The Real Sarah Palin (Part 1 of 2)

Before really knowing who Sarah Palin was, I was quite happy that John McCain decided to choose her as Vice President. However, my views have changed. Sarah stands for many things I advocate against. This post is not an attack on John McCain, nor is it to support Barack Obama. It is simply to show who Sarah Palin really is, and my dislike for her. I can only hope that you read what I have found and do your own research. This analysis of Sarah Palin will be done in two parts. This is post number 1.

I want to mention if you find that Palin has written the opposite of what I researched, please be aware that she wrote a campaign booklet for her 2006 gubernatorial bid. Her co-author, Sean Parnell, is now Alaska's Lieutenant Governor. As we all know, politicians have a tendency to say and write whatever is necessary to get elected. What she wrote in the booklet does not reflect what she really ended up doing.

1. Aerial Hunting of Wolves
This is one of the most disturbing acts that Palin supports. Being an animal lover, supporter, and advocate I am sickened that she supports aerial hunting of wolves.

• After a multi-year court battle, the Bush administration recognized in 2008 that polar bears are threatened with extinction by global warming. Announcing Alaska’s suit to block the listing, Palin said, “We believe that the listing was unwarranted and that it’s unprecedented to list a currently healthy population based on uncertain climate models.” [Reuters, 5/22/08]
• In 2007, Palin illegally established “a $150 bounty to the state sanctioned airborne wolf hunters as an added incentive to increase their kills,” soon overturned by the Alaska State Court. [Alaska Wildlife Alliance; Anchorage Daily News, 3/31/07]

Some information on Aerial Hunting:

• Aerial hunting occurs when hunters use airplanes to track an animal in the snow, chase them to exhaustion and shoot them from the air, or when hunters in airplanes track animals in the snow, herd or chase them to exhaustion, land the aircraft and shoot them from the ground.
• The use of aircraft to shoot or harass animals from the air is illegal under the Airborne Hunting Act, enacted in 1972. The act was passed after a nationwide outcry against the aerial hunting of wolves in Alaska.
• The circumstances surrounding Alaska’s program make it clear that the state is allowing aerial hunting, which is banned by federal law. The state exploits a loophole in the AHA to allow private hunters and private pilots.

• As recently as July, a known wolf den site was staked out -- a practice that is illegal under Alaska law -- and, using helicopters, gunned down 14 adult wolves from the air. When they landed, they found the 14 helpless pups in the nearby dens -- just weeks old -- and methodically shot each one in the head. 28 wolves gunned down in all.

Watch this video on Aerial Hunting (Warning: not for the faint at heart):



Rep. George Miller (CA) has introduced the Protect America's Wildlife (PAW) Act, legislation to close a federal loophole and curb Alaska's brutal aerial hunting program -- and prevent programs like it from spreading to places like the Greater Yellowstone region. Support the PAW Act here.


2. Women's Rights

• Sarah is pro-life. I do not have a problem with that, except for one thing. She opposes abortion even in cases of rape or incest. In 2006, Palin said that even if her daughter were raped, “I would choose life." In my opinion, I think that is a horrible way to think. I am generally against abortion, but I think if a woman is the victim of rape or incest, she should be able to decide to have an abortion. I do not believe anyone, especially the government, has the right to tell you what you can and can't do with your own body. I think what is most disturbing is the comment she made regarding her daughter.
• Earlier this year, Palin used a veto to cut funding for a state program that benefits teen mothers in need of a place to live. Funding for Covenant House Alaska, which provides transitional housing for teen mothers, was cut by 20 percent — from $5 million to $3.9 million. [Washington Post, 9/3/08]
• Sarah Supports Abstinence-Only Policies. In 2006, the Eagle Forum Alaska asked Palin whether she would “support funding for abstinence-until-marriage education.” Palin replied, “Yes, the explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support.” [Politico,9/1/08]. An abstinence-only policy will not teach young adults the importance of protection, the risk of STD's, and the risk of pregnancy. Many teens choose to have sex. If the policy she supports became the primary teaching, teens would not learn important issues regarding safe sex. She is said to be against birth control and sex-education. Did she not teach her daughter about the importance of birth control?

Watch these videos about Palin's views on birth control, sex education, and abortion.






I cannot ignore one rumor. I don't know the truth, nor am I going to speculate. However, I decided to include a video questioning who is the real mother of Trig. Is Sarah or Bristol the mother? There is even speculation that Bristol is pregnant now with her 2nd child.



3. Energy
One major event I am protesting right now is the possibility of drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge (which can be seen in my previous post.)

• Palin Is A Top Arctic Wildlife Refuge Drilling Advocate. Palin said she thinks McCain is “going to evolve into, eventually, supporting ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) opening also” and “I’d like the opportunity to get to change his mind about ANWR.” [Kudlow & Co.,6/25/08]-- As I have said before, development in this habitat would threaten numerous animals, including polar and grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, migratory whales and many species of birds.
• Palin Opposes Lieberman’s Bill To Prevent Arctic Refuge Drilling. In a letter to Congress opposing the Arctic Wilderness Act (S. 2316), Palin wrote that “as a citizen of the United States” she believes “development [of the Refuge] should be authorized.” [Letter to Sen. Akaka, 11/0/07]
• Palin Dismisses Alternative Energy. Palin said that “Congress needs to lift the ban on drilling” because “alternative-energy solutions are far from imminent and would require more than 10 years to develop.” [Charleston Post and Courier, 8/16/08]-- Last night I listened to John McCain make his speech at the Republican National Convention. In his speech he mentioned his desire to seek out alternative energy. I hope Sarah doesn't change his mind.

As you may know, the polar bear is the most threatended species in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. It is the most important onshore denning habitat for America's vanishing polar bears. Sarah's response to this issue:
Palin Is Suing To Lift Protected Status For Polar Bears. After a multi-year court battle, the Bush administration recognized in 2008 that polar bears are threatened with extinction by global warming. Announcing Alaska’s suit to block the listing, Palin said, “We believe that the listing was unwarranted and that it’s unprecedented to list a currently healthy population based on uncertain climate models.” [Reuters, 5/22/08] Sarah believes we "need the oil."
Watch the video of Palin being interviewed regarding her polar bear law suit so oil can be drilled. "We need that oil!" No, what we need is to stop depending on oil:



A video condemning oil drilling





Stay tuned for "The Real Sarah Palin" Part 2. I will be writing this over the weekend and hope to publish it Saturday night.

*** Update: Read Part 2 here.



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