Troopergate brought up my memories of the use of power to crush others. There are all kinds of unfair ways to use power: Physical intimidation, brute force, abuse of govenrment power, use of ecominc power to oppress others without out economic power. I was hurt by the power of brute force, but I am sensitive to all abuses of power.
If Governor Sarah Palin used power entrusted in her by the voters to win a personal battle this is very serious. After an administration in which the Geneva Convention is ignored, FISA is circumvented and excessive signing statements allow the president to avoid the law, it is easy to overlook her more mundane abuse of power(alleged).
I have a relevant personal experience. Twenty years ago my husband ( now ex-husband) broke my wrist, threatened my life and my father's life, and committed several other cruel and illegal acts against me. I had to use the law enforcement system, court system and a divorce/custody attorney to resolve this. A friend of a friend of my sister said that for $2000.00 there was someone who could break my husband's legs. I was a deli-clerk and college student at the time. I borrowed $2000.00 from my father. I did not use it to give it to a leg breaker. I gave the $2000.00 to the divorce/custody attorney to fight this thing the right way. I knew that no matter how wrong my ex was, how much pain he inflicted I couldn't stoop to his level of using brute force (by proxy) to win a dispute. I have never regretted my choice even though all my ex got was six months probation. I understand frustration with the legal system. It doesn't always work. But it is the best we have. I moved on: I now I have a kind husband, an advanced degree and a clear conscience.
Governor Palin's family has the right to go through legal channels. They could and perhaps did report Trooper Mike Wooten to child protective services, the police, the court system and to private attorneys for civil litigation. Mr. Wooten has the right to defend himself. An objective party gets to hear the facts and give a verdict. The judge/jury/ethics board or all of the above get to decide if Wooten is guilty or innocent. They get to decide any appropriate penalties or punishment.
Governor Sarah Palin does not have the right to "take matters into her own hands" any more than I had I right to have my ex's legs broken. She is not a judge and jury, and even if she were a judge she would have had to recuse herself because she is not objective-she is a family member involved in the dispute. Governors are not above the law. (even if our current president thinks he, himself is). How would she use her power if she were Vice president or President?
Now Sarah Palin is being accused of abuse of power. She also gets to defend herself and is not guilty until proven so. Governor Palin is getting the same right that she may have tried to deny Mike Wooten.