Going Rogue in Roswell; Updated: Springfield Added

Yesterday, Governor Palin had two book signing events, one in Tempe, AZ, the other in Roswell, NM. We discussed the Tempe event in an earlier post. After leaving Tempe, she headed to Hastings Books in Roswell for a 5:00 PM book signing.

C4P reader Andrew was in Roswell for the book signing and provided us with the following account:

My wife and I were at the Roswell book signing. We’re not a large community. The population is about 50,000. They gave out all of the 1,000 wrist bands right away this afternoon, and the line stretched much farther. The temperature was bitterly cold, in the low 30s, and the huge amount of people who waited for hours outside was amazing.

We were not allowed to take cameras near the actual book signing area, so we were not able to take any pictures of Governor Palin. However, we did get pictures with Chuck and Sally Heath after our books were signed, an amazing experience. I have heard people rave and extol the virtues of these people, and I must admit that I was a bit skeptical. But they really are every Mom and every Dad. They were kind, took time to sign our books, pose for pictures, and talk. Sally even scolded Chuck for signing his name on "Sarah's page". She signed on the previous page.

I'm a teacher, Chuck Heath was a teacher. He recalled that when he was in the business you could still "yell at the kids and make em act right." Sally took one look at my wife's 37 week pregnant tummy and started loving on her, even hugged her and said a quick prayer for our unborn baby boy. They were so normal, and genuinely excited and happy to meet everyone in our generous community.

Sally Heath had no idea that just two minute before, Governor Palin had put down her signing pen, put her hands on my wife's tummy, looked her in the eye, and said, "How much longer". My wife responded, "December 23rd is the due date." "A Christmas baby!" Governor Palin exclaimed. "How wonderful! God Bless you. You look so cute." My wife and I were amazed and speechless at her sincerity and kind attention. She shook every hand, asked for names, and made kind comments. We became fast friends with a couple in front of us. He told her, "You have this Marine's vote." She thanked him for his support and said "God Bless you. Thank you."

I asked Chuck Heath, "Will she run if the people want her to?" He smiled and said, "When we are together, we talk about family and politics. I leave politics alone. She hears about that from lots of other people."

I am convinced that one of the best things that could happen to this country is for regular people like Sarah Palin and the Heath's to be prominent examples of our citizenry. Who says that we should be governed by our "betters"? We should be governed by those we choose to represent us and our values. People like Governor Sarah Palin and her family.

Andrew also sent us a few pictures from Roswell. I have posted two of them. The first is of Andrew and his wife posing with Chuck and Sally Heath. The second shows the signatures Andrew obtained on his book. Note that Chuck Heath did in fact sign his name on "Sarah's page".

For more information on Governor Palin's Roswell event, go here, here, and here.

Update by Doug: Governor Palin continued her book tour today in Springfield, Missouri. Below is video of her arrival this morning at Borders:



For more information on today's event in Springfield, go here and here. Some of the more observant individuals attending Governor Palin's book signings have noticed people lining up in a rather unusual pattern as they wait to have their books signed. Tammy Bruce has a graphic depicting this pattern. Curious that.

Update II by Doug: KTVI, the Fox affiliate in St. Louis, has more on Governor Palin's appearance in Springfield here, including a good video of people in line being interviewed.