SARAH PALIN BLOG

Palin: Read My Lipstick: “We’ll Be Watching!”

Gov. Palin has penned a piece over at Breitbart  in which she artfully  makes the case as to why we are "Taxed Enough Already" and issues a warning to D.C. politicians on their votes for this compromised budget bill-- "We'll be watching."

 

 From Breitbart:

No one can argue with the fact that Paul Ryan’s compromise budget bill raises taxes and increases spending. Show me one Republican who got elected on that platform. Spare America the Orwellian word games. If the government is taking money out of your pocket to fund its growing Big Brother operations, it’s a tax. Whether money is taken from you via your phone bill, your airline ticket, or your income, it’s a tax. If politicians can’t be honest about this, it’s time to go home. 

The TEA Party’s very acronym stands for “Taxed Enough Already.” We sent these politicians to Congress in an historic landslide election in 2010 with a mandate to stop the runaway spending train bankrupting our nation, not to wave to it from the station or – heaven forbid – increase its speed. And yet, here we are still pretending that there are no real world consequences to running up near trillion dollar deficits year after year with no end in sight.

So, where does this leave us? We can sit back and accept the increased spending "Compromised Plan" with increases in taxes and spending, or we can charge ahead to at least preserve the very modest Sequester cuts American workers already fought for. If we go with the first option, we simply kick the can down the road yet again and wait for the inevitable real world consequences of bankruptcy (see Detroit for an example of what’s in store). Or we can go with the second option and probably get clobbered by the media (so what's new?!).

The Political Establishment will no doubt tell us that a budget battle will distract us from the fight against Obamacare. But that excuse is just the latest variation in the Establishment’s old canard that they’re keeping their powder dry for the next big battle which never seems to materialize because they’re always too busy waving the white flag and following the path of least resistance until election day.

Enough is enough!

Here’s the deal, folks. The media will clobber us no matter what. We do not want more taxes. We want Congress to rein in spending and live within its means. (What's so radical about that?!) Americans have gotten quite an education recently in wasteful government spending as we’ve all seen how the federal government can blow a billion dollars on a website that doesn’t work. 

Do these members of Congress really think they can justify every tax dollar they spend and still demand more from hard working Americans by increasing our taxes?

2014 is just around the corner. If any member of Congress thinks raising taxes and increasing wasteful spending is a winning strategy to run on, then by all means they should vote for the Ryan budget. We’ll be watching.

Breitbart article & comments here.  Palin's Facebook link and comments here. 

Notable Reviews of Palin's "Good Tidings and Great Joy"

Gov. Palin's "Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas" has been well received as is evidenced by the number of people who have been willing to stand in line for hours in order to spend thirty seconds or so shaking her hand and having their book signed.  You can view some of my blog entries about the book tour crowds here, here, here, and here. 

Over the last few days there have been several no table book reviews that I would like to bring to your attention.  The first is from Peter Schweizer who is known for his work in exposing crony capitalism via his books "Throw Them All Out" and "Extortion: How Politicians Extract Your Money, Buy Votes, and Line Their Own Pockets"

From Breitbart:

'Good Tidings and Great Joy': Sarah and Todd Palin's Christmas Gift Guide

Think all there is to say about the War on Christmas has already been said?

Think again.

With her trademark fearlessness and verve, Governor Sarah Palin’s new book, Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas, offers readers an impassioned, informative, and unapologetic defense of the sacredness of the season.

“If I’m for Christmas, it’s only because I’m for Christ,” writes Gov. Palin. “There is no ultimate peace apart from Christ, and it is Christ who empowers every act of ‘goodwill toward men’ in our otherwise fallen hearts.”

The book’s blending of personal experience with discussions of political efforts to morph Christmas into a homogenized celebration of the “holidays” makes for a brisk and enjoyable read. Even as we learn that Todd Palin gives the Governor what she considers the coolest of Christmas gifts—such as a .30-06 rifle, hockey skates, and a “beautiful red manual ice auger for ice fishing”—Palin packs powerful punches.

“There are few things that anger a secular liberal atheist more than a horizontal plank intersecting a vertical plank—a cross—on public land,” writes Palin. “Perhaps Christmas causes so much anger because the very name of the holiday broadcasts the Name above all Names.”

Political junkies will also enjoy the insider gems Palin sprinkles throughout the pages. In one instance, Palin recounts an interaction with Fox News Network President Roger Ailes wherein the media guru asked the Governor, “What the h-ll is so offensive about putting up a plastic Jewish family on my lawn at Christmastime?”  More

 

Gov.  Palin shared a link to this podcast review by Randy Bohlender. It's less than 5 minutes and definitely worth a listen. In it Mr. Bohlender says:

"Thank you Gov. Palin for taking time out of your busy schedule to write about things that really matter." 

 

Lastly, Joel Pollack tweeted his review of "Good Tidings and Great Joy" complete with a Vine video.

 

Have you written your review of "Good Tidings and Great Joy" yet?  If not, why don't you hop on over to Amazon or Barnes and Noble and do so today!

Palin: "Amazing America" to Premier in April

Sportsman Channel has announced that Sarah Palin will host their upcoming series "Amazing America" premiering on April 14th.  Looks like Mama Grizzly has been keeping the mother of all secrets since there has not been even one tiny leak on this exciting development.

Gov. Palin posted a Facebook update shortly after Sportsman Channel broke the news. 

 

It's soon time to get your "Red, Wild and Blue" on, America! I am ecstatic to get to share more of this great country with you, and I have exciting news to share!

We've been blessed with opportunities to travel all across America and experience inspiration! We've seen some wild places, met some wild people, and "amazing" is one word that comes to mind wherever the road takes us. It’s your turn to be inspired! So I am thrilled to work with Sportsman Channel on the new TV series called "Amazing America with Sarah Palin" because it lets me highlight the real stories that make America truly amazing.

Like us, there are millions of men, women and families who embrace the great outdoors and thrive on the natural beauty, resources and diverse activity it offers. A main reason I wanted to join Sportsman Channel is their passion and dedication to our active lifestyle. And they believe everyone has a little wild inside. This series lets us help everyone find their wild in "Red, Wild and Blue America!"

Click here for details on “Amazing America with Sarah Palin,” coming this April on the Sportsman Channel:
http://www.thesportsmanchannel.com/amazingamerica/

 

Prior to Palin's announcement I received this email from Sportsman Channel: 

Good Morning,

I just wanted to pass along the news that Sarah Palin is hosting a new outdoors TV show on our network beginning next April. Please see attached press release for more information. It hit the AP wire this morning - so you can also see some stories in places like ABC News, CNN etc: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/sarah-palin-host-outdoors-show-21148357

 

Let me know if I can get you any further info on this new show. We are very excited to have her on board! Thanks so much.

 

The Sportsman Channel website has the following to say about "Amazing America":

Amazing America with Sarah Palin explores and experiences the coolest and most original people, places, businesses, and gadgets that appeal to Red, Wild and Blue America. Former Governor Sarah Palin takes viewers into the life of those living the American dream.

Whether it is celebrities living the sportsman dream or equally enthusiastic everymen, Mrs. Palin will take us nationwide to find the people and places that share and reflect her passion for what makes our country amazing.

 

Petersen's Hunting offers this "first look" commentary on "Amazing America" but here's a sneak peek of what to expect.  (Note: you must scroll down past the ad to see the article.) 

"The show really explores and experiences an anthology of stories about the most original people, places and businesses that really appeal to Red, Wild & Blue America, that great American spirit about the great outdoors,” said Marc Fein, EVP of Programming and Production at Sportsman Channel. “… The show is really about shining a light on these folks that reflect [Palin’s] passion for what makes the outdoors and our country amazing.”

The segments aren’t just about hunting, shooting and fishing, however.

“It will be a variety of different types of stories. It could be about amazing craftsmen in action in our states, about American heroes and first responders, how they train when called into action,” Fein said. “We’ll have some celebrities, visiting some celebrities at ranches and farms, and just some really good stories of people living the American dream in our states—who went from nothing, created a product with great ingenuity and built their dream, which is building a dream cabin.”  More

 

I'm really looking forward to this show.  I predict that it's going to be a great success for Sportsman Channel and that "Amazing America" hosted by Sarah Palin will bring a broader audience to Sportsman Channel. 

Palin takes Book Tour to Roanoke and Duck Dynasty Country

The "Good Tidings and Great Joy" book tour took Gov. Palin to Roanoke, VA this morning and to Monroe, LA this evening for a little southern hospitality with the Duck Dynasty family. 

It seems that Gov. Palin was having some fun with her Facebook page today posting a photo of someone dressed up as Santa Claus, She posted additional photos of "Between events travel" and book tour photographer Shealah Craighead. 

Gov. Palin also gave a special shout-out to those that attended the signing in Roanoke.  Via Facebook she wrote:

 

Yes, Virginia! There is a Santa Claus! At least it felt that way this morning in Roanoke, Virginia! The Christmas season’s festive kindness was out in force during the “Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas” book tour event! Thanks so much to everyone who joined us and to the Barnes & Noble staff! Merry Christmas to you all!

P.S. In this photo, I'm signing an Iron Dog hoodie from Alaska that a great supporter wore to the Virginia book signing. Todd's gearing up for his 21st Iron Dog, and that's why he's not on this leg of tour.

Photo by Shealah Craighead

Gov. Palin also posted a photo gallery consisting of 13 pictures from her time in Roanoke.  Looks like someone presented her with some tasty treats!

Photo by Shealah Craighead

Later in the day Gov. Palin was welcomed to Monroe, LA by the Robertson family of Duck Dynasty. 

"Happy, happy, happy!" Thanks to the Robertson family and the Duck Commander team for welcoming us to West Monroe, LA! #GoodTidingsAndGreatJoy

Photo by Shealah Craighead

Should any additional remarks or photos on the Monroe signing become available I'll update this blog entry.  

At this point in time there are no other dates that have been announced for the "Good Tidings and Great Joy" book tour.

Palin at the Billy Graham Library and Samaritan's Purse

Photo by Shealah Craighead

Gov. Sarah Palin's "Good Tidings and Great Joy" book tour took her to Charlotte, NC today where she was greeted by hundreds at the Billy Graham Library.  Palin had the following to say to the fine people of Charlotte:

A big thank you to everyone who joined us today for a very festive “Good Tidings and Great Joy” book event at the Billy Graham Library. It was great to see our old friend Charlie from the ’08 campaign trail. He’s growing up into such a beautiful young man. I’d especially like to thank Franklin and Jane Graham and all the staff and volunteers at the Billy Graham Library. If you’ve never had a chance to visit the library, I really encourage you to take time and do so. It’s a beautiful place dedicated to telling the story of Billy Graham’s amazing life and continuing his work to bring the Christian message of love and hope to the ends of the earth. Next up, we get to visit with volunteers at Samaritan’s Purse and then it’s on to Roanoke, Virginia, and Monroe, Louisiana, tomorrow!

P.S. I had a great time chatting with Bill O’Reilly last night about “Good Tidings and Great Joy.” I had forgotten I wore the same shirt this morning that I did on Fox last night… that is until every other person at the library today mentioned they enjoyed the O’Reilly interview and thought it was cool I was wearing the same clothes! I laughed and explained that this is what happens when you’re living out of a suitcase on the road meeting all these great people!

You can watch the interview here:

Part 1: http://video.foxnews.com/v/2898490731001/can-the-gop-capitalize-on-obamas-falling-popularity-/
Part 2: http://video.foxnews.com/v/2898438936001/fighting-the-war-on-christmas/

Gov. Palin also posted a gallery of 14 great photographs here.  My favorite is definitely this image where she is writing an excuse note for a school-aged child. 

Photo by Shealah Craighead

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association published this article  on Palin's visit.  Note the photo at the end of the article with what seems like a never-ending line of people waiting for a signature. 

With the backdrop of a sunny sky and an unseasonably warm temperature, hundreds lined the sidewalk on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library, waiting to meet Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and 2008 vice presidential nominee.

Palin visited the Billy Graham Library for a tour and a signing of her recent book release, Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas.

“I certainly recognize there is a war on Christmas that’s being waged—it seems—in our culture right now,” she said. “The true meaning of Christmas, of course, is Christ’s birth. I wanted to write this so that people realize that they can proudly and boldly proclaim the true meaning of Christmas.”

In 2010, Palin and some of her family members travel to Haiti, where they visited a Samaritan’s Purse cholera clinic and help distribute Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. In 2009, Palin visited Billy and Franklin Graham at Mr. Graham’s Montreat home in the North Carolina mountains.

Today, she finally had the chance to visit the place the bears the name of one of her spiritual heroes.

“Billy Graham changed the world because he has allowed Christ to shine right through him. People would listen to him and could receive his message,” said Palin, who attended Mr. Graham’s 95^th birthday party last month in Asheville, N.C. “He so capitalized—in a good way—on the favor that God gave him to do the Lord’s will and to do the Lord’s work.”

“I am happy to be here at the Billy Graham Library today. I had no idea it was this amazing. It reflects the fact that it was not about Billy Graham. His ministry is truly about the Gospel, and this facility reflects that.”  More

 

Gov. Palin also visited with volunteers of Operation Christmas Child and expressed appreciation via her Facebook page for their dedication.  

Photo by Shealah Craighead

Today we had the honor of meeting Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child volunteers at the processing center in Charlotte, NC. I was blown away with the energy and joy there!

My family was blessed a few years ago to participate in this mission in Haiti with Rev. Franklin Graham, Greta Van Susteren and her husband John Coale. It was heartwarming to see children’s faces light up when given a Christmas gift box packed with love! It's a tangible way to show kids they matter and they're loved.

Operation Christmas Child relies on volunteers; and today we met many of these hard workers who make the program possible. There are about 75,000 volunteers serving in a three-week timeframe at processing centers across the nation. That’s more than 395,000 volunteer hours! The Charlotte processing center alone has 28,000 selfless workers packing more than 2 million gift boxes. This year’s collection goal is 7.2 million gift boxes domestically and 9.8 million worldwide. Without these volunteers none of it would be possible! Their great efforts ensure gift boxes reach children all over the world, and more importantly, they send the love of Christ, reminding all that Jesus is the reason for the season. It's the true Christmas spirit in action!

Here's more on Samaritan’s Purse:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

There's an additional 13 photos on Palin's Facebook page chronicling her visit with the Samaritan's Purse volunteers.   

The Charlotte Observer also published a photo gallery of Gov. Palin's visit with the volunteers here. 

Palin's book tour will take her to both Roanoke, VA and Monroe, LA tomorrow, December 7th. 

Palin Talks Republicans, Bashir & Christmas with Bill O'Reilly

Gov. Sarah Palin appeared with Bill O'Reilly last night at which time they covered a range of topics including Republicans, the TEA Party, Palin's feistiness, Martin Bashir's vile personal attack and Palin's newest book "Good Tidings and Great Joy".  In my opinion, Palin's finest moment was her answer to O'Reilly's line of questions on the Bashir incident.  (Starts at 4:00 mark.) 

" I would have never allowed a corporate culture to have such low standards that that kind of vile talk was accepted."  (Palin on Bashir, former MSNBC host.)

h/t iizthatiiz

Palin on FOX and Friends 12/5/13

Gov. Sarah Palin took her place on the curvy couch during this morning's Fox and Friends.  Palin discussed her new book, "Good Tidings and Great Joy" as well as recent derogatory comments by MSNBC host Martin Bashir, his subsequent apology and resignation. 

h/t sarahnettoo

Palin: “Put your life in God’s hands" -Liberty University Roundup (Video Update)

 

Photo by Shealah Craighead

Gov. Sarah Palin kicked off the second leg of her "Good Tidings and Great Joy" book tour by going to Liberty University and speaking at their final Convocation for 2013.  Palin's time on stage was an informal Q&A session with President Jerry Falwell, Jr. which included questions submitted by students. Gov. Palin, via her Facebook page, had the following to say about her visit there today: 

 

It was such an honor to participate this morning in Liberty University’s final Convocation for 2013! A big thank you to the students and faculty and especially to President Falwell for the kind invitation. As I mentioned this morning, places like Liberty University inspire me. This young university is educating a whole new generation of American leaders who understand the positive effect our Christian heritage has had not only in our personal lives, but also in the life of our nation.

It was awesome meeting the students after the Convocation. Congratulations to everyone graduating this month. And best of luck to everyone else on their final exams!

P.S. I enjoyed the tour of your beautiful Snowflex Centre. It’s not quite like the snow in Alaska, but pretty darn close!

 

Gov. Palin also posted a gallery of 14 photos of her Liberty University appearance.  Looks like it was a packed house!

Photo by Shealah Craighead

 

Liberty University posted their account of Gov. Palin's visit:

In the last Convocation of the fall semester on Wednesday, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told Liberty University: “I have your back, because I know you have my back.”

In a sit-down, conversational interview on stage with President Jerry Falwell, Jr. and Vice President for Communications Johnnie Moore, Palin talked about her motivation to keep standing for “time-tested truths” — the same truths Liberty upholds — when she is attacked by the mainstream media for her conservative views.

"This is what inspires me — you,” she told the arena of more than 10,000 students. “ … What inspires me and allows me to keep going and standing strong is being in a place like this.”

Palin, the first woman and youngest person to be elected governor of Alaska and the country’s first female Republican vice presidential candidate, has visited campus before, but this was the first time she has appeared at a Liberty event.

Photo from LU website

She said she was amazed at the campus transformation that has taken place since she was here a few years ago.

“You guys are doing an awesome job; it’s amazing, the infrastructure, additions to the amenities, what a wonderful force for good in this part of the nation and for the world,” Palin said.

Coming off a 15-city tour for her new best-seller, “Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas,” she talked about the larger message that the Christmas story brings today.

“My book is about protecting the heart of Christmas, which is really about protecting the heart of America,” she said. “Because the message of Christmas is the message of hope and change, not the stuff you hear coming out of Washington. … It’s the Judeo-Christian faith that provided all the foundation in our charters of liberty, our Constitution, our Declaration of Independence. It was a faith–filled people who understood how blessed our land was and the opportunities we have, our wonderful work ethic, all the things that have made America so exceptional.”

She said the tour is about more than a book; it is about restoring our nation’s principles.

“That’s why I appreciate Liberty University,” she said. “You will be a force for good, understanding the importance of Christian faith and a Christian education. You are the future leaders of this country.”

Students submitted their own questions for Palin, which ranged from who her biggest inspiration is (her youngest son, Trig, who has Down syndrome and has taught her “the world’s standards of perfection are not God’s standards of perfection”) to her family’s favorite Christmas memories (eating moose chili and traveling “over the river and through the woods” by snow machines).

She left students with a lesson she’s learned as a leader:

“Fear not. Again, it’s that message of Christmas; remember the angel came to Mary in a situation with less than ideal circumstances … and that message needs to be received by each one of you here today as you get out there in a pretty rough and tumble world. You’re going to be inundated in the workplace with cultural and societal pressures trying to beat you down … remember that message from that angel. … The greater message was that everybody is made so uniquely, with certain gifts and talents and passions and interests for a reason, to get out there and do good for the world. …  When it comes to families, when it comes to jobs, please remember that you do have purpose and you do have destiny — God don’t make no junk. ... Success is letting Him shine through you so that others will be attracted to that light — the eternal destiny is really what matters.”

Looking back at where God has taken her, Palin still calls her rise to a position of leadership “bizarre,” but credits it as God’s work.

“Put your life in God’s hands — you never know where you’re going to end up.”

 

Once Liberty University uploads the video of today's event I will update this blog entry.

 

VIDEO UPDATE:

h/t Liberty University

Palin's Book Tour Going to Liberty U, Billy Graham Library & Monroe, LA

Dates are slowly being released for the next leg of Gov. Sarah Palin's "Good Tidings and Great Joy" book tour. At time of writing we have:

December 4th:  Liberty University

December 6th: Billy Graham Library

December 7th:  Books-A-Million, Monroe, LA (see article below)

From Sarah Palin's Facebook page:

Honored to be participating in the final Convocation of 2013 this Wednesday at Liberty University. Look forward to discussing “Good Tidings and Great Joy” and how together we can protect the heart of Christmas. More information here: https://www.liberty.edu/online/liberty-news/?mid=107216

P.S. This is a photo of the Heath antler pile that I wrote about in “Good Tidings and Great Joy”!

Also from Palin's Facebook page:

We will be in Charlotte, NC, this Friday, December 6th at the Billy Graham Library signing copies of "Good Tidings and Great Joy." Look forward to visiting with volunteers as well as supporting Operation Christmas Child. Todd, Bristol, and I visited Haiti with Franklin Graham and were able to hand out some of the generous shoeboxes these volunteers process and package with care -- glad to have the opportunity to thank them and highlight the great work they do. Learn more about this great charity here: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Although the complete schedule for the second leg of Palin's book tour has not been released, this article states that she will be in Monroe, LA on December 7th:

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin will visit Monroe on Saturday.

The visit is a part of her ongoing book tour promoting her Christmas book "Good Tidings and Great Joy."

Saturday's visit will take place at the Books A Million location on Lamy Lane from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Books A Million has set up guidelines in order to meet with Palin.  They are as follows:

Wristbands will be distributed beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6th at the Monroe Books-A-Million store location.

Each individual must purchase a book from Books-A-Million to receive a wristband (with the exception of children) for the book signing event.

Customers can return on December 7th to get their book signed by Palin.

Due to time constraints, there is a limit of 4 books signed per person.  More

 

You can also find Palin's tour dates with publisher HarperCollins here.