Jane Lester
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
Every candidate who runs for office in the United States should be able to quote the Preamble to the Constitution and explain what those words mean. Every debate, every interview, every campaign ad should focus on those words: "in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
The Constitution is not a partisan document. It represents the very being of our democracy. If a person is planning to represent this Democracy, it should be clear how he/she is working for a more perfect union. Who are the people whose general welfare (health, education, food and shelter security) is of concern, and how does the candidate intend to promote their well-being? The "who" has changed as the nation has progressed toward a more perfect union. Does the office-seeker believe it is his/her duty to represent the total diverse population? What is the policy for the common defense, equal justice and tranquility in these very divisive and unsettled times?