Good afternoon,
I hope everyone is having a nice week and looking forward to the holiday weekend. The 4th of July is a special time where we celebrate the freedom that makes the United States an exceptional nation and what President Ronald Reagan called a shining city on a hill. Our brief experiment with self-government, which started a little over 200 years ago, has lead to the highest standard of living the world has ever experienced. This is no coincidence, when people are given the freedom to pursue their own goals, paired with the dignity of work, the possibilities are endless.
Honoring the day we declared independence is a long-standing American tradition. Like traditions, our freedom has to be passed on to the next generation of Americans for it to continue. I hope this Fourth of July we can renew our resolve to pass on and spread our values of freedom and liberty. Happy Fourth of July!
Question of the Week
I appreciate the responses that we received to last week’s question on the Avian Flu. It is refreshing to know that so many of you are up to speed and following the latest advancements on this topic. Judging by most of your responses, everyone agrees that this is a serious disease and one that North Carolina needs to be prepared to handle if it makes its way here. I do think that we are taking the necessary steps to control an outbreak, if North Carolina were to be effected by Avian Flu. On Monday, I attended a meeting with Congressman Rouzer and Congressman Mike Conway, who chairs the U.S. House Agriculture committee, and I feel comfortable that Congress is taking the necessary steps to deal with the disease. Along with the Federal government, the N.C. Department of Agriculture is putting response plans in place. If legislative action is needed, my office will be prepared to act.
For this week, I would like to keep with our Fourth of July theme. Since our nation’s founding, we have stood for several overarching ideals. What ideals do you believe embody the spirit of America?
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way possible.