Take that Mike Doogan!

Regarding the Anchorage Press article of January 2, 2009, the non-partisan PAC Alaskans for Truth would like to respond to these statements made by Rep. Mike Doogan:

“What this is was a bunch of children misbehaving. In addition to the fact that basically a lot of people involved in this don’t seem to realize that the real world and the digital world work on different rules. They also sort of seem to feel empowered in ways that aren’t necessarily true out in the real world. They’ve got a PAC, they’ve raised $3,400 [according to the AFT website]—it’s better than nothing, but does that make them a power? I’ve gotta tell you, it doesn’t. What they want to do is sit on the sidelines and snipe, and pretend like that makes them the vanguard of the Lord’s army or something.” While it is tempting to take Mr. Doogan’s response and address it line by line, we are confident that voters will come to their own conclusions about his level of respect, or lack thereof, for those engaged in the political process and for those who make their opinions known to him. Busy Alaskans would like to believe that when they take the time to contact their legislature about an issue, that their government and its representatives will take their concerns seriously.  This comment and many others coming from Rep. Doogan on this matter give the Alaska voter a particularly disturbing window into his thought process. 

Responses like this from a sitting legislator to concerned Alaska citizens illustrate exactly why Alaskans for Truth (AFT) is resonating with Alaskans, and why AFT has an important presence in the political debate. As the officers for Alaskans for Truth, we would prefer to focus on what the organization is truly about, and not on Rep. Doogan's mischaracterizations.

AFT is a group of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Non-Partisans who support the mission statement of the organization:  “Holding Alaska’s Leaders Accountable Through Education, Organization and Action.”  Our goal is to educate the public on issues of ethics and accountability, create an action plan for citizen-allies to follow, and to work together to support those leaders who best uphold these ideals.

 

In only a few days after our first meeting, AFT was able to organize the largest political rally in the state’s history.  It was our first "call to action" and took place on the Park Strip in September of 2008, with more than 1800 Alaskans attending.  Together, we demanded that the McCain campaign remove itself from the Alaska Department of Law.  Together, we demanded that the Palin administration be held accountable for violations of ethics law, including suggesting to state employees that they ignore legislative subpoenas.   Speakers represented a wide range of political viewpoints and party affiliations, but all agreed on one thing:  Alaska’s leaders must be held accountable and must accept the consequences for their behavior, just like the rest of us.

As the Alaska State Legislature gets ready to begin the new session, Alaskans for Truth is asking individuals to visit our website at http://alaskansfortruth.blogspot.com in order to view our latest "call to action" regarding ethics and accountability in government.  If they are in agreement, we are asking them to contact their legislators and tell them so., via email, phone calls or letters.   We are also asking Alaskans who wish to let their feelings be known, to write letters to the editor of their hometown paper.  We appreciate all who will ask the Legislature to make ethics a priority.

AFT applauds those who have already raised their voices.  While the article seemed to suggest otherwise, the vast majority of AFT supporters who wrote to Representative Doogan did so with full names attached, and many included addresses and phone numbers as well. We know this because many CCed us when they sent their emails.

Primarily, AFT stands on these facts:  Regardless of political party, we are all Alaskans.  Regardless of our ideologies, we all deserve, and should demand representatives who play by the rules, and respect the rights of citizens to petition their government.  This is not misbehaving.  It is not radical.  It is democracy.

Camille Conte

Linda Kellen Biegel

Ron Devon

I'm embarrassed, Sarah

This letter is very much overdue, but it has taken me some time to come to grips with the unbelievably poor behavior of some of our citizens during the current election process.

Who am I? I am an eighty-four year old widow of a retired United States Marine, the mother of five sons, the grandmother of five and soon to be the mother of one more great-grandchild to add to the six already with us. In other words I am just a plain ordinary American citizen, and right now ashamed of how your governor was treated while down in the lower forty-eight.

To your governor I want to say this:

Governor Palin, a lot of us—in fact most of us—love and admire you, admire your dedication to family and country, your graciousness during the tirade of ridiculous nonsense sent your way during the campaign. I apologize for those who have not the common decency to treat a lady as a lady should be treated.

This may be premature, but a great many of us want you to run for the presidency in four years. And we want you to know that, should you decide to do this, we will be behind you a hundred percent.

Again, my dear lady, forgive those idiots with no taste, and such poor manners. The rest of us love you and wish you well.

Sincerely,

Edna Van Leuven

Fallon, Nevada