January 18, 2026
Marcia Reed,
Holts Summit
Dear Editor,
I am daily appalled by what I see happening in Missouri and across our nation. Here at home, Missouri lawmakers passed an unconstitutional, gerrymandered congressional map, justified by Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin as necessary “… to maintain our majority.” They overturned voter-approved paid sick leave and moved to nullify voter-approved abortion rights. They shut down debate and blocked a filibuster to force through controversial legislation. They have even written ballot language so convoluted it seems designed to mislead voters and manipulate outcomes.
Nationally, legal American citizens report being targeted because they “don’t look American.” Peaceful protesters face beatings, arrests and worse. Media organizations are threatened or sued for presenting viewpoints the administration dislikes. Military forces have been deployed in U.S. cities over the objections of local governments and law enforcement.
Last week, hundreds of local citizens — not paid protesters, but our neighbors — marched through Jefferson City to express grief and outrage over the killing of Renee Nicole Good during a protest involving ICE agents in Minneapolis. Moments like this force a painful question: Is the right to peaceful assembly still guaranteed?
I’ve mostly focused on local issues, where one person can make the greatest difference. But what’s happening across our country demands we look beyond our own backyard. I cannot sit idly by and watch our democracy erode. This is not the America I want for our children and grandchildren.
As citizens, we must demand compassion, fairness and accountability — in Missouri and nationwide. Showing up and speaking out is our responsibility. Voting is our superpower.
On Sept. 21, Missourians have an opportunity to act. A broad coalition is calling on people across the state to gather at the Missouri State Capitol from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to make their voices heard.
As Will Westmoreland said, “Democracy is a team sport, and we can’t win if half the team is just here to watch.”
We must show up — for ourselves, our communities and the future we hope to build together.
Read the article here: https://www.newstribune.com/news/2026/jan/18/your-opinion-a-call-to-conscience/