Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) addressed the International Republican Institute (IRI) John S. McCain Freedom Award Celebration, where he discussed global threats to religious freedom. The senator presented this year's award to Bishop Rolando Álvarez, a victim of the Nicaraguan regime's anti-Catholic persecution, in absentia.

Rubio began his speech by emphasizing the ongoing threat of totalitarianism and the importance of commitment to freedom and democracy. He stated, “Not only we, but our children, our grandchildren, and every generation that will follow us will have to confront totalitarianism. It is embedded in the DNA of humanity. Only a commitment to freedom and democracy can guarantee that it doesn’t return as a scourge on the Earth.”

The senator highlighted political courage through Bishop Álvarez’s stand for freedom in Nicaragua, stating that such courage involves risking one's life and safety for fundamental truths. He also spoke about the history of mankind and how societies were ruled by those who had power through conquest rather than democratic processes.

Throughout his speech, Rubio underscored the ongoing challenges to freedom and democracy worldwide due to governments like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He warned against totalitarian regimes' promises of order and stability at the cost of personal freedoms.

The senator also stressed the importance of supporting those who stand up for freedom and argued that despite its messiness, democracy solves real problems and leads to progress.

He concluded his address by acknowledging the role churches play in promoting basic human dignity and rights against oppressive regimes. Rubio asserted that liberty is not fundamentally a political concept but a spiritual one.