Opinion News
Letters to the editor, 11-2
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Aiding the enemy
Yesterday, 44 people were murdered in America. Today, another 44 people will be murdered in America. Tomorrow, another 44. Each year more than 16,000 murders are committed in this country. Where's the daily body count?
Each year there are 36,000 suicides in this country, 98 per day. Where are the pictures of coffins? Why no interviews with the grieving families?
Each year 80,000 people die from infections acquired as a result of their hospital stay - 215 per day. Where's the political outrage? Why no national debate?
The daily body count is on your TV and in your newspapers but it has nothing to do with the above subjects. On average, one or two soldiers die every day in Iraq or Afghanistan. The mainstream media make sure you know every detail about these deaths. According to this media, we are losing everything - reputation, pride, respect, the war on terrorism - because of these deaths.
In reality this despicable practice of military body counts doesn't measure a thing. It simply serves to distort logic.
It also aids the enemy.
ANTON C. KAISER
Rapid City
Justice denied
A 54-year-old motorcyclist loses his life while waiting at a traffic signal. His needless death came at the hands of a young punk driver who was high on drugs and playing a video game while driving! He then left the scene.
Now the reasonable person would believe that this kid would be appropriately punished for his crime. Not so. It seems that "reasonable" and the proper administration of justice is a contradiction of terms. Through plea bargaining, only a second degree manslaughter charge was imposed. The penalty: less than 10 years in jail.
Oh, by the way, his attorney wanted that sentence reduced due to his client's young age.
The "people" are not being represented because the "people" would not stand for this mockery. Plea bargaining should be outlawed. Juries should be allowed to weigh and decide all of the elements of a crime, not what the prosecutors think they can win or what the jails will hold. Our judges have ensured that more reverence is paid to them and the law than to that of the Bible.
Another example of justice denied. You courtroom jocks should be ashamed!
RICK JOHNSON
Rapid City
Progress
What remarkable progress the Rapid City School Board appears to be making when it comes to resolving tough decisions. Where once superintendent Wharton summoned the police to protect the board from an assembly of concerned citizens seeking information pertaining to the dismissal of a veteran faculty member with decades of service, the board now is able to quietly adjourn in a side room and make a quick exit out the back door when a similarly unruly mob of teachers seek information on the status of equitable pay assemble.
It's great to know that, according to president Rosario, conditions are improving and that the professional educators of our district are finally receiving their due respect.
I guess this latest debacle can be viewed as a step in the right direction ... at least the cops weren't called this time around.
JEFFREY L. BAILIE
Rapid City
Lots of smiles
I would like to recognize the compassionate individuals and businesses that teamed up with Youth & Family Services to improve the lives of children in our community during a visit by the Ronald McDonald Delta Dental Care Mobile.
More than $32,637 of services ranging from exams, cleanings, extractions, crowns and treatments for abscessed teeth were provided to 107 children who desperately needed care.
Rapid City dentists and hygienists Elizabeth Kieffer, Tara Schaak, Jay Segrist, Chad Meyer, Kelli Hanks, Doris Robinson and George Larson joined Barb Alexandar of Florida and Nichole Dana of Spearfish to provide critical services for these thankful children.
One child, with a mouth full of cotton after enduring four extractions and numerous fillings, extended his tiny hand and thanked the providers over and over again. This magic wouldn't have happened without Liz Kieffer, Tom and Sharon Warner, and the Black Hills District Dental Society who sponsored the visit!
A heartfelt thank you goes to Kelly Harrington of Chili's and Mary Heavlin of McDonald's who donated meals on several days. These individuals and organizations are perfect examples of the great people in our community dedicated to making life better for area children.
STEVE MERRILL
Youth & Family Services
Rapid City
How many?
We, as loving parents, ask our sons to kill the sons of other loving parents and now almost 3,000 of our sons are dead and gone forever. And many thousands more sons of those other loving parents are dead and gone. Gone on the killing fields of distant Iraq in a war started for false reasons.
And now our commander in chief says we will not leave this misbegotten war until he can declare total victory. My question to President Bush is simply this: how many more American sons must die to achieve this yet to be defined victory? A thousand? Five thousand? How many, Mr. President?
Or maybe it simply is as many as it takes! A tour of duty in Iraq is a sentence of death for many or a lifetime of disability for many more. We must stop this madness.
The clock is ticking and the bell tolls. Do not let it toll for your sons.
GERALD ANDERSON
Rapid City
Election
Rational approach
In the Oct. 15 issue's "The 'D' Debate," the statement, "the county's assessment of real-estate value," should read, "the county assessor's assessment of real-estate value."
We owned a lot in Whitewood for years. In 2003 the assessed value jumped and the taxes increased a commensurate amount. The explanation was: "The houses in Whitewood have been selling for higher prices and, since the houses haven't been increasing in value, it must be the land. So the assessed value of the land was increased."
This behavior led to the Jarvis-Gann Amendment in California in 1980. It rolled back assessed values and limited the increase of assessed evaluation of one's property that had not been improved by 1 percent per year.
The Realtors in California did not complain. Realtors there have the advantage of being able to estimate what a home purchaser will be paying in property taxes and the buyer can rest assured that the assessed value will not increase as expensive homes are constructed in his/her neighborhood.
Amendment D is a rational approach to determining the assessed value of South Dakota properties.
EARL CHRYSLER
Spearfish
Effective judge
I have known Judge Pete Fuller ever since he became a judge. I can unequivocally state that he has the balance, reflective judgment and patience that is basically essential to be an effective judge.
Judge Fuller has years and years of experience and has the personal constitution and attributes that will serve the citizens of the Seventh Judicial Circuit well. The citizens of the Seventh Judicial Circuit deserve the very best judges that are available.
I have sat in his courtroom and appreciate the wisdom and judgment that he has shown. I have also seen him rule justly and with fairness.
I urge your support in the upcoming election for Judge Pete Fuller.
Bishop LORENZO L. KELLY
Rapid City
Self-centered
I find it odd that writers on this forum might feel that their position for or against an issue or candidate might actually affect the decisions of others. I fully understand that my views will not convince those who cannot understand when life begins or those who do get it and do not need ratification from me.
That said, I am concerned about the level of maliciousness in some of the letters. If you don't support abortion, you must not care for women's rights or the welfare of living children. Or if you are a male, you don't have standing on the issue.
What I know is that after conception, regardless of the cause, the "choice" is whether the child lives or dies. Of course, if you don't recognize it as a living and valued being, then you can find justification in your "choice."
Choice is but another word for self-centered.
JOHN SANTANA
Rapid City
Trustworthy
Pam Hemmingsen is an outstanding candidate for the District 32 House seat. I have worked with her both as an employee and a volunteer and found her to be a knowledgeable self-starter, good listener, superb communicator, and a fine organizer.
Pam has a broad knowledge of issues that concern us and is willing to spend the time to further study them. She is trustworthy and not afraid to stand up and express our concerns.
I urge you to cast your vote for Pam Hemmingsen. She can serve our interests effectively.
JOE ROVERE
Rapid City
Working together
I have been a United Methodist for 46 years. While I don't agree with every recommendation of my denomination, these lines from our Social Principles guide my vote on Referred Law 6.
The capital letters are mine, and I quote: "Governmental laws and regulations DO NOT provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience. Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel."
If we vote No and the abortion ban is defeated, no woman is forced to choose abortion. No church is forced to support abortion. No doctor is forced to perform an abortion. We are still free to exercise every moral and religious persuasion. More importantly, we may be encouraged to work together for agencies and legislation that truly reduce abortions: health care, services for mothers and children, living wages, availability of birth control and adoption.
Because this extreme ban divides people of good conscience when we should be working together for children, born and unborn, please join me in voting No on No. 6.
DONNA FISHER
Deadwood
I choose life
To Christians of South Dakota: We can argue back and forth about rights of this individual or that child, who abortion hurts or who it can help. But when you vote on Referred Law 6, it will come down to this.
You, as Christians, will cast your vote for the life or death of 800 South Dakota children. That is the condensed bottom line.
If you vote yes, 800 children each year will live. If you vote no, 800 children each year will continue to die.
That statement might sting but it's the truth.
As Christians, we should know that God desires life for children in the womb. He said, "I knew you before I formed you in the womb; before you were born, I made you sacred." We, as Christians, must have the courage to say we will not do wrong anymore.
When this journey through life comes to an end, and we are asked: "Why did we give our blessing to kill what God has called sacred; flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone?" What will our answer be?
I will respond, "When given the chance to choose life or death for 800 children, I chose life."
DOUGLAS BRAND
Rapid City
It's her body
I am a mother of two children and six grandchildren. I myself have never had to make a choice of whether or not to have an abortion.
I firmly believe, however, that a woman should have the right to choose what happens to her own body. It is her body, no one else's. The government does not have the right or should not have the right to tell her what to do with her own body. She alone knows what an unwanted pregnancy would affect her life.
Vote No on the abortion issue.
DOLLY D. KELLEY
Rapid City
Life after birth
It is very easy to jump on the pro-life bandwagon. You don't have to know anything, you don't have to think, you can ignore other religious beliefs, most people will see you as a good person and it is politically correct.
You can say that science proves that life begins at conception and most will agree, because most do not understand that science does not prove anything about when life begins.
I am Christian and my personal belief is that the soul and the spirit of life begin at the moment of birth. My belief is that the potential for the beginning of these comes together at about six to seven months of pregnancy when the nerve cells of the fetal brain become connected enough for awareness and personal interaction.
Whenever birth happens, it is the miracle of the transformation of a fetus into a living baby. At that moment, the eyes open in awareness and a soul begins. Within seconds this newborn person is in interaction with everything around - its spirit - and both continue from that moment on.
I am pro-life after birth.
DONALD W. BURNAP, M.D.
Rapid City
Healthy families
South Dakota's Campaign for Healthy Families: In George Orwell's book, "1984," the government had an ongoing propaganda campaign to dumb down the language and twist the meaning of many words and concepts. As a result, the gullible masses began to believe the party slogan: "War is peace; Freedom is slavery; Ignorance is strength."
The sexual revolution broke the shackles of sexual morality and personal responsibility, giving the illusion of freedom. The tragic results are broken families, emotional turmoil, over 40 million dead babies, and an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases.
Healthy families do not kill their young, nor do they condone and promote the promiscuous behavior that causes unwanted pregnancies and disease. "War is Peace; Freedom is slavery; Ignorance is strength."
Vote Yes for healthy families by voting Yes on Referred Law 6.
JEANNE SNETHEN
Winner
Without options
I find it reprehensible as a mother that there are doctors in our community and around the state that are endorsing Referred Law 6. Regardless of what this small sect of pro-life doctors may tell you, there are no exceptions for the health of the mother.
The state-wide group of OB-GYN doctors (ACOG) has come out against Referred Law 6, saying that it will not allow them to do their jobs. In the Oct. 4 issue of the Journal there was an article that said ACOG did polling and it showed that 85-90 percent of their membership was against the ban. That is a staggering statistic, and one that I think we all need to be aware of. If the people who provide medical care to women are against this ban, shouldn't we as citizens take note of that?
I fear if Referred Law 6 passes, not only will women be left without options in difficult times, but doctors will flee our state, and then we will be sacrificing our over-all health care.
For the sake of keeping our mothers and children healthy, vote No on Referred Law 6.
WENDY ROTH
Rapid City
Accomplices
What hypocrisy! What a double-standard!
Where is justice when a young woman from Nebraska is sentenced to 10 years in prison for discarding her newborn baby boy in the trash, while at the same time the abortionist dismembers a baby, removes it from its mother's womb in an abortion clinic, discards it in the trash and receives payment for his services?
The abortionist will go on living in his fancy home without thinking twice about his deed. What a shame!
If a person drives a get-away car during a robbery where an innocent person is murdered, the driver is called an "accomplice" to the crime. Though not the trigger-man, he did nothing to stop the violent act.
Those in opposition to HB1215, who go to the polls on Nov. 7 and vote no on Referred Law 6, are no better than the accomplice during the robbery. They may not use the abortionist's tools of death themselves, but every one of them is an accomplice at the voting booth with pencil and ballot in hand.
Please stop the shedding of innocent blood! Please vote "Yes on 6."
EDWARD BETZ
Rapid City
A good man
Prior to this letter, I have only written one letter on behalf of a political candidate. I rarely like to get involved in politics. However, for the upcoming election, I want to help a good man. Republican David Lust is running for District 34 representative.
I have personally known David Lust for over 10 years. I have worked professionally with him on numerous occasions and served with him on a local charity board. I am excited to see a good friend and a good man run for public office.
I believe David Lust embodies everything we should seek in an elected official: personal and intellectual integrity, highly intelligent, hard-working, extremely articulate, and most simply, a good man that has no hidden agenda, no false promises - just a sincere desire to work for legislation that is forward-thinking and appropriate.
Please vote for David Lust in this election. You will not be disappointed.
DAVID G. HANNA
Rapid City
Save lives
We are not that far apart! Recently, I had a conversation with Elli Schwiesow. I found her to be an intelligent, caring woman, who really wants to save the lives of the unborn. We ended our conversation agreeing to disagree on HB1215.
Although the population is very polarized on this, I do not believe our views are really that far apart. I do not know of anybody who likes abortions. I cannot imagine a woman, finding herself pregnant, jumping for joy: "Now I can have an abortion!"
I practiced medicine in Rapid City before Roe vs. Wade. Occasionally, I had to take care of a pregnant woman who tried to perform the abortion herself. It was not pretty! Do we want those times to return?
There always will be unwanted pregnancies and desperate women. It is naive to believe this law will stop abortions. It will simply force them out of the hands of professionals. The unwanted pregnancy will often end in tragedy. Those are the lives I like to see saved.
HB1215 does not offer this opportunity.
Please vote pro-life: "No" on Referred Law 6.
PAUL F. DZINTARS, M.D.
Rapid City
Vote for change
I was disgusted by the 2006 legislative session in South Dakota. Lawmakers were busy focusing on divisive social issues and ignoring the most pressing needs on the minds of most South Dakotans. Better wages, health care and education are priorities for most non-lawmakers in South Dakota. Most voters are tired of in-your-face government.
As an independent voter, I plan to vote for change by voting for Jack Billion, Dennis Finch, Jeff Nelson and Paula Long Fox.
Can electing somebody new be any worse that what we already have? It is time for a change.
GREG NEPSTAD
Rapid City
Super American
When Democrat Suzan Nolan (House candidate for District 32) appears at functions around town, she wears her Superman cape, claiming it gives her "super powers." Her T-shirt has a big "Z" on the front reminiscent of a comic book character.
Her Republican opponent, Brian Dreyer, proudly wore the uniform of the United States Air Force when he flew an F-16 fighter jet defending our freedoms.
Brian also served on the BRAC committee representing the Air Force.
Suzan is a member of the radically liberal women's group, "Democracy In Action." Brian is a member of our National Guard and currently flies a C-12 aircraft.
Suzan advocates for abortion on demand. Brian is pro-life.
Brain Dreyer, now a Rapid City businessman, has put his life on the line to serve our country. His guiding principles are, "Service to Family, State, Country." He is an outstanding example of a "Super American." He has my vote.
ED HERR
Rapid City
Urban sprawl
Years ago, I watched urban sprawl devour the lovely Virginia hunt country between Washington, D.C., and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I moved to Colorado, only to find more of the same. I came here to escape those nightmares of runaway development.
Now, the same pattern is beginning here. New construction is eating up every unpaved acre, with little foresight or community involvement. Our aquifers already are tainted by over-development. If we continue allowing huge developments with individual septic fields for each home (as now is happening), our water sources will be irretrievably polluted.
Other communities have been destroyed in a decade or less, so we must act quickly. We need county commissioners who will make it a priority to protect our quality of life, and Sarge Preston will!
He is a physician, business owner and a partner in his family's buffalo ranch. Native to this area, he is knowledgeable about the concerns of both urban and rural residents. He is committed to planning ahead for sensible development, safeguarding our health and protecting our water supply.
We need a countywide plan for sustainable development, and we need it yesterday! Please vote with me for Sarge Preston, for District 1 county commissioner.
MAUREEN GEARTY MOSS
Rapid City
Two concepts
Republicans have touted two main reasons for their existence: 1. Reduce the size of government and reduce government interference, and 2. Reduce taxes. Based on those concepts, Republicans should vote:
No on Amendment C - government interference (marriage).
No on Amendment D - tax consequences are at best unclear (property tax).
No on Amendment E - government interference (allow suits against judges, juries, etc.).
No on Measure 2 - tax increase (cigarettes).
Yes on Measure 4 - government interference (medical use of marijuana).
No on Measure 7 - government interference (if we morally repeal video lottery, we must stop Deadwood casinos and the state lottery).
No on Referred Law 6 - government interference (abortion rights).
ROSE REID
Belle Fourche
Totalitarianism
We write with sadness about constitutional Amendment C, which we read as an anti-gay amendment. Are we a people who would attempt to constitutionally reduce the rights of citizens who are doing no harm to others?
When any group's rights are limited because of ideology, hate, or prejudice, we take a step toward totalitarianism and all of our freedoms are at jeopardy.
STEPHEN P. MANLOVE, M.D.
GREGORY B. HOWARD
Rapid City
Decide wisely
I endorse Tom Katus as state senator for District 32. I worked for Tom this summer and appreciate his sincerity, strength of character and respect and concern for all the people of South Dakota.
Tom has friends from all walks of life, practical business experience and leadership skills that cannot be denied.
I am confident Tom will consider the opinions of all his constituents, not just an extreme few. Many miles have been covered by Tom as he tirelessly walks the streets of his district, listening to his neighbors. He will make decisions based on the input of fellow citizens, practical considerations and high moral values.
Tom's time in the Peace Corps shows his commitment to service and his desire to help others.
South Dakota needs to be represented by people who care about the issues that really impact us. Tom will work to improve health care, education, economic development and our environment.
I have no doubt he will work hard, listen closely and decide wisely when representing Rapid City in Pierre. I urge you to vote for Tom Katus on Nov. 7.
ASHLEY HEACOCK
Rapid City
Wave of change
District 32 voters have a golden opportunity to elect an intelligent and well-informed representative to the House. Please vote for Pam Hemmingsen to represent District 32.
She is educated in both business and childhood education. She is hard-working and well-organized. She is open, honest, caring and has a sincere desire for better government in South Dakota.
Pam will represent the best interest of all the people in her district. She will not be influenced by special interests or pressure groups.
Pam Hemmingsen wants better funding for education, a better way to fund health care, and to keep our youth in South Dakota. Pam will work in a rational, bipartisan manner to find ways solve these long-standing problems.
We must elect new people to represent us in Pierre. The same problems are apparent every year and nothing is being done.
Please vote for Pam Hemmingsen and be part of the wave of change in the South Dakota Legislature.
MARY JENSEN
Rapid City
'D' is the key
Some real estate agents want an easy sell;
Their urgings against "D" surely does smell.
Of certain Realtors; we need to beware,
They think high property taxes are more than fair.
The various realtors, who are against "D;"
Show their lack of concern about you and me.
Amendment "D" makes some agents tense,
Their arguments fall short of common sense.
They act like children saying "D" isn't fair;
Our property and taxes aren't their affair.
Don't change the tax rate is their rallying cry,
While the everyday people barely get by.
They show the color of greenish greed;
They don't care what the people need.
On this, some of us may agree;
We know they want their commission fee.
More and more cash to put in their stash,
While the rest of us plummet and crash.
There is even LLC hype as a fix for the rich,
I hope the Legislature fixes that glitch.
Let not the Realtors, be our voice,
For the everyday people, "D" is a wise choice.
Our homes are our investments;
Let's level property tax assessments.
Let's get rid of the high tax fee,
To stabilize them, "D" is the key.
DEB LILLY
Black Hawk
Scapegoating
When someone can burn themselves with coffee and sue McDonald's, should it surprise when someone blames gays and lesbians for the problems of straight marriages? In a culture that dodges accountability, it still shocks that Christian churches preach this scapegoating.
We have a ballot issue before us that effectively says, "When we the majority are not attaining our own you should be ashamed to aim for happiness and security." In the throes of societal economic problems, what kind of legislators are they who have gay and lesbian friends and family members and yet who pen legislation that in effect looks those family members and friends in the eye and stabs not in the back, but in the chest of their participation in this country?
It is chilling that people who pay taxes and dedicate their lives to filling a cog in the machinery of their beloved country can still be discriminated against out of need to kick a dog. To adamantly deny not special, but equal rights and protections to two people building a life together, is to place that kick and grind it in. Please vote no on constitutional Amendment C.
THOMAS D. THORSON
Custer
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