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Title: The Alaska Independence Party (Secessionist - Palin a member in 1994)
Source:
CBS News
URL Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008 ... itics/animal/main4407224.shtml
Published: Sep 2, 2008
Author: Steve Benen
Post Date: 2008-09-02 18:28:34 by buckeye
Keywords: aip
Views: 186
Comments: 9
Political Animal) THE ALASKA INDEPENDENCE PARTY.... What may prove to be the single most damaging angle to Sarah Palin's role on the Republican Party ticket? There are quite a few contenders (ethics scandal, earmarks, inexperience, outside-the-mainstream views), but following up on Hilzoy's item from last night, Palin's association with the Alaska Independence Party might be the most politically detrimental. Copyright 2008
It's practically impossible to make a "Country First" argument when your running mate is affiliated with a political party that puts country second.Officials of the Alaskan Independence Party say that Palin was once so independent, she was once a member of their party, which since the 1970s has been pushing for a legal vote for Alaskans to decide whether or not residents of the 49th state can secede from the United States.And while McCain's motto -- as seen in a new TV ad -- is "Country First," the AIP's motto is the exact opposite -- "Alaska First -- Alaska Always."
For all the talk about Barack and Michelle Obama's patriotism, John McCain's running mate was a member of a political party that liked the idea of seceding from the United States altogether. It's the kind of idea that would have been more common in the 1850s.
Lynette Clark, the chairman of the AIP, tells ABC News that Palin and her husband Todd were members in 1994, even attending the 1994 statewide convention in Wasilla. Clark was AIP secretary at the time.
"We are a state's rights party," Clark -- a self-employed goldminer -- tells ABC News. The AIP has "a plank that challenges the legality of the Alaskan statehood vote as illegal and in violation of United Nations charter and international law."
Advocating secession is, practically by definition, un-American. How does the right go after Obama's patriotism while supporting a ticket with a candidate who joined a secessionist party?
We are, after all, talking about a party founded by a man who said, "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions." The same man, AIP founder Joe Vogler, also said, "[T]he fires of Hell are glaciers compared to my hate for the American government."
How is this any better than Jeremiah Wright? Why would Sarah Palin voluntarily join this man's political party?
Complicating matters, Marc Ambinder has a video of a AIP leader explaining that party members "must 'infiltrate' -- his words -- the other two parties and push for the cause of Alaskan independence."
I suspect McCain and his aides didn't know about any of this. Indeed, they couldn't have -- they didn't vet her. But now that this revelation has come to light, what's the defense?
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#1. To: Old Friend, Jethro Tull, noone222, mirage, christine, Cynicom (#0)
Suggestion put forth that the vetting team didn't know about this. Huh. I think we're still being played like violins. But it's the most fun we've had with politics since Quayle misspelled potato.
I don't know jack about the AIP, but if it wants to secede from the lower 48, that's a nice start.
The hell with the campaign for liberty. We should start serious secessionist movements in all of our states.
Here is a site that has lots of info on how Alaska illegally became a state. It is pro alaskan independence. http://www.jusbelli.com/
If this is accurate, then this really could be the start of something VERY interesting. Thanks for the ping!
"A leader, for a change." - Jimmy Carter, 1976 campaign slogan. Sound familiar? Here it comes again!
You're very welcome.
Bah, Alaska joining the Union was the worst error that state ever made and they have regretted it ever since. Advocating secession is, practically by definition, un-American. As opposed to what America stands for today? Not to mention that two high ranking proponents of secession ended up dead. Can't imagine why people would want to get away from that. We are, after all, talking about a party founded by a man who said, "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions." All FEDGOV ever did was bend Alaska over a barrel. In the end it makes Palin appear squarely in the corner of state's rights vs FEDGOV domination. I swear the author is trying to get people to vote for her and not against her.
"The more I see of life, the less I fear death." - Me. "If violence solved nothing, then weapons technology would have never advanced past crude clubs and rocks." - Me.
No they're not. They're playing you and me for all they're worth. We're the target audience of the Palin nomination.
Ain't working on me. She was a great Mayor and Governer, but her national and international policy follows the neocon game plan too much for my liking. Still, with her as VP I think McNutcase may just have a chance now.
"The more I see of life, the less I fear death." - Me. "If violence solved nothing, then weapons technology would have never advanced past crude clubs and rocks." - Me.
#2. To: buckeye (#1)
#3. To: Jethro Tull (#2)
#4. To: Jethro Tull (#2)
#5. To: buckeye (#1)
#6. To: mirage (#5)
#7. To: buckeye (#0)
Palin's association with the Alaska Independence Party might be the most politically detrimental.
#8. To: Pissed Off Janitor (#7)
#9. To: buckeye (#8)
We're the target audience of the Palin nomination.
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