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Gov. Palin has been the governor of the fourth least populated state in the nation for less than 2 years. Alaska gets more kick-backs and tax breaks from big oil than any other state. She has acquired millions of tax dollars for a town of 6,700 people; proposed a multi-million dollar bridge to nowhere; stood up to big oil? only after the concessions were granted. She has supported the aerial slaughter of a previously endangered species; proposes to take the polar bear off the endangered list; why, because it is much harder to open up areas for oil exploration if endangered species are present.
She is forcefull, articulate, charismatic, and charming, does that qualify her to lead my country, not if the votes of my family make the difference.

Jim Jorden of MD 11:12AM October 06, 2008

I have been unhappy with the Governor moving back to Wasilla while Alaskans have been paying to provide her a home in Juneau. Alaskan's have voted twice against moving the capitol out of Juneau. I am an Alaska Native I have been living in Anchorage for the past 13 years. Like many Alaskans that grew up in rural alaska, my husband and I live in Anchorage where the jobs are. As for whether she qualifies for the per diem or not isn't what counts, it's the fact that she is claiming to be a reformer. Making us pay for the Governor's Mansion and pay her per diem too is really annoying (as well as unethical). There may be soon be some other rural people moving because of the high cost of heat and electricity, as I have heard Adak may be blacked out starting today because the City can't afford to pay for fuel for there generators. Our Governor's off campaigning in a private jet (much bigger than the 1 she got rid of). Rural Alaska needs help as they go through a energy crisis. Giving a check out to all Alaskan's for the same amount isn't going to solve rural Alaska's energy problems. The $1200.00 energy rebate givin by the Governor will only pay for utilities in some of our villages for a few months. We need a Governor that will help solve our problems. I believe there will be a lot of villages going through blackouts throughout this coming winter. Most Alaskan towns are only accessible by water or air. The permanent fund is used by many rural alaskans for all of there needs, as the unemployment is high. Many rural Alaskan's made there living by commercial fishing. The Commercial Fish Industry has been struggling for years due to low prices and high fuel costs. Governor Palin is not helping to come up with viable solutions to these problems. She like many Alaska Politicians have little concern for rural alaska. More than half of the state resides in Anchorage and the Valley, along with the majority of voters. We aren't seeing any relief for our problems in Alaska and I doubt she'll be to concerned with some rural town in Missippi(provided she knows where that is). And to the fact that you can see Russia from Alaska, you can only see Big Diomede Island(Russia) from Little Diomede Island(Alaska) on a clear day. But not many people would actually travel to Little Diomede as it is one of the most remote areas of Alaska. We aren't really getting much help in Anchorage either. It was recently announced, that our natural gas bills(in Anchorage) will be increasing by 22% in January. The rebate the Governor gave out on Friday will help those of us who actually use it for our bills, but I avoided grocery shopping at Costco this weekend, knowing people will be going crazy with there checks. The thing is were supposed to be getting the most money per capita but we are still not meeting the basic needs of many Alaska residents. That's Not Change That's more of the SAME! Many Alaskan's believed when the Governor said things would be different, I voted for Knowles

Linda of AK 4:03AM September 15, 2008

I was born and raised in Alaska, and I love my home state, but I don't stand behind Palin in any way. I was offended by the comment that Alaskans have been scamming the lower 48. I haven't done anything scam worthy.... I make less then $2000.00 a month and live in a waterless cabin. (A common practice for money straped Alaskans.) Do I take the dividend every fall? You bet your booty I do.. then I turn around and buy heating fuel with it. The cost of staying warm up here in the winters is very high, and so yes a percent of the INTREST earned by the states oil bassed savings is divided up and given to the residents... it helps offset the higher cost of living.
I don't mind if you have things to say about Palin, I don't like her actions or politics at all, but please don't lump all the people who live here in with her.

Girl from Alaska of AK 10:07PM September 11, 2008

put a cork in it Farrell. You are losing it big-time. writing snarky op/ed to score points with mrs. bradlee wont cut it anymore. stick with reporting the facts. op/ed aint for you.

Michael Curr of 9:16PM September 11, 2008

Farrell: So you were preparing a lenthy anyalisis on tax policy and how it affects the average Ed and Kathy in America???
Yeah, Right! Sure you were........You couldnt write a lenthy analysis on........anything.
The only thing you accomplished in this Palin hit piece, was insulting the good citizens of Alaska.
In my opinion, 99% of those who read your column(s) agree with Carl Rove. You are an imbecile. Opinion for Opinion.
Pogue Mahon, Farrell! Pogue Mahon!

Michael Curr of NY 4:52PM September 11, 2008

Palin is the Governor of a state with the most land. There is a difference betweeen the largest state by land or by population. Anyone can govern land, trying governing people. She barely has a degree in journalism. She is not qualified academically or with experience to be VP. Bush was governor of Texas that surely didn't qualify him to be President.

dana of PA 11:23AM September 11, 2008

Governor Sarah Palin never fired the chef -- she transferred her.
http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/she-even-lied-about-the-chef/

Mike Licht of DC 8:54PM September 10, 2008

The average Alaskan's response to the news that Sarah has been billing the State for "travel" is outrage. She hasn't been much of a governor - her main accomplishment has been riding the coattails of the Democrats in the Alaska legislature on oil and ethics. Other than that, and making sure that we can shoot wolves from airplanes, she hasn't had any policy initiatives at all and hasn't paid much attention to governing. The line up here is that "it's all about Sarah, all of the time."

R Murphy of AK 8:13PM September 10, 2008

We in Alaska are only receiving $1200 dollars for energy re-imbursement. The rest is our Permanent Fund Dividend, you ignorant dip-stick. Which, by the way comes from the interest earned on investments made from PFD investments. This, in turn comes from the taxes that the oil companies pay for harvesting our (Alaska's) most prominent resource.

of 8:02PM September 10, 2008

I have lived in Alaska for 31 years.... your comments regarding the state Alaska per diem policies,.......the bridge to nowhere .........Alaskans driving up gasoline prices....are ridiculous....
Please come visit Alaska in January ... I suggest Fairbanks....
The price of gasoline in Alaska is the highest in the USA.... Alaska has given the oil companies a free ride tax wise for 31 years... finally time for them to pay up....
The babble of clueless wonderment regarding Alaska is amazing....
If you like, visit and then go stay home....

of AK 7:05PM September 10, 2008