Time-Warner continues to try and figure out why no one readers their fish wrapper of a magazine they may want to check up on Joe Klein. The guys pretends to be objective and a real “journalist” but in reality he’s just a hack for the left and he always has been. His latest affront? He’s now gone and accused both Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck of sedition.

Joe Klein is simply a clown. "Yes, what a piece of work that Mr. Klein is for the piece that he wrote, Palin told Hannity last night referring to this post and this appearance on Chris Matthews' Hardball. "That is something else."

Here's the money quote from Palin on Hannity last night:

You know you would hope that the powers that be at a, quote, unquote, reputable organization like TIME magazine that they would hold their employee — and I assume that Mr. Klein gets paid for the columns that he writes — that they would hold their employee accountable and they would actually ask him what is it that I or others in the conservative movement have said that would rise to the level of this inciting of violence and revolt and all these other things that evidently he claims.

For them to allow things like that to be printed just really discredits TIME magazine and other organizations that would allow that kind of rhetoric and false reporting, misreporting. They're lies.

Palin also hit the media for its hypocrisy on the Goldman Sachs debaucle when she tweeted:

Hey Media: want 2 earn some credibility?U hammered Bush 4 Enron contributions,but ignore GoldmanSachs 10-fold influence on Obama?Change that

Sarah Palin wrote about the media and the leftist smear machine in Going Rogue: An American Life. She pointed out how the left used ethics complaints to smear Newt Gingrich when he was Speaker of the House and how it is similar to the way they used ethics complaints against her to grind the government of Alaska to a halt. She pointed out how the left trumped up the ethics charges so that they would be picked up by the mainstream media. She says that the media and the Alaska bloggers did so much to try to get her out of office and then they had the audacity to come back and criticize her for resigning - for doing the one thing they wanted her to do.

Articles continue to pop up in the media this week claiming that Palin resigned so she could make money. Palin explains her position best in her book when she writes "They [the media] just couldn't believe that a politician would willingly give up power and title for good reasons."

Hannity raised the issue of the media smear machine last night: "Governor, you have been attacked for the clothes you wear. Your family has been attacked. Your intelligence has been questioned. Your governance has been questioned. Your motivations has been questioned." Palin let it rip:

It's about the message that's just this common sense conservative solutions that are needed to get this country back on the right track.

They don't like it. They can't handle it. We rattle them when we talk to these liberal elites about what it is that most Americans believe in. Those time tested truths that built America into the greatest country on earth and we want to get her back there. We want to be able to embrace that exceptionalism again.

And when we talk about things that we can do to put us back on the right track, it drives them crazy. It makes their heads spin. And I don't know, I think we should look at it kind of as a compliment that we are effective.

The media lies and Sarah Palin wears the vitriol they spew at her like a badge of honor.