Emery: Changes in Missouri and Washington offer a new dawn for liberty

(From Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar)

We all have our own opinions about the recent presidential election. I am extremely optimistic for both the nation and our state. Each contact I have with Governor-elect Eric Greitens increases my confidence in his ability to lead Missouri to renewed levels of prosperity, justice and optimism. On Monday, Jan. 9, our new governor will be sworn in. As he leaves office, Governor Jay Nixon deserves our gratitude and respect for his many years of public service as state senator, attorney general and governor. Please pray for him as he transitions back into the civilian life.

We are off to a good start this session. The First Regular Session of the 99th General Assembly commenced with the Governor’s prayer breakfast at a local church. The service included a Biblical message that easily related to everyone present, but especially to those of us serving in government. Individual prayers were then offered specifically for the executive branch, the House, Senate and Supreme Court. I hope to obtain copies of the prayers and to share excerpts with you next week.

I was especially looking forward to the prayer breakfast’s keynote message, given by Randy Gariss, a personal friend of mine and the son of Bob and Fontella Gariss, who are my neighbors and constituents. The breakfast is annually attended by hundreds and was packed. The banquet has been held each year for decades and was a time for political allies and opponents to join in a spirit of worship and encouragement. Randy’s poignant and convicting message spoke to each of our hearts and received a standing ovation.

As we begin a new era of Missouri politics, the theme the Senate majority caucus has adopted is: Achieving the Missouri Miracle. I see the changes in Missouri and Washington as a new dawn for liberty and am eager to work on a legislative agenda that will promote economic growth, protect freedom of speech and religion, attract new investment, shrink and streamline government, and secure worker freedom. To help you follow progress, a new blog has been started, and you can access the first post and all subsequent entries here: https://mosenatesidebar.wordpress.com/

Please don’t neglect to pray for your state government and officials as well as those in Washington, D.C. This great state and this exceptional nation are worth whatever it takes to sustain them. Liberty is worth the price, whatever the cost. Patrick Henry captured it best when he said in the face of incalculable odds: “I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”