Vice chairwoman of Missouri Republican Party ignores established codes of social conduct, writes on top of Thomas Hart Benton painting in Capitol Building

The work of Thomas Hart Benton, the most famous artist in Missouri history, is well-represented in the halls of the Statehouse in Jefferson City. Though it is a Statehouse, and not an art museum, it is nevertheless presumed that visitors will abide by similar etiquette — that is, to not touch Benton’s historically significant and arguably priceless murals and paintings. 

On Friday, Dave Marner, the editor of the Gasconade County Republican, was in Jefferson City to cover the veto session. He took the photo at right of two people apparently exchanging phone numbers and using one of Benton’s murals as a backboard to write on. Then he put it on Facebook for all to see. Who are these hillbillies, and how did they get to middle age without being taught that this is inappropriate behavior? 

It turns out that one of them is the vice chairwoman of the Missouri Republican Party: Valinda Freed. 

What? Steve Kraske of the Star tracked Freed down on Sunday and got the following statement from her: 

“I offer my sincere apology for my completely unplanned and thoughtless act. The Thomas Hart Benton mural, and all the magnificent artwork in the Capitol, are state and national treasures.”

There is no word yet on who the guy on the right is. He is probably shitting his pants right now, and good! He should be! Not one but two people thought this was an OK thing to do? One slip of your finger and you Bic up a Thomas Hart Benton. Cup your hand! Find a flat surface in another room! There are actually many places to write that do not endanger fine art. 

With careless actions like this, how can Freed ever hope to ascend to the proud role of Missouri GOP chair?