John Kass demotion and the need to add value to the public debate

After 37 years with the Chicago Tribune, including 23 as main Page 2 columnist, the Mike Royko slot, John Kass has been demoted down to opinion section. His recent column on Chicago lawlessness prompted David Goldenberg, Midwest Regional Director of the Chicago Anti-Defamation League, to charge it perpetuates anti-Jewish conspiracy theories. He’s referring to Kass using an alleged anti-Semitic trope regarding Jewish billionaire and progressive cause donator George Soros. Kass’ column puts the blame for increased lawlessness in Chicago and other big cities on Democrats, especially Soros’s contributions to prosecutorial candidates focusing on criminal justice reform.

To me, the problem with the Kass column is not alleged anti-Semitism. As a public figure contributing to causes that offend conservatives like Kass, Jewish Soros is just as subject to be criticized as the Christian Koch brothers are subject to be criticized by progressives for contributing to conservative causes. The true issue is that Kass’ column adds no value to alleviating the vast areas of near third world poverty, hopelessness and crime infesting all American urban centers. They are the sad legacy of centuries of institutional racism that has denied investment, jobs, peace and hope for the millions locked into their despair. Laying the blame on Democratic mayors, prosecutors and one wealthy political donor is nonsense. It furthers an agenda of demonizing Democrats and any on the ‘left’ who keep their focus on reform and progress.

John Kass is a gifted wordsmith. Unfortunately, he uses his gift to distract from serious discussion of critical social issues. If George Soros went bankrupt and Republicans magically became Chicago’s mayor and chief prosecutor, crime would continue to surge in areas with little opportunity but unlimited guns. And for twenty-three years John Kass still hasn’t figured out how to add value to alleviating those problems.