Posted on 07/11/2009 6:00:38 AM PDT by marktwain
FAIRBANKS — Fans and the simply curious packed a narrow sidewalk to hear Gov. Sarah Palin say a few words and sign gun-related legislation Friday afternoon in Fairbanks.
The ceremonial event was one of several Palin has staged throughout Alaska this week following her abrupt resignation July 3. She also spent an hour talking about Second Amendment rights and guns with conservative talk radio host and special caller Ted Nugent, a former rock star and a notable pro-gun spokesman.
Richard Stevens of Fairbanks stood on the street corner at the bill signing to see history in the making.
It wasn’t the bill being signed — a somewhat routine matter of changing the renewal date for concealed weapons permits. Instead, he’s convinced Palin resigned her state office a week ago to make another run at the vice presidency, this time with Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
“It’s political strategy,” Stevens said of Palin’s resignation. “Sarah’s way too smart to do anything dumb. I hope to see the next vice president. Once that (campaign) starts happening, we probably won’t see her much more in Alaska.”
In Fairbanks, Palin did not take questions from the media. Aides shuttled her tightly across the street from the bill signing to a radio station for an hour-long appearance with conservative talk show host Michael Dukes. Casual in a pink hoodie sweatshirt and black skirt, she signed a few autographs as she wove through a throng of fans.
Along with the bill, Palin signed off on four resolutions supporting gun rights and state sovereignty. Governors do not need to sign resolutions, which are expressions of the Legislature’s will. Sen. Joe Thomas, D-Fairbanks, and Reps. David Guttenberg and Scott Kawasaki, both Fairbanks Democrats, stood with Palin as she signed the resolutions and gave a speech from notes.
She drew applause for a vow to “oppose unreasonable restrictions” on state rights and individual liberties and said the resolutions are timely reminders to Congress that government works for the people and not the other way around.
Palin told the crowd she’ll be in Fairbanks before she turns power over to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell at the governor’s annual picnic July 26 at Pioneer Park, also in Fairbanks. She promised to return again when the Stryker brigade returns to Fort Wainwright from Iraq later this year. Her oldest son, Track, deployed with the Strykers on Sept. 11, 2008.
On Dukes’ radio show, which is dedicated to all things firearms and bears the motto “Go forth armed at all times,” Palin fielded calls from fewer than 10 callers, all supporters, and enjoyed comfortable banter with Nugent and their host.
The conversation turned to personal responsibility for individual safety and welfare.
“I think that’s why you resonate with people out there,” Dukes told Palin.
“You’re not seeing that on the national level; you’re not seeing that come out of the Obama administration,” Palin agreed. “The self-determination, opportunity for self-determination and self-reliance, we want to keep teachin’ that, preachin’ that in Alaska.”
They also talked about her resignation, which stunned people around the world. Dukes said the decision disappointed him, but he supports the governor for “unshackling” herself.
“So that I could get out there and fight without the shackles, for our state and for our country, to fight for what is right, and to support the people who have more freedom than I do evidently to be able to cast those votes and administer the policies and the laws that we need to protect our Constitution,” Palin said. “Now perhaps my decision was unpopular to some because it’s unconventional; it’s not politics as usual. ... I’m not cut out to want to waste time or waste resources. I’m going to be freer now to fight for what’s right.”
She also said it’s “odd” that she is held to different standards for her resignation, and she brought up former Juneau Sen. Kim Elton’s departure from the Legislature mid-session to take an Obama administration appointment.
“No, they don’t say boo,” she said. “Kim Elton left his constituents to go to D.C. You know why? It’s accepted to go on to move into another political position, evidently, but how about just being free to do what is right for your state and for your country? Evidently that isn’t as acceptable.”
Among the crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the governor and former vice-presidential candidate were Californians Peneé and David Hull. The couple cruised to Alaska in an RV caravan and couldn’t stay away when they heard Palin would be in town.
“We really believe in her,” Peneé said. “We hope she runs for the Senate. We need her in the Senate.”
Fairbanksan Matt Kato came out of curiosity for the “free show.”
Mostly, he wanted a chance to hear her for himself, so he could claim first-hand knowledge in political discussions with friends. The self-described political independent acknowledged he’s not really Palin supporter, and didn’t come for the pro-gun agenda either.
“That’s such a minor thing,” he said. “This is her excuse to travel around the state, like she says lame-duck governors shouldn’t.”
In her resignation speech July 3, Palin blasted some governors as “lame ducks” who, with little time left in a four-year term, spend state dollars to travel around on feel-good missions.
When did Ted become a former rock star? Where do they find these robots?
If I were a politician, I would take Sara’s lead. Pretty simple.
His most recent album was put out in September of 2007.
Nothing “former” about that. When you get up to around that age, you need time between the work you do. But you have guys like Carlos Santana that just continue to put out new music on a regular basis.
Sounds like “Governor Rick” here in Texas has done just that.
When she came to Texas to discuss the gas pipeline form Alaska, they seemed to be on the same page.
Rick’s comments about the 10th Amendment legislation at the San Antonio Tea Party also hit a note with Palin. I heard her mention that issue on KFAR yesterday.
Go Cudda!
bump for later read
President Palin enjoys Smart Water as do I. Though my favorite is Perrier.
I enjoyed the interview too...although there was not much ‘Sarah’ in it until about the midpoint! I also joined their discussion group while hearing the interview...it was such fun! Especially to chat with folks from Alaska!
Timing is everything, and I feel we are experiencing a wave. This scares the Elitist (Dems and Pubbs). We are seeing it in Iran, Honduras, and here. They are not dummies, although some of their followers are.
This is why the MSM has tried so hard to scuttle Palin. She is one of “Us”, as opposed to one of “Them”
Oooooh...be still my heart....
The “comments” in the paper brought out all the “progressives” who hate Sarah. Someone who calls himself “arcticwriter” said she is “vulnerable and common,” a “frightened little girl,” and “short.”
This woman looks half her age, has had five children, has been strong enough to take every blow directed at her without flinching, and exudes charisma. I don’t know whether she will ever be President; our country may not be that lucky. The USA seems to be running out of luck, but she gives us energy and she gives us hope (for BO just a four letter word.)
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