Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
From the Palin Compound......
News just in from the Palin "compound" on Lucile Lake: a new fence has been constructed.
Earth-shattering news indeed, but I want to focus on something else.
I provided a link above relating to the use of the term "compound" as it relates to Sarah and Todd Palin's property on Lucile Lake. Please take notice of who is using the term "compound" and think about what you envision when you hear that word.
When I think of the term "compound", I think of a gated property that encircles a mansion within its midst. I think of guard dogs and security personnel armed with weapons. I think of money and power.
I think of many things, but I don't envision a piece of property where a fence bisects a distance of 20 feet between you and your neighbor. I don't think of a piece of land that may total a few acres, as is evidenced by this aerial view of the Palin "compound":
I've had friends that had lake property this size. It usually entailed the ownership of two lots of lakefront. We didn't refer to it as a compound, we referred to it as a lake cottage, although the Palins have obviously built their home on such a lot.
The LSM wants you to believe that the Palins are living in a "compound", a world of privilege and wealth. I don't see that.
What I see is a modest home on a beautiful lakefront property. If the new house going up next to the Palin's house belongs to them, so be it. They have the money to expand. Isn't that what we all hope for?
Here is a picture of my "compound":
Damn! The "compound" crew forgot to cover the grill last night after I finished cooking pork chops. Heads are going to roll.
Earth-shattering news indeed, but I want to focus on something else.
I provided a link above relating to the use of the term "compound" as it relates to Sarah and Todd Palin's property on Lucile Lake. Please take notice of who is using the term "compound" and think about what you envision when you hear that word.
When I think of the term "compound", I think of a gated property that encircles a mansion within its midst. I think of guard dogs and security personnel armed with weapons. I think of money and power.
I think of many things, but I don't envision a piece of property where a fence bisects a distance of 20 feet between you and your neighbor. I don't think of a piece of land that may total a few acres, as is evidenced by this aerial view of the Palin "compound":
I've had friends that had lake property this size. It usually entailed the ownership of two lots of lakefront. We didn't refer to it as a compound, we referred to it as a lake cottage, although the Palins have obviously built their home on such a lot.
The LSM wants you to believe that the Palins are living in a "compound", a world of privilege and wealth. I don't see that.
What I see is a modest home on a beautiful lakefront property. If the new house going up next to the Palin's house belongs to them, so be it. They have the money to expand. Isn't that what we all hope for?
Here is a picture of my "compound":
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Trailblazer
I've been baffled as to why Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Tim Pawlenty aren't out in front of the many issues the Tea Parties are railing against. Sure, they've given speeches at "conservative-friendly" rallies like CPAC or the SRLC, but what about in the mainstream media? All three seem to be missing.
I've often wondered why they don't engage in the issues the way that Sarah Palin does. And then it hit me..they don't have to.
Sarah is running interference for them.
She is the one taking on the issues and speaking out about them. She is the one that responds to all the new Obama initiatives in real time. She is the only one that dares to opine about the latest "scandal" in Washington.
She is the trailblazer.
She is Kit Carson, she is Jim Bridger, she is Daniel Boone, she is Amelia Earhart, she is, quite simply, a trailblazer.
She is leading the charge into the belly of the beast and she is alone in her efforts. Although she knows this, she is not afraid to step out into the forefront of public opinion. She's confident, articulate and, perhaps, naive. She thinks that other prominent Republicans will follow her lead, but I see no such thing. Her Alaskan roots define her as her opponents' Eastern roots define them. She is Andrew Jackson, raised on the simplicity of life in Alaska.
I remember a question once posed to me by a high school teacher. "How do you know a trailblazer when you see one?" I didn't know the answer. He answered by saying that some suggest that a trailblazer is the one laying in the trail, dead, with arrows in his chest. "Wow", I said, "how weird is that?" The teacher went on to explain. "Trailblazers will always be in your midst, but they may be careless and ignorant. They may die as you follow them. The true trailblazer is one that is a survivor and learns the way without taking the arrows".
He went on: "The dead trailblazer is just a pawn to the leader. He shields his master from taking the first blow, and often dies as a result. He is exalted for his heroism and often becomes an icon. The truth is that he died in the service of someone else. His sacrifice is noteworthy only as a footnote in his leader's success."
Sarah Palin is taking the arrows for the Republican Party. She is the only one responding to Obama. I have no doubt that Romney and friends consider her an "expendable" commodity. They will sit back and watch while she takes on the media and Obama administration with the hopes that she'll end up a dead icon. They think that they'll sweep in and harvest her efforts. I think otherwise.
I consider myself a leader, but I'll follow Sarah Palin anywhere. She's not only a trailblazer, she's a survivor.
She was considered dead after the 2008 election, but she lived on. She was considered a fool for resigning the governorship of Alaska, but her voice has grown stronger. She's been subjected to ridicule on countless levels, but she's the darling of the Tea Party movement.
She's a true trailblazer AND a leader. I'll follow her to the gates of Hell, because I know she is a God-fearing survivor!
Cross-posted from Generational Dysfunction
I've often wondered why they don't engage in the issues the way that Sarah Palin does. And then it hit me..they don't have to.
Sarah is running interference for them.
She is the one taking on the issues and speaking out about them. She is the one that responds to all the new Obama initiatives in real time. She is the only one that dares to opine about the latest "scandal" in Washington.
She is the trailblazer.
She is Kit Carson, she is Jim Bridger, she is Daniel Boone, she is Amelia Earhart, she is, quite simply, a trailblazer.
She is leading the charge into the belly of the beast and she is alone in her efforts. Although she knows this, she is not afraid to step out into the forefront of public opinion. She's confident, articulate and, perhaps, naive. She thinks that other prominent Republicans will follow her lead, but I see no such thing. Her Alaskan roots define her as her opponents' Eastern roots define them. She is Andrew Jackson, raised on the simplicity of life in Alaska.
I remember a question once posed to me by a high school teacher. "How do you know a trailblazer when you see one?" I didn't know the answer. He answered by saying that some suggest that a trailblazer is the one laying in the trail, dead, with arrows in his chest. "Wow", I said, "how weird is that?" The teacher went on to explain. "Trailblazers will always be in your midst, but they may be careless and ignorant. They may die as you follow them. The true trailblazer is one that is a survivor and learns the way without taking the arrows".
He went on: "The dead trailblazer is just a pawn to the leader. He shields his master from taking the first blow, and often dies as a result. He is exalted for his heroism and often becomes an icon. The truth is that he died in the service of someone else. His sacrifice is noteworthy only as a footnote in his leader's success."
Sarah Palin is taking the arrows for the Republican Party. She is the only one responding to Obama. I have no doubt that Romney and friends consider her an "expendable" commodity. They will sit back and watch while she takes on the media and Obama administration with the hopes that she'll end up a dead icon. They think that they'll sweep in and harvest her efforts. I think otherwise.
I consider myself a leader, but I'll follow Sarah Palin anywhere. She's not only a trailblazer, she's a survivor.
She was considered dead after the 2008 election, but she lived on. She was considered a fool for resigning the governorship of Alaska, but her voice has grown stronger. She's been subjected to ridicule on countless levels, but she's the darling of the Tea Party movement.
She's a true trailblazer AND a leader. I'll follow her to the gates of Hell, because I know she is a God-fearing survivor!
Cross-posted from Generational Dysfunction
Friday, February 5, 2010
Huntin', Fishin' and Campin'
Those three words usually bring a derisive attitude from anyone that lives on the east or "left" coast. "How mundane, how backward, how crude"! In other words, to us in the hinterland, how exhilarating!
I watched a PBS special last night about the birth of our national parks. It was produced by the same guy that did "The Civil War" (Ken Burns), arguably the best documentary that has ever been produced. What it talked about was the Theodore Roosevelt years, in part. Primarily, it talked about Teddy's passion with the great "outdoors". The special left me spell-bound and ready to take a hike into the wilderness with my son and anyone else that want to brave the elements.
In a word, I can describe an overnight hike in the Grand Tetons as "experiential". That was something I did back in 1979. I took my then girl-friend to go hiking up Death Canyon in the Grand Tetons. I had planned the trip for weeks and thought I had covered all the bases in my preparation. What I hadn't anticipated was her unwillingness to break-in her hiking boots. It made the trek a little agonizing for her (to say the very least) and it curtailed my plans for multiple nights out. What it didn't do was take away from the memory of the experience. The question is: Why?
Now, to provide a little background, I remember going hunting and fishing with my father before he died. Those memories have never left me, even though he died when I was only 16. We never hunted for more than rabbit and our fishing trips always revolved around bluegills and perch, but that hasn't seemed to affect my memories of those trips. The main memory is of being with my father in an environment of "us against nature", something that I yearn for with my son and hope to fulfill.
In reading Sarah Palin's book "Going Rogue", I was immediately transported back to those times with my father. My absolute favorite part of the book was in her describing the trips with her father into the "us against nature" environment. Perhaps that is why I am so intrigued with her. Her experiences with nature and her ability to recount it as a positive life's experience are telling to me. It is something we are inspired to provide to our own sons and daughters.
I have no doubt that Sarah Palin has already captured her children's hearts with multiple trips into the "us against nature" environment. I envy her ability to do that in Alaska. Perhaps I should have forgone my experience in the city, pursuing a career in accounting. Perhaps I would have been better-served to take up the life of an Alaskan and learned the ins and outs of life in the wilderness.
But alas, I'm an accountant living in Texas, far removed from the memories of my Indiana past. And Alaska is out of the question now, having to steer a teenage youngster toward a fulfilling future.
I can only hope that the future contains some huntin', fishin' and campin'. That may be the thing that connects my son to me forever, as it did with me and my father.
I watched a PBS special last night about the birth of our national parks. It was produced by the same guy that did "The Civil War" (Ken Burns), arguably the best documentary that has ever been produced. What it talked about was the Theodore Roosevelt years, in part. Primarily, it talked about Teddy's passion with the great "outdoors". The special left me spell-bound and ready to take a hike into the wilderness with my son and anyone else that want to brave the elements.
In a word, I can describe an overnight hike in the Grand Tetons as "experiential". That was something I did back in 1979. I took my then girl-friend to go hiking up Death Canyon in the Grand Tetons. I had planned the trip for weeks and thought I had covered all the bases in my preparation. What I hadn't anticipated was her unwillingness to break-in her hiking boots. It made the trek a little agonizing for her (to say the very least) and it curtailed my plans for multiple nights out. What it didn't do was take away from the memory of the experience. The question is: Why?
Now, to provide a little background, I remember going hunting and fishing with my father before he died. Those memories have never left me, even though he died when I was only 16. We never hunted for more than rabbit and our fishing trips always revolved around bluegills and perch, but that hasn't seemed to affect my memories of those trips. The main memory is of being with my father in an environment of "us against nature", something that I yearn for with my son and hope to fulfill.
In reading Sarah Palin's book "Going Rogue", I was immediately transported back to those times with my father. My absolute favorite part of the book was in her describing the trips with her father into the "us against nature" environment. Perhaps that is why I am so intrigued with her. Her experiences with nature and her ability to recount it as a positive life's experience are telling to me. It is something we are inspired to provide to our own sons and daughters.
I have no doubt that Sarah Palin has already captured her children's hearts with multiple trips into the "us against nature" environment. I envy her ability to do that in Alaska. Perhaps I should have forgone my experience in the city, pursuing a career in accounting. Perhaps I would have been better-served to take up the life of an Alaskan and learned the ins and outs of life in the wilderness.
But alas, I'm an accountant living in Texas, far removed from the memories of my Indiana past. And Alaska is out of the question now, having to steer a teenage youngster toward a fulfilling future.
I can only hope that the future contains some huntin', fishin' and campin'. That may be the thing that connects my son to me forever, as it did with me and my father.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Rogue Brigade
It should come as no surprise to anyone that supports Sarah Palin that she has deftly maneuvered herself into a position of national prominence. It should also come as no surprise that with her new-found presence on Fox News, she should begin to ramp up her criticism of the Obama administration.
I've been waiting for the video-feed from Wasilla and now it being utilized...with devastating effectiveness. So, you might ask, how has the left responded? I'd say they haven't quite figured that out yet.
This should be a very interesting year. Now that Sarah has found a forum to express her views via video, it will make her Facebook postings much more effective. In addition, the last year has seen a groundswell of support for her in the blogosphere as well. It will only continue to grow.
Throw out the old axioms about how a politician reaches his or her audience. We're seeing a new paradigm emerge that fully utilizes the Internet for both fund-raising and messaging. I'd say that we are seeing the emergence of a Rogue Brigade to lead the charge into battle in 2010 and beyond. What do you think?
I've been waiting for the video-feed from Wasilla and now it being utilized...with devastating effectiveness. So, you might ask, how has the left responded? I'd say they haven't quite figured that out yet.
This should be a very interesting year. Now that Sarah has found a forum to express her views via video, it will make her Facebook postings much more effective. In addition, the last year has seen a groundswell of support for her in the blogosphere as well. It will only continue to grow.
Throw out the old axioms about how a politician reaches his or her audience. We're seeing a new paradigm emerge that fully utilizes the Internet for both fund-raising and messaging. I'd say that we are seeing the emergence of a Rogue Brigade to lead the charge into battle in 2010 and beyond. What do you think?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
John McCain & Commonsense Conservatism
There is a big kerfuffle in the conservative media and amongst Tea Party activists about Sarah Palin agreeing to stump for John McCain in his Senate re-election bid.
My response is: So What?
Sarah Palin is obviously being loyal to someone who gave her a national voice. I can't fault her willingness to campaign for someone who has stood by her while his own [failed] campaign operatives continue to trash her. He can't be faulted for recognizing the star-power she can bring to his re-election bid. The real question is whether or not it will be enough to help him get re-elected.
Assume for a minute that he loses his primary bid to challenger J.D. Hayworth. Will that reflect badly on Sarah Palin?
I'll answer that question with a question: Did John McCain's loss to Barack Obama affect Sarah Palin's standing with conservative America? An even better question (with the same answer) is this: Will Sarah Palin's assistance in John McCain's Senate re-election campaign stop Tea Party activists from supporting his challenger?
I think there are a couple of things at work here. First, she probably feels very strongly about her loyalty to John McCain. Secondly, his political future may be beholden to her support. Do you think he may have a new "maverick" to emulate? I wouldn't be surprised to see a change in his approach if he is re-elected. After all, his future may be scripted by the intervention of "commonsense" conservatism.
My response is: So What?
Sarah Palin is obviously being loyal to someone who gave her a national voice. I can't fault her willingness to campaign for someone who has stood by her while his own [failed] campaign operatives continue to trash her. He can't be faulted for recognizing the star-power she can bring to his re-election bid. The real question is whether or not it will be enough to help him get re-elected.
Assume for a minute that he loses his primary bid to challenger J.D. Hayworth. Will that reflect badly on Sarah Palin?
I'll answer that question with a question: Did John McCain's loss to Barack Obama affect Sarah Palin's standing with conservative America? An even better question (with the same answer) is this: Will Sarah Palin's assistance in John McCain's Senate re-election campaign stop Tea Party activists from supporting his challenger?
I think there are a couple of things at work here. First, she probably feels very strongly about her loyalty to John McCain. Secondly, his political future may be beholden to her support. Do you think he may have a new "maverick" to emulate? I wouldn't be surprised to see a change in his approach if he is re-elected. After all, his future may be scripted by the intervention of "commonsense" conservatism.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Boudica Returns
I have always been intrigued by history. In studying history, we can learn an awful lot about who we are and what we can be. I was recently reminded of Boudica, the Celtic Warrier Queen who lived during the period of the Roman occupation of the Isle of Britain.
Boudica's husband controlled a wide swath of the county of Norfolk, then populated by people known as the Iceni. When Boudica's husband died, as a Roman sympathizer, he bequeathed his holdings to both the Roman empire and his family. The Romans ignored the king's wishes regarding his family and seized his entire estate. They raped his daughters and flogged his wife, Boudica.
In time, Boudica re-grouped and led a large uprising against the Roman occupiers, destroying and pillaging London in the process. Though ultimately defeated by a superior Roman military, Boudica is still revered in England, with prominent statues erected in her honor. My family, in fact, traces their lineage back to her, for her offspring lived on.
So, you say, what could this possibly have to do with Sarah Palin?
Sarah was selected as the heir imprimatur of the Republican ticket in 2008. Taking up this position as the second-in-command, she was the primary benefactor of McCain's run for President, the Boudica of her king's fortune. After having died (politically) in his run for President, Sarah was flogged (metaphorically) in the mainstream media and her daughters were raped in the left-wing blogoshere and nationally on the David Letterman show.
Sarah has now regained her strength and begun to reassert herself. She now has the opportunity to build an army to respond to her detractors and diminish those who seek to defeat her principles and ours.
One thing is different, however, that suggests an alternative fate than that suffered by Boudica. Sarah has access to the very best army imaginable: the army of conservative America. As opposed to Boudica's following, this army has NEVER faced an opponent it has not defeated. It is just waiting to be awakened and led.
Cross-posted on Generational Dysfunction.
Boudica's husband controlled a wide swath of the county of Norfolk, then populated by people known as the Iceni. When Boudica's husband died, as a Roman sympathizer, he bequeathed his holdings to both the Roman empire and his family. The Romans ignored the king's wishes regarding his family and seized his entire estate. They raped his daughters and flogged his wife, Boudica.
In time, Boudica re-grouped and led a large uprising against the Roman occupiers, destroying and pillaging London in the process. Though ultimately defeated by a superior Roman military, Boudica is still revered in England, with prominent statues erected in her honor. My family, in fact, traces their lineage back to her, for her offspring lived on.
So, you say, what could this possibly have to do with Sarah Palin?
Sarah was selected as the heir imprimatur of the Republican ticket in 2008. Taking up this position as the second-in-command, she was the primary benefactor of McCain's run for President, the Boudica of her king's fortune. After having died (politically) in his run for President, Sarah was flogged (metaphorically) in the mainstream media and her daughters were raped in the left-wing blogoshere and nationally on the David Letterman show.
Sarah has now regained her strength and begun to reassert herself. She now has the opportunity to build an army to respond to her detractors and diminish those who seek to defeat her principles and ours.
One thing is different, however, that suggests an alternative fate than that suffered by Boudica. Sarah has access to the very best army imaginable: the army of conservative America. As opposed to Boudica's following, this army has NEVER faced an opponent it has not defeated. It is just waiting to be awakened and led.
Cross-posted on Generational Dysfunction.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sarah's Sense of Humor
I was watching a PJTV round-table discussing the prospects for 2010. Inevitably, the subject of Sarah Palin came up and along with that, comparisons to Ronald Reagan. The panel seemed to think that Sarah needed to do a better job with the media. Reagan, they thought, had cut his teeth in media and was much more adept at dealing with it because of his long experience in doing so.
I take exception to that. I don't think it was Ronald Reagan's "vast" experience with media, I think it was his sense of humor. Consider the following:
Sarah Palin needs to convert the chip on her shoulder about the "lamestream" media to one that disarms them. Her appearance at the Washington DC Gridiron dinner and subsequent appearance on the Tonight Show certainly shows that she's capable of just that.
I believe that her hard-fought independence and book tour has "lightened her up". After all, what a tremendous confidence-builder to know that there are millions of people willing to buy your book in spite of the negative media treatment over the last 14 months.
I expect her to have many more favorable appearances in the media going forward. These appearances will do an awful lot to bolster her image and allow her to disarm the negative posturing of the MSM. Expect more comparisons to Reagan. They are her due.
I can see it now: Sarah Palin doing Tina Fey doing Sarah Palin. What do you think THAT would do for SNL's rating?
I take exception to that. I don't think it was Ronald Reagan's "vast" experience with media, I think it was his sense of humor. Consider the following:
Sarah Palin needs to convert the chip on her shoulder about the "lamestream" media to one that disarms them. Her appearance at the Washington DC Gridiron dinner and subsequent appearance on the Tonight Show certainly shows that she's capable of just that.
I believe that her hard-fought independence and book tour has "lightened her up". After all, what a tremendous confidence-builder to know that there are millions of people willing to buy your book in spite of the negative media treatment over the last 14 months.
I expect her to have many more favorable appearances in the media going forward. These appearances will do an awful lot to bolster her image and allow her to disarm the negative posturing of the MSM. Expect more comparisons to Reagan. They are her due.
I can see it now: Sarah Palin doing Tina Fey doing Sarah Palin. What do you think THAT would do for SNL's rating?
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