Letters: Baird misses mark on Rep. Santos’ unethical behavior

Although the issue of U.S. Rep. George Santos’ unethical behavior is now regarded as “old news,” I was both interested and disappointed to learn that Rep. Jim Baird, R-4th District, had voted to retain former congressman Santos. Despite being in the minority, his vote is troublesome, nonetheless.

Congressman Baird issued a statement on his website by explanation:

“Only two other members of Congress have been expelled since the Civil War. In both cases, each member was convicted of a crime. Congressman Santos’ pattern of deception is incredibly concerning, but it is a mistake to remove him before he’s received due process,” said Rep. Baird. “In Congress, transparency and honesty should be a priority. But removing a member of the House before they’ve been afforded due process sets a dangerous precedent for Congress and the country.”

What is alarming in congressman Baird’s statement, along with his subsequent vote to not expel Santos, is his complete lack of understanding between what is unethical and what is illegal. The congressman’s own House Ethics Committee produced a lengthy report, clearly defining and outlining congressman Santos’ behavior, stating, “The ISC and the Committee have now completed their review of the allegations and charges and have amassed overwhelming evidence of his [George Santos’] misconduct.”

Congressman Baird’s reasoning to retain congressman Santos is based on “legal due process.” His reluctance to recognize the difference between unethical and illegal underscores what, to this constituent, is becoming more and more problematic for our country. Unethical behavior is not tolerable in a functioning democracy. Being able to recognize, call out and sanction (even with expulsion) those elected officials who act unethically represents a hallmark of our republic and the function of our democracy. It speaks to our ability, outside the law, to expect more out of our elected (or appointed) officials.

Failing to heed a report from one’s own Ethics Committee or, on an even smaller scale, one’s own belief of what is right and wrong, shows a definite lack of leadership.

Congressman Baird appears to lack this understanding and the ability to represent those Hoosier values of honesty and integrity. This is both troublesome and sad.

—John Patten