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May 14, 2010 Luncheon with Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli

By Courtenay Gemmill
May 17, 2010
Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is a man who knows his American history -- and now he’s busy making it. Speaking to a sold out audience at the Catholic Business Network of Northern Virginia luncheon on Friday, May 14th in Tyson’s Corner, Cuccinelli discussed the recently passed federal health care legislation, and Virginia’s constitutional grounds for challenging it in a court of law.

In addition to Virginia, nineteen other states have initiated lawsuits citing the unconstitutionality of a law that would impose a mandate on Americans to purchase goods or services, in this case a health insurance policy approved by the federal government. According to Cuccinelli, the new health care law will dramatically and adversely transform America’s culture, commerce, and way of life, placing one sixth of the economy under direct federal control.

Drawing on his love of history, the attorney general noted the irony of his filing Virginia’s lawsuit the day the federal heath care bill became law – which also is the day in 1775 of founding father Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech. Henry delivered those words just a mile from the county courthouse where Cuccinelli filed the legal documents he hopes will alter history’s current course.

Attorney General Cuccinelli also discussed the Constitution’s 10th Amendment limiting federal power and providing for states’ sovereignty; the pending Cap and Trade legislation; and the role of faith in America’s founding. When asked how his Catholic faith informs his professional life, Cuccinelli replied that he doesn’t “like to wear my faith on my sleeve as some do,” adding with a smile, “like the new theologian Nancy Pelosi,” a reference to her recent comments directed to the American bishops. Cuccinelli went on to say his faith provides strength and guidance in all areas of his life.

The occasion of Cuccinelli’s remarks, a luncheon sponsored by the Catholic Business Network of Northern Virginia (CBN), is one of several networking events held throughout the year featuring high profile speakers, many of whom also are Catholic. CBN President Wayne Cyron of the law firm Cyron and Miller in Old Town Alexandria, called Cuccinelli’s presentation “a fascinating look at the political and legal battles being waged in Washington and around the country,” and a “tremendous draw. I wish we could have accommodated everyone who wanted to attend this event.”

As Friday’s CBN audience can attest, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli joins a long line of Virginians who have advanced the national debate. But 230 years after the nation’s founding, this Virginian is descended from Irish and Italian immigrants, and is unapologetically Catholic. It’s enough to make Patrick Henry jump for joy.
   
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