Palin's words continue to belie her actions

There was a time, not very long ago, I was a big champion of Gov. Sarah Palin. I'm a Democrat and a life-long Alaskan. She appeared to be a breath of fresh air in Alaska, one that seemed much needed in the wake of the trampling done by Frank Murkowski. But, sooner or later, the dawn comes.

For me, it was her acceptance of the tap of John McCain as his vice president pick. She accepted the nomination just two years into all the work that still needed to be done in Alaska. I can't think of a politician who has disappointed me more (and I usually cast a pretty jaundiced eye on any of them).

I followed this "family values" governor as she paraded her family on the national stage, putting the spotlight on them and then blaming the media for reacting, exactly as she continues to blame the media for everything said about her. Personally, if I didn't want media attention, I would not put myself or my family in the spotlight. Her words continue to belie her actions.

The latest idiocy with the state Legislature points out her disconnection to Alaska. Had Palin appointed Rep. Beth Kerttula to represent Juneau, in the Senate in an act of graciousness (sometimes it's good to have your detractors thrown off course by being gracious), her appointment of Wayne Anthony Ross might have gone forward. So, thank you, Sarah Palin, for awakening the sleeping giant. (And by the way, I can almost bet the "no" vote came after constituents contacted their legislators, not because legislators did not vote the wishes of their districts.)

Also, I want to thank the Legislature for finally being fed up with the smoke and mirrors the governor has been feeding them since the session began. Special thanks to those Republicans who are smarter than the average bear. I was sorry to see Brent Johnson, a deserving candidate for the Board of Fish, caught up in the resounding flack. But the animosity generated by the governor, with her thumbs-to-the-eyeballs rude behavior to our elected representatives, sooner or later was bound to get negative results.

I am embarrassed almost on a daily basis by this elected official. There are mavericks and there are childish bullies. I think the governor misnamed herself, and falls into the latter category.

Marilyn Wheeless

Kenai