America's Birthday comes once again this Monday, July 4th.  As we turn a very young and vibrant 235 years old (compared to other civilizations throughout history), we remember all the great things this country has accomplished over the past almost two and half centuries at home and abroad.  Since the beginning, we have been seen as that "shining city on a hill" that oppressed peoples all over the world have looked to for hope.  Our country, especially in the 20th century, has taken an active and leadership role in spreading and protecting freedom throughout the world, and liberating millions of citizens from the crushing weight of tyranny. 

America is indeed an exceptional nation.  Often berated around the world until there is a problem that needs fixing.  The men and women who have served in our military, starting with the citizen militias of the Revolution to what has developed into the most professional military in the world, have become the most visible symbol of our nation abroad.  More often than in battle, they are seen in Kosovo provided peacekeeping missions or in Southeast Asia providing disaster relief to those affected by Tsunamis. 

In times of heated political discourse, we can often get caught in the moment and forget the founding principles this nation was founded on, and the great men and women who swear to defend it to the end.

"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it."

— John Adams

I found this on the first page of a book in a used bookstore. After I read it, it really made me ponder exactly what our Founding Fathers must have gone through to fight for taxation with representation, liberty and freedom. Some days I see our Founders holding their fists in the air in heaven in tears wondering what we have made of this awesome country they gave their lives to create.

We are Americans! We are going through a tough time financially right now, but we know how to come together and work hard as a country. I look forward to working hard with you to make this great country exceptional again for our children.

This Fall Session, I am hoping to draft bills to simply delete unnecessary laws on the books, rather than create new ones.  We have 5 volumes of State Statutes including 995 chapters.  All of those cannot possibly be necessary.  If you have any suggestions of laws you would like to see repealed or altered to be less overbearing, please let me know!

We will also be focusing on education policy here in Wisconsin to make sure we are providing what is best for the student.  Please let me also know if you have any ideas for education reform!

I will be going door to door this summer before the Fall Session begins in September to try and have some individual, face to face meetings with you.  I hope to see you soon!