1. ray reyns | 09.08.08

From:
Head of State
http://tinyurl.com/5mbefu

Sunday, September 07, 2008

“Actual Responsibilities”: If You Can’t Manage a Hockey Rink, Can You Manage Economic Policy and National Security?

From the Wall Street Journal:

Palin’s Hockey Rink Leads
To Legal Trouble in Town She Led >
By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
September 6, 2008; Page A5

WASILLA, Alaska — The biggest project that Sarah Palin undertook as mayor of this small town was an indoor sports complex, where locals played hockey, soccer, and basketball, especially during the long, dark Alaskan winters.

The only catch was that the city began building roads and installing utilities for the project before it had unchallenged title to the land. The misstep led to years of litigation and at least $1.3 million in extra costs for a small municipality with a small budget. What was to be Ms. Palin’s legacy has turned into a financial mess that continues to plague Wasilla.

“It’s too bad that the city of Wasilla didn’t do their homework and secure the land before they began construction,” said Kathy Wells, a longtime activist here. “She was not your ceremonial mayor; she was in charge of running the city. So it was her job to make sure things were done correctly.”

Ms. Palin, now Alaska’s governor and Republican Sen. John McCain’s running mate, has pointed to her two terms as Wasilla’s mayor, from 1996 to 2002, as evidence that she has enough executive experience to take on the presidency, should the need arise — more than Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, who touts his own background as a community organizer in Chicago.

“I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities,” Ms. Palin said Wednesday in her acceptance speech at the Republican convention.

Litigation resulting from the dispute over Ms. Palin’s sports-complex project is still in the courts, with the land’s former owner seeking hundreds of thousands of additional dollars from the city.

Palin likes to say “Good judgment can make the difference between avoiding a crisis and managing a catastrophe.”

Indeed.

Cite:
Head of State
http://tinyurl.com/5mbefu

2. LaLiveOak | 09.08.08

Sarah Palin’s selection has turned this race on it’s head.
She has totally turned the momentum in polls and quadrupled
John McCain’s rally crowds. While African-American voters
will continue to vote overwhelmingly for Barack Obama, women
now have an alternative to Hillary’s snub by Obama…and ****
hath no fury like women scourned.

3. Jon Iscream | 09.08.08

Nothing sexist about Palin today?

4. Salvador Bravo | 09.08.08

Paulin is apaulin.this just goes to prove how misguided the Repiblicans are.
After all they have Rove who committed treason, and is now sitting there directin your party prresidential campaign. I guess I like her as a person.
How big is the town she was a mayor? I hope Jesus has mercy on your soul.
But I also wish you stop using the name of Jesus for your political positions, there is nothing Christian in it. if you really are for law and order and are patriotic then you should hold allthe criminals accountable.

5. Kale | 09.08.08

Obviously, the McCain campaign wants to slide into the fray gently. Charlie Gibson will be a great way to start since he likes to lob softballs to the GOP candidates. Gibson is one notch above O’lielly and nutball Hannity.

Are the supporters of McCain/Palin blind or just dumb? Change? Sounds to me like they would be exactly the same as Bush/Cheney. They would have their agenda and would just veto unless they got it just how they wanted it. All the blame should be laid at the GOP’s feet. Since 2006, the House had made some moves to make changes but with the Senate needing a veto proof majority, nothing can get done. The Republicans have filibustered 95 plus times in a year and a half? Why does the media not talk about this? Back in 2003, the Dems would just have to suggest a filibuster and it was wall-to-wall 24/7 coverage.

6. Alex | 09.08.08

My guess is she doesnt answer a single important question clearly and when this is pointed out by every media outlet in the country, they will be called liberal and sexist.

How do they do it?

7. Mike | 09.08.08

This lady is an extremist. The whole librarian things smacks of book burning. Trying to get her ex-Brother in Law fired is another one you should have mentioned. Abuse of power? Scary stuff!

As Mayor she hired a lobbyist to got after pork and got a ton of money as mayor and governor. This bridge to nowhere is just one example and the rail to be built to Ted Stevens property. She ran the 527 group for Ted Stevens. Ted Stevens has been charged with corruption. Seems big oil paid for his home remodel and more.

This is supposed to be the change needed in Washington? Is this just somebody else in the pocket of big oil? We have had enough, 8 years, of politicians misusing the power of their office!

8. Ed Hunt | 09.08.08

Gibson is likely to do a “Good Morning America” interview rather than ask anything substantial. They will tour her house, talk about eating Moose and toss the old softball. Too bad Brian Ross or Bob Woodruff couldn’t submit a few questions. Good time Charlie backs anyone that will cut his taxes. Just look at his performance during the debates. No wonder he “landed” this interview.

Oh Well, George Bush got elected twice because the fourth estate blew off its responsibilities to get at the truth and focus on issues. Seems fitting that his ideological successor — TelaPrompTer Palin — should be escorted into office the same way.

9. Eagle Ch’áak’ | 09.08.08

Eagle Ch’áak’ Orca

Rove and Scmidt are attempting to brand our mainstream media, our favorite pundits and writers as “Piranhas!” which only means one thing The Republicans are trying to steal the fish pet Voters or the Nature Lover’s Vote? Or is this a Rove, Schmit and Davis Freudian Slip – They chose Piranhas - deep down they see themselves as Piranhas?

Democrats are courting all Republicans and Independents Goldfish, Dolphin and Killer Whale fans!

Trained Goldfish Performs Amazing Tricks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buQKZOaB6cY

Dolphin play bubble rings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCf7SNUb-Q

Killer Whale and Trainer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpZFfzDg5nQ

Change we can believe in.

Vote Obama/Biden ‘08

10. Mike | 09.08.08

This could be worse than Bush. He just ignored the Consitution. Palen might actually try to get it taken off the shelf and fire the Constitutional librarians who disagree. Whatever else, this amounts to the same kind of ideological campaign that used to involve burning books. Now they just try to take them off the shelves.

11. Billy | 09.08.08

This is absurd. She should be doing interviews. And she should not be treated with kid gloves.

I know she’s a mom… but she might also become Vice President… and, maybe, President.

I want to know if she is tough or not. She seems very thin-skinned. She can say sharp things in prepared speeches, but she seems unable to deal with the hotseat. And, quite frankly, this scares me.

I did see an interview where she said that she didn’t even know what the Vice President does. And, also read that she doesn’t even know what Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are. She also admitted to not knowing much about what’s going on in Iraq.

I know that, of course, a woman is capable of doing a job like VP. But I am more concerned about ANY PERSON who wants to be vice president but who is ignorant on basic current events of national and international importance.

Normally, people study and take the text before being chosen as VP. McCain clearly chose, and is not trying to cram her full of information, asking for extensions on the exam date, and trying to keep the media from asking hard questions. That is unacceptable.

12. luvwknd | 09.08.08

McShame is making a mockery out of this election, plain and simple!
Palin’s a friggen joke, the GOP says a senator with 4 years under his belt is not experienced to lead this country? How about a govenor with 2 years under her belt? GOP calls that experience? especially since McShame could easily drop dead at any second!
Next, what about trooper-gate? A govenor who utilizes her executve power for personal vindication really shows the country how she would lead now doesn’t it?
Third, Palin barks and barks about abstinence in schools & won’t allow for condoms to be distributed and her own 17 year old is knocked up? THAT IS PLAIN HYPOCRACY, which IS a Repuklican motto!

This simply shows how poor of judgement McShame really has! He is NOT qualified to be President which is displayed by his failure as a fighter pilot!

I rest my case - OBAMA ALL THE WAY IN NOVEMBER - NOW MORE THAN EVER!

13. Tom | 09.08.08

LaLiveOak: Don’t get too excited about the poll momentum, which has more to do with convention bounce than Sarah Palin. I’m glad also that she is able to ‘quadruple’ McCain’s rally crowds from 250 senior citizens to 500 senior citizens and 500 Christian fundamentalists. It is disturbing that you see the world in such simplistic and shallow terms of skin and genitalia. Yup, all the black people will vote for Obama just because he’s black, it couldn’t have anything to do with his politics, and yes, all the women who supported Hillary (probably just because she’s a woman, right?) will now support Palin because she has ovaries too. Doesn’t matter that she’d set their rights and social progress back a half century. She’s a woman! Idiot.

14. Jermacd | 09.08.08

Teriffic! The media is now headlining news that a political candidate is granting an interview to the press after 10 days of silence and being sequestered for scripted speaches. Now, image this scenario with the Democratic Party replacing the Republican Party. Got the picture. First the star was Obama and the Republican’s called a ‘rock star” fowl. Now the “rock star” is in their court, however this rock star doesn’t give interviews, so her star power becomes even stronger and more sought after. This is not rock star but a cult and the media are the cult leaders. Sarah Palin, we’re not worthy!

15. No McCain/Palin | 09.08.08

The hoopla about Palin will come to a halt once the public finds out about her extreme views. Upon Finding out about Palin, the public will run to the opposite direction. There is plenty of time to inform the public about Palin. She has not sat dowm to have a talk with the media, because she has been in hidding. If she is not ready to face the media, then she is not ready to be VP.

16. Curly | 09.08.08

Witch one has bucked his party more Obama or McCain? that should tell you who will bring change to Washington.

Why should Palin talk to the media when the media has treated her since she was announced as the VP candidate. She has been treated an NO DEMOCRATIC candidate has ever been treated.

17. Steven Wilson | 09.08.08

Palin wanted the trooper fired for using a Taser Gun on her eleven year old nephew. Being that the thing could have killed the kid…..like it has done to many adults…..why wouldn’t she ask for the guys job?

Any other American, would want their kids protected from some trooper, with not enough sense to come out of the rain also.

Palin had every right to let Monigan go for derilection of duty. He is responsible for taking care of the publics well being. Why is it that Palin is the only one looking out for the protection of children in this matter?

If this is considered political corruption…..then we need a lot more of it.

18. Lone | 09.08.08

Why exactly was she going to sue if the polar bears were placed on the endangered species list?

19. Steven Wilson | 09.08.08

And what books did she want launched out of the Library Mike? Playboy….Penthouse…..male on male sex manual for children. How women should sleep together and everyone should accept it?

People are sick of homosexual’s shoving their sex lives down our children’s throats. The lifestyle is an anathema to the Christian Teachings of these families. Why shouldn’t we question a book telling children to live a vulgar lifestyle.

20. Erik | 09.08.08

Excuse me?

“Why would we want to throw Sarah Palin into a cycle of piranhas called the news media that have nothing better to ask questions about than her personal life and her children?”

Well, maybe when you want to legislate “abstinence only” sex education, rather than actual reproductive health education, it might have some bearing?

Did she opt to take her daughter out of traditional sex education, and home school her in abstinence?

And, how long after she suddenly slipped off to elope was Track born?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for pre-marital sex. And for condoms. And for consequences of one’s actions.

Hypocrisy? Not so much.

21. Independant Voter | 09.08.08

The main street media’s injection of biased views back fired. I did not watch the DNC convention and had no plans to watch the GOP convention until the media hypes went overboard ugly over an unknown nominee. Thanks to the shinning bias, I listened to Paulin and liked the breath of fresh air she added to the McCain ticket.

22. Steven Wilson | 09.08.08

Kale….Bush is no McCain…….I know McCain…….Bush doesn’t even look like him.
Palin is no Cheney…….I know Palin…..and she definitely looks better than Cheney.

Your Democratic talking points don’t fly…..These are two totally different persons. Just because you want us to believe that they are the same…..doesn’t make it so.

23. Pam | 09.08.08

I’m ashamed to be a woman when I hear people like LaLiveOak suggesting that women will vote for anyone in a skirt, regardless of their views– that’s a sexist position. And that’s the charge men have been making about women all along. LaOak proves them right.

Palin is at the opposite end of the political spectrum from Hillary. Hillary is pro-choice and Palin is against all abortions– even in the case of rape or incest, Hillary believes (along with 96% of the National Academy of Scientists) that global warming is a disaster and man-made. Palin spouts the neo-con denial of global warming and supports destruction of the environment in the quest for more and more oil, Palin tried to ban books in her local library, Hillary believes in free speech, Palin is a fundamentalist Christian whose pastor says that gays can be cured by religion. They are polar opposites and the differences go on and on….!

Any rational person who agrees with the views of Hillary would not like Palin — and vice-versa. And it is disgraceful that anyone would vote for someone just because they are female, disregarding their radical views.

Don’t drink the neo-con Kool-aid!

24. Grimy | 09.08.08

Did you hear what the McCain campaign did? My God he is brilliant! Brilliant!

One of his campaign staffers put some flags in the trash, took a photo, and started circulating a rumor (with photographic evidence!) that the Democrats threw flags in the trash at the convention.

Then, they took a bunch of flags and are going to distribute them in Colorado this week, on 9/11 and then tell everyone that they were “rescued” from the trash.

McCain is going to beat Obama! And there is nothing you can do about it! I love it! It is so smart.

25. Sheila Fass | 09.08.08

All the retoric,speeches, rally’s and interviews should stop at the word “book burner”. That alone scares me. I could never support Sarah on that one issue. Please, someone ask her what books she would have banned if she got her way.

26. Rob | 09.08.08

The lies have to catch up sometime and when they do….watch out….

McCain, Palin criticize Obama on earmarks
By SARA KUGLER – 1 hour ago

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) — John McCain and Sarah Palin are criticizing Democrat Barack Obama over requesting money for his home state of Illinois even though the Alaska governor’s record is mixed.

At a rally, the Republican presidential nominee and his running mate accused Obama of requesting nearly $1 billion in earmarks.

In fact, Obama hasn’t asked for any earmarks this year and last year, he sought $311 million worth.

Palin has cut back on pork-barrel requests, but in her two years as governor, Alaska has requested nearly $750 million, by far the largest per-capita request in the nation.

27. Arsenio | 09.08.08

I’m pretty sure she’s been prep very well, and have all of the questions & answers, just like John McCain at the Saddle Back Church interview. Give me a break! Republicans up to NO good as always.

28. Lori | 09.08.08

Once Palin has no script to read from or no one coaching her what to say, her “inexperience” will rear its ugly head and expose how clueless she really is. Come on, she didn’t even know that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were not run by the government. And she said this with McCain standing right next to her! If she thinks that her interview with Gibson will be a cakewalk, she had better beware and get off that high horse she is riding because this interview is the first of many that she will have to face alone. She might have “excited” the republican party, but her 15 minutes of fame will come to a screeching halt once she opens her big mouth and sticks her foot right in it!

29. Michelle | 09.08.08

There’s a lot of Women out there that don’t like the way Obama stepped on Hillary’s head, and rightly so!

McCain’s got a record of ACTION. Obama, well, he has a record of questionable friends, some who are in jail, some who should be going soon.

Go McCain / Palin 2008!!!

30. Chris | 09.08.08

ABC’s interview is a joke. this is not what we need with 2 months before an election. We vote on hype and lack knowledge. So American declines but wait…is there a light for social change and perhaps secession? The Republic of California sound great to me. Schwarznegger, wake up we want oil money checks, too! Yahooooo, free money via the republican party.

Who would believe the republicans would bring in the first true communist subversive to our government. The left should give this woman a chance.

Last year, 2007, Alaska’s legislature approved a major tax increase on those windfall profits of the oil industry. The state of Alaska has received more than $10 billion this year from oil revenue.

Thanks to the addition of these new taxes, that is double the amount it received the year before. The administraton of Alaska’s governor Sarah Palin now gives $1,200 to every single Alaskan to help them pay for gas. IN addition, each resident will receive an annual dividend of $2,000 from an oil-wealth savings account. Think what a family of 7 could do with that money (Gov. Palin has 7 members in her family).

That’s a fancy way of describing wealth redistribution , i.e., downright communism. And that is real change we can believe in. Will she do the same for the Lower 48 states?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwvPNXYrIyI

Congrads secession party just 6 months ago. 7 year membership as subverive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PizrJLV30yI&feature=related

God will punish America – her pastor knows America is evil just listen

Two months before the election we are not looking into her background and subversion of the U.S. No. we are preoccupied with her instant celebrity status. Her coming interview with ABC morning talk show host rahter than a real reporter who spent a career investigating politicians is the biggest joke of all.

Michelle Obama says she is proud of her country for the first time, and the media goes crazy on her disloyalty. This women and her husband are communits and secessionist, therefore the most unamerican couple to be elected, and we are preoccupied with her being a preppy soccer mom.

Well, in my state I want to know why Arnold Schwareznegger hasn’t go those big fact checks from the oil companies for every citizen of California. What’s wrong with him? Common Arnie, get us on that gravy train, too.

31. Chris | 09.08.08

Who would believe the republicans would bring in the first true communist subversive to our government. The left should give this woman a chance.

Last year, 2007, Alaska’s legislature approved a major tax increase on those windfall profits of the oil industry. The state of Alaska has received more than $10 billion this year from oil revenue.

Thanks to the addition of these new taxes, that is double the amount it received the year before. The administration of Alaska’s governor Sarah Palin now gives $1,200 to every single Alaskan to help them pay for gas. In addition, each resident will receive an annual dividend of $2,000 from an oil-wealth savings account. Think what a family of 7 could do with that money (Gov. Palin has 7 members in her family).

That’s a fancy way of describing wealth redistribution, i.e., downright communism. And that is real change we can believe in. Will she do the same for the Lower 48 states?

32. Westexacan | 09.08.08

If the United States falls into the hands of McCain / that woman from Alaska
God help my Grandchildren. The polls today show them ahead but that is no surprise since all the slim and lies the Republican rich have poured into this . It will be another Swift Boat and the National Debt will still get bigger and bigger and we will continue to borrow money from China to buy oil from Iraq and Saudia Arabia and all those others. What is the difference between Sahah Palin and Dick Cheney — Lipstick.
Palin must be that French name ‘Pa lie n’
The first interview she is going to give , the reporter has to give her his questions in advance, did you know that? Will be a soft shoe dance.

33. Tim | 09.08.08

“Governor Palin appeared on the Glenn Beck show in June discussing the State of Alaska’s lawsuit against the Bush administration for listing the polar bear on the Endangered Species list.”

Did I really hear her say during the Glenn Beck clip (at 3:45 into it) that she thinks the wars we are fighting are over oil. OMG this is so not true.

34. zak | 09.08.08

What I want to see is if Gibson will ask the stem cell question. “If a scientist or group of scientists is doing promising stem cell research on Down’s syndrome, how would you view such research?”

Or the health care question: “Shouldn’t all children with Down’s syndrome or other affictions be entitled to the care they need, and aren’t always getting under our current system?”

Or the library question: “Just what books did you try to remove from the shelves?”

35. Deborah J. | 09.08.08

Rick Davis, McCain’s campaign manager, also has stated that Palin should be shown “respect” and “deference” by the media. WRONG. You show a queen respect and deference. The responsibility of the media in our democratic society is to thoroughly vet Sarah Palin. First, ask the hard questions and, then, FOLLOW-UP. I have ZERO confidence in Charlie Gibson to adequately conduct this interview. In the Clinton-Obama debate he moderated, Gibson appeared to be deeply offended that Obama planned to raise his taxes.

Both Ferraro and Quayle were made available for interviews with the press within a few days of their selection as VP candidates. This sequestering of Palin has Karl Rove written all over it. It’s an outright mockery of our political process. Rove is a disgrace to our nation!

36. Immigration Lawyer | 09.08.08

Since Sarah Palin is supposed to be such a “barracuda,” why is McCain’s campaign manager Rick Davis woried about a “cycle of [press] piranhas”?

Though equally voracious, piranhas are much smaller fish; they shouldn’t be a match for a “barracuda.”

37. David T. | 09.08.08

Oh, you people are such whiners. “Yeah, but what about THIS, huh? Huh??” Your partisanship reeks of conjecture and ad nauseum. Perhaps your time would be better spent renewing your subscriptions of Us Weekly.

38. zak | 09.08.08

One more question:

“In 1972, George McGovern became the Liberal whipping boy for a generation to come by promising to give $1,000 to every man, woman and child in the U.S. But you’ve actually given the people of Alaska much larger amounts? Doesn’t that make you a bigger liberal than McGovern?”

39. cj | 09.08.08

Charles Gibson hasn’t been on GMA for over 2 years…he’s the anchor for ABC Nightly News.

40. Jacquie | 09.08.08

I assume you meant ABC New’s Charlie Gibson, and that the interview will be on ABC World News not Good Morning America as your article infers?

41. Emily | 09.08.08

Charlie Gibson is so blatantly repugnican, this interview will be nothing more than propaganda. I can’t even stand to watch him. He should just go to FoxNews where he belongs. He’s not a journalist, he’s a joke.

42. cj | 09.08.08

Also, I wouldn’t be so sure about Gibson being a creampuff interviewer. In the Democratic Primary Debate, he sure didn’t hold back on the dirt-digging questions. He seems like a nice guy on the exterior, but he was a pretty hefty political attack-dog reporter in late 70s and early 80s…very similar to mentor Sam Donaldson.

43. Bad Hat Harry | 09.08.08

Charlie Gibson? After this interview, Sarah Palin will be able to add ‘Softball’ to her resume of hockey mom, moose shooter and mayor of podunct.

44. Tim Kelley, St. Paul, MN | 09.08.08

What a bunch o whiners! she took her case to the people and they make the decision…NOT THE MEDIA! If the media types keep this up they will hand the election to McCain. Barack should call off his media watchdogs or their attacks are going to backfire.

List of WARS (where more than 5,000 people died) and who got us into them.

Civil War- Democrats

WW I- Democrats - Wilson
WW II- Democrats - Roosevelt
Korea- Democrats- Truman
Viet Nam- Democrats- Kennedy, LBJ

hmmm…

why doesn’t someone do a story about the “paid” peace protesters….they are lobbyists in a sense too aren’t they!!!!! (one of them admitted they were paid extra if they got arrested.

45. Tim Kelley, St. Paul, MN | 09.08.08

the media libs are in a flat out frenzy over this….it is just plain DE-lightful…as Doug Heffernan would say.

46. Tim Kelley, St. Paul, MN | 09.08.08

media=dumpster diving sewer rats, scurrying to dig up anything they can from day one of the veep announcement to try and dirty her reputation. These people do not have a DECENT bone in their body or DECENT thought in their head. It is fun to watch THEM IN SUCH A FREZY - THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY TOTAL SURPRISE ON THIS.

Pirahna is a compliment- SEWER RATS IS MORE ACCURATE

47. chuck23 | 09.08.08

As I predicted the first woman that will become the vice president and president will come from the GOP. Too bad that the democrats and the media railroaded Hilary. I also predict that Hilary’s faithful followers will support the GOP. At the end, the GOP will capture the white house again, and I blame the media and the democratic party for this.

48. dan | 09.08.08

When Obama was being slammed about Rev Wright, where did he go to talk about it? He went to that hard hitting journalistic show called The View.
You know the one where the show’s owner…what’s her name …oh yeah Oprah recently said that she cried her eyelash’s off at the DNC convention. Yet when asked if she would allow Sarah Palin to appear she said no…why…because she doesn’t do candidates.

Correct me if I am wrong but wasn’t Obama running for president when he was on the show? Of course he was but where is the media calling her on this out right lie.

Then there was the hard hitting Vanity Fair article.

It has taken Obama 20 months to appear on Fox…and yet you are complaining Palin hasn’t done the real media in the last 20 days? Hypocrites!!!

49. Ray | 09.08.08

There are many credible reports of Sarah Palin’s church’s fervent belief in a pending Rapture as told in the New Testament book of Revelation. Since many evangelicals actually want to see Armageddon in their lifetimes, this could have nightmarish implications for U.S. foreign policy if she were ever to become President. The American people deserve the hard truth about Sarah Palin.

50. Tate | 09.08.08

I can’t wait to here Gov. Palin talk with the nice Libreal Democrats (The media). I also can’t wait for Her to debate Sen. Joe Biden.

I only wish She could debate Sen. Obama. I think they should. Barack said He has more experience to run the Country than She does. I’m not sure if He was talking about President or Vice President, but I think She could out debate both Biden and Obama at the same time.

Sen. Biden is a big talker. I hope they have a clock for Him at the debate or He might talk for 15 mintues without saying anything at all.

51. steven | 09.08.08

I’m an intelligent person - I think - a teacher, a very leftist Democrat, but I see through impartial eyes that Palin is being criticised visciously like I’ve rarely seen before. As a teacher, I object to lots of things I see nowadays in books - sometimes I’m beyond shocked by what I read.

Not every kid is the same, but impressionable minds in most render this type of writing unsuitable and I often wonder exactly what we are doing to our culture by “freedom of expression,” and not controlling it when needed.

Sarah Palin was probably right in what she wanted, and many will agree with her public library - paid for by taxpapers who also have a right to voice their values - actions or almost-actions.

Every day I see Palin ripped apart in the press and wonder why? Because she’s a Republican? Because she’s a woman? because she has 5 kids and dares to be an executive?

The more apalling the media cruelty, the more I’m leaning toward voting for McCain. He’s an old imperfect imp of a guy, but he has guts and experience - as does palin - and I’m leaning away from Obama and the ultra attack leftist press and TV celebrities, who are also cruel in their comments - much like my eight-grade childish students who’ll say anything for attention.

52. Roger Dodger | 09.08.08

What about America? Don’t we care what happens about job loss, the mortgage crisis, banking industry and their arbitrary interest increases on credit? Don’t we care what our children will have when we’re gone? Don’t we remember what this flag stands for? It does NOT stand for “my religion is better than yours,” and “everyone who doesn’t believe my god is wrong.” We all live under that flag, and the narrow minded thinking about abortion, homosexuals and other private matters are NOT what this election is about!! Give me back my America — stay at church, if you’d like, but I Want America BACK!!!

53. Roger Dodger | 09.08.08

Hey! Sarah Palin is NOT being ripped apart!! She’s a woman who is a politician — she wants to be Vice President? Let her feel the heat! AND the child of her daughter is NOT what the criticism is about. It’s about her $4029 per resident earmarks for Wasilla, the Bridge to Nowhere which SHE SUPPORTED, until she DIDn’t, and other questionable issues. She, as a person is articulate, savvy and a good politician. She’s going to serve in the White House — she needs to be put under the microscope - and perhaps with more scrutiny than the vetting process allowed…..

54. ZachJones | 09.08.08

Just a quick update on the whole book banning thing. CNN reported today that the email that was circulated was a hoax. Unfortunately, we will see a lot more of these (misrepresentations) coming out in an attempt to destroy Gov. Palin. With an 85% approval rating in Alaska, she’s probably liked by some. I like her. Zach

55. LaRae | 09.08.08

It’s about time… Now that the regime thinks they are done giving her acting lessons and drilling her with all the right things to say.

It’s time to unite!

Here is an interesting read regarding McCain’s choice of Palin. It is from the most unique religious perspective I have ever heard. I highly recommend checking it out:

http://www.newsflavor.com/Opinions/McCain-Hijacks-Christianity-Via-Palin.240929

56. lonecrone | 09.08.08

I’m so very tired of having the C students in charge in the Whitehouse. I want the smart people, the 4.0 GPA people, the ones with brains in charge. I do think that the people who are quick to cry “egghead” are the ones the teachers had to push to even attend class, let along actually pay attention. They did poorly and hate their teachers, so anybody with brains is suspect.

Ms Palin took 6 years to complete a BA in journalism. John McCain was at the bottom of his class at Annapolis. So far, in the speeches I’ve listened to on Cspan, since the RNC, niether one has said anything of substance. Their lead off is always in the tone of “how about the USA? Are we great or what?” and “Small town folks are the best folks” and “when I was in a cell for 5 1/2 year I couldn’t(fill in the blank) Then Palin turns her sarcasm on and tells lies about the opposition. All this appeals to those who’s only news source is Fox News and who believe everything Bill O’Reilly says.

It worked for G.W. Bush who managed to convince these same people that he’s just an ordinary, God fearing guy. They overlooked his birth in to an aristocratic Maine family as he transformed himself into a down home Texan. They ignored his elitist Ivy League educational background and his poor performance in school. And they elected him… twice.

I hope Gibson steers away from those family matters that are non issues, and asks her the really hard questions. You know, the ones that people who didn’t sleep in class know the answers to.

57. AG Musgrove | 09.08.08

Will Charlie Gibson ask Sarah Palin for proof that she actually killed a moose and field dressed it? This would satisfy doubters like myself.

58. steven | 09.08.08

You need ALL THE FACTS before you judge. She supported the bridge UNTIL the details changed and the state was required to chip in a much larger amount than originally planned - that’s when she changed her mind and said forget it. A once-good deal had become a financial burden to the state and she said no. When you know that detail, it changes the whole picture - she didn’t flip-flop as has been reported but made a wise decision based on newly required parameters for the state. Unlike some others, she makes decisions and can even adapt sensibly to changes. This is an executive.

59. CDavis | 09.08.08

If you all knew anything about Alaska and the way the dividends are handed out, you would not even try to lay this at Palin’s feet. The PFD was set up in the 80’s. Gov. Palin wasn’t even out of high school then. When Alaskans get the PFD, it is based on some complex formula and then distributed to every Alaskan who is eligible for that year. I know of some families whose only income is the PFD. Idiots.

60. CDavis | 09.08.08

Good answer, steven. That is exactly why she didn’t go for the bridge. She might have been for it when campaigning, but once she won and really got a look at what the bridge entailed, she made an executive decision not to accept it. Smart move, Sarah. She wasn’t the VP candidate then, she was already governor, so why else would she do that? I ask you all. Think about it. I am an Alaskan, so I think I know a little bit about this.

61. arielb | 09.08.08

To be honest, if the story about her wanting the librarian to get rid of some books in the library is true…then who cares. As a mother of 4, there are definately books out there that I would not want my kids to “discover” in a library. Its called protecting childrens minds. Again, liberals and it seems demorcrats, and maybe even some republicans think that the more access to garbage , whether its news reports, music, books, etc, the better off people will be. Look how much better we as a people are because we get to see, hear, and read ANYTHING and EVERYTHING thats out there….
I dont see anything wrong with a mother wanting to protect the minds of children…

62. maribel | 09.08.08

You must ask all the questions, whether they are tough or not. Palin doesn’t believe in teaching abstinent in schools how does she now feel about her pregnant teenage daughter whom is still in school and not married.

Where does she stand in health care?

Where does she stand on the war are our troops coming home, Plans?

Economy?

Foreclosure crisis?

Gun control?

You cannot give her any slack!

63. arielb | 09.08.08

Rodger Dodger….you have your America. This is is. this is what “freedom of expression” is….this is what you get when everyone wants their “freedoms”..chaos!

Steven is right when he says that Palin is being treated unfairly in the media…you are not seeing it because you dont want to….

I consider myself to be pretty intelligent also, AND a mother of 4. I was not sure who I was going to vote for and after listening to the media, I was blown away at how they use the Enlish language to raise Obama to a higher, almost deity position. Its subtle at times, but its there, always.

64. peping&lali | 09.08.08

#46. Dan,and #48 & 55. Steven
These 3 comments bring order out of the chaos that the spinning spinners
want the public to be overwhelmed with.
Public statements and even facts can look ugly when taken out of context.
This seems to be the marching order of the demolition team let loose against Gov. Palin and her family.

65. ernie | 09.09.08

Questions that need to be answered by Paulin.

* You have been skeptical that global warming is caused by humans. On what basis do you reject the scientific consensus that fossil fuels and human activity have contributed to climate change?

* You asked the librarian in your town about the policy for banning books. Are there books you think should be kept from the public?

* You have claimed credit for killing the “bridge to nowhere,” the $398-million link between Ketchikan and Gravina Island. Didn’t you support it until it was clear Congress was not willing to pay for the much-ridiculed project?

* You have said students should be allowed to “debate both sides” of evolution. Should creationism be taught alongside evolution in the public schools? Do you believe in evolution?

* What’s at the root of the terrorist problem in Pakistan? And how would you make progress, which has eluded the Bush administration, in that dangerous country?

* Your opponents claim you and McCain would just extend the Bush administration for another four years. Cite three instances in which you have differed with the president.

66. kelli | 09.09.08

Mike, You want to talk about scary stuff…how about launching your political career in the living room of an American TERRORIST as Barak Obama did? NOW THAT IS SCARY STUFf. You people kill me. DO SOME RESEARCH. This guy is bad news and has charmed you people into thinking he is the savior of the world. Grow a brain and think for yourselves instead of letting the news media do it for you!!!

67. Arsenio | 09.09.08

You people from the right are soooo brain dead.
I’ll bet half of you are in debt right now and
can barely afford your homes, but you still want
to live 4 more years of the last 8. That’s sad..
You people need to wake up and swallow your pride,
at least for the future generations. Republicans
screwed it up and it going to take fresh minds, and
change to fix it. Not some rusted minded republican
who thanks of nothing but war, or some PTA mom that’s
focused on nothing but hockey!!!!

68. Nellie | 09.09.08

You may not agree with Sarah’s views, but at least we know where she has been the past 20 years. The public can check her records.

WHERE WAS OBAMA? There are many years where the public knows NOTHING about his history.

He says he went to New York for his 3rd and 4th year of college. No one remembers him.

He says he lived in the worst slum area of New York. He has contributed no addresses. No one remembers him.

He says he didn’t have a job. How did he eat, pay rent? His sister visited him and said he was “holed up” in his brownstone apartment.

WHO WAS PAYING HIS RENT? WHERE DID HE ACTUALLY LIVE? DID HE GO TO COLLEGE - OR OVERSEAS FOR TRAINING? HOW MANY TIMES DID HE VISIT HIS TWO FATMERS’ HOME LANDS DURING THIS TIME?? Let the public check those records.

Then, with very low grades (even with a 4.0 in New York, he by his own admission partyed during his first 2 years of college in CA) HOW DID HE EVER GET INTO HARVARD??? WHO PULLED THOSE STRINGS?? HONEST AMERICAN MEN? Let the public see those records.

Let the public have a full history from 18 to 35 years old on this guy…then compare it to Sarah’s.

How did HE get vetted with so many holes in his history??

69. Johns Son | 09.09.08

Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air who embodies honesty,integrity, intelligence, political expereince and a determination to serve our country as Vice President.Except for the agregious comments from the left wing of the democratic party, the country has accepted her as a great human being, full of charm,honor and a great American Leader.

70. Janet Esmirine | 09.09.08

Will Palin have another baby in white-house if she’s elected?
I just can’t vote for someone so irresponsible!

71. Ma Kettle | 09.09.08

Nellie, (#64)- What do you know about the first 30 years of Jesus’ life, prior to the start of His public ministry? Any secret trips home to His :FATMER’S (???) homeland? (What’s that all about?) Other Give me a break!

72. jennie | 09.12.08

Sara Palin is about everything America doesnt need right now we do not need someone who only thinks WAR, HUNTING, no choice for women on child birth yes im sure it is better to make a women whose is a crack head have her baby soooo logical only to name a few

73. KELLI KELLEY | 09.12.08

First time I have ever heard Charlie Gibson being a hostile interviewer.

74. Jean | 09.12.08

Rather than go to the promised land with a competent African American leader, it appears that white America would rather go to **** with an unqualified white female.

Another thing, “conservative” seems to be just another word for “white racist”. There is no way that Mr. Obama can win over these “white conservatives” aka ***. He shouldn’t waste his time.

75. Eve | 09.12.08

Sarah Palin was horrible on the Charlie Gibson interview. After days of studying, I think I could have done better with one day of prepping. I can repeat what someone tells me. Gibson had to be “soft and gentle”. I feel as a woman, I would not want to be treated any differently than my counterparts. She should stand up for herself. I think Palin is dangerous and McCain has PTSD, which makes him extremely dangerous. Because of his experiences, he can only think of war. FYI: The advisors should assist Sarah in increasing her vocabulary. After all, how much can you learn from Moose-hunting. Oh, I know — LIPSTICK.

76. FRANK KRAWCZYK | 09.12.08

Go SARAH, GO BABY Time for a real change

77. Eve | 09.13.08

Anyone — just google “Obama worldview”. This man can make a difference in foreign policies and relations. Everyone loves them man except America. I wonder why? McCain/Palin - They do not compare to Obama/Biden. McCain should retire and Sarah Palin should start her reality show called the “Ailings Palins”.

78. RA | 09.14.08

I have voted Republican most of my life. But, the all or nothing Republican state primaries do not allow us enough time to select the best candidate. It is over before we have time to totally evaluate our choices. As a result, we have weak Republican candidates that graduate the bottom of their class. I remember sitting through Bush’s first election against Gore and just hoping he would not make a fatal error in the debates.

After much thought, I have turned independent and will be voting for Barach Obama. I think we need some strong minds and new thinking in this challenging world we are facing. After this interview, the McCain/ Paulin ticket scares me. I do not want two mavericks. I want a think tank that will not pull the trigger first. I want thoughtful networking. War should be a last resort and supported by all the citizens. It is very evident that these two are not the best we can do. Our country has unprecedented challenges ahead. We need to look past our party allegiances, race and sex bias, and vote for the best team we have available. For me, it is Obama/Biden!

1. Palin Media Avoidance Watch: Day 9 - Political Wrinkles | 09.09.08

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