Last Saturday, August 22, I had the privilege of participating in the protest at Senator Claire McCaskill’s office in University City. Present at the rally were passionate American citizens desiring to make the point to our Senator that we are in very definite opposition to many of the bills that are being presented before Congress–specifically Health Control and Cap and Tax. As I looked around at the more than 300 people at the rally, I noticed something that I have observed on many other occasions–the majority of the people present were middle-aged or older adults. Yet this time, I was pleasantly surprised by a much larger percentage of young people than I have seen at previous events. These included children playing instruments, and young adults and teens holding large signs, excited to rally behind this worthy cause. Included in the throng of people were individuals with varied backgrounds and personalities, but having the same objective–less government and more freedom.
There are some who are concerned by the many older faces at these events, but this abundance of gray hair should serve as motivation. The faithfulness of these patriots to the cause of freedom is inspiring. Our younger generation is just beginning in this fight for liberty and needs these role models to look up to. Many of these patriots were standing up against unconstitutional government practices, extreme taxes and socialistic principles when it was much more unpopular to do so than it is today, but in recent weeks and months, tens of thousands of Americans from all walks of life have decided that “enough is enough.”
When I awoke Saturday morning for the protest, I had no fear or concern about being alone that day when I arrived near the corner of Delmar and Goodfellow, yet I could not help but think about those gathered around me who had stood alone many times. It takes guts to stand against the status quo at any time with any number of people by your side, but a special measure of courage is required to stand up when the possibility exists that it will be only you.
I cannot imagine the sense of satisfaction and enjoyment that must fill the hearts of these patriots who have seemed alone for so many years to now see thousands beside them. Many of them probably thought their life of political activism would come and go without seeing the real outcry of concerned citizens for which they had hoped, but now it is finally coming to pass.
It is true that it is largely up to our younger generation to make a lasting difference in this country. I will be the first to agree that we need to see an expansion of activism in America, but that activism will only be seen through an increase in education, and education can only come by the experience and wisdom of those faithful who have dedicated their lives to the cause of freedom.
So to all of you who gathered at that roadside with me last Saturday and those who have stood for years, thank you. I hope no one would ever think that with the increase of young adults who are becoming more politically active our seniors would be somehow less important, because the very opposite is true. As our young people become more engaged, we need people to whom we can look for encouragement, wisdom, counsel and inspiration.
You have been overlooked and ignored for too long by your government, your representatives and even by your friends and families in many cases, but you are needed now more than ever. You have inspired me and countless others through your dedication and zeal, and no doubt you will continue to inspire many others in the upcoming days.
Thank you for your efforts in keeping America free.
