Her deadly wolf program
With a disdain for science that alarms wildlife experts, Sarah Palin continues to promote Alaska’s policy to gun down wolves from planes.
Salon
By Mark Benjamin
Wildlife activists thought they had seen the worst in 2003 when Frank Murkowski, then the Republican governor of Alaska, signed a bill ramping up state programs to gun down wild wolves from airplanes, inviting average citizens to participate. Wolves, Murkowski believed, were clearly better than humans at killing elk and moose, and humans needed to even the playing field.
But that was before Sarah Palin took Murkowski’s job at the end of 2006. She went one step, or paw, further. Palin didn’t think Alaskans should be allowed to chase wolves from aircraft and shoot them — they should be encouraged to do so. Palin’s administration put a bounty on wolves’ heads, or to be more precise, on their mitts.
In early 2007, Palin’s administration approved an initiative to pay a $150 bounty to hunters who killed a wolf from an airplane in certain areas, hacked off the left foreleg, and brought in the appendage. Ruling that the Palin administration didn’t have the authority to offer payments, a state judge quickly put a halt to them but not to the shooting of wolves from aircraft.
Detractors consider the airborne shootings a savage business, conducted under the euphemism “predator control.” The airplanes appear in the winter, so the wolves show up like targets in a video game, sprinting across the white canvas below. Critics believe the practice violates the ethics of hunting, while supporters say the process is not hunting at all, but a deliberate cull.
Palin has argued that she is worried about Alaska’s hunters, locked in perennial competition with the canine carnivores for the state’s prodigious ungulate population. A hunter herself, Palin has battled critics of aerial wolf hunting with the support of the Alaska Outdoor Council, a powerhouse advocacy and lobbying organization for hunting, fishing and recreation groups. In addition to so-called urban hunters, who shoot moose mostly for fun, Alaska is home to a significant number of subsistence hunters, including some of the Native population. Subsistence hunters rely on an occasional moose to make ends meet. The wolves, Palin has said, are stealing food from their tables.
“Palin acts like she has never met an animal she didn’t want shot,” says Priscilla Feral, president of Friends of Animals, based in Connecticut.
The controversy over Palin’s promotion of predator control goes beyond animal rights activists recoiling at the thought of picking off wolves from airplanes. A raft of scientists has argued that Palin has provided little evidence that the current program of systematically killing wolves, estimated at a population of 7,000 to 11,000, will result in more moose for hunters. State estimates of moose populations have come under scrutiny. Some wildlife biologists say predator control advocates don’t even understand what wolves eat.
State officials stand by their scientific findings on predator control. “Several times over the past several years, our science has been challenged in court,” says Bruce Bartley, a spokesman for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. “In every instance it has prevailed.”
Yet it is not hard to find Alaskans who say Palin’s enthusiasm for predator control fits a broader narrative of how she edits science to suit her personal views. She endorses the teaching of creationism in public schools and has questioned whether humans are responsible for global warming.
In 2007, she approved $400,000 to educate the public about the ecological success of shooting wolves and bears from the air. Some of the money went to create a pamphlet distributed in local newspapers, three weeks before the public was to vote on an initiative that would have curtailed aerial killing of wolves by private citizens. “The timing of the state’s propaganda on wolf control was terrible,” wrote the Anchorage Daily News on its editorial page.
“Across the board, Sarah Palin puts on a masquerade, claiming she is using sound management and science,” says Nick Jans, an Alaskan writer who co-sponsored the initiative. “In reality she uses ideology and ignores science when it is in her way.” The initiative was defeated last month.
Gordon Haber is a wildlife scientist who has studied wolves in Alaska for 43 years. “On wildlife-related issues, whether it is polar bears or predator controls, she has shown no inclination to be objective,” he says of Palin. “I cannot find credible scientific data to support their arguments,” he adds about the state’s rational for gunning down wolves. “In most cases, there is evidence to the contrary.”
Last year, 172 scientists signed a letter to Palin, expressing concern about the lack of science behind the state’s wolf-killing operation. According to the scientists, state officials set population objectives for moose and caribou based on “unattainable, unsustainable historically high populations.” As a result, the “inadequately designed predator control programs” threatened the long-term health of both the ungulate and wolf populations. The scientists concluded with a plea to Palin to consider the conservation of wolves and bears “on an equal basis with the goal of producing more ungulates for hunters.”
Apparently Palin wasn’t fazed. Earlier this year she introduced state legislation that would further divorce the predator-control program from science. The legislation would transfer authority over the program from the state Department of Fish and Game to Alaska’s Board of Game, whose members are appointed by, well, Palin. Even some hunters were astounded by her power play.
The legislation would give Palin’s board “more leeway without any scientific input to do whatever the hell they basically wanted,” Mark Richards, co-chair of Alaska Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, wrote in an e-mail. The legislation is currently stalled in the Alaska state Senate.
Predator control in Alaska dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. Even then, wildlife biologists insisted that wolves were important to the area’s natural ecology and not responsible for inordinate deaths of sheep, caribou or moose. Yet the scientists fought a losing battle against ranchers, hunters and government officials, who backed the extermination of tens of thousands of wolves. Aerial hunting began in earnest in the 1940s and continued through the 1960s after Alaska had earned statehood.
But starting in 2003, Murkowski opened the airborne shooting to citizens with special permits and expanded predator-control programs to cover 60,000 square miles of state and federal land, the largest wolf-killing operation since Alaska became a state. The stated goal is to reduce wolf populations in some areas by 60 to 80 percent. Teams of pilots and gunners have killed at least 795 wolves since 2003. Conservationists counter that the total number of wolves trapped, shot from airplanes, chased down by snow machines, and killed legally and illegally in Alaska every year is more along the lines of 2,000.
Scientists insist that the Palin administration is systematically killing wolves with an inadequate understanding of the relationship between the carnivore and hoofed animals. The state responds that predators kill over 80 percent of the moose and caribou that die each year, while hunters and trappers kill less than 10 percent.
Haber says the state’s numbers are wildly inflated. His decades of wolf research have shown that wolves are, in fact, mostly scavengers. “Sixty to 70 percent of the moose they eat are scavenged, not killed,” he says. He adds that the state’s wolf population estimates, based on secondhand observations and extrapolations, are also high.
Palin offered the $150 bounty for wolf paws in 2007 after efforts to kill wolves from airplanes that season were, in her view, coming up short. State officials had hoped that 382 to 664 wolves would be killed during that predator-control season. State officials were disappointed when only 115 wolves were killed from the air.
Palin thought the $150 cash bounties would do the trick. Haber has another explanation for the dry spell. “I can tell you from my own research that the reason they didn’t get many wolves in certain years, particularly last winter, is because they have scraped those areas clean,” he says.
Last year, Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., introduced legislation designed to curtail predator-control programs, except as a last resort. “It’s time to ground Alaska’s illegal and inhumane air assault on wolves,” Miller said. Palin quickly fired off a curt letter in response, applauding the state’s programs as “widely recognized for their excellence and effectiveness.” She pointed out that her state has “managed its wildlife so that we still maintain abundant populations of all of our indigenous predators almost fifty years after statehood.”
Says Jans, co-sponsor of the losing initiative to outlaw aerial wolf hunting: “This is a reflection of a somebody who doesn’t have any use for science.”
Post your comment
Comment Guidelines: We welcome your expressions of opinion on this subject. Please avoid false commentary about individuals or groups. Facts must be verified by the person posting. Off-topic comments, and comments inappropriate for a readership of all ages, may be deleted. E-mail addresses will never be published. Only comments with valid e-mail address will be published.
143 Comments
On September 8, 2008, Susan wrote:
Palin needs to go back and crawl under the rock where she came from and stay there forever! She is a disgrace to all animals.
On September 8, 2008, Prudy wrote:
The following was not written by me. When I received this I told the writer it was saved for future use.
I could not say it better than she did.
Please read through
Everything, every plant, and every animal, human included, were placed upon this earth, we call Turtle Island, with a purpose in mind, and together, each living thing respected form a very perfect balance, when there is harmony, and when one does not take from the other in any way. Man has gone down a wrong path, and interrupted this balance, and man is now sorry, so he continues to fix the problem. When in fact, leaving things alone, they will fix themselves. Men have forgotten the true purpose the Creator put them here for, and that is to look over, protect, and keep the land, the animals, and all of life. Man became greedy and has acted to change these things for his own gain. Instead man is finding out that he has in fact interrupted the perfect flow of life, the great circle of unity and balance, and man himself is now in danger by his own hand. Mankind must change now, and pray it is not too late to bring back the harmony and balance to the great circle.
On September 8, 2008, Marissa wrote:
She just lost my vote and so did McCain!!
I was unaware of this….and needs addressed….
On September 8, 2008, Lisa Koehl wrote:
I think her name should be Sarah Pagan!!! What an evil and despicable pathetic excuse for a human being!!!
On September 8, 2008, Karen Bates wrote:
Are they insane? Or just sadistic killers? Where is the sport in shooting an animal from a plane? They’re whooses. There should be no recreational hunting. Hunting should be because we need food and for no other reason.
On September 8, 2008, Deb Smoot wrote:
Since she would be the president should John McCain,and I don’t think his age is particularly an issue,but he is not in the best of health,be unable to serve his term. Sarah Palin is a female version of Dick Cheney. It would be devastating even if she remained the vice-president…
On September 8, 2008, Elaine wrote:
I think it is a disgrace to even hunt from the air or ground
On September 8, 2008, Corinne Joly wrote:
I believe that Palin’s “respect for life” should extend to all life - including the wolves and the caribou she likes to kill! I firmly oppose her election - I fear that if she and McCain win the Arctic Wilderness will become the Arctic Wasteland and then we all lose…….
On September 8, 2008, linda myers wrote:
Palin in an environemental terrorist. I don’t understand why these issues have not been addressed by the Press.
On September 8, 2008, Cecille Hamiton wrote:
I am a definite animal lover and friend, but I will reserve my opinion of the said story, until I check out the facts and the reasons, before I damn anyone. Anyone can write an article of supposedly “facts”, and in this particular election year, I would not be surprised of “so called rumors” as “facts. I will get back to you all. According to Gov. Corzine, we don’t have a real problem with too many black bears, in “the boonies of NJ” of our state, and we should just suck up losses of our calves, ponies, rabbits, goats, and pet dogs. “Don’t feed the birds” and put your garbage cans in your house or special lids on them”!! Oh, and “don’t cook on your barbeque or leave a kitchen window open, while you’re cooking dinner. Then they won’t break into yor house, and raid your cabinets and fridge”. Yeah, right!! Like I said, I’ll check out this writer and the article and get back to you. Thank you for reading my rant……
[Blog editors’ note: FoA has sponsored Dr. Gordon Haber’s field research since 1993, and his remarks are valid. Palin kills animals, put state monies behind the state’s violent wolf-control scheme, and Palin’s initiated a bounty on wolves which FoA defeated in court in March 2007. If you want to see the end of planet earth, bring on Sarah Palin. She’s a disaster. ]
On September 8, 2008, Heather wrote:
How can we stop this? Can we get a petition going?
I think the people of the USA would be outraged if they knew this! How can we spread the word besides telling our families and friends? Possibly start a petition?
It almost 2009 and she still wants to kill innocent animals??
She should focus on that 5 month old kid of hers and becoming a Grandma from her unmarried 17 year old and leave these wolves alone!!
On September 8, 2008, Eric K. wrote:
How would Sarah Palin feel if her kids were hunted down by hunters with guns?
God Bless the Wolves.
On September 8, 2008, Phyllis wrote:
She is a hunter. She uses guns. How dare she kill innocent animals. I hope this wipes the Republicans off the charts.
On September 8, 2008, kathleen wrote:
sarah palin is sick. ..
On September 8, 2008, Kathy wrote:
Unfortunately this is all true, and this issue has been put to Alaska voters 2-3 times over the past 12 years (since I moved to Alaska in 1996) and even though AK voters voted to stop aerial killing, it continues to occur. This is only one of MANY reasons that I am a proud Alaska Woman for Obama. Please spread the word to all of your friends, especially women, who seem to have fallen under Palin’s wicked spell.
On September 8, 2008, Susan A. Holdridge, Ph.D. wrote:
I’m appaled beyond words by Sarah Palin’s treatment of the AK wolves and by the notion that someone who conducts herself in such a breathtakingly inhumane manner could find themselves in any political office in this country, let alone as a candidate for Vice President. ..
Perhaps the current political situation could be capitalized on to help the AK wolves. We don’t have to think back very far to recall the Michael Vic case. It helped to put a face on the pit bull fighting industry and both informed and incensed many people who probably had had no idea of the sad reality of many pit bulls.
[Blog editors’ note: A question was asked about whether Alaska’s wolves were reintroduced into Alaska. No, that’s not the case. Wolves were reintroduced around Yellowstone National Park. In the vast wilderness of Alaska, there is plenty of room for wolves. Indeed, there should be tolerance. Palin projects the worst in Alaska, and the question is whether that’s welcomed on a national scale.]
On September 8, 2008, Catkin wrote:
Unfortunately, this Elmer Fudd in a skirt seems clueless about the nature of wolves. Unlike humans, wolves are natural carnivores, so they have a right to hunt. Also unlike humans, wolves don’t hunt for “trophy” specimens but increase the health of prey species by their tendancy to target weak members who would likely succumb to disease or the elements, meaning they don’t compete with human hunters.
There’s nothing “sporting” about shooting anybody from an airplane. It’s cruel and cowardly.
On September 8, 2008, Mary wrote:
This information needs to be put before the voting public. Many persons are not on the “humane” mailing list, it needs to be on TV and in the newspapers and not be a secret how she treats the animals and the earth of which she is the “steward”.. I am a Hillary Democrat, I planned to vote McCain until he put this _____ on his ticket, so I guess its Obama now. At least Michelle doesn’t advocate killing wolves.
On September 8, 2008, Michele F wrote:
As a former Republican I am tired of those who promote compassion for the unborn yet practice disdain for the rest of humanity. These same individuals claim allegiance to “G-d” yet their policies violate the biblical command to care for both the land and it’s animals. How Palin or any other can allege infinity to those without a voice yet alienate themselves from the cries and open bloodshed of helpless animals (albeit hunting, factory farming or medical experimentation) is a paradox. Such ignorance is astounding.
On September 8, 2008, NancyGM wrote:
I have melanoma, as does Mc Cain. The press does not understand how lethal and sneaky this disease is and he very well could have it metastasize at any time( I’ve researched his true stats). Yes, that idiot woman would be the leader of the “free” world. It is a very frightening state of affairs. Goddess protect the wolves from this massacre.
On September 8, 2008, CJ Sublett wrote:
Palin is a souless enemy of our animals and environment. She also wanted to take polar bears off the Endangered Species List. So-called “hunters” who use helicopers to terrorize the wolf by chasing it until’s exhausted and then kill it are on the same level as those use participate in “canned hunts”. It’s not sport, it’s just bloodthirsty pathetic losers. Palin is as anti-environment as they come. She REALLY scares me. We CANNOT allow her to get a heartbeat away from the presidency. Her “family values” are pretty skewed, too. Looks like she has enough on her plate at home instead of seeking the limelight and power of national politics. Since when is PTA an acceptable qualification for vice-president of the U.S.?
On September 8, 2008, Lindsey wrote:
She may be able to avoid some criticism because alaska is home to “a substantial amount of subsistence hunters, including the native population”. I’m against hunting UNLESS it is your only source of food in an extremely rural area. But having the general public shoot from planes does not sound like a good way to manage things at all in this situation. And if this is being done just to preserve recreational hunting, it has no validity at all.
On September 8, 2008, Debbie wrote:
Disgusting, she wouldn’t get my vote if I were a US citizen. She obviously is not an animal lover or advocate and clearly knows nothing about Alaska’s ecosystem.
I am appalled that she would encourage such a horrific death for these majestic animals…
I have no respect for people such as she. Hopefully there will be some more lobbying to prevent any more of this activity.
On September 8, 2008, Christy Mattingly wrote:
If people vote for this woman they should be ashamed of themselves. She hates animals. The way she goes about killing wolves is inhumane. I cannot believe that this has not been mentioned in this Republican National Convention or even in the paper. This needs to be known to everyone who care about the creatures and the humans who cause them to suffer unnecessarily. I can’t stand to even listen to this woman talk. She is not even qualified to run as VP. That tells us a lot about John McCain. He probably doesn’t even know her history on this magnificant animals and that she has them killed in such a brutal way. They keep bragging on how many children she has. Who cares! She hates animals and she will raise them to do the same!
On September 8, 2008, A James Spong wrote:
I believe that Sara Palin uses an A17 (AK47) Assault Rifle to hunt with.
A friend of my wife’s confirmed what I had already read/heard about and that is, she has a grizzly bear skin (with head) on a couch in her home.
On September 8, 2008, Atia Jarnstedt wrote:
A poor excuse for a woman/human being; makes me cringe to share her gender! Palin’s supporters are just plain stupid and ignorant!
Consider the amount of fuel that is used to hunt down a wolf or bear from a helicopter or small plane….need I say more?
Cruel, barabaric, and despicable animal hater!
On September 8, 2008, Rita Campbell wrote:
Sarah Palin imposes an unscientific, disastrous, and unethical philosophy of slaughtering all wildlife, and drilling for fossil fuels, at a time when life on earth is imperiled by widespread toxic pollution and severe weather crisis. Palin acts as though the Earth’s resources are without end, and that wars, famine, flooding, extinctions do not exist on Earth - and if they do that mankind plays no part in their creation. Palin’s denial of science, conservation, and sustainable action is alarming and deeply disturbing. She has repeatedly abused the power of the office of mayor and governor, and panders exclusively to Big Oil, mining, Big Coal, and corporate interests without foresight, scientific, or social considerations.
On September 8, 2008, barbara wrote:
I feel that … Palin … should be running for her life as she makes the wolves do. What makes her think that she is ever going to make it. She has her own 17 year old … who is pregnant. .. Who the hell does she think she is? … Palin go back to Alaska and live in the wild, let’s see who wins then.
On September 8, 2008, Jennifer wrote:
This woman is a scumbag - a complete and total hypocritical scumbag. Let’s get the word out so the rest of the country knows how dangerous and shockingly cold this “pro-lifer” really is.
On September 8, 2008, Dustin Garrett Rhodes, Friends of Animals wrote:
I am incredibly thankful for this piece appearing on Salon.com. I certainly am moved by the number of people who find this disturbing (I was afraid that wolves, because they are culturally reviled, would fail to elicit any sympathy—and I am glad to be proven wrong). But that’s just one reason why Palin is a particularly frightening political figure. Palin is a danger to all animals—perhaps most especially the human one. Ah, but I digress.
On September 8, 2008, michelle wrote:
we have no reason to take any life human or animals / what ever it takes man must stop killing innocent animals, just wait until judgement day comes were all in big trouble / what is created is meant to be leave it up to the creator to make the life or death decision peace and love michelle
On September 8, 2008, Beverly Carter wrote:
sarah palin Is a very bad woman
On September 8, 2008, Barbara wrote:
All of us in the wildlife preservation and environmental community have been aware of this woman’s record for awhile now. Is there no way that this barbaric practice can be publicized? All voters in this country should be made aware of her policies on this matter in addition to other issues. There should be video of the actual killing of wolves from aircraft shown often on TV right through the election. As horrible as it would be to watch, everyone should see who we may have as a VP this Nov. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to vote for a ticket with her on it after they saw animals slaughtered like that.
On September 8, 2008, Leno wrote:
The comments I have just read here are so eloquent and well said, that I cannot say more - Only add my voice to those who are shamed by the attitude of this cruel and ignorant woman…
What gives her the right?
She, and all those like her, MUST BE STOPPED! Our future and the life of the planet depend on ending the killing…ALL killing.
Thank you
On September 8, 2008, S. Wood wrote:
I’m afraid there are a lot of people who aren’t concerned about animals or even people who are less fortunate. Their only concern seems to be whether their taxes will be increased. Until we really start to care about each other and not how much “stuff” we can obtain, we will continue to have the Bush’s & McCain’s as our leaders.
On September 8, 2008, Lorraine Turco wrote:
Maybe you could get a petition together for everyone to sign about killing the wolves off in Alaska? I think it’s cruel. They are so beautiful and just trying to survive.
[Blog editors’ note: Palin is governor in Alaska so a petition isn’t effective but a country-wide tourism boycott of Alaska would get someone’s attention. Tourism is the second most profitable business in the state. If Palin fails to occupy a slot in D.C. (oh, please), Alaska’s stuck with Palin two more years. People book summer trips to Alaska from November - February.]
On September 8, 2008, Danny wrote:
We need to keep that @#$% out of office.
On September 8, 2008, Michelle wrote:
I was actually going to vote for this woman? HA.. Not anymore. Wolves are my top favorite animal. If she makes it to the White House these poor animals will continue to have no freedom to live like they are supposed to.
On September 8, 2008, Lee wrote:
…There is no sport in shooting anything that you are not going to eat to survive. As far as her being pro life, what a liar she is. Definately lost my VOTE, murderer!!!
On September 8, 2008, val crowley wrote:
Shame on her,I can see she is the real compassionate caring type.Just what we need,in office.
On September 8, 2008, Lauren wrote:
why the hell would people do this? its horrible! how would these ignorant people like it if i came to alaska and shoot them down? i can’t believe it, every time i turn around something worse is going on with these poor animals. they have the right to live just like humans do… leave these animals alone!
On September 8, 2008, Ariel Spencer wrote:
I wouldn’t dream of voting for her. She’s beyond despicable. A pit bull in lipstick? That’s an insult to pit bulls everywhere.
That said, I am certain that most animal lovers - which is a huge part of the electorate - wouldn’t vote for her either if they had this information. Question: Can this information be forwarded to key parts of the media? ie., such outlets as CNN, MSNBC (particularly Olbernman and Rachel Maddow), the Huffington Post?
On September 8, 2008, DEBORAH CLARK wrote:
this stament is true as my son recently returned from a trip where he spent all his time with family in wasilla alaska. he was there and he heard all the problems and the talk to include if the daughter should get married or have an abortion. marriage was decided as the mother is prolife. she hunts, fishes rides a snow mobile and kills wild animals. she is considered one of the good ole boys of alaska
On September 8, 2008, Ron Barber wrote:
what a phony.She has no regard for animal life and this same disregard cannot be carried over from the Bush administration . Keep up the great work exposing these freaking nuts running our country and states.
On September 8, 2008, Julie Wingate wrote:
I agree with everyone here, this hunting and slaughtering of wolves has got to stop. I’ve been spreading the word to everyone I know about this cruel and vicious act and have donated money and signed every petition there is to help put a stop to it.
I do need to make a comment, though, to Lisa Koehl’s statement regarding “Sarah Pagan”. You are very misinformed, pagans respect all living creatures and go out of their way to protect them so please don’t make comments about something in which you seem to know nothing about. Thank you.
Bless the Wolves.
On September 8, 2008, Penelope Smith-Berk wrote:
Yet another reason NOT to vote republican. Remember this story and imagine the terror of innocent animals running for their lives from airplanes and helicopters with gun-toting :hunters”, when you go into the voting booth this November.
On September 8, 2008, Mimi Forsyth wrote:
Who will join me paying $150 to whomever…..
[Blog editors’ note: Some comments from posters are edited despite the poetic justice some seek. What goes around, comes around, for sure. Get even when you vote on Election Day, and please spread the word.
Thanks for your spirit and good motivations. ]
On September 8, 2008, Bill wrote:
I agree that the practice of this type of hunting is wrong and should be banned. Take no more than you need period. Natural selection is as work here. Leave the wolves alone to do what eveloution allows them to do. Some of the comments left here are a bit over the top.
My vote will not be going to Obama or McCain.
Maybe I’ll write in wyle coyte. Peace to all.
On September 9, 2008, Truth Seeker wrote:
Sarah Palin’s dirty secret. She aims for the total extermination of the wolves in Alaska…even rewarding each kill with a $150.00 bounty per wolf. The wolves are chased by airplanes, helicopters and snowmobiles to total exhaustion, then shot without mercy. Then if found, their pups are also killed in their den. If too well hidden, they are left to starve to death.
By ordering the mass slaughter of the wolves …(who only kill a few “SICK” or “WEAK” caribou & moose to feed their pups)…it leaves the caribou & moose to be killed by the wealthy TROPHY HUNTERS …(who always select the “BIGGEST” and “HEALTHY” specimen.)
This callous woman has shown no respect for our environment and our wildlife. She brings shame to the human race. I refuse to support her ticket in the upcoming election. Barack & Michelle Obama have shown to be compassionate individuals who truly care for the Middle Class, the poor and the animals.
On September 9, 2008, Karen wrote:
Governor Palin,
You are currently responsible for the people, land and animals of the beautiful state of Alaska.
I think you must remember that at least a significant portion of Alaska’s revenue comes in the way of tourists.
I would say that most people go out of their way to travel to Alaska to view the natural splendor that you are a caretaker of. This includes the wolves. I can think of nothing more disturbing than to see these very wolves being killed…by shooters from an airplane.
I would think closely what you may lose by continuing to encourage this barbaric practice.
Sincerely,
Karen Rhoades
On September 9, 2008, Linda M. wrote:
It is a down-right, dirty shame that anyone is deceived to the point of believing that it is anywhere near okay to kill for sport. And right, it does use up our valuable and limited resources for, such a deplorable, dispicalbe practice. Wolves do not kill except for food. and then usually, only the weak and infirmed, (you know, the law of natural selection (duh!). I can think of so much to write on this subject. But, just sufice it to say, self-indulgent hypocrits shouldn’t be vice-president. Sarah, if the shoes fit, please, take them off….
On September 9, 2008, Andria wrote:
She just lost my vote too. Heartless….
On September 9, 2008, Amanda wrote:
Sarah Palin seems intent on destroying much of the beauty that exists in Alaska. Not only has she denied the people of Alaska’s two winning ballot initiatives to save the wolves, but she has also been instrumental in defeating a citizen’s ballot initiative to prevent the proposed Pebble Mine, largest in the world, from destroying the salmon/human ecosystem in Bristol Bay. She seems to be shaking up the way government works in Alaska, by eliminating the voice and vote of the people.
On September 9, 2008, lisa wrote:
Sarah Palin is demented and inhuman. She is another animal abusing scum. We need animal rights activists running our government.
On September 9, 2008, susan dietrich wrote:
Horrible. I remember getting into a violent argument with an Alaskan banker at a banking convention in San Francisco 30 years ago over this very subject. Naively I thought the practice had been abandoned after most research reported that people, not wolves, were responsible for over hunting wild game. That in fact wolves improved wild herds by cullling the old, sick and weak from them, leaving the strongest to propagate. Sarah Palin’s policy of encouraging the barbarous and totally unfair practice of hunting wolves from small planes is not only unscientific, it’s downright shameful. She will never get my vote.
On September 9, 2008, Jon Stewart wrote:
I cannot even come up with the words to describe the contempt I have for people who harm animals. That contempt extends to (those ) like Palin who not only do the deed, but who encourage others to do it, and are actually PROUD of their acts.. as if killing is something to be proud of. ..
On September 9, 2008, Beth wrote:
I am not impressed with the cold nature of this woman when it comes to animals and our planet. Encouraging the air slaughter of wolves is too barbaric to even think about. My personal opinion of people is this: if you can raise a gun to an animal, if you can kill and maim and enjoy the experience, I don’t want you as a friend no less a Vice President. She has hurt John McCain, not helped him.
On September 9, 2008, Jim Freeburger wrote:
It is unfortunate that Ms. Palin feels the way she feels and is in a position in government that allows her to influence others. Many people are misguided about wolves and have had misinformation about them presented so that they fear the creatures greatly, and I believe that using these myths is what assists individuals like Ms. Palin in convincing the public that she is right. These are majestic nomadic creatures who will avoid humans if humans avoid them and they will only attack livestock when forced by hunger because all the caribou have been eradicated. She should work with naturalists and scientists to be able to co-exist with the creatures rather than waste time and energy destroying them.
On September 9, 2008, joni soffron/ Wolf Hollow wrote:
Sarah Palin is scary to say the least, any one who has a trickle of care of the environment the ecosystem and what we are passing on to our children should be yelling from the roof tops.All visitors who visit my facility are given the facts in writing concerning Palin and her barbaric ways.
She has lost several votes for her party by visitors who come here, in fact one gentleman tore his McCain sticker off of his car in my parking lot before he left. Let’s hope millions more will do the same.
GO OBAMA!!!!!!
On September 9, 2008, Bunny wrote:
It appears the only life Palin cares about is the unborn fetus. She is a disgusting excuse for a human being. Heaven help us all if she gets in the White House. So much for concern for the earth and it’s animals. This is more than frightening.
On September 9, 2008, weezie wrote:
I think she is a sadistic person …These are beautiful animals and yes wild unless they are a threat to human life leave them alone and if they are a threat try to move them to where they aren’t . She is a sicko and doesn’t deserve to hold any office…
On September 9, 2008, Lorraine wrote:
I WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR HER NOW!!!! Never!!!
On September 9, 2008, Peggy Watts wrote:
On September 8, 2008, Lisa Koehl wrote:”I think her name should be Sarah Pagan!!! What an evil and despicable pathetic excuse for a human being!!!”
Excuse me, but Sarah “Pagan” is exactly what she is NOT! FYI Pagans are Earth, and Mother Nature oriented. Respecting ALL of earth’s creatures great and small. Sarah Palin does not. She is definitely NOT a pagan.
On September 9, 2008, Peggy Watts wrote:
On September 8, 2008, Lisa Koehl wrote:”I think her name should be Sarah Pagan!!! What an evil and despicable pathetic excuse for a human being!!!”
Excuse me, but Sarah “Pagan” is exactly what she is NOT! FYI Pagans are Earth, and Mother Nature oriented. Respecting ALL of earth’s creatures great and small. Sarah Palin does not. She is definitely NOT a pagan.
On September 9, 2008, Angie Watford wrote:
You know I like Sarah Palin, and I believe she has the perspective of alot of American Women. But I do not and cannot conceive of people gunning down wolves, next it will be all wildlife until we have nothing left. That is the most cruel and inhumane act of ignorance I have ever heard of. And to say that humans have to level the “playing field?” Hello?? Wolves are beautiful Wild animals, that is their instinct and nature. or God wouldn’t have put them here.
On September 9, 2008, Katherine Ryan wrote:
She scares me. What’s worse …looking at the latest polls.. are there really that many people out there who don’t care about animals and their well beingto want this person in office? What a mean society! I wonder if she and Prime Minister Harper of Canada are friends since they seem to think alike when it comes to animals. He thinks nothing wrong with bashing in the heads of baby seals. This woman calls herself religious?
On September 9, 2008, Helga wrote:
That this idiot might be leading our country, makes me sick.I think people that hunt down defenseless animals,should be locked up.What next?Why not finish the few poor Polar Bears that are left in Alaska.Or has she been doing it already?We have had nothing but trouble,For the last 8 years.What are we going to do.Have this fool,devastate our wonderful country?I’m all for having a woman,as a President,but not this one.A Hillary Clinton She will never be.All MacCain is doing is using a woman that has a child with down syndrome,and a pregnant teen daugher.A lot of people for years and years have taken wonderful care of childen that are disabled.But had no time to run for vice president. It is easy to buy yourself a way into the White House,if you have enough money.Well,thats all I have to say.I hope that we as people have the smarts to know that if we vote for this ticket,we really dont care for this great Country of ours.
On September 9, 2008, Jennifer DiNitto wrote:
This is disgusting! Who do people think they are?! They’re beautiful animals doing what they do naturally. Leave them alone! Alaska has so much beautiful wilderness, animals included, leave them be!
On September 9, 2008, PAT HALDI wrote:
THIS NEEDS TO BE SENT TO THE MEDIA. WHILE THE WOLVES DO NOT PRESENT A PROBLEM TO OHIO, THEY “WERE” ENDANGERED IN THE LOWER US, SO MUCH SO THAT THEY WERE RECENTLY REMOVED FROM THE ENDANGERED LIST. HOW DARE SHE DO THIS!!!!!!!
On September 9, 2008, Donna wrote:
Palin has proved, again, just how outta touch she is to the real world! WOLVES DESERVE TO BE CHERISHED & PROTECTED….JUST AS ANY OF GOD’S CREATURES ARE!!!! …
On September 9, 2008, Ann wrote:
Unfortunately, circulating this information to FOA advocates is like preaching to the choir. Articles such as this need to be made more public. To ignore scientists, whether it be about drilling for oil in a wildlife refuge, drilling offshore in pristine waters, global warming, or shooting animals from airplanes, does not give me a warm feeling about other decisions Sarah Palin will make if her own personal agenda will be served.
[Blog editors’ note: Not exactly. The article from Salon.com is public and it’s getting reprinted on lots of lists. It’s surprising to read some of the comments posted here, but there are those who would have supported Palin who now think differently, so the article is informing lots of people one might have suspected were already savvy. Thanks for your input. ]
On September 9, 2008, Diane Lyzen wrote:
After reading your article I have just made my mind up on who I will be voting for. It is definitely NOT McCain/Palin!
God put ALL creatures on this planet and He even placed them in areas where they would flourish. So who is Palin to decide that there are too many?
Thank you for sending me this article! I don’t have to go back & forth anymore on who gets mt vote!
On September 9, 2008, Monique Korbel wrote:
This is very appauling and definetly keeps me from voting for Palin. Our political leaders should be good role models for our children. All this shows is how to be a martyr. Not a good example of leadership. She is a heartless woman and I hope I never have the chance to meet her, because I would give her an earfull. I do not wish for her to be in office now nor in the future. She needs to re-educate herself on the ways mother nature operates and the effect her ruling has on the wolf population.
Monique Korbel
On September 9, 2008, Laurie Rozgonyi wrote:
I DO NOT BELIEVE IN KILLING ANIMALS! NOT FOR ANY REASON!
On September 9, 2008, Janet wrote:
It really distubed me reading about this. Wolves are beautiful creatures and shouldnt just be shot for taking away the elk from the hunters. And wolves are my favorite animals and it make me sad reading this.I’m realy shocked i was going to vote for Mccain and Sarah but now i’m a bit skeptical about that now.
On September 9, 2008, Peter Hood wrote:
“We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form.”
—William Ralph Inge, Outspoken Essays, 1922
No worse choice could have been made, and it is profoundly disturbing that this person could be only a heartbeat away from the most important position in the world. This so obviously undermines Mr. McCain’s efforts to portray himself as having worthwhile experience and sound judgement. A truly frightening development for animal welfare advocates.
On September 9, 2008, teresa wrote:
This is a woman who is… a dark soul, or non soul, She is a predator, surviving on the blood baths of the innocent,this is her religion, these are sacrifices for her, and her associates.It is a game’Called the deadliest Game’Used with real amunition, guns and bows and arrows, and also live animals as well as humans….
On September 9, 2008, Mimi Forsyth wrote:
Killing is amoral, and killing from the air is not sport. It is murder, and it is despicable. Sarah Palin, the smarmy pro-life advocate, shoots herself in the foot.
John McCain also shot his victims from the air. He is no hero.
McCain and Palin are a great pair.
Go Obama!
On September 9, 2008, mark wrote:
…………….i cant believe how people admire her.this hunting/killing thing shows how she spent her free time;instead of being at home with her PREGNANT 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER.yes,people are that stupid.
On September 9, 2008, Donna wrote:
What if…
Sarah in her fur coat was made to stand in the open, snow covered field so she can see through the eyes of the innocent she condemns and made to feel the desperation of their plight.
[Blog editors’ note: It’s tempting to turn the table on any hunter. Palin’s role as dominator can’t perceive the wrongness imposed on her victims. That’s how Plain was raised, and in this time of climate change, every thinking person should be concerned about human population growth as a threat to animal life and the major cause of environmental degradation. Instead, Palin produces 5 children, apparently scorns birth control, and McCain’s offspring number 7. That’s a collision course best avoided. ]
On September 9, 2008, Marleina Lynn Ward wrote:
If Palin isn’t the anti-christ she should be. I look at her with her fake smile and think @#$%&. I have had at least one Wolf and sometimes more share my life with me in my home. I found them to be the most beautiful and gentle animals. I call the Wolf “GOD’S FIRST AND CHOSEN DOG” and the ones I’ve been “owned by” were in the upper 90% range with either Samoyed or Alaskan Malamute in the small 3 to 5 percent domestic dog. They never went after a child, or hurt another animal. I’ve never had a more loving or loyal dog in all my life. In the wild they will eat berries, and mostly small animals, but the animals they eat are usually either too weak for the pack, or mortally wounded. A wolf will consume 100% of it’s kill….it doesn’t kill for sport or fun. Only for survival as do ALL wild animals. I am a registered Republican who is voting for Obama and changing my party affiliation…
Palin will stab a person in the back if she doesn’t like them or they get in her way. She’s guilty as all hell of Troopergate. When will the press and public wake up and realize that SHE HAD MOTIVE. She makes me want to throw up just thinking of her in office. If she gets elected you can all kiss this county goodbye. She will destroy us all~!!!! Marleina L. Ward
On September 10, 2008, Kerrie Heinz wrote:
I have read a lot of information about Sarah Palin.
The shooting of wolves is cruel by air or on foot.
We can make our voices heard by writing to Sarah Palin and letting her know if she wants our votes she will need to stop the killing of wolves.
And by writing to McCain/Palin on their website and letting them know how we feel about the killing of Animals.
[Blog editors’ note: Palin gives violence a mystique and McCain jumps on board so that voters will dumb down and support his candidacy. Writing these politicians is pointless. They’re cultivating people who refuse to think and who are impressed with plundering the Arctic Wildlife refuge and all the indigenous wildlife who call Alaska’s tundra home. This is a wake-up call.
On September 10, 2008, Joan RG wrote:
God help the USA if McCain and his token female, Sarah Palin, make it to the White House! This woman is a born killer. If this was McCain’s answer to Hillary Clinton, he can be assured I won’t vote for him and will influence anyone I can not to vote for him. At his age and cancer… he can die very soon and then we would be stuck with this useless, cruel, stupid woman. Hasn’t 8 years of a dummy for President been enough?
On September 10, 2008, mj wrote:
No wonder why they say more men like palin than women. Men are the hunters they love guns and killing of wildlife as does Palin. This lady is awful some one needs to expose her cruel side to wildlife . She kills moose for her soup. Does she need to survive by killing animals! DON“T THINK SO!! Killing animals she seems to think is a good thing?? Oh I guess everyone ones child should get pregnant at 17 and have a baby??
On September 10, 2008, Sherri wrote:
If Sarah Palin is ‘pro life’, then she ought to be including ALL things that live and breathe; including the wolves and polar bears.
Perhaps one way to get the word out to the public is to encourage the Obama campaign to take more interest.
On September 10, 2008, Claudine Erlandson wrote:
I saw this film about beautiful wolves being shot from an helicopter and dying a slow death; their horrible suffering made me sick. Palin encouraging this carnage by paying bounty hunters is beyond comprehension.
We cannot have a VP who is a VP (vile person). Wake up America, there is no excuse for animal abuse and violence against nature.
I pray to Mother Nature, to the goddess of wolves, trees, mountains, caribous, birds, oceans, lakes, every living thing that OBAMA-BIDEN will be elected. It is a MUST for the generations to come, for our Planet.
With McCain and VP Palin we are DOOMED,
A frightened grandmother
On September 10, 2008, Ash wrote:
Other than population control (because these wolves are said to be reducing other numbers of species being hunted for sport / subsistence) what’s the purpose of this Palin program??? Can they not spend the money they’re giving for these kills and the $400K she spent on communications of this program towards transplanting these “excess” wolves to areas where they are endangered / in low numbers?
Makes me pretty upset.
[Blog editors’ note: Actually, the wolves are hunted down in vast areas of wilderness where they’re not impacting moose or caribou, but just trying to survive. Well-heeled hunters who are wealthy enough to own aircraft enjoy tracking, chasing and shooting wolves from planes, and the Palin administration likes to keep the moose and caribou hunting guides supplied with plenty of targets. It’s all morally corrupt. Wolves don’t need to be moved; they need to have their interests respected and left alone. That’s not going to happen when 14 percent of Alaskans who have hunting licenses are encouraged to pick off wolves as though it’s their civic duty.
On September 10, 2008, jonny nicks wrote:
Sarah Palin and the republican party is PATHETIC. enough said.
On September 10, 2008, CC wrote:
I recently saw a picture of her in People magazine. She was holding a poor, lifeless, bleeding cariboo’s horns and grinning. They also showed a bear fur (complete with the head) on her couch. I was sick to my stomach. In this day and age, such practices should not take place. I will not even begin to vote for her. John McCain should be informed that this “force against nature”, is going to kill his campaign. As someone else said, she needs to focus on the teen pregnancy issue, and not killing innocent animals. Shame on her!
On September 10, 2008, Stephen Stringham wrote:
See new information on the “Sarah Palin Predator Holocaust” at the website of the Bear Viewing Association
http://www.bear-viewing-in-alaska.info
On September 10, 2008, Ricky wrote:
Not everyone will dig deep enough to understand the truth about Palin. The general population is superfical. We need to get this information out there…letters to editor, call in on radio stations, internet blogs. Those of us who care for animals are not a minority…the slaughterhouse cases tell us this. Palin states god’s will on so many things yet her compassion only goes so far as her own hand.
On September 10, 2008, Sandra Chapman wrote:
I had planned on voting for McCain until he chose Sarah for a running mate. Anyone who could condone shooting wolves from a helicopter or any other way for that matter fills me with disgust. Palin also want the Polar bears off the endangered list. As if the poor things didn’t have enough problems. Now let’s find out how Obama feels about animals rights.
[Blog editors’ note: What we do know about the Obama/Biden ticket is that neither offers any bravado about slaying wolves, moose, bears or caribou, nor have they offended the sensibilities of humanity by offering to plunder the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration and drilling. They’re ahead of Palin et al by light-years.]
On September 10, 2008, lkj wrote:
She Is a killer of wildlife . What a gross pathetic person. Kills moose, wolves and whatever else she can find. What a heartless #$%@# Hopefully the media will catch her act and the wildlife killer she is. That’s about all she knows is how to kill innocent animals!!
On September 10, 2008, Jana wrote:
I am simply horrified that we as an intelligent people allow this to happen. I think Palin should take a long look into the past. Wolves have every right to provide food for thier families. Hunters arent eating the meat they just want a trophy over the fire place, we do not need to hunt these animals for food any longer.
On September 10, 2008, Betty wrote:
I can’t understand why the media hasn’t picked up on this. The only TV program that has addressed the issue is Joy Behar on the View who apparently would like Palin to come on the show with an “explanation” about her attacks on Alaska’s wildlife. More people out there need to know about this and soon. I hope many of the wildlife organizations will get together (e.g. Defenders of Wildlife, etc.) and give us some direction. There is power in numbers.
[Blog editors’ note: You’ll note Friends of Animals is interviewing and offering commentary at every opportunity. Last evening CNN’s Anderson Cooper had a decent segment ,and aerial wolf shooting was shown with film clips. One friend interviewed was Prof. Rick Steiner from the Univ of Alaska. His comments about Palin’s environmental record were spot-on. When asked about Palin’s first two years as governor, he said they were
abysmal and then offered substance from his many years of experience in conservation biology. More should be coming. ]
On September 10, 2008, Ann Maire wrote:
sarah palin… does not have feelings or correct information on this situation!
On September 10, 2008, Fran Blythe wrote:
Palin and McCain are going to ruin what we have left of our earth. McCain wants to drill in Alaska and everywhere else and she wants to offer a disgusting bounty on wolves paws. What a monster she is …..great mother setting a good example on how to treat God’s creatures. Total hypocrite in my book with her quoting the Lord and then killing senselessly. My vote is not for them.
On September 11, 2008, James Mount wrote:
I am so disgusted about Palin I do not even know where to begin. I cannot believe that someone as ruthless as this is going to be on someones ticket as VP? What can i do to help against this slaughter of our majestic and mis understood Wolf, I cannot phathom someone like this is actually in a position of power. Please write me back I cannot even think straight I want to help. Sincerely Jim Mount
On September 11, 2008, Mimi Forsyth wrote:
I have just sent another donation to Wolf Haven, in Tenino, Washington. I was going to do it anyway because they do such fine work rescuing & caring for needy wolves and coyotes..and those dog/wolf combinations that silly people think make good pets but then abandon. They have a fine education program too.This time I am donating as redress for some of the damage Sarah Palin has done.Wolves are truly magnificent creatures that can teach us much about peaceable social interaction and living. If they kill moose and caribou, they kill the weak ones that might not survive anyway. Nature has its own best ways of handling population.
Sarah Palin… must not become VP..
On September 11, 2008, js wrote:
Palin’s priorities are all inverted with her pro-life bull____. Yes, women have the right to choose, wake up all you antequated ,dark ages, ignorant self-absorbed pure unadulterated IDIOTS …! She (and everyone else) should learn what REAL pro life is. PROtecting wildLIFE!!! Clueless. .. Can’t manage her own life and family, she shouldn’t even try to manage the country!
On September 11, 2008, jill s wrote:
Palin is unbelievably clueless. …Women have the right to choose! Now the correct practice of pro-life comes into play here - PROtect wildLIFE! Let nature be! Are you so staunch (obviously) that you have no understanding of the true meaning of nature and the life cycle of such! Please, you cannot even manage your own family and life, don’t propose to try to manage the country. Crawl into an igloo and repent for your sinful behavior regarding nature’s unbelievably magnificent creatures.
On September 11, 2008, jls wrote:
I just don’t know what the world is coming to. All you pro-lifers preach about is ridiculous Help all the poor babies who have been brow beaten by this nonsense; and as a result have given birth to their drug and alcohol addicted babies, oh and let’s not forget abuse. Palin knows abuse, she practices it on defenseless animals. G -D help all the animals when Palin is loose.
On September 11, 2008, Marybeth Holleman wrote:
YES we need to make sure this gets out to the swing states especially.
For those of you in Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania: What are the major newspapers to which we should all send letters to the editor?
On September 11, 2008, Maria Rosa wrote:
Stop Her. DO not vote for her.
On September 11, 2008, Joan Rifkin wrote:
I was planning to vote for McCain since Obama didn’t chose Hilary for VP. With this story I am voting for Obama.
On September 12, 2008, taylor wrote:
In my opinion we should save our wild animals by providing them a place to live in jungles that can be saved by preserving greenery.
————————
Taylor
[Blog editors’ note: Wolves, caribou, moose, bears, tundra swans and other animals have the space and land in Alaska. They just need the government off their necks. The Palin administration is reckless.]
On September 12, 2008, Pinetrekker in MN wrote:
I agree with an earlier comment. There are those of us working in wildlife conservation and other “communities” that have known about Palin’s disregard and arrogance towards woods & wildlife for quite awhile.
It does hearten me however to see there are those of you who are really taking the time and getting to know the character behind the woman before casting a vote from first impressions and I thank you for this and hope you will share what you learn with others swept up in emotions rather than facts.
On September 12, 2008, sandra raftery wrote:
She sounds like a very scary lady. If this is the way she deals with our animal neighbours, what will she be like with the humans in society? Will it ever get better for our fellow beings we share this poor polluted planet with? Pick any country in the world, any species and it is a travesty as to what humans are doing to systemically decimate species. Why can’t highly paid (vacuous) so called “stars” and “professional athletes” donate some of their obscence salaries to help stamp out animal cruelties? Just a thought.
On September 12, 2008, Rose King wrote:
Look for more of this at huffingtonpost.com and grizzlybay.org
On September 12, 2008, Judy Lust wrote:
Palin wants her own way regardless of how that will impact Alaska. Everything I have read about her comes to the same conclusion: She is anti-wildlife, anti- preservation and pro-oil. I find her a frightening candidate for Vice President and urge everyone to vote for Senators Obama and Biden, more reasonable, clear-thinking people.
On September 12, 2008, Imelda Maronde "NY State" wrote:
wow I can’t believe everything I’ve read. This is who America will possibly vote as vice-president. We’re looking at some HARD times if that happends. Humans have no respect for anything these days….some of us do but very few. Very disappointing to hear and see animals being abused and killed. As I always say “If a human can be cruel to an animal, what stops him or her to be cruel to another human?”
On September 12, 2008, C. Miller wrote:
This is one of the saddest, most horrific and senseless acts that a supposedly intelligent, informed, human being can perpetrate on defenseless animals. The Wolf is so important to our wildlife and they must be preserved and protected. Is Governor Palin advocating this horrendous act to save the Elk, Caribou, and Moose for her sport hunting? These animals will take care of themselves and each other. Let nature takes its course and leave them alone. This woman should not be allowed to take the second highest office in the nation, for this and many other reasons. Please People, don’t let this down home (person)fool you. It seems that most of her policies are for her own personal agendas. She’s smart and controlling and charismatic.Really listen and think about what she stands for. We can not afford for this woman to be second in command of this wonderful country.
On September 12, 2008, CONNIE wrote:
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR (another animal advocacy group) TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS - NOTHING YET - WHAT IS GOING ON - A NATION IS ONLY AS GREAT AS THE WAY IT TREATS ITS ANIMALS - THINK ABOUT THIS - AND VOTE NO TO PALIN THAT EVIL SICKO
On September 13, 2008, Marsha A. wrote:
This issue of shooting wolves and bears by hunters in airplanes must get more exposure so the animal lovers of this country can see what a callous, cruel, sadistic person she is.
On September 13, 2008, Shaylyn wrote:
I am severely disgusted.
And severely disappointed.
On September 14, 2008, Diane Tomarchio wrote:
Hope this works!!!!!!!!!
On September 14, 2008, Jelco Cathlon wrote:
Guess that Palin is clueless about the role of wolves in nature. Yosemite National park was almost lost because the rivers that ran through it were dissapearing, It so happens that wolves , by scaring deers and antelope from eating to much alders where actually protecting the streams ans salmon rivers, Since the re-introduction of wolves those rivers have been saved.
But then that wolverine in lipstick just kills for fun.
Anyway Palin is not the issue, she’s used to mask the real issues; by focusing on Palin people forget what kind of incompetent McCain really is.
On September 15, 2008, Maureen wrote:
I think anyone that kills animals for pleasure is evil. God put animals on this earth for a reason and know one has the right to destroy them. She needs to take a look at priorities in life instead of empty promises, change things that she has control of now. If she allows animals to be gunned down for now apparent reason then what does her future office hold for all americans when she can let God’s animals be killed and sleep well at night.
On September 16, 2008, Roseann wrote:
She is clueless about nature and a lot of other things and after watching the videos on the shooting of the wolves, she seems to have a strange way about her in the way she looks at hunting. Her father said that was what interested him when they moved to Alaska, so maybe that is why she thinks it’s okay. I have seen her small children in pictures of her with animals that have been shot and killed. This woman, in some ways, scares me.
On September 16, 2008, Lin Goodman wrote:
Shooting wolves from airplanes with a bounty on their head if the shooter cuts off the wolf’s front paw as proof of a killing is not hunting, it is no different than playing a video game, except it’s in the killer’s favor. and these people are proud of themselves? hunting with the advantage of aerial sightings is not hunting, it’s bloody murder. and too many of them, including ms. palin to hunt simply for sport. using an akc automatic rifle against an innocent and defenseless animal is inhumane, out and out plain cruelty, unfair and heartless.
As for the woman who are so enthralled by her: she is not running for vice president of white woman and hockey moms. she’s running as a proud and vocal representative of the furthest christian right, to be vice president of our country, a heartbeat away from an elderly, unhealthy president. God help this country if he’s elected and pray that He gives us special priority, should mccain die.
and we’ll have this unexperienced, highly opinionated, uneducated woman who loves to kill, who wants to attack russia in support of georgia and proudly sent her son off to potentionally wind up in iraq, where he could lose a limb, or worse yet, his life. but she was pleased as punch to send her son off to war. she taught each one of her children how to hunt and proudly covers her couch with the coat of a bear she probably shot, displaying it proudly, head and all ? killed to help decorate her home. this woman has no compassion, no idea of what the word, “empathy” means and was obviously born with a dangerously sick and perverted heart. you’d think, as governor of any state, she would keep up with the vital news about new laws and ignorant vetos. and she believes that removing polar bears, (and a list of other wildlife) from the endangered species act is a good thing, a positive, forward thinking decision? in her interview with charlie gipson, he asked if she believed in the, “bush doctrine” and her reply was, “in what respect charlie?” give me a break! in the respect of do you or do you not support the, “bush doctrine”, it’s not that complicated of a question, you either do, or you don’t. period. the panic in her eyes said, “the bush doctrine? what’s that?” that’s how knowledgable and prepared she is. .. she’s already under an investagation for abuse of power, something very dangerous. she, herself is dangerous because she has charisma and is able to stir a crowd, making fools of white women and hockey moms who actually believe she will make life better in this country and in this world. she is a war hawk who has already vocalized her opinion on roe v wade: no abortions, no matter the circumstances, incest, rape, it doesn’t matter. she gives few interviews because she knows so little and could possibly slip and show the country who she really is, that wouldn’t be good for the campaign. one by one, she will work on taking away rights that were hard fought for and are as they should be as they stand right now. who knows how many years back she will send our country, with a fool’s pride. if she and mccain win, i’m moving to british columbia.
On September 18, 2008, Anne wrote:
I would like to think that the people who occupy positions of power in my government are humane individuals. This woman does not fit the bill, if she can ignore the suffering of wolves, or any other animal, and think it’s ok. We are not talking about killing to eat - we are talking about killing for vindictiveness, sport, and convenience. None of those are valid reasons for the “fish in a barrel” mentality this woman displays. Plus, her voice is really annoying;-)
[Blog editors’ note: Indeed, the voice gets more annoying by the moment.]
On September 18, 2008, Nancy Wood wrote:
I think hunting should be banned, like game hunting, and hunting for sport.. If you are not hunting to survive then don’t hunt at all….
On September 18, 2008, rachel menti wrote:
I could stay blind to Cheneys social hunting habits, but with Palin not protecting wildlife while helping to wipe it out has just changed my vote. From not voting at all to now voting Ron Paul or Obama. I am sooo not excited about the new president. Population control could be enforced on her family reproduction.
On September 19, 2008, Marsha A. wrote:
To Rachel Menti From what I’ve read, Ron Paul has an abysmal record when it comes to pro-animal issues. Obama …and Biden score better, (according to groups
who track votes in Congress..)
On September 23, 2008, Rhiannon Elunis Eiffert wrote:
you lost my vote
On September 24, 2008, Dee wrote:
Only a sick #@$%$ would be capable of doing this! People actually want her to be in the running for our president! This makes me physically ill! Oh she doesn’t believe Global Warming exists either, then again she wouldn’t care anyway! OBAMA 08
On September 24, 2008, Amy wrote:
I could seriously rant for days about why this is all so wrong, but I think we all feel the same about this issue. We do, however, need to tell as many people as we can in the next few months and make as much noise as we can. Freedom of speech can be very rewarding. When the Bush Administration announced its decision to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, Palin filed a lawsuit to reverse that decision. Palin said it’s the “wrong move” to protect polar bears, even though their habitat is shrinking and ice floes are vanishing due to global warming. But, then again, it doesn’t surprise me about Palins ignorance. She’s proudly sending her son to Iraq to become a target of others.
The choice for animals is especially clear now that Palin is in the mix. If Palin is put in a position to succeed McCain, it could mean rolling back decades of progress on animal issues.
On September 29, 2008, lorraine b. wrote:
We thought Gov. Murkowski was bad, but Palin is vile! Aren’t we supposed to be the civilized country? If she is so maternal, how could she endorse not only the aerial hunting, but cutting off their paws? Wolves who mate for life, both the mother and father raise their young, and many a wolf has died in front of their den trying to save their pups….I wonder if she would do that for her kids? I also wonder what she’ll do when she sees the bright lights of D.C. and the traffic? Will she start shooting motorists too???
On September 29, 2008, micaela lopez wrote:
PLEASE STOP!!
On October 1, 2008, Christine Bussells wrote:
I think it’s an absolute disgrace that Sarah Palin allows and actually promotes humans to unfairly. She nor Mccain will be getting my votes this year mostly due to this kind of cruelty that someone needs to step in and stop these awful killings which she promotes.
On October 2, 2008, Kristie Leftridge wrote:
Someone Please Tell Palin, to go back to selling Avon!
Gun down animals? No vote from this animal lover!
Kristie Leftridge
On October 2, 2008, Tony wrote:
America wake up!!! is this the kind of people we want to run our country? Think again
On October 6, 2008, Martha Bellew-Smith, Ph.D. wrote:
I never see a news story about Sarah Palin’s vicious assaults on animals—never. She tells me that she embraces a culture of life. Her’s is not a culture of life. It is a life of slaughter. Why doesn’t the media cover it?
On October 7, 2008, Doug Antelman wrote:
This should be a wake up call for America!! Not only is hunting these amazing animals from planes cruel, it shows clearly that Palin is corrupt and her actions are influenced by Lobby groups and her own warped beliefs. She herself is a hunter, and in her opinion Wolves are killing too many moose- with no scientific proof!
We do not want this woman as VP, she will be a disaster for the environment
On October 8, 2008, Cheyenne Taylor wrote:
I’m still waiting for the day when the human race is wiped off the face of the earth…:( Damn republicans, this is why no one likes you!!!
On October 8, 2008, Bettyann Johnson wrote:
I think that Gov. Palin is sick and an embarassment to all human kind. I hope that this does not mean if she becomes the next vic-president that she will encourage the shooting of humans from planes as we are all animals here on earth. I am glad that this was posted and i had a chance to see Gov. Palin’s true colors. She has now lost both my husband’s and my vote. May God help her.
On October 13, 2008, Alex wrote:
personally, I’m not yet a voter, and was neutral about the coming election. Then I saw this. I am an avid animal lover. I currently own 3 cats, the oldest one I’ve had for 6 years. I’ve also become a wolf-lover over the past few months, and one of my dreams has been taking a trip to Alaska to just go out and see a wolf in its natural habitat.
I truly love animals, and anyone who would order this senseless killing of these magnificent wolves is surely off my vote.
On October 15, 2008, Christine wrote:
I am appalled of this behavior of our vp candidate. Animals were placed on this earth for a paticular reason, to help with the circle of life. Mankind has done nothing but made it worse. There are a few people who do make the best of what they can and i give them kudos for that. But shooting animals for sport,food, or “keeping the food chain balanced” is a load of bull.
On October 16, 2008, Mike wrote:
At one time I was an avid animal rights activist. We had a cat who had a litter of four stillborn kittens. I thought I would bury them in a shoe box, but when I returned she was just finishing eating the last one. Ever since that day I no longer equate animals with humans.
FoA comments:
Animal rights has nothing to do with equating “animals with humans.” Animal rights is the recognition of the right of animals to live free.
On October 29, 2008, Carin wrote:
How come this information about Palin is never brought up by the media or during debates? What a horrible excuse for a human being! Why would anyone want someone like her in office?
On November 7, 2008, lina wrote:
when i first heard about this i thought it was a rumor,but then i hear about it on here ,i was realy shocked to hear this was true after i voted for her.i’m just glad obama won ,problem is she is still out there and still paying people to do that,does she not get enough of killing animals elk/moose/wolf.what’s next bald eagles!
On November 14, 2008, Hay-Chan wrote:
Wolves can’t even kill any elk or caribou unless they’re already sick anyway. They’re too slow.
On November 20, 2008, t alarie wrote:
palin believes wolves are stealing food from the tables
of subsistence hunters in alaska because they are more proficient at killing moose than humans are.
maybe she should realize that wolves and moose were in alaska before people were, so who is stealing food from the other?
she disguises her real reason for doing away with wolves…
the income of weekenders and game-hunters who travel there on hunting trips who leave frustrated that they cannot bag a prize in their short time there. she is worried the state will lose the patronage of these visitors. there are many more of those people in alaska than there are subsistence hunters. she is a typical wordsmith, aka politician.