by Sarah Palin as published in USA Today, January 24, 2011 "We were told that we must accept that the era of American greatness was over; but with his optimism and common sense, President Reagan held up a mirror to the American soul to remind us of our exceptionalism." I had the privilege of coming of age during the era of Ronald Reagan. I like to think of him as America's lifeguard. As a teenager, Ronald Reagan saved 77 lives as a lifeguard on the Rock River, which ran through his hometown of Dixon, Ill. The day he was inaugurated in 1981, a local radio announcer famously declared, "The Rock River flows for you tonight, Mr. President."   The image of the lifeguard seems to represent what Reagan was to America and to the freedom-loving people of the world. He lifted our country up at a time when we were in the depths of economic, cultural and spiritual malaise. We were told that we must accept that the era of American greatness was over; but with his optimism and common sense, President Reagan held up a mirror to the American soul to remind us of our exceptionalism. Reagan as lifeguard on Rock River in 1926 Reagan showed us that despite a deep recession, there could still be morning in America. He could speak to the economic troubles facing ordinary Americans because he understood what it was like to live through a Great Depression where families scraped to get by. And yet, he saw us recover from our Great Depression, and under his leadership we experienced the greatest peacetime economic boom in our history. He could speak to our fears that our years as a superpower were over, because he understood what it was like to see America at war and really fear that we might lose. And yet, he saw us win two world wars, and under his leadership we won the Cold War without firing a single shot. Reagan's belief in American greatness was rooted in historic fact, not blind optimism. He was a sunny optimist because he knew that our best days are yet to come.  Reagan at Brandenburg Gate, West Germany, 1987 Today, when we hear the worry in the voices of Americans wondering where the jobs will be for our children and grandchildren and wondering if the world will be safe and prosperous in the years to come, we should remember Reagan's faith in our inherent heroism and greatness. When we see people around the globe looking to the White House for leadership, we should remember Reagan's steel spine. He understood America's purpose in this world and what we need to do to secure liberty. As Margaret Thatcher said of him, "He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism." He sought those things and he succeeded. This year, as we celebrate the centennial of Reagan's birth, let's remember the lifeguard from the Rock River who rescued us with his optimism and common sense. We need more lifeguards like him.  -Sarah Palin __________________________________________________________________ Author's Note: Prayer is our spiritual oxygen, and just as oxygen is vital to natural life, so is prayer vital to  spiritual life. We need to pray regularly and continually for Governor Sarah Palin and her family as she "lifeguards" to protect our country's future. Her message of American exceptionalism breathes new life --- oxygen --- into our belief that we are the greatest nation on earth. God bless you, Governor Palin. Governor Palin is "America's Oxygen" "Pray at all times --- on every occasion, in every season-- in the Spirit with all manner of prayer and entreaty." - Ephesians 6:18

  Submitted by ClarkAK I once heard a description of Margaret Thatcher that's stuck with me all these years - "Everyone is against her, except the People". The same is certainly true of Sarah Palin - "Everybody is against Sarah Palin (Except the People)". Seemingly it's Sarah against "all of the powers that be". I admire and respect Sarah Palin tremendously. She is an honorable, decent, God-fearing, pro-life woman who has been vilified for being all of these things. Thankfully I'm not held captive to liberal network news presentations and biased newspapers and magazines anymore. Truth has no agenda with me. And the truth is that Sarah Palin is a true American spirit whose heart bleeds red, white and blue. She has the typical American family, and has a son who courageously served in our US military.  She is a woman of sincere faith, and has a strong moral compass, from which she won't waver. She is so grounded in the Constitution that it will always be her guide in leading the country. Her love for America joyfully and effortlessly pours out of her. She wants what's best for our country and yet some people just hate her for the sake of hating. Go figure. Sarah Palin shares a laugh with family gathered on her parents' lawn in Wasilla, AK (Photo: TLC) Never dismiss a person with character. Governor Palin is full of selfless grace and dignity. She has expressed more than once that if there is someone else out there who she believes knows how important it is to fight for freedom and to protect our Constitution, she would support them for President. With all due respect to Governor Palin, my answer is - "There is no one else out there Sarah! Please run for the sake of our nation and our children's future!" True reform has to come from without since the insiders resist all attempts at breaking the status-quo and their own selfish self-interests. As Palin noted during her recent speech in India, "Too often, Republicans have the fighting instinct of sheep." Insiders never do what they promise they are going do. They never fix any problems and care more what the media thinks of them then the people who voted for them. Sarah Palin is a threat to every over-educated, elitist, upper crust, insider in DC. Their ability to take shots at her comes as easy as taking their next breath. But the truth is, if she were elected president, their lofty-throned lives would be forever changed. The fear from the Left is obvious and predictable. The Left is scared of strength, because they know they can't bully and defeat it. Sarah Palin is not only strong but intelligent and they hate that. But, there's fear also from the entrenched armchair Beltway Republicans. Fear that Governor Palin will win and take away their power-cookie jars. This is what happened to the Alaska's 'Corrupt Bastards Club' after she won in 2006. They scurried deep into the shadows like cockroaches when Sarah became governor. Among her many other achievments, remember folks, she cut spending when Alaska had a surplus. That kind of practical thinking scares the moose snot out of big government wanna-bees. Many Republicans have the fighting instinct of sheep. (Except when it comes to fighting against Sarah Palin running for President) When Republican snobs like George Will and Charles Krauthammer feel compelled to join the liberal chorus and insult Governor Palin, they also insult middle America. They don't think like us or for us. To them, Sarah is "The One Who Shall Not Be Named" in their suave Foo-Foo cocktail parties and a more dangerous threat than Obama and the Democrats. How revealing that GOP elites echo the Left's same talking points in attacking Governor Palin. I'm still waiting to see any substantive criticism of Palin from any of them. What policies has she advanced that doesn't stand up to their critical analysis? How come these so-called "conservatives" tear down the one person that stands up for the same principles that they have professed to stand for as well? At my age and with my 'hard-knocks' life experiences, I don't need a George Will, Karl Rove or Politico to tell me what to believe, or to instruct me about their version of 'conservatism'. I used to think these talking heads researched and came to their conclusions based on facts and principles. Not any more. That train left the station long ago. When a housewife-turned-politician runs circles around you, steal your base out from under your noses and make you all appear like idiots on issue-after-issue it's time to hang up your hat. Sarah is an existential threat to Washington because they will never own her. Run, Sarah, Run!! I want a president who can delegate and manage, and knows enough to seek out the proper consultants. Governor Sarah Palin has the background, expertise and most of all the moral fortitude to take a stand to do all this and preserve America as Reagan's "shining city on a hill." I trust her 100% that she would do what she was elected to do. That is to be a conservative first and foremost. April 19th marks the 237th year anniversary of "the shot heard around the world". The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War erupted at the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. I support Sarah no matter what she and her wonderful family decides, but should she decide to run for president, this would truly be a second "shot heard around the world." Everybody Is Against Sarah Palin (Except The People). I stand with Sarah Palin! I like the odds!  Sarah Palin: We Need To Restore America

  Maybe it was the endorphins pulsating through my body as I sped to nowhere Friday afternoon on a stationary bike in the fitness center, or perhaps it was the forbidden pieces of chocolate I savored earlier in the day. Whatever the culprit, a single photograph featured in the Washingtonian caught my eye as together the periodical and I raced toward the weekend. Follow: American author Mark Twain once said, “Hawaii is the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean”. No one would argue with Twain that the Hawaiian Islands’ tropical weather, low humidity and infrequent severe storms make it a traveler’s dream destination. Hawaii not only boasts of its great beauty but also claims to be the birthplace of Barack Obama.    By contrast, Alaska’s majestic mountain peaks and rugged topography covered with glaciers, countless rivers and lakes, huge tracks of forested land, and over 34,000 miles of tidal shoreline is beauty personified. Alaska is a constant adventure for those that live there, and for those fortunate enough (or smart enough) to travel there, it often proves to be their most exhilarating and worthwhile adventure. The Last Frontier is the beloved home of Sarah Palin, the youngest and the first female governor of that state, and is like no other place on our planet. No doubt these two states are uniquely and breathtakingly beautiful, but under a microscope the resolution of their great beauty becomes a study in contrasts. Their magnification and resolution prove to be an eerily accurate characterization of their most famous residents. Take a look at this photo from National Geographic. Believe it or not, this is the magnification of a dipperful of Hawaiian seawater. Describing the photo, journalist Jennifer S. Holland, writes, “Gelatinous shape-shifters lazily ride the currents (dead fish going with the flow). Familiar [and unfamiliar] forms — wide-eyed fish larvae, baby squid and octopuses—dart liberally (left wing radicals). Their lives are precarious (reckless decisions). Some wear shells (disguises) or exude toxins (media malpractice) against enemies (Main Street America); others are active only after dark (opaque government).” Even the name of the photograph is telling- The Secret Life [of Marine Microfauna].   No two alike? According to Discover, physicist Kenneth Libbrecht says it’s essentially impossible for any two ice crystals to have the exact same molecular structure (unique and one of a kind). He claims that, “Out of all the complex (smart, intelligent, quick study) snow crystals ever made over the history of the planet, it’s unlikely that any two ever looked completely alike (unprecedented). The elaborate branching structure indicates that the crystal was formed under high pressure (hard work, dedication, boldly speaking the truth, fearless), even where molecules encounter more resistance (‘drill, baby, drill’; ‘we eat, therefore we hunt’; ‘quit making things up’). The more easily the clear branches (government transparency) accumulate molecules, the more fabulous the shapes take form”. We the People are like magnifying glasses making it possible for all to see self-serving political agendas purposely hidden to the naked eye. We must magnify our lawmakers’ policies to a point of resolution where lines are not blurred but clearly defined and transparent. Who knew such musings could come from looking at a single photo published by a liberal medium while riding a stationary bike? Maybe next Friday I will join the line dancing class where Britney tunes are blared at a thousand decibels. Who knows I may oops, do it again.    

  “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever  state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11) I confess. More than occasionally I dream of living in a state other than muggy Mississippi.  Okay, so I think about it more than occasionally, and in my search for greener pastures, I came across these tidbits. Mississippi has more than 2 million people, Alaska has approximately 700,000 people. Mississippi is nearly 49,000 square miles while Alaska is a sweeping 663,267 square miles.  In winter, Mississippi is green, Alaska is white. Mississippi borders four other states, Alaska borders none. Mississippi’s highest point is a hilly 807 feet but Alaska’s is a majestic 20,320 feet. Alaska's Kenai River (photo by Rick Small) Mint The Restaurant’s mint julep chicken and waffles is a Mississippi favorite, and while Alaska has no Mint, they do have a Nordstrom’s, my favorite department store for those stuffy-but-work-required business suits. Want to taste Mississippi’s mouth-watering catfish? Going once… going twice… wait, maybe you’d prefer Alaska’s healthy Omega 3-rich King Salmon. Residents of both states enjoy the great outdoors. Mississippians water ski while Alaskans snow ski.  Deer hunting in Mississippi or moose hunting in Alaska… take your pick. Line your pockets with Mississippi “white gold”, cotton.  On second thought, it’d be more profitable to line them with Alaska gold. So what am I driving at?  Here’s the bottom line. Both states have their unique landscapes, local color, and differences… much like people. Governor Sarah Palin has made a life in Alaska. I’ve made a life in Mississippi. We’ve both decided to “bloom where we were planted”, or maybe grow where we landed. No matter, we both have a home, family, friends, and fun things we like to do. We are using our skills, gifts, and talents to make a mark where we live.     Sarah Heath is Warrior #22 Looking to Governor Palin, she made a mark on Wasilla High School as point guard for the Warriors basketball team leading them to their very first state championship. She made a mark on Alaska small business by slaying salmon on Bristol Bay alongside her commercial fisherman husband Todd. When not knee-deep in fish slime, the self-described sports enthusiast was making her mark on the pageant world winning such titles as Miss Wasilla and Miss Alaska Congeniality, all for the sake of scholarship money for college. As a mom, Governor Palin made her mark on the community by getting involved with the PTA at her children’s school. And no one --- and I do mean no one -- can refute the indelible mark she made on the Mat-Su Valley as Wasilla City Councilwoman and Mayor or as the Alaska Oil and Gas Commissioner and Governor of the Last Frontier. Reaching beyond Alaska, Governor Palin splashed her mark across America as the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee. Today she continues to make her mark as a wife, mom, and “Na Na”… a daughter, sister, niece, friend, prayer warrior, caribou-hunter, best-selling author, political analyst, keynote speaker, travelogue star via "Sarah Palin's Alaska", and endorsee of commonsense conservative candidates running for office, to name just a few of her providential “marks”. Sarah Palin was the mayor of Wasilla 1996 - 2002         Governor Palin of the great State of Alaska 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate Palin Are you making a mark where you live? Your circle of influence has eternal ramifications, you know that... right? God is looking for people to stand up and make their mark. He’s waiting for somebody who will be a leader in this hour—someone who’s not just waiting for the door to be opened, but who’s opening the door and pressing through. This is not the time to sit back and just watch what’s happening. Follow Governor Palin's example. It’s time to make your mark!  

    by Kristen Vander-Plas Please note: Kristen Vander-Plas is the Founding president of Lubbock Christian University College Republicans.  Kristen is not a spokesperson for Lubbock Christian School but an interested student and attendee of the school's January 24, 2011 fundraiser featuring Governor Sarah Palin. Last night, I attended the private fundraiser for Lubbock Christian School, headlined by Gov. Sarah Palin. LCS is a pre-K through 12 private Christian school that services the South Plains of Texas providing caring, Christian and one-on-one support to the students enrolled. LCS put on a great event, and all of the attendees enjoyed themselves.Gov. Palin spent a majority of her time speaking about how important the family is to the restoration of America. She reiterated that our founders did not mention family in the Constitution because they considered it to be a given - that good family values produce patriots and, in her words, "small 'r' republicans."Additionally, Gov. Palin touched on the importance of education. When asked what she would have changed about her school career and time in college, she responded that she has always wished that she had continued on to law school or somewhere to further her education with a master's degree. She commended the teachers, parents, and mentors associated with LCS and encouraged them to continue the great work they are doing of touching and affecting lives for Christ and country.As a junior at Lubbock Christian University and the Founding president of the College Republicans on campus, I thoroughly enjoyed the "Conversation with Sarah Palin." She was every bit a polished speaker and compassionate guest. From recognizing the members of the military in the audience to agreeing to even come to the event after numerous threats were made against her (from across the country), Gov. Palin was an excellent choice to represent the values and core beliefs that we as Texans hold dear. She reminded us that Texas and Alaska are so very similar in the fact that we encourage our children to grow with God and in grace, and teach our young people to value hard work and patriotism. It was gratifying to hear one that I admire so much speak words that resonate with me - as they are the same words my parents taught me to hold dear to my heart.Well done, Gov. Palin! Thanks for standing up for the American people! Kristen Vander-PlasPresident, LCU College Republicans The People for Palin graciously thanks Kristen Vander-Plas for sharing her personal account of "Conversation with Sarah Palin" as an attendee at the Lubbock, Texas event. Kristen and the LCU College Republicans are the future of America leading us on to that "shining city on a hill".

  “Great to be in the hometown of Elvis Presley-- Tupelo, Mississippi!  I went out jogging this morning… as I’m running down the street seeing all those guitars [street art] and signs of Elvis Presley, I thought well it’s a good thing in honor of Elvis I got to borrow my daughter Bristol’s blue suede shoes!” Elvis Presley may be Tupelo’s favorite son, but after Governor Sarah Palin took the stage sporting blue suede shoes before a crowd of more than 8,000 cheering supporters, there’s no doubt she’s Tupelo’s favorite daughter. Governor Palin was in Tupelo as the keynote speaker for the Extraordinary Women’s Conference on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The former vice-presidential candidate spoke of Mississippi’s native land and waters being a crossroads in America, making the point that America is now at a crossroads: “I believe that God has shed His grace on thee, America, and I don’t want us to sit back and squander what it is that He has blessed us with… our forefathers and our foremothers fought and died to protect our freedoms today. I do not believe that we shall fulfill our destiny as a nation that puts its trust in God if we sit back and watch some fundamental transformation of our country, turning it in to something that we don’t recognize.  We don’t need a fundamental transformation of America, we need a fundamental restoration of America!” Governor Palin then spoke of her own personal challenges and crossroads, specifically about callus criticism of her son, Trig, who was born with Down Syndrome almost four years ago: “Look, when society wants to eliminate their weakest links, as some would refer to the disabled or the very old… when society destroys them, it also destroy any ability or need for compassion, for tenderness, for empathy, even for goodwill, and those are the very best parts of humanity and the characteristics of a country that can embrace and know and share true hope comes from people like Trig… Trig is the best thing that has ever happened to our family.” “America is indeed the last best hope of man on earth”, she told the audience, explaining that  “some people are waiting on a superman or a superwoman to come in and fix the problems that we face, but we know that it’s going to be His [God’s] light, and His truth, and His love that makes all the difference. There’s not going to be a politician or a celebrity or a government program that meets the needs of our families and our nation. It’s all about Him and His everlasting hope that He gives us.” Governor Palin closed by encouraging everyone to “get up, get out there, and do good” because America is a shining city on a hill and God has shed His grace on America. Governor Palin receives the Key to the City of Tupelo Before leaving the stage, Governor Palin was presented the Key to the City of Tupelo by Fred Pitts, Tupelo City Council President. Thank you, Governor Palin and Todd, for visiting my home state of Mississippi. Words cannot express my gratitude for your graciousness and words of encouragement to me and my state. Like you said, Governor, there are no coincidences, just Divine appointments. God bless you both as you continue on His path to fulfill your destinies.... Missy