Friday, 7.3.15 ON THE WEB: www.yankton.net views VIEWS PAGE: [email protected] PAGE 4A Press&Dakotan The Press Dakotan

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CONTACT US OPINION OTHER VIEWS PHONE: (605) 665-7811 (800) 743-2968 NEWS FAX: Fuel Efficiency: (605) 665-1721 ADVERTISING FAX: (605) 665-0288 WEBSITE: A Helpful Reboot www.yankton.net ––––– THE KANSAS CITY STAR (June 29): When you set big goals, SUBSCRIPTIONS/ sometimes you set yourself up for big failure. President Barack CIRCULATION Obama’s lofty plans to put more fuel-efficient vehicles on the roads Extension 104 crashed headlong into the realities of the marketplace. Even so, [email protected] there is value in striving to attain a noble end, especially a difficult CLASSIFIED ADS one. Extension 108 In 2011, the president shared his vision of a future in which the [email protected] nation’s cars emitted far less greenhouse gases. “I’m directing our NEWS DEPT. departments and our agencies to make sure 100 percent of the ve- Extension 114 hicles they buy are fuel-efficient or clean-energy cars and trucks by [email protected] 2015. Not 50 percent, not 75 percent — of our vehicles,” he said. SPORTS DEPT. Obama also wanted 1 million electric cars on the road by now. Extension 106 We all let the president down on that latter target. Car buyers [email protected] purchased about 287,000 plug-in vehicles in the past few years, far ADVERTISING DEPT. short Obama’s goal. Americans’ appetite for electric cars is not so Extension 122 great when gas prices settle down. Nor are they willing to be teth- [email protected] ered by limited range and performance of today’s battery-powered BUSINESS OFFICE cars. There’s always a Tesla, but few people can afford such luxury. Freedom Is Hard Extension 119 Many state governments have not exactly joined the green wave, [email protected] either. Look at Missouri. The state fleet has 10,014 vehicles. Only BY KELLY HERTZ the moment, but get there we must. NEW MEDIA: 13 — about one-tenth of 1 percent — are hybrid or electric. Indeed, [email protected] The flag issue is still waving and, as I wrote Extension 136 the most recent state fleet report does not even include the words last week, I think the Confederate flag’s only [email protected] “electric” or “hybrid.” Happy belated Second of July (if you’re a practical purpose anymore is to serve as a les- COMPOSING DEPT. A legislature that focuses on short-budget savings misses the fan of our second president, , who son about a brutal past. It has no place as an Extension 129 bigger long-term ones. State workers in Missouri drive more than thought THAT date would be long celebrated official emblem in modern American society. [email protected] 150 million miles on state business every year. Increasing average as the day this nation declared its independ- (There is now the obligatory urge to go too far fleet fuel efficiency by just one mile per gallon would save hundreds ence from England) or an early happy Fourth with this. Just this week, the TV-Land channel * * * of thousands of dollars per year. of July (that’s for the rest of us). This is the pulled reruns of “The Dukes of Hazard” be- MANAGERS Yet if Americans could not reach Obama’s high targets, neither time when our love of freedom joyeously ex- cause the car used in the show has a Confed- Gary L. Wood could his executive branch. Since he took office, only 7 percent of plodes around us and above us. erate Stars and Bars on it. That’s just Publisher the new vehicles the federal government purchased were electric or But this year’s holiday arrives silly — referring here to TV-Land’s hybrid. at a complicated moment when the decision, not just to the show itself.) Michele Schievelbein concept of freedom isn’t an answer However, there are others who Advertising Director With the 2015 deadline a bust, Obama issued a new executive order earlier this year. but, instead, a difficult question. Last see the Confederate flag as a celebra- Jim Gevens By 2025, he wants to reduce the per-mile greenhouse gas emis- week’s Supreme Court decision on tion of personal and familial pride Circulation Director sions of the federal fleet by 30 percent from 2014 levels. He also same-sex marriage and the debate and are vowing to defend that sym- over the Confederate flag are two bol, no matter how much pain and Tonya Schild wants 50 percent of the new cars the federal government buys to be zero-emission or plug-in hybrids. current debates that show us conclu- humiliation it represents to others. (I Business Manager sively that freedom is hard. was thinking, as a reverse example, Those goals might be more attainable, but Obama’s opportunity The court’s ruling on same-sex that insisting on flying the flag in the Tera Schmidt for success has closed on this particular issue. His executive order Classified Manager marriage, for instance, has set off an Kelly South might be akin to renaming the is only as good as the next president’s willingness to abide by it. emotional earthquake. main thoroughfare through Atlanta Kelly Hertz Still, setting the loftiest of goals and striving to reach them can Those who oppose the ruling on HERTZ the William Sherman Free- Editor lead to progress even if the end remains elusive. Fuel efficiency religious grounds are now facing a se- way in honor of the Union general James D. Cimburek nationwide is trending upward, and technology is improving the rious legal headwind. The expansion who plundered that city during the Sports Editor quality and reducing the cost of fuel-efficient vehicles. of same-sex rights comes into conflict with Civil War. But that’s not even close to being an No, America did not buy as many fuel-efficient vehicles as some religious principles, creating potential apt comparison.) Beth Rye Obama wanted, but ambitious goals are necessary in the face of Digital Media Director cultural flashpoints. Alabama Supreme Court But once again, the battle cry of freedom finite fossil fuel resources and climate change. The American spirit Justice Roy Moore, an outspoken critic of gay does not speak clearly. If, for instance, a per- Kathy Larson is to tackle the greatest challenges head on, not to sit complacently marriage, predicts that “Christians will be son’s right to burn a flag is protected by the Composing Manager while things fall apart. persecuted” for their beliefs. Meanwhile, some First Amendment, could flying a Confederate Sarah Lynde lawmakers are already crafting legislation that flag fall under the same mechanism of expres- Circulation District Manager will, they say, “respect the rights” of organiza- sion? Also, my dislike of the flag is tied to tions that have religious convictions opposing personal sentiments, but that’s not a quantifi- * * * same-sex relationships. They cite the First able basis for outlawing that thing. However, DAILY STAFF ONLINE OPINION Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom “that thing” is an artifact of an ugly mentality Reilly Biel The results of the most recent Internet poll on the Press & Dakotan’s Web site are to buttress their case, which is quite fair. — more loathsome than anything America’s Cassandra Brockmoller as follows: However, didn’t same-sex couples face a history has ever produced. It’s something many people warred and died over, and that can’t be Brandi Bue LATEST RESULTS: form of persecution before last week’s deci- Rob Buckingham dismissed either. Do you agree with the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalizes same-sex sion? In some states, like South Dakota and Caryn Chappelear Nebraska, they were forbidden from marrying Quite often, freedom is not a plain proposi- Randy Dockendorf marriages nationwide? tion when more than one person enters the Jeannine Economy No...... 58% because they didn’t conform to the Christian Rachel Frederick Ye s ...... 38% standard of “traditional marriage.” Don’t they picture. Thus, on this Independence Day, it Jeremy Hoeck Not sure...... 4% also have a First Amendment right of freedom makes me wonder sometimes how our coun- Nicole Myers TOTAL VOTES CAST ...... 426 FROM the religious dictates of others? (That’s try ever made it this far without collapsing in Robert Nielsen The Press & Dakotan Internet poll is not a scientific survey and reflects the opinions a writhing heap of conflicting intentions. only of those who choose to participate. The results should not be construed as an ac- actually another reason for the First Amend- Diana Smallwood ment’s existance.) But it also makes me marvel that it has. David Stephenson curate representation or scientific measurement of public opinion. The republic has endured anyway, which is a Cathy Sudbeck ——— As far as seeking laws that protect religious groups amid this new reality, it could also be great hope for the road ahead. These are not JoAnn Wiebelhaus CURRENT QUESTION: Brenda Willcuts fair to say that these groups want laws that, the first tough questions about freedom we Alissa Woockman Do you think South Dakota lawmakers may repeal the death penalty during the in effect, respect their right not to respect the have faced; they won’t be the last. As long as 2016 legislative session? right of others. That’s a knotty little paradox. we search for the answers together, America To cast your vote in the PRESS & DAKOTAN’S Internet poll, log on to our website will stay standing. And that may be the real * * * at www.yankton.net. Eventually, an accommodation must be found in order for all this to work, and that answer to the confounding riddles of the free- Published Daily dom we are celebrating. Monday-Saturday would’ve been true even if the Supreme Court IN HISTORY had upheld the same-sex marriage bans. How Periodicals postage we get there seems almost unimaginable at Follow @kelly_hertz on Twitter. paid at Yankton, South By The Associated Press ing Andy Roddick 6-2, 7-6 (2), 6-4. Today is Friday, July 3, the 184th day Five years ago: President Barack Dakota, under the act of of 2015. There are 181 days left in the Obama announced the awarding of March 3, 1979. year. nearly $2 billion for new solar plants that LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Weekly Dakotian Today’s Highlight in History: On he said would create thousands of jobs. established June 6, 1861. July 3, 1863, the three-day Civil War Bat- Vice President Joe Biden returned to Iraq and you could give every household an extra tle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania ended to coax its government into picking a new Grocery Numbers Yankton Daily Press and in a major victory for the North as Confed- prime minister. Mohammed Oudeh, 73, thousand dollars per year by just brining in Dakotian established April erate troops failed to breach Union posi- the key planner of the 1972 Munich Olym- Randy Gleich, Yankton another grocery store — from the savings in 26, 1875. tions during an assault known as Pickett’s pics attack that killed 11 Israeli athletes, Here is some food for thought: Yankton food overall food costs. I think you would win Postmaster: Send Charge. died in Damascus. Serena Williams won needs another grocery store. by a landslide. address changes to Yankton On this date: In 1608, the city of her fourth Wimbledon title and 13th Grand Quebec was founded by Samuel de Slam championship by sweeping Vera According to average city data, based on The simple fact is, the savings in food cost, Daily Press & Dakotan, Champlain. Zvonareva in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the Yankton’s population we should have 2.8 gro- most likely would be again re-spent in Yank- 319 Walnut, Yankton, SD In 1775, Gen. women’s final. cery stores. So let’s say three. 57078. took command of the Continental Army at One year ago: Hurricane Arthur ton. The economic impact would be great. Cambridge, Massachusetts. struck North Carolina as a Category 2 According to USDA (April 2015), an aver- We have seen this with the drop in gasoline * * * In 1890, Idaho became the 43rd state storm with winds of 100 mph in the late age household spends approximately $600 a prices. Everybody benefits. MEMBERSHIPS of the Union. evening, taking about five hours to move month on food. I think it is more than that. Yankton has allowed two entities to domi- In 1913, during a 50th anniversary across the far eastern part of the state, Right now, we have an oligopoly in Yank- nate the market for a long time. I think it is The Yankton Daily reunion at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Civil but causing far less damage than feared. ton. An oligopoly is a market structure in Press & Dakotan is a War veterans re-enacted Pickett’s Charge, Today’s Birthdays: Actor Tim time that they fend for themselves and end member of the Associ- which ended with embraces and hand- O’Connor is 88. Jazz musician Pete Foun- which a few firms dominate. While each of this honeymoon status they enjoy. ated Press, the Inland shakes between the former enemies. tain is 85. Playwright Tom Stoppard is these two stores have weekly specials, overall In 1938, President Franklin D. 78. Writer-producer Jay Tarses is 76. Ac- Daily Press Association Roosevelt marked the 75th anniversary of tor Michael Cole (TV: “The Mod Squad”) there is no incentive to lower prices because and the South Dakota the Battle of Gettysburg by dedicating the is 75. Attorney Gloria Allred is 74. Folk of no or limited competition. About Citizenship Newspaper Association. Eternal Light Peace Memorial. singer Judith Durham () is Our various organizations in Yankton have The Associated Press Brad Butzlaff, Yankton In 1944, during World War II, Soviet 72. Actor Kurtwood Smith is 72. Country failed drastically to bring in another grocery is entitled exclusively forces recaptured Minsk from the Ger- singer Johnny Lee is 69. Humorist Dave Isn’t it interesting, the government requires to use of all the local mans. Barry is 68. Actress Betty Buckley is 68. store to Yankton. This should be a top priority! every citizen must have health insurance, news printed in this In 1950, the first carrier strikes of the Rock singer-musician Paul Barrere (Lit- If another store located in Yankton, and however, not everyone living here is required newspaper. Korean War took place as the USS Valley tle Feat) is 67. Actress Jan Smithers is overall grocery costs could be decreased by Forge and the HMS Triumph sent fighter 66. Actor Bruce Altman is 60. Talk show to have proof of citizenship, yet we citizens * * * planes against North Korean targets. host Montel Williams is 59. Country singer ten percent for a household, that would be the will pay for most of their medical bills. In 1962, French President Charles de Aaron Tippin is 57. Rock musician Vince equivalent of about a $700 a year savings. I’ll Not to mention, in some cases, we pay for SUBSCRIPTION Gaulle signed an agreement recognizing Clarke (Erasure) is 55. Actor Tom Cruise bet more likely a thousand dollars a year sav- RATES* Algeria as an independent state after 132 is 53. Actor Thomas Gibson is 53. Actress some of the housing, food, education, legal years of French rule. Hunter Tylo is 53. Actress Connie Nielsen ings to the average household. fees, etc. for some of the same people. (Payable in advance) In 1971, singer Jim Morrison of The is 51. Actress Yeardley Smith is 51. Singer A new grocery store would add more jobs. CARRIER DELIVERY Doors died in Paris at age 27. Ishmael Butler is 46. Rock musician Kevin If you are OK with paying higher health in- It would pay more property taxes. It would surance/medical fees, legal fees, school taxes, 1-month...... $12.09 In 1985, the time-travel comedy “Back Hearn (Barenaked Ladies) is 46. Actress- create more traffic to Yankton. to the Future,” starring Michael J. Fox and singer Smith is 46. Actress- social security (FICA) taxes, etc., fine. 3 months...... $36.27 Imagine, if you were running for office, 6 months...... $72.53 Christopher Lloyd, was released by Uni- singer Audra McDonald is 45. WikiLeaks versal Pictures. founder Julian Assange is 44. Actor Pat- 1-year...... $133.09 In 1988, the USS Vincennes shot rick Wilson is 42. Country singer Trent MOTOR ROUTE down an Iran Air jetliner over the Persian Tomlinson is 40. Actress Andrea Barber (where available) Gulf, killing all 290 people aboard. is 39. Singer Shane Lynch (Boyzone) is YOUR D.C. LAWMAKERS 1 month...... $14.51 In 1996, Russians went to the polls 39. Actor Ian Anthony Dale is 37. Actress 3 months...... $43.53 to re-elect Boris Yeltsin president over his Elizabeth Hendrickson is 36. Rhythm- SOUTH DAKOTA NEBRASKA Communist challenger, Gennady Zyu- and-blues singer Tonia Tash (Divine) 6 months...... $87.05 ganov, in a runoff. is 36. Country singer-songwriter Sarah SEN. JOHN THUNE: Senate SEN. DEB FISCHER: 825 Hart Senate Office 1 year...... $139.14 Ten years ago: A NASA space Buxton is 35. Actress Olivia Munn is 35. SR-493, Washington, D.C. 20510; Washington Building, Washington, D.C. 20510; Washington MAIL IN RETAIL probe, Deep Impact, hit its comet target Actress Shoshannah Stern is 35. Actor Phone: (866) 850-3855; Sioux Falls Phone: (605) Phone: (202) 224-6551; email: N/A Trade Zone as planned in a mission to learn how the Grant Rosenmeyer is 24. Actress Kelsey 334-9596; Fax: (202) 228-3855; Web: thune. SEN. BEN SASSE: B40E Dirksen Senate Of- 1-month...... $16.93 solar system formed. Saudi security forc- Batelaan is 20. es killed Moroccan Younis Mohammed Thought for Today: “I suppose it can senate.gov. fice Building Washington DC 20510; Washington 3 months...... $50.79 Ibrahim al-Hayari, the al-Qaida terrorist be truthfully said that Hope is the only uni- SEN. 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KRISTI NOEM: 2422 Rayburn House email: log on at www.house.gov/writerep/ 3 months...... $58.05 Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; Wash- 6 months...... $116.09 ington Phone: (202) 225-2801 or (855) 225-2801; 1-year...... $186.33 To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14. Portals of Sioux Falls Phone: (605) 275-2868; Fax: (202) * Plus applicable sales tax 225-5823; email: visit https://noem.house.gov for all rates Prayer, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis.