Saturday Alaska Progressive Blog Roundup - July 18, 2009

I. Looking forward to Parnell and the Special Session:

Some of the Alaska blogs have been spending more time on Sean Parnell than have others. There isn't much to discuss yet, except that he has already promised to do whatever he wants with the Federal energy stimulus funds that will be voted upon in the session, and that he wants the holiday from our measly gas tax extended.

To talk of this upcoming session as a "one-day" event strikes me as strange, with three issues (Campbell's change of status, the energy stimulus veto override and Parnell's gas tax request) being sought for discussion.

I haven't yet seen any point-by-point comparisons between Parnell and Palin, and it is probably too early to be making them, but it is probably safe predict the following:

1). Parnell will become regarded as more honest than Palin, perhaps very quickly.

2). Parnell will probably change policies in the governor's office regarding accessibility. He will answer more direct questions in more frequent press conferences, but will be considered somewhat dull and rigid in his responses.

3). Parnell, having a lot of experience in the legislature, will resort to more traditional methods of dealing with our representatives to Juneau. He will not bake cookies.

4). The layers upon layers of Palin-appointed cronies will begin leaving soon after her departure, some through attrition, others as it becomes more evident how unqualified they are to do the work they're paid to do.

II. Sorting through the Palin debris:

There's so much of it:

1). Andrew Halcro on Dairygate.

2). The Cap and Trade Bait and Switch - by Shannyn Moore.

3). Palin's inability to take any responsibility for anything - by Shannyn Moore.

4). The David C. Kernell Yahoo password trial in Knoxville. Gryph discusses it at Immoral Minority. I interviewed the Knoxville paper's court reporter.

5). Palin's hopelessly inept and highly questionable help. Andrew Halcro's story at 1) above discusses Meg Stapleton. And Linda Kellen at Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis takes on Ivy Frye, who is moving over to join Meg at SarahPAC.

6). Steve at WhatdoIknow? discusses Don Mitchell's excellent Alaska Dispatch article on Palin's rise and fall.

7). Both Steve and AKM at The Mudflats discussed Eric Boehlert's Media Matters for America article on Alaska bloggers and Palin's downfall.


III. Allen Tesche:

Ex- Anchorage Assemblyman Allen Tesche's passing was written about by Linda Kellen in a touching way. Rishi Maharaj contributed to her tribute.