The Trump Effect: How National Progress Demands Local Vigilance
President Trump's remarkable achievements in such a short time have been a blessing for conservatives across America, from establishing a task force to combat anti-Christian bias to all the fantastic cabinet appointments who are already making sweeping and needed changes to the Federal Government. His administration has made significant strides in protecting religious liberty and advancing our shared principles. However, this progress should not lull us into complacency. Now, more than ever, we must heed the call to actively engage in our local and state governments. As Christians, we have a responsibility to be salt and light in our communities, seeking the welfare of our cities and nation. By getting involved at the grassroots level, we can build upon the foundation laid by the Trump administration and ensure that our Christian values continue to shape the future of America.
Introduction to Local Engagement
In the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House, some Christian conservatives feel a sense of hope that he will address national issues like inflation, crime, and immigration, potentially reducing the need for individual action. However, General Michael Flynn advocates for "local action," emphasizing the importance of county and state government participation. We must do more now that Trump is reducing the Federal government and slashing departments like Education. Those cuts will empower the states, which is good as long as we conservatives are shaping that policies at the state level.
Flynn’s Emphasis on Local Action
General Michael Flynn urges conservatives to focus on local action. Flynn has stated, "Local action has a national impact," and encouraged taking back the country "one town at a time, one county at a time, one state at a time." His approach emphasizes influencing local politics, such as school boards and county governments, to effect broader change. This is particularly relevant for Missouri residents, where local decisions directly impact daily life, aligning with the Christian principle of seeking the welfare of the community, as seen in Jeremiah 29:7: "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
The Role of Local Party Central Committees and Shaping State Parties
Local party central committees play a crucial role in shaping political parties at the state level. As the Federal Election Commission (FEC) explains, local party committees are responsible for a political party's activities below the state level, such as the city, county, or district level. They support or oppose candidates for local offices and ballot propositions, recruit candidates, mobilize voters, and shape party platforms. By becoming active in these committees, citizens can influence the direction of their state political parties.
In Missouri, the Republicans Association of Central Committees of Missouri (REPACCMO) trains, educates, and supports the 115 Republican county and city central committees. Their role includes understanding their statutory responsibilities to support the Republican Platform, find and support Republican candidates for office, ensure fair elections, and grow the party. This is a direct way for Missouri residents to get involved and make a difference at the local level.
Additionally, the Precinct Strategy highlights the critical role of Precinct Committeemen (PCs), who are the voting members of the party. PCs elect district, county, and state party officers, delegates to the Presidential convention, and RNC members. They also vote on party platform policies and interact with elected officials to influence legislation. PCs are often called "the most powerful office in the world" because of their direct impact on internal party policy. Running for a seat on a local party central committee is a particularly effective way to gain influence, as these positions involve decision-making on candidate endorsements, fundraising, and party strategy, allowing citizens to shape state party direction.
Actions for Missouri Residents
Missouri residents can take several concrete steps to engage locally and influence their state and local governments:
Stay Informed: Follow Act4MO’s Facebook page and sign up on their website to stay updated on state issues. Act4MO provides resources on key bills that will have an impact on your life.
Join or Start a Club: Find or start a local conservative club, such as "We the People" or "Pachyderm," to connect with like-minded individuals and organize for change.
Attend Meetings: Participate in School Board, City Council, and County Commissioner meetings to influence local decisions and hold officials accountable.
Visit the Capitol: Visit the State Capitol during its legislative session (January to May) to understand the process and meet your representatives.
Run for Local Party Central Committee: Consider running for a seat on your local party central committee to influence candidate endorsements and party strategy. Contact REPACCMO for guidance on getting involved.
Motivation from the Founding Fathers and the Bible
The Founding Fathers understood the importance of an informed and active citizenry. Thomas Jefferson said, "Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government," emphasizing the need for education. James Madison warned, "A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy," highlighting the dangers of an uninformed populace. John Adams stated, "Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people," underscoring that freedom requires engagement.
The Bible also calls us to civic duty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us to pray for leaders: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." Jeremiah 29:7 calls us to seek the welfare of our community: "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Conclusion
These insights are timely, with Trump's presidency in its early stages and conservative movements like Flynn's gaining traction. The contrast between relying on national leadership and engaging locally is evident, with Flynn's approach offering a practical path for Missouri residents. Act4MO Homepage’s resources provide a platform for informed action, reinforcing the need for an active citizen base. The Founding Fathers and Biblical principles offer a moral framework, encouraging citizens to be active and virtuous, aligning with conservative Christian values. The question for you now is, are you ready to act?