News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Our View: New governor touts value of freedom
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
Arizona’s new governor, Jan Brewer
If an inauguration speech is supposed to set a philosophical tone and style for a new administration in power, then Arizona’s new governor, Jan Brewer, couldn’t have done any better Wednesday.
Brewer was elevated from secretary of state 24 hours earlier after Janet Napolitano resigned to take her position in the cabinet of President Barack Obama. Just like the national version last week, Brewer’s inauguration ceremony before about 1,500 people highlighted the fact that a new leader is in charge.
Brewer wasn’t elected to the governor’s office, but she has now every ounce of the glory and responsibility that comes with the job. And the Glendale Republican proudly declared “freedom” will be the driving force of her tenure.
“In America, our fundamental value, our lodestar and our true north is freedom,” Brewer said. “Our greatest struggles, and gravest sins, have come when we have valued freedom too little, or coldly denied its promise to others.”
The governor implied a great many things during her 13-minute speech while offering almost no details of what her agenda might be. Yet, the moment was a valuable reminder of what values should guide the thoughts and actions of every public official.
“Freedom is not a mere word, but the purpose and calling of mankind,” Brewer said. “It ennobles us. It has been the inspiration of a nation, the animation of a great and distinguished people called Americans…”
The only specific policy that Brewer mentioned is a commitment to reduce the size of government as the state faces a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. The new governor’s challenge will be to manage that transformation in ways that don’t cripple Arizona’s prospects for long-term economic prosperity.
While Brewer’s speech couldn’t be called eloquent, her sentiments sounded heartfelt and are backed up by 26 years in government service including her time in state Legislature and as a Maricopa County supervisor.
Let’s see what she can accomplish in the next two years.
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: