Barack Obama was elected to serve a six-year term in the United States Senate. He did not resign to run for president. He continued his service in the U. S. Senate during his countless hours of campaigning. His long absences from his Senate duties were and are the norm in Washington D. C. Were his constituents well served by his sporadic service? Personally, I think he should have resigned his office if he wanted to pursue other issues or offices. That would have been the right thing to do.

Senator Obama wanted to bring change to Washington but played by the old rules of self-service rather than public service. While I disagree with his approach, I do not hate him for his political philosophy or approach or try to undermine his presidency. After all, differences are makes what politics interesting.

Our Governor, Sarah Palin, has taken a different tack. She has resigned her office and is turning over the reins to our very able Lt. Governor, Sean Parnell. He will be joined by General Craig Campbell, universally viewed as one of the most competent men in Alaska. The business of government will finally refocus when the news hysteria is not obsessed on Sarah as our governor. That is a sad commentary about politics today.

My only surprise is the continuation of bashing by those that abhor everything for which Sarah stands. Why aren’t they celebrating? Having a huge bonfire on the Park strip? They drove her from office with phony ethics claims and huge attorney fees. They tied up her Administration so that it could not do those things that would have moved our economy further along. They stopped her dead in her tracks. Their attack was coordinated and encompassed direct frontal attacks by Democrats. That was to be expected. However, knives in the back were evident by some Republicans? That is not a good way to rebuild a Republican majority or keep one in either the House or the Senate. The most interesting justification for the repugnant, disrespectful and unwarranted treatment of our Governor is that she brought it on herself. That is simply not true.

Even some folks I have long respected like my fellow Irishman, Michael Carey have gone over the edge on this. When asked by Fox network if he was a supporter or opponent of Governor Palin, he indicated that he was neutral and treated her fairly. Then he went on to call her a quitter and say that her political career was ended. Now, Michael, that’s not a fair or balanced or even a true statement. My Momma told me not to call people names. In addition, remember Thumper’s Momma and her famous admonition, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

We certainly do not need more of this hysteria by a smitten media. Michael, liberals should not deny their political philosophy. Why deny that you are a partisan? You write a column so your opinions are your own. No problem. So do I. But, please don’t try to say that your treatment of Governor Sarah Palin is fair, balanced, or non-partisan. You damage your own credibility with that untrue and uncharacteristic statement.

I have a suggestion that is based upon my experience as Chairman of the Alaska Republican Party. When I was Chair, Jack Roderick was the Chair of the Democratic Party of Alaska. One time, ARCO flew us both to Prudhoe Bay to debate before the oil hands our political philosophies. We held a bare knuckle, partisan and spirited debate. Then afterward, we had a toddy together waiting for the plane back to Anchorage. We did not stomp off and hate each other. We did not personally attack each other. Jack never assailed my wife and kids, not I his family. We had a spirited debate and had fun doing it. It is time to return to that level of civility.

Nowhere is it said that Governor Palin must provide to partisan Democrats or the news media an explanation for her actions that they find acceptable. Her actions are hers. She has been a great Governor and enacted a positive agenda for Alaska. She will, no doubt, continue a positive role, as an advocate for all that is Alaskan. A very wise man once told me, Son, count your blessings not your problems and you’ll be a lot happier. As Alaskans, let us take a brief respite from the bile, count our blessings and be happy. After all, it is a beautiful summer. The best in decades. Thank God for global warming.