A Republic, If You Can Keep It

This Fourth of July, I find myself recalling the story of Nathan Hale, an American patriot during the American Revolution who, at the young age of 21-years-old, served his nation by spying on the British. Hale posed as a Dutch schoolmaster while gathering information, but was later captured while trying to return to the Americans and sentenced to be hanged. On September 22, 1776, Nathan Hale reportedly delivered his famous last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

This Independence Day, I am reminded how the promise of democracy and freedom inspired so many to give anything and everything they had, and wish they could do it all over again. The American Experiment has changed the world in the last 245 years in ways our Founding Fathers could never have imagined.

Years after Nathan Hale's martyrdom, the U.S. had won the war and the architects of our Constitution assembled at the Second Constitutional Convention to create the framework of government we enjoy today. After months of debate, the founders emerged to meet the Americans who had gathered on the steps of Independence Hall to deliver the news of what they had accomplished. As history notes, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, "What do we have, a republic or a monarchy?" And Franklin answered, "A republic, if you can keep it."

The people and values of this nation are exceptional, and I am confident in our resolve to keep this Republic. The United States has been a beacon of light to the oppressed, sparking waves of democracy that have led nations to freedom and prosperity rarely seen throughout history. I am incredibly proud to be a part of it, and I will play whatever part I can to defend it. Our Republic is worth protecting, no matter the cost.