These days, it is easy to lack faith in our political leaders. The glimpses we get into the world of Jefferson City are so disheartening. There seems to be a real lack of moral and practical leadership. Even for the many students on our campus who are too busy with classes, family and work to pay constant attention to Missouri’s political scene, the headlines that do break through make us embarrassed and disillusioned. They tell a story of corruption and self-interest, not of servant leadership.
There’s no quick fix for the problems that are facing our state. However, I am convinced that we have an opportunity to take a leap in the right direction. In 2016, Missouri will elect a new governor. A lot of the usual suspects will be on the ballot, with one important exception. Eric Greitens is a candidate for governor that has the potential to be a truly transformative figure in Missouri politics and the Republican Party.
A lot of you may already be familiar with Eric. You may have studied one of his best-selling books in school, or just picked it up on your own. You may have heard him speak at Missouri Boy’s State, a leadership seminar put on by The American Legion. You may have read about him in Fortune’s 50 Greatest World Leaders issue or seen him on TV with Jon Stewart or Tom Brokaw.
You may not have seen him in Afghanistan and Iraq, serving his country and keeping you safe as a Navy SEAL. You could be forgiven for missing him while he was in Rwanda and Bosnia helping refugees displaced by conflicts. I know there’s no way I would have run across him at Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes scholar. And I would have hated to meet him in the ring, as Eric is also a boxing champion with a black belt in Taekwondo.
After returning from his time as a Navy Seal, there’s no doubt he could have gotten any job he wanted. Instead, Eric donated his combat pay and started a non-profit called The Mission Continues. The Mission Continues helps injured veterans get back on their feet and out of the grips of bureaucracy that has been unable to help them in a meaningful way.
That’s servant leadership. Eric has a story that can’t be compared in politics, because his is a story of self-sacrifice not self-interest. I’m eager to see what this great man can do for Missouri, and I hope you feel the same way.
I’m supporting Eric Greitens because I’m sick and tired of being embarrassed for our state leadership. I’m supporting Eric Greitens because he is a conservative outsider who has demonstrated courage and leadership over and over again. I believe that Eric is the only candidate with the spine and moral center strong enough to take on the special interests that dominate Jefferson City and win.
You have an opportunity to learn more about Eric’s story and his vision for our state on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. Eric will be at Memorial Union on that day to meet MU students, tell you why he’s running, and earn your support. If you are disillusioned with politics in Missouri, please register for this event. If you have never really cared about politics, please register for this event.
If the same entrenched group is allowed to lead our state, we’ll be getting the same ineffective leadership we deserve. Take one hour out of your Thursday to meet a great man and the next governor of Missouri. Visit www.greitensformissouri.com/tour to get more information and register for the event. I’ll see you there.
