robbinsdale radical

Blue Awesome

2012-01-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Finally the Legislature seems to behind something that is arguably not stupid. South Dakota's flag is, well, a bit 19th century, artistically uninspiring, and does not represent our natural and First Nations heritage at all. How excellent it is that one of South Dakota's finest artists came up with a concept that meets the need. You can read more about this design at the RCJ in an excellent

The 1 percent control SD's legislators

2012-01-21T21:30:00.004-07:00

It turns out both of my Pierre-appointed legislators, Kristen Conzet and Brian Gosch (and most others from the area) are players for the "American Legislative Research Council" known to many of us simply as ALEC. ALEC is an organization funded by large corporations (including the now famous Koch brothers) to write legislation for the states to serve their interests. Not South Dakota interests

Abuse of power by Pierre's republican leadership?

2012-01-02T13:51:00.007-07:00

Some Republicans that decided not to follow the party line have discovered that the Pierre leadership may have (gasp) interfered with the excellent South Dakota Legislative Research Council (LRC). We're shocked, shocked, I say!David Montgomery of the Rapid City Journal reports: Lawmakers call for subpoenas in intra-party feudA dispute among South Dakota's Republican legislators continues to heat

Noem to hold flood hearing

2011-11-04T08:28:00.003-06:00

Rep. Noem announced yesterday taht she is going to hold a hearing on Missouri flooding at the end of the month. (She's working on her 40th birthday, I'm impressed!)U.S. Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) announced today that the U.S. House Missouri River Flood Working Group will hold a hearing in Washington, DC on November 30th to discuss the Missouri River flooding of 2011. The group received

Our taxes are not as low as they might appear

2011-10-21T20:12:00.002-06:00

My friend Ruth Schutz speaks truth in the RCJ this week:Paying a living wage will improve local economyGov. Daugaard is advertising South Dakota’s workforce as worth less than a living wage; it used to be that we were sold as having a good work ethic.He obviously has not run the numbers to see what you can afford on $10 an hour; it’s not a living wage. Even Gov. Janklow admitted in his last term

Kristi Noem's superior economic analysis

2011-09-13T19:36:00.003-06:00

I guess because I asked Rep. Noem to pass a jobs bill yesterday I got invited to join a conference call with her (as a listener.) I listened to her blame the Postal Service for closing post offices (as opposed to Congress demanding that the Postal Service be self-sufficient while they tie their hands from making their own business decisions).She then blames our job problems on our "high corporate

Solutions for "bizarre" district lines in Rapid City

2011-09-11T22:09:00.004-06:00

Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you, Donna!!(Emphasis below mine.)Find solutions for ‘bizarre’ district linesGuess what? Proposed new legislative districts look like the old ones, including my District 33. One legislator even described its horseshoe shape as “bizarre.”District 33 cannot be “walked” by campaigning candidates or “driven” efficiently like a truly rural area. The value of

Playing Opposites - It's Nothing New.

2011-07-04T15:15:00.005-06:00

The lesson in church yesterday (Matthew 11):18 For John [the Baptist] came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Sounds kinda like the Republicans in Congress, who continue to play opposites, especially with their own ideas!Happy 4th

Tipping Fee Criminal total take: $1000

2011-06-16T08:55:00.010-06:00

After all the grandstanding by mayoral candidate Sam Kooiker on this city "scandal", a company destroyed, lives ruined (and one ended), it turns out this was about slightly sloppy recordkeeping by city employees at the landfill. Total take: $1000 spread among, at most, six people over seven years? Wow, that kind of money is even enough (if they all chipped in) to pay for a creepy political mailer

Mr. Lamar, tear down this billboard!

2011-06-06T19:46:00.009-06:00

The Radical today salutes the brilliant and handsome Donald Frankenfeld, one of the gems of our fair city. As a private citizen he paid for this billboard, just for the good of our town.Hurray for Don!Vote Yes on 1 and 2 tomorrow!

Keep an eye on Rapid Creek

2011-05-29T22:18:00.016-06:00

Bookmark this page to keep an eye on the creek.More information: More data for this site South Dakota FloodWatch Rapid City area weather (NWS)

Rapid City "Event$ Center" abandons local arts organizations

2011-05-17T08:14:00.002-06:00

and director Brian Maliske is "hurt" that they think so -- he doesn't seem to get it that the public agreed to build in the floodplain and has invested millions in the facility to support local performing arts.Rising rates at civic center push out symphony, RCJ, May 17)Yeah, government run like a business works out great... if you have the benjamins.

Mayor race in Rapid City heats up...

2011-05-16T19:24:00.005-06:00

... and I have no idea who to vote for.The Rapid City Journal has posted video statements from all the candidates on their website so at least that's somewhere to start.I'm quite torn myself, as Alan Hanks is going around taking partisan slams at city council candidates that don't fit his particularly right-wing political persuasion, and, let's face it, a vote for Sam Kooiker is a vote to annoy

Some letters worth reading

2011-05-15T12:58:00.003-06:00

From the Rapid City Journal letters, (Go there for the complete letters.)I couldn't agree with Vaud and Barry more. Dexter greater threat than homosexualsHow very, very sad that a Christian political commentator, Penna Dexter, comes all the way to Rapid City — not only to encourage prayer for our country — but to state her opinion that “the greatest threat to America today … is the advancing

Ritchie Nordstrom for Rapid City Council!

2011-04-15T19:14:00.004-06:00

I sent this in to the Rapid City Journal... but dear reader, you get to read it here first! Every now and then, a candidate for local office appears that especially gives me encouragement for the future. An example is Ritchie Nordstrom, running for City Council in Ward 2. I’ve known Ritchie for seven years, and in that time I have admired both his commitment and his ability to inspire communities

Is it possible to bury Black Hills Dems any deeper?

2011-04-07T08:36:00.014-06:00

The Rapid City Journal reports on the upcoming effort to make Democrats even less able to elect anyone from West River (Lawmakers to take up redistricting this fall, April 3)Talk about elections having consequences.At a special session in October, lawmakers will approve new legislative districts drawn over the course of the year by a committee with a heavy West River contingent. Reps. David Lust,

Rapid City Central High School Chamber Orchestra wins national title

2011-03-20T15:44:00.008-06:00

I was lucky enough to see this as one of two "spoilers" (chaperones) accompanying these fine young people to Rapid City.From the RCJ story (Central orchestra scores top prize at national competition, March 20):The Central High School Chamber Orchestra won the top prize at the National Orchestra Festival in Kansas City this weekend.The orchestra’s 30-minute set drew raves from judges for the high

South Dakota needs more small government conservatives

2011-03-01T22:16:00.010-07:00

Yes, you read that here.A West River State Representative disagreed with me on HB 1217, which not only will require a 72-hour waiting period, but insults women by requiring them to visit a pregnancy "help center" for "consultation" because no woman could be smart enough to make her own (constitutionally protected) health care decisions. Both the RCJ and Argus Leader have come out strongly against

My note to state reps

2011-02-27T19:52:00.006-07:00

(To Rep. Brian Gosch, Rep Kristen Conzet, Rep. Phil Jensen, Rep. Donald Kopp, Rep. Jackie Sly, Rep. David Lust -- who ALL co-sponsored or voted for this bill, which attempts yet another runaround of the wishes of the people of South Dakota who want this nonsense in Pierre to stop. They should be ashamed -- both the RC Journal and both the Sioux Falls Argus Leader agree with me.)I understand

Rep Noem, please support public broadcasting

2011-02-21T10:24:00.005-07:00

The House voted to zero-out CPB on Friday. Contact our Senators, but still please contact Rep Noem and let her know if you don't agree in taking away essential services like this from rural America because Wall Street bankers took our money. http://www.170millionamericans.org/Dear Rep. Noem,Please withdraw your sponsorship of bills to zero-out public broadcasting Private broadcasting has its role

An email to Rep Jensen about HB 1171

2011-02-17T09:12:00.003-07:00

Phil,Please drop this bill. I realize you are passionate about this issue, but the side-effects of this bill are just too problematic.Three that come to my mind:1. It sends a dangerous message to the Scott Roeders of the world that taking matters into their own hands may be justified. Enough doctors (and patients) have been murdered already by crazy people caught up in the anti-abortion rhetoric

2011-02-13T14:25:00.007-07:00

RCJ 02/13/2011: Doctrinal discord divides LutheransA "new" Rapid Valley congregation proclaims:“It’s all up to God, as far as what we do with our growth.... There’s a niche that hasn’t been filled. There’s a need to fill that void in Rapid City.” "Niche" - a nice marketing term, which sounds awfully optimistic, and cute, to describe a group of Christians [sic] whose primary motivation for

Dear Sen. Rampelberg

2011-02-05T20:12:00.002-07:00

Re: HB 1237 - gun billDear Sen. Rampelberg,I am greatly dismayed at your sponsorship of this bill.At a time when the State Legislature has historic fiscal problems to solve during their too-short legislative session, we truly do not have time for a bill designed to make a sarcastic political point. For me the bill goes beyond inappropriate waste of time and leans into the zone of ghoulishly dark

Rep Hunhoff sets the record straight

2011-02-05T19:53:00.002-07:00

Don't miss Rep. Bernie Hunhoff's clear defense of the Democrat's fair, tough, and above all, honest fiscal proposals for South Dakota in today's Mitchell Republic. (Opinion: Recent 'Other view' editorial was misrepresentation, Feb 5)(Unless of course, you believe our all-Republican, all-the-time team in Pierre is just doing a bang-up job in Pierre.) As they say on Weekend Update: "Really?"Hunhoff

Another crown for Rep. Conzet

2011-01-22T15:34:00.005-07:00

Okay, actually two:HB 1067 would increase the lookback period (to 10 years) for the enhancement of penalties for multiple assaults and violations of protection orders.SB 71 would prohibit texting while driving (with reasonable exceptions)I encourage you to contact Rep Conzet and the other sponsors, as well as others, in support of these two excellent bills.Yes, government does have the power to

Well-attended crackerbarrel in Rapid City

2011-01-22T14:03:00.010-07:00

I caught most of the West River Cracker barrel today at the South Dakota School of Mines this morning and had a chance to ask a question. Sort of.One of my Reps, Kristin Conzet, said in response to another question that the Governor's budget recommendations were solid because he had been working on his budget "for some time."My question was (expanded here):Rounds and Daugaard during 2010 firmly

South Dakota K-12 in the balance

2011-01-11T08:27:00.009-07:00

Graphic from the Associated School Boards of SD -- read more about it here.From today's AP story (thanks to the RCJ):A challenge to the state Legislature's system for funding school districts has reached the South Dakota Supreme Court, which will hear arguments today in the case.... The lawsuit, which was filed in 2006, argues that the constitution entitles students to a free, adequate and

Sen Thune against net neutrality?

2010-12-31T12:49:00.007-07:00

Sen. John Thune had a word about "government intervention" in his monthly newsletter:Shortly before Christmas, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), voted to enact so-called network neutrality regulations.... Senator Thune believes the FCC’s decision to adopt this burdensome federal regulation is simply another example of the heavy hand of government reaching into an industry that isn’t

2010-12-29T17:48:00.002-07:00

The RCJ notes:The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extended the comment period this week for the Proposed Dakota Grassland Conservation Area until Jan. 14, 2011.Preserve our soil and grasslands for future South Dakota tourism and agriculture? I know, it's a far-lefty dream....Establishment of the Dakota Grassland would allow the Service to further the protection of wetland and grassland habitats by

Back to basics for the South Dakota Dems

2010-11-11T20:33:00.008-07:00

This just out... A friend of mine who happens to be a Republican Rep in Pierre told me that maybe the Democrats should think about their message if they want more than six seats in the State Senate.I think he meant... act more like Republicans.Not so much.South Dakota Dems can be trusted to be here and be on the side of working people. It's that simple. We did have a bad year in 2010, but we will

The most popular political in America, snubbed in Rapid City

2010-10-11T14:02:00.004-06:00

Rapid City's Presidents project has chosen Bill Clinton to be the last Presidential statue to be placed. Only the current sitting President will be placed after Clinton.What a tribute to our nation's most popular political figure and the warped reality of Rapid City's political thought that he is last. I wouldn't doubt that the Republican "intelligentsia" among the City Fathers intended to put

Now, I'm NOT saying she's a cylon but...

2010-09-12T20:05:00.003-06:00

people have been observing the striking resemblance of Kristi Noem's profile to the shape of a Cylon helmet...

RR goes RR

2010-07-19T19:00:00.002-06:00

I am going on an indefinite leave of absence; it's time for that.Best wishes to all readers and thank you!

The Radical fires off a note to Gov. Rounds

2010-07-18T22:02:00.003-06:00

In response to this lovely news that we are supporting Arizona's blatantly unconstitutional, stupid, and immoral law, (RCJ 7/13) I sent a note to our soon-to-be ex Governor. Someone, please ask the Lt Governor where he stands on this shameful act, which is very much in the spirit of John Birch and the KKK (who both were big in our State -- not too long ago).Dear Governor Rounds,Arizona's action

Mathew Murray Event

2010-07-17T21:08:00.006-06:00

Mathew Murray is running as an Independent in District 32 this fall for State House. Here's your chance to meet him and throw him a little support as he takes on the partisan machine!WINE AND CHEESE TASTINGFUND RAISER – MEET THE CANDIDATEMATHEW MURRAY, INDEPENDENT DISTRICT 32 HOUSEQUINCY HOUSE, 1228 QUINCY (CORNER WEST AVE. & QUINCY)SATURDAY JULY 24, 2010 AT 4:30P – 6:30PMore info, email:

Do even These people deserved to be fleeced by Beck?

2010-07-17T17:29:00.006-06:00

Local tea party looking to lure Glenn Beck to Rapid City (RCJ 7/14/2010)The Citizens for Liberty tea party affiliate in Rapid City is working to bring conservative radio and television host Glenn Beck to town in the next few months.And it's likely to cost about $100,000.Bob Ellis is quite giddy about it:"It's not a done deal, but it's looking pretty optimistic," Citizens for Liberty board member

Garden Tour tomorrow!

2010-07-10T22:01:00.004-06:00

Rob Riggio interviews the queen of the garden on KNBN:Come on out and see Beth's (and other great) gardens on Sunday afternoon!See the video from KNBN!

District 32 has options

2010-07-09T00:16:00.006-06:00

Yes it's true -- you can have a representative in the State House that was not hand-picked by Governor Rounds from the Pierre political class!UPDATE: Meet Mat!WINE AND CHEESE TASTINGFUND RAISER – MEET THE CANDIDATEMATHEW MURRAY, INDEPENDENT DISTRICT 32 HOUSEQUINCY HOUSE, 1228 QUINCY – CORNER WEST AVE. & QUINCYSATURDAY JULY 24, 2010 AT 4:30P – 6:30P

Rep. Conzet goes to summer camp!

2010-07-08T21:05:00.018-06:00

Our newly minted Representative has been selected by our Republican Legislature's leadership to go to a legislative training. According to Kristin Conzet's Facebook page, she is on her way and very excited about it!She breathlessly announced:I was fortunate to be selected to attend the 2010 Program for Emerging Political Leaders.Class discussions will examine qualities and characteristics of

OK, I want it!

2010-07-05T09:53:00.009-06:00

My friend turned me on to this Moog theremin. I sooo want this.The only curious thing is that you can buy a "gig bag" to go with it. (What for?)

A wonderful day at Mt Rushmore memorial

2010-07-04T14:05:00.008-06:00

It was a great day up at the Memorial yesterday, even without fireworks. Our community stepped up and provided their own!We saw Tim Giago and Dr. DD Edwards promote the Year of Unity in our State as a tribute and continuation of Gov Mickelson's Year of Reconciliation twenty years ago. We also saw a group about about twenty new recruits to the Air Force sworn in by the commander of Ellsworth. And

Kristin Conzet rubs it in with the voters of District 32

2010-07-04T10:04:00.019-06:00

We in Robbinsdale received a friendly Independence Day postcard with pictures of watermelons, flags, and balloons -- paid for by "Kristin Conzet for House." There are also pictures our good-looking, well-connected Pierre-political-class legislators, both appointed by Gov. Marion Rounds, with the statement:On this Independence Day, let us never forget the sacrifices and principles of our founding

Nothing to see here -- move along...

2010-07-02T21:50:00.006-06:00

It's been busy in Robbinsdale (day job, company, etc.) so I missed this one. Rapid City Journal police blotter, June 23:The death of one of the defendants in the criminal case against Fish Garbage Service is under investigation by the Pennington County Sheriff's Office.Charles W. Cordes, a truck driver for the now defunct garbage hauler, died Monday. He was 51.Cordes' body was found near Falling

Celebrate the 4th in Rapid City!

2010-06-30T17:24:00.002-06:00

There is no Heritage Fest this year, but there will be a downtown celebration!

Woo hoo! Bonny Petersen is on the Rapid City Council

2010-06-29T21:46:00.007-06:00

The BID passed too.From the Rapid City Journal - they will no doubt have updates soon...Voters approved the special tax district 4,170 to 3,390 in Tuesday's special citywide election. The BID funds generated by downtown property owners will pay for the operations of Main Street Square and future downtown improvements.In the Rapid City Council races, Jordan Mason ran away in Ward 4, defeating

Tom Katus is a candidate for State Treasurer!

2010-06-28T22:46:00.001-06:00

Former State Senator Tom Katus was elected last weekend as the Democratic nominee for South Dakota State Treasurer. I think this is great news. Whoever takes over as treasurer is facing cleaning up after years of mismanagement and cronyism. Katus is a straight talker and a fair guy with friends on both sides of the aisle in Pierre -- so I think he's a great choice to help Gov. Heidepriem (we hope

KOTA-TV story on Sandlin vs Noem includes Radical comments

2010-06-26T22:29:00.011-06:00

Yes, it's all about me. Just in case you missed it on KOTA news a week or so ago.For the first time in history two women will compete for the state's only congressional seat.Some said the dynamic of two women has the potential to affect the election.People on both sides of the political aisle said it's less about two women running and more about which woman you want in Congress.Political experts

Would the Rapid City BID be bad for democracy?

2010-06-26T09:33:00.008-06:00

Anonymous comments:Do you also support the BID? I didn't think you would. I found this off the Internet and thought it was of interest:There is concern that overt control of BIDs by business and property owners results in the privileging of the interests of those people over the democratic interests of society at large. There has also been substantial attention to the manner in which BIDs have

Excellent analysis of Daugaard's primary "romp" by Mr. X

2010-06-15T18:38:00.004-06:00

Worth reading... from an anonymous author over at Dakota Day. I wonder who?Tuesday's Republican Gubernatorial Primary: What it All Means...On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Denny Daugaard won the Republican nomination for Governor by garnering just barely 50 percent of the Republican votes that were cast in defeating four other candidates. While the Daugaard camp contends that this is a major

Special rights? I think not

2010-06-14T22:29:00.006-06:00

A letter in the Aberdeen American News:Equal rights already presentWe wish to respond to the letter written by David Fischer on June 1. He states that the ELCA made the right move by allowing gay clergy. He also states that anyone who opposes this is reacting because of "ancient words with mere faith-based definition". In other words, we are reacting because of Biblical truths! We didn't know

Angie Buhl is the youngest legislator ever!

2010-06-13T22:48:00.003-06:00

This is such incredible news. Congratulations Angie -- and congratulations to District 15 for choosing a fine new state senator-elect! And many thanks are due to Sen. Miles for her years of service - I know we don't agree but I have a great deal of appreciation for anyone that is willing to serve in the Legislature -- it can be a thankless office and the pay is pretty minimal.Dear Friends,As you

Hey good lookin...

2010-06-10T08:08:00.005-06:00

Is is just my perception, or is it true that South Dakota's elected official cadre is increasingly populated by increasingly good-looking people?

Will Thune have to stand for election?

2010-06-09T21:42:00.004-06:00

The RCJ reports that Chris Nelson got our petitions. (I collected a page full of St. Pierre signatures on Election Day myself.)Secretary of State Chris Nelson said Wednesday that his office has received petitions for Mark St. Pierre of Kyle, who is trying to make the general election ballot as an independent in the U.S. Senate race.I needs almost 3500 signatures -- we'll see if it happened or not

Band Concert tonight in Rapid City

2010-06-09T19:20:00.001-06:00

Yes, it's that time, the Rapid City Municipal Band will be playing tonight and every Wednesday night from now until the end of July. One of those things that makes Rapid City special!See you there!!

Gee, that sounds familiar...

2010-06-09T01:13:00.003-06:00

Blanche Lincoln's knife edge survival (until November anyway) story at Salon.com had something that sounded awfully familiar...Arkansas insiders told Salon the buzz in the state was that the incumbent had started visiting and calling people she hadn't talked to in a while; the prospect of losing helped shake her into doing the stuff politicians need to do as a matter of course to avoid getting

Success for Radical Picks!

2010-06-08T21:49:00.005-06:00

Looks like Republican David Lust has will continue to the general election - and Bonny Petersen will serve on City Council -- IF she prevails in the run-off election (go Bonny go!) And Jeff Nelsen will be on our School Board -- welcome Jeff and thanks Daphne for your great work -- I hope this opens the door for you to contribute your gifts to our community in new ways!And I managed to get

Election Day

2010-06-07T23:08:00.011-06:00

Just an encouragement to all to get out there and vote. Polls are open 7 to 7 in your local time zone. I'm voting early and often -- using my hard-earned Notary stamp to help my disabled friend Ruth to vote tomorrow too. If you are more mobile than Ruth, you have no excuse. C'mon, if you don't vote, you can't complain -- and who would want to give up THAT privilege around here?To save time

Family Matters Liars

2010-06-05T22:13:00.007-06:00

From a super-size postcard mailing seen around the State this weekend from "SD Family Matters PAC" -- that is, 26-year-old David Astin of Hermosa:Okay. Check out Mr Astin's #2 footnote above, which refers the reader to pac.eqsd.org -- here's what we read there:To help support or oppose ballot propositions according to the goals and objectives of LGBT South Dakotans as determined by Equality South

Elizabeth Kraus is testing our trust

2010-06-05T20:22:00.005-06:00

Kevin Woster had a good laugh today in the RCJ - sort of:I had to laugh, despite the hyper-serious bold black type that screamed out from the yellow background of the oversized political postcard. Newsroom staffer Sheri Sponder dropped it off at my desk Thursday morning, figuring I'd like to know what was happening in District 33. That's where former legislator Duniphan is running against former

Bobby Jindal comes around

2010-05-31T10:14:00.005-06:00

to realize that he wants and needs the Federal government to spend ... not on trivial stuff like protecting Seattle from pesky volcanoes of course, but to protect his state from corporate greed and government that doesn't "encumber" business with "needless regulation."Has he exposed himself as a member of the "something for nothing" and the "only for me" crowds, or is he planning on switching

Why they fought

2010-05-30T11:15:00.000-06:00

This is a re-post from last year -- because I just thought it was a good idea. In light of this week's historic votes on DADT, I think it's worth seeing this again and to remind ourselves that it wasn't just the Jews... that the Nazis (including the gays in their ranks) persecuted and murdered people for simply being LGBT. For being disabled. And anyone else who simply did not fit into their "

Honoring ALL who serve our country

2010-05-29T11:42:00.004-06:00

We hope you are having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, remembering the sacrifice of all who serve our country to preserve the freedoms we too often take for granted. Today we celebrate freedom that we, in turn, have an obligation to preserve and protect, and exercise to make our Nation more just and fair for everyone. Our history has clearly demonstrated that we are stronger when everyone is

An excellent candidate in Sioux Falls

2010-05-27T22:00:00.002-06:00

Letters: Buhl willing to listenHelen J. Frank • Sioux Falls • May 21, 2010 Sioux Falls Argus LeaderI recently had the opportunity to meet and talk with state Senate candidate Angie Buhl. As a longtime member of the South Dakota political community, I was impressed with her willingness to listen to the people of our district and her passion for human services - something I haven't seen from a

We need ENDA

2010-05-22T22:11:00.006-06:00

My letter to Rep Herseth Sandlin on ENDA tonight:Dear Rep Herseth Sandlin,We're hearing rumors that the ENDA vote may have been put off again -- which means the Senate may not be able to consider this important legislation until after the election.Please do what you can to move this legislation forward -- there are people every day in South Dakota and around the nation that are discriminated

More shocking news from the something-for-nothing crowd...

2010-05-20T22:00:00.005-06:00

Howie, Kraus, Deurloo get tea party endorsement, RCJState Sen. Gordon Howie got the public endorsement Thursday that he was expecting from Citizens for Liberty....Former state Sen. J.P. Duniphan was surprised, however, when Citizens for Liberty endorsed former state Rep. Elizabeth Kraus in the District 33 Republican state Senate primary.Citizens for Liberty president (and former "social" war

Who will Health Care Reform Help?

2010-05-17T20:38:00.006-06:00

Hey you tea partiers, before you get too wound up about the "unconstitutional" health care reform, or encourage South Dakota to opt-out, you really should read this guest post from Barbara O'Brien, who shared it with me in the hope that someone in South Dakota with ears to hear will listen... It's worth a try anyway. (Close your mind, Bob, here comes some reality for you to avoid....)by Barbara O

The Radical loses it on the air

2010-05-17T19:28:00.011-06:00

Today I made the mistake of calling into Dakota Midday while Shad Olson was selling his particular brand of nonsense. Paul Guggenheimer was fantastic; Mr. Olson said:"I'm not talking about the KOTA thing, except for this..." which translates to: "I'm going to take three minutes of your program to make a self-serving statement about how "interesting" it was that I was kicked off the KOTA anchor

Patti Martinson featured in Rapid City Journal

2010-05-12T09:07:00.004-06:00

The RCJ has posted the story on Patti's re-election effort... (Patti represents Robbinsdale and I sure hope she can get re-elected, she's been awesome.)Incumbent Patti Martinson says helping people her goal in Ward 1"A lot of what I do is help people. I try to connect this person with that person, for whatever issue," she said. "My best skill as a city council member is using who I am and what I

Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T19:39:00.003-06:00

You rock.MotherThe word itselfDoes not reflect ineff-able love awesomely shown forthin two.It seemsthat Bethany and Karen Wojare yet getting their MojTo, bet your ass,Surpass!

Why corporations need to be regulated

2010-05-02T23:09:00.004-06:00

Just when you thought they couldn't go lower... they have.By the end of Sunday, BP aimed to sign up 500 fishing boats in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida to deploy boom.BP had distributed a contract to fishermen it was hiring that waived their right to sue BP and required confidentiality and other items, sparking protests in Louisiana and elsewhere.Darren Beaudo, a spokesman for BP, said the

We need another candidate in District 32!

2010-05-02T18:01:00.014-06:00

I think it's very unfortunate that we have no Dems running in District 32 and therefore no primary choices for Legislature. As a matter of fact, This is the sum total of my ballot for the primary election in June:Yup, that's it. Although I will get to vote for my friend of the citizens Patti Martinson (one of the FEW that refused to censure Sam Kooiker for having the audacity to look into city

A message for candidates

2010-05-01T22:32:00.002-06:00

A message from the President for our candidates that cry foul when anyone deigns to ask questions:Politics in America, he said, "has never been for the thin-skinned or the faint of heart. ... If you enter the arena, you should expect to get roughed up."

South Dakota wins again

2010-04-27T09:07:00.007-06:00

... so the Argus Leader reports today (S.D. has nation's lowest average wage). So much for Getting On The Track To The Good Life.The Argus, as is their wont as a card-carrying liberal media outlet, sought out a few Bolsheviks from our left-wing university system for comment:"Our economy has modernized and we're a service economy," said Ralph Brown, professor emeritus of economics at the

Heidepriem defends Rounds against CREW

2010-04-26T09:42:00.004-06:00

Well, Scott Heidepriem certainly is calling 'em as he sees em, I guess:RCJ: Democratic candidate for governor defends Rounds' ethicsDemocratic state Sen. Scott Heidepriem defend the ethics of Gov. Mike Rounds on Thursday, in response to a report by a liberal Washington, D.C., watchdog group listing the South Dakota governor as one of the nation's worst.Heidepriem, a Democratic candidate for

Kristin Conzet Corrections

2010-04-25T18:09:00.006-06:00

I got a note from Rep. Kristin Conzet today with some important news for all you readers.I apologize for the errors and misconceptions and hope that we hear more from Ms. Conzet during the campaign -- honestly very few people in my District know anything about her, it would be nice to be clued in a bit as she goes the process of being re-elected.OK, here we go:* It's Kristin not Kristen Conzet.*

Yes, Rapid City could be fair, too!

2010-04-25T13:18:00.007-06:00

Equality South Dakota has renewed its call to the Rapid City Council to extend employment protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.This came up before, and Equality has come back with good answers to all the concerns the Council brought forward last time they visited this issue last year. KEVN picked up the AP story. Yay KEVN!

Governor Rounds' cronyism puts Rep. Conzet in the national spotlight

2010-04-23T09:14:00.011-06:00

CREW, a bipartisan government watchdog organization, just released a list of the eleven worst governors across the Nation. Prominent on the list is our own Gov Marion M. Rounds.In compiling Worst Governors, CREW reviewed the job performances of all 50 U.S. governors before identifying the worst 11. Though ethics laws, campaign finance rules and financial disclosure regulations vary from state to

Silly, Frightened Voices Carry

2010-04-20T21:21:00.006-06:00

Steve Hickey brings us some silliness this evening from East of the River:Mike Huether a step toward Sioux Falls becoming a haven for gays nationwide?A fascinating, and only recently disclosed "detail," is that former Obama campaign genius Steve Hildebrand is Sioux Falls Mayoral candidate Mike Huether's campaign manager. Who are we kidding, Hildebrand has never even hinted that he gives a rip

Bonny is running for city council in Ward 5 RIGHT NOW!

2010-04-20T08:23:00.007-06:00

I got an ask for political support in my email box yesterday... a welcome one (for a change)...Hello allI am running for City Council in Ward 5 and I need your help. I will start by saying that asking people to help is personally very hard for me.In fact, I am only willing to ask because it is not really about me, it is about all of us having the kind of balanced, thoughtful leadership that I

Young Dems in Brookings this weekend!

2010-04-15T08:33:00.007-06:00

This came across the internets... just a reminder.This is looking like a MOVEMENT!A few highlights:Robert Doody from the ACLU will be there updating the group on non-discrimination efforts of ACLU and EqSD, both non-partisan organizations. Will the Young Republicans invite him too?Julie Bartling, I'm sure, will be talking up her legendary support for the young women of South Dakota. (Yes, I'm

Rapid City Schools try to make BOTH schools overcrowded

2010-04-12T23:45:00.001-06:00

Geez.Build another high school, already....Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 4:41 PMSubject: Fwd: IMPORTANT MEETINGHello Central High Cobbler Families & Friends:There is an important meeting THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 at South Middle School's cafeteria at 6 PM! It is about re-drawing district boundaries of where students go to middle and high school. Right now, they are proposing that everyone living

2010-04-07T08:13:00.006-06:00

The Rapid City Journal reports today that finally someone is calling the knuckle-draggers out for sitting on their butts and criticizing those that have done so much to make Rapid City better.Aldermen fire back at city travel criticsRapid City Council members who attended a National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C., last month fired back Monday at critics who said they should not

Giving up is not an option

2010-04-04T12:49:00.012-06:00

From a Colorado friend, some thoughts and a link -- not a bad idea to share around, especially here in West River...More of us should get involved in trying to get these kind of messages across to the misinformed and manipulated Tea Party crowd. See if we can get them to think about the fact that they are acting against the best interests of themselves, their children and their grandchildren by

West River 2010 primary hats are in the ring!

2010-03-31T22:04:00.011-06:00

Looks like we've got a couple of Dems signed up in West River and some really interesting primary races on the Republican side. We're bound to see a few more pop up on the Sec of State's candidate list in the next couple of days.Click on the images below to zoom in and see what's there in the West River House and Senate races.Don't know what District you're in? Check out this pdf map of the

Rapid Replier gets it

2010-03-25T08:29:00.007-06:00

From the RCJ Rapid Reply on the Newsome story...Nestled in between comments about "fugatives" and statements that "the ACLU has unlimited funds" (got a good laugh out of that one) there was a comment on the Newsome story at the RCJ site is right on. Except I don't blame the police officers, I blame the RCPD's policies, which are apparently from the bad old days:Nightlite said on: March 20, 2010,

SIX DAYS IN MARCH

2010-03-24T21:11:00.008-06:00

The SDDP reminds us that the clock is running out for the 2010 primary election...:March 30 is the deadline for petitions for:- SD Legislature - SD Statewide Races (Turns out our at-large Rep may have a primary challenger: Dr Kevin Weiland! -- is already national news.)- Delegates for State Convention More details at the South Dakota Sec of State site.UPDATE: oh boy oh boy, Elizabeth Kraus (is

South Dakota didn't get the memo...

2010-03-22T23:09:00.004-06:00

AP story from the RC Journal today:Gov. Rounds, AG Jackley study legal challenge to health billPIERRE -- South Dakota officials are studying the possibility of joining other states to challenge the constitutionality of the federal health care overhaul, Attorney General Marty Jackley said Monday.Jackley said the measure could violate states' rights to govern and would aggravate South Dakota's

For once I agree with David Frum

2010-03-21T21:57:00.007-06:00

David Frum today blogged today how badly the Republicans have hurt themselves over health care:(BTW: Who says liberals don't listen to the other side?)Frum said:Conservatives and Republicans (including Rep Herseth Sandlin -ed.) today suffered their most crushing legislative defeat since the 1960s.No kidding.No illusions please: This bill will not be repealed. Even if Republicans scored a 1994

RC Police Chief attempts damage control

2010-03-19T08:59:00.005-06:00

It's very logical. After Chief Allender has found himself in the national news for his flip response to the press, he is changing his tune (RCJ):Allender said previous news reports that the investigation was over were taken out of context.According to Allender, the department's investigation into the allegation that officers deliberately outed Newsome was a two-phase investigation.Allender

Blue Dogs are all heart (rant, sorry)

2010-03-18T07:54:00.014-06:00

From an April 11 press release posted on Rep Herseth Sandlin's website:Washington, DC – Today, members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, led by Representatives Frank Kratovil of Maryland and Travis Childers of Mississippi, announced their plans to introduce legislation that would require the federal government to cut non-security spending by nearly 6%, saving the American taxpayers

Come to Rapid, Johnny!

2010-03-16T08:33:00.006-06:00

My note to Johnny Weir today:People that don't fit the mold are having a hard time in South Dakota these days. Come to Rapid City Johnny!!! We have a nice new hockey rink and we're right on I-90. There are many, young and old, who would be encouraged by your love of life and your no-apologies attitude.We love you!Curtis PriceRapid City, SDcurtis@eqsd.orgI just love this man. Skaters on Ice and

Rapid City's finest, acting, well, not so fine.

2010-03-12T14:47:00.004-07:00

Wow. Pretty harsh. I'm hoping the ACLU makes some progress here. Of course the worse problem is DADT, which we should ask Rep SHS to end right away if she cares as much about military readiness as she says....ACLU says Rapid City police got lesbian airman tossed out of military (RC Journal, March 12)...Newsome was given an honorable discharge early this year; she was a nine-year military veteran

US Census contacts Communist sleeper cells in South Dakota

2010-03-09T16:39:00.012-07:00

I got a "heads-up" letter from the Census Bureau, who is sending me my Constitutionally-mandated Census form next week. I urge everyone to stand up and be counted -- one of the most patriotic things you can do besides voting!Without an accurate Census, we can't have a functioning democracy or even know what our people need. But... then I took a closer look:Here's a "paraphrased" translation:

Radical's Political Picks for March 2010

2010-03-06T12:41:00.006-07:00

Here's what I recommend you spend your limited political capital on:Re-elect Patti Martinsen to Rapid City CouncilPatti has been a friend of reality and has been supportive of all Rapid Citians, not just those that are well-connected with the network. The #1 reason to vote to return her to the council is that she voted against the trumped-up censure of Sam Kooiker. With some members not running

Gov Rounds lobbies Radical for "equal time" for fake science

2010-03-06T11:44:00.019-07:00

I guess the good Governor thinks those scierntists that want to build DUSEL should give Intelligent Design another look too, instead of wasting their time looking for dark matter to explain the origins of the universe....Update (March 9): The Argus Leader editorial board chimes in about this nonsense.In a move akin to creationists calling the theory of evolution into question, the resolution's

Don Kopp makes the New York Times

2010-03-06T11:31:00.006-07:00

as an example of state Legislature attacks on science in general:Darwin Foes Add Warming to TargetsHe probably considers it a badge of honor.The linkage of evolution and global warming is partly a legal strategy: courts have found that singling out evolution for criticism in public schools is a violation of the separation of church and state. By insisting that global warming also be debated,

Save South Dakota Public Broadcasting

2010-03-04T08:53:00.003-07:00

This is not a joke or an internet hoax. This note comes from the director of SDPB's non profit organization. This is important, and the Legislature does respond to the outcry when they try to do this.Why is this really important? A friend who sent me this has a story behind the urgency: as a crime victims' assistant and then print journalist, I relied on online recordings of legislative hearings

Kopp agrees to take down smug Gore acolyte Pat Zimmerman on SDPB today

2010-03-03T07:55:00.021-07:00

Don't miss this.South Dakota Public Radio SDPB 11 MT / 12 CT UPDATE: A recording is posted online at the sdpb.org website.On deck:Mr Donald Kopp — Republican State Rep (R-34, Rapid City), proud anti-gay-agenda activist and climate change denier.Dr Pat Zimmerman — actual real climate scientist (formerly of NCAR) and head of the Institute of Atmospheric Science at the South Dakota School of Mines.

SD Public Broadcasting facing the block?

2010-03-02T21:28:00.003-07:00

It's hard not to wonder whether the legislators are becoming weary of us knowing what they say and do in real time.I received the email you see pictured above just a bit ago. This comes up once in a while, but is South Dakota Public Broadcasting on the chopping block in Pierre this session?Todd D. Epp, Middle Border Sun, Mar 2010Madville Times has some info on this too.

Rep Kopp chooses interesting climate "experts"

2010-03-02T20:21:00.004-07:00

This afternoon we heard again from Hon. Donald Kopp:On Tue, Mar 2, 2010 at 3:36 PM, wrote: Of course I don't stand by the word "astrological" as a cause for climate change. Nor did I put that word in the original bill I crafted. That was a drafting error made by the LRC, not me Mr. Price and I had it changed (amended) while in the Senate. Since you want "real scientists" who oppose the