Ed Finnerty: lstywnch: Lenny_da_Hog: Dunno... I'd be awfully nervous this evening if I were her publisher. A fallen star won't sell many rising-star books.

No, but this woman has an almost fanatical following. Quitting won't phase them. I think we've already seen that in the threads about it today.

Kind of makes me want to give up and eat a cheesecake. And I just lost 10 pounds off my butt.

Stupid men world.

Ah, how I miss that one.

ha.... ha ha.
/that is all the amusement i get out of this horrible train wreck. she's worse than jon and kate plus eight plus national politics and a terrifyingly uneducated populace..
//john adams anyone?

lstywnch: ODDwhun: I've actually met people who claim she was winking at them.

And I have a personal friend that thought it was awesome she talked to Palin about hair and shoes while waiting in line for coffee. She said, "And I was just so amazed that she's just so PRETTY!"

From across the room another gal in our dance class said, "I'm sorry, but STUPID IS NOT PRETTY."

I was always amazed at the line at the base of her neck, where the make-up ends and the aged skin begins. She's gotta put that stuff on with an insulation sprayer or something.

Here's a decent breakdown of the sports complex / Palin house construction controversy, which I put together earlier today. It's a tangled web, especially for anyone not living in Alaska:

------------------------------------------------------------------


The Wasilla sports complex is a $12.5 million boondoggle. And it was Sarah's baby.

The architect at the design firm that was awarded a $500k contract to design the complex is the son of one of Sarah Palin's mentors.

Palin then named that architect to a committee that then chose a contractor owned by a guy who contributed $4,000 to Palin's campaigns -- which was a lot of money for the level of politics she was at at the time. The other bidding contractors protested the bidding process.

Additionally, one of the subcontractors was a company called Spenard Builders Supply (SBS), which is like the Home Depot of Alaska. SBS was a sponsor of Todd Palin's snowmobile team (which would have allegedly brought the Palin family 10,000's of dollars). SBS had also hired Sarah to do a commercial for them a couple of years earlier. While the sports complex was being built, in addition to being a subcontractor for the sports complex, SBS supposedly supplied the Palins with some of the materials for their new house.

Todd Palin claims he built their house with help from some "buddies," but he won't say who they were. And Sarah blocked an effort to require the filing of building permits in Wasilla, which allegedly ensured that the identity of Todd's "helpers" remained a secret. The accusation is, of course, that they were workers from the sports complex project, and that they basically built the Palin's house on the tax payers' time -- this, in addition to the Palins possibly getting free materials from SBS.

Tangentially, around the same time that the above was happening, Palin was running for Lt. Governor. About 10% of her campaign funds came from the execs (and their wives) of an oil field service company called VECO.

Now, according to a fellow Farker who is from Alaska, VECO donated money to every major GOP candidate in the state, and there is little chance that Palin is tied in with Sen. Ted Stevens scandal, which involves VECO spending $250k on upgrades to Stevens' cabin just a couple of years before the Palin's built their house. (Coincidentally, the materials for that upgrade came from SBS, as well.)

Shortly after the new Palin house was built, Sarah took over as head of Ted Stevens' PAC. So even thought there may be no connection between Palin and the Stevens/VECO scandal, there's a definite connection between the two politicians.

When you consider that Palin, who is connected to a Senator who was bribed by a company via them paying to remodel his house, is now under scrutiny regarding exactly how her own house was built, along with allegations of cronyism and favoritism in a town construction project given to companies that donated to her campaigns, it's easy to see why this is the first place people are looking in the search for an explanation of yesterday's bizarre resignation.

I maintain the view that the rising star of the GOP does not resign from office without notice, having told her own Lt. Governor less than 48-hours prior, with her head spokesperson in NYC and apparently completely unprepared, attempting to bury it on a holiday weekend, unless you are very, very afraid of something catastrophic hitting your career very, very soon.

I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!

Until some rightwinger wants to use the government to take your choices away.

Thanks for that shower_in_my_socks. Very neat and concise.

So, no real proof of any wrongdoing, but the whole thing stinks like yesterday's diapers. I think you're right - there's a reason she resigned suddenly, on a holiday weekend. And is has nothing to do with "helping all the children" by freeing herself from the demands of being Governor.

I'm just insanely curious to know what's going on.

"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."

She 'quit' Alaska.
Next up: Faith and Family.

ZombieStomper: but if I don't miss my bet, Sarah Palin just declared all-out war on the left - and believe me, she can wage that war like no other - as has been well demonstrated.

They've got a point: no one's ever declared war with squeeky toys before!

Where is the "women are tough until things get a little bit difficult" pic.

Benevolent Misanthrope: Thanks for that shower_in_my_socks. Very neat and concise.

So, no real proof of any wrongdoing, but the whole thing stinks like yesterday's diapers. I think you're right - there's a reason she resigned suddenly, on a holiday weekend. And is has nothing to do with "helping all the children" by freeing herself from the demands of being Governor.

I'm just insanely curious to know what's going on.


Thanks. I wrote it initially as an exercise to figure out what the hell the building scandal was -- there are a lot of players and it's foggy.

The "helping the children" thing is standard guilty politician boilerplate. You don't wake up one day and think "Oh my God! I have to be with my family more! I'm throwing my career away RIGHT NOW!"

can't help but find it funny that the woman spoke at length, yet everyone - from punditry to allies/enemies on the political landscape to us retards - still has no mother effing clue just what the shiat she said.

Benevolent Misanthrope: Thanks for that shower_in_my_socks. Very neat and concise.

[...]

I'm just insanely curious to know what's going on.


Seconded.

I wonder if it was one of those deals:

"Sara, we have evidence here that you did so-and-so. If you don't resign, we'll tell the news people."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"..."
"OK"

We may never know what sort of dirt someone has on her.

One more thought: if McCain had been elected President and this (presumed) investigation had proceeded in the same manner, she would havee had to Spiro Agnew after only six months in office.

She is not a crook!

Dwight_Yeast: One more thought: if McCain had been elected President and this (presumed) investigation had proceeded in the same manner, she would havee had to Spiro Agnew after only six months in office.

...And we'd be at war in Iran.

lstywnch: Lenny_da_Hog: Let's hope they don't pull her book deal for this, eh?

HAHAHAHAHA!

Are you kidding me? They know they'll sell millions of copies. My mom will buy two and give me one. Which is cool, because free toilet paper is awesome sauce.

I wouldn't wipe my ass with her book. That would insult the intelligence of my fecal matter.

Dwight_Yeast: ZombieStomper: but if I don't miss my bet, Sarah Palin just declared all-out war on the left - and believe me, she can wage that war like no other - as has been well demonstrated.

They've got a point: no one's ever declared war with squeeky toys before!

You've never seen Honkbag: The Musical.

Ed Finnerty: She is not a crook!




Buh bye now.

Occam's Chainsaw: Dwight_Yeast: One more thought: if McCain had been elected President and this (presumed) investigation had proceeded in the same manner, she would havee had to Spiro Agnew after only six months in office.

...And we'd be at war in Iran.

And quite possibly with North Korea. Especially with Kim Jong Il's little fireworks display.

shower_in_my_socks: Ed Finnerty: She is not a crook!

Buh bye now.

That is beautiful.

Dwight_Yeast said:
> One more thought: if McCain had been elected [...]

Then Occam's Chainsaw said:
> ...And we'd be at war in Iran.

And rynthetyn said:
> And quite possibly with North Korea. [...]

Y'all are forgetting the fact that if McCain And Company had won, we'd all be in the soup lines by now.

One good thing though - at least Dan Quayle's star in the political walk of fame would finally be obscured.

dofus: Y'all are forgetting the fact that if McCain And Company had won, we'd all be in the soup lines by now.

We'd all be in basic, as our 3-4 front war would require a national draft.

Christ, the Left is more obsessed with Palin than the right ever was.

What is it about an independent, conservative and successful woman that causes the Left to go into a beserker rage and start insulting her intelligence, family and past?

I thought they were in favor of women making something of themselves, or is that only when the chick stays on the ideological plantation?

Swampthing in Korea: Christ, the Left is more obsessed with Palin than the right ever was.

What is it about an independent, conservative and successful woman that causes the Left to go into a beserker rage and start insulting her intelligence, family and past?

I thought they were in favor of women making something of themselves, or is that only when the chick stays on the ideological plantation?

Ignore them, friend. They aren't real Americans like us.

Occam's Chainsaw: dofus: Y'all are forgetting the fact that if McCain And Company had won, we'd all be in the soup lines by now.

We'd all be in basic, as our 3-4 front war would require a national draft.

Well, you guys would all be in basic. I would be on a beach in Aruba with a couple of big titted blondes and five suit cases full of hundred dollar bills.

/Defense subcontractor.

Oh yeah, this is the last nail in her coffin because we all know that Americans would never elect a barely literate, folksy, religious fundie, hate-spewing, hypocrite, moron as their president.

Swampthing in Korea: Christ, the Left is more obsessed with Palin than the right ever was.



I'm sure I'm not the only male in America who, when Palin dropped her first wink, sat up a little straighter on the couch and said, "Hey, I think she just winked at me." And her smile. By the end, when she clearly knew she was doing well, it was so sparkling it was almost mesmerizing. It sent little starbursts through the screen and ricocheting around the living rooms of America. ~ Rich Lowry

If Palin wants to run in 2012, why not do exactly what she announced today? It's an enormous gamble - but it could be a shrewd one.

After all, she's freeing herself from the duties of the governorship. Now she can do her book, give speeches, travel the country and the world, campaign for others, meet people, get more educated on the issues - and without being criticized for neglecting her duties in Alaska. I suppose she'll take a hit for leaving the governorship early - but how much of one? She's probably accomplished most of what she was going to get done as governor, and is leaving a sympatico lieutenant governor in charge.

And haven't conservatives been lamenting the lack of a national leader? Well, now she'll try to be that. She may not succeed. Everything rests on her talents, and on her performance. She'll be under intense and hostile scrutiny, and she'll have to perform well.

All in all, it's going to be a high-wire act. The odds are against her pulling it off. But I wouldn't bet against it. ~ Bill Kristol

Bill Kristol: The odds are against her pulling it off. But I wouldn't bet against it.

I'd also like to point out that this is a classic example of why conservatives fail at probability, and therefore life.

Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.

Rather off-topic, but as someone who grew up in Anchorage, I'm afraid my brain has been warped to such a degree that I can't hear anyone start off their speech with "Hi, Alaska," without singing the Mafia Mike's Pizza song.

"Hi, Alaska."
"Hi, Mike!"
"I'm Mafia Mike."
"He's Mafia Mike."
"I make great pizza and I'm open all night. A family of four, can easily dine, on a extra-large pizza"
"Just eleven ninety-nine!"
"And if you're too laid, for a few bucks more, we'll deliver that pizza"
"RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR!
Mafia Mike!"
"Thanks, Alaska!"
"Mafia Mike!"

Okay, got that out of my system.

Swampthing in Korea: What is it about an independent, conservative and successful woman that causes the Left to go into a beserker rage and start insulting her intelligence, family and past?

In respective order, her total lack of it, her shameless use as political props & their total undermining of her and her party's stated policies and positions, and the fact that it's under investigation.

There's a reason that an independent, conservative and successful Republican woman like Michele Bachmann draws this kind of flak.

There's a reason that an independent, conservative and successful Republican woman like Olympia Snowe doesn't draw this kind of flak.

Two of them are insane, silly retards. One of them is a smart, astute woman.

For some reason, most hardcore conservatives identify more with Palin and Bachmann then Snowe, who is branded a RINO. So go figure.

Jon Snow: Bill Kristol: The odds are against her pulling it off. But I wouldn't bet against it.

I'd also like to point out that this is a classic example of why conservatives fail at probability, and therefore life.

Jon -- I think you are mistaken in your estimate here. You have neglected to carry the mavrik, which randomises the batshyte distribution.

Swampthing in Korea: What is it about an independent, conservative and successful woman that causes the Left to go into a beserker rage and start insulting her intelligence, family and past?

The corruption?

I think it's the corruption. Theft, if you will. I think that irritates people.

PartTimeBuddha: I think it's the corruption. Theft, if you will. I think that irritates people.

The silly retardation hurts too. I empathize with thieves more than silly retards.

Dr. Mojo PhD: PartTimeBuddha: I think it's the corruption. Theft, if you will. I think that irritates people.

The silly retardation hurts too. I empathize with thieves more than silly retards.

I guess there's also her habit of rolling over on her supporters as soon as they've served her purpose. There's a kind of treason in that which I'd personally find hard to stomach.

Hubris. Her ego kept writing checks her intellect couldn't cover.

PartTimeBuddha: I guess there's also her habit of rolling over on her supporters as soon as they've served her purpose. There's a kind of treason in that which I'd personally find hard to stomach.

And the formerly-registered-secessionist First "Dude". And her friendly speech to his pals.

Cause nothing promotes a strong Union like a State just walking away.

2wolves: Hubris. Her ego kept writing checks her intellect couldn't cover.

Being wise can compensate for being dumb. Unfortunately she's only been gifted with a kind of short-sighted unwisdom. She's very energetic with it, however.

DamnYankees: baka-san: ...She makes my governor look semi sane.

Sorry, I don't think anyone can do that.

was about to say, Oh I bet my gov is more insane then I checked baka's profile.. God damnit so much

Dr. Mojo PhD: PartTimeBuddha: I guess there's also her habit of rolling over on her supporters as soon as they've served her purpose. There's a kind of treason in that which I'd personally find hard to stomach.

And the formerly-registered-secessionist First "Dude". And her friendly speech to his pals.

Cause nothing promotes a strong Union like a State just walking away.

Hm. I don't know. I've never really rated that as a problem. I think it appeals to a lot of people -- at least the principle of independence. Crocky and a bit dim, but there is an emotional appeal there against teh big gubit.

PartTimeBuddha: Being wise can compensate for being dumb. Unfortunately she's only been gifted with a kind of short-sighted unwisdom. She's very energetic with it, however.

Hence "silly retard". She's profoundly stupid, and utterly ignorant. Which is a farking recipe for disaster. Ignorant and smart people can be put to work, wise and dumb people can be put to work, wise and smart people can conquer the nations of the world, but the ignorant and stupid are just a whole other kettle of fish.

Which is why we elect them in droves, I think. It's either a sweep-them-away-until-they-butcher-something strategy, or an elaborate comedy routine. Occasionally, such as when we give them access to fissile materials and the ability to project said materials about the globe, it is terrifying.

PartTimeBuddha: Hm. I don't know. I've never really rated that as a problem. I think it appeals to a lot of people -- at least the principle of independence. Crocky and a bit dim, but there is an emotional appeal there against teh big gubit.

Often, that's all. Hey, I wouldn't object to Alaska joining Canada -- it bothers me that our coastline is so raggedy and uneven, and I really wanna stick it to Russia with that whole largest country thing -- or something like that. But that's all it is, is some hokey feel-good stuff about rugged individualism. I suppose in fairness the AIP just wants a vote on statehood, at least at present, by referendum, which isn't as bad as the Confederacy, for example.

On the other hand, I think when you're some big RAH! RAH! AMERICA! farker, and you're married to somebody who wants to chant RAH! RAH! ALASKA!, it's sort of questionable.

Dr. Mojo PhD:

Hence "silly retard". She's profoundly stupid, and utterly ignorant. Which is a farking recipe for disaster. Ignorant and smart people can be put to work, wise and dumb people can be put to work, wise and smart people can conquer the nations of the world, but the ignorant and stupid are just a whole other kettle of fish.

Which is why we elect them in droves, I think. It's either a sweep-them-away-until-they-butcher-something strategy, or an elaborate comedy routine. Occasionally, such as when we give them access to fissile materials and the ability to project said materials about the globe, it is terrifying.


The naked ambition aspect, tied into the ego, can not be given too much credit here: Ms. Palin devised her ascendancy onto the nation/international stage very deliberately. She believed herself to be capable of greatness. I don't believe history will be kind.

After reading the first few lines of the transcript...I couldn't help but think...


Hi Alaska, Mesa appreciate speakin' directly TO yousa, der people Mesa serve, as yousar Governor. Ooh! Mesacky icky goosa! People who know mesa know that besides faith and family, nothin's more important to mesa than wesa beloved Alaska. Oh. Flbulbulbu. Servin' her people is der greatest honor Mesa could imagine. Way? Esqueeze mesa. Mesa want Alaskans to grasp wha can be in store for wesa state....

furiousxgeorge: 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.

Wow, she doesn't know her history. When Tsar Alexander II realized he might lose Russian America (Alaska) to Britain if they got entangled in another war, he decided to sell the land dirt cheap and get some compensation for it rather than lose it as part of a costly peace treaty.

And "Abe Lincoln's cabinet"? "Seward's Folly" isn't its only name - it was also called "Andrew Johnson's polar bear garden", because Lincoln was too dead to continue serving as president. And it wasn't a completely silly purchase at the time. A lot of American newspapers supported the purchase because it flanked British Canada. Granted, it was supposed that eventually Britain would give up and sell Canada to the U.S., but that's 19th century journalism for you.

/TL;DR, Palin is still woefully ignorant of history.