Donald Trump Proves Ignorance Doesn't Matter

Thursday, 9.10.15 ON THE WEB: www.yankton.net views VIEWS PAGE: [email protected] PAGE 4 Press&Dakotan The Press Dakotan

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CONTACT US OPINION OTHER VIEWS PHONE: (605) 665-7811 (800) 743-2968 NEWS FAX: Refugees: A (605) 665-1721 ADVERTISING FAX: (605) 665-0288 WEBSITE: Shameful Silence www.yankton.net CHICAGO TRIBUNE (Sept. 9): Munich is some 1,600 miles from ––––– Syria, and far removed from the political and religious disputes that SUBSCRIPTIONS/ have fueled the 4-year-old civil war there. But in recent days, thou- CIRCULATION sands of Syrian refugees have arrived there by train, to be greeted Extension 104 with applause, welcoming signs, tea and food. [email protected] Germans are under no special obligation to help Syrians, but CLASSIFIED ADS the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel has agreed to take Extension 116 some 800,000 of them — inspiring some to proclaim the chancellor, [email protected] “Mama Merkel, Mother of Outcasts.” Merkel said, “The fundamental NEWS DEPT. right to asylum does not have a limitation.” Extension 114 It’s an easy sentiment to preach but a hard one to live. Some Donald Trump Proves [email protected] nations, like Germany, have gone to heroic lengths to accommodate SPORTS DEPT. this tragic exodus, which includes some 4 million souls. And some Extension 106 nations have not. [email protected] Conspicuous among them are some of Syria’s wealthiest neigh- ADVERTISING DEPT. bors. “The six Gulf countries — Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Ignorance Doesn’t Matter Extension 122 Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain — have offered zero resettlement places [email protected] to Syrian refugees,” notes Amnesty International. BY LEONARD PITTS JR. presidential readiness. BUSINESS OFFICE These nations are not only physically close but have a great deal Tribune Content Agency There is a straight line from Saran Palin in Extension 119 in common with Syria, particularly in language, religion, culture. 2008 — unable to give coherent answers to [email protected] They feel enough of a connection that some of their governments Our question for the day: Does ignorance questions about the economy, foreign policy NEW MEDIA: have provided money and weapons to groups fighting to remove matter? and her own reading habits — to Herman Cain Our lead exhibit — you will not be shocked hemming and hawing and shifting in his chair Extension 136 Syrian President Bashar Assad. But while Germans (and others) are [email protected] making room for the migrants, the Gulf states are making excuses. to hear this — is Donald Trump. in 2011 when asked about Libya, to Last week, the billionaire real- Trump bristling and pouting because COMPOSING DEPT. They point to the $1 billion contributed by their citizens and charitable organizations to help these Arab brethren. That’s signifi- estate mogul who is seeking the he was quizzed about major figures Extension 129 Republican presidential nomination in Middle East terrorism. [email protected] cant, but it’s only a quarter of humanitarian aid furnished by the United States, the biggest donor. The U.S. has been faulted for agree- stumbled over a question about One is reminded of the old * * * ing to admit so few refugees from the Syrian conflict (1,500 so far), terrorism from conservative radio political axiom that people want a MANAGERS but that’s better than the Gulf nations, which ought to feel a vastly host Hugh Hewitt. Specifically, he president they could imagine hav- greater responsibility, given their proximity and their wealth. The was forced to admit that he could ing a beer with. And that’s fine. But Gary L. Wood not identify the leaders of Hezbollah you’d think they would also want to Publisher average income in Qatar is $143,000; in Saudi Arabia, it’s $52,000. Yet these countries have evaded a burden taken on by poorer and al Qaida, among other terrorist imagine him or her being able to find Michele Schievelbein nations like Lebanon, which has 1.2 million Syrian refugees, and organizations. North Korea on a map. Advertising Director Jordan, which has 630,000. The Gulf countries have grounds to be There is a pattern for how Trump Leonard And, in the last few years, there Jim Gevens wary of large inflows that could upset existing political balances. reacts when cornered, and he was have been some political contend- Circulation Director But the same could be said of Iraq, Egypt and Turkey, which have true to it last week. PITTS ers and pretenders who you suspect stepped up anyway. First, he made the usual vague, could not do it even if you spotted Tonya Schild Another rationalization is that the Gulf states have native grandiose promises about how ef- them a hemisphere. Business Manager populations that are greatly outnumbered by foreigners. In the UAE, fective he will be once in office (“I will be so Since when did running for president Tera Schmidt 88 percent of residents come from elsewhere, mostly to work. In good at the military, your head will spin...I’m become a reality show? How does Trump or Classified Manager Kuwait, the figure is 70 percent. But if they can take in hordes of a delegater...I find absolutely great people and anyone else figure that a presidential candi- Indians and Filipinos to clean houses and bus tables, they should be I’ll find them in our armed services.”) date should not be asked hard questions? And Kelly Hertz Then he attempted to kill the messenger, what does it say about us that fundamental Editor able to absorb Syrians, who are also capable of working. The UAE has 8 million foreigners but can’t take a few thousand Syrians? bashing Hewitt on Twitter as a “very low rat- ignorance about things a president should James D. Cimburek Even people in the Gulf nations are embarrassed by their failure. ings talk-show host” and a “3rd-rate gotcha know does not automatically disqualify you Sports Editor A newspaper columnist in Kuwait lamented, “We’re seeing a silence guy.” from credibly contending for that office? that’s scandalous.” Cartoonists have caustically ridiculed the inac- As has also become part of the pattern, a Perhaps it says that some of us want the Beth Rye gaffe that might have totaled another can- world to be simple, and that they want a Digital Media Director tion. The Washington Post reports, “The Arabic hashtag #Welcom- ing_Syria’s_refugees_is_a_Gulf_duty” was tweeted more than 33,000 didate’s campaign seems to have not even president who will not ask them to think too Kathy Larson times.” scratched the paint on this one. Or, as a deeply, nor proffer any policy prescription too Composing Manager Recently Egyptian telecom magnate Naguib Sawiris offered to Politico headline put it: “Trump Bluffs Past complex to fit on a bumper sticker. buy an island from Greece or Italy to serve as a haven for hundreds Another Crisis.” Indeed, Trump has come to Perhaps it says that some of us embrace of thousands of desperate migrants. California real estate tycoon resemble nothing so much as a real world Se- an extremist resistance to social change and Jason Buzi had earlier proposed founding a new nation for such ex- bastian Shaw — a Marvel Comics supervillain are willing to support whoever promises most * * * iles, so “at least they’d have a place to live in safety and be allowed who gets stronger every time you hit him. loudly to drag the country back to an imag- DAILY STAFF to live and work like everybody else.” After insulting Mexicans, insulting his ined yesterday of purity and strength. Reilly Biel Some of them are lucky enough to have found a place where they rivals and insulting Fox “News” personal- But the world is not simple and never was. Cassandra Brockmoller can find safety and sustenance. Some of them are not. The U.S., it’s ity Megyn Kelly with a tasteless jibe that he And yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone. Brandi Bue fair to say, can do a lot more than it has to shelter these unfortunate claimed wasn’t about menstruation, though it Does ignorance matter? Well, Donald Rob Buckingham souls. But the greater obligation falls on those of Syria’s neighbors transparently was, Trump continues to lead Trump is still the leading contender for the Caryn Chappelear all contenders for the Republican presidential Republican presidential nomination. Randy Dockendorf that have closed their doors. Jeannine Economy nomination. So obviously, it doesn’t matter nearly as Rachel Frederick Nor is the ignorance of world affairs he be- much as it should. Jeremy Hoeck trayed on Hewitt’s show likely to change that. Nicole Myers ABOUT THIS PAGE It’s a fact that speaks volumes about the Leonard Pitts is a columnist for The Miami Robert Nielsen The View page provides a forum for open discussion of issues and interests present state of the Grand Old Party. This is, Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, Fla., 33132. Diana Smallwood affecting our readers. Initialed editorials represent the opinion of the writer, but after all, now the third presidential election Readers may contact him via e-mail at lpitts@ David Stephenson Cathy Sudbeck not necessarily that of the PRESS & DAKOTAN. Bylined columns represent the cycle in a row in which one of its stars has miamiherald.com.) JoAnn Wiebelhaus view of the author. We welcome letters on current topics. Questions regarding the shown himself or herself to be spectacularly © 2015, The Miami Herald Brenda Willcuts Views page should be directed to Kelly Hertz at [email protected]/. clueless on some relatively simple question of Alissa Woockman IN HISTORY * * * LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published Daily By The Associated Press “Gatemouth” Brown, the singer and gui- Today is Thursday, Sept. 10, the 253rd tarist who’d built a 50-year career playing Monday-Saturday day of 2015. There are 112 days left in the blues, country, jazz and Cajun music, died Moore’s Response Periodicals postage year. in Orange, Texas, at age 81. Garry Moore, Yankton To Our Readers paid at Yankton, South Today’s Highlight in History: On Five years ago: During a White Mr. Kettering can spin words any way he Sept. 10, 1955, the Western series “Gun- House press conference, President Ba- With a referendum coming up on Sept. Dakota, under the act of smoke,” starring James Arness as Mar- rack Obama blamed Republicans and wants (Press & Dakotan, Sept. 4), but he still shal Matt Dillon, began a 20-season run election-year politics for thwarting his ef- 29 regarding the proposed road and March 3, 1979. knows what the intent was of a perceived bridge levy in Yankton County, the Weekly Dakotian on CBS Television. forts to do more to spur a listless national On this date: In 1608, John Smith economy. Juan Mari Bras, 82, an elder quote in the Sept. 2 edition of the P&D. PRESS & DAKOTAN has decided that established June 6, 1861. was elected president of the Jamestown statesman of Puerto Rico’s independence Two reasons people don’t like to become Yankton Daily Press and it will no longer run letters pertaining colony council in Virginia. movement, died in Rio Piedras. involved is because of the fear of intimidation to the issue free of charge. Any letters Dakotian established April In 1813, an American naval force One year ago: During a prime-time and the twisting of words and facts such as concerning the issue will be referred to 26, 1875. commanded by Oliver H. Perry defeated address, President Barack Obama an- Mr. Kettering attempts to invoke. I fear neither! Postmaster: Send the British in the Battle of Lake Erie dur- nounced he was authorizing airstrikes advertising. This applies only to letters address changes to Yankton ing the War of 1812. (Afterward, Perry inside Syria for the first time along with ex- Mr. Kettering used a quote directly out of regarding Yankton’s County’s Sept. 29 sent out the message, “We have met the panded strikes in Iraq as part of a “steady, the P&D which may or may not have been special election. Thank you. Daily Press & Dakotan, enemy and they are ours.”) relentless effort” to root out Islamic State 319 Walnut, Yankton, SD In 1846, Elias Howe received a patent extremists. Missouri executed Earl Ringo taken out of context. I don’t need anyone to 57078. for his sewing machine. Jr. for a 1998 robbery and double murder. tell me how the formula works or what the law In 1919, New York City welcomed Richard Kiel, 74, the towering actor best to meet all the increasing cost and demands says. The provisions of SB1 are exempt from in today’s economy. The county should never * * * home Gen. John J. Pershing and 25,000 known for portraying the steel-toothed vil- 10-31 -- that is the property tax reduction act soldiers who’d served in the U.S. First Di- lain “Jaws” in a pair of James Bond mov- ask anyone to give something up in order to MEMBERSHIPS vision during World War I. ies, died in Fresno, California. on owner occupied residences. Effectively, pay their taxes, until the county itself is ready The Yankton Daily In 1935, Sen. Huey P. Long died in Today’s Birthdays: World Golf Hall property taxes will go up with no regard to give up some of the fluff in the budget. Baton Rouge, two days after being shot in of Famer Arnold Palmer is 86. Actor Philip for the intent of the Legislature and former Press & Dakotan is a the Louisiana state Capitol, allegedly by Baker Hall is 84. Actor Greg Mullavey is member of the Associ- Dr. Carl Weiss. 82. Country singer Tommy Overstreet is Gov. Bill Janklow in the mid 1990’s to reduce ated Press, the Inland In 1939, Canada declared war on 78. Jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers is 75. the burdensome property taxes. Also, the Daily Press Association Germany. Actor Tom Ligon is 75. Singer Danny Hut- and the South Dakota proposed property tax levy will undoubtedly How About Grants? In 1945, Vidkun Quisling was sen- ton (Three Dog Night) is 73. Singer Jose increase mortgage payments as those taxes Newspaper Association. tenced to death in Norway for collaborat- Feliciano is 70. Actress Judy Geeson is Don Koepp, Yankton The Associated Press ing with the Nazis (he was executed by 67. Former Canadian first lady Margaret are escrowed in the payment. In addition, the is entitled exclusively firing squad in October 1945). Trudeau is 67. Political commentator Bill index factor will also apply to the proposed I have been reading the letters on the tax to use of all the local In 1963, 20 black students entered O’Reilly is 66. Rock musician Joe Perry new levy, subjecting the new levy to annual levy for the roads and thought I should write a news printed in this Alabama public schools following a stand- (Aerosmith) is 65. Actress Amy Irving is letter and express my views on this matter. newspaper. off between federal authorities and Gov. 62. Country singer Rosie Flores is 59. increases George C. Wallace. Actress Kate Burton is 58. Movie director My numbers are accurate. A new, addi- As far as raising the taxes, we need to * * * In 1974, the West African country of Chris Columbus is 57. Actor Colin Firth is tional tax levy, in addition to the current tax remember the older people living on a fixed in- Guinea-Bissau became fully independent 55. Rock singer-musician David Lowery levy I pay, it will cost me over $250 per month come and the ones that are living from payday SUBSCRIPTION of Portugal. (Cracker) is 55. Actor Sean O’Bryan is to payday. They have food to buy, and doctors RATES* In 1979, four Puerto Rican national- 52. Actor Raymond Cruz is 51. Baseball to rent my own home from the county. That is ists imprisoned for a 1954 attack on the Hall of Famer Randy Johnson is 52. Rock over $3,000 per year. In theory I might own my and medication to pay for; their income will (Payable in advance) U.S. House of Representatives and a musician Robin Goodridge (Bush) is 50. not stretch for anything additional. We have CARRIER DELIVERY 1950 attempt on the life of President Harry Rock musician Stevie D. (Buckcherry) is home, but in reality if I don’t or can’t pay the taxes, the county can take it away from me. I people who can’t feed their children and many 1-month...... $12.09 S. Truman were freed from prison after be- 49. Rock singer-musician Miles Zuniga people deciding whether to purchase medica- 3 months...... $36.27 ing granted clemency by President Jimmy (Fastball) is 49. Actress Nina Repeta is 48. must thank the county for looking after those Carter. Rapper Big Daddy Kane is 47. Movie di- with meager and fixed incomes with a new tax tion or buy food. What are we trying to do? 6 months...... $72.53 In 1987, Pope John Paul II arrived in rector Guy Ritchie is 47. Actor Johnathan Make them street people? 1-year...... $133.09 Miami, where he was welcomed by Presi- Schaech is 46. Contemporary Christian and levy. MOTOR ROUTE dent Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy singer Sara Groves is 43. Actor Ryan Phil- All levels of government have a huge ap- We get grants for everything else and why (where available) Reagan as he began a 10-day tour of the lippe is 41. Actor Kyle Bornheimer is 40. petite for money. Government must learn to don’t work on getting some grants for our 1 month...... $14.51 United States. Rock musician Mikey Way (My Chemical roads? In 1991, the Senate Judiciary Com- Romance) is 35. Olympic bronze medal live within its means as the taxpayer must do 3 months...... $43.53 mittee opened hearings on the nomina- figure skater Timothy Goebel is 35. Bal- 6 months...... $87.05 tion of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Su- lerina Misty Copeland is 33. Rock musi- 1 year...... $139.14 preme Court. cian Matthew Followill (Kings of Leon) is P&D LETTER POLICY MAIL IN RETAIL Ten years ago: Cadaver dogs and 31. Singer Ashley Monroe (Pistol Annies) Trade Zone boatloads of forensic workers fanned is 29. Singer Sanjaya Malakar (“American The PRESS & DAKOTAN invites its l Specific individuals or entities ad- out across New Orleans to collect the Idol”) is 26. Actor Chandler Massey is 25. 1-month...... $16.93 corpses left behind by Hurricane Katrina; Actress Hannah Hodson is 24. readers to write letters to the editor. We ask dressed in letters may be given the opportu- 3 months...... $50.79 cleanup crews towed away abandoned Thought for Today: “If there is no that a few simple guidelines be followed: nity to read the letter prior to publication and 6 months...... $101.57 cars and even began readying a hotel for knowledge, there is no understanding; l Please limit letters to 300 words or less. be allowed to answer the letter in the same 1-year...... $148.82 reopening. Kim Clijsters won her first ma- if there is no understanding, there is no Letters should deal with a single subject, be issue. MAIL OUTSIDE jor title, cruising to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over knowledge.” — The Talmud. Mary Pierce at the U.S. Open. Clarence of general interest and state a specific point l Only signed letters with writer’s full RETAIL TRADE ZONE of view. Letters are edited with brevity, clarity name, address and daytime phone number 1 month...... $19.35 and newspaper style in mind. for verification will be accepted. Please mail to: 3 months...... $58.05 FROM THE BIBLE 6 months...... $116.09 l In the sense of fairness and profes- Letters, 319 Walnut, Yankton, SD 57078, drop 1-year...... $186.33 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, sionalism, the PRESS & DAKOTAN will off at 319 Walnut in Yankton, fax to 665-1721 * Plus applicable sales tax “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Ro- accept no letters attacking private individuals or email us at [email protected]/. for all rates mans 10:15. Portals of Prayer, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis. or businesses.