[Vision2020] Gov. Palin Foreign Policy Experience

[Jeff Harkins]

ChasUK,

The fact that you thought I was joking suggests to me a certain 
naivete about the dialogue.  Borders are borders and one only has to 
look at the mess created locally between Moscow and Pullman over the 
Hawkins development to see that executives and councilors can create 
significant problems for constituents.  Recall that the mayor sued 
our neighbors to the west, without the full backing of the Moscow 
council - and ... well you know the rest.

Palin or any AK governor has to be able to work with interests at the 
border - and AK is unique.  The closest state to a hostile nation 
(Russia) and the only state separated by a foreign nation create some 
unusual issues. Why don't we drop the "you're idiocy" approach and 
focus on her record.  I am particularly interested in the 
arrangements for the new pipeline to the mainland - that would have 
probably required some delicate negotiations with Canadians.  I am 
also very curious to know more about her achievements in cleaning up 
fraud and corruption in AK.

Even if she isn't elected, she may inspire new players in politics to 
pursue similar agendas.  It is clear we need that effort in DC (and 
the lower 48).

Thanks for response on your travels and I regret the 
misunderstanding.  I was to understand that you had migrated from UK 
to here.  FWIW, I share your interest in foreign travel and now that 
I have retired, intend to continue exploring new nests. Your plans 
sound thrilling - we are focused on C and S America.

I really need to touch just a bit on your "respect" comment.  We do 
differ there and I can deal with the difference and can manage 
without your respect.  Fair enough?

At 01:49 AM 8/31/2008, you wrote:
>On Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 22:29, Jeff Harkins <jeffh at moscow.com> wrote:
>
> > Thanks!  You have such a way with words and such respect for your 
> neighbors.
>
>I have respect for those who have earned it.  Whether they are my
>"neighbors" or not does not give them a free pass.  On an electronic
>forum, the only way to gain my respect is by demonstrating cogency.
>Trying to establish Palin's foreign policy credentials based on her
>proximity to the hinterlands of a former (but possibly reemerging)
>superpower is not the way to do it.  At first, I actually thought you
>were joking.
>
> >  It does make me wonder, if you love the UK so much, why are you here?
>
>Because at this time in my life, it is convenient for me to live here.
>  I expect that I will live in the UK again, as well as South Korea,
>India, Japan, Taiwan, and China.  Home is where I take off my shoes.
>Of course, I am fairly particular as to where I take my shoes off.
>
>Chas