Opinion
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Every community needs somebody asking tough questions
This week, Oct. 5 through 11, is National Newspaper Week. Having spent most of my professional life working for newspapers, I know what you can expect in your local publications. There will be advertisements or columns, like this one, reminding you about all the good that newspapers do for their…
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Mount Rushmore is a symbol of freedom
Recently, I got to visit one of the greatest symbols of freedom in the world: Mount Rushmore. Ive been there many times, but I will never cease to be amazed by the power and splendor of that monument. We were there for a naturalization ceremony, which made that symbol of…
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Last-minute prison revelations were shocking only for their timing and source
Less than 24 hours before South Dakota lawmakers met last week to consider building a prison, one of them disseminated shocking new revelations in a press release. I have confirmed, the press release said, that the South Dakota Department of Corrections has been using your tax dollars to provide transgender…
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Trumps attacks on First Amendment would revive crime of seditious libel
In a week that witnessed President Donald Trumps unrelenting, frontal assault on the First Amendment freedoms of speech, press and expression, it became crystal clear, in his own words, that what he wants to do is to suppress speech that is critical of him. On Sept. 19, Trump told reporters…
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South Dakota lawmakers fixated on property taxes need to widen their focus
During the last legislative session, lawmakers passed Gov. Larry Rhodens bill designed to help homeowners get relief from the high cost of paying property taxes. Dont expect that to be the last word on the subject. Dramatic increases in property taxes have given rise to some strident calls for change.…
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Rounding up support for new South Dakota prison was difficult
Its tough rounding up 1,500 buffalo in the annual buffalo roundup, but its a whole lot tougher rounding up a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the Legislature to support a new prison. Regardless, we got both done last week, and what a week it was! South Dakotans pride ourselves…
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A federal lifeline for South Dakota innovation is at risk
In just a few days, one of the federal governments most effective tools for boosting rural economies could disappear. The Small Business Innovation Research program a funding pipeline that has supported countless scientific and medical breakthroughs that grow the economy and save lives will expire on Sept. 30 unless Congress…
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School cellphone debate makes local control an early casualty of governor race in South Dakota
The beauty of South Dakotas public school system is that each school district is different. Each has its own funding challenges. Some may put an emphasis on college preparation while others may seek to get students ready for the workforce. The beauty of local control is that it allows the…
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Investing in public safety is important in South Dakota
Government isnt very good at solving problems. You might find that rich coming from someone whos served in public office for 20 plus years, but its true it isnt government that solves our problems. Even when bills get passed by the Legislature, its citizen legislators elected by their neighbors who…
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Thune steams while Democrats do nation a favor by slowing Trump’s nominees
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune was hot under the collar. It wasnt just because of the August weather, or the crowd at the Dakotafest agricultural trade show in Mitchell, or the pole barn where the crowd was jammed in. Thune was hot because of the way hes being treated…
