South Dakota Politics

Husker Nation

Let me agree and disagree slightly with my colleague Mr. Heppler regarding Nebraska football.  They certainly dominated Nevada.  It is clear they were the physically superior team and after a bit of an uneven start the Huskers totally dominated the line of scrimmage.  But I fear that they will not have such a physical advantage over the likes of Oklahoma and Texas.  And doesn't the Nebraska quarterback have a funky delivery?  I am in "wait and see" mode. 

Huskers Rout Nevada, 52-10

The Huskers had an excellent regular season opener against Nevada today at Memorial Stadium.  The game was essentially over by the third quarter.  The game started off a bit sluggish, but Nebraska brought its running game and absolutely dominated, with Marlon Lucky setting a career-high 233 yards.  The new quarterback, the transfer student from Arizona Sam Keller, looked impressive as well as the game rolled along.  The best of hopes go out to Ty Steinkuhler also, who suffered a knee injury early in the game.  If Nebraska can keep up what they did today, running and throwing the ball wisely, they'll be able to win the Big 12.

In other news, Appalachian State pushed Michigan out of the chase for the national title by beating them today, 34 to 32.  Appalachian was an unranked team while Michigan was ranked fifth in the nation, so this was a huge upset.  There will be a few crabby people at work in Michigan Tuesday.

Gas Across America

I have just returned after a trek across the American West.  Interestingly, as you push east from Idaho, gas keeps getting more and more expensive.  I had thought I'd read somewhere that prices were going down, reaching a national average of $2.75.  I now cannot find that article, alas.  But this American News piece indicates that gas is over $3.00 in Aberdeen.  In Idaho we got gas for as cheap at $2.63.

More Custer Blogging

Reader Matthew takes up my George Custer challenge:

I was interested in what you had to say about Little Big Horn as well as Custer, though not surprised. Anyone who has ever spent anytime at a public school on a reservation during the period in history class where Little Big Horn is covered realizes that racial tensions are still quite apparent. In my personal experience living on the reservation, these feelings of ill towards Custer go further than just angst ridden teenagers as well. Many of the insults thrown at federal government by the native population use Custer as their fuel and fire. There seems to remain a pride in his defeat that resonates across the tribes.
For additional proof of this look at any Native American literature from the West. (Sherman Alexie comes readily to mind) Littered throughout it, you will often find a contempt for the white man reveal itself through discussions concerning the late, great Custer.

Additional thoughts are welcome from readers.  Email me at schaffsdp at gmail.com.

On a related note, if you ever have the chance to get tot he Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, WY, please do.  It's a fine institution with lots of Western history and art.  It also has the biggest gun collection in the world, which is pretty cool if you like guns. BTW, Bill Cody was once a guide for George Custer. 
 

The Daily Show: Funny & Bad for Democracy

The Daily Show with John Stewart is one of the skillfully written political satires this side of Dante's Inferno.  I am inclined, in such matters, to think that humor excuses almost anything.  But there is an element in the show that I find deeply pernicious. 

In a recent episode, which can be viewed here, Stewart reviewed the Democratic presidential contenders answering a question about gay marriage.  Now this was like shooting fish in a barrel.  I am guessing that all of the Democrats in the debate have no honest objection to gay marriage; but except for Dennis Kucinich, all of those present felt they had to pretend to be opposed to it.  That's red meat for the satirist, and Stewart goes for it with gusto.  Instead of the fish and barrel metaphor, he compares their answers to bad golf shots, with clips from Caddy Shack to illustrate.  Republicans get roasted often enough.  On this occasion it was the Democrat's turn.  So far so good. 

What I find pernicious was the strict political orthodoxy underlying the segment. Stewart makes it perfectly clear that we are all supposed to agree with two propositions: one, that gay marriage ought to be legal; and two, that homosexual orientation is biological in origin.  Anyone who might disagree with either proposition is painted as politically if not morally retarded. 

Now I happen to agree with both propositions.  I am in favor of gay marriage as policy, and I think the evidence is good that male homosexuality, at least, is the result of a genetic predisposition.  But unlike Stewart, I don't think that anyone who disagrees with me is an ignoramus. Consider the second proposition: we certainly do not know what causes homosexuality.  It is very difficult to establish a genetic cause for any complex human behavior, and it is entirely possible that homosexuality is partly or even wholly due to environmental factors.  It might have to do with physical influences in the womb, or more likely with psychological and social influences.  These are the sorts of things about which reasonable people may disagree. 

The homosexual community is deeply committed to the biological view.  But enforcing a political orthodoxy is not the best use of satire.  Casting one side as backward and stupid does not, to say the least, promote civil discourse.  Stewart likens dissenters to Archie Bunker, but he himself,  secure in his opinions without need for reflection, contemptuous of any who do not share them, he is a true disciple of Archie. 

Tim Johnson's Campaign

Some time ago, and more than one time, I predicted that Tim Johnson would not run for reelection.  My prediction was based on all available evidence, sound reasoning, and common sense.  Apparently, it was also wrong.

As my colleague, Dr. Schaff was quick to announce, ABC News reports that Tim Johnson will run again. I am indeed surprised by this decision, but it puts his recent press dealings in an interesting light.  Johnson has been criticized by many bloggers, including my Keloland colleague, Pat Powers, for keeping the local media in the dark while secretly talking to ABC.  Now, if I were a real journalist in the region, like the folks at the Argus and Keloland, I would feel a little bit miffed.  But I don't think there is much of a case here.  Allowing ABC to follow his recovery, while otherwise maintaining his privacy, is reasonably justified on grounds of educating the public about this type of brain injury. 

I would just add that Johnson and his staff are also practicing politics at the same time, which is their job seeing as how Johnson is a politician.  If he really is running again, his condition is both a potential liability (if people come to doubt his competence), and a source of unparalleled power.  If Johnson continues to look able, he has probably turn his strong chances of reelection into a near certainty. 

Senator Johnson's admirers see that they have a good shot at having it both ways: Tim is perfectly fit to serve again, and anyone who criticizes him is kicking a wounded man.  If I were managing his campaign, I'd be tempted to play it that way.  But its not really the best thing for an honest campaign. If the Senator says he is fit to serve, I am ready to take him at his word.  Those who suggest that any criticism of the Senator, that any demand for more information about his condition is somehow vicious, are merely exploiting his troubles for their own agendas.   

Bear Story

I am going to try to make this my last blog about my Yellowstone trip.  I solemnly swear: no home movies. But two days ago a bunch of us from the Dakotas got a good look at a bear. 

The picture above is a little fuzzy: I was backing up and reaching for my bear spray when I snapped it.  It is also on high magnification: I was about ten to fifteen yards away.  But the bear came down onto the trail and turned in our direction, forcing us to abandon any hope of reaching Washburn summit that day.  When we reported the event at the ranger station, they closed the trail. 

It turns out that there is a good story attached to this bear.  You can see one cub in the picture.  I saw at least three, which I thought was a lot, and I saw what looked like a fourth cub moving in some brush.  One of our students confirmed that there were four cubs in all.  The rangers filled us in.  Earlier in the year, two cubs were abandoned by their mother.  The momma bear in the picture above adopted them, which is to say that she nursed them.  This is apparently very rare ursine behavior.  I call it family values. 

Here is a last shot of Yellowstone.  The scene is Trout Lake.

Johnson and Reporter Access

Greg Belfrage: 

There's a big lesson here for Imperial Editor Randell Beck and the stormtroopers over at the Argus Leader. As you may recall, Beck was incredibly dismissive of those calling for more information about the Senator's condition. Some of us were critical of the state's media, especially the Argus, for not providing enough aggressive coverage. They must have been greatly surprised to learn we weren't getting full disclosure. Who looks silly now?

The Argus tried to sweep this story under the rug as quickly as possible. That comes as a bit of surprise. You'd think the Argus would be used to having egg on its face.

Comments and Opinions in a Week of Missed News

As noted previously, I've been in the process of moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, where I'm enrolled as a graduate student in the history department, so blogging (and a current lack of Internet at the apartment) has kept me from writing on South Dakota Politics.  My graduate reading load is fairly intense, so I expect that blogging will remain light for some time.  But, here are thoughts and opinions on a week's worth of news that I haven't had the opportunity to comment on.

Tim Johnson to Run Again

So says ABC News.

ABC News' Bob Woodruff Reports: Senator Tim Johnson, the South Dakota Democrat who suffered a near fatal brain hemorrhage last December, will seek reelection in 2008.

In his first television interview since his brush with death, Johnson will discuss his road to recovery and impending return to the Senate with ABC News' Bob Woodruff on ABC News "World News with Charles Gibson" at 6:30pm ET and then on "Nightline" at 11:35pm ET.

Poverty

Early in the Bush Administration there was much lamenting over a slight increase in the poverty rate.  I wonder if Bush will get praise from those same quarters with the news that the poverty rate is down and median income is up.  The story does contain more bad news on health care, which I might comment on when I get home and have more time. 

Custer Stuff

Reader Gary sent me an email about George Custer.  Read my post here.  Here is Gary's email, edited a bit for length, but I think you get the jist:

I’ve been fascinated by General Custer’s story since I was a small boy. I
know, I know, Custer’s General’s rank was only brevet and that he was busted
to Lt. Colonel by the time the Little Big Horn happened, but he will always
be a General in my world. One of my favorite movies as a boy was Disney’s
“Tonka”(1958), a movie about Captain Myles Keogh’s horse Comanche, which was
said to be the only survivor of the battle. Of course we have to forget
about Reno and Benteen’s commands, but I was only a kid and didn’t care
about all the details.

As a junior in high school in 1970, I was placed in an independent study
program in history class where I had to research, write a paper and give a
presentation on two historical events of my choosing. Naturally, The Battle
of the Little Bighorn was my first choice.

The Custer Battlefield (politically incorrect) was my first tour of what
would be many battlefields that I’ve since visited. I know, I know it’s the
Little Bighorn Battlefield now, but when I visited in the mid 90’s it was
politically incorrect named The Custer Battlefield. My park handbook says so
on the cover! How times have changed. Ironically, it was Crow scouts that
led Custer to fight the Sioux (more politically incorrect) at The Battle of
Greasy Grass Creek (which is Indian (even more politically incorrect)
politically correct speak for the battle. Whew!)

My one regret after visiting the Gettysburg Battlefield was the lack of time
to visit the East Gettysburg Battlefield where Custer, a newly made General,
Brev, went toe to toe with General J.E.B. Stuart and prevented the
late-comer Stuart from flanking and attacking the rear of the Union Lines as
Pickett’s Charge was happening (what if Stuart had succeeded?). Custer later
help chase Lee to Appomattox and was present at the signing, receiving the
table on which the terms were signed from his commander, General Sheridan.

(snip)

I’ve always been intrigued with the “what ifs” of the battle and I’m
convinced that if had Custer had only rested the troops and horses some time
before the battle, that Major Reno’s charge would have succeeded and that
would have placed Reno in the heart of the village of women and children.
Gall then would have been hard pressed to attack Custer, electing to defend
the village. In addition Captain Benteen very well could have been arriving
to support Reno’s rear or attacking the village from the west and provide
additional pressure on Gall. This would have left Crazy Horse alone to
either attack Custer head on or to retreat to defend the village. Either
way, there would have been no fatal flanking action from Crazy Horse. I
believe Crazy Horse would have retreated to defend and in the process once
again become disorganized and fall apart under the crush of the 7th’s pincer
move.

The mocking of Custer today is a trend among the politically correct who
have very little time or inclination to research the history behind an
event, and are looking for a “feel good” experience in tune with today’s
politically correct beliefs. I call them “accidental historians”, and they
usually end up getting it wrong. Thanks for a reason to dig out all my
Custer books for a walk down memory lane.

Sen. Craig Has A Potty Problem

The news out here in Idaho centers around Sen. Larry Craig's arrest in a Minneapolis Airport toilet for "lewd conduct."  You can read a lengthy Idaho Statesman report here, as well as details of the policeman's report here.  I must say, whatever else one may conclude from these reports, it does appear that Craig was essentially arrested for tapping his toe and slipping his hand under a stall wall.  While it appear he was making advances on the undercover cop, it's surprising to learn that this reaches the level of "lewd conduct."  Perhaps some lawyer can help me out. 

Some are suggesting Craig resign.  At a minimum, it seems Craig, who is up for re-election next year, has ruined his political career. 

Reporting from Yellowstone.

I spent a magnificent couple of days watching wolves and listening to people who do and do not like wolves.  I have been attending a week's course by the Yellowstone Institute on the Park and Public Policy.  We have focused on three general issues: snowmobiles in Yellowstone; the Re-introduction Restoration of Wolves to Yellowstone; and Buffalo Bison in and out of the Park.  Word choice turns out to be important. 

The first issue has in fact reached a point where a settlement is possible, but probably won't be realized.  In the 1970's Yellowstone was literally overrun with snowmobiles every winter.  The air quality was so bad, they had to issue gas masks to the rangers at the entrances.  Today the park is open only to a limited number of snowmobiles with four stroke engines, which are as clean as car engines and much quieter.  Most of the snowmobiles must travel in parties, with a guide.  I think this is a very reasonable compromise between the pure wilderness and the tear up the back country tribes.  Yellowstone is a unique park, and tourism is a big part of its history.  A lot of people have their lives and their family history invested in the snowmobile tourism.  There is no good evidence that the limited traffic, which is confined to roads, is bad for the park ecology.

But the extremists at both ends will sue to block any settlement that doesn't give them their hearts desire.  And  both sides can cherry pick sympathetic courts.  I don't think much will change, but a settlement will not be easy.

The wolf question is, I think, largely settled.  Wolves are back in Yellowstone to stay.  This presents a real problem for ranchers on the border of the park.  We spoke to two such stakeholders today.  One of them has lost several calves to wolves.  As it is now, wolves that prey on livestock are hunted and killed by rangers.  Soon the wolf will be de-listed, and ranchers will have more license to shoot wolves who threaten or prey on their animals. Though they won't say so, I think the ranchers will settle on this.

The hardest issue involves bison and the threat to cattle from the brucellosis that the former carry.  I think, from what I have heard, that bison are not really a threat.  The main route of infection is from elk.  But the ranchers don't see it that way.  They want bison numbers reduced.  The animal people want the range of the bison to be extended.  This one is going to be hard to settle.

Gonzales Resigns

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned, with a replacement expected to be named soon.  Just imagine what that confirmation hearing will be like.  The New York Times leads:

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, whose tenure has been marred by controversy and accusations of perjury before Congress, has resigned.

That's false accusations of perjury, done largely by the Times itself.  An administration official commented:

The official said that the decision was Mr. Gonzales's and that the president accepted it grudgingly. At the same time, the official acknowledged that the turmoil over his tenure as Attorney General had made continuing difficult.

"The unfair treatment that he's been on the receiving end of has been a distraction for the department," the official said.

Ed Morrissey says its "far past time for Gonzales to go," not because of any illegal activity, of which there was none in terminating federal prosecutors, but because they botched their explanation for the terminations and became nothing but an embarrassment.  Who will be his replacement?  US News reported over the weekend that the rumor is it may be Michael Chertoff.  I would go for someone less associated with the administration, but either way, the confirmation hearings will be bruising.

UPDATE:  RCP has some other speculative candidates for the position.

Quck Hello from Yellowstone

I was expecting to keep blogging regularly from my hotel at Mammoth Hot Springs, in the North of Yellowstone Park.  I was told there would be internet connections somewhere in that little village.  I was misinformed.  Tonight I snuck out of Wyoming and found an internet connection in Gardiner, Montana, not to mention a lovely little Chinese restaurant.

I will agree with one thing that Professor Schaff says.  The West is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.  Yesterday our instructors took us to Yellowstone's Grand Canyon.  I didn't know Yellowstone had a Grand Canyon.  It has the most magnificent waterfall I ever got a glimpse of.  I haven't seen Old Faithful, but I have seen a lot of holes that steam, smoke, bubble, boil, burst, and smell a lot Jon Schaff's dog. 

I also so wolves this morning.  We watched as four or five pups tried to play with a grizzly cub, much to momma bear's dismay.  I also saw one of the males return from a hunt and regurgitate for the pups.  Now that's what I call entertainment.  We have been learning a lot about the wolf "restoration policy", as one of the wolf watchers calls it.  On the one side are ranchers, who don't want very smart predators killing their livestock.  On the other side are a lot of people who think wolves are really, really cool.  I am in the second group, but I have to say that our motives are rather impressionistic.  Pro-wolf people like to say that the wolves are good for the park, but no one has yet explained to me exactly what that means.  More wolves equals more bears minus a lot of elk and coyote.  I just don't know how to solve that equation. 

I'll post some pictures when I get the time.