Torrington Register Citizen
February 18, 2013
By John Larson

On the occasion of George Washington's hundredth birthday, Daniel Webster cited one of the great man's last admonishments to the American people: that nothing is more dangerous than a government "at war with the very elements of its own existence."

Today as we come together to honor the legacy of two of our greatest presidents, Washington's words ring truer than ever. This Congress will face a myriad of challenges; some will be new, and some we've seen before.

Following the horrible tragedy in Newtown, members from Texas to Connecticut will need to put their political ideologies aside and come together to find a way to improve our gun violence prevention efforts.

As President Obama has said, while it's important to acknowledge the individual's experience with gun violence, as well as regional opinions on guns, it is more imperative that we join together to strengthen our efforts.

Over the next month House Republican Leadership will also need to make a decision on whether or not to avoid the unpopular, across-the-board cuts that were instituted as a result of Congress' inability to compromise at the end of 2012. No matter how daunting, no matter how many warring ideologies may be at stake, Congress must work together to take these challenges head on and do what is in the best interest of the American people.

It is time our nation got back to what has historically been our saving grace. As we embark upon this 113th Congress, I urge our leaders to follow Washington's example, put aside their differences, and come together for the benefit of the American people.