Sarah Palin Embezzlement Scandal – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin resigned because of an embezzlement scandal involving her actions as Mayor of Wasilla and receiving huge financial favors from Spenard Building Supplies.
The Sarah Palin embezzlement scandal now has Federal indictments being issued this month that would have crippled Palin’s ability to govern effectively.
So sudden was her resignation that her own children didn’t know she was resigning until they heard the words spoken. Prior to her sudden announcement, Palin gave every indication that she intended to complete her tenure as governor, including during a meeting just 36 hours earlier with Senator Mark Begich.
The embezzlement scandal involves the massive, $12.5 million sports complex that Sarah Palin pushed through during her last term as Mayor in Wasilla. Federal investigators believe the price of the sports complex was inflated to provide free building materials and labor for the Palin home being constructed nearby.
The sports complex’s contractors and architect have strong links and ties to Palin. Spenard Building Supplies was one – they are the largest building supply company in Alaska – and they also supplied labor & materials for the Palin’s home being built at the same time on nearby Lake Lucille.
Spenard Building Supplies was also the supplier and contractor for ex-Senator Ted Stevens cabin. This one building supply company was in bed with Palin, Stevens, the Wasilla sports complex, and is also a major financial contributor to Palin.
The sports complex was being constructed at the very same time as the Palin’s home and at one point Spenard filed a contractor’s lien for labor and materials on the home. Both structures, it is said, feature the “same windows, same wood, same products.”
Todd Palin told reporters during the presidential election that he built the two-story, 3,500 square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath, two-story wood house by himself, with the help of contractors he described as “buddies.”
Federal investigators have been looking into this since last October and now indictments on charges of public corruption and embezzlement are imminent.
It appears that the construction of Palin’s home may have been some sort of quid pro quo arrangement for the massive influx of money from the Wasilla Sports Complex project into the building supply company.
Sarah Palin was then running for Lieutenant Governor, a major step-up position that could further reward those contributing to her campaign, particularly those that were involved with the Wasilla sports complex and the mysteriously inexpensive construction of Sarah Palin’s palatial cabin on pristine Lake Lucille.
Expect the situation to get ugly fast.
And that’s the latest news on the federal indictments in the Sarah Palin embezzlement scandal.
Tags: embezzlement, federal indictments, sarah palin, sarah palin embezzlement scandal, sarah palin iceberg scandal, sarah palin indictment
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Sarah Palin resignation remarks
“Many just accept that lame duck status, and they hit that road. They draw a paycheck. They kind of milk it. And I’m not going to put Alaskans through that.”
“I cannot stand here as your governor and allow the millions of dollars and all that time go to waste just so I can hold the title of governor.”
“I polled the most important people in my life, my kids, where the count was unanimous,” she said. “Well, in response to asking, ‘Hey, you want me to make a positive difference and fight for all our children’s future from outside the governor’s office?’ It was four yeses and one ‘Hell, yeah!” And the ‘Hell, yeah’ sealed it.”
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Sarah Palin Resignation Speech
Gov. Sarah Palin:
Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.
People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.
I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln’s cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked “North to the Future”. But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this “Seward’s Folly”. Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States.
Alaska’s mission – to contribute to America. We’re strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this – Alaska would be part of America’s great destiny.
Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It’s energy! God gave us energy.
So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America’s security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence… no more conventional “politics as usual”.
And we are doing well! My administration’s accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.
We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world… to HELP people… and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies.
Here’s some of the things we’ve done:
We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson – and finally for the first time in decades – they’re drilling for oil and gas.
We have AGIA, the gasline project – a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) – also succeeding as intended – protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence.
And ACES – another bipartisan effort – is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas “clear and equitable formula” is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin.
We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.
We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes… but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow.
We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands – where it should be.
We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.
We broke ground on the new prison.
And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets… the entourage.
And the Lt. Governor and I said “no” to our pay raises. So much success in this first term – and with this success I am proud to take credit… for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It’s because of the people… good public servants surrounding the Governor’s office, with servants’ hearts and astounding work ethic… THEY are Alaska’s success!
We are doing well! I wish you’d hear MORE from the media of your state’s progress and how we tackle Outside interests – daily – SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an “all-knowing attitude” – I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America – I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we’re forcing our children to pay, because of today’s Big Government spending; it’s immoral and doesn’t even make economic sense!
Another accomplishment – our Law Department protected states’ rights – TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state’s favor over the last two weeks. We’re protectors of our Constitution – federalists protect states’ rights as mandated in 10th amendment.
But you don’t hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?
Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year – the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate – I say others changed.
Let me speak to that for a minute.
Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I’ve been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations – such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters’ questions.
Every one – all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We’ve won! But it hasn’t been cheap – the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to “opposition research” – that’s money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers – or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the “politics of personal destruction” … Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn’t cost them a dime so they’re not going to stop draining public resources – spending other peoples’ money in their game.
It’s pretty insane – my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more “politics as usual,” but THIS isn’t what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.
If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!
And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!
Life is too short to compromise time and resources… it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: “Sit down and shut up”, but that’s the worthless, easy path; that’s a quitter’s way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow”.
Nah, only dead fish “go with the flow”.
No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time… to BUILD UP.
And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I’ll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE… I’ll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won’t deride them.
I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don’t care what party they’re in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska.
But I won’t do it from the Governor’s desk.
I’ve never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this – to make a difference… to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more “freedom” to progress, all the way around… so that Alaska may progress… I will not seek re-election as Governor.
And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn’t run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks… travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade – as so many politicians do. And then I thought – that’s what’s wrong – many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and “milk it”. I’m not putting Alaska through that – I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That’s not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old “politics as usual.” I promised that four years ago – and I meant it.
It’s not what is best for Alaska.
I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.
With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election… I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration – with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future – can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.
My choice is to take a stand and effect change – not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities – and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.
Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me – sports… basketball. I use it because you’re naïve if you don’t see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket… and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I’m doing that – keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities – smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it’s time to pass the ball – for victory.
I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully… and my last day won’t be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in – in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor’s picnics.
I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision – but it’s no more “politics as usual”.
Some Alaskans don’t mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won’t allow it either. ? Some will question the timing. ? Let’s just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile…
In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life – my children (where the count was unanimous… well, in response to asking: “Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children’s future from OUTSIDE the Governor’s office?” It was four “yes’s” and one “hell yeah!” The “hell yeah” sealed it – and someday I’ll talk about the details of that… I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig – I know he needs me, but I need him even more… what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT – that time is precious… the world needs more “Trigs”, not fewer.
My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security… we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops… they’re bold, they don’t give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF… and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions – those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport.
May we ALL learn from them!
*((Gotta put First Things First))*
First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what’s best for Alaska. I’ve explained why… though I think of the saying on my parents’ refrigerator that says “Don’t explain: your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe you anyway.”
But I have given my reasons… no more “politics as usual” and I am taking my fight for what’s right – for Alaska – in a new direction.
Now, despite this, I don’t want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL “climate change” that began in August… no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what’s right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside.
We need those who will respect our Constitution where government’s supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over… but rather, will be protectors of individual rights – who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it’s time so the team can win! And that is what I’m doing!
Remember Alaska… America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It’ll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family – to ALL Alaska – you have my heart.
And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.
In the words of General MacArthur said, “We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I’m told (not a construction expert) that the windows in the Palin Palace are identical to those in the Sports Complex. They are very big, expensive, and difficult to install, typically requiring a crane to hoist them to the second floor, and specialized training and tools to install.
Does that sound like something Todd and a few buddies could bust out over a few weekends with a few sixpacks?
July 4th, 2009 at 2:23 am
[...] Palin, concerning an embezzlement scandal related to the …Sarah Palin Embezzlement Scandal View Story Sarah Palin indictment. The embezzlement scandal involves the massive, .5 million sports complex [...]
July 4th, 2009 at 2:49 am
Palin’s too ambitious to resign unless she absolutely HAD to.
July 4th, 2009 at 4:38 am
Yeah, but she needed those extra-large windows so she could see Russia.
Remember?
July 4th, 2009 at 6:59 am
[...] Sarah Palin Embezzlement Scandal (a11news.com) – July 03, 2009Sarah Palin indictment. The embezzlement scandal involves the massive, $12.5 million sports complex that Sarah Palin pushed through during her last term as Mayor in Wasilla. Federal investigators beli… [...]
July 4th, 2009 at 7:44 am
I like how PALIN capitalizes IMPORTANT letters and words like SHE is writing a note in STUDY HALL to pass to TODD in SIXTH grade.
July 4th, 2009 at 8:00 am
[...] Sarah Palin Embezzlement ScandalSarah Palin indictment. The embezzlement scandal involves the massive, $12.5 million sports complex that Sarah Palin pushed through during her last term as Mayor in Wasilla. Federal investigators believe the price of the sports complex … Read more [...]
July 4th, 2009 at 9:01 am
As noted in the article “and at one point Spenard filed a contractor’s lien for labor and materials on the home.” If true that would strongly suggest that the Palin’s were paying for labor and materials, making an indictment based on the allegation that the price of the sports complex was inflated to provide free building materials and labor for the Palin home being constructed nearby, far more complicated to substantiate in court, unless of course they plan on having a show trial in DC.
July 4th, 2009 at 10:28 am
The contractor’s lien is a normal thing in the course of getting an expensive house built, filed when a substantial amount of materials are delivered to a work site and payment is expected from the general contractor’s account.
Part of the indictment is based on the low amount the Palin’s paid Spenard for everything they received.
Case will be in Federal court in Anchorage.
July 4th, 2009 at 10:33 am
[...] embezzlement scandal involving her receiving huge financial favors from Spenard Building Supplies. Sarah Palin Embezzlement Scandal Discussion about BREAKING NEWS: FEDERAL INDICTMENTS PENDING AGAINST SARAH PALIN at the [...]
July 4th, 2009 at 11:25 am
[...] Sarah Palin Embezzlement Scandal By admin Sarah Palin indictment. The embezzlement scandal involves the massive, $12.5 million sports complex that Sarah Palin pushed through during her last term as Mayor in Wasilla. Federal investigators believe the price of the sports complex … All The Latest News – http://a11news.com/ [...]
July 4th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Amazing. Since the Mtanuska Dairy shut down, are all people that drank milk from alaskas’s only dairy in crime together? I suspect small towns with only one lumber yard means all customers are in a crime ring together. If the catholic church has the same windows, does that make the Palins Catholic?
Embezzlement means missapropriation of funds.
The windows are very common in alaska. Most builders have or rent a telescopic handler for roof trusses, sheathing and windows or anything else on a 2 story home. Makes it easy to lift materials. Seems like city folks have a wild imagination.
I don’t have a problem with the price of the sports complex. Many very small schools in Aaska hit 25 million dollars.
July 4th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I guess now Levi Johnston will finally admit that he is the father of Bristols first child , trig so he can get back in the news too.
July 4th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
It’s either that of the Palin family Dr. will have to write his article for the medical journals about how Bristols 11 month case of MONO is the longest in recorded medical history
July 4th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Bear in mind that Wasilla had zero debt when Palin became mayor; she left it with $24 million. Now we see where over half of it went.
>I like how PALIN capitalizes IMPORTANT letters and words
>like SHE is writing a note in STUDY HALL to pass to TODD in
>SIXTH grade.
Remnds me of Robert McElwaine of “Jesus is Satan’s Pawn” fame.
July 4th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
“In the words of General McArthur said, “We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”
Hopefully, she will advance to a cliff, fall off and just
disappear from public life forever.
July 4th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Was acquitted of every charge. Next.
July 4th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
I don’t believe this “embezzelment”allegation. I do believe that as the Palin family WORKED HARD FOR THEIR MONEY. I support the Palin’s practical decision to stop the destruction of their family’s LIMITED finances with resignation thereby being free to use book contracts,speaking engagements to pay off the $500,000 in legal costs that the Palin’s owe for relentless and frivolous lawsuits.The Palin’s are NOT RICH they have a to provide for their special needs son’s future(first hand exp this is not cheap),teen unwed mother and grandson require support during Bristol’s education so she’ll become a self sufficient single parent,they must fund their 14 yr old’s college education and post military service their son will need assistance with living expenses …as today’s GI Bill is miserly.FAMILY FIRST the Palin’s have endured a media maelstorm non stop VICIOUS assault against EVERY MEMBER of the family. I signed up today and joined SARAHPAC AND WILL WORK MY HEART OUT FOR HER IN 2012.During the next 2 yrs the Palin family will regroup and repair damaged family finances.We need Sarah Palin to work to dethrone the House&Senate majority in 2010 and to prepare to WIN as the PEOPLES common sense POTUS 2012. Many of us admire a working mum that KNOWS WHAT BUDGET/LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS IS and as a fisherWOMAN can catch,fillet and cook the family meal and knows the thrift of creative leftover meals! Suggest Dick Morris run the Palin2012 campaign, intensive studies and preceptorship with economists,foreign affairs think tanks,ACTUAL healthcare reform concepts such as equalhealthcareforall.org,brillant thinkers and writers like Dr Krauthammer journos that have the pulse of the USA such as Cavuto,Scarborough&Mika,John King,Lou Dobbs,Fareed Zakaria,yes O’Reillyand Beck too…and only do LIVE media interviews to defeat “creative editing”.GO SARAH!
July 4th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
[...] Complex, including the windows and the wood. SBS supplied the material for the Palin home. SBS filed a contractor’s lien on the property for labor and materials, stating that the Palin home and [...]
July 5th, 2009 at 10:16 am
The article fails to mention that Palin successfully lobbied to change a law requiring the filing of residential building permits during this time, so there is no record of who did what to her home.
I’m not sure that scandal is enough to cause her to resign. As we saw in the Trooper Wooten scandal, she simply denies any facts that don’t match her inflated opinion of herself. She would no doubt shrug this off, as well. I suspect it is much more likely to be greed. She probably has the opportunity to make millions as a ‘celebrity’ and decided to take advantage of her current status while she can. Kind of a slam to her constituents, but I do think her appeal is already waning and she needs to cash in as soon as she can.
July 6th, 2009 at 1:37 am
DeSwiss, Palin said you could see Russia from Alaska, which is true (how important it is, is debatable). She did not say you could see Russia from her house. That was part of a Tina Fey skit on SNL. Learn how to differentiate reality from TV.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:01 am
[...] the firing line before it goes nuclear. There is further detail of these rumours on Inquisitr.com, a11news.com, thedailybeast.com and the Brad Blog has updated a post several times as more detail on the rumours [...]
July 7th, 2009 at 8:08 am
really great read
July 7th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Great post.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Love the new look.
July 7th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Nice job you’ve done on your site – are you having fun with it? It’s interesting and well worth the time to visit.
July 17th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Sarah Palin is a blight on the great state of Alaska. She’s stupid, vain and vindictive. Please put her in a prison where she can see Russia…
July 20th, 2009 at 5:06 am
What a stupid, false and ignorant piece of trash “journalism”!!
Fact..Spenard was the ONLY SUPPLIER of building materials in Southcentral Alaska at the time her home (and my home and every other home built BHD and BL…before Home Depot & Lowes). She got no special deal above or beyond what they (Spenard’s) give anyone that asks for a discount! Want one…ask them and you’ll get one too!
Fact…there is NO investigation of her home being conducted or contemplated by FBI or Justice department…don’t believe it ….go ask them!
Fact…The only problem with the building of the Sports Complex involved some title antics of the original owner of the land it was built on! Something about promising to sell it to two differet entities at the same time. That was resolved by the Courts BEFORE the complex was built. By the way, the citizens of Wasilla ASKED FOR AND APPROVED of the project in an election. It WAS NOT Sarah’s pet project and had we said no it would not have been built.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
I am suprised that the author of this wonderful piece of “investigative” journalism didn’t put their name of the article. To the author: if you stand by this piece of unfounded trash, put your name out there, so that someone who is interested can scrutinize your “ethics.”
July 26th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Keep the bitch in alaska where she belongs. We’ve already got enough crooked politicians in the lower 48 states…
July 29th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Maybe she resigned because her husband was having an affair…
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
put the bitch in prison because its the only thing that will shut her up.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I read this idiotic article and do not believe it. Why would she resign from Oil and Gas Conservation Commission due to the “lack of ethics” of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders. That is why she ran for governor, to put crooked politician in jail due to their extracurricular activities including stealing from Alaska. There were many more reasons she ran for the Governor’s office and all of them had her intent to do her best for the citizens of Alaska. She is not one to talk out of the side of her mouth, she will say what she means and she backs her words with action. Unlike Obama who has lied all the way through his campaign and through his time in the presidential office.
On another note she step down from the Governor’s office because she did not campaign that she was going to use the Alaskan tax payers money on legal fees to defend herself against idiots like the one who wrote this article.