On the recordFebruary 9, 2011
Members, in 1976, I had the honor and pleasure of serving as the youngest delegate to the Republican National Convention. At that convention, I listened to Ronald Reagan tell us, ``Go out and communicate to the world that we may be fewer in numbers than we have ever been, but we carry the message that they are waiting for.'' His words inspired me to the realization that ours is a Nation of ascendancy, and filled me with hope for the future. Like then, the future of our country now depends upon our present actions and our ability to deliver a powerful message. Our message is, and must be, clear. We cannot continue down a path of reckless spending that satisfies government excess while enslaving future generations to insurmountable debt. It is time that we roll up our sleeves. For while many may have never met a government program that they do not like, it is time that we get to work cutting spending. We must embrace Reagan's prudence and heed his warning that government always finds a need for whatever money it gets, and remember that it is our responsibility to tend that fragile flame of liberty so that our children and grandchildren may know brighter days.
