Come on Sean...

June 6, 2010: When the governor's press people start to speak, I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz: Auntie Em, Auntie Em, it's a twister.

So here we are blown back to square one when it comes to Governor Sean Parnel flip-flopping on his support to insure more Alaskan children.

Parnell had no idea that medically necessary abortions were paid for by Denali Kid Care dollars. What he dealt with as a lawmaker twelve years ago was another program, say his people.

Supposedly he just found out about these abortion dollars and instantly dropped his support for expanding kids health care. Mind you, this was one of his priority issues, that by all accounts wouldn't have even made it to the floor without pressure from Parnell in the waning hours of the legislative session.

But running in a tough GOP primary, Parnell's backbone turned into a wishbone and he changed his position on the bill that would have extended health care to 1,300 Alaskan children.

"I want to be able to provide those services. But if your governor doesn't stand for life and liberty, as he understands it in his conscience, then you don't have a governor," Parnell said.

Such haughty talk for someone who doesn't seem to remember where he stood twelve years ago.

In 1998, then Governor Tony Knowles and the Alaska State Legislature successfully passed the legislation  known today as "Denali Kid Care."

During the hearings on the bill the subject of medically necessary abortions being funded with Denali Kid Care money was fully vetted.

These are the officials minutes of the House Finance Committee:

[Co-Chair Hanley commented that under the current system, abortions are covered under medicaid for rape, incest or life of the mother. He asked to which poverty level that would occur. Mr. Lively replied at the 133% poverty level, the Medicaid level and the Alaska level. Co-Chair Hanley pointed out that Alaska has not chosen one for abortion.

He clarified that the income level for the General relief Fund (GRM) and the income level for publicly fund abortions would be the same as the Medicaid level. He believed if the poverty level was raised to 200%, it would also be raised for abortions to that level. Mr Lively agreed that was correct that the Medicaid eligibility would become the cited level.]  House Finance April 23, 1998

These minutes prove that when Denali Kid Care was created, lawmakers knew that not only was there money going to fund medically necessary abortions, but by voting for the bill to create Denali Kid Care they'd be increasing the amount available.

So....since then State Senator Sean Parnell voted for the bill back on May 11, 1998...that means he voted to increase public money for abortions.

Which also means; he just vetoed the same bill he voted for as a State Senator twelve years ago.

Where are you standing again Governor Parnell?

Oh yeah...life, liberty, vetoing health care for 1,300 children because you're running for governor and want to appeal to the far right.

Nice place to stand...or I should say lean.

After all, if this really was a stand or die moment in the interest of life and liberty, Parnell didn't have to just stop at vetoing the Denali Kid Care increase.

The governor has the authority to stop the Denali Kid Care program by executive order. Why doesn't he do that if he's truly standing on principle?

The governor has the authority to proposed pulling the state out of the entire Medicaid program. Why doesn't he do that if he's truly standing on principle?

The answer is Parnell isn't standing on principle, he's standing on the shifting sands of politics. And right now Governor Sean Parnell needs to shift to the right to life crowd to solidify his bonafides.

Hence the not so grand political theatre and 1,300 kids without health care coverage.

C'mon Sean, don't insult our intelligence.