By Sen. Chip Pearson
ATLANTA (July 1, 2009) – On July 4, 1776, our country’s founders announced to the world that America was a sovereign nation by signing the Declaration of Independence. This document guarantees that every American is entitled to the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Based upon these principles, our founding fathers created a government that respects the rights of its people. A government that works for the people, not the other way around.
Over 230 years later, we continue to celebrate our country’s independence. More than two centuries ago, America’s founders had the foresight to establish a government system that continues to function in the modern world. They knew that by giving the rights to the people, our government would stand the test of time.
While we reconnect with our history this July 4, we must also commit ourselves to fortifying our nation’s principles amid current political forces. We now face a shift in government control that only the American people can hope to change. Today, the words of the Declaration ring truer than ever before: “Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” It is we the people who have the right to decide how far the arm of government may reach. No longer can we allow our Constitutional rights to stand at risk amid government takeovers, Washington spending, and the threat of bureaucratic health care. No matter which way the political wind blows, it is every American’s duty to value and protect the right to govern their government.
As President Ronald Reagan said in his 1989 farewell address, “Ours was the first revolution in the history of mankind that truly reversed the course of government, and with three little words: ‘We the people.’ ‘We the people’ tell the government what to do, it doesn’t tell us. ‘We the people’ are the driver, the government is the car. And we decide where it should go, and by what route, and how fast.”
This Independence Day marks a call to every American to bring the nation back to its founding principles. The greatest thing about our government is that the people still have a choice in how our country is run. Despite Washington leaders telling us they want to change and control every aspect of our lives, we can choose to say no. As Americans, we have that right. We can choose to raise our voice and tell the government that it still works for us. We can choose liberty.
It is a privilege to live in America and enjoy the rights afforded to us under the Constitution. It is a privilege to vote and to know that your voice counts. Right now, Iranian citizens are risking their lives to fight for their vote in the country’s recently disputed election. Many have lost their lives while others are subjected to tyrannical government forces. This Independence Day, honor those who must fight for their liberty by taking an active role in the government process.
This is your government. The gift of democracy was given to us by our founding fathers. Use that gift. Know who represents you at the local, state and federal level. These are the people voting on your behalf, deciding what policies will govern your daily life. I welcome comments from all of my constituents, and I encourage you to contact me with the issues affecting you and your family. It is only with an open dialogue that you can make the government work for you.
Pay tribute to your country this July 4 by exercising your right to choose liberty.
Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9921 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
July 1, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028