Backs Greitens for governor
No doubt all are well aware that 2016 is an election year. The debates, news, and political ads wouldn’t let us ignore it even if we want to. But we shouldn’t want to.
Opinion polls show that a large majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. I am in that group, and also believe the speed with which we are doing so has been accelerating over the past several years.
So, as irritating as political ads and news can be, we should not totally tune out to the politics of the year. Rather, we should pay attention and get involved in ways other than by just casting a vote on election day.
Involvement can range from becoming informed about the candidates and the issues to providing financial support to, and engaging in work on behalf of, a candidate. These are meaningful ways to exercise our First Amendment rights. It takes effort and may even cost something, but it is our civic duty and too many neglect it. To paraphrase the 18th century political thinker Edmund Burke: Bad things happen when good people do nothing.
Since there has been no lack of information on the candidates for president, I decided to look at the candidates for our next governor of Missouri. I have found the one I am now supporting and would like to introduce you to him: Republican Eric Greitens.
Eric is a conservative outsider, not a career politician. He was raised in Missouri, attended Missouri public schools, earned a scholarship to Duke University, and upon graduation from there became a Rhodes Scholar.
He is also a former Navy SEAL, a veteran of the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and a purple heart recipient. After coming home, he founded The Mission Continues, a Missouri-based, non-profit organization that helps returning veterans get back on their feet and give back to their communities.
Eric also is a best-selling author.
In 2013, Time magazine named Eric one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and in 2014 Fortune magazine named him one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” Admiral Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Eric “one of the most remarkable young men I have ever encountered” and also had this to say about him: “Eric combines the ethos of sacrifice and service with a passion for helping people. He has a clear and inspirational vision of a better future and a keen sense of how to achieve it. He will be leading for a long time to come.”
You can find his position on a variety of issues at this link: http://ericgreitens.com/issues/.
I hope you will give Eric Greitens a serious look as well.
If you think as I do that he is worthy of support, then find a way to contribute to his campaign, financially or otherwise. The country is complaining and justifiably so, but it is time to go beyond that and take responsibility by getting involved in this year’s elections.
I hope you will do so and may the best candidates win.
Joe Cornelison
Maryville
