Thursday, 12.10.15 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: Obama’s Retreat On (605) 665-1721 ADVERTISING FAX: (605) 665-0288 Education Reform WEBSITE: www.yankton.net BLOOMBERG VIEW: As he approaches his last year in office, ––––– President Barack Obama seems weirdly passive about protecting SUBSCRIPTIONS/ one of his signature domestic achievements: education reform. It’s a mistake that will undermine future efforts to help American students CIRCULATION compete and succeed. Extension 104 Obama once could claim to have one of the boldest education [email protected] agendas of any president in recent history. Then, in October, he an- CLASSIFIED ADS nounced he would seek to limit testing. And now he’s indicated he’ll Extension 116 sign the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, a bill that reflects [email protected] Republicans’ unhealthy suspicion of the federal government and NEWS DEPT. Democrats’ unhealthy trust of teachers’ unions. In other words, the Extension 114 worst of both worlds. [email protected] The legislation would weaken or eliminate every major piece of Oba- SPORTS DEPT. ma’s education agenda. His five-year Race to the Top grant program, for Extension 106 example, was widely admired: It offered more than $4 billion in federal Waging A War [email protected] funding to states that took specific steps to improve student perfor- ADVERTISING DEPT. mance. Because of Race to the Top, more states set higher standards, Extension 122 allowed charter schools to expand, intervened in failing schools, and [email protected] used data to evaluate teachers and principals. The federal government is no longer distributing Race to the Top BUSINESS OFFICE Outside The Box grants. Yet if Obama signs the Every Student Succeeds Act, his succes- Extension 119 sor would be hard-pressed to create something similar, because the [email protected] new law would make it very difficult to create a state-based incentive BY KATHLEEN PARKER dom its members welcome. Are Americans really NEW MEDIA: program. © 2015, Washington Post Writers Group ready to watch their military men and women Extension 136 The legislation would also remove qualifications on some federal beheaded and burned alive? [email protected] education funding, sharply reducing the Department of Education’s abil- WASHINGTON — Americans looking for a Thus, Obama and his advisers have focused COMPOSING DEPT. ity to hold states accountable for student performance. Snuggy Bear and a blankey to ease their anxieties on alternative means of defeating a monster that Extension 129 States would still be required to conduct annual tests and report re- about the Islamic State will have to become more feeds on atrocity and hate. Strategic hits, special operations, counterterrorism propaganda and [email protected] sults by race and income, and they would still be required to intervene comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. in failing schools. But they could weigh factors other than test scores From President Obama’s recent terror speech so on. At home, he seems to say, fight hate with * * * and student performance — such as teacher engagement — to deter- in the Oval Office to Donald Trump’s terrifying, love, fear with resilience, monsters with the MANAGERS mine whether schools are meeting standards. A state could determine race-baiting, religion-testing rebuke in South superior force of good. By comparison, admit- that all its schools are succeeding even if they have low test scores Carolina, there is little to console those tedly, Trump sounds both decisive and Gary L. Wood seeking either instant gratification definitive. Publisher and high dropout rates, and there wouldn’t be much the Department of Education could do about it. from Obama or sanity from the leading But -- this is no joke -- Trump is also Michele Schievelbein The legislation would also weaken the federal government’s ability Republican presidential candidate. the most dangerous person to emerge Advertising Director to encourage states to use data as part of evaluations for teachers and While Trump speaks to fear with on the American political scene in anti-Muslim rhetoric that builds a wall decades. As president, he would be the Jim Gevens principals, a trend that unions have been fighting for years. Research shows that the best way to improve schools is to put effective teach- around our national essence, the presi- most dangerous man on the planet. Circulation Director ers in classrooms. This bill would make it easier for schools to leave dent attempts to soothe with reason I’ve often objected in my column Tonya Schild failing teachers in place without giving them assistance and insisting on and inspirational rhetoric more befit- to invoking Hitler as popular analog Business Manager improvement. ting a nation that hasn’t just suffered a because it trivializes the suffering and Of course, nothing prevents states from setting their own high horrific terrorist slaughter. slaughter of the Jews. Now I’m not Tera Schmidt standards and using data to evaluate teachers and principals — and it Obama’s speech was never going Kathleen so sure. Remember that before there Classified Manager would be great if all states did just that. Many Republicans insist that to satisfy critics and those convinced could be a Holocaust, there was the they largely support these reforms; they just don’t want the federal gov- they know the better route. But the fact identification of the Jewish race as the Kelly Hertz PARKER enemy. Trump’s identification of Mus- Editor ernment involved. But experience shows that without federal oversight of the speech alone — appropriately and enforcement, many states tend to take the path of least resistance. solemn in recognition of the fact that lims as “the problem,” with his threat James D. Cimburek Instead of demanding changes to the bill, the White House seems the killings in San Bernardino, Chattanooga and of a Muslim registry and a religious test Sports Editor content to praise its aims and the spirit of compromise that led to it. at Fort Hood were terrorist attacks — spoke at the border, sounds terribly familiar. volumes. And though he identified the California Two facts to consider: First, we need the help Beth Rye There’s much to be said for bipartisanship. But not when both parties are wrong. terrorists as Islamic State-inspired, he surely of the world’s 1.6 billion -- and this nation’s 3 Digital Media Director disappointed those insistent in their own cultish million -- Muslims if we hope to defeat terrorists Kathy Larson fashion that Obama refuses to name the enemy who justify their barbarism with their interpreta- Composing Manager ABOUT THIS PAGE and, therefore, can’t defeat him. An absurdity. A tion of Islam. Second, our best defense against dead terrorist is a dead terrorist by any name. radicalization of Muslim-Americans is inclusive- Sarah Lynde The View page provides a forum for open discussion of issues and interests Obama’s further reiteration of his current ness. By marginalizing our own Muslim commu- District Manager affecting our readers. Initialed editorials represent the opinion of the writer, but course left wanting those longing for the more- nity through rhetoric, we vastly increase the risk not necessarily that of the PRESS & DAKOTAN. Bylined columns represent the comforting certitude of the cheerleader with a of radicalization and recruitment. * * * view of the author. We welcome letters on current topics. Questions regarding the megaphone. And those hoping for a declaration Obama understands this. He also under- DAILY STAFF Views page should be directed to Kelly Hertz at [email protected]/. of the usual sort of war — thousands of ground stands that another ground war in the Middle Reilly Biel troops in Syria and Iraq — were doubtless disap- East risks our becoming entrenched in endless Cassandra Brockmoller pointed, as well as affirmed in their belief that battle against an enemy that can inspire insur- Brandi Bue IN HISTORY Obama doesn’t get it. Or that he’s only trying to gencies indefinitely. Rob Buckingham Few doubt that we could easily take over Caryn Chappelear By The Associated Press the Nobel Peace Prize. Former Sen. Eu- preserve his legacy as the non-war president, a Randy Dockendorf Today is Thursday, Dec. 10, the 344th gene McCarthy, 89, died in Washington. trope favored by the right. Iraq and Syria in a replay of shock-and-awe, but Jeannine Economy day of 2015. There are 21 days left in the Actor-comedian Richard Pryor, 65, died But realistically, what president chooses to then what? Invading another Muslim country Rachel Frederick year. in Encino, California. Reggie Bush was ignore a necessary war? Who wants to be re- feeds right into the Islamic State’s playbook and Jeremy Hoeck Today’s Highlight in History: On named winner of the Heisman Trophy membered as the cowardly commander in chief installs a Crusader vs. Caliphate narrative for Dec. 10, 1905, the O. Henry short story (however, Bush forfeited the trophy in Nicole Myers “The Gift of the Magi” was published in the 2010 because of improper benefits he’d who allowed the world to slip into darkness and millennia -- or whatever foreshortened era we Robert Nielsen New York Sunday World Magazine under received while a star running back at despair? No one, and certainly not Obama. invent. Diana Smallwood the title “Gifts of the Magi.” Southern California). The problem for the president is that the Again, ambiguity and uncertainty are our David Stephenson On this date: In 1520, Martin Luther Five years ago: The Norwegian No- war he is waging feels like a long-term strategy companions for now and probably for a while. Cathy Sudbeck publicly burned the papal edict demand- bel Committee honored Chinese literary In the meantime, our internecine squabbles JoAnn Wiebelhaus ing that he recant, or face excommunica- critic Liu Xiaobo, imprisoned for urging without benefit of the short-term. If not ground Brenda Willcuts tion. political reform, by presenting his $1.4 mil- troops, then what? There is no good answer. This about our own nation’s principles couldn’t be Alissa Woockman In 1817, Mississippi was admitted as lion Nobel Peace Prize diploma and med- is a new kind of war requiring fresh approaches. a better holiday gift to the butchers-in-waiting. the 20th state of the Union. al to an empty chair. A federal jury in Salt The old templates don’t apply because they ac- And Trump, by dividing us from within, is the In 1906, President Theodore Lake City convicted street preacher Brian tually work against us. As soon as we put boots enemy’s hero. * * * Roosevelt became the first American to David Mitchell of kidnapping and raping be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for Elizabeth Smart. (Mitchell was later sen- on the ground, the Islamic State is rewarded with Published Daily helping to mediate an end to the Russo- tenced to life in prison.) the war it wants, with the propaganda machine it Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleen- Monday-Saturday Japanese War. One year ago: Current and former can’t otherwise replicate, and with the martyr- [email protected]. In 1915, the Irving Berlin song “I Love CIA officials pushed back against the Periodicals postage a Piano” was copyrighted by Berlin’s mu- Senate Intelligence Committee’s report paid at Yankton, South sic company in New York. released the day before which concluded Dakota, under the act of In 1931, Jane Addams became the that the United States had brutalized Writer’s Block first American woman to be awarded the scores of terror suspects during interro- March 3, 1979. Nobel Peace Prize; the co-recipient was gations, calling the report a political stunt Weekly Dakotian Nicholas Murray Butler. by Senate Democrats which tarnished a established June 6, 1861. In 1948, the U.N. General Assembly program that saved American lives. NFL Yankton Daily Press and adopted its Universal Declaration on Hu- owners moved quickly and unanimously man Rights. to change the league’s personal conduct Coping With The Dakotian established April In 1950, Ralph J. Bunche was award- policy, announcing it would hire a special 26, 1875. ed the Nobel Peace Prize, the first black counsel to oversee initial discipline. Postmaster: Send American to receive the award. Today’s Birthdays: Soap opera address changes to Yankton In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. re- creator Agnes Nixon is 88. Former Agri- Daily Press & Dakotan, ceived his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, say- culture Secretary Clayton Yeutter is 85. Wrath Of ‘Bad’ Angels ing he accepted it “with an abiding faith Actor Tommy Kirk is 74. Actress Fionnula 319 Walnut, Yankton, SD in America and an audacious faith in the Flanagan is 74. Pop singer Chad Stuart 57078. future of mankind.” (Chad and Jeremy) is 74. Rhythm-and- BY LINDA WUEBBEN control and whip the peasants into shape. In 1967, singer Otis Redding, 26, and blues singer Ralph Tavares is 74. Actress- * * * P&D Correspondent There is despair, depression and general woe six others were killed when their plane singer Gloria Loring is 69. Pop-funk to us. MEMBERSHIPS crashed into Wisconsin’s Lake Monona. musician Walter “Clyde” Orange (The In 1972, baseball’s American League Commodores) is 69. Country singer John- It’s time to call a spade a spade. I can’t answer those deep questions. The Yankton Daily adopted the designated hitter rule on an ny Rodriguez is 64. Actress Susan Dey is You know, tell it like it is, let it all hang out, But I do have hope. I do believe good will Press & Dakotan is a experimental basis for three years. 63. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich how do you really feel. overcome evil and I do believe there are good member of the Associ- In 1984, South African Bishop Des- is 59. Jazz musician Paul Hardcastle is What happened in Paris is evil. And evil people are out there … at least I hope they are ated Press, the Inland mond Tutu received the Nobel Peace 58. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is Daily Press Association Prize. 55. Actress Nia Peeples is 54. TV chef seems to be in abundance around the out there somewhere! Fixing what’s and the South Dakota In 1994, Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres Bobby Flay is 51. Rock singer-musician J world. Since the “bad” angels were wrong with society starts very close Newspaper Association. and Yitzhak Rabin received the Nobel Mascis is 50. Rock musician Scot Alexan- thrown out of heaven by the “good” to home. It may sound cliché but it’s The Associated Press Peace Prize, pledging to pursue their der (Dishwalla) is 44. Actress-comedian mission of healing the anguished Middle Arden Myrin is 42. Rock musician Meg angels, their main purpose has been the truth. We can’t start at the top; we is entitled exclusively East. White (The White Stripes) is 41. Rapper to play with humanity, because bad need a grassroots operation. to use of all the local Ten years ago: A Nigerian jetliner Kuniva (D12) is 40. Actor Gavin Houston news printed in this things to happen and with Satan ss Teach the new generation they will crashed while landing in Port Harcourt, is 38. Violinist Sarah Chang is 35. Rock not always win, not always be on top, newspaper. Nigeria, killing all but two of the 110 musician Noah Harmon (Airborne Toxic their leader, they are having a hey people on board. A U.N. conference on Event) is 34. Actor Patrick John Flueger is day. not always have that great job, the * * * global warming ended in Montreal with 32. Actress Raven-Symone is 30. We don’t have to look very far to best cars, the newest phones. None of an agreement by more than 150 nations Thought for Today: “You can give see the effects right here. Alcohol, us can. There are always consequenc- SUBSCRIPTION (not including the United States) to open without loving, but you cannot love with- talks on mandatory post-2012 reductions out giving.” — Amy Carmichael, American drugs and immorality seem to touch es. There will come a time when they RATES* will hit rock bottom; everyone does at (Payable in advance) in greenhouse gases. Chief U.N. nuclear missionary (1867-1951). people everywhere and many times it Linda CARRIER DELIVERY inspector Mohamed ElBaradei accepted happens too close to home. Our best some point in their life. Prepare them 1-month...... $12.09 friends and even we lose our jobs, WUEBBEN to handle disappointment and believe 3 months...... $36.27 FROM THE BIBLE maybe eventually our homes and then in themselves again. 6 months...... $72.53 people who we thought were good Remember, everyone you meet is a friends seem to abandon us or distance them- human being and has feelings, goals, wants and 1-year...... $133.09 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits MOTOR ROUTE selves from a broken-down situation altogether. needs just like you. Be kind in your relation- (where available) of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, I have heard talk about the new generation, ships. Think before you tear someone down. 1 month...... $14.51 the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23. Portals of Prayer, Con- the new millennials. The young trophy genera- Gossip less and welcome the good in life more. 3 months...... $43.53 cordia Publishing House, St. Louis. tion who receive medals for participation and If you are God-fearing, you will feel good about 6 months...... $87.05 have never learned the shattering disappoint- yourself and God will love you more and more; 1 year...... $139.14 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ment of losing or coming in second. They are and if you’re not, it will just make you feel bet- MAIL IN RETAIL rarely told NO and speak out strongly for social ter. Trade Zone Response all in less than a week of the Positivity can become habit-forming, a incident makes me realize why I justice and equality. Respect for elders and 1-month...... $16.93 authority has flown the proverbial coop. pleasant character-building moment, a game- 3 months...... $50.79 Jill Sternquist, Yankton moved back to this town: so my I cannot begin to express my What a life! I mean, to always be right, never changer. But along with that hope for the 6 months...... $101.57 kids could get a great education have anyone question you, never be intimidat- future, we need a strong will and steel-toed 1-year...... $148.82 gratitude and awe at how swiftly and be able to feel safe doing it. and precisely the Yankton ed by anyone, always get your way, never give shoes because not everyone will be pleased MAIL OUTSIDE Thanks to the teachers, in to anyone. with sappy love songs. So, yes we will have to RETAIL TRADE ZONE School District has handled the administration and staff for all recent incident with outside Wow! Would the world keep spinning? deal with ISIS, for even evil has to learn they 1 month...... $19.35 you do and many thanks to the won’t always win. 3 months...... $58.05 individuals finding their way You get the message. I could go on forever. police department. You all often Are we to blame? Did we “let” this happen? Treat everyone you meet with honesty and 6 months...... $116.09 into the high school. have thankless jobs but we do 1-year...... $186.33 From the repeat phone calls, For many, it feels like the world is spinning good will. A mantra for the season we are in * Plus applicable sales tax appreciate all you do for our out of control, especially to someone who likes surely — but we should remember to continue the police presence and now the families! it all year round. for all rates implementation of locked doors to hang on to everything around them, seize