Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a member of the U.S. Congress representing New Jersey’s 12th district since 2015, has recently shared her reflections on the historical significance of America’s Declaration of Independence through a series of tweets. These posts provide insights into her views on the courage and risks undertaken by the nation’s founders, as well as a critique of contemporary legislative practices.
On July 3, 2025, Rep. Watson Coleman remarked on the extraordinary risk taken by those who signed the Declaration in 1776. She noted that declaring freedom from King George III was an act fraught with danger: “Every person to sign their name to that declaration in 1776 took an extraordinary risk. Declaring freedom from the King did nothing to establish liberation, only providing proof of treason should they have lost the war.”
In another tweet posted on July 3, she reflected on how “249 years ago yesterday,” the Continental Congress accepted independence and Thomas Jefferson drafted what would become America’s justification for independence. She emphasized Jefferson’s articulation of natural rights against tyranny: “Thomas Jefferson penned the first draft of what would be America’s justification for seeking independence from a tyrannical ruler – proclaiming a set of natural rights that were the”
Expressing concern over current congressional practices, Rep. Watson Coleman lamented what she perceives as a lack of courage among today’s legislators compared to those who risked much in pursuit of American independence. In her final tweet from July 3, she stated: “It was a display of courage in the face of certain harm that I am ashamed to say cannot be found in the majority of these two chambers of Congress today.” She further criticized recent legislative actions and decisions made by Congress members.
Bonnie Watson Coleman was born in Camden, New Jersey in 1945 and currently resides in Ewing Township. Her educational background includes graduating from Thomas Edison State University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1985.
