Representative Cynthia Davis welcomes the Pasta House into District 19. It was sad to see Carrabbas move out, but the Pasta House has moved into the same space just south of the Hutchings Farm subdivision on Highway K.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

There are many reasons to thank God for His mercies on us this year. Here are three items for which I am particularly grateful:

1. When my son came home from kindergarten one day last week, he said, “My heart is full of love.” Most of us can think of other things kindergartners are full of, but this was very special for a mother to hear. Think of what a great place this world would be if everyone could say, “My heart is full of love.” No matter what is happening with our 401K accounts, job security, food and gas prices, nobody can take love out of our lives. The love we give to and receive from others endures beyond any circumstances.

2. We have not had any terrorist attacks on American soil since 9/11/2001. I thank God that our government is keeping us safe. While many view our government as overreaching into our lives and wallets, at least we are still being protected from those who seek to disrupt our domestic tranquility. If all else fails, at least we are still safe.

3. I thank God for all my good constituents. I define a constituent as anyone who reads my Capitol Report. Taking care of the people of Missouri is the source of a great deal of satisfaction in my life. My goal is to protect the taxpayers and to treat my constituents as I would like to be treated. I write these Capitol Reports because I love to help people understand their government and help them become informed citizens of this country. I don’t know how often you are thanked by your elected leaders for being a great constituent, but please add my name to your list. Those who enjoy reading my Capitol Report are truly very special.

This Thursday, our country pauses to give thanks for the many blessings of God’s mercy and grace. I encourage you to compose your own list of what you are thanking God for this year. Perhaps you can surprise your friends and relatives on Thanksgiving by giving a speech. (Hint: Don’t wait for them to ask.)

Here are some other speeches you can print off and have in your pocket ready for that special moment when the turkey is being carved:

1. Review the History of Thanksgiving
Wallbuilders has just put up a new article covering the four-century long highlights of this holiday, "Celebrating Thanksgiving in America."

2. View Historic Thanksgiving Proclamations.
On this website you can view a number of famous Thanksgiving Proclamations, including the first national Thanksgiving Proclamation by President George Washington in 1789, the 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln that started the modern Thanksgiving tradition, the 1933 Thanksgiving Proclamation of President Roosevelt that established the day, and other Thanksgiving Proclamations by Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence.

3. Read a Famous Thanksgiving Sermon.
Wallbuilders has just posted the notable sermon preached by the Rev. Thomas Baldwin of Boston in response to President George Washington's 1795 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

4. Read the Most Recent Presidential Proclamation.
President Bush just issued the 2008 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

For those who question whether government can talk about God’s providence and provision for our country, here is the original 1782 Proclamation by the State of New Hampshire:

In case you couldn’t make out the print, below is the text of the 1782 Proclamation:

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.

JOHN HANSON, President.
Charles Thomson, Secretary.

PRINTED AT EXETER.

Proclamation and image courtesy of The Library of Congress.

Your thoughts are important to me, so please let me know what you think about references to “Almighty God” in our historical documents. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis.

A Little Bit of Humor…

If the Pilgrims were alive today,

what would they be most famous for?

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Their age!

How can you make a turkey float?

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You need two scoops of ice cream,

some root beer, and a turkey.

This Capitol Report is a weekly newsletter by Representative Cynthia Davis, from the 19^th District, covering events in the Missouri Legislature and district-wide issues.

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