Opinion News
Letters to the editor, 10-24
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New Republicans
Lincoln fought our Civil War and was killed because he wanted to preserve our individual rights and freedoms. Teddy Roosevelt fought to preserve our natural resources and our environment. Eisenhower fought WWII to stop Hitler's pre-emptive wars and his inhumane torture of prisoners.
Reagan tried to expand the Republican Party to include voters of different views. All Republicans knew that our country was founded and endured on the concepts of open debate, compromise and cooperation. This is no longer your father's Republican Party.
The "new" Republicans or radical right or neo-conservatives trample our individual rights and freedoms on a daily basis. They have reversed decades of preservation of our natural resources and environment. They try to out-Hitler Hitler.
The neo-cons have no tolerance for opposing views. Neo-cons' concepts are secrecy, confrontation and retribution for anyone that dares to disagree. Neo-cons have perfected cover-ups for all the greed, corruption, bribery, immoral behavior and criminal conduct that has peaked during their watch. Any dictator would be proud.
There is not enough space here to discuss the neo-cons' catastrophe in Iraq or what they have done to us and our economy (I suggest you read "War on the Middle Class" by Lou Dobbs).
HOWARD REID
Belle Fourche
Look for good
I've heard enough negatives about Pat Jones. First of all, Andrea Cook has probably never observed this man at work! He is a wonderful man who thoroughly enjoys his job and the students.
During his time at Stevens H.S., I observed him always out and about with the student body, playing his saxophone with the jazz band in the commons the last day before Christmas break!
What other administrator would stand out in the rain, blowing snow or frigid wind with a bright orange vest on, directing traffic at Central H.S. so our kids have a little safer drive home? Pat Jones does!
I'm not sure who he's ticked off or why they seem to be nit-picking everything he does!
Look for the good, there is a lot of that in Pat Jones!
The Rapid City School Board has much bigger issues to work on!
I support Pat Jones and hope everyone else who does will call his wife and make an appointment to donate blood! Do a double good deed!
DEE MILLER
Rapid City
Follow the rules
I live in a Black Hawk community which is adjacent to the Black Hills National Forest. I own an ATV. To all of those who drive an ATV, please make your family, friends and children aware of the regulatory changes occurring in the national forest regarding the trails.
The U.S. Forest Service has informed me that they have run out of signs, which state "No Motorized Vehicles." They place these at the entrance/exit of trails, which are being closed.
In lieu of the signs, the Forest Service makes small hills of dirt (a berm) at the beginning of many of those trails. These are not an invitation to drive over them or around them to make a new trail. They are a substitute "Keep Out" sign until new signs are available.
Our Black Hills are a myriad mess of criss-crossing trails that many have made because they believe they have the right to go where they want. Let's respect our Black Hills and preserve its beauty for all. Let's follow the rules! Thank you in advance.
PATRICIA WELLER
Black Hawk
Vendetta?
I do not know and I have never met Pat Jones. It doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to see that someone is unhappy with the Central High principal.
The school board could have resolved the first minor incident without the sensationalism of the Rapid City Journal and reporter Andrea Cook.
Now we have another big story about principal Jones and an e-mail solicitation. Why wasn't the whole content of the e-mail published? Who provided this e-mail to the reporter?
It appears that this reporter, the Rapid City Journal and some person or persons are intent on smearing a fine man's reputation. A minority of "do-gooders" is threatening his whole career.
This man was suspended without pay from Sept. 9-25. This fiasco was costly with the loss of pay and lawyer fees.
Did the school board reinstate principal Jones with his back pay? Is this a vendetta by the school board because principal Jones did not ask for board approval to hold a controversial carwash at the Central High parking lot during the rally?
Pat Jones is guilty of being a "human being," a dedicated "educator" and making a couple of poor, insignificant decisions.
TED BOZANICH
Rapid City
No one's safe
DM&E Railroad can't begin to post adequate collateral to cover the $2.5 billion it is asking taxpayers to hand over. Still, the railroad has some things going for it.
It has had the crackpot opposition of Minnesota Sen. Mark Dayton. It has Sen. John Thune's blatantly unprincipled manipulation of legislation to change the rules on evaluating loan collateral. And it has the willingness of South Dakota's Republican and Democratic leaders to do veritably anything to get federal money spent in South Dakota.
Our political leaders flatly mock the often-touted conservatism of South Dakota voters. They disgrace the people of this state.
If a private entity can use a taxpayer-subsidized loan to exercise eminent domain to subsidize coal freight rates for massive coal shipments into urban areas, no person's property or liberty is safe. This project threatens all of us, not just ranchers and towns within the right of way.
This is the kind of politics that destroys thoughtful people's faith in government. Let cities and corporate entities that refuse to pay their own bills go to the devil, if he'll have them.
DAVE MILLER Jr.
Rapid City
Election
We now know
In the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court case of 1973, the Court said: "We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins ... the judiciary at this point in the development of man's knowledge is not in a position to speculate as to the answer."
The High Court then made a key admission: "If this suggestion of personhood is established, the appellant's case of course collapses, for the fetus' right to life is then guaranteed specifically by the (14th) Amendment."
Scientifically, we now know exactly when life begins - at conception. From the point of conception, the child's DNA is fixed and remains constant throughout the child's life.
We now know scientifically that the unborn are separate unique living human beings. That means that they should be protected under the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment couldn't be clearer: "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the law."
Persons at any stage are valuable. It is wrong to intentionally kill innocent human beings and that is exactly what abortion does.
Vote Yes on Referred Law 6 on Nov. 7.
BETH SPITZER
Hot Springs
Wants to work
We have known Tom Katus for 25 years. He is a thoughtful, caring individual who is concerned about Rapid City and the state of South Dakota.
For as long as we have known him, he has been working in this community to improve race relations and to help us appreciate our diversity. With his extensive business experience, he has helped scores of small businesses develop. Working with business, he knows about working with a budget and how to get the most for your dollar.
Tom has always been involved in the political process trying to help make things better. Tom wants to improve education and health care in our state and find ways to get more decent paying jobs so that our young people can afford to stay in South Dakota.
He wants to work with everyone to solve the problems in South Dakota and make it a better place for all of us.
Dr. WILLIS & PAT SUTLIFF
Rapid City
Saving life
Some physicians have argued that Referred Law 6 would prevent them from providing good health care to their patients, citing the example of being prevented from advising a pregnant patient with ruptured membranes to terminate her pregnancy rather than risk infection.
This argument is unsound for one all-important reason: taking human life is a very serious act that must be seriously thought through and agonized over. If a physician truly believes that a patient is in mortal danger, that physician should be able to substantiate that conclusion and would therefore be protected by the law.
If the physician is not fully convinced that the patient is in mortal danger, they should not advise the patient to take the life of her unborn child or assist her in doing so.
All human life is sacred. This is why we agonize over the execution of convicted murderers and give them every possible chance to appeal. Taking the life of an innocent child deserves at least that level of scrutiny and careful consideration.
Physicians are in the business of saving life, not taking it, and they should only resort to taking it when it is absolutely necessary to save the life of another.
GREG JOHNSON
Rapid City
Great team
Voters in legislative District 35 have the opportunity to vote for great candidates Nov. 7. They have candidates who understand what it means to work hard and pay taxes. They know what it means to raise a family, meet a budget and pay bills. They have had experiences in life that help them identify with the lives of those they will represent.
Many issues are complex; they need convictions and courage. Bill Napoli, Jeff Haverly and Mark Kirkeby have demonstrated they have the courage of their convictions and will stand firm. They know the middle of the road is a no-man's land.
Great candidates have high principles, they also have intelligence, honesty, humility and compassion. They do not promise what they cannot deliver.
Standing firm, with principles, requires experience, wisdom and integrity but most of all courage.
Bill, Jeff and Mark have these qualities and proven records. They are leaders and mentors.
The three make a great team. Vote for them. It's your privilege and responsibility.
DELLA M. WISHARD
Rapid City
Right to privacy
We are voting No on Referred Law 6. We believe all medical decisions should be left to the discretion of a patient and her doctor. We believe in the right to privacy, especially over one's body.
We are women of faith, a mother and a daughter. We are voting No on Nov. 7, please join us.
LINDA & JENNIFER HOLCOMB
Rapid City
Stop the lies
"A liar begins with making falsehood appear like truth and ends with making truth itself appear like falsehood," William Shenstone.
In a deceitful way, the "Yes On Six" campaign is claiming that the morning after pill, also known as Plan B, is an "option" for the victims of rape and incest. This argument is dishonest for the following reasons.
One: The morning after pill is not 100 percent effective.
Two: Victims of rape and incest often find it difficult to come forward in time to utilize Plan B (72 hours) due to emotional shock, physical abuse or shame.
Three: Half of S.D. pharmacies don't stock Plan B, and the Legislature has tried to pass laws allowing pharmacists to refuse filling prescriptions for it.
Four: Doctors and hospitals in S.D. are not required to tell rape victims about the Plan B option. The Legislature has repeatedly defeated legislation that would have required them to do so.
The truth is that while "Yes on Six" supporters are heralding Plan B as an option for rape and incest, they are actively working in the Legislature to take that option away.
Support the truth! Stop the lies! Vote No on Referred Law 6.
KATHRYN WELLER-LENA, RN
Rapid City
Life is precious
Have you seen how our representative voted on the bill to require a parent to be notified when a minor is taken across state line to get an abortion?
Please vote for Bruce Whalen and replace the one who does not believe parents have rights to teach their children morals.
I believe the state of South Dakota needs some of Bruce Whalen's morals to help the people of South Dakota, and also someone that will uphold the status of the Native Americans. It is hard to read the obituaries in the paper because there is such a high infant mortality rate among the tribes. There are also too many young people losing their lives. Things need to be done!
I am of European descent, so this does not have a direct bearing on me. I just believe that all life is precious. Please vote for all who respect life.
I want to thank the doctors of the state who are standing up for the adoption of HB1215. I cannot believe that any doctor would not know when life begins!
A. MURIEL SABO
Spearfish
Accountable judges
They say that if E passes you can sue everyone who's in charge and judges are held accountable now. We citizens, our representatives (i.e., the House and Senate) pass laws and all it takes is one federal judge to overturn that law because they declare it unlawful. And we have no recourse.
Here's a current example. Our representatives passed a law requiring a 300-foot buffer zone for protesters at military funerals, so the grieving families of the killed in war soldiers wouldn't have to see signs like "thank GOD for 9/11 and thank GOD for dead soldiers."
But, one person, U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, wrote that the law restricted freedom of speech. That's wrong. Why can just one person (a judge) overturn laws that we as citizens vote for and pass? Where in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights do these judges get this authority? I can't find it.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is trying to take "Under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance.
If we pass Amendment E, it will make local judges accountable and that's where federal judges come from. Maybe it will make them more accountable federal judges.
JAMES L. CUMMINGS
Rapid City
No regrets
The fact that some people have abortions and regret it should not be incentive to vote yes on Referred Law 6. If we outlaw everything that someone regrets doing, there will be very little left.
Everyone makes choices that they later regret. Some people are not strong enough to learn from their mistakes and move on. They allow their remorse to consume them. There is psychological help available for them.
This problem most often arises from conditioning. When you have an environment that reiterates the dogma that certain choices will result in certain consequences, that is what happens. Therefore, these people made the wrong choice for their personal situations.
I know three people who had contraception failure and had an abortion. It was not an easy decision for any of them, but none of them regretted making it. It was the right choice for them at that time in their lives. They are all wonderful, caring mothers today.
It is possible to have two similar situations with two very different outcomes. That is because every person and situation is unique. That is why one harsh blanket law is not the solution to unintended pregnancies.
Vote No on Referred Law 6!
KAREN FAAS
Rapid City
Will be a strength
I have had the opportunity to observe Elli Schwiesow's leadership ability, having worked with her at the Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center for almost 20 years. Elli is involved with what she believes is important.
I have seen her faithful dedication from the early beginnings of the center through its growth. Elli is a team player, adding her wisdom and expertise to work with those around her. She listens to others and helps bring a workable solution without compromising principle in the process.
She will be a strength to the Senate. I encourage District 32 to give Elli Schwiesow your vote on Nov. 7.
SUSAN HERMAN
Black Hawk
Moral choice
There is a myth surrounding the debate over Referred Law 6 that should be dispelled. That myth is that our country somehow abhors taking human life, particularly "innocent" life. In fact, we do so daily.
Insurance companies deny treatment to customers that would save their life on a cost basis. Military leaders command pilots to drop bombs on Afghan or Iraqi villages, killing pregnant women and their children, thus aborting the child. We condone defending our homes with lethal weapons and call it justifiable homicide.
Why can't we allow a woman and her doctor to make such a decision? Because the radical right has politicized one narrow issue.
I believe all human life is sacred and no one, including politicians and corporate leaders, has the right to deny life. But it is a moral choice, one that cannot be dictated by government.
DAVID JONES
Wall
Bush's agenda
You want to know more about Bush and his agenda and how well it is working? Read the article "Cabela's brokers ranch sales" by Steve Miller, Rapid City Journal, Oct. 14. Miller talks about how the increasing meg-rich are buying ranches all over the western United States for the expressed purpose of having personal hunting land.
Since the Republicans took over this government, this nation has gone an additional $3 trillion in debt due to the tax giveaways to the wealthiest of Americans. Instead of reinvesting this massive windfall into rebuilding America's economy, most are buying expensive toys, homes and land for personal recreation.
If the Republicans sell off government land, as they attempted in the past, who do you think will buy it? All open recreation land for hunting, fishing, snowmobiles and all other forms of outdoor recreation will disappear for the average American.
We are entering a new era of land barons like we have not seen since the 1800s, and unless the voters stop it now, this will continue unchecked.
Bush has used 9/11 to push this agenda. He has abused this great American tragedy to give his wealthy friends more of what they already have.
BRENT COX
Sturgis
Loopholes
Bill Napoli says approve Amendment D and we'll fix the problems with it later. Is that like buying a car from someone who says it burns a little oil, but it runs good? If you want, you can bring it back, and we'll fix it later?
Should an amendment be submitted for approval containing what Bill calls "loopholes" or should an amendment be submitted with no "loopholes"?
Seems to me our Legislature has enough to do without knowingly adding to their workload.
MONTE KAHLER
Rapid City
Man of reason
An Oct. 15 letter states: "There is nothing that could be as bad as the consequences of letting liberal Democrats gain power!" That infers that nothing could be better than keeping conservative Republicans in power!
Let's get real here, folks. Important issues are never black or white and should not be labeled liberal or conservative. They should be decided only with careful reason. We, as human beings, have that capacity to reason.
This brings me to discuss a recent conversation I had with Dennis Finch, the candidate for state Senate in District 33. When I asked Finch how he felt about the ballot issues, he stated he was going to vote his conscience, and he hoped others would do the same. He told me his views on those issues are neither liberal nor conservative, but middle-of-the-road.
I very much liked his answer, because it says he is a man of balance and reason; someone who will take that balance and reason to Pierre as a state senator.
Mr. Finch also said he would listen to all the views of his constituents and employ careful analysis when deciding legislative issues. Vote for Finch in District 33!
KEITH STODDARD
Black Hawk
Balanced view
Here's a little historical food for thought. When the Founders formed this great nation, they had magnificent ideas like freedom of speech, press, religion and liberty. They believed the "marketplace of ideas" was the best way for a society to decide important issues, and that the voices of many would be much better than only a few. That philosophy has served this country well and made it strong.
I believe that in South Dakota, or anywhere else, one-party rule is not good, because it tends to deny a voice to those who have views different from the party in power.
This November, we the people have a chance to elect legislators who believe that everyone matters, and who will come to the Legislature with a balanced view.
One of those persons is Dennis Finch, who would represent us all very well in the state Senate from District 33. Mr. Finch is a decent man of good conscience, as demonstrated through his years as a businessman, attorney, former secretary of labor, husband and father.
Let's send someone to Pierre who will truly stand up for the common good and will analyze the issues in the best interests of all.
MARILYN HANSON
Black Hawk
Giving hope
It gave me hope to know there are pro-life physicians who have the skill and compassion to treat holistically the mother and the child.
I was disappointed that Dr. Buehner was given so much space in a news conference dedicated to the pro-life physicians. It must be difficult to defend the Journal's pro-abortion bias.
Dr. Buehner feels a woman who carries her child to term will suffer as much as a mother who aborts her child. This must send Margaret Minkel over the top to assume a "man" could make that judgment.
The fact remains, that a woman who gives birth has a child to love and care for. A woman who aborts is left by Planned Parenthood, Dr. Buehner and society to suffer alone.
Those against Referred Law 6 never discuss the 99 percent who suffer from abortion. Their only concern is the 3 percent who are raped. We need to care for all of them.
If the "rape" exception were included in Referred Law 6, do you really think Planned Parenthood and Dr. Buehner would vote for it?
The true champions of women are the pro-life physicians. Thank you for the truth and giving us hope!
CLARK SOWERS
Belle Fourche
Correction
Patricia Bowlby's Oct. 21 letter should have said: "In 2005 Planned Parenthood netted a profit of $63 million. They have been given $3.9 billion from the taxpayers since 1987."
Letters welcome
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