Thanksgiving 2020 Message from Sen. Sampson and Colleagues

November 24, 2020

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we are reminded of the aspects of life for which we are most grateful, particularly the fortune to be free American citizens, our great inheritance of liberty, and to live in the greatest country in the world where the freedoms we enjoy are protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Like many of you, we are saddened by the state of affairs in our state and country at this moment. The recent national election has sadly highlighted the differences in our society. Let us use this opportunity to remind us of our universal desire for good, for kindness and charity, and for future prosperity.

We are perplexed that many of our state and federal officials have lost sight of their role as our representatives and defenders of our natural rights. Let us remind them that no government official, elected to any office, regardless of their intentions or perceived power, has the constitutional authority to determine or interfere with who or how many guests we have in our homes, or any citizen’s ability to exercise their freedoms of assembly, association, movement, or religion.

We want to thank Colorado State Representative Mark Baisley for highlighting this U.S. Supreme Court Decision which speaks directly to our liberties being threatened by a national emergency:

“The Constitution of the United States is a law for rulers and people, equally in war and in peace, and covers with the shield of its protection all classes of men, at all times, and under all circumstances. No doctrine, involving more pernicious consequences, was ever invented by the wit of man than that any of its provisions can be suspended during any of the great exigencies of government. Such a doctrine leads directly to anarchy or despotism, but the theory of necessity on which it is based is false; for the government, within the Constitution, has all the powers granted to it, which are necessary to preserve its existence; as has been happily proved by the result of the great effort to throw off its just authority.”

Those that would surrender their own freedom and encourage continued government overreach should be mindful of history and recognize that they are not the lords of others. The freedoms that were fought so hard to achieve cannot be paused or overridden by government, not even in a health emergency. Let us take responsibility for ourselves and make our own choices. That’s how we do it in this country.

Despite the pandemic, there is much for us to give thanks for this season. Our national Thanksgiving celebration is a blend of two traditions: the New England custom of rejoicing after a successful harvest, based on ancient English harvest festivals; and the Puritan Thanksgiving, a solemn religious observance combining prayer and feasting.

This Thanksgiving holiday, we encourage you to remember our abundance and those that may not have as much, and especially give thanks to our incredible veterans who have served in the cause of our protection, to secure our American way of life, and who provide the blanket of freedom we enjoy. Our country is a symbol of freedom, of liberty, and of a people who want the best for the next generation.  That’s the glue that binds us.

Please accept our sincere wishes for a safe, memorable, and happy Thanksgiving! We hope you are able to celebrate this uniquely American holiday with family and friends by your side. May God continue to bless America.

Sincerely,