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January 11, 2002 Securing a Symbol of Freedom The events of September 11 have altered our way of thinking regarding a number of things that, previously, we may have taken for granted. But one thing that we can never take for granted is the cherished concept of democracy, and the freedoms that democracy make possible. Last week, as we convened for the first day of the 2002 session of the Missouri General Assembly, the shadow of September 11 loomed large. For the first time, members and visitors to the State Capitol were required to go through security checkpoints. And the number one item facing the Missouri Legislature -- a tight state budget due to declining revenues -- can be traced back to reduced travel and cautious consumer spending in the wake of September 11. Even though those images are still vivid in our mind, we know we must push forward in our return to normalcy. That is why it pleased me greatly when Governor Bob Holden honored my suggestion by reopening the large bronze doors which serve as a gateway for the citizens to our State Capitol. It is said that the 18-foot bronze door is the most monumental feature of the State Capitol, which opens on the Grand Staircase, taking visitors to the third floor -- where the Missouri House and Senate conduct debate. Many believe that the bronze front door is the largest since the era of the ancient Romans. It would certainly send a chilling message to continue to lock these doors from the public. These doors stand as a reminder that Missouri, as the Gateway to the West, stood at the threshold of the great frontiers of our nation. And now, it stands as a tangible reminder of the importance of openness, democracy and freedom. Of course the health and safety of Missouri citizens is of the utmost importance to the Missouri House of Representatives, and I am in full support of the Governor’s homeland security initiatives. But the Capitol belongs to the people of the state, and must remain accessible at all costs. As we have proven, Missouri’s leaders will not run in the face of crisis. The opening of these doors truly symbolizes the government’s open arms to the people of Missouri. And we have demonstrated that the Capitol is open to the people, and while we must maintain adequate security, we cannot fortify the house of the people. They must always have the opportunity to see their government at work. I realize that this is largely a symbolic gesture, but it is an important one, and a symbol that represents our resolve to forever maintain the concepts of democracy. On September 11, there were six state legislatures in session. On September 12, there was only one -- Missouri. At a time when our loved ones were calling us home, the Missouri General Assembly stood firm in the face of crisis. We came together and did the people’s business on that day, and we will continue to do so. As we continue our work in this upcoming legislative session, I am proud that we will do so in a manner that is freely open to the public, and that every citizen of Missouri will have the opportunity to see its government in action. Let these magnificent bronze doors stand as a gateway to our citizens, and as a reminder that government in Missouri will forever remain a free and open process. | |||||
Paid for by Kreider for Senator.
Bobby Neal Jr., Treasurer. Not at taxpayer's expense.
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