Defending American Values

Floor Speech

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Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the timeless American principles of freedom, equality, and opportunity. These principles are the foundation on which our Nation was built.

Unlike the nations and the empires that came before, the United States was founded on an idea, an idea that men are created equal and have certain inalienable rights given by our Creator. This idea turned into a dream, a dream that, no matter what circumstances you come from, you can come to America and be free to pursue your dreams and be equal to your peers in the eyes of the law.

There are some among us who think this system of self-government has failed. There are some who believe socialism is a better tool to achieve the American Dream, and they think, by tearing down our institutions, by tossing aside the Constitution, and by giving the government more control that they will somehow achieve utopia. Using history as a guide, we know this to be wrong.

Our Constitution is special because it limits the power of government while safeguarding our freedoms and our civil rights. I will do my best to follow their example and keep our America as the shining city on the hill.

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