Former Sioux Falls mayor Knobe: Noem’s dreadful performance at head of DHS was proof she was not qualified
It’s almost a miracle!
Trump has been in office a total of five years and three months. This is the first action he has taken I agree with!
The woman at the head of the Department of Homeland (In)Security has been fired — former South Dakota legislator, Congresswoman and Gov. Kristi Noem. The only person I’m aware of saying anything nice about her is President Trump. Everybody is publicly saying “Good riddance!” Lots of celebrating going on across America.
Apparently, she is not leaving Washington. Trump is giving her another cushy government job.
Many of us in South Dakota are thrilled she will not be coming back here.
Her time in Congress, as our governor, and as a cabinet secretary was filled with incompetence. Arrogance. Wasted money. Lies. Poor personal behavior. She lacks empathy and is unable to express sympathy.
Kristi Noem should face criminal charges for her actions, and lack of actions, as head of ICE and Border Patrol.
Her departure is good news. HOWEVER, the horrible behavior of ICE and the Border Patrol will not magically change for the better.
The new leader, Markwayne Mullin, an unknown senator from Oklahoma, is a Trumper. No surprise. We know nothing of his expertise, experience, his desires and the changes, if any, he wants to implement.
A huge factor will be what marching orders Trump gives him. The president has not shown any indication wanting to change how the Department of Homeland Security currently operates.
The other reality, Trump has hired people who think like him, firing previous staff. He has created his own “Deep State.” It will take years to rid the agency of Trump underlings.
Pay attention to what, if anything, the Senate does to vet this guy. Will there be committee and hopefully public hearings? Most previous cabinet appointees coasted into the job. No serious questioning.
For you and me, we can’t relax. Pam Bondi is still the attorney general. Pete Hegseth is still the defense secretary. Kash Patel is still at the FBI. Steven Miller, the man orchestrating much of the chaos, is still in the White House. JD Vance is still vice president. And Donald Trump is still the president.
We have lots to do.
Over the weekend, I’m going to compose a letter to Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, and Rep. Dusty Johnson.
I think the first sentence will be, “One down, at least four more to go.”
I encourage you to call or write something similar. Here is a link to the many options to let them know what you are thinking.
Our ship of state has turned a degree away from the storm, mayhem, chaos. Progress.
(Editor’s note: Here is Rick Knobe’s letter to South Dakota’s U.S. senators and our lone representative.)
“Sen. John Thune and Sen. Mike Rounds, Rep. Dusty Johnson:
One down, four more to go.
The dismissal of your friend Kristi Noem as head of Homeland Security has given you a great opportunity.
There is a perception held by most Americans that both ICE and the Border Patrol are acting more like crazed vigilantes than trained, competent, immigration agents. At least four killings. Countless arrests of American citizens and those in this country legally. The deplorable, inhumane conditions and treatment of those in custody.
Also, the numerous court rulings from federal judges all over the country, against ICE and Border Patrol actions are noteworthy.
With the thorough vetting of her replacement through Senate committee hearings and full Senate debate, you can change the public perception and therefor their reality.
Since the DHS budget is still in limbo, this is the perfect time to accomplish two critical things: The Trump administration wants the budget issues resolved and approval of their cabinet secretary.
When vetting Sen. Markwayne Mullin, it is a moral and ethical must to get his stance on training, oversight, cooperation with state and local authorities, masks, IDs, getting real judge-issued warrants, discipline, arrest priorities and reviewing conditions in detention facilities.
John and Mike and Dusty, as you know I served as mayor of Sioux Falls for 10 years. Part of that job included oversight of the Police Department. I know what good law enforcement vetting and training is and how officers are supposed to interact with people they are sworn to serve and protect. Currently, ICE and the Border Patrol are doing neither.
Through confirmation hearings and continual negotiation with the administration you can fix the problems.
It’s a win/win/win opportunity. The American people can see senators fulfilling their oaths. The budget of DHS gets approved. Changes in ICE and Border Patrol priorities and tactics will provide both safety and peace of mind to your constituents. A win for everybody, including you.
Now, go forth and do the right things.
Rick Knobe”
The independent Rick Knobe is a former Sioux Falls mayor and a regular contributor to The South Dakota Standard.
Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons
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