The New York Times is reporting that the Legislative Committee in the State of Alaska that has been charged by the Republican controlled Alaskan legislature with determining whether or not Alaska Governor Sarah Palin abused her executive power in the firing of the State’s public safety commissioner, referred to as Troopergate, has delivered its ruling. The committee has determined that Governor Sarah Palin violated the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act by firing the public safety commissioner:
A legislative committee investigating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has found she unlawfully abused her authority in firing the state’s public safety commissioner. The investigative report concludes that a family grudge wasn’t the sole reason for firing Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan but says it likely was a contributing factor. The Republican vice presidential nominee has been accused of firing a commissioner to settle a family dispute. Palin supporters have called the investigation politically motivated. Monegan says he was dismissed as retribution for resisting pressure to fire a state trooper involved in a bitter divorce with the governor’s sister. Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute.
This is finding is absolutely appalling! I cannot, for the life of me, understand how a person who was under investigation for unlawful acts could be elevated to the position of Vice Presidential nominee … especially in light of these findings. It remains to be seen what, if any, punishment will be handed down to Governor Palin for these unlawful acts but I’m just *aghast* that we are learning this information about her just weeks before voters will determine if she is fit to serve as Vice President of this country. I’m sure the denials will be coming fast and furious from her camp in the coming hours/days but if this doesn’t serve as a HUGE WAKE-UP call then I don’t know what else could. Is this really the kind of leadership we need in this country?
On the other hand, I would like to publicly commend Senator John McCain for showing respect to Senator Barack Obama earlier today when members of a McCain rally were heard shouting, in my opinion, racist epithets about Obama. After members of various McCain rallies this week referred to Obama as an “Arab”, a “traitor” and a “terrorist”, McCain very angrily rebutted against those hateful exclamations and begged his followers to show respect for Senator Obama:
The anger is getting raw at Republican rallies and John McCain is acting to tamp it down. McCain was booed by his own supporters Friday when, in an abrupt switch from raising questions about Barack Obama’s character, he described the Democrat as a “decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.” A sense of grievance spilling into rage has gripped some GOP events this week as McCain supporters see his presidential campaign lag against Obama. Some in the audience are making it personal, against the Democrat. Shouts of “traitor,” “terrorist,” “treason,” “liar,” and even “off with his head” have rung from the crowd at McCain and Sarah Palin rallies, and gone unchallenged by them. McCain changed his tone Friday when supporters at a town hall pressed him to be rougher on Obama. A voter said, “The people here in Minnesota want to see a real fight.” Another said Obama would lead the U.S. into socialism. Another said he did not want his unborn child raised in a country led by Obama. “If you want a fight, we will fight,” McCain said. “But we will be respectful. I admire Sen. Obama and his accomplishments.” When people booed, he cut them off. “I don’t mean that has to reduce your ferocity,” he said. “I just mean to say you have to be respectful” … On Friday, McCain rejected [the racism being espoused from a member of his Town Hall Meeting rally]. “I don’t trust Obama,” a woman said. “I have read about him. He’s an Arab.” McCain shook his head in disagreement, and said: “No, ma’am. He’s a decent, family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with (him) on fundamental issues and that’s what this campaign is all about.” He had drawn boos with his comment: “I have to tell you, he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.”
I absolutely applaud and respect Senator John McCain for not allowing this kind of hateful ire to be thrown around during this campaign (at last). While I believe that, at times, his campaign stokes the fires of this hateful response from his followers, I commend him for being the bigger man and finally publicly chiding that hate-speech coming from his own followers. After the jump, watch video of McCain refuting the hateful, racist things that his campaign supporters are espousing about Barack Obama …
Better late than never, I suppose. Whether or not McCain’s plea to his supporters will fall on deaf ears or not is another story. Click HERE to watch video of some of the disappointing and hatefully racist things that McCain supports are espousing.
[Source, Source, Source]
If Sarah Palin is our vice prez. I will either shoot myself on the lawn of the white house, or move to england.
Most likely the latter.
Also the number one reason Obama isn’t dominating the polls is because of the old, white RACIST population in america.
They honestly can’t fathom having a black man in the white house. Which is absolutely pathetic
Right on Trent. Bravo for your comments above. Sometimes people’s comments really scare me. Most days I shake my head in shame at the ignorance of Americans. I hope you will keep posting on your blog the same way you always have with good humor, fun, and integrity. I know you where an educator in your former life I feel like you know there is more teaching to do. Now all I need is a grammar tutor, I hope this all came out right :)
If Trent wants to talk politics that’s fine. But he should investigate and research before he spouts off liberal talking points. And I wouldn’t be claiming “scandal” about this Troopergate without investigating your dear Barack Obama.
Laynie, yes America is full of old, white racists. I’m sorry you are still ignorant about the REAL WORLD, but if you had any clue you would take that remark back. Most Americans could care less about race, but THIS particular black man is what is troubling many.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you actually researched the guy (Obama) instead of following him blindly.
McCain’s defense of Obama is too little too late. When he asked, “Who is the real Barack Obama?” and someone yelled “Terrorist!” he looked a bit startled, but he did nothing.
It’s not until now that the media has been reporting the increasingly rabid nature of the crowds that he has actually done something about it. Now that his campaign is tanking, he’s pulling out anything in hopes to get support. Fear tactics are the lowest kind, I believe.
He needs to go on air, offer a public apology and denounce the hateful rhetoric. I think Palin is a national embarassment, but I would NEVER even think of saying something like Traitor or Kill her. That’s just sick.
I’m not too happy how when the woman called Obama an Arab, he responded, No, Obama is a good man. That reinforces the stereotype that Arabs are evil or terrorists. I know if he went into how Obama is Christian and how his religion doesn’t matter since being of any religion doesn’t make you a bad person or a terrorist, it would just be too much for the lady or a lot of his supporters to comprehend, but his response still bugged me a bit.
Get McCain to take a real stand against hate speech and denounce it! Sign the petition:
http://go.care2.com/17227502
It amazes me that so many people are “shocked” at the hatred towards Obama. There is as much hatred towards every other Candidate, ever watch the Bill Maher show? The things he and most of his guests say against Palin(non-political or factual) are a disgrace. Ever see the photo of McCain made to look like a Vampire with blood across his face? And that is different how? Let’s not forget the things you hear on every corner about Georgy boy, warranted or not. There are ignorant A-holes on BOTH sides and and should not be tolerated.
It was a 12-0 vote amongst a bi-partisan committee in Alaska to release the report now, with a Republican leading the call to investigate Palin’s use of non-government email servers for official business. She has burned bridges with Republicans in Alaska to boost her standing as a maverick after all.
I thought this was a celebrity-gossip blog?!?! When did it turn into cnn.com? That being said, it’s your blog, so do what you want; but as previously mentioned, just be prepared to have people state their views in the comments, as it’s very obvious how one-sided your posts/comments are regarding politics. And be prepared to lose readers too. My advice…stick to what you KNOW best…gossip…not politics. And to all of the commentary about “ignorant haters”…maybe you should be a little more open-minded and realize that not everyone thinks the same was as you….everyone is allowed to have their own opinion, ya know, without being called ignorant. There were my two cents…I still heart you Trent
White, racist america? Wow, talk about an ignorant comment…and what about all of the black people I work with in nyc who are voting for Barack JUST because he is black? Is that right? They have NO IDEA what he stands for when asked about his policies…that my friends, is scary. NO ONE should be voting for some one just because he is white, or black, or young, or old, or mormon, or muslim, or male, or female. EDUCATE YOURSELVES. There is still time!
Hey Laynie – I’ll gladly provide you with either the gun or the one way ticket (or both!)
Your comments sound like all of the elitist Hollywood idiots who say they will leave the country if conservatives get elected…..I say, make good on your promise!!
Trent: Its your blog. Its your ideas. Its your opinion.
PITNB readers: Its HIS blog. Its HIS ideas. Its HIS opinion.
If you don’t like them- IGNORE them. I skim over spoilers for shows because I don’t watch them and it doesn’t interest me. If Trents beliefs on McCain and Palin don’t interest you, skip over them
If you instead like to read them just so you can reply with angry messages or reasons why his opinions are wrong, find another blog or join a group of fellow who ever supporters together and have a big bitch fest in person.
He’s not going to change his mind. Obama/Biden supporters aren’t going to change their minds. McCain/Palin supporters aren’t going to change their minds.
Lets just all watch the Womanizer video and call it quits.
(excuse spelling errors. i’m in no mood to go back and fix them)
Some of you people need to wake up. Palin is not a good candidate for the vice presidency. Thats pretty much a fact. We DO NOT need to have another Republican in office right now, especially someone who has vote with Bush 90% of the time. Some of you need to get your head out of your asses, start think about whats good for this country. The majority of the people that read this site aren’t rich. How in the hell will YOU (a hard work average American citizen) beneift by having a republican in office? You wont.
Thank you for making this decesion much easier….. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been telling myself to stop reading your blog….. YOU are one sided and want everyone to be on your side. If there not you always bag on them, its getting old. Not all of us agree on same sex marriage nor do we agree that Barack Obama is the ONE!!!! You make a point to always have your opinion injected into your website. Your website is supposed to be mainly for GOSSIP and info on celebritys. Its not a forum for your main political thoughts and opionions of others that dont believe the same you do…… I know it wont matter to you one way or another if I stop reading your blog….. You have entertain me for the past 2 years, but enough is enough…… I respect your choice to be gay, but you should respect my choice to be Yes on 8!!!!!
Yvonne – I am very sorry how ill-informed you are on what my blog is supposed to be about. It isn’t really supposed to be about anything other than things that interest or entertain me or I feel are important. It has always been a forum for me to express whatever I like, as any blog is. Sorry to see you go as all are welcome but be well and good luck in your future endeavors. I hope that you or your children are never denied rights by anyone … you will be truly lucky if that never happens to you.
Wow Yvonne, im surprised that you even deigned to read this blog up on your high horse. Good Riddance!!
Hey, Trent. First off, I’ve read your blog with some regularity for 3 years now (wow!) and I have to start by saying how much I respect and admire you. You are clearly a great person with a talent for writing. I love this blog.
Second, I just wanted to ask if you have ever had a civil discussion with a well informed conservative, especially of the libertarian variety? I hope that you are truly open minded when it comes to politics, because not every conservative is uber religious or closed minded. I sometimes wonder whether a great many liberals have just been put off by the *idea* of conservativism without ever giving it a chance.
I’m not going to defend or tear down any particular candidate, mainly because I find that none can hold up to much scrutiny on either side of the isle. I am just talking about values and freedoms that I do not believe the Democrats offer. I am personally libertarian and the issues most important to me are reducing the size of the federal government, conservative fiscal policies, strong military, personal freedom, and gay rights. Unfortunately, I have not found a party that meets all of these, but libertarianism comes the closest by far. I could go on for days about what I don’t like about McCain, but he will have my vote come November because he comes closest to valuing what I value. There are things that appeal to me about Obama (I have and would vote for a centrist Democrat without hesitation, but Obama is not that), but his policies leave much to be desired.
Anyway, I just hope you’ve given a long, honest look at the other side of the argument. That’s all I wanted to say.
blah..obama has plenty of shady shit goin on in his past…dont see you bringing that up.
thank you, trent. i just read your replies and i have to say that i respect you even more now.
Yvonne actually thinks that being gay is a choice? WTF? I didn’t think ANYONE of ANY level of intelligence STILL drew that erronous conclusion. That statement of hers right there sums her up in my mind. (That and well, the fact that she thinks she can tell you how to run your own blog….she’s probably one of the nuffers over on CO who tell Meg she can’t post pictures of kittens tucked into ladies tops as well). Choose to be gay, whatever.
Why do you guys care…..its HIS opinion……His not yours but his!
I dont like both sides how about that!!