Andre Carson: “I come here today to exercise a constitutional right granted to me as a citizen of the United States, and that is…”

“I come here today to exercise a constitutional right granted to me as a citizen of the United States, and that is freedom of speech. I have a great deal of reverence for the United States flag. I wave it at my residence every opportunity, and am very saddened by those flags that are often lowered over capitols and buildings in commemoration of some fallen hero, if you will. My adoration and respect, however, does not exceed my commitment to the integrity of the first amendment of the United States Constitution. Many of us learned in our educational experience of Patrick Henry, who said, 'I may not agree with the words that you say, but certainly would defend your right to say it.' As I recall, Patrick Henry was in fact one of the signers of the Constitution. One of my first and foremost commitments as a Member here is on behalf of our country's veterans.”