By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Saturday was the Fourth of July, and many members of Congress, including most of the Alabama Delegation in the US House of Representatives, took the time to post messages to their constituents and followers on social media.
Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) wrote: “I love America because it truly is a land of opportunity. I know that, because I grew up in a low-income household in a small rural town and, despite the fact that we had little money, I became the first person on either side of my family to attend college. There are millions of stories just like mine where, through hard work, discipline, and sheer determination, individuals from all kinds of backgrounds have gone on to make great lives for themselves and, in the process, had a great impact on their families, neighborhoods and even the nation.”
Rep. Palmer continued, “I also love being an American. Being an American has nothing to do with blood or dirt or race or religion. Being an American is all about what we believe, about embracing ideals … that all men are created equal, that our rights are endowed to us by God and that government exists to protect those rights. These are the ideals of free people, independent people, and it is these ideals that we celebrate on Independence Day and that have made us an exceptional nation which I am proud to serve.”
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-Selma) said simply, “We have so much to celebrate and be thankful for on Independence Day!” above a photo of a Marine in dress uniform saluting a flag with the caption: “We are the Home of the FREE because of the BRAVE. Happy 4th of July”
Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) wrote: ““And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Those words at the end of the Declaration of Independence are chilling in how they describe just how radical and daring our Founding Fathers’ endeavor was. So strongly did they believe in securing their God-given liberty, they overcame disagreements over religion, geography and all manner of politics to boldly defy the most powerful empire on earth. With faith in God to protect them, confidence in the righteousness of their cause, and trust in each other, they put everything they had on the line for freedom. Lives. Fortunes. Sacred Honor. People don’t talk like that anymore.”
Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said in an email to constituents, “I wanted to send a quick note wishing all of you a very happy and blessed Fourth of July. It has now been 239 years since our Founding Fathers declared independence from Britain and laid the foundation for the United States of America. Their acts, which put them in great personal danger, fostered the freedoms and liberty we have today. However, I’m sure many of you have heard the saying that ‘Freedom is not Free.’ Sometimes it is easy to forget; freedom must be continually fought for and defended.”
Rep. Aderholt continued, “Over the past week or so the US Supreme Court has released opinions that have caused much concern and disappointment to so many of us. I am not sure if we fully understand the ramifications of some of these opinions. However, this is not the time to give up or throw in the towel. These rulings are the perfect example of why elections matter. Our freedom to vote must never be taken for granted. I believe the next election in 2016 could be the most important of our lifetimes.”
Rep. Aderholt concluded, “As you celebrate Independence Day with your family and friends, I hope that you will take time to remember those brave founders and the sacrifice they made. I’m reminded of a quote from John Adams: “Posterity! you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.” Again: on behalf of Caroline, Mary Elliott, Robert Hayes, and my staff, I wish you and your family a happy, safe and blessed Fourth of July.”
Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) wrote, “Someone recently asked me a question that got me thinking. They asked, “Why are you proud to be an American?” It didn’t take me long to answer. I am proud to be an American because we are a nation built on the twin principles of freedom and opportunity. Our history has shown, from Benjamin Franklin to Abraham Lincoln to the Wright Brothers to Steve Jobs that you can come from the humblest of roots and yet become whoever you want to be simply by having the vision and working industriously toward your goal.”
Congressman Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) wrote, “On this 4th of July, I’m reminded of the generations before us and those who risked so much to earn our independence. Recent events that have undermined so much of what America’s founders fought for are a stark reminder of how frail our nation’s foundational principles are and how we must be ever vigilant in fighting to protect them if America is to remain the greatest nation in world history. Just as our fellow Americans laid the path before us, it is our duty to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Happy Fourth of July and God bless America!”
