I take my freedoms, stewardship, and liberties seriously. I also am feeling really entitled. That oil in ANWR you'll keep chattering about - I own it. And the caribou. Alaska is unique in the status of its citizens - we bought we didn't lease. Check out our state constitution by clicking the title to this post - it is one of the most brilliant ever written.
It is a shame to me that many move up here for a few years and never bother to read our constitution and find out what this land is all about. And what our responsibilities are as citizens, which is significantly greater than most anywhere else on the planet.
As those who came before put it most eloquently...there is no walk in which you can become distinguished for excellence of character or lofty achievement, except by loyal and faithful service.
Alaska is a land where men and women by honest toil, grow hardy, both in mind and body. It is no place for the indolent or unambitious.
The natural difficulties of life here are greater than in many other lands. Perserverance and tireless energy are here especially essential to success.
Our state is one of the fairest, and most alluring under the sun; and it is entirely by the persistent, patient and persevering labor of our true men and women that Alaska is now emerging from obscurity tot he sunlight of rugged greatness.
The hopeful worker is the true optimist, and because of the sturdy strength and happy industry of her majestic mountains with abiding faith in a great future.
In your travels in Alaska you have no doubt observed that there are sometime those who refuse to give assistance and do not care whether you suffer or perish, while there are others who are indifferent about the matter.
But the true pioneer, however inconvenient it may be to furnish you relief and safety, may always be depended upon to come to your assistance.
Pioneers of Alaska, September 1985
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