The editors of the Huron Daily Plainsman took off the gloves and hammered Tom Daschle and Bill Janklow for turning against the DME railroad, which they once supported, and questions their motives in a Sunday editorial:
There's no question the Mayo Clinic is a gem in the medical profession. But someone needs to remind the rich, self-centered folks at Mayo Clinic that they don't walk on water, and that the sun doesn't rise and set around them.
Besides arrogance, a closer look at the opponents reveals two more reasons why they are against the project - political and personal.
Former South Dakota Democratic Sen. Tom Daschle told The Associate Press in 2003: "This (DM&E) project would provide important benefits to many South Dakota communities and industries."
In 2001, former South Dakota congressman and Gov. Bill Janklow told the Plainsman: "I think no matter how you look at it (DM&E project), it is a good deal. The spin-off to South Dakota from the DM&E project is huge."
The key word motioned above is "former," because now, neither Daschle nor Janklow have any interest in what's best for South Dakota.
In April, Janklow said, "I feel the (DM&E) project is immoral." In May, Daschle told The AP he is backing efforts to stop the DM&E project.
Keep in mind, Daschle is a current member of the Mayo Clinic's board of directors and lost a heavily publicized Senate race to pro-DM&E Thune in 2004. And with his thoughts of running for president, it appears Daschle isn't thinking about South Dakota anymore.
As for Janklow, he quickly became the subject of ridicule after serving what many felt was too light of a sentence - 100 days in jail for driving and killing a motorcyclist - and then getting back his law license. It seemed many South Dakotans turned against him.
Simply, the anti-DM&E campaign is being fueled by egos, politics and personal grudges.
It's ridiculous.
We need to fight back.
Write a letter of support for the DM&E project. It's our future.
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