As we revved our engines up for the busy workweek today, I hope you returned back to work refreshed and relaxed from the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is a great time to just sit back, reflect and give thanks for everything we hold dear as Americans. I am so thankful for the freedom I have as an American. I am so proud of our brave military men and women who risk their lives for each and every one of us day in and day out. As an American, I want my military men and women to be given the best. While I believe we should listen to General McChrystal and those in charge on ground, it seems our president is not ready to do so. President Obama is going to address this very issue of troop numbers tomorrow in an address to Americans.
General McChrystal has repeatedly said an additional 40,000 troops would be needed in order to succeed in Afghanistan, so why has it been so hard for our president to make what should be an easy, necessary decision? Send the troops, Mr. President. Yet, in an all-too-common occurrence with this administration, our president is once again back peddling. And now when he is finally ready to make a decision, he is going to compromise on the number of brave men and women to send to Afghanistan? Give me a break. This is not only outrageous, but deeply disturbing. We are not talking about compromising on the number of side dishes to prepare for Christmas dinner; instead, we are talking about the lives of our Military men and women. Obama is expected to announce, tomorrow, that 30,000 additional troops will go to Afghanistan. This is an important number because this number is 10,000 less than General Stanley McChrystal originally requested weeks ago (McChrystal requested 40,000). I am outraged that President Obama is choosing to compromise when we are talking about the lives of so many. While this is very upsetting, it is also unfortunate that Obama is not sending the entire 30,000 troops right away. Instead, he is expected to send 9,000 Marines to southern Afghanistan first with others to eventually follow. I fully agree with why senators like Jon Kyl of Arizona are so worried about this. According to Fox News:
"The speed of deployment worries Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., who said Sunday that a phased deployment will not force rapid change as the surge in Iraq did and will create more problems, as Vietnam demonstrated: "You need to put in everybody you can as quickly as you can and deliver a knockout punch to the enemy," Kyl told "Fox News Sunday."
Kyl is right in his assessment. The surge was successful, so why wouldn't we repeat this action again? Obama is playing with fire if he really thinks compromising will bring us victory in Afghanistan. I have to wonder if Obama knows the full implications of the decision he is about to make. I have to wonder if Obama really wants to win the war in Afghanistan. I never thought I would have these of fears, but I seem to have cause to be alarmed.
I know I am not alone in my reasoning, for I know many of you agree with me. Sarah Palin is also speaking out on President Obama's scheduled announcement regarding Afghanistan troop levels. As a former governor, Sarah knows what it's like to oversee our troops. While she was governor, she was the commander-in-chief of Alaska's National Guard. Sarah also knows firsthand what the families of our awesome men and women in uniform go through every time they have to say goodbye to a family member. As you all know, Sarah's oldest child, Track, serves in the Army. President Obama may be ready to compromise the lives of our brave men and women in an attempt to appease to his liberal base, which by the way, I guarantee would be upset if even one troop member was sent off to war, but Sarah knows better. She knows the generals on the ground know what's best. Why can't Obama listen to his generals and Sarah for once? Until our president and his administration begin to listen to those who know best, he is walking a very fine line. For goodness sake, this is an important decision that will either result in success or failure. Our troops deserve better. I stand with Sarah as she stands solidly beside our good men and women in uniform. Thank you, Sarah, for speaking out on this very important issue and always supporting our troops and putting them first, and thank you to our brave men and women in uniform for their tireless service to our country.
The following is Sarah's latest note that she posted on her Facebook Page last night regarding this:
Sarah Palin: If We're In It, Lets Win It
As Thanksgiving festivities wind down we contemplate all we have to be thankful for as free Americans! We head into the Christmas season wishing for leadership in Washington that reflects our commitment to the values and ideals that have built the freest and most prosperous and generous nation on earth.
Heading into December and Tuesday's announcement of our nation's strategy in Afghanistan, I ask the President to reassure us that the administration is in this War on Terror to win.
And I'll pass along the following from Harold B. Estes, a 95-year-old member of the Greatest Generation: "I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get out."
Thank you, Mr. President. Please tell us on Tuesday that America is in it to win.
- Sarah Palin PS: You can read Mr. Estes' complete letter here.
Here's another video clip of Governor Palin's BGEA interview when visiting Rev. Billy Graham last week in North Carolina. In it she discusses what it was like to meet the reverend.
Read Part I and see the video clip about when she gave her life to Christ by clicking here.
You can also go directly to Rev. Graham's site by clicking here.
When it comes to fighting the anti-Palin smear campaign, there is never a loss for words or arguments to debunk the myths and thought twisting that those who suffer from Palin Derangement Syndrome continue to pour upon us. Since the day David Axelrod waived his magic wand over the Alaska bloggers early in Palin's vice presidential campaign, Palin supporters have been writing and fighting the good fight, armed with something PDS sufferers know very little about: facts.
There are the typical memes which can be taught from a text book by now that those on the left continue to use. For example, according to the Huffington Post, Sarah Palin "quit" the 5K race she ran on Thanksgiving. She also "lies" in her book. She's too "inexperienced" to be president. And my favorite one: she's a moron, but she's hot. Pardon the yawn.
But, there's a different angle they're trying out now. So, even though this column is just your normal routine debunking of anti-Palin myths, this blogger felt it important enough to give credit to the Huffington post for thinking up "a new one." Yup, now they're going to try to use her own book and her own supporters against her.
Since detractors have been unable to stop Palin's ascent in the latest polls with their usual bluster, they're now trying to convince Palin supporters that Palin's book is not factual. Mario Almonte writes on Huffington Post "In Going Rogue, Palin flirts dangerously close to morally dubious grounds, and it is making supporters wonder if she too isn't spiritually corrupt and undeserving of their loyalty." Divide and conquer. This must be the last technique they have left in their playbook.
In looking down their own long noses, liberals like Almonte want to try to spin Palin supporters into thinking their perfect and virtuous woman is not deserving of such a high altitude on the pedestal that has been created for her. They're using the media that lies to try to convince Palin supporters that Palin lies. That's really funny.
The fact of the matter is even Palin critic Geraldo Rivera has said that the inconsistencies in Going Rogue are materially inconsequential. So which is it, liberals: spiritually corrupt or materially inconsequential?
Apparently liberals have never taken a law or criminal justice class in which they do an experiment where three people witness the same event and then have to give their accounting of it. When looking at how Sarah Palin recollects the facts, we see the human side of her. She calls it like she sees it, not how Huffington Post sees and not how you or I see it. Although the event is the same, the three people in the experiment will always give you three different versions. If one of those three people was a liberal, the experiment wouldn't count because you're supposed to recount the event based on how you perceived it, not how you would have liked it to have happened!
Nice try. But, the left and the elitist snobs who have been vilifying Sarah Palin for over a year now have lost way too much credibility even for this to work. They have been crying wolf for so long now that they could show surveillance tape footage on Huffington Post of Palin having a romantic encounter with the security guard just to get past him to rob the bank, smile into the camera and leave with the loot, and still no one would believe them.
Sarah Palin could "hike the Appalachian" trail and it would take Palin supporters longer than it's taking Mark Sanford to step down as governor to sift through the information to determine whether or not it's true. Liberals have left themselves no wiggle room for the truth to even enter their arguments that if, God forbid, Sarah Palin actually did do something wrong, Palin supporters would not be so quick to believe it.
Legions of faithful followers have stuck with Sarah Palin through Troopergate, Katie Couric, resigning as governor, her feud with Levi Johnston and unsubstantiated rumors of divorce and federal indictment. I highly doubt that putting her book under a microscope is going to have any adverse effect on her supporters.
There seems to be some misreporting going on regarding just how many copies of Sarah Palin's memoir, "Going Rogue: An American Life", sold in its first week. Various sources are printing different numbers in comparison to the sales of former President Bill Clinton's book, "My Life". In my honest opinion, this is less due to the liberal media's resentment than it is to their inability to locate correct data. Given the choice between deeming them to be incompetent and deeming them to be malicious, it's my Christian duty to go with the lesser charge of incompetence.
The NYTimes reports that Palin's Nielsen BookScan numbers are lower than Bill Clinton's, but doesn't say whether or not the Clinton numbers are Nielsen numbers or are the overall numbers from the publisher. Nielsen numbers don't include books sold in mass retail markets like Wal-Mart. Clinton's publisher numbers being missing from the article, it's impossible to know from this report which of the two has actually come out on top. As it's written, one could gather that Palin has sold more or that Clinton has sold more, depending on how closely one is paying attention to the article.
Under a sub-heading ironically entitled "Book confusion", the BBC reports flat out that Palin has sold fewer copies than Clinton, but offers no source for the information. The "confusion" they are referring to, by the way, is that it was previously reported that White House staff were passing around copies of the anti-Palin book with a title similar to Palin's -- "Going Rouge" -- but that now it has been revealed that they "had actually been reading Palin's book". (snicker)
On a more local level, Kansas City Star is reporting only the Nielsen numbers for both authors. According to them, the number of 606,000 copies for Bill Clinton is a Nielsen number.
HuffPo reported that the number of 700,000 being reported ostensibly by Palin's publisher is not supposed to be publicly released but was given by an anonymous source. It's further reported that Bill Clinton sold 900,000 copies in its first week, but no source for this information is offered. This doesn't prevent them from offering yet another anti-Palin, sensationalized headline -- "Palin Book Sales: She's No Bill Clinton"
All of this, of course, is not so important in the big scheme of things. In my mind, the most important thing to note is this from the NYTimes piece:
Ms. Palin’s book also pulled the second-best first-week sales of any memoir by a current or past president, or vice presidential or presidential contender, Nielsen BookScan said.
I'd say that's pretty good for a hockey mom from Wasilla. Moose chili, anyone?
Sarah Palin posted the following note on her Facebook page -- As Thanksgiving festivities wind down we contemplate all we have to be thankful for as free Americans! We head into the Christmas season wishing for leadership in Washington that reflects our commitment to the values and ideals that have built the freest and most prosperous and generous nation on earth.
Heading into December and Tuesday’s announcement of our nation’s strategy in Afghanistan, I ask the President to reassure us that the administration is in this War on Terror to win.
And I’ll pass along the following from Harold B. Estes, a 95-year-old member of the Greatest Generation: “I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life, but you’re the Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you’re not in this fight to win, then get out.”
Thank you, Mr. President. Please tell us on Tuesday that America is in it to win.
Last week Governor Palin and her family had dinner with Rev. Billy Graham and his family. While there, the Governor was interviewed about her faith. Those who have read Going Rogue know that the fiber of faith is weaved throughout its pages. Those who have paid attention to her at all know the importance of faith in her life. While she does not shove her faith down anyone's throat, Governor Palin certainly doesn't hide it. She isn't ashamed of who she is. In fact, she states that her faith in Christ is her "be all, end all."
One reason ordinary Americans respect Governor Palin is because she is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person. She is--as so many have acknowledged--the real deal. No pretense. No hypocrisy. Just who she is. She's grateful for her Alaskan upbringing, grateful for her family, and yes, grateful for her Christian faith.
Always grateful for her faith.
President Obama is not opposed to talking about faith either, like when he appealed to religious leaders when he was looking for support for his Health Care Bill. In that speech, about which Andrea Tantaros so eloquently wrote in an article called "Obama Plays the God Card," he quoted Scripture and claimed, "We are God's partners in matters of life and death."
However, the President also seems to tuck away faith at will, like when he said bitter people "cling to guns or religion," when he blew off the National Day of Prayer, and when he, a professing Christian, asked that Georgetown cover up the name of Jesus.
People are entitled to embrace or reject faith. That's part of being an American. It is not for me to dictate how one leads his or her life in that regard. However, I have heard and seen enough to know that one reason Governor Palin appeals to millions of Americans is that she knows who she is and she reveals herself without shame--not forcing it on anyone else, not hiding it either, and not teetering back and forth when it's politically advantageous to do so. What a breath of fresh air to see that kind of transparency and boldness in a leader. In this, she stands miles apart from President Obama.
Governor Palin simply is who she is--and she is a woman of faith. That fact has been ridiculed by some and praised by others. Either way, it is what it is.
A few days ago, I wrote of my impressions of Going Rogue after reaching the mid-way point of the book. At that time, I was struck most by the engaging tone of the prose, and Governor Palin's ability to draw the reader into each scene with her descriptions of places and events that have shaped her life. As soon as I began reading, I felt as if I were on a journey with her - walking along at the Alaska State Fair; shaking hands with excited voters at campaign rallies; and looking into the faces of adults and children with special needs who wanted to personally express their gratitude for her advocacy on their behalf.
A good book takes you out of your own world for a brief time, and allows you to imagine yourself in another time and place, and Going Rogue certainly does that. But, the best books - those that stick with you for many years after you've turned the final page - succeed in revealing as much about the reader as they do the author.
Going Rogue reveals Sarah Palin to be a remarkable woman, doggedly pursuing the Providential plan laid out before her. At the same time, though, it is clear that she is also remarkably...ordinary. Her story could be any of ours. And, in that simple truth, I find a great deal to appreciate.
Governor Palin is a mother and wife, passionately in love with her family. She is a life-long athlete who enjoys the spirit of competition in all that she does. And, she is a woman of God, who seeks His council in challenging times, and sings His praise when joy abounds. As with all of us, there are many dimensions to this now-famous Alaskan, and perhaps this is the reason that so many Americans feel as if we share common ground with her.
As I read the final passages of Going Rogue, I smiled as I had so many times in the course of reading the previous four hundred pages. I did so, not simply because Governor Palin has a wily sense of humor (which she does), but because I felt like I had just been given a life-affirming pep talk by a woman who also inspires with her deeds.
Clearly, Governor Palin's purpose in writing her memoir was not simply to tell her own personal story, though of course she does so quite well. Rather, her message extends beyond this one-way exchange, inviting each of us to embrace our own unique life experiences. Every moment and every encounter is a gift to be cherished for the lessons it holds, and there is no limit to how much any of us can accomplish when we put the full power of our talents, our will, and intellect toward the goals we seek to achieve.
This is what I will take away from Going Rogue: that I, too, am called to live out my vocation - however grand or benign it might seem. By virtue of my birth in this exceptional country, I am already blessed with the myriad opportunities unseen in most of the world.
The life of Sarah Palin, like that of my ancestors before me, is evidence of the capacity of the individual to, quite literally, change history. It is up to each of us to recognize the power of this responsibility and embrace every life experience as preparation for all that is to come.
In this regard, I thank you, Governor Palin, for your courageous example...however rogue it might be.
"By His grace, an American life is an extraordinary life." - Sarah Palin, Going Rogue
*Photo credits (I think) to Shealah Craighead (2008 campaign photographer)
Just finished Going Rogue. Closed the book--and wept.
It wasn't the first time I wept while reading Sarah Palin's bestseller, but it will be the part that will remain with me.
I have given my word to those still reading who were afraid I'd give something away that there was nothing to fear; I won't give anything away. I don't like when people cheat me like that. It drives me nuts. So I will offer no details on content, just express my reaction. If you don't want to hear even that much, now's the time to log off!
I couldn't help but be overcome with emotion at various points throughout, but especially so at the end. This book speaks a word to me that Sarah Palin's life has spoken to me for over a year now: Destiny.
When she showed up on the scene as John McCain's running mate and I got to learn about her life, I was overwhelmed with a sense of destiny. God began to deal with me specifically about destiny. I still tell people today what He showed me through her life. I have always expressed it this way: "Here was a woman who was minding her own business, loving her God, adoring her family, governing her state. Simply as she was faithful to do that, God (not Senator McCain) tapped her on the shoulder and said, 'Come up a little higher.'" I have been in awe of that for more than a year now. It still speaks to me.
As I read the book, particularly the ending, I could see destiny tied up in every aspect of the Governor's life. She was just living her life, enjoying it--content. But the plan of God was about to unfold in a way that she may never have expected--at least not at that time. How incredible is God's plan.
But even as God spoke to me about Governor Palin's destiny over a year ago now, He added: "Don't get so caught up in stargazing, in watching someone else fulfill her destiny, that you miss your own. I have a plan for you, too."
I found myself for a time consumed with the concept of destiny.
I have always known that God had called me to, dare I say, greatness. I say that humbly, for I knew, even at a pretty young age, that God's hands were upon my life. How strange it is now to remember that I could never find words to describe what I was feeling until I heard...of all people...Oprah Winfrey say many years ago that she had known she was destined for greatness. When I heard her say it, I said, "Yes, that's it! That's what I've been feeling!" I was amazed when just a few months ago, a friend from church used Oprah's life as an example of what she felt God was doing in my life (not her politics, just her story).
When the world got to meet Sarah Palin, I was reminded of the big picture, not just about her, but about me. And one thing I feel the Governor has done is incite people to rise up and take a stand in their own lives. I knew that it was good to support her--which I do wholeheartedly--but with an understanding of how God works, how He desires to lead all of us into the specific plan He has for us. My pastor always says, "God's plan is Plan 'A' for your life. There is no Plan 'B,'" and I believe that. I began to feel stirred up to live out God's plan for my life. It's not good enough to watch someone else fulfill her call; we've got to desire to fulfill our own great call, as well. To be honest, greatness is simply doing what it is you're supposed to be doing, no matter what it is. Sometimes that call is helping someone fulfill theirs. Whatever it is, I am determined to live out my life with God's original intent.
I was truly overcome with destiny at that time, and recently that awareness has returned. I am seeing God do things that only He could do. I am watching in awe at His favor, His grace, His blessings--and I see that it all flows from the destiny that He's had in mind all along.
My church has prayer service every Saturday night. This evening, as we prayed, I was again bombarded with that word: destiny. I began to pray aloud about it, to voice what I felt in my heart: We existed in the mind of God before the foundations of the Earth were laid. God has been fashioning us and forming us. We were created in exquisite detail to fulfill His divine purpose. Our likes, our dislikes, our passions, our personalities, even the things we've gone through, all serve a purpose. He had already determined how He would cause even the most unpleasant circumstances, those He would've liked to shield us from, to work together for our good, for His purpose. It is a thought too intense for me to fully wrap my brain around, but I have a decent handle on it.
I came home from prayer and set out to read the rest of Going Rogue, and the closer I got to the end, the more the book screamed, "DESTINY!" That's really what it speaks to me--that and how human Sarah, the person, is. I see her life traveling down this road to that road to another road--and the journey continues. I see someone who has the imprint of God's hand all over her life as He takes her where He wants her to go. No, I am not saying we are robots or puppets in His hand. Far from it, but when we decide to be soft and pliable clay, He molds us and shapes us, and we end up being what He always intended. We arrive at the place He had already prepared: Plan 'A.'
I see that in Sarah Palin.
The end of her book brought me to tears, as it speaks what I know to be true: when we are open and available to Him--in spite of the challenges that are sure to come, in spite of those who seek to destroy us, in spite of the unexpected--we can't help but be in a good place, make an impact, and, most of all, fulfill the destiny God has for our lives. And sometimes, just sometimes, it's much bigger than we could have ever anticipated.
I finished the book--and I wept. I wept because of the goodness of God in the life of Sarah Palin--past, present, and future. But I also wept at the potential of my own.
Earlier today I learned that Sarah Palin's memoir Going Rogue: An American Life is at the #1 position on the NYTimes Bestseller List. Before I finished reading it a few moments ago, I certainly couldn't have told you if its position there is rightful or not. Now, I can attest that it is.
It's taken me a bit longer than many others to finish reading the book. I know of some who finished reading it within 24 hours. I couldn't finish quickly because I spent so much time in various places throughout the book just absorbing what Sarah Palin had to say about certain things and also spending some time praying about it.
Because I have followed the news on Governor Palin almost daily since her announcement as the VP candidate in Dayton on August 29, 2008, I was already quite familiar with many of the details of the events she shared in the book regarding her phenomenal work as Governor of the State of Alaska, certain mishaps in the 2008 campaign, the frivolous complaints against her, and so on. It's not an easy task getting accurate information, believe me, but provided that you are a genuine seeker of justice and truth -- and if you have a lot of patience -- you can find it if you look hard enough.
I have to admit that I was initially skeptical when I first heard that Palin would be penning a memoir rather than focusing solely on policy. I remember sending an email to one of my more venerable compatriots in the pro-Palin blogosphere, complaining about it. I didn't save the email so I can't quote directly, but it was something along the lines of "What is she thinking??? A biography??? You can't run on biography!" I was told that it would all be for the best, but I wasn't so sure. I was skeptical. Too skeptical, in fact.
After reading Going Rogue: An American Life, I can now say that I was 100% WRONG in my analysis of the wisdom of this move. I had to send a follow-up note admitting that, yes, Governor Palin has once again made my jaw drop open with her brilliance. This is about the third time she's done this to me so you'd think I'd have more faith in her by now. What can I say? I'm not a Palin Kool-Aid drinker. I'm a born skeptic, but not a cynic. Even so, amazing people can make your jaw drop open in joyful awe no matter how much you may be a champion against cynicism. So it has been with me in my experience of following Governor Palin's career.
By telling the story of her life, Palin shares far more than defenses against attacks as many book reviewers out there would have you believe. Going Rogue is certainly biographical, but it is far more than that. It's a solid accounting of events throughout her life that have shaped her into the person she is today, including policy decisions, and it outlines a vision for what she calls "The Way Forward". In other words, there's a lot of red meat in this book for conservative carnivores to savor.
Palin added many additional details that I was not previously aware of which served to deepen the understanding that I already had regarding the high-profile events in her life. Those places in the book where I had to stop and ponder were those places where she shared what her thoughts and conversations with others were as each of these events unfolded. This information was mostly new to me and helped me to get to know much more closely the kind of person Sarah Palin is -- the things that have shaped her, how she deals with adversity, and the real story of what has brought her to where she is today. It's a story previously untold, and as someone who has been spending over a year defending her from the "buckshot" hurled her way, I found it all incredibly moving. (Note: You'll have to read the book for more about "buckshot".)
I've always known that as much as I've hurt for Governor Palin and her family over the past year, she and her family have had to endure infinitely more being in the direct line of fire. What I've learned is that she's been much stronger through it all than I've been myself. Attacks on her that shook me -- and many of my Palin-supporting compatriots -- to the core never even broke her stride. I was amazed, not only by her emotional and mental stamina, but also the same steadfastness that's so prevalent in her family.
Throughout the book, she shares instances where her family set her straight, gave valuable insight (even little Piper did this for her before the VP debate) or gave her the strength of their example. She also shares anecdotes about support that came from people within the campaign, so rumors that this is all about attacking others are greatly exaggerated. She doesn't merely "set the record straight" about things that happened. More importantly, she offers up the facts about her own limitations and how she worked through them with faith and confidence, thereby reaping the rewards of endurance.
I haven't kept count of all of the accusations against her and all of the statements she's made, even among those confined to the pages of her book. There are so many, it's hard to count them all. She answered them all flawlessly for me with one exception. Very early in the book -- on page 3, in fact -- she implies that the Republican party determines whom Alaska Right to Life endorses in elections. As someone who has worked within the Right to Life organization, I do take issue with the suggestion that this is the policy or practice of any official Right to Life organization. I'm willing to give Palin the benefit of the doubt on this. Perhaps this is a mistaken belief on how the organization is run, but I would like more information on this before pronouncing final judgment on it. My inherent skepticism forbids me from being critical of either Palin or Alaska Right to Life until I have more information. In my experience, though, I must say that although state affiliates of National Right to Life do sometimes decide to endorse candidates based partly on "electability", the suggestion that any political party has any say in Right to Life endorsements is a rather scandalous one, in my view. I'll wait for more info before I make a judgment on that.
It's difficult to choose from among a wide array of imporant quotes to share with you from Going Rogue which touched me, but as a challenged person myself, the words that struck home most deeply were those she wrote about people with disabilities. In describing her experience at a rally in Fairfax, Virginia, Palin wrote:
I remember looking about and seeing scores of wheelchairs. In the middle of my speech it started pouring rain. Within five minutes, I looked like a wet dog and my makeup was running off my face. I wanted to keep going and finish because I didn't want to disappoint all those people who had been waiting for hours to hear our ticket's message. Even more, I was inspired to see that not one of the people in wheelchairs made a move to leave.
I thought, This is inspiration!
In regard to people who live with Down Syndrome, she writes:
They spend their lives knowing they are different from other people. So it blessed me in ways I can't even describe to be able to help bring them from the fringe into the bright spotlight that most often seems reserved only for the privileged.
I can't tell you how important it is for someone like me to read these words. I've shared with you all before how it is Governor Palin who inspired me to bite the bullet and get out of my wheelchair when I read the Runner's World interview . It was one of the toughest things I've ever had to do in life -- even tougher than trekking up Mt. LeConte when I was younger and more able-bodied with a husband who hadn't informed me ahead of time that we were going to go all the way to the top! Like Palin, I used to be an athlete. I played basketball in high school and, later, volleyball, racquetball, cycling, and running. With a damaged nervous system, those days are long gone, but the Runner's World interview inspired me to bite hard on that bullet long enough to lose twenty pounds and make myself get a bit stronger. I'll always be grateful to her for this example of the rewards of facing challenges of all kinds, including physical ones.
We've heard a lot of talk from our President about "Hope" and "Change". When you live the sort of life where you can't sleep for longer than four hours because of pain, waking up unable to move your arms and/or your legs and being forced to call for a family member to come move you, then you will know that "hope" isn't defined in terms of federal funding. Further, you will know that the "change" that matters most of all is the "change" of your heart from discouragement and the change of your mind when you decide, "Hey, I'm going to try to get out of this bed ANYWAY! I'm not going to just lay here and moan. I'm going to make the most of this." That is real hope. That is real change.
When you have someone in a position of fame and power who acknowledges with truly heartfelt sincerity that you are a human person made in God's image, with all the dignity and value that comes from that -- quite the opposite of a person who pledges more funds to abort more children like you while ludicrously calling it "health care" -- it's easy to see who really has a heart that has been shaped to fight for you -- who is really equipped to give you genuine hope and change -- and who has a heart that has been shaped to fight against you.
In Going Rogue, Sarah Palin offers a lot of information about her views on economics which will satisfy those concerned with the rampant spending in Washington, D.C. She shares personal stories regarding her role as a mother that will appeal greatly to many moms out there. (As a mom of four, I laughed myself silly, and completely related to her, when she described her first pregnancy/delivery experience.) Those curious to know her record as governor will not be disappointed and anyone who has to know what happened behind the scenes during the campaign will also be fully satisfied with the book. Young women in particular, I think, will find much strength and guidance for the road that will lay ahead for them if they, too, are called to great and difficult challenges and opportunities in life. In fact, I think this book should be in the hands of every young lady between the ages of 14 and 20, provided, of course, that she's willing to read it.
For me personally, though, this is a book about being strong and rising to the occasion, no matter how tough life gets. No matter the adversity, no matter the nonsense that is dropped in your lap, no matter what lies people may make up about you to marginalize you or demean you, Sarah Palin is a witness that you not only can fight on.....but you must fight on.
My copy of Governor Sarah Palin’s book, Going Rogue: An American Life came a week ago. I’m typically not a fan of autobiographies or political memoirs. When I go into a bookstore that type of book isn’t what I usually leave with. So this book purchase was solely due to my being a supporter of the Governor’s.
I found Going Rogue to be an enjoyable, insightful and engaging read. Palin gives readers a peak into her life, her record, her priorities and her policies “unfiltered.” You also get a sense of her heart to serve. She recounted a friend saying to her that in politics, “you either eat well or you sleep well.” She chose the later which led to making tough choices that were not necessarily comfortable or easy, but were made in the best interest of her state. Those decisions ranged from challenging corruption to her decision to resign as Governor.
One of of the things I was struck by was her sense of humor. Such as in her description of when her first child, Track’s birth (talking about Labor and how her family took her to the hospital entrance that said “Deliveries”) to watching Vice President Joe Biden’s pre-debate stretching. Also, while she has certainly lived an extraordinary life, you do see how mainstream her life really was from her childhood to even as a Vice Presidential candidate (changing her son’s diaper right before the VP debate).
Also you can see throughout her book the role her faith in Christ plays in her life. Describing at an early age when she placed her faith in Christ at a Bible Camp, attending Wasilla Assembly of God, her involvement in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, her Bible study habits growing up, how she relied on Him through two miscarriages, learning that Trig had Down Syndrome, pointing out God’s providence throughout her life (in good and bad), and readers get a glimpse of her prayer life. At the end of her acknowledgements she encourages readers to do what she did when she was a kid.
And I do know there is a God. My life is in His hands. I encourage readers to do what I did many years ago, invite Him in to take over… then see what He will do and how He will get you through. Test Him on this.
This book isn’t a tell-all. She doesn’t seek to name names or “get even.” She does try to set the record straight in several instances – like “Troopergate,” accusations about her being a diva & the $150,000 wardrobe. As much as the interviews she gave would make you think she talked a lot about the Katie Couric interview, she really doesn’t give it that much space. She was highly complementary of her “B Team,” those assigned to the VP end of the ticket. Her critiques with the campaign mainly dealt with 1. her being kept from the press, especially the Alaska press. 2. Being overly scripted. 3. Leaks/rumors from within the campaign.
She was also disappointed on how the political environment changed when getting back to Alaska. The ethics reform act for the executive branch was something that was lauded by the Palin administration. There were real ethics breeches. There were people from the prior administration who were fined, and others who were on their way to prison. You get a sense of how ludicrous the misuse of the ethics act and FOIA requests became. Throughout the campaign and afterwards Palin also expresses her disappointment with the press who would often commit the “sin of omission.”
Going Rogue isn’t a policy book per se, as that wasn’t the sole purpose of the book, I disagree with those who say the book is policy light. You could see Governor Palin’s principles & priorities woven throughout the book as her belief in free market principles, small government, sanctity of life, and hard work were instilled from an early age. They were further developed throughout her life, and fleshed out in policies that she implemented as a member of Wasilla’s city council, as Wasilla’s mayor, an oil and gas regulator, and then as Governor of the State of Alaska.
You also see a common theme in her service as an executive. Cut spending, lower taxes, and put government on the side of the people instead of in their way. She accomplished much in the 2 1/2 years she served as Governor from ethics reform, budget cuts (before the recession when they didn’t have to), gasline development, forcing Big Oil to honor their leases to they would develop, restructuring taxes for oil and gas companies in order to encourage development and exploration, as well as, increased value to resource royalties that Alaskans received.
In the last chapter of the book she engages the theme of common sense conservatism, she describes it this way:
At it’s most basic level, conservatism is a respect for history and tradition, including traditional moral principles. I do not believe I am more moral, certainly no better, than anyone else, and conservatives who act “holier than thou” turn my stomach. So do some elite liberals. But I do believe in a few timeless and unchanging truths, and chief among those is that man is fallen. This world is not perfect, and politicians will never make it so. This, above all, is what informs my pragmatic approach to politics.
I am conservative because I deal with the world as it is – complicated and beautiful, tragic and hopeful. I am a conservative because I believe in the rights and the responsibilities and the inherent dignity of the individual….
…Conservatives believe in the “constrained” political vision because we know that human nature is flawed and that there are limitations to what can be done in Washington to “fix” society’s problems.
Commonsense Conservatives deal with human nature as it is – with its unavoidable weaknesses and its potential for goodness. We see the world as it is – imperfect but filled with beauty. We hope for the best. We believe people can change for the better, but we do not ignore history’s lessons and waste time chasing utopian pipe dreams, (pg. 385-386).
She harkens back to Ronald Reagan as a model we should look at as we proceed further – fiscal discipline, small government, strong national defense, traditional values, and energy independence. Things that she doesn’t just talk about, but has also lived out.
My respect for Governor Palin has been deepened as a result of reading this book, and I think that those who are undecided about her will come away with a positive opinion after reading this book. You will certainly finish the book being challenged and inspired “stand up and fight” for commonsense conservatism (unless you’re a liberal). I highly, highly recommend Going Rogue: An American Life.
On Thanksgiving Day, after a week-long grueling Going Rogue book tour schedule, no one would have faulted Governor Palin for hiding out or sleeping all day. In fact, some of us would have liked for her to do just that so she could just recuperate and build up some strength for the next leg of the tour, which begins Sunday in Richland, WA. The governor, however, participated yesterday morning in the Red Cross Turkey Trot in Washington, where she is spending the next few days with family.
"There's been a lack of acknowledgment by our president in understanding what it is that the American military provides in terms of, obviously, the safety, the security of our country."
Palin, quoting Reagan:
"We win! They lose!"
We all need to jump on the Palin bandwagon and offer more support for our military. There are many ways to do this. One small way is to purchase The Warrior Song which has been adopted as the theme song of the Warrior Legacy Foundation. The song is free to members of the U.S. Military, but for sale to the general public, and all proceeds are donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust.
Watch the YouTube video of The Warrior Song below.
Five Australian MPs have resigned in protest of the Liberal party's support for emissions trading. News about ClimateGate -- revealing emails from "a veritable who's who in climate science" including "conversations that allude to potentially manipulating climate data to 'hide the decline' of temperatures seen in the last decade" -- seems to be going viral. A parody video, Hide the Decline, posted recently on YouTube has received over 168,000 views.
Phil Jones, Director of the Climatic Research Unit, and main author of the emails in question, has responded:
"That the world is warming is based on a range of sources: not only temperature records but other indicators such as sea level rise, glacier retreat and less Arctic sea ice."
Hear that, Johnny? "Warming" isn't based on "temperatures". Silly us for doubting!! Let the economic destruction begin!
As some of you know, I attended Sarah Palin's book signing in Rochester, New York on Saturday (11/21). Let me tell you--it was definitely an adventure!
I was still away at school when I found out that Sarah would be coming to New York for her Going Rogue Book Tour. I was very excited! I was even more excited that I would be home in Buffalo the day before Sarah visited Rochester because Rochester is only an hour away from my home. So knowing that I was going to have to get to Rochester the night before the signing, I left Cortland, NY (school) at 2pm on Friday (11/20), arrived home in Buffalo at 5:30pm, had dinner with the family, and then headed to Rochester with my sister Katelyn at around 1:30am Saturday morning. During the car ride down to Borders Books & Music in Henrietta, the three things that ran through my mind were 1) I had been in a car for most of the day 2) I would be awake for more than 48 hours and 3) I was going to be able to see my inspiration once again--Sarah Palin.
My sister and I arrived at Borders at 2:30am. I was shocked to see so many people lined up this early to see Sarah! So we quickly scoped out a parking spot, parked, and then headed to the back of the line where about 200 Sarah Supporters stood in front of us. Once we claimed our spot in line, my sister pulled out some blankets, I wiped out the pillows, and then we immediately walked to find some type of caffeine whether it was coffee or soda. The caffeine hunt didn't take long since there were plenty of places to purchase it--Wegmans, Tim Hortons, and Panera. So we got our large coffees and headed back to meet and greet the people who were camping out around us.
From 3am until it was time to head inside Borders, Katelyn and I bonded with the many people who surrounded us. Most of them were much older then the both of us (my sister 17 and me 20) but our ages were what stirred up a lot of conversation. People were impressed and thrilled to see young Sarah Palin supporters and several people asked why we supported her. Since my sister was still a new comer to politics and to what Sarah stood for and believed in, I took the lead when it came to telling people what I love about Sarah Palin and why I support her. I even did an interview with a local news station and later, while standing in line, I did another interview with a news reporter from my home town. After doing a bunch of talking and two interviews, my sister asked me, "aren't you tired of talking?" My answer to her was, no! Every chance I get to talk about Governor Palin, I feel honored and it's so easy to talk about her to others because I know and admire so much about her! So it's always a joy when speaking about Sarah Palin.
So the sun rose and 9am came around much quicker than I expected! Our over night crew made it into Borders and received wristbands. At this point, not only were we psyched that we all had been given a chance to see Sarah Palin; we were also thrilled that we had a few hours to rest and get something other than coffee in our stomachs!
11am rolled around and my sister and I decided that we were just going to hang out in Borders for a while. We met up with Ron Devito, the author of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's Accomplishments and "Vidsweet", who is another Sarah Supporter and makes video tributes for Palin and other political figures. The four of us planted ourselves at a table for several hours, reading "Going Rogue", checking email, and making phone calls to family and friends, letting them know that we were still alive! While sitting in Borders, I also met a member of Governor Palin's staff, Russell. Russell worked during the election for the McCain-Palin Campaign. As we were talking, we came to realize that we went to school together! What a small world!
We heard that Sarah Palin would be arriving earlier than expected, so the line began to form around 4pm instead of 4:30pm. My sister and I found the people we were with earlier Saturday morning and secured our spot in line. The crowed started yelling--Sarah, Sarah, Sarah...and then we all decided to sing the National Anthem. At around 6pm, a group of protesters showed up. I just laughed and wondered why they decided to show up now. Where were they at 3am!?! And the funny thing was that they were protesting Governor Palin's views on gay marriage, which are the same as Obama's! They were still there screaming and shouting but the large crowd of Sarah Supporters began to yell "Sarah Palin chants" again to over power them.
FINALLY, it was our turn to head inside. On top of the excitement of seeing Governor Palin again, I was so happy to be inside where it was cozy and warm! As we walked passed the Borders employees who checked our wristbands, I could see the table where Sarah Palin was sitting at, and as I walked a little further, I looked, and there she was! As others saw her, their hearts began to beat faster and they became much more nervous than they were when they were standing outside. This was not the case for me because I had met Sarah Palin before. Instead of becoming nervous, I got excited and the biggest smile grew on my face because I was so happy to see her again.
The line wrapped around shelves and shelves of books. When the line came to a halt, people took pictures to capture the moment. I was mesmerized by the music playing. It was country music and I knew right away that Governor Palin picked that music to play while she signed books!
While enjoying the great country music that was playing, my sister and I inched closer and closer to the book signing table. I stopped to take a picture with Adrienne, the author and editor of Motivation Truth and Jason Recher, a member of Sarah Palin's staff. Then it was our turn to see Governor Palin. I let my sister go before me because I wanted to see the happiness that formed in her eyes when she spoke with Sarah Palin, because that's what happens when you meet her. A feeling of such happiness and joy runs through your body when you first meet Governor Palin. She makes you feel so special and important. It's almost like your the only person who exists at that very moment. Governor Palin shook my sisters hand, asked her name, complimented on her shirt that said, "Going Rogue with Sarah!", she asked how old she was and what she planned to do after she graduates in June. My sister walked away from Sarah Palin with the biggest smile on her face. I had never seen her smile like that before!
Next was me. I walked up to Governor Palin and put my hand out to greet her. She shook my hand and told me she remembered meeting me in Auburn, NY! She asked how I was doing and from there the conversation grew. I choose not to share the words that were exchanged between Sarah Palin and I because what I shared with her was personal, but the short moment that we shared together will remain forever in my heart. One thing I will share with you is that before I walked away, Governor Palin thanked me for getting my sister into politics and for educating her about who Sarah really is. I was confused as to how she knew Katelyn and I were sisters. I later found out that my sister told Sarah Palin that I was the person who educated her about who Governor Palin really is. And as Katelyn said that, she pointed to me.
After speaking with the Governor, my sister and I had the privilege of staying in Borders to meet some of Sarah Palin's family. We spoke with one of Governor Palin's aunts who was also holding baby Trig at the time. I said hello to Trig and he grabbed my thumb and held it for a few seconds and then let go. Her aunt couldn't thank us enough for supporting Sarah! After speaking with Governor Palin's aunt, we spoke with her parents, Chuck and Sally Heath. They are probably two of the most kind, loving, and caring people I have ever met. First off, Mr Heath told me, "I absolutely love your sweatshirt!" Then Mr and Mrs Heath asked us about school, our family and why we supported their daughter. After we told them, they both gave us a warm hug and said thank you, thank you, thank you! And before they walked away, Mr and Mrs Heath came back and told us that it was nice to meet two beautiful, nice, and intelligent girls.
The day quickly came to an end and all the energy that had been running through our bodies all day long began to wear off. That's when we started to realize how tired and sore we were! We decided that getting a bit to eat and off our feet was wonderful idea!
So as Adrienne, Ron, "Vidsweet", Katelyn and I were about to leave Borders, a man walked straight through the main doors and said, "Sorry, I missed you, Sarah!" and threw an egg at the display of the Governor's books and left. None of us really knew how to react because we couldn't believe that something like this happened. Katelyn and Adrienne looked around to see where the egg had splattered while the rest of us glanced to see where this man went. Once we realized he was gone, I made sure everyone else was ok. I noticed that Adrienne had gotten some of the egg all over her clothes. So Adrienne went in the back to change while the rest of us tried to replay what had just happened in our heads. Ron had gone outside to see if he could spot the "egg-man" and when he came back inside, he informed us that the police had caught him.
When Adrienne came back from changing her clothes, I filled her in on the news that we had found out. Immediately, Adrienne walked outside to where the police was holding the egg-man. We followed because we wanted to hear his reason as to why he did what he did. So when Adrienne asked him what his deal was, he answered back saying that his intent was to hit Sarah with the egg, but he was too late! He also apologized for hitting Adrienne and wanted her address so that he could pay for dry cleaning. Don't worry--Adrienne didn't give the egg-man her address. As Adrienne said, "Don't even ask a dumb question. Y'all know I did not give that man my address!." This man was a complete nut case and the reason he wanted to egg Sarah arose from something that he watched on TV. So he let his emotions get to him and came to Borders with hopes of hurting the governor! How crazy is that!
I am blaming the media on this one! They have done everything in their power to make Sarah Palin seem like she's this horrible person, but the reality is that, these so-called journalists are the horrible people! Instead of reporting the facts, instead of reporting the truth, they are reporting all of these false rumors and lies, and these rumors and lies are what fill up many Americans heads! This needs to change!
Adrienne had the option of pressing charges, but it would have been so inconvenient since she would of had to stay later and fill out paper work and then come back for a court date (she lives four hours from Rochester). So the egg-man was left with the police and several copies of Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue". I thought since the egg-man would have to pay for over ten copies of Sarah's book, maybe he could read one of them and find out who Sarah Palin is unfiltered instead of through the media!
While talking over dinner, we all mentioned that the egg-man incident could have been much worse than it really was. This man could have walked into Borders with something much more dangerous than an egg! So we were very grateful! We were also very happy that Governor Palin had left before the egg-man arrived at Borders. If he had shown up while Sarah was still signing books, well, lets just say it would have been one big mess! So after the incident, I made sure I prayed, thanking God for keeping us, all the other Sarah Supporters, and most of all, Sarah Palin safe!
Katelyn and I headed home after dinner, or I guess you can say breakfast, since it was already 12am, on Sunday morning! On the ride home, I had to keep telling myself to stay awake, but once I started to go back over the past couple of days, keeping my eyes open wasn't a problem. This weekend was absolutely amazing and nothing could change that--not even the egg-man!
I met so many wonderful people who love and support Governor Palin like I do! I was able to see Sarah Palin once again. Getting to see and talk to Sarah is always an honor and I cannot wait to see her again--hopefully in Alaska! I am so glad to have met some of Sarah Palin's family. They are such kind and loving people and you can see how proud they are of Sarah and how thankful they are of all her supporters.
One of the best things that happened this weekend was seeing a side of my sister that I had never seen before. She opened up to so many people and listened to their life stories and why they loved Sarah Palin. This allowed her to open her heart and mind to the wonderful person Sarah Palin is. Katelyn read "Going Rogue" and cannot stop talking about how much she loved reading it. She now understands why so many Americans support Sarah Palin and she is now one of us Palinistas!
This weekend was a long weekend and a cold weekend. But all that time, waiting outside in the cold and surviving on coffee was worth the time we were given to spend with Governor Palin--my inspiration! So thank you God and thank you Sarah.
During this time of year, I like to take a step back and just reflect on how lucky I am. Since this is my first Thanksgiving post, I've decided to write about just some of the many things I am so very, very thankful for. I encourage you all to do the same.
I am thankful for my family. While we have our ups and downs just like every family does, I am so thankful to be apart of such a close-knit group of individuals. My dad, mom, brother and sister mean so much to me, and I am so grateful that we have each other to lean on. While we may have disagreements from time to time, I Iook at my family with pride knowing that I can always depend on each and every member for support. My family is my rock and I'm so thankful for this; they truly keep me sane. I am so thankful that my dad and mom raised me in a loving Christian home. I will never be able to thank them enough for taking me to church each and every Sunday, even on the sundays in which I gave them hell for my having to wake up so early after a late night out the night before with friends while in high school. Thanks mom and dad for instilling in me the values that I hold close to my heart. Thank you for carpooling my siblings, friends and I around to church, school and the many sporting events throughout the years. I know I probably took you for granted back then, but I look back at how lucky I was and still am to have awesome parents like you.
I am also thankful to live in a country where I am able to worship God and practice my First-Amendment right to free speech; I am so thankful for the Constitution and for everything our founding fathers did for our country. I am so fortunate to live in a country where I can write a blog and use it as a platform to support Sarah Palin and conservatism. Sarah is the reason I started this blog, and she will never fully know how grateful I am to her for waking me up politically and giving me the passion to want to stand up and speak out. I am thankful we have such an amazing leader on the conservative side of the aisle. Sarah and her amazing family are phenomenal, and I am so thankful to God for placing each and every member of Sarah's family in the lives of Americans. As I repeatedly mention, God puts people on this earth for a specific purpose, and Sarah is fulfilling the job God has called her to do.
I'm thankful for the many, many individuals who I have gotten to know because of Sarah. Who would have ever thought that so many hard-working, freedom-loving individuals would be brought together because of one woman? The friendships I have formed on Twitter, Facebook and at the countless tea parties have been phenomenal. I was just telling my sister, Adrienne Ross, about how awesome it is that Sarah has brought so many people together. I am so thankful to be working alongside great friends like Adrienne, Kristina Lazzaro, Denise Spencer, Randy Highsmith, among others, as we work for the common purpose of spreading Sarah's common sense message for the 2012 Draft Sarah Committee. I truly believe in our committee, and I am so honored to be apart of it. The friendships I have made as a member of this committee will last a lifetime. I am really looking forward to travelling to Alaska with Kristina in May; I know it is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
I am so thankful for the members of our strong, brave military. Every member of the military holds a special place in my heart. While I will never have the opportunity to meet each and every brave man and woman in uniform, I always thank as many members as I can for the sacrifices they make daily to keep us free and protect us from threats. I am also eternally grateful to the military families as well. They hold the fort, so to speak, when their loved ones are deployed, and I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for them. They wait at home for their loved one's return, praying that their family member will return safely to American soil. Thank you so much military members and military families! God bless you for all you do and the countless sacrifices you all make each and every day.
Finally, I want to thank you, readers, for taking the time out of your busy, busy lives to read my blog. I am overwhelmed by the amount of visitors this blog receives daily. I am even more overwhelmed by the kind words of support many of you send my way. It is because of all of you that I write this blog day in and day out. You give me so much courage and strength. The positive messages I get from all of you make all of attacks I receive from the left easy to handle. Thank you; I love you all. God bless you and your families this Thanksgiving, and may you all have a healthy and happy start to the holiday season; we have so much to be thankful for.
(I'm a Conservative Girl with a Voice. Visit my blog and become a follower: http://www.conservativegirlwithavoice.com. Follow me on Twitter too @rachellefriberg.)
Governor Sarah Palin came to New York on Saturday. I have been looking forward to sharing the details with you, but I needed a little time. First, you have to understand how I function. I am wired as a thinker. Some say I think too much. It takes me time to process things. Then when I share experiences, I purposely leave things out. That is because I am also wired to feel that some experiences are cheapened when you try to put them into words. So much gets lost in the process. Also, for me, trying to write or speak about things that matter to me deeply is sometimes a rather painful experience--even if the experience was joyful. I know some of you just read that and thought, "What?!" But I know instinctively that there are a few who thought, "I totally know what you're talking about, Adrienne."
So here goes...
I was excited when I learned the governor would be in Rochester. Rochester is a four hour drive for me, a short drive as far as I was concerned. I went to college right outside of Rochester, so I have friends there. It would be a great opportunity to see Governor Palin again and visit with my friend, Paula, since I would be staying at her house.
The highlight for me was being given the opportunity to serve at the book signing. I use the word "serve" on purpose because that is exactly the way I saw it. I was glad that I would be able to do whatever needed to be done for Governor Palin. It didn't matter what it was. I wanted to get to spend time with her, but I also knew that if helping out meant otherwise, then so be it. I was just glad to serve someone who has served God, her family, and the American people so faithfully. That was my number one desire--and the Lord opened that door for me. It amazes me how good God is.
I got up at 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning and drove to Rochester. When I arrived at the store prior to its opening, I saw the multitude of people outside. Wow! The line went all the way down and around. Many, if not most, of these people had camped out all night--in cold Rochester, NY.
I entered the store, and my work day began. I met up with the others who were working on the Palin team for this event. Marty and Russ were two of them. Between them there was incredible experience working for President Bush, with the McCain-Palin campaign, and doing advance work for years. It was interesting to be able to get to talk and share throughout the day.
We were responsible for various things, like setting up the book display, planning the route the crowd would take, deciding how things would flow, choosing the music that would play in the background during the signing. We set up the table where she would be signing and arranged the back room where she would be entering, getting it ready for pictures, etc., as we greeted her upon her entrance.
One responsibility was addressing people in the crowd when there were too many people and the wristbands were depleted. Of course, everyone was hoping that they would still get to meet Governor Palin, but with the crowds she's drawing, we just weren't sure. We told the people that if she was able she would surely sign for even those who did not secure wristbands, but there was no guarantee. The governor had sent autographed book plates, however, which made many people very happy.
Marty, Russ, and I went to Wegman's for lunch, and after eating we picked up a few things that the governor would need. As we gathered the items, I couldn't help but think back to the anonymous McCain staffers who called her a diva and said she was demanding things during the campaign. Her response to that had been that she didn't ask for anything except an occasional diet Dr. Pepper. Sure enough, that was about all that was on her list: diet soda, water, and some straws. Hardly a diva's demand!
A couple hours prior to the governor's expected arrival, everything was in place. I changed clothes and got to mingle with some more people outside. It was cool to meet people who knew who I was, some from Auburn in June, some from reading my blog, some from Team Sarah. Everyone was so excited about meeting Sarah Palin.
In the back room, I was privileged to meet Ms. Betina and her dentist, who had driven hours to be there. I knew she was a friend of the Heaths. Mrs. Heath had told me about her before, and I was looking forward to meeting her. We had a wonderful conversation, and I enjoyed her wisdom and strong Christian faith.
Two lines had formed outside: one for wristband wearers and one for those without who had lined up anyway, just in case she would be able to get to them before she had to depart. I had a desire to go talk to those without wristbands--just wanted to encourage them. I felt like being around them, as I had such respect for their perseverence. So I went out and talked to some people. Some tried to get me to tell them which way she would enter and if she would arrive on the bus. Everyone wanted to see the bus. No bus in New York, though. I laughed with those asking, but I gave no information, and we joked about that.
When word came that she was just a few minutes away, those who were going to greet her and work that night gathered in the back room to wait for her arrival.
I knew she would have Piper and Trig with her, and I was looking forward to seeing them again. I knew that Mr. Heath, the governor's dad, was also in New York, and I figured he and I would laugh about basketball again--and we did. He was talking about a game of H-O-R-S-E.
I was especially looking forward to seeing Mrs. Heath. Originally she did not expect to be in New York, so when I had learned she would be, I was so glad I would get to see her. Like her daughter, there is something very special about her. I couldn't help but remember the last words she spoke to me on July 26th in Alaska when I said goodbye to her at the Governor's Farewell Picnic.
I wrote (emphasis added):
At the end of the picnic when I went to say goodbye to the Heaths, Mrs. Heath said, "Oh, we will see you again." I said, "I know you will."
I remember blogging then that there was just something about the way she said it that resonated as truth within my spirit--whether she realized it or not. Read that full post here.
I was delighted to see her again.
The governor was greeted by everyone in the back who awaited her arrival. I was last in that receiving line, and she gave me a warm hug, and we conversed briefly before she went out to sign for over a thousand waiting people. It's funny because the first time I met her in New York, I felt like I did all the talking. This time she talked, and I was humbled by what she said. All I could do when she spoke to me was reciprocate her own words, for they were more of what I wanted to say to her than what I expected her to say to me. I especially cherish the last two words she spoke to me prior to heading out to the people. It wasn't like she spoke them to me; it was more like she spoke them into me. I thanked her and then said the same to her, for they so apply to her. I know you'd like to know what she said, but that's one of those things I will keep to myself. Sorry...
Jason Recher, who has been alongside Governor Palin through every aspect of this tour, offers loyal assistance to her. Now, every person who was working the event was to be strategically placed. It was vital that the supporters knew where to go, that the line continued to move, and that everything went smoothly. I was going to sort of be floating throughout the store. However, Jason sent for me to stand next to him at the table with the governor. I was feeding the books to him, and he was then feeding them to her to sign. Sometimes he would have to go take care of something, so I would feed the books to the governor directly. The whole experience was so completely surreal for me. I totally believe in having a servant's heart, and here I was doing what I wanted to do: just serving.
Being up front like that allowed me to see what goes on, which made me so appreciate Jason, whom I had met in Auburn. Again, I just respect people who are not necessarily looking to be seen or be applauded, who simply see someone they can support and do so. Jason gained my respect back in Auburn, but it grew when he spoke out a few times in recent months to counter the attacks by McCain staffers who were trying to throw the governor under the bus with flat-out lies. He calls a spade and spade and does so in no uncertain terms. While some of these staffers were acting like children, Jason stood up for the truth like a real man.
I watched him sit next to the governor, give her books to sign, make sure she took a break to stand and stretch. I watched him hold her soda can for her so she could take a drink. I observed him get up from the table and come back with Trig in his arms, sit Piper on his lap at the table, and converse when necessary with Governor Palin. In case you cannot tell, I love people who have a heart to serve. I was impressed with Jason for that reason. I thank God that she has loyal people like that around her. That has been my prayer for a long time.
The best part of being at the table with the governor, however, was watching the people's interaction with her. I found myself overwhelmed at times. She has touched so many lives. People were approaching her in line, and as they came near, I could see some suppressing tears. Others just let them flow. One woman said she had told herself she would not cry. Others were shaking. Of course, over and over, people were staring and saying, "She's so beautiful!" I remember hearing that in both Auburn and Alaska. I will repeat what I said when I first met her: television and pictures do not do justice to how beautiful she is, and you could see that on the faces and hear it on the lips of those gathered. They were in awe. She possesses both an inward and outward radiance.
Governor Palin asked every person's name, shook everybody's hand, and never denied a request. Technically, she wasn't going to personalize anything, but she never said no when asked. Technically, she wasn't going to engage in too much conversation due to the number of people gathered, but she didn't rush anyone along. She listened to all the people--young and old--who said they loved her, that America needs her, and that she inspires them. She listened to veterans and reminded them that the book is dedicated to patriots like them. She listened as some spoke of her son, Track, and wanted her to give him something they had brought. She took extra time with those in wheel chairs and asked about their conditions. She encouraged a young woman headed to college who said she was nervous. I heard the governor say, "Don't be nervous. The world is your oyster." She congratulated newlyweds, and shook little children's hands. She commented on patriotic T-shirts and asked what people do for their life's work. She proclaimed, "God bless you," and repeatedly said, "Thank you." People told her to keep fighting, not to let them get her down, begged her to run in 2012, and one even said, "You are our country's last hope." Many told her they were praying for her and believing for God's best in her life. I was blown away.
I already knew people respect Governor Palin and appreciate what she represents. However, there was nothing quite like being right there, a foot away, seeing the tears, hearing the hearts, and feeling the love. It was real, it was tangible--and it was reciprocated. I say again what I have always said, and what I knew in my bones the first time I met her: Sarah Palin is the real deal.
What a joy it was to see a smiling Trig and Piper, tired but helping out at the table. I looked back a couple times to see Mr. Heath smiling at his daughter and Mrs. Heath looking on approvingly. At one point, as I was working with the books, Mrs. Heath came behind me with a hug and just said my name.
The governor came early to Rochester and stayed late, determined to greet everyone, even when it caused her to run late for her departure. I was so glad when the crowd without the wristbands got to meet her and have their books signed. I said to a couple of them as they waited to greet the governor, "Persistence pays off, doesn't it?" I enjoyed conversing with people as they approached. Some were voicing their excitement or wiping their tears. I told one who was trying to maintain composure, "I totally understand."
Much too soon, it seemed, Governor Palin was on her way, having made some avid supporters ecstatic, most of whom camped outside Borders in Rochester, New York all night long, many of whom remained there all day--just for a few seconds to tell her to keep on keeping on, to share her impact on their lives, and to express gratitude for what she represents and the sacrificial service she has given in spite of the abuse she has received. Her signing their copy of Going Rogue was just icing on the cake.
Shortly after she left, I went in the back to gather my belongings, and a few of us were going to go grab a bite to eat. That included Kristina from Inspiration Sarah, her sister, Katelyn, Ron from Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's Accomplishments, and VidSweet. I had been on my feet all day, and my dogs were barking, as they say. When I came out, ready to leave with the rest, a man stormed his way inside, threw eggs at a display of the governor's books, and said, "Sorry, I missed you, Sarah!"
I was in a bit of shock for a split second. When my brain thawed, my first thought was, "Did he get eggs on my autographed books?!" Eventually I thought of my clothes and asked if I had eggs on them. Sure enough, I did, for I had been standing right next to the display. I then went out after him and was told that he was gone. After standing around like, "What in the world just happened?" Kristina said, "Are you going to change clothes?"
I changed, and when I came out I was told that the cops apprehended him and needed to talk to me. When I saw him, I verbally lit into him and asked what the deal was. He admitted that his intent was to hit Sarah with the eggs. He was sorry that he hadn't gotten there sooner. When he realized he hit me with the eggs, he apologized repeatedly and asked for my address so he could send me money for the dry cleaning bill. (Don't even ask a dumb question. Y'all know I did not give that man my address!) He seemed to be a complete nut, and I got on his case about his trying to hurt the governor. He said he had watched something on television about her that made him upset and he let his emotions get to him. What in the world?!
It all boiled down to his having to pay for the several books he destroyed. I chose not to press charges, since I would have to stay there later to go through the process and return there to go to court (at least once). I live four hours away.
I was tired, and it was late. I wasn't sure what to do at first, but I made the decision to let him go. The police felt they had sufficiently scared him but left the decision up to me. Although I later regretted letting him go, I am back to believing I did the right thing. Legally, I was supposed to charge him for hitting me with eggs. However, I really couldn't have cared less about the eggs on my clothing. My real beef was that he wanted to hurt Governor Palin. So I really would have been pressing charges because of his intent, rather than what really took place. I let him go and let the cops deal with him. They had him in the back of the cop car.
The scary part was seeing that a person could just as easily have come in with something more dangerous than some eggs and done some real damage. The media needs to get its act together. Many in the mainstream media have done their best to demonize Governor Palin. They have painted her as anti-women, anti-books, anti-animal rights, anti-Black (MSNBC loves that one), anti-everything. They have said she is a liar, dangerous, and a religious nut. In my mind, their vile, biased, and demonic attacks against her hold some responsibility for the egg-attack. So-called journalists need to return to what they were hired to do--fairly report facts not push an agenda--or they will find they have caused more damage than some books and clothing splattered with yolk.
The Egg-Man certainly could not taint the day. I had rather it be me than the governor anyway, and I tell you what: dude should be very, very glad she was no longer there. If he had come a few minutes earlier and managed to hit her with eggs, he would have gotten jacked up. I will leave it at that. It seems like his tardiness was an act of God, not just for Governor Palin, but for him. Trust me; it would not have been pretty.
Sunday evening is when it all sort of hit me. The previous day's events came swirling back at me, and I was humbled beyond words. When I reflected, all I could do was thank God. In fact, even as I worked up front during the signing and looked over--listening to people, watching them--at times I was just silently praying--for her, for God's plan through her. At times, I just found myself quietly saying, "Thank You, Jesus." But Sunday evening and Monday morning as I prayed, it really hit me, and the cloud that had separated the full intensity of wonder from my consciousness lifted, and I was able to get a peek at the full picture. You all won't understand that because that is something between God and me, but the fogginess cleared--and I wept. Okay, there, I said it! I've never pretended not to be emotional!
I am so happy for Governor Palin, for Jason Recher, for her entire staff--all those who have worked so hard to make the Going Rogue book tour such a huge success. The American people have spoken. We appreciate a real leader. We're not using an Ivy League education, a law degree, and the praises of elitists as our measurement for leadership either. We're smart enough to have chosen--as our yardstick--integrity, common sense, intelligence, hard work, love for our soldiers, and a commitment to freedom.
People slept outside for just one chance to meet the woman who fits that bill. They went without food. They endured the damp, cold weather. They waited in long lines. And they hoped against hope that--even when the huge crowd made it look impossible--they would get a chance to see her and to say the same thing to her she has been saying to them, "Thank you."
Cops manning the outside of the store
Supporters waiting for Governor Palin
Russell, who worked for the Mccain-Palin campaign, posing with the Governor's book.
Eggs on my clothes
Governor Palin came around the table to visit with supporter in wheel chair
Crowd waiting in line
Eggs!
In back room with the Heaths, Ms. Betina, and others
Posing at the table the governor will use later to sign books
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", sold in its first week. Various sources are printing different numbers in comparison to the sales of former President Bill Clinton's book, "My Life". In my honest opinion, this is less due to the liberal media's resentment than it is to their inability to locate correct data. Given the choice between deeming them to be incompetent and deeming them to be malicious, it's my Christian duty to go with the lesser charge of incompetence.
