Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts

Sodium Saints

In late October, a new commentator arrived at this blog and chastised me in the comment section for my post against Obama entitled Talk Wisdom Reports - You Decide: White House Scandal to Break Soon?

Donna60 wrote:

donna60 said...
I understand that not everyone who calls themselves a Christian believes that the bible has to be obeyed. As a member of the "restoration movement." I cannot have any other authority on earth that supercedes scripture. That being said, no person who believes in and lays their hopes in the perfection and completeness of NT scripture, can trash-talk our president or any lawfully elected leader of our United States. Romans 13:1-2 "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

1 Peter 2:17 "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."

October 28, 2010 8:21:00 AM PDT


You can follow the rest of the comments here.

Now, although Donna60 ended up veering a bit off topic, she certainly had a lot of good and correct things to say. However, I don't think that she handled her position about "governing authorities" in the biblical way.

For example. Paul points out that we have both a duty to obey governing authorities when they are following God's laws and not to obey when evil is being proposed by them. As Christian believers we have the duty to disobey when any leader is involved in immoral behavior or governing practices.

As Donna60 had pointed out, Paul DID instruct Christians in Rome to "be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1) and to pay their taxes. Those who disobey the state, he wrote, resist "the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves" (Romans 13:2).

The kind of "judgment" rendered could include the temporal kind (i.e. punishment while here on this earth); or, the eternal type (i.e. White Throne Judgment in eternity) at the culmination of all history.

However, what I think was sorely missing in Donna60's arguments in the comment thread is the fact that the Bible also demonstrates that unrighteous decrees are not to be obeyed. For example, recall that the Hebrew midwives feared God more than the king of Egypt so they disobeyed his murderous and absolutely cruel order to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. God blessed them for disobeying this evil leader's mandate and as a result, note what happened: "And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them" (Exodus 1:21).

When I read Donna60's reply, her belief that evil dictators like Hitler, Pol Pot, Stalin, and Mao "should be obeyed" shocked me! It was then that I realized that she was making a common mistake that Christians sometimes do (been there, done that!) while reading the Bible. She took one Bible verse (Romans 13:2) and applied it incorrectly to mean that in ALL instances, one should obey one's leader of the state. That is NOT what the Bible tells us!

I am currently reading a little booklet that has been given out by Coral Ridge Ministries called "Ten Truths About Christians and Politics." Truth #3 discusses that the Bible gives guidance for governments and citizens. The following excerpt gives specific Bible verses and commentary that upholds my position in this discussion:

Shortly after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Jewish authorities grew troubled at the growth of His followers and strictly instructed Peter and the other apostles against teaching about Christ. The apostles refused, telling the high priest, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Along with the duty to disobey unrighteous commands, the Bible indicates that God's people have a duty to control political authorities who stray from God's moral standard. The Old Testament often recounts how the prophets confronted the Jewish monarchs with God's verdict upon their unrighteous behavior. The prophet Samuel announced God's judgment on Kin Saul for his disregard of God's word to him (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Elijah challenged wicked King Ahab over his Baal worship and was called the "troubler of Israel" for his effort (1 Kings 18:17). Nathan confronted David for his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 12).

Besides confronting evil and refusing to go along with it, there is another role outlined for the saints in both the Old and New Testament - to be "salt and light." God, through Jeremiah, told the Jewish exiles in Babylon to "seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace" (Jeremiah 29:7). The exiles were not to withdraw from their ungodly environment into a cultural enclave, but rather to seek its peace or shalom - a Hebrew term also translated as "welfare."

Sodium Saints

Jesus calls his people to be like salt in their influence on the world around them (Matthew 5:13). Just as salt was used in first century Israel to flavor and preserve food or to cleanse wounds, Christ's followers are to bring the flavor of God's grace and the healing and preserving power of His Word into every area of life - including the world of politics.


It is important to remember that when salt is used to cleanse wounds, it stings! When Jesus calls us to be "salt" in this world, I'm sure that pointing out the fact that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" stings the heart, soul, mind and body of every person who then comes to the realization that his/her need to confess sin and repent (turn away) of them HURTS.

But the healing power of the Gospel is worth the initial pain brought to the minds of those who humble themselves before the cross of Christ at Calvary. Our pain is NOTHING compared to the pain and suffering that Christ endured for our sakes on that cross.

Being a Christian often means that not everyone is going to like you. In fact, Jesus warns us that many will hate you (us) because "they first hated Him."

We cannot shy away and shrink away from our Christian duty in the world of politics because people will hate us for speaking out against the evil, sin and death that is often imposed upon us by the unbelievers in this world. We are to stand up and share the truth!

Ephesians 6 instructs us on how to prepare ourselves for this type of spiritual battle. Whenever someone challenges me for my beliefs and how, when or why I share them at this blog I remember these verses:

Eph 6:6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,


Eph 6:7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,


Ephesians 6 tells us to arm ourselves with:

* The belt of truth girded around your waist.

* The breastplate of righteousness.

* Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

* Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

* And take the helmet of salvation.

* And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Prepared with such equipment we also need to be:


Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—


Eph 6:19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,


Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Hat Tips:

Coral Ridge Ministries

Blue Letter Bible

I REALLY Like N.J. Governor Christie!

This is a man who knows how to sock it to the teachers union in New Jersey and make his points crystal clear to his audience. He isn't afraid of the union thugs - and won't let them get away with their bullying. Wow...we sure could use someone like him on the national level to take on the crooks in the ObaMarxist Administration!



Great comments at the YouTube site:


loriann2112

1 week ago 3
that's what makes a man attractive......standing his ground and fighting for what's right....take note you liberal wimps

ionamic
2 days ago
THIS is the kind of gutsy, take-no-prisoners, kick-a**, tell-it-like-it-is, stand-up, no-teleprompter LEADER we need in Washington. I'd love to see someone present an sensible opposing opinion. Can't be done. FINALLY, someone has the ba*** to stand up to the union thugs and crooks.

BlackRepublican2010
5 days ago
Chris Christie is a boss! Take on the liberal establishments crippling minority children in failing schools that our own President chose were unfit for his own children as a father.

Exposethefrauds
1 week ago
Christie for president. This guy is awesome and its who we need.

Funzies1
1 week ago
Holy smokes.
An elected official who makes sense..... even has a SPINE...

OK, gotta go and pass out now...



Yep!!

*******

This one is a classic Christie moment, too:

Refreshing! NJ Gov. Chris Christie Destroys Reporter For Calling Him Confrontational

Sarah Palin's Servant Leadership


By now, copies of Sarah Palin's speech video and transcript are all over the blogs. However, whenever I need to search for a transcript, WorldNetDaily usually comes through.

Transcript of Sarah Palin's speech!

Some may ask why Sarah Palin is such a sensation and someone worth listening to? I think it is because people will listen to those who display a real concern for them.

Sarah Palin does just that!

I loved the way she spoke of Alaska's natural resources for energy - as being a gift from God.


Palin: 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.


It was good to read about all that she and her administration have accomplished! So much in two years!

Then, we get to the reasons why she prayerfully decided not to run for re-election as Alaska's governor, and why she thought it best to resign and hand the governorship to her Lt. Governor. As American Thinker puts it: Sarah Palin breaks the mold again.


Palin: 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 quitters 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.


Whereas ObamaFRAUD and the Democrats (and some RINOS) attempted to destroy this woman and her family - she chooses the higher road of ignoring their deadbeat path of "the politics of personal destruction" and will BUILD UP We The People, her beloved Alaska, each state in the Union, our heroic military, and our nation as a whole through following and upholding the Constitution, our Declaration of Independence, and our Republic. What a contrast to the bogus POTUS who has done nothing but tear down our nation in front of our foes; and included Marxist policies which are bent on destroying our Constitutional Republic. Sarah - as always - is a breath of fresh air!


Palin: 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.


This woman is THE REAL DEAL! She is GENUINE and speaks from the heart. She doesn't need a teleprompter filled with words given by someone else - which is what Obama needs to have whenever he speaks.

When I hear Obama speak - I cringe. I can just tell that the words he is saying don't come from his heart. They are cold, calculated and aimed at his audience for his own benefit - not for the republic's benefit. It is so obvious to me that I can't believe that there are still some who can't see how phony he is. And that teleprompter is his crutch. It's almost like he's a baby in need of a pacifier. Without it, he stumbles and says some really dumb and silly things.

Back to Sarah!

Now, don't get bogged down with the comments at that link. IMHO, those people are missing her point. No matter what METHOD OF SERVICE Sarah decides to choose to be a "servant" for her country - it will be for the purpose of helping and serving her country - not for self promotion. I will explain further in a moment.

First, I wanted to remind readers here that the Lord has often led me to a Bible verse, a book, a pamphlet, or even a website or blog post that helps explain what is happening in current events. Tonight was no exception.

I am currently reading Dr. David Jeremiah's monthly pamphlet: "Turning Points Magazine and Devotional." The July issue is entitled, "Beyond Belief: Stepping Forward in Your Faith."

Here is the section that got my attention after hearing Sarah Palin's speech (several times):


Stepping Into Service

Servant leadership is not just for apostles -- it is for every person who names the name of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We are called to voluntarily give ourselves to the service of Christ by serving others as He did. In His physical absence, we are the hands, feet, and heart of Christ in the world. He came to serve and save.

There are many ways to become "servant of all":

Service to God. We directly serve God through public and private worship. It is important to note that the same Greek word, latreia, is the word for "service" and "worship," as in Romans 12:1. Paul tells us to present ourselves to God as "a living sacrifice" which is our "reasonable service" (or "spiritual act of worship," NIV). We serve God by worshipping Him.

Service to family. It is sometimes hardest to serve those we know the best, but it is still our calling as bondservants. Husbands loving wives, wives respecting husbands, parents training children -- it's all service. We are to "esteem others better" than ourselves and look out "for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).


I truly believe that Sarah Palin is loved by so many because people sense and know this about her! Unlike the current usurper in the White House, Sarah Palin is not about "looking out for herself" - but is the real deal in that she "esteems others better" than herself and looks out "for the interests of others." This was so very obvious in her speech. From how she gives praise and thankfulness toward our troops fighting in harms way to how she speaks of her precious son, Trig - and how SHE NEEDS HIM and what he can teach her even more than he needs her.

I am glad that she mentioned how some awful people ("adults"?? as she put it) were so despicable, mean and heartless to ridicule Trig because of his Downs Syndrome. I hate to even show such awful photos, but in case you aren't aware of what some liberal left lunatic bloggers did through photo shopped pictures of Sarah Palin, Trig, and the rest of her family, go to Atlas Shrugs and click on the links at the top of the page.

I think that Pamela Geller sums it up quite well:


4:30 pm: My take? If Palin is anything like I think she is (know she is), Obama's treasonous presidency is responsible for this. She, like all patriotic Americans, is shocked by what is happening. Obama is destroying this country. She knows it. We all know it. We need a leader. She is answering our call.

She did not quit. She is going to get into the fight to save America. Watch what happens.


Yes! Sarah Palin has the Spirit of service - the Holy Spirit Himself giving her power and a willing heart to step into those opportunities of service to fulfill the needs that she sees all around us!

Dr. Jeremiah:


If you are a believer in Jesus Christ then you are either an actual or a potential bond servant of His -- a commitment every believer has to embrace.

[O]nly by first making ourselves (herself) a servant of all do we discover the opportunity to become servant leaders and fulfill the calling of God in our lives.


I see this step made by Sarah Palin as just that...becoming a servant leader and fulfilling the calling of God in her life.

God bless this wonderful woman! She is here for "such a time as this."


Hat Tips:

American Thinker

Atlas Shrugs

ADN.com

WorldNetDaily

Resource: Dr. David Jeremiah's Turning Points: Beyond Belief - Stepping Forward in Your Faith.

*******
Copy of Transcript:

Transcript of Palin's speech
Posted by Anchorage Daily News
Posted: July 3, 2009 - 2:17 pm
Watch the video


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.”