Steve Pearce: “the most fundamental right that is guaranteed to us by the founders of our country is the right to speak freely. The…”

“the most fundamental right that is guaranteed to us by the founders of our country is the right to speak freely. The Founding Fathers knew that public discourse is the backbone of a republic and must be inherent to a free society. As leaders, it is our job to raise the level of public debate in this country so that we can leave behind a legacy of sound decision enhanced by free-willed people. But we should never lower the bar of public debate to the point where baseless rhetoric is the standard. It is our duty, Mr. Speaker, as leaders, to raise the level of public debate to a level where truth can be self-evident, where the lines of fact and fiction are clear and not blurred, and where it would be unimaginable for a public figure to blatantly deceive the American people. We have a duty to all Americans, as leaders, to be responsible in our rhetoric, honest in our discourse, and truthful in our debate. Mr. Speaker, I have been profoundly disappointed in some of the recent public discourse by some regarding President Bush's service to our country.”