Your Opinion: March for truth aims to protect fragile democracy

Dear Editor:

Thank you for the June 4 article on the March for Truth Rally and Candlelight Vigil held in Jefferson City the night before. I attended the march as a member of one of the local sponsor groups, Jefferson City Area Indivisible. As the News Tribune reporter was unable to stay for the event, I would like to add to the article from my perspective as a participant and one of the organizers. By the time we began the march from West Main Street, our numbers had grown to 50 individuals of all ages who then walked the mile across the Missouri River Bridge. At the rally site by the river, we were met by around 15 more who had arrived by car. I was moved by the presence of 65 individuals who were giving their time on a Saturday night to literally stand up, despite the mosquitoes and heat, for their belief in the values of our country and to express their concern that these values were being threatened.

The focus of the March for Truth events nationwide was "Restoring Faith in American Government," to highlight the urgent need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Russian interference in the US election and Russian ties to the president, his administration, and his associates. While the appointment of a special prosecutor was a positive step, there are many valid arguments for why an independent commission, which would have more resources and a broader focus, is still needed.

At our local event at the riverside, we heard a local teacher, ministers, and musicians as part of a rally for democracy. We ended with a candle-lighting ceremony in which each person was given the opportunity to share a value that he or she intended to give time and energy to embodying personally and to promoting outwardly in our communities and country. Some that I remember hearing: truth, justice, equality, unity, compassion, cooperation, kindness, peace, and love.

Truth is the core of our fragile democracy. It's critical that we have faith that our leaders are truthful and working in our best interests, and that our elections are free and fair. As a judge in a US court of appeals decision on government wiretapping once said, "Democracy dies in the dark." I believe that this is not a partisan issue, but a patriotic concern that should be shared by all Americans.

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