For the record, pay attention and do some research
September 2nd, 2008 at 09:04am Chuck Sweeny
To those of you making data-free observations about my Sarah Palin posts pertaining to her original support for “the Bridge to Nowhere” in Ketchikan, and her ability to snag $27 million in earmarks for Wasilla, Alaska when she was mayor.
She was an enthusiastic advocate for the bridge when she RAN for governor. When she became governor she flip-flopped and opposed it. I did not make this up. I got it from the Anchorage Daily News, which you’re probably going to label a member of the elite, east coast New York media.
As mayor, she hired an elite, Washington lobbying firm with close ties to Alaska’s corrupt senator, Ted Stevens, and congressman Don Young. She was able to secure earmarks for things that improved her community.
If you have read any of my columns over the years (which evidently you have NOT) you will know that I am an enthusiastic supporter of earmarks as long as they are for needed projects. I have lamented the fact that our local leaders HAVE NOT been aggressive in securing earmarks, especially our Rockford mayors, who act as if Washington, D.C. didn’t exist.
it’s only been in recent years that the leaders of the Chicago Rockford International Airport have gotten aggressive and formed strong relationships with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, and with U.S.Rep. Don Manuzllo, R-Egan, that we’ve gotten earmarks, primarily for the airport and for the U.S. courthouse now going up downtown.
But I think $27 million for a town of under 10,000, as Wasilla is, is a darned good job.
What I wrote, HAD YOU BEEN PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION, drew attention to the fact that Sen. John McCain, who picked her as running-mate, is unilaterally opposed to any and all earmarks. He has not asked for any earmarks for Arizona. He wants to end all of them.
I think this would be a disaster for politically unconnected regions like Rockford. So, yes, I favor earmarks. Which you would have known had you been paying attention.
And no, “Uncle Bouncy,” or whatever your real name is, states cannot negotiate treaties with other nations. One more time, Alaska worked to bring a Canadian company to the state. Governors do this all the time. A company is not a country. repeat that 50 times, please. WE WILL HAVE A TEST.
As Charles Box frequently reminds me, you are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized
6 Comments Add your own
1. Uncle Bouncy | September 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
Chuck
For a reporter, your lack of knowledge about how government works is astounding…even for the Register Star
Here’s an AP story confirming that Palin is part of the negotiations with Canada on fishing rights:
With the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the U.S. and Canada up for renewal this year, Gregoire wants to make sure Alaska and Washington work together during negotiations.
The Pacific Salmon Treaty was written to prevent the overfishing of Pacific salmon and to determine how the harvests should be divided between individual states and Canada.
“I want to talk to Gov. Palin about continuing to be united on sustainability,” said Gregoire, a Democrat.
The two governors scheduled a Monday night dinner.
“Gov. Palin is very interested in talking with Gov. Gregoire about fishing issues as well as shipping and transportation matters, but I think this dinner is more about establishing a relationship with the two governors,” said Sharon Leighow, spokeswoman for the Republican Palin.
here is the link to the full story:
http://www.kgw.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8PID3O80.html
Not to mention that Palin, as Governor, appointed people to represent her on the federal committee involved in negotiations
Biography
State of Alaska > Governor > Boards and Commissions
Pacific Salmon Commission - Northern Panel
Board: Pacific Salmon Commission - Northern Panel
Board identification number: 223
Department: DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Authority: PL 99-5; Federal board
Status: Active
Sunset date:
Requirements: No Legislative Confirmation or Financial Disclosure required
Prohibitions: None
Term: 4 years
Description: The U.S. Section of the Northern Panel is comprised of not more than six members and and six alternates. Membership reflects a range of governmental and fishing interests. Four members and four alternates, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from recommendations made by the Governor of the State of Alaska, are public representatives with salmon fisheries experience. One member and one alternate are representatives of the State of Alaska with salmon fisheries management expertise who are appointed by the Governor. One member and one alternate are representatives of the federal government with fisheries management expertise and are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce.
Function: Provides technical and regulatory advice to the Pacific Salmon Commission. Each panel is assigned responsibility for salmon stocks originating in a specific geographic area. In cases where fisheries intercept stocks for which more than one panel is responsible, the appropriate panels meet jointly. The panels are involved with the negotiation and implementation of treaty provisions, and provide recommendations and comment on the management of the fisheries in their area of responsibility before and after each season’s harvest. This is done by reviewing technical data on annual fishing plans and regulations, and the salmon enhancement programs of each country.
Chair: Rotates annually between the U.S. and Canadian membership
Special facts: The United States of America and the Government of Canada entered into the Pacific Salmon Treaty in 1985. A subsequent Treaty Agreement was reached in 1999.
Compensation: Travel and per diem expenses. Non governmental Panel members receive salary for meeting days.
Meetings: Usually 2 bi-lateral meetings/year, 7-10 days each meeting; 2 - 3 local meetings, 2 -3 days each.
For further information contact:
Gordy Williams
Special Asst Pacific Salmon Commission
P.O. Box 25526
Juneau, AK 99802-5526
Phone: (907) 465-6143, FAX: (907) 465-2332
So it is a provable FACT that Palin has negotiated with Canada…
Pacific Salmon Commission - Northern Panel Roster
Please brush up on your government
and then show me anything close that your guy Obama has done
Go to the Pacific Salmon Commission - Northern Panel Home page
We appreciate your interest in boards and commissions. For further information contact the boards and commissions staff at (907) 465-3500 or at B&C@alaska.gov
2. Chuck Sweeny | September 2nd, 2008 at 11:00 am
Read your own stuff: “The United States of America and the Government of Canada entered into the Pacific Salmon Treaty in 1985. A subsequent treaty agreement was reached in 1999.”
The treaty was between the U.s. and Canada.
I should note, however, that Ms. Palin and her husband Todd were members of the Alaskan Independence Party in the 1990s, and Ms. Palin recorded a video greeting this year to their convention.
The AIP wants Alaskans to be allowed to vote, under a UN sanctioned plebicite, on their status. It says such a vote was denied to Alaska in 1958, when it became a state.
The motto of the AIP is, “Alaska First, Alaska Always.”
So, if Alaska becomes a country, and Palin becomes its president, at that time she can negotiate a treaty with Canada.
But not now.
3. Uncle Bouncy | September 2nd, 2008 at 11:12 am
Chuck, if you really think that the Senate and/or President Bush negotiates these treaties, you are dead wrong
Also your attempts to divert from your losing argument are laughable
So what if Palin was in the Alaskan Independence party?
Reagan was a Democrat!
Treaties are negotiated locally - as locally as possible…and approved federally
In fact, I forgot one other very important distinction that Governor Palin has over your guy Barry
She has to negotiate with the local native tribes…which are treated as sovereign nations under our laws…any treaties or agreements there are negotiated with the Governor’s office and the tribes and then rubber stamped by the Feds
That would be one more example of Governor Palin negotiating with foreign governments
Please, please give me one example from Obama that is even in that ball park
4. Check Your Facts | September 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Palin’s been a Republican since 1982, and never a member of the AIP.
http://hotair.cachefly.net/images/2008-09/palin-voting.pdf
Where have you been getting your data, Mr. Sweeny? Are the rest of your “facts” as mistaken?
5. Chuck Sweeny | September 2nd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
No, treaties are not negotiated locally. They are negotited between nations, not between the mayor of Chemung and the People’s Republic of China.
Now, that’s the end of this conversation. You are wrong. I am right.
And can I have your real name, please?
6. Milton Waddams | September 5th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Don’t forget that she said “Thanks, but no thanks.” and then KEPT the money…
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