Education exposes young people to a broader world, a world full of opportunity and hope.

When nearly a third of our high school students do not graduate on time with their peers, we have work to do. We must design our middle and high schools so that no student gets lost in the crowd and disconnected from his or her own potential.

Surely no issue unites us more than our appreciation for our military personnel who are bringing aid to devastated countries, defending us against terrorism, and fighting to make a free election possible in Iraq.

It is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and of future generations.

Parents who have fought fiercely for the rights of their much-loved Gay and Lesbian children should not have to worry that their children will be treated differently. As a mother, I can tell you that there is no prouder moment than watching your children grow up, fall in love, and commit to that love in front of their families and friends. I want that same joy for every parent and every child.

It's our responsibility to pass on what we inherited, not to squander it, but to build on it.

I'm free. I'm free to say what I feel.