Tomorrow is Primary Election Day in Missouri. In many areas across the country, whoever wins the primary will ultimately be elected to office. And if you haven’t already noticed, in cities, legislative districts and states there’s often a pronounced partisan slant. Republicans are more likely to be victorious in Southwest Missouri. Democrat candidates are likely to prevail in the City of St Louis. It’s the natural partisan sort that’s been the norm in America.
So think about it. Whether you live in a partisan district or in a competitive one, how much will your life substantively change depending on who wins the primary or the general election?
This is not to say that elections aren’t important. They are. Yet ‘national politics’ is where far far too many decisions meant for our state and local leaders are made. Given the current state of our country, this needs to change and it needs to change now. This is your time to engage and be vocal.
Today we see state and local officials following the recommendations of federal officials and agencies - even when they have the ability to exercise discretion. Mandates, occupancy restrictions and forced business closures are just recent examples. The reasoning? Why, ‘we’re following the science.’ Ok. So how many horrible events have occurred with these actors claiming they’re just ‘following orders?’
It’s human nature to be non-confrontational. And most of us require some sort of training to be activists who stand up for our beliefs. But by the time elections roll around, the die is pretty much cast. The candidate a plurality of voters have supported or disliked the least will win the election, and this candidate’s values and policy positions will influence the decisions they make in office.
Yet there are two other things that influence decisions even more than core values - acceptance and approval.
How many of us were encouraged by the 2010 ‘wave election’ led by the Tea Party? How many times have we been disappointed by the performance of these candidates? What happened to the leaders who told us they were constitutionalists, conservatives or principled leaders? They simply succumbed to human nature and the need for acceptance.
This likely will happen again this election cycle. Yes, there are exceptions. Governor Ron DeSantis is an example. Rather than focusing on building coalitions to win approval and then leading, he’s stood up and moved public opinion. If his constituents approve of the job he’s doing, DeSantis believes he will win reelection. This is a rarity.
It’s time to change from non-confrontational to activist behavior! And, we change it by what WE do! COS endorser Steve Deace provides a variation of the Reverend D.L. Moody’s quote. Deace says, “I prefer my way of doing something over your way of doing nothing.” In fact, that’s why we volunteer for the Convention of States Project.
I’m tired of ‘defending my position,’ and I’m sure you are too. So stop with ‘the defense’ and go on ‘the offense’ to shape public opinion. We can and will move the needle. In fact, we’re seeing this now - in parents speaking up at school board meetings and with engaged citizens speaking out at city council meetings. We’re beginning to do this in the electoral process as well. Our actions will have the same effect there. What we do on election day is important. But, it’s even more important what we do before and after election day.
If we rely on ourselves and our ‘good judgment’ to guide us in this process, we may have a positive influence for a time. We must commit ourselves to constantly seek the truth especially when it conflicts with our opinions. Just as The Framers needed in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, we need the guidance of Divine Providence. We are fighting for something much larger than ourselves. With God’s grace and mercy, we will be successful.
Tomorrow, August 2, 2022 likely will not be ‘The Answer.’ But, what we do tomorrow and every day just might be.
In liberty,
Brett
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