Leah Burton’s short book, TheoPalinsim, is a political pamphlet in the grand tradition of Swift, Defoe, and Paine.

With sarcasm, passion, and an intimate knowledge of Alaska politics, Burton skewers Gov. Sarah Palin as “The Face of Failed Extremism.” The author rightly warns us that if we don’t remain vigilant, religious reactionaries like Palin and those who brought her to national prominence will be at it again in 2010 and 2012 elections.

Can’t wait for Burton’s second tome on the topic of religious extremists in this country, “God’s Own Party?”.

Great Book!  Hilarious at times.”

-Candace Talmadge, Syndicated Columnist North Star Writers Group

“Once the Dominionists began targeting the Alaska Legislature, Burton had a unique “on the ground” perspective that rivaled that of others given her lifelong exposure to the various facets of Dominionist migration to Alaska.

Very few of the people who are writing on this have personal experience with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)/Joel’s Army groups or, particularly, the NAR in Alaska or Alaskan politics. A major WIN is that Burton has been on the ground and witnessed the changes as they were occurring.”

-Senior Research Colleague Alex Bird, NARRT

“A must-read tale told by a “real” Alaskan. Burton’s insightful analysis of the spectacle of our national presidential election should be a part of any informed voter’s toolkit. Republicans– are you listening?”

Janet Kowalski
Juneau, Alaska
former Director of Elections,
State of Alaska

“Palin and Petraeus are the stalking horses for the NAR/Christian DOMINIONISTS whose goals are to roar back into power in 2012 – with Palin and her New Apostolic Reformation “Dominion” pals i.e., Bush’s old ‘fundie’ Christian base, Petraeus,, Romney, Rev. Huckabee, “Newt”, Pat Buchanan, et al…” Sarah Palin is the most dangerous woman in America and we must [prevent] that woman from getting access to the ‘Armageddon Football’ and the Oval Office.” George E. Lowe ret. Navy Intelligence/Author “It Can Happen Here – A Fascist Christian America” © 2000

July 17, 2009

Leah,

I’m delighted to receive a download of your book. For months I’ve been extremely concerned that Palin is a dangerous person if for no other reason except her extreme religious views. Those views were one of the first things that I read about her after she was picked by McCain. I’ve grown up in the Bible-Belt, known people with outrageous religious views all my life. What’s happening now in this country scares me — there’s an intensity out there that wasn’t expressed so openly by so many people before Palin’s rise to fame.

I’ve been asked by friends and family why I still care what Palin’s doing — “she didn’t win, you don’t live in Alaska so why do you care?” This is why I care. She’s dangerous and she’s not acting alone.

Only have about 30 pages to go and I’ll be finished with the first read of your book -definitely something that I want to read again. Fascinating read. I appreciate all the quotes of articles, Palinisms, etc. I had read quite a few of the articles about things that she said or did during the campaign but reading them again is a good reminder. Refreshes my memory. Plus you’ve tied it all together!

“TheoPalinism”, is clarifying…putting what’s been happening in context. For instance, when you talk about Palin’s “ …interviews with Katie Couric and her unbelievable lack of knowledge yet it didn’t really bother her that the entire country was making fun of her…”  When things like that happened, I would sit and stare at the TV or computer and think “How could she come right back out in public apparently with no embarrassment!!!”  Didn’t bother her at all. Your explanation that “Dominionists were encouraged to only listen to certain radio shows…only got their information from the pulpit… because to do otherwise would open the door for Satan”. I said OH COURSE that’s it. That’s exactly the reason. They don’t need to “know” anything, they’ve already got all the answers. .

I’ve observed that characteristic in the past – with a family member who was raised AG by her mother. Absolutely beautiful young woman — isn’t stupid by any means but has no interest in learning anything. Everything is turned into a “testimony”. For years I’ve noticed that her “testimonies” somehow were more about her own ego, about herself  rather than about what “Jesus did in her life”. Self-serving “testimonies”. An advertisement of “look at me, I’m so good…” blah, blah, blah. Her answer for any issue, problem, the excuse for any behavior, whatever can be “…found in the Bible…”.

Just not any Bible that I’ve ever read. The logic is so unreasonable that It would almost be funny if it didn’t have such far-reaching and sometimes devastating effects. In Palin’s case, and the position that she’s now elevated to, there’s nothing funny about it. That’s there’s 50-plus million who voted for that ticket last fall – that’s what’s terrifying..

Several times before the election last fall as well as since the election, I would get a sickening feeling of what’s happening in this country, what’s going on. This isn’t like anything I’ve seen in the past in politics, this is somehow different. I knew she wasn’t or isn’t acting alone — there’s power broker’s behind her. “TheoPalinism” puts it into perspective. I particularly liked your comments about people from other “fringe” groups joining the Palin movement. Leah, my old friends and family voted enmasse for Palin. They all still live in OK, TX and KS and were drawn in over the guns, anti-abortion, no-taxes, family values, etc., etc., ad nauseum. Watching this “movement” grow, I’ve wondered about these people I know and love…”…why…what is the matter with them…can’t they see what anybody with half a brain sees?” I’ve gotten over the total amazement about Palin’s actions — I’m currently in the “WTF, how can people buy into this load of garbage”. Frustrating. But more importantly, how can people like that be rescued? De-programmed. I guess just one word, one book, one step at a time. Hopefully in time.

Please feel free to use any or all comments that you want. I have many, many more comments — probably too many! The download was perfect, thank you. Anxious to check out your blog about “loving Christians” but I’ve run out of time until this evening. Thank you most of all for the time and effort put into the book.

Sharon