Bottom line is we have to begin to work across and through our political differences. Blaming and hating is counter-productive and a waste of time and energy. I don't see my fellow South Dakotans as the enemy that I have to vanquish or destroy.
What we call politics is really a discussion about what government should do--in general, the purpose of government is to serve the people by creating a just and stable society to preserve our unalienable rights to life, liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness. Winning and destroying the "enemy" will only lead to division and an inability to compromise. It shouldn't be a war where one side wins and the other loses. Those in power, in a state like SD where Republicans have held power for decades, have a responsibility to listen to opposing points of view.
For example, if I don't share the Lt. Governor's belief that we should raise the sales tax in order to give property owners a tax break, it doesn't make me the enemy, and it doesn't give him the right to force that belief on me or anyone else. I may want property tax relief, so let's explore other options for getting there. To do so, it starts by respecting each other's opinion. As I said, I'm reserving judgement on Governor Rhoeden, but it takes a real leader to forge compromise. Time will tell whether that's what we have now--when was the last time Republicans and Democrats compromised? Can anyone point to an example? If not, that seems like a problem to me.
Keep in mind, it is not over yet, it still requires the legislature to seat the Lt. Governor. The State Senate has to confirm the choice for Lt. Governor by a simple majority vote. Look for the Senate which has flipped over to the America First, Patriot, Freedom Caucus, and we have latched onto the party platform as set by the Patriots. Also remember, while the Governor is elected "at-large" by the popular vote, the Lt. Governor has to win the approval of the Precinct Committeemen and Women. Being this is the Republican Party in control at the moment, there are 689 committeemen and 689 committee women that get to choose the Lt. Governor in 2026. As a committee member myself, I am looking at wanting a Lt. governor that is independent of the govenor, someone that represents the 689 precincts, across the 66 County Republican Party Members This person will have to be someone that is supported by the majority of party leaders, if he expects to keep his job come 2026. I am not a fan of Tony, he is a old neocon-social Republican of the old years, and is pro-carbon pipeline.
Let's hope. I appreciate that Gov. Rhoden called for a return to civility in his speech yesterday. While I don't agree with Gov. Rhoden or Rep. Venhuizen on a lot of issues, I do respect them because of their professionalism.
Bottom line is we have to begin to work across and through our political differences. Blaming and hating is counter-productive and a waste of time and energy. I don't see my fellow South Dakotans as the enemy that I have to vanquish or destroy.
What we call politics is really a discussion about what government should do--in general, the purpose of government is to serve the people by creating a just and stable society to preserve our unalienable rights to life, liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness. Winning and destroying the "enemy" will only lead to division and an inability to compromise. It shouldn't be a war where one side wins and the other loses. Those in power, in a state like SD where Republicans have held power for decades, have a responsibility to listen to opposing points of view.
For example, if I don't share the Lt. Governor's belief that we should raise the sales tax in order to give property owners a tax break, it doesn't make me the enemy, and it doesn't give him the right to force that belief on me or anyone else. I may want property tax relief, so let's explore other options for getting there. To do so, it starts by respecting each other's opinion. As I said, I'm reserving judgement on Governor Rhoeden, but it takes a real leader to forge compromise. Time will tell whether that's what we have now--when was the last time Republicans and Democrats compromised? Can anyone point to an example? If not, that seems like a problem to me.
Keep in mind, it is not over yet, it still requires the legislature to seat the Lt. Governor. The State Senate has to confirm the choice for Lt. Governor by a simple majority vote. Look for the Senate which has flipped over to the America First, Patriot, Freedom Caucus, and we have latched onto the party platform as set by the Patriots. Also remember, while the Governor is elected "at-large" by the popular vote, the Lt. Governor has to win the approval of the Precinct Committeemen and Women. Being this is the Republican Party in control at the moment, there are 689 committeemen and 689 committee women that get to choose the Lt. Governor in 2026. As a committee member myself, I am looking at wanting a Lt. governor that is independent of the govenor, someone that represents the 689 precincts, across the 66 County Republican Party Members This person will have to be someone that is supported by the majority of party leaders, if he expects to keep his job come 2026. I am not a fan of Tony, he is a old neocon-social Republican of the old years, and is pro-carbon pipeline.
A respectful choice by Governor Rhoden. Hopefully the adults are back in the room in the Governor's office!
Let's hope. I appreciate that Gov. Rhoden called for a return to civility in his speech yesterday. While I don't agree with Gov. Rhoden or Rep. Venhuizen on a lot of issues, I do respect them because of their professionalism.
Nooooooo! As a D13 resident, noooo! Arrogance isn’t needed. We’re still suffering from his Common Core.