Sarah Palin Book Signing, Jacksonville, Florida, November 24, 2009

My nine-year-old daughter and I went to the GOING ROGUE book signing here in Jacksonville, and had an awesome time. We arrived at the Orange Park Books-A-Millon at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, the 23rd, and 7 1/2 hours later, held two wristbands in our hands. Even then, we ended up with numbers 287 & 288, which tells you how many people waited even longer than us!

We were to arrive back at Books-A-Million on Tuesday by 8:00 a.m. The day started very early, as my daughter decided she wanted to dress as "Sarah" for the event. She had been Sarah Palin for Halloween, and wanted to show Governor Palin her costume. At first I tried to dissuade her (oh, to have to do that updo and make-up again! and at 6 AM...! groan). But she was persistent, and I thought, "Well...what the heck. How many times does one do something like this. Besides, maybe it will get her 20 seconds with Palin instead of 10..." Laugh out loud!

photos by Jeannie Greenwald/http://www.atlanticbeachlife.com)

I didn't really mind my daughter impersonating Palin: I definitely see her as a worthy role model compared to many that young girls look up to these days. And she understands that, while Palin is an accomplished woman and admirable person, she is still just a person. I also didn't mind taking her out of school for two full days so that she could attend the event. While Sarah Palin may not currently hold a political office, she is still a strong catalyst for conservative values in America. (Besides, I had already read much of Going Rogue, and definitely believe Palin's political career is far from over! I think the best is yet to come.)

It's important to me that my daughter understand what her parents believe and why we believe it. It's also important to me that she spend time around other like-minded people...and believe me, she got quite an education just listening to the conversations around her during those long hours in lines. (She also got a lesson in kind and decent behavior as all of the people around us were fine people and true patriots.) Besides, she is a straight-A student, and is reading the entire copy of Going Rogue, which I figure is at least as educational as anything she learns at school.

I arrived at Books-A-Million with "Little Sarah" at around 7:30, and, much to her delight, she was an instant hit with Palin supporters and reporters alike. (In fact, she ended up on the front page of the Jacksonville paper the next day, right beneath the "real" Sarah.) Palin arrived a few minutes before nine, and spoke briefly to the crowd before heading into the store to sign books. She had Piper, Trig, and her parents with her, and they also spoke briefly. The entire family seemed down-to-earth, appreciative, and happy to be there.

When we reached the signing table, Sarah said to Abigail, "You look just like ME a few years back!" She then shook her hand, and proceeded to talk to her a for a few minutes, asking her name, age, etc. Abigail presented her with a picture of herself (in costume) and a letter, and Sarah gushed while my daughter nervously bit her lower lip!

photos by Jeannie Greenwald/http://www.atlanticbeachlife.com)

She promised Abby she would "read the entire thing when I get on the bus". She then greeted me warmly, and her mother also introduced herself. I couldn't think of one word to say. We collected our signed books, and moved on, with the excited giddiness of teenagers. We waited on the new "friend" we had made while waiting in line, and then we all headed back out to the parking lot for some music, fun, and conversation. We hung out until Palin's bus finally rolled away at 11:00.

It may seem silly to some to go to such great lengths to spend just seconds with one person...and perhaps it is, especially if that person is a mere celebrity. But Randy Highsmith, president of the 2012 Draft Sarah Palin committee, said it SO well: "All this admiration is not for shallow reasons. I (and millions more) admire (Palin) because she is an unashamed follower of Christ, she is Pro Life, Pro Energy Independence, Pro Business, Pro Military... just to name a few of the reasons I support her. She admires Ronald Reagan and studies his policies and approaches to problems... My hope is that one day I will be able to sit down with her for a few minutes to share these reasons and many more of why I feel she should run for President in 2012. She is our Esther in 2012."

The two-day ordeal was exhausting, and there were a few frustrations along the way, (i.e., Books-A-Million's lack of organization and obvious indifference toward the event and its attendees. More on this subject later!) But Sarah Palin was delightful, the majority of her supporters were fantastic, and the wait was well worth it. Would I do it all again in a heartbeat? You betcha!!!

Britain's War on Christianity: Coming to A Country Near You

Have a look at this news clip from about Parliament's anti-Christian movement in Great Britain. Faith is becoming more and more unacceptable there as secular liberalism takes over. How long before Christians there are jailed simply for holding to different beliefs?

The stark reality is that America is following in Britain's footsteps. Is this the kind of America you want your children and grandchildren to grow up in? Do you SEE, follower of Christ, what is at stake, and why you must not sit idly by and allow liberal agenda to change the landscape of our country? Do you SEE how our apathy and lack of zeal for the things of God is changing us? We should be praying fervently, sharing faithfully, and fighting passionately for our nation to turn back to God!

Remember, we are not in a battle with mere human beings. Ephesians 6:12-13 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Some people say it is "too late" for America. Perhaps it is. Perhaps God has decided to take His hand off of us. Perhaps we truly are living in end times, and persecution is inevitable. After all, "the blood of the martyr is the seed of the church". But I never see righteous men, anywhere in the Bible, merely shrugging their shoulders while evil prevails.

Palin Grateful for Top Spot

from Politico

Two days after the release date of Sarah Palin’s book was announced, it's already become the top seller at both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Palin’s publisher announced Monday that the former governor of Alaska and Republican vice presidential candidate had finished her memoir, "Going Rogue: An American Life," early and was moving the release date up from the spring to November 17.

A Palin source told POLITICO that she "is very grateful" for the strong early sales.

"This book has taken off like a rocket," the source said.

HarperCollins will print 1.5 million copies for the book’s first run, the same number that was printed for late Sen. Ted Kennedy’s memoir "True Compass."

Kennedy’s book, published earlier this month, currently stands at number six on the Amazon list.

A publishing industry source told POLITICO that they "cannot remember a non-fiction book taking off like this in the pre-order market. It became number one only a couple of hours after nothing more than a date announcement. It is truly unprecedented."

Much of the 400-page book is based on journals Palin kept during her vice-presidential run.

Palin collaborated on the book with Lynn Vincent, a San Diego-based writer who has co-written several books and was previously a features writer for World magazine, a conservative Christian publication.

HarperCollins is co-publishing the book with Zondervan, a company that publishes evangelical books, and whose mission statement is "To be the leader in Christian communications meeting the needs of people with resources that glorify Jesus Christ and promote biblical principles.

"Going Rogue" to be Released Nov. 17th

Sarah Palin's memoir, entitled GOING ROGUE: AN AMERICAN LIFE, will be released on November 17th, just in time for Christmas! The 400-page book will include details about Palin's vice presidential run, and, more importantly, outline her positions and solutions on a number of issues currently facing our country.

Palin finished the book in a record four weeks, enabling the release date to be moved up from Spring 2010 to this November.

"Gov. Palin has been unbelievably conscientious and hands-on at every stage, investing herself deeply and passionately in this project," said Jonathan Burnham, publisher of Harper. "It's her words, her life, and it's all there in full and fascinating detail."

Pre-orders for the book are available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com now! To order your copy, click here. Enjoy!!!

Sarah Palin is Winning

by Michael Wolff

I have said this before: There are only two political stars in the country. One is president, the other is Sarah Palin. They are both sui generis and cultish. They both have less to do with ideology and more to do with who they are. In both cases their careers did not lead them to run for president; rather, their careers took off because they seemed suddenly marketable enough to be president.

And yet Sarah Palin has been dismissed by almost every reputable political news source. Even Fox News seems skeptical when it comes to Palin. The exception is Politico, which, nearly on a daily basis, charts the creation of the Palin marketing effort and the shaping of the Palin brand.

In a piece today, Politico finds Palin, in a survey of regional Republicans, to be the singular personality within the party. According to Politico: “Most Republican Party leaders would jump at the chance to have her headline one of their events.”

This follows yesterday’s news that Sarah Palin has delivered her book—biography/memoir/political-tract—early, and that it will be published for the prime Christmas season in a printing of 1.5 million copies, as many as Teddy Kennedy’s posthumous memoir.

While the usual political news sources have seen everything going wrong for Palin—scandal, personal oddness, intra-party hostilities, myriad family problems—everything, in fact, has been going right for her. The Palin plan is working.

She’s built a capable staff that’s shielding her and providing her with some basic political professionalism—she made her foreign-policy debut in Hong Kong last week without incident. She’s touring the country on behalf of local Republicans, building up a bank of politico IOUs. She’s got a fund-raising effort going that’s aping the Obama Internet campaign (she may be the savviest buyer of search terms in politics). And, with her blowout book, she’s going to secure personal wealth as well as mightily advance her brand.

Also, contrary to the early reports of her demise, she seems to be having the time of her life.

Modern politics is all about phenomena with organizational skills. Lightning struck Sarah Palin in a way that almost every political professional found hard to believe (and stomach). What seems even harder to swallow is that she has the discipline and the desire—and enough of a mind for details—to have already put in place a capable plan to develop, exploit, and build the most distinctive political profile in the Republican Party.

Sarah Palin is just getting started.

Obama's Death Panel

from Conservative News

Liberals have been caterwauling for days about Sarah Palin's compelling description of the uglier parts of the health care plan they're championing:

"The Democrats promise that a government health care system will reduce the cost of health care, but as the economist Thomas Sowell has pointed out, government health care will not reduce the cost; it will simply refuse to pay the cost. And who will suffer the most when they ration care? The sick, the elderly, and the disabled, of course. The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's "death panel" so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their "level of productivity in society," whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil."

How dare Sarah Palin use the words "death panel!" Well, when unaccountable bureaucrats will literally have the power to deny you an operation that may save your life, the words "death panel" seem apt.

Today, the insurance industry is heavily regulated. While its officials may be motivated to deny claims to save money, if they improperly deny a claim, they can and often do end up in court. That keeps them honest. What happens when the government runs everything and some bureaucrat in DC decides your life isn't worth the money it would cost to save it? How do you keep them honest? You won't be able to sue and how are you going to vote the people responsible out of office when you're dead?

Moreover, Palins's not wrong to suggest the disabled are going to be at greater risk. Notice what happened when the government took over Chrysler and GM: Suddenly, the government was poking around in places it never had before. It was hiring and firing executives, setting salaries, interfering with what dealerships and plants stayed open and closed, etc., etc.

The moment the government owns health care, suddenly the government will have an excuse to interfere in all sorts of decisions it hasn't had much of a say in previously. Suddenly, what you eat will be its business. Are you engaged in "dangerous sports?" What kind of car are you driving and what's its survivability rate in an accident? Getting back to Sarah's point, are you, as a disabled citizen, going to make enough money in taxes to pay back what it costs the state to pay for your operation or, in its view, are you going to be a cost liability? If you don't think mothers of disabled children are going to eventually be pushed to abort in situations like that, you're kidding yourself. If you don't think people who are disabled are going to be more likely to be turned down for operations, you're living in denial.

Additionally, there has been a big argument about the end-of-life counseling in Section 1233 of the House bill. While it's worth noting that it's not mandatory, it's still extremely troubling. There's a simple reason this is in the bill: it's cheaper for people to take some pain pills and wait to die in a hospice than it is for the government to provide an expensive operation. Does it say the government is going to force anybody to choose that path? NOT YET -- but, you take a non-college-educated person: he's old, he's scared, and he's talking to a doctor who knows much more than he does about his health. It's pretty easy to see how this person could be talked into taking the money saving option.

People who would live if they were treated in the United States die on a regular basis in countries with socialized medicine because they have to wait in line too long, because they're denied operations, and because the government doesn't want to spend the money on the best equipment. If you don't think it will happen here if Obama gets his way, then you're fooling yourself.

Governor Palin's JULY 4TH Statement

Happy 4th of July from Alaska!

On this Independence Day, I am so very proud of all those who have chosen to serve our great nation and I honor their selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too.

If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you.

First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska’s best interest and it always feels good to do what is right. We have accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two – and I am proud of the great team that helped to build these wonderful successes. Energy independence and national security, fiscal restraint, smaller government, and local control have been my priorities and will remain my priorities.

For months now, I have consulted with friends and family, and with the Lieutenant Governor, about what is best for our wonderful state. I even made a few administrative changes over that course in time in preparation for yesterday. We have accomplished so much and there’s much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most. And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier – I’ve never been one to waste time or resources. Those who know me know this is the right decision and obvious decision at that, including Senator John McCain. I thank him for his kind, insightful comments.

The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the “politics of personal destruction”. How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it’s right for all, including your family.

I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change; I’ve never thought I needed a title before one’s name to forge progress in America. I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me. Now is the time to rebuild and help our nation achieve greatness!

God bless you! And I look forward to making a difference – with you!

Sarah

Sarah Palin is No Dummy....and No Quitter, Either

To all the naysayers out there who think that resigning as governor was "the dumbest thing Sarah Palin could do", I believe that she is way underestimated! Palin is NOT the "dumb bimbo" David Letterman and others would like for her to be. On the contrary, she is very smart and very shrewd. I don't believe for one minute she didn't carefully think through her plan to resign. Consider the facts: she waited until the eve of July 4th to resign as governor. July 4th, America's Independence Day... very significant historically and politically for our country... and guess whose face was on the front page of EVERY major newspaper in America? Furthermore, the mystery surrounding her decision left people wondering... And while droves of Americans got together to grill hamburgers & hotdogs ~ whether they love Sarah Palin or hate her ~ do you think she probably came up as a topic of conversation at plenty of BBQ's? You betcha!

Does that mean she resigned to pursue a 2012 run? No...not necessarily. Though I doubt she's ruled it out, I also believe her when she says she is unsure of her plans at this time. Did she quit because she couldn't stand the heat? Please. Despite complete and utter media slaughter, criticism from political analysts, and division among her own party, she's hung in there pretty darn well. The vicious attacks that she and her family have had to endure are beyond disgusting... and those responsible ought to be utterly ashamed to call themselves Americans, much less decent human beings. But that issue aside, I believe Palin is the same person she always was and will continue to be ~ and I believe that is what she is trying to communicate. Authenticity, integrity, patriotism, a love for her state & her country that goes beyond her own desires... and, yes, a concern and commitment to family.

Put yourself in her position. She didn't get into politics just to to "make a buck", nor did she get into it due to a her desire to feed a huge ego. On the contrary ~ unlike many other politicians ~ she actually wanted to make a difference! When the liberal establishment finally found an effective way to "beat her down" through a series of ridiculous ethics complaints that tied up all her time & money (not to mention the State of Alaska's money), what choice did she have? Sure she could stay, accomplish little, continue to draw a paycheck... ride the wave of her term out so as not to risk her future political ambitions... But that is not Sarah Palin. She didn't get into politics to be like the rest of them. She says that all the time! She doesn't live her life just to please the political establishment. She is a well-grounded person of integrity whose life purpose hinges on a calling higher that her popularity or position in politics. That is something that some people will just never understand! But for those of us who do, it only endears her to us all the more...

My husband just got back from taking a group of student leaders to visit our nation's capital. While they were there, they were able to sit in on a congressional legislative session. He said that what he experienced "disgusted him": Senators sitting around talking and laughing about nothing, refusing to be "called to order" when they were supposed to be working... Far too many "empty seats" that should have been filled by elected officials paid to work for the people, but who chose to shun their responsibilities... I could go on, but suffice it to say, the bottom line is a bunch of "fat cats" in expensive clothes who accomplished absolutely nothing the entire morning... Your tax dollars at work! And people have the audacity to criticize Governor Palin??? I'll take a 1/2 term governor who resigns for all the right reasons over a congressman who just doesn't give a d--- any day!

Political analysts are now saying Palin will "never be able to overcome this damage to her political career", and call all bets off for a 2012 run. But who is to say she's not an exception to the "politics as usual" she so abhors? She has proven she has staying power, that's for sure... But whether she runs for president or doesn't (and whether she wins or she doesn't) there is one thing I know for sure: Sarah Palin will make a significant, positive, lasting impact in our country & our world.

Feeding Families on the Alaskan Frontier

I just received my March edition of Samaritan's Purse Update. Samaritan's Purse, an international relief organization started by Franklin Graham, is most widely recognized for their yearly Operation Christmas Child program.

In this month edition, Graham outlines his recent efforts to provide economic relief to Native Alaskan groups hard hit by a very poor salmon harvesting season. Graham called Governor Palin's office, and offered his help.

"The governor's office pulled out all the stops and worked swiftly to assist in the effort," said Graham.

On Feb. 20th, Governor Sarah Palin and Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell accompanied Franklin Graham to snow-bound Alaskan villages, handing out food parcels and other supplies.

Speaking of his experience with Palin and Parnell, Graham said, "What a blessing it was to work with government officials who serve their people with true Christian compassion!"

Samaritan’s Purse is continuing to airlift tons of food to hundreds of Yup’ik Eskimo families who are struggling to survive an unusually harsh winter in the Alaskan wilderness.

HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY, GOVERNOR PALIN!

Wishing you a blessed and prosperous year -
from your many supporters!

Well-loved Pastor Leaves Behind a Quote Worth Repeating

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person received without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take of them, and when the other half gets the idea it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiple wealth by dividing it."

--the late Adrian Rogers, 1931-2005

Gov. Palin Interview Appears on The View

John Zeigler, who is doing a documentary titled, "How Obama Got Elected", will be a guest on The View on Monday, Feb. 2nd. According to Mr. Zeigler, he will appear on the last segment of the show, and plans to discuss his interview with Sarah Palin, which will appear in his documentary. The interview covers the "media malpractive" that took place during the election, with Palin pointing out several examples of unprofessionalism and foul play.

The View airs at 11:00 a.m. in my area, but be sure to check your local listings. Should be very interesting . . .

Gov. Palin Establishes SarahPAC

By: David A. Patten

Article Font Size

In a major step closer to a future run for national office, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on Tuesday established SarahPAC, a political action committee expected to play a key role in financing upcoming political endeavors.

“SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of a historic renaissance that will build a better future for all,” the SarahPAC.com Web site announced Tuesday. “Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals.”

The site, which invites donations, calls energy independence “a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves.”

NBC’s Norah O’Donnell characterized the creation of the fund-raising organization as “a sign Sarah Palin wants to continue to be a player on the national political stage.” O’Donnell added that the Virginia-based PAC “is modeled after HillPAC, Hillary Clinton’s former political committee. Palin’s committee allows her to raise money for other Republicans.”

The PAC Web site describes the organization as “Dedicated to building America's future, supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation.”

The Alaska governor’s popularity remains undiminished since the election. O’Donnell reports Sen. John MCain’s running mate has over 465,300 supporters on Facebook.

For Such a Time as This

When Sarah Palin was named McCain's running mate, the liberal establishment suddenly flip-flopped in their all-out support for "women's lib". Suddenly, Palin was being criticized for being a career woman. "She has five kids,", the Libs complained, "How can she run for V.P. and still take care of her kids? Especially with that Down Syndrome baby (aka., hindrance to society)." My favorite was the rude comment, "If she was taking care of her kids, like she should be, she wouldn't have a pregnant teenage daughter." Now, we all know the REAL reason they objected to Palin, of course. They are scared to death of her!

But what about those on our side of the fence who object to Palin's political ambitions for similar reasons? What about conservatives and evangelical Christians who feel that Palin would be "more useful at home"? I certainly have no objection to the validity and importance of stay-at-home mothers. I am one! I think it's interesting, however, that some Christian people criticize Sarah Palin for having a career, but don't feel a need to address other women who work (and often for less noble reasons). MANY Christian women with families work these days. The church largely seems to have adjusted to accomodate them. So for those of you who would be quick to judge Palin out of your strong "sense of conviction", I would suggest you address your own pastor about the state of his congregation!

The real issue, of course, is what the Bible has to say about a woman's role. Clearly, the woman is to nurture her children, care for her family, and help her husband. I would argue, however, that the Proverbs woman was certainly no slouch. She did it all -- and she did it well! I, personally, would never do what Sarah Palin is doing. It would be a disaster! But I am not Sarah, and she is not me. I don't know how she does it. I admire her seeming ability to keep it all together. But as whether or not she should do it is between her, Todd and God. A woman is to be subject to her own husband, and to balance her responsibilities (as is a man). The Palins aren't short on godly counsel, and Sarah has indicated several times that she seeks God's will in her decisions. Allow me to refer you to a very well-written article on the subject. It was written by Dorothy Patterson, wife of Dr. Paige Patterson, who is president of Southwestern Seminary, and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Mrs. Patterson is a rather accomplished person in her own right, and a huge advocate for the importance of a woman's role in the home. Here is what she had to say (link).

I think she makes several valid points, the most important one being this: never before has our nation needed godly representation in government more than we do right now. Never before have our daughters needed godly women and positive role models in the public arena than we do now. And, while I have always fully supported conservative male candidates . . . I must admit that the unveiling of Sarah Palin struck an emotional cord in me that I didn't know existed. Finally, FINALLY, here is someone who truly represents me. Someone who represents my views, my beliefs, and, yes -- even my gender with a brand of femininity that has been stifled for far too long. Finally there is a politician who gives conservative women all over America a voice. I don't look to Palin as my Messiah; I already have one of those. But just as Esther represented the Israelites, perhaps "our Sarah" was chosen "for such a time as this". I am so proud and so privileged to support her.