Photo Credit - Lee Wonnacott
William Janklow entered a plea of Not Guilty to four felony and misdemeanor counts today. The facts are very straightforward and it seems certain that he will be adjudged guilty by his peers if the case makes it to trial.
Several days ago the South Dakota Republican held a press conference and it was a pathetic display of arrogance and indifference. In a rambling statement and series of answers to the questions of eager reporters, Janklow professed his sorrow for the family of the accident victim. It would have been nice had he gotten the name right.
Maybe that plays along with a probable defense. Stupidity is a valid defense for a politician, isn't it? Janklow repeatedly asked that questions be restated because his hearing aids had been lost in the accident. Ah, Excuse ME, Mr. Janklow but that event was nearly four weeks prior...is it that difficult to get replacements? Or does it further your cause to play the sympathy card?
Further, Mr. Janklow professed that he still has problems related to a slight head injury. That may be so, but if your thinking isn't clear now what was your excuse as your approached that intersection with no intention of stopping?
There is an allegation that Mr. Janklow nearly clobbered a women in a car under the same circumstances and the same intersection just one year ago. When she called police to report the plate number all she got from the police dispatcher was a chuckle and confirmation that it was "Governor Bill" running late to a meeting someplace.
Everybody with half a brain understands our Congressional Representatives need to cover a lot of ground every day, and Janklow patiently explained his schedule for the day prior to and the morning of the murder. (We should not continue to call this an accident, it was just as the prosecutor has said; Second Degree Manslaughter.) But most other Congressmen travel with some staff and someone else driving. The time in the vehicle, no matter what it is, can actually be usefully spent attending to the duties of the office. But Bill likes to drive and clear his mind. And 55 year old Randy Scott loved to ride his Harley over country roads - but he's dead now and we shouldn't let that small fact cloud the issue, "Governor Bill" still thinks he's an effective Representative and should remain in office.
During the press conference Mr. Janklow repeatedly attempted to turn the issue of speeding and reckless driving back upon his inquisitors. "Have you never driven faster than the law allows?", he would ask each reporter. "I've seen you reporters driving to the scene of the crime faster than the police. Is the story that important? Don't tell me this could not have happened to you." Yes, the former governor is right; we have all been guilty of speeding at least once in our lives. But does a simple "Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa" stand for justice when a fellow human has been run down like a possum feeding on the center line? I don't think so.
The House Ethics Committee will sanction Mr. Janklow only if he is convicted of a felony or high misdemeanor. They will take his seat and possibly reduce his pension benefits. He will no longer get free haircuts or special preference at public events. His fall from grace will become complete, IF he is convicted. And that, when a high profile politician is involved, can be a BIG IF.
Mr. Janklow needs to own up to the mistake now and lead his constituents by example. He did it. It was stupid and irresponsible and he needs to step up to the punishment. He also needs to relieve the public of his burden and step down from office as soon as possible. And he needs to make a sincere apology to the Scott family. It's the decent thing to do.
The family and friends of Randy Scott are planning a memorial ride for early October. Join the line if you can. If you can't, just ride that day and remember there may be a politician on the other side of that stop sign. BE CAREFUL, BE VERY CAREFUL.
Remember, "Ride today - Tommorow you may not be able!"
-LW