Independence Day Reflections and the Days Ahead

Statement

Gina and I want to wish you and your family a happy, safe, and fulfilling Independence Day.

On July 4, two hundred and thirty-six years ago, our country's forefathers profoundly stated,

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

About 200 years later, President Ronald Reagan said,

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

Ronald Reagan was right! Today we fight to preserve the freedom of Americans to make their own health care decisions, free from any government interference between them and their doctor.

As you spend time with your family and friends, we would ask that you take a moment to say a prayer for all the men, women, and their families who have fought to protect our unique and exceptional nation. It is their sacrifice and their vigilance that makes it possible for us to live in the greatest nation in the history of the world.

For me, it is a time to reflect on the past couple of years and the journey that took me from the private sector to working in Congress as the voice of the people of 17th Congressional District. When we began our campaign in 2009, our nation was under duress from an out-of-control Congress and Administration whose efforts to vastly expand government powers were wholly unchecked.

During the election of 2010, millions of Americans rose up to say ENOUGH! I was honored to stand among those who would form a new Congress and begin the solemn work to unravel years of social engineering that had eroded our freedom, ignored the Constitution, and placed government power above individual liberty.

The work before us may seem daunting. The elections we face in November could not be more important. And the words Benjamin Franklin spoke upon signing the Declaration of Independence ring just as true today as then did well over 200 years ago:

"We must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

Let us remember on this Independence Day that our future and our freedom can never be compromised. While we take a few days to enjoy time with our friends and families, let us also renew our spirits and strengthen our resolve to make this year one during which we reclaim our nation and end the slide toward European socialism that we face today.

Thank you for all you are doing to remember and embrace our American spirit -- this year, let us all ensure that we conservatives and independent-minded patriots "hang together" so we can continue our efforts to turn our nation around. Working together we can restore America's Promise, Prosperity, Security, and Exceptionalism for our children and grandchildren.

With Great Respect,

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