stain itself in preparation for independence. I said that the most important thing the government and people of Ohio can do is to begin thinking like an independent state.Today, Gov. Strickland (right) began thinking like the leader of an independent nation by emphasizing what we as Ohioans can do to build lasting prosperity. By ourselves. He even noted that if Ohio were an independent nation, that our economy would rank 26th of all nations. He drew on our pioneer heritage, our practicality, and our creativity.
- "The state of the State is resolute. We are challenged, but will not back down."
- "Ohio will be first among its peers, and a competitor among all nations."
His speech displayed an understanding of the overall public interest that has been sorely lacking from American political discourse, and he addressed three core issues that are on everyone's mind: extending access to health care, improving education, and rebuilding our economy.
Bold new initiatives were proposed -- the boldest of which probably was the "Senior to Sophomore Program" that will allow academically qualified high school seniors to skip their senior year at high school and enroll as a college freshman, tuition-free for that one year. Another is a carefully-targeted $1.7 billion bond issue ("every dollar to be audited by the independently-elected Auditor of State") for infrastructure, to support new industries built around renewable resources and biomedicine, to restore downtowns and brownfields in our cities -- providing us with immediate jobs and opportunities.
I shall not go into the details, which are easily obtainable elsewhere (here is the full text). It was an inspiring speech, evocative of Franklin D. Roosevelt (we must not be afraid of taking risks and trusting each other) and Gov. James A. Rhodes in his emphasis on jobs.
The speech was worthy of the President of a great nation, which I hope he will one day become.
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