Alaska finds Palin Abused power- politically tainted finding

[kaydee457 13]

Sarah Palin unlawfully abused her power as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper, the chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel concluded Friday. The politically charged inquiry imperiled her reputation as a reformer on John McCain's Republican ticket.

Investigator Stephen Branchflower, in a report by a bipartisan panel that investigated the matter, found Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain.

The inquiry looked into her dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan, who said he lost his job because he resisted pressure to fire a state trooper involved in a bitter divorce with the governor's sister. Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute.

The panel found that Palin let the family grudge influence her decision-making even if it was not the sole reason Monegan was dismissed. "I feel vindicated," Monegan said. "It sounds like they've validated my belief and opinions. And that tells me I'm not totally out in left field."

Branchflower said Palin violated a statute of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act.

Palin and McCain's supporters had hoped the inquiry's finding would be delayed until after the presidential election to spare her any embarrassment and to put aside an enduring distraction as she campaigns as McCain's running mate in an uphill contest against Democrat Barack Obama.

But the panel of lawmakers voted to release the report, although not without dissension.

"I think there are some problems in this report," said Republican state Sen. Gary Stevens, a member of the panel. "I would encourage people to be very cautious, to look at this with a jaundiced eye."

The nearly 300-page report does not recommend sanctions or a criminal investigation.

[dalegg 143]

Okay, I am formally retracting this post.

You know, after pondering that thought for a minute I realize just how brilliant this move was by McCain. At a time when the focus by most political commentators and the media was on "change" vs "same as the past 8 years"- which doesn't favor McCain- the Republicans bring out this running mate who forces the discussion to change to the topic of experience. Talking about Palin's experience in any context brings out the discussion of Obama's experience and now that is all the media is talking about. When the discussion turns from "change" to "experience" that can only favor McCain and the media is playing right into his hands. You have to know that the McCain camp knew this would come up. Now I don't think they were worried about it at all- it's exactly what they wanted!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Waiting for the shitstorm to start. Just another piece in the puzzle. She isn't just empty in the head but lacks ethics as well.

What a pick, Johnny. What a pick. She's the last nail in your political coffin and you don't even realize it. Silly old man.

[HAL 9000 96]

Wow... McCain-Palin isn't getting many breaks from reality as of late huh?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Wow... McCain-Palin isn't getting many breaks from reality as of late huh?

Well, when all you do is smear while trying to hide all kinds of skeletons in your closet, you gotta realize that this is eventually going to backfire. It's never been a smart move to throw stones when you sit in a glasshouse. But then, they're apparently not all that smart.

[HAL 9000 96]

Wow... McCain-Palin isn't getting many breaks from reality as of late huh?

Well, when all you do is smear while trying to hide all kinds of skeletons in your closet, you gotta realize that this is eventually going to backfire. It's never been a smart move to throw stones when you sit in a glasshouse. But then, they're apparently not all that smart.

Yep. Its called getting a taste of their own medicine of sorts.

[Peikko 1,575]

Let me get this straight, they are saying there was some abuse of power, but not enough to warrent any action? What does that mean, exactly?

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Let me get this straight, they are saying there was some abuse of power, but not enough to warrent any action? What does that mean, exactly?

I was wondering too. I guess no more abuse than the average politician.

[IAMX 3,055]

Let me get this straight, they are saying there was some abuse of power, but not enough to warrent any action? What does that mean, exactly?

It means two things.

1. It was an obvious political stunt to give the Democrats leverage. It just worked.

2. Even though they hit each other hard, in the end, they are still best friends.

As long as people keep electing these asshats they will keep doing the same sh!t like this.

Edited October 11, 2008 by SRVT

[Peikko 1,575]

Hey ho, I am not going to give her a free pass, but I am also not going to pour scorn where none is warrented. I think she isn't the 'maverik reformer' she claims to be though, but I thought that before. Her whole modus operendi seems to be jobs for the girls, you scratch my back I'll scratch yours type thing. However, my biggest gripe with her is her lack of intellectual depth. She's pushing her limits being a governor in my opinion and would make the most hopeless VP ever. They'd have to sideline her with some big sounding job that was totally meaningless. Anyway, moving on...

[IAMX 3,055]

Hey ho, I am not going to give her a free pass, but I am also not going to pour scorn where none is warrented. I think she isn't the 'maverik reformer' she claims to be though, but I thought that before. Her whole modus operendi seems to be jobs for the girls, you scratch my back I'll scratch yours type thing. However, my biggest gripe with her is her lack of intellectual depth. She's pushing her limits being a governor in my opinion and would make the most hopeless VP ever. They'd have to sideline her with some big sounding job that was totally meaningless. Anyway, moving on...

Dude, this is entirely status quo.

Barack Obama helped give AT&T their immunity from prosecution in collusion with the NSA in illegally wiretapping millions of Americans, AT&T paid for his DNC. I don't think people have yet really grasped, or are in denial of, how bad this two party system is reaming most ordinary citizens.

We can go to a two party authorization of the Patriot Act, we can go to both parties ultimately voting to allow spying on Americans, we can go to both parties being with independent lenders, we can go with all of the franchising bills, the new DMCA, the new negotiations of ACTA between major country governments which treat people who download music/movies like terrorists (screening your mp3 players/phones/laptops for pirated content) -- all both parties. Are people not getting the trend here? I just wonder to what degree of unscrupulous and dangerous behavior it's going to take for people to finally get it that this two party system only benefits the politicians and the rich/corporations, and help throw these people out. They have the lowest ratings I've ever seen and yet they are still getting re-elected. Figure it out America.

[symbiosis 0]

Let me get this straight, they are saying there was some abuse of power, but not enough to warrent any action? What does that mean, exactly?

I was wondering too. I guess no more abuse than the average politician.

I'm thinking "unlawful" means she broke the law.

Ignorant and immoral.

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The race is coming to an end, how do i know that? McCain's sudden change of attitude towards Obama. It'll be less likely that McCain/Palin will win the White House with all this mess coming out,

This behavior coming from McCain was really weird and came out of nowhere, he gets booed by his own people. I can give credit to McCain for at least try to repair all the bashing and dirty tricks in the campaign (from both sides). Besides, Sen. McCain will have to work with Obama in DC if he gets beaten in the Presidential race.

P.S. On this thread's title, the word is ABUSED not Avused

Edited October 11, 2008 by GueraYTavo

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The race is coming to an end, how i know that? McCain's sudden change of attitude towards Obama. It'll be less likely that McCain/Palin will win the White House with all this mess coming out,

No - this is just part of the roadmap to victory.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The race is coming to an end, how i know that? McCain's sudden change of attitude towards Obama. It'll be less likely that McCain/Palin will win the White House with all this mess coming out,

This behavior coming from McCain was really weird and came out of nowhere...

I think you're misreading. They're just looking for a new message. No wait, they're still looking for a message.