We begin in Anchorage, Alaska, where a group of average women decided to hold a small rally to let it be known that their Governor, Sarah Palin, does not represent their views on many of the issues that are important in their lives.
They put together a press release and sent it to the Anchorage media outlets. A local right-wing talk show host broadcast the names and phone numbers of the two organizers over the air. They began receiving a series of harassing phone calls for the remainder of that afternoon. The leading TV station picked up the story on Thursday. Alaska Public Radio Network put up some audio.
An anonymous caller contacted the local media on Friday afternoon and told them they were one of the organizers, and the rally had been cancelled. Someone even faxed forged a document saying the Secret Service had cancelled the permit for the rally, even though no permit is required. Some people were putting an awful lot of effort in to making sure no dissent would be heard from Alaska.
Well, it didn't work. Despite overcast skies and a forecast for rain, there was a rally here today. Oh man, was there! In fact, it was by most accounts the largest protest rally in the history of Alaska. The Anchorage Daily News wrote that the rally drew an "estimated" 1500 people. Let me be clear: the organizers used a hand-clicker and counted at least 1,483 Alaskans, mostly women, who showed up to say that Sarah Palin does not speak for them. They also counted 93 McCain/Palin supporters. The national media loves to say that Sarah Palin enjoys an "80% popularity rating" in Alaska. Do the math on todays rally, and you'd need a faith-based calculator to get 80%. This was grassroots activism at its best - Alaskans coming out to speak their minds on a host of issues. Here are some still pics, I'll update with video later today.
UPDATE 2: Wow, I just have to say how blown away I am this morning. I feel privileged to share the feelings of these strong, independent-thinking women with everyone. The passion of the last woman in the video just takes my breath away.
Reported by FRSBDG's Diary of Daily Kos
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Comments
#1 Of course there are some
Of course there are some women who live in Alaska and disagree with Sarah Palin. So what? Do you know of ANY state where the entire population of either gender supports the governor? BUT SHE HAS AN 80% APPROVAL RATING. How but giving THAT the coverage it deserves rather than focusing on the few protestors. Would a handful of Obama protestors get the same media attendion? I doubt it. You are really searching for ways to paint Sarah as unpopular. BUT IT AIN'T WORKIN'.
#2 Alaska Women reject Sarah Palin
Count us in - California Women Reject Sarah Palin!!! She is so obviously the wrong choice. We have to keep this momentum going and send a loud and clear message that Sarah Palin will contribute to the downfall of the US!