Every citizen of the state should journey at least once in their life to the state capitol in Jefferson City during the legislative session. Go see your state representative and state senator – say “Hello!” and tell them (or their assistants) what’s on your mind. Witness the hub bub in the hallways. See the staffers, the lobbyists, the statewide office holders, the representatives, the senators going about their business and the business of the state. Watch the school children and tour groups temporarily block the hallways for a group photo with their representative. Watch the interest group events under the rotunda (today it was the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education).  

We saw a few people, said “Hello!” to a few others, watched the swirl of activities, had a nice lunch and managed to dodge the parking enforcement vehicle with moments to spare.

On our way out of Jefferson City we were stopped at a traffic signal. A beat up old pick up truck with a twenty something driver pulled up behind us. He leaned on his horn. I looked at my rear view mirror and he was flipping me off. Heh. That’s what those bumper stickers are there for, pal.

Just so you know that there are people out there who don’t agree with you or that little man occupying the oval office.

That’s what you get for participating actively in our democracy. You do a little research at the Missouri Ethics Commission (they’re very friendly and helpful), see your state senator for a chat, eat lunch at Arris’ – and some troglodyte flips you off for exercising your First Amendment rights.

Is this a great country, or what?