No state is an island. No state will survive, let alone thrive, without a winning America.

Missouri’s welfare and America’s are inextricably tied.

To answer the question of what kind of America you want is also to answer what kind of Missouri you want.

If we do not see the connections, we are running the risk of losing focus on what is really at stake.

In what direction is Missouri headed? In what direction is America headed?

At the national level, we are bombarded by what is occurring, beginning with developments in the presidential campaign that include Joe Biden, presenting with signs of decline that comes with aging, choosing not to seek re-election, while Donald Trump is staying the course.

Whether you feel energized or disillusioned, even fearful, by these historic and unchartered political processes we find ourselves in, the most detrimental thing that could happen is losing sight of what outcomes will be in the best interest of Missouri and America.

With less than 100 days remaining, we suddenly find ourselves in a very different presidential campaign on so many historic fronts. Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump.

If you are unaware of the positions and proposed policies of both of these candidates, there is no excuse. You can no longer afford not to research their histories and find out who they are and what they are about. You can begin here: Harris vs. Trump.

In the coming weeks, we will have many opportunities to witness the words and actions of both candidates as they vie for the most important elected office in this country, if not indeed the world.

The real question is: Are we, the people, clear about what is at stake — the prize — which is selecting who is most qualified to govern and achieve what will be in the best interest of America’s future, and by definition in the best interest of Missouri’s future.

In recent years, what has our nation devolved into?

What has become of our state?

Both questions demand a hard look from each of us, and we must honestly answer whether we like what we see.

We have either participated in or watched our nation become more tolerant of extreme views and practices that are undermining and destroying those things that we prided ourselves in — those things that make us be that light, that beacon, on the hill that inspire us to achieve the best in humanity: equal opportunity, equal rights, respect for the rule of law, democratic principles, and decency.

Have we lost, are we losing or willing to forfeit those admirable and honorable things that define us individually and collectively as a nation amid all the negativity in our public discourse?

What about we as Missourians?

Missouri, located in the heart of America and proudly wearing the banner as the Show-Me-State, is and has been a pro-Republican state. Its policy focus has been aligned and reflect the extreme national views espoused by the current Republican Party when it comes to women’s reproductive health, immigration, voting rights, gun safety measures and many others.

As you can see, Missouri elected officials and the legislature have fallen in line with the national Republican agenda on these same issues.

America and Missouri have a representative democracy — we elect people to go to the seat of government to represent our interest and well-being. Can you unequivocally say that your representatives at both the state and national level are fighting for those things that are in the best interest of your family, community and state?

Missouri will have its primary election on August 6, the results of which will determine candidates that will ultimately hold the respective offices.

As we pull the lever for a candidate for national or state offices, we must ask ourselves: Are they committed to pursuing and promoting what is in the best interest of the citizens they represent when it comes to supporting national and state policies and laws?

We not only owe that serious consideration to ourselves, our families but to our fellow citizens and the future of our state and nation.

What are the overriding priorities guiding your attentiveness, active or passive support, and ultimately your vote for the candidates in upcoming elections?

Election results have major consequences, which can change the course of Missouri  and this nation for many years to come.

Are you clear about what prize is at stake? Are you clear about how critical your actions are in determining whether we as a state and nation can win or lose it?

Amid all of the campaign noise — factual and slanted reporting, voices of zealots, extremists and voices of reason — selecting a positive course for the state and the nation is really up to us, taking the time to cut through it all.

In your mind, what is most at risk, what is up for grabs in the upcoming state and national elections?

We must be clear about what we want for our state and nation, and who best embodies that vision and will lead us there.

Future generations and history will judge our choices during these historic and defining times.

Hopefully, we will have met the moment, and they will adjudge our choices as being priceless.