(Stephen Nowers/Anchorage Daily News/MCT/Newscom)
Palin’s church heavily damaged in fire - arson suspected
By Jimmy Orr | 12.14.08
Sarah Palin’s family will have to attend church in a local school this morning after a fire ripped through her church on Friday evening.
The fire, estimated to have caused $1 million in damages to the Wasilla Bible Church, has been labeled “suspicious” by James Steele, chief of the Central Mat-Su Fire Department.
Potential arson
Steele told the Anchorage Daily News that investigators are looking at the cause of the blaze as “potential arson” and said it was too early to link the fire to the exposure the church received as a result of Palin’s vice-presidential run.
“Right now there’s no indication that we have that there’s any connection there. We just don’t have any leads at all as far as the intent or motive in this,” Steele said.
The fire, the largest of the year for the department, “was was set at the entrance of the church” according to the Associated Press and was battled by firefighters for nearly eight hours before it was fully extinguished. Reports are that five women were inside the building at the time of the fire. No one was injured.
Palin statement
Governor Palin visited the church on Saturday and her office later released a statement.
“Gov. Palin stopped by the church this morning, and she told an assistant pastor that she apologizes if the incident is in any way connected to the undeserved negative attention the church has received since she became a vice-presidential candidate on Aug. 29. Whatever the motives of the arsonist, the governor has faith in the scriptural passage that what was intended for evil will in some way be used for good.”
Palin is in Juneau today, but the Anchorage Daily News said her children were planning on attending services at the makeshift church.
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2. Glenn | 12.14.08
Burning Governor Palin’s church is so wrong. If it was arson then you can assume it was from the same group of liberals that run around preaching peace and no war in iraq. This is hypocrisy at it’s finest.
3. Mike | 12.14.08
What makes one think that this was due to arson? Please do not come to those conclusions unless some evidence exists. Accidents due happen.
4. VeridicalAngel | 12.14.08
Our country’s foundation is built on God. If you look back in time, the greatest leaders relied on God to help them make their decisions for our country. It would hard to actually have politics without religion. At least here, we have the freedom FOR NOW, to choose the religion we prefer or none at all. Burning a church, well, they’ll pay. Now or later. Or both.
6. DJ Mealor | 12.14.08
This may be slightly off topic but if it was a synagogue or a mosque that was burned would they have offered to hold the services in a *public* school? This furthers the American endorsement of one religion over others and is a shame that those who pick and choose what to believe in their own holy book are doing the same with the U.S. Constitution.
7. mic | 12.14.08
the last thing i would want is someone in government who does not believe in God.What rules would he/she follow? What would temper their greed,lust,pride,etc.? Sodom and Gomorah is an example of what people will do if left to their own devices-We need people in government that have religion.
8. Chad, CO | 12.14.08
Well KEVIN must be a detective in Wasilla since he already knows a liberal did it….. Maybe it was some local kids with nothing better to do after they got drunk and knocked up one of Sarah’s daughter’s friends… Who knows?… (Kevin thinks he does)… What if it was a restaraunt in her town instead of the church?… Nobody would care… However since it was a church it is front page news… A church is just business that doesn’t pay taxes… Maybe some child was molested by a celibate preist and got ****** off when he realized it was wrong… Who knows?… (Kevin thinks it was a liberal, lets lynch em all……..)
9. YouGottaBe Kidding | 12.14.08
‘Based on God’ and ‘based on Christianity’ are two different things, please note. Thomas Jefferson, who did indeed believe in God was a deist and had this to say about Christianity: “I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature.”
For the facts about what our country was founded on visit, for example, http://freethought.mbdojo.com/foundingfathers.html.
Many, if not most Christians, in my experience aren’t interested in facts, but they’re there if you’re honest.
10. Gene | 12.14.08
You might want to use your spell check when you do(due?)write responses and are bored (board?).
11. Beth Watkins | 12.14.08
This is sad and so wrong. However, it’s also wrong to assume automatically that it was arson from angry liberals. Here in Georgia there have been several church burnings that turned out to be totally non-political and non-racist. The culprits were bored teenagers with too much time and alcohol on their hands. And no adult supervision, of course.
12. Margo | 12.14.08
If this was indeed arson, it was probably local; maybe they tried to finger another “witch” in the community? Or it may have been a teenage prank gone wrong. I seriously doubt anyone from the lower 48 would bother to trek all the way to Alaska to burn down a warehouse.
Palin’s ego makes her assume everything is about her. It should be noted that her guest appearances and general newsworthyness has dropped of sharply in the ast couple of weeks…’nough said.
13. steve | 12.14.08
Wow. Can we not jump on the “blame the liberals” wagon yet? Why do you people like to do that? Have you not gotten the clue that all you are doing is adding to the divisiveness, not helping it?
Burning any institution is wrong, not matter whom you are. But let an investigation happen before you pile on. Remember everyone was blaming Muslim terriorists for Oklahoma City and then were shocked to find out that not only was it an American, but an CONSERVATIVE American vet.
14. Alec | 12.14.08
Agreed, but unlikely. The rabid anti-Palin fever that infected the media and country for a few months makes it entirely reasonable to assume that this was arson.
15. john | 12.14.08
Why do the authorities believe arson? Do they know if Satan visited a place he probably feels quite welcome?
16. sonia | 12.14.08
Must be the same type of nut who broke into her email. Mysoginy, fervor and bandwagonning go hand in hand. On the theory of a loose teen could be possible - if so we need Singapore laws out here.
17. albert | 12.14.08
Obviously the work of some right-wing crazyman who wants people to blame the liberals.
19. somanyidiots | 12.14.08
Kevin, look up new words before using them. Find out how to spell them and what they mean. That way you won’t sound so much like an idiot.
from wikipedia:
Pundit means expert. The term originates from the Sanskrit term paṇḍitá (India), meaning learned. Speculation exists that the term’s contemporary use may have its origins in a Yale University society known as “The Pundits” which, founded in 1884.
20. Tony | 12.14.08
Kevin has some great comments except for “idiotic liberal.” Arson is always idiotic and I hope they find the culprit and punish the person severly. But this idiot arsonist doesn’t speak for 99% of liberals and I think the label in this instance is very unfair. Just as it would be unfair to refer to an abortion clinic bomber as a Christian.
21. chuck | 12.14.08
This could be completely unrelated to Palin, maybe a drunkard who wandered into the church was careless with a cigarette, or beligerent with fire.
22. peter | 12.14.08
The left is thankful for Palin, her episodes on SNL were the funniest for quite some time. Ohh yeah, the left won the election, so there is no bad blood towards her. I suppose one disappointed by the outcome, upset that Palin was not actually wonder-woman would have more to say.
My last guesses would be a drunk prank gone awful, someone with an insurance policy on the church collecting, someone who was expected a favor from the Governor and didn’t receive it, or Sen. Ted Stevens is trying to go out with a bang before he’s locked up.
25. threedee | 12.14.08
regardless of what type of place it was..it is private property, now add that it is a place of worship. if this was found to be arson the perpetrator should be punished to the full extent of the law.
it just happens that this was Palin’s christian church. The same outrage and penalty should be applied no matter if it is a Jewish or Islamic temple, a southern black church, or the Vatican for that matter.
For those that want to throw in our faces that this country was founded on religion…I would say to you the writers of our constitution, while they may be spiritual, where very careful about not mixing church and state. History tells us that our early settlers were fleeing from the oppressive demands on religious belief. That is why our constitution states specifically that we have freedom of religion, which also recognizes the individual right not to have any.
The greatest priveledge we have as Americans is our individuality and our founders tried to recognize this with the constitution.
It takes a left wing and a right wing to make a bird fly!
26. sam | 12.14.08
Poor syntax aside, Gene, a spell checker would not flag due or board as those words are not misspelled.
27. dave | 12.14.08
The constant hate coming from the left has never been more apparent as indicated by some of the comments. Palin was vilified, her family and beliefs were attacked. It’s easy to surmise that the haters would go so far as to burn a church.
28. Gabe, CO | 12.14.08
And maybe Chad is a perfect example of why Kevin and others feel so negative about liberals.
It’s because you’re all a bunch of drama queens, hypocrites, and hippies. You preach about woman’s choice, and turn around and criticize Sarah Palin’s unwed pregnant daughter as if she was 13 or something. Then you criticize the church for it’s very limited (but highly published) corruption. And it’s with every issue, from energy to the economy, to pregnancy and marriage, and whatever else I can think of. I guess that makes you a strong family man, to be able to be so flexible on every issue. Or maybe you’re gender confused. I don’t know.
I hope all the bad things in life happen to you, and nobody else.
29. Tom from Colorado | 12.14.08
That’s right Kevin and Glenn, blame some “liberal”, it’s easier than actually *thinking* for yourself. Listen to Sean and Rush and Glenn and then you’ll know what you’re supposed to think.
*If* it’s arson, it could be someone who doesn’t like Sarah Palin or it could be someone who doesn’t like the minister of the church or it could be someone who gets off on lighting fires. And if it is someone who doesn’t like Sarah Palin, it’s a lot more likely to be someone she’s stabbed in the back. Alaska politics has a lot of those, in case you didn’t know.
Regardless of why the fire happened or who, if anyone, set it, the congregation of this church doesn’t deserve this trouble, especially right before Christmas. Maybe you should stop speculating about who did it and start thinking about what you can do to help out. A donation maybe? Even ten bucks from 1% of the people who read this article would make a big difference.
30. Eileen | 12.14.08
If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck and looks like a duck, its a duck. I already heard on the news that her church was in the “limelight” for its conference in Anchorage concerning help in exiting or avoiding homosexuality. …and so MANY who hate us Christians for believing our doctrine(teaching)of what the Bible says might feel justified burning that church. Its just too bad that the prevalance of this doesn’t get reported in the mainstream news media.
31. Rthomas | 12.14.08
As a liberal, not a church-goer, I find church-burning very offensive. However, to assume (as so many right-wingers here and on other sites do) that this must have been started by a liberal is just as offensive! Why don’t you wait until there is some evidence and a suspect before you start pointing fingers?
32. steve | 12.14.08
It may have been the Ruskies. the don’t have very far to lob them there Molotav cocktails. Right over Sarah’s front porch to hit her church. I’d look there. Then maybe Sarah could send out the Mighty Alaskan National Guard, with her riding at the helm on a tank. Think about what that could do to her creds. Wow. Start WWIII…
33. matthew | 12.14.08
Why would He? Doesn’t He say that He will “sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust”.Salvation isn’t in a building.
34. JOSEPH_D | 12.14.08
I am not a Christian but I do tend to be liberal thinking on social issues. I object to Kevin’s comment that the torching was the result of a “liberal pundant who is not fully satisfied with a November victory”. No Kevin, the burning of the church is the result of some simple minded bigot, and we do not know what their political leanings are. Let’s call it what it is, A Hate Crime.
35. steve | 12.14.08
Gabe, does it make you a better person to criticize others for calling people names by calling them names? If you truly want to rise above, follow your prophet.
36. ChuckH | 12.14.08
“Palin’s ego makes her assume everything is about her”. Really? Do you have some special insight into what Palin’s assumptions are?
What makes one think that this was due to arson? Well, the Fire Chief stated that it is “suspicious”. Arson however is a crime of general intent meaning that arson was committed “willfully and maliciously.” It could have been accidental without being arson. But people will assume arson based on the “suspicious” comment.
“What if it was a restaurant in her town instead of the church?” If it was a restaurant Chad, it wouldn’t have been tied to a high profile individual. It is the association with the Governor that makes it news, not the building. If it was just a church in a town no one ever heard of, it still wouldn’t have made the news.
“Maybe some child was molested by a celibate priest and got ****** off when he realized it was wrong”. It isn’t a Catholic church, there isn’t any celibacy involved.
37. Sven | 12.14.08
Any act of arson is wrong, but no one should jump to conclusions about who did this and what the motivation was. Let law enforcement and the justice system deal with that. As to religion in public life, this is not a Christian country that tolerates other religions. It is a secular country that is majority Christian. There’s a big difference there. Those who do not believe in any religion or god are just as much a part of America as anyone else. They can be good or bad people just like religious folks. They just don’t use supernatural reasons to be good or bad. Atheists have a right to participate in government and there should not be a religion “litmus test” for holding public office.
38. Melissa | 12.14.08
Look, this has got to stop on both sides. Whoever burned this church is (to say the least) an idiot. The culprit probably was a radical liberal. However, there are certainly radical conservatives as well. I guess as a Democrat, I’m a liberal, but I’m just so tired of this ****. Liberals, conservatives, it’s time to start remembering that we’re all on the same side. We just have differing opinions. We should ALL be of the opinion that burning a church is an abomination. There shouldn’t even be a debate there. I’m glad Governor Palin could find it in her heart to be so positive about this situation despite how terrible it is. Liberals and conservatives alike should be sorry that it happened.
39. A. Friend from WA | 12.14.08
It was fairly certain that after SOOOO much hate was generated by the “Regressives” (oops, I think THEY spell it “Progessive”) something like this was BOUND to happen! Liberals only believe in freedom of speech for liberals, if the rest of us have something to say that they disagree with, they call hit “Hate Speech”. So, afer generating all that scorchingly angry and hateful hateful non-hate speech towards Sarah Palin, is it ANY wonder some LIBERAL flake torched her church? And - no big surpise if it’s some sideways thinking teen that they brainwashed into doing it. Who with a responsible frame of mind IS a lberal anyhow? That’s why the Democratic party appeals so much to ‘young people’. Because they have not yet learned to think for themselves apart from the crowd…. Don;t worry Sarah! They’ll catch the Lib that did this! Yep, somebody with the uncomplicated mind of a child!
40. B from NBMA | 12.14.08
Jumping to the conclusion that this is the work of an anti Palin- anti right wing-liberal nut is to the conclusion some neocon racist wants you to jump.
The fact is: liberals do not burn churches. Church arson is the tool of terror white supremacists direct at black congregations and Jewish temples and religions that are not right wing evangelical. This has the stench of white supremacists hoping to frame liberals. Won’t work!
42. Leftie | 12.14.08
Reichstag fire rings a bell? Just so that all the yahoos would go “Oh, see - evil liberals burned Sarah’s Palin church.” Just like this Ashley Todd girl who carved a backwards “B” in her plump cheek in front of the mirror (McCain Supporters are intell) and then said that it was a “big black guy”. Same guy probably set the fire to this church.
43. Xato | 12.14.08
Kevin and Glenn also thought the federal building bombing was done by Arabs… Tell me why the goverment didnt round up all the Scottsman and put em in Gitmo?
44. dave | 12.14.08
The purveyors of hate were never more outspoken than in this recent election and its immediate aftermath. And, Palin was the ideal object for these spewers of venom. She represents everything the left finds objectionable - hardworking, honest, moral, strong and patriotic. Mostly they hate her for being a decent human being.
45. Ben | 12.14.08
I laugh at lots of these folks who call themselves Christians talking about the their doctrine and beliefs. I think Jesus would be appalled when we sees what Christianity in America has morphed into.
And for that whole “Christian Nation” thing, you might want to learn about that thing called the establishment clause.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”.
What does that mean? We are certainly not a Christian nation, nor a nation which endorses ANY religion. Thank God.
46. A B. | 12.14.08
All of you need to get a life and go outside and do something other than argue about a church burning, Sarah Palin or whatever else you are griping about.
47. democrat from alabama | 12.14.08
Burning a church is wrong regardless of who does it or why. I happen to be a democrat (and a Christian…imagine that!) and did not support her candidacy, but this is the United States of America where you have the right to vote, speak freely, and have your voice heard no matter who is elected. And last time I heard, we still have a justice system that assumes innocence until guilt is proven. We all may have our own assumptions on who would have done such a heinous, violent act, but the perpetrator(s) and those who publish sensational conclusions are the ones who seem to be benefitting by this discussion. Right now, I believe the ones who deserve our empathy are the people who have lost their place of worship.
48. Craig I | 12.14.08
Well, if there truly is an all knowing lord, I say send ‘em to levitate the perps and drop them in front of the police station.
As to wanting someone in power who “has faith” in unknown things, well…..GW professed such faith, and we see where that got us! Some people never learn. To most politicians, religion is simply another way to divide and conquer…and to make stupid people vote for them.
Morality, ethics, kindness and all those other good things existed before religion and exist outside of religion. Just because I say the Super Spaghetti Monster makes the sun come up in the morning does not make it so.
50. Reader | 12.14.08
“the last thing i would want is someone in government who does not believe in God.What rules would he/she follow? What would temper their greed,lust,pride,etc.? Sodom and Gomorah is an example of what people will do if left to their own devices-We need people in government that have religion.”
The last thing anyone should want is someone in government who can’t think for themselves, can’t discern right from wrong based on analysis of the issues, and who bases his or her decisions on fiction and platitudes written hundreds of years ago. Government needs intelligent, critical thinkers - not “believers” who reply on others and books to think for them. Most wars have been started over religious ideology and righteousness.
I am sorry about the arson but I agree with the person who wondered if the public school now hosting services would have done so if the victims were not Christian. You couldn’t pay me to say a nice thing about Palin’s right wing church, but violence is never a solution.
51. jesus | 12.14.08
More Republican lies! It’s either a town juvenile, Sara Palin trying to get back in the lime light or an accident. Either way Republicans will milk it for everything it’s worth. They lie with out conscience all the time. It’s how they work. If anything, Liberals would won’t Sara in good spirits so she can run against Obama in 2012 and lose. Why would they jeopardize that?
52. Jack | 12.14.08
Speculation is so fun!!
Let’s see — the fire was started because Palin lost the election — that makes so much sense. A hate crime of the highest order?
How about: a deranged member of the Alaska Republican Party decides Palin has not yet had enough air time so . . . . how about a little fire party there?
Then again: the fire was started by a pile of oily rags in a closet that was lit by a spark from the boiler? That works.
I know: The Ruskies are doing it again - outraged by comments of Sara Palin that she was peeking through their curtains from across the neighborly water alley, KGB agents were foiled at Ted Stevens International Airport by security as they tried to smuggle radioactive soup to the gov. So in a rage they take a Fleet of Zodiacs across the water and plant a firebomb in the holy sepulchre of the Baptist Convention as a slap to American interference. Naaa . . .
Oh, I know: a LIBERAL PlOT to link Sara Palin with Christian persecution. That would be the perfect run-up to an election in 2012, when Sara and Todd plan to run for dogcatchers in Wasilla. That’s it!! Sara of Arc!! Go right wing!!
I do hope one day this pitiful pol will no longer be on our radar, but then what will we do for entertainment?
Conclusion: perhaps the fire marshall was wrong about the accidental manner in which which the LSD Temple was burned to the ground in Anchorage last year!!! It must have been another conservative plot!
Kevin, the correct spelling for your useage of the word is ‘grow bored.’ As to your desire for punishment, if arson were involved the perpetrator would be charged with attempted murder under the felony murder rule, since the building was occupied and as a church would be considered a human habitation. creating a grave risk of death or injury and the felony count of burglary. The punishment for burglary, arson and attempted murder is severe.
As yet however, no information has been released indicating that this was an intentional fire. Insurance fraud is the most common motive for such fires, rather than a “suspected” vendetta against a public figure or a losing candidate. In this case, candidate Palin was alledged to have have incited hate in her rallies, focused on her black opponent. Historically, black churches have been burned by white racists of the same sort Palin was accused of pandering towards. Even now we have witnessed an increase in the number of racist incidents in public high schools, since the election.
The vast majority of church burnings in the past have been by fiercely conservative groups and individuals, but liberals tend to favor fraternity, sisterhood, and pacifism. Additionally, derangement is seen much more commonly among the conservative mentality as shown by brain imaging studies, and large scale psychological assessments.
Aimless speculation as to a Palin connection is premature in the extreme.
53. paul | 12.14.08
hey DJ Mealor,
reading the other comments about jumping to conclusions about arson…..
it very well could be a public school but where on there does it say that. it says a “local” school. could very easily be a private one….
54. Robert s | 12.14.08
Most church arson events in past few years have been tied to teenagers and college kids doing pranks. I bet this will be the case too here. No politics, no racial motives, just kids being DUMB! and then having jail time to do too.
55. Tim G. in Hillsboro Oregon | 12.14.08
I guess no more witch cleansing or praying for political success in that tax free zone!
56. Sarah | 12.14.08
I feel so sorry for anyone who has no ethics, values, or moral compass outside of God or the bible, and I am afraid of the cruelty and heartlessness of those people. Most people of faith use their internal ethics and values to guide them to believe in the beneficence of religion and to reject the extremism of religion that most Americans currently condemn. Clearly, there are parts in the bible in which God describes activities and appropriate punishments that violate modern ethics and values. THANK GOODNESS WE’VE HAD PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT WITH ETHICS AND VALUES THAT GO BEYOND AN “EYE FOR AN EYE,” CUTTING OFF A HAND THAT DOES BAD, AND OFFERING OUR DAUGHTERS AND CHILDREN FOR SACRIFICES.
Re: “the last thing i would want is someone in government who does not believe in God.What rules would he/she follow? What would temper their greed,lust,pride,etc.? Sodom and Gomorah is an example of what people will do if left to their own devices-We need people in government that have religion.”
57. Peter | 12.14.08
Why don’t you conservative facists just accept that the democratic party is a party of peace? The only room for intolerance in our party is against the war mongering Christians and those who stand with them and their hatred. These churches represent the polar opposite of what our party belives. Isn’t it strange how you never see a left wing group engage in acts of civil disobedience or acts of terror? We are in charge now. Get used to it.
58. Peter S | 12.14.08
The apparent arson of Palin’s church is shameful and regrettable no matter what the politics of those who might be responsible for the act. As long as there is intolerance of all philosophical and religious beliefs there will be wars born out of fear masked in anger. The Constitution recognizes this and promotes tolerance in an attempt to respect everyone’s beliefs, to avert conflict. Those who respect other’s rights don’t need to be defensive, do not need to criticize others and do not live in fear, God or no God.
59. Shawn | 12.14.08
Dave writes “The constant hate coming from the left has never been more apparent as indicated by some of the comments. Palin was vilified, her family and beliefs were attacked. It’s easy to surmise that the haters would go so far as to burn a church.” Are you serious Dave? Because maybe you didn’t watch any news, but Obama was called out saying he supported terrorists? He secretly was a Muslim? I mean come on, you are such a hypocrite. And you took the fact that they are looking for foul play as meaning there was foul play and it had all to do with some left wing nut? I don’t ever recall at Obama or Biden rallies where the crowd was yelling really foul things and accusing McCain of helping/encouraging terrorism, so what hate is it that you are referring to? Two guys from the south were arrested for plotting to kill Obama and several students at a university, I’m sorry but I see more hate on the right than on the left. Am I wrong?
61. dave | 12.14.08
Those submitting comments must be products of our public schools. Margo writes, “dropped of” and “the ast”. Steve writes, “an CONSERVATIVE”. B from NBMA uses “direct” when it should be “directed”. And Jesus confuses “with out” with the correct word without. And Jesus, what does “would won’t” mean? Finally, in your nonsense-filled lecture, Jack - the word is alleged - not “alledged”. Speaking of nonsense, never has so much been said that exposes liberals for what they are. Merry Christmas.
62. BillyV | 12.14.08
A Friend From WA, hate generated by the Progressives? Did you watch anything other than FOX News during the election? It was Palin who made accusations about Obama, “palling around with terrorists” based on non existant and fabricated ties. That is a fact that was proven time and time again. Accusations of infanticide, and being for progressive sex ed for kindergarten children. The only ones in their right minds were the ones who didnt believe in any of this ****. I recieved daily emails slandering Obama, all of which were disproved with a simple Google search. Even some that compared the Obamas to monkeys. But Progressives are the ones spreading hate, right?
As for Liberals being against freedom of speech, it wasnt liberals tapping phones or issuing executive orders to read the mail of US citizens. As for people who cant or dont think for themselves, can you name a Republican that says “Nuclear” instead of “Nucyalar”? Is there not one single Republican who is not afraid to tell G.W. Bush that he has been pronouncing it wrong all of these years?
As for other questions, why would liberals hate Sarah Palin? She handed the elction to Obama, she gave us what we wanted. Not to mention, she is the funniest thing to hit politics in a very long time.
Who ever did this is a vile individual. Religious or not, this kind of act is unacceptable. To immediately assign blame to “liberals or progressives” is inept, closed minded, and shows just how much of a cry baby a right winger such as yourself can be. McCain lost, Obama will be the next president, get over it. The outcome of the election should make Republicans happy. To quote Bill Maher, “Conservatives like the idea of paying a black man to clean up their mess.”
63. Raul | 12.14.08
I am an atheist , to me any church, synagogue, temple, or any place where people worship on what they believe in, it is their business and there life , “live and let live” Sarah Palin and her family is probaly the best thing that could happen to America,to me she embodies all the good things in life that is good, no one is perfect, I would like to donate a little something , is their a p/o Box to send a donation in her name..thank you
64. hejlotta | 12.14.08
these comments are good for a chuckle (chuckel). i live in AK, the fire was prolly (yes i’m a liberal) due (do?) to the wiring being done by a plumber.
65. Shawn | 12.14.08
Dave, just because you have nothing to say back to other people, you’re going to comment on their diction? And making stereotypes only proves that you hold your intellect superior to others based on a few sentences written on a blog. If you don’t have any constructive criticism for others, try to keep the comments to yourself would you? It is a useless waste of space and just a waste of time for you and everyone else, useless commentary doesn’t help anyone, but can incite negative feelings, while everyone can appreciate some criticism.
66. BillyV | 12.14.08
Wow Shawn, looks like you struck a nerve with Dave. You use logic in disproving his statements, and he changes the subject and goes into attack mode.
Hey Dave, hope my spelling is good enough for you. Too bad conservatives like yourself could not have stopped by the White House from time to time to correct “W”.
68. GZ | 12.14.08
It’s funny and kind of sad when there’s no indication as of yet that politics played a role in this fire, and already the Democrats and their Underground Failroad of “appalled bystanders” storm the Internet to derail any kind of inkling that maybe, just maybe, politics may have been involved? Kind of odd to circle the wagons about an issue that you are not guilty of, or at the very least, aren’t as of yet truly being blamed.
69. Dwight M. | 12.14.08
Focus people. It is not Sarah Palin’s Church, but the Church Sarah Palin attends. I never once heard Sarah Palin say she had a church, this is all media driven drivel. Ignorance is not bliss, so pay attention. There is only one church, however there are many congregations. There is only one true doctrine, yet there are many misinterpretations by false teachers. Now for the most important point, so again pay attention: You will be tested on this. Christ Jesus is the Head of the Church and He has appointed preachers and teachers and has gifted them with the power of the Holy Spirit to function as His ministers. They are appointed to preach and teach what has been delivered unto them in the Holy Scriptures, which are for instilling, reinforcing and establishing the one true faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ. Scripture declares: God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whomsoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Christ Jesus died to take away the sins of the world; those that believe on and acknowledge His Name, are honor bound to behave as He behaved; and they have the ability to do so only thought the power of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a free gift from God, not of our personal worth; but because of His mercy and grace to them that believe on Him whom He has sent. Jesus Christ our hope of glory.
72. yohon | 12.14.08
I hope my spelling is ok! All the comments make some sense in some ways and each person has a right to make them.#44 Dave,you must not have paid much attention to all the bad remarks Palin made about Obama,$165000 for hair do’s,clothes for her, 1st mans?clothes paid for from public money.Unlike you Dave she made some people mad.However,if the fire was arson that is not right in anyones book and I voted for OBAMA and I am american.Repubs you got your butt whupped,eat it!Sara P,pay your own way! #29,30,32,34,37,38,41,59,62,you all made sense.To all you spellers go back to your games and shooting your classmates and all the left,right ****, you missed the point! I more than likely mis-spelled something but i do not condone any church on fire set by satan or a sick sucker!
73. Marsha | 12.14.08
The previous commenter’s “obvous assumption” (sic) that the arsonist was a “liberal pundant” is a foolish and dangerous assumption. Thankfully violence such as this is rare, and attributable in most cases to personal characteristics that lead to unbalanced behavior, rather than to one’s membership in any group. Having said that, if this is tied to Sarah Pahlin, which we don’t yet know, I would look for someone who is anger with her behavior, not her loss in the election. In so many cases of violence against leaders, it is in fact someone who is *in* that person’s group but is angry with the leaders behavior because it doesn’t fit with their own ideology. So let’s not jump to any conclusions and let law enforcement do their work.
74. sj77 | 12.14.08
Arson is horrible. Whoever did this is rotten.
However, for Palin to assume that this was the work of some crazed and angry Democrat is just more of her over-the-top divisive propaganda.
She’s the worst sort of politician, always trying to senselessly divide everyone into irrational enemy camps and happy to gain more publicity for herself out of the misery of others
75. Ricky | 12.14.08
GZ, read comment #1. It jumps to the conclusion that liberals did this. The discussion started there. You have it backwards.
76. GZ | 12.14.08
Ricky, this isn’t the only website to mention the story, and it seemed like the wagons were in full circle mode well before the story broke.
77. XENO | 12.14.08
Oh excuse me, I thought this was a pro-wrestling forum. What a great match!How about sending all the far-left and far-right to a giant Cage-match on a desert
island in the middle of the ocean!
Then the rest of us can live in true freedom. Punish the violent whoever they may be.We need to work the problems in this country as a civilized people who can forget the past.Our future depends on this.As the saying goes”United we stand,Divided we fall!
Think for yourselves not about some trendy party line. They’re being fed to us by people who do not have our best interest at heart just $$$$-signs in they’re eyes.This goes for both sides of the isle.-xeno
78. Dan | 12.14.08
I hope you people that are running at the mouth also express moral outrage when a black church is burned down by bigots - something that is FAR more likely to occur in this country than the deliberate destruction of a church attended by a losing Republican candidate.
79. Mike | 12.14.08
Given that first thing Palin does is to try to implicate her political opponents and make political capital from this crime, I think there’s a good chance her party machine set the fire themselves. Fake attacks and righteous indignation are a common strategy among the far right and very effective political strategies.
80. S. Wilson | 12.14.08
So if it is arson it’s most certainly a liberal? Seems like a rather odd conclusion to jump to considering it was just a few short weeks ago a right leaning young lady carved a backward “B” on her cheek. How about we let the investigators do their jobs before lighting any torches?
81. Warmonger Christian | 12.14.08
I am amazed how Peter can refer to one party as “warmongering” yet the Dems are “peace loving”, how can this be when issues such as abortion, embronic stem cell ‘research’, homosexual cultural despotism and assisted suicide measures are to be considered examples of ‘peace’ and ‘love’?? These are truly examples of warlike threats on life, liberty, and peace! Rationalism and relativism does indeed thrive among our most fearful citizens.
82. Margo | 12.14.08
To Dave #61:
They weren’t spelling errors, they were typos. You know, the kind of thing that happens when you type too fast for the keyboard? Or maybe you don’t know; maybe you have to sound out each letter as you type.
To ChuckH #36:
Anyone with at least 2 brains cells to rub together, had they been paying attention, would realize that Sarah Palin is a consummate narcissist, and a mean spirited opportunist. She has exhibited a sly cunning that panders to the worst and the lowest of bigotry. She’s been “palin” around with the lowest common denominator for far too long, and it has rubbed off on her.
83. Jesus | 12.14.08
None of you seem to really understand my teachings. None of it was literal, just treat each other with respect, including gay people. I’m ok with them get married! It’s my choice, not yours!!!
84. Laurie | 12.14.08
It’s always a tragedy when a crime affects innocent people. Yet it’s supremely ironic that the woman who has spent the last months fomenting hate is now a victime of the same kind of hatred she’s worked so hard to spread.
85. Julie | 12.14.08
Person that posted below post, please read: Iranian to be blinded with acid for doing same to woman http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/14/iran.acid.justice
You can not believe in democracy AND a religiously tolerant society with a comment that government leaders must follow God’s rules. Following your comment, we should just do away with secular government, science, and research-driven policy-making (all things not guided by religion or God’s rules) and just institute the church as our government and the bible as judicial rule. Currently, we have democratic processes so that government can follow the ethical values and democratic mandates of the nation’s citizens irrespective of religion. There is no connection between one’s reliance on guidance from biblical law or God’s rules and more ethical behavior. Unfortunately, history shows the contrary. In societies where the government has been led by religious leaders there has been MORE violations of human rights, civil rights, social equality etc. not less. Clearly, the religious background of some of our founding fathers did not prevent them from sanctioning slavery and treating human beings unjustly if not barbarically. I hope no one would want the U.S. to return to those times. Secular notions of humanity, values, and justice has significantly led to more ethical treatment among brothers and sisters of the human race…thank goodness for the separation of church and state. Would you really want U.S. judges following biblical law and having tax-paid public servants blinding people as in below?
Reply to: Re: “the last thing i would want is someone in government who does not believe in God.What rules would he/she follow? What would temper their greed,lust,pride,etc.? Sodom and Gomorah is an example of what people will do if left to their own devices-We need people in government that have religion.”
86. stephane mot | 12.14.08
Palin’s “real Amerikan” friends wanted to celebrate Obama’s victory and burn a few crosses…
87. yohon | 12.15.08
Apology to #73Marsha from yohon if my 2nd message is printed.I thought you calleed me liberal and pundant. Not so ,you said I made a foolish and dangerous assumtion.I can live with foolish as I just did that#2 answer,dangerous?yes when it comes to burning buildings.Sicko covers one paragraph in your language. The person could have lit up the little house away from the house and it is still a bad thing.yohon
88. Emil | 12.15.08
You’ll all be proved foolish when it turns out to be a homeless fire tryng to keep warm in freezing Alaska. Then you’ll have frozen eggnog on your face since its almost christmass.
89. R. Atkinson | 12.15.08
Some psycho firebug burns down a church and now the right wingers tar every liberal with one brush. Those good ole boys just can’t let go of those good ole tar and feather ‘em days. If that’s so, then every anti-abortionist supports shooting doctors.
90. Jack | 12.15.08
Dave, thanx for yr comments addressing our typos - - did you have any thoughts of your own?
91. Margo | 12.15.08
It Gov. Plain idea to keep herself in the limelight , so that she could be next bushy … see she started to be like him . burning once faith
92. karma | 12.16.08
“Defile the Temple!” the LORD commanded. “Fill its courtyards with the bodies of those you kill! Go!” So they went throughout the city and did as they were told.” (Ezekiel 9:7)
I guess this is an example of ask and ye shall receive??
93. Margo | 12.16.08
Please note that I did note write note #90. Someone else has been using my name. My last comment was #82, which at least has the virtue of being coherent.
I will not be commenting here again, so any further missives in my name, aren’t.
94. Michael | 12.19.08
The report and Mrs. Palin both said that is merely possible that it was an arson due to the negative impacts of the election. Neither assume, but only claim that the possibility exists. This is in no way blaming liberals or any particular group. It is more common for a few young people who are bored or are dared to go start a fire. Happened to about 5 churches in Alabama last year. So stop your ranting and assumptions. It is just a shameful event that occurred. Maybe someone somewhere will learn something from it.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Kevin | 12.14.08
I am not religious however I was born and bred a catholic. I personally think religion has no place in politics and grow board of the folks who continually suggest that there is no such connection. That is simply dishonest! With that said I hold no contempt for those who are believers and never wish them ill. Why anyone would torch a church escapes me. My obvous assumption is that this is the work of a liberal pundant who is not fully satisfied with a November victory. Burning the church must have been icing on the hate cake! Regardless I hope the offender is identified and punnished severely. If this kind of issue is treated lightly we will observe the burning of abortion clinics, acorn offices, homes in Chicago and news agencies among plenty of other potential targets. Here is to hoping that some idiotic liberal didn’t start a chain of events too big to stop!