Fwd: Independence Day

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Independence Day  July 4, 1776 was a great day for the United States of America. After more than a year at war, the Thirteen Colonies officially declared independence from Great Britain. These patriots were filled with hope, pride, valor and determination. Their bravery helped build the Land of the Free. The Declaration of Independence was the foundation of a new nation, paving the way for the Constitution and a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Each Fourth of July, Americans gather together for parades, fireworks, family and fun. We come together to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy year-round. But just as independence from Great Britain cost many men their lives in 1776, the men and women in our Armed Forces are making sacrifices today to protect our freedom. These brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines won't be grilling with their families or shooting fireworks for their children this year, but I guarantee you they will be thinking of home. Likewise, a grateful nation will be remembering them in our thoughts and prayers. America has a great history, but not one without trying times. As I've said before, it is becoming increasingly apparent that America must choose between two paths. On one path, America will continue to embrace the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual liberties and a system that rewards hard work. The other path runs toward a nation with expanded bureaucracy, bigger and more intrusive government, and an unlevel playing field that discourages the entrepreneurial spirit. As a congressman, my most important duty is to protect and preserve our Constitution. Our Founding Fathers established guiding principles for the United States, and we must reject the current path of bigger government. The government has no place between a patient and their doctor, just as they have no place monitoring private phone records without a warrant. They say that nothing worth having comes easy, and I believe we must fight tirelessly to ensure our children and grandchildren have a better and freer America than generations past. The debate in Washington often comes down to these two very different paths. The laws we pass affect every future generation both fiscally and culturally. It's very important we take this responsibility seriously, and you can rest assured that I will for as long as the First District gives me the honor of representing them. Feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you or your family. Our contact information can be found on our website, www.roe.house.gov. CONNECT WITH US E-News Sign-up Forward to a Friend Contact Phil Washington, DC Office 407 Cannon House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6356 Fax: (202) 225-5714 Kingsport Office PO Box 1728 Kingsport, TN 37662 Phone: (423) 247-8161 Fax: (423) 247-0119 Morristown Office 1609 College Park Drive, Suite 4 Morristown, TN 37813 Phone: (423) 254-1400 Fax: (423) 254-1403

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--John Hames