My name is Ethan Berkowitz. I’m the Democratic leader of the Alaska State House. And I wanted to take a moment to just enjoy the ambience of sitting in a room full of Democrats because we’re somewhat of an endangered species up north.

I also want to thank Mayor Coleman for his hospitality, and tell him I’ve reviewed my opinion on global warming. It’s sort of popular with my constituents, but after having spent a couple of days here, I can see why it’s a problem.

Friends, kindred spirits, fellow dreamers, the American dream is also an American promise and an American responsibility. It’s a dream of prosperity and justice, a simple dream that our children will lead better lives than we do today — safer, healthier, materially more secure, intellectually more enriching and spiritually more fulfilling. It’s Dr. King’s dream that one day we’ll judge people by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

But the American dream is also the promise of this country, a simple promise that people who work hard and play by the rules have earned the right to enjoy the fruits of freedom and opportunity. It’s a promise that in our democracy we are all equal, and that together we’re part of something bigger than each one of ourselves. And it’s a dream that’s passed, passed from generation to generation. It’s a promise to be honored and improved upon.

The American dream is also the American responsibility. President Kennedy said, “to those to whom much is given, much is expected.” With Americans, much as been given to us. As elected leaders, much has been given to us. As state leaders, much has been given to us. And I’m pleased to be here in a room full of people who are assuming that responsibility with innovation, with courage and persistence.

You know, I’m from Alaska. It’s a native term; it means the “great land.” We tell people it’s not the average land, it’s not the mediocre land, it’s the great land. That’s an inspirational term for us.

I have a friend at home. He’s 99 years old. Colonel Norman Vaughan has led an incredible life. He went to Antarctica with Admiral Byrd in the ’20s. He was a hero during the Battle of the Bulge. Drove the pope around in a dog sled; even finished the Iditarod at the age of 86. Now he’s 99, and he’s a crusader for health care for the elderly. I think he’s come late to politics, but there’s time yet. But Colonel Vaughan regularly instructs Alaskans that you have to dream big to dare to fail. And I think that is the essence of the American dream as well: dream big and dare to fail.

And it’s a dream that is common to all states, but unique in each state. It’s a dream that’s shared by all Americans, but special to every family and to every individual.

In Alaska we have big dreams. There’s been talk about energy security for the country. We look forward to the day where Alaska gas is warming America’s homes, where an open ANWR is providing jobs and energy to fuel the economy, and to a future where hydrogen coming from Alaska’s resources is the fuel of the next economy.

And across this country, there are leaders who have risen to deliver on the American dream. Governor Mark Warner in the Commonwealth of Virginia is at the forefront of those leaders. He inspires with how he conducts himself and also with what he’s done. He shows us that substance and civility count in the political process, that politics are relevant when results are factored in.

You know, I’m really intrigued by the fact that he took $6 billion of red ink in the state of Virginia and made it into a blue state. I think that’s the kind of change we call can get behind.

And his vision for education means retooling our schools so that our students will be able to thrive in a new economy. That’s why he’s building an infrastructure for workforce, for technology, so that America will be able to be strong into the future.

And he knows that you can’t be truly free when you’re afraid for your health. As a private citizen, he helped more than half a million — half a million, that’s a big number for those of us in Alaska — Virginians have access to health care. As governor, he expanded the reach. That’s the kind of leadership that typifies the membership here in the Democratic Leadership Council.

Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce a great American who knows who to dream and who also knows how to help other people achieve their dreams, Governor Mark Warner of Virginia.

Tags: ANWR, economy, education, energy, health care, renewable resources