Governor Kristi Noem’s Weekly Column: Protecting the Promised Land

Protecting the Promised Land
By: Governor Kristi Noem
October 13, 2023

When I was in the U.S. House of Representatives, I traveled with other U.S. government officials to strengthen relationships with America’s allies around the world. In all of my travels as a member of the committee and following the end of my time in Congress, no foreign leader impressed me more than Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He’s decisive and tough as nails. He leads a nation that is equally passionate and strong.

Israel embraces democracy; their military strength is a shield for us in a dangerous land; and they are our friends. These facts, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership, as well as my multiple visits to Israel helped me realize just how crucial America’s partnership with Israel is to our national security.

In recent days, we have seen the devastating invasion of the State of Israel by Hamas terrorists. This is an act of war and invasion of the Promised Land that was given to the people of Israel by God. These barbaric actions have shocked the conscience of the world.

It is time for all Americans to stand firm in our resolve to support the Israeli people. In the wake of these attacks, we have seen an outpouring of support for the State of Israel. But we have also seen a surge of antisemitism and hatred for Israel.

It is more critical now than ever that we teach our kids and grandkids the importance of our alliance with the State of Israel. They are our most important strategic ally – and they are a dear friend to the United States of America.

If we fail to educate our children of Israel’s importance, we risk raising a generation that sees no need to protect our most important strategic ally. Americans must always understand the significance of this land that God has promised to the Israelites; they must respect the Jewish people and the State of Israel; and they must always be on the side of Freedom and good, never on the side of terrorism and evil.

All of the national security-focused trips I made were incredibly impactful. One that stands out as a teaching moment was my visit to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. It is the most heavily fortified border in the world. I was shocked at how close the troops were positioned to one another. South Korean troops stood facing north. North Korean soldiers lined up directly across from them in their territory. However, right in the middle, between these two armies, stood our American forces. They were there to keep the peace. Never before have I seen such a physical reminder of America’s role in the world. Because we are the greatest democracy in the world that stands for Freedom, we often stand in the gap to perpetuate peace. We are strong, and we believe in Freedom. Therefore, the mantle we bear is to continue to project peace through strength. That is exactly what we must do for Israel today.

We must also take action to secure our own nation following these terrorist attacks. If we look at our own Southern border, we see that hundreds of individuals on the terrorist watch list have been captured attempting to enter the United States. If that many known terrorists have been caught, it’s gravely concerning to consider how many could have been “gotaways” who are within our borders right now. The Biden Administration must step up to secure the Southern border or risk devastation here in our homeland.

Israel is in my prayers. Bryon and I pray for safety for the hostages taken by the Hamas terrorists. And we also ask God to have Israeli forces find the strength to swiftly deliver justice to these evil terrorists. To Prime Minister Netanyahu and the beloved people of Israel, I am confident that you will win this war.  You have our support every step of the way.

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Van Diepen Announces Run for State House

Van Diepen Announces Run for State House

Kevin Van Diepen announces today that he will be run for the open South Dakota House of Representatives seat for District 22.  Kevin is a lifelong South Dakota resident and a resident of District 22 since 1985.  He is married to his wife of 35 years, Amy, and has one adult child.

Kevin has served the Huron Police Department for the past 35 years and has been the Chief of Police of the past six years.  He will retire in April.  He has served as a patrol officer, drug task for officer, patrol sergeant, and patrol captain.  He is active in the Chief of Police Association and served the past two years on their legislative committee.

“Public safety is a big part of my life. I also believe in the freedoms that we can afford our citizens as a result of the professionalism and dedication of our public safety officers,” Kevin stated in making the announcement. “I truly believe that South Dakota is a great place to live and raise a family, and if given the opportunity to be elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives, I will work hard to make sure that our citizens can continue to enjoy our way of life.”

District 22 consists of Beadle, Spink and western Clark County.  The primary election is June, 2024.

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Rep. Deutsch to file resolution supporting Israel after terrorist attack

After the attack on Israel citizens by the terrorist group Hamas, including what one source calls ‘unspeakable acts of sexual violence and infanticide,’ State Representative Fred Deutch has filed a draft resolution supporting Israel which is currently under review at the Legislative Research Council for introduction this next legislative session, which he has shared for our readers:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Hamas was founded with the stated goal of destroying the State of Israel and has been designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization; and

WHEREAS, The Hamas terrorist organization launched a brutal, highly organized, and unprecedented attack upon Israel and its citizens in the early morning hours of October 7, 2023; and WHEREAS, In its attack, Hamas has killed hundreds of innocent civilians and taken hundreds of Israeli children, women, elderly, and infirm civilians hostage; and

WHEREAS, In its attack, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets against Israeli population centers in an attempt to kill untold numbers of innocent civilians; and

WHEREAS, The timing of this Hamas terrorism operation to coincide with the observance of the Jewish Sabbath and celebration of the Sukkoth holiday demonstrates the intent to maximize civilian casualties; and

WHEREAS, Hamas continues to brazenly locate elements of its terrorist infrastructure in civilian population centers using civilians as human shields;

Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House and Senate of the 99th South Dakota Legislature hereby:

1.Reaffirm its support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel;

2.Recognize Israel ’s right to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense to protect its citizens;

3.Express its support for Israel ’s right to pursue without interference or condemnation the elimination of Hamas until Hamas is permanently neutralized and public safety is assured;

4.Convey its most heartfelt condolences to all Israeli victims as well as their families and communities;

5.Call upon South Dakota law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting Jewish South Dakotans and all supporters of Israel from acts of crime and unlawful discrimination that tend to manifest at such times; and

6.Encourage all other American states to likewise condemn Hamas as well as any official body that refuses to recognize Israel ’s right to act decisively in self-defense to protect its citizens.

Thoughts?

Attorney General Jackley Joins AG Statement Supporting Israel 

Attorney General Jackley Joins AG Statement Supporting Israel 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined Attorneys General from 26 other states in issuing a statement supporting Israel against the terrorist attacks by Hamas.

The statement reads:

“We are outraged by the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel. Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization, decided to violate every law of nations and nature in its bloody, pre-planned massacre of civilians. Hamas murderers slaughtered hundreds of innocents — homebodies and concertgoers, Holocaust survivors and newborns. The dead are not just Israelis, but Americans and citizens of countries around the world. 

The images, videos, and stories still coming out since that night are heartbreaking. Many of those videos and images were released by the perpetrators themselves. Kidnapping, torture, and rape violate the laws of all societies, of civilized states, and of war. Innocents both in Israel and in territory occupied by Hamas continue to pay the price for Hamas’s terrorist operations in Gaza and invaded Israeli territory. No sovereign nation can tolerate such terrorist operations within its borders.

We stand with Israel as it defends itself from this inexplicable and obscene violence. Israel’s remarkable resilience and restraint are exemplified by its longstanding commitment to minimizing civilian casualties while defending its people. We regret that Israel’s pursuit of justice and self-defense will cost lives. But responsibility for every life lost in this conflict can be laid at the feet of the cowardly Hamas leadership, residing in comfort in Doha, and their murderous servants. We pray for peace and safety for Israel and the rest of the Middle East.”

Other Attorneys General signing onto to the statement are from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

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Johnson Condemns Hamas Terror Attacks on Israel

Johnson Condemns Hamas Terror Attacks on Israel

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) cosponsored legislation to condemn Hamas in the strongest terms and express unconditional and unwavering support for Israel and its right to defend itself. In the wake of the Hamas acts of terror on Israel, Johnson expressed his support for America’s ally Israel.

“As Hamas continues to commit barbaric violence against innocent Israeli elderly, women, and children, the U.S. House stands nearly united in its support for Israel,” said Johnson. “Americans remain among the missing; the U.S. should remain steadfast in its mission to bring these people home.”

The House Resolution is cosponsored by 414 members of Congress.

Click here for bill text.

South Dakotans for Israel holding prayer vigil. NDN collective probably won’t attend.

After the news of the horrendous terrorist attacks in Israel where entire families were executed and there are reports that children were beheaded by terrorists, the group South Dakotans for Israel and the Calvary Chapel Church are holding a prayer vigil this coming Sunday in Sioux Falls at the El Riad Shrine Center:

You can find out more by clicking here.

However, based on a recent facebook post, I don’t believe the NDN Collective will be in attendance.

(I’m not linking to that. You can look it up yourself if you are so inclined.)

Rounds, Rosen Lead Bipartisan Push in Requesting Additional Iron Dome Systems for Israel 

Rounds, Rosen Lead Bipartisan Push in Requesting Additional Iron Dome Systems for Israel 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Defense to transfer two additional Iron Dome systems and other unused military assets to Israel as it continues to face rocket and missile attacks from Hamas and the threat of Hezbollah entering the conflict. These systems are currently in possession of the United States and are not being utilized.

“Since October 7, Hamas, which Iran directly supplies and funds, has fired thousands of rockets into populated areas across Israel with the intention of killing as many innocent civilians as possible,” wrote the senators. “As you know, the United States Army is currently in possession of two Iron Dome batteries that have not been deployed and have no operational use inside the United States where they are currently stored.”

“Immediately transferring these two Iron Dome batteries that are not in use to Israel would provide tangible, life-saving and sustained support to our ally as it faces rocket and missile salvos that threaten to overwhelm its defenses,” the senators’ letter continued. “The transfer of these two Iron Dome batteries, in addition to sending other unused military assets, would bolster Israel’s defense capabilities and immediately help Israel combat terrorist aggression.”

In addition to Rounds and Rosen, the letter was signed by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.

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Thune Calls On Biden To Freeze $6 Billion Iran Transfer

Thune Calls On Biden To Freeze $6 Billion Iran Transfer

“The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined several of his colleagues in calling on President Biden and the U.S. Department of State to immediately restrict Iran’s access to $6 billion in funds that were unfrozen by the Biden administration as part of a recent U.S.-Iran prisoner swap.

“To stand by and allow Iran access to these funds as Hamas infiltrates Israel and murders, rapes, and mutilates countless Israelis is unconscionable,” wrote the senators. “Your administration claims these funds are only available for humanitarian use, but money is fungible, and there is a significant risk they could be used to further efforts by Iran or Hamas against Israel. Moreover, allowing $6 billion to flow into Iran’s economy, even if the purpose is for humanitarian aid, allows the Iranian regime to reallocate even more funds to supporting terrorism. Oversight over the use of this $6 billion is not enough, and the oversight mechanism is crippled by your reported decision to pull the longstanding Treasury attaché from Qatar. The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds.”

The letter was led by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and, in addition to Thune, was also signed by U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Full letter below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write today to affirm our unwavering support for Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, and call on the U.S. Department of State to freeze the accounts in Qatar containing $6 billion in Iranian funds that were released from South Korean accounts in September.

Since Hamas began its attack on Israel on Saturday, more than 4,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza, countless Israelis have been injured, and more than 130 individuals have been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. Hundreds of civilians have been brutally murdered in Israel, and recent reports confirm that several Americans were killed in the attacks.

Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, and Wall Street Journal reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps worked with Hamas to plan the ongoing attacks on Israel. These horrific attacks come on the heels of the State Department issuing sanctions waivers for Iranian funds held in South Korean accounts to be converted from won to euros and then transferred to bank accounts in Qatar.

To stand by and allow Iran access to these funds as Hamas infiltrates Israel and murders, rapes, and mutilates countless Israelis is unconscionable. Your administration claims these funds are only available for humanitarian use, but money is fungible, and there is a significant risk they could be used to further efforts by Iran or Hamas against Israel. Moreover, allowing $6 billion to flow into Iran’s economy, even if the purpose is for humanitarian aid, allows the Iranian regime to reallocate even more funds to supporting terrorism. Oversight over the use of this $6 billion is not enough, and the oversight mechanism is crippled by your reported decision to pull the longstanding Treasury attaché from Qatar. The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds.

We must stand with Israel and restrict access to these Iranian funds. Iran should be placed under the most stringent sanctions admissible. Anything short of this is unacceptable and only aids in the ability of Iran and Hamas to fund these heinous acts.

Sincerely,

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Just the facts. Or at least the facts we choose to disclose, except the important one…

Had a long-time reader just point this out.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard this one:

Police say a Sioux Falls man was arrested Tuesday morning after attempting to rob a bank in the southwestern part of the city.

and..

The Argus Leader is not naming the man at this time because the court case is currently not one this news outlet would follow through trial. If major developments unfold, we will update accordingly.

Read it here.

So, the identity of the person arrested for attempting to rob a bank is not pertinent to the story?  That’s just nuts. I think that’s a HUGE part of the story.

Way to phone it in, Argus.

Updated 2024 Candidate List, new candidates popping up

I’ve updated my 2024 Candidate list, and it appears that new candidates are popping up faster and faster, with announcements or filing paperwork to run with the Secretary of State.

For those who have announced or filed that I haven’t previously mentioned in an article:

I know of more out there, but they aren’t making it public yet, so we’ll just have to hold on for a little bit.

If you know of others who have “officially” announced, or who have filed a statement of organization for their candidacy, drop me a note.