Your Opinion: Rally to focus on power of people

Dear Editor:

The date set for the first day meeting of the Missouri General Assembly as set down in the Missouri Constitution is to be "on the first Wednesday following the first Monday of the year." This year that Jan. 4. Again this year, the Consent of the Governed Rally will be held on that day in the Capitol Rotunda.

The Consent of the Governed Rally takes its name from the thoughts expressed in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed" and Article I, Section 1 of the Missouri Constitution, "all political power is vested in and derived from the people."

Citizens and grass-roots activists from all corners of the state will gather on that day for the purpose of offering our support and encouragement to our legislators. We want to remind them of the oath that they have sworn and that we have elected them to conduct our business: The business of restoring sanity and common sense to state government; the business of bringing sanctity to the halls of government in Jefferson City; the business of making Missouri the very best place to live, raise a family and to start or relocate a business. To these goals, we offer our enthusiastic support.

When you attend this informative meeting you will not hear long-winded stump speeches by hopeful candidates or lobbyists seeking to curry political favors. What you will hear will be four very knowledgeable speakers addressing the first four articles from the Missouri Constitution's Bill of Rights. These first four articles set forth the basic principles that are the bedrock foundation of Missouri governance.

The Consent of the Governed Rally is a wonderful expression of support from We the People and a respectful reminder that the business of Missouri can no longer be conducted behind closed doors. We want our legislators to know that our motivation is not about issues, personalities or partisan politics, but about principles.

The central message is directed at our public officials, "We're from the People, and we're here to help!"

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