6 I OPINION I January <strong>23</strong>, 20<strong>19</strong> WEST NEWSMAGAZINE No fee to join. No commitment required. $450+ in discounts and services! * Everyone is welcome at the J. *Some restrictions apply. Offer ends January 31, 20<strong>19</strong> Creve Coeur & Chesterfield 314.432.5700 Join Today! Best deal of the year! jccstl.org OPEN HOUSE EARLY LEARNING CENTER, ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL Visit and see what makes our school community exceptional! Jan 27 OPEN HOUSE 11A-1P FEB 6, 7 KINDERGARTEN OBSERVATION Jan 28 REGISTRATION BEGINS FEB 11-13 KINDERGARTEN SCREENING CALL (636) 394-6840 TO SCHEDULE KINDERGARTEN OBSERVATION + SCREENING EDITORIAL The state we’re in Mike Parson gave a speech last week. In case you had forgotten, Mike Parson is the governor of the great state of Missouri. We mention this because, since he took over the office from ousted Eric Greitens, Gov. Parson has been remarkably astute at avoiding any and all media attention. That is not a criticism. That is exactly what he should have done. The speech Parson gave was his first State of the State. He could have used this speech to step out of the shadows, to reintroduce himself to Missourians. He could have used the speech to lay out a clear vision of his own political and policy agenda. He could have, but he did not. Instead, Parson gave a speech that steered clear of controversial topics. He did not mention Clean Missouri or minimum wages or medical marijuana. Instead, he talked infrastructure. An important topic, but not one that causes television news directors to break in with special reports. ON THE LIGHTER SIDE PETA will hate this editorial Let us start by saying this: Here at <strong>West</strong> <strong>Newsmagazine</strong>, we love animals. Absolutely adore them, really. Animals of all shapes and sizes are our friends, and we would do anything to protect them and help them live long and fulfilling lives. Young animals are particularly adorable. Puppies, kittens and ponies, oh my. A few issues ago, we wrote an entire story that featured super cute mini-horses. There is, however, one notable exception. IN QUOTES “It is not a security issue, that’s politics and you know it.” – House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, responding to Nancy Pelosi’s call to delay the President’s State of the Union address. @WESTNEWSMAG WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM Parson said that we need to borrow some money to fix bridges. True. He said we need to prepare a “21st century workforce.” Also true. Both of those items are worthy, but they are worthy as filler for a broader vision – they are not the vision itself. Following the tumultuous Eric Greitens governorship, Missouri needed some quiet dignity. Mike Parson was just the man for that job. Enough time has passed now, however, that he needs to transition from diplomat to leader. There are sweeping changes happening in Missouri right now. Some we mentioned earlier, others include Medicaid expansion, sports gambling and education funding. Things are happening whether Parson likes it or not. In these times, we no longer need idleness from the CEO of our state. We need leadership. Parson could have used his State of the State address to signal that he is the leader we need. He could have, but he did not. Someone out there desperately needs to catch that godforsaken “Baby Shark” and deliver it to Syberg’s restaurant, where it will be served with a delicious garlic butter. We have had enough. We cannot abide the “Baby Shark” any longer. “G-aaa-rlic butter, doo doo do doo doo.” Editor’s note: If you don’t know what we are talking about, go ahead and Google “Baby Shark,” but don’t say we didn’t warn you. “Just seeing all the people stopping and helping others really was touching – actually, amazing.” – Amanda Rossini, referring to the residents who came to the aid of those stranded in the Jan. 11 storm. FOLLOW US ON CPOPSCHOOL.COM . 417 WEIDMAN ROAD . MANCHESTER, MO 63011