Posted on 08/30/2009 7:09:22 AM PDT by curth
BENTON TOWNSHIP - The worlds of politics, sports and journalism will come to Lake Michigan College beginning next month as former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, former Vice President Dick Cheney, former First Lady Laura Bush, Michigan State University head basketball Coach Tom Izzo and New York Times columnist Tom Friedman address The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan.
In announcing its 2009-10 speakers lineup Friday, the club offered the teaser that former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin might speak to the club.
Palin, who recently resigned as Alaska's governor, has not begun accepting speaking invitations. But when she does the club will invite her, said Club President Michael Cook. If she accepts, she would probably speak in May.
Cook said the 67th Speaker Series is unique in fulfilling the requests of the club, whose membership is full and has a waiting list. Each spring the club asks members to suggest speakers for the next season. For the upcoming season the club has secured more of the very-highly requested speakers than it ever has before.
* The lead-off speaker for the members-only audience at LMC's Mendel Center will be Musharraf on Sept. 24. He survived two assassination attempts and rooted out militants in his own government, in addition to helping direct raids against Al Qaeda and tracking Osama Bin Laden. The club said Musharraf "will articulate his views of enlightened moderation and the role he feels his country can play in this politically volatile region."
Izzo on Oct. 12 "will share his win-focused philosophy," the club said. He is entering his 15th year with the Spartans, and his career record is 336-137. His teams have won the 2000 NCAA national championship, five regular-season Big Ten championships, two Big Ten tournament titles and have made five Final Four appearances in 11 seasons. Izzo has won four national coach-of-the-year awards.
The fall session ends Nov. 5 with Cheney. For more than four decades he has served in the highest levels of the U.S. government and the private sector. "His zeal for building a strong America will provide members with a unique perspective on the economic and geopolitical challenges of our time," the club's release said.
On March 16, Laura Bush will address the club. The former First Lady's efforts included encouraging equal rights for women and men in Afghanistan and starting the National Book Festival. The club said she will tell "personal stories of being a wife, mother and leader in Washington, D.C., and beyond."
Her husband, George W. Bush, spoke to a record crowd at the Economic Club on May 28, just four months after leaving the presidency.
Friedman, best-selling author and Times foreign affairs columnist, will speak April 12. He has won three Pulitzer prizes. His books include "Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America" (2008). "He comes to engage our members in global issues that he believes can't be ignored," the press release said.
Palin or another speaker will wrap up the series. When the club finalizes details it will announce them to members.
People who would like to join the Economic Club may add their names to a waiting list by visiting www.TheEconClub.com or calling 982-6010 and leaving their names, phone numbers, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses.
I guess people everywhere have learned now that the best way to sell tickets to an event is to hint that Sarah Palin is coming. Can we stop this one before it gets any momentum?
Tweet Palin now so she can simply announce right now she has never planned to be there or will be there if invited!
Oh crap, here we go again!
That said-if she is serious about laying down an economic critique of the Administration, this is the sort of body she should address.
Especially in Michigan, a state she needs if she’s going to challenge Teh Won in 2012.
Best,
Chris
From Rasmussen Report: If you’d like Scott Rasmussen to speak at your meeting, retreat, or conference, contact Premiere Speakers Bureau.
If Palin wants to avoid these reported no shows at events, then perhaps Palin ought follow Scott Rasmussen’s example and work with the Premiere Speakers Bureau for events. Palin’s personal staff and the folks at SarahPAC are not up to par in public relations. They are 3rd rate at best.
I suspect the no-show blunders at the Reagan Library and AK Family Council were due to staff workers saying Palin would love to show up at the events without consulting Sarah Palin herself. Sarah Palin needs hire competent staff.
This is up on her Facebook page:
Dear Sarah,
The “Herald Palladium” is saying “It’ll be Cheney and Bush (Laura) - and maybe Palin” will speak at the Benton Township Economic Club. (http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2009/08/29/local_news/804562.txt).
It may be that I’ve seen too many instances of the left’s attempts to use any means (”the ends justifies the means”) to undermine or destroy their ‘enemies’, but it looks to me like they’re having their puppets add material for a label like “bailin’ Palin”. Please have your staff let everyone know via Facebook when you are indicating to anyone that you’re considering making an appearance.
I agree, and quite frankly, I think Sarah only has one real staff person, Meg Stapleton, who tries to do it all, with predictable results.
Whether she addresses the organization or not it doesn't mean that she isn't serious about 2012.
The Herald- Palladium site appears to be a newspaper . However, take a look at this! http://www.theeconclub.com/
This is the site of the Economic Club Of Southwestern Michigan. This is unbelievable!
I agree, and quite frankly, I think Sarah only has one real staff person, Meg Stapleton, who tries to do it all, with predictable results.Maybe we can help!
All they need to do is set up an e-mail called flag@sarahpalin.com...
...where people like us can send her reports about "fishy" invitations like this one. :o)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.