Today, most elected leaders are far removed from their constituents, leading to apathy toward the whole political process. But one notable and distinct exception is changing that trend: Sarah Palin — Governor of Alaska. On May 26, I received a hand-written thank you note for my support of her.
Though I live 4,400 miles away, I follow Gov. Palin’s accomplishments closely and document them. I know, based on research and on information from several contacts, that she works 18 to 20 hours a day seven days a week. She also has familial obligations, volunteer work; has to eat, exercise (yes, she makes the time and she runs marathons), among other things.
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That Gov. Palin made the time and had it in her heart to thank me — an ordinary person — from thousands of miles apart — on such a busy day — is an honor I’ll never forget. My whoop of joy was probably heard around the world when I opened the mailbox and saw that note.
Twice in as many weeks Gov. Palin brought the political process to the classroom, where she signed bills in the presence of students at four schools. This is a rarity; a treasure. Leaders such as her — born from among us — appear perhaps once in 150 years.
Ron Devito
Staten Island, N.Y.


Comments
125 comment(s)EdwardfromAZ wrote on Jun 20, 2009 8:10 AM:
" You better got down on your knees and bow to the next president of the US of A. It won't be a Muslim. It will be our fine Governor. "
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Ya mean the tin-cup Governor......... "
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 19, 2009 9:13 PM:
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Jun 19, 2009 7:47 AM:
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Jun 19, 2009 7:42 AM:
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 18, 2009 9:21 AM:
Uncle Jed to MAXIKAT wrote on Jun 18, 2009 1:21 AM:
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 17, 2009 2:15 PM:
Don't know if the world is so different where political ideology is concerned. The exact sentiments you express have been said before. Back when Bill was President, everybody applauded the end of the Republican party, etc. Then the Republicans crushed the left in the Congressional elections, followed by a not-so-great Republican President for 8 years. Time is a pendulum indeed.
There's always a problem whenever either side takes full control of both Congress and the White House. They then ram thier agendas through unchecked and get carried away. I prefer a Democrat President and Republican Congress or vice-versa. "
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Jun 17, 2009 12:48 PM:
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 17, 2009 11:14 AM:
Every time Republicans have tried to cater to the 'middle', they've suffered thier biggiest losses. Every time they've come around and stood firm on those issues that define conservatism is when they've had thier biggest wins (i.e. Ronald Reagan). THAT'S why there's a push among some elements of republican or conservative groups to return to the right. They blame recent losses on trying to cater to the 'squishy middle'. "
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Jun 17, 2009 9:42 AM:
On Bill Maher, BO won't always please hard left & shouldn't try. By maintaining balance, he picks up more of the critical middle/independents. GOP mistake is hugging extreme right so close, apologizing to Rush, etc. They've succesfully solidified their base...unfortunately it can fit in a coffee cup & is shrinking daily w/ country's changing demographics & mindset. I can only hope they "stay the course" as GW used 2 urge. "
Real Deal wrote on Jun 14, 2009 5:53 PM:
jp wrote on Jun 14, 2009 11:24 AM:
the Today show Blasted Obama on his telepromptor! they said " he really can't say anything but umm, without it" "
jp wrote on Jun 14, 2009 11:22 AM:
Now that is being fiscally responsible! "
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 13, 2009 10:37 PM:
When Alaska was making money, it didn't spend it. It saved. It didn't blow it on warm fuzzy social programs. California blew every dollar on social programs. Now Alaska enjoys a surplus in the billions and Palin still wants to cut spending. California wants to fix their problem with tax hikes.
And yet, liberals look at conservatives as 'being in the way of fixing it' even though they saw this coming. California is looked at as 'sophisticated' and Alaska has that 'dumb' Palin.
Dumb means never learning.. "
foggymtn wrote on Jun 13, 2009 3:45 PM:
Maybe Sarah should spend less time writing your daughters, and more watching her own. Heard that on fix news. "
Shauna B wrote on Jun 13, 2009 10:42 AM:
Dear Edward from AZ wrote on Jun 13, 2009 9:07 AM:
Still me Dave in AK wrote on Jun 13, 2009 9:01 AM:
Hey Tim B cont wrote on Jun 13, 2009 8:58 AM:
Glester wrote on Jun 13, 2009 8:56 AM:
Hey Tim B. wrote on Jun 13, 2009 8:52 AM:
Tim Barrett wrote on Jun 12, 2009 4:08 PM:
Sarah, leave the kids at home and take care of Alaska's business, if you can.
Presidential material? Never happen! "
Texas4obama wrote on Jun 12, 2009 2:43 PM:
It was a JOKE.
It was about Bristol.
It was NOT about rape and it was NOT about Willow.
You are not ever going to be a leader if you keep talking about 'tabloid' issues! "
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 12, 2009 12:18 PM:
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 12, 2009 12:14 PM:
You're talking about the commentators and programs. As I stated, I'm talking about the NEWS. MSNBC is incapable of separating the two. FOX is. Brainwashing? Indoctrination? That's the domain of socialists, communists and liberals. They hate it when people can think for themselves, disagree, be objective or have anything but blind devotion and starry-eyed gullibility. "
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:39 AM:
However...I still do remember her advice to Hillary to be a tough woman and stop whinning, so there's a piece of me that wants to tell Sarah to follow her own advice and just suck it up. "
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:36 AM:
God Help Us All wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:20 AM:
REal Deal wrote on Jun 12, 2009 8:01 AM:
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 11, 2009 6:36 PM:
Litcrr wrote on Jun 11, 2009 6:02 PM:
Real Deal wrote on Jun 11, 2009 10:39 AM:
Litrcrr wrote on Jun 11, 2009 9:01 AM:
Oops wrote on Jun 11, 2009 8:53 AM:
EdwardfromAZ wrote on Jun 10, 2009 6:11 PM:
bassman wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:31 PM:
Real Deal wrote on Jun 10, 2009 11:40 AM:
to MO wrote on Jun 10, 2009 11:39 AM:
Jon wrote on Jun 10, 2009 11:20 AM:
MO Inkslinger wrote on Jun 10, 2009 10:35 AM:
Power Wagon wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:20 PM:
Glester wrote on Jun 9, 2009 2:15 PM:
To jp wrote on Jun 9, 2009 2:15 PM:
The Real Deal wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:18 AM:
Why does it matter where I'm from. I'm from Alaska. Sounds like you are going to have a beef with anyone who has anything positive to say about Sarah regardless of the issue. I think we have bigger worries such as national security, universal healthcare(God help us), and our economy. Sarah has done a fine job. She is not perfect, but noone is. Do I agree with everything she does? "no", but I don't agree 100% with anyone, including my own family members. That's human nature. Try focusing on the positive! "
Glester wrote on Jun 8, 2009 12:24 PM:
Lee wrote on Jun 8, 2009 8:25 AM:
The Real Deal wrote on Jun 6, 2009 11:56 PM:
Joe Zelinski wrote on Jun 6, 2009 12:58 PM:
EdwardfromAZ wrote on Jun 6, 2009 8:00 AM:
" Alaska's greatest resource is not her oil, it is Sarah Palin. "=========
We are all entitled to our opinions.
In my opinion, if Sarah is your greatest resource, then you as a State have no resources. "
AKVoter wrote on Jun 5, 2009 9:33 PM:
Kerry wrote on Jun 5, 2009 7:10 PM:
I applaud her for declaring we are a Sovereign State. I hope all the Federal sheep out there wake up. "
Dawn wrote on Jun 5, 2009 6:21 PM:
Glester wrote on Jun 5, 2009 5:20 PM:
To enb wrote on Jun 5, 2009 4:08 PM:
teresa wrote on Jun 5, 2009 2:36 PM:
She simply hates the principles of fairness and equality that our country was founded on. "
enb wrote on Jun 5, 2009 12:14 PM:
enb wrote on Jun 5, 2009 11:55 AM:
To God Bless Gov Pain wrote on Jun 5, 2009 11:00 AM:
. What color is your Kool-Aid? "
observer wrote on Jun 5, 2009 9:55 AM:
You like Palin Then YOU take her wrote on Jun 5, 2009 8:57 AM:
Now I have one more reason to dislike Palin. She's off writing hand-written notes to non-constituents thousands of miles away instead of tending to her governmental duties.
Between that and tax-payer paid vacations for her children, what else is she doing these days? Trying to turn down much needed stimulus money?
People in the lower 48 say to keep Palin in Alaska because they don't want her. I'm IN Alaska and I don't want her. Any takers? One Caribou Barbie for sale. "
danb wrote on Jun 5, 2009 7:53 AM:
Oops wrote on Jun 5, 2009 7:14 AM:
God Bless Governor Palin wrote on Jun 5, 2009 6:41 AM:
danb wrote on Jun 4, 2009 7:52 PM:
enb wrote on Jun 4, 2009 1:15 PM:
Glester wrote on Jun 4, 2009 7:44 AM:
enb wrote on Jun 4, 2009 4:55 AM:
If you want to believe that Gov. Palin is being exploited for helping raise money for people with disabilities and attending the "Founders Day Celebration", I guess we have a difference of opinion. I believe her trip to New York will be a success. "
Carmen wrote on Jun 3, 2009 11:43 PM:
Move outta the way, people, there's a rising star in the north and her name is Sarah. "
Lally wrote on Jun 3, 2009 11:38 PM:
Kudos to Ron for his support of Gov. Palin and for his accurate blog concerning Gov. Palin's accomplishments. It's nice to read a blog that has been well researched and utilizes reliable and authoritative resources.
Gov. Palin is a class act. "
enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 5:59 PM:
I believe that Governor Palin will be just fine at the events in New York. She will be helping disable children and that is a worthy cause any way you look at it. The Founder's Day celebration is also a worth while event for her to attend, since she is the Alaskan Governor. "
To enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 2:50 PM:
Don't be surprised when attendees go to their friends (or the press) afterwards and unload unfavorably on her. She's not in a "safe zone" at events like this, and needs to be very, very wary. Believe me--I've seen some real shockers. "
enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 2:13 PM:
When you're trying to bring in quick funds, you look for a recent name in the news to get people to events. The average Joe might be content with dinner and a movie for entertainment, but people who live pretty high up use fundraisers for their weekly entertainment. That's why Palin's getting invited. That was my point Sarah has had alot of favorable news lately and she has alot of notoriety and she does bring in the big bucks that is the reason they ask her. "
To enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 12:29 PM:
As someone who's worked on tons of galas and fundraisers in NY, SF and DC, I want to let you in on something, lest you don't know this already...
When you're trying to bring in quick funds, you look for a recent name in the news to get people to events. The average Joe might be content with dinner and a movie for entertainment, but people who live pretty high up use fundraisers for their weekly entertainment. That's why Palin's getting invited--her notoriety's being exploited. That's all. "
American Patriot wrote on Jun 3, 2009 12:25 PM:
You like many of us have served the nation at different times in our lives. However, many of us have left the service and gotten on with our lives trying to contribute in the present. Let's live in the present instead of for instance like Sarah, identifying yourself with being a PTA mom a long time ago and a hockey mom. Wasn't that her oldest son that played hockey? Maybe you both should join the present. Be proud of your service but it's not an unbrella to live the rest of your life under. "
enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 11:22 AM:
enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 11:10 AM:
To enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 8:52 AM:
And, yes--I have received not only a note from Obama (Michelle)--but email, too.
Sorry for your troubles--and I sincerely hope your hubby's on the mend. I know it's tough when things like that happen. "
RahRah wrote on Jun 3, 2009 5:28 AM:
Groupie's clinge to Sarah Palin with the mentality of Anna Nicole Smith, if this is a draw for contributions then America is in serious decline.
I'll stick with Obama, you can keep incompetent and vindictive Palin, she's just the latest in the line of Chia Pets, something you give someone as a joke or you're cheap. "
enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 3:26 AM:
enb wrote on Jun 3, 2009 3:19 AM:
You ask, if my note was signed (YES) it was signed and the note is authentic (unlike you). I have not been used. I want Gov. Sarah Palin to be president in 2012 and I will work to organize grassroots movements in every state and city. I do not want socialism for this country and I do not want this country to be owned by China. You can waste your money on Obama and I will spend my money on Palin. "
Peggy wrote on Jun 2, 2009 11:28 PM:
navy wrote on Jun 2, 2009 9:23 PM:
alaskan wrote on Jun 2, 2009 9:17 PM:
Hmmm... wrote on Jun 2, 2009 6:06 PM:
She's going nowhere outside of Alaska, IF she can hold on to her own state! She sure can't seem to take care of her own family! "
Glester wrote on Jun 2, 2009 4:58 PM:
You've been used and Palin knows how to charm her way out of any accountability. Enjoy that note you'll get another for your support in 2012, I'd not waste my money. "
To enb wrote on Jun 2, 2009 3:32 PM:
You might want to check out the millions and millions of youtube hits from Palin's greatest spotlight moments out first before you commit to anything. Could be time for a major re-think. "
enb wrote on Jun 2, 2009 1:56 PM:
And kitty cars too wrote on Jun 2, 2009 1:17 PM:
Amazing the technology of auto-pens these days. Like getting a Santa Claus letter...from the postmaster! "
enb wrote on Jun 2, 2009 12:31 PM:
Bullet wrote on Jun 2, 2009 11:56 AM:
Alaskas the Most Corrupt State in the Nation wrote on Jun 2, 2009 11:29 AM:
navy wrote on Jun 2, 2009 11:26 AM:
offsoapstone wrote on Jun 2, 2009 10:03 AM:
jp wrote on Jun 2, 2009 9:15 AM:
Where is Obama leading us ?
hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs lost, not one government job lost, where will the government receive the money to keep going if this trend continues?
Not everyone can work for , or sponge off the government! "
FJ wrote on Jun 2, 2009 8:25 AM:
What's she's doing is called "...creating a buzz", and is a tool PR pros often suggest during downtimes when they want to keep the public thinking about their client until the next big news item pops.
Don't be so gullible, people. Are we not a more sophisticated populace than that?
Why else would she target residents from blue states for sending her notes? Think! "
Oops wrote on Jun 2, 2009 5:53 AM:
alaskan wrote on Jun 1, 2009 11:15 PM:
Way out of her league as governor, and doesn's seem to understand her real role. How sad. "
navy wrote on Jun 1, 2009 8:16 PM:
crux wrote on Jun 1, 2009 8:10 PM:
Missy from Mississippi wrote on Jun 1, 2009 7:42 PM:
Oops wrote on Jun 1, 2009 7:05 PM:
Guess her email accounts got shut down! "
EdwardfromAZ wrote on Jun 1, 2009 6:56 PM:
" I too received a hand signed thank you note and I too gave out a whoop of joy. It is quite an honor to have a handwritten signature of the next POTUS. She is an extraordinary lady who governs wisely and firmly. In spite of continuous vicious attacks she is unaffected and continues to rise in popularity. "==========
You are having PIPE Dreams. She doesn't Govern, she Twits and looks for exposure. She has continually dissed Alaskans for self wealth. Doesn't care one bit about the needy or poor. "
granitepaw wrote on Jun 1, 2009 5:07 PM:
NormaJ wrote on Jun 1, 2009 4:22 PM:
Oops wrote on Jun 1, 2009 2:39 PM:
Jim from Boston wrote on Jun 1, 2009 1:13 PM:
w. glover wrote on Jun 1, 2009 11:43 AM:
Wishbone wrote on Jun 1, 2009 11:39 AM:
Still waiting wrote on Jun 1, 2009 10:41 AM:
TO jp wrote on Jun 1, 2009 9:51 AM:
Take a deep breath--get a grip--then sit down for a re-read of the First Amendment.
Sounds like the Democrats are really, really getting to you...doncha know they're lovin' it? "
Inkprompter wrote on Jun 1, 2009 9:25 AM:
Ken Kates wrote on Jun 1, 2009 9:23 AM:
Righty wrote on Jun 1, 2009 8:15 AM:
jp wrote on Jun 1, 2009 7:49 AM:
you are the most negative person that i have ever seen, you outrank even myself!
how much does the democratic party pay you to do this?
Does nancy pelosi sign your check?
I was happy to kick out of my store yesterday , a person, just because they were a democrat!, oh the stupidity of that blind little sheep was just unbearable, so i felt it was in good judgement just to throw it out, and save the rest of the day for more normal thinking, mentally stable people. "
thewhop2000 wrote on Jun 1, 2009 6:56 AM:
Jim from Boston wrote on Jun 1, 2009 6:27 AM:
dianne4dees wrote on Jun 1, 2009 4:00 AM:
Becky wrote on Jun 1, 2009 1:23 AM:
Piney wrote on May 31, 2009 8:19 PM:
It is the little things that count so much.
I am very proud of my Governor :) "
Rokinlamb wrote on May 31, 2009 7:42 PM:
KentonAK wrote on May 31, 2009 7:17 PM:
She continues to inspire...Even 4400 miles away..
Thank-you Mr Devito for your letter... "
MAXKATT from NY wrote on May 31, 2009 6:11 PM:
Glester wrote on May 31, 2009 12:34 PM:
Lyda4Governor wrote on May 31, 2009 9:36 AM:
EdwardfromAZ wrote on May 31, 2009 9:28 AM:
How long have you been dilusional?Sarah works 18-20 hours a day you say. And you add she voluunteers, exercises and does family stuff. So then I guess she has no time to sleep.
Additionally, sorta shoots holes in her rhetoric that some of the unethical things (Arctic Cat Gear) are done as a private citizen.
Please seek help. "