In the Hands of the People

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

In the legislature, a Senate or House Joint Resolution can be offered by a lawmaker to bring attention to a certain topic and to open discussion. After debate, if the resolution is adopted, the question it poses will be placed on an election ballot as a constitutional amendment to be voted on by the people. Last year, a House Joint Resolution, HJR 2, was adopted and will be on the ballot on Aug. 7. I joined my fellow senators in supporting this amendment when it passed the Senate unanimously.

Labeled Constitutional Amendment 2, the language that will appear on the ballot asks “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure:

· That the right of Missouri citizens to express their religious beliefs shall not be infringed;

· That school children have the right to pray and acknowledge God voluntarily in their schools; and

· That all public schools shall display the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.”

Essentially, this change to our state’s constitution will affirm each person’s right to worship as long as the expression of worship does not interfere with anyone else. This would mean the freedom to worship in private or public venues, on government or public property, and includes prayer in public schools.

The intent behind this amendment is to specify that state government or any branch thereof cannot establish an official religion. This country was founded on the tenet of religious freedom, even to the point that religious freedom was listed in the U.S. Constitution.

As we go about our daily lives as citizens of this great state, we encounter many different philosophies and beliefs. This diversity is certainly a part of what makes Missouri, as well as our country, special. There has been no impediment to any American that doesn’t believe the same way as his or her neighbor. The plaque on the base of the Statue of Liberty says, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” There is no reference to only one race, or one religion. It is up to those of us that call Missouri home, as the central point of this vast nation, to embrace faith, in whatever form it is presented, in order to fulfill the vision of our country’s forefathers.

As a member of the Senate, my colleagues and I begin every day of session with a prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom in our discussions and decisions. This daily practice is a way for all 34 members of the upper chamber to focus on the topics that are important and to focus on our responsibilities. Those moments of prayer are important to me as a guidepost for my actions, because my actions are my responsibility and I appreciate the clarity it often provides me. The people of the Show-Me State have the option in their hands on the upcoming ballot. Make your vote, your opinion, heard.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.