Bristol Palin Announces Birth of Second Child

/1 Comment/in , /by

Bristol Palin is a mother for the second time.

Palin, who launched an abstinence campaign after giving birth as an unwed teenage mother, posted on Instagram Thursday that she gave birth to a girl, Sailor Grace, on Wednesday . . .

Palin announced her second pregnancy on her blog in June. She has not publicly identified the father of that child, but announced she was pregnant shortly after her engagement to Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer was broken off last spring. (Read more from “Bristol Palin Announces Birth of Second Child” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

Gov. Walker’s “Bah Humbug” Christmas Gift to Alaska’s Children: Stealing Your Permanent Fund to Permanently Fund Socialistic State Government

/0 Comments/in , /by

EVERY ALASKAN OWNS A SHARE OF VAST NATURAL RESOURCES

ALL revenue from development of AK Natural resources (not just the Permanent Fund (PF)) is ultimately ‘owned’ by Alaskans who are ‘shareholders’. The legislature (not the Governor) has the sole constitutional responsibility to use, develop, and conserve natural resources for the maximum benefit of the people (Art. 8 AK Const.) This unique constitutional structure creates common property that in a socialistic government would be controlled and used for maximum benefit of whomever is politically in control of the government. Because Alaska is a constitutional republic, with all the benefits of the US Constitution, we value the inalienable right to own and protect property. “Ownership” of common property in a republic has not been thoroughly defined because the Alaska Constitution created this novel concept, and it is a product of legislation and history. The Constitution is clear the use, development and management of natural resources natural is for the “maximum benefit” of Alaskans as determined by the legislature, but “maximum benefit” could be defined as all ‘cradle to grave’ government programs on the one hand, or cash dividends on the other.

OUR BUDGET SHORTFALL IS FORCING US TO CLARIFY THE MEANING OF “OWNERSHIP”

Due to the current budget crisis, the legislature must further define the balance between socialism and personal property ownership of natural resource revenue. Constitutionally, most natural resource revenue goes directly into the General fund (GF) (the state ‘checkbook’) to be appropriated by the legislature subject to the budgetary process. This is a unique (radical?) creation. Uniquely, we also constitutionally put a smaller portion of natural resource revenue into an account that cannot be spent directly by the legislature, the Permanent Fund (PF). (Art 9 AK Cons.) The legislature, in turn has appropriated a dividend (PFD) and this becomes individual personal property with all the constitutional property ownership protections. It is important to note that the PF is created by the highest law (the Constitution) while the PFD is subsequently created by the legislature, under constitutional authority. The PFD changes common property (PF) to individually owned property where we understand better what the rights of ownership are.

DEFINITION OF ‘Taxes’

The differences between traditional taxes and ‘taxes’ on commonly owned property is also unclear. We do not commonly call the oil money going directly into the GF ‘taxes’, but rather just “oil revenue”, a habit which unfortunately clouds the source (Alaskans). In Alaska a full 90% of our GF comes from this ‘tax’ on commonly owned property. In Alaska, we do not have an array of broad base state taxes like other states because of this unique constitutionally authorized ‘tax’. Alaska has taken in about $112,825,000,000 (~113 billion) dollars from the sale of oil in the era of TAPS (Trans Alaska Pipeline) This 113 Billion dollars is comparable to the billions of tax dollars collected by other states as conventional taxes. A common fallacy is that Alaskans get a ‘free ride’ because we don’t pay a State income, sales, or property tax. In reality, our ‘tax’ contribution is collected out of our share of natural resources and is based on the success of production as opposed to, in other states, the citizen’s tolerance of taxes. We tolerate this comparatively huge ‘tax’ partly because we find it difficult to believe state residency could possibly include such a massive individual asset and responsibility. Nonetheless, it is true. Our response is similar to getting an “easy” inheritance and not believing it. We had better believe it, because we have the responsibility and the means to manage it for our children and grandchildren.

REAL RETURNS TO ALASKAN SHAREHOLDERS

Only the legislature, under authority of the Constitution, can codify the meaning of “maximum benefit” as it appropriates GF dollars each year by way of the annual budget process. Again, the only money NOT available to the legislature to appropriate is the constitutionally separate PF (Permanent Fund). The earnings from investment of the PF are not in the PF and are placed in an account in the GF (as prescribed in the constitution). That account is called the “Earnings Reserve Account” and it’s balance reflects the success of the investment board and the amount available for PFD checks. It is a very significant fact that for over 40 years, over the lifetime of the PF, the legislature has treated the Earning Reserve Savings Account with the same deference as it does other personal private property. The Earning Reserves Account has only been used to appropriate PFDs or to fatten the PF corpus. This is consistent with common sense! “Ownership” of any investment includes ownership of returns on that investment.

THE ‘HOT BUTTON’ DECISION ALASKANS MUST MAKE

The Governor’s recent budget proposal includes spending a portion of the Earnings Reserve as if it were lumped in with the revenue from the ‘taxes on common property’ (oil revenue) to be appropriated in the normal budget process. This is in the legislature’s constitutional authority, but it would be a very significant step toward defining “ownership” and “maximum benefit” that will take careful consideration. The scope of possibilities range from preference for a ‘nanny state’ on one end of the scale, to potentially huge PFD checks, limited government and free market dynamics on the other. The Governor proposes using only part of the Earnings, but the principles are the same no matter what the percentage; 0% to 100%. Trying to find an appropriate level may be a ‘fools errand’. This legislative decision on whether to spend ANY of the earnings MUST reflect a decision of Alaskans knowing their rights and responsibilities regarding their common property.

ARGUMENTS FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE PFD.

Because many reasons are being offered to support the Governor’s plan, please consider the following points favoring the historic legislative approach.

* Once a PFD check is written by the state, it is personal private property. The owner’s right to spend, invest, and protect it is defended by anyone who has sworn to uphold the constitution.

* Without a PFD, Alaska is arguably a socialistic state where the elite govern without the typical checks and balances related to the power to tax.

* The PFD is taxable, just like any other property. It is federally and would be in Alaska if we had an income tax.

* Our Alaska History has shown that when there is ample ‘common property tax’ revenue ( 75% of Alaska’s oil revenue), we overspend! Alaskans pay more per capita for state government than any other state.

* A little known fact is that in 2011 Alaska got less money back from the federal government per capita than any other state. Alaskan’s are paying our own at a level that is not generally understood or appreciated.

SHORT TERM EMERGENCY OPTIONS

We must cut spending. It is the only way out of this crisis. Simply adding revenue streams will only enable the addiction. A pilot’s analogy would be that we are not out of fuel YET, but we are not going to make it unless we jettison some cargo! (spending). If we fail to jettison spending real soon, we are not projected to make it! (“unsustainable”) It is not rational for the legislature to add more cargo (taxes) at this time. IF we ultimately have to resort to more taxes, they will make the situation even worse, and they would need to be approved by majority of Alaskans through their legislators. I believe that time is at least 2-3 years in the future with lots of jettison work to do before that time. The Governor’s spending and revenue proposal is not acceptable.

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

Remembering Nicole Leman

/0 Comments/in , /by

Nicole Catherine Leman, 24, died Dec. 9, 2015 (Dec. 8 in Alaska) from a fall while hiking in a mountainous region and traversing the face of a challenging slope at Matukituki Waterfall near Wanaka, New Zealand. She was the youngest child of former Alaska Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman and his wife Carolyn. (Editor’s note: the full video of the memorial service may be found at the end of this article)

A lifelong Alaskan, Nicole was born in Anchorage on December 28, 1990. She was introduced to Alaska politics early when her mother brought her with her two siblings to the House gallery to watch and listen to Governor Wally Hickel deliver his State of the State speech to the Alaska Legislature in joint session. Her father was then starting his second term in the Alaska House.

Nicole attended Turnagain Elementary School through the 4th grade, then Grace Christian School, graduating in 2009. During high school, Nicole was class president twice, played volleyball on very competitive teams, was track team captain and ran on two State championship 4×800 relay teams at Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, setting a new personal record in her last race.

She learned Spanish and used it when she served on a mission trip to Mexico. Nicole represented Alaska as Miss Alaska Junior National Teenager in 2006 at the national pageant in Nashville. Two years later, as Miss Alaska Senior National Teenager, she won first place in talent playing piano at the pageant in Nashville. She also learned more about Alaska politics when she attended Alaska Girls State in Wasilla. In a high school paper she wrote her senior year, she said, “I at first was reticent about my father’s encouragement that I attend, but on arriving I immediately met some great gals, and learned so much at Girls State that I consider that one of the best weeks of my life.”

Since earliest childhood Nicole fished for salmon each summer at her family’s setnet sites near Ninilchik, where she was as comfortable in boots and raingear as she was in pageant dresses. She enjoyed picking and cleaning fish, digging clams, giving ATV rides, helping with cooking, and many of the other chores that go with this hard work.

Following high school, Nicole attended LeTourneau University, graduating summa cum laude with a B.S. degree in kinesiology in 2013. In college she played intercollegiate volleyball, ran cross-country, won conference as a senior, ran at the national championship race, and was named LeTourneau’s Female Athlete of the Year. Nicole served on student missions to Mexico, Utah and Austria. She also researched wheelchair design for third world use and went on a mission trip to Kenya to confirm findings.

After returning home, Nicole worked as a personal trainer at the Alaska Club, coach, aide for people with disabilities, and counselor at Tanalian Bible Camp on Lake Clark. She ran in several Anchorage community races, the Lost Lake Run, and an ultra-marathon (50 miles) through the mountains from Cooper Landing to Hope. She loved backpacking in the Chugach Mountains, biking, berry picking, gardening, and baking.

Nicole planned her trip in detail and spent a year in New Zealand, where she hiked nearly every trail, likely covering 2,000 miles or more, stayed in more than 200 cabins, and worked on organic farms in exchange for room and board. Before leaving Alaska she had said, “…I believe God is using my gifts and talents through this journey. He is leading me, using me as a tool in His kingdom.” Since her death, hundreds of Facebook posts and other media coverage attest that she made an impact. The owner of a farm near Otaki wrote, “My wife and I have hosted hundreds of young people at our property during the past 15 years. Nicole Leman is the most special we have ever had. Her generosity, kindness, gentleness, and work ethic can be summed up in one word—LOVE. She talked about her family in Alaska who loves her—and of her love for Jesus. And she confided to him, “When I’m up in the mountains, I feel so close to Heaven.”

In the blur and numbness of the first night after we got the call from the U.S. Embassy in Auckland about Nicole’s death, God reminded us of His Word in Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” We believe that through her life and words, our dear Nicole was bringing the good news that brings real peace.

The Lemans say, “The pain of losing Nicole is immense, but we know that she lived to glorify God. We look forward to seeing her again. We are blessed to have her in our family and are comforted by our faith that she is now safely home.” In addition to her parents, Nicole is survived by her brother Joseph and wife Erica; sister Rachel Brandt and husband Joel; five nieces and nephews; grandmother Margaret Bratvold (89); and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 19 at 11 am at Anchorage Grace Church at 12407 Pintail St. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nicole Leman Scholarship at Grace Christian School, 12407 Pintail St, Anchorage, AK 99516 (www.gracechristianalaska.org) for student missions; or the Nicole Leman Endowment at LeTourneau University, PO Box 7001, Longview, TX 75607-7001 (www.letu.edu) for assistive technology, student missions, and athletics support.

(Editor’s note: the absolutely amazing video tribute to Nicole starts at 1:30:30 below)

Nicole Leman Memorial Service FULL from Anchorage Grace Church on Vimeo.

Memories, messages of encouragement, pictures of Nicole, and condolences can be sent to the Lemans at PO Box 190773, Anchorage, AK 99519-0773; [email protected]; or [email protected].

Written by Nicole’s father, with tearful input and editing from all family members.

In the Long Run, Low Oil Prices are Not Bad for Alaska

/2 Comments/in , /by

Okay now I have your attention because Alaska’s current fiscal crisis was predicted and solved over 39 years ago with low oil prices leading to Alaska’s economic deliverance and not necessarily our bane. Let me explain.

Over at least the last half-century, commodity prices (one of the biggest being oil) and the stock market have been inversely proportional- meaning as one goes up, the other goes down. U.S. manufacturing and distribution requires inexpensive raw materials and energy for substantial economic growth. When commodity prices spike, industrial states and the resultant stock market languish while oil producing states like Alaska boom- and tend to grow huge public sectors (ours has doubled since 2005).

In 1976, Alaska Governor Jay Hammond established the Permanent Fund to fund state government when oil ran out. Imagine it like a huge investment pool worth over $50 Billion where ¼ of all state oil revenue is invested. This pool has three statutory outlets in which to distribute the substantial interest income it generates. The first outlet is to pay out our annual dividend checks. The second outlet is used to inflation proof the principal- which was very necessary during the high inflation years of the 1970s. Lastly, and most importantly, the third outlet is to fund state government via the Earnings Reserve (ER). Today, there is around $7 Billion in the ER- Alaska’s annuity that was designed to fund the majority of state government in perpetuity as Governor Hammond envisioned. As the British might say, there is no bloody reason to cap the PFD check, raise state fees, or worse, establish a state income tax as has been proposed by the hard campaigning fiscal conservative turncoat Governor Bill Walker. None.

“I wanted to transform oil wells pumping oil for a finite period, into money wells pumping money for infinity.” – Governor Jay Hammond, father of the Alaska Permanent Fund and the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

The state legislature has not followed the Alaska State Constitution and tapped a penny out of the ER to fund our hemorrhaging $3 to 4 Billion annual state deficits. Why? Politics of course! The Democratic minority in the Alaska State House enjoys incredible leverage by diverting public attention for using the ER to fund state government – which only needs a simple majority vote to access, to instead first depleting the $5 Billion out of the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) – which takes a larger 2/3’s majority vote to access. A few cross-dressing Republicans like Representatives Jim Colver (Mat-Su), Gabrielle LeDoux (Anchorage), Paul Seaton (Homer), and Louise Stutes (Kodiak) have joined Democrats in forming a “Muscox Coalition” in refusing to access the ER because of the minority’s threat of tar and feathering them in the media during the upcoming 2016 election campaign for “spending the people’s PFD”- an outright lie of course. This gives the house minority tremendous leverage in extorting additional state spending to get to the necessary 2/3s vote threshold to pass a state budget- as what happened during the last interminable session.

Historically, when commodity prices such as oil plummet, the general economy is stimulated to grow rapidly and the stock market rises. Real estate prices along with interest rates also go up as Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen just indicated. It happened during the late 1960s as well as the 1980’s and early 1990’s. Low oil prices lower the price of everything. That is good for the U.S. economy and now Alaska because we now have an over $50 Billion Permanent Fund that should produce substantial investment returns to fund state government. It’s good for Republicans because there is no reason for a state income tax or potential industry killing new oil production tax. It’s good for Democrats who will see the majority of state government funded by financial investment returns rather than that dirty black carbon producing oil pumped out of the tundra by evil Big Oil. Public unions will also come around when they realize they can’t spend everything in sight and having a stable government funding source to rely on benefits them as well. Low oil prices will once and for all force Juneau to streamline our bloated state government and end automatic formula driven growth programs that threaten our entire state economy. Low oil prices will also allow Juneau to reduce hundreds of millions of dollars in fuel subsidies in areas such as the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program which subsidizes energy in the bush and the Alaska Marine Ferry which consumes nearly half the state’s transportation budget.

Lastly but not insignificantly, on a national, state, and city security basis, low oil prices starve our biggest antagonists on the geopolitical stage. Oil funds ISIS and terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East and puts our sons and daughters that serve in the military at great risk. It also could indirectly lead to Syrian refuges being forcibly resettled in the Anchorage Bowl and all around rural Alaska- the majority of which cannot be vetted to see whether they are radicalized or not. The recent December 2nd terrorist attack in San Bernardino California that left at least 14 dead and scores more wounded attests to this fact because it was carried out by a least one recent immigrant.

I’m very supportive of maximum natural resource development in Alaska- it’s what we do. However if we are smart and run a lean and efficient state government, we now have a financial mechanism to ride out the low oil price cycle with economic stability and security. It’s now time for our Republican leadership in Juneau to shine.

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

Lisa Murkowski: Planned Parenthood’s Poster Child

/4 Comments/in , /by

Last night the news broke that the US House AND Senate had voted to defund Planned Parenthood. This came as part of the Reconciliation Act and really only defers *some* funding to Planned Parenthood for one year (it leaves funding in place to kill rape conceived babies), redirecting those funds to legitimate health-care organizations. That is if, by some miracle, President Obama doesn’t use his veto power to override the law.

While we celebrate what seems to be an apparent victory, we are outraged that one of Alaska’s own delegation was part of an effort to strip even no-brainer language from the legislation. Senator Murkowski joined two other Republican Senators to add an amendment to the Reconciliation Act that would protect Planned Parenthood funds.

Though this has come as no surprise to us (after all, Murkowski has pledged her allegiance to Planned Parenthood on multiple occasions), we are still her constituents and we still have an obligation to hold her accountable.

Senator Murkowski continues to show her true colors on the issues that matter most. Her support for Planned Parenthood is something that absolutely cannot be overlooked in the next election. Here’s hoping (and praying!) that a god-fearing person would rise up to take her place in the US Senate.

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

According to Autopsy, This Is How the Juneau Mayor Died

/2 Comments/in , /by

The newly elected mayor of Alaska’s capital city appears to have died from natural causes, police said Wednesday.

Police announced the preliminary findings shortly after an autopsy was completed on the body of 70-year-old Mayor Stephen “Greg” Fisk. The final autopsy report, which will include toxicology results, will take weeks to complete, officials said.

“According to the findings, the external injuries sustained by Mayor Fisk were consistent with an injury due to falling or stumbling into objects. No foul play is indicated,” police said in a statement ahead of a news conference in Juneau. (Read more from “According to Autopsy, This Is How the Juneau Mayor Died” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

Mayor of Juneau Found Dead in His Home; UPDATE: Foul Play Not Ruled Out

/1 Comment/in , /by

By Fox News. The mayor of Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, was found dead in his home Monday less than than two months after he was elected.

Juneau police said in a brief statement that Greg Fisk, 70, was pronounced dead at the scene. The statement added that an unidentified male caller had reported finding Fisk’s body at 3:34 p.m. local time (7:34 p.m. EST) . . .

Fisk was elected mayor of Juneau on Oct. 6, defeating incumbent Merrill Sanford by a 2-to-1 margin. Prior to entering politics, he had worked as a self-employed consultant for area fisheries. (Read more from “Mayor of Juneau Found Dead in His Home” HERE)

____________________________

Juneau Police Department Press Release

Summary: On November 30th, 2015 at about 3:34pm, the Juneau Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a male reporting he had found a deceased subject inside a residence in the 400 block of Kennedy Street.

JPD officers and Capital City Fire/Rescue responded to the area. 70 year old Stephen “Greg” Fisk, the Mayor of Juneau, was pronounced deceased on scene. The investigation continues.

Update 11/30/2015 21:05

The man who found Greg Fisk in his Juneau residence and called 9-1-1 was Fisk’s adult son.

JPD is aware of rumors that an assault occurred in connection with Fisk’s death. Those rumors are speculation. Detectives are actively investigating facts of the incident and all evidence is being preserved and documented.

The Medical Examiner’s Office has authorized an autopsy. Results of the autopsy are expected within several days and will be used to determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as appropriate.

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

____________________________

UPDATE: Foul Play Not Ruled Out in Death of Mayor of Juneau

By M. Alex Johnson. Police haven’t ruled out foul play in the death of Juneau, Alaska, Mayor Greg Fisk after they said Tuesday they had discovered undisclosed injuries on his body.

Fisk, 70, who was elected mayor in October, was found Monday afternoon at home by his son, Juneau police said. They wouldn’t speculate on a cause of death, saying an autopsy was pending.

Police said they have ruled out suicide — but they wouldn’t rule out foul play. Fisk was found alone, and there was no evidence of forced entry, they said.

Juneau Police Chief Bryce Johnson said in an interview on KINY radio of Juneau that “injuries” were discovered on the mayor’s body. He wouldn’t discuss the location or nature of the injuries, saying they could be “consistent with a fall.”

Juneau police spokeswoman Erann Kalwara also wouldn’t discuss the injuries. . . (Read more about the death of the mayor of Juneau HERE)

Seismic Station in Alaska Records a Disturbance That Wasn’t an Earthquake: ‘Something Big Moving out There’

/2 Comments/in , /by

Recordings taken at a station that detects seismic activity at Kultieth River Mountain in southeast Alaska would suggest that the area experienced a strong disturbance earlier this month.

But it was no earthquake.

The incident recorded by the Alaska Earthquake Center’s seismic sensor, according to KTUU-TV, was actually the work of a bear, or at least that’s what scientists think.

“We aren’t sure for certain it was a bear, but the data shows indicates it was something big moving out there before the data stopped coming in,” field engineer Scott Dalton told the news station.

The shaking detected by the station lasted for eight minutes and then transmission stopped. (Read more from “Seismic Station in Alaska Records a Disturbance That Wasn’t an Earthquake: ‘Something Big Moving out There'” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

New Planned Parenthood Video: Doctor Wants Intact Fetal Heads for Brain Harvesting

/1 Comment/in , /by

A new Planned Parenthood video, the 11th in a series of secretly-taped interviews, shows a Texas doctor wishing to conduct an abortion that produces intact fetal heads for brain harvesting.

“I haven’t been able to do that yet,” said the doctor, Amna Dermish of Planned Parenthood Austin. “This will give me something to strive for.”

The video is the latest in the sting produced by the The Center for Medical Progress in the ongoing Planned Parenthood baby parts scandal that has led to the formation of a special investigative committee in Congress because the women’s health group receives federal funding.

Republican Sens. Mark Kirk of Illinois, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska havn’t committeed to the defunding measure and without their support it is likely to fall short of the needed 51 votes, according to reports.

In the latest video, Dr. Dermish tells the camera that she was trained by the Senior Director of Medical Services at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Dr. Deborah Nucatola. (Read more from “New Planned Parenthood Video: Doctor Wants Intact Fetal Heads for Brain Harvesting” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

Taiwanese Woman Gives Birth on Plane Diverted to Alaska – Here’s the Possible Reason Why

/4 Comments/in , /by

A Taiwanese woman who gave birth on a flight to the U.S. in what may have been an attempt to give her baby American citizenship could face a hefty bill for forcing the plane to divert to Alaska.

The insurance firm of China Airlines will decide whether to ask the unnamed passenger to cover the cost of the stopover to ensure the health of her baby, airline media affairs staffer Weni Lee said Friday. The flight made an emergency landing en route from Taipei to Los Angeles on Oct. 8.

Taiwanese media have estimated the bill at $33,000, although the airline said its insurer is still calculating the cost.

The local media have widely reported that the woman evidently wanted to give the child American citizenship. Taiwan’s China Times newspaper’s website said that, before giving birth, she repeatedly asked the cabin crew, “Are we in U.S. air space?” . . .

Alaska state officials say the baby is eligible for U.S. citizenship. A baby born in flight has the right to be a U.S. citizen if that is where the child first arrives, even if born in international air space, said Susan Morgan, spokeswoman for the Alaska Department of Social Services. (Read more from “Taiwanese Woman Gives Birth on Plane Diverted to Alaska – Here’s the Possible Reason Why” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.