A phony State Board of Elections flier advising Republicans to vote on Nov. 4 and Democrats on Nov. 5 is being circulated in several Hampton Roads localities, according to state elections officials.
In fact, Election Day, for voters of all political stripes, remains Nov. 4.
The somewhat official-looking flier - it features the state board logo and the state seal - is dated Oct. 24 and indicates that "an emergency session of the General Assembly has adopted the follwing (sic) emergency regulations to ease the load on local electorial (sic) precincts and ensure a fair electorial process."
The four-paragraph flier concludes with: "We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but felt this was the only way to ensure fairness to the complete electorial process."
No emergency action has been taken by the General Assembly. It is not in session and lacks the authority to change the date of a federal election.
State Board of Election officials today said they are aware of the flier but disavowed any connection to it.
"It's not even on our letterhead; they just copied the logo from our Web site," said agency staffer Ryan Enright, noting the flier has been forwarded to State Police for investigation as a possible incident of voter intimidation.
Election officials did not specify in which Hampton Roads localities the flier had been spotted.
State Police are aware of the complaint and are looking into it, said spokeswoman Corinne Geller.
In 2007, the General Assembly passed a law making it a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly communicate false information to registered voters about the date, time and place of the election or voters' precincts, polling places or voter registration statuses in order to impede their voting. The measure is one of the few such deceptive voting practice laws in the country, according to the watchdog group Common Cause.
Gotta love their spelling errors in the flier.
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The McCain Campaign and friends have begun a nationwide negative campaign that uses robocalls quietly poison voters' information with lies and fear tactics. These calls target voters by demography or geography with thousands of recorded messages or paid telemarketers to push a sleazy message.
1. Robocall Claims Obama Works "Closely" With Terrorists From the following organizations: McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Colorado, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, New Hampshire Description: Smear groups and now a desperate McCain campaign are trying to connect Barack to William Ayers using shady, stale guilt-by-association techniques. The facts behind this false attack: The smear associating Barack to Ayers is “phony,” “tenuous,” even “exaggerated at best if not outright false.” TRANSCRIPT: "Hello, I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC because you need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the US Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge’s home, and killed Americans. And Democrats will enact an extreme leftist agenda if they take control of Washington. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the judgment to lead our country. This call is paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee …”
2. Palin Criticizes Robocalls and Then Records One From the following organizations: McCain-Palin campaign and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Nevada, Wisconsin Description: Despite saying voters were “irritated” by robocalls, Gov. Palin herself stars in the newest robocall from the McCain campaign. CNN Political Ticker: Palin says voters ‘irritated’ by robocalls. TRANSCRIPT: “Hi this is Sarah Palin. One of our local campaign volunteers just called you and I wanted to follow up and ask for you support. You know our opponents may talk a lot – they haven’t done much listening. I know what it’s like to be a hard-working mom. I know how hard it is to make ends meet during tough times like this. John McCain and I know our country is hurting and we know how to turn it around. We’ll get our economy back on track. We’ll cut your taxes and lower prices at the pump and at the grocery store. John McCain and I are the Mavericks who will reform Washington, Wall Street, and all the wasteful government in between. I hope John McCain and I can count on your support on November 4th. We won’t let you down. Paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 …”
3. Robocall Exploits Fear of Terrorism From the following organizations: Republican National Committe and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado, Maryland Description: This recent robocall, using the voice of former governor Tom Ridge, recycles the tired campaign tactic of trying to scare voters with threats of terrorism. The truth: Barack Obama has a plan to keep America safe. Barack has supported increasing funding for homeland security and has a plan to increase the security of our transit systems, rail lines, and ports, and secure our chemical and nuclear plants. Learn more about Barack’s plans to keep America safe. TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, this is Governor Tom Ridge, America’s first Secretary of Homeland Security. I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC because this week Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s running mate, made startling comments we must take very seriously. He reminded us of Sen. Obama’s inexperience when he said that America would face an international crisis that Sen. Obama would be unprepared to handle alone. If the Democrats win complete control of government, they will want to give traditional civil rights to terrorists and talk unconditionally to dictators and state sponsors of terror. Barack Obama and his Democrat allies lack the experience and judgment to lead America. [New voice] Governor Ridge is right. If Democrats take complete control of government, our nation’s security will suffer. We need leadership and experience to change Washington and keep America safe. This call is paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008 …”
4. Robocall Deceives Voters About Obama's Strong Record on Crime From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, Wisconsin Description: Using a tired old trick out of the Republican playbook, this robocall tries to scare voters by deceptively attacking Obama’s record on crime. Barack Obama has a strong record of being tough on crime. Throughout his career in public service, Barack advocated tougher measures to fight crime and consistently voted to provide more resources to local law enforcement officials:
Barack co-sponsored legislation that became the first major anti-meth federal law.
He supported the COPS programs that provided much-needed resources to local police officers.
He cosponsored a bill creating a national database on sex offenders: http://www.nsopr.gov/
And he voted to reauthorize the landmark Violence Against Women Act.
For their tough records on crime, Barack Obama and Joe Biden earned the endorsement of the National Association of Police Organizations, a group that represents over 2,000 police organizations across the United States. (read more) TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC, because Democrats are dangerously weak on crime. Barack Obama has voted against tougher penalties for street gangs, drug-related crimes, and protecting children from danger. Barack Obama and his liberal allies have a disturbing history of coddling criminals. So we can’t trust their judgment to keep our families safe. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008.”
5. Robocall Twists Obama's Words to Make False Claims About Obama's Gun Policy From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Iowa, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Wisconsin Description: This robocall misleads voters on Obama’s gun policies by twisting Obama’s words. Barack Obama is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment: “I believe there is a Second Amendment right. I think it is an individual right. I think people have the right to lawfully bear arms.” During Barack’s career in the Illinois and United States senates, he proudly stood to defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen while doing everything he could to protect children — including his own two daughters — from illegal gun violence. (read more) TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC, because Barack Obama says Midwest folks like us cling to our guns because we’re bitter. And elitist Democrats who want to control Washington have tried to completely ban handguns and most hunting rifles. The NRA said that Barack Obama would be the most anti-gun president in American history. These elitist Democrats just don’t understand us, and we can’t trust them with our second amendment rights. This call was paid for the Republican National Committee and McCain-2008 …”
6. Robocall Misleads on Spending and Taxes From the following organizations: McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Colorado, North Carolina Description: This misleading robocall seeks to scare voters about Barack and his economic plan. The facts behind this false attack: The truth is Barack has proposed an economic plan for the middle class that will get our economy back on track, by both reducing government waste and cutting taxes for 95 percent of American families. (read more) You can find out what your tax cut is by using the Obama Tax Cut Calculator. TRANSCRIPT: “ … with grocery costs and a struggling economy, we cannot afford Barack Obama and the Democrat’s $1 trillion in new taxes and spending. With the wall Street bailout, we’re simply in over our heads. We cannot afford another $1 trillion in big government bureaucracy, higher taxes, and more wasteful spending that our children will have to pay for. This call is paid for by McCain-Palin and Republican National Committee …”
7. Robocall Claims Obama and His Allies "Aren't Who You Think They Are." From the following organizations: McCain-Palin campaign and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Virginia, Florida, Wisconsin Description: This McCain/RNC robocall to Virginia, Florida and Wisconsin residents warns that Barack Obama and the Democrats can’t keep America safe. The facts behind this false attack: In truth, Barack has supported increasing funding for homeland security and has a plan to increase the security of our transit systems, rail lines, and ports, and secure our chemical and nuclear plants. Learn more about Barack’s plans to keep America safe. TRANSCRIPT: “Hello. I’m calling on behalf of John McCain and the RNC because Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats aren’t who you think they are. They say they want to keep us safe but Barack Obama said the threat we face now from terrorism is nowhere near as dire as it was at the end of the Cold War. And Congressional Democrats now want to give civil rights to terrorists. John McCain and his party allies understand the threats we face. When you vote, vote for the team you can trust to keep America safe. This call was paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee.”
8. Rudy Giuliani Enters the Robocall-fest Attacking Barack's Strong Record on Crime From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Colorado, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin Description: Rudy Giuliani makes a deceptive robocall for McCain, trying to scare voters by challenging Obama’s record on crime. This robocall falsely claims that Barack Obama opposes mandatory prison sentences for certain serious crimes. That’s absurd and completely untrue. In fact, Obama has supported increased penalties on sexual offenders. He even co-sponsored the legislation that created the national online database of offenders and helped to pass a law extending the statute of limitations on sex crimes. Barack also made it easier for victims and their families to find closure after experiencing a vicious crime. By removing the statue of limitations for first-degree murder and extending it for sexual crimes in Illinois, Barack opened doors for law enforcement to prosecute more cases. For their tough records on crime, Barack Obama and Joe Biden earned the endorsement of the National Association of Police Organizations, a group that represents over 2,000 police organizations across the United States. (read more) TRANSCRIPT: “Hi, this is Rudy Giuliani, and I’m calling for John McCain and the Republican National Committee because you need to know that Barack Obama opposes mandatory prison sentences for sex offenders, drug dealers, and murderers. It’s true; I read Obama’s words myself. And recently, Congressional liberals introduced a bill to eliminate mandatory prison sentences for violent criminals — trying to give liberal judges the power to decide whether criminals are sent to jail or set free. With priorities like these, we just can’t trust the inexperience and judgment of Barack Obama and his liberal allies. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008 …”
9. Robocall on Health Care Deceives Voters From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Missouri, Wisconsin, Colorado Description: This McCain robocall seriously misleads voters about Barack Obama’s health care plan by calling it a “government takeover” instead of what it is: a common sense plan to help ordinary Americans afford much-needed medical care. Barack Obama has a plan to bring quality, affordable health care within reach for all Americans. As Barack has said, if you like your current employer-based health care, you can keep it and your premiums will go down. If you don’t have health insurance, you have a choice of new, quality, affordable health care options. It’s not a mandate – it’s a choice. The Obama-Biden plan requires health care for children in order to make sure that all American children can go to the doctor when they need to and get the quality care they deserve. And if you have a pre-existing condition, you can’t be turned away. Barack Obama and Joe Biden also have a plan to protect Social Security for our seniors today and future generations. Learn more about the Obama-Biden Health Care Plan and their Plan for Seniors. TRANSCRIPT: “…John McCain and the RNC because Barack Obama and the Democrats have jeopardized our Medicare and Social Security with their proposed massive government takeover of health care, and will be reducing access to doctors and slowing development of life-saving drugs. Don’t let the inexperience and poor judgment of Barack Obama and his Democrat allies put our livelihood at risk. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008 …”
10. Robocall Smears Obama's Response to Flood From the following organizations: McCain-Palin campaign and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Iowa Description: This robocall falsely accuses Barack Obama of not properly helping Iowans during the recent flooding. The facts behind this false attack: This attack couldn’t be further from the truth. Watch this video of Barack personally filling sandbags and helping flood victims in the region:
TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, I’m calling Iowans on behalf of John McCain, Sarah Palin and the RNC because congressional Democrats’ response to the June floods was not only embarrassing, it was negligent. While John McCain took time from campaigning to survey the damage caused, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid sent Congress home for summer vacation, leaving us stranded. John McCain, Sarah Palin and their party allies have spent a lifetime fighting to put government on our side. What do you vote this election? Vote for the team that will make government work for us again. This call is paid for by McCain/Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee …”
11. Robocall Scares Voters, Saying Democrats "Endanger American Lives" From the following organizations: Republican National Committe and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Ohio, Wisconsin Description: This robocall is just another shadowy attempt by John McCain and the Republican Nation Committee to smear Barack by distorting his record on supporting American troops. The non-partisan Factcheck.org labeled such smears “highly misleading,” and retired admiral John Natham has defended Barack: “Senator Obama has consistently voted to fund our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and, just as importantly, a proven record of support when they return home … Despite consistent distortions of his record, thousands of veterans like myself support Senator Obama because he has the judgment, character and integrity to be a great president. We will need a great president to lead us in these very challenging times.” Learn more about Barack’s support for our soldiers. Read more: here. TRANSCRIPT: “This is Orson Swindle. I’m calling on behalf of John McCain and the Republican National Committee. John McCain and I were POWs together. I know John’s character, integrity, courage and leadership. He supports our troops and veterans. Over 300 retired generals and admirals, 300 retired staff NCOs [non-commissioned officers], and hundreds of former POWs support John McCain. Twenty-one past VFW and American Legion national commanders support him. They trust his leadership. Democrats attempt to cut off crucial troop funding, accuse our troops of war crimes, and Senator Biden predicts Senator Obama will be tested. A weak President will, indeed, be tested. Obama and Democrats’ politics endanger American lives. They are not qualified to lead our military and our country. When you vote, vote for the team that puts leadership, character and country first. John McCain.”
12. McCain's Newest Robocall is Being Used in his Home State Arizona: Robocall Discounts Barack's Experience to Scare Voters. From the following organizations: Republican National Committe and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Arizona Description: This robocall uses the fear of terrorism to scare voters from Barack. But Americans are tired of the same old politics and scare tactics. They want a debate about the issues — like the economy, health care, education and taxes. Barack Obama is talking about the issues that really matter to working Americans — such as lowering taxes for the middle class and making health care affordable. And Barack Obama has a plan to keep America safe. Barack has supported increasing funding for homeland security and has a plan to increase the security of our transit systems, rail lines, and ports, and secure our chemical and nuclear plants. Learn more about Barack’s plans to keep America safe. TRANSCRIPT: “I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC because Barack Obama is so dangerously inexperienced, his running mate Joe Biden just said, he invites a major international crisis that he will be unprepared to handle alone. If Democrats win full control of government, they will want to give civil rights to terrorists and talk unconditionally to dictators and state sponsors of terror. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the experience and judgment to lead America. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and authorized by McCain-Palin 2008.”
Report inappropriate or hateful campaign material: here.
This kind of negative campaign depends on flying under the radar to make their full effect felt. If you spot one, please send it to us right away so we can add it to our database. Report a Robocall
Fight Back! Report a smear! These Robocalls should not be tolerated!
**Please feel free to use and link to this website and any postings, but please give credit, preferably with hyperlink. I am happy to help with your research.
Also see Obama and Biden's reaction to the robocalls, and McCain's links to terrorism: here Please stumble, digg it, reddit, and any other social bookmarking you like below:
The McCain Campaign and its allies have begun an unprecedented nationwide negative campaign that uses robocalls, direct mail, and other techniques to quietly poison voters' information with lies and fear tactics.
From the following organization: Republican Party of Florida
In the following location: Florida
Description: This mailer uses scare tactics to suggest Americans must “vote Republican” to keep America safe. That’s a false choice.
From the following organizations: Republican Party of New Mexico
In the following locations: Colorado, New Mexico
Description: This deceptive mailer drastically distorts Barack’s position on diplomacy.
From the following organizations: Paid for by the Republican National Committee, authorized by McCain-Palin 2008
In the following locations: Maine, North Carolina, Missouri
From the following organizations: Republican National Committee
In the following locations: Iowa, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania
From the following organizations: Republican Party of New Mexico, Republican Party of Florida, Republican Party of Iowa
In the following locations: New Mexico, Florida, Iowa
Description: This mailer attacks Barack Obama’s position on choice.
From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign
In the following locations: Missouri, Virginia, Iowa, Florida
Sen. John McCain this week gave his personal stamp of approval to one of the toughest pieces of direct mail in the 2008 campaign.
The brochure, which is being sent to voters in Virginia and Missouri, features a picture of what is either a plane about to crash into a building full of people or an airport departure gate, along with the words: "Terrorists Don't Care Who They Hurt."
The other side of the mailer says: "Barack Obama Thinks Terrorists Just Need a Good Talking To."
Controversial? Yes. But is McCain proud of it? Absolutely, according to an interview McCain gave to KDSD, a local television station in Missouri.
In the interview, McCain is shown the flier and asked if he's proud of it. "Absolutely," he said.
From the following organizations: Republican Party of Virginia, Wisconsin Republican Party
In the following locations: Virginia, Wisconsin
Please feel free to use information and link to this website and any postings, but please give credit, preferably with hyperlink. I am happy to help with your research.
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This summer, Alaska wildlife agency personnel reportedly staked out a known wolf denning site –a practice that is illegal under Alaska law – and, using helicopters, gunned down 14 adult wolves from the air.
When they landed, they found 14 helpless wolf pups in the nearby dens – infant wolves just weeks old – and methodically shot each one in the head. 28 wolves gunned down in all.
Due to a loophole in federal law, Alaska is the only state in the U.S. where a few hunters still use aircraft to shoot wolves or chase them to exhaustion before landing and shooting them point blank. But the practice of "denning" – the killing of wolf young in the den – is prohibited even under Alaska law. This killing of 14 wolf pups disturbs even longtime hunters in Alaska. During her two years as governor, Sarah Palin proposed a $150 bounty for the severed foreleg of each killed wolf and introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.
But it's time that Governor Palin call for a thorough investigation into the killing of these 14 wolf pups, and bring any Alaska employees who acted illegally to justice.
Please sign this petition to hold her accountable. To sign, click here.
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Defenders of Wildlife have put out a new video (released on Youtube October 10th) regarding Sarah Palin's gruesome support of wolf killing.
In June, after gunning down 14 adult wolves from a helicopter, officials from Governor Palin’s Department of Fish and Game rounded up 14 orphaned wolf pups and methodically shot each one in the head in clear violation of a state law.
Watch their video (not for the faint of heart)
What you can do to help wolves:
1. Take Action to Save Rare Southwest Wolves here 2. Urge President Obama to End the War on Wolves here 3. Urge Cabela's and Sportman's Warehouse to Withdraw Their Support for Wolf-killing Derbies here 4. *Click* to Protect Threatened Wolves daily. How it works: Your free click generates donations from our sponsors. You may click once a day, every day. 100% of the donations raised go directly to Defenders of Wildlife to help stop aerial hunting of wolves, continue efforts to expand wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, and more. Click here daily. 5. Boycott Alaska Until The State Stops Targeting Wolves. Sign here.
Here comes another disturbing fact about Sarah Palin. While Sarah Palin was mayor, Wasilla charged victims for their rape exams. Despite denials by the Palin campaign, new evidence proves that as mayor of Wasilla she had a direct role in charging rape victims for exams.
Wasilla cut funds that had previously paid for the medical exams and began charging victims or their health insurers the $500 to $1200 fees for the rape exam. The city budget documents show Palin read and signed off on a new budget that slashed the budget for the exams.
Police chief Duwayne Charles Fannon halved the budget request in 1997-1998, with a request of $7,298, spending only $3,454. It seems he began making victim's pay in the 1998-1999 fiscal year. That year, he requested $3,000 but spent only $205. This information can be found in the Document Central section of Wasilla’s website.
The document for the 1998-1999 fiscal year says to the citizens of the city of Wasilla: "To the best of our knowledge and belief, the enclosed data is accurate in all material respects and is reported in a manner designed to fairly present the financial position and results of operations of the various funds and account groups of the City."
Under the words “Respectfully submitted,” is the signature of Sarah Palin. This shows she was aware of the change in the billing policy. To see Palin’s signature in Wasilla’s 1999 Financial Report, download the full report here.
To make matters worse, for years, Alaska has had the worst record of any state in rape. The rape rate in Alaska is 2.5 times the national average.
Rape victims are already traumatized by the horrible experience they had to endure. To have to pay for their rape exam makes the trauma even worse for them. Why would anyone do this to a victim of a heinous crime?
This questions Palin's desire to help women. Not only were rape victim's charged for their exams, there was only a small funding increase for domestic violence shelters at a time when Alaska had a multibillion-dollar budget surplus. Palin cut funding for a number of programs that treat female victims of violence.
Palin's office released e-mails showing that one area of disagreement between her and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan was his lobbying in Washington for $30 million to fund a new program of sexual assault response teams.
The practice of charging rape victims has called into question Palin’s stated commitment to women’s issues, her judgment as an executive and her honesty about her record. But of course, she "knew nothing about it." C'mon. Her lies and decisions get worse every day.
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By now, most of the world knows of Sarah Palin's support of brutal aeriel hunting of wolves. (Please read my other posts regarding Sarah Palin.) 1. Petition to Sarah Palin about the wolf killing: Here
Let's get the word out further.
The organization Defenders of Wildlife (one of my favorites) released the video I am sure you all have seen.
More than 68,000 potential voters have viewed their video on YouTube, with many more spreading the word by re-posting the video on their websites and blogs and forwarding it to friends.
CNN and other news outlets have picked up the story, running clips from Defenders of Wildlife Action fund and their sister organization Defenders of Wildlife.
In an effort to reach hundreds of thousands of "swing voters" who help decide this election, The Defenders of Wildlife created a new, powerful television ad that details Sarah Palin's efforts to kill wolves.
They can only run it with our financial help. Running a television ad during an election year is expensive. We need to help them raise $100,000 to run the ad and support their work to provide a voice for endangered wildlife. Make your donation here.
Donation overview:
$20.00 Part of one 60-second spot
$40.00 Two parts of one 60-second spot
$60.00 Three parts of a sixty-second
$100.00 Half of one 60-second spot
$200.00 One 60-second spot
$1,000.00 Five 60-second spots
Other: If you cannot afford any of the above, even giving $5.00 will help so much.
(Sarah's lovely office. I am disgusted that someone can have a dead bear draped on their couch and not feel bad about it)
As promised, here is Part 2 of my analysis of Sarah Palin. I suggest reading Part 1 first before reading this post: here. As I said, I hope that you read what I have found and do your own research.
Again, 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.
4. Health Care
Palin introduced a Health Care Transparency Act. Palin’s Alaska Health Care Transparency Act established “an Alaska health care information office” to help consumers “make better-informed decisions about health care in the state.” The act also called for the repeal of Certificate of Need Laws, programs “aimed at restraining health care facility costs and allowing coordinated planning of new services and construction.” [Gov Tech, 1/28/2008; National Conference of State Legislatures, 8/21/2008]
Palin Failed To Support A Bill To Cover All Alaskans.While governor, Palin “did not get behind the most significant piece of health legislation offered — a proposal to ensure that all residents have health insurance, without disrupting the coverage that many Alaskans already have.” [Anchorage Daily News, 5/17/2008]
Sarah did not take a position on expanding State Children’s Health Insurance Program(SCHIP) Funding. SCHIP is a United States federal government program that gives funds to states in order to provide health insurance to families with children in families with incomes that are modest but too high to qualify for Medicaid. The program was designed to cover uninsured children.Palin did not advocate for greater federal funding of SCHIP. [Blagojevich Press Release, 2/23/07] States are given flexibility in designing their SCHIP requirements and policies within federal guidelines. Some states received authority through waivers of statutory provisions to use SCHIP funds to cover the parents of children receiving benefits from both SCHIP and Medicaid, pregnant women, and other adults. You would think that Sarah would be interested in helping pregnant women considering she is a mother and pro-life.
Eventually Palin signed a "watered-down" SCHIP bill.She signed legislation updating eligibility for Alaska’s SCHIP program, Denali KidCare. Alaska’s eligibility criteria are still among the lowest in the nation. Palin did not support legislation to expand eligibility to higher levels. [National Conference of State Legislatures, 6/2008; Kaiser Network, 5/22/2007; Anchorage Daily News, 4/15/2008]
While governor, Palin “did not get behind the most significant piece of health legislation offered — a proposal to ensure that all residents have health insurance, without disrupting the coverage that many Alaskans already have.” [Anchorage Daily News, 5/17/2008]
5. Civil Rights
In 2006, Palin vetoed legislation denying benefits to same-sex couples, “based on a legal opinion from her new attorney general that the legislation was unconstitutional.” However, she said that she would support a constitutional amendment to deny same-sex couples the benefits. [Gay Republic Daily, 9/20/2006; Anchorage Daily News, 12/21/2006]
A 2006 Eagle Forum Alaska questionnaire asked, “Will you support an effort to expand hate crime laws?” Palin replied, “No, as I believe all heinous crime is based on hate.” [Washington Blade,9/2/2008]
Palin's church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer.
Palin opposes same-sex marriage. In 1998, Alaska was one of the first U.S. states to pass a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Palin supported the amendment.
6. Big Oil
Palin’s First Statewide Campaign Was Fueled By Veco. “While mayor of Wasilla, Palin ran for lieutenant governor in 2002. She gathered $5,000 — or about 10 percent of her campaign fund — from Veco officials or their wives along the way.” [Anchorage Daily News, 9/6/2006] VECO Corporation was an Alaska-based oil pipeline service and construction company until its purchase in September 2007 by CH2M HILL.
Palin’s Inauguration Was Sponsored By BP. BP is listed by the Alaska Inaugural Committee as a sponsor of Palin’s 2007 Governor’s Balls. [Alaska Inaugurl Committee] BP was named by Mother Jones Magazine as one of the "ten worst corporations" in both 2001 and 2005 based on its environmental and human rights records.In 1991, BP was cited as the most polluting company in the US based on EPA toxic release data. Since branding itself an environmentally sound corporation in 1997, BP has been charged with burning polluted gases at its Ohio refinery. They were fined $1.7 million for this. In July 2000, BP paid a $10 million fine to the EPA for its management of its US refineries. According to PIRG research, between January 1997 and March 1998, BP was responsible for 104 oil spills. Why would you want to be sponsered by such a horrible company?
7. Environment
Governor Palin actively campaigned against a state ballot measure this summer aimed at protecting Alaska's Bristol Bay. The mining industry seeks to develop a gold and copper mine in the area that would pollute the Bay's waters and threaten the largest remaining wild salmon run. The initiative would have prevented large-scale mining operations from dumping waste materials into salmon watersheds.
Palin is on record doubting that human action is the main driver behind climate change. In a recent interview with Newsmax.com, Palin noted that warming would affect Alaska "more than any other state, because of our location." But she added, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made." In her head, she probably attributes it to being animal-made. That would explain her desire to kill them off. (Couldn't help myself there.)
8. Endangered Species
Polar Bears: Palin has actively opposed the listing of the polar bear despite the fact that Alaska's top marine mammal biologists agreed with the federal scientists who believed the bear should be listed. She wrote the Secretary of Interior urging him not to list the bear on the ground it might hurt the state's oil- and gas-dependent economy. Protect the polar bears here.
Beluga Whales: Palin opposes the listing of the Cook Inlet beluga whales, citing the listing as a threat to oil and gas development, despite their genetic uniqueness and the fact that their numbers have decreased from 1,300 in the 1980s to about 350 today.
Again, please go here, to support the PAW Act that will end Alaska's Aerial Hunting program.
9. Her Religion Dictates Her Decisions
I have no issue with religion. However, I don't believe that your faith and religion should decide your politics when you are governor and possibly the next Vice President of the United States.
Palin believes that the Iraq War is a task ‘From God.’ Speaking at the Wasilla Assembly of God church in June, Palin said that “our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God.” [Huffington Post, 9/2/08]
Palin believes it is ‘God’s Will’ to build a natural gas pipeline. Speaking to the Wasilla Assembly of God church in June, Palin said, “I think God’s will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that,” referring to a $30 billion national gas pipeline project. [Huffington Post, 9/2/08]
Palin supports teaching creationism in public schools. In a 2006 gubernatorial debate, Palin “said she thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state’s public classrooms.” [Anchorage Daily News, 10/24/06]
For more than two decades, Palin was a practicing Pentecostal. She belonged to the Wasilla Assembly of God church in her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska. But though she attended the church from her teenage years through to 2002, she hasn't talked much about her religion since joining the Republican ticket.
Palin's former pastor says he has no doubt her religious beliefs will influence her decision making when it comes to government policy.
Tim McGraw, who was her pastor until 1998 and while she was mayor of Wasilla, says Palin attended discipleship classes to strengthen her Pentecostal faith and that he counseled her on how to become a better leader.
Great video of Keith Olbermann talking about how Sarah's religious beliefs affect her choices, thoughts and actions. Including her view that God is leading us in Iraq, that God helped her get elected, and her church's view on gay people:
Sarah saying that our leaders are sending our troops on a "task that is from God":
10. Lack of Knowledge Concerning the United States
Palin hasn’t given the war in Iraq much thought. Palin told the Alaska Business Monthly, “I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq. [Alaska Business Monthly, 3/1/2007
Speaking before voters in Colorado Springs Saturday September 6th, Palin claimed that lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had “gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers.”..... what?? These lending institutions “aren’t taxpayer funded but operate as private companies." She is obvilous to the workings of our economy. Dean Baker says it all. “You would like to think that someone who is going to be vice president and conceivable president would know what Fannie and Freddie do,” said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. “These are huge institutions and they are absolutely central to our country’s mortgage debt. To not have a clue what they do doesn’t speak well for her, I’d say.” Ouch.
Video of her false statement regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I don't know what's more sad: her not knowing what she is talking about or the crowd cheering her on after she said it (is everyone clueless?):
11. Abuse of Power Sarah seems to enjoy abusing her power. How will she abuse her power if she were to become Vice President of the United States? The thought is scary.
Palin billed taxpayers for nights spent at home. She billed the state for “312 nights spent in her own home during her first 19 months in office, charging a “per diem” allowance intended to cover meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business.” She also charged for travel expenses to take her children and husband on “official out-of-town missions.” [Washington Post, 9/9/2008] And her husband, Todd, has billed the state for expenses and a daily allowance for trips he makes on official business for his wife. The governor's daughters and husband charged the state $43,490 to travel, and many of the trips were between their house in Wasilla and Juneau, the capital city 600 miles away, the documents show.
Palin fired Police Chief for "not fully supporting her." After becoming Mayor of Wasilla, she fired the city’s police chief, Irl Stambaugh, writing, “I do not feel I have your full support in my efforts to govern the city of Wasilla. Therefore I intend to terminate your employment.” Stambaugh charged that Palin fired him “because he stepped on the toes of Palin’s campaign contributors, including bar owners and the National Rifle Association.” [Anchorage Daily News, 2/1/1997; ABC News, 9/3/2008]
As Mayor of Wasilla in 1998, Palin “asked all of the city’s top managers to resign in order to test their loyalty to her administration.”[Daily Sitka Sentenial, 10/28,2006]
A state employee filed an ethics complaint alleging Palin tried to secure a job for one of her supporters. The complaint accused Palin and her top staffers of “breaking executive ethics branch and hiring rules. It centers on the hiring of surveyor Tom Lamal, who once co-hosted a Palin fundraiser, for a state right-of-way agent job in Fairbanks.” [Anchorage Daily News, 9/7/2008]
Palin allegedly “tried to get a state trooper fired and she then fired the trooper’s boss because he wouldn’t act on her request.” Palin’s sister was involved in a “bitter child custody battle” with the trooper. [Anchorage Daily News, 7/18/2008] Palin “previously said her administration didn’t exert pressure to get rid of trooper Mike Wooten,” but “an audio recording that shows an aide pressuring the Public Safety Department to fire a state trooper embroiled in a custody battle with her sister.” [Anchorage Daily News, 8/14/2008, 9/2/2008]
"Trooper-Gate" video. Abuse of power:
Video for animal lovers who are against Sarah Palin:
To be continued...
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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.
A phony State Board of Elections flier advising Republicans to vote on Nov. 4 and Democrats on Nov. 5 is being circulated in several Hampton Roads localities, according to state elections officials. 
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