[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           BRIGHTON TEA PARTY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. KERRY L. BENTIVOLIO

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2013

  Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Brighton 
Tea Party of Livingston County, Michigan, who like so many grassroot 
organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our 
citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their 
constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition 
their government for a redress of grievances in support of the 
restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated 
government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; 
abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses 
and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and 
independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in 
their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our 
Constitution, not ignore them.
  Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, 
religious, and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting 
back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed 
by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no 
one at the expense of individual rights.
  They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing 
more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive 
coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They 
question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. 
They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a 
democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than 
making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a democracy that seeks 
equality in liberty rather than in restraint and servitude.
  Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our 
country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, 
they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of 
a constitutional republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual 
liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to give this testimony in 
support of a truly American grassroots organization.

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