Sep 19 2008
ABC News Smoking Gun A Dud
ABC News thinks they have found a smoking gun in the troopergate fiasco where Democrats are siding with a drunk trooper who tasered his step son and threatened to kill Governor Palin’s father. None of that matters to the Obamanation Media. Their evidence is a joke – made even more so by they leaps of logic and fantasy required to even think this information is something important:
An internal government document obtained by ABC News appears to contradict Sarah Palin’s most recent explanation for why she fired her public safety chief Walt Monegan, the move which prompted the now-contested state probe into “Troopergate.”
…
“The last straw,” her lawyer argued, came when he planned a trip to Washington, D.C., to seek federal funds for an aggressive anti-sexual-violence program.
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The McCain-Palin campaign echoed the charge in a press release it distributed Monday, concurrent with Palin’s legal filing. “Mr. Monegan persisted in planning to make the unauthorized lobbying trip to D.C.,” the release stated.
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But the governor’s staff authorized the trip, according to an internal travel document from the Department of Public Safety, released Friday in response to an open records request.
Fiirst off, the folks who authorize travel rarely deal with issues related with the purpose of the trip. This is like saying the accounting office authorized the policy plans. There is authorizing travel, but that is not all that all the ‘authorization’ you acquire when dealing with higher ups.
What the fools at ABC don’t think about is the fact the SUBJECT of the trip may not have been authorized, not cost of the trip. Basically, Monegan could have been authorized to go to DC on a range of topics, and the ones about budgets on certain programs was not authorized. He could have been on a legitimate trip for other reasons, and decided to go into subjects he was not authorized to represent Alaska on.
Finally, did it ever occur to ABC Monegan may have lied about his purpose and no one knew what he was up to until he got back and word leaked about his actions?
No – of course not! Idiots. This is not reporting, this is agenda driven propagandizing.
Go ahead, ABC, just keep pushing piddly stuff like this — “Oh, Palin says that travelling to DC was the last straw, but oh no, look, Palin’s staff authorized it.” It’s not like this Monegan guy wasn’t openly defying Palin’s budgetary policies, is it? It’s not as if this Monegan guy served at the governor’s pleasure, is it? It’s not as if McCain might sooner or later release an ad to explain this stuff to people if you professional Palin-haters in the media keep pushing this story and trying to make Palin the villain, is it?
justin.rood@abcnews.com is the author, let him know what you think
also hit them up here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/BrianRoss/page?id=3247430
They are the same outfit that has done like twenty something pieces on Palin and ZERO on Obama. No bias though.
They are grasping at straws now.
The series of events surrounding this issue points to the Union.
Here is the sequence of events.
‘Out of the blue,’ top cop Monegan gets Palin’s axe; PUBLIC SAFETY: The head of the troopers union says replacing him is wrong. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 13, 2008 Sunday
The head of the union that represents state troopers, one of the agencies Monegan oversaw, said replacing him was the wrong move and that troopers were happy with department leadership “for the first time in years.”
Palin has called for cuts to the public safety budget, while Monegan wanted more troopers, said John Cyr, executive director of the Public Safety Employees Association.
“Her basic mission is to cut the basic cost of government,” he said. “I understand that. But when you do that with public safety, that means that people are less safe in their homes.”
Palin owes explanation in firing of Walt Monegan; COMPASS: OTHER POINTS OF VIEW Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 15, 2008 Tuesday -written by John Cyr, executive director of the Public Safety Employees Association
Against the backdrop of a law enforcement system that has been stretched beyond the breaking point, Gov. Palin fires the commissioner and “suggests” that $2.5 million be cut from the Alaska State Troopers budget.
Cut $2.5 million from a budget that comes nowhere close to protecting Alaska’s citizens, while we have billions of dollars in surplus? Fire a commissioner who understands what the problems are and who had a long-range plan to move law enforcement into the 21st century?
And the reason is that the governor wants to head in a new direction. What direction would that be, Governor? What exactly is your plan to make our families safer? What will be the consequence of cutting $2.5 million from public safety? Who did you talk to before you decided to “change direction”?
Governor appoints new commissioner; CHUCK KOPP: Kenai police chief will lead the Department of Public Safety. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 15, 2008 Tuesday
In a press release, Kopp said he will be fiscally responsible and address recruitment and retention needs.
Kopp’s challenges are significant. Recruitment has been a problem for years. About one in seven troopers positions is unfilled.
“Law enforcement across rural Alaska is in shambles,” said John Cyr, executive director of the Public Safety Employees Association, which is the troopers union. “There are absolutely not enough guys out there to meet the needs.”
Monegan was working on that and had filled the ranks more than previous commissioners, Cyr said.
Kopp denies account of sexual harassment; ACCUSATION: State’s new public safety boss claims no “skeletons.” Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 16, 2008 Wednesday
Asked at a press conference to get his side of the sexual harassment allegations, Kopp responded: “There has never been a sexual harassment allegation that resulted in a lawsuit or a settlement by the city of Kenai.”
Asked how many complaints have been filed against him, he said: “I do not have a history of complaints. Obviously, there has been a source that has talked about an incident, and anything that would be a personnel matter with another individual I would not be able to comment on. But, again, I just want to encourage you guys, there is absolutely nothing in my record that I’m ashamed of. There’s no skeletons in my closet.”
GOV. PALIN ISSUES STATEMENT ON ALLEGATION AGAINST HER US States News July 17, 2008 Thursday 12:18 AM EST
“As governor, I expect a certain amount of criticism. When I took the oath of office, I even encouraged Alaskans to ask me questions, to hold me accountable. But some critics have taken this to ridiculous extremes that threaten to distract from the vital business currently facing the state and its residents.
“To allege that I, or any member of my family, requested, received or released confidential personnel information on an Alaska State Trooper, or directed disciplinary action be taken against any employee of the Department of Public Safety, is, quite simply, outrageous. Any information regarding personnel records came from the trooper himself. I question the timing of these false allegations. It is unfortunate, as we seek to address a growing energy crisis in this state, that this matter has been raised now.
Lawmakers may look into Monegan firing; QUESTIONS: An investigator and a legislative hearing are possibilities. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 19, 2008 Saturday
Accusations tying Monegan’s firing to an attempt by the governor to get Wooten fired first became public Thursday on former state lawmaker Andrew Halcro’s blog. Halcro, who lost to Palin in the 2006 governor’s race, wrote on his post about the Monegan firing that the public safety budget was cut by .06 percent for this year under Palin. He conceded that was an error Friday.
But Halcro also suggested Monegan’s Friday revelation that he felt pressured by Todd Palin and others to fire Wooten should make those who attacked his blog reconsider.
“And just a note for all our skeptics and the Palin defenders since our story broke yesterday morning. … here’s looking at you kids,” Halcro wrote Friday.
Who you might ask is Halcro and what is his connection to the Union?? Halcro is the only person who was backed by the PSEA who lost during that election. Sarah Palin ruined the PSEA record which stood at 18 out of 19 for the 2006 election.
PSEA President’s Report December 2006
Its been about 6 months since I last updated you with a President’s Report and a lot has happened during that time. One of the most significant events was the gubernatorial and legislative elections. As we all know, Sarah Palin was elected as our new governor and although PSEA did not endorse her during the campaign, we have seen some moves in a very positive direction. Most of our members are probably not aware that of the 19 legislative candidates endorsed by PSEA, 18 won their elections. This is a very significant accomplishment since a number of incumbents that have historically voted against our issues lost this year and were replaced by candidates endorsed by PSEA and friendly to our cause. Already, we have learned of significant shifts in the way both the house and senate are doing business in a less exclusive manner. As a result, we look forward to this legislative session with optimism.
Governor Palin has appointed Walt Monegan, former APD Chief, as the new DPS Commissioner. Commissioner Monegan has expressed a strong desire to engage in regular meetings and conversations with PSEA for the common good of DPS and PSEA members – this is very promising. I view the changes he has made thus far as bold and believe that now we, PSEA members, must do all we can to work with the next administration for a positive future while holding fast to our rights and aspirations.
Thanks to Representatives Roses, Lynn and Dahlstrom — Senators French and McGuire
PSEA encourages its members to thank the Senate sponsors of SB 99 and the House sponsors of HB 193 for all their hard work especially as this last minute lobby against police involvement on the APSC is exposed.
Living in “Enron by the Sea” AKA San Diego, I can spot these Union tactics a mile away.
SBD
The series of events surrounding this issue points to the Union.
Here is the sequence of events.
‘Out of the blue,’ top cop Monegan gets Palin’s axe; PUBLIC SAFETY: The head of the troopers union says replacing him is wrong. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 13, 2008 Sunday
The head of the union that represents state troopers, one of the agencies Monegan oversaw, said replacing him was the wrong move and that troopers were happy with department leadership “for the first time in years.”
Palin has called for cuts to the public safety budget, while Monegan wanted more troopers, said John Cyr, executive director of the Public Safety Employees Association.
“Her basic mission is to cut the basic cost of government,” he said. “I understand that. But when you do that with public safety, that means that people are less safe in their homes.”
Palin owes explanation in firing of Walt Monegan; COMPASS: OTHER POINTS OF VIEW Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 15, 2008 Tuesday -written by John Cyr, executive director of the Public Safety Employees Association
Against the backdrop of a law enforcement system that has been stretched beyond the breaking point, Gov. Palin fires the commissioner and “suggests” that $2.5 million be cut from the Alaska State Troopers budget.
Cut $2.5 million from a budget that comes nowhere close to protecting Alaska’s citizens, while we have billions of dollars in surplus? Fire a commissioner who understands what the problems are and who had a long-range plan to move law enforcement into the 21st century?
And the reason is that the governor wants to head in a new direction. What direction would that be, Governor? What exactly is your plan to make our families safer? What will be the consequence of cutting $2.5 million from public safety? Who did you talk to before you decided to “change direction”?
Governor appoints new commissioner; CHUCK KOPP: Kenai police chief will lead the Department of Public Safety. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 15, 2008 Tuesday
In a press release, Kopp said he will be fiscally responsible and address recruitment and retention needs.
Kopp’s challenges are significant. Recruitment has been a problem for years. About one in seven troopers positions is unfilled.
“Law enforcement across rural Alaska is in shambles,” said John Cyr, executive director of the Public Safety Employees Association, which is the troopers union. “There are absolutely not enough guys out there to meet the needs.”
Monegan was working on that and had filled the ranks more than previous commissioners, Cyr said.
Kopp denies account of sexual harassment; ACCUSATION: State’s new public safety boss claims no “skeletons.” Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 16, 2008 Wednesday
Asked at a press conference to get his side of the sexual harassment allegations, Kopp responded: “There has never been a sexual harassment allegation that resulted in a lawsuit or a settlement by the city of Kenai.”
Asked how many complaints have been filed against him, he said: “I do not have a history of complaints. Obviously, there has been a source that has talked about an incident, and anything that would be a personnel matter with another individual I would not be able to comment on. But, again, I just want to encourage you guys, there is absolutely nothing in my record that I’m ashamed of. There’s no skeletons in my closet.”
GOV. PALIN ISSUES STATEMENT ON ALLEGATION AGAINST HER US States News July 17, 2008 Thursday 12:18 AM EST
“As governor, I expect a certain amount of criticism. When I took the oath of office, I even encouraged Alaskans to ask me questions, to hold me accountable. But some critics have taken this to ridiculous extremes that threaten to distract from the vital business currently facing the state and its residents.
“To allege that I, or any member of my family, requested, received or released confidential personnel information on an Alaska State Trooper, or directed disciplinary action be taken against any employee of the Department of Public Safety, is, quite simply, outrageous. Any information regarding personnel records came from the trooper himself. I question the timing of these false allegations. It is unfortunate, as we seek to address a growing energy crisis in this state, that this matter has been raised now.
Lawmakers may look into Monegan firing; QUESTIONS: An investigator and a legislative hearing are possibilities. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska) July 19, 2008 Saturday
Accusations tying Monegan’s firing to an attempt by the governor to get Wooten fired first became public Thursday on former state lawmaker Andrew Halcro’s blog. Halcro, who lost to Palin in the 2006 governor’s race, wrote on his post about the Monegan firing that the public safety budget was cut by .06 percent for this year under Palin. He conceded that was an error Friday.
But Halcro also suggested Monegan’s Friday revelation that he felt pressured by Todd Palin and others to fire Wooten should make those who attacked his blog reconsider.
“And just a note for all our skeptics and the Palin defenders since our story broke yesterday morning. … here’s looking at you kids,” Halcro wrote Friday.
Who you might ask is Halcro and what is his connection to the Union?? Halcro is the only person who was backed by the PSEA who lost during that election. Sarah Palin ruined the PSEA record which stood at 18 out of 19 for the 2006 election.
PSEA President’s Report December 2006
Its been about 6 months since I last updated you with a President’s Report and a lot has happened during that time. One of the most significant events was the gubernatorial and legislative elections. As we all know, Sarah Palin was elected as our new governor and although PSEA did not endorse her during the campaign, we have seen some moves in a very positive direction. Most of our members are probably not aware that of the 19 legislative candidates endorsed by PSEA, 18 won their elections. This is a very significant accomplishment since a number of incumbents that have historically voted against our issues lost this year and were replaced by candidates endorsed by PSEA and friendly to our cause. Already, we have learned of significant shifts in the way both the house and senate are doing business in a less exclusive manner. As a result, we look forward to this legislative session with optimism.
Governor Palin has appointed Walt Monegan, former APD Chief, as the new DPS Commissioner. Commissioner Monegan has expressed a strong desire to engage in regular meetings and conversations with PSEA for the common good of DPS and PSEA members – this is very promising. I view the changes he has made thus far as bold and believe that now we, PSEA members, must do all we can to work with the next administration for a positive future while holding fast to our rights and aspirations.
Thanks to Representatives Roses, Lynn and Dahlstrom — Senators French and McGuire
PSEA encourages its members to thank the Senate sponsors of SB 99 and the House sponsors of HB 193 for all their hard work especially as this last minute lobby against police involvement on the APSC is exposed.
The Union did not want Monegan fired because he was doing their bidding for them against the wishes of his boss Palin.
The Union knew about the Wooten investigation because they represented the trooper in the investigation. He was not fired because he was a foe of Palin.
The Union knew about the accusation of sexual harassment against Kopp because they represent the Troopers in the grievance process and they leaked a matter that is supposed to be confidential.
The Union knew Halcro who they back in the 2006 election would have no problem throwing the Wooten accusation out there.
The Union knew that Monegan would go along with it.
The Union knew that with 18 knew politicians in their pocket, they could get an investigation on these trumpted up charges by the Legislature to try to ruin Palin.
Living in “Enron by the Sea” AKA San Diego, I can spot these Union tactics a mile away.
SBD
I keep watching this attack mode on Palin and I keep reminding myself that there are 49 other Governors and except for a couple who have attacked her on partisan grounds there are many who respect and know Palin for her job in Alaska and I can foresee a bit of a potential chill between them and the press for the treatment Gov Palin has received during these pure partisan attacks and all the biased press the media has thrown at her.
[…] SBD, who is one of the best researchers I have seen, has pulled together an exhaustive history of events and reports surrounding Palin’s battles with Walt Monegan and is allies. It is a […]
I worked in the travel office for IU when I was a student. Unless it has changed over the years, getting a voucher for travel, has nothing to do with getting permission.
ABC replaced MSNBC/NBC. O’Reilly, who couldn’t be bothered when MSNBC was in their prime, now rants on them to empty air. Bulletin to O’Reilly. The Dems have moved the football. While I am on the subject, there is little difference between NYT and WaPo. ABC does this more smoothly than the others. They do a 2 hour Dem lovefest, Pug bash each morning with GMA. At least the nuts on THE View (notice the name’s appropriate) just say they hate all things remotely Pug and ‘shut up, lil Liz, you ole racist’.
Just a funny………..when the meltdown started, O’Reilly had his own private meltdown, on air. The message was clear to me. He lost a lot of money. Bill is about Bill. That can be taken to the bank.
MSM. I believe Sarah is capable of this job. To heck with any other qualifications if she can do this. If we do not want to lose the next war or this country, we need more light to shine on this enemy within. Sarah will not tolerate this treason they claim is free speech. She says we are ‘exceptional’. Oh, yeah!
PSEA = Public Safety Employees Association
http://www.psea.net/
You will find the 2008 Legislative Questionnaire there…
We Alaskans know this is a bunch of BS… Feel free to vote against McCain – Palin for your own good reasons but do not make this one of them…
AJ,
In case you missed it, NBC’s Saturday Night Live just ran another Gov. Sarah Palin skit, where incest by her husband with her daughters was a major plot element.
The Politico reports that the opening scene that introduced the “family incest angle” was co-written by Minnesota Democratic Party Senate Candidate Al Frankin.
This is one where silence by the Democrats will be damning.
Democrats have about 36 hours to disown Frankin in every sense of the word or they become the party that has sexism as one of it’s core values.
I wonder how all this will play with non-Democrat women voters.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=75852
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13684.html
I don’t know Trent, Seems to be more a joke on the NY Times and their lame views of America. I would have to see it – looked and couldn’t find it on YouTube yet.
AJStrata