No skill shapes a child's future success in school or in life more than the ability to read.

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.

In a perfect world we would bring corporate tax rates down to 25% or less so we can get competitive in the world economy. Ultimately, I would love to see a flat tax.

Babies are thinking and attracting before they are speaking. Even though you are only months old in your physical body, you are a very old and wise Creator, focused in that baby's body.

I can't just have one painting - I need to cover the wall in paintings. It's the same with my music. I want to mix everything together to create more.

When I think of the gold-diggers and the Mormons, the slaves and the slave-holders and the flibustiers, I naturally dream of a glorious private life. No, I am not patriotic.

When nothing makes sense and the world seems upside down, listen to your heart, it will never lie about your true feelings.

Practice with your fingers and you need all day. Practice with your mind and you will do as much in 1 1/2 hours.

Here's to alcohol: the cause of, and answer to, all of life's problems.

I love comic books and I love anime.

Never, ever rest on your laurels. Today's laurels are tomorrow's compost.

One cannot demand of art that it pay you in any other way than in the satisfaction of the work itself.