Cord Byrd: “the foundation of democracy lies in a government that reflects the voice of its citizens. The Constitution, the beloved…”

“the foundation of democracy lies in a government that reflects the voice of its citizens. The Constitution, the beloved document that chartered our system of government, makes this clear. ``We the people'', are the very first words of our Constitution: ``We the people.'' This is no mistake, for our Founders sought to create a government that would reflect the will of those who send us here. Voting is the underpinning of our democratic process. In an address to Congress, President Lyndon B. Johnson said that, ``In a free land where men move freely and act freely, the right to vote freely must never be obstructed.'' With the act of casting one's ballot, each citizen has ensured a place in the democratic process, fulfilling the civic responsibility that each and every one of us must safeguard and cherish. All citizens deserve this right, and all should utilize it. Like so many worthwhile initiatives, safeguarding the freedoms of democracy can sometimes exact a heavy toll. Wars have been fought on our own soil to ensure these freedoms, and our country's history has been blemished with the events of a less enlightened time. But even through strife and toil, our democracy emerged intact, our Republic strengthened by the sacrifices made by the citizens who fought for equality and the right to vote. I met yesterday with Mr. James Tolbert, President of the West Virginia NAACP, and other members of the West Virginia NAACP delegation. They were here in Washington D.C.…”