Palins Proclamations
In all US states, the governor is the chief executive of the state and runs the executive branch of the government. The governor is the commander-in-chief of the military and is responsible for managing the state budget. The US constitution states that the governor of a state is allowed to fill vacancies in the state's two Senate seats. Having originated from British colonial rule, the US system of governors has changed to suit the needs of each state so there are some differences between states. It is likely that the office will continue to evolve along with policy issues.
Governors have: the last legal word on sentences for capital punishment; influence over national policy decisions; significant involvement in foreign affairs, especially post 9/11; and a close connection with the Homeland Security Bureau to ensure they are familiar with security procedures.
It is the responsibility of the governor to enact declarations, or proclamations for the state. Sarah Palin became Governor of Alaska in November 2006. In 2007, she signed 6 proclamations into law. In 2008, between January and mid-October, Palin signed 20 proclamations. Two of the more notable ones underscore this vice-presidential nominee’s bent for infusing politics with religion:
On Principles & Values: The Bible has profoundly influenced America
- WHEREAS, since the earliest days of our democracy, Americans have turned to the Bible for divine guidance, comfort, and encouragement.
- WHEREAS, the Bible has profoundly influenced art, literature, music, and codes of law.
- WHEREAS, the Bible has motivated many to acts of compassion, humanity, and charity.
- WHEREAS, the Bible continues to provide motivation, inspiration, hope, and comfort for countless Alaskans.
- WHEREAS, the National Bible Association reminds Alaskans and people of all faiths of the Bible's unique place in American life.
- NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim November 18-25, 2007, as: Bible Week in Alaska, and encourage interested citizens to participate in this observance.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release, "Bible Week" Oct 17, 2007
On Principles & Values: Declare a National Day of Prayer in Alaska
- WHEREAS, the Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer in 1775. In 1863, Pres. Lincoln established a proclamation for a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer." And in 1988, Pres. Reagan set aside the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.
- WHEREAS, following the devastating event on Sept. 11, 2001, Pres. Bush called on citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the religious diversity our freedom permits by recognizing this day annually.
- WHEREAS, it is not the intent of this proclamation to promote a particular religion, but rather to encourage thoughtful reflection and to honor our freedom of religious expression whether that is prayer, meditation, peace activism, or another form of contemplative action.
- NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gov. Sarah Palin, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2008, as National Day of Prayer in Alaska and encourage Alaskans to keep the health, prosperity, and peace of our state, nation, and world in mind on this day.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "Day of Prayer" Apr 15, 2008
Some of the other proclamations Palin has enacted include:
- July 26, 2008, as FBI Day in Alaska
- April 19-22, 2008, as: Prince Hall Masonic Week in Alaska
- October 21-27, 2007, as: Alaska's 9th Annual Christian Heritage Week in Alaska
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The State of Alaska websites have these and more of Palin’s press Releases and Proclamations. |
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