Opinion News
Letters to the editor, 11-3
del.icio.us
Digg
NewsVine
FarkNovember 3, 2006
Barbarians
A few days ago, Duane Coleman (Oct. 13) responded to my Forum op-ed (Sept. 30) on the Middle East. He was concerned that that Iran might take over the Middle East oil if a planned pullout of Iraq is followed. He also thought I was cruel to call the architects of the Iraq war "Ivy League Barbarians."
I share his Iranian concern having been there. Iran is a country trying to find itself. Its current president has a big mouth, but there was (and still is) a large group of Iranians who made diplomatic overtures to us and were rebuffed by Bush.
Also, to think that Iraqi Kurds and Sunnis would welcome Iranian control with whom they were recently in a bitter war is naive. Probably Shi's wouldn't either. Thus I agree with our many generals who say our Iraq policy is bankrupt, there is no military solution and our occupation exacerbates the insurgency.
On his second concern, I have nothing against Ivy League degrees. However, a majority of the war's architects had them and essentially all avoided military service themselves. Any group, Ivy Leagers or not, that creates a war to satisfy their hegemonic desires are, in my view, barbarians. Sorry about that.
WILLIAM L. HUGHES
Rapid City
You might be a moron
You might be a moron if:
10. The only way you can share your ideology is to marry the works of David Letterman's top 10 list and Jeff Foxworthy's "you might be a ... if" routine.
9. You actually think America wasn't the most hated country in the world prior to 9/11.
8. You forget which president got us into the Vietnam War.
7. You claim to stand for the well-being of all people, but then support abortion.
6. You think it's the government's responsibility to get you a well-paying job with benefits.
5. You think a public education should conform to the beliefs of the minority, not the majority.
4. You confuse patriotism for anarchism.
3. You read Terry Painter's Oct. 17 letter and thought he was informative or insightful.
2. You think that losing is an admirable trait.
And No. 1: You think people who don't share in your political beliefs are stupid and illiterate.
As a devout Republican, I know that my opinion isn't shared by all, but I have never been as presumptuous to believe that people who don't agree with me are somehow uneducated or simpletons.
JEFF POPKEN
Rapid City
Stole my faith
Growing up in rural South Dakota I learned about Jesus and his compassion. I had two friends that were always in trouble for stealing and were from the poorest family in town.
I brought them to church and the church leaders openly condemned them. The church leaders were afraid that they would steal from the church. What they did not know is that day they stole my faith.
After 20 years, I now realize that my faith was always there, but my faith in the church is what I should really question. When the church enters politics, it fans the flames of judgment and sin.
Jesus showed compassion to a prostitute because nobody else would. As a Christian, I have no right to judge others. I only have the right to show compassion and pray that they will find their way. When I start to judge I breathe hate into the community.
No matter what happens in politics, we all need to show love and compassion to one another. When one of us falls, we need to be there to help the person up, not condemn them. Only then will we truly be doing the work of Jesus.
DAVID A. CAMIN
Rapid City
Humane alternatives
Wanda Blair's Forum submission (Sept. 30) wants us to believe that efforts spent saving horses from slaughter is a waste of time and energy and that all is well in the horse slaughter industry.
There is another side to this story. Our horses are slaughtered in foreign-owned plants for meat that is exported to Europe and Japan. Many horses are sold at auction by owners who never intended for them to end up at a slaughter plant.
The Commercial Transportation of Equines for Slaughter Act was passed in 1998 with regulations to enforce the act released in 2002. Basically, the act allows for those who transport horses for slaughter to certify the care the horses received on the road. There is little additional enforcement.
It also allows horses to be transported up to 28 hours straight with no rest, food or water. Our horses deserve better treatment that that! There are humane alternatives to slaughter.
Please visit the Web site of the Humane Society of the United States at hsus.org for further information and for information on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, S.1915, to be voted on this month.
FRANCES T.S. MILLER
Rapid City
Election
Vasectomy?
Have any of the men who insist women should not have control of their own bodies ever considered having a vasectomy? Probably not, because they have a choice. For now.
PYRRHA BRENT
Hot Springs
Great doctor
Jason Shaver wrote an Oct. 19 letter questioning Dr. Marv Buehner as a physician. Well, I find it unacceptable that he would criticize one of the greatest doctors we have in Rapid City.
We are fortunate to have a man who works so hard to protect the health of women and their babies. Dr. Buehner has been giving care to women in this community for years, and he has bravely stood up to the institution and spoke out against this extreme abortion ban. With only the health and well-being of his female patients in mind, I am glad that Dr. Buehner is sincerely concerned about the health of the mother and the baby. He is a compassionate man who is concerned that if this law passes women and families will be denied medical care and options in difficult times.
I just want to say thank you to Dr. Buehner for standing up for such an important issue and truly caring so much about women's health care.
JAN GOHEEN
Rapid City
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!
MARY NELSON KEITHAHN
Rapid City
Jesus, save me
In the Oct. 17 Journal, Alan Keyes is quoted: "Abortion and homosexual marriage are one and the same issue." Wow, there is a stretch.
One issue demands rights to a fetus that if all goes well will become a human being; one denies rights to adults who wish to join in emotional, spiritual and financial partnerships with the ease as their heterosexual counterparts.
So there are no misunderstandings, I'm pro-life, in that I don't believe in abortion as birth control. I'm pro-choice when a pregnancy happens that never should have, due to rape, incest, or a mother who probably won't live through the pregnancy for health reasons. I won't say that choice is an easy one. It's hard to make because it is supposed to be.
Excluding gays and lesbians from marriage is unfair in a society where all people are guaranteed equal rights. Catch 22 is if homosexuals are denied partnerships because of "Christian scripture," someone should start legislating divorce for those same Christians. Somehow I don't think the idea will fly.
Divorce is OK for 90 percent of the population; marriage is bad for 10 percent.
Jesus, save me from some of your followers!
JOHN JOHNSON
Rapid City
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.")
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
Open government
While local boards are prohibited (and rightfully so) from secret meetings to discuss a pothole or a stray cat, a majority of the Legislature often meets in secret to discuss life, death and taxation. As a result, local boards often don't care about open meetings procedures because they know the Legislature doesn't care.
The bountiful fruit of this poisonous tree includes shady legislation to allow foreign investors to obtain tax ownership of Rapid City's $255 million wastewater treatment plant. The scheme was supported and advanced by City Hall in a series of last minute city council meetings and executive sessions. It took the outrage of hundreds of Rapid Citians and an act of Congress to stop the scam.
Alan Hanks and Brian Dreyer have our support for the Legislature because they have promised us that they are committed to open, honest government at the state level.
As a side note, we haven't always agreed with Alan Hanks, but unlike the current administration at City Hall, Alan never denied information to council members or to the public. Vote for Brian Dreyer and Alan Hanks on Nov. 7.
MIKE SCHUMACHER
SAM KOOIKER
Rapid City Councilmen
Study the issues
South Dakota's 2006 election is a historic election. We have state issues that merit national attention as well as extremely important national issues. The details of these have been well covered in the pages of the Journal.
Maybe it is often true, as Tip O'Neill is reported to have said, that all elections are local. But this one is certainly not.
Now how do we vote, and indeed do we vote? We must study the issues and not be distracted by sound bites, spin and manipulative comments and ads.
There are no absolutes. Politicians and politics seem to be more deeply flawed than in recent memory. Disgust is certainly high. But pick the issue, person and side that comes nearest your considered judgment and vote.
In his famous Gettysburg address, Lincoln said, "Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure." With a few changes, this seems to fit our times as well.
So think and investigate as hard as you can, look for the best partial solutions, vote your convictions, and let's see if we can get our nation to endure.
JAMES D. PATTERSON
Rapid City
Influence
Who has the ear of the candidates? At the Oct. 21 Candidate Forum, this question came up. Out-of-state interests have moved into South Dakota to change our laws for their benefit, using both the initiative process and the lobbying of legislators.
I was heartened that five District 32 candidates for the Legislature spoke to this issue and expressed concern. Hemmingsen, Dreyer and Katus all indicated that, if elected, they would not join the American Legislative Research Council, a national organization heavily funded by large corporations.
Hemmingsen said that corporations are targeting states because it is easier to get laws changed at the state level than at the national level. Katus connected ALEC with "cookie cutter" legislation coming from out of state and said there is danger in this kind of one-size-fits-all legislation.
Hanks, an ALEC member, and Schwiesow, who said she had been approached about membership, spoke about the importance of being alert to undue influence coming from the outside.
Efforts to influence legislators will never stop. Voters must do their part to protect self-government by asking the question, "Where did this proposed legislation come from?" Legislators must do their part by knowing the answer.
SHIRLEY FREDERICK
Rapid City
Nightmare
The nightmare for all candidates running for office and worst-case scenario for them after this year's election is the following happens:
1) Amendment C passes. Lawsuits and costs of unintended consequences.
2) Amendment D passes. Doesn't fix our property tax problem.
3) Amendment E passes. Too risky to add to our constitution. There is a better fix for the corruption.
4) Amendment F doesn't pass. Will government ever be open and accountable? Part of Amendment F addresses this issue.
5) All Supreme Court justices are voted out. Only positive from this: when Billion is elected, a new judicial commission and appointments of new Supreme Court justices are made by Billion instead of Janklow.
6) Initiated Measure 2 doesn't pass. Lack of additional state revenue. Although, I'm confused, where exactly is the money going? Did you catch the discrepancies in the explanations?
7) Initiated Measure 7 passes. Loss of approximately $112 million in state revenue.
8) Initiated Measure 8 passes. Loss of approximately $8.5 million in state revenue.
9) Referred Law 6 passes. More lawsuits.
10) No leadership in Pierre, again!
The Legislature isn't doing their job and there's a lack of leadership when so many issues are on the ballot.
DEB PHILLIPS
Whitewood
Extreme
A 12-year-old, mentally handicapped girl is raped by her uncle - pregnancy wasn't discovered until weeks later. Married 41-year-old mother of three is raped, but she's overcome with guilt, doesn't report it - becomes pregnant. Impoverished 13-year-old girl fools around with her 15-year-old boyfriend, she says no, but he sexually assaults her - uninformed of the morning-after pill, she becomes pregnant. Two 16-year-old first cousins go a little further than planned - unintended incest pregnancy.
When the pregnancies were discovered, all victims/families wanted an abortion. But "Whoa, Nellie," that's illegal in South Dakota.
Radical legislators want to outlaw abortions for rape/incest victims. They talk about the rights of the unborn, but what about the rights of the born? Why should these ladies be forced to give birth to a child conceived from "mortal sin"?
These same extreme legislators voted down a law making it mandatory for physicians to inform rape/incest victims of the morning-after pill - how ironic, how ridiculous! No exceptions for rape/incest, it's barbaric, it's irresponsible, it's unconstitutional!
Vote No on Referred Law 6, and vote out the politicians who passed this extreme law.
RICHARD V. MCGRATH Piedmont
Bad for business
As a businessman, I am amazed to see the number of political signs positioned on or around places of business. Obviously the owners of the business have strong convictions and feel that their political views must be broadcast.
However, customers with diametrically opposed views are faced with a dilemma when they walk in to see a big sign posted on the window, which contradicts their own beliefs. The customer can either brush it aside, chalking it up to First Amendment rights, or take the moral equivalency challenge by taking a stand and their business elsewhere.
Since a basic objective of business is to bring in customers and turn a profit, why would business owners put their customers in this awkward position?
In my opinion, political signs on businesses are bad business.
JOHN GOMEZ
Silver City
Un-American
When did we cross the line? Going to church and being forced to stop by aggressive people, who then shoved a Referred Law 6 pamphlet at us. We refused the pamphlet, telling them we did not need it. They became very obnoxious and abusive. They were repeatedly told to leave the church parking lot but refused to do so.
Their actions were very un-American. Isn't this why our fore-fathers left the old country?
Thank goodness I belong to a church that doesn't tell its people how to vote - it's called freedom.
MARLYS OVERBY
Black Hawk
Support strongly
As a voter in District 32, I'm fortunate to be personally acquainted with all our legislative candidates: Suzan Nolan, Pam Hemmingsen and Tom Katus. They will represent us well in Pierre.
Suzan Nolan is a long-time friend I've met through public school events and women's gatherings. She truly lives her values. She listens and hears people. Her background as a counselor and a mediator will be an invaluable asset in the Legislature.
Pam Hemmingsen is a new acquaintance. When she says she'll do something, it's done and done well. I served on a committee with her, and her innovative approach to everything was an inspiration. She should go to Pierre to use those skills and that energy on our behalf.
Tom Katus and I have worked together for years in various capacities. He's been on the front line representing people who are not usually heard in the public arena - working people, Native Americans and many others. I admire his selfless dedication to issues most of us don't even see. He'll take that same steady hand to the South Dakota Senate.
Vote for Suzan Nolan, Pam Hemmingsen and Tom Katus in District 32! I support them strongly.
ANITA PAIGE
Rapid City
A rights issue
Abortion is wrong no matter how you look at it and, yes, something should be done to avoid at all costs aborting a child.
Referred Law 6 does not deal with abortion because, first of all, Roe vs. Wade determined it's a rights issue. Second of all and most important, it will not stop abortions; it will just create another class of criminal.
Voting No will protect your rights and give our legislators a chance to think a bit harder about how abortion should be handled. Hopefully, they will see educating the young people would help a whole lot more than creating criminals.
Lets face it, we have enough criminals. We need more educated people that will know abortion is wrong and do the right thing. Let's help them save a life and allow them to make an educated decision and at the same time protect our rights as American citizens.
TOM CALHOUN
Rapid City
Taxes too high
Do you think that Amendment D will reduce your property taxes? I asked supporters of Amendment D to show me facts to identify the problem with the current system and the claim that our taxes are increasing at dramatic rates.
We agreed to research the taxes of over 100 homes in Rapid City. I had absolutely nothing to do with selecting the properties. I researched 15 years of property taxes. The average property taxes in 1990 were $1,599. The average property taxes in 2005 were $2,059. This is under a 2 percent increase per year.
The annual increase is not the problem, the problem is our taxes were too high in 1990 and are still too high. We need a reduction in property taxes and Amendment D does not address the real problem.
Before you vote on Amendment D, it may be wise to research how much your taxes have increased in the past 15 years. Then ask yourself, will Amendment D reduce my property taxes?
GORDON BRYAN
Rapid City
It's the answer
Why is constitutional Amendment D necessary? Legislators have not been willing to change the property tax process in over 100 years. A grassroots effort appears to be the only method of bringing fair property taxation to the agriculture community, homeowners and businesses in South Dakota.
What will Amendment D do?
STOP taxing farmers and ranchers off their land.
STOP taxing seniors out of their homes.
STOP assessors from arbitrarily assessing your property based on a neighbor's sales price.
STOP new buyers from increasing the taxes on current property owner's homes.
STOP frightening current residents that development will result in higher taxes.
STOP skyrocketing commercial assessments.
Amendment D is the answer for the people of South Dakota. Vote Yes!
DONALD T. RICE
Rapid City
Send a message
Vote no on Referred Law 6. Most of the last legislative session was spent on the government intruding into people's personal lives. If this measure passes, it will further embolden the radical right to use most of the next legislative session to further their agenda. Send them a message: No!
Common sense would dictate that an exception for rape and incest would prevail, but to this crowd of religious zealots there are no limits to their ambition of intruding into people's personal lives.
South Dakota has many problems that need to be addressed - like raising the minimum wage, affordable health care and employment opportunities - and not constantly being distracted by a narrow agenda that a majority of South Dakotans don't agree with.
So on Nov. 7, let's send a strong message and vote no on Referred Law 6 and let the Legislature work on real problems.
GARY HECKENLAIBLE
Rapid City
Not a good start
In my recent discussions with other voters about Referred Law 6, I have been told by several people that they don't approve of abortion but are still undecided about the lack of exceptions. They then made the statement that they are confident that the Legislature can go back and fix the problems once HB1215 is upheld. They believe this law is just a good start.
Make no mistake, this is not a good start, this is the end. Our Legislature had every chance to include exceptions but chose not to do so.
The only way this law could be more restrictive is to take away the exceptions for maternal life. The only way it will be made less restrictive is to overturn it on Nov. 7 and let the Legislature try again to pass a fair law.
The result of keeping this law on the books will be a costly and lengthy court battle with legal fees that are better spent on education and health care.
ANNE FISHER, M.D.
Rapid City
Legal defense fund
I was disappointed with the Journal's editorial, "Abortion law goes too far" Oct. 22. The editorial is misleading in that it suggested that all South Dakota taxpayers would end up paying the legal fees for defending the law in the courts.
It is my understanding that the S.D. Legislature made a provision for a legal defense account funded by voluntary private contributions. There was no mention of this provision in the editorial. Why did you leave this information out?
Was it because it would weaken your opposition to HB1215? HB1215 is indeed intended to stop the killing of unborn children, which is presently legal at any time - from conception through full term.
MIKE CURTIN
Rapid City
Use reason
I normally don't write letters to the editor, but I had to write and voice my sadness at the vandalism of the Referred Law 6 signs that I have seen around town. I am not a proponent of the law as I think it is too restrictive. However, I think that vandalizing the signs is not the way to get the message across to vote No.
The topic of abortion is a very touchy one and is often fueled more by emotion than reason. I know that my opinion of the law will not sway anyone from their opinion and that is not what I am trying to do. All I want is the people who are opposed to the law to use different tactics to get the message across to those who may be wavering on the fence-line.
The vandalism will only hurt our cause and foster the hatred and anger that some people feel over this fight for life. Please, use reason instead of emotion to foster the cause.
KARYL LOUNSBERY
Rapid City
Much to offer
District 32 has three fine candidates appearing on the ballot this November. Tom, Pam and Suzan are well-qualified to serve in the South Dakota Legislature.
Tom Katus is running for the South Dakota Senate. He offers business experience, good sense and strong leadership to his constituents. His interests include living-wage jobs for South Dakotans, quality education for all, and health care coverage for the uninsured at lowest possible cost. Wedge issues will not deter him from real needs.
Pam Hemmingsen and Suzan Nolan are candidates for the South Dakota House of Representatives. They are bright, caring women with special skills to offer.
Pam has experience as a small business owner, as a drug representative for a pharmaceutical company and a background in education. She is the mother of two middle school students and is quite involved in their activities. I hear she's a great mom.
Suzan was a counselor in the Rapid City schools. She has an unusually good rapport with young people. Suzan is active in community work and on boards and committees. You gotta love her yard signs!
Please consider these candidates when you vote. They have much to offer District 32 and South Dakota.
MARY BERKEBILE
Rapid City
D is the answer
Will Amendment D hurt funding for schools, cities or counties? No! School funding is based on a formula set by the Legislature. Schools receive their funding based on the number of students enrolled. This measure will not freeze or limit the mil levy. The mil levy will continue to be set by the counties and state Legislature.
Will my taxes go up? The assessor will not be able to increase your assessment because your neighbor's house sold for a higher price. Your assessment will be frozen at the 2003 rate (with a possible 3 percent maximum annual adjustment) until you sell your property.
Why is this more "fair" than the current system that tries to "equalize" everyone's taxes? You set your own assessment. If you paid "X" for the house/ranch/ commercial property, that is what it is worth and will be the assessed value.
Will this stop people from "moving up?" No! You will "know" what your property taxes are going to be before you buy and for as long as you own the property. You can consistently budget for your tax obligation.
Amendment D is the answer for South Dakota. Vote Yes!
LORI KURSAVE
Hermosa
Help save lives
Abortions not only end lives and hurt women, they hurt other family members as well. The pain of having an abortion usually surfaces several years later. What about the pain other family members experience? They need healing too.
Yes, child abuse exists; but adoption does, too. Many parents long to have children. Fortunately, my first husband was adopted. Although he passed away several years ago, he was thankful for his parents adopting him and for his birth mother giving him life. I still have children and grandchildren that are a blessing to me. I've recently remarried a wonderful man that never married nor had the joy of having his own children. Yet, now he loves being "Grandpa" to my grandchildren and to many teens on his job.
Let's not "throw stones" at others, but offer love and forgiveness that can bring hope and healing. Right now, we have an opportunity to choose to make a difference. We can help save lives and give families a future.
Please join me in voting "Yes" on Referred Law 6.
ELLEN QUINN
Rapid City
Win the war
South Dakota is a betting state, with Deadwood, video lottery and the often-heard expression, "you bet." Well, here is a bet you can take to the bank!
Some individuals in the country and terrorists in other parts of the world are doing what they can to weaken our government and its resolve to fight terrorism. The terrorists know that a weak U.S. leads to an effective and efficient way for them to spread their warped and sinister ideology throughout the world (including our country!).
If we want to win the war on terror, we must resist getting sucked into the liberal Democrat's Black Hole of pessimism, gloom and doom. We must vote and we must vote for those that understand the threat and will continue the fight. We must vote to keep our country strong and free! The alternative is unthinkable!
BEN TREADWELL
Rapid City
Overwhelming choice
In my opinion, one of the most important races on the upcoming Nov. 7 ballot is the non-partisan election for circuit court judge. Current Judge A.P. "Pete" Fuller is eminently qualified, highly experienced and the clear and overwhelming choice of other area attorneys and judges.
Personally, I've known Judge Fuller for 30 years. He is an honest, capable and compassionate person. I urge my fellow citizens to elect Judge Fuller in November. You will indeed be glad you did!
SCOTT ZIESKE
Rapid City
Load of decisions
I picked up a sample ballot. Boy what a load of decisions.
On Referred Law 6 and Amendment C, they are no problem. They are out there, we can see both sides everywhere. My moral conscience kicks in and tells me how to vote.
In "West River Catholic," a column by Monsignor William O'Connell, I read Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's words as she received the Nobel Peace Prize. In a strong voice she spoke of the horrors of abortion, stating the truth we have all come to realize in our society: "When one life has no meaning, no life has any meaning. When life in the womb is disposable, all life is."
And Pope Benedict XVI speaking: "Abortion can not be justified by anything. Abortion takes the live of an innocent child never born. A life with handicap has equal value and is wanted by our Lord."
I think our local news station should have each candidate on at a different time so we could see how they stand on all these amendments and initiated measures and why.
I take my voting seriously and as of now there will be quite a few blanks.
MARGARET VANSICKEL
Spearfish
Letters welcome
Mail to Letters, Rapid City Journal, Box 450, Rapid City, SD 57709. Fax: 394-8463. E-mail to: letters@rapidcityjournal.com Letters are limited to 200 words and must include full name, complete address and phone number. Two letters per month. Letters may be edited. Phone: 394-8427.
The opinions above are from readers of rapidcityjournal.com and in no way represent the views of the Rapid City Journal or Lee Enterprises.
Rapidcityjournal.com provides this community forum for readers to exchange ideas and opinions on the news of the day. Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude language and personal abuse are not welcome. Moderators will monitor comments with an eye toward maintaining a high level of civility in this forum. Our comment policy explains the rules of the road for registered commenters.
If you don't see your comment, perhaps...
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy