Kids get hurt as Eric Schmitt takes the culture wars to Missouri’s public schools
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s recent actions calling for the video recording and bullying of children wearing masks, and his erroneous letter sent to the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District threatening litigation, represents the fecklessness of a desperate partisan who is willing to sacrifice the health of our most vulnerable children for his Hail Mary attempt to win Roy Blunt’s vacated U.S. Senate seat next year. In a word: disgusting.
When I retired from the Marine Corps last year after 20 years of proud service, I chose to continue my career of public service by running for Lee’s Summit Board of Education. As vice president of the board, I’ve discovered my present duties are not so different from my military service. Both require a fierce determination to protect democracy from those who wish to destroy it. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a convenient pretense for Schmitt, and others, to wage an all-out assault on American institutions. From the despicable insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in January to the threats of physical violence against school board members in multiple states, the politics of ignorance and fear are in full swing. This dangerous brand of politics continues being perpetuated by elected officials who lack common sense, decency and integrity.
The irresponsible and self-serving actions by Schmitt, and those like him who would endanger children and the health of an entire state for personal political gain, highlight the critical nature of every election and the urgent demand for principled leadership. For the past two years, I have consistently voted to protect our children from becoming the next health casualty in the opposition’s partisan war to dismantle public education. I have followed the recommendations of leading health professionals and public health agencies, despite continued threats of physical violence.
One of the hallmarks of Marine Corps service is the arduous process to ingrain Marines with what we call a “fighting spirit.” This is what supplies the inner strength needed to push through fear and achieve a greater purpose. I take these lessons with me as I continue fighting for every child, every teacher and every district staff member who has served the past two years on the front lines during the global health emergency. I know they believe, as I do, that every child deserves a safe environment to learn in and an equitable education, no matter where they come from, no matter their unique barriers.
This is why those who believe in the power of public education show up every day for our kids despite the best efforts from powerful opposition in Jefferson City. My greater purpose will continue to be working together with others of goodwill to solve problems, fighting to give voice to the unheard and disadvantaged, and providing bold leadership that often requires a willingness to embrace criticism for speaking the truth.
Eric Schmitt has proven he is not the leader Missouri needs, not in the state attorney general’s office and not in the United States Senate. We must demand leaders who will make decisions based on science, research and reliable data. Leaders who will step forward with courage, honor and integrity, not just in moments of consensus, but also when decisions are difficult, when opinions are split, and when the needs of the many ought to outweigh personal allegiances, political maneuvering and rewards of partisanship.