My favorite Alaska blogger, what do I know Steve, posted an essay five hours ago, that brings up an issue that has been lurking. Steve gives no source or hyperlinks to another story, but he is always very reserved, and has no history of issues with Gov. Sarah Palin.I've known about the first element of this story since 2005, was only told about elements two and three recently, but haven't covered the complete story here, because what could possibly be proof is shrouded behind the criminal justice system juvenile justice blind, as it probably should be.
I tried to reach Steve, who has been traveling. I left a message. Then I called all my sources on this story, and none has spoken with Steve. Here's an extract:
The army as an alternative to jail may or may not be a good option. Vandalism doesn't usually involve a possible death sentence. Making a policy of getting people out of jail because military recruiters can't otherwise meet their recruitment goals raises serious questions about the popularity of a war.
Using your son to prove your fitness as a vice presidential candidate, by boasting of his enlistment in the army and impending trip to Iraq, knowing he chose the army as his alternative to jail, is both hypocritical and stupid. Hypocritical because you know that the only reason he's headed to Iraq is that he had no choice. Stupid because it's going to come out.
What kind of mother risks the emotional stability of her kids by exposing them to national and international ridicule to further her career? What kind of candidate thinks it is ok for her to tout her children's positive achievements, but off limits for the opponents to discuss their more problematic behaviors? You can't have it both ways.
And what does this all tell us about the presidential candidate who makes impulsive decisions based on his gut feelings? I think McCain's choice of Sarah Palin has done us all a giant favor. He's shown us that he's willing to take risky decisions, risky important decisions, with shoddy data gathering and analysis. It's better we know that and see it clearly before November.
Update - early Saturday morning: Steve has extensively and cautiously revised the post. Geraldo may be on his way here to unravel it.
Also, from sources I cannot name - they aren't bloggers - I believe the main elements of the story Steve now links to, to be true.