December 10th, 2024
No We The People Meeting in December
This is a friendly reminder that we will not be having a monthly meeting in December. Enjoy this time with friends and family, and have a Merry Christmas!
The Campaign for Speaker of the MO House
As I mentioned in our November 22nd newsletter, Justin Sparks is running for Speaker of the Missouri House this session against Jon Patterson. We The People of Cass County MO believes Justin is a far better choice than Jon Patterson, and has issued a resolution stating as much.
This vote is a conscience vote.
Rep. Justin Sparks
If, after reviewing the details, you agree with us, that Jon Patterson does not represent the interests of Republicans in Missouri, and Justin Sparks is the man for the job, PLEASE go to the Petitions page of the Republican Association of Central Committees of MO (REPACCMO), scroll down to the Resolution in support of Justin Sparks for Speaker of the MO House, and click the hyperlink to sign the petition (see image below).
We need thousands of signatures to sway individual representatives, especially those who have “hitched their wagon” to him, for whatever reasons.
Freedom Principle MO Drawing
The Freedom Principle MO is “Celebrating Making America Great Again!”
Enter to Win a Trump Watch!
The Freedom Principle MO is celebrating President Donald J. Trump’s historic landslide victory by offering everyone an opportunity to enter a drawing to win one of two Trump commemorative watches. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. The drawing will be held at Noon on Monday, January 20, 2025, when Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
To purchase tickets or get more information about the watches, visit our website.
Rules, rules, and more rules
This week’s newsletter from MO Senator Mike Moon was very interesting, so I decided to share it in its entirety…
According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the word ‘rule’ is defined as, “That which is established as a principle, standard or directory; that by which any thing is to be adjusted or regulated, or to which it is to be conformed; that which is settled by authority or custom for guidance and direction.”
Merriam-Webster defines ‘rule’ like this: “a prescribed guide for conduct or action.”
I imagine that you have been required to work under a set of rules, at one time or another. If you have played a game, there was, most likely, a set of rules to follow. I recall, as a youngster, playing football. One of the basic rules, then and now, is each team may have up to 11 players on the field when the ball is live. Of course, a team could, for various reasons, choose to have less than the maximum number of players on the field. However, this would not benefit the team with fewer players.
So, what if a team had more players on the field (either purposely or accidentally) when the ball was live? If this rule infraction were noticed by an official, a penalty flag would be ‘thrown’ and the offended team would be given the opportunity to enforce, or refuse, a penalty imposed on the offending team.
The key, in my opinion, is that rules must be fair to all concerned … and, rules must be followed.
Legislative Rules
When I was a member of the MO House, I recall that prior to adjournment of the day’s business, the Majority Floor Leader (MFL) would announce the business to be taken up the following day. The announcement went something like this: “Members should be prepared for all bills on all calendars.” Depending upon the point at which we were session, there could be 50 or more bills on the calendars. To put it mildly, it was often difficult to truly know what was in a handful of the bills much less all of the bills.
After a brief time, I became a bit frustrated by not knowing specifically how to prepare for the day’s business. So, I asked the MFL to specify which bills would be taken up for business. I learned, in short order, that the ‘old guard’ would not honor my request.
In time, though, an opportunity presented itself to me (when a different MFL was to be elected), I pledged my support to an aspiring MFL only if he would properly inform us what we should prepare for during session. To my surprise, he accepted my ‘demand’.
The new session was much better … for a short time. The new MFL initially announced specific bills for which to prepare. As the session wore on, though, the MFL simply read the titles of all the bills on all the calendars. Imagine with me, a speed talker reading a list of 50 or more bills – all in a matter of one minute. Even if he could be understood, what difference would it make? It’s doubtful that anyone could be prepared for every bill on every calendar.
So, why do I say all this? MO House Rule no.5 states, “Upon recess or adjournment, the Majority Floor Leader shall advise the entire membership of the business anticipated to be conducted during the remainder of the legislative day and during the next legislative day.”
In the examples provided, did the MFLs fulfill their duties under the rule 5?
What’s the Point?
Rules, however good or fair, can be manipulated and used to empower one over another.
Although, I’ve only referenced the MO House, I have witnessed the improper interpretation of rules in the MO Senate, too. In the letter below, you’ll read a mention of MO Senate Rule 72. This rule falls under the heading of ‘Privileged Motions’ and reads: “A motion to adjourn and a motion to fix the day to which the senate shall adjourn is in order, unless a senator is speaking, ….” There’s more to the rule, however, I want to point out that this rule has been improperly used multiple times during the past two sessions. The purpose was to silence one or more senators.
On February 27, 2023, Senate Bill 49 (S.A.F.E. Act – prohibiting gender transition procedures on minors) was first on the calendar and called up for Perfection. MFL O’Laughlin, abused Rule 72 and adjourned the session. I wrote about this in the March 5, 2023, Capitol Report. If you wish to read the report, please let me know and I’ll send a copy to you.
The following letter was intended for MO Senators. Of course, senate staff have access to Senator’s e-mail, snail mail, and phone messages. The letter was ‘leaked’ to the MO Scout – not by me (The MO Scout is not a ‘friendly’ ‘rag’). Since that’s the case, I now release it to you.
“From the Desk of
Senator Mike Moon
District 29
November 27, 2024
A FEW THINGS TO THINK ABOUT THIS THANKSGIVING
Another Thanksgiving is nearly here. I hope this is the best one yet for you and your family! One of the traditions at our house is to place a few kernels of dry corn at each place setting. During the meal, we pass a small basket from person-to-person. Each one tells of something for which they are thankful, deposits a kernel in the basket, and passes it on the next person.
Traditions can be meaningful and fun. I’d be interested in hearing your favorite Thanksgiving tradition.
In the MO Senate, I’ve learned that there are a number of traditions – some may recall that I’ve ‘stepped on’ a few myself. Perhaps, some day we can provide incoming senators of a list, so they might not make the same mistakes….
In addition, with a new session upon us, it seems to be a good idea to consider how the senate functions and what, if any, changes are needed – in order to foster the unity we seek.
As I reflect upon the rules which govern our activity, I recall some of the games I played as a kid. I recollect those who knew the rules (or pretended to know them) controlled the outcome. Also, the bigger kids who wanted to control the outcome could make whatever decision(s) that benefited them and, due to their size, thwart any challenge to their authority.
Of course rules are important. Consider Angel Hernandez, MLB umpire, for example. Even though he passed the training required of Major League Baseball umpires, he either has an apparent blatant disregard for MLB rules or he doesn’t know how to apply them – as demonstrated by his numerous wrong decisions.
Of course, in the MO Senate, when a ‘bad call’ is made, with enough Senators, who know the rules, it can be overturned. If, however, a challenge is made, and you’re on the losing side, the challengers may be placed in the proverbial doghouse for a time (all in fun, right – not really, especially when considering that the wishes of Missouri residents may be muffled).
With that in mind, here are some suggested changes to consider:
1. Committee members shall elect a chair with a simple majority vote of the committee membership;
2. Bills shall be automatically referred to a committee, chosen by the sponsor, immediately upon the bill’s second read;
3. Committees shall determine which bills will receive a hearing;
4. When a bill is voted out of a committee, the bill shall automatically be placed on the Formal calendar;
5. Sessions shall be “Live Streamed” for public viewing.
In addition, rule 72 must be strictly enforced.
Elizabeth Powel, of Philadelphia, PA, asked Benjamin Franklin (as he exited the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall), “What have you given us, sir… a monarchy or a republic?”
Franklin answered, “A republic, madam… if you can keep it.”
Franklin’s words ring ever so true today as I consider the MO General Assembly. A republic is defined, in Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, as “A commonwealth; a state in which the exercise of the sovereign power is lodged in representatives elected by the people.”
Years ago I realized that if I always do what I’ve always done, I’ll always get what I’ve always got.
Today, the Missouri Senate is hoping for unity. I imagine we all want to meet together and work as a well-oiled machine. For this to happen, change must occur (in order to avoid the disunity of past sessions). Are we willing to demonstrate a desire for unity by changing the way in which we do the business of the people? The people of our great state have loaned us their power and authority for a short time. Let’s return the equal power to Senators in order for all Missourians to be represented equally.
In the book, Animal Farm, Squealer stated, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
Let’s make the necessary changes in the MO Senate to truly make all Senators (truly) equal.
Happy Thanksgiving!”
My point: When someone (intentionally or accidentally) tramples on the rules, why on earth would we expect them to change their behavior, unless we change the way in which we govern ourselves?
Kerfuffle in MO House and MO Senate is One-in-the-Same
The centralization of power is an age-old conflict. I reckon the fight against the centralization of power in the MO General Assembly is also an age-old thing, too. Some, if not many, will say, “Mike, you’re not going to win this battle. Be strategic in picking your fights. I agree with you, but …. Let me know how I can help (please don’t let me know). How about if we wait until next year? (Someone once said to me, when another was attempting to give a reason for not doing something, “Any excuse will do”).
There are those among us (elected) who believe that we belong to some sort of fraternity/sorority. We are in a class by ourselves. We know best: who to elect as leaders; which bills are the most important; which lobbyists to trust; how to vote on every bill (while some of this may be true, not everything is true). We often forget that the decisions we make and the actions we take affect those who elected us. And, most importantly, those who elected us are our bosses.
Sit Down and Shut Up!
Of course, there’s noting new under the sun. The MO House and the MO Senate are typically the same – just different actors. Some lobbyists, senate staffers, and some Senators, would prefer that I follow the instruction given to new legislators: “Sit down and shut up!”
I’ll repeat something I stated early in my tenure in the House, “The people of Lawrence County did not elect me to simply go along with the party leaders.” Now, I add the people of Barry, Christian, and McDonald Counties to that statement.
One Final Thought
Some have commented that I should stop attacking leadership. Oh, good grief! It matters not who is in the seat of the Speaker or President Pro Tem. The ‘attack’ is on the rules – not the person. Unfortunately, the individuals who are in those positions believe they are in the crosshairs. Not so.
In order to ‘level the playing field’ and empower the people of our great state, the rules in the House and Senate must be changed to divest power from a few and return equal power to all legislators.
Until then, I’m going to continue pushing for change.
Thoughts
Please let me know what you think.
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The Means Matter
Have you ever heard the saying, “The end justifies the means”? This is actually a paraphrase of something Niccolò Machiavelli said, and it summarizes a political philosophy known as consequentialism, which basically holds that the moral value of any action can (and should) be judged by the consequences it has. This philosophy is not compatible with a Christian worldview, in my humble opinion. How we fight for our Republic matters as much as the fact that we do so. History is littered with the immoral actions of professed Christians who forgot or ignored that fact, and the unbelieving world reminds us of those failures daily, whether real or perceived.
In the spirit of maintaining the “means” of our conduct, I submit for your perusal today a letter written by John Newton that has since been affectionately called, “On Controversy”. You might recall his name, as he was the author of possibly the most famous Christian hymn in the world, Amazing Grace. Please keep in mind, that the context of this letter is in relation to a Christian Calvinist having a discussion with a Christian Arminian. (I will let you do your own research on the differences there.) For my purposes, please consider his words, as it relates to political divisions, both within the Republican party today, and beyond.
How we conduct ourselves as Christians, even with people we vehemently disagree with, matters, both to God, and to the cause. The same Scriptures that teach us the evils of things like child sacrifice and genital mutilation, also teaches us how to conduct ourselves when contending for the truth. It is my humble prayer that we will all seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our thoughts, words, and actions, as we fight for what we believe in.
Coram Deo