Fairness for Shirley Sherrod Theft

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CONTACT US: Phone: OTHER VIEWS (605) 665-7811 (800) 743-2968 Fax: (605) 665-1721 Web Site: Driver’s License Fees Are www.yankton.net E-mail Address: [email protected] ——— Subscriptions/ Justifiable Inconvenience Circulation: Extension 112 Classified Ads: Sioux Falls Argus Leader: The public’s adjustment to the new federal Extension 120 documentation requirements for driver’s licenses has been difficult, to say News Department: Extension 114 the least. Sports Department: State officials estimate that about one-third of folks who have attempted Extension 106 to get or renew a license since the new rules began Jan. 1 don’t have proper Photo Desk: documents. Extension 105 So many folks have run into the problem that county and state offices in Advertising Office: Extension 122 South Dakota are on pace to gain $600,000 more this year than last on certi- Business Office: fied copies of birth and marriage certificates. Extension 119 Those already irritated by the new rules might be even more peeved that Production Desk: state and counties are gaining money off certified copies of public records. Extension 127 New Media: But given that the fees are one-time expenses for individuals, they’re Extension 136 appropriate. Composing Desk: The fact is that a driver’s license isn’t just a driver’s license anymore. Extension 129 The new documentation requirements are the result of the federal Real *** ID act, which is a response to concerns about immigration and identity Fairness For Shirley Sherrod theft. The practical effect of that legislation is that driver’s licenses now are MANAGERS: quasi-national ID cards. BY BILL O’REILLY a harmless comment. But if a white Gary L. Wood That means it’s appropriate for license carriers to face a one-time fee, if Creators Syndicate federal official referred to an Publisher necessary, in order to gain the proper documentation to get the licenses. African-American by using the term Michele Schievelbein What’s unfortunate, though, is that married women potentially could be This time last week, few Americans had ever “own kind,” you know what would Advertising Director more saddled with fees than men since the rules require license-seekers to heard of Department of Agriculture official Shirley happen. Tonya Schild document every name change. Then Sherrod went on to tell the But given that state and county officials aren’t using the Real ID act to Sherrod. Now she is a household name in house- Business Manager holds that actually follow the news. A few days ago, NAACP audience this: “I haven't David Jeffcoat gouge residents who need copies of required documents, the fees simply seen such a mean-spirited people as are a potential part of processing the new generation of driver’s licenses. Sherrod was fired by the Obama administration for Circulation Director admitting that more than 20 years ago — as an I've seen lately over this issue of Heather Heimes administrator in Georgia — she did not treat a white health care. Some of the racism we Classified Manager farmer as fairly as she would have treated a black BILL O’REILLY thought was buried. Didn't it sur- Kelly Hertz The Last Call For Parks Alcohol farmer. Her admission came as part of a speech she face? Now, we endured eight years Editor made before the NAACP in March. Sherrod is black. of the Bushes, and we didn't do the North Platte Telegraph: Gov. Dave Heineman has a sobering decision to stuff these Republicans are doing because you have a James D. Cimburek make. And, as he is very much accustomed to, it isn’t an easy one. The problem was Sherrod was relating the story as Sports Editor part of an epiphany she said she'd had. After mulling black president.” In May, the State Game and Parks Commission authorized allowing alco- The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from Beth Rye hol to return to Nebraska’s state parks, lifting a 15-year-old ban. Even things over, she came to the conclusion that what she New Media Manager though the commission voted 8-1, the governor is receiving some substan- had done was wrong. Unfortunately, that message was endorsing political parties while on the job. Sherrod James Hooper tial pressure to overturn the ruling and is considering it. overlooked in the initial reporting, and I was one of was invited to speak at the NAACP meeting because Production Manager The governor has until Jan. 1 to make his decision and he plans to visit the culprits. she was in the administration. So you make the call. Lake McConaughy, the area of tremendous impact, to hear the pros and the Regrettably, I did not examine the full transcript of There are two main points here: First, Shirley Kathy Larson Sherrod's remarks closely enough, and after hearing Composing Manager cons. And there are plenty of both. Sherrod was not initially treated fairly by me, some The ban was inspired by a culture that had degenerated into an out-of- that the white farmer had been hosed, I said she other journalists, the NAACP or the Obama adminis- Bernard Metivier should resign. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack tration. She deserved better. Mailroom Manager control party, with alcohol-fueled behavior leading to arrests, injuries and even death. made the same mistake; so did the NAACP. Like all And secondly, Sherrod may not be a great fit for *** On the other hand, there is the valid point of view that responsible peo- Americans, Sherrod deserves to be treated fairly, and the USDA. She is obviously a very political person she should be reinstated at the Department of STAFF: ple, drinking responsibility, cannot enjoy what is normally considered a with a strong point of view. Public servants are sup- Agriculture. However, the situation deserves a top-to- posed to look out for all the folks; it is tough for Jerry Brandgaard-Shrieves lawful indulgence. There is also the money. It would be expected that alcohol sales, and bottom examination by the feds. polarizing people to do that. Cassandra Brockmoller Shirley Sherrod is a longtime liberal activist who So this is a fascinating story on many levels. We Randy Dockendorf their accompanying taxes, would increase dramatically. And for a state heading for a soul-searching deficit (June revenues were off projections by peppered her NAACP speech with racial references, have not heard the last of it. Jeannine Economy such as this: “So I figured if I'd take (the farmer) to (a Dave Eggers more than $30 million) any new revenue would be welcome. For those retailers, the same could be argued. white lawyer), that his own kind would take care of Veteran TV news anchor Bill O'Reilly is host of the Travis Gulbrandson him.” Lisa Hare But the fact remains the responsible people are often overrun by those Fox News show “The O'Reilly Factor” and author of the who aren’t, and in the case of alcohol that is all too familiar. Own kind? book “Who's Looking Out For You?” Carl Heick Now, we all make mistakes, and that just might be Heidi Henson Family vacations can be ruined by rowdy drinkers, bent on exercising Jeremy Hoeck their “right” to enjoy themselves, even if it means driving up and down a Carol Hohenthaner beach with a gaggle of cohorts tuned to the gills. Nathan Johnson According to a story in the Omaha World Herald, the governor has Jamie Kleinschmidt received several hundred e-mails and comments on the topic. The over- The Thoughts That Count Curtis Knoll whelming majority has been in favor of maintaining the ban. In addition, Shauna Marlette the Central Public Power and Irrigation District, which owns Lake BY KATHLEEN PARKER besides, were offered as part of an Vivian Milk McConaughy, has also asked to retain the ban. © 2010, Washington Post Writers Group ongoing argument among colleagues Muriel Pratt History clearly indicates that having alcohol is akin to opening a who believed they were acting in good Matt Richardson Pandora’s box of unruly, dangerous and rude behavior. What evidence is WASHINGTON — The current Journolist controversy faith that theirs was a private conversa- Justin Rust there that it won’t simply return if the ban is lifted? tion. Noelle Schlechter that has the blogosphere heaving sparks, and Washington There doesn’t appear to be any. even more self-absorbed than usual, is weak tea — a tem- Were they naive to think so? In this Tera Schmidt We have managed to live for 15 years with the ban in place. No one can world, yes. Was Carlson right to “out” Cathy Sudbeck pest in Barbie’s teacup. argue that it isn’t safer and more pleasant. At least as concerns the so-called conspiracy itself. the private comments of people, who, Steve Swenson The governor should think about that and make that tough decision. for the most part have no significant Jackie Williams As a larger lesson about the way we search and Reinstate the ban. destroy each other in the political/media world, there may power? That, to me, is the more com- Ashley Winckler pelling issue. Bene’ Younger be something darker brewing. KATHLEEN For the millions who have no idea what I’m talking On the question of context, I have IN HISTORY about, a brief history: Journolist was a listserv PARKER room only for one example, but more *** (Internetspeak for watering hole) where liberal-leaning can be found on Klein’s Washington Post By The Associated Press space program roared back to life with journalists gathered to kvetch. blog (http://bit.ly/at3U06). Published Daily Today is Monday, July 26, the 207th the launch of Discovery, 2 1/2 years after Started by prodigal blogger Ezra Klein for a few friends, One of the most widely circulated is that these lefties Monday-Saturday day of 2010. There are 158 days left in the Columbia disaster. Six nations were conspiring to get the government to shut down Fox the year. resumed nuclear disarmament talks that it grew in numbers and popularity, attracting a few main- Periodicals postage stream luminaries (Joe Klein of Time magazine) along the News. Well, one member — a UCLA law professor no one paid at Yankton, South Today’s Highlight in History: On North Korea had boycotted for 13 July 26, 1990, President George H.W. months, but little progress was made. way. But mostly it was a consortium of far lesser-known ever heard of (Jonathan Zasloff, sorry) — did write some- Dakota, under the act thing to that effect. But it was a query about whether the of March 3, 1979. Bush signed into law the Americans with Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux recorded his folks (academics, mid- to low-level producers, etc.) who Weekly Dakotian Disabilities Act of 1990. 3,000th career strikeout against San enjoyed the camaraderie of the like-minded. FCC could pull the network’s broadcasting permit once it established June 6, On this date: In 1775, Benjamin Francisco in the third inning of a 3-2, 11- In the conservative world, we call such people Fox expires for, in liberals’ view, espousing a political agenda. 1861. Yankton Daily Franklin became America’s first inning victory for the Giants. News. (Just kidding, guys, but really.) Whereupon, Michael Scherer of Time responded: Press and Dakotaian Postmaster-General. One year ago: Sarah Palin stepped “You really want political parties/white houses picking In 1788, New York became the 11th down as governor of Alaska to write a Today, Ezra Klein is a ripened 26-year-old Washington established April 26, Post blogger — hired as a known liberal — who makes and choosing which news organizations to favor?” 1875. state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. book and build a right-of-center coalition, Even so, the headline was that liberals want to shut Postmaster: Send In 1908, U.S. Attorney General but left her long-term political plans trenchant observations about health care and other com- address changes to Charles J. Bonaparte ordered creation of unclear. A 36-year-old woman, driving plicated policy issues. Klein is young, in other words, and down Fox News, which is not precisely an accurate render- Yankton Daily Press & a force of special agents that was a fore- the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway in could be seen as relatively inexperienced in the world of ing of a non-conversation. There was no further discussion Dakotan, Box 56, runner of the Federal Bureau of Westchester County, N.Y., crashed into which he has precipitously become a pretty high-level on the subject at Journolist. Yankton, SD 57078- Investigation. an SUV, killing eight people, including moving part. Today he is best known — in certain quar- Scandalous? Sure, if you want it to be. If you pull a few 0056. In 1945, Winston Churchill resigned herself; toxicology tests showed Diane ters — for his role in creating the listserv, which is being remarks from tens of thousands posted by 400 people as Britain’s prime minister after his Schuler was drunk and had used mari- over a few years, you can frame a debate any way you *** Conservatives were soundly defeated by juana. Alberto Contador won the Tour de characterized as the locus of left-wing conspiracy. the Labor Party. (Clement Attlee became France for the second time in three The story, such as it is, was broken by conservative wish. If you pull a mean quote about Rush Limbaugh, MEMBERSHIPS: the new prime minister.) years; Lance Armstrong placed third. Tucker Carlson’s Daily Caller, a newish website where a you’ve got Limbaugh time. Throw in Karl Rove, Fox News The Yankton Daily In 1947, President Harry S. Truman Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice were number of my friends happen to write. And a former was and Sarah Palin, and you’re golden — for a little while. Press & Dakotan is a signed the National Security Act, which inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the benighted Journolist. But then the news cycle moves on, and maybe next member of the established the National Military along with the late Joe Gordon. week you’ll be the one being hunted. In the meantime, Associated Press, the It is no fun writing about friends and colleagues, but I Establishment (later renamed the Choreographer and dancer Merce think perspective is needed here. we have to ask ourselves: Are we better off never hav- Inland Daily Press Department of Defense). Cunningham died in New York at age 90. ing the ability to speak off-handedly among friends, to Association and the In 1952, Argentina’s first lady, Eva Today’s Birthdays: Actress Marjorie Carlson has been making the news rounds with his traf- South Dakota Peron, died in Buenos Aires at age 33. Lord is 92. Movie director Blake Edwards fic-driving story, appearing on Fox News, where he is a say in private what we could never say in public, to Newspaper In 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria is 88. Actor James Best is 84. Rhythm- contributor, and criticizing journalists who posted com- think aloud and uncensored? Association. The sank off New England, some 11 hours and-blues singer-songwriter Bobby Hebb ments suggesting that they were teaming up to advance a Or do we resign ourselves to the new reality — that no Associated Press is after colliding with the Swedish liner is 72. Singer Dobie Gray is 70. Actress- policy agenda and, more specifically, to get Barack Obama one is ever to be trusted — and keep our thoughts to our- entitled exclusively to Stockholm; at least 51 people died. singer Darlene Love is 69. Singer use of all the local elected president. selves? The answer implied by the events here described Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser Brenton Wood is 69. Rock star Mick suggests a country in which few of us would want to live. news printed in this nationalized the Suez Canal. Jagger is 67. Movie director Peter Hyams It should come as no surprise that self-identifying liber- newspaper. als have liberal thoughts and friends, so no foul there, as In 1971, Apollo 15 was launched from is 67. Actress Helen Mirren is 65. Rock Kathleen Parker’s e-mail address is *** Cape Kennedy on America’s fourth musician Roger Taylor (Queen) is 61. Carlson has said. And, indeed, some of the comments are, manned mission to the moon. Actress Susan George is 60. Olympic on their face, condemnable, not to mention banal. But [email protected]. SUBSCRIPTION In 1986, kidnappers in Lebanon gold medal figure skater Dorothy Hamill some also have been presented out of context and, released the Rev. Lawrence Martin is 54. Actor Kevin Spacey is 51. Rock RATES* Jenco, an American hostage held for singer Gary Cherone is 49. Actress (Payable in advance) nearly 19 months. Sandra Bullock is 46. Rock singer Jim Carrier Delivery In 1989, Mark Wellman, a 29-year-old Lindberg (Pennywise) is 45. Actor LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 1-month . . . . .$10.99 paraplegic, reached the summit of El Jeremy Piven is 45. Rapper-reggae 3 months . . . .$31.89 Capitan in Yosemite National Park after singer Wayne Wonder is 44. Actor Jason Plus, Summit Activities Center, TSC, Dakota Archery, hauling himself up the granite cliff six Statham is 43. Actor Cress Williams is 6 months . . . .$61.59 Fundraiser A Success All Season Power Sports, Broadway Chrysler, Yankton 1-year ...... $120.99 inches at a time over nine days. 40. TV host Chris Harrison (“The Motor Route Ten years ago: George W. Bush and Bachelor”) is 39. Actress Kate Beckinsale Laddie and Joan Novak, Yankton Mall Cinemas, The Laser Barn, Boomers, Wilson (where available) his just-chosen running mate, Dick is 37. Rock musician Dan Konopka (OK Bev’s Believers Team Members Trailer Company, Fullerton Lumber Company, Ace 1 month . . . . .$13.19 Cheney, set out on their first campaign Go) is 36. Gospel/Contemporary Thank you to all who supported our Relay for Life Hardware, The Walnut Tavern, The Roadrunner, Triple 3 months . . . .$34.09 excursion together as they visited Christian singer Rebecca St. James is Cheney’s former hometown of Casper, 33. Christian rock musician Jamie team’s poker tournament fundraiser, whether playing Time Rudy’s, Pizza Hut and The Ice House. 6 months . . . .$65.99 in the tournament, donating prizes or helping us work! Thank you also to those donating silent-auction 1 year ...... $126.49 Wyo. A federal judge in New York Sharpe (Rush of Fools) is 21. approved a $1.25 billion settlement Thought for Today: “A life spent It was a great success for a small family team throwing items: Joe and DaNell Tucker, Troy and Denise Mail in Retail between Swiss banks and more than a- making mistakes is not only more honor- Trade Zone it together last minute! It just goes to show what can Telthoester, Joan Novak with lia sophia jewelry, Joni half million plaintiffs who alleged the able, but more useful than a life spent be done when working hard toward a goal and bond- Branaugh, Bill and Deb Schaefer, Jerry Huntley, Darrik 1-month . . . . .$15.39 banks had hoarded money deposited by doing nothing.” — George Bernard Shaw 3 months . . . .$36.29 Holocaust victims. 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