USD College Republicans

The "carpetbagger" vs. the "native son"

I've heard the same line from many Nesselhuf supporters: "Higman is a 'carpetbagger.'" Simply, a carpetbagger is a person who moves to another geographic area to reap economic benefits.

There are a couple of reasons why that term is ridiculous when applied here:

1) The use of this term illustrates the fact that most Nesselhuf supporters are protectionist without knowing it. When they call Higman a "carpetbagger," they're essentially saying, "I don't like Higman because he came to South Dakota and is now prospering." That is protectionism in the first place and xenophobia in the second place. Most midwestern states, South Dakota included, are experiencing "brain drain." That is, the best and brightest are moving out of the midwest. So, when someone from out-of-state brings in a successful business and prospers, it should be applauded, not derided. Masaba has a $4 million payroll this year. That's an average of about $45,000 per year for each worker (of course, the actual salaries are different). This is not South Dakota money. Less than 1% of Higman's business is done in South Dakota. He is bringing in dollars from all corners of the US, helping make our little corner of South Dakota better for everyone.

Moreover, if Nesselhuf supporters wanted only native South Dakotans to prosper, our economic development would be terrible. Do Nesselhuf supporters want to build a wall around South Dakota? Around Clay County? Around Vermillion?

Nesselhuf's supporters' protectionist thinking is misguided and dangerous. Higman knows what national and international trade are. He deals with them on a daily basis. The closest Nesselhuf has come to them are in a classroom.

2) The Nesselhuf campaign recently sent out a mailing labeling Nesselhuf a "native son" or something akin to that. This is another xenophobic attack, implying that, because he's a native-born South Dakotan, that Nesselhuf is better-suited for the State Senate. So, I must ask him: What have you done? You've simply voted for bills that others wrote, then spinning wildly, said you got "special clearance" for them! There are only four years difference between you and Higman. He nurtured a small business into a multimillion dollar business and you took a decade to finish school.

It looks like the "carpetbagger" has done more for Vermillion than the "native son."

-Matt Hittle

Posted at 09:57AM Oct 13, 2008 by College Republicans in General  |  Comments[0]