Bill Napoli whines in the RC Journal

Around here at the Radical we have a special appreciation for Sen. Bill Napoli, a man who says what he means and means what he says, even when it doesn't make a lot of sense. So I have to repeat this letter from the RCJ today:

Auditor Julie Pearson broke the law. Check SDCL 12-14-1 and 12-14-1.1, and 12-14-2. Does this mean anything to some of you?

State law clearly says: Only county commissioners have the authority to move polling places, and they must notify the auditor 30 days before an election of the precinct boundary changes if any have been made. The auditor doesn't have authority to move a polling place four days before an election.

I believe Pearson tried to force her political views onto a private group by forcing them to put signs on their private property when they didn't want to.

Pearson apparently got her nose out of joint when the church refused to allow pro-abortion signs on the property before the election.

The county rents that property for one day! Pastor Potts specifically told the auditor's office: "There would be no signs of any kind on the property election day." This same policy had been used for the previous six elections.

Signs are not the issue; the issue is obeying the law.

Evidently, Pearson thinks she's above the law and can do whatever she wants.

I could care less about signs. What I care about is the people's right to vote.

Sen. BILL NAPOLI
Rapid City

I added the links above to the laws Sen N helpfully refers to, which are about the fair definition of precincts, and certainly NOT having to do with necessary last-minute changes in polling place. The Auditor has and needs this power to ensure folks can vote, in case the polling place loses power, gets flooded, or if in the unlikely case that owners of the polling place threaten to ignore county election policies and laws.

Sen N, considering the facts, I believe your premise that the Auditor broke the law is both misleading and false. Is this why you are simply bullying Ms Pearson in the "court" of the RCJ Letters section and at public meetings of the Commissioners? Seems pretty cowardly to me, and not behavior becoming of a State Senator.

That bastion of liberalism, the Rapid City Journal, has sided pretty heavily with the County Auditor, since she was simply doing her job to ensure compliance with existing policy.

What the heck happened? My theory is that the Auditor asked OBCC to remove their YesOnSix signs--and after a pregnant pause and the church's expression that they had a problem with that, the Auditor's office offered to let them leave their signs up if they (gasp) would let the Pro Death Forces Of Satan to put up their signs next to theirs. I can see, given the charged atmosphere at the eve an election they knew they were likely to lose, that a "hell no" response from Open Bible would have resulted, and the rest is history.

Sen. N. seems pretty sure the OBCC would have removed their signs, I guess I"m not so trusting: our local experience is quite the opposite: the westside Catholic Church had YesOnSix signs up the morning of Nov 7, and had a pro-life sign up (until they asked to remove it) in the very room where polling was taking place last April. I guess I'm a little more trusting than Sen N. of past experience than the honor of the YesOnSix self-righteous true believers, who clearly believed their cause was so morally superior that they had no problem spreading dis-information and laundering money.

Sen. Napoli, may I respectfully suggest if you really have a case here (which I seriously doubt) against the Auditor to file suit in court, or maybe get your Party interested in the issue so they can pursue it in court. Otherwise, please go find something useful to work on that will do some good, like maybe paycheck loan sharking?

Or is that too hard for you? You've made noise about the paycheck loans issue, but have been strangely silent outside of campaign time.

Are you that scared of a real fight on a real issue?

Christian Coalition Still Not Getting It

The president-elect of the Christian Coalition has resigned because he refuses to limit his vision to the abolition of legal, safe, abortion and gay marriage.

If they keep this up, they will continue to lose on their big issues.. because these folks just don't seem to get it that they are losing moral authority by supporting the Republican Party and continuing to divide America while ignoring the core Christian values of economic equality, social justice, and minding the log in your own eye first.

Oh, well, more space for reality-based Christians in politics. I guess this is good news.

Streaming audio: Dobson et al fail to face reality

Like that is news. Nevertheless, I found this quite illuminating. In this audio from Dr. James Dobson's radio program, Dobson, Tony Perkins, et al. discuss the election late last week. Take a listen... they really don't get it. They don't understand the significance that although they won 7 of 8 state "marriage protection" amendments last week, 5 of those were won with less than a 60-40 majority. They don't understand that "values voters" include people with values that are somewhat less skewed and better informed by reality than theirs seem to be.

These guys (they ARE mostly guys, though there is one woman from Dobson's Colorado Springs staff) either are in major denial or simply do not grasp the truth: many in our country (including many Christians) are tiring of their ignorant and spiteful diatribes against single parents, gays, and even strong women; their longtime promotion of a political party that doesn't make the poor a priority; and their hammering on a few wedge issues into platitudes that simply don't make sense when measured against our real-life experience.

Jeremiah would have a few choice words for this crowd. But a far worse fate, from an American cultural perspective is being handed them: the collective yawn.

Just a reminder about what we're about

I think this is a good time to remind ourselves and tell others what we are about as Democrats.

Barack Obama, in one of the most memorable speeches by a Democrat in THIS century, reminds us that "we are our brother's keeper, we are our sisters keeper... e pluribus unum: out of many, one."

Have a listen (this is just the second half of the speech). You won't regret it!

Nice article on RC Weekly news

I just LOVE the RC weekly news. I hope they have a long happy future ahead of them, because from arts to politics, they are doing great coverage and meeting the needs of the community. They even have an arts and events calendar that is printed sorted by date! (Wow--what a concept!)

This article about the election is cool because it catches the spirit of the Dems... although Katus was the only one elected locally, we are are still energized and hopeful for what we will accomplish in the future. We also have other lives besides politics that we are jumping into with both feet--Eric Abrahamson being the most public and notable example, running a chess tourney with Lois last Saturday!

Tom Lawrence did miss a fact though--Katus was certainly not just sitting around all day. He was back on the phones (in my living room, Precinct 1-3 Dem Headquarters) not too long after he took the break at the Dem headquarters Tom L. captured on camera. He was calling voters right up to 15 minutes before poll closing. We ALL worked very hard on election day.

And you thought VoteYes robo-calls...

were annoying and deliberately misleading.

Just be thankful we weren't treated to these dirty (and illegal) robo-calls in South Dakota. Looks like we would have been had we had a competitive House race; we lucked out this time. (Run, Leslee, Run!)

When are the good-guy Republicans going to rise up and depose their lawless and morality-challenged leadership?

A joke

George W. Bush and a secret service agent are taking a stroll when they come upon a little girl carrying a basket with a blanket over it. Curious, Bush asks the girl, "What's in the basket?"

She replies, "New baby kittens," and she opens the basket to show him.

"How nice," says Bush. "What kind are they?" The little girl says, "Republicans."

Bush smiles, pats the little girl on the head and continues on.

Three weeks later, Bush is taking another stroll, this time with Karl Rove. They see the little girl again with the same basket. Bush says, "Watch this, Karl; it's really cute." They approach the little girl.

Bush greets the little girl and asks how the kittens are doing, and she says, "Fine."

Then, smirking, he nudges Rove with his elbow and asks the little girl, "And can you tell us what kind of kittens they are?"

She replies, "Democrats!"

Abashed, Bush says, "But three weeks ago you said they were Republicans!"

"I know," she says.

"But now their eyes are open."

Polling place change blasted

... by three state legislators.. that just coincidentally happen to have been in favor of Referred Law Six, which set the tone and stage for this whole drama...

(Photo Steve McEnroe/Journal staff)

Why this news article doesn't dig very deep into the (as far as I can tell) open defiance of the pastor of Open Bible that caused this whole scene by refusing the Auditor's request to ensure a fair and neutral polling place, I sure don't know. I'd love to hear more about what was said that pushed the Auditor to call his bluff. His attitude must have come off as rather, as we are wont to say, extreme.

We faithful Christians are normally soooo persecuted in the press, frankly, I'm surprised Open Bible got an easy pass on this one....

http://rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/11/10/news/top/news01.txt

In other news, Bill Masterson, the publisher of the RCJ has been, uh, promoted to the happenin' town of Munster, Indiana (pop 21,511). He must have really impressed the powers that be up at Lee Enterprises during this election season! He will no doubt make waves there by putting the tennis team on the front page of the paper, as, according to the Wikipedia, "the Munster High School boys and girls tennis teams are perennial powerhouses in Indiana." Good luck, Mr. Masterson, we hardly knew ya.

Favorite Republican quotes

Elli Schwiesow, on her trip over to the Democratic victory party to congratulate Senator-Elect Tom Katus:

They had a pretty good party going.

We sure did, because the victory was not only about the campaign this year, but the rebirth of a party that has too long been silenced in West River.

Alan Hanks, talking about the early results favoring Hemmingsen and Nolan:

One of those is the West Boulevard area, and that's where all those Democracy in Action gals live

(Those "gals" are from all over the Black Hills, and Hanks, and the rest of us, haven't seen nothing yet.)

Margey Cook, on the rejection of RL6)

I'm really very disgusted it didn't win. Outsider interference caused it not to pass.

Yeah, I agree, outsiders like Alan Keyes, James Dobson, and Rick Scarborough.

Mitt Romney, (R-MA) echoing the right-wing talking point du jour:

What voters told us is that America is stuck and Washington is broken. Voters told us to move forward by embracing our conservative convictions that Americans agree with and value - and we will.

Here's georgia10's (of Daily Kos) right-on response to Mitt, and Laura Ingraham, et al.:

Mitt, Mitt, Mitt. Let me gently break the news to you. When you can't get an abortion ban passed in freakin' South Dakota, America isn't trending conservative. When you can't get a gay marriage ban passed in Arizona, America isn't trending conservative. When opposition to gay marriage bans was more than 40% in 5 of the 8 bans that passed, America isn't trending conservative. When a majority of Americans choose Democrats to represent them, America isn't trending conservative.

Rounds is scared

Gov. Rounds was caught in here Rapid City today flagging down motorists in the gap. I also heard a report is was going door to door in Rapid... "hey... hey .. HEY!! Remember me, I'm the Governor? will you please vote for me? pleasepleaseplease!"

My guess is between RL6, his hypocrisy on life, his neglect of Native issues and school funding, and his minimal campaigning, he's getting kind of worried. Jack and Eric's reality-based campaign is getting across! JACK WILL DO WELL TODAY.


(Jackie Dusseau-Beilke send me this, and invites you to pass her cartoon along!)

Amendment C too close to call

Polling is showing the race on Amendment C is going to be very close. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of voter-ID on this one--many folks know more than they wanted to know about the abortion ban, but the "quasi-marital relationship ban" is a bit unknown to voters.

This is the message I hope all of us should share.

Tell the Legislature and the many special interests that have been secretly and not-so-secretly pouring money into our State:
- Stay away from our families: No on C
- Stay away from our medical decisions: No on Six
- Get working on the real issues: Vote Dem for Legislature

Open Letter: No On Amendment C

An Open Letter from Bro. William George Myers, O.S.L., PO Box 547, Faulkton, SD 57438

I join South Dakotans Against Discrimination in inviting you to vote NO on Amendment C on November 7, 2006.

It is my opinion that this piece of legislation brings shame upon our State when elsewhere in this nation candidates and States are seeking to provide for the security of rights for all individuals and eliminate all possibility of discrimination against our fellow citizens.

Discrimination is a kind of emotional terrorism that is denigrating, demeaning, and debilitating. Legislated discrimination is society expressing itself at its worst. When I was growing up in South Dakota nearly seventy years ago, I learned from my parents, in our little rural school, in our small but excellent high school, in church, and in my community that all God's people are created equal, that we live in a nation where we are at our best when we respect each other and help each other to live to our best potentials, that government and law are designed and facilitated to protect all the citizens and their natural rights, and that it is not the place of the law to discriminate against anyone. Those are values that have guided my life, my lifestyle, my personal principles, and my relationships with people in many places in this nation and around the world throughout my career. I have been positively proud to say I learned in South Dakota how to be a good citizen of the nation and the world.

(this letter contiues in the comments)

KOTA video of Mount Rushmore

Do not miss this video-- it's a must-see going into this thing.

Some great quotes and shots of people we know and love standing up for compassion against Referred Law Six. Don't miss the 1/2 second wide angle shot of the pathetic crowd at Mount Rushmore.

What a change since Dobson's last visit to South Dakota.

See this video from Colorado too.

The times, they are a changing.

We miss him too

Dr. Dobson, guess what, we miss Sen. Thune too.

The RCJ reports today on where the heck Thune has been instead of doing battle for Dr. Dobson and Elli here in South Dakota, or even helping things the MAJORITY of us are worried about: jobs, education, healthcare, and severe drought.

Since Congress left Washington at the end of September, Thune has traveled to New Jersey, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, California, Washington, Montana and Wyoming to campaign for GOP candidates.

Thune also has supported candidates through donations from his political action committee, Heartland Values PAC. Through that committee, he has donated almost $200,000 to more than 25 Republican candidates.

Sen. Thune, we miss you! Come home!

Republicans in denial

Kevin Woster wrote a great article in the Rapid City Journal today about the Katus-Schwiesow race.

I kind of focused in on the denial I heard from the Republicans when discussing this race and its larger symbolic significance. Battles like this are happening all over the country. And it's not only Republicans (but mostly them, since their recent abuses have been so outrageous) that have had to deal with the fact that Americans are finally challenging bad ideas within their own parties and bringing things back to sanity. It's a great time to be involved with politics, especially here in SD where everything is so on the surface.

Schwiesow rejects the notion of a serious split among South Dakota Republicans. And even though she admits that Katus is likely to do well with Adelstein supporters, she doesn?t see that as a death knell for her campaign.

We'll find out on Tuesday, won't we? It sure looks to me like the extreme Republicans have pretty much torched their ability to control the dialogue.

Schwiesow said she isn?t an extremist but represents what she considers to be core South Dakota values.

I sure hope not.

She also opposes embryonic stem-cell research but supports work with adult stem cells.

Like that's what we want our legislature arguing about next year.

... South Dakota Republican Party chairman Randy Frederick of Hayti rejected the notion that Adlestein?s move reflects a larger GOP split in the state. Nor does Frederick believe that the outcome of the District 32 race will make a larger statement on statewide issues.

The rift is real and it's spelling the end of the Republican majority as we know it nationwide. And I'm so glad it's over so we can actually have Republicans around that are interested in doing some work instead of merely doing battle.

Republicans: It's too hard!

Rapid City Journal Letters To The Editor, 11/4/2006

It's too hard?

Thursday at the Rapid City Civic Association candidate night at North Middle School, several Republican incumbents reminded us what hard work it is and how complicated the issues are when working as state legislators. We keep hearing from Republicans that issues are "more complicated than people think."

I appreciate their sacrifice and hard work in Pierre, especially since the Legislature itself is, in my opinion, extremely underpaid. However, it's a little insulting to be told how hard it is in Pierre. Most of us struggle every day with the difficult economic, educational and health-care issues they have not successfully addressed, while the Legislature continues to support an unfair, extremely regressive tax system and pass legislation that is clearly crafted for political success.

It's time for real leadership in the areas of jobs, health care and education. But Republicans say: "It's too hard!"

Capable, qualified people, Democrats, and others, too, are saying, "Yes, change for the better is hard - so let's get to work now."

Tom Katus is capable. Tom Katus' qualifications to serve the people of District 32, Rapid City, and South Dakota are commanding and impressive. It is complicated, but it's not too hard for Tom Katus.

CURTIS PRICE

Rapid City

Open Bible Polling Place Shut Down

Pennington County Auditor Julie Pearson said she decided to shut down the Open Bible polling place late Thursday after the Rev. Les Potts refused to promise an election official that a campaign sign would be removed by Election Day.

Potts, however, said he learned of the dispute Friday from news media. "We've always complied with the law, and we?ve been a voting place for 12 years or more," he said.

But Pearson insisted that county election supervisor Lori Severson spoke with Potts late Thursday afternoon. Pearson said she changed the poll location only after she could not get an assurance that the sign at Open Bible would be removed. Pearson said county policy requires owners of polling places to either ban all signs on that property or allow all signs.

There were no campaign signs at Open Bible on Friday. Potts said the sign in question had been vandalized or damaged by wind and was removed earlier in the week.

But Pearson said election workers saw the sign Thursday when they were delivering voting machines.

Julie Pearson definitely gets the first Robbinsale Radical Human Of The Week Award. I'm so happy she has been able to stand up to these people and proud she has taken the heat with such grace. I hope she runs for Chris Nelson's job--as a Democrat of course!

Pro-life and pro-choice

Here's a comment for those of you that are having trouble figuring out why their pastor or priest could possibly stand against RL6, along with the Pastors for Moral Choices (and many of the major churches in the USA). If you have any ear to hear and heart still receptive to ponder this issue please read this post. It says more than I ever could how you could be both pro-life and pro-choice. Why? Because this member of the clergy speaks here, from real-life experience. (She's also a far better writer than I am.) Thank you so much, grammywoj, for sharing this with us.

I hate abortion. I think it is one of the great tragedies in human history. I think it is a lousy form of birth control, and that it causes tremendous pain in the lives of women who feel they must choose it. Of all the women I've ever met who were faced with that choice, I never met a single one who ever entered into it lightly.

I hate remembering the day that, as a hospital chaplain, I stood at the bedside of a woman who had struggled valiently to have a healthy baby, only to discover too late that a botched illegal abortion had so damaged her body that she could not carry a child to term. I hate knowing that some people are arrogant enough to believe--and to say--that she she deserved her grief, and I hate knowing that my compassion was not enough to comfort her and point her to the One who loves her beyond measure.

I hate the fact that, until abortion could be done safely and legally in this country, women and young girls--children, really--who truly felt that abortion was their only option were forced to take terrible risks with their lives. And that those who have made that choice and actually had the audacity to survive it have been maligned and mistreated abominably.

I hate my memory of the weeping woman who poured out her soul in my arms, driven half-crazy by guilt and longing. Some self-righteous religious nut had convinced her that her mentally retarded son would be completely healed on his 18th birthday if God forgave her for the abortion she had had at the age of 13. Only the child had not been healed as "promised" by that irresponsible fanatic, and this devastated woman could not be convinced that there would ever be grace enough for her.

I hate the fact that in the state of California, where I live, more than 100,000 unwanted children are living in foster care and are considered "unadoptable" because their abusive parents have so damaged them with prenatal drug abuse and post-natal child abuse that nobody wants them. And I hate the fact that so few of those who so self-righteously demand that women carry their babies to term are actually willing to step forward to adopt or foster these children.

I love my children. I love my grandchildren. I hope my daughters and granddaughters are never, ever, ever faced with having to make a choice like this. But if they are confronted with such a choice, I believe it needs to be their choice, and that it should be a choice that can be made legally, safely, and privately.

I find it incomprehensible that someone who does not know me from a hole in the wall can declare it "impossible" for me to be both pro-life and pro-choice. Living with ambiguity is not nearly as reassuring and self-satisfying as being an absolutist--and it's definitely not easy. But it's the only honest way for me to live. So yes, I am decidedly pro-life. But I am also prayerfully pro-choice.

Elli demands Thune dance with who brung him

Attached is a email that was passed along to me. From what I've heard from those that have had to work with her, it sure rings true as a glimpse into Elli Schwiesow's other (hidden) political life when the camera is not running. Boy, her tone sure reminds me of Dr. James Dobson, who has been recently complaining that the Bush Administration isn't delivering on their promises to him and his homeboys.

I'm assuming this is the note thatKOTA was talking about today.

From: Ellie Schweisow [mailto:elli@rushmore.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 9:18 pm
Subject: RE: Senator Thuner - Now is the time to PUBLICLY, STAND FOR LIFE!

We would like a comprehensive statement such as this coming from our Senate John Thune. It needs to be in papers across SD on Sunday. It is also very important that Senator Thune be at Mr. Rushmore on Saturday standing with Dr. Dobson. The Christian community, across SD, that gave its heart and soul to electing John, two years ago is counting on our Senator to be a Statesman and come out publicly, standing strongly for LIFE. The fate of "Vote Yes" could be in Senator Thune's hand. He can not let us down. His weak position published over a month ago was noticed by all. Plead with our Senator to do what's right. Senator Thune - PUBLICLY, STAND FOR LIFE.

Ellie Schwiesow

My faith informs my politics, too

Two letters worth reading twice from today's Rapid City Journal. The first is a right-on "come-to-Jesus" for the right wing; the second, straight talk about the much-lied-about "rape and incest exception--er--provision" included in the contested abortion ban up for a vote on Tuesday.

Vote for moderation

There's a bumper sticker with a Sinclair Lewis quote saying, "When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." It's unclear whether or not those were Lewis' words. That was Lewis' message, however, in his last great novel, "It Can't Happen Here," as a warning should Americans forget their core values.

When I see politicians wave Bibles at Americans telling us this is what our founding fathers wanted, I have to wonder if they flunked American Government. (For those interested in broadening your horizons, read, "The Godless Constitution: A Moral Defense of the Secular State.")
(Here's a great discussion of this topic from The Nation --RR)

I am a Christian. My faith informs my politics. My faith guides my thinking and my actions toward my neighbors and strangers.

But in a million years, I wouldn't dream of saying, "Well, since my faith works for me, it's gonna work for the rest of South Dakotans, too."

I'm tired of being told how to live, what's moral, what's sinful and even unlawful based on a well-funded group of malevolent, so-called Christians. Aren't you?

On Nov. 7, vote for moderation. No on C! No on 6! Vote for the Democrat! Vote for Katus, Nolan and Hemmingsen!

BETHANY WOJAHN

Rapid City

Here's that second letter, concerning the fake emergency contraception "exception" that apparently almost half us believe in:

Barbaric

One thing I learned in my several years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children was that young victims tend to keep sexual abuse hidden. To expect these girls to avail themselves of emergency contraception to avoid becoming pregnant is unrealistic, even ridiculous.

Their sex education may be so limited that they cannot anticipate pregnancy as a consequence of the abuse, let alone the need for a "morning after" pill. They are often so traumatized and ashamed by the abuse, and intimidated by threats of violence from the perpetrator if they tell anyone about it, that they are unwilling to trust another adult with their awful secret. And what perpetrator is going to implicate himself by seeking emergency contraception for his victim?

To force young girls to carry to term a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest is barbaric. Vote No on HB1215! (RL6 is the referendum to overturn HB1215 -RR)

MARY NELSON KEITHAHN

Rapid City

The whole nation is watching

The entire Nation is watching us, even with Congress in the balance--what happens in South Dakota matters. A lot of folks are rooting for us. So hang in there, everyone!

More Democracy In Action Radio Ads

I received a few more radio ads from DIA today for our collection here on RR. Forward the updated post around the state and around the Nation:

http://rr57701.blogspot.com/2006/10/audio-truth-about-referred-law-6.html

Press Conference Tomorrow: Native Women say No On Six

This just came over the wire... one thing you can say, thse women are clearly lot less afraid to sign their names, and show their faces to the press. I don't see these brave women posting anonymously, hiding behind their political signs, or giving financial support to their side through a sham money-laundering front business... Bruce Whalen does not speak for these women.

***MEDIA ADVISORY***
For Planning Purposes Only
Native American Women Speak Out Against Referred Law 6

6 Restrictive abortion ban is not good for American Indian women

Just days before Election Day, Native American women will hold a press conference on Friday, November 3rd at Noon at the Civic Center Holiday Inn to speak out about the dangers of Referred Law 6, the abortion ban.

American Indian leaders will speak out against Referred Law 6 and let their communities know that the restrictive abortion ban is not right for Native American communities in South Dakota. Native American women have a long history of making their own decisions on their reproductive health, free from government interference. Their commitment to voting no on Referred Law 6 is an important step in defeating the abortion ban.


WHO: Cecilia Fire Thunder -- Elizabeth Cook Lynn -- Lisa Cook
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: Friday, November 3, 2006 12:00 PM (Noon)
WHERE: Civic Center Holiday Inn, 505 North Fifth Street, Rapid City

Roger Hunt Launders money to Yes4Life

From SD Watch:

Vote Yes For Life Uses Shell Company to Launder $750,000

(details at KELO-TV)
Six weeks ago, State Representative Roger Hunt, author of South Dakota's controversial ban, registered a fake company called Promising Future, Inc in Brandon, South Dakota. The "company" has no telephone number, no office, no business presence in the state, and appears to offer no products or services. Yet it's been a profitable business. In fact, in the six weeks since it was founded, it has produced enough "profit" to donate $750,000—three quarters of a million dollars—to Vote Yes for Life [Vote Yes for Life Ballot Committee Filing ($500,000 on the general election report, $250,000 on the 11/02/06 Supplement, South Dakota Secretary of State; Corporations Filing, South Dakota Secretary of State].

The nerve of these people is only exceeded by their arrogance. Another reason to vote No no Six-- Vote No for people that are using this issue to further their political agendas. It's not about life, it's really about power.

VOTE NO ON SIX.

Referred Law Six Rally

Today was another great day in Rapid City, when compassionate people again stood up to those who have taken it upon themselves to make decisions for the rest of us.
A whole bunch of folks turned out at 9th and St Joseph to stand up and be visible, to stand up and refuse to be intimidated by people that insist they have the answers to that which cannot be answered.



Chas shows off one of the great custom-made signs that ACLU-SD has created to bravely state the case, to make the plea: that we be allowed by wrestle with these issues ourselves, without interference from government or from other citizens that think they know better than we do.


Sen. Stan Adelstein and Jane M. from Democracy in Action talk about how Democrats and Republicans are joining together to stand up and be counted on this issue.


We were outnumbered by the Yes On Six crowd, who (as usual) carted their children from school, teaching them the value minding everyone else's business. Pretty balloons!


I asked these folks to put away the sign on the right because, together with the sign on the left, falsely accused a local doctor (by name) of "promoting abortion" and "killing babies". (I blanked out the doc's name in the sign on the right in this snapshot.)

The fellow behind the middle "Vote Yes" sign accused me of intimidating the woman because I told her that her sign pretty much added up to slander against this doctor, who is doing the best he can to help is patients deliver healthy babies and also helping them make good medical decisions when things don't go so well. This doctor is the bravest person in this fight. I asked these people to put away the sign they were threatening this doctor's safety by putting these false accusations out of the street on the news etc.. I heard from people in the crowd "that would not happen here in South Dakota" (uh.. okay) and "well, he should stop killing babies." Not exactly comforting reassurances. But thankfully they put the sign away, and the guy behind the middle sign seemed to understand my concerns, for which I am very grateful.

It was a pretty firm exchange, I caught a glimpse of myself speaking with them on the KOTA news and thought I should explain what was going on in the quick 2 second video, so that's it.

I can't say enough good about the doc they were slandering, because he faces protesters every day and checks under his car for brake fluid or signs of tampering. He has needed help from security folks. He's the one who is being intimidated, or would be if he wasn't so much braver than me.

This is the Episcopal Church's position on abortion. It's both pro-life and pro-choice, imagine that. I strongly agree with this point of view, and so do many other churches that have chosen to be direct, engaged, and compassionate on this issue:
By 1988, the 69th General Convention had developed a position that stated, "All human life is sacred. Hence it is sacred from its inception until death." The statement goes on to call for church programs to assist women with problem pregnancies and to emphasize the seriousness of the abortion decision. In 1994, the 71st General Convention expressed "unequivocal opposition to any ... action ... that [would] abridge the right of a woman to reach an informed decision about the termination of her pregnancy, or that would limit the access of a woman to a safe means of acting upon her decision."

Abortion is a tragedy, we must minimize them--but the answer is not to pass draconian laws like this abortion ban that hurt families. Learn the facts, and find some compassion, and vote no on RL6.

And.. ANOTHER reason to show at noon Wednesday

Minding Your Business South Dakota is using their huge national funding sources to bring one of the leading proponents of christianoid pseudo-science, formerly respected child psychologist and all around sanctimonious loudmouths on the planet right here to the Black Hills. That's right, none other than Dr. James Dobson is coming to town to rally the troops, with some help with his friends Alan Keyes and Rick Scarborough, to work overtime in the last few days in their holy work: to restrict our freedom and shred the intent of the Constitution. Where is this rally being held? At the Shrine Of Democracy, Mount Rushmore, of course.

Irony reigns again, here in that most ironic of places, Rapid City, South Dakota.

(Too bad Dr. Dobson is having a hard time fielding a crowd these days. Will they fill the amphitheatre, I wonder? Well, free food and free transport will help, I'm sure the best minds are on it. What I want to know is exactly who is paying for all this.)

Just another reason I fervently hope to see everyone that can possibly come tomorrow at 12 pm, 9th and St Joseph St, in Rapid City to tell Dr. Dobson that he's wasting a trip.