No surprise: Anti-Palin AP snubs Gov. Palin

In a story headlined "Alaskans concerned about North Korea's missiles" the Associated Press continues in its Anti-Palin tradition. Mary Pemberton, who wrote the story, quoted several of Alaska's citizens as well as "the state's political leaders."

Among the latter, Pemberton included statements from Rep. Don Young and Sen. Mark Begich. Conspicuously absent from the article was any mention of Gov. Sarah Palin, who has been the most vocal of Alaskans about the potential threat her state faces from North Korea.

The governor issued a statement on April 6 in response to a North Korean missle test:

"I am deeply concerned with North Korea’s development and testing program which has clear potential of impacting Alaska, a sovereign state of the United States, with a potentially nuclear armed warhead," Governor Palin said. "I can’t emphasize enough how important it is that we continue to develop and perfect the global missile defense network. Alaska’s strategic location and the system in place here have proven invaluable in defending the nation."

Palin followed her statement with a strongly-worded letter (PDF) to Defense Secretary William Gates:

"I am deeply concerned with North Korea's development and testing program. It has the clear potential of impacting Alaska, Hawaii, and possibly the West Coast with a nuclear armed warhead. I can't emphasize enough how important it is that we continue to develop and perfect our global missile defense shield."

"Alaska's strategic location and the system currently in place have proven invaluable in defending this great nation. Any cuts to the sole missile defense system for the United States has the potential of sending the wrong message to our adversaries with the unintended consequence of placing our nation at increased risk of offensive missile threats in the future."

On May 7 she released another statement in which she called the Obama administration's plans to cancel a second missile defense field at Alaska's Fort Greely and freeze the number of interceptors being deployed there "outrageous":

"This is an outrageous move at a time when North Korea has shown its willingness to flout international sentiments and conduct missile tests," Governor Palin said. "America needs a strong missile defense, and Alaska’s strategic location is invaluable in protecting the nation."

On May 29 the governor urged President Barack Obama to take a firm stand against North Korea and defend America and its allies on the Korean peninsula:

"The United Nations sanctions have failed to stop North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons, and the Obama Administration cannot afford to be playing catch-up to an irrational dictator like Kim Jong-Il," said Governor Palin. "Missile Defense Agency funding must be fully restored in the federal budget to guarantee our protective measures remain the best in the world. Fort Greely plays a crucial role in the nation’s security."

Alaska's governor took the lead months ago in warning against the potential threat posed by North Korea and arguing for a strong missile defense for the United States. No one has been more outspoken on this issue than she. The Associated Press' clear bias against Sarah Palin is plainly evident by the omission of any mention of her in this or any news article which attempts to deal with the reactions of Alaskans to North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons tests.

- JP

Cross-posted at RedState.com