Palin's Darfur Lie -- Alaskans Know Better

I watched the Palin-Biden Debate with over a thousand Alaskans at the Bear Tooth Theatre in Anchorage. Our collective response was filtered through years of the Palin experience combined with the recent disillusionment courtesy of intense national media scrutiny. The debate hit a nerve when the Darfur Genocide was brought up. Palin said she led the charge to divest the Alaska Permanent Fund of Sudanese investments.

The Alaska Permanent Fund was created in 1976 in order to set aside a share of oil revenues to benefit current and future generations. Alaskans have been encouraging the Permanent Fund Corporation's Board to diversify our investments and move to a socially responsible investment model. I, along with many other concerned Alaskans, testified last year at the annual permanent fund board of directors meeting held in Anchorage. Norway's successful Petroleum Fund and it's ethics board were held up as a shining example of how divestment could both be socially responsible and profitable-investment with a conscience. I was told by Mike Burns, Executive Director , that if I wanted the investment charter to include more than just a financial directive, I would need to take it up with the legislature. The genocide in Darfur seemed urgent and evidence enough to stop investing in companies who ignore slaughter to maximize profit. If there was a chance Alaskans could help end far away atrocities by divesting our $36 Billion portfolio from these businesses, we should. My testimony was met with ambivalence; the feeling you get when someone in customer service tells you it's 'not their department.' It occurred to me if the Darfur victims' age were recorded in trimesters instead of years, the ongoing Genocide of Innocents in Africa might get the same attention and support as abortion legislation.

I was not surprised by Sarah's debate performance. The press had set the bar so low, she would have been deemed a success if she had only pointed out America's need for more maps, ala Miss South Carolina. Palin had been outfitted with a "Chatty Cathy Doll" box, and needed only to pull the string for the perfect Neocon talking point. I laughed at her "women's rights" comment. I recognized her skill at avoiding the question through my own experience of interviewing her. But her comment about Darfur, taking unearned credit, and knowing how it played to Americans, sent me through the roof.

PALIN SAID:

"We have a $40 billion investment fund, a savings fund called the Alaska Permanent Fund. When I and others in the legislature found out that we had hundreds of millions of dollars in Sudan, we called for divestment so we wouldn't be doing anything that could be seen as condoning activity in Darfur. That legislation hasn't passed yet but it needs to because all of us as individuals and humanitarians and as elected officials should do all we can to end those atrocities in that side of the world."

PALIN LIED.

On December 5^th, 2007, Alaskans for Darfur screened the film, "The Devil Came on Horseback" at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. There was a postcard campaign that night to encourage the legislature and Governor Palin to divest Alaska's money of blood. The program announcement said, "We will also be there to help attendees write their legislators to ask for divestment of Alaska funds from companies that assist the Sudanese Government in its genocide campaign and to write Governor Palin to ask her to reject Sinopec's bid to build the Alaska Gas Pipeline." I was in attendance, and know Alaskans were taking this to heart. Governor Palin was aware of the divestment legislation as early as December 2007. Save Darfur met with her staff at the Governor's Anchorage Office to discuss Sinopec's role in the Alaska Gas Pipeline and to request her support for targeted divestment from Sudan. It turned out Sinopec did not get the license to build the pipeline, but many felt they should not even be considered given their record in Sudan.

Last December 11^th, I posted this on my radio show blog: "Ok, Mike Burns has graciously agreed to re-open the public testimony tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 9am at the Hilton, Dillingham room...So I would love to see as many of us there as possible. It is our chance to ask them to consider an ethical approach to our PFD investments. I'll be there, if you want to call in, try the teleconference line... Thanks, All! Shannyn"

Mr. Burns response to me and many others who came before him was one of tied hands. He said there was no directive for the board to divest and be socially responsible, and this was a matter best taken up with the legislature. Five weeks later, on January 18^th, Representatives Les Gara-D and Bob Lynn-R co-sponsored House Bill 287 to make such a directive.

The same Mr. Burns who had given the directive was opposed to the Darfur Divestment Bill. "A bill before the Legislature would force managers of the Alaska Permanent Fund to dump stocks of companies doing business in Sudan, whose government has been blamed for genocidal killings in Darfur. The measure also would apply to state retirement fund investments. Managers of the state savings accounts say House Bill 287 would complicate their work, raise expenses and have little effect in Darfur. Managing money according to a social or political agenda is a bad bet."

Palin Appoints the Board of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. "Alaska is a young, growing state where we are still making important decisions that will guide development of our economy and infrastructure," Governor Palin said. "The Alaskans I have selected to fill these positions share my faith in the state's future and my commitment to the highest level of integrity in public service." They were all very much aware of the Darfur divestment issues and aware of House Bill 287, and were opposed to it. Sarah Palin's claim that she jumped to stop state investment in Sudan "once she found out" is ludicrous.

On February 9, 2008, Governor Sarah Palin's appointed Deputy Commissioner, Treasury Division, Brian Andrews, spoke to the Alaska House State Affairs Committee on bipartisan HB 287, which would require the state to divest from Sudan. He agreed with Mike Burns who said divestment was 'not the right tool.' He stated, "The legislation is well-intended, and the desire to make a difference is noble, but mixing moral and political agendas at the expense of our citizens' financial security is not a good combination." He also said the bill "should be amended...in the Finance Committee" and said that the Department of Revenue was "working with the Department of Law... to actually take certain actions with regard to divestiture that would still be compliant with the state investment laws."

The Palin administration OPPOSED divestment. Brian Andrews testified against the bill. After that testimony, Democrat Representative Les Gara called a series of meetings with the Administration encouraging them to drop their opposition to Darfur Divestment. He called on them to support the bill, a complete reversal of their public position. In March, 2008, they successfully killed the House bill by bottling it up in the House State Affairs Committee. Neither Palin, nor her administration did anything to encourage change in the votes of the four Republicans who were against moving the bill out of committee. As late as mid-March 2008, the governor was not on board with the divestment legislation. A member of the Save Darfur Anchorage group received a reply dated March 11, 2008, wherein the Governor again declined on the opportunity to support divestment. The Legislature adjourned Sine Die on April 13.

Sarah Palin was called on to divest State Funds from Sudan in 2006 by Congress. She did nothing.

Sarah Palin was aware of the press coverage and postcard campaign in 2007. She did nothing.

Sarah Palin knew when the Save Darfur Coalition met with her staff in 2007. She did nothing.

Sarah Palin found out when House Bill 287 was filed in 2008. She did nothing.

So, Governor Sarah Palin, in fact, took no leadership role to fight for Darfur divestment. She dismissed pleas for help. She only changed her position in 2008, a year and a half after first being asked. Republican Bob Lynn, co-sponsor of HB287, authored a press release today stating "Governor Sarah Palin was a strong supporter of HB287 in the Alaska House." He has her support for introducing a similar bill in the new session starting in January. Bob Lynn is not addressing the issue. The debate is about her stating she acting as soon as she knew. She did not. Only late in the session, after her own administration had testified against the bill, when public support for the bill was building, did she say anything different. Too little, too late. Alaska is still invested in known companies who fund the Sudanese and subsequently the Jinjaweed.

Many good people in Alaska serve a greater humanity; feeding and housing Sudanese refuges, raising awareness, testifying to the PFD board and legislature. Sarah Palin coat tailing on the hard work of these Alaskans is disingenuous at best. Her taking credit in front of 70 million viewers was indicative of her lust for the White House and revulsion of the truth. In the meantime, innocent people are being murdered, Alaska has not divested, and our hands are covered in blood.

Brian Andrews and his son are presumed dead from a plane crash in August of this year.

Follow Shannyn Moore on Twitter: www.twitter.com/shannynmoore

Comments

[desertbloom]

Alaskans, please come and get your governor, before she does some serious and irretrievable damage. She's already hurt herself and made a mockery of your state. Please come and take her away!

[dfinley]

If I was an honest person running for office, than I would not stop the investigation of the man who was fired. I would want people to know that he was fired for some other reason than vindictiveness; instead I want the whole mess covered up for a while, which again proves her character. Imagine her as vice--a heartbeat away from being president.

[iceangel49]

FYI, the man who "resigned" Walt Monegan, was offered a lateral move within Public Safety as executive director of the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. With his experience as a police officer and Alaskan bush roots Monegan was a perfect fit and could have done great things for our native populations and implemented polices to help reduce the crime resulting from alcohol abuse in our state. Eighty-five percent of the arrests in our state are alcohol related. Nearly 100% of child abuse and neglect is a result of alcohol. Governor Palin did not fire Monegan, he chose to leave rather than accept the executive director position. FYI: Monegan was also ask to retire early from his position as Chief of the Anchorage Police Department when our mayor also chose to restructure staff and policy within the department, much like Governor Palin has done within Public Safety.

[Hollyse]

TO ADD A LIBRARY TO A HOUSE IS TO GIVE THAT HOUSE A SOUL! ..... Cicero Sarah Palin? John McCain? A library speaks volumes of intellect. Sarah Palin's knowledge? John McCain' knowledge? The soul "spirit" of the White House is already vacant. thanks to Bush, Cheney and the rest of the carpet baggers. Most Americans look for a positive heartbeat in the White House. Electing Palin and McCain serves no purpose other than making sure the USA is good and dead giving birth to complete room for CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) a kinder version (only by name) of NWO. A nation generally gets the citizens it deserves. Be careful America.

[lynjs]

Palin is an incompetent liar. And she is governor of a state. Go figure. Just imagine what whoppers she'd tell if VP. Everyone knows she has a high bar to reach on that one. But the way she's going. She could out 'cheney' Cheney.

This should seal the deal. But I fear it won't. People don't want to see or hear the truth, even if it put forth to them in black and white. I mean this country put GB in the Presidency twice, knowing full well that it was an accident waiting to happen. I'm just holding my breath until this thing is over. Karl Rove is still lurking about.

[mlaiuppa]

I went all over that site and for the life of me couldn't find a simple list of companies to avoid investing in. So how do I check to make sure if my pension or my TSA or whatever is investing in companies I should divest? They could make it a little easier for the average person.

[SekhmetHathor]

Palin's everything lie.

[blondieS]

With the substantial mess created during the last 8 years by the "culture of corruption and greed" forever identified with this administration, it's apparent that whoever is elected in November will spend most of the first term dealing with a mop-up operation. Agenda of both candidates will likely be preempted by the significant issues forced on the American people by the failed policies and practices of the Bush administration. The financial crisis on Wall Street and the credit and housing debacle affecting Main Street will force the President-elect to prioritize and likely shift a position or two that may be incapatable with the current status in the current economic dynamic. That being said, I believe that the election must hinge on the candidate who has exemplified character, creativity and temperment. The issues are complex and global, and our new leader must have the intelligence and direction to change the status quo.

[veritas1st]

There is a special place in Hell for liars, Sarah.

[bruja]

You are so correct.

[joylyn]

I am voting for B/B '08. Both John McCain and Sarah Palin lie. I do not want her as
my president.

[norkas]

Please take a good look at the people who attend her speeches.

Sarah Palin does not draw diversity but a special group of people mostly that i run from.

When i was a kid in Tucson Arizonia i was the only Jew in school and teachers would ask each year all Jews raise your hands. I was the only one and the fights would start. In High School the same happeded to my brother.

My friends were minorites who protected me. I love America and its diversity and opinions but Sarah in my opinion draws ignorance and hatred that i was raised with.

To prove my point please look at any well atteneded speech of Barak Obama and look carefully at the people who attend when the camera shows the audiance.

Now look at any Sarah Palin well attened speeches and look carefully at who attends these speeches..

For me it is scary i know these type of people and i am not elitist i know educated people who are nuts over Sarah but yes they all have problems with minorites. I am not here to stir the pot but take the time out and take a good look i promise you will be shocked and perhaps like me a little nervous.

[iceangel49]

And those who bear false witness.

[patianneb]

Lotta compa$$ion from that one, all right. Talk about Alaska Crude.

[concernedforeigner]

I have at last managed to watch the whole VP debate on the BBC. Three main points struck me:
1 she clearly doesn't know what 'Achilles' heel' means - can you imagine how easy it would be for any literate world leader to manipulate her in a possibly crucial summit? You (no that should be WE) cannot afford to run that risk;
2 when Joe Biden was close to tears at the memory of the catastrophe of his first family, she did not show any affect - this woman has no emotional intelligence;
3 she claimed that she has never had to change her mind as a result of new evidence - she has a closed mind and is incapable of learning from experience.
I think anyone could make a slip of the tongue suggesting that Afghanistan has a border with the US or that a Civil War General was operating in Afghanistan - even Obama stumbled over the number of states in the Union and Biden attributed FDR's reaction to the Wall Street Crash to the wrong year and the wrong medium. Anyone can suffer a moment's confusion in extempore public speaking. I think we should not pick on Palin's verbal slips as the sole evidence of her inadequacy, but ram home her real shortcomings as a decent human being, let alone Vice President.

[rgblue]

One little point that has been bothering me for a while. Everyone says Obama slipped up when he said 57 states. For primary voting purposes, not really.

The US has 50 states and SEVEN territories: Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Am. Samoa, Guam, Wake Island, Midway Island & Northern Mariana Islands.

ALL 7 TERRITORIES VOTE IN THE PRIMARIES. Obama was correct. Actually there's also D.C. So it could be argued he was low by one.

[littlenoodles]

The only problem with the Afghanistan slip is that what she probably meant was 'our neighbor' meaning us as Iraq. I wouldn't be surprised if she thinks Afghanistan shares a border with Iraq. It's right up there with McCain mentioning an Iraq-Pakistan border.

I don't know whether these people actually are so ill-informed as to not know which of these countries share borders, or whether they don't think it's important to differentiate between all them arabs (even though they're not all arabs).

Most likely, they think it's to their benefit to keep the public as confused about those issues as possible. Y'know - Iraq as the central front on the war against those Al Qaeda folks just over the border there in Pakistan.

[Passenger57]

The problem with Palin is that we don't know for sure if she believes what she's saying. Frankly,if you think that your state's close proximity to Russia counts as "foreign policy experience", then maybe all your gaffes aren't gaffes.

[babyphat4u]

you are kidding right????

[iceangel49]

Concerned foreigner, you don't even know Governor Palin, who has done incredible things for the State of Alaska.

[tahunka1876]

CALL GEORGE CLOONEY !!!!! HE'S A DEM AND ACTIVIST FOR DARFUR!!!

[poindexter007]

Apparently Sarah Palin is a big fat liar too, using
the poor Sudanese for her advancement,
she has zero to nothing experience in leading a country.
If the stone age Mc Cain dies we're left with another ding dong for a President!
ugh! It is really getting frustrating.

Obama might be a newbie in the National political realm but he has far more
experience than what this Palin wants us to think, vote with your common sense and
not the notion that you want a woman in position, We had enough of this Republican term!

The time for a change is NOW or down in the toilet we go!

[babyphat4u]

Do you think that those right winged Republicans care about genocide ion Dar fur, let alone any investment banker in the lives for many investors. Lehman brother's CEO just walked away with 480Million in stakeholder money.

[oldgoose]

I believe Sarah Palin was not chosen because of her neo-con beliefs, her acquaintance with a reverend who chases witches (although before this campaign is over she might use his talents on Obama), or even her feminine wiles. She was chosen because she is an accomplished lier! She can prevaricate with a smile, a wink and a nod to her "partner in crime". When she first came on the scene I thought perhaps I was mistaken but everything I have read about her and heard from her reinforces that belief!

[SILVANUS]

Who' surprised she is a liar?
She runs with the crowd of thieves and rapists killing America.

[demfriend]

The question I keep asking myself as more Alaskians hear the truths aout Palin that she even hid from them, Why are they so silent? Is it because they choose her first for a mayor then a governor and now have found their choice might have lied and abused the power they gave her a lot? Or is it that we American's are to be left hanging with a candidate who is using a running mate to further lie and decieve the US of A people. Maybe the good people of Alaska who are finding out that the person they voted for and trusted to do a good job for them is just a politics as usual kind of person and we all deserve that kind of person a heartbeat away from the oval office? I can be sure in telling you without one single doubt, if Palin were our governor in Ca we would be in process of if not already tossing her ass out. We did it before with Davis when we felt he no longer was who we wanted or needed. This is all of our country not a single state and if you have knowledge of the charactor of a person in elected office which speaks to how they will further damage our country then it should be up to you to speak out. Speak the truth because no more lies are required.

[Shannyn Moore - Huffpost Blogger]

If you want to see Alaskans standing up to Palin, please check out the truth rally reports...http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/alaskans-for-truth-rally-report/

This was not an Obama rally. Truth is not partisan.

[demfriend]

Thanks for the connection as I went through it and the posts I can see that we in the lower 48 don't hear about what you and the fellow Alaskans are actually doing. ALl e see and hear a the blips when you held the rally and then not much else other than Palin and the McCain campaign taking over the offices of the government. Also with Palin down here in our faces and continuing her amount of lies and mis-speak/­mis-direct­ion and just outright nastiness we struggle to see how Alaska voted for her at all. Her impression that is left is that the people of Alaska love and think she can do no wrong. So MSM fails us and you without giving the correct and pertinent information of what is being done by your and fellow Alaskans. I salute you and the fight you are fighting and will spread the news also. Thanks for your effort and the truth.