Fourth of July Statement from Congressman Steve Cohen

MEMPHIS, TN - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) made the following statement today in recognition of Independence Day:

"Today, as we commemorate the 249th anniversary of this Country, I want us to reflect on this specific part of the Declaration of Independence:

'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes….'

"Now more than ever, we are at a critical moment of having to fiercely defend the principles on which this county was founded. Let us remember the freedoms that our forefathers fought for and never forget that we have a duty to continue to defend them."

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