The Legacy of Thomas Paine

Florida Veterans for Common Sense follows the legacy of Thomas Paine, whose Common Sense turned the rebellion against the King of England into a revolution for independence.

FLVCS recognizes that we can only keep the representative democracy Paine and other forebears won for us if we stand tall and speak out. We will not be silent as our wonderful country slides into tyranny.  FLVCS recognizes that the struggle for freedom is never ending.

We know that it’s impossible to have a representative democracy when duly elected representatives cede legislative power to the executive.

On this Independence Day, Florida Veterans for Common Sense adopts the following resolution to reaffirm our patriotic commitment to the promise of America. Our representatives and senators need to stiffen their backbones. Many of them betray our democracy by submitting to executive overreach. That has to stop. We must govern ourselves and not be ruled by a would-be king.

Fourth of July Resolution

Whereas Florida Veterans for Common Sense believes that the U.S. Constitution is the basis for our democratic republic and our civil society. As veterans we have sworn an oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Whereas the first three articles of the U.S. Constitution establish three “separate but equal” branches of the United States government; and

Whereas Florida Veterans for Common Sense acknowledges the unconstitutional consolidation of power in the Executive Branch by Executive Orders and willful misdeeds such as but not limited to:

• revoking birthright citizenship;
• freezing of federal spending approved by Congress;
• shuttering of federal Departments and Agencies;
• ignoring or disobeying judicial mandates; and
• bombing Iran without Congressional authorization; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Florida Veterans for Common Sense

1. declares its support for the role of the United States Congress as a coequal partner in our constitutional Democratic Republic; and
2. supports and encourages the Congressional delegation of Florida to lead Congress in

• • reclaiming Congress’ Constitutional role as a coequal partner in the U.S. government; and
  • holding government officials accountable through impeachment, if necessary, for illegal and unconstitutional acts.

            /s/                                                                                July 4, 2025

Gene Jones                                                                                    Date

President, Florida Veterans for Common Sense, Inc.

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