By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

There is a story, often told, that upon exiting the Constitutional Convention Benjamin Franklin was approached by a group of citizens asking what sort of government the delegates had created. His answer was: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

Democratic republics are not merely founded upon the consent of the people, they are also absolutely dependent upon the active and informed involvement of the people for their continued good health, according to an article written by Dr. Richard Beeman is professor of history and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania for the National Constitution Center.

The third annual Freedom Rally is scheduled for 5 p.m., Saturday, July 29, at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center located at 11475 Farm to Market Road 1442 in Orange.

An event inspired by Margie Bickerton, of Vidor, as way to bring Christians together and participate in government was held at Conn’s Park in Vidor the first year.

“Last year the event was moved to the Expo Center because it was indoors,” Mark Covey, committee member, said. “The first year was extremely hot.”

A rally for encouraging people of all faiths to learn more about the governing process will host two speakers, Rick Green and Jonathan Saenz.

Rick Green is a former State Representative, national speaker and author. Green has been recognized with the “State Legislature Vanguard Award” for passage of the Teach Freedom Act, House Bill 1776. In addition, he has received Free Market Foundation’s “Leader of Excellence Award” and Eagle Forum’s “Freedom and Family Award”.

Green now travels the nation speaking for David Barton’s WallBuilders organization, dedicated to presenting America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage. Green and Barton co-host the national daily radio program “WallBuilders Live!”

Green is the author and executive producer of “Constitution Alive!,” America’s most engaging and entertaining study of the U.S. Constitution, according to his official website.

Jonathan M. Saenz, Esq., is the President of Texas Values, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving and advancing a culture of family values in the state of Texas. Saenz’s work on these issues spans two decades.

Prior to leading Texas Values (2012), Saenz headed the First Liberty Institute offices at the Texas Capitol in Austin where he served as Director of Legislative Affairs and Attorney for First Liberty Institute (2007-2012). He frequently presents research,  analysis, and testimony before the Texas Legislature, State Board of Education, and other government entities on various issues affecting faith, family, and freedom, according to his official website.

Freedom Rally is about awakening a new era of Christian citizenship and voter participation.

“We are trying to encourage people of faith to participate in the governing process by getting out and vote,” Mark Covey said. “It is about inspiring, motivating and equipping people with the information they need to make a choice.”

The rally is not about telling who one should vote for or how to vote on an issue, but about exercising ones rights to vote.

“We want people to be informed,” Covey said. “I have many blessings because we are in a free country and need to be a good steward when so many do not have that opportunity.”

The theme for this years event is “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be required…” Luke 12:48

“There are so few young people involved today,” Sussanna Covey, 18, said. “They are the ones who will be leading our country. We need to pull them in as part of our responsibility to our nation.”

Many different churches and denominations planning to attend the event.

“Freedom isn’t free,” Bethany Covey, 23, said. “We live in the most free nation in the world. We need people to become involved in the government system. We ARE the people of the government.”

Freedom Rally will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, July 29, at Orange County Convention and Expo Center, 11475 FM 1442 in Orange. Admission is free. For more information, visit, facebook.com/setxfreedomrally