Governor Palin to Give Commencement Address at Republic High School Tomorrow

Deana Pan at the Inlander writes about the excitement that is building preceding Governor Palin’s commencement speech in the small town of Republic, Washington tomorrow.

Tyler, the senior class president, is known around school for his fascination with the former Alaskan governor, but for the first time this year, he says, “I wasn’t the only one talking about Sarah Palin.” This Saturday, Palin will deliver the commencement address to Republic’s 27 graduating seniors after the class of 2013 bombarded Palin and her political action committee through Facebook, Twitter and email for several months.

The idea, of course, was Tyler’s.

Tyler distinctly remembers the day in August 2008 that Republican presidential nominee John McCain announced Palin as his running mate. He was watching TV at his grandparents’ house when Palin addressed the country.

“I know this is common and a lot of people feel this way, but I felt she was speaking to me and to me alone,” Tyler says in fourth period on Friday, the last day of classes for seniors. “I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I like her!’ She has common sense. She’s a very level-headed woman. I mean, obviously, you couldn’t rise to that position if you weren’t.”

“I don’t feel that she’s a normal politician.”

He’s been following the rising Tea Party star ever since. He reads her books, knows her stance on all the issues and checks her Facebook page for regular updates. He has a framed autographed photo of Palin hanging on a wall in his bedroom. Even when he’s not impersonating Palin for drama productions, he’ll occasionally slip into her lexicon. His speech is peppered with the catchphrase queen’s folksy sound bites: “Oh gosh!” “Oh my goodness!” and “Aw shucks!”

[…]

And when Tyler wrote to Palin’s political action committee in January, he had the full support of his class. Part of her appeal, Tyler says, is the fact that she shares their small-town roots.

Republic, a 1.6-square-mile enclave in a sea of coniferous trees, is the only incorporated town in Ferry County, with a population of roughly 1,100 people, two-thirds of whom could easily fit inside the RHS gym. There’s one main street lined with all the necessities: grocer, pharmacist, post office, a couple motels and a Mexican restaurant. You’d have to drive an hour to go to the mall or see a movie.

“We’re lucky and also unlucky that [our kids] are pretty sheltered,” says Liz Bremner, an RHS teacher and debate coach. “But to see someone that has come from a small town, gotten an education and has gone out and become somebody who is nationally influential? I think it’s really important. We don’t have enough role models like that from small communities.”

Palin will be the biggest public figure to pass through Republic, according to many residents.

[…]

In a bigger school, in a different town, Tyler might not fit in. His encyclopedic knowledge of congressional politics is kind of geeky. Few high school kids wash down their breakfast cereal with Fox & Friends or attend school board meetings voluntarily.

He regularly visits Principal Anderson’s office to voice his concerns about everything from club policies to campus beautification efforts. He successfully petitioned for a clock in the hallway. Two weeks ago, he complained to the principal, front office and even the superintendent about the goldenrod color used to paint the pillars outside.

“I have never had one issue with Tyler in school about any question of his character,” says Anderson. “But you know, he may drive you crazy every once in awhile.”

Tyler will attend Wenatchee Valley Community College next fall before transferring to Washington State University to study political science. When asked about his own future in politics, he answered like a seasoned politician.

“That’s a long time from here,” he says. “If I ever had the honor to hold public office, I would consider it an amazing privilege.”

Read more.

Palin: Small Town America is Our Heart

Leave it to the lamestream media to diminish the importance of a high school graduation in a small town.  Leave it to the lamestream media to diminish the efforts of the graduating class and their successful campaign to have Governor Sarah Palin speak at their high school graduation.  In the end it’s Republic High School 1, lamestream media 0.

From Palin’s Facebook page:

Small town America is the soul of our country, despite the opinion of the Seattle Weekly’s Ellis Conklin and the lamestream media. Todd and I are on our way to congratulate the graduating class in Republic, Washington, this Saturday and I’m honored and touched by their ingenuity, tenacity, and invitation to speak to these young Americans about to begin their futures.

Small town America is our heart; it may not be the Ivy Leagues or what Ellis and the media deem acceptable, but these students and this town represent what is good and right about America and the small towns where most of us grew our own roots and values.

Too often the media forgets its own humble roots and plays the elitist card. Not so this weekend. We are going to congratulate the Tigers of 2013 and have something special for each and every one. They will grow to defend our country, manage our economy, build our families, and work to achieve each of their own personal dreams.

Sorry, Seattle Weekly, you, as usual, miss the point.

– Sarah Palin

Todd Palin: Indy 500 is ‘America at its best’

Kevin Scholla at Breitbart Sports  interviewed Todd Palin  about his and Governor Palin’s attendance at the Indy 500 this weekend.

Todd Palin Speaks to Breitbart Sports About Indy 500: ‘America at Its Best’

by Kevin Scholla  27 May 2013

It turned out to be quite a Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tony Kanaan drank the milk after years of hard luck. The Brazilian finally captured the Indianapolis 500. To say this win was a popular one would be a gross understatement. The fan favorite was even cheered by the losing drivers after his victory. Many watched the race from home while hundreds of thousands were there to take it all in live, including Todd and Sarah Palin.The Palins, self-proclaimed motor heads, had super seats for the race too. After spending time in the pit of Sarah Fisher’s team, the former governor and First Gentleman of Alaska enjoyed the day from a suite, guests of former Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones. The Palins met Jones through Walker Evans, a mutual friend. Jones was Walker’s mentor. Todd Palin told Breitbart Sports the thrill of this race and all that comes with it is like no other.

“We were with hundreds of thousands of people cheering, enjoying the race, and honoring the military,” Palin said. “It’s America at its best. Sarah and I had a great time today.” Before the race, the Palins took part in a ceremony for Jones. “It was an unbelievable privilege to watch Parnelli honored for the anniversary of his win here in 1963,” Todd Palin said. “To hang out with Parnelli Jones, Bobby Unser, and Walker Evans is an honor. I mean that’s the greatest generation. These guys are such great role models. I could listen to their stories all day long.”

Although snow machines and Indy cars are very different, as an Iron Dog racing champion, there are some similarities to which Todd Palin can relate.

Read more. 

Palin: Political Future Up to the American People

Joseph Goodman at Miami Heat interviewed Governor Palin at the Pacers Game in Indianapolis on Sunday night.  Here is an excerpt from his interview.

My brief interview with Sarah Palin about the NBA and other stuff

Sarah Palin was at tonight’s game … So, of course, I had to try and interivew her at halftime, because, well, when else would you get to ask Palin about the NBA? Before you ask, no I didn’t bring up any former Heat players. She was seated in the front row with her husband, Todd Palin, so anyway …

ME: “Since you’re here sitting in the front row, I figured I would be remiss if I didn’t try to interview you.”

PALIN: “You can try. It’s your job.”

ME: “So, I guess what do you think of the game so far?”

PALIN: “We love the NBA. We love Indiana. We go back to being big Hoosier fans. So, anything that has to do with Indiana, we’re going to support, so coming here and rooting for the Pacers is kind of parlaying our love of Indiana.”

ME: “Were you here for the race?”

PALIN: “For the race and we were lucky enough to get to come to this game then, too.”

ME: “So, you did the Indianapolis double today.”

PALIN: “Yeah, this a dream come true for sports nuts like Todd and me. It’s really, it’s surreal.”

ME: “What did you do at the race? I covered the Daytona 500 one year when you were there.”

PALIN: “What we got to do is hang with Parnelli Jones and do a lap with Parnelli yesterday and it’s the 50^th anniversary of his win in Indy, so that was cool to get to be with him. And then just to experience the race, something so iconic and all-Americana, something we grew up watching on TV all these years to be there today was spectacular.”

ME: “So, growing up in Alaska, who were some of your favorite NBA stars?”

TODD PALIN, interjecting: “Well, back in the day, Dr. J., Larry Bird, Magic…

PALIN: “Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, I mean the crew in the 80s, growing up in the 80s, you know. But all these guys today, these athletes are amazing athletes. And Miami is so doggone stacked, but the Pacers have this tenacious, scrappy, underdog persona that everybody’s going to root for.”

ME: “But you’ve got to be pulling for Miami, too, right? Because they’ve got an Alaskan on the team.”

PALIN: “We love Chalmers. Any of the Alaskan kids who make it so big, like Trajan Langdon and Carlos Boozer, all those guys we’re always going to root for, but when it comes to team, though, I’m always going to root for the underdog. Go Pacers!”

[…]

ME: “So, where do you see your political future going?”

PALIN: “That’s up to the American people. And if they want to see positive change in this country, or if they want to just kind of keep embracing the status quo of going down the wrong road. It’s up to the American people and where someone’s political future is going to go.”

ME: “You got anything planned in the near future?”

PALIN: “Near future is helping change the senate in the 2014 races, get some good common sense conservatives elected.”

Read more.

Gov. Palin thanks U. S. Airways for Their Recognition of Military and Veterans

Governor Palin posted the following comments on her Facebook page yesterday as well as the pictures that follow.

Sarah Palin

Like This Page

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A big thank you to the wonderful flight attendants and crew on our US Airways flight today from Indianapolis who gave heartfelt shout-outs over the intercom to our military and to veterans who’ve sacrificed so much for our freedom. The airlines offered our service members onboard free food and asked us all to pass along a special thank you to those we know in the service. It was so encouraging to see open and genuine respect for our men and women in uniform who so richly deserve the respect and honor of a grateful nation.

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– Sarah Palin

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Memorial Day: Freedom is not free

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As we remember those who have fought for our freedoms today, many families will have heavy hearts mingled with pride for those they lost in the service of our great country.  These families’ losses and the thousands of headstones in Arlington and at other grave sites around the world attest to the fact that freedom is not free.  Our country’s independence and the liberties guaranteed in our founding documents have been won and defended by the blood and vigilance of our military.

While our military are deployed on many fronts, it is our duty as citizens to be engaged in staying aware of what is going on here at home and doing our part to ensure that elected officials are held accountable for upholding our Constitution and abiding by its precepts.  Not everyone has time for activism, but we can all vote.  And next year we will have the opportunity to elect government officials who can be depended upon to represent the will of the people.  That is one way we can reinforce the service our military performs for our country every day.

We at SPIB want to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day.   Thank you, military men and women and your families for your efforts and sacrifices to keep our country free!  America is the:

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Palin: Our military men and women risk their lives to uphold our rights.

Governor Palin posted this Memorial Day message on Facebook this afternoon:

Sarah Palin

4 hours ago

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With grateful hearts Americans recognize how sweet it is to live in a country where men and women offer to serve something greater than self. They choose to support and defend the Constitution to preserve our rich heritage, they deny themselves comfort to secure our well-being, and they sacrifice their personal freedom daily that we may enjoy liberty in perpetuity. “Thank you” cannot do justice to the gratitude we feel for our nation’s finest.

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This year, more than ones prior…, I am especially mindful of those who have served and those who gave their all. Contemplating the September 11th terrorist attack in Benghazi, our government’s targeting of conservative patriots, snooping into reporters’ personal communications records, the usurping of Second Amendment rights – how can one not notice the disregard for our Constitution? Our military men and women risk their lives to uphold our rights. They deserve better than to have their sacrifice trampled on by people who pretend to have heard nothing, seen nothing, and therefore can say nothing about abusing their power over We the People. Americans deserve better. Certainly our military veterans’ honor deserves better. (By the way, pleading the Fifth while showing no regard for the First is as bold an exercise in adding insult to injury as I have ever seen.)

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It is time to declare, “Enough is enough.” It’s time to halt the fundamental transformation of the country our soldiers have given all to preserve.

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Traditionally Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, replete with family outings, barbecues, and parades. As much as we enjoy these wholesome American pastimes, this observance represents so much more. For the love of all who have ever worn the uniform, as a memorial to the service rendered, and in the spirit of those who paid the price we can never repay, may we mark this day by committing ourselves to the fundamental restoration of the greatest country on the face of the earth.

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Happy Memorial Day. We will never forget.

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– Sarah Palin

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Gov. Palin: Todd and I at the Indy 500 Today (photos)

Governor Palin tweeted links a little while ago to photos taken at the Indy 500 that are posted on her Facebook page (from which the photos below were retrieved).

Todd and I at the #Indy500 today. What an epic all-American event! http://t.co/m8blUYad8P

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) May 26, 2013

Another photo from Indianapolis today. #Indy500 http://t.co/5vhLCXjvak

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) May 26, 2013

With Sarah Fisher, former Indy racer and owner of Sarah Fisher Racing, in her pit today during the race. #Indy500 http://t.co/rQI2ZZ4OyN

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) May 26, 2013

She also posted a link to this Twitter Pic:

Great picture from last night with my new friends @trojan81 @khaledholmes. Follow these guys! pic.twitter.com/UnBkVis15l

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) May 26, 2013

Governor Palin and husband Todd are attending the Indy 500 over the weekend as a guest of 1963 Indy winner Parnelli Jones.

Cathy Kightlinger at the IndyStar reported earlier today:

Checkered-flag festivities draw stars, rockers and Sarah Palin

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, with husband Todd, got a ride around the track.  /  Cathy Kightlinger / The Star

Written by

Cathy Kightlinger

Checkered-flag festivities were in full swing on the eve of the Indianapolis 500 Saturday, as stars waved to fans from floats during the IPL 500 Festival Parade in the afternoon and dressed up with civic leaders and race team owners for the Regions 500 Festival Snakepit Ball at night.

[…]

‘Bucket list’ ride

While parade preparations were under way, former vice presidential candidate  and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, toured Indianapolis Motor Speedway and got a ride around its famed 2½-mile oval.

They were guests of 1963 Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones.

Jones, who is being honored at the track today  on the 50th anniversary year of his Indy 500 win, has befriended the couple and said he is planning to go caribou (reindeer) hunting with Todd in August.

“She’s a real game gal, and her husband, Todd, is a macho guy, and they wanted to do it,” Jones said after the Palins took their ride in a Chevy Camaro.

The ride is “bucket list stuff,” Palin said.

She likely will watch the Indy 500’s first pit stop from team owner Sarah Fisher’s pit and then watch the rest in a Pagoda suite.

“I’m anxious to see the stands full. That’s a spectacular sight, having watched it on TV all these years, growing up,” Palin said. “We’re motorheads, so that’s kind of our thing. Our daughter’s (Piper Palin) middle name is Indy. … I wish our kids were here.”

Read more.

Gov. Palin: Help FTR Radio and SGP raise funds for Mercury One Relief Efforts in Oklahoma

Governor Palin tweeted this shortly after midnight this morning:
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via @SarahPalinUSA: Please help @ftr__radio & @OfficialSGP raise funds for @Mercury1Charity to help #Oklahoma... http://t.co/a0LTmudn4b

— Israel News Links (@IsraelNewsLinks) May 26, 2013

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Mercury One, a nonprofit charity organized and run by Glenn Beck, has already raised over $1 million dollars for Oklahoma tornado relief.  Its Convoy of Hope, in partnership with Operation Blessing, had two trailer trucks of supplies on the road to Oklahoma the night of the tornado.  LifeNews has the story here.

From Mercury One’s Facebook page:

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Mercury One

Mercury One is tremendously thankful to all those who donated to help the families in Moore, Oklahoma after the horrendous tornado ripped through their lives. Together you have raised well over $1 million! Mercury One hit the road the same night as the disaster and arrived at First Baptist Church in Moore, early the following morning with two tractor trailers full of supplies from Operation Blessi…ng, some power generators, and gasoline. The people of Moore are incredibly strong, by the time we arrived most had been up all night, and continued to work all day. Even amidst tragedy they still could muster a smile and a laugh. Everyone was energetic, no one complained about the exhaustion, no one even sighed loudly, they all just kept on keepin’ on. The First Baptist Church of Moore is set up like a fortress of good. Throughout the day people continued to stop by to drop off more supplies. The church took in families that lost their homes. The scene was the epitome of brotherly love and open hearts. Our efforts are far from done, but together we’ve made tremendous headwind. You can continue to make the difference in so many lives! Click here to donate to the Mercury One 2013 Midwest Tornado Fund: http://mercuryone.fundly.com/2013-midwest-tornado-relief

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At least two radio telethons have raised funds to support the Mercury One Oklahoma relief efforts.  Freedom Works sponsored a 24-hour radiothon.  FTR Radio and Smart Girl Politics teamed up to host a three-hour telethon.  Here is the press release for their telethon, which Governor Palin refers to in her tweet._______________________

FTR Radio and Smart Girl Politics to Host Operation Helping Hand Radiothon for Midwest Tornado Victims Thursday

Posted on May 22nd, 2013 – 4:11 pm

FTR Radio to partner with Smart Girl Politics for Operation Helping Hand, a three hour radiothon to benefit the Mercury One Charity 2013 Midwest Tornado Relief Fund.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2013 – Indianapolis, IN – FTR Radio is teaming up with Smart Girl Politics for a three hour radiothon to benefit the Mercury One Charity 2013 Midwest Tornado Relief Fund. One hundred percent of the money raised will go directly to relief efforts in Oklahoma.

The three hour radiothon will air live on FTRRadio.com Thursday at 8pm EDT.

“In the past we have asked our listeners to donate to various charities and have been overwhelmed by their generosity” said Thomas LaDuke, Executive Director of FTR Radio. LaDuke added that “FTR Radio and SGP have done other radiothons in the past and we hope to top our 2012 ‘Cancer Sucks Radiothon’ that raised nearly $6000 for the American Cancer Society.”

Jedediah Bila, Monica Crowley, S.E. Cupp, Erick Erickson and Dana Loesch are just a handful of the cable news contributors and talk radio personalities who have agreed to take part in Operation Helping Hand.

For more information on the radiothon and to donate, visit http://mercuryone.fundly.com/operation-helping-hand-for-midwest-tornado-victims.

#24forMoore

Gov. Palin Calls for Holder to Apologize and Resign

On Thursday evening, Governor Palin tweeted this:

Where is the apology and resignation of your attorney general, Mr. President? http://t.co/dmkzLprFxK

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) May 24, 2013

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She linked to the letter by Roger Ailes posted at FOX News:

Roger Ailes’ letter to Fox  employees

Published May 23, 2013   FoxNews.com

Dear colleagues,
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The recent news about the FBI’s seizure of the phone and email records of Fox  News employees, including James Rosen, calls into question whether the federal  government is meeting its constitutional obligation to preserve and protect a  free press in the United States.  We reject the government’s efforts to  criminalize the pursuit of investigative journalism and falsely characterize a  Fox News reporter to a Federal judge as a “co-conspirator” in a crime. I know  how concerned you are because so many of you have asked me: why should the  government make me afraid to use a work phone or email account to gather news or  even call a friend or family member? Well, they shouldn’t have done it. The  administration’s attempt to intimidate Fox News and its employees will not  succeed and their excuses will stand neither the test of law, the test of  decency, nor the test of time. We will not allow a climate of press  intimidation, unseen since the McCarthy era, to frighten any of us away from the  truth.
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I am proud of your tireless effort to report the news over the last 17 years.  I stand with you, I support you and I thank you for your reporting with  courageous optimism. Too many Americans fought and died to protect our unique  American right of press freedom. We can’t and we won’t forget that. To be an  American journalist is not only a great responsibility, but also a great honor.   To be a Fox journalist is a high honor, not a high crime.  Even this  memo of support will cause some to demonize us and try to find irrelevant things  to cause us to waver.  We will not waver.

Read more.