Blog @ MoreWhat.com

You probably did not notice some changes in this blog’s sidebar. For some months now the sidebar has been used to feature and promote conservative prinicples. For instance, when Sarah Palin’s book ‘Going Rogue’ was read by this blogger it was featured in a few posts and a link to Amazon as well as an image of the book were placed in the sidebar. About the same time other authors released books which made the NYT best seller’s list and began something of a trend. Along with that this blog’s first choice in the 2008 presidential election was featured in the sidebar as well.

But for now, both Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin have been removed. The initial reason for the removal was their unyielding support for RINO and shamnesty politician John McCain. To claim you adhere to conservative principles while backing an establishment GOP incumbent with a track record comparable to most liberals is dishonest.

To vote for McCain in the 2008 presidential election with the only other viable option being Barack Obama is one thing. And yes, this blogger held his nose and voted for McCain then. But to continue to support such a candidate when conservative options are available is simply wrong.

At a time when voices like Palin and Romney could support lesser known and certainly less well-funded candidates with conservative principles guiding their decisions they choose to support questionable GOP establishment candidates that improve nothing.

Here’s a recent story about Sarah Pain to emphasize the point.

Sunday, 13 Jun 2010 04:33 PM

To critics who said Fiorina was a Republican in name only, Palin countered: “Most importantly, Carly is the only conservative in the race who can beat Barbara Boxer. That’s no RINO. That’s a winner.”

For some conservatives, that’s also a problem.

Shelby Blakely, executive director of the Tea Party Patriots’ online publication, New Patriot Journal, said Palin’s endorsement has become “so undependable, it’s marginalized itself.”

While she once thought highly of Palin, Blakely said that over the past two years the “Going Rogue” author has gone more establishment, and Palin’s failure to criticize her own party is bothersome. “There’s room for criticism (all around),” Blakely said. “If you’re not willing to call it where you see it, that’s useless.”

And Romney’s situation does not appear any different. Just like the Reno, NV mayor who refuses to support Sharron Angle against Harry Reid. He said she is too far to the right for his liking. And he said he will campaign for Reid. That’s no conservative. But it is becoming clear that this is not uncommon in the GOP. Take our establishment pick or take a walk.

The GOP spent like liberals last time out. Maybe they are taking more from the liberal playbook for November 2010. Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory was previously a liberal phenomenon. But if they continue to support those who are not conservative to protect their power in Washington and elsewhere they are no better than liberals.

Voting for conservative principles may see some losses. But you will see losses in politics anyway. Unless you stand on principle nothing will ever improve. Take a stand. Stand on principle. Over time that strategy will win over and over again.

Supporting RINOs and other nonsense only perpetuates the long sad story of politics as usual. It allows both Democrat and Republican career POLS to continue business as usual in public office. It’s time for them to go.

Throw the bums out until principle wins.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

crossposted at Maggie’s Notebook

The great divide between the political left and right often described as the degree to which America has become ‘polarized’ is present in every debate on issues of the day. National defense, border security, terrorism and illegal immigration are related issues featuring this obstacle to good governance.

Two recent columns from the Washington Examiner highlight the problem. In one, Diana West recounts the Times Square bomber episode and reactions from Mayor Bloomberg and others including the MSM. While they were hoping the bomber was some ‘right wing militia man’ or someone angry over Obamacare or a foreclosure one media marvel hoped it wasn’t someone from an Islamic country and slipped in the race card while she was at it.

West makes valid points throughout the piece not the least of which places responsibility where it belongs.

If our leaders faced facts, you see, they might also have to act. They might have to consider such measures as halting Islamic immigration to stop the demographic spread of Shariah.

Beyond terrorism the issues of national defense, border security and illegal immigration were ignited again in Arizona with the passage of SB 1070. And the rising anger of voters has been felt since last summer’s townhalls and the emergence of the tea party movement. And it should be no surprise that the other column mentioned from the Washington Examiner is another attempt to demonize voter outrage as something it is not.

David Sorota suggests the following:

“I Want My Country Back” — this ubiquitous tea party mantra belongs next to Nike’s “Just Do It” on Ad Age’s list of the most transcendent idioms. In just five words, it perfectly captures the era’s conservative backlash.

And concludes with this:

As a marketing masterpiece, the slogan would certainly impress the old Madison Avenue mavens. The trouble is that as a larger political ideology, its hateful and divisive message is encouraging ever more misguided madness.

Both major political parties in the US would probably like the tea party movement to go away. With the November 2010 midterm elections poised to empty Congress of incumbents both Dems and the GOP are nervous. How else do you explain the preemptive exit by so many POLS? Roll Call has the casualty list. Retirements and resignations alone total 28 house vacancies and 15 in the Senate.

And the first real casualty of the 2010 midterms is Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT). He didn’t make it through the state GOP convention as delegates chose two other candidates who may see each other in the primary.

The story behind this news finds Mitt Romney introducing Bennett at the convention. The same Romney who like Sarah Palin endorsed John McCain in his re-election bid. Palin also sinned again by endorsing Carly Fiorina in the race against Barbara Boxer in California. Fiorina was the failed CEO of HP and an adviser to the McCain/Palin ticket in their failed bid in 2008.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate made the endorsement on her Facebook page, saying Fiorina’s experience running a major corporation is sorely lacking in Washington.

In the Thursday posting, Palin called Fiorina a “Commonsense Conservative” who has the potential to beat “liberal” Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer in November.

But Eric Odom, chairman of Liberty First PAC, a Tea Party-fueled political action committee, called Palin’s endorsement an “unforgivable sin,” and her second strike after endorsing her 2008 running mate John McCain in his Senate race.

That’s a fair assessment from Odom. Conservatives certainly do not need Bennett or Fiorina any more than they need McCain. As for the actions of Palin and Romney this year it would appear they learned little from the 2008 campaign season.

And last but not least, David Obey (D-WI) announcing his retirement this past week is too much of a coincidence to believe being ‘bone tired’ is the primary reason (pun intended) for his decision. Most of those leaving office voluntarily are controversial and vulnerable. Obey was no exception.

The tea party movement contrary to Sirota’s description demonstrates the public is fed up with the ‘establishment’ POLS in our country and yes, we want to take it back from them. So Mr Sirota, given Bennett, a member of the GOP, is the first 2010 casualty try this mantra for your analysis. Throw the bums out!

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

related: DLTDHYOTWO: Bob Bennett gets the boot. And next… 

Here’s a headline that might get your attention.

Calif. to investigate group behind Palin speech

Specifically, California Attorney General, former Governor and current candidate for Governor (among other titles held) Jerry Brown is the point man on this.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown said Tuesday his office had launched an investigation into the finances of a state university foundation and the alleged dumping of documents related to Sarah Palin’s upcoming speech at the school.

And you gotta love a Joe Biden-like quote from one of Linda Ronstadt’s former boyfriends.

“This is not about Sarah Palin,” Brown said in a prepared statement. “The issues are public disclosure and financial accountability in organizations embedded in state-run universities.”

If this is not about Sarah Palin or partisan politics someone should explain the following:

The WaPo piece indicates the Stanislaus Foundation and a spokesman for Palin did not ‘immediately’ respond to inquiries. Does that mean they responded later? And why is there no mention of any inquiry into actions of the two students involved in the story?

Does this sound suspicious to you?

“I was informed that there was suspicious activity taking place at the administration building, which I found very alarming,” said 23-year-old Ashli Briggs, a junior at the school.

Along with other students including Ashley Lewis documents were retrieved from ‘trash bins’ near the CSU administration building. Who informed the students?

State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, who has been seeking details of Palin’s compensation package for several weeks, released copies of the paperwork earlier in the day.

Does anyone else wonder if CA State Senator Leland Yee was the one who informed students to seek out the docs since he was unsuccessful in getting them? That would easily explain why the students handed them over to AG Brown.

And when it comes right down to it, who the hell cares what anyone receives as compensation for speaking engagements? Well known individuals who attract large audiences can command lucrative payment and perks for their ability to do so. What’s the big surprise? Why do you suppose they are often referred to as rock stars? It’s a big payday.

Wow, liberals are upset that Sarah Palin is to speak at a ’state run’ campus in California? So they seek to expose her contract for the event and cover their intent by saying it is a financial disclosure issue with a school foundation?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Seems like good timing for a basic blog rant. It’s been a tough couple of weeks and I’m cranky. Keeping the discussion on matters of politics a little review of the current situation seems in order.

Obamanation remains fixated on their, ‘let’s take over everything’ agenda. The central flaw in their quest beyond public disapproval and even outrage is similar to that of a typical spendthrift. They believe there is still money in the bank if they still have checks.

It’s amazing really. Politicians in both parties have frequently if not continuously committed the same financial sins for which they accuse others. Yet they have no shame for their own misguided actions or for political rhetoric employed as unemployment engulfs our nation.

By our votes we bestow upon them a public trust complete with perks for royalty yet we shed that anchor over two hundred years ago. And with the possible exception of the founding fathers those in public office have a two century record of malfeasance in office. If they were not directly involved with corrupt government they were willing participants by the fact of their incompetent objection.

As noted here elsewhere, notable Republicans like Palin, Romney and Scott Brown support McCain for re-election. Yet it is clear McCain is not a conservative. Which casts doubt on the credentials of the aforementioned.

Mr. Romney, who was supported on this blog since 2008, provided a less than convincing excuse for his endorsement. If McCain’s years of service and experience qualify him as the best choice for American leadership what does that say about his support of shamnesty during the second Bush 43 term? And then there’s Lindsey Graham with similar problems. The GOP has not turned the page toward conservative principles. How will they do that with barely half a year to go before the 2010 elections?

Yes, they are fiercely opposing the current liberal push for a totally out of touch agenda. But what else are they going to do? They believe this strategy against the Obamanation will translate to victory in November. What’s new about that? Sound like politics as usual just as much as the Dems failure on every level since the 2006 midterms.

The GOP fell from grace and have not returned in any meaningful way. The libs are apparently willing to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Worst of all, they have not drained the swamp. The culture of corruption is alive and well in Washington, DC and around the country in all levels of government.

The voters must drain the swamp in November 2010.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

editor’s note: The quality of this post has suffered as it is Friday and this month’s budget only allows for beer rather than top shelf single malt Scotch. Po’ Stanford. And no images were chosen for this post as none were available at the time of publication to fit the mood.

With some troubling news coming out of CPAC 2010 along with similar revelations about various ‘conservative’ philosophies and their proponents more reports suggest 2010 is still wide open.

The recent endorsement of John McCain by former running mate Sarah Palin was analyzed by some as the former Alaska governor being polite. But that argument fails given her unnecessary decision to ’stump’ and raise money for the veteran Senator from Arizona whose conservative values have always been in question. His maverick status being built more by a departure from conservative values than adherence to it.

Now this:

Romney backs McCain in Arizona Senate primary race

It’s like 2008 all over again: Mitt Romney is endorsing John McCain. This time, though, it’s not after a bitter presidential primary between the two GOP rivals.

With too many Republicans appearing more like their liberal counterparts in the Democratic party the wonder is how anyone can suggest a GOP majority after the 2010 elections. This blog features sidebar links for Palin and Romney. And past posts have called for support of both in past elections. For now those links and the supportive posts will remain. But the troubling trends being reported render all that subject to change.

What the hell are these people thinking? Enough noise was made by the public this year that even POLS with hearing impairments should have received the message. A return to basic common sense American values is long overdue and more necessary for survival than previously thought. If those connected to the GOP are as unresponsive as their political opposition from the other major party then one thing remains clear.

They are no better than those they criticize and have apparently improved upon the liberal trend of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

How’s this for a sexy teaser?

OMG! ‘Gossip Girl’ star Blake Lively flaunts her assets with a plunging neckline on the red carpet

A successful stint on what appears to be a popular television program. A girl whose appearance is visually pleasing. Or put another way, yes, this qualifies as eye candy. OMG, sex, exploitation, perhaps a political agenda and the masses will rebel. NOT

No need to discuss all the possibilities for debate on what is presented here. Just ignore the natural inclination to weigh in and enjoy the view.

Speaking of views provides a handy transition to the next related item. OMG, controversy over one person’s, correction, two persons’ decision to make a statement about a topic apparently important to them. The piece below is spot on in its analysis.

Tim Tebow chose to take a stand about his beliefs.

It’s certainly his right. He and his mother, Pam, are scheduled to star in a Super Bowl commercial next Sunday night that advocates an anti-abortion message. It has created a firestorm among special-interest groups believing that the national communal experience that has become Super Sunday should be independent of political infiltration.

Those who disagree with their position can choose to take their television remote in hand when the ad appears on CBS and change the channel.

And finally let’s consider a story from a member of the Palin family that is not an attack piece from the MSM or lefty blogosphere.

Bristol Palin vows no more pre-marital sex - and says other women should follow her lead

Here’s a kid dealing with accepting consequences for her decisions. As they say, she chose life. And even with a great deal of support from family and friends that is no easy path. Some may continue to criticize, attack and bash the Palin’s including Bristol. But her ‘goal’ is not something to diss. In addition to what she faces for years to come, if using the media attraction to promote responsible living also comes from it she should get applause not criticism.

So that about wraps up this presentation of three sex stories. A story about an attractive young woman and her apparel which may seem tame these days. A young man and his Mom taking a stand on what they believe at some personal risk. And another attractive young woman dealing with the reality of life’s serious consequences. All of them deal with sex in some way. A topic that can use both serious and light-hearted attention. But one that we must give proper consideration to avoid serious damage and unnecessary setbacks.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Every now and then an article appears that begs for commentary. Not by the author but what the author writes. This one comes from WaPo and focuses on an old label, the glass ceiling, and electing a woman president.

This post avoids or ignores the introduction which focuses on trash talking during the 2008 presidential primary. For good reason, it should be avoided and ignored always even when it first appears.

Here’s an excerpt that seems to miss its own point.

Clinton erred strategically early on, ceding college campuses — including college women — to Obama. She also struggled with whether to portray her campaign as “historic,” debating the idea of a speech on gender for months. Focused on proving her toughness, she missed out on key endorsements from women, including Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy. Only when women began to see her as under siege during the New Hampshire primary campaign did Clinton begin to pick up steam among the constituency that would rally to her side for the rest of the primaries. But it was too late.

Let’s see. Hillary Rodham Clinton ‘missed out on key endorsements from women, including Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy’ as the result of trying to prove her toughness? How about the obvious choice for O-prah’s vote was O-bama? The Dems elite would anoint the Messiah as they did Kerry/Edwards the previous election. And Caroline would not endorse HRC on a ‘toughness’ issue? Uh huh. Right. Sure. NOT!

In a primary election one needs to convince the electorate and a major party one can WIN. This is after all politics. And if you believe gender is the sole reason a woman has not yet been elected president think again. Any time a candidate must overcome a serious obstacle to the public’s evaluation of their electability other attributes must render that negative meaningless.

Is gender an obstacle to winning elections? Sure. Can it be overcome? Sure, Golda Meir in 1969, Indira Ghandi in 1966, Margaret Thatcher in 1979 all beat the gender issue and one could say under considerably more challenging venues than in the USA. The list goes on and a link listing such things is available here

If women do not vote for women how is that a gender issue? But certainly the question is raised if a man does not vote for a female candidate. Hey, I’m a man. I voted for Sarah Palin even in light of her major obstacle, John McCain.

So drop the glass ceiling argument.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

On November 25th a brief post appeared on this blog entitled, ‘ Reading Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue…’ This is the follow up post. A brief review on some aspects of the Sarah Palin story comes to mind and is relevant for this post about reading her book.

A recent poll indicated many people believe Sarah Palin and her family were treated unfairly by the media and others. Certainly one’s family should be off limits to the press and other critics when covering news about celebrities or others in ‘public life.’ It seems that standard was largely applied to the Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, and to a lesser degree the daughters of President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. It seems to be in force with the daughters of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Granted, the aforementioned families resided in the White House And Sarah Palin’s family did not. At least yet. And the poll would suggest that shouldn’t matter. Some things should be off limits in what Palin describes as a ‘bloodsport’. That is politics.

Some may be intrigued, impressed or simply fascinated about the notion that Sarah Palin appears to be an ordinary American. You could argue much about her life is or could be shared by many Americans. And as common place as it may seem to engage in politics and become a governor or Vice-Presidential candidate that is something not everyone can do. All you have to do is try it to understand how uncommon it is. And that is not the only uncommon thing about Sarah Palin.

The first two chapters in Sarah Palin’s book, ‘Going Rogue, An American Life,’ read by this blogger were ‘Going Rogue’ and ‘The Thumpin’. After reading the table of contents it was hard to pass up. And I didn’t. The first thing to be said about the book for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, regardless of political stripe or persuasion, it’s an interesting read. And while Palin employed the services of a ghost writer it is the opinion here this was a technical consideration not a strategy on content.

When reading about the 2008 campaign and for anyone who followed it something striking is again displayed. Given Palin’s descriptions of the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams of the campaign staff and developments along the way you have to ask yourself who was making the decisions? From the top down the ticket’s campaign staff appears to be credentialed and experienced enough to manage the task. When the top issue moved from war to the economy what caused the disarray? It was almost as if the plan was to fail.

For those on the left this comparison is offered. In 2004, it appeared John Edwards campaign had juice. Not long afterwards, the party elite chose John Kerry as their candidate and Edwards complied by taking one for the team and accepting spot two on a ticket. To this non-liberal that made no sense aside from the fact the party power brokers were calling the shots regardless of what might have been the popular vote and possibly electoral. How’d that work out for ya?

Similar situation applied to the McCain/Palin ticket. War hero, war campaign strategy, political risk in VP choice for a Presidential candidate whose chances seemed all but dead until late in the primaries. The popularity and assets of the VP selection as well as the central theme to the campaign are mishandled by veteran operatives and all one can say is…… how’d that work out for ya?

Say what you want about Sarah Palin. And you will. But it is hard to discount a woman who has brought a refreshing change to politics. Who knows what’s next for Sarah Palin? There are plenty of predictions or forecasts. Seems a bit premature. If she remains a popular voice in American politics and nothing more it will still be of significant value. But given her history to date it seems unlikely the former governor has given up on politics or a future in it.

More later,
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

I’ll get back to you on this one….

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Nothing like Sunday good news/bad news to get you ready for the week ahead.  Some time back Dick Cheney was getting good reviews for bringing attention to what’s right and what’s wrong about the US and how we deal with terrorism.  Something some other members of the GOP would do well to take a stand on.  Now, ooh, new revelations from inside the CIA via Leon Panetta start another controversy on this same topic.

Where do you draw the line between national security and the ideals in this republic intended to govern those who govern?  May be no one is handling this correctly.  From the liberals obsessed with using their current majority to punish the opposition under the guise of democracy to the occasional conservatives looking for political cover, how about we have a real discussion on the subject.

It would have been better had politicians found the courage to deal on these matters with each other in private rather than possibly damaging national security by trying to score points in the media.

And the good news is Sarah Palin is not leaving politics. Contrary to the opinion of those who hold an unfavorable opinion of Governor Palin she is good for politics whether you are left or right.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Democrats slam Dick Cheney over secret CIA program
Los Angeles Times - Julian E. Barnes -

Sen. Richard Durbin says Congress should investigate whether Cheney ordered the counter-terrorism program not be disclosed to lawmakers.

Senator: Cheney and alleged secret CIA program ‘a problem’
CNN - Pam Benson -

WASHINGTON (CNN) — CIA Director Leon Panetta testified to a congressional committee that he was told former Vice President Dick Cheney ordered the intelligence agency to withhold information about a secret counterterrorism program from Congress, …

Palin says she’s not leaving politics
The Associated Press -

WASHINGTON (AP) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she’s not only staying involved in national politics, but she plans to jump back into the national scrum when she leaves office at the end of the month.

Maybe Maureen Dowd is one nutty puppy. But that is how she apparently perceives Governor Sarah Palin or wants you to view her that way. Dowd certainly wouldn’t be the first or only member of the MSM to do a hit piece on Sarah Palin.

Speaking of Dowd, what road did she take and how is she viewed as a ‘columnist’? Wiki should be up to the task of providing biographical information on Dowd. A BA in English and her early career from 1974 included editorial assistant, sports columnist, metropolitan reporter and feature writer for the Washington Star which closed in 1981. More of the same with the NYT until the op-ed job in 1995. One Pulitzer for stories about Monica Lewinsky, a few other awards and a writing style described as acerbic and polemical. That explains a lot.

If you view the Wiki entry for Dowd you will find an area labeled ‘criticism’. Funny how she is accused of many things that explain her latest shot at Palin. Which supports the notion that those who look favorably upon Sarah Palin are not the only ones that may find this latest ‘op-ed’ objectionable. But then her acerbic and polemical style may indicate she simply does this to p— people off. Is that a marketing strategy at the NY Times?

So what about ‘Caribou Barbie is one nutty puppy’? Ann Althouse writes Dowd borrowed from Todd Purdum at Vanity Fair for her current Palin hit piece supporting other criticism from the Wiki source alleging Dowd does no actual reporting. You can take that to mean she does nothing to gather facts and pass them along. Dowd is not a shrink but may play one in her op-ed to characterize Palin as having a mental disorder based on a layman’s paint by number analysis using a psychology reference text. And perhaps all borrowed from another author. Is she related to Joe Biden?

The interesting thing from Althouse is the argument that all public figures or political types have characteristics described by Dowd, et al, or they wouldn’t make it in their chosen line of work. Hence the failure of the Thompson bid for president in 2008.

Reading Dowd’s laundry list of insults of Sarah Palin appears like more of the same from the left. Bush bashing may have run its course and no longer aids in selling MSM advertising space or time although Dowd gets one shot in at Cheney. So why not bash Palin at least one more time? It can also give credence to the notion that those on the right to whom the left feels most vulnerable receive the most bashing.

Some expect Palin will retire from public life. Some think she is preparing for a 2012 run. And still others think she has reached a breaking point and cannot complete her term as governor. Dowd certainly expresses an opinion. How easy is it for someone like Dowd to sit on the sidelines and get paid to make comments and judge others without having any skin in the game? Very easy, based on the op-ed on Palin from the 4th.

Has Dowd ever stopped to consider that not only was Sarah Palin attacked which may be fair game in politics but her family was also attacked? And how many other POLS have been treated that way? None that come to mind with the possible exception of the daughters of President and Mrs Bush for a brief period during that administration. Protecting one’s family is not the worst reason to withdraw from battle.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

crossposted to:
Maggie’s Notebook
Conservative Thoughts

This is rich. An organization who never saw a tax dollar they didn’t like, especially when it is spent on them, the NEA, has audacity greater than President Obama to criticize Governor Sarah Palin in a story indicating she is rejecting stimulus money.

From the people who brought you flat line educational performance that cannot compete on a global scale they claim as the justification for unrestrained spending comes a criticism of a Governor who may say no to liberals.

“Logic-defying, dumb-founding, short-sighted – and a slap in the face to parents, children and educators across Alaska.” That’s how the National Education Association of Alaska is describing Governor Palin’s decision to reject more than $160 million of federal stimulus funds for Alaska education.

“Governor Palin has deliberately chosen to ignore the education needs of tens of thousands of children across Alaska. Her attempt to score short term gains will have long-term, dire consequences for our students and educators,” said Barb Angaiak, President of NEA-Alaska.

“Her message to our children is callously blunt: ‘In the interests of my political agenda, you’re on your own.’ The governor’s decision is unacceptable to the 13,000 members of NEA-Alaska – and it will be unacceptable to parents, students and all who are concerned about education in our state. Programs will be cut and class sizes will increase. And Governor Palin has rejected millions of dollars that would be used to improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable children with disabilities or in need of special education programs.”

“The Governor tells us making Alaska an education leader is a priority. Then she says she will reject federal government funding to support our schools and educators,” Angaiak said.

There is an abundance of reports in the news slamming Gov Sarah Palin for rejecting at least some of the stimulus package funding. The first thing those who criticize ignore is that all government funding comes from taxpayers. The second thing they forget is that many who receive benefit from such funding have contributed little or nothing to the public coffers. It is evidence in the case of the National Education Association pointing to their dismal record on teaching. The math suggests the enormous debt facing this country will hamstring future generations more than ever before in history. Yet they charge Palin with short-sighted political motives for rejecting the cash. Yet they would take the money now, or anytime, regardless of the consequences. They also claim Palin’s rejection of funds will have long term negative effects on education in Alaska but fail to mention the long term negative effects of the national debt and deficit spending. Who has the real vision problem?

In addition to $160 million in education related funds, $50 million in energy related spending was reported to be rejected by Palin. Where is the NEA outrage over that? Oh, that’s right, it doesn’t count as it shouldn’t find its way to their pockets.

If the NEA wants to hold someone accountable they should invest in a mirror. But that would require another tax increase. The data exposing their failure year after year is out there for everyone to see. Yet they can only slam those who may question education spending that continues to increase while education results continue to flat line or decrease.

At the very least the NEA and teachers who support it are hypocrites. Just another special interest group lobbying for taxpayer money to fill their own pockets.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

A combination of typical misleading information, at least headlines, from the MSM, the political celebrity which is Gov Sarah Palin, Democrats and Republicans, the pork stimulus bill and an organization with a willingness to do anything for a drink. How can you not love a story like that? The jury here is still out on whether or not the opening line in the first piece below is correct or not. Are ‘most Republican governors’ pushing for pork in the massive Obamessiah pork package? On the one hand it would seem a needless slap at their own party with the recent House vote in which every GOP Congressman voted NO. On the other hand the most frequent abuse at the state level in politics (rather than government) is to please local constituents by stealing all the federal dollars possible. By the success found in that ploy one can only assume voters are too stupid to realize that money is also public revenue from their tax dollars. And it also steals from taxpayers in other states as it is part their money too.

The last sentence in the first piece below suggest Palin is going to Washington for pork. This post began with an interest in checking on the claims of the statement that ‘most Republican governors’ are targeting the pork. So go figure, if you’re starting to check governors and while Alaska isn’t the first state by alphabetical order who comes to mind when you think GOP governor? For others Palin might not be the first to come to mind but it was here and that was the first stop. The second piece below suggests with its title that ALL Alaska lawmakers question Palin’s focus. C’mon, when the terms Alaska and lawmakers (plural) are used together does it not suggest all of them? Oh no, you say, it only suggests more than one. Point is at least in that piece the author provides examples of those who do and those who do not. The best part is it begins with the leader of the political opposition in Alaska driving by the mansion and wondering why the place is not all lit up? Was he hoping it was so he could bash her on global warming or greenhouse gases or her carbon emissions? But it made him wonder if she’s focused? How absurd that is. And to anyone wondering, the piece itself says the legislative session started on January 20 and it is only the 31st. Criticism comes quickly in Alaska.

Questions abound with Sarah Palin’s weekend trip to Washington DC. You can guess what they are. The first paragraph in Gov Palin’s press release ‘Non-Partisan Events in the Nation’s Capital certainly suggests although mildly vague that the Governor and her legislature are pushing for federal pork. The one who rose to fame on her self-promoted maverick and reform reputation even with questions on the bridge that wasn’t too far but went to nowhere and connections to other scandalous politicians is now going to campaign for pork????

Her state of the state near the end of the post suggests they were successful in bolstering the state of Alaska and storing some cash for this rainy day. As asked below, what is their condition and do they need help? Along with other 49 states one has to expect all cannot be saved by the Fed. And it all ends up being tested amidst members of an organization who will do anything for a drink.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

GOP governors press Congress to pass stimulus bill

NEW YORK (AP) - Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama’s economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.

Their state treasuries drained by the financial crisis, governors would welcome the money from Capitol Hill, where GOP lawmakers are more skeptical of Obama’s spending priorities.

The 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, scheduled meetings in Washington this weekend with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other senators to press for her state’s share of the package.

Alaska lawmakers question Sarah Palin’s focus

By ANNE SUTTON – 11 hours ago

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Driving home at night from her Capitol office, the leader of Alaska’s House Democrats often passes the governor’s white-columned mansion and wonders why more lights aren’t on.

Rep. Beth Kerttula assumes Gov. Sarah Palin is out of town, though Palin’s staffers say so far their boss has been there for most of the legislative session that began Jan. 20.

Non-Partisan Events in Nation’s Capital

Governor Sarah Palin to Attend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-12

Governor Palin to Attend Non-Partisan Events in Nation’s Capital

January 28, 2009, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin is traveling to Washington, D.C. this weekend to attend a number of non-partisan functions while also visiting with her D.C. staff to continue discussions concerning the president’s stimulus package and Alaska dollars. The Alaska Legislature is working on a joint resolution urging the Obama Administration to pass a fair stimulus package, a point Governor Palin will stress while in the nation’s capital.

Governor Palin will first attend a dinner at the residence of Fred and Marlene Malek Friday evening. Fred Malek is a prominent business leader and the founder and Chairman of Thayer Capital Partners. In addition to his work in the private sector, Mr. Malek has had a distinguished career in public service. The governor is honored to have received the invitation and to have the chance to speak about Alaska and other issues impacting our state. A number of high-profile business and economic leaders are expected, as well as political leaders who will be making decisions on the stimulus package, including U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine). Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will also be attending. On Saturday, in addition to the official meeting with her staff, the governor will attend the Center for Strategic and International Studies luncheon, which is a pre-Alfalfa event. Governor Palin will attend the Alfalfa Club Dinner.

These non-partisan and high-profile events provide Governor Palin with the perfect opportunity to speak further about not only Alaska’s needs, but how Alaska should be allowed to develop its natural resources in order to contribute to America’s quest toward energy independence. In keeping with tradition, President Obama is also expected to attend the Alfalfa Club Dinner.

The governor will return to Alaska on Sunday.

Contrary to published reports, the governor will neither be speaking at the RNC Winter Meeting, nor attending it.

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editor’s note: The Alfalfa Club is an exclusive Washington, D.C. social organization which exists only to hold an annual banquet on the last Saturday of January. The group’s moniker is reference to the plant’s willingness to do anything for a drink.

from Gov Palin’s State of the State Address:

At a time when other state legislatures are staring at multi-billion-dollar deficits, and when our federal government proposes a deficit in excess of a trillion dollars this year alone, we have all the cautionary examples we need in the virtues of living within our means. With less revenue, we have an obligation to spend less money.

With our share of federal funds and Congress’ stimulus package, our obligation is equally clear: we must ensure these public funds serve vital needs – as is the case of infrastructure for our gas pipeline, needed by the nation; and the Kodiak Launch Facility, adding to national defense. President Obama pledged not to let this stimulus package devolve into the past familiar scene of politicians lining up for obscure earmarks. This is reform at work.

The excerpt below raises the question of how well positioned is Alaska to meet the current fiscal nightmare?

Two years ago at this podium, I urged spending restraint. I asked that billions of surplus funds be deposited in state savings. This struck me as a simple precaution against, as I described it, massive single-year cuts down the road, if and when we faced tougher times. You legislators agreed, so we can now meet our challenge in a stronger position.

Damn! I miss Sarah Palin (Sister Toldjah)