[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15878]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        IN SUPPORT OF THE ``SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN 9.12 TEA PARTY''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. KERRY L. BENTIVOLIO

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 14, 2013

  Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 
``Southeast Michigan 9.12 Tea Party'' of Oakland/Macomb Counties, 
Michigan, who like so many grass-root 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 a few short minutes to give 
this testimony in support of a truly American grass-roots organization.

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