Former Sioux Falls mayor Knobe returns to public arena, says that in a time fraught with danger, we are sinking fast
My original plan was to gently reconnect with you. That plan has been incinerated. Along with food and medical supplies for the poor in other countries.
We are in a boat which is sinking fast. Not enough lifejackets or lifeboats.
Why are we sinking?
Our “captain” (president) has punched hundreds of holes in the hull. We are listing hard to the right (wrong).
The crew (senators and congressmen) are doing NOTHING to stop the water from gushing in. In fact they are cheering on the captain!!! All of them wearing lifejackets paid for by the passengers (benefits like lifelong pensions with only a few years of “service.”)
The captain and crew will all survive and thrive, along with their rich passenger friends. Not so for many passengers in the non-luxury suites.
The Medicaid “holes” will affect millions. Rural hospitals and nursing homes will probably close, hurting people around Murdo, Mitchell, Pierre and elsewhere in America.
The research “holes” for diseases, agriculture, and other scientific efforts will affect not just Murdo, Mitchell, and Pierre. EVERY citizen in our state will soon be standing in cold water over our knees. As will the rest of the country.
There are many other captain-created holes. The rule of law hole, the due process hole. Multiple holes on diversity, equity, and inclusion, immediately drowning women and minorities.
There are giant holes affecting our climate. Without several huge patches, it is probable most humans will suffer.
The list of holes is much longer, but not much time left to write. We are sinking fast. Action is needed. The crew chiefs, our Sen. Thune included, need to feel the frigid water way above their knees. (Use your imagination). Sen. Rounds and Rep. Johnson too.
Their words and actions (votes) prove they have abandoned us. We trusted them to protect us. They have betrayed us instead.
To be clear, I’m NOT promoting violence. I AM promoting our right to assemble, our right to free speech, our right to peaceful protest. I believe these things are needed more now than at any time in my life.
Yes, I’m back.
Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and a longtime radio talk show host who is now retired but remains active and involved in his community and state as an independent political observer and commentator. His columns appear regularly on The South Dakota Standard.
Photo: Knobe speaking at a Sioux Falls rally last April 5. Tom Lawrence
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