“We, the People. . .”

On a slightly damp afternoon in September, an enthusiastic band of freedom-loving Patriots gathered on the Public Square in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, to commemorate the United States Constitution (Constitution Day 2020), and to show community support for local law enforcement.

Proclaiming Justice to the Nations Founder, Laurie-Cordoza-Moore organized the event with an impressive line-up of speakers including (but not limited to) Senator Jack Johnson, Representative Glenn Casada, Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles, City Alderman Bev Burger, and Tennessee Stands Founder and President Gary Humble. Williamson County Sheriff Dusty Rhoades was on hand to receive appreciation on behalf of the local law enforcement community.

Always, but particularly in seasons of unrest and upheaval, it’s important to re-evaluate the way we see the world, to listen to people who may have a different perspective than our own, to attempt to genuinely hear and understand how different life experiences might translate into particular ways of perceiving how the world works.

In that moment of reflective pause is an opportunity to ask soul-searching questions: In the service of humanity, what is working well and what is not? What social systems need to be reformed? How should those reforms be affected? How can we work together to create and sustain more space, more equality for all Americans without aligning with the raging forces of revolution currently seeking the destruction of society as we know it?

In a time when governing principles and law enforcement have come under direct fire, it’s also an opportunity to connect to the local communities in which we live and to express appreciation and support to those who have endeavored to serve and protect us and have done so with dignity and integrity.

After the rousing speeches, the fun music, the moving prayer, after the celebration of the Constitutional form of government which has allowed for human flourishing in this country for the past two centuries or so, Williamson County Sheriff Dusty Rhoades was called forward on behalf of our local law enforcement to receive the appreciation of a grateful populace for services rendered to the community.