The success of our economy shouldn't determine the success of our schools

I ask you: turn a deaf ear to the special interests. Let politics stand down for a while. don't waste anytime thinking about future elections until we've done our jobs here.

Ladies and gentlemen: There can be no greater investment in Alabama's future than an investment in education.

Hard times don't create heroes. It is during the hard times when the "hero" within us is revealed.

I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.

For too long, we have focused on our differences - in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs - rather than cherishing the unity and pride that binds us together.

Perseverance is a virtue that cannot be understated.

According to our Christian ethics, we're supposed to love God, love each other and help take care of the poor. It is immoral to charge somebody making $5,000 an income tax.

Drugs are the enemies of ambition and hope - and when we fight against drugs we are fighting for the future.

The fight for reform comes down to a simple goal: giving our citizens the confidence that government serves the people first and the people only.

Tolerating evil leads only to more evil. And when good people stand by and do nothing while wickedness reigns, their communities will be consumed.

Starving artist: starving for affection, starving for attention

You have to do what feels right for you. Do not let anyone influence you otherwise. It is your mind, your heart, and your own internal wisdom that will lead you in the direction you need to go.

I am compelled to continuously see the bright side. It is in my DNA. My kids look at me and say: 'Mom, you're so happy!' And I do feel happy. I feel joyful inside. I can't explain it.

The notion of the infinite expanse and copiousness of the cosmos is the result of the mixture, carried to the extreme limit, of laborious creation and free self-determination.

I still believe that music is healing to some extent.

Many succumb to despair and fail without realizing that they already possess all the tools needed to acquire great wealth.

It's a pretty heavy thing that happens to me when I'm at competitions. I get so sucked in, I can't really turn it off.

I'm somebody who's really contributed to culture. Popular culture.

A leader leads by example not by force.

When people can walk away from you: Let them walk.