Ship of Fools: Palinland: Disneyland with real bears

Thread: Palinland: Disneyland with real bears Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

oh for fuck's sake. Let's get a few things clear. One nutter does not represent an entire people. I know it's fun to make fun of Sarah Palin - no one enjoys it more than we do - but can we move on? The entire country of Germany is not represented by Hitler. Thatcherism does not define everything the UK does and is today. So whenever anything is said about Alaska, ever, can we get past the need to write it all off because of one little idiot who ceased to have any need to be in the headlines 5 year ago?

over here I inserted a point of information just to clarify how education standards work in the States, and mine in particular. (because, you know, it's the state I'm most familiar with)

quote:
Originally posted by comet:

quote:
Originally posted by Leorning Cniht:
Another pond difference. The US doesn't have public exams for school pupils - the qualification you get at the end of your school years is a "high school diploma", and is certified by the school itself.

based on required standards set by the state, not the individual school. districts can add further requirements on top of the state standards, but not change or decrease the state requirement.

to get a diploma, a home schooled student still needs to meet those state requirements. And in my state, they also need to pass the graduation qualifying exam. a diploma isn't issued willy-nilly by the parents or church group or crazy cat lady down the street.

Gee D responded thusly

quote:
Originally posted by Gee D:
Given Palin's comments about the disappearance of the MH 370, the crazy cat lady is not down the street, but in the State Governor's residence as well. Don't worry, we have plenty of nutters in our politics as well.

I originally was going to reply on the thread, but it's a birdwalk from the topic at hand. I'm not calling Gee D to Hell, per se, I know there are a lot of people who think all of Alaska is pretty much Palin clones and glaciers. so....

just for the record, and despite my better judgement, I feel the need to say the following:

Sarah Palin was our governor for exactly half of a full term.
She had exactly zero influence on Alaskan education policy.
our graduation standards were in place long before anyone outside of Wazilla had even heard of her.
she has been out of political office of any kind for 5 years.
she has not even lived in Alaska for a number of years. If I remember correctly, she's Arizona's problem.
one freak does not even come close to representing an entire people. Any more than Steve Erwin can tell us all about Australian wildlife policy.

Sarah was fun. She's an easy target. and by all means continue to make fun of her if that's how you get your jollies. But how about you all reserve judgement on an entire state that is larger than any western European country in land mass (though smaller than most medium sized cities in population) based on one woman.

If you're going to judge us on one celebrity, how about Jewel?

Posted by Prester John (# 5502) on :

I don't think Steve Erwin can tell us much of anything at the moment. [Razz]

Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :

Aawwwww, comet! why must you steal our fun?
Can we at least pretend that the perps featured on Alaska State Troopers are representative? Or the collective idiots on the various mining moron programmes?

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

or Thatcher or Hitler, for that matter. My point is how one person's public life is not representative of a place. not their actual words.

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :

I reckon Mayor Stubbs is way more typical.

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

quote:
Originally posted by lilBuddha:
Aawwwww, comet! why must you steal our fun?
Can we at least pretend that the perps featured on Alaska State Troopers are representative? Or the collective idiots on the various mining moron programmes?

well, at least they're representative of a slightly larger percentage of the population. [Biased]

while we're here - Gold Rush Alaska (is that what it's called?) is complete shit. the producers have even gotten in trouble with the law at least three times. I now live near the mine.

and further - the reality TV hard on for AK is not us, generally. (though, somewhat closer than crazyass Palinland) What is it with everyone wanting to film the fuck out of our quirkiest characters? And really, they don't even get the best ones. just the ones who are desperate for attention.

[ 21. May 2014, 18:53: Message edited by: comet ]

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
I reckon Mayor Stubbs is way more typical.

Actually, yes. [Big Grin]

Posted by Yorick (# 12169) on :

I hate to say it, but I've only heard of two people on this list, and one was Palin. It's not like you've got any Shakespeares or Churchills to represent you and your fellow people, is it?

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :

I liked Alaska State Troopers [Hot and Hormonal]

for the cops, not the perps. And I enjoyed Coast Guard Alaska very much: nice, normal people being rescued and brave, extraordinary people rescuing.

And the scenery, always the scenery! [Axe murder]

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

(cross posted)

alas, the Peratroviches, Hammonds, Iveys, the Kantners, or even the crazy Gravels just don't draw the headlines like the idiots do.

[ 21. May 2014, 19:05: Message edited by: comet ]

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
I liked Alaska State Troopers for the cops, not the perps. And I enjoyed Coast Guard Alaska very much: nice, normal people being rescued and brave, extraordinary people rescuing.

And the scenery, always the scenery!

did you see the AST with the crazy guy who lit himself on fire in a public park? he's the son of a regular. I was nearby for the filming.

and yes, I know this undercuts my argument somewhat. *sigh*

I didn't even know there was a Coastie show. there's so many AK shows. WTF? the TV world is weird.

Posted by Rev per Minute (# 69) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Yorick:
I hate to say it, but I've only heard of two people on this list, and one was Palin. It's not like you've got any Shakespeares or Churchills to represent you and your fellow people, is it?

You've never heard of 'The Birdman of Alcatraz'? [Roll Eyes]

Given that the current population of Alaska is less than that of Birmingham (England, but probably Alabama as well), that large-scale population has been there barely a century and that most of the skills shown are in fields that barely register on a Western European radar, I'm not surprised that they're mostly unknown to you and me.

Should have stayed with the Russians, though [Razz]

Posted by Yorick (# 12169) on :

Quite honestly, any place that lists the Birdman of Alcatraz amongst its most notables sounds great to me. People suck mongoose balls, as someone once said, and I think obscurity due to low celebrity density must be a pretty damn good thing.

But sure, it must irk Alaskans if their state's most famous daughter is Sarah Palin.

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Rev per Minute:

Should have stayed with the Russians, though

yeah, 'cause Putin would be so much better.

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :

quote:
Originally posted by comet:

quote:
Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
I liked Alaska State Troopers for the cops, not the perps. And I enjoyed Coast Guard Alaska very much: nice, normal people being rescued and brave, extraordinary people rescuing.

And the scenery, always the scenery!
did you see the AST with the crazy guy who lit himself on fire in a public park? he's the son of a regular. I was nearby for the filming.

and yes, I know this undercuts my argument somewhat. *sigh*

Because you're fine with quirky/weird/whatever AK stuff when it involves you, if only tangentially. You trade on that shit all the time on these boards. You love telling the crazy AK stories when it suits your persona-building.

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

Well, Duh.

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

I know a strong, fabulous, fiesty, famous person from Alaska.

[Big Grin]

Posted by Kyzyl (# 374) on :

Here it is Michele Bachmann. Never any mention of Keith Ellison, Al Franken, Paul Wellstone, or even freaking Hubert Humphrey. Nope. Shelly = Minnesota, all of it. Idiots. I feel your pain Comet.

[ 21. May 2014, 19:52: Message edited by: Kyzyl ]

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

Boogie: fabulous, feisty; but not famous. (I checked the list Yorick linked to. I'm not there. alas. toiling in obscurity. [Biased]

)

unless you meant someone like Callan Chythlook-Sifsof. then, yeah, totally!

and yes, sorry Minnesota. I know we're fighting the same battle. but at least you have Dylan and Prince.

[ 21. May 2014, 19:53: Message edited by: comet ]

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :

Personally I reckon anyone who chooses to live in that much snow that close to the arctic is a sandwich short of a picnic anyway.

Are they really filming the oddballs because you're all fucking lunatics.

Are you sure they didn't just throw a dead grizzly bear carcass off a roof and call whomsoever it fell on Govenor? They might have done, 'cause it's dark much of the time there I believe.

[ 21. May 2014, 20:01: Message edited by: deano ]

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

quote:
Originally posted by deano:
Personally I reckon anyone who chooses to live in that much snow that close to the arctic is a sandwich short of a picnic anyway.

Are they really filming the oddballs because you're all fucking lunatics.

Are you sure they didn't just throw a dead grizzly bear carcass off a roof and call whomsoever it fell on Govenor? They might have done, 'cause it's dark much of the time there I believe.

keep thinking that. keeps the losers away.

Posted by Kyzyl (# 374) on :

quote:
Originally posted by comet:
...and yes, sorry Minnesota. I know we're fighting the same battle. but at least you have Dylan and Prince.

And The Replacements, Husker Du, Soul Asylum, Low, Marcy Playground, Eddie Cochran, Trampled by Turtles, and Lipps, Inc (Won't you take me to funkytown?)
[Biased]

Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on :

Ooh I didn't realise Darby Stanchfield was a 'laskan. Sassy gal.

TBH, when I hear about Alaska, Comet is the person I normally think of. When I think of dipsy mercan politicians, Palin is one person who comes to mind. But I never consider that all Alsakans are as batty as her. I tend to see you more as Eskimos, huddling in your frozen state, wondering what that stupid ex-govner is doing NOW.

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

It would have been a shithouse hell call Comet as it's as clear as daylight that my comment was not of Alaskan politicians in general but only of Ms Palin - and I acknowledged the loopies and loonies (is that being loopiephobic and looniephobic?) amongst ours.

Posted by no prophet (# 15560) on :

I think the difference between Palin and many other politicians is that she, like Dan Quayle before her, likes to live her stupidity in public. Politics being the most expensive form of entertainment invented.

Other countries look to the USA for a lot our entertainment, it is America's most visible export. So that's probably why vacuous ignoramuses like them get press around the world. How they get elected is another story, which I don't understand well.

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Gee D:
It would have been a shithouse hell call Comet as it's as clear as daylight that my comment was not of Alaskan politicians in general but only of Ms Palin - and I acknowledged the loopies and loonies (is that being loopiephobic and looniephobic?) amongst ours.

Really? I would have called you to Hell because you refer to the Governor's residence while talking about something that's got nothing to do with her being Governor. And that's despite the fact that you're my fellow convict in the land of kangaroos.

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :

quote:
Originally posted by comet:
Well, Duh.

My point was that you regularly encourage everyone to think you're all nuts up there in AK, so you don't have much grounds for complaining about it when people think you're all nuts up there. Not everyone has figured out that when it's about you, being nuts is cool and exotic, but when it's not about you, it's not fair for us to think you're all nuts.

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

But Comet beat you to the thread didn't she Orfeo, and now you're all snaky, trying very hard to think of a different line - and failing.

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :

quote:
Originally posted by RuthW:

quote:
Originally posted by comet:
Well, Duh.
My point was that you regularly encourage everyone to think you're all nuts up there in AK, so you don't have much grounds for complaining about it when people think you're all nuts up there. Not everyone has figured out that when it's about you, being nuts is cool and exotic, but when it's not about you, it's not fair for us to think you're all nuts.

I think she got that. Comet is nothing if not quick on the uptake. You made your point, and she accepted some truth in it. End of.

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

quote:
Originally posted by RuthW:

quote:
Originally posted by comet:
Well, Duh.
My point was that you regularly encourage everyone to think you're all nuts up there in AK, so you don't have much grounds for complaining about it when people think you're all nuts up there. Not everyone has figured out that when it's about you, being nuts is cool and exotic, but when it's not about you, it's not fair for us to think you're all nuts.

I do love how quirky some of us can be, though the idiot who set himself on fire wouldn't exactly be my favorite example of that. Nor do I think the quirky is all "cool and exotic" it's a two edged sword - entertaining when it's not ugly or tragic. Nor is the quirky representative of the whole state. but why would I tell the stories of boring people?

however, what that has to do with my distaste for people translating an entire state's public policy through one bad politician is beyond me. crazy people who light themselves on fire in public parks are also not setting educational policy any more than Sarah ever did.

I like telling the stories of the interesting people around me when it is pertinent to the conversation. I don't see how that makes things all about me. Nor have I been given to understand that my stories of my various odd neighbors is somehow bothering anyone. besides you, of course.

I do not claim to represent Alaska any more than you claim to represent California. there are plenty of people here who would strongly differ with my representation - the majority of voters, for starters. And if I were to pack up and move to, say, Fiji, I'd observe and enjoy the stories of the people there. And probably share them. you are welcome to not read anything I say.

Posted by Arethosemyfeet (# 17047) on :

The sad fact is that Thatcherism does define far too much of what the UK is about today. Zombie Thatcher still stalks the halls of every major think tank and party HQ in London.

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Arethosemyfeet:
The sad fact is that Thatcherism does define far too much of what the UK is about today. Zombie Thatcher still stalks the halls of every major think tank and party HQ in London.

Yeah, well, that's something you and Comet have in common. You're both out of step with what the electorate vote in where you live.

Thank fuck!

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Gee D:
But Comet beat you to the thread didn't she Orfeo, and now you're all snaky, trying very hard to think of a different line - and failing.

Your attempt to get inside my head is endearing. And also unsuccessful. The reason for not calling you to hell is, incredibly obviously, because I'm not Alaskan. IF I WERE I would have reacted. I spotted your comment in Purgatory and thought it might get you into trouble many hours before I knew THIS thread existed.

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

Heaven forbid that I would want to get into your head Orfeo, but this later post of yours drips, positively drips, with the angst that Comet beat you to it.

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :

It's odd, I can't find any reference in the news to a toxic gas leak in Sydney, yet something is clearly affecting your mental faculties at the moment.

I'M NOT ALASKAN. Why the blazes do you think I would try to beat an Alaskan to the punch when it comes to telling people off for having digs at Alaskans?

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

As you acknowledge, I can't read your mind, so I'm unable to answer this.

Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :

quote:
Originally posted by no prophet:
I think the difference between Palin and many other politicians is that she, like Dan Quayle before her, likes to live her stupidity in public. Politics being the most expensive form of entertainment invented.

Other countries look to the USA for a lot our entertainment, it is America's most visible export. So that's probably why vacuous ignoramuses like them get press around the world. How they get elected is another story, which I don't understand well.

Judging by their politicians I would be tempted to include that Americans are ignorant, xenophobic, greedy bastards. Then I come here on the Ship, and realise there are an awful lot of intelligent, compassionate, friendly and caring individuals out there.

I'm not sure that politicians are ever a good advert for their countries. Regarding British politics (and American, French, German etc) how DO these idiots get elected?

[ 22. May 2014, 12:17: Message edited by: Robert Armin ]

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Robert Armin:

I'm not sure that politicians are ever a good advert for their countries. Regarding British politics (and American, French, German etc) how DO these idiots get elected?

Because idiots, just like greedy bastards, deserve representation, and usually get it.

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:
Originally posted by Robert Armin:

I'm not sure that politicians are ever a good advert for their countries. Regarding British politics (and American, French, German etc) how DO these idiots get elected?
Because idiots, just like greedy bastards, deserve representation, and usually get it.

Yes, it's called democracy. It's quite popular.

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :

Oh, my! I haven't seen that avatar since the early days of Jeremiah Skunky Goat Cheese of Happy Memory.

I miss that old twit. Do enjoy. It has good antecedents.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Robert Armin:
I'm not sure that politicians are ever a good advert for their countries. Regarding British politics (and American, French, German etc) how DO these idiots get elected?

"No one ever went broke underestimating public taste" - P T Barnum

and/or money.

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :

I use Northern Exposure as my Alaskan yard stick.
And I still wanna see the northern lights.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

I have seen the southern lights, but they are rarely visible this far north.

I loved Northern Exposure, but it was probably no more reflective of Alaska than Skippy, the Bush Kangaroo or The Magic Boomerang were of Australia.

Huia

Posted by argona (# 14037) on :

quote:
Originally posted by comet:

quote:
Originally posted by Rev per Minute:

Should have stayed with the Russians, though
yeah, 'cause Putin would be so much better.

Didn't the US pay Russia something like the cost of a 3-bed semi in South London for Alaska?
[Biased]

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

I heard London was expensive!

but we were not - $.02/acre - $7.2 million.

I like to think we've appreciated in value just a bit. [Biased]

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :

Well that is half the price of a flat in one London development. However, average house prices are under half a million in Greater London.

Jengie

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