America: Love It or Leave It!

Dear Friend,

 

Did you know that the Virginia General Assembly is the longest-continuously-operating legislative body in the Western Hemisphere? On December 6, 1606, the journey to Virginia began on three ships: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery. In 1607, 104 English men and boys arrived in North America to start a settlement. And so it began.  On July 30, 1619, newly appointed Governor Yeardley called for the first representative legislative assembly. This was the beginning of representative government that is now the Virginia House of Delegates. Despite enormous adversity, the settlers stayed the course or died trying.

 

I am honored beyond what words can express to be a member of the Virginia legislature and to be part of commemorating the 400th anniversary of representative democracy in America this week in Jamestown, Virginia, and remembering those humble beginnings. The challenges and sacrifices captured in the history of Jamestown are almost beyond comprehension to we who take creature comforts for granted. July 4th celebrations stir feelings of patriotism; they also remind us that America has been through some challenging times. Less celebrated than our struggle for independence is this amazing history of those who traveled from Europe to settle in Jamestown.

 

 

Fast forward to today; many Virginia Democrats, in their newest attempt at political theater, have said they won’t attend this anniversary celebration if President Trump is there. How is it that many of those same Democrats who publicize their disdain for President Trump, warm up to, and even accept campaign funding from Governor Northam, who has never come clean regarding his well-documented racist past and his spoken support for infanticide? 

As I walked around neighborhoods visiting people in the 33rd House District recently, the phrase I associate with Vietnam era political unrest came to mind, “America - Love it or leave it”. In my thinking, President Trump’s highly publicized “go back” suggestion is akin to “America - love it or leave it” which responded to the unpatriotic activists who showed disrespect for America and those who served in our armed forces in the Vietnam era.

 

I have little or no respect for those who choose to disrespect our great nation with unpatriotic conversation and gestures as Team Northam has announced they will be doing by boycotting all or parts of the Jamestown Commemorative Ceremony. Our nation’s existence is owed to those whose grit and commitment to freedom was great. They faced enormous odds and because of their sacrifices and tenacity, our nation exists today. 

Governor Northam invited President Trump to attend, he accepted, and now many Democrat Delegates and Senators cannot seem to resist an opportunity to disrespect the man duly elected as our president by boycotting this celebration. 

This celebration is much bigger than President Trump or any other president. When President Trump speaks, count on me to applaud twice as loud to make up for those who are too fragile to put partisan politics aside.

Besides representative government, other key Jamestown events being commemorated this year are the arrival of women, slaves, and private property rights. Gov. Northam and other Democrats' boycott also disrespects the importance of honestly understanding our American history.

Thank you again for the privilege of working on your behalf to keep our Commonwealth a wonderful place of opportunity for all!

 

Sincerely,

 

P.S. The Jamestown settlers almost perished for lack of supplies more than once, only to be saved by the Powhatan Indians. Our campaign is sort of like the settlers, only we look to you to help replenish our campaign supplies. Signs, printed material, you name it, all adds up.

I hate to keep saying it, but my opponent’s money is pouring in from wealthy out-of-state donors who think this seat can be bought. Let’s prove them wrong.
 

P.P.S. Thanks and please keep us in your prayers!