Is Sarah Palin a Secessionist?

[akdiver 3]

akdiver - how widespread would you say secessionist sentiment is in Alaska?

I think if we were to have a vote, it would be pretty close. Based on my 15 years here, I'd guestimate somewhere between 40-50%. Some info that relates:

-the natives LOVE the federal govt because of all the free money and handouts it provides with its racist policies. Although the natives tout "subsistence" and "self-rule", they would never vote against the feds because they trust the feds more than the local govt. So, a strong native turnout for the vote would tip the scales against secession.

-the oil companies would do what they could do against it too. They know that with the tyrannical federal govt calling the shots, they can tie up Alaska's resources in court for years and years (Exxon Valdez case is a good example). They also know that the oil fields will not be "nationalized". With an independent Alaska, all bets would be off. Oil companies would do everything they could to prevent secession

-the mining companies would promote secession. They see the feds and their environmental laws as interfering with their operations. Alaska government is much more resource development friendly.

-the fishing industry - hard to say. They could go either way. Alaska protects its fishing industry, not real sure what its take on the feds is.

Those are the main industries. The rest are not big enough to really matter on this point.

There is a strong anti-fed sentiment here - the idea that the federal govt screws us at every opportunity - and there is plenty of objective evidence for this. The fact that so little of the land that is called "Alaska" is in state hands, let alone private hands, is a big source of animosity up here. In many ways, we're still treated like a territory or colony of America, rather than one of fifty supposedly equal states.

With a $40 billion sovereign wealth fund and a desire to keep other Americans from relocating here, a lot of people would vote for secession, if for no other reason, than to protect this pot of funds. With high oil prices and this pot of cash, Alaska could make it on its own, esp. if it leased land to America in exchange for defense (much like Japan and Korea do).

The vote would be closer than you might think.

And do you believe Palin is a secessionist too?

Honestly, no. A sellout perhaps, but not a secessionist. Edited September 3, 2008 by akdiver

[Eric_and_Corinna 0]

Are you really a "Hater" or do you just think she's not ready for the job...but I guess in her mind you're the former if you think the latter. I think she's a sweet lady...she was a great hockey team manager a couple years back. I just think she's found herself in over her head as governor. I voted for Knowles, but Halcro was the most impressive during debates. I just knew I'd be throwing my vote away if i punched his name.

I'm a hater. Sarah Palin is an idiot. Her time in office has shown this. I voted for Halcro. I hope Palin does get elected VP, not because I give a #### about her or McCain, but simply because it will give Halcro a better chance to become governor.

I just knew I'd be throwing my vote away if i punched his name.

Ah yes, the travesty of the self-fulfilling prophecy. As long as people have that attitude, we will continue to be stuck with popular, yet inept politicians who continue to ignore the U.S. Constitution.

If it makes you feel better about the 9.89% (or whatever it was) that voted with you, more power. As smart as he is, there was no way he was winning. And unfortunately, he won't win next time either.

Sarah was already planning on Uncle Ted's seat in 2014 and will probably easily win that, even if she loses the VP big. And even after being useless in two years, she's still going to blow anyone else out of the water here in any race she runs.

[LaL 418]

Yeah, I know. What can you say to that?

Has everyone forgotten akdiver's story of sorrow, prompting pages and pages and pages of sympathetic outpouring from VJers, only to have akdiver post back days later saying he was kidding?

If anyone knows how to get a rise out of people, it's him. He is the Troll Master!

what, you have someone who's better?

I could never pull off what akdiver once did.

It wasn't THAT impressive. Post an incredible story - then disappear. Threads take on a life of their own. He only had to lay the bait.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

akdiver - how widespread would you say secessionist sentiment is in Alaska?

I think if we were to have a vote, it would be pretty close. Based on my 15 years here, I'd guestimate somewhere between 40-50%.

...

The vote would be closer than you might think.

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[Eric_and_Corinna 0]

akdiver - how widespread would you say secessionist sentiment is in Alaska?

And do you believe Palin is a secessionist too?

You didn't ask me, but I'd have to totally disagree with 40%.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

akdiver - how widespread would you say secessionist sentiment is in Alaska?

And do you believe Palin is a secessionist too?

You didn't ask me, but I'd have to totally disagree with 40%.

What would be your estimate?

[akdiver 3]

If it makes you feel better about the 9.89% (or whatever it was) that voted with you, more power. As smart as he is, there was no way he was winning. And unfortunately, he won't win next time either.

Well, I guess if you just want to vote for whomever you think will win, rather than whomever you think the best candidate is, there isn't much I can say. In the meantime, these things we call "elections" amount to little more than a high school style popularity contest - and in that world, knowledge, wisdom, intelligence and other "qualifications" simply don't matter. It's no wonder why people have so little faith in the "political process".

[akdiver 3]

If it makes you feel better about the 9.89% (or whatever it was) that voted with you, more power.

FWIW, if all the Halcro voters had voted for Knowles, he would have won. So, it's enough to have made a difference.

[Eric_and_Corinna 0]

akdiver - how widespread would you say secessionist sentiment is in Alaska?

And do you believe Palin is a secessionist too?

You didn't ask me, but I'd have to totally disagree with 40%.

What would be your estimate?

I would guess 10% would say yes with no questions asked. It would be interesting to see what would happen if you put enough effort into making a compelling argument. I don't know if you could ever get it to 40%...with over half the population of Alaska in Anchorage, I doubt it would get that high. But, if Sarah Palin said it was a good idea that would rocket to 60% minimum right away.

We have oil and timber that's locked up by enviros from the Lower 48. We have fisheries stocks that have been mismanaged by government beaurocrats. Mining is nothing in the big scheme of things. It can be very frustrating to be "ruled" by politicians who are 4,000 miles away and know nothing of what happens here on a day to day basis.

If it makes you feel better about the 9.89% (or whatever it was) that voted with you, more power. As smart as he is, there was no way he was winning. And unfortunately, he won't win next time either.

Well, I guess if you just want to vote for whomever you think will win, rather than whomever you think the best candidate is, there isn't much I can say. In the meantime, these things we call "elections" amount to little more than a high school style popularity contest - and in that world, knowledge, wisdom, intelligence and other "qualifications" simply don't matter. It's no wonder why people have so little faith in the "political process".

I assume that you were working on Andrew's campaign then? I mean, if you felt that strongly about it I know you were out there working in his office, transcribing his debates with Sarah, holding fund raisers, waving signs...

[akdiver 3]

I assume that you were working on Andrew's campaign then? I mean, if you felt that strongly about it I know you were out there working in his office, transcribing his debates with Sarah, holding fund raisers, waving signs...

Nope. I know there are too many people who will simply vote for the pretty one, regardless of compelling reasons not to.

However, if we had a serious discourse on secession, or even dissolution of the United States in general, I would work on that for sure.

Edited September 3, 2008 by akdiver

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I would guess 10% would say yes with no questions asked. It would be interesting to see what would happen if you put enough effort into making a compelling argument.

Interesting!

[Eric_and_Corinna 0]

I would guess 10% would say yes with no questions asked. It would be interesting to see what would happen if you put enough effort into making a compelling argument.

Interesting!

It's tough to hear about how much federal "pork" Alaska gets when Alaskan's aren't allowed to develop resources like oil, timber, and minerals. If you (Joe Politician from Name Any State Here) want us to stand on our own, quit treating our state like it's a huge wildlife park. We're paying for mistakes made in the Contintal US with regard to conservation...lock it all up!

[akdiver 3]

It's tough to hear about how much federal "pork" Alaska gets when Alaskan's aren't allowed to develop resources like oil, timber, and minerals. If you (Joe Politician from Name Any State Here) want us to stand on our own, quit treating our state like it's a huge wildlife park. We're paying for mistakes made in the Contintal US with regard to conservation...lock it all up!

Yes, that is exactly it my friend. If the people in the lower 48 want to turn THEIR state into a big park, go for it. Leave us the hell alone. On that note, it was not until very recently that we were even allowed to sell our oil on the open market and export it!! Imagine telling California that it is not allowed to export its oranges, wines or Hollywood filth. That would never happen. Edited September 3, 2008 by akdiver

[akdiver 3]

...it's also worth pointing out that Alaska is a very young state. Not even 50 years old! The federal money spent here pales in comparison to money the dumped into other states over the last couple of hundred years. The federal government has an obligation to develop its new acquisitions just as it has always done. And before you try the population argument, "the west" was once as sparsely populated as Alaska currently is, but that didn't stop it from spending billions upon billions of dollars on it, not to mention giving away 160 acre plots in free land to those willing to move there. I'm in Alaska - still waiting for my free land.

Edited September 3, 2008 by akdiver

[HAL 9000 96]

I can comprehend nuances. They seem wasteful, though, to me. Why imply when you can get right to the point? Opinions and philosophical discussion are quite enlightening when played with those intellectually competent enough to not require 'nuances'.

You're right lady, it is wasteful.

You see, I'm not the guy you're looking for to engage in an intellectual discourse on "cat took a dump on the mat" without nuances. Er, simple, clear and concise.

No Ma'am, that I am clearly not competent to do.

Perhaps, you might want to try Mav...

Perhaps you'd like to publicly state who you support for the Presidency as well. There is nothing more secret than your own secret VJ account, so there's no need to fear your secret ballot will be safe with us.

Why don't you reveal your identity and personal work details first and then I'll consider.

But then again, I have to ask what would be your purpose in wanting me to reveal my id?

Also, the last time I checked, we have a secret ballot system in these USof A.

Is it not?

No need to beat around the bush. I am not asking for your personal info, so don't bend the argument to where you can't go.

Just say it brother metta. No need for whining against Obama so much... just say how much of a McCain fan you really are.

I hope Palin does get elected VP, not because I give a #### about her or McCain, but simply because it will give Halcro a better chance to become governor.

Alaska First, eh?

Not only Alaska First - but I'll come right out and say it - screw the United States! It wouldn't upset me very much if Russia or China dropped a big ole nuke right in downtown L.A. or NYC. I'd love to see THAT on CNN.

Yeah, I know. What can you say to that?

Man I was like... mmmkay...