Governor Palin expressed her concerns about North Korea’s missile tests on May 29, 2009 and proposed budget cuts to Alaska’s missile defense system. Her release follows in its entirety below:
“[Alaska Governor] Sarah Palin called on … Obama to take a firm stand against North Korea and defend the states and territories of the United States of America and American allies on the Korean peninsula (North Korea, 2009, ¶1).
This morning, North Korea launched its sixth short-range missile since Monday’s nuclear test. North Korea has also stated that it is no longer bound by the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War. Further … Obama has proposed a $1.4 billion reduction of the Missile Defense Agency’s budget (North Korea, 2009, ¶2).
“The United Nations sanctions have failed to stop North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons, and the Obama Administration cannot afford to be playing catch-up to an irrational dictator like Kim Jong-Il,” said Governor Palin. “Missile Defense Agency funding must be fully restored in the federal budget to guarantee our protective measures remain the best in the world. Fort Greely plays a crucial role in the nation’s security”(North Korea, 2009, ¶3).
Alaska is home to the largest ground-based mid-course defense missile shield in North America. Because of its geographical position and proximity to potential targets, Alaska plays a critical role in national security and in the defense of American allies (North Korea, 2009, ¶4).
Ground missile defense is the cornerstone of the Missile Defense Agency’s multi-layered architecture. It is designed to detect, track, discriminate, intercept and destroy long- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the mid-course phase of flight. The weapons system consists of land-, sea- and space-based sensors, command and control operations, and silo-based interceptors that are located at Vandenberg AFB, California and Fort Greely (North Korea, 2009, ¶5).
Commentary
“Peace through Strength.” This Ronald Reagan phrase though not uttered by Governor Palin sums up her position on Alaska’s missile defense. For those of us who believe in peace through strength, Governor Palin’s position is — or should be — common sense. You do not cut funding to a missile defense system in a state located near both Russia and North Korea — both nations having ramped up their saber-rattling since — oh — around January 20, 2009.
Funding for missile defense should be INCREASED! More missile interceptors should be installed at Fort Greely and the Kodiak Launch Facility — not less.
Governor Palin knows and understands peace through strength — her forebear would be proud. She has shared strategic command over the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, complete command over the Alaska State Defense Force, and the concomitant security clearances. She is ready, and fit to stand guard over the collective house we call the USA.
Obama’s teleprompter loaded with eloquent speeches will not keep our nation safe. Nor will the United Nations’ mealy-mouthed resolutions. History has proven since time immemorial that nice words are simply that — nice words.
Governor Palin’s command experience and HER missile interceptors, along with HER M-4 and .50 Beowulf variant — Alaska Hunter — will keep our nation safe.
What do you want? This?
Or this…
The photo of Governor Palin was shot in 2006. That’s why the caption says “five years.” It’s now nearly eight years since the last successful attack on our soil. Governor Palin already had command experience while a former street agitator turned Senator was spending his entire time voting present and campaigning for a job that’s clearly way over his head.
References
Governor urges President to stand firm against North Korea: rogue nation’s capability to attack Alaska and Hawaii cannot be ignored. (2009, May 29). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 30, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1871
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