The Associated Press: Bah, Humbug! Up North

Cross posted at The Next Right

Associated Press writer, Dan Joling, was jolted by the Governor of Alaska taking time to greet children at the governor’s mansion Christmas open house yesterday. Gov. Sarah Palin even held up the greeting line to actually talk to the little non-voters.

"Palin, wearing a velvet kuspuk, paid especially close attention to children, crouching to greet them at eye level, holding up the line to ask them questions."

The idea of focusing on children at Christmas was so striking to Joling that he questioned the head of the Capital City Republican Women’s Club as to why Gov. Palin would pay special attention to children.

"That fit with the theme of the decorations, according to Ginger Johnson of the Capital City Republican Women's Club, which decked the halls.

"'The focus is on entertaining children,' Johnson said."

Duh! Maybe Joling has never noticed the lines at stores and malls all around the country where children visiting with Santa are a big event to them, their parents, and friendly shoppers passing by. For Joling and the Associated Press it seems to be Bah, humbug!

Timothy Egan vs. Joe the Plumber

Cross posted at The Next Right

Poor Timothy Egan, writer of five books and fill in columnist for Maureen Dowd, got his head handed to him in a recent writing fight with Joe the Plumber.

Egan decided to take on Joe the Plumber’s reported book deal. It should have been a no contest fight. Professional writer Egan vs. newbie, never published Joe.

Unfortunately for Egan, Joe had two volunteer corner men who KO’d Egan’s uninspired prose and vapid thinking before Joe even got in the ring. Tim Blair and Mark Steyn, two of the wittiest pundits writing, gave Egan a lesson in Writing 101.

Egan’s opening paragraph ripping Joe as possible wordsmith augured the rout:

"The unlicensed pipe fitter known as Joe the Plumber is out with a book this month, just as the last seconds on his 15 minutes are slipping away. I have a question for Joe: Do you want me to fix your leaky toilet?"

Steyn:

"The clapped-out Warhol yawneroo in the very first sentence? What wordsmith's course did [Egan] learn that from? By the way, I'd certainly like him to fix my toilet, and would be willing to chip in the Greyhound fare up to New Hampshire. Oh, and, given the amount of lead in his prose, Mr Egan would seem to be a natural pipe fitter."

Blair:

"If Joe turns out to be so poor a writer that he uses reeking Warholian clichés in an opening paragraph, I don’t want him writing books either. But it’s a fine publishing idea to have Egan fix a leaking toilet. Shared qualities of author and subject aside, Timothy Egan Fixes a Leaky Toilet (Houghton Mifflin, 2009) would naturally lead to a lucrative sequence of spinoffs: Timothy Egan Fixes a Leaky Toilet for the Soul, Timothy Egan and the Sorcerer’s Toilet, and an historical masterwork: The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Toilet Bowl." [One of Egan’s five books is The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl]

Added to Egan’s writing style problems is an inadequate illustration base and contradictory reasoning. Egan faults Joe for thinking he could be a writer after having problems with paying all his taxes and not being a union credentialed plumber. Egan cites Mark Twain as a writing model far out of “failure” Joe’s reach.

[Blair quoting Egan:] "'With a résumé full of failure, [Joe] now thinks he can join the profession of Mark Twain, George Orwell and Joan Didion.'

[Blair:]"Hold that thought. Having condemned Joe as a 'failure' and therefore unqualified to write, here’s Egan just four paragraphs later:

"'Most of the writers I know work every day, in obscurity and close to poverty …'

"Obscure and broke, but you could never call them failures. (Incidentally, Twain – who left school at 12 and late in life filed for bankruptcy – seems also to fill the 'failure' requirement, as defined by Egan.)"

How embarrassing not to know that Mark Twain had failures similar to Joe’s and managed to escape Egan’s truism that failures can’t be great writers. Then Egan follows that with an even broader self-refuting illustration that most writers actually do live as failures in obscurity and near poverty.

Egan needs a little back-to-school writing and thinking help. Or maybe a couple of months of reading Tim Blair’s and Mark Steyn’s back columns will give Egan the remedial help he needs to pump up his pundit and writing skills.

Alaska Newspaper Worried About Palin's $5 Million for Needy Kids; No Problem with $800 Billion for Corporations

Cross posted at The Next Right

Like a stern, never pleased step-father, the Anchorage Daily News continues to have problems with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin–even when she plans to expand health care for needy children.

The Anchorage Daily News taps its foot disapprovingly at Palin’s plan to raise state spending on children’s health insurance and other children’s programs by $5 million. Reporter Sean Cockerham questions Palin about where the additional $5 million will come from given falling oil prices.

“Gov. Sarah Palin is calling for $5 million more in state spending on children's health insurance, preschool and other programs, even as Alaska oil prices and state revenues plunge.

“Cash flow into the state is shrinking as oil prices drop below $40 a barrel, the lowest level in nearly four years. Most state general fund money comes from taxes and royalties the state makes from oil. But Palin said the state can afford more than $5 million in new spending on areas like Head Start, obesity prevention, a test program of half-day preschool, and expanded Denali KidCare insurance.”

Reporter Cockerham worries whether Alaska’s economic situation is up to meeting Palin’s proposed $5 million increase for health care and other programs for kids.

“[Palin] downplayed the danger falling oil prices pose to the state budget, saying Alaska is in a far better position than other states.”

What Cockerham leaves out is the evidence that Alaska is, indeed, in a far better position than other states and does have significant financial reserves.

A recent "massive budget surplus" in the billions leaves Alaska in a much more positive position than the majority of states. (Including my own which is projecting a $1.3 billion shortfall in the 2009-11 biennium.)

Anchorage Daily News concern over fiscal responsibility in Gov. Palin’s $5 million dollar budget increase proposal was not evident in its October 1 story on the $800 billion dollar federal bailout legislation.

That spending bill passed by the Senate was called “historic,” and even though “controversial” backed by a “strong bipartisan majority.” The report noted that Alaska’s two US senators, Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski, voted for the bailout package. But there were no questions, tough or otherwise, put to Alaska’s two senators about where the bailout money would come from in an ailing economy. Stevens is only quoted regarding how dire the need for the bailout is.

“Stevens said: ‘On Monday alone, our Permanent Fund has lost over a billion dollars. Alaskans will be unable to borrow to finance a home, a car, or withdraw funds from our savings accounts should there be a further credit market meltdown. Our seniors will lose the retirement income they rely on to pay monthly bills and retirement accounts for future retirees will plummet in value. I was told by one Alaskan senior that he lost $40,000 in retirement savings during Monday's record setting drop.’”

Comparing the $800 billion bailout package which is .32 (or about 1/3rd) of total expected 2008 U.S. revenue (estimated at $2.5 trillion) and $5 million kids insurance budget increase in Alaska which is .0004 (or about 4/one hundredths of a percent) of total expected 2008 Alaska receipts (estimated at $13.5 billion).

Giving a little perspective, the average family income in the US is about $50,000. The federal bailout package would be equivalent to risking $16,000 out of an average annual income. Gov. Palin’s $5 million increase would be equivalent to risking $18.50 out of an average annual income.

The Anchorage Daily News and Cockerham’s snit over this is equivalent to throwing a fit over $18.50 of an average family's income--$18.50 that will go to help needy children in a time of economic crisis that especially impacts poorer families. But no problem with the $800 billion bailout package.

Palin Can’t Get a Break from the Anchorage Daily News

Cross posted at The Next Right

The Anchorage Daily News, like a stern, foot tapping, step-father, finds continual problems with Alaska’s young, popular, attractive Republican governor.

1. Too popular. Anchorage Daily News reporter Sean Cockerham notes that Gov. Sarah Palin’s “celebrity status” at the recent Republican Governors Association meeting is different than that of previous Alaska governors.

"Her trip to Miami for the Republican Governors Association in the second week of November took about three days, the governor's office said.

"Visits to the Republican Governors Association are nothing new for Alaska governors. But Palin's trip to Miami was different, reflecting her celebrity status. She dominated media attention at the conference and did an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer. 'Poolside paparazzi' photos were even taken of Palin and circulated on the Internet."

The Anchorage Daily News is especially concerned about travel expenditures of the Alaska governor or her staff.

2. Who’s Paying for the Trip? The Anchorage Daily News and reporter Cockerham worry about who will be paying for Gov. Palin’s trip to Georgia and Philadelphia. Palin spokesman Bill McAllister noted that Alaska pays for the Philadelphia governors meeting with President-elect Obama, and the Chambliss campaign pays for the Georgia side trip:

“McAllister said Palin will be in Philadelphia on Monday and Tuesday, and the state will pay for it. He said the Chambliss campaign will pay for Palin's side trip to Georgia.”

3. Even if Alaska is not paying, how is Alaska benefited? Turns out it’s like a personal day. The benefit is that Saxby Chambliss is pro drilling in ANWR and his opponent Jim Martin is anti drilling in ANWR.

“Palin will have four rallies for Chambliss in Georgia on Monday, in Augusta, Savannah, Perry and suburban Atlanta. Asked how this benefits Alaska, McAllister compared it to a vacation day.

“‘Well, I don't know. It's a political event, so I'm reluctant to comment much on it. But she works pretty hard, so you could consider it a day off,’ McAllister said. ‘I don't know that it necessarily has to have a direct benefit for Alaska, although probably you could make some argument there's an indirect one.’"

A later Anchorage Daily News article notes that:

"'Sen. Chambliss is a vote for ANWR. His opponent is a vote against ANWR. So there are implications for the state of Alaska in the outcome of that runoff,' McAllister said."

4. What about other possible expenses? Are any of the Palin children going? Palin’s children, like the children of other Alaska governors, have their travel expenses paid by the state when traveling with their governor/parent. Cockerham and the Anchorage Daily News are concerned that some Palin children might be going with her and cost Alaska money.

"McAllister said he didn't know if any Palin family members would be going. Her husband, Todd, and children were often prominent on the campaign trail as she campaigned for vice president. The governor also sometimes brings her children with her when she travels on state business, at state expense."

None of Palin’s family did not travel with her. But, the Anchorage Daily News is still concerned. Another Anchorage Daily News reporter, Kyle Hopkins, notes that an aide, Kris Perry, who is Palin’s liaison to state officials, did travel with Palin because of the governors’ meeting in Philadelphia.

5. How much will the aide’s travel expenses cost? Both McAllister and the director of administrative services for Gov. Palin are asked about this. Final costs won’t be known until the end of the trip.

“The Chambliss campaign will pay for the Georgia leg of Palin's trip, McAllister said.

“But the state will cover the costs for Palin's aide Kris Perry to join her on the campaign trail, he said.

“Palin is always considered "on duty" and Perry's role is to serve as her liaison to state officials, McAllister said. The governor's family is not traveling with her.

“Linda Perez, director of administrative services for the governor, said she wouldn't know how much the trip cost until the travelers return.”

Are the lawful travel expenses of any other state governor and the expenses of aides similarly a bone of contention? Haven't heard about it in my state. But, the Anchorage Daily News is concerned about the smallest of matters with this governor.

With Palin's Help Chambliss Wins Big

Atlanta Journal-Constitution photo

Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss was re-elected to his Senate seat by a whopping 14 points (57-43) over Democratic challenger Jim Martin.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) reports:

During the runoff, Republicans painted Chambliss as a “firewall,” the “last man standing” to prevent what they contend would have been Democratic excesses. Democrats touted Martin as the man who would provide a “bridge” to the change promised by President-elect Barack Obama.

Obama tip-toed into the race, but never became fully involved. He recorded a radio ad for Martin and an automated “robo” call, but declined an invitation to come to Georgia and campaign for his fellow Democrat. Many of his campaign volunteers came to Georgia to help the Martin effort.

Big-name politicos also flocked to the state to stump for the two candidates. Former President Bill Clinton came for Martin as did former Vice President Al Gore. Former GOP presidential nominee and U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) came to the state for Chambliss as did McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Though AJC reporter Jim Tharpe alludes to the importance of Obama's failure to personally campaign for Martin, Tharpe completely misses the importance of Gov. Sarah Palin's last day rallies on behalf of Chambliss.

But, Fox News asked Chambliss about the importance of Palin's participation in rallies for him:

“I can't overstate the impact she had down here,” Chambliss said during an interview Wednesday morning on Fox News.

“When she walks in a room, folks just explode,” he added. “And they really did pack the house everywhere we went. She's a dynamic lady, a great administrator, and I think she's got a great future in the Republican Party.”

Chambliss said that after watching her campaign on his behalf at several events Monday, he does not see her star status diminishing within the party.

A week before the special election, polling showed Chambliss leading Martin by 3 points (50-47). The increase to 14 points in actual voting points to Palin's power to attract young blue-collar voters, a demographic different from traditional Republican voters.

Fred Thompson: A Little Humor in Explaining Current Economic Problems

This is the best short and humorous explanation yet on our economic problems and current economic policy.

video: 8 minutes 25 seconds

Hat Tip: Jennifer Rubin

Palin Making Inroads with Young Blue-Collar Voters

Atlanta Journal-Constitution photo

Cross posted at The Next Right

On the Palin-Chambliss rally near Atlanta today, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes that those in attendance were "[a] decidedly younger crowd than Republicans usually draw to the events like this":

"Walked out of the Gwinnett auditorium with Tom Baxter, late of this page, who made this observation: That the thousands who attended the Sarah Palin/Saxby Chambliss rally were the most down-scale crowd he’s seen at a GOP event this year.

"In other words, these were white, young blue-collar newcomers to the process.

"'They’ve got no money,' Baxter noted. Three weeks ago, the Chambliss rally that featured John McCain in Cobb County drew a smaller and substantially different crowd — still white, but older and in business suits."

It's a positive sign for the future of the Republican party that Palin draws and energizes these young blue-collar voters. In attracting voters from a demographic more likely to lean Independent or Democratic, she's following in the footsteps of Reagan.