Uh. My Sister and Bro-in-law Are the Heads of AIP. Ask me Anything, but please don't Hurt Me :)

[symbolman]

This is NUTS! Imagine my horror when I followed a link here to KOS, and followed the video link from There, only to find on Youtube that it was my SISTER and Bro-in-Law.. the Head/Vice Chairmen of the Alaska Independence Party!

Oh, the stories I could tell...

Basically they're good people, a lot of fun in some ways, we all mined for Gold in the bush of Alaska, me with them for Two Years. We've gotten pretty "Savage" together..

They'd start talking about this shit though, and my eyes would glaze over.. "Got any more of that Moose left?" :)

Small world, Ain't it?

(Those who know my history here can testifiy that I've been a Rabid Bush Flash political attack ad creator since 2000, basically me and another DU'r Invented the online attack ad, pre-YouTube, and I've been a huge activist, to my own demise at times..)

Any questions?

This is just too funny.. and bizarro..

OH, and one MORE Thing. WOULDN'T it be VERY COOL if My Brother-in-Law and Sister SINGLE-HANDEDLY BROUGHT DOWN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY?!!

[liberalmuse]

1. You're kidding? LOL!

Is Palin belonging to the AIP thing overblown? Some people say this is it. I'm not sure, because I really don't know enough about the AIP. Is it really that extreme?

[symbolman]

8. Yeah, it's pretty bonkers

Mostly they're sort of rabid Libertarians, they all hang together and are loyal as hell.. and I can tell you, if you broke down in front of their place or were starving, they'd feed you and give you money..

then they'd talk about how each guy on the road should be able to put a TOLLBOOTH on his section of the Road in front of their house.. I told them, "Uh.. so why would anyone FIX the road inbetween each tollbooth? What's their motivation? Need a federal govt for that.."

Glazed Eyes, or High Beams will greet you :)

[liberalmuse]

27. Thank you for the info.

I think most of the far, far right can relate to this stuff.

[roguevalley]

38. symbolman, your bonafides are golden. Don't let that worry you. I am

wondering, did they know joe vogler and how did they feel about his murder? What a cluster you know what that was.

[symbolman]

46. I loved Joe Vogler.. a real statesmen, a man of the people

you meet people in your life that just have that something.. they just want to keep things simple, and they shine..

He was torn from his bed, murdered in the dead of night, disappeared, like THAT..

My bro-in-law and sis were the first ones at his house, they gathered clues for the cops,and they're damned smart, BIL is a pilot, goldminer, poet, etc..

they spawned the investigation.

Turns out it was a couple of punks from the jail, killed a really nice guy.

They ever find his body? I never found out. Poor man, still makes me sad, a special man.. if they ever did secede, he would have made a hell of a leader. They're not ALL nuts you know, just derivatives of something that used to mean a LOT more, we've forgotten a lot about community in this world..

[The Backlash Cometh]

106. Symbolman, I understand that you bonded with the guy and it sure

sounds like he was charismatic, but Alaska isn't exactly a state without resources. The Alaska pipeline makes it a very crucial piece of the American puzzle. To think, dreamlike, what it would have been like if they had succeeded is a little disconcerting.

[im1013]

2. Are they still members? If not, when did they stop?

[symbolman]

17. Oh they're still going STRONG

ABC interviewed them today.. I tried creating a VBLOG about all this, filmed a 9 minute segment, but my machine is being wonky.. I wanted to explain about some of the people.. they're fierce, but if you keep your palm flat when you feed them.. :)

[roguevalley]

41. they are old school, break down, help you, give you a lift, feed ya. Its

the hardcore radical stuff that always takes me by surprise. they are salt of the earth but for the secessionist stuff. LOL! Honestly. :evilgrin:

[givemebackmycountry]

3. Small World! ain't it symbolman?

No questions my brother, we got your back 24X7, and your one of our many hero's here!

[symbolman]

18. Have you all Hugged Your givemebackmycountry today?

:)

Appreciate it, I'm feeling a little strange today.. good thing is, SO IS McCAIN! HAHA!!

thanks!

[Blue_In_AK]

4. I would never hurt you, Symbolman.

I think the AIP is fascinating, and I applaud you for acknowledging that there are members in your very own family. Were you around here when Wally Hickel became governor on the AIP ticket?

[symbolman]

22. I was there

when Wally the Wiennie Wagger was Mayor of Fairbanks.. when he went door to door and tried to shake my hand it was a no go :)

Hickel told everyone that HE MADE Palin GOV.. direct quote!

It's a LOT of fun in Alaska, too bad it's getting the red neck odor, most people up there are pretty awesome, like the place, eh?

[Blue_In_AK]

31. Symbolman, you and I MUST get together someday

and share stories. I always enjoy your posts because you remember the "good old days" here. :pals:

[symbolman]

57. Oh YEAH

be my pleasure, love to meet some other Alaskan Du'rs and trade bizarro stories of 80 lb kind salmon, etc.. :)

[Blue_In_AK]

68. I love those "kind" salmon,

but I hate it when I latch onto one of the mean ones. :rofl:

[roguevalley]

44. I was exiting the parking garage at Wally's hotel, the Captain Cook which

is an awesome hotel by the way, and the door opened and banged someone on the head. it was wally. He was so sweet about it. He's only about three feet tall. that's as close to half a zillion dollars as I've eve been. :)

[symbolman]

60. He got that because the hospital killed his kid

don't know if you recall, a really sad story, wrong injection, gave him Insulin, a healthy dose, and then TRIED to HIDE the kid's body..

Wally searched the whole hospital and finally found his son on a guerney in a side area in the basement.

My god, I can't imagine the pain he went through. Lots of deeply moving or sad stories up there, so few people, seems like they feel more.

Captain Cook, eh? Far side of the bar, underneath are my and my ex'e initials and heart.. rub that out next time you go for me, eh? :)

[roguevalley]

91. I will. :)

[Hissyspit]

45. You guys are bringing up such memories for me!

All of this Palin stuff is. Growing up in Alaska from 12-15 years old, 1974-77.

Wally Hickel was fired by Nixon wasn't he, for taking a stand on the war? Wasn't he the mayor of Fairbanks when I was there.?
As I said the other day, a shame that Alaskans have been supporting right-wing candidates and views, but that happened to a lot of the country. Hopefully people are waking up.

Sure would like to return some day.

[Ilsa]

5. There are plenty of days I wish I could secede from the

reich-wing hell the US has become in many ways.

[Bonobo]

6. Are they nuttier than Jiffy?

[symbolman]

63. Jiffy Pop?

Jiffy Lube? :)

[yourguide]

7. Give us ALL info on Palin's involvement...every last drop!!!

[Arrowhead2k1]

9. I'm sure they're great people and all the power to them but

anyone who has ever believed in seperating a state from this country should never be given the opportunity to rule over the rest of us.

[Orangepeel]

10. What can you tell us that makes the AIP look as crazy as possible?

The nuttier the better! :D

[symbolman]

70. They have a picture of me

with half my head shaved, the other half shoulder length, out at the gold mine cut, with a spear in my hand looking to get me a bear :) gets crazy in the bush..

[Aqaba]

11. Big fan of your work!

I first ran into your work when I was a regular at the Smirking Chimp.

[symbolman]

14. Ah! Now Those were crazy times, eh?

Remember the Media Horse? I miss those guys too..

thanks, I'm the sane one :)

[senseandsensibility]

35. What happened to the Media Horse?

I still have it saved on my favorites for old time's sake. Never got a chance to say good-bye; it just ended abruptly. But say hi to them or he or she or whoever if you get a chance. Tell them thanks for a great site. I still have Takebackthemedia on my favorites, too.:)

[Arctic Dave]

12. The best way I have found to describe people

that are part of the AIP is a wierder version of Libertarians. If that is possible.
This is too funny for you Symbolman. Good luck to you.

[LaydeeBug]

13. when was the last time you talked to them? Have they mentioned anything about it?

:shrug: :hi:

[symbolman]

20. I haven't talked to them for two years

not because I won't, they're mad at me for some slight, and I just wish I knew what it was..

I don't mind.. I can use the break.. :)

they'll live, can't keep them down, hell, they are GOLD MINERS, and lemme tell you, that's some tough work!

[Duppers]

72. ya gonna write a book some day

You just gotta.

[Fleshdancer]

15. Wild! Is the media bugging them yet? n/t

[demobabe]

19. ABC called them

Jake Tapper wrote an article.

[Fleshdancer]

24. OH! so that's how Palin's membership was confirmed then?

Pretty cool!

[demobabe]

40. Yeah, Lynette said Sarah Palin was a member for two years

And then Dexter said the same thing basically on the YouTube video that's been linked all day. NYTimes is reporting it now, too.:D

[tularetom]

16. Is it a resource extraction thing?

They have a lot of fish, a lot of timber, and a fair amount of oil. Do these guys just want the federal regulators off their backs so they can catch all the fish, chop down all the trees and pump all the oil?

I just got back from a fishing trip to Alaska (flew into the airport on the island served by the bridge to nowhere) and I got kind of a sense of this resentment by talking to some people there. Although our guides were super cool about extraction issues (this was just before the Palin thing came up). Plus they even offered to take us to their secret farm within the Natl Forest where they grew something other than trees (we declined).

[JohnnyLib2]

21. This proves -----

something, we'll figure it out later. Got any membership forms? :evilgrin:

[vixengrl]

23. Symbolman--I've enjoyed your posts here for a long time--

but what can you do--you can't pick family. I agree with the "too funny", though. I wouldn't think of hurting you--but is Alaskan Succession even sincere, or just a Libertarian "drink and snowmobile outside the lines" kind of thing? I think their website says:

1) Remain a Territory.
2) Become a separate and Independent Nation.
3)
4) Profit.

That's a little odd, no?

[symbolman]

28. You know, in a way, it's not all that whacked out

I almost wish they'd split the US from Virginia to California, let the Right Wing all move into one half of the country, get them in one spot, and then declare WAR on them :)

I'm joking of course..

they are very serious, they've even come to Hawaii and studied the Native acts here, see if they can riff off of it, legally.

Truthfully, Alaska IS like another country, things are WAY different up there, beautiful, you can walk for the rest of your life and never see a soul. Sometimes it's nice to get savage, as we call it.. :)

Unfortunately, as I used to tell them, "What are you going to use as an ARMY, Air Force, etc?"

Like the Russians wouldn't TAKE IT BACK, or the Japanese, whoever..

I loved telling them, "oh so the Oil Companies will just Waltz out of here?"

Gets a little silly now and then, but what are you gonna do, it's family, they've done a lot for me, making $1500 bucks a WEEK in the 80's CASH was very cool :)

That same bro-in-law would throw hundred dollar bills at me all the way to town, a three hour drive.. PARTAY!

[Hissyspit]

37. In my three years in Alaska in the mid-70s...

I never felt the need to secede from the union.

[vixengrl]

69. Partay-I hear you--

Shame Alaska has this reputation for purity when it's so open to corruption. A shame that politicians should be steeped in greed but have to speak for working people who only live for their wages. It's odd. And it's a sin we can't begin to talk about the workers--

Save in such tributes as this:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tqOUlBXrzik&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tqOUlBXrzik&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

The beaureaucrats are to blame? The workers are the problem? Well so is everyone. If not us, then who? If not now, then when, the circle's larger than it began.

[TrogL]

98. Then you'd end up with the United States of Canada and Jesusland

[grantcart]

25. they sound like gold miners on scientology

Have you seen these clips where they talk of infiltrating the Republican or Democratic Party?

Is this your brother in law?

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/the_alaska_independence_party.php

[symbolman]

30. Yep, and to the right of him is my sister

They have little innuendos and code speak going on too..

No, to them Scientology is just Crazy Talk, but they do mine gold, when it was 800 bucks an ounce I was there too.. we had Lobster in the Freezer, baby :)

No accounting for family. To them I'M the Weird one for bashing Bush, et al..

[dontforgetpoland]

26. Question: What does AIP platform stand for? Is it...

Is it just wanting to succeed from the union and wanting reparations? and what is there reasoning in doing so?

Thanks.

[grantcart]

39. you have to listen to the tapes as the printed platform is bland on purpose

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6873257&mesg_id=6873257

Their position is that the election for statehood was illegal and that they should either be an independent state or a commonwealth so that they can keep all of the wealth of Alaska to themselves.

The number one issue is the poll that was taken used 41,000 soldiers and their 36,000 dependents who were 'occupation troops' to the native population. The election was stolen and breaks the UN charter.

They should be a 'nongoverning territories' so that their rights would not be stolen.

[demobabe]

29. They wrote a book

Here is the book written by Symbolman's sister and brother-in-law. I don't remember if they mention anything about AIP in it, but they have a lot of fun tales... available on Amazon for the low low price of ONE CENT! http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGolden-Ground-Our-Journey-Eldorado%2Fdp%2F0965767604&tag=womenscartoonind&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

32. Does the AIP have secret militias that play war games in the woods?

In other words, are they preparing for the day they declare independence or have to defend their independence?

If so, was Sarah Palin a gun-carrying member of the militia?

Other than Palin, I'm not asking you to name any names.

[symbolman]

43. Let me put it this way..

inside the house, beyond the Air Lock (in Alaska it's like a mud room, only more of an insulated area as you come in, to catch the 60 below zero cold) but near the door, there was a big Restaurant white Mayonnaise bucket..

Filled with GUNS.

We all refer to it as the "bucket O' Death", to be used if someone you don't like wants to come in uninvited, usually every would join in if needed..

But the dogs pretty much took care of whatever wanted IN before they ever got to the door..

Stupid me, I'd get drunk at the University I attended there, show up at three am and throw rocks at their windows cos I was a lonely drunk that night.. probably lucky I wasn't swiss cheese, but everyone in the family is crazy one way or another :)

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

48. What about other AIP groups?

According to their website, there are thousands of members across Alaska and they're the third largest political party. I'm not necessarily asking you about what you immediately saw with your own eyes in your sister's and brother-in-law's home, but maybe you heard about these things going on elsewhere in Alaska about armed militia groups within the AIP. Your response makes it sound like they're a bit unorganized so maybe that's what you were trying to communicate.

[symbolman]

65. There's NO Militia at all

more like Snuffy Smith stuff, Hill People, Hatfields and McCoys, Ma Kettle stuff..

Mostly good people with goofy ideas that find each other, but may just be more interesting than your average guy in the street..

They'd protect you and me and everyone else should Bush start tanks rolling, might want to have friends like that :)

[RollWithIt]

33. So what are the AIP's views?

I mean, beyond the media hype that is soon to engulf their entire lives.

[roguevalley]

47. google alaska independent party. their website lays everything right

out. :)

[symbolman]

34. I just gotta repeat this..

WOULDN'T it be VERY COOL if My Brother-in-Law and Sister SINGLE-HANDEDLY BROUGHT DOWN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY?!!

Oh yeah, figures, all these years we spent about two hundred grand fighting Bush, making 40 Flash animation Political attack ads, getting awards and shit, and they KIlled off the Repigs, just by Being Themselves.. :)

[skooooo]

42. Well....

...you know, you could talk to them!!

:evilgrin:

[roguevalley]

49. that would be priceless. I think they are on their way to doing it, symbolman

its kinda not really American to discuss secession from the good old USA. :0)

This is the greatest thread yet. i can hardly wait until tomorrow for the next one.

[AuntPatsy]

51. I have to admit way cool......

[Cha]

58. This is too ironic for

words! And, I think they're all having a hand in it ..from bushrovecheneymccain and Points North to the Alaskan Independent Party who seem just too clever by far:)

[grantcart]

62. and of course the fucking great irony is that a few months ago the nut jobs

were talking about Obama being a secret agent of the Muslims lol

[adamuu]

67. yer crackin me up

:spray: :rofl:

[adamuu]

36. What was Sarah's role in the party?

[Bread and Circus]

50. I have to say that the Palins remind me of the nutjobs in Bowling for Columbine.

I know these kind of people, they comprise a portion of my rural community. Their world view is based on fantasy, hype, and intellectual inbreeding (they don't get out much). But like symbolman says, a lot of them are well meaning, even though they are severely wacky and misinformed people.

However nice they may be, it would be absolutely unacceptable to have anyone who belongs or belonged to such a group anywhere near the VP or Presidency slot.

[symbolman]

54. Exactly

it's called Community, and we need to start addressing it if we want to WIN the Human Race, eh?

As long as no one threatens me or my family they can do what they want, most are well meaning and will give you the shirts off their backs.. find some Yuppie little shit that will do that for you :)

[Motown_Johnny]

52. Are they experts in foreign policy?? Living so close to Russia and all.

[understandinglife]

53. Happy to recommend your OP!!!

:thumbsup:

Peace,
Bob

[symbolman]

64. Thanks Bob!

Peace back atcha!

[populistdriven]

55. If that happened, symbolman , I would throw you a party any time you came to Florida! nt

hell drop the if, the offer stands.

[symbolman]

61. Lol!

I'm really rooting for it.. sucks that my sis and I ain't talking, I can't rub it IN that SHE not only killed HER Candidate, but the Freaking REPUBLICAN PARTY! Threw the ELECTION to Obama!

Maybe I WILL apologise to her, for whatever it is, as soon as I can figure it out :)

Thanks for the invite, that'd be FUN

[Danger Mouse]

56. We can only hope...

:pals: small, crazy world, eh?

[populistdriven]

59. Would the term SEPARATIST apply at all to their Objectives?

[adamuu]

66. When they secede, who protects them from Russian invasion?

or Canadian invasion?
Do they have a militia? Any tanks, artillery, or ships for that matter?
Do they think this through at all?

[FVZA_Colonel]

73. I'm pretty sure Putin would love to rectify the mistake of 1867.

What with all that oil, timber and gold.

[adamuu]

74. Is there succession tied to a Russian offer of "assistance" or guarantee?

They could follow the example of South Ossetia
I'm sure Russia would be willing to issue them some passports, no problem...

edit sp.

[TrogL]

99. Canada invade using what? My 4 by 4?

All our troops and equipment are in Afghanistan.

[workinclasszero]

71. Do they have lots of survivalist, militia members? (nt)

[TygrBright]

75. So, they're cool with turning things back over to the Inupiaq?

Because... if yer gonna argue legalities of votes and treaties and suchlike I'm guessing that the various Inupiaq groups can make a pretty legit claim to just about everything.

curiously,
Bright

[Duppers]

76. good point. nt

nt

[Blue_Tires]

78. +1

[Iggo]

77. Hey, it's a free country.

I happen to think we'd be fools to even consider your sis and BIL for President or Vice President Of The United States Of America, but if they want to try to non-violently secede from the nation, it's no sweat of my nose. I dig the free speech and due process thing, man.

(Re: "One more thing..." Yes. That would be very cool.)

[CatBO]

79. I have nothing against a secessionist...

If someone believes their state should secede and wants to fight for it, I have nothing against them for that. Hell I still sport a Key West "Conch Republic" sticker in my office and think it would have been great if it were more than just a joke.

I just don't think someone who belongs to and supports a secessionist state group should lead the "United" States of America. John McCain's slogan is corny, but it dovetails nicely with the AIP's, and clarifies why we should not let Palin on the ticket:

McCain: "Country First" (allegedly)
Palin: "Alaska First"

Thanks for the inside info!

[GumboYaYa]

Radicalism is in your genes!!!!

Don't worry, we don't get to pick our family.

Hope all is well with you.

[GumboYaYa]

80. Radicalism is in your genes!!!!

Don't worry, we don't get to pick our family.

Hope all is well with you.

[Marrah_G]

81. OMFG - Seriously?

HAHAHAHAHA........

wow...........wow........wow..........

[AuntPatsy]

82. Kicking for those who missed this

[WeDidIt]

83. They're doing it!!

Your relatives are putting the final nail in the GOP coffin!

[Mme. Defarge]

84. Hey! Luck happens - n/t

[Prefer]

85. Lets just make double sure that Obama

was never part of the Hawaiian Homeland soverignty movement.

[Cleita]

86. It's okay Symbolman.

It stands to reason that when people are isolated in remote places like Alaska that some strange philosophies start developing. However, I'm old enough to remember when Alaska and Hawaii got statehood. There was a reason that Alaskans voted for it. They realized that they needed the help they could get from the federal government to survive and thrive. Maybe those people need to go back and look at what things were like before statehood. If I remember correctly it had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country as well as some other extreme stats that I don't remember off hand. No nation can survive independently anymore. Alaskans need to be reminded of that.

[lumberjack_jeff]

87. Yes, that would be cool.

:rofl:

[boomerbust]

88. synbolman

Chicken Creek Saloon?

[robertpaulsen]

89. Not sure if anyone has asked this question yet: do they have written documentation of membership?

Or, by chance, videotape of the Palins at the 1994 AIP convention at Wasilla?

[medicswife]

95. Yup! Time for you to go down to see your sis and ask if you

can go through the photo albums and so on looking for an old picture of "yourself".

Find one of Sarah at the AIP Convention.

[theboss]

90. I actually don't find it THAT radical an idea.

Alaska certainly has the territory, wealth, and culture to be a separate country. There is nothing that makes it uniquely American. I'm not sure how it would manage to defend itself though.

I'm not sure it's the background that - you know - the Vice Freaking President should have.

[symbolman]

92. You're right

when sitting up there on a gold mine, looking at billions of acres of trees and fish, being so DISconnected, you can get the idea you are IN another country.. not that far-fetched... good point..

thanks

[AuntPatsy]

93. kicking for the night crowd

[Ichingcarpenter]

94. He's trying to get on the Randi Rhodes show

he might be on tomorrow

[symbolman]

101. Yeah the producer emailed us

after we wrote to them.. it was too late today, and I'm not going to dial a phone a 100 times and compete with those who are there to chitchat :)

got no time, have a three year old, and he keeps me pretty busy!

They said they'll think about it, hell, Randi and Takebackthemedia.com were buddies a LONG time ago, she should remember us/me.. sheesh, even if I were a complete stranger I'd get me on there, they need a Left Winger who's been in there to talk about it, my sister's just going to keep the kooky stuff coming :)

But she'll never let them prove that Palin wasn't an AIP member if she was, totally tenacious, they mine for GOLD and that's some hard ass work..

[Ichingcarpenter]

102. Thanks ....... I'm sure she will think about it if the message

gets to her and not her staff.

[vaberella]

96. I'm new to you...

But you provided an amazing post. I hope they do some searching and find names or pictures or videos of her at one of the meetings. They would be Dem heroes.

[geek tragedy]

97. Can they provide PROOF that Sarah Palin was a supporter? n/t

[symbolman]

100. Why should they?

Why should they scurry around their home or go downtown to look up something to prove it? Let McCain DISPROVE it..

Their word is GOLD in my book. They don't lie, it's actually in their best interest to LIE and say she wasn't, but they HATE the fucking govt, and so do I, but for different reasons :)

[robertpaulsen]

103. Hey Symbolman, do they have photos or video of the 1994 convention in Wasilla?

Just wondering if Palin might pop up and you could use it in a flash video. :)

[symbolman]

104. Dunno

we don't talk, we're Feuding, over my son, and other stuff, nothing to do with the AIP..

Wish we we're but my Sis won't back down any more than I will :)

If the've got something I'm sure they'll dig it out, they're not going to let McCain LIE, they have integrity, and like I said, would give you the shirt off their backs. I can't count the people, strays, they've taken in and put back on their feet..

[robertpaulsen]

107. I'm sure either they or someone else in the party must have the goods.

I'm sure many longtime AIP members must be looking back to verify. And more are starting to talk with the increased media spotlight:

Another AIP Official Says Palin Was at 1994 Convention
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x380859

[NotThisTime]

109. I thought someone from AIP said they were mistaken? she wasn't a member/supporter -albeit her DH was

[Waiting For Everyman]

105. Thanks for your thread, symbolman

How ironic is this, eh? :)

Just wondering... the Repubs lie so much it's infuriating - how does your sis put up with that? Or does she believe their version of things?

[GreenPartyVoter]

108. No freakin way! LOL I hope they do bring them down, hon. I hope they do!