Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
The Arizona Daily Star unfortunately relies upon the AP and Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services for its news content on state government. Cheap bastards! You have the money, hire your own capitol reporter and expand the number of eyes and ears watching our state government and add another perspective to reporting. Howard Fischer should not enjoy a monopoly, I don't care that he used to work for the Star.
Leaving this aside, the Arizona Daily Star has an editorial opinion today that is spot-on. Finger-wagging Brewer cast state in a bad light:
Gov. Jan Brewer likes to cast herself in the tough-leader role - and sticking her finger in President Obama's face and jawing at him makes for a handy visual message to her political base. What the rest of the state, along with the nation, sees is boorish behavior from Arizona's top official.
* * *
On Wednesday, Brewer handed Obama a handwritten letter, which she described as discussing immigration and inviting him to visit Arizona again and join her for a border tour. By all accounts, he told the governor her book mischaracterized their last meeting. Heated words were exchanged. Reporters [i.e., Howard Fischer] nearby described the two leaders talking over each other, and then Obama walked away. [Not true according to Mayor Scott Smith of Mesa]
Brewer, as governor, represents all Arizonans and should act as an ambassador for our state. Obama was in Phoenix to visit a major economic accomplishment - a new Intel plant - and the tiff on the tarmac was graceless.
* * *
After initially contending that the letter was not a public document because it was a personal handwritten note, Brewer's office released the letter late Thursday afternoon.
It is what one would expect from a governor to a president of another party - mentioning "hard choices" and balanced budgets, while neglecting to mention, however, the high cost Arizona's citizens have paid in recent years through draconian cuts to school funding, health-care coverage for kids of the working poor and more.
Brewer's digital gesticulation got attention, and that's what any politico trying to raise her profile wants - and sales of her memoir have jumped.
But Brewer's jab comes at the expense of Arizona's national reputation and image.
Text of the snarky and delusional stage prop letter from Arizona's "savior" is below the fold.
David Fitzsimmons once again nails it!
TEXT OF LETTER
Dear Mr. President:
Welcome to Arizona!
You've arrived in a state at the forefront of America's recovery - and her future. We were at the brink. We were at the bottom of the list in job creation. Today we have a balanced budget and we're in the Top 10 for job creation.
I'm proud of that hard-won recovery - the result of many tough decisions, courage and perseverance. My hope is while you are here you will have a chance to see our tremendous results first hand.
We both love this great country, but we fundamentally disagree on how to best make America grow and prosper once again. I'd love an opportunity to share with you how we have been able to turn Arizona around with hard choices that turned out to be right ones.
And of course, my offer to visit the border - and buy lunch - still stands!
With respect,
Jan
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