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Kristi Noem Needs More Courageous Advisers

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File

If you've been on social media the last few days, you've surely heard about a sickening revelation in Kristi Noem's recently released book. In it, she talks about shooting a dog she found to be not trainable. There has been intense and strong reaction to this story.

Most of the commentary has been filled with shock and anger. People love their dogs and hearing such a callous story is alarming. I have 5 dogs and foster various rescues so it was appalling to me. How you treat animals tells me much about the kind of person you are. On the other hand, there were commenters who believe this is just what happens in rural areas and ranches and what Noem did was common practice.

My son's grandfather owns a large cattle ranch in Sneads, Florida. As such, I've spent some time on ranches. A stray showed up to his ranch one day and when it was clear he was a bad fit for the cattle life (he was playing too hard with the calves and knocking them over), he called my son to come get him. Rocky has lived with us now for four years and is a complete joy. So, not all ranchers just shoot dogs who aren't useful to their way of life. All of that being said, the larger political concern is 'who is advising Noem'?

Like Limbaugh, I am left scratching my head about the people she has around her. None of them thought to mention this might be a horrible story to share with the public? Like it or not, the majority of Americans do not live on farms or ranches. Most have never even visited one. Even if shooting dogs is common as a way of life to ranchers and farmers (it's not), people who live in subdivisions and apartment buildings are not going to relate. Americans love their dogs. This was terrible retail politics. 

This is what happens when you surround yourself with 'yes' people. It is way more comfortable to have people around  you who will tell you everything you say or do is fantastic. That dynamic leads to huge mistakes like this. Leaders have to seek out people who will tell them the truth and not tickle their egos.

It was a massive error.

An excellent reminder as we head into election season. Politicians are people and people will always disappoint you. View them for what they are and that is running for the job of representing  you. Look at them like you would a prospective employee and not an idol. It will save you a great deal of heartache in the end.


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