In my thirty years on Active Duty it was frequently my honor to administer this oath to Officers, Sailors and Marines.  With one hand raised and the otherfirmly on the Bible we together recited those words spoken by those that hadgone before us. “I, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend theConstitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.   The enlisted oath differs slightly and some chose to affirm their oath, others chose another holy book but each of us swore, with Gods help, to protect the Constitution.

Shedding ones blood in protection of our Constitution must seem foolhardy to you Senators, Veteran members excepted.  The Signers of the Declaration of Independence pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, our service men and women pledge their lives, while you put nothing at risk.  Each American who serves in the military writes a blank check payable on demand.  By your vote, the check they offer in protection of the Constitution is cashed; some for an eye, a limb, a life or simply their youth.  You have made the same oath!  Every vote that you cast on the floor of the Senate should reflect the gravity of commitment of the Signers and members of the military, bring honor upon your oath to protect that same Constitution and provide the promise of liberty to our posterity.

This evening I watched appalled as the House of Representatives passed legislation that, if allowed stand, will perpetrate anact of tyranny against the American people unseen since the imposition of the New Deal.  This bill, like many of the actions that you have voted to enact, is contrary to the Constitution you have sworn to defend. Nothing in the Constitution give you the right to buy car companies, pay off unions, or monopolize health care.  The enumerated powers clause defines the bounds of the federal government I suggest that you use it as the litmus test for even considering legislation.  Will you find the courage to honor your oath and strike it down or will you put yourself or your party above the liberty of the American people and allow this injustice to stand? 

I am sickened by the direction that you are leading this great nation.  I am ashamed by your divisiveness by party and caucus, have you forgotten that you are first an American?  We are a nation of laws but you have trampled them, we are a nation of moral people but you tolerate the amoral in our Senate, as a people we believe that God gives our liberty rights and you have pushed Him aside to appease the few.   One cannot help but assume that each of you is so covered in the fetid filth of your own corruption that you cannot censure others for fear of reprisal!  Why else would you countenance such actions?

Clean up your own house.  Honor your constitutional oath.  Follow the lead of President Washington and go home after two terms and tend your farm.

For Liberty,

Richard H. Hendren