South Dakota War College

Sorry if I've been incommunicado over the weekend. I've been in Brookings working on home projects such as cleaning out the garage. While I was doing that, there was lots going on. First and Foremost, South Dakota lost one of the true greats in politics this weekend. Dr. William "Bill" Farber passed away at the age of 96. Bill, who has had many students close to him over the years (typically known as "Farber Boys") reach national heights in politics and government was one of the true deans of South Dakota politics. Go read the article about him by Meagan Meyers at the Argus Leader . The last time I saw him, was at USD during the 2002 campaign. I was present at the dedication of his statue, and the whole ceremony touched me a real reminder of how much one teacher could make a difference in so many lives. Rest in Peace. -- Next, the Argus 16 were released - and the big fluffy puff piece on Herseth's wedding plans was written as expected ( at the Argus...

In the past couple of days, the weblog for the national publication GOVERNING took notice of the veto by Governor Rounds of the bill to force 5-7 year olds to be in car seats. Please take note of the slam from this national publication on the proposing legislator: Rounds has a point. He said the law would be unenforceable. But laws such as these often serve more as advice than as something that's enforced, signaling citizens about basic safety precautions. The bill's sponsor said his action was prompted after he told a woman that a booster seat would be safer for her kid. She told him, "If it's that important, the government would make me do it." and... This is a classic reaction from a legislator. Some bad thing has happened, so there ought to be a law to address it. Which brings us back to the original question. When is it government's business to offer us advice or enforce such advice, and when should people be left alone to make their own decisions in...

Senate Bill 196 (protecting children from smoking when they hang out in bars) found itself referred to the 41st legislative day on a 7-6 vote. This bill from Republican Senator Tom Hansen bit the dust after discussion in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. But the nanny staters struck back in an even more ridiculous measure as the car seat bill for those up to age 8 passed the legislature. So, second graders who normally can walk to school by themselves will now find themselves strapped in. I'm seriously embarrassed that we had Republicans voting for House Bill 1189 . As one legislator pointed out, this summer, they'll slide in the dirt and have balls thrown about their heads at high velocity in Little League baseball. And as their mommy picks them up, they'll be strapped in a car seat. You know, it's times like this one starts to refresh their memory on the requirements for referring laws.