JEFFERSON CITY — This week, local celebrations of America’s Independence Day will highlight the anniversary of our Founding Fathers’ decision to break free from a tyrannical and oppressive rule. When the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, it set in motion the actions of a nation that has continued to seek freedom for its citizens, even to this day.

The Declaration says that all people have “unalienable rights,” and that those rights are “secured” by government. It is worth noting that our Founders did not argue that government granted any rights, just that they are to secure our natural, God-given rights. It is the first glimpse we see of government as a protector, not a creator. It is the essential limited-government model. This same view can be seen in the Bill of Rights, passed 13 years later, which restricts government from infringing on those natural rights.

There is no doubt that our federal government has grown considerably, both in size and scope, since 1776. Whether that growth is consistent with the views expressed by our founders as they sought liberty is a question for debate, and often a topic in state and federal legislatures. 

Despite our flaws, this is still a great nation, the best on Earth. We still have, as a people, the ability to stand up and facilitate change. That change can come because of activity, speeches or votes. Each of us has the abilities to do any of those things, and we have the duty to do so. Despite struggles with growth, America still holds to its basic premise of being a representative republic. We have the opportunity to elect, or remove, those who create the very laws by which we must live. Please keep in mind this week how many other countries don’t have that ability.

Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago, a group of men, bolstered by what was a silent minority, stood up against their government. Those men had no more or less knowledge or expertise than anyone today. What they possessed was a desire for change and a determination that they could make that change happen. Two hundred years from now, will our descendants look back and tell stories of this generation and how we created change?

Each year at this time, I encourage my constituents and friends to read or re-read the Declaration of Independence. The text is easily found online or in a library. I also urge you to please celebrate what our Founders did by enjoying time with family, fun and fireworks. As you do, please ask yourself what type of country you want and what changes you would make. Then make a plan to act. It may be as simple as a call to your congressman or state legislator. It may be volunteering for a political campaign. It may be writing letters or making phone calls to friends and relatives. In any case, you will be actively participating as a citizen, just like George Washington or Benjamin Franklin. And you can be proud knowing you exercised your rights as an American!

Please feel free to contact me 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 (573) 751-1464, or e-mail at will.kraus@senate.mo.gov.