Editorials

By Phill Brooks
    I had expected limited production from Missouri's 2020 annual session because of the several weeks lost from the extended spring break to avoid COVID-19 exposure. Indeed, the General Assembly passed just 48 measures—far fewer than in at least one-third of a century.

Submitted by The American Legion National Headquarters
    Every crisis has new heroes. During the 9/11 attacks, they were the first responders running into burning and crumbling buildings as others ran out.  Now, during the Coronavirus pandemic, the most visible heroes are the health care professionals, who are saving others and risking their own lives while doing so.

By Harold Selby
    Despite concerns over a Coronavirus-induced recession, the Show-Me state has plenty to look forward to. Thanks to the diligent work of 39 communities, local leaders, and our Public Service Commission, rural Missouri is set to see unparalleled economic opportunity.

    With key state and federal elections looming in November, one would think our elected officials might want to take steps to make sure their economic reopening plans are not derailed by a second wave of coronavirus outbreaks returning us to lockdown status. Wearing masks in public would do much to reduce the odds of that happening.

    The 2018 election was a strange one in Missouri. Voters overwhelmingly supported conservative candidates and liberal causes. Among those liberal causes was Clean Missouri—a constitutional amendment seeking to guarantee fair districting, campaign finance reform, and lobbying—which was approved by 62 percent of voters.

By Heidi B. Miller, M.D.

As a primary care doctor, I cringe when I am paged on-call at 2 a.m. by a patient with chest pain who won’t go to the emergency department because of lack of insurance.