Walt Monegan returns the fire

I have only been to Alaska once, and that was just for a few minutes. But I have learnt a great deal about it by studying different aspects of it. The glaciers and mountains particularly, but yes, also the natural resources. Alaska has taken on a new role in the global scene because of the nomination of its governor to high office. Going from nearly total obscurity to international prominence in one day is bound to be a heady experience, so we can safely assume, I think, that your governor has not yet quite grasped the gravitas of her situation, but I say that only out of fairness to her as an individual. As a public figure she has failed in the most fundamental ways and she should be taken severely to task for her transgressions. In everyday life we all encounter people who are petty and egotistical to the extent that they can never see the other side of a question and temper their certainty to a degree such that some reasonable conclusion can be reached. We tend to avoid such persons, they become isolated, they become outcasts. For the most part. Some, however, become ideologs and find in their isolation a kind of perverse strength, the ability to manipulate people. Those few who hone this skill to a fine edge most often seem to become politicians. Not all politicians behave this way, and not all manipulative people are politicians. But it certainly appears as though, the majority of dishonest politicians, have the skill of manipulation. I do not think the dishonesty of politicians in Alaska is particularly remarkable, it is probably similar on various measures in several other states as well, if not a majority. As long as politics is all about money and power, it will remain so. The entire world is watching what is happening in Alaska even if the majority of people in Texas are not. Show the world that you are what the US truly stands for and represents. To the opponents of openness and honesty in government who are unwitting accomplices to the nefarious deeds of their political figure heads, I would say one more thing. If you are cheated by the market vendor who sells you a one ounce bag of gold that is half full of sand you have no recourse. There will be no restitution. But you harm yourself twice if you refuse to admit that you were cheated. Because by doing so, you subscribe to being cheated again. You have already been cheated twice in the past 8 years. Live and learn.

This has nothing to do with Walt Monegan or his reputation. This is all about dragging the case out as long as possible to attract the maximum amount of negative attention. All this stuff will evaporate on Nov 5.

Her favorite word is "reform." Oh, and "maverick." If she is the reform, how bad were things in Alaska government before? I hope Alaskans clean house after this. Walt Monegan would be the first honest governor in my lifetime.

At the time of the statements that supposedly damaged his reputation, Monegan wasn't a State employee. Feldman and Branchflower both agree that Palin was well within her rights to fire him. And my understanding is that Monegan was offered a different position and resigned.... So how does Monegan get a hearing when he wasn't an employee when the damaging statements were made and he wasn't illegally terminated? Monegan may have a civil case - I doubt it - but he doesn't have a right to a hearing with the personnel board.

I know you guys in Alaska have a few great Community Organizers & Attorneys who will work Pro Bono to start a RECALL. During the process of gathering signatures, start writing to your legislators to request that they come back into session - NOW - and start IMPEACHMENT proceedings. McPalin is down 14 points in the polls. On November 5th the Straight Talk Express will be dropping her sorry ass off at the Governor's mansion. Do you really want that?

One thing that becomes obvious in this whole charade is that Alaska is one big small town with minimal separation between people. I feel this way every time I go to the grocery store, and Monegan as well as Wooten's children must feel very conspicuous right now. For this reason, I think Monegan has a right to complain about what this has done to his reputation and how it might damage his job-hunting prospects. And Wooten likewise would seem to have a case against the Palin's for alienating the affection of his children. (I know he tasered his child, but if he is truly unfit for parenting and seriously abusive, I believe the Palins would have pursued that case in court already.) IMHO, the volatility of the firing narrative is the centerpiece of Monegan's argument against Palin. Her original press release had no substance, and her press secretary kept spinning new yarn as the weeks rolled by. The character smear against Monegan was a direct result of defensive posturing on Palin's part, exaggerated once she was tapped for VP candidate. The collateral damage to Monegan's character was incidental to Palin's political ambition, and if he can document that her charges against him are not supported by the record, he might have a case for slander or defamation of character.

Regardless of Halcro's independent swing on things, it is his as well as other bloggers, and talk radio hosts who are responsible for the attacks on Monegan or his reputation. All the misinformation and allegations leveled at the governor have hardly been proven by Branchflowers report. I encourage all Halcro listeners and readers to read the entire report not just the parts Andrew reads to us. Monegan's testimony hardly supports the fact that the "governor" pressured him to fire Wooten. In fact, at the top of page 27 of the Branchflower report, Monegan,"...so as were walking down the stairs, the governor mentioned to me, she says, I'd like to talk to you about Wooten, and I said, ma'am, I need you to keep an arm's length at this -- on this issue. And if you have further complaints on him, I can deal with Todd on it. And she goes, that's a better idea." (February 2007) Branchflower: "Did you discuss it with the governor any further --..." Monegan: "No." Callers to Andrew's show also seemed frustrated by the amount of time Todd Palin spent with the Governor or on business with the Govnernor. Andrew fails to point out that former Governor Murkowski, who released a memo July 13, 2007, relied heavily on the First Lady. Murkowski Memo: Subject: First Lady, quote: "In addition to her duties as First Lady..., Mrs. Murkowski serves as a senior advisor to the Governor on many issues concerning the State and its citizens. In this capacity, Mrs. Murkowski participates in business meetings, discussions and conferences..." Hand-written post-script by Governor Murkowski, "As a general rule if Nancy doesn't go I don't go -" Seems this is a habit among many elected officicals, past and present. Andrew, it seems, would rather divide the state with negative "what ifs" instead of having confidence in the people of Alaska to choose the direction we want the state to take. New mission Andrew, cost the State more money by encouraging Monegan to sue? It would appear to me that since this entire story originated on your blog you have some culpability as well.

Note: According to testimony in the Branchflower report, State Trooper Gary Wheeler who was on the governor's security detail was asked about Todd's role as first spouse compared to others. Wheeler testified that Nacy Murkowski and Susan Knowles were involved in non-profit activities...Todd Palin was not and spent 50% of his time wandering around the governor's office checking on state business. AH