STATE OF THE STATE: 2008

Governor Sarah Palin tonight delivered her second State of the State address to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature at 4 o’clock today. With her first year of experience as governor (and nothing has been easy) under her belt, she appeared more self-assured and expressive. I’m a former teacher, so it’s not out of character for me to assign grades. I gave the governor an “A.”

They’re still some folks criticizing Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Some critics told me the governor rushed her lines. It didn’t seem so to me. But, if she did, it was because she had to catch a flight to Ft. Benning Georgia to see her son Track graduate from an Army training school (that’s why she had declined giving her speech at 7:00PM). Following are some excerpts from Governor Palin’s speech that deserve your special attention.

On responsibility and sovereignty: “(It’s) time to take back our collective sense of responsibility and sovereignty. To honor constitutional principles and remind the Federal Government of our right to access and develop. To maximize development for the people of this Great Land.”

On education: “Every child, of every ability, is to be cherished and loved and taught. Every child provides this world hope. They are the most beautiful ingredient in our sometimes muddied up world. I am committed to our children and their education. There is awesome potential to improve education, respect good teachers, and embrace choice for parents. This potential will prime Alaska to compete in a global economy that is so competitive it will blow us away if we are not prepared."

"It is time to shift focus, from just dollars and cents to "caliyulriit," which is Yupik for "people who want to work." Work for pride in supporting our families, in and out of the home. Work for purpose and for action, and ultimately destiny fulfilled by being fruitful. It's about results and getting kids excited about their future - whether it is college, trade school or military.”

On the legislature and administration working together: “Proverbs tell us there is no strength without unity. So, Alaska, let us be united to be strong. Let us serve selflessly, and disregard who gets the credit. We are on the same team, if we have got the same goal. With so much opportunity in Alaska, let's look at challenges like we do in our own families: save money, spend wisely, and we will secure our tomorrow. Invest in solid foundations like education and deferred maintenance. Pull together, not tear down. Be positive. Respect our treasured past, but look forward now. These are leadership characteristics expected by those who elect us to lead, to serve, to work for Alaskans. What a responsibility we have! To look beyond partisan and geographic differences. To slow government growth, so we don't tax hard working families and hand future generations a budget they can't afford. To restore trust in government.”