FINNERAN LANE

Confronting a Vicious Slander Against Gov. Sarah Palin

PALIN PREGNANCY PROVED

 

The above photo was used to spread the lie VP candidate Sarah Palin was “not pregnant” ; and had adopted a ruse cover up the pregnancy of her 16 year old daughter. This was published in the Daily Kos – which,to be tactful, is not fond of Republicans,and not overly careful about fact-checking.

To make matters worse, some enterprising poster at Democratic Free Underground decided to embellish upon this patent slander by insinuating the 16 year old daughter was a victim of incest.

This seems like a good time to point out the baby in question suffers from Downs syndrome .

Since a photo – which some might find ambiguous because of the angle from which it was taken,and the outfit Gov. Palin was wearing - was used to launch the lie , it might be useful to look at another photo - taken the same day – which more clearly shows her pregnancy.

http://alaskareport.com/images48/trig_paxon_van_palin.jpg

Still not convinced ?

Okay, how about a mention of her pregnancy in the Alaska newspapers ?

http://community.adn.com/node/118874

Megan Larson, one of the letter writers in this March 8, 2008 issue says:

50     March 8, 2008 - 11:34pm | MeganLarson

Congrats to Sarah and Family

Reading through the posts here, I have been shocked and saddened. Many of you are usually tough on Sarah to the point of abuse, but the comments that remain in this thread and obviously the ones that were deleted are so degrading and inappropriate because people are referring negatively to her pregnancy and unborn child.

Many have said they are mad that Todd and Sarah decided to have another baby. Would you be mad if Todd were the governor and he announced his wife was pregnant? I doubt it. Besides, people don't always plan to have babies. . . sometimes, despite precautions taken, babies are created.

I completely understand why Sarah waited as long as she could to tell us. This is an issue a lot of working women go through. For a man it's no big deal but for a woman all of a sudden her competency and loyalty to the job are questioned.

I'm sure she has a huge support group who can help with the baby, and they have these things called breast pumps that she can use to express milk when she can't be there to feed her child in person.

I waited a while before I told my bosses I am pregnant. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops because my husband and I are over the moon with joy but these issues that are addressed here kept me mum for a while. I'm fortunate because everyone's been really supportive but I certainly felt like I had to explain myself. I felt very judged by some when I said I would be back to work after our baby is born. I didn't HAVE to explain to people that my husband works from home and will be a stay-at-home dad, but over and over I found myself divulging this information right after sharing how I would be back to work. Then I get the funny looks and jokes regarding our decision to "role reverse", as it were.

Governor Palin, congratulations. When I met you in January at a teacher event, I was really struck by your honest interest in the people who wanted to meet you and take pictures with you. I've waited in line to meet celebrities in the past and usually they act like they're interested in what you're saying but really you can tell they're saying, "hurry up and go so I can get out of here." But as I stood in line I heard you asking questions and making personal connections and laughing and sharing stories. I could really see that you genuinely cared about the people there. You were willing to stay as long as it took to meet and greet everyone who waited to see you. It was really awesome.

I understand why you waited to tell us and I think that it's great you're going to have a new baby. Don't take to heart the hurtful things people say . . . although I know you wouldn't, anyway. And best of luck in your labor and delivery!

Even the most obtuse will notice this pre-dated Gov. Palin's selection as a candidate by a good 5 months , but I'm sure somebody will claim it was a fake – so here's one more . It not only confirms the pregnancy,but tells folks something interesting about what kind of Governor she is !

http://www.polartrec.com/node/3944

( I still consider myself neutral in this coming election , but think this sort of vicious slander needs to be confronted head on.)

 

Footnote: The "evolved" seem determined not to back down from their campaign of innuendo and outright slander. Perhaps this story will convince them ?

http://www.adn.com/626/story/382864.html

 

(Sigh ! Probably not....)

The Ladies' Hmmm Journal Presents "Show 'n Tell" Ideas

Your child can become a classroom star !!

How ? By having something really interesting for that crucial first "show 'n tell" session. Here are a few helpful tips !

 

Nothing- but nothing says "show 'n tell" like a handful of baby crocodiles !

(They'll be talking about your youngster for quite some time !!)

If crocodiles are not quite your thing, we can guarantee these babies will capture a lot of attention !

(Just set them down on the classroom floor and watch the fun begin !!)

If your child is among those who prefer something a bit more warm-blooded as an Animal Companion , pet mice are a big draw.

(This specimen will outshine any tabby cat !)

I think we can safely say this "show 'n tell" critter will rule the playground at recess time - and discourage anyone thinking of bullying your precious offspring !

Yes, Mom: it's almost Back to School time -and this time, your child can be an "instant winner" !!

 

 

Anthrax and the OTHER 800 lb Gorilla in the Room

 

 

I'll start by saying I agree with the FBI's conclusions about Dr. Bruce Ivins – although it is now unpopular to do so. The Anthrax investigation – as before – continues to be a self-sustaining “cottage industry” , with various speculators arguing over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, trumpeting their findings from the rooftops of the Internet , basking in the warm glow of self-admiration , and complaining about the overlooked “800 lb gorilla in the room”.

One thing none of these folks seems to have considered is this: Dr. Ivins knew full well he was under exhaustive scrutiny by the FBI , and that he would soon be charged. Whether this caused him to have an emotional breakdown, or whether he considered it expedient to fake the symptoms as part of an insanity defense is something we'll never know; but, by committing suicide before he could be charged, indicted,or arrested, he insured that his wife would not be denied pension benefits ... and might even receive something extra because of his “mental health disability”.

That's a mighty hefty gorilla , in my opinion !

Speaking of dimensionally gifted anthropids, let's talk briefly about why the President and key Administration officials were given prophylactic doses of Cipro prior to 9/11.

Quite simply – as Richard C. Clarke has become famous for saying – the CIA, FBI, Secret Service, etc. knew there was some sort of al-Qaeda operation planned ...soon ; but nobody knew how, when, or where. One of the threats considered possible was an Anthrax attack.

Anthrax was on a lot of people's minds. During the 1990's, there had been hundreds of Anthrax hoax attacks. In January,2000 alone,abortion clinics received 30 such threats. On January 30,2001, the Canadian Government received an Anthrax hoax letter (as did several large businesses) that alarmed them so much, they appointed the Defence Research Establishment at Suffield to study the threat.

This Canadian study , “Risk Assessment of Anthrax Letters” was conducted between 2/26/01 and 4/11/01 , and ,although the report itself was not published until September, the results were frightening enough to warrant Canada sharing them with the US, and other friendly governments. The NY Times got wind of the tests and published them as well.

Given all this background , and an undeterminable al-Qaeda threat, the Secret Service would have been grossly negligent if it had not sought approval for the issuance of powerful antibiotics !

Oops ! That particular "gorilla" just turned into a squirrel money !!

"Guest Post" - Movie "Tropic Thunder" Ridicules the Handicapped

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ACTION ALERT - Offensive Portrayal of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Movie Scheduled for Release on August 13, 2008 August 5, 2008 To:  State and Local Chapter Leaders From:  Peter V. Berns, Executive Director The following is important information about a movie - Tropic Thunder - that includes a very negative portrayal of a person with intellectual disabilities as well as extensive use of the R-word.  Release of this movie was discussed at the NCE meeting last week, as well as The Arc Board of Directors meeting on Sunday & Monday.  We now want to make sure everyone has the most current information available. Background Tropic Thunder is a comedy/action/adventure scheduled for release on August 13 and promises to be one of the blockbusters of the summer. DreamWorks is the film's producer and Paramount is its distributor. The film features popular actors Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black as self-absorbed actors filming a big-budget war movie on location. Through a series of freak occurrences, they are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying. Stiller plays Tugg Speedman, a fading action star who earlier failed in his bid for an Oscar as "Simple Jack," a man with an intellectual disability. "Simple Jack" is featured as a film-within-a-film, with Stiller sporting a classic institutional bowl haircut and bad teeth. The film within-a-film's promotional poster (below) bears the subtitle "Once upon a time there was a retard."  Elsewhere is the slogan  "What he doesn't have in his head, he makes up for in his heart." A satirical plot synopsis quotes a critic as saying that Speedman's Jack was "one of the most retarded performances in cinema history." While we have not yet seen the movie, from what has been publicly available it is clear that the film is a very negative portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities.  There has been mounting outrage from the disability community.  For excellent coverage of the issue, you may want to visit the website www.patriciaebauer.com and review her posts and responsive comments over the past week.  Hundreds of comments have been posted on the blog expressing outrage about the movie.  Promotional materials for the movie included an offensive website www.simplejakemovie.com  that now appears to be no longer operational since since The Arc and other disability groups started asking questions about the film I am flying out to Los Angeles on Wednesday August 6 to meet with  DreamWorks Chief Executive Officer and studio executives from  in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday, August 6.  I will be joining Joe Meadours, The Arc board member and executive director of People First of California, as well as representatives of other national disability organizations. The purpose of the meeting is to express our concerns, request a viewing of the film, and discuss possible solutions. Call to Action Will Follow The Arc national staff will be back in touch with you later in the week to provide an update about the meeting.  Depending on the outcome of the meeting, one option being considered is to call for a national boycott of the film and to urge state and local chapters of The Arc to go to the movies on August 13, 2008 with protest signs as well as appropriate informational literature.  As events unfold, we will send you additional information via email alerts.  Also watch the hompage of The Arc website where we will plan to post talking points and other information to help you organize and take action.   In particular, we will soon be posting to the site talking points about why the R-word is hate speech. In the meantime there are a few preparations you can begin to make: >review your communications options (email lists, etc) and think about how you will get the word out about this movie, >compile a list of local media that you will want to reach out to about the issue, >identify parents and self-advocates that you would like to have speak out, >begin to draft op-ed articles and letters to the editor about the issue, >identify other organizations that may be allies (e.g. ACLU, NAACP, other civil rights groups, other disability groups) that have networks you will also want to mobilize, >talk to younger staff about how some of the social networking sites could be used to take action. In short, please do your best to begin preparations for a massive action.  Again, we will be back to you with further information after the meeting. Peter

Bruce Ivins, Anthrax Killer ?? Let's Not Rush to Judgment !

Photo: Bacillus Anthracis (Anthrax)

Bruce Ivins, a 62 year old Ft. Detrick scientist,who specialized in protective vaccines,�had a long,distinguished record ; and - perhaps - a secret life.

At the time of his apparent suicide this week,he is said to have been facing arrest and indictment in the Anthrax Murders of 2001. He certainly believed that was the case - according to a Protective Order filed on behalf of a psychological counselling center,where he had - for a while - been in treatment.

I think it very possible Dr. Ivins might have acted in concert with others ; might have been part of an ad hoc group ; might even have had "lofty" intentions - although the group itself had more sinister motives....BUT: I'm looking at things as an outsider, who has not even a fraction as much information as the FBI has gathered over the last (nearly) 7 years.

IF the FBI decides to� close its investigation, and "go public" with what it knows, I would certainly want to know when, where,and how Dr. Ivins made up the Anthrax batch that was sealed into the deadly envelopes. I would also want to know how the envelopes found their way to a mailbox in Princeton,NJ.

It could be this case is like a pedestal table , with only one central leg ; but common sense suggests the presence of other supporting legs.

Admittedly,�common sense�has little�to do with random mass murder; so,�let's see how things play out.

Above all,let's not rush to judgment.

UPDATE: 08/03/08 - There is an interesting Washington Post article on this very topic: scientists who worked with Dr. Ivins are skeptical of the Government's handling of this case.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/02/AR2008080201632_pf.html

I've noticed in some of the news stories, Ivins was polygraphed - as were the rest of the Ft. Detrick scientists-to a fare-thee-well.He obviously passed,or he would not have been asked to assist in the investigation. In fact,given the mood of national terror,he would probably have been suspended on the spot if he had failed.

UPDATE: 08/04/08:� It appears, from this NY Times story,the evidence against Dr. Ivins was circumstantial : strong in some ways;�but incomplete.

While much has been made in the press about DNA evidence linking the anthrax to him,it develops 8-10 other people had access to the same materials .

�There is also NO indication he ever travelled to New Jersey -from where the letters were mailed ; however, the envelopes used were part of a batch sent to three post offices near Ft. Detrick.

�He DID have opportunity: worked late and alone prior to the mailings.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/us/04anthrax.html?em

FURTHER UPDATE: 08/04/08 - The detestable Justin Raimondo weighs in. Justin has been trying to make this a "Mossad plot" for several years now. (Seems , back in 1998,an Army officer named Zack - used to command an Army Bio-research unit,and apparently had an interest in a Civil Service employee named Marian Rippey; AND,after retiring from the Army, used to pop in and visit Ms Rippey.)

Justin - who has frequently expressed an intense dislike of "Zionists"-apparently did not know Col. Zack wasn't Jewish...

Mere facts have never proved much of a stumbling block for this "gentleman" .

Update, 08/05/08: Richard Spertzel, who is said to be very knowledgeable about weaponized Anthrax, says the FBI is dead wrong:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121789293570011775.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

(I continue to reserve my opinion. Let's see the official files - if and when they become available.)

UPDATE 08/05/08:� There has been much said about Ivins' Social Worker, Ms Duley,whose unrestrained disclosures have been making headlines.

SLATE weighs in on Ms Duley:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/08/04/anthrax/index.html

UPDATE,August 6,2008: The FBI has made parts of its investigation public today.The believe Dr. Ivins was responsible for the Anthrax attacks,and feel he acted alone.

One of the "damning" incidents listed was the submission by Dr. Ivins of false lab samples-ostensibly in an effort to prevent the material actually in his "exclusive" possession from being tied to him. He is also stated to have made statements to the FBI,implicating a co-worker.

I sincerely hope - if he was indeed responsible - he WAS acting alone; otherwise,one could infer the danger of a "post mortem" attack : in which a co-conspirator-by pre-arrangement- mails out a new batch following the primary suspect's death.

What do we know about Bruce Ivins , the man ?

Not a great deal. He was a family man,an Evangelical Christian, a registered Democrat,who voted regularly in general elections and primaries,a reasonably skilled musician-who sometimes played the organ at a local Catholic church,an entertaining juggler-and-it would seem-a man with serious emotional problems.

He is beyond all that now,and I sincerely hope this is truly the end of the case !!