Fighting back tears Wednesday Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) used his final words to the U.S. Senate to warn his colleagues of perils he perceives to the continued existence of the United States as a republic – but also to deliver a message of hope.

After thanking a number of Senate members and personal staff, Coburn quickly turned to a more serious topic reminding the dozens of his colleagues gathered for the speech that most republics in history have perished. Strict adherence to the Constitution and the founders’ intent, Coburn said, was the only way the U.S. could buck that trend.

“Can we cheat history?” he asked rhetorically. “Can we do something better than has been done in the past?

“I honestly believe we can,” continued Coburn. “But I don’t believe we can if we continue to ignore the wisdom of our founding documents.”

Coburn went on to issue a warning to his colleagues, suggesting many had abandoned their responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution, instead focusing their work on bringing back federal monies to their home states.

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