Chi-CityChica

So I’d heard something about this insane idea of NY’s Bloomberg allowing the proposal to build a Islamic mosque practically on the 911 Ground Zero site but I thought, no way, there’s NO way they’d actually do that. How could they possibly allow a symbol of the VERY thing that these hideous terrorists that attacked us believed in and worshiped at anywhere near that site!

And I don’t care if they say its in some community center on the site, it’s still ON THE SITE!

I already believe the overly sensitive sensibilities we’re all supposed to follow regarding anything Muslim or anything Islamic is already above and beyond. Especially since Christians are persecuted every day for their beliefs!!! in the media and the like! And no one says anything. And call me a racist for saying that I don’t care! Bring it.

But to find out they are actually VERY close to allowing this mosque to be built is absolutely revolting, disgusting, ridiculous and every other negative connotation I can muster up into a sentence insert here! And of course its all about the money and these people commissioning for this know that, these greedy, disgusting politicians go where the money’s at, who cares about America, who cares about those who died that day, who cares about the families and friends who still mourn and will forever mourn! What’s all that if a little more green gets in your pocket Mr. Bloomberg. But of course.

As one sign at the rally stated:

“Sensitivity goes both ways, if you really care build it elsewhere!”

Exactly.

So just as disgusting as the idea itself, the fact that NO MAJOR network news outlet covered the protest that took place June 6, 2010. Thousands of people gathered at Ground Zero and only citizen journalists, some talk radio, and bloggers covered and discussed this. How is this possible people!? I ask, how many of you out there knew about this proposal to build a mosque and how many of you were aware it was being protested by thousands of the VERY people that lost loved ones that day? Do you care? If so than ask yourself how we can live in a country that blatantly censored this from the airwaves?

I just did some research and found that only a few articles were written after the fact about the rally, CNN did one that I’ve found so far, some various NY newspapers wrote up a piece. I’ve been searching and have yet to find any coverage by Fox news about the rally, that’s double shocking, they’ve discussed the proposal of the mosque, but not the protest? Apparently some of the Fox talk shows like Hannity and O’Reilly covered it on the air but not everyone has cable people.

Where are all the news networks? Why wasn’t this protest worthy of the news? They have no problem making fun of people who showed up to Tea Party rallies after the fact, but no one can show the thousands of people who gathered to show their support against this ridiculous idea?

CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) is the only one I’ve found that was all over it and even talked about the protest that WAS GOING to happen, but they aren’t even close to being network news.

This whole thing, which was alerted to me via email and blogs, makes me sick to my stomach, I don’t know whether to cry or want to punch Bloomberg and those thinking this is a good idea in the face. How about I do both!

Take a look at some images in the video link below and various links discussing the subject. How can we allow this? Isn’t building a mosque on this sacred site going too far? Enough with the bullshit political correctness already, this is AMERICA, radical Islam attacked US, why should we build a symbol of their twisted FAITH on our soil, let alone on 911 SOIL!?

CBN video:

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2010/June/Thousands-Protest-Ground-Zero-Mosque/

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/06/07/2010-06-07_1000_protest_islamic_center_plan.html

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/06/new.york.ground.zero.mosque/index.html

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2010/June/Thousands-Protest-Ground-Zero-Mosque/

Always REMEMBER!

I absolutely adore this band The Temper Trap, they originally hail from Melbourne, Australia and are good example of why I love Indie rock. The lovely mix of atmospheric sounds consistent in their music just makes it easy to listen to, for me anyway.

The lead singer, Dougie Mandagi, has a voice I can’t quite describe but I find myself completely obsessed with his sound. And yes although they’ve been around for a little while, reaching more recent fame in 2008, I only just discovered them thanks to the movie 500 Days of Summer. That soundtrack is awesome as a whole, but The Sweet Disposition, a Temper Trap song is what really grabbed me. I love, adore and can’t get enough of that song. Also adoring more every day is the song Love Lost. I’m sure I’ll discover more about this band that I like and I’ll overplay all my favorites.

Of course that’s how I am with music, I drown myself in it, play it over and over, then I move on to the next piece/band who brings forth emotion in me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I don’t have my favorite bands or genres, or that I stop listening to a song all together. I just can’t allow music to become too played out on my iPod, there’s so much more to discover.

This is likely the reason I detest most Top 40/today’s hits on the radio. The same damn 15 songs over and over. GAH! I like discovering new things with my music, new emotions. And it’s always something to go back to and reminisce the first time you heard it, bringing back that happy/sad/whatever state you were in. It’s what’s so great about music.

Take a look at a video for Sweet Disposition here:

“>

Can someone PLEASE tell me how this man got a job in journalism? I mean the fact that he resides over at the ridiculous MSNBC which seems to be where all the lunies broadcast from must be some indication. But seriously, how has this man gotten away with one stupid, idiotic comment after another without ever being called out on it by his own liberal media? I mean it’s embarrassing for them, shouldn’t they have shunned this guy off the air by now?

He literally makes no sense when he opens his mouth or he comes off as some kind of “fan boy” for Obama. You’d think we were listening/watching some youtube video of teenage girls gaga-ing over the Jonas Brothers. That’s how perceptive his commentary is to me, seriously.

See one article on the all the ridiculousness here with this transcript below:
—————————————————————-
FOXNews.com -1/28/2010

-’I Forgot He Was Black’: Chris Matthews Under Fire for Comment About Obama-

MSNBC host Chris Matthews is under fire for commenting on air that President Obama has done so much to heal racial divides that “I forgot he was black” as he watched Obama’s first State of the Union address Wednesday night.

Matthews, who appeared on the cable network shortly after the speech, said of the president:

“I was trying to think about who he was tonight. And uh, it’s interesting. He is post-racial, by all appearances. You know, I forgot he was black tonight for an hour….

“I was watching, I said, ‘wait a minute!’ He’s an African-American guy in front of a bunch of other white people and there he is president of the United States and we’ve completely forgotten that tonight — completely forgotten it!”

Click here to watch the video.

Matthews’ remarks came as he was praising the president for working to heal racial divides and for delivering a State of the Union address that he described as “profound” and “so in tune with so many problems and aspects of American life.”

But the “I forgot he was black” remark quickly set the blogosphere on fire, as hundreds of viewers questioned the meaning and implications of Matthews’ words.

“For his idiotic racist comment last night, will Chris Matthews be flogged and pilloried like Imus was?” tweeted “Shoehead.”

“When I 1st heard what Chris Matthews said I thought maybe Pres Obama just looked extremely light-skinned 4 some reason,” tweeted “QueenMelmendi.”

Brent Bozell, founder and president of the Media Research Center, a conservative media watchdog organization, said the remarks reveal a prejudice on Matthews’ part.

“What Chris Matthews is saying is that he doesn’t believe African-Americans are capable of giving speeches like that.”

He said Matthews’ remarks “show the absolute contradiction in the liberal argument on color. They purport to want a color-blind society, but are absolutely fixated on doing just the opposite. [Matthews] can’t see Barack Obama as being qualified, because he’s Barack Obama. He sees him through a lens of being black.”

An MSNBC spokeswoman did not reply to a request for comment.

Controversial remarks are not new to Matthews. The on-air host was roundly criticized for calling West Point cadets “the enemy camp” when Obama spoke at the U.S. Military Academy in December.

Matthews also was criticized for saying he “felt this thrill going up my leg” after listening to Obama speak during the presidential primary campaign.
—————————————————————-

Well I feel nauseated in my stomach whenever Matthews speaks, so there.

-Sarah

This is basically awesome! Enough said.

I’ve always found myself drawn to the stories of those who fight or have fought for our country. I watch all the war movies, I’ve read many books, and I became obsessed with the mini-series Band of Brothers, watching it over and over. My father and I have often shared this same passion or interest. It is our history, it is pride, and it is part of what makes America what she is…our devotion to the life God gave us, freedom, liberty and justice for all.

I think one of the reasons it always tugs at my heart strings or evokes this warm feeling of pride is that I am in awe of them. I am in awe over their ability to offer themselves unselfishly at the feet of our country, to put everything on the line, their lives, their futures, and all because they truly believe and have a passion for what they are here to do for our country. They are strong yet they feel everything. The military of the World War era were mind blowingly devoted to the cause, strong but never afraid to show their emotion and love for fellow troops. I swear I’ve never seen so many grown men cry than those who mention the loss and pride they felt while fighting in World War 2. But I never judge them; I just become more in awe of them.

I once toyed with the idea of joining the army when I was younger. (This might make many who know me laugh) but the truth was I was lost and unsure about the future but I knew I had all this passion inside me and I thought I could direct it in that way, and what a way really. It never actualized into anything (again no shocker for those who know me). But the passion I felt for the cause and the pride for our country and those who’ve fought, bled, and suffered has remained strong.

By the standard portrayed of the younger generations today, I shouldn’t be so preoccupied by this portion of our history. I’ve never personally fought in a war, I wasn’t alive for World War 1 or 2, or even Vietnam. But I value the history of what this country has gone through and how it affects us today.

Yes we do have a war going on now, but by today’s media standards I shouldn’t feel any pride about this war as was displayed during World War 2, because the media tries to tell us it’s an unnecessary and unjust war. Some in the media or our society say America is wrong and we push our views on people. Oh, how dare we try to push Freedom onto people, how dare we try to use our power and numbers to try and help others, including those who are oppressed, being terrorized and murdered in the streets? Something is off about this view. If running to other countries aid at the expense of our own American lives and dollars is selfish, well than I must live in an alternate reality or apparently should have been born in the more patriotic era of the 1930s.

As I think about the troops today and how our world has changed, it’s not just the world, it’s us here in America specifically, we’ve changed.

We live in a different place, where Christianity is now seen by some as a new form of a terror threat, where everything and everyone is way too concerned about political correctness, so concerned they ignore the bloody (literally) signs of homegrown terrorism at one of its very own Army Bases!! Christianity is challenged, torn down, made fun of and seen in an unfavorable light more than any other religion by our media. No one wants to question or judge other religions, especially Muslim for fear of offending anyone. Yes a very LARGE percent of Muslims are NOT extremists, but does that mean they should never be examined when examples warrant it? We as Christians certainly aren’t getting a free pass in the media, how come it’s ok to throw us under the bus on a daily basis?

13 people lost their lives this month to terrorism on our soil, 12 people who serve our country along with one civilian. It wasn’t just a crime; in mine and many others opinions this was an attack, a form of terrorism. No matter how this administration or media tries to spin this, just look at the growing amount of evidence, and from the very mouth of the attacker himself (screaming: ”Allah, Akbar” as he opened fire, which is what terrorists say before blowing themselves and others up!) this was a form of a terrorist act on our country. It’s the first successful attack since September 11th. Yes on a smaller scale, but 13 lives or 3000 lives, it’s still lives lost at the hands of Islamic terrorism.

I fear it won’t be the last with this growing lack of support for whether our country should amp up its defense system. We get deeper and deeper in debt, spending money on the wrong things and in the mean time our defense system is weakened. We are going back to a pre-911 mentality and it scares the living shit out of me. Our current President touts around the world on his never ending apology tour, making America look weak and adopting appeasement tactics. That’s not our country, we are not weak, we are not submissive; we are strong and mighty. We help those in need first before any other countries do, we accept people of all races and religions, we believe in equality (well maybe not for long…us poor Christians, but at least we have God on our side!) we have freedom of speech (well wait, now that’s being challenged too). Do you see where I am going with this? We are straying too far from how are country was built, we are at risk of becoming too controlled by our government and appearing weak to our enemies.

This will not stand, our fathers, grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers did not fight, bleed, suffer, sacrifice, cry, and mourn for so many back in the World Wars only to have us falter now. It’s an abomination to their memories and hard work. We owe all that serve our nation our greatest gratitude every day, not just today.

The similarities taking place today to what happened in Austria (and many other areas of Germany) in the ’30s is frighteningly familiar, as pointed out in this article from The World Net Daily below.

Naysayers who say we are stretching our theories or making a mountain out of a mole-hill are simply blind to what’s happening and has been happening right before their very eyes, and it didn’t just start with this administration. Unfortunately those who have been trying to make this happen just finally found their IN. Beware.

—————————————————————
Austria in the ’30s: Mirror to America

Posted: September 22, 2009
1:00 am Eastern
Janet Porter - World Net Daily exclusive commentary:
© 2009

In the past weeks you’ve heard me talk about the How to Take Back America Conference being held in St. Louis this Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, with speakers like: Gov. Mike Huckabee, “Joe the Plumber,” U.S. Reps. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., Trent Franks, R-Ariz., Steve King, R-Iowa, Tom McClintock, R-Calif., Dr. Tom Price, R-Ga., and Three-Star Gen. Jerry Boykin. But someone who’ll be there that you didn’t hear about is Kitty Werthmann. Kitty was 12 years old when Adolf Hitler took over Austria.

She is 83 with a “vivid memory” of what happened in her homeland next. She witnessed the government take over the banks and the auto industry. Sound familiar? In the last nine months, Obama and the Democrats in Congress have successfully orchestrated the government takeover of Chrysler and General Motors along with countless banks.

She witnessed the “compulsory youth” service and indoctrination. That sounds a little like Obama’s call for “mandatory volunteerism” for America’s youth.

The government takeover of the schools immediately replaced crucifixes with pictures of Hitler and Nazi flags. “All religious instruction was replaced with physical education,” said Werthmann. No prayer was allowed. That all happened here decades ago. It is interesting, however, that Obama’s speech to the captive audience in the government schools – complete with the essay assignment about how students could help him achieve his political goals – was replaced once the American people got wind of it. And speaking of government control of education, if the Senate agrees, all student loans will be government issued, according to a bill that passed the House last week.

Werthmann saw what happened next when the government took over the health-care system. Her brother-in-law was a physician, and by the time he got to his office, 40 patients were already waiting in line. And if the medicine they needed wasn’t on the “government-approved list,” the cost came out of his own salary – “which dwindled down to almost nothing,” Werthmann recalled. Sounds like H.R. 3200.

“All research stopped,” and in the run-down medical facilities there was a “12-18 month wait for a hospital bed.” That sounds like the warnings we’ve already gotten from Canada and elsewhere.

Are we headed for a Nazi-style totalitarian abyss? Find out in “Defeating the Totalitarian Lie: A Former Hitler Youth Warns America”

Werthman’s husband saw what his brother faced and left Germany to practice medicine in the United States. Werthmann said, “He marveled at how modern our hospitals were, and how great our medical care is.” That’s the medical care Obama wants to replace with socialized medicine.

Kitty recalled the massive welfare system funded by 60-70 percent tax increases in an effort to “spread the wealth.” Wow, there’s an interesting phrase. Did I mention that “Joe the Plumber” will also be at the conference?

“The media was taken over by the government right away,” Kitty recalls. “We got free radios and the radio stations were government-run. If you listened to a foreign radio station like the BBC, there was capital punishment,” said Werthmann.

They had Joseph Goebbels; we have Mark Lloyd, the diversity czar, who is already poised to shut down private radio stations like his hero Hugo Chavez did – threatening licenses and waging outrageous fines on stations (up to $25 million dollars) who say things he doesn’t like.

“We heard only what was on the radio,” she said. “We couldn’t get information from anywhere.” Kind of like we’ll be if the government takes over not only radio, but the Internet, as well. Senate bills 773 and 778, introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., would do just that – handing over control of one of our last bastions of free speech to none other than Barack Obama.

But now, Obama is poised to “bail out the newspaper industry,” ushering in an official “state-run media.” Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., has already introduced S. 673, the so-called “Newspaper Revitalization Act,” providing the means. While most in the media already tow the official state line, Obama doesn’t like those unruly blogs. It’s a lot easier when you can silence people like Rep. Joe Wilson for speaking out against you – and then outlawing accurate words like “lie” from being said on the House floor.

“Each person was allotted ration cards like a pound of sugar per month.” Werthmann said. “If your grandma died, and you used her ration card to buy sugar, the grocery store would report you. Then, the Gestapo showed up, but rather than arrest you, they recruited you as informant of your neighbors, boss, friends and family. You couldn’t trust anybody, not even the mailman,” Werthmann added. Weekly reports were required or arrests were made.

Sounds a little like Obama’s recruitment of government informants, i.e. the “snitch program,” to turn in offenders for “fishy” speech. No arrests just yet, but the Department of Homeland Security has already tagged pro-family Americans as “the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States.”

While Austria and Germany didn’t have a “green movement,” Werthmann said relatives living there under the European Union have experienced “a tripling of their energy bills.” The House has also already initiated the government takeover of energy by passing the Cap-and-trade bill – which will tax us for heating our homes and driving to work. Obama, himself, said our bills would “skyrocket” as a result.

Werthmann said it took five years for Hitler to rise to a dictatorship, and is amazed at how fast history is repeating itself here. “It has to be done fast,” she added, “so people won’t catch on.”

“Those of us who sailed past the Statute of Liberty came to a country of unbelievable freedom and opportunity.” Werthmann concluded. “After America, there is no place to run.”

Last night I watched a movie about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. After all, he was in a battle against National Socialists, too. It cost him his life. We need to rise up now to stop it before it comes to that.

See you in St. Louis.

original link: http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=110602

—————————————————————–

God help us all.

-Sarah
September 25th- Take back America day (and coincidently my birthday!)

(http://www.howtotakebackamerica.org/)

I originally wrote this poem 7 years ago on the first anniversary of September 11th. I’ve since been posting it on whatever blog, email or site I’m using at the time as a reminder, to myself, friends or anyone really. It’s become a habit for me, a habit I’ll try to never break. Because I will never stop remembering, I won’t forget that day. I know so many go on with their lives, it’s in the past, they choose not to delve into whatever emotions were stirred up that day. I choose to revisit them, whether by re-posting this little poem or by watching a documentary that day. I feel it honors those that lost their lives, even in just some small little way.

Everyone take the time, even if for just one small moment to remember what was lost that day, what changed and how our country was never the same again. Also remember the courage, the faith, the heroes and goodness that was displayed that day as well. God bless us all. So here’s the poem, once more:

Remember

One year passes.
Heaviness still lies beneath the change.
Cold ashes still wreak of sorrow.
Though thoughts have rested some, hearts
still beat wildly over broken memories.
Goodbyes too powerful to speak aloud.
Believe in the endless burning for all the
lost, innocent souls.
Do not release those images into the night.
Remember.

Sarah M. Hetland

UPDATE: also check out this beautiful and emotional website dedicated to those who died on United 93. I can’t believe I’ve never seen this before:

http://unitedheroes.com/

Ok, there are just no words to explain or understand what strange hidden agenda this Levi Johnston character has and what he’s all about since breaking away from the Palin family. The kid’s got some serious case of the “I need my 10 minutes of fame-itis” and this latest bit of news is just down right disturbing. I feel for Sarah Palin’s daughter that she so unfortunately pro-created with such a clueless douche-bag. You live and learn from your mistakes I guess. But unfortunately for the Palin family there lives/business keeps getting splashed across the headlines like standard Hollywood trash gossip. I wonder how much this kid’s getting paid to help destroy the Palin family, and at the expense of his young son.

Disgusting.

Kathy Griffin’s Date Night With Bristol Palin’s Ex Fiance
Monday , August 10, 2009

By Hollie McKay

Kathy Griffin Has Lovey Dovey Date Night With Bristol Palin’s Former Fiancé Levi Johnston

Could the Teen Choice Awards have gotten any more bizarre?

Controversial comedian Kathy Griffin certainly lived up to her kooky reputation by bringing none other than the fame-hungry Levi Johnston to Sunday evening’s taping of the FOX Teen Choice Awards at Hollywood’s Universal Studios.

Griffin and Bristol Palin’s former fiance and baby daddy walked hand-in-hand down the red carpet to a sea of surprised expressions.

Despite the 29-year age gap between the two, Johnston seemed particularly smitten and was overheard gushing about how “beautiful” Griffin looked for the occasion. But that’s about all he was able to say — it appeared as though he’d been instructed to keep his mouth closed and instead Griffin did all the talking. Their date night continued inside the theater as the two flirted and laughed side-by-side throughout the show.

A source close to the 19-year-old Johnston told Tarts that he’s loving the “Hollywood life” and his own future reality show isn’t out of the question …

It caught me by surprise to learn that she was quitting today, but as seen in her own words below, it seems to be the right decision for many involved. And this isn’t the last we will hear from her, she’s not going anywhere. See below the note she made available to all who get updates periodically on Facebook:
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Palin Announces No Second Term
Yesterday at 4:55pm
12:00pm AKST - Update from Governor Palin: this is in Alaska’s best interest, my family’s happy… it is good, stay tuned.

Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.

I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln’s cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked “North to the Future”. But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this “Seward’s Folly”. Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States.

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska.

Alaska’s mission - to contribute to America. We’re strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this - Alaska would be part of America’s great destiny.

Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It’s energy! God gave us energy.

So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America’s security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence… no more conventional “politics as usual”.

And we are doing well! My administration’s accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.

We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world… to HELP people… and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies.

Here’s some of the things we’ve done:

We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson - and finally for the first time in decades - they’re drilling for oil and gas.

We have AGIA, the gasline project - a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) - also succeeding as intended - protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence.

And ACES - another bipartisan effort - is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas “clear and equitable formula” is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin.

We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.

We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes… but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow.

We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands - where it should be.

We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.

We broke ground on the new prison.

And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets… the entourage.

And the Lt. Governor and I said “no” to our pay raises. So much success in this first term - and with this success I am proud to take credit… for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It’s because of the people… good public servants surrounding the Governor’s office, with servants’ hearts and astounding work ethic… THEY are Alaska’s success!

We are doing well! I wish you’d hear MORE from the media of your state’s progress and how we tackle Outside interests - daily - SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an “all-knowing attitude” - I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America - I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we’re forcing our children to pay, because of today’s Big Government spending; it’s immoral and doesn’t even make economic sense!

Another accomplishment - our Law Department protected states’ rights - TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state’s favor over the last two weeks. We’re protectors of our Constitution - federalists protect states’ rights as mandated in 10th amendment.

But you don’t hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?

Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year - the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate - I say others changed.

Let me speak to that for a minute.

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I’ve been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations - such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters’ questions.

Every one - all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We’ve won! But it hasn’t been cheap - the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to “opposition research” - that’s money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers - or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the “politics of personal destruction” … Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn’t cost them a dime so they’re not going to stop draining public resources - spending other peoples’ money in their game.

It’s pretty insane - my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more “politics as usual,” but THIS isn’t what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!

Life is too short to compromise time and resources… it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: “Sit down and shut up”, but that’s the worthless, easy path; that’s a quitter’s way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow”.

Nah, only dead fish “go with the flow”.

No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time… to BUILD UP.

And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I’ll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE… I’ll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won’t deride them.

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don’t care what party they’re in or no party at all. Inside Alaska - or Outside Alaska.

But I won’t do it from the Governor’s desk.

I’ve never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this - to make a difference… to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more “freedom” to progress, all the way around… so that Alaska may progress… I will not seek re-election as Governor.

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn’t run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks… travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade - as so many politicians do. And then I thought - that’s what’s wrong - many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and “milk it”. I’m not putting Alaska through that - I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That’s not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old “politics as usual.” I promised that four years ago - and I meant it.

It’s not what is best for Alaska.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election… I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration - with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future - can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.

My choice is to take a stand and effect change - not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities - and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.

Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me - sports… basketball. I use it because you’re naïve if you don’t see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket… and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I’m doing that - keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities - smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it’s time to pass the ball - for victory.

I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully… and my last day won’t be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in - in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor’s picnics.

I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision - but it’s no more “politics as usual”.

Some Alaskans don’t mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won’t allow it either. ? Some will question the timing. ? Let’s just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile…

In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life - my children (where the count was unanimous… well, in response to asking: “Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children’s future from OUTSIDE the Governor’s office?” It was four “yes’s” and one “hell yeah!” The “hell yeah” sealed it - and someday I’ll talk about the details of that… I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig - I know he needs me, but I need him even more… what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT - that time is precious… the world needs more “Trigs”, not fewer.

My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security… we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops… they’re bold, they don’t give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF… and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions - those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport.

May we ALL learn from them!

*((Gotta put First Things First))*

First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what’s best for Alaska. I’ve explained why… though I think of the saying on my parents’ refrigerator that says “Don’t explain: your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe you anyway.”

But I have given my reasons… no more “politics as usual” and I am taking my fight for what’s right - for Alaska - in a new direction.

Now, despite this, I don’t want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL “climate change” that began in August… no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what’s right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside.

We need those who will respect our Constitution where government’s supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over… but rather, will be protectors of individual rights - who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it’s time so the team can win! And that is what I’m doing!

Remember Alaska… America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It’ll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family - to ALL Alaska - you have my heart.

And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.

In the words of General MacArthur said, “We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”

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I think she’s doing what’s best, I don’t see her as a quitter. But it’s a real shame things have to come to this, with so many petty, disgusting people out there making it their life’s goal right now to tear her and her family down. I’m sure they see it as a win, how little do they no that she will likely just come back stronger than ever.

Totally random and unimportant, but this made me stop my tedious and monontonous work of the day and laugh out loud.

Voice mail heard when I was calling radio station contacts today:

“Hello…you have reached my pocket…it is very dark in here…if you would like anything to happen, perhaps you should speak after the tone.”

Hahaha, don’t know why but that just cracked me up. And strangest of all it was for a voice mail to a station manager, very strange indeed.