Dear Sarah, You're Not Alaska -- from The Mudflats

[Blue_In_AK]

This is a great read from journalist Zach Roberts, who has been up here visiting during campaign season, a counterpoint to "Sarah Palin's Alaska."

http://www.themudflats.net/2010/11/20/voices-from-the-flats-dear-sarah-youre-not-alaska/?#comment-235614

<snip>

When we met I didn’t ask you any questions or try to bother you as I believe it would have been disrespectful to the event. I’m not that kind of journalist. I even kept a watchful eye on one of your kids while you signed autographs during the closing prayer. Later, I had to ask which one of them it was, as I didn’t know… I don’t care about your family. Again, I’m not that kind of journalist.

I do care though, about the effect that you’re having on a state that I’ve grown to love and call my second home. I consider some Alaskans members of my family, many more among my friends. And I’m sorry Sarah, I hate to be the one to break it to you… but Alaskans, are well… um… ashamed of you. When Alaskans used to go down to visit the lower 48 they used to get asked if they lived in an igloo (my little sister is still convinced), if they ever saw a polar bear, or what it was like to always have snow on the ground. Now everyone asks if they know Sarah Palin. They want the igloo questions back. A couple of them confide in me that they told people they were from Canada! Socialists! They’re embarrassed, because they know Alaska isn’t you.

It’s made up of conservatives, anarchists, separatists, Democrats, Republicans, liberals and even progressives. In the Senate election 65% of the people voted against Joe Miller. They voted against your candidate, even though he was the Republican, he was better financed and he had a great beard.*

<snip>

This was a red flag, a sign from the electorate that they want you gone, they want you to step aside.

It’s time for you to step aside and let some of the great leaders you have shine. You’re not a leader, you’re a celebrity, a politician at best. Actually Shannyn Moore said it best, you’re not a leader, you’re a climber. If you really care for this state go back to Wasilla, take down that fence and retire. You’ve got a great view from your place enjoy it and let this state thrive. Let Alaska be Alaska. Let it return to it’s progressive roots, the only state that has a right to privacy written into it’s constitution, one of the first to become pro-choice and let’s people smoke weed. Even you admitted to partake.

Let these guys have a chance at running the state, without your meddling. Scott McAdams, the best person I have ever known that has stood for public office. It would have been not only an honor to vote for him, but something I would have told my grandkids about. Hollis French, ran the best and most true campaign I’ve seen. I had the privilege of following him around and photographing him on primary day – a great candidate and one of the guys that does the job for the people and only for them.

<snip>

*Actually it was a terrible beard. Steve Heimel of APRN has a great beard, and so does Roger “Bones” Ranch.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. I know that Mudflats is the place to go in order to find out about the REAL Alaska..

My friend Shannyn used to fish out there. She doesn’t anymore because Exxon spilled some oil. I’m not a praying man but I tried, hoping that we wouldn’t still find any 21 years later. It’s still there. I’ve got some of it, I can show it to you if you like.

:cry:

[lumpy]

2. Sometimes I feel embarrased because of Palin. I was born

and spent my first 14 years in Alaska; my parents and grandparents were pioneer Alaskans going back to the early 1900s. They were hard working, honest, helpfull people who led the true pioneer life. They would be appalled, I am sure, that Palin plays her phony part of a bred in the bone Alaskan.

[tammywammy]

3. Love Mudflats!

Recommended. :)

[Octafish]

4. ''You're not a leader, Sarah. You're a climber.''

Wow. Says it all about Mooselini.

Thank you for the heads-up, Blue_In_AK. Outstanding post, yours.