Peggy Flanagan: “As an original cosponsor I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 165, saluting and congratulating Polish people…”

“As an original cosponsor I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 165, saluting and congratulating Polish people around the world as they commemorate this May the 205th anniversary of the adoption of Poland's first Constitution. As the first modern constitution in Europe, this document led the way in the advancement of democracy. Only our own Constitution of 1787 preceded it and the Polish Constitution was modeled upon it. The Polish Constitution declared that 'all power in civil society should be derived from the will of the people.' This is the primary principle of our own sacred document. Like our own Constitution, the 1791 Polish Constitution created distinct legislative, executive and judicial branches. It also secured individual and religious freedom for all people in Poland. Just as Poland led the way for democracy in the 18th century, so too did it do so again in the late 20th century. Poland was the key country in bringing about the recent demise of the totalitarian Communist regime under which Poland had suffered for so long. It became a shinning beacon of light of freedom for other Communist countries in Central-Eastern Europe. Poland was the inspiration for those countries to peacefully overthrow their own Communist dictatorships. Today, the 205-year-old legacy of the 1791 Polish Constitution continues in Poland's democratic rebirth.”