Posted on 04/27/2010 5:16:56 PM PDT by curth
Yesterday we learned that another “ethics” complaint that was filed against Governor Palin was dismissed as baseless. (If you are counting, the Governor is 26-0-1 regarding such complaints or suits, with one still pending). Only this complaint was actually filed after she left office, and alleged that the mere existence of the Alaska Fund Trust (the legal defense fund set up for her to help defray the costs incurred during the Troopergate fiasco and related machinations that followed in its wake) was violative of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act as well as its solicitation or receipt of contributions. The raison d’être of the legal defense fund was inexorably linked to Governor Palin’s nomination as the Republican candidate for Vice President and the post-nomination political tactics arising therefrom; thus making the nomination sine quo non for the fund. In a detailed opinion, the complaint was dismissed as lacking a factual or legal basis. Last June, upon learning that a complaint against the Governor’s Anchorage Office Director was dismissed as baseless, Governor Palin’s then Chief of Staff Mike Nizich said, “This is not about holding the governor or state employees accountable. This is pure harassment.” That still rings true today.
When I discussed this with Governor Palin, she had an interesting take: “My reaction upon reading the opinion in this matter was not what I expected. Though I’m always pleased with the results of these investigations that prove the false allegations wrong, and I appreciate the detailed reasoning set forth in this recent opinion, I was primarily disappointed that the State of Alaska, the Attorney General’s office, and others, still have to spend time and resources addressing the abusive onslaught of frivolous complaints directed against me—even after I left office.”
At times (indeed, as recently as Sunday in a magazine cover story) people allege that the “real” reason Governor Palin stepped down was to “make money” (citing primarily her best selling book). As this most current complaint again emphasizes, Governor Palin stepped down for the right reasons—she did not want to see her state government continue to get bogged down with inane “ethics” complaints that were transparently political, plainly partisan, and diverting state resources. The voluntary relinquishment of power for the greater good is normally praised as an example of true leadership—just review any biography of George Washington—and it should be in this case as well. But for those who seek power for the sake of power, a selfless act is confusing, so a new narrative is created, such as the “profit” motive now being asserted with renewed vigor. Rest assured Sarah Palin had obtained approval to write her memoir while still in office without running into any conflict with the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Her financial future from her best selling book, though unknown then, would not have altered much whether she stayed in office or resigned, except the number of “ethics” complaints did dramatically decrease, so any legal fees associated with such complaints decreased concomitantly.
Let this latest dismissed complaint serve as a reminder for one of the real—and stated—reasons for her voluntary relinquishment of office, an office she campaigned for diligently, tirelessly and effectively. It stands as a marker that occasionally, every so often, there are public servants who can recognize the difference between self-interest and public interest. Sarah Palin is one such public servant.
- Thomas Van Flein, personal attorney for Sarah Palin
When does Sarah sue back for the frustraion and baseless assaults on her character
Excellent explanation by Van Flein of the latest complaint shoot-down and again showing she had a higher interest beyond personal gain in resigning from office.
Wonder what the remaining complaint is about?
Amen. They are few and far between. I honestly believe that Sara would just walk away if it were not for the fact that so many believe in her and think she can bring honesty to the body politic. I think she must be torn between just saying, "adios" and her deep feeling for public service. A true American. God Bless you Sara.
bookmark.
When does Sarah sue back for the frustraion and baseless assaults on her character
Sorry, it doesn't work that way.
And actually, it's a good thing it doesn't work that way for a public and political figure. If it did work that way, we would all be getting sued for the things we say about Obama... LOL ...
(((((((Palin Ping))))))
Ethics complaint dismissed Ping.
Thdy had to get her out of office because America always chooses Governors over Senators. She would have been a more powerful candidate in 2012 if she was still in office.
Yep, they’ve all been baseless... and this puts it to rest ... good thing...
It was just a bunch of Marxist liberals trying to stir up trouble and keep the pot boiling... Palin jerked the rug out from under them, when she left them without a governor to be able to beat up on ... LOL ...
She’s moving right along ... headed for the White House... while they’re stuck back in Alaska... :-)
Good catch and thank you for the posting!
Thdy had to get her out of office because America always chooses Governors over Senators. She would have been a more powerful candidate in 2012 if she was still in office.
I don't think that she's lessened her viability or profile or chances by beating the Marxist/Leftist/Liberals at their own game. They're still stuck in Alaska and she's moving forward towards the White House... LOL ...
LOL. Yep, you’re right on all counts!
They tried to bankrupt her and bury her politically and instead they have helped make her wealthy and a political powerhouse. Thanks, you worthless sacks.
They tried to bankrupt her and bury her politically and instead they have helped make her wealthy and a political powerhouse. Thanks, you worthless sacks.
True, they tried. Palin beat them at their own game, and she's moving way beyond where they're at and has left them all behind, headed for the White House. Go Sarah!
... because America always chooses Governors over Senators.
Well, America sure screwed up on Governor Obama, then ... LOL ...
Thanks for the ping. Well done, Mr. Van Flein. Palin’s got herself a good lawyer. Not an Ivy leaguer either....U. of Arizona.
That's usually true, but not necessarily in Governor Palin's case. There was a clear and calculated Democrat strategy to trap and crush her in Alaska, planned by Axelrod's minions, funded by Soros' various front groups, and executed by local operatives.
Since voluntarily relinquishing power is completely foreign to the liberal mind, Governor Palin thwarted their fine plans by stepping aside, writing her book, and going National.
Consequently, the Rats' plan to ruin her and her family, and thereby eliminate her as a threat to Obama in 2012, has backfired epically, and quite conversely to what they had planned, she has become far more powerful now than she ever would have been had she remained as governor.
Savor the sweet irony!
Good point. Although, at some juncture, this has to be viewed as harassment. At least for a "regular" person anyway.
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