I Think He Gets the Point of Lawmaking

 

February 8, 2026

 

Kudos to Rep. Scott Cupp of the Missouri legislature, who said, “We should not be using the rationale of ‘We need the money’ in what guides us in drafting what’s best for the citizens of Missouri. If you are pursuing something for monetary gain, it really compromises your ability to make the decisions you would normally say would be best for the citizens of the state.”

 

If lawmakers would use that principle, and would also not use the rationale of “What’s in it for me?” when making decisions, I think the whole country would be in better shape.

 

 

This Quotation Says It All

 

January 1, 2026

 

The Missouri legislature is discussing raising the top speed limit in Missouri to 75. The spokeswoman for MoDOT warned that a higher speed limit could lead to more traffic fatalities. And with the longer braking distance needed at high speeds, more collisions would invariably occur. 

 

But what do the safety experts know?

 

Jamie Burger, one bill’s sponsor, replied, “I think they have to say that,” adding, “I think it’s [the higher speed limit] something Missourians want.”

 

And that, ladies and gentlemen, says a lot about how Missouri laws are made. Don’t listen to common sense, or even the experts; do what you want, and drag the citizens of the state down with you.

 

 

 

There's No Good Time to Vote Your Conscience in the Missouri Legislature

 

September 18, 2025

 

If you’re going to vote your conscience in the Missouri Legislature, check your expiration date first.

 

The state’s most experienced budget writer (a Republican) voted against redrawing the state’s maps to favor the GOP. Twenty minutes after the vote, the senate president (a Republican) removed him as chair of the Appropriations Committee.

 

Was it retribution? Of course not. Senate President O’Laughlin said that since Sen. Lincoln Hough was leaving office after 2026, she wanted a succession plan in place.

 

So, she has over a year to train a replacement, who might then have a clue as to how to do the job; but instead, she’s muscling in someone immediately.

 

Sorry, Sen. Hough; it’s just bad timing.

 

 

Umm—What About the Guns?

 

March 26, 2025

 

Background: Missouri has horribly lax gun laws, and is working to eliminate the laws they still have.

 

Today’s issue: Some lawmakers want to require schools to post the Ten Commandments in school.

 

Sen. Jamie Burger supports the law because he thinks that the increase in school shootings is a result of the absence of prayer in schools.

 

Sometimes legislators just make it too easy to take—you should excuse the expression—potshots at them.