Marshall Ramsey

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson.

The pursuit of Happiness.  I always gravitate to that line.

The right is the pursuit, not happiness itself. The Government isn’t guaranteeing any of us happiness.  We are guaranteed the right to pursue it.  It’s up to me WORK to obtain happiness.

As I share a few moments with my family this weekend, I’ll remember that. I’ll plan new efforts how I can work to make my family happy. And I’ll be thankful I live in a country where I can do that work.  But I won’t look to Washington to give it to me.  It’s up to me.

Happy Birthday, America. Thank you for giving me the gift. The gift of freedom.  Let it ring.

We’re getting into the homestretch for political campaigns.  And that means one thing: The tide of political ads will begin to rise.  You’ll see ads in the morning. You’ll see ads at lunch.  Ads will blanket you during to dinner.  You’ll hear all kinds of reasons why the various candidates should be elected to their various offices.

You’ll hear lots of reasons why Mississippi is in trouble.  You’ll hear why the candidates’ opponents are the wrong man or woman for the job. All wrapped up in catchy phrases and perky music.

But I wonder if we’ll hear what we really want to hear?

Yes, I’m annoyed when every third car on I-55 is a state car.  I’m annoyed when I hear about SLRP (Special Legislative Retirement Program.) I get annoyed when I hear about some of the spending in the most recent omnibus bond bill.  And I’m even annoyed when I hear the state plane is getting its wings worn off of it.

But those aren’t the issues that keep me up at night.

I worry about my sons’ educations.  I know it’s the only hope they’ll have to have a better life.  I worry about what jobs they’ll be able to get in Mississippi.  I worry about what job I’ll have in Mississippi.  Will I be able to get medical care for me or my family? Will I be able to afford it.  And will my family be safe when we lie our heads down at night?

My core of philosophy is one of person responsibility.  I believe the answers to many of life’s problems lie inside of me.  So, no, I don’t expect those nice people running for people to bring me “Hope and Change.”  But I want leaders who recognize the problems Mississippi faces. I pray that even if they can’t find an immediate solution to those problems, they at least have the leadership to inspire the people to find them themselves.

I probably expect to much.  That’s way too much to fit into a 30-second  campaign ad.  But a dad can always dream.

The #1 answer I get when I ask candidates about what’s the hardest part about running for statewide office is this: The travel.  And the ones I’ve talked to are aren’t flying the friendly skies. They’re putting miles on their cars.  (And if they’re really lucky, they’ll have a driver.) From fish fry, to BBQ, to rally to fish fry.  Rinse and repeat.

Mississippi is a very big state.  A huge state.  And if you don’t believe me, drive from an event in Tunica to one in Biloxi and then to Tupelo.  Throw in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Monticello, Greenville, Oxford, Starkville and McComb in for fun and you get the kind of mileage you have to put on your car and body to get into office.  Republicans have it a little easier than Democrats; they primarily focus on DeSoto County, the Jackson area and the Coast.  But even those places are like a shotgun spread on the map.

Driving for votes isn’t easy. Democrats and Republicans alike have a long road to travel until election day.  And when the votes are counted, I know theyll be thanking the Legislature for the 1987 Highway program.