In my earlier post, my initial take away from the Dakota Scout article today was the silliness of State Representative Aaron Aylward telling reporters that he did not ask all of legislators whether they wanted to sign his letter because he was afraid of leaks.
But as was pointed out to me earlier this afternoon, his purpose for the letter was maybe a bit more dubious, leading me to question whether or not legislators were told they were signing on to protest money being spent by the United States to fight terrorists in Israel?
First, the letter as written:
Somewhat broad. But when we go back to the story, Aylward provides his motivation – the raison d’être – behind the letter originating from the former libertarian party chairman:
Rep. Aaron Aylward, who spearheaded the letter-writing campaign, told The Dakota Scout the group felt an urgency to send the correspondence due to escalating geopolitical tensions around the globe — particularly wars involving Ukraine and Russia and Israel and Hamas.
and..
Israel has received about $18 billion since October 7, 2023.
The letter that was signed said nothing about Israel, but clearly, in Aylward’s comments to the reporter, his objection to aid for Israel against terrorist Hamas was a major drive behind his reasoning for it.
Really, did letter-signing Legislators such as Fred Deutsch, who has been a staunch supporter of Israel, suddenly feel an urgency to oppose aid to the country now? Did Aylward actually tell legislators that he was hoodwinking them into telling our Congressional Delegation to stop supporting Israel, and to side with Bernie Sanders and Hamas?
I seriously doubt it.
Senators Thune & Rounds and Congressman Johnson, please – let’s keep the fight against terrorism overseas, and continue supporting a solid ally of America in the Middle-East.
Why the legislative letterhead?
Any letter with JFM’s name on it will always be suspect in my book! 2025 Session is already starting out to be a manure show.
Military Aid to Israel is one of the larger components of the foreign aid budget.
Ashamed to be a Republican. Need to know if these legislators feel the same as Aylward.
It just goes to show how these juvenile-acting legislators from South Dakota are completely out of their sandbox. They have no business dabbling in National and international policy. Unfortunately, they will never learn.
Agreed. They need to stay in their lane. There is plenty for them to focus on here in South Dakota.
America First or bust.
Some say Mr. Aylward is angling to be the next in line for the Governor. Usurp the voting for Mr. Rhoden on the floors of the legislatures, or some such shenanigans. The sessions are going to be delightfully entertaining next year.
Some say Mr. Aylward is angling to be the next in line for the Governor. Usurp the voting for Mr. Rhoden on the floors of the legislatures, or some such shenanigans. The sessions are going to be delightfully entertaining next year.
This is a list of the very worst of our state legislators. Seriously, from the top of the list to the bottom, they are all terrible. Print this list. You will see a common theme from these idiots this session. None of them can be trusted. Ashamed of all of them and I pray that they don’t actually represent the people of their districts. If their constituents actually think like these morons, our state is screwed.
Truer words were never spoken.
I expect anti-Israel sentiment from the former Chair of the Libertarian Party, but very disappointed to see some of the names on this letter. Their silence is deafening.
Why don’t we take letter on what it says?? No mention of any specific country.
Because we’re taking legislator who organized it at his word.
Again you set up a straw man by extrapolation for Aylward that has nothing to do with signatories of the letter.
“Rep. Aaron Aylward, who spearheaded the letter-writing campaign, told The Dakota Scout the group felt an urgency to send the correspondence due to escalating geopolitical tensions around the globe — particularly wars involving Ukraine and Russia and Israel and Hamas.”
Yep. Just a straw man.
Where did Israel even come from?
😀
Also, I’m still waiting for the anti anti-hairy Norwegian American legislation.
I’m starting an organization called the “anti anti Norwegian league”, and we’re going to go after anybody that .. well .. whoever really.
Fred D with Jewish ancestry has been very out-spoken for support of Israel and but yet he allows his name on this letter? As someone who was beaten in the primary, why is signing as a representative?
He’s still in office until his replacement is sworn in.
Not shocking that 5 nitwits from 1 and 3 are there. You know…the “Team”
At least Sen Rohl knows his role.
Districts 1 and 3 are really sandbagged with these boat anchors.
Pretty sure it is state law, if you receive any money from the state, you cannot boycott Israel for any reason. Are these elected officials performing criminal acts within our state?
Signed,
The Kooks & Krackpots Koalition (KKK)