Here’s this week’s episode of Moore Up North. The topic? Fisheries.

I’ll just preface by saying that this is one of the reasons that a show like this is so important. Alaska is synonymous with oil; not only to a fault, but also to a misconception. Subsistence fishing is inherently more a part of this state’s culture and, if we truly want to claim ourselves as living in an ownership state, in line with our constitution, should be protected, ferociously, as a basic human right for our indigenous peoples. And while the topic lacks luster and continually seems to escape the attention of those following whatever fruit or vegetable is currently being thrown at Sarah Palin, it is still absolutely imperative to be discussed and educated about. While the media continues to focus on our wayward ex-governor, Shannyn is stopping to talk about a life and death matter that slips through the cracks in even most immediate local media coverage.

“Moore Up North” tapes every Thursday night at 5pm at Bernie’s Bungalow, 626 D St. in downtown Anchorage. It’s a party. So, you should be there.

For more information, toss an email over to mooreupnorth@gmail.com

Heather and I had the chance to sit down with the amazing folks with Repower Alaska earlier tonight.

The group is currently focusing on a “New Years Resolution” campaign that consists of Alaskans getting together and taking a moment to record a video message about how they plan to support renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint in the new year. I think it’s a fine idea.

They’re a great group of people, keen on new ideas presented over a pint.

And pints are my calling card.

Here are a few pictures from their first get-together, at Bernie’s Bungalow. The pictures are dark, because, well, I didn’t want to be the jerk who used a flash in a crowded room.

Continued success, my friends!

For more information, check out Repower Alaska’s Facebook page.

You may have heard back in January that the American Civil Liberties Union had to cut ten percent of its staff because of the economic downturn and the Bernie Madoff scam (two foundations which were major ACLU funders were wiped out by Madoff). The organization has now received an even more serious blow: its largest anonymous donor (who has now been identified as David Gelbaum) will not be able to provide funding this year because of his economic situation. Gelbaum donated over $93 million dollars to the ACLU between 2005 and 2009, and his financial support was expected to provide about 25% of the ACLU’s budget this year.

One of the programs which will no longer exist is the ACLU Youth Activist Scholars program, which honored 31 young civil liberties activists in its two years of existence – including myself and two other Alaskans. That program was an amazing experience, and gave me and the other 30 scholars much-needed financial support to start of our college careers – it’s very sad to see it dissolve so soon.

The ACLU was also instrumental in our work on AO64 this summer – our work would not have been possible without the help of the ACLU of Alaska’s director Jeff Mittman and incredible staff member Tiffany McClain.

We don’t know what is going to happen in the wake of this massive funding reduction, but it definitely isn’t going to be pretty. If the ACLU is going to be able to function in anything resembling its current form, people like us are going to need to step up and help fill the gaping hole in their organizational budget. If you’re already a supporter, make sure you’ve sent in your membership dues – and add a little extra if you can. If you aren’t, today’s a great day to become a card-carrying member of the ACLU. You can donate to the ACLU of Alaska, or contribute directly to the national office. (If you itemize your taxes, the ACLU has a dual corporate structure where membership dues are not tax-deductible but charitable donations can be – check out their website if that’s important to you)

The American Civil Liberties Union has done amazing things to help all of us. I renewed my membership today, and I encourage all of you to contribute as you’re able.

–

Tonei Glavinic is an Alaskan activist studying at American University in Washington, DC. You can contact hir at www.frozenactivist.net.

[The following is a statement released today by the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights. The vast majority of people in the world have no idea that there is even such a thing as Human Rights Day, let alone that it is today. And yet this message is so desperately important. Let's all do our best to heed this call to equality, and surprise someone today by wishing them a Happy Human Rights Day!]

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

The concept of non-discrimination lies at the heart of human rights.

For this reason, it has been designated the official theme of this Human Rights Day, which occurs every year on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. And for this and many other reasons it should be an unofficial theme every day, every year, for everyone.

Twenty-six of the Universal Declaration’s 30 Articles begin with the words “Everyone…” or “No one…” Everyone should enjoy all human rights. No one should be excluded. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Non-discrimination must prevail.

Today, we have a whole range of rights-based international treaties imbued throughout with the concept of non-discrimination. These include, for example, Conventions on the rights of the child, rights of people with disabilities, rights of refugees and of migrant workers; Conventions dedicated to the elimination of racial discrimination and discrimination against women; as well as treaties dealing with labour, health and religion. These legally binding standards are complemented by important UN declarations detailing minority rights and the rights of indigenous peoples.

These international laws and standards are supported by thousands of national and regional laws and institutions. Quite a few countries now have truly universal education, and a smaller number have universal public health systems. Taken together all of this marks an extraordinary celebration of humankind’s ability and aspiration to create a world of equal opportunity and equal treatment under the law. And many millions of people have benefited as a result.

People of all sorts have something to offer. When we embrace diversity, we bring extra richness and depth to our societies.

Yet discrimination is still rampant.

Women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours and produce half of the world’s food, yet earn only 10 percent of the world’s income and own less than one percent of the world’s property. Despite significant improvements over the past century, women and girls are still discriminated against to some degree in all societies and to a great degree in many. Every day countless numbers of women are sexually or physically abused, and the vast majority of their abusers go unpunished and future abuse is undeterred.

Minorities in all regions of the world continue to face serious threats, discrimination and racism, and are frequently excluded from fully taking part in the economic, political, social and cultural life available to the majorities in the countries or societies where they live.

Similar problems face the estimated 370 million indigenous people who make up five percent of the world’s population, but 15 percent of its poorest people. They are often marginalized, deprived of many fundamental rights – including land and property – and lack access to basic services.

Racial and ethnic discrimination are also to be found all across the planet, and remain one of the most dangerous forms of discrimination. Left unchecked, or actively fanned, they can all too easily lead to hatred, violence, and – in the worst cases – push on up the scale to full-blown conflict, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Discrimination based on religion or belief can be equally destructive. In certain countries, members of certain groups are restricted in how they can exercise their religion or belief and deprived of their fundamental rights. In extreme cases such conditions may lead to sectarian violence, killing and conflict. Stereotyping can lead to stigmatization and isolationism.

Refugees and migrants are widely discriminated against, including in rich countries where men, women and children who have committed no crime are often held in detention for prolonged periods. They are frequently discriminated against by landlords, employers and state-run authorities, and stereotyped and vilified by some political parties, media organizations and members of the public.

Many other groups face discrimination to a greater or lesser degree. Some of them are easily definable such as persons with disabilities, stateless people, gays and lesbians, members of particular castes and the elderly. Others may span several different groups and find themselves discriminated against on several different levels as a result.

Those who are not discriminated against often find it hard to comprehend the suffering and humiliation that discrimination imposes on their fellow individual human beings. Nor do they always understand the deeply corrosive effect it has on society at large.

Discrimination feeds mistrust, resentment, violence, crime and insecurity and makes no economic sense, since it reduces productivity. It has no beneficial aspects for society whatsoever. Yet we continue to practice it – virtually all of us – often as a casual reflex, without even realizing what we are doing.

I would therefore like to encourage people everywhere – politicians, officials, businesses leaders, civil society, national human rights institutions, the media, religious leaders, teachers, students, and each and every individual – to honour Human Rights Day 2009 by embracing diversity and resolving to take concrete and lasting actions to help put an end to discrimination.

© OHCHR 2009

I want the conservative opinion, as well as the liberal, and all between on this. If you would do so, please watch this video, at least for the first five minutes, which set up the statements below. Read the corresponding conversation, and give me your thoughts. I’m into opening a dialogue, and I believe that a major question was posed here, and I want to continue the conversation.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/vp/34352230#34352230

(I’d embed the video, but MSNBC is not working with me tonight)

First off, Dick Cheney needs to shut up. I know that this statement might set an offsetting precedent for some, but I mean it in no disrespect to conservatives. I don’t view Dick Cheney as a conservative. I don’t buy that he believes in fiscal conservatism, budget hawk conservatism, Goldwater conservatism, Buckley conservatism, and I definitely don’t entertain the thought that he is, in any way, a so-called true believer. I believe in my heart that Dick Cheney is a one-man-for-himself capitalist who has bastardized the party possibly to the point of illegitimacy (please do not confuse that to mean the death of conservatism). He has manipulated policy in a way that solely serves himself, and close allies, and casts aside the fate of anyone and everyone who is not connected within that small inner-circle. I have seen, through friends and family, that this isn’t the entirety of the party, nor reflective of the many populist movements wishing to convey their messages of discontent. But those voices who indeed speak for the conservative movement within this country need to get louder, and speak to bigger issues than obstruction and hatred of government; hatred towards Obama.

I bring this up only to give context to how I view the person who applied the treasonous phrase “Giving aid and comfort to the enemy” to the President of the United States.

Here’s where discussion should come into play. How many people really believe that President Obama has violated the US Constitution, Article 3, Section 3:

“Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.”

Because here are my thoughts. I think that the same people who are rallying behind Cheney, saying “Yeah! Obama is guilty of treason!” have effectively detached themselves from reality.

I believe that this is the same mentality that allows people to march in 18th century patriot costumes and participate in tea parties against taxes, invoking the words of our founding fathers, and assuming that they are speaking for our ancestors. The audacity for people who live in modern day America to stand up and arrogantly take on the mantle of our founding fathers is disturbing to me. There is no realism displayed when dressing up in a costume and arguing against government, and then alleging it to be in league with our nation’s founders, who risked everything, including their lives (and those of their children), not to prevent taxation, but to stand up and say, “If we’re going to live here and be taxed, we need to have a damn say in the matter.”

These folks weren’t just complaining about what tax dollars were put towards. They were saying they were willing to put down their lives for a fighting chance to have a stake in it. There is no link to that within today’s reality. This is self-conceptualization. These are people who are patting themselves on the back for their ancestors’ bravery. Don’t speak for them. You’re doing both parties a disservice.

Likewise, this “Obama treason” mentality falls in line with folks who play war games on Xbox. There is a noteworthy group of people who truly believe that there is no distinguishable difference between killing someone in a video game, and killing them in reality. If you don’t see this as a problem, I think you need to. It is a good thing to recognize humanity.

Similarly, you see this disconnect with people offering up signs touting “Chairman Maobama,” or drawing the Hitler-stache on the President’s face. These are people who have never dealt with the reality of death, or, if they have, have never taken it seriously, or walked away with a sick interpretation of it’s impact. Anyone who can conflate the Holocaust with one approximated year of Barrack Obama needs to go to a better school. Probably one that isn’t taught by your parents.

This concept is also prevalent with secessionists. Most people who subscribe to secessionist parties don’t actually want secession. They just want the threat; it’s their negotiation chip. Just as most militias prepare for the revolution, but don’t actually want the revolution to happen. Secession? Revolution? It means the unavoidable end to society as we know it. Put down the Fred Meyer or Carr’s card. It’s a cool t-shirt that doubles as a great conversation piece, but would be a disservice to generations to come. Those dreaming about post apocalyptic realities are not exhibiting compassion; they are promulgating destructive fantasies that will facilitate, or further, a culture of hate, desensitization, and detachment. And as much as conservatives adore looking gravely at the deficit and lowering their heads, worrying for their children, grandchildren, etc… None of these grand statements will improve the situation. If the world really is flat now, can you imagine what a death sentence would be served if we split up our country? Or turned to mob rule?

It’s closing in on the year mark for President Obama. And it’s been, probably, the most partisan year of my life. Isn’t it about time to move back towards reality? Towards the center? Isn’t it about time we started evaluating policy for its merits, rather than its political affiliation? I, for one, love talking with conservatives, so long as they listen. I can be convinced, so long as you provide the better argument. Can you say the same?

So, it’s your call. What do you think? Is society getting to a point where we can challenge each other and share our common goals; respect our differences and similarities without resorting to calling each other fascists or communists?

Can we, as a people, move away from Cheney?

For those of you who are also enjoying finals week, I offer you this video.  Whether it reminds you of the struggle to get through hell week, or if it just brings a bit of levity, I hope it brings you joy.

The complaint lodged by state house candidate Jason Cline was dismissed, citing the following explanation from the State of Alaska Department of Administration Alaska Public Offices Commission:

“Dear Mr. Cline

Staff has reviewed the Complaint you filed on December 7, 2009 and has determined that the Complaint should be rejected based on 2 ACC 50.452(a)(3). The Complaint does not, on its face, allege a violation of a statute or regulation.

Your complaint correctly notes that all communications shall be clearly identified by the words “paid for by” followed by the name and address of the group or individual paying for the communication. “Communication ” is defined in AS 15.13.400(3). The definition excludes communications (from the “paid for by” requirement) where an individual creates a communication costing less than $500. The definition also excludes communications that do not identify a candidate regardless of whether they are made by an individual or group. Dan Sullivan is not a candidate at this time. 15.13.400(1)(A). A candidate is an individual who has filed for election to a particular office and not the holder of a particular office.

Therefore, If Christopher Jenkins acted as an individual, his activity is excluded because it likely cost less than $500. And if this is a group communication, the communication is still excluded because Dan Sullivan is not a candidate at this time.

You have the right to ask the Commission to review the Commission Staff’s determination that the Complaint should be rejected under the provisions 2 ACC 50.452(c).

Please do not hesitate to call if you have additional questions.”

And the letter ends with the signature of Jerry D. Anderson, Assistant Director.

So, basically, Mr. C-L-I-N-E dot com, your complaint was dismissed because it cost less than $500 to put together a Facebook page (perhaps you over-adjusted for inflation?), and regardless of this would still be dismissed because Dan Sullivan is not a candidate. Well, not officially at least. I know, I could have seen myself slipping on that one too. He definitely seems like he’s already campaigning against Sen. Begich something fierce.

Rookie mistakes, right?

But please refrain from future attempts to attain name recognition. People on both sides fight hard, legitimately, to do so. This was cheap, underhanded, and disrespectful towards Jenkins, who is just trying to do what he feels is right and wanted the streets plowed.

I know it’s easy to take advantage of the ferocious partisan lust of people like Eddie Burke and Mark Dingham, who have no qualms about sensationalizing whatever “gray areas” you can make manifest, but its no way to run a campaign.

Click here to view the actual .PDF file of the ruling.

What a mess.

December 1st marked the launch of a Facebook page entitled “Hold Mayor Dan Sullivan Accountable” aimed at discussing issues regarding Anchorage’s new administration, which has presented itself not without controversy as it assumes its role. The social networking site’s own description states:

“Are you upset with Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan’s politically motivated decisions? Was Mayor Sullivan wrong to veto Ordinance 64 (Equal Rights Ordinance) into Law? Was he wrong to collect over $12,000 in pay for the time he was mayor-elect? Senator Begich didn’t do that. Was he wrong to close the public Library for 30 days? IS he wrong to keep firetrucks in their firehouses, unable to protect the citizens of Anchorage, possibly reducing response times and damaging our homes? IF you believe Mayor Sullivan is wrong to cut vital city services or veto specific Anchorage Assembly Ordinances, join this Facebook group and show Anchorage we want to move forward not backwards.”

Over the next two days, the site collected over two hundred names, prompting a KTVA piece:

This fired up some conservatives who immediately started a “Hold Mark Begich Accountable!” page, which has mustered 15 members thus far, and prominently displays Senator Begich in a photo addressing a crowd that was described by Bent Alaska via Facebook update:

“[J]ust noticed that the FB group ‘Hold Mark Begich Accountable!’ (created in reaction to the new ‘Hold Mayor Dan Sullivan Accountable’ group) is using my photo of Mark and his son at Pride Fest 08 for the profile pic and describes the photo as ‘true colors.’ Surprise (not): the anti-Begich crowd is openly anti-gay!”

Next up in the reaction to the Facebook political wars is a filing of a complaint sent from Republican candidate for state House District 22, Jason Cline, to APOC claiming that:

“[T]he Alaska Democratic Party created a facebook page titled ‘Hold Dan Sullivan Accountable.’ The page states that it is ‘Not affiliated with any political party.’ Immediately after creating the site a message was sent out on an official party communication platform, by a self identified party intern, announcing the page and asking party members to join the website. Party leadership was aware of the activities and clearly supported them as demonstrated by Party Chairwoman Patti Higgin’s post on the site, just hours after the site was created, attacking Mayor Sullivan… These activities clearly violate APOC regulations requiring political parties to openly identify themselves as being behind such sites with a ‘Paid for by’ box.” [AlaskaRepublicans.com]

The issue at stake here is that Christopher Jenkins, who created the Sullivan site, is an intern with the Alaska Democratic Party. Furthermore, the claim put forth is that Cline either took or attained screen shots that present evidence that Jenkins used the party’s email list to contact people soliciting support for his page. To compound the issue, the complaint alleges that Party Chair, Patti Higgins, was both complicit and supportive.

Higgins did, in fact, comment soon after the page was put online, offering: “I wonder what economic impact we suffered from Mayor Sullivan’s impulsive decision to cut bus service on the busiest shopping day of the year? How much did this cost minimum wage earners who suddenly had to find another way to get to work?”

The Alaska Standard smelled red meat. Two minutes before six am this morning, we were greeted with the headline on the conservative blog entitled “Alaska Democrats Violate APOC Laws,” which keenly observed their commonly practiced inclination to side with due process.

“[T]he beauty of local elected officials is that, ideally, they are non-partisan public servants. Their passions should be with the business of running the city, not the partisan politics that plague state and national government. City Hall should be the hall of the people, not an arena for partisan battles.

This deception by the Alaska Democratic Party is a betrayal of the public trust. When party leaders speak, we trust that they are speaking the truth as they know it, with all the passion of their convictions. When they work to deceive, it serves nobody and continues the denigration of the public’s trust in our political system.”

Apparently, the Alaska Standard didn’t see anything wrong with casually applying the title of “party leader” to Jenkins. But, Eddie Burke rarely needs convincing. He invited Casey Reynolds, who initially sent out the press release advertising the APOC complaint, and Jason Cline, onto his show earlier this afternoon.

Reynolds began the attack:

“When a political party or organization sanctions these things and obviously lends their name and their weight as well as their official party communications platform like the Democratic Party’s website, they should take credit for a website, and as we saw this is an intern for the democratic party using… the democratic party’s resources, and so it shouldn’t be listed that it says no party affiliation… In order for elections and for public discourse to really be done accurately, groups have to be out in the open about who they are and what their intentions are, and this is just a continuing trend of what’s called astro-turfing, you know, trying to make something seem like it’s a naturally occurring movement from citizens getting together when in fact it’s not, this is a democratic party initiative created by one of their interns in order to look that way, and that’s what’s troubling about it.”

Interesting. So, now we’ve jumped to the assumption that this was a grand scheme concocted by the Democrats. And has someone been watching the health care debate coverage on MSNBC this summer? Where have I heard this before? Let’s return real quick to the post this morning by the Alaska Standard:

“[This] is a blatant attempt by the Democratic Party of Alaska, to deceive the public into believing this is a ‘grass-roots’ type effort simply to show the Mayor that the public disagrees with many of his decisions. However, it is clear that this is a deliberate and coordinated attempt by Alaska Democratic Party officials to affect a future municipal election in their favor.”

Hmm. Eddie Burke? What say you?

“So, the Democratic party’s been busted trying to make themselves look like, hey, look at this young sixteen year old kid, oh look at him, all apple pie and mother and Chevrolet, and he’s a thug. I mean, that’s all there is to it.”

A thug? Seriously. A thug?

So, we’ve got a 16 year old astro-turfing, grass-roots, thug who the Democratic party chose above all others, who might have political ambitions or existing notoriety or established charisma, to stand up, fulfill the prophesy and reclaim the throne of a progressive Anchorage agenda; to be their Frodo against Sauron; their Harry Potter to pit against Voldemort.

And they think that we’re the ones drinking the Kool-Aid.

As was brilliantly stated earlier today on Celtic Diva’s blog:

“DAN SULLIVAN IS NOT A CANDIDATE.

APOC deals with issues of disclosure regarding 1) public officials currently in office (public officers file financial disclosure forms at the end of the year) and 2) campaign finance.

This complaint is alleging violations of campaign finance law.  As Dan Sullivan JUST became mayor in July, there is NO CAMPAIGN and he couldn’t file as a candidate for the next election even if he wanted to.

Therefore, not only is there no money involved in any of this anyway, there’s no violation of campaign finance law.  You would think, as a candidate, Jason would know this.

Seems to me he just filed a REAL ‘frivolous complaint!’”

And this is the reality. Jason Cline, as stated earlier, is running for State House District 22 against Sharon Cissna, who has held the seat since 1998. I’ve written about her before on this blog, and am happy to repeat that I am absolutely amazed by her dedication to her position, her district, and her state. I implore you to read more about her, in detail, and about the trip she took down the Tanana and Yukon Rivers this past spring to connect with Alaskans and help better understand the plight of rural Alaska. Or you can read about her UMedFest program, which is a health education event aimed at working with youth in our communities, and has enjoyed four years of success in Anchorage. Or you can take Eddie Burke’s description of her: “a nice lady who’s environmentally whacked out.”

Cline knows that this is more about getting his name out there than anything else. When asked directly by Burke what he hoped this complaint would accomplish, he reported:

“There was a clear call to action in the end of the message that [Jenkins] sends out which is ‘Let’s stand together and let’s move our city forward, and let’s take back Anchorage’ which was the big point, and there’s gray areas in what parties can send on political communications in terms of influencing elections, and so, due to the non-monetary cost of facebook messages and the off-election time it’s kind of difficult, there’s a lot of gray area, but if nothing else comes of this other than the democratic party’s a little more watchful of the communications that they’re sending out and the value of putting their name behind things like this, I’d be happy with that.”

Look, quite honestly, I’d like to end this toxic meme that has been permeating local politics with an unrivaled fervor lately: End this call to take the city back, the state back, the country back. It’s ridiculous, it doesn’t win anyone’s affection, and it just divides us even more. Stop it. Both sides.

As for Christopher Jenkins, I can’t claim that I know whether or not he used the Democratic Party’s email lists or solicited support for the page using his position within the party. I can say for sure that he contacted me through facebook the night before the page went online and told me about it. He was connected to me through a mutual friend who is not affiliated with the Democratic Party in any official capacity, other than voting for the ticket, which I can’t even claim with any certainty, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t call it a safe hunch.

Jenkins told me to check out the page. I did. I told him it looked great; I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m not the Mayor’s biggest fan. He vetoed a few things that I cared pretty deeply about. End of discussion. I didn’t even know Jenkins was an intern until today, as all hell was proceeding to break loose. It has been presented to me that I am not alone in this fashion of being introduced to the page.

This is an unfortunate situation, and if he did use the party lists or his official email without consent, it was a rookie mistake. And, honestly, what other sort of mistake would you expect from a 16 year old, bravely venturing into the ugly world of partisan politics in Alaska? If he did so with the knowledge or, although I severely doubt it, instruction of people within the party, shame on them. That would be an absolutely horrible abuse of power and relationship to a teenager who is attempting to do what both parties rattle on and on about: getting involved.

Ultimately, Jenkins may have to give up one of the two positions he now holds; either administrative control of the Facebook page, or his internship with the Democratic party. It isn’t a win, either way, for either camp, and shouldn’t be celebrated as such. Eddie.

It should also be noted that Mike Dingman, who wrote the piece for the Alaska Standard quoted earlier, might wish to question his involvement and level of vitriol in this specific situation as well. Dingman, after writing his scathing and inflammatory article, posted this comment on the “Hold Mayor Dan Sullivan Accountable” Facebook page:

“Hey look, you’ve made the press again. Good job violating APOC Laws! You’re definitely doing a good job learning how to be a Democrat!”

Christopher Jenkins is 16 years old, yet, amazingly, unlike you, he’s known enough to keep quiet during this explosion of partisan attacks from both sides, which has to be extremely stressful on him.

Any chance you could be less of a dick?

And Jason Cline should really think about how he chose to introduce himself to the main stage; by using rules which he all but admitted don’t apply to this situation in an attempt to get his name put in bold, if only for a brief fifteen minutes. For someone who’s campaign website states “I will work across party lines, while holding firm to my core principles,” this is a hell of a way to start.

As Burke ran out of time and had to wrap things up, Cline chimed in:

“Hey, thank you Eddie, and can I just plug my website really quick? JasonCline.com, that’s Jason C-L-I-N-E dot com.”

********UPDATED:********

(from my friend David Shurtleff, reporting on the newest comments from Jason Cline)

“I went to APOC and talked with their people, and the complaint will most likely be rejected on the fact that because it doesn’t influence a particular election, they are allowed to do this. This will ultimately serve as a reminder for the democrats that party communications should be labeled as such.”

Right. That’s what you want people to be reminded of. Not Jason C-L-I-N-E dot com running against Sharon Cissna in House District 22. Right.

[The blogs listed at the end are listed for informational purposes and are not affiliated with the video - other than this one. Not that I think any of them would mind. I just put them in there because when I'm looking for info, that's where I go!]

In a time where both parties, post presidential election (or birth-certificate-verification-failure, as some describe it), are failing to appeal to the sane among us, the Democrats and Republicans alike should be concentrating on grass roots efforts to get in touch with real people – as opposed to fake people, AKA polls – on an individual basis, and not just so-called “movements” and “collectives.” Both have been trying. Neither have had much success.

Republicans, seeking to combat their lack of relevance on substantive issues, have released a new onslaught of attack ads, boldly calling upon their newest playbook (from 2004) and recruiting the aid of whatever MTV music video director happened upon the unemployment office this month, backed up by the Fox News Christmas Party Band. Huckabee wasn’t invited to play bass this year. Pesky commuted sentences.

At first look, the ad doesn’t serve them well. At second, it becomes a bit laughable. Anything after that requires whiskey consumed from a beer bong. Upside down and preferably in a hot tub. They seem to have shoved their fingers down their ear canals to prevent themselves from being confronted by the truth; that the efficacy of any message is lost when honest appeals to constituents – or even would be constituents – are replaced with carbon copies of retired ideas. How are ditto machine companies doing these days?

If your aim is to broach to the topic of Health Care Reform, then for God’s sake, talk about health care reform. There’s plenty to talk about: obstructionism, deceit, corporate funded opposition and support, cuts to medicare, abortion, wasteful spending, triggers, opt in or outs… There’s a catalog of legitimate pros and cons, which play to the both parties’ respective bases -  in a senate bill that is as fluid as the lines of money fueling the efforts to promote it or kill it.

But, once again, that is not the alley the GOP has chosen to go down. Here’s the approach chosen to be the focal point on the Alaska Republican Party’s page.

OH MY GOD MARK BEGICH IS JOHN KERRY!!! AND THE PRESIDENT IS THE LITTLE GIRL FROM THE RING!!! GET BACK IN THE TV!!!

Oh, wait, never mind. They’re just being “original”. This must be part of Michael Steele’s master plan.

We are strong because we are diverse.  And it’s through our diversity and commitment to these shared principles that we will reach out and welcome more communities into our Party.  The focus of my chairmanship will be to take this message to neighborhoods and communities across the country.

-Michael Steele, on his blog, previously entitled “What up”, briefly “Change the Game”, now simply “Steele’s Blog“

Well, if these other… Similar ads, paid for by the RNC, are any indication of this diversity and individual outreach… The name of the blog might be changing again sometime soon. To a different name. Check them out for yourself, and ask, is the GOP really concerned about your state? About Alaska? On a person by person level? Is this the message Republicans seek to take to communities? Because they just tried to cut and paste my state into a generic template that evidently constitutes their “big tent.” They’re not bothering to go door to door to learn your name. They just expect that you’ll drive by the one giant marquee that they leased for the month.

I’m sorry, but it rings of “integrity” about as much as George W. Bush having his signature stamped onto letters to fallen soldiers’ families. And I’m not okay with that.

Wow.

Attention RNC: I don’t want a one party system. I’m also not too worried about that, considering the unquenchable need of the Democratic party to trip over each other and fall down many, many flights of stairs, usually headfirst. But, more importantly, I want a healthy Republican party. I love discussion, crave debate, and embrace disagreements, so long as all are productive, respectful, and honest. Last I checked, good ideas didn’t generally register party affiliation. We could argue what camp they generally fall within, but that’s another matter entirely. The best solutions arrive when everyone is working towards the common good of the people they represent, and especially when they work to understand the plight of the everyday worker and family. I don’t see that happening right now to any extent that would satisfy me, on either side – but in fairness it seems to be a lot more prevalent with the Republicans. It should also be said that this is somewhat ubiquitous as the role of the party “out of power.”

But, come on folks, pretend you’ve got thick skin until you’ve evolved accordingly. This is a new breed of shameful. One quick trip to your youtube page reveals just how uninspired you are. Why would we trust you with local issues if you don’t offer us the courtesy of taking note of each location, apart from the next? You’ve essentially branded the GOP as a band on tour opening every concert with “Hello Cleveland!”

This is offensive. These ads are as out of touch as they are devoid of passion; of true commitment to the people.

You want successful outreach? Reach out. We’re right here.

The question is, do you even know where that is?