Independence Day 2012

It’s hard to believe that summer is indeed here and we are halfway through the year, once again preparing to celebrate Independence Day throughout our nation. Since 1776, Americans have honored the adoption of the Declaration of Independence through parades, family gatherings and community celebrations. It is easy to gloss over the true significance of this important day as we get wrapped up in fireworks and backyard barbeques.  I challenge you to take a moment this 4th of July to reflect upon the unique gift that our nation is and the trials and tribulations that our founding fathers overcame to create this brave new nation.

As one of the original 13 colonies, Georgia’s role during the American Revolution was significant. Men such as James Oglethorpe, Archibald Bulloch and James Wright laid a strong foundation for our state and our nation. We continue to honor them today with universities, museums, and bridges; there isn’t a corner of our state that isn’t marked with the history of our nation’s birth and the men who stood strong in the face of adversity. We should stand with pride for our ancestors who revolted against British rule in the American Revolution by signing the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Georgia history runs deep as we became the fourth state of the Union after ratifying the Constitution on January 2, 1788. By taking these brave and risky steps, the first Georgians set in motion a new country and a new government that honors individual freedoms and celebrates a government of the people, by the people.

As we pause to celebrate the 4th of July, be mindful of the numerous set backs and insurmountable challenges we have overcome to arrive where we are today.  The citizens of these United States have made great sacrifices throughout our nation’s history so that we can enjoy the many freedoms that make us uniquely American.  From the Revolutionary War, where our founding fathers first defended our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, to the end of the Cold War, where President Ronald Reagan was instrumental in ending Communism, the leaders of this country have demonstrated time and time again that America stands as the land of the free and the home of the brave.

July 4th is a time to set partisanship aside and join together in celebration of a nation that gives us the right to disagree, to speak our mind, and to chase our dreams no matter how big or small they may be. However, we cannot ignore that our nation remains in continued turmoil as our liberal leadership in Washington is single handedly rewriting the Constitution and diminishing the tireless efforts of many who fought to bring freedom and choice to our nation. We must use this national holiday to reflect on the principles on which our nation was founded as well as our current state of affairs in which a mammoth government continues to tax its citizens and methodically erase our freedoms and liberties. The opening of the Declaration of Independence contains one of the most poignant expressions of our nation’s founding principles:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

In the midst of all of this, we must still remember how blessed we are to call this wonderful country home.  Take a moment out of your day Wednesday to honor those who have gone before us and to acknowledge those that are still defending the freedoms we hold so dear. Let’s ask ourselves how we can honor our founding fathers by returning to a nation built on a smaller, less intrusive federal government that respects states’ rights and does not initiate undue burdens on its citizens, a nation that supports free market principles as a way to create jobs and strengthen the economy, and a nation which holds individual freedoms paramount. These are the building blocks laid by our nation’s first leaders and they remain the guiding principles that make our nation the greatest nation in the world.

The right to vote is one of the most cherished liberties given to us by our Founding Fathers. As we approach election season, take a moment to educate yourself about our nation’s roots and the candidates who will best represent the values you hold near and dear.  Monday July 9, early voting begins.  You can go to your election office and cast your ballot on the same voting machine that will be available at the polls on Election Day.

It has been an honor to represent you in the State Senate.  Thank you for trusting in me.  I promise to always make every attempt to fairly represent the people of this district and to never embarrass you with my personal or professional life.  If I can ever be of assistance to you please feel free to call on me either by email at billheath@billheath.net or by calling my office (404-656-3943) or my home (770-537-5234).

I pray that you have a happy and safe Independence Day and enjoy some time with your friends and family.