“One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”
There’s more on our minds this Fourth of July than fireworks and cookouts. While areas around our great County may light up the night skies in remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we must also acknowledge that we are living in complicated times that require deeply thought-out solutions.
Whereas we may have come from diverse backgrounds, via different pathways, purporting different occupations, and speak different languages, we must be united by belief in a simple truth: that we are all created equal, that we are all endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, and that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It must be noted that our Government is unique in that it is a Government of the people. It MUST represent their will. Its officers may sometimes go astray, but that is not a reason for abandoning the principles of our Government. The heart of Government rests with the heart of the people. It is from that source that we must look for all genuine reform. We must work together to improve public safety in the County; to move our education system towards concentrating on science, technology engineering, arts and math, to prepare our student for the jobs of the future; and work diligently to bring jobs back to Montgomery County.
As we are coming up on the primary elections, I am reminded of the historical lessons of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. The pair became estranged after a bitterly fought presidential election, ultimately won by Jefferson, and the founding fathers ceased to talk. But after years, they set their differences aside, and began writing letters to each other about things other than politics.
We must come together.
I believe that together we can make the future of Montgomery County our best years, but we must rise above cynicism, doubt, and identity politics to perfect this County we love so much.
Since 1776, the Declaration of Independence has shaken the globe. We must acknowledge the work that started in the 1700’s continues to this day. We all know that Government cannot solve all of our problems and that all citizens are keenly responsible for the success of this County. Let us continue to move forward together to make positive change in the County.
Have a happy, safe and blessed Independence Day!!!