Blog: Guest Post: Rep. John Fleming

Statement

Over the past year and half, Washington has lost sight of what is important to the American people. As a result, our nation's traditional values are at risk. At a time when our most basic rights and values need to be upheld more than ever, they are being jeopardized by the current Majority. From the federal funding of abortion in the health care bill to the Majority's relentless attack on family values, Americans are sick and tired of being ignored by their government.

Republicans have heard this cry and believe it is time to let Americans lead the way. So we've launched a new initiative aimed at giving every American a voice in Washington. America Speaking Out was created as a platform for Americans to share their priorities and ideas for a national policy agenda. Beginning Memorial Day Recess, Republicans across the country held town hall meetings designed to let constituents engage directly with their leaders to share what they would like Congress to focus on. These open forums will continue throughout the year.

In addition, we have launched AmericaSpeakingOut.com, an online tool where you can go and express your opinion about what issues you believe government should be addressing, regardless of party affiliation. Here you can submit new ideas, vote on existing ideas and participate in a dialogue with other concerned Americans. These ideas, combined with the priorities gleaned from our open forum town hall meetings will, in time, lead to a governing agenda -- an overarching Republican alternative. An agenda created by the American people, not by tone deaf leaders in Washington.

Our nation is faced with some of the most challenging public policy problems in its history, and Americans' moral and family values are threatened. The most sacred of these is the right to life. As a father of four, grandfather of two and family physician for over 30 years, I have personally witnessed the miracle of life. In my career, I have had the privilege of delivering hundreds of babies and can tell you firsthand that every human life has a unique DNA blueprint that is deserving of our protection.

Similarly, traditional marriage, which I believe to be central to the well being of both children and our society, is also under attack. Since the beginning of recorded history, and, in our own country, from the earliest days of the American colonies, marriage has been the legal union between a man and a woman. I firmly believe that the traditional marriage of one man and one woman is the essential family unit of our society and as a husband for over 32 years, I am a strong defender of traditional marriage.

I am committed to our nation's traditional values and will stand in the gap to fight for what I firmly believe to be right. But my like-minded colleagues and I cannot do this alone. Through initiatives like America Speaking Out, you can make your voice heard in Washington. Let your leaders know your concerns about traditional American values and other issues before Congress that are important to you. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Now is your time to SPEAK OUT AMERICA.

Rep. John Fleming, R-LA, is a primary care physician and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.

Source