Ashley Hinson

For 250 years, the United States of America has been a beacon of hope, a land of opportunity, a leader of innovation, and a hallmark of democracy. From Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to the Wright Brothers, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Henry Ford, to President Reagan and now President Trump, these are only a handful of the extraordinary Americans whose courage, ingenuity, and determination helped build the nation we cherish today. America remains the envy of the world–and it’s because of the men and women who believed in a better future, fought for freedom, and achieved what was once thought impossible. That’s what makes America special.

We cannot forget, however, that the achievements and advancements that have defined the American spirit for the last 250 years were made possible because of the sacrifices of our veterans and the Americans who gave their lives defending our nation. As we celebrate this milestone, we should also recognize those who answered the call to serve, honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and remember the families whose losses strengthened our freedoms.

While all fifty states have contributed to the American story, Iowa helped write many important chapters.

Norman Borlaug of Cresco pioneered disease-resistant, high-yield wheat varieties, which helped save more than one billion people from starvation. James Van Allen of Mount Pleasant made one of the first major scientific discoveries of the Space Age, supporting satellite and planetary missions. John Froelich, who grew up in Froelich, invented the first gasoline-powered tractor, revolutionizing agricultural productivity and strengthening Iowa’s agriculture industry. Peggy Whitson of Beaconsfield spent 695 days in space, setting the record for any American or woman in history. This is hardly an exhaustive list of the Iowans who have shaped our nation’s history, but it reflects Iowa’s outsized impact on America. These stories make me proud to be an Iowan.

While America has endured periods of division and uncertainty, the spirit of our great experiment has always prevailed–and I believe it always will. But the growing influence of “democratic socialists” within the Democratic Party should alarm every patriotic American. Across our country, Democratic primary voters have celebrated candidates who openly embrace socialism, call for dramatically expanding the size and power of government and progressive wealth redistribution, and even blame America for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Some openly share their disdain for America.

Their rhetoric divides Americans into oppressors and victims instead of uniting us around the values that make the American Dream possible: individual liberty, personal responsibility, and equal opportunity. As a mom to two teenage boys, I’m fighting to preserve those values so our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities, and even greater ones, than we’ve had. We won’t let the Left’s march toward socialism jeopardize that future.

As a proud American and a proud Iowan, I believe that America is the greatest country in the history of the world. I believe that our people are our greatest strength and our greatest blessing. And I believe that America’s best days are still ahead of us. Together, we’ll ensure America’s next 250 years are the best yet.

Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Marion, represents Iowa’s Second District in the U.S. House and is also a candidate for U.S. Senate.