New Laws Will Protect Families Better
 St. Louis Post Dispatch Commentary

Domestic violence invades a home and destroys a family in America all too often. It is referred to as the silent crime because of the untold women and children who suffer in secret.

Each year, women are victims of more than 4.5 million violent crimes, 29 percent of which are perpetrated by intimate partners such as husbands, ex-husbands, boyfriends and former boyfriends. It is time for Missouri to move into the 21st century to combat the epidemic of domestic violence in our society.

As a representative with an "A" rating from the NRA, I am an ardent supporter of the 2nd Amendment. At the same time, we must recognize the urgent need for a rational approach to the dangers presented by firearms in domestic violence situations.

A constituent of mine from St. Charles County told me her personal story of domestic violence...

Click here for KMOV television news story featuring Rep. Parker's constituent.

 

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 Representative Parker Supports "Soldiers' Angels" Foundation
 Writes to soldier stationed in Iraq

Rep. Parker with Jim Mueller, VFW Commander- in-Chief.

The Soldiers' Angels was started by a self- described "ordinary mother" of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family. Soldiers' Angels currently supports thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our Country's Flag and the number is growing daily.

In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two.

Within a few short months, The Soldiers' Angels Foundation went from a mother writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of angels worldwide and growing stronger with the addition of new members daily. With more and more merchants donating services, money and items for packages, the Angels reorganized as a 501 c 3 non- profit so all donations would be tax deductible.

I ask that regardless of how you feel about the war in Iraq, we must not forgot our brave soldiers who are far from home and their families. If you can, join me in supporting this worthwhile cause by "adopting" a soldier today.

 

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 Rep. Parker Receives Award From Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center
 

Rep. Parker with fellow award winners Rep. Vicki Schneider and former Sen. Jon Dolan

Representative Parker, along with 11 current and former legislators from Missouri and Illinois, were recently presented with awards from Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center in St. Louis. The legislators were singled out for their efforts on behalf of children’s health care issues. Rep. Parker was honored for his efforts in enacting a new state law that broadens the number of medical tests required for newborns, in order to detect potential health problems. "As the father of a healthy and rambunctious 4 year old daughter, I believe that every newborn should start life with a clean bill of health. This legislation will help make sure this is a possibility for all of our children."

 

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 Watershed Moment In History
 By Sherman Parker

I believe this is a watershed moment in our nation’s electoral history. President Bush has had more African Americans in his cabinet and in high positions in his administration than any president in history.

The President’s inclusion has helped raise the national profiles and has spawned the candidacies of talented African American leaders such as: Michael Steele of Maryland, Ken Blackwell of Ohio, Keith Butler of Michigan, and Lynn Swann of Pennsylvania. These distinguished leaders are seeking offices ranging from senator to governor. I strongly believe that we must take advantage of this historic opportunity by nationalizing these local elections by financially supporting credible, African American candidates wherever they may be running.

Many do not actively support political campaigns financially due to the mistaken belief that they must contribute hundreds or even thousands of dollars to make a difference. The 2004 presidential campaign of Howard Dean proved that this was not the case. Chairman Dean demonstrated that funds raised from many contributors in small amounts can truly make a difference. In fact, Howard Dean’s presidential campaign set fundraising records with an average donation of $75.00! Of course, no donation is too large, but $100, $50, or even $25 can and will make a difference in my campaign. Will you help me change the tone in Washington D.C. by donating $100, $50, or $25 to my campaign today?

Sherman Thompson Parker is a Republican in his second term representing parts of St. Charles County in the Missouri House of Representatives.

 

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