The more things change.......

Ain't politics grand? Maybe I should say Ain't politicians amazing?
When are we gonna learn for crying out loud? We wanted change right? We got it crammed down our throats and now we want more! Maybe we have become spoiled by the instant responses in our everyday life. I mean you can push a button and receive near instant results for most things. From instant messaging to ordering pizza, it works every time; all time.
Case in point; I am not home, rather I am sitting at the Upper One bar in A-town right now. My fellow prop-hoppers know exactly where this, only airport bar outside of security, is.
I have checked all my email, talked my my bro in Colorado, and sent numerous texts, all while swilling some tall glasses of Alaskan White. All that; yet I am way behind the electronic power curve when I sit around the millennials, or even my peers that live in the outside world.
It is no wonder that America is dissatisfied. I mean we gave them two whole years to turn the largest economy in the world around and solve global warming!
Enough! Oust 'em and bring in some new hopefuls.
Really?
Come on folks,the new darlings of the new third party are wackier than Jessie Ventura and Sara Palin duct taped into the same straight jacket. There is a retired witch in Delaware, and an Alaskan candidate who is getting most of his funding from the lower 48. Add a whole bunch of other assorted wannabe's and you get the whole Planters Party Mix sans the can.
Meanwhile behind the curtain lurks the woman who went from Governor to Vogue,(thanks to ISH), to rogue, and now is in vogue with a group of change mongers from the east coast. BTW folks it is not change if you are going back, that's called retro and is usually considered faddish.
Meanwhile the GOP has switched dance partners faster than a jilted prom queen and Lisa Murkowski is now Ronin!
Man if this was any more Disney, I'd be pukin' from the dizziness of it all.
My point? Patience folks, that's what.
This nations problems will not be solved like that empty freezer gets filled during the Coho run on the Kenai. Rather it will be the hard work and patient strategy of the trout fisher on a mountain stream that brings long lasting results.
American economics will not be solved with draconian, binge diets. The problems will be solved with innovation, time, and an understanding of the process. Yes there will also be some sacrifice involved too.
Good luck Alaska, I only see two viable and honest,(mostly), candidates out there.
Good luck America, cause if y'all don't start reading and voting, than all you will see is a never ending cycle of change and no results.
Just thinking folks.
Odd that it was an English band that came up with this one.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
We won't get fooled again.
Or will we?
Ask hard questions folks.
Peace

Back in the saddle....

Wow has it really been two months already?
Hmm, been on the road a bunch. (In fact I'm sitting in Logan International right now.) In between hopping from one plane to another, the sun came out on our little island and I just sorta got lost.
I had to jump back in folks, before I lost my way altogether. Nothing big to say, but I did observe/experience a rather odd thing back here in Bean town.
Apparently the former governor of our great state is the talk of the town.
Imagine my surprise at that. I was questioned more often about the Palinator than I was about our great brown bruins.
Fortunately I had several great pics of the famous brownies rather than the quitter.
Yup, that's what I told my former neighbors back east, I told them about the quitter and opportunist known as Sarah Palin. I told them a short descriptive tale of media pandering and a unique talent for not quite finishing anything she started.
Imagine their surprise. This a place in our great nation where folks still work simply because "you gotta work". Every task started must be finished, every child must share the load in the house until they too can work. Most New Englanders cannot sit idle for long. Sleeping means six in the morning seven days a week. I know this, I was raised there.
So there I was sitting and listening to some of our elders chat about how truthful she is, how maybe she oughtta run for the big office after all.and that she comes from a state that still holds to the old values, etc, etc.
So I told them the truth; at least my perspective. That raised some eyebrows. I told them of a two time quitter, I reminded them of what the ORIGINAL tea party set out to do, I reminded them about the second tea party of the seventies. I explained that to me she was the "Jesse Ventura" of Alaska. In closing my soliloquy I taught them a new phrase; Sarah Barracuda.
That brought a chuckle.
Normally I avoid all things Palin. She has embarrassed me as an Alaskan and she ticked me off me personally. I simply could not listen to my elders and friends back east tout this media personality as the next possible coming.
So I finally spoke me piece, I finally broke my silence; and I did it where this great nation began. How could I not?
Ask hard questions folks, demand real answers.
Peace Ya'll

I get it!!

Yup,
I think I figured it out. I have been reading volumes of blogs, and commentaries that condemn, ridicule, and some just plain mean, about our soon to be departed governor.
Why are there folks beating this lame duck to death?
What's the darn point? Call it what you want, political suicide, opportunism, quirkiness, or just plain crazy, but the Palinator is no more.
What amazes me is how many non-Alaskans are spewing this anti-Palinistic rhetoric. Why do they care?
The Girl in Homer has become famous. Mainly due to her relentless crusade against Palin. However; she is an Alaskan and has been avid non-fan of Sarah from the beginning. In all fairness to Shannyn I will admit I enjoy the blog. She writes well and is well informed. However; the comments she gets are usually self righteous, party touting blanderings. They are also from mostly lesser 48 residents. Other blogs and commentaries share the same supporters.
Again, why??
Here's the rub.
They fear her. They fear the very idea of her. Like it or not the Palinator has garnered a lot of fans and support down south. Whether she tosses her name back in the Republican ring, or lands on one of the networks, her impact on American politics could be significant.
But it won't be, as a two time quitter she has sealed her fate.
Then why is there more Sarah in the news than Arnold? Californians are in a severe crisis situation, yet not many are raking him over the coals. Probably because he is not a natural born citizen; therefore not a political threat on a national level.
So this group of Democrazies has formed a political bucket brigade and they continue to dump more water on a fire already gone out. Flooding the ashes of Sarah's political career in fear of a Phoenix arising from the ruins.
Relax folks, it ain't gonna happen. Let it go and move on. Like the dog from Aesop, she dropped her bone in hopes of a better one and got neither.
She's done, gone, kaput.
Just a thought.
Peace ya'll

GET OVER IT ALREADY!

OK folks, enough is enough and I've had me fill.
I took a nice little break (again) from the blogoshpere due to travel, golf, great weather, and a son returned home.
However; this new media frenzy has drug me back into the arena. That and a few cups of java on a slow morning. I will try to be brief, but this one is tough.
On my recent journeys I was able to indulge in a habit I have mostly foregone. Watching network/cable television is something our household gave up on several years ago, but while I am on the road, it is an indulgence that kills time.
This trip I focused on news media; both sides. I say both sides, because there is no middle ground with these folks. Probably because the middle does not sell ad space, and please never forget that this is really what it is all about.
I love to listen to the "experts" on either side of any issue the media spins. Lately, global warming has become the catch phrase for a new generation of environmental doomsayers. While there is actually a growing group in scientific circles that think we may be at he beginning of a cooling stage, that gets little media attention.
So what else was on the plate? Pick a subject, from Christian fundamentalist terrorism to the latest celebrity tragedy, and every commentator was able to spin these things, trivial or not, into high impact, thought provoking , investigative journalism. One thing I did notice though; the rules have changed. Apparently it is Ok for the more liberal side to name-call, stereotype, and profile folks they do not agree with. In other words the left hand side of the media has taken the low road.
I will use the latest media/blogosphere whirlwind to illuminate my point.
Shannyn Moore, Gryphen, and even Wolfe Tone, have jumped into the arena with Letterman and Palin. Of the three; I agree with Wolfe the most. Our Governor needs to think before she speaks, especially when sitting in an arena filled with professional speakers.
Many months back, just after the V.P. debacle, I pleaded with the Palinator to either learn those very words, listen to her handlers, or hire better writing staffers. She is a passionate person, on that I think we can all agree. So we must be careful of what we ask for. Think about this. What if the Guv did become a more methodical and thoughtful speaker? What if this taught her that passion, countered with patience and planning are truly formidable?
You might end up with a small force of nature and a political power that would be hard to reckon with. So; again, be careful what you wish for.
Back to the late show / Palinator battle.
Dave Letterman is a professional television personality with a staff of highly successful writers and researchers.
Sarah Palin is not.
Mr. Letterman makes his living of off humor and sarcasm, politicians and political commentary are his bread and butter.
Governor Palin is a fledgling professional politician, the perfect fodder for the likes of Letterman, and other media professionals. Not good for her and not good for our state.
Mr. Letterman's comments about Willow were in poor taste and should outrage every Alaskan. Not because she is Sarah's daughter,but because she is an Alaskan. Even if his apology states that he was referring to a slightly older Bristol, it is still wrong! These kids are not celebrities or politicians to be picked on, they are children and residents of our great state and we, as Alaskans should take affront; period. They are not part of the show in the coliseum, they were dragged into the arena by a media we give far to much forgiveness to.
Mr. Letterman's apology was well put. It was also probably written by other professional writers with a slew of lawyers sweating over their shoulders and wringing their hands. Our Governors response should not be looked at as a gubernatorial reply. It should be seen as it is. A mothers reply countered with the burden of being the administrative leader of the greatest and most misunderstood state in the union.
So as a parent, (something a lot of these commentators are not),what would you do? Palin's comment about Mr. Letterman did not make me think she called him a pedophile. In fact it was the interviewer who jumped on that wagon. Her next reply is what it was, a person who is angry and smart enough to try and end a conversation that is going down the wrong road. However; like the predators they can be, this interviewer kept tugging at her Achilles heel, until like that winter caribou, Palin fell to the pack.
I would never expose any 14 year old to a professional media entertainer, on national television in such a potentially damaging situation. Really, folks, what if Letterman used this opportunity to sky rocket his ratings in attempt to offset the new Late Show king? Why not? No matter what he said the world will forgive him if he just apologizes right? What potential, and permanent damage could be afflicted upon this child after such a humiliating event? What if that 14 year old took affront and said something that could potentially damage her family, her mothers career, or even the skewed perception the lower 48 has of our state and our people. Duh folks, it's lose - lose. Would any of you parents out there, willingly drag your child (of any age) into an arena filled with professional gladiators? Would you throw a baby seal into a pod of Orcas just to watch the show? Get over it then!
Sarah Palin made the right choice as a parent. Sure, as a public figure she needs to polish her skills, but it was still the responsible choice.
For once folks, don't be a democrat,republican, independent, or any other political affiliate. Be an Alaskan and take pride in that. See this for what it was, not what they want you to see.
This rant may not win many fans, but it needed to be said. Only Ish has remained quiet on this one, and perhaps that is why he is king.
My rant is run and I am spent. This took far to long to vent.
Love and prayers to the Pickett family, your loss is a loss for the entire neighborhood.
Ask hard questions, folks, and demand real answers.
Peace

Take a Big Deep Breath

Another way of saying WHOA!, pause and think on it some. It's also my favorite comment to any family member of friend who is either spooled up or about to make a big decision. It is also what I did after the last entry on this little blog. I vented, and ya'll read it, and I am done with it for now.
The duck tragedy pictured above is a case in point. maybe had momma duck taken that big deep breath she might have noticed that odd piece of pavement and gone around.
The hapless duck photo is not just another fowl tragedy. It is also a lesson on leading and being led. Our leaders must recognize that a percentage of Americans will follow, simply because they are programmed to. Just like those po' little ducklings. As American citizens we must also take that big deep breath, pause and look about, before we blindly head down the path and into disaster.
The momma duck can represent any one in your life, Obama, Palin, the assembly, your clergy, even your parents or friends. Whomever is leading the parade can be nearly irrelevant if the followers are paying attention.
Remember the marching band in the parade in that classic movie Animal House?
Don't be them folks.
Ask hard questions; expect and demand real answers.
Peace

Standing up

Just when I thought all was lost, two of our politicians have shown that we have hope.
My standing tenet of "doing the right thing, is not always the easy thing, but it is the always right thing", was exemplified by Mayor Jerome Selby and our governor Sarah Palin.
Mayor Selby vetoed the resolution passed by the assembly to payoff the three dissenters on the assembly. Hats off to you sir! You not only set a precedent for an elected official in your position, your act showed the public that there is still honor in politics. I listened to you interview on our local KMXT, I read the article in our Daily Mirror. This is good stuff. The triad is scared, veiled threats coupled with certain assembly members wishes to "put this behind us" are dangerously close to making us taxpayers foot the bill for their petulance.
I strongly urge the public to call in tomorrow night and voice their support of Mayor Selby's decision. By the way, why are three plaintiffs able to vote on the outcome of this decision anyway? Clearly the honorable thing to do is excuse yourself from the vote. Never mind that it is obviously meets the very definition of conflict of interest. What are you afraid of? The attorney general will prove this fact? Maybe you realize that the state supreme court will give you the legal spanking you deserve? Veiled threats of future litigation might worry some; but not this voter. If you choose to continue muddying the water, wasting time with frivolous lawsuits, and trying to browbeat the rest of the assembly into giving in, then be prepared to reap what you sow.
I urge the triad of plaintiffs to follow Selby's example and do the right thing. Save the constituency the time and tax dollars of recalling you. Resign, step down, walk away, and let this community move on to challenges we need to face.
Next:
Congratulations to the Palin family on the addition to their family. Governor Palin proved to this blogger, that she walks the talk. Knowing that Trig had a significant chance of being developmentally challenged, your family chose life. In a society where 92% of the couple faced with this choice, do not choose life, you stuck to your beliefs and proceeded to have this child.
Governor Palin, you have done a few things that I admire and respect. Your decision to keep this child and grace our planet with his presence, proves to me that you "walk the talk". It is refreshing, and heartwarming to see evidence that an elected official do not always spout rhetoric. Some actually have convictions and beliefs. I will not always agree with your gubernatorial decisions, but I will always know that you mean what you say.
God bless you and keep you as your family faces the challenges ahead.
Thats it; I have spun my spin. I go to bed tonight feeling better. There are leaders out there doing the right thing. Give them your support and your prayers.
Peace ya'll
Griff