From a release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement on Candidate’s Planned Flag Burning Event

Contact Info:
– Aaron Aykward, LPSD Chairman, info@lpsouthdakota.org
– Richard Shelatz, LPSD Vice-Chairman, vicechair@lpsouthdakota.org

The Libertarian Party of South Dakota wishes to clarify that CJ Abernathey’s planned event on July 17 is an independent demonstration, and it is neither sponsored by nor associated with the LPSD. Furthermore, the executive board hereby releases this statement on the matter:

The LPSD has always respected and fought for the individual right of free speech and expression. The founders of our country saw fit to place freedom of speech at the very top of the Bill of Rights, and something which separates us from many other countries is that this freedom extends to those who use their voice to disagree with the government. We support the right of all citizens to free speech, even for those who feel the need to demonstrate by burning the flag.

But now it’s time for the LPSD Executive Board to use our own freedom of speech. As Libertarians, we love and cherish the United States of America, the U.S. Constitution, and the symbols and emblems which represent them. We understand that Mr. Abernathey is attempting to differentiate between “Old Glory” and gold-fringed flags which supposedly represent admiralty law and a suspension of constitutional freedoms. To this end, we respect his right to hold this opinion and bring it to the public’s attention, but we condemn the manner of expressing it.

To burn a flag — gold-fringed or not — dredges up many painful images of those who hate America and seek its destruction. We’re relatively certain that Mr. Abernathey, a former U.S. Marine, does not hate our country. But by throwing an emblem with 50 stars and 13 stripes into a burn barrel, one cannot help but feel a grin of satisfaction from those who do.

In America, your free speech is guaranteed. But you are not free from criticism and disagreement. And on this matter, we disagree.

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From our friends at Dakota Posts (this made me chuckle):

The latest edition of the tale of the tape is out, freshly updated from the fallout of this weeks’ candidate petitioning:

It would appear that CJ Abernathey, who has been a Libertarian for about a week now, and is the only Libertarian currently announced as running for Governor, has an event planned for this summer:

Yes, he’s planning on burning the flag. And according to Abernathey, it’s ok, because the constitution doesn’t really exist. From Facebook:

Ooookay.

The Libertarian State convention is April 14th. There are indications another challenger may emerge to run for the party nomination. It is unknown whether there will be any serious candidates running for the office of Governor on the Libertarian ticket.

From my e-mail box, here’s what’s coming up this week from the Jackley for Governor Campaign:

Marty Jackley will be available to the press at the following upcoming events.

Apr 3   Brookings Economic Development Round Table
Jackley will hold an economic development round table in Brookings at noon at the Research Park.

Apr 5   Miller Economic Development Roundtable
Jackley will hold an economic development round table discussion in Miller at noon.

Apr 5   Redfield Economic Development Round Table
Jackley will host his second economic development round table of the day in Redfield at 2:30 p.m.

Apr 5   Brown County Lincoln Day Dinner
Jackley will be a featured speaker at the Brown County Lincoln Day Dinner in Aberdeen at 5:00 p.m.

Apr 6   State Veterans Home Tour
Jackley will tour the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.

Apr 6   Fall River County Lincoln Day Dinner
Jackley will be a featured speaker at the Fall River County Lincoln Day Dinner at 5:00 p.m.

Apr 7   Custer County Lincoln Day Dinner
Jackley will be a featured speaker at the Custer County Lincoln Day Dinner at 5:00 p.m.

From my e-mail box:

A Race We Can and Should Win
By Sen. John Thune

The United States has experienced numerous technological revolutions throughout its relatively short history that have been so monumental that life as Americans knew it would never be the same. Henry Ford made automobiles and the assembly line a reality. Scientists helped American astronauts take “one giant leap for mankind.” And U.S. innovators and academics played a pivotal role in making the internet as integral to our day-to-day lives as it is today.

It was Americans’ desire to ask “what’s next?” that led to each of these technological revolutions in the past, and it’s already leading to those of the future. An easy example of this is the evolution in how we’ve consumed media over the last century and the technology that has allowed us to do it. We had books and newspapers, then radio and television, then color television, then VHS and VCRs, then DVDs and Blu-ray, and now with a few quick clicks, you can watch a movie from a wireless tablet on a chair in your backyard or on an internet-connected airplane at 30,000 feet.

When it comes to mobile broadband technology, in particular, of which media consumption is only one small part, I believe American innovators and entrepreneurs are at the doorstep of another “what’s next?” moment. I’m hopeful that lawmakers in Washington can help these new American pioneers cross the finish line faster and more efficiently, because if we don’t win this race, another country will.

In early 2016, I introduced the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act, bipartisan legislation that would lay critical groundwork for the next generation in wireless broadband technology. At the time, I said the MOBILE NOW Act would be our passport to a 5G future of gigabit wireless connectivity, and I believe it now more than ever.

While the Senate Commerce Committee, which I chair, easily approved this common-sense legislation a few months later, it unfortunately didn’t make it to the Senate floor before the end of the year. We were close, though, which is why I reintroduced the bill on the very first day of the 115^th Congress in 2017. Our hard work and persistence paid off. The committee passed it again, and, as part of a larger legislative package, so did the full House and Senate. Our multi-year effort culminated with the president recently signing it into law.

Now that it’s the law of the land, I hope we can move quickly to cut unnecessary and overly burdensome red tape so U.S. innovators can continue to move the ball down the field. By deploying newer, modernized infrastructure, like small cell technology, and making more of it available for broadband, including inefficiently used government spectrum, the airwaves over which mobile communications travel, we can achieve these goals.

My hope is that as this new technological revolution continues to take shape, states like South Dakota can play a leading role in making it a reality. Some might say, “why South Dakota?” And to them, I say, why not? It’s within reach.

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Helping South Dakotans Navigate the Federal Bureaucracy
By U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

In the United States Senate, we spend much of our time working on legislation, attending committee hearings and making sure federal policies are working for families and communities in our state. But we also spend a great deal of time assisting individuals who are having difficulties dealing with federal rules, regulations or policies, and who may need help working with a federal agency. Our office can assist you in working with the federal government and try to help find a solution to the problem you may be dealing with, whether it’s with the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency.

Every day, I receive emails, letters and phone calls from South Dakotans sharing thoughts on legislation, policy issues or federal regulations that may be causing them problems. I appreciate hearing from you because receiving your feedback is critical for me as I seek to make the best possible decisions for South Dakotans. I travel across the state as frequently as I can, and always enjoy hearing what’s going on in your community.

Since the Senate requires us to be in D.C. during the week for votes and committee hearings, one way I am able to get feedback from South Dakotans is by having my staff members visit communities across the state and hold open mobile office hours. Folks in the area can stop by, have a cup of coffee and share thoughts, ask questions or request assistance in dealing with a federal agency.

If you follow along with me on Facebook, you may have seen that we post our mobile office hours ahead of time, so you know where we’ll be. We also share the time and location information with newspapers in the communities we’re visiting. We understand that your lives are busy and you may not be able to attend mobile office hours. To assist you, our offices in Pierre, Sioux Falls and Rapid City are open every week day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the phone numbers can be found on my website,www.rounds.senate.gov.

I know that navigating the federal bureaucracy can be difficult, frustrating and confusing. Our goal is to make sure that federal agencies are treating you with the respect and attention you deserve, and we’re here to help you work with them. The staff members working in my South Dakota offices are specially trained to help residents navigate the bureaucratic maze of the federal government.

It is an honor to work for South Dakotans. One of the best parts of the job is hearing from you. We invite you to make contact with us through any one of our offices or through our website. We know it’s important that there be a consistent and easily usable way for citizens to have contact with us on a regular basis. Your messages to us in person, by email or over the phone do make a difference.

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Your Story Can Change Policy
By Rep. Kristi Noem

Never underestimate the power of your story to influence policy. It’s advice I often offer those who ask what they can do to create change. Over the last month or so, dozens of South Dakotans have come to my Washington, D.C., office to do just that, for which I’m incredibly grateful.

South Dakota soybean producers, for instance, dropped by as I was preparing for an international trade meeting with President Trump. They shared concerns about recent tariffs and potential countermeasures from the Chinese government, which I conveyed to the president.

Later that day, FFA students opened up about how ag education in middle school and high school can inspire more kids to come home to farm and ranch. It’s an idea I agree with wholeheartedly.

Veterans also stopped by in March, raising concerns about VA care and the state’s mental health resources, while leadership from Ellsworth briefed me on the base’s role in meeting America’s long-term security needs.

Many of those visiting spoke about reforms within the education system – from early childhood education to graduate-level programs. School nutritionists discussed a bill I’m working on to grant them greater flexibility, ensuring kids have access to healthy, affordable and appetizing school lunches. Administrators from Hill City and elsewhere met with me about Impact Aid, a policy I support that helps make sure students in some rural areas have access to a good education. SDSU President Barry Dunn also updated me on the Wokini Initiative, which seeks to open more opportunities for tribal students to get a college degree. It’s an incredible program that deserves support.

Others visited with me about their support for Israel, the lifesaving work of first responders like Black Hills Lifeflight, and the work of the timber industry to improve the health of our forests.

Workforce development and Medicare fee schedules were the topics of discussion during a meeting with South Dakota clinical lab managers, who are struggling to provide timely service in rural communities.

And the Chairman and members of the Sisseton Wahpeton tribe shared their need for a new Justice Center, which I support and Congress funded a few weeks after our meeting. Without it, they are forced to let criminals go free.

I am truly grateful to those who took the time to stop in. It means the world to me and helps me do my job as your representative. We have offices throughout the state as well, but it if you’re ever in Washington, D.C., please contact my office and let us know. I’d love to meet with you, give you a tour, or be a resource to you while you visit. I hope to see you soon.

Expecting Another Busy Year For South Dakota’s Parks
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

It is officially spring and summer is around the corner. Now is a good time to plan a summer trip to one of our state parks. If not a week-long vacation, consider at least a weekend or weeknight stay.

State parks are great vacation spots to spend some quality time with family and friends. We’re fortunate to live in a state where beautiful outdoor opportunities are never too far away. We have an abundance of choices, too. We’re home to 56 state parks and recreation areas including West Whitlock, Good Earth, North Point, Lake Thompson and Custer State Park. Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating – you can do all those things right here in South Dakota.

Last year, more people camped in South Dakota’s state parks than ever before. Our parks hosted over 342,000 nights of camping for in- and out-of-state guests – up 3.8 percent from 2016. State park staff members expect this year to be just as busy.

Custer State Park takes reservations one year in advance. For other state parks, however, reservations open 90 days in advance. That means early summer dates are already available.  And, starting the first week of April, you’ll be able to make reservations for the Fourth of July weekend, which is the most popular camping weekend of the year.

Start planning your summer now so you don’t miss out. Make reservations for your favorite campground as soon as possible. To reserve your spot, visit gfp.sd.gov/camp or call 1-800-710-2667.

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