In This Together -- April 26, 2013
A Note from Congressman Carson
Dear Friend:
This week marked the celebration of Earth Day and provided a chance for all of us to reflect on what we can do to ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a healthy and sustainable environment.
The first Earth Day, which took place April 22, 1970, marked a renewal of America's global leadership in conservation. It began as a national discussion, 20 million voices strong, on the need to address pollution and other environmental concerns. But it came to embody a simple truth: that nothing is more powerful than millions of people coming together under a single cause. In only a few years, those voices rang as clear in our laws as on our streets -- from the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency to landmark legislation for clean air and water. These successes continue to bring health and prosperity to communities nationwide, demonstrating that our economy can grow alongside a healthy environment.
As the world's technological leader and home to some of its most breathtaking natural wonders, America has a special responsibility to safeguard our environment. On Earth Day, we celebrate our rich legacy of stewardship and reflect on what we can do, as individuals and as a Nation, to preserve our planet for future generations. I look forward to continuing to promote measures in Congress that advance the goals of developing clean energy alternatives, conserving our natural resources, and addressing climate change.
As always, it's an honor to serve you.
Best,
André
The Inside Scoop
Overcome Politics to Reform Immigration | Indy Star
By Congressman André Carson
In the decades since immigrants streamed through Ellis Island, we have allowed our immigration system to fall into disarray, hurting our economy, stifling innovation and growth, and preventing us from reaching our full potential as an economic superpower. With more than 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the shadows of our society, we have a responsibility to consider reform that not only reflects our heritage, but respects our laws.
(Read the entire op-ed here.)
The Ongoing Gun Violence Debate
Despite public polling that suggests nearly 90% of Americans support it, a minority of U.S. Senators last week blocked efforts to adopt a reasonable, bipartisan compromise to expand background checks for the purchase of firearms. The failed Manchin-Toomey amendment reflected bipartisan cooperation, and it would have helped prevent dangerous firearms from falling into the hands of those who shouldn't have them, including criminals, would-be terrorists and the mentally ill. The bill also went to great lengths to protect the constitutional rights of responsible gun owners, but it was still not enough to secure passage in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate Fails Americans on Gun Bill | The New York Times
Congressional Gold Medals
From time to time, Congress has the opportunity to honor men, women and organizations that leave their mark not only on this nation, but on the global community. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress and highlights the extraordinary impact made by these trailblazers through professional and personal achievement.
Over the last week, Congress bestowed the medal upon two groups, both of whom have created a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Dr. Muhammed Yunus, the Nobel Laureate behind the idea of microfinance loans, was honored for his leadership in ending global poverty and empowering women in developing countries.
Also honored this week were the four young victims of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, 50-years after their senseless deaths. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said at their funeral, "They have something to say to each of us in their death. Their death says to us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of the American Dream."