Palin: 'It's about country'

WASILLA, Alaska, July 4 (UPI) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin issued a July Fourth message Saturday criticizing media coverage of her announcement that she plans to leave office this month.

Palin began the message, posted on her Facebook page online, by acknowledging "all of those who have chosen to serve our great nation" and praised the "selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too." She used the rest of the message to talk about her decision to resign as governor and about the reaction to her surprise announcement Friday.

After thanking supporters and reiterating that her decision was "in Alaska's best interest," Palin asserted that her administration has "accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two."

Palin said people who know her know she made the right decision but she had harsh words for media coverage of her announcement, Politico reported.

"The response in the mainstream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the 'politics of personal destruction,'" she said. "How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it's about country."

Palin said she is being subjected to a different standard than that applied to "countless" other public officials who have left office for "a higher calling" without coming in for the kind of criticism that has been directed at her.

"I've never thought I needed a title before one's name to forge progress in America," Palin said. "I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me."

Palin has not indicated what her plans are. Speculation has ranged from possible campaigns for higher office to book and speaking tours.