Top Story July 1, 2009

Celebrating the Fourth of July, By U.S. Senator Jon Kyl

Independence Day celebrations usually call for parades, barbecues, quality time with family and friends, and of course, fireworks. This year, as we watch the fireworks that symbolize and celebrate our independence, let's reflect upon the special principles on which our country was built and the American spirit that has endured from 1776 to today. What makes our nation and her people so special? When Thomas Jefferson finished drafting the Declaration of Independence 233 years ago, he and the other Founders risked their lives and took a monumental step toward freedom. They launched the revolution that resulted in our independence from Britain and, ultimately, our own unique government. Unlike a monarchy, America's democratic republic was founded on an idea, rather than an accident of geography or a tribal identity. But for people in other countries, the government existed first, and rights flowed from the government. Our government is a reflection of the people; it is a government from the bottom up. Our basic rights do not come from the state. They are inherent in us. Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain u nalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Jefferson and the Founders believed that God gave us all the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our Judeo-Christian teachings reveal that we are all, children of God, made in God's own image. While our theoretical social contract with the government has resulted in our voluntarily ceding some of our freedoms as individuals to the state for the benefit of our collective protection and activity, that is a voluntary decision that flows directly from the people; or as put in the Declaration of Independence, "the consent of the governed." In fact, all of our founding documents uphold this same idea about our government being the sum of its people. "We the People" is how our Constitution begins. To take just one more example of many, James Madison, the father of the Constitution, wrote in the Federalist Papers, "The people are the only legitimate fountain of power and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived." So, as the people, what are our responsibilities to ensure that this freedom is preserved so that the government reflects our pure, collective will? Our government is not automatically self-perpetuating, unlike a monarchy. Knowledge about our history and values must be renewed from generation to generation. Understanding our past tells us who we are and equips us with the knowledge we need to face the challenges presented to us today, and in the future. John Adams once said, "Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people." Indeed, if future generations do not appreciate what we have, why it's so precious, and why it needs defending, they won't have much reason to believe they should do what's necessary to protect what America's promises. I believe it's our duty as Americans to educate young people about these principles and values. They're not just ideals to aspire to. Their importance must not diminish. And July 4 is a great time to be reminded of this. U.S. Senator Jon Kyl is the Assistant Republican Leader and serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees. Visit his website at www.kyl.senate. gov.

Featured Story

Land Swap Will Have Tough Road Through Congress, By Ted Lake

Photo by Susan K:Pictured:Gila County Supervisor Shirley Dawson explains to Senator John McCain why the land swap is so important to the area: U.S. Senator John McCain (R AZ) tells the Copper Country news it is going to “be very tough now in getting the Resolution Copper Land Exchange Bill through Congress. This is because the admistration has gone from supporting the land exchange to now saying we need further examination.," he remarked . The proposed exchange of Tonto Forest Lands at Oak Flat for more than 5,000 acres of private land elsewhere is needed to pave the way for a new $4 billion Copper Mine east of Superior. McCain is co-sponsor of Senate Bill 409 which was introduced once again by Senator Jon Kyl (R AZ). McCain, who appeared at the packed community forum on Monday afternoon at the Superior High School said he had an outstanding past record over the years working with Native Americans in their issues and causes. However, he said San Carlos Tribal Leaders in their opposition to the Resolution Copper Land Swap are " Dead Wrong." McCain went on to say "Apache Leap will not be disturbed and in no way will the rights and traditions of Native Americans be encroached on with this legislation. Too, we eagerly look forward to further discussions and negotiations with the San Carlos Apache Tribe" About 10 Native Americans, comapparently from San Carlos, were at the event protesting McCain's sponsorship of the exchange bill which went to a hearing on June 17. One carried a sign which said "Protect Sovereign Rights." while several others were wearing shirts/blouses which said "I Love (heart shape) Oak Flat. McCain, with microphone in hand, went into the audience interviewing both supporters and protestors of the Resolution Project while calling it a " taxpayer" free economic stimulus project creating 1,400 jobs. San Carlos Tribal Chairman Wendsler Nosie, who has been the major outspoken opponent of the new copper mine as well other existing copper mines in general, was not present at the Superior event. Nosie is reported to be somewhat in a controversy over remarks made in his recent newspaper column claiming to be among those who testified in Washington on June 17 before the Senate’s Sub Committee on Forests and Public Lands against Resolution's exchange. Several readers have challenged his statements saying he was not listed among the seven speakers at the hearing nor was he seen on the live webcast, but he was in the audience. However, Nosie wrote " I testified before the Subcommittee…" Shirley Dawson, Chairwoman of the Gila County Board of Supervisors, told McCain at the community meeting the Gila Community College is training future mine technologists who could be used at the Resolution Mine. She said the Resolution mine is very unique since it will use robotics in removing copper from 7,000 feet from below ground. Dawson, said she is currently working in getting a Job Corps Center in the area. The Job Corps and the Gila Community College together could specifically train young men and women in such high tech mining operations of today which would be utilized at the new Resolution Mine.

More News This Week July 1, 2009

Globe School Superintendent Under Fire,

US 60 Paving Project Begins Monday,

Survey: San Carlos Problems

(read stories)

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