Bill Ponath meets Gov. Sarah Palin in AZ                Respect Is Valuable But Must Be Earned written by Bill Ponath I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Governor Sarah Palin on November 23 at Barnes & Noble in Phoenix. I gave her a signed copy of my book and she allowed me the honor of posing for a photo with her; a copy of which is now posted on my Facebook page. I sincerely express my thanks for her allowing me that privilege and for her accepting my gift. I hope that she reads it, appreciates it's content, and uses it as a minor authority for her service to our nation. This alerts us to what many members of the media may claim to be an "issue" concerning Ms. Palin's possible candidacy for President of the United States in 2012. Her recent slip of the tongue by using the word "North" instead of "South" in reference to Korea has caused political pundits to question her qualifications to serve as leader of the United States of America; despite the fact that she immediately corrected herself after doing so. It is actually pretty funny that her attackers are grabbing this slight error and running with it; which is another way of their saying that they are hunting for some kind of an angle on her every day but they simply can't find anything. Her recent neighbor left his temporary abode frustrated that it was a waste of time scouting her to look for something to write about and he came up with nothing. Who knows? Maybe her saying "North" instead of "South" was part of her "strategery" to lead the liberal media down a wild goose chase. That sounds pretty smart to me! At this time there is a long list of potential candidates for the Presidency in 2012. I have great respect for Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Tim Pawlenty. I assume there will be a few other hats in the ring as time passes; but I have made an absolutely final decision that my vote is going to Sarah Palin. The reason for this is quite clear: she has proven that she can do a phenomenal job by her work as Alaska governor. She has absolutely no baggage based on comparatively less experience because she has proven that her primary goal is serving her country rather than herself. She is the person that will grasp any challenge and work until it has been completely overcome. I truly believe that she will never shrug her shoulders and give up. If you want the job done right; she is the one we need to hire. Yes; lack of experience will always be the angle used by her opponents. But ask yourself a question: If you need open-heart surgery are you going to hire the doctor with forty years of experience who doesn't really care if you live or die; or are you going to hire the one with five years of experience that has already done miracle surgery on a patient named "Alaska" and who wants desperately for you to live. I will take the second doctor and I trust that most of America will agree with me in November, 2012. The People for Palin graciously thanks Bill Ponath, author of "Verdict For America" The Common Sense Judge, for sharing his thoughts on meeting Governor Palin and her possible 2012 presidential candidacy.  Bill Ponath, J.D., B.A., the Common Sense Judge, is a skilled attorney with more than 26 years of experience and has served for seven terms as a judge pro tem in Maricopa County Justice Courts in Arizona since 2001. His analytical skills are well-known; he gained the highest scores in the nation on two uniform mathematics examinations, and has issued rulings directly impacting the criminal court system. For more information, including how to order "Verdict for America", please visit www.VerdictForAmerica.com. Also please follow Bill Ponath on Twitter at  http://twitter.com/CommonSenseJudg and join his Facebook Fan page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128321940521474.

  "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power..." (I Corinthians 2:4) Not one to just talk-the-talk but instead to walk-the-walk, Governor Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, demonstrated their belief in God's abundant life by giving birth to a precious baby boy with special needs. Trig Paxson Van Palin made his world debut on April 18, 2008 at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska. Gov. Palin and her son Trig soaking up some sun in Arizona on November 5, 2008 "The moment he was born... my heart overflowed with joy... I felt a love I had a never felt before and a compassion I didn't even know was there... Trig is a miracle", Gov. Palin often says of her fifth child. Speaking to more than 9,000 at the Women of Joy Conference in Oklahoma City on April 15, 2011, Governor Palin made it known in no uncertain terms that when it comes to Trig, "There are our standards of perfection, and then there is God's standard of perfection." Women of Joy worshipping the Lord in Oklahoma City where Gov. Palin made the keynote speech Governor Palin continued demonstrating God's goodness to those present with her encourarging faith-building words of wisdom. The following are excerpts from her message of exhortation: "Your passions and interests were given to you for the service of others and our Creator.” “In Matthew [Chapter] 5, Jesus taught something… ‘Bless those who are hurt and mourn’, and He said they would be comforted… they’d be blessed… when people insult… and make things up about you, or say false things because of His Name.” “Jesus’ blessings are directly tied to getting out of self and risking our hearts in service to others for His sake. That is what our purpose is, and He didn’t promise it would be easy.” Gov. Palin demonstrating God's power and grace to Oklahoma's Women of Joy “Our road… I know the Palin’s road, hasn’t been easy… if you were to ask people like my parents or your parents if their most important growing years were their easiest years, they would tell you ‘no’, because with trial and struggle comes significance and the power to live with purpose.” “My prayer for all of you through this conference, starting tonight, is that this year you’ll really hone in on seeking opportunities to focus on taking the steps forward into what God’s prepared for you…  to grow more tender to Jesus [and] to really listen to his voice… forgo any role of victim to pursue the role of visionary.” “You’ve got to learn to deal with unnecessary criticism because the critics will always be there.” Dance, Sarah, Dance! “The bottom line, gals, is to be a ‘woman of joy’, you might as well dance.”   

  I challenge you to find someone who has received more vile and vicious hate hurled at them than Governor Sarah Palin. It seems adversity comes her way no matter what she says or does, as in the latest media-generated hysteria over her timely and most appropriate video response to the terrible tragedy in Tucson on January 8th leaving many wounded or dead. Liberals are up in arms over Governor Palin’s use of the term “blood libel” to describe the left-wing and lamestream media elite attacks on conservatives following the horrific events wielded from one lone loon with a gun; however, attorney and Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz agreed that the former vice presidential candidate used the term correctly saying: “There is nothing improper and certainly nothing anti-Semitic in Sarah Palin using the term to characterize what she reasonably believes are false accusations that her words or images may have caused a mentally disturbed individual to kill and maim.” “Falsely accusing someone of shedding blood is the definition of a blood libel,” said a spokesperson for Jewish Americans for Sarah Palin in an interview with the Daily Caller. “Sarah Palin got it right.” It is time to wake up, America. The Tucson tragedy was not the fault of Governor Palin or the Tea Party. We must understand that such hatred driving one to commit an act of extreme violence begins silently within the mind and is incubated over time. As the hatred is mentally rehearsed, it grows to such proportions that it soon affects the person’s attitude and perception toward an individual or a group of individuals. As the hatred festers, it moves into the realm of influencing the person’s words and actions, often resulting in a violent rampage. Point in case? Jared Loughner, the disturbed man who aimed a gun and pulled the trigger wrecking havoc and taking lives during an otherwise peaceful gathering of American patriots in Tucson on a sunny Saturday morning. However, we can expect the left and the media elite to forever point an accusing finger at Governor Palin no matter the circumstance or situation. Why? Reverend Franklin Graham founder of Samaritan's Purse said it best: “She [Governor Palin] is a kind and compassionate God-fearing woman who believes with all her heart that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”      Rev. Franklin Graham and Gov. Sarah Palin in Wasilla, Alaska leading a group in prayer before a Samaritan's Purse mission to distribute boxes of food to remote Alaskan villages in February 2009   Gov. Palin on a mission of mercy in Haiti with Samaritan's Purse in December 2010   The Bible says in I John 3:13 to, “Marvel not if the world hate you,” and “… if you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of this world, the world hates you.” (see John 15:19-21). The “world” in this context refers to non-Christian believers. Here's the bottom line. Because Governor Palin is a woman of prayer and strong faith, adversity will always be aimed at her. But as her track record has proven time and time again, she will never allow it to move her or shake her, nor will she allow it to defeat her or keep her from her God-ordained destiny. So Governor Palin, be encouraged and never back down!  Don’t let anyone say you can’t. You can! The thing God created you to do, you will do. And you will rock and shake the world. Whatever God speaks to your heart, step out and walk on water like Peter[1], and watch God be God. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand." (Ephesians 6:13) As for me and my house, we stand with Sarah. [1] Bible verse: Matthew 14:22-33   

    by Kristen Vander-Plas Please note: Kristen Vander-Plas is the Founding president of Lubbock Christian University College Republicans.  Kristen is not a spokesperson for Lubbock Christian School but an interested student and attendee of the school's January 24, 2011 fundraiser featuring Governor Sarah Palin. Last night, I attended the private fundraiser for Lubbock Christian School, headlined by Gov. Sarah Palin. LCS is a pre-K through 12 private Christian school that services the South Plains of Texas providing caring, Christian and one-on-one support to the students enrolled. LCS put on a great event, and all of the attendees enjoyed themselves.Gov. Palin spent a majority of her time speaking about how important the family is to the restoration of America. She reiterated that our founders did not mention family in the Constitution because they considered it to be a given - that good family values produce patriots and, in her words, "small 'r' republicans."Additionally, Gov. Palin touched on the importance of education. When asked what she would have changed about her school career and time in college, she responded that she has always wished that she had continued on to law school or somewhere to further her education with a master's degree. She commended the teachers, parents, and mentors associated with LCS and encouraged them to continue the great work they are doing of touching and affecting lives for Christ and country.As a junior at Lubbock Christian University and the Founding president of the College Republicans on campus, I thoroughly enjoyed the "Conversation with Sarah Palin." She was every bit a polished speaker and compassionate guest. From recognizing the members of the military in the audience to agreeing to even come to the event after numerous threats were made against her (from across the country), Gov. Palin was an excellent choice to represent the values and core beliefs that we as Texans hold dear. She reminded us that Texas and Alaska are so very similar in the fact that we encourage our children to grow with God and in grace, and teach our young people to value hard work and patriotism. It was gratifying to hear one that I admire so much speak words that resonate with me - as they are the same words my parents taught me to hold dear to my heart.Well done, Gov. Palin! Thanks for standing up for the American people! Kristen Vander-PlasPresident, LCU College Republicans The People for Palin graciously thanks Kristen Vander-Plas for sharing her personal account of "Conversation with Sarah Palin" as an attendee at the Lubbock, Texas event. Kristen and the LCU College Republicans are the future of America leading us on to that "shining city on a hill".

  “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever  state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11) I confess. More than occasionally I dream of living in a state other than muggy Mississippi.  Okay, so I think about it more than occasionally, and in my search for greener pastures, I came across these tidbits. Mississippi has more than 2 million people, Alaska has approximately 700,000 people. Mississippi is nearly 49,000 square miles while Alaska is a sweeping 663,267 square miles.  In winter, Mississippi is green, Alaska is white. Mississippi borders four other states, Alaska borders none. Mississippi’s highest point is a hilly 807 feet but Alaska’s is a majestic 20,320 feet. Alaska's Kenai River (photo by Rick Small) Mint The Restaurant’s mint julep chicken and waffles is a Mississippi favorite, and while Alaska has no Mint, they do have a Nordstrom’s, my favorite department store for those stuffy-but-work-required business suits. Want to taste Mississippi’s mouth-watering catfish? Going once… going twice… wait, maybe you’d prefer Alaska’s healthy Omega 3-rich King Salmon. Residents of both states enjoy the great outdoors. Mississippians water ski while Alaskans snow ski.  Deer hunting in Mississippi or moose hunting in Alaska… take your pick. Line your pockets with Mississippi “white gold”, cotton.  On second thought, it’d be more profitable to line them with Alaska gold. So what am I driving at?  Here’s the bottom line. Both states have their unique landscapes, local color, and differences… much like people. Governor Sarah Palin has made a life in Alaska. I’ve made a life in Mississippi. We’ve both decided to “bloom where we were planted”, or maybe grow where we landed. No matter, we both have a home, family, friends, and fun things we like to do. We are using our skills, gifts, and talents to make a mark where we live.     Sarah Heath is Warrior #22 Looking to Governor Palin, she made a mark on Wasilla High School as point guard for the Warriors basketball team leading them to their very first state championship. She made a mark on Alaska small business by slaying salmon on Bristol Bay alongside her commercial fisherman husband Todd. When not knee-deep in fish slime, the self-described sports enthusiast was making her mark on the pageant world winning such titles as Miss Wasilla and Miss Alaska Congeniality, all for the sake of scholarship money for college. As a mom, Governor Palin made her mark on the community by getting involved with the PTA at her children’s school. And no one --- and I do mean no one -- can refute the indelible mark she made on the Mat-Su Valley as Wasilla City Councilwoman and Mayor or as the Alaska Oil and Gas Commissioner and Governor of the Last Frontier. Reaching beyond Alaska, Governor Palin splashed her mark across America as the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee. Today she continues to make her mark as a wife, mom, and “Na Na”… a daughter, sister, niece, friend, prayer warrior, caribou-hunter, best-selling author, political analyst, keynote speaker, travelogue star via "Sarah Palin's Alaska", and endorsee of commonsense conservative candidates running for office, to name just a few of her providential “marks”. Sarah Palin was the mayor of Wasilla 1996 - 2002         Governor Palin of the great State of Alaska 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate Palin Are you making a mark where you live? Your circle of influence has eternal ramifications, you know that... right? God is looking for people to stand up and make their mark. He’s waiting for somebody who will be a leader in this hour—someone who’s not just waiting for the door to be opened, but who’s opening the door and pressing through. This is not the time to sit back and just watch what’s happening. Follow Governor Palin's example. It’s time to make your mark!  

    Extra! Extra! Read all about it! It seems The New York Times finally discovered what Governor Palin’s supporters have known all along: Her intelligent and intuitive ideas have built a bridge across the proverbial political aisle and linked the great divide known as ‘left versus right’. Times contributor, Anand Giridharadas, lamented with chagrin in an article published on September 9th that, “Something curious happened when Ms. Palin strode onto the stage last weekend [September 3rd] at a Tea Party event in Indianola, Iowa… she delivered a devastating indictment of the entire U.S. political establishment — left, right and center — and pointed toward a way of transcending the presently unbridgeable political divide.” At least one lamestream media outlet was paying attention to Gov. Palin’s wise words. Whether this “discovery” by the Times was flashbang or a three alarm wake-up call to the devastation wielded upon Americans by one Barack Hussein Obama is anyone’s guess. The article is worth a read as Mr. Giridharadas even goes as far as to briefly synopsize Gov. Palin’s “interlocking points” made during her speech to the thousands gathered in an Iowa cornfield while peppered by a driving rain. Will the Times continue traveling this bridge-to-somewhere or follow the signs leading to the left exit detour? Buckle your seat belts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Photo source: Getty Images; Gov. Palin speaks in Indianola, IA on 9/3/11.