Hoekstra: Weiner, Other Scandals Ruin Public's Trust

The scandals that have enveloped members of Congress and executives in the private sector recently are eroding Americans’ faith in its leaders, says former Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich. The latest example, of course, is the Internet scandal involving Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y.

Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra: "The public is deeply skeptical of what is rapidly becoming a disconnected ruling class." (Getty Images Photo)

“Whether it is in Congress or in the private sector, Americans are becoming disillusioned by its leaders,” the Republican eminence grise writes on Politico.

“Leadership used to mean something positive in America. The ideal leaders were servant leaders who understood the responsibilities that came with leading and served those whom they were honored to lead.”

But what’s the reality now?

“Ethical failures in Congress while getting nothing done, and unjustified executive salaries in the private sector while real Americans are hurting are just a couple of examples of why we have an environment where the public is deeply skeptical of what is rapidly becoming a disconnected ruling class,” Hoekstra writes.