A Call to Confront Evil and Defend the Innocent

Child “sacrifice” has been a scourge on humanity for almost as long as humans have existed. The latest and most publicized-but not the only current horrific example of this in our world- is the “Epstein Files”. Sacrificing our children has appeared in its despicable forms-ritual slaying, slavery, sexual and physical and mental abuse, trafficking, pornography-across history, cultures, classes, and levels of political influence. And it still does today.

Someone told me decades ago that the reverse spelling of L-I-V-E is E-V-I-L. Since the Garden of Eden we have been confronted with an Enemy who wishes to steal and kill and destroy-to rob us, particularly our children, and to replace life with evil. That enemy takes many forms and is among us and many of our trusted institutions. And as St. Paul-who had to fight these same forces-reminds us: ” For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12).

If we understand what Paul is telling us, our battle is first of all an invisible, spiritual one which is further manifested in the visible world. And no struggle rises above that for our children. We all need to recall that when the disciples rebuked the children from coming to Jesus-when they treated them as unworthy-He had a very harsh rebuke for them instead (Matthew 19:13-14). Our calling is to battle for them.

I write to you not only as your State Senator, but as someone who has spent much of my life in direct service to vulnerable families and children. Having previously served as Commissioner of the State agencies in Tennessee and Alabama responsible for child protection, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating realities of exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. I had to make decisions on removing life supports from horribly abused children, to arrange funerals, and to try to explain how-in spite of our best efforts and commitment-the State is a poor replacement for loving and protective families. I also write to you as a father and a grandfather, roles that deepen both my resolve and my sense of responsibility.

No government has devised a system to prevent such atrocities. But this goes far beyond a complex policy issue. We face an escalating moral emergency that demands increased vigilance, courage, and unwavering commitment from every level of government.

Recent federal proceedings and public discussions surrounding the Epstein files have left many Americans with serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and public trust. And while it is right to do so, let us remember that this man was a pedophile and liar. Regardless of political affiliation, every citizen deserves confidence that justice is pursued fully, evidence is handled with integrity, and no individual, regardless of status or influence, stands above the law.

Transparency is not a political weapon. It is a foundational requirement of a functioning democracy. When public confidence erodes, institutions weaken. When institutions weaken, the vulnerable bear the greatest cost.

For this reason, I join our citizens of District 26 and others calling for the highest standards of openness and accountability and justice in matters involving human trafficking and exploitation, including but not limited to those who may be implicated in the Epstein files. The protection of children must remain beyond politics, beyond power, and beyond privilege.

At the state level, we possess both authority and obligation. While federal investigations fall outside my jurisdiction, our responsibility to safeguard our communities does not. Prevention, victim support, interagency cooperation, and the strengthening of trafficking detection and reporting mechanisms remain critical priorities.

But legislation and enforcement alone are not enough.

Public awareness, community engagement, and citizen input are indispensable. I want to hear directly from you. Your experiences, insights, and concerns help shape effective policy and responsible governance.

If you have perspectives on how state government can better combat trafficking, support survivors, strengthen protections, or improve institutional accountability, I encourage you to share them with my office. Constructive dialogue is essential to meaningful progress.

The safety of children and the defense of human dignity require more than outrage. They require sustained attention, thoughtful action, and collective responsibility.

In this work, silence is not neutrality. Vigilance is not optional.

I remain committed to serving you with integrity, clarity, and determination. Thank you.