There's a Right Way To Do Things And The Matt Blunt Way To Do Things

What does New York have in common with Missouri?  Many would say that there isn't much, but in a story today in the NY Times, it is apparent that both have Governors' offices that have abused the State's Police Offices for political gain.  However, that's where the similarities end, because all we have to do is look to how the New York Governor handles these revelations and how Matt Blunt does.

Its no secret that Matt Blunt abuses his authority with the Highway Patrol.  Last week the KC Star had an amazingly detailed story of how the Governor and his cronies forced the Highway Patrol to enter the world of partisan politics and attack Jay Nixon.  This misuse came as no surprise to anyone who has followed Blunt's tactics over the past three years.  All you have to do is look back to the abhorrent Fred Ferrell situation earlier this year where Matt Blunt  illegally used the Highway Patrol in their investigations of the matter.  All throughout these stories, one thing has remained constant; Blunt has never admitted any wrongdoing nor tried to correct course (obviously).

Now lets take a look at what has happened in New York.  During an investigation into whether or not the Senate GOP leader was illegally using state helicopters for political use, it became apparent that some moron in the NY Governor's office acted improperly. From the report:

The Governor’s Office planned to obtain information concerning Senator Bruno’s use of state aircraft for the purpose of giving this information to the media. Under the pretext of responding to a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, the Governor’s liaison caused the Acting Superintendent of the State Police to (1) create documents detailing where the State Police had driven Senator Bruno, and (2) report details of Senator Bruno’s requests for ground transportation, upcoming schedules, and changes to those schedules. This conduct deviated from State Police standard operating procedures and past practices, and was not required by FOIL.

The report then went on to not that while this activity was not illegal:

The Governor’s Office should set the standard for diligence in avoiding political interference with State Police business. The Superintendent of the State Police must conduct the business of the State Police in a wholly apolitical manner and must avoid even the appearance of partisan activities within the State Police.

Then, as any good investigation does (and they do, even if the Governor's office doesn't want to admit it), they found out who in the Governor's office acted inappropriately. and made some recommendations.

The Acting Superintendent of the State Police, the Governor’s liaison, and the Governor’s Communications Director should be evaluated in light of the findings contained in this Report and appropriate disciplinary action should be considered.

Now, this is all not too far off what our own Matt Blunt has done.  He has illegally used the Highway Patrol before, and now he has acted extremely inappropriately in forcing them to take one of his political fights.  What does Matt Blunt do in this situation. He sends out Crazy Eddie Martin to say that:

“Did we encourage them? Sure, but I don’t think we stepped over any bounds.”

Hello?? It doesn't matter if you think it is right or wrong (though it is clearly wrong). What matters is how you handle yourself.  Gov. Elliot Spitzer said it perfectly after the report came out criticizing his administration:

Although the report makes clear that no violations of law occurred, it also makes clear that even those who might begin with the best of motives – such as the desire to provide the public with information about the alleged misuse of government property – should avoid even an appearance that steps are being taken for inappropriate purposes, particularly where a law enforcement entity such as the State Police is involved. The steps I am taking today are designed to assure that the standard for integrity and excellence that I have demanded will always be met.

What are those steps?  He got rid of the people that abused their authority.

It is incredibly important that our elected leaders act with the utmost respect for not only the implications of a law, but their intentions as well.  The Highway Patrol is there to ensure everyone is safe and that all investigations are conducted in a fair manner.  They are not the Governor's attack dogs or mercenaries.   While I am ashamed that this type of action is more common than just in MO, I am comforted that other Governors do not believe that it is ok.  Everyone makes mistakes, but it is what happens afterwards that tells the character of a man.   I applaud those who correct their mistakes and make a transparent government possible.  Its just a shame that Matt Blunt is not one of those people.