Opinion News
Letters to the editor, 4-29
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Bible of the Devil
In a recent letter (April 20), penned by Nita Mule Deer and Jeanette Ervin, they felt offended by a recent concert by the Chicago rock band Bible of the Devil. As the promoter of this show, I don't understand where they are coming from.
If they had taken the time to come talk to the band, they would have found out that they actually derived their name from a quote by Strom Thurmond. It was back in the years when Elvis' pelvis was in the sights of the censors. At that time, Strom Thurmond declared rock and roll to be "the bible of the devil."
Do we really want to go back to the time of "no music" and "no dancing" because they are "the devil's handiwork?" Isn't that straight from the laws of the Taliban? But I gotta cut loose, Footloose!
What I was attempting to do was to provide an activity for the youth of this community that did not involve loitering or drinking.
Sure, their lyrics may not be the most righteous and wholesome, but that trend was started decades ago. You can hardly lay the blame solely on them.
"Judge not, lest ye be judged yourself."
JASON BEERT
Rapid City
Intentionally starved
Thank you for printing the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's editorial which pointed out that George W. Bush has been a miserable steward of our national parks.
Teddy Roosevelt, a great Republican president who was in the White House 100 years ago, created many national monuments by executive order when Congress balked at preserving America's natural treasures. Most were later upgraded to national parks. Other presidents, including FDR, JFK, Carter and Clinton, also used that strategy to protect ecosystems, including the California desert and the arctic.
Bush's legacy will be the destruction and plundering of as much of our natural heritage as possible. Many of his efforts to destroy specific public lands, including the magnificent arctic refuge and California's sequoias, are intended to enrich corporations.
Just as FEMA was gutted and politicized, rendering it ineffective to deal with Hurricane Katrina, the national park and national refuge systems are being intentionally starved and developed to death.
JAY DAVIS
Rapid City
Inadequate wages
Alan Aker's column (April 16) that unions are the reason many people are opposed to Wal-Mart. Or is it because Wal-Mart's wages and benefits are inadequate? Wages so low workers are at poverty level and cannot afford health insurance and must depend on the state and federal governments' emergency room treatment. Not to mention Wal-Mart's policy of stocking a majority of its products from China's slave labor.
Alan switches his diatribe to the American auto industry claiming $60 an hour assembly wages. Maybe a senior floor supervisor?
It sounds to me that the whole opinion is Alan is against anyone getting wages Alan is not getting.
In my opinion, what is needed is corporate leaders and union leaders negotiate wages, benefits, stock options and retirements so the prices on American products can compete in the global marketplace so that U.S. products are purchased by the Alan Akers of this country.
PETE GEYERMAN
Rapid City
Bush a hypocrite
President Bush has said again and again that his "war on terror" includes the goal of establishing more "democracies" in the world. This morning I was horrified to see President Bush on television sitting next to the current dictator (Hu) of Communist China, saying, "I do not support the independence of Taiwan."
Taiwan, like the United States of America, is a genuine republic, in contrast to totalitarian regimes that deceitfully call themselves "republics" or "people's republics."
The stated policy of the repressive Chinese communist rulers has been and remains the conquest of Taiwan. For many decades United States presidents have intervened whenever Communist China made overt threats to attack and invade Taiwan by sending U.S. naval and air patrols into the strait between China and Taiwan to defend the independence and freedom of the Republic of Taiwan.
Today's statement by President Bush reveals that he thereby brands himself a hypocrite and traitor to republican democracy when he says he supports freedom and democracies in this world.
ROLF LUNDE
Rapid City
Who is the gouger?
Everyone has suffered financially consequential to the last few years of escalating oil prices, but in relative terms is the cost really outrageous? For 50 years we have been fortunate in paying less than half what our European counterparts pay for gasoline.
Fifty years ago we paid on average 30 cents per gallon and today it approaches $3 per gallon, a 10-fold increase. But in 1956 you could buy a Ford convertible for $1,595, yet today you would pay over $30,000, a 20-fold increase. In the 1960s I paid a University of Minnesota tuition fee of $120 per quarter ($360 per year). Today the university soaks you for $7,500 per year, a 20-plus increase. So who is the gouger?
The auto industry has been arrogant (buy America!), mismanaged at all levels and has let the greedy labor unions dictate operations. Academic institutions have made education secondary to extravagant sports complexes and the wasteful practice of tenure.
At least the oil industry has some legitimate excuses such as geopolitics and third-party manipulations out of their control (taxes stacked on the price of the product at the city, state and federal level).
In relative terms maybe we need to reprioritize our venting.
DEWAYNE H. WALKER
Rapid City
Parking a mess
Here we go again, putting the cart ahead of the horse. The city wants to add on to the Civic Center, spending millions of dollars to build a new multi-purpose arena with skyboxes, which would eliminate parking space. We did it at the YMCA, building a swimming pool in a parking lot, and now parking at the YMCA is a mess.
The new addition to the Civic Center is a good idea, but first we need to build a parking ramp. Cut the hill back to North Street, north of the Holiday Inn and Civic Center, and put in a parking ramp with an enclosed walkway over to the Civic Center. It is a zoo trying to get in and out of the Civic Center parking lot now.
As for the box seats, I am sure I won't ever use them, but it is a great idea. There will be the human element of jealousy creeping into the plan - I can almost hear it now, only the chosen few will sit in a place where they won't be bothered with the crowd - but companies will pay big money for them, and it's a good way to raise money.
GORDON WICKS
Rapid City
Travesty in law
It's difficult to believe that it was Aug. 16, 2003, that Bill Janklow sped through that rural stop sign and killed my friend Randy Scott. A few days after this accident I called Randy's mother to offer my sympathy. I spoke to Marcella Scott again on Easter Sunday. The first thing she said was, "Tom, I still don't have any closure."
All of the feelings I had when this travesty in law occurred came back - only with a new twist.
My wife and I went to the Mother Butler Center a few months ago to listen to Ray Krohn share his story about the 10-1/2 years he spent in an Arizona prison for a rape-murder he was found innocent of. Krohn made a couple of points that will stick with me for life: One is, "If it can happen to me ... it can happen to any of you." Secondly, "Choose your battles carefully."
The question that comes to mind for Bill Janklow and his close friend and confidant, Stan Adelstein, is, "How would the results have been different if Marcella Scott had sped through that rural stop sign and caused the death of your son?" Compassion and forgiveness?
THOMAS PAYNE
Rapid City
My choice matters
Rumor is Wal-Mart is always in the wrong and never treating employees right, out for their own interests, etc, etc.
As an employee, I stand on behalf of Wal-Mart. They are doing many positive things, plus ... that are very right!
We are paid well, we receive bonuses, we are given opportunity to move ahead, we are complimented by our management team, and we are not pressured to stay away from unions as articles suggest.
From what I have seen in union labor, as an employee your pay and liberties to work are all mandated by the union. My choice does not matter in a union. Look at when the Lead gold mine was union. The union forced a strike, employees suffered.
At Wal-Mart that is not so ... my choice matters, my opinion counts. Wal-Mart encourages us to move up the ladder and better ourselves.
This past week in Spearfish, they took care of us better than any company I've seen, paying us for missed days because of an incident. Showing a true concern for our safety, having our best interests at heart. Wal-Mart went the extra mile for all its employees!
MELANIE WEATHERSTONE
Spearfish
Review wellness policy
Recognizing two-thirds of Americans today are overweight and the resulting catastrophic health and economic consequences, Congress enacted legislation that requires all schools participating in Federal School Lunch programs to implement a comprehensive wellness policy by the beginning of the 2006-07 school year.
After over a year of research and development by the School Wellness Advisory Team, a policy is now before the Rapid City Board of Education for approval. In the next few weeks the board will be voting to determine what food and drinks and how much physical activity students will have access to during their school day.
Now is the time for all parents, students, educators, health professionals and community leaders who are concerned about children's health (and the direct correlation to student achievement) to review the proposed policy and contact Board members regarding this issue.
District procedures require three readings for approval. Attendance at board meetings to voice your opinion is crucial to the future of our school children's well-being for many years to come.
As a former board member, I urge you to contact the superintendent's office (394-4031) without delay for a copy of the policy and board meeting and board member contact information.
HOLLY LEMAY
Rapid City
Don't understand
I do not understand why you in the government and everyone else think that a woman or young girl who has been raped, molested or had an act of incest put upon them should have to carry a child and have to be reminded on a daily basis as they carry that child. Will you pay for the mental, emotional and physical needs of the young ladies and women? Will you take them in your home and are you going to adopt that child?
Will you track down the rapist and have him sign away his parental rights, so she won't have to be tied to him even more because she will have to deal with his family also concerning the baby?
I will give you a perfect example of what I am talking about: my daughter was hurt by a family member and thank goodness the lord was looking out for her or she would have gotten pregnant. Would you have made her carry the child if she did? By the way, she was only 9-1/2 years old.
Here is another example: what about the date rape drug that impairs your memory, should she also have to?
ROBERTA CROOKS
Rapid City
Hayward thanks you
Our Hayward Fire and Emergency Services and Volunteer Firefighters Association want to thank all who sponsored, donated to and came to our Chili and Dessert Supper that was held on April 8. The generous support provided by all was much appreciated and helped this annual fundraising event be successful. Thank you.
KAREN HOLST
President, Hayward Volunteer Firefighters Association
Keystone
Americans lazy
A lot of people say that we need these illegal aliens to do the work that Americans are too proud to do. It looks to me that if a person were really proud, they would rather work than sit around and draw welfare. The fact is that our generous welfare benefits have made some Americans too lazy to do the jobs that illegals do.
RICHARD TATE
Valentine, Neb.
Election
Worthy opponent
After 16 years as a Democratic member of the South Dakota House of Representatives, I usually like it when Republicans fight among themselves. But lies are lies on either side of the aisle.
It is ironic that Sen. Stan Adelstein is being mischaracterized by his opponent in the Republican Senate primary as a "liberal." The (unsolicited) truth is that he has opposed most of the liberal initiatives introduced by me and my Democratic colleagues in the South Dakota Legislature over the years.
But he has been a worthy and honorable opponent and a man I have come to deeply respect for the way in which he tirelessly represents his constituents. Sen. Adelstein works hard and tirelessly for his constituents. Will anyone argue with that? He follows up on constituent issues, every single time.
He has more energy and patience now than when he began public office, not to mention knowledge. Stan is in touch and has grown into a super public servant.
Although we have disagreed on many issues, he has been a staunch ally in advocating for better education and increased jobs on the reservation. As civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army he brought JROTC and increased graduation rates.
State Rep. PAUL VALANDRA
Mission
An extremist
Elli Schweisow an extremist? Well, Marla Murphy (April 16 letter), let's take a closer look:
1) Her family took a Liberian refugee into their home and put him through college at their own expense.
2) She has personally helped hundreds of women through unintended pregnancies without any compensation.
3) She has devoted years of service to her neighbors and community through her church and other service organizations, always with a smile and an open hand.
Well, Tom/Marla, I guess you're right - she is an extremist! But I think she's the kind of extremist we need in the state Senate!
I'm voting for Elli.
MIKE LEMAY
Rapid City
Let majority prevail
As we look around us going into this political season, it is obvious that something is terribly wrong nationally and in South Dakota. Minority opinions have become prevailing policy. Where have we gone wrong?
We've let a hard-working and aggressive minority take control. Real democracy is what we want but we forgot we have to work at it or we lose it. What can we do?
1. Make sure you vote. It makes a big difference.
2. Become personally involved. Get out and work for your candidate.
3. Organize or become part of a group which focuses on the issues that concern you.
4. Work also to get other people involved. A shared experience can be fun when it helps you feel empowered to do something about what is wrong.
The Legislature said that workers were not worth $6 an hour. They also spent most of the session working on an extreme right-wing agenda that South Dakotans object to.
So when the smiling faces come for your vote, check their voting record and what they stand for, then your vote will be easy.
For years the greedy few have been represented in Pierre. This season let the majority prevail.
GARY HECKENLAIBLE
Rapid City
Real agenda
Joseph George (April 24 letter), I see the real agenda behind the Schwiesow smile. Schwiesow represents more government over people's lives and more control over a person's right to choose. She has and will sponsor more governmental control over South Dakotans. She represents only her own extremist group values, a group believing people cannot be trusted to govern themselves.
Schwiesow went out of her way to avoid me last year in Pierre by ducking down a hall when she saw me. I honor her choice, so I will never support such a person.
The extremist machine led by Schwiesow's letter campaign attempts to belittle and scare me. Mr. George's comments were mild compared to the letters and e-mails sent by director Schwiesow's group of Journal opinion authors or her extremist group's comments in their newsletter featuring an attack onto my choice.
Schwiesow will not work to find solutions to bring prosperity to all. She will take more money out of your pockets, never working to raise wages or keeping the talented youth in South Dakota. Rising costs caused by gas prices, South Dakotans will have less disposable money to fuel economic growth, instead Schwiesow will expand governmental growth.
MARLA MURPHY
Rapid City
Taking our water
This important issue (water) is completely being overlooked. Why? Because we are not really considering the future of Rapid City realistically. New commercial buildings are being constructed continually in our town. Time to stop expanding the businesses to alleviate the water shortage. Why more Wal-Mart stores?
Water restrictions run now from April 1 until Nov. 1. It used to be June 1 until Sept. 1. All this industrialization is depleting our water supply. What is more important, more industrialization or a run-out water supply?
Good common sense should take reason and our citizens should not completely lose our water privileges in this city for big businesses located out of state who haven't even thought of Rapid City's water shortages that continue to get more critical every year since the aquifer underground is drying out.
Let's get realistic before it's too late.
GEORGE KICK
Rapid City
Letters welcome
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