Missourians don’t need the distraction of Greitens
There are times in in a person’s life when the honorable thing to do is to put aside your personal ambition and direct your attention to your family. Gov. Eric Greitens is in a position to do that now, but he hasn’t. Regardless of his opinion that others are trying to dismantle his noble agenda for Missouri, there are too many indicators that he was imprudent and reckless with his status and position. People were hurt, and he has yet to take any responsibility for that. Rather, he engages in victim blaming and accusations of political attack, and his family is put in the untenable position of trying to defend him.
In the meantime, the legislative body grapples with developing major pieces of legislation that threaten workers’ rights, hamper citizens’ ability to access Missouri’s court system, and interfere with the free market with special tax cuts to big businesses. Do we really want to trust these decisions to someone so blinded by his ambition that he fails to recognize the consequences his actions have on the people who are closest to him?
As the 2018 session continues, we can probably expect more maneuvering to advance ambition over public welfare. Many lawmakers are calling for impeachment proceedings. Impeachment is not a process to be taken lightly, nor one that should be pursued with political motive or for partisan gain. If we proceed with it, we should demand that the leadership act swiftly and decisively so that we can restore integrity to the executive branch and get back to the business of determining the most efficient and equitable use of the revenue we receive from hardworking families in Missouri.
“Ambition is a good servant, but a bad master,” goes the wise old saying. Being able to decipher the difference is a critical skill of a leader. I am disheartened that Greitens has not heeded the calls for his resignation. In the coming days and weeks, every member of the House of Representatives will need to study the evidence and let their consciences determine whether they believe impeachment is appropriate. I would rather be working on issues that directly impact all Missourians’ quality of life.
Ingrid Burnett represents Missouri’s District 19 in the state House of Representatives.
This story was originally published April 12, 2018 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Missourians don’t need the distraction of Greitens."