Apparently former State Senator Lynne/Lyndi Hix DiSanto Meyer has a new job, selling loans through a website.

…because we want our loan officers to be able to hold a MacBook and an iPhone?

Do you do your deposits in brown paper bags?

The Eyes of the World are Watching
By Sen. John Thune

The eyes of the world were on the United States and our leaders nearly 20 years ago to the day as we experienced one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon in our nation’s capital, and in a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, and our country was forever changed.

At the time, a terrorist attack of this magnitude on American soil was unthinkable. It was a chaotic, uncertain time, but one thing was clear: America would not waiver in the pursuit of justice, and it would never hesitate to defend our nation, our people, and our ideals – at home or abroad.

True to a relentless American spirit, men and women from all walks of life answered the call to duty and signed up to serve in our armed forces. This generation of service members, including many from Ellsworth Air Force Base and the South Dakota National Guard, deployed around the globe to fight terror and defend freedom. Some of those same men and women are still serving today.

In the decades since 9/11, members of our all-volunteer military have taken action to bring the fight to terrorists around the globe and protect our nation. These men and women have dismantled terrorist safe havens, disrupted terror groups, thwarted attacks, hunted down and delivered justice to Osama bin Laden, and put their own lives at risk to make our world a safer place.

Twenty years later, the eyes of the world are again closely watching the United States and our leaders during the drawdown of our presence in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, under this administration’s watch, the withdrawal of U.S. forces has rapidly devolved from bad to worse to what can now only be described as an all-out crisis.

Everything we’ve witnessed over the last few weeks has been a stunning end to the United States’ effort in Afghanistan. For many, the unraveling of the country and the ensuing humanitarian crisis is personal, and I understand.

Prior to the Biden administration’s reduction of American troops in Afghanistan, reasonable people could disagree on the merits of keeping a sustained military presence in the country. Military experts and members of Congress, including myself, repeatedly warned the president about the dangers of withdrawing troops based on an arbitrary timeline rather than the security situation on the ground. President Biden did not heed this advice.

The Afghanistan crisis is a direct result of the shortsighted actions of this administration. The intelligence did not fail. The president did. Instead of taking decisive action to improve the situation on the ground, President Biden doubled down on his strategy by maintaining an arbitrary deadline for concluding our efforts to evacuate Americans and our allies. President Biden has effectively ceded all leverage to the Taliban. While a heroic effort is underway by our military, the administration’s actions continue to risk leaving an unknown number of American citizens and others in Afghanistan at the mercy of the Taliban.

Unfortunately, this crisis will likely have long-lasting consequences. The rushed exit left a significant amount of U.S. military equipment behind, including modern arms that are now in the hands of the Taliban. ISIS-K, a resurgent branch of the Islamic State, has tragically – and, given the ongoing chaos, not surprisingly – attacked the evacuation effort, killing several U.S. service members and civilians. There’s also a growing risk of a Taliban-led Afghanistan again serving as a safe haven for terrorist groups like al-Qaeda.

The world is watching as harrowing and unnecessary scenes continue to unfold across Afghanistan. People are also watching inspiring moments of humanity – our troops maintaining order in challenging conditions, comforting scared kids and parents, soothing babies, and handing out supplies.

To those American heroes, past and present, let me be crystal clear: The crisis we see today in no way diminishes the selfless service and significant sacrifice you and your families have made over the last 20 years. We are forever grateful for everything you’ve done for our country and for the years spent away from your families in far-flung corners of the world. There is no question that you made a difference.

It’s because of our troops’ service, sacrifice, and commitment that I’m so bitterly disappointed in the president and his administration for the dangerous decisions they’ve made over the past few weeks. I’m angry. I know many fellow South Dakotans are, too. But what was true 20 years ago is still true today: We should be undaunted in the pursuit of justice and in protecting our people. We can leave no American or ally behind in the hands of the Taliban.

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You know, I read stories like this, and I can’t help ask “what kind of idiot does this kind of thing?:”

Buthe, 41, served as the county’s highway superintendent for 10 years through 2020. Prior to that, he had been a project manager with the city of Sioux Falls. In March of this year, the city of Brookings hired him as its public works director.

According to the indictment, Buthe is accused of embezzling funds from the South Dakota Association of County Highway Superintendents between 2013 and 2021. Buthe served as the association’s secretary, according to Nelson’s announcement.

Read the entire story here.

It’s usually someone trusted who has command of the checkbook without a lot of oversight. And in their arrogance they *think* they can do it, and either get away with it, or put the money back. Which of course they never do.

I’ve worked for a bank, where they once tracked when a teller issued a money order to herself for less than $100 that was unaccounted for, and in my personal life I pulled together the evidence for law enforcement when my dad had a trusted employee who embezzled over $100,000 from him. There is always, always a paper trail.

Conservative Principles Restrain Government, Not Expand Its Powers.
by Governor Kristi Noem
Fri, Aug 27, 2021

You can’t be a constitutional conservative only when it suits you.

We are now seeing a battle in the Republican Party between the populist wing and traditional limited government conservatism. So-called conservatives want to regulate businesses to prevent them from requiring a Covid vaccine as a condition of employment, but my beliefs do not allow me to waive the constitution because I disagree with a private business.

It is human nature to want to wield power, and a crisis adds to that impulse. As an emergency unfolds, many will insist that “somebody should do something” and governments, eager to pass laws and hire people with weapons to enforce them, step in. It’s up to pro-liberty conservatives to stand on principle and to stand up to government mandates.

To be clear, I don’t think businesses should require a Covid vaccine as a condition of employment. I also believe that government is too big, and mandates are not a conservative tool in forcing the behavior of its citizens. Since when did the Republican Party become the party of big government and social engineering using the power of government to force behavior? Once we, as a people, open the door to increased government power to put mandates on businesses, expect a Pandora’s Box of liberal mandates to hit in the future that touch on faith, the right to keep and bear arms, and the expanding list of genders the left has invented.

William F. Buckley once referred to the growth of government as “creeping socialism.” We are seeing a version today with both Republicans and Democrats calling on the government to mandate behavior they find acceptable. Even if I agree with a mandate, a mandate both limits freedom and sets a precedent for even more mandates, taxes, spending, and expansion of government into the daily lives of average Americans who just want to be left alone.

Since March of 2020, we’ve seen governors from California to New York declare that they have sweeping powers to ban activities, close businesses, and strongarm sick people into nursing homes. These “leaders” must have temporarily forgotten the principle that the proper powers of government are limited, even (and especially) during a crisis.

On the federal level, power is granted and specifically limited by the Constitution. On the state and local level, power is limited by state constitutions and, frankly, common sense.

For example, as governor last year, I refused to issue lockdowns or mask mandates. I did not shut down any business, nor did I close one church. I follow a principle: I am a limited government conservative in the mold of Ronald Reagan. The government may have the brute force to declare a business “essential,” yet that is not a proper role of any government, federal or state.

Now, as a new Covid variant is spreading, some state legislatures and governors are trying to mandate that, in order to work in a private business, a person must provide proof of vaccination. This is a bad idea because no government has that power over the private decisions of small businesses.

In South Dakota, I used my valid power as governor to prevent the state from issuing Vax Passports. That means you won’t see a government-run vaccine passport system in South Dakota –under my watch, South Dakota will have a limited government.

Our policy allows individuals to make decisions and limits the decisions forced upon them by the government. Freedom cuts both ways, and the government doesn’t have the power to weigh in on either side of this. I’m going to make certain that we respect the limits of the state government. Small businesses won’t be forced to cede management decisions to a bureaucrat or politician.

I don’t believe that a business should require proof of vaccination to work there, and as a former business owner, I would not have imposed such a requirement on my employees. But my personal beliefs are irrelevant when it comes to the role of the state in what a business may or may not choose to do.  Government should not exercise its power to force a small business to agree with me.

Conservatives see that liberals are trying to use this crisis to expand the size and scope of government at every level. On everything from mandates to spending, the left wants more government. Conservatives must stand on principle and oppose big government in all its forms.

The Coronavirus pandemic has tested how far politicians will go to use heavy-handed tactics to get their way. One reason why South Dakota is considered a great place to live, work, raise a family, and do business is because we have a tradition of governance that respects individual rights and because we respect the limits of government power. These principles will allow us to overcome Covid, and to build the country we all want to live in.

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Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Victims of Kabul Terrorist Attacks

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide, effective immediately, until sundown on Monday, August 30, 2021, in honor of the American servicemembers and other victims killed in the terrorist attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan on Thursday, August 26, 2021.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Afghanistan – Americans and Afghans alike. My heart breaks for the families who lost loved ones and friends today and those who were injured in these attacks,” said Governor Kristi Noem.

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Governor Noem Issues Statement on Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s Plea Agreement

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, following South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s plea of “no contest” to charges against him regarding the death of Joseph Boever, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement:

“With today’s plea, Jason Ravnsborg’s legal proceedings have concluded.  Like many South Dakotans, I am not only disappointed in how this process was handled by prosecutors, but outraged at the result of today’s plea hearing and sentencing.  Ravnsborg has not accepted responsibility for the death of Joseph Boever and did not even appear in court today to face the charges or the Boever family. ”

Speaker of the House Spencer Gosch said in March that the House would wait until after “the judicial system is able to do its job” to proceed with articles of impeachment against Ravnsborg. The South Dakota Sheriff’s Association, the South Dakota Police Chiefs Association, and the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police previously called on him to resign.

“If Ravnsborg does not resign, as I believe he should, the Legislature can and should consider the articles of impeachment already brought in the House,” continued Noem. “I have therefore instructed the state Department of Public Safety to provide Speaker Gosch a complete copy of the investigation file in the coming days to assist the House in its important work.”

###

Statement by Jason Ravnsborg
August 26, 2021

On September 12, 2020, two families were changed forever.

First and foremost, I am very sorry Joe Boever lost his life in this accident. I am sorry to the entire family for the loss of their loved one. They have had to deal with the pain, anger, and sadness of this accident.

With respect for Joe, his family, and the judicial process, I have fully cooperated with the investigation from the beginning and refrained from making statements to the media.

While nothing I say will bring Joe back, I believe it’s appropriate to share a few of my thoughts at this time.

Joe’s death weighs heavily on me and always will. I’ve often wondered why the accident occurred and all the things that had to have happened to make our lives intersect. I’ve wished thousands of times our paths would have crossed under different circumstances.

The media has reported many untrue, and misleading things they want you to believe are facts.  Partisan opportunists from both sides of the aisle have manufactured rumors, conspiracy theories and made statements in direct contradiction to the evidence all sides agreed upon.  These are the same people who try to take others down at any cost.

I ran to be your attorney general because I believe in the law; I believe in fairness, due process, and doing what’s right. Now, having experienced the legal system from both sides, I renew my commitment to be transparent and responsive to the needs of the people of South Dakota.

We have built an incredible team of hard-working professionals who seek to serve you in the Attorney General’s office each day. We’ve made significant accomplishments in record time.

We still face challenges. We will continue the dialogue about marijuana and how to regulate it. We’re finalizing the terms of the $26 billion opioid settlement to address opioids and fentanyl and still battling the meth epidemic.

I do not know all the Lord has in store for me, but I trust in Him. As I continue my service as your attorney general, I’ll keep fighting for you, just as I have since the day I took office. May God bless each of you, and may God continue to bless South Dakota.

–

After some comments via his show which were derisive of Governor Kristi Noem, claiming she was only popular because of her looks, and not her policies, South Dakota Governor absolutely owned conservative commentator Matt Walsh in her response:

Instead of engaging in a debate about the proper role of government and how it isn’t conservative to tell people how to do business, @MattWalshBlog
stooped to horrible misogyny.

Eyes up here, Matt. pic.twitter.com/n5xO0uVsaf

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) August 25, 2021

“Eyes up here Matt”

That was pretty good.

Another day, another candidate for US Senate who nobody has ever heard of.

Patrick W. Schubert Sr. of Box Elder has sent out a letter, and set up a website to run for US Senate at www.retiretherino.com. Or at least, he set up a Facebook page, and linked a domain to it.  And if you click on it, you’ll be treated to a couple of rants.

At least one of them is really, really long, too. In part:

Information is coming out that the January 6th event at the Capital was a pre-planned event by our governments law enforcement apparatuses to destroy the opposition to their election theft. It was a slanderous attack on those who only wished to preserve the Republic. There is over 10,000 hours of video covering every inch of the Capital Building that has been stored away under lock and key. They will not release it because it will be more incriminating than other video releases up to now.

Blue State after Blue State refuses to fully release their people from Corona virus restrictions. They mass executed the sickest. They destroyed the base of their economy, small businesses. They levied fines on business owners in the millions of dollars. The people have no recourse to fight this modern tyranny.

and..

Current and former members of our government, in my opinion, are funding ANTIFA and other violent protests against the fiber of America’s existence. These people also have spoken out against fascism while their actions prove fascism is their goal, except with them in charge. The Democrat party has turned Immigration into infiltration for the purpose of securing electoral victories while denying us the right to a secure voting system by requiring ID to vote while they repeatedly flood districts with illegal voters and re-voters. Alabama is the example of this. The video of the young man saying he was brought from another state to vote against Judge Roy Moore is appalling and evidentiary.

Our government executed a plot across all offices, agencies and unofficial back channels to prevent the election of Donald Trump as President as soon as he announced he was running. When he won, these assets were moved to a destroy his Presidential Administration. They used a bio weapon from China. They used a Climate Change agenda violated by China. They claimed Russian interference while the Democratic Candidate’s son was taking checks from Russia and China. This is a blatant coup by American, Domestic Enemies, and hostile foreign nations.

Read the rant here!

The Rapid City journal is also covering it.

Both candidates share a sense of dissatisfaction that Thune did not support overturning the 2020 election results in favor of former President Donald Trump.