"Sullivan’s disgusting, ends-justify-the-means obsession with the personal family life of Sarah Palin breached every ethical and journalistic boundary known to the cosmos. Between airing Palin’s hacked private emails and making a cottage industry out of challenging the maternity of her son, Trig, sometimes the word 'irony' or 'hypocrisy' is not descriptive enough."- JP
Heroic Media said the event is a fundraiser for pregnancy resource centers.Gov. Palin spoke at an event in Austin for the organization April 29.
The event will be held at the Times-Union Performing Arts Center and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Heroic Media said tickets should go on sale this week through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $50.
Peace Through Strength and American Pride vs. “Enemy-Centric” Policy- JP
Earlier this week, I spoke at the Freedom Fest in Norfolk, Virginia; and, evidently, the media was asked to leave – not by me, that’s for sure. I want my message out, so despite reporters making up a story about “Palin people kicking us out” (uh, the “Palin people” entourage would consist of one person – my 15-year-old daughter, Willow – and I have no doubt she could take on any reporter, but I know for certain she didn’t “kick ‘em out” of the event). Anyway, here are some of the key issues I spoke about.
DEFENSE SPENDING
It takes a lot of resources to maintain the best fighting force in the world – especially at a time when we face financial uncertainty and a mountain of debt that threatens all of our futures.
We have a federal government that is spending trillions, and that has nationalized whole sections of our economy: the auto industry, the insurance industry, health care, student loans, the list goes on – all of it at enormous cost to the tax payer. The cost of Obamacare alone is likely to exceed $2.5 trillion dollars.
As a result of all these trillion dollar spending bills, America’s going bust in a hurry. By 2020 we may reach debt levels of $20 trillion – twice the debt that we have today! It reminds me of that joke I read the other day: “Please don’t tell Obama what comes after a trillion!”
Something has to be done urgently to stop the out of control Obama-Reid-Pelosi spending machine, and no government agency should be immune from budget scrutiny. We must make sure, however, that we do nothing to undermine the effectiveness of our military. If we lose wars, if we lose the ability to deter adversaries, if we lose the ability to provide security for ourselves and for our allies, we risk losing all that makes America great! That is a price we cannot afford to pay.
This may be obvious to you and me, but I am not sure the Obama Administration gets it. There isn’t a single progressive pet cause which they haven’t been willing to throw billions at. But when it comes to defense spending, all of a sudden they start preaching a message of “fiscal restraint.” Our Defense Secretary recently stated the “gusher” of defense spending was over and that it was time for the Department of Defense to tighten its belt. There’s a gusher of spending alright, but it’s not on defense. Did you know the US actually only ranks 25th worldwide on defense spending as a percentage of GDP? We spend three times more on entitlements and debt services than we do on defense.
Now don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with preaching fiscal conservatism. I want the federal government to balance its budget right now! And not the Washington way – which is raising your taxes to pay for their irresponsible spending habits. I want it done the American way: by cutting spending, reducing the size of government, and letting people keep more of their hard-earned cash.
But the Obama administration doesn’t practice what it preaches. This is an administration that won’t produce a budget for fear that we discover how reckless they’ve been as fiscal managers. At the same time, it threatens to veto a defense bill because of an extra jet engine!
This administration may be willing to cut defense spending, but it’s increasing it everywhere else. I think we should do it the other way round: cut spending in other departments – apart from defense. We should not be cutting corners on our national security.
THE U.S. NAVY
Secretary Gates recently spoke about the future of the US Navy. He said we have to “ask whether the nation can really afford a Navy that relies on $3 to $6 billion destroyers, $7 billion submarines, and $11 billion carriers.” He went on to ask, “Do we really need... more strike groups for another 30 years when no other country has more than one?”
Well, my answer is pretty simple: Yes, we can and, yes, we do because we must. Our Navy has global responsibilities. It patrols sea lanes and safeguards the freedoms of our allies – and ourselves. The Navy right now only has 286 ships, and that number may decrease. That will limit our options, extend tours for Navy personnel, lessen our ability to secure our allies and deter our adversaries. The Obama administration seems strangely unconcerned about this prospect.
OBAMA’S FOREIGN POLICY INHERITANCE
When George W. Bush came into office, he inherited a military that had been cut deeply, an al Qaeda that had been unchallenged, and an approach to terrorism that focused on bringing court cases rather than destroying those who sought to destroy us. We saw the result of some of that on 9/11.
When President Obama came into office, he inherited a military that was winning in Iraq. He inherited loyal allies and strong alliances. And thanks to the lamestream media pawing and purring over him, he had the benefit of unparalleled global popularity. What an advantage! So their basic foreign policy outlines should have been clear. Commit to the War on Terror. Commit to winning – not ending, but winning the war in Afghanistan. Commit to the fight against violent Islamic extremism wherever it finds sanctuary. Work with our allies. Be resolute with our adversaries. Promote liberty, not least because it enhances our security. Unfortunately, these basic principles seem to have been discarded by Washington.
THE WAR ON TERROR
His administration has banned the phrase “war on terror,” preferring instead politically correct nonsense like “overseas contingency operations.” His Homeland Security Secretary calls acts of terrorism “man-caused disasters.” His reckless plan to close Guantanamo (because there’s no place to go after it’s closed) faces bipartisan opposition now.
The Attorney General just announced that a decision about where to try terrorists like 9/11 master mind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed would not be announced until after the mid-term elections. Is there something he’s afraid to tell us?
The President’s new National Security Strategy does not even use the word “Islamic” when referring to violent extremism. Does he think the ideology of those who seek to kill Americans is irrelevant? How can we seek to defeat an enemy if we don’t acknowledge what motivates them and what their ultimate goals are? President Obama may think he is being politically correct by dropping the term, but it flies in the face of reality. As Senator Joe Lieberman noted, refusing to use the word Islamic when describing the nature of the threat we face is “Orwellian and counterproductive.”
AFGHANISTAN
In Afghanistan, it is true that President Obama approved deploying additional forces to the conflict – most, but not all the troops requested by commanders on the ground. But it took months of indecision to get to that point, and it came at a very high price – a July 2011 date to begin withdrawal.
This date was arbitrary! It bears no relation to conditions on the ground. It sends all the wrong signals to our friends and to our enemies. We know our commanders on the ground are not comfortable with it.
As that great Navy war hero, Senator John McCain recently put it: “The decision to begin withdrawing our forces from Afghanistan arbitrarily in July 2011 seems to be having exactly the effect that many of us predicted it would: It is convincing the key actors inside and outside of Afghanistan that the United States is more interested in leaving than succeeding in this conflict.”
Does the President really believe the Taliban and al Qaeda won’t be empowered by his naming of a starting date for withdrawal? They now believe they can beat him simply by outlasting us. What sort of effect does he think this will have on the morale of our troops – and of our allies?
ALIENATING OUR ALLIES
It’s not the only area where the Obama administration has failed our allies. They escalated a minor zoning issue in Jerusalem into a major dispute with our most important ally in the Middle East, Israel. They treated the Israeli Prime Minister shabbily in Washington. When a Turkish sponsored flotilla threatened to violate a legal Israeli blockade of Hamas-run Gaza, the Obama Administration was silent. When Israeli commandos were assaulted as they sought to prevent unmonitored cargoes from being delivered to Hams terrorists, the Obama Administration sent signals it might allow a UN investigation into the matter – an investigation that would be sure to condemn our ally Israel and bemoan the plight of Hamas. Loyal NATO allies in central Europe were undermined by the cancellation of a missile defense program with virtually no warning. At the same time, Russia and China are given preferential treatment, while remaining silent on their human rights violations.
CODDLING ADVERSARIES
Meanwhile, the Obama Administration reaches out to some of the world’s worst regimes. They shake hands with dictators like Hugo Chavez, send letters to the Iranian mullahs and envoys to North Korea, ease sanctions on Cuba and talk about doing the same with Burma. That’s when they’re not on one of their worldwide apology tours.
Do we get anything in return for all this bowing and apologizing? No, we don’t. Yes, Russia voted for a weak sanctions resolution on Iran, but it immediately stated it could sell advanced anti-aircraft missile to Iran anyway, and would not end its nuclear cooperation. In response to North Korea’s unprovoked sinking of a South Korean Navy ship, China warned us not to take part in military exercises with our ally.
And while President Obama lets America get pushed around by the likes of Russia and China, our allies are left to wonder about the value of an alliance with the U.S. They have to be wondering if it’s worth it.
AN “ENEMY-CENTRIC” FOREIGN POLICY
It has led one prominent Czech official to call Obama’s foreign policy “enemy-centric.” And this “enemy-centric” approach has real consequences. It not only baffles our allies, it worries them. When coupled with less defense spending, it signals to the world that maybe we can no longer be counted on, and that we have other priorities than being the world leader that keeps the peace and provides security in Europe, in Asia and throughout the world.
Together with this enemy-centric foreign policy, we see a lessening of the long, bipartisan tradition of speaking out for human rights and democracy. The Secretary of State said she would not raise human rights with China because “we pretty much know what they are going to say.” Democracy promotion programs have been cut. Support for the brave Iranians protesting their government was not forthcoming because President Obama would rather try to cut a deal with their oppressors.
When the world’s dictators see the United States unconcerned with human rights and political freedom, they breathe a sigh of relief, because they know they have a free hand to repress their own people.
This goes against the very ideals on which our republic was founded. There is a long bipartisan tradition of speaking out in favor of freedom – from FDR to Ronald Reagan. America loses something very important when its President consigns human rights and freedom to the back burner of its international priorities.
A DIFFERENT VIEW OF AMERICA
We have a President, perhaps for the very first time since the founding of our republic, who doesn’t appear to believe that America is the greatest earthly force for good the world has ever known.
When asked whether he believed in American exceptionalism, President Obama answered, “I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.” Amazing. Amazing.
I think this statement speaks volumes about his world view. He sees nothing unique in the American experience? Really? Our founding, and our founding mothers and fathers? Really? And our history over the past two and half centuries?
Really? He sees nothing unique in an America that fought and won two world wars and in victory sought not one inch of territory or one dollar of plunder? He sees nothing unique in an America that, though exhausted by conflict, still laid the foundation for security in Europe and Asia after World War II? He sees nothing unique in an America that prevailed against an evil ideology in the Cold War? Does he just sees a country that has to be apologized for around the world, especially to dictators?
President Obama actually seems reluctant to even embrace American power. Earlier this year when he was asked about his faltering Middle East peace process, he said “whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower.” Whether we like it or not?! Really? Mr. President, this may come as news to you, but most Americans actually do like it. And so do our allies. They know it was our military might that liberated countless millions from tyranny, slavery, and oppression over the last 234 years. Yes, we do like it. As a dominant superpower, the United States has won wars hot and cold; our military has advanced the cause of freedom and kept authoritarian powers in check.
It is in America’s and the world’s best interests for our country to remain the dominant military superpower, but under President Obama’s leadership that dominance may be slipping away. It’s the result of an agenda that reeks of complacency and defeatism.
(I went on from there to talk about our need to end the negative, defeatist attitudes of those in leadership. I spoke further on American exceptionalism, and Willow and I ended a great evening with some great patriots. Sorry the media chose to report anything other than what actually happened at the event.)
- Sarah Palin
Well, the president of our 57 states who can’t find our borders is safe. Whew. I was worried there for a moment when it appeared that Sarah Palin did make a booboo. She said that Ronald Reagan, the only president I ever liked during my lifetime, went to “California’s Eureka College” and not Illinois’ Eureka College. This was breathlessly reported by Liz Goodwin of Yahoo News! Oh my. A “goof” as the headline puts it, “mars” her speech.Hlavac predicts that Gov. Palin will survive this, just as she has survived 700 continuous days of attacks on all things Sarah. And since she refuses to allow them to destroy her, the onslaught only serves to make the Mama Bear stronger. Meanwhile the country is going to hades in Obama's handbasket, but the left and its corrupt media hope no one will notice if they keep screaming, "Sarah Palin, shiny object." This Wyle-E-Coyote approach is, of course, doomed to failure, as neither the left nor its trained media circus are held in much regard by at least 75 percent of Americans these days. And Sarah Palin can still see November 2nd from her house. That's when the real "Eureka" moment happens.
[...]
So brilliant are the press & TV, and politicos of the Democratic persuasion that they do not gaffe, or goof, or mar, but rather it is always that they were misheard by opponents out to destroy America, or their comments were taken out of context and so torn asunder from their clarity. Yeah, right.
But do they tout and taunt Joe Biden’s plagiarism? Nah. Or his “smart ass” comment... which is a goof, no?
[...]
And Obama’s economic illiteracy, so ample demonstrated in these past two years? Nope, it shall not be mentioned, it’s a commandment or something. 57 States? I doubt it. In fact, apparently Obama speaks so wonderfully teleprompters have been known to just follow his perfection.
Still, if the press and TV couldn’t even recall that the dearly departed Senator Robert Byrd of West Virgina got his start in politics in the lynch mobs of the Klan, and rose quickly up the ladder of hate to swing the noose over the tree of liberty I would imagine that they could not see “goofs” and “mars” in this current administration.
[...]
John Edwards perfidy? No press could find it. Al Gore’s Clintonesque behavior of late? Not a smidge of investigation to see if there might be flab with the flame. Indeed, nothing seems to quake lose the blinders of the press when it comes to the Democrats. But woe betide a single goof by a Republican. And Palin? Why, she’s to be grilled like St. Lawrence until the flames of public opinion smother her bright eyes.
Governor Palin’s detractors have a rather strange fixation with the idea that she gets paid well for some of her speaking engagements. Anyone who follows news related to Gov. Palin will invariably encounter a story in which her speaking fee is a major subject of discussion, with the implication that there is something wrong with her earning money to speak, and consult.Stacy Drake addresses the same non-issue at A Time For Choosing, schooling the salivating, self-appointed Palin critics, Sarah Palin earns money… Get over it:
People pay big money to see and hear Gov. Palin speak, whether it is a Washington Speakers Bureau paid speech, rally, book signing stop, or other event. VIP privileges at Gov. Palin’s command even greater sums often reaching a stratospheric $5,000/person, that money going to benefit the event organizers, not Gov. Palin. Even at her free events, people spend thousands of dollars, travel thousands of miles, and endure waits of over a day just to talk with Gov. Palin for 10 seconds, shake her hand and get an autograph.
[...]
Gov. Palin’s detractors bristle and see it as “cashing in.” They posit that all she cares about is money and herself. It’s not just leftists who carry on with this meme; so-called conservatives who should know better have jumped on that bandwagon.
Gov. Palin is a sought-after speaker, which is why she is on the Washington Speaker Bureau’s roster. The Washington Speakers Bureau is in business to earn a profit. They earn their money by providing high-demand speakers – such as Gov. Palin. The Bureau schedules and coordinates her events – a win-win for the Bureau, the event organizers, the participants, and Gov. Palin herself. Most importantly, there are no misunderstandings, as there were in Gov. Palin’s pre-speakers bureau days, when her small staff was overwhelmed with thousands of requests...
At the beginning of this week, the leftist media spent dozens of man hours spewing out the same, tired old theme. That being the fact that Sarah Palin makes money and for some reason the world should be outraged about it. I understand why they would try this trick in the beginning. I get that the left has to throw the entire kitchen sink at Governor Palin, due to her Teflon ‘mojo.’ But still, I find this absolutely ridiculous. They are making themselves look very foolish to anyone paying attention.You can read Ron's full commentary here and Stacy's here. Since the word "capitalism" is so repugnant to the average Palin detractor's inner socialist, perhaps we should use the term "economic freedom" instead. Yes, "progressives," conservatives can play your stupid word games too.
After the speech Palin gave in Turlock for the 50th Anniversary of CSU Stanislaus, and the subsequent harassment she, as well as the organizers of the event received for doing such – it goes back to this theme. It is a pure political strike conducted by left-wing officials and their close friends in the press. No other former public servant, or possible future candidate has had to deal with this sort of scrutiny on their wallets.
[...]
I think one of the worst aspects of the treatment Sarah Palin received in California, is that it was started by government officials. Jerry Brown made a mockery of his elected office by assisting in the stunt created by the future wannabe Candidate for San Francisco Mayor, and former Hawaiian shoplifter, Leland Yee.
[...]
Governor Palin asked Jerry Brown from the podium at the speech in Turlock a very interesting, very valid question. She said, “This is California. Do you really not have anything better to do?” Great question, governor! I happen to know for a fact that he does.
California is a mess any way you slice it. I have never witnessed Jerry Brown do anything with his department to help correct the dire state of our state. In fact, Jerry Brown is the person most responsible for unionizing the public employees here with SEIU, whose pensions are one of the main culprits for the current fiscal mess that IS California. And guess what… Jerry Brown earns his income from tax-dollars so perhaps a little more scrutiny on Moonbeam is a good idea.
Sarah Palin seems to have a big advantage on the GOP race with the momentum she picked up as Sen. John McCain's running mate in 2008. For Texans, perhaps the bigger question is whether yet another person with deep Lone Star roots may take a lead position on the national stage.Perhaps the editors in Longview are unaware that Rick Perry made a point of asking that his name be left off the Southern Republican Leadership Conference straw poll ballot a few months ago. The Texas governor told Human Events in an April interview:
Gov. Rick Perry has a November general election in front of him for a possible third term to retain his office for a third term. That potential roadblock on his way to a change of address to Washington, D.C., has not stopped, nor even slowed, speculation on his presidential aspirations.
When Perry and Palin get together on the same stage, as they have several times in recent months, including Saturday night's East Texas rally at Tyler's Oil Palace, it only adds fuel to the Republican fire to get a winning combination for the next presidential go-round. Whether the ticket might be a Perry-Palin or Palin-Perry combination, the possible leading pair has spurred a lot of excitement among factions of the GOP.
Palin, buoyed by pocket-lining book deals and high dollar speaking engagements, seems to have been in the news nearly as much as our sitting president. In East Texas she blasted Obama and his administration on their energy policies and accused Obama of attempting to use the Gulf oil spill for political gains.
In Texas, her message of attempting to get the nation to a state of energy independence gains a lot of support. Meshed with Perry's ongoing message of distancing himself from the Washington establishment and pushing for less government and lowered taxes, the Palin-Perry option seems to have the potential to carry a lot of weight.
“I’m not being coy. I don’t want to go to Washington, D.C. I have great interest in who will be the presidential candidate in 2012, and I’ll be active and I’ll be engaged and I’ll be helpful and do all of the things that a governor of a major state can do and should do, but it won’t be me... I have a great bully pulpit.”The media tend to close their ears when politicians tell them that they are not interested, which is a shame, because sometimes the pols really mean it. "I don’t want to go to Washington, D.C." sounds pretty clear cut to us. Also, if Gov. Palin does decide to make a run for the White House in 2012, we can think of some potential Palin running mates that make more sense to us than Perry. Governors Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Haley Barbour of Mississippi are just two of them. Jindal has drawn renewed interest nationally and is very popular locally for his efforts to save his state's coastal region from Gulf Oil Disaster while the Obama administration characteristically dithers.
"Many on the left cannot stand that Sarah Palin has strong opinions, and is expressing them across this country. It amazes me what they will do to stop free speech when they don't agree with it... The rancor is about a conservative amazing woman who speaks the truth. The more the left goes after her, the more popular she will become with conservatives and the rest of America. I don't think they get that."- JP
She warned that new rules aiming to raise $13 billion by limiting contributions to flexible spending accounts amount to a "hefty tax hike" for families of special needs children struggling with health care costs. And she said families will wind up with fewer care options.Gov. Palin is donating her speakers fee to the ministry.
"Our insurance and our care choices will be diminished by this new program," she said to an audience of several thousand at a suburban Atlanta arena. "The government's taking over one-sixth of our economy and we expect the government's going to do a better job than the private sector?"
[...]
The event was billed as a nonpolitical benefit hosted by the Gwinnett County ministry Zachariah's Way, which helps churches serve disabled and special needs parishioners. But Palin couldn't resist a few knocks on the Obama administration.
She said she would work to encourage Americans to treat special needs children with respect and that she was disappointed that one of Obama's aides used the word "retarded." White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel apologized earlier this year for using the word to describe liberal activists whose tactics on health care he questioned.
"America's too good for that," she said to applause. "We're too good to have to put with that."
"If economic conditions remain terrible, it's likely that the Republican Party will regain power. 9% unemployment would give even a radioactive figure like Sarah Palin a decent chance to win the presidency, and a double-dip recession would give her a very strong chance of success. This means there's a significant chance that by 2013 the country will be governed by a Republican Party that makes the Bush-era version appear benign by comparison."But if Gov. Palin is "radioactive," how then could she have a "decent" to "very strong" chance of winning the presidency? Chait's statement is revealing.
"Thank you to the GOP female leaders who have set the stage for men and women of all shapes, sizes, and colors to make big gains for the Republican Party in 2010 and 2012. I hope that the majority will be Reagan Conservatives. Thank you to Sarah Palin because, despite the fact that you’re too humble to take credit for any of this, the reality is that you started the engine running and continue to play a vital role in sustaining it."- JP
Mediaite has confirmed from MSNBC that Weigel’s role will be both paid and exclusive to the network. It’s likely, then that we’ll see Weigel show up on other non-Countdown programs on MSNBC as well.
"Some of you keep criticizing the Left’s bad treatment of women. Yes, it’s true that it’s been open season on women, like objectifying Sarah Palin and abusing Michelle Malkin. True, the Left is not known for giving women any respect. I hate to break the news to you, ladies. But liberals don’t give a whit about exism. The only 'ism' that’s making headlines is racism. Sexism is so 1970’s."Sandra S at The Confluence:
"The average voter, and the average opinionated blog-stalker, has no idea what Obama’s actual voting record was, and certainly none of them have any idea about what Palin was actually like in office."Judith Klinghoffer at Political Mavens:
"Are you a feminist or a leftist? Do you cheer women who break glass ceilings or are you frustrated with the attention paid to the persecution of Muslim women and the rise of Conservative women? Feminists like Laura Bush and Sarah Palin had little difficulty celebrating the success of Hillary Clinton. But the same cannot be said about leftists claiming to be feminists. They have long learned to ignore the plight of Muslim women so inconveniently highlighted by Hirsi Ali. Now the success of Conservative feminists [drives] them batty. "Taylor Marsh:
"Sarah Palin has got to be having more fun than she ever had as Alaska’s governor."Roaring Republican:
"The only other thing I know about Kathleen Parker is that during the 2008 elections she made a name for herself badmouthing Sarah Palin... She went out of her way to personally attack the only conservative running in the general election."Huma Khan and Alexander Pepper at ABC News:
"Unlike Haley 's other endorsers, which include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Palin emerged as a key defender of Haley..."Don Surber at the Charleston Daily Mail:
"The Associated Press and other news organizations fought to get permission to cover the speech. But what exactly did Palin say? One cannot tell from the Associated Press. All the story talked about was the process. The story was long on Dumpster-diving students who tried to get her speech engagement contract and other liberal-manufactured controversies around the woman’s speech. But the speech itself? Garance Burke of the Associated Press failed to report it. His whole story was about the various controversies stirred up by liberals."DRJ at Patterico's Pontifications:
"It’s not until the 7th, 8th and 9th paragraphs that the AP notes something positive about Palin’s appearance... Now imagine how that article would have been written if President Obama were the speaker."Jimmy Orr at Top of the Ticket:
"It’s a banner weekend for the Republican National Committee as the ammo’s piling up for the upcoming midterm elections. We told earlier about the gift from Vice President Joe Biden -- soon to be made into plenty of Web commercials -- who called a Wisconsin man a 'smartass' for requesting lower taxes. Now, cries of media bias against conservatives will be supercharged with an audio recording going viral that captured several reporters mocking a Sarah Palin speech that they were covering. "Marooned in Marin:
"Maybe instead of rationalizing the unprofessionalism of these liberal journalists, FOX40 should have stated that the comments are unbecoming of a media which claims to be 'objective.'"Moe Lauzier at Issues of the Day:
"One good thing about the 'Al Gore Sexpot' story is the pundits and late night comedians have someone other than Sarah Palin to poke fun at. Of course in the case of Gore he has been a better piñata than the former Alaska governor... In Gore’s case he is in the Joe Biden league of screwballs, Major League both. Ah, our own 'crazed sex poodle.'"Michael van der Galien at the NewsReal Blog:
"Have you ever heard of progressive students protesting against the speaking fees of, say, Al Gore or Hillary Clinton? No, of course you haven’t."Conservative Wanderer:
"Here’s an excellent example of how the left never admits they’re wrong... The lefties... have focused on shifting the blame away from those making the inappropriate comments and onto Mrs. Palin herself, as if she was somehow responsible for the poor behavior of those who don’t know better than to keep their mouths shut when there’s an open mic around."The Outsider at Lehigh Valley Conservative:
"Biden can badmouth a restaurant owner and that isn’t condemned by the mainstream media. Other reporters can do the same to the former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin and nothing is said in her defense by the media hypocrites."Rick Moore at HolyCoast.com:
"The press is responsible for this man's presidency. They refused to vet him during the campaign, and instead spent their time worrying about every little detail of Sarah Palin's life. Now that they got their guy elected he's choosing to ignore them as best he can. They were taken to the dance but their boyfriend took off with another girl. Serves them right."FreeThinkerNY at Weasel Zippers:
"Leader vs. misleader. Sarah stands up for America. Obama tears it down..."Anthony Moretti at AJM's Blog:
"You and I, and everyone else, including journalists, can hold whatever personal opinion we want about Ms. Palin or any other politician. However, unless we can leave that opinion at the door when we cover that individual, then we don't deserve to call ourselves journalists... If those brilliant souls who thought it was wise to rip Ms. Palin while on the job get fired, then they've brought their professional misery upon themselves. I have no tolerance for their 'dumbness.'"Merv Benson at Prairie Pundit:
"You can tell why Democrats are so upset when she speaks, because she tells the uncomfortable truth and it makes them squirm... Palin is still a Texas favorite."Doug Ibendahl at Republican News Watch:
"Sarah Palin spoke at an event in California on Friday. Immediately after she left the stage an open microphone picked up some smarmy members of the press mocking Palin’s speech. Heads should roll over this embarrassing display of unprofessionalism. Let’s see if the lamestream liberal media has the decency to police itself. We’re guessing it doesn’t."Teri Sforza at OC Watchdog:
"One thing you have to say about Sarah Palin: She has the Midas touch. Her... speech at California State University Stanislaus Friday night netted the university’s nonprofit foundation more than $200,000..."- JP
The state is in a recession, right?Surber makes an excellent point, and we agree with him that making the 2010 elections in The Golden State a referendum on Sarah Palin is not a good strategy. As the conservative columnist says, she's not George Bush and she's not on the California ballot. But Brown is.
And Brown is running for governor, right?
Doesn’t he have anything better to do?
As long as Democrats keep talking about her, Sarah Palin grows in stature and Democrats diminish.
She is buried inside their heads. Liberals at times can think of nothing but her. It was the the same thing with Reagan.
California has real financial problems. Sarah Palin went there and eased them by more than $200,000.
What has Jerry Brown done?
Another Victory for the Second Amendment- JP
The Supreme Court handed down an important ruling today stating what should be obvious: that the Second Amendment, in the words of Justice Alito writing for the court, “applies equally to the federal government and the states.” Today’s decision in McDonald vs. City of Chicago [PDF], in conjunction with the landmark Heller case two years ago, should leave little doubt that our individual right to keep and bear arms applies everywhere and is a right for everyone.
For an interesting perspective on the significance of today’s ruling, take a look at David Rittgers’ article in National Review here.
- Sarah Palin
When it comes to Sarah Palin, one thing’s for certain: her critics on both the left and right are incapable of constructive criticism. To the everlasting shame of the current state of our cultural and political landscape, we’ve become tragically accustomed to the depraved, illogical and relentless attacks on her from the Obama-worshipping crowd hell-bent on destroying their messiah’s most vocal, principled and courageous opponent.Ms. DiGiovanni is the author of a novel, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, and co-host of the "Conservative Republican Forum" program on Blog Talk Radio. Read her full Parcbench op-ed here.
But as the reaction of many Facebook conservatives to the South Carolina primary results indicates, at least some on the right have either lost the ability to respectfully debate on substance, or fallen victim to a less virulent, though equally unattractive strain of Palin Derangement Syndrome. If they are disappointed in Palin for endorsing Nikki Haley, it necessarily follows that her entire proven track record of reform, good governance and principled leadership suddenly disappears in puff of self-righteous indignation.
Thus the woman who successfully triumphed over Alaska’s “Corrupt Bastards Club” (CBC) is chastised as a “sell-out”, a self-serving member of the establishment and—most reminiscent of our friends on the Left—a dumb hick who, on second-thought, really doesn’t bear that much of a resemblance to Ronald Reagan after all. Never mind that Reagan often endorsed candidates with whom he had a few policy disagreements.
We movement conservatives and the Tea Party are about to get rolled. We are going to get sucked in by candidates like Huckabee, who just realized the error of his ways in pardoning a criminal who murdered four Seattle police officers; Romney, who is a perfect reflection of whatever is going on in the body politic; and Gingrich, who uses every technical buzzword to convince people he is some kind of new idea machine.Valentine argues that Gingrich, Romney, and Huckabee, if they manage to get elected, will not significantly change the direction of the country. But Gov. Palin, Rep. Bachmann and the Tea Party are, like Ronald Reagan, "the real deal" for real change. Read Jay Valentine's complete op-ed here.
Yet each, when the winds came in from the west, was quite different. Moderate, perhaps? Or nonpartisan? Or just a reflection of what they thought might get them elected.
Critical thinking demands that we remember these people in their milieu -- what were they in different times? When times were liberal, they were, well, less conservative. When the press said people demanded less partisanship, Newt and Hillary traveled and spoke together, almost holding hands.
It is time we realize that there are "movement conservatives" and there are opportunistic conservatives. Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, and a host of emerging new candidates are movement conservatives.
[...]
The changes needed in America require saying "no" in a big way and being vilified in the press. Our leaders need to be able to stand up to massive left-wing media resistance and not compromise the core.
This can be done only by a movement conservative.
"...we find Sarah Palin addressing California State University, Stanislaus this weekend attracting large crowds, generous donations, tight security, and expected criticism. The surprise was what some students were willing to do in order to determine the undisclosed speaking fee -- they went dumpster diving! Imagine them doing the same to learn what Gore was raking in to tell them how cows are destroying our planet."- JP
"So folks let's start the task in November and what we start in November 2010 let's finish it off in November 2012."The anti-Palin Associated Press grossly misrepresented the size of the crowd on the campus of Old Dominion University at "several hundred people." AP's Bob Lewis wrote that the former Alaska governor blasted the Obama administration for downgrading the nation's status as a superpower and being willing to sell out its allies. She accused the president of selling out Israel over its naval blockade of Gaza and not treating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the respect the head of state of a longtime U.S. ally deserves:
Palin came to southeastern Virginia — a military Mecca filled with conservatives — for Freedom Fest, a concert and rally to support the troops, police and firefighters. Palin was the marquis guest speaking after former Virginia governor George Allen a few hours after crooner Lee Greenwood sung "God Bless the U.S.A."
[...]
The local visit is part of Palin's weeklong swing through the south, with events in Atlanta and Texas. Palin is reportedly mulling a run for president in 2012, and many evangelical voters are wooing her slapping Palin 2012 bumper stickers on their cars and building websites backing her.
Palin said spending cuts are vital in Washington, but she told the veteran-laden crowd that cuts should never touch defense.
"There are no shortcuts on national security," she said.
She also said Obama lacked the resolve to stand up to Russia and China.- JP
"Do they think, really, that we're getting anything in return for all this bowing and kowtowing and apologizing? No, we don't get anything positive in return for this," Palin said at the event spearheaded by a Norfolk talk radio station.
"So while President Obama is getting pushed around by the likes of Russia and China, our allies are left to wonder about the value of an alliance with our country any more. They're asking what is it worth," she said.
Palin, former Virginia Sen. George Allen and Iran-Contra figure Oliver North, who ran for a Virginia Senate seat and lost, each took turns decrying what they said was the deterioration of U.S. military might and will under Obama's watch.
Palin said that Obama and an allied Democratic Congress had cut military spending while showing no such restraint on other expenditures, running up trillions in new deficits.
North and particularly Allen had already whipped the crowd into a lather.
What made this even more surprising was how his guests -- CNN's Gloria Borger, Politico's John Harris, the BBC's Katty Kay, and former "CBS Evening News" host Dan Rather -- seemed to feel she was.We seriously doubt that hell is freezing over. The moonbats, as they do on rare occasions, just want to build her up to try to tear her down. They will resume their usual attacks on the governor soon enough.
[...]DAN RATHER: Well, she's not running at the moment for President. But I wouldn't underestimate her. She's a version now of a Deacon with four aces. She can go a lot of different ways. She is playing an almost perfect hand. If she wants to stay a power in the Party, make a lot of money and not run, she can do that. I wouldn't underestimate her even for 2012 for one second. If she decides to run, it would be hard to bet against her for the nomination.Imagine that.
MATTHEWS: Good point. Is she Richard Nixon? Is she going around and picking up chits, proving that she can deliver, carefully selecting winners, avoiding losers when they're on the right, so that day after this election, like Nixon did in '66, "Look what I did for the party, I should be the nominee?"
RATHER: And goes into the convention with maybe thirty percent of the votes.
For approaching two years, America's press have been mercilessly eviscerating this woman with every opportunity.
Now, with Obama plummeting in the polls, and Democrats looking like they're in a lot of trouble in the upcoming midterm elections, suddenly Palin is not only possibly the most important Republican in the country, but is also a legitimate candidate for President.
Is hell freezing over, or is something else at play here?
"Following Gov. Palin’s speech at Stanislaus last night, several reporters made disparaging remarks about her not knowing or caring the mic was open. Full of snark, they quipped about how it was “not possible to capture dumbness in two soundbites.” Apparently, it is possible, because these reporters just did, capturing their own rank stupidity on an open mic... This behavior is precisely why they are called 'lamestream'. If these reporters so could not stand Gov. Palin, they had an obligation to recuse themselves... This video captured an egregiously unethical, and unprofessional act."Sissy Willis at Liberty Pundits:
"It’s downright Weigelesque."Michael Walsh at Big Journalism:
"Now that the media has embraced its inner partisan, expect to see a lot more of this behavior... What happens when you combine juvenile snark with the loss of professional standards? Now you know."Jim Hoft at Gateway Pundit:
"What a shock..."Patrick S. Adams at Patrick's World USA:
"Apparently, reporters in today's 'media' tend to act more like frat boys than professionals. And that showed. The only thing missing on the video was a keg and scantily clad women."Jennifer Cubachi at Cubachi:
"This is a potentially big expose on MSM bias, but we’re busy worrying about Dave Weigel. Let’s get our priorities straight conservatives. We deserve truth in reporting, not MSNBC style reportage. Is it any wonder why the media is deemed untrustworthy by the American public?"Mark Harvey at The Snooper Report:
"I wonder why the Obamabots in the Obamedia are so deathly afraid of Sarah Palin?"Sister Toldjah:
"Camera/audio guys are one thing, but MSM journalists saying crap like this is something else... The next and most obvious question is, of course, who were the journalists who uttered the remarks? I can pretty much guarantee that we will never know. Journo-'solidarity' and all that... And people STILL wonder why conservatives are so distrustful of the mainstream media?"Bruce Kesler at Maggie's Farm:
"Be an adult, be a professional, or get the hell off the stage or be exposed for a child playing with other people’s lives and too self-concerned to admit it."Tammy Bruce:
"Although there will be no apology I do think an important message has been sent to all parties–there are no more Free Shots at Sarah Palin. Not any more. And I think it’s also fair to say that this will be the last hot mic Fox40 ever allows."Ed Morrissey at Hot Air:
"If these were opinion journalists, these comments would be no problem. If they’re news reporters expected to render an objective, fact-based report on the event, I’d say that they have a bright future at MSNBC."Ed Driscoll at Right Wing News:
"If there's a theme that ties this week's events together, it's to assume that all mics are hot, all emails risk becoming public, and all information captured by journalists no matter how off the record will eventually escape."Left Coast Rebel:
"The worst thing about systemic liberal media bias is that the media denies it even exists. Those of us with two brain cells to rub together know better..."Don Surber at the Charleston Daily Mail:
"They were unaware that a microphone was picking up their sarcastic remarks. The most ironic: 'dumbness doesn’t come from soundbites.' No, it comes from feigning objectivity... and ridiculing those who you are supposed to cover fairly."Ian Lazaran at Conservatives 4 Palin:
"Did these journalists get their degrees from the University of Weigel or what?"- JP
"What do we owe you?" Biden is heard saying in footage captured by WISN-TV.Biden was in Wisconsin to campaign for leftist Senator Russ Feingold. Just days earlier, the vice president told a crowd at a Feingold fund-raiser that "there’s no possibility to restore the 8 million jobs lost in the Great Recession," and he blamed George W. Bush, even though Biden's party has had control of both houses of Congress for four years and the White House for a year and a half.
"Don’t worry, it’s on us," the manager replied. "Lower our taxes and we’ll call it [the custard] even."
"Why don’t you say something nice instead of being a smartass all the time?" Biden said a few minutes later.
Per Wikipedia: ...the term "bard"...acquired generic meanings of an epic author/singer/narrator, ...or any poets, especially famous ones. For example, William Shakespeare is known as The Bard.William Shakespeare composed multiple narratives (plays) that helped describe and define the culture of his time. His plays are considered classics by anyone that studies them. They still entertain us today in countless theaters and give us insight into the culture to which they relate.
Mrs. Palin talked about the "tragic" oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and what it means to be an energy secure, energy independent nation that domestically drills for oil. She said she comes from a family who understands oil contributions to families, communities and states and she is mindful of the potential tragedy of an oil spill, such as the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989.Gov. Rick Perry spoke to the crowd and introduced Gov. Palin. Also speaking at the event Saturday night were U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, and state Rep. Leo Berman, both from Tyler.
"Our heart is broken for them," she said of the BP oil spill victims.
She said Washington doesn't understand the need to be energy secure and President Barack Obama doesn't understand that there's a link between security and freedom while relying on others makes us less secure, less free and less prosperous.
"We don't want the government taking over private industry, and I don't think … that's something Obama understands," she said, adding that she is for domestic drilling with strict oversight. She said she supports free markets, believes in competition and a level playing field and letting the government get out of the way for a free and prosperous nation.
She said the White House has its fingers in so many things it shouldn't that it doesn't focus on the one thing it should be focused on -- national security.
Mrs. Palin said Obama asked for his job and the responsibilities that come with it, but he hasn't done anything to clean up the oil spill or prevent it from happening. He has blamed others and refused offers for help from other countries and local Gulf residents, she said.
She said Obama is now pushing for an energy tax that will skyrocket the costs of energy and "cap and tax" will be "nothing short of disaster," undermining the recovery in the short term and damaging the long term. Costs for everything from energy and transportation to groceries will be raised and the elderly and poor on fixed incomes will be hurt the most.
Mrs. Palin said she would have considered all ideas and all offers to help would be "on the table" and would have given the Louisiana governor as much latitude as he needed to protect his coastline. She said she would not have placed a moratorium on drilling because "they've suffered enough" without losing their livelihoods.
"Even though her speech will raise $200,000 for the non-profit CSUS Foundation, it is too much for tolerant lefties for Palin to appear anywhere in the state... Pre-made signs, out-of-town organizers, even a paper mache Palin -- this [protest] was completely astroturfed."- JP
The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate drew about 5,000 people Saturday night to the Oil Palace in Tyler.Texas Gov. Rick Perry introduced the former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice-presidential candidate.
"You asked for the job, Mr. President, so buck up," she said to voracious applause.
She also said the U.S. must become independent of foreign oil by using its own resources. But that it must be done responsibly and under government oversight.
"I chant 'drill baby drill' because it will help make the country energy independent," she said.
"Lamestream media: I never compared Obama to Hitler. Quit making things up."And from Stacy Drake at The Cypress Times:
What is it with the left and their friends in the media? Why is it that they cannot apply reason when processing information in regards to Sarah Palin? I’m just going to presume that it’s a political tactic designed to confuse possible future voters. Otherwise, I’d be left to believe that we have an unhealthy number of ignorant people in our society.Read Stacy's full commentary here.
Last night, Governor Palin posted a link to a Thomas Sowell article called, “Is U.S. Now On Slippery Slope To Tyranny?”
[...]
I think the point Mr. Sowell was trying to make is clear. Throughout history, despots have used “useful idiots” to grow their regime’s power and influence. He provided TWO examples of historical reference to back up his claim, by listing both Adolf Hitler and V.I. Lenin in the beginning of his post.
Yet somehow, the media missed this obvious point as the... article written by Andy Barr in Politico today proves, called “Sarah Palin praises column linking Obama, Hitler” (please note that the original title of this article was “Sarah Palin praises Hitler column” but I guess that meme wasn’t working for them)...
[...]
Where did Lenin go? Why didn’t I see 1,000 tweets directed at Governor Palin from left-wing drones on Twitter (known as #p2) saying she compared Obama to Lenin? Where is the article form Politico or any other media outlet with the reference to Lenin? Perhaps it’s because they have a little soft spot for the former Communist dictator, and although Lenin is responsible for millions of deaths, it just doesn’t have the same punch as a reference to Hitler in their minds.
About 4,000 people were expected to attend Palin's speech Saturday night at the Oil Palace in Tyler. Republican Texas Gov. Rick Perry was set to introduce the former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice-presidential candidate.Gov. Palin, Gov. Rick Perry, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert and state Rep. Leo Berman will speak at the event, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at The Oil Palace, 10408 Texas Highway 64 East. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
[...]
Palin plays well in right-leaning Texas, where every statewide office is held by a Republican.
“the dumbness is not just in the soundbites,”Here's a statement from FOX40 (KTXL-TV) about those comments :
“your gonna have a hard time making a story out of that”
“I will tell my conservative friends she is dumb”
“Just a series of quotes hung together”
Thousands of people from California and around the world tuned in to FOX40.com to listen to a speech prepared by Sarah Palin Friday evening from the campus of California State University, Stanislaus. During that stream, several unfortunate events occurred that we hope to clear up through this statement.Lest anyone doubt the leftist bent of the lamestream media, this is further evidence of it. Following closely on the heels of Weigelgate, this incident and the WaPo-Weigel farce clearly demonstrate that the media, whether it be national or local, can no longer pretend that there's any lack of bias. a recent Zogby Poll revealed that only eight (8) percent of Americans trust the traditional media. Is there any wonder why this is so?
First, FOX40 News was the only station streaming a live signal from CSU Stanislaus during Sarah Palin's presentation. Friday, we were told by officials organizing the speech that we were not permitted to beam a live signal direct from the dining hall where Sarah Palin was presenting; instead, we were offered the opportunity to aim a FOX40 camera at a projection screen inside a room for assembled media down the hall from where Sarah Palin was due to speak. We were cautioned by the organizers of the event that there was an ongoing audio situation. We were faced with two decisions -- to not carry a speech of local and national importance due to the low-quality methods we'd be forced to transmit, or to provide a signal by any means necessary. It was with the public interest in mind that we opted for the latter.
Second, following Sarah Palin's address from CSU Stanislaus, several reporters could be heard making comments about the speech that some viewers considered inappropriate and unprofessional. Day by day, television, newspaper and radio reporters are asked to cover stories involving mayhem and misery, and occasionally off-color comments slip out on-air and online. Honestly, it's happened on FOX40 News and on FOX40.com in the past during live presentations of news and events.
However, the comments overheard were made by reporters assembled from other newspaper and television outlets, and at no time was the voice of our photographer heard on the stream. It's very likely that those reporters and photographers were unaware, or simply forgot, that there was one television station with an open microphone broadcasting to the world. If you did not hear their comments, you can watch a portion of them here, captured by a viewer who was watching the FOX40.com live stream.
Additionally, it should be noted that FOX40 reporter Andria Borba was not in the room where our signal was broadcast, and the voices heard delivering color commentary at the end of Sarah Palin's speech were male.
Unfortunately, there's no way to immediately identify the photographers and reporters making commentary following Sarah Palin's speech, and it would be inappropriate for FOX40 News and FOX40.com to apologize on their behalf.
As always, our phone lines and e-mail inboxes are always open to comments and criticism. Our news director Brandon Mercer can be reached at Brandon.Mercer@FOX40.com, our acting general manager Mike Armstrong can be reached at Mike.Armstrong@FOX40.com and I can be reached at Matthew.Keys@FOX40.com.
"Of the $200,000 [that CSUS netted from Sarah Palin's appearance], one-third of it, is going to the scholarship fund. This amount will be about $66,666. Perhaps some attention-seeking faculty members and stupid protesters need to stop and think about both sides of the story..."- JP
After a brief introduction from University President Hamid Shirvani, who termed Palin a “great American,” she took the stage to chants of “Sarah” and a standing ovation.- JP
Sarah Palin discussed civic education, freedom of speech and the infamous "bendable straws" demand at California State University, Stanislaus Friday night.
Palin poked fun at the controversy sparked by the announcement she would appear and the outcry over her confidential contract, a portion of which students said they found in a university Dumpster.
"Do I have my straws?" she said, adding that she felt sorry for the Washington Speakers Bureau, which on her behalf negotiated "with the entire state of California."
And she took a shot at those who have launched an investigation into the university Foundation's finances in response to the contract. "Attorney General Jerry Brown and friends, this is California, do you really not have anything better to do?"
[...]
Palin said she was happy the foundation stuck with her through the controversy, though, because California has always been a special place to her. It’s Reagan country, she said.
Palin quickly delved into thanking the local community for hosting her with great hospitality. She said she appreciated meeting local farmers, who taught her a thing or two about pronunciation.
“I’ll never call an almond an almond again,” Palin joked.
The remainder of Palin’s speech centered on the topic of civic education for America’s next generation, a problem she singled out as the biggest challenge facing the country.
“My biggest fear is that we’re not passing on what it means to be an American to the next generation,” Palin said.
Being an American, Palin said, is about a constitutional right to free speech. It’s about people working hard to make something of themselves, she said. It’s about a love of freedom and free market associations.
It’s these things, Palin said, that make America the strongest, most generous country on earth.
She focused on the subject of American exceptionalism, stating that while most countries are the result of accidents of history America is the only country founded on an ideal – liberty.
But the strong will of our founders and our lasting reminders of their impact – the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence – aren’t enough to secure the success of liberty and of a nation, Palin said.
“It’s in the striving,” Palin said.
Palin referenced Weimar Republic Germany, which she termed as one of the most democratic countries in the world at the time. But Adolf Hitler was able to turn the country to an authoritarian state because residents didn’t stand against it, she said.
Palin lauded those around the world who stand up for liberty, praising the men and women who brought down the Berlin Wall, faced down tanks in Tiananmen Square, and recently stood against an unjust election in Tehran, Iraq.
Palin compared those great individuals to the two CSU Stanislaus students who dug through Dumpsters to find her draft contract, arguing that the students would be better off pursuing a different tactic to achieve change. She suggested that, instead of “trying to tell people to sit down and shut up,” they should choose to hold America’s leadership to higher ideals.
