Exercising Our Freedoms
A Guest Column by State Senator Tim Schaffer
July 2, 2020
Tim Schaffer News
As we celebrate the 244th anniversary of the founding of our nation through the Declaration of Independence, I want to take a moment to reflect on the men behind the document and the rights they fought hard to secure.
On July 4, 1776, our founding fathers declared their independence from the rule of an empire across the Atlantic. These early Americans, while all sharing the ideals found in the Declaration, came from vastly different walks of life. They were lawyers, farmers, businessmen and authors, with ages ranging from 26 to 70 years old. Despite their different ages, backgrounds and professions, they all shared a deep conviction in the truth “that all men are created equal, that are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Independence Day reminds us that our rights as Americans are available to all, not just a select few who hold power or status. Every American has the right to freely share their opinion and profess their faith without fear of government censorship. Every American has the right to feel safe and secure in their home. Every American has the right to vote for the individual who will represent them in the government. We are a nation governed by ourselves.
Self-government is not only a right, it is a duty. A duty that each American should participate in by voting, in both national and local elections, and engaging in discussions with our fellow Americans and local representatives about which issues concern us the most. My colleagues in the Ohio Senate and I are always open to discussions with constituents. When we know what issues matter to you the most, we can better serve you.
I want to encourage you to get involved by reaching out to my office. My staff and I would be happy to help you get more involved or hearing your concerns. You can either write me at sd20@OhioSenate.gov or call my office at (614) 466-8076.
God bless America!
To watch an Independence Day message from State Senator Tim Schaffer click here.
On July 4, 1776, our founding fathers declared their independence from the rule of an empire across the Atlantic. These early Americans, while all sharing the ideals found in the Declaration, came from vastly different walks of life. They were lawyers, farmers, businessmen and authors, with ages ranging from 26 to 70 years old. Despite their different ages, backgrounds and professions, they all shared a deep conviction in the truth “that all men are created equal, that are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Independence Day reminds us that our rights as Americans are available to all, not just a select few who hold power or status. Every American has the right to freely share their opinion and profess their faith without fear of government censorship. Every American has the right to feel safe and secure in their home. Every American has the right to vote for the individual who will represent them in the government. We are a nation governed by ourselves.
Self-government is not only a right, it is a duty. A duty that each American should participate in by voting, in both national and local elections, and engaging in discussions with our fellow Americans and local representatives about which issues concern us the most. My colleagues in the Ohio Senate and I are always open to discussions with constituents. When we know what issues matter to you the most, we can better serve you.
I want to encourage you to get involved by reaching out to my office. My staff and I would be happy to help you get more involved or hearing your concerns. You can either write me at sd20@OhioSenate.gov or call my office at (614) 466-8076.
God bless America!
To watch an Independence Day message from State Senator Tim Schaffer click here.