Everything depends on a good job - strong families, strong communities, the pursuit of the American dream, and a tax base to support schools for our kids and services for our seniors.

Many have left their families to defend our freedom. We salute their bravery; we express our appreciation and support to their families. And we pray for their safe return.

We must ensure our system of higher education offers world-class quality for a world-class economy.

We stand strong together - as Americans - many cultures, races and faiths, but one nation under God.

If we are to create tomorrow's jobs, we can't remain frozen in time in yesterday's tax system.

Whether we knew many who died on September 11 or personally knew none, we all lost something on that day. Innocence. Security. A trust that our homeland would always be safe.

We live in a land like no other - a land of freedom and opportunity unparalleled on the face of the globe.

Let us seize the special opportunity that is ours to act boldly and decisively at a time when the eyes of our fellow citizens, both present and future, are upon us.

In this global economy, no jobs are safe. High-speed Internet connections and low-cost, skilled labor overseas are an explosive combination.

We will never forget the passengers of Flight 93, who courageously confronted the terrorists, defeating another planned attack on America. They are the heroes for our times.

A dynamic economy begins with a good education.

One day his fingers will grow knobby, he will start to sag. I pray to the goddesses, the gods, the eggs, the clouds, the trees. I pray to the wind that he will grow old and die well.

God did not create you to be alone. He deposited skills, knowledge, and talents in someone out there who is expected to mentor you, teach you and encourage you to go high. Go, get a mentor!

The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself.

It seems to me if you want something badly enough, whether you're a man or a woman, you'll do whatever you have to do to get it.

Louisiana has got a very specific warmth and humidity and richness of light.

I believe I am a better director than actor. I enjoy acting if the part is right. Directing comes very naturally to me. I enjoy it. I am very confident in my work.

For most of my life, I've thought of myself as pretty cool.

Style is a way of talking about yourself.

I don't think of my life as a cliche, but I'm a cliche eccentric. Complete with a strange name - I mean, who's named Val? How many Vals do you know? I mean, really?

Fanatics do not have faith - they have belief. With faith you let go. You trust. Whereas with belief you cling.