insomnomaniac

Sarah Palin and the Alaska National Guard

Alt. title: "You've commanded what exactly Senators Obama and Biden?

/eyeroll

So I've noticed that the "big story" this weekend has been whether or not Sarah Palin "commands" the Alaska National Guard. The McCain camp used that word--"commands"-- Tucker Bounds a campaign spokesperson used it and said that it provides evidence of her "foreign policy" experience.

DUMBASS!!!!

I have respect for her exp. relative to the Guard, but dang, Bounds is a moron. Even Palin never claimed it as providing "foreign policy" experience, but what bothers me is that the media (who are still out for her blood and he oughta know that) have latched onto that claim and are doing everything in their power to diminish what ought to be considered some excellent relevant experience for her (relevant to being a heartbeat away from the CIC job in general, certainly as compared to the exp. people think she has or doesn't have, never mind as compared to the exp. of her opponents).

I found this video of an appearance by the actual "commander" of the AK national guard, I think it's very interesting and speaks to what she did that does demonstrate strong CIC abilities, as well as relevant experience.

I also found this info. regarding the unique nature of AK's role in our national defense, a role that Palin is responsible for overseeing, and which gives her security clearances to top secret information:

The info. below was a summary I found on a blog favorable to Palin, but the blogger got the raw info. from ]this primary source which you can check for yourself.

Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It’s on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.

As governor of Alaska, Palin is briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counterterrorism. Her exposure to classified material may rival even Biden's.

She's also the commander in chief of the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF), a federally recognized militia incorporated into Homeland Security's counterterrorism plans.

Palin is privy to military and intelligence secrets that are vital to the entire country's defense. Given Alaska's proximity to Russia, she may have security clearances we don't even know about.

So no, it's not really true to say that her exp. with the guard gives her "foreign policy" experience (damn it makes me ANGRY that McCain has such a dolt working for him, GRRR!), but let that not diminsh what she has done as a CIC, it's still relevant, and it's still more than the avg. first term 2 year gov. does (according to the commander of the AK guard). It is also more (much more) than any Senator does, period. There are NO CIC duties when you are a legislator. Even when "sending soldiers into battle," yours is but one of 100 votes, their fate is not 100% on your individual shoulders, nor are you personally responsible for seeing to it that their needs are met day-to-day.

What worries me is that this election will be decided in the media b/c of semantics. Like the earmark thing, or the "foreign policy" exp. thing (when I bet he meant "national security" but he's too daft to appreciate the news value of ignoring the difference). WORDS have meaning, once they're on the page, they take on a life of their own!!

In this respect, it is clear that the Obama campaign is far superior in their appreciation for and ability to use the manipulation of words and media to their advantage.

UGH. Have we seriously reached the point where we don't vote for President, but the media do?

Posted by insomnomaniac at September 7, 2008 3:22 PM | TrackBack