Palin Stands Alone on a Shrinking Island

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin

Last week Governor Palin set herself apart from every other Republican and Democratic governor in the nation. It’s a distinction I’d rather not have – as an Alaskan, or as an American who believes in President Obama’s goal of reducing America’s dependence on foreign energy.

Last week Governor Palin became the first governor in the nation to refuse to accept energy funds the president offered as part of his economic stimulus package. The governor vetoed the Alaska Legislature’s acceptance of $28 million the president and Congress have offered Alaska to create a renewable energy and energy savings plan. All we had to do, to accept the funds – funds every other state is working to try to keep – was commit to do the rational. We just had to certify Alaska would make a good faith effort to adopt rational energy efficiency standards (the IEEC), and begin 90% compliance with it by 2017.

Sarah Palin to be Honored by NRA with Custom AR-15 Assault Rifle

A custom AR-15 produced in honor of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. Called the Alaskan Hunter, the all-white AR made by Templar Consulting is chambered in .50 Beowulf. Custom engraving includes the Big Dipper, the constellation on the Alaska state flag, on the magazine well; an outline of Alaska on the stock: and a moose, the NRA logo, and the inscription "In Honor of Governor Sarah Palin" on the upper receiver. The owner of Templar Consulting, Bob Reynolds, is a gunsmith and a NRA member. Reynolds was impressed by Palin's strong support of the Second Amendment during the last presidential campaign. Two AR-15's were produced. One will be presented to Sarah Palin and the other will be auctioned at the NRA Foundation Banquet on May 14.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, nothing quite says “I love you” like a military-styled assault weapon.

Luckily for Sarah Palin’s family, they won’t have to spend that type of money for such a gift. They can just get Alaska’s First Mom some wimpy flowers or something. The NRA is taking care of the rest.

Special gift

According to American Rifleman, the National Rifle Association will feature a custom made AR-15 made specifically for Governor Palin at its upcoming annual banquet.

The all-white “Alaskan Hunter” is modeled after an M-4 and its .50 caliber Beowulf chamber leaves one former Special Forces veteran impressed.

“Wow, that’s sweet,” US military weapons specialist Jack Hancock told The Vote. “The fact that they actually got a .50 caliber on an AR-15 frame is remarkable.”

Huh?

What does that mean for people who don’t know anything about guns or calibers (like us)?

A few years ago on 60 Minutes, an NYPD sharpshooter using a Barrett .50 caliber rifle pierced a half-inch steel target from 300 yards away.

“Went right through [the target],” said New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on the program. “It is clearly a weapon of war, a round to be used in a wartime situation. It’s appropriate for the military. The effective range is about 2,000 yards. It’s a very formidable weapon.”