Governor Linda Lingle (R - Hawaii)Posted on 09/13/2008 12:58:09 AM PDT by GVnana
Opinion
September 10, 2008
Reading about Queen Esther helped guide Palin
By Gov. Linda Lingle
If there was any doubt that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will shake up Washington and institute real change, the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential nominee has put that question to rest. Few people can match McCain's maverick spirit and bipartisan nature like Palin.
I've known Sarah Palin since her election as governor in 2006. I am confident she will be a great friend of the Jewish community and Israel, as well as a terrific leader and great vice president.
Governor Linda Lingle (R - Hawaii)
It is not surprising that her historic nomination has brought enthusiasm and excitement to the nation.
In my speech at the Republican National Convention, I shared a few reasons for that excitement.
"As a fellow Republican governor, I have had the chance to get to know Gov. Sarah Palin," I said in that speech. "She is a terrific individual and an outstanding governor. Sarah is a person with proven leadership skills and strong moral character."
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the only Jewish Republican in the House of Representatives, wrote that he was "excited" by the choice.
Congressman Eric Cantor (R- Virginia)
"Sarah brings a wealth of experience to the campaign and will pose a formidable challenge to the Democratic nominees," Cantor said. "Sarah Palin is a smart woman who represents change."
Gov. Palin brings numerous strengths and qualities to the position of vice president. She has been a mayor, a governor and the head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. While serving in these positions, she has built a reputation as a leader willing to work across party lines to bring about real reform and to better the lives of her constituents.
Gov. Palin has cut taxes and curtailed budgetary spending. Rooting out corruption and establishing ethics reform have been hallmarks of her career.
Gov. Palin has also shown that she is not wedded to party politics nor does she play politics as usual. She has said that the function of a politician is not to serve one's self-interest but rather to serve with a "servant's heart."
Perhaps one of Gov. Palin's greatest assets is her firm grasp on one of our country's greatest security issues -- how to tackle our dependence on foreign oil and our growing need for energy independence. On this critical issue, she has a depth of experience and firsthand knowledge that will prove invaluable to a McCain-Palin administration.
As governor, she challenged the influence of big oil companies and fought for the development of new energy resources in her state. And as an outdoorswoman and naturalist, she understands and cares deeply about the impact of climate change.
Gov. Palin has advocated that environmental issues be weighed against economic and social needs and that meaningful discussion take place in order for policymakers to make the best decisions for our country.
During her tenure as commander-in-chief of Alaska's National Guard, she made it a priority to visit the troops from her state deployed to Kuwait and Germany.
Finally, on Iran -- an issue that is critically important to readers of this publication -- Gov. Palin gets it. She recognizes the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while advocating for strengthening the strategic U.S.-Israel relationship.
It is also clear that Gov. Palin is a woman of deep personal faith. She has established a good relationship with the Jewish communities of Alaska, supported the residents' desire to create the Alaska Jewish Historical Museum and was present at the reading of Alaska's resolution commemorating Israel's 60th anniversary.
In her office in Juneau, Gov. Palin has hung an Israeli flag. She displays the flag because Israel is in her heart.
One of the finest qualities Gov. Palin has demonstrated recently is her tremendous grace under fire. Since the announcement of her selection as our vice presidential nominee, she has faced an onslaught of rumor, smear and innuendo. Yet Gov. Palin has remained strong and resolute. She has let the truth speak for itself.
Shortly after coming into office, Gov. Palin asked her former pastor for examples of biblical people who were great leaders and what was the secret of their leadership. The pastor suggested she re-read the story of Queen Esther, the Jewish woman who rose to help her people and became queen of Persia.
Like Queen Esther, Gov. Palin has faced tremendous adversity, and time and again she has risen to overcome obstacles. This is the sign of a true leader.
As Americans get to know Gov. Palin, I think they will see all the wonderful things about her I have seen over the years. She will be a great friend and advocate for the issues important to us. For that she deserves our respect, friendship and, most importantly, our support.
Linda Lingle, a Jewish Republican, currently serves as the governor of Hawaii.
Courtesy of Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Very good quote from the Bible. I have been thinking lately about that verse as it relates to Sarah. To those love God, we know He directs our paths and orders our steps. I'm sure Sarah knows this too. I pray for God's will be done.
Beginning to think that all the hysteria is nothing more than a coverup. The real fear is that the special interests are going to be minimized.
Not naive enough to believe there will be no more lobbyists but I believe that McCain/Palin are going to put this country first.
Queen Esther of the Persian Empire
Don’t know, never read it.
I suggest that you youself should re-read the story of Esther, perhaps accompanied with a good commentary or guide.
I find it to be an inspiring example of how to conduct oneself with honor and tenacity in times of great difficulty and peril, and a great example for both men and women of God.
As for the innacuracy part - it’s in the Bible, and it’s there for a reason. Personally, that’s all I need.
Looks like it and all sorts of extra goodies.
I agree with you. Charles Swindoll has an excellent book about Esther in his “Great Lives from God’s Word” series. It shows that even though God isn’t really mentioned in it, it is obvious to those who can see that His fingerprints are all over the place.
The Book of Esther is so inspiring. One of my favorite books in the Bible.
I read the book of Esther the other day. You know who really benefited from Esther's willingness to put her life on the line was her old uncle Mordecai. Of course the Jews did pretty well too didn't they.
ugh! ofenn = often. (Where’s my coffee?)
Excellent testimony for Gov. Palin - AND for Gov. Lingle.
First-class women all!
I don’t mean to sully this thread, but when I first read the headline, I was thinking `Aunt Esther `rather than `Queen Esther.` Does anyone have that photo of Fred Sanford’s sis/Michelle Obama. ....thanks
You have been given bad advice. The story of Queen Ester is one of the MOST important stories in the Bible to set the example of a properly lived Christian life. Every Christian who sets his heart on God first, and living their lives out as God has placed them, can take direct understanding of God's hand in our personal lives. The hand of God in Queen Esters life is exactly the same pattern of the hand of God in every God fearing Christians life.
By all means study Ester, the time spent will be priceless. And besides, the shocking parallel between Hadassa and her rise to the position of Queen Ester and Sarah Palins life is stunning.
From the constant bungling of the MSM and the backfiring smear campain of BO, it seems your prayers have been answered!
Michelle's inspiration was ghetto queen Aunt Esther.
Martin Luther wanted it cut because it “seems” to not have the word “God” or “Lord” in it.
The book of Esther is in Hebrew, and the name of God is encrypted throughout the text.
See Khouse.org for more.
bump for later
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