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Occasionally an opinion essay will be published, as is the case this week. Publication of an essay does not necessarily imply endorsement of the opinion(s) expressed. Opinion essay submissions from all viewpoints are welcome and may be emailed to mike@mikefergusononline.com for consideration.

by Missouri State Representative Brian Baker (R-123)

Harry Truman once said, "I always considered statesmen to be more expendable than soldiers." This quote came to mind when I was informed of the loss of Spc. Todd E. Davis of Raymore.

I had intended to provide a report on the upcoming legislative session. However, as I put the words down, the issues seemed to get smaller and smaller in the light of this news. There will be a time to face those issues…but now let us all remember Spc. Davis and those who sleep in trenches tonight.

For a moment, as we enter 2008 and enter the fray of political arguments, as we enter the arena of debate and discussion, let us remember the honor with which these men serve.

Spc. Davis did not fight for his country for fame or notoriety. Like soldiers before him, he served his country with reckless abandon. We could learn much from the honor and commitment he has shown.

Our soldiers do not defend Democrat or Republicans…but all Americans. They do not base their action to protect the man next to them by asking if he voted for George Bush or John Kerry. They do not base their decision to lay their lives on the line by asking their neighbors if they are for or against Matt Blunt or Jay Nixon. It is about the men and women next to them…it is about answering a higher calling…it is about true honor.

What they do with their lives is a far greater thing than I do with my pen. How they live is a far greater thing than how I debate the issues. What they give is a far greater gift than what I pledge to accomplish. I am expendable and they, the soldiers…the warriors, are priceless.

According to one news report, Spc. Davis and his squad were in an area where Al-Qaida was operating. Rest assured, Spc. Davis faced a much greater and formidable enemy than any perceived enemy that we face here at home. They fight real battles. They face these battles that we might carry the torch our founding fathers handed to us. May we carry that torch high in memory of their sacrifice!

It has been said that the 2008 Missouri Legislative Session will not produce many results. I admit, the atmosphere smells of partisan bickering and positioning. As I leave the legislature, I pray that I and my legislative colleagues will realize that the blood shed by Spc. Davis, our veterans, and our founding fathers gives us the means to bring our freedoms to life. There is not one law…not one budget bill that is greater than the sacrifice given by Spc. Davis and our veterans. Their sacrifice enables us to carry on a noble idea…that we are a nation…a people…we are all created equal with inalienable rights...that we are able to pursue happiness.

I offer my sincerest condolences to the Davis family. I would ask a special request. Allow me to congratulate Spc. Davis for his unwavering commitment to lay down his life. As it says in the God’s Word…"there is no greater love than this; that a man lay down his life for his friend." Spc. Davis has given each of us a gift. May we remember that, like our founding fathers, Spc. Davis gave his life that we might enjoy this gift called America !