AK Governor Sarah Palin Calls Obama’s Cuts "Outrageous"

AK Governor Sarah Palin on May 7, 2009 expressed her outrage over Obama’s proposed budget cuts for FY 2010, which would cut millions from missile defense and reduce spending for both the Denali Commission and the Village Safe Water Program (Cuts, 2009, ¶1-2).

“These budget cuts add up to about half of 1 percent,” Governor Palin said. “But while they do little to put brakes on the exploding federal deficit, they hit Alaska hard” (Cuts, 2009, ¶3).

Specifically, the budget cancels a second missile defense field at Fort Greely and freezes the number of interceptors being deployed there (Cuts, 2009, ¶4).

“This is an outrageous move at a time when North Korea has shown its willingness to flout international sentiments and conduct missile tests,” Governor Palin said. “America needs a strong missile defense, and Alaska’s strategic location is invaluable in protecting the nation” (Cuts, 2009, ¶5).

The Village Safe Water program works to ensure proper water sanitation for some of Alaska’s poorest villages. Among other things, the Denali Commission provides job training “in some of the most impoverished areas in the United States,” health clinics in Alaska’s villages, and works to clean up waste which threatens water supplies. Both programs would suffer under Obama’s cuts (Cuts, 2009, ¶6).

The Obama administration proposes to reduce oil and gas exploration, a move which Lt. Governor Sean Parnell said “…would have the effect of maintaining our dependence on foreign sources of energy, which is contrary to the president’s stated objective. The higher energy costs for every citizen amounts to a tax on everyone” (Cuts, 2009, ¶7).

Commentary

Governor Palin’s critics take special delight in impugning her foreign policy experience and knowledge, but no matter how you slice it and dice it, Governor Palin has much more knowledge and experience in this area than Obama can even dream of having. His decision to cut missile defense there — which cancels that second field and freezes the number of interceptors — is pure tomfoolery at its worst. Just over a month ago, both Russia and North Korea conducted ICBM missile tests. Alaska is at the front line of defending our nation against ICBM attacks that could originate from North Korea, Russia, or China. Governor Palin knows and understands this. Obama with his Neville Chamberlain-esque approach to foreign policy does not.

When Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867, our nation understood the strategic significance of having what was then a territory. Forget the Tina Fey joke about “I can see Russia from my house” (It was Saturday Night Live comedienne Tina Fey who said it, NOT Governor Palin). Not only can you see Russia from many parts of Alaska, but when the Bering Straits freeze over you can walk there! North Korea is not too far away either. Alaska is the US crossroads to the Far East. If you’re taking a flight to Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Taipei and there’s a stopover, more than likely you’ll be stopping in either Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Governor Palin with her shared strategic command over the 49th Missile Defense Battalion — the only National Guard unit on permanent full-time active status — complete command over the Alaska State Defense Force — and her top level security clearances is in a position to speak knowledgeably about missile defense — indeed any matter pertaining to national defense.

Moving on to the Village Safe Water Program and the Denali Commission, Obama talks a big game about being “for the poor.” He stipulated “empathy for the poor” as a requirement for whoever will replace US Supreme Court Justice Souter when he retires. If Obama is so empathetic to the poor, his decision to cut federal funding for programs which provide clean water to some of the nations poorest communities is incomprehensible. Similarly mystifying is his decision to cut funds to an organization which provides job training and health clinics to the poor. With friends like this for the poor, who needs enemies?

Governor Palin is a true friend to the poor. While elites partied in DC, she personally handed out food and supplies to every household in several Alaska Villages. When the federal government would no longer fund retirement benefits for Alaska Territorial Guard members, it was Governor Palin who signed the bill for Alaska to take over the funding.

Governor Palin has the command and foreign policy experience to keep her state — and our country safe. She is a true friend and advocate for the poor and vulnerable among us. Her actions speak louder than Obama’s meaningless words.

References

Governor calls Obama’s cuts ‘outrageous.’ (2009, May 7). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1822

Tagged as: clean water, command experience, foreign policy experience, missile defense, poor