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Rick Weiland: No Retreat, No Surrender

And what does Rick Weiland have to say about the outcome of the election? No retreat, no surrender:

While we came up short of our ultimate destination last night, I couldn’t be more proud of the race we ran and the incredible journey I’ve experienced over the past 18 months.

I will always remember the literally tens of thousands of South Dakotans I met along the way. I will remember the young Native American children on our reservations fighting for a better life against a government that puts the needs of big corporations ahead of them.

I also will remember all the folks I talked to who are working two minimum wage jobs just to try to put enough food on the table to feed their families.

I will remember the seniors I visited with who wouldn’t give up their Medicare for anything and can’t understand why Big Money wants to turn it into a voucher program so millionaires can get a $200,000 tax cut.

I will remember the veterans I visited with who can’t understand why they can’t get the care they need when they return home from combat while they watch the richest one percent of this country pad their pockets even more with all kinds of help from a government that is no longer on their side.

We came up short last night in our effort to take back our country. But, when you look at history, the big battles are never easy. But, I still believe that when individual citizens, the people who make this country go, get good and riled up, real change is possible. I will continue to fight for that change and I hope you will join me.

The fight for getting Big Money out of politics has to go on.

There are simply too many people, too many lives at stake and too many kids who need to have the same opportunity I had growing up.

No retreat. No surrender.

Thank you all so much [Rick Weiland, e-mail to supporters, 2014.11.05].

Thank you, Rick. Stick around. Stand with all South Dakotans of good conscience and fight the war that we must wage for liberty and justice for all.

135 Comments

  1. Jaka 2014.11.05

    AMEN!!!!! Rick, thanks for the good fight and perhaps, just perhaps, it isn't a loss after all. Now the Republican corner can bask in the limelight of a big 'win' but people are watching-watching to see if they can govern as well as they did the obstruction and whine game against a President that brought the country back from a Bush/Cheney orchestrated recession(depression) and has made steady gains in improving the economy!! 2 yrs down the road will be a far different story, the day after....

  2. John Tsitrian 2014.11.05

    Good grief. Will one of you Dems please tell Weiland to lighten up?

  3. Bill Fleming 2014.11.05

    LOL, John, he's decompressing.

  4. Roger Cornelius 2014.11.05

    Rick would betray his supporters if he ever "lightens up".

  5. Anne Beal 2014.11.05

    When I lived on the Standing Rock Rez I saw the despair, alcoholism, poor dentition, obesity, the flat affects, and I thought it was an Indian "thing." Then years later I met a lot of people from the former Soviet Union, and saw all the same problems. That's when I realized it's not an Indian thing, it's the disease of socialism and it destroys human beings. Advocates of more dependency on government may have the most benevolent of intentions, but they are WRONG.

  6. Kevin Weiland 2014.11.05

    Nope, I don't expect him to lighten up after 18 months of campaigning. "First they laugh at you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win....Gandhi." Thanks for all the kind blog post on behalf of my brother, JT, I took on big tobacco in the early 2000's and it took a ballot initiative to clear our air of second hand smoke, and another initiative to raise the tax on tobacco. I see and feel his passion do keep going and not lighten up, (pun intended).

  7. Bill Fleming 2014.11.05

    Anne Beal, actually it's a Gulag authoritarian thing.

    Take people's land and personal property away, kill all their soldiers, put them in camps and malnourish them and that's what you get.

    People in free socialist countries like Norway look, act and think a hell of a lot better than you do.

    But then, that's really not saying all that much I guess, is it.

  8. Jenny 2014.11.05

    OMG, and you're a registered nurse, Ann Beal? What about those Canadians and the Scandinavian countries that are healthier and live longer? Addiction doesn't choose sides. Genetics plays a huge part in depression and drug and cigarette addiction.

  9. Bill Fleming 2014.11.05

    I've seen Anne write lots of stupid stuff before, but this one tops them all.

  10. bearcreekbat 2014.11.05

    Kevin, your brother ran an excellent campaign supported by the best progressive ideas. I am encouraged that he will stay in the fray despite this unfortunate vote.

  11. bearcreekbat 2014.11.05

    Anne first says "I thought it was an Indian thing" - this comment reflects a racist attitude premised on stereotypical categorizing of people Anne has never met and does not know. Then she follows it up with the comment about how "socialism destroys human beings" based only upon her prejudices that she feels are supported by her view of the Soviet experience? Bill, your analysis of Anne's comment is right on the money.

  12. Moses 2014.11.05

    Anne go blog on Pat Powers website, at least here you wont have your comments erased.

  13. mike from iowa 2014.11.05

    With whitey wingnut controlling both houses of nincompoops and the whitest,rightist soopreme court korp money can buy,does this mean that the FBI will be called off investigating Rounds or face the loss of operating funds because wingnuts don't play politics with federal agencies they hate?

  14. Roger Cornelius 2014.11.05

    I was born on one reservation and raised on another and have traveled to many more throughout the country. Republicans like Anne Beal profess to have a great knowledge of what is wrong on the reservation because they witnessed a certain lifestyle.
    Socialism is not the issue on reservations, if it were, there would not be the high unemployment rates and a myriad of social and economic problems. Look up the meaning of socialism. With socialism we would all be the same with equal access to all branches of government.
    The centuries of oppression and suppression of people is the problem, we have governments on the reservations that were designed by whites and require the governments approval to enact our own laws.
    Many think that the great land grab of the Black Hills in the 1800's was the only land lost. There is a long history of the government and white farmers and ranchers that have until recently stolen allotment holding from Indians for literally pennies on the dollar.
    You have know that Indian economies were never based on what once was known as a free enterprise system, economies were based on helping fellow tribal members and a daily fight to maintain our tribal way of life. We put that above the materialism and the almighty white dollar.
    I don't profess to have the solution to reservation problems, but I have the utmost respect for tribes and their member to choose how they live and survive.
    This American government is responsible for the conditions on the reservation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs was created to protect Indian rights through their "trust" responsibility, they have done everything except that.

  15. jerry 2014.11.05

    I miss ole Howard Dean. With him, Democrats had the message that resonated (pun intended with Howard). The 50 state strategy put Herseth in the House and did many other great things for Democratic candidates. Of course, Rahm and Obama tossed ole Howard under the bus, and here we are, still wiping tire tracks off our backs. If I were in charge of anything, I would bring back Howard Dean to run the show.

  16. JeniW 2014.11.05

    Anne, what specifically would you do to assist people go from dependency to independence?

    There is that cliche about teaching people how to fish, but fishing takes tools, some type of pole, some type of line, some type of hook, and some type of bait. Where do people go to get those tools when they do not have them, and do not have the money to purchase them?

  17. Tim 2014.11.05

    Jeni, Anne is a republican, you know...bootstraps and all of that crap.

  18. JeniW 2014.11.05

    Tim, yes, I know that, but thank you.

    Whenever I see, or hear the "bootstrap" cliche, I ask, "How are people who do not have bootstraps, much less a pair of boots, suppose to pull themselves up?"

  19. JoeBoo 2014.11.05

    The only way to save the party is to literally hand it over to Jarding.

    You need to raise money and have common sense, I believe he can do both. I'd also find a roll for Rick, possibly with recruitment.

    I still think it'll be hard, but they need to recruit candidates for the state wide positions and then give them some money and some campaign advice as well.

  20. Tim 2014.11.05

    Jeni, that's just one of those pesky questions republicans don't bother with. Can't cut taxes for the rich and pay for new boots at the same time.

  21. leslie 2014.11.05

    wow, thanks rick. totally with you.

    JT-what?? I agree with everything rick said. why don't you?

    AB-what happened to your family 150 years ago? Did the full weight of the US military, and the trespass of your home by land and gold hungry homesteaders looking for free land and instant wealth, trash your culture. prolly not. so no, you don't understand. I can empathize somewhat. try it. it is not that hard.

  22. Deb Geelsdottir 2014.11.05

    Good campaign Rick. As one who continues to care about SD from afar, I want to thank you for your campaign. Very good effort.

    Outstanding responses, Bill and Roger. It really sucks when those simplistic, generic answers don't work, right Anne?

  23. Jane 2014.11.05

    Anne, since Big Government is evil, give back all the Federal Subsidies SD has benefited from. And maybe our national deficit will be relieved some. To ween yourself from Big Government, start paying state taxes and fund the local programs. You are right, the Big evil Government should not give you a penny of its evil money.

  24. JeniW 2014.11.05

    Anne B., the first place to reduce federal spending is to reduce, or eliminate the federal monies for Mt. Rushmore.

    During the government shut down in which all the national parks were closed, Gov. Daugaard was able to prove that he could generate enough funding to re-open Mt. Rushmore, without the need for federal dollars.

    I wonder how many people would put up a huge outcry if the federal government reduce or stopped funding Mt. Rushmore.

  25. 96Tears 2014.11.05

    The future playbook for Democratic candidates in South Dakota was changed by Rick Weiland's campaign. Cory is correct that Rick didn't start as an A List candidate for South Dakota Democrats, but he sure finished that way. He made all the right moves, with the exception of the Harry Reid conspiracy announcement at the end. I don't pretend to know what went into that decision, and it may well have been a desperation play to stop the Pressler threat while Rounds was regaining his footing in the last week. Don't know, and it really doesn't matter going forward.

    Weiland renewed my hope and refreshed my Democratic soul that great leaders like George McGovern can still emerge from Republican quagmire state like South Dakota. People will realize they sent a criminal ringleader to the U.S. Senate soon enough. Rounds' true low character will show itself again and again.

    The important thing is to set things up for success in future elections. The people of South Dakota again demonstrated they are intellectually and spiritually connected to the ideals of the Democratic Party. Democratic activists need to keep that conversation going while making sure the public understands who stands with the people and who stands against them. Who stands for criminal enterprises and who wants to shut them down and bring the thugs to justice.

    Mike Rounds ran the clock down and crept out to the finish line. That's not the South Dakota way. Running a racketeering scheme to fleece a federal program is not South Dakota common sense.

    Justice will prevail one way or the other. No retreat. No surrender.

  26. Jane 2014.11.05

    The bigger they are the harder they fall. If Rounds is truly not tethered to the malice of EB-5 corruption then first thing he should push to have Joop Bollen prosecuted. It made him look like a incompetent fool. Or will he?
    Hope Weiland goes after EB-5 corruption. It will make him AAA lister.

  27. JeniW 2014.11.06

    As I read the election results of a little over 50% of the voters voted for Rounds I wonder, why not 60%, 70%, or greater?

    He won the election, but did he really "win?"

  28. caheidelberger Post author | 2014.11.06

    JeniW, if Rick had pulled 40% and won, we'd be calling it a win. Break 50%, and it's undoubtedly a win. It's not nearly as big a win as every other Republican on the ballot got, including Ryan Brunner for CSPL.

    But remember: Kristi Noem ousted SHS on less than 50%, and she's been riding high ever since. We can throw beans at Rounds's vote total, but it won't matter if we don't mobilize, throw someone tough at him next time, and eat away at that 50%.

  29. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Yes, it's a win alright. But I'm loathe to take the lesson from it. When political success hinges on intentional deception of the general public, everybody loses. How are we to trust a party that has to lie its way into power to be truthful and benevolent once it gets there? Time will tell. They have two years. How many years of progress can they set us back in that amount of time?

  30. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Required reading, class. There will be a test. Don't fail it. This is the best source I know for teaching someone 'every trick in the book.' Our opponents' strategists have it memorized. Our side hasn't even read the liner notes. Time to brush up. Either that, or just get used to bending over and taking it up the... :-)

    http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Revised-Edition/dp/006124189X

  31. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    Dems need to end their primary and pick nominees at convention.

  32. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Why Larry? What difference would that make? Not disagreeing, just asking.

  33. mike from iowa 2014.11.06

    John T-Tell Rick to lighten up yourownself. Unlike his opponent,Brother Rick would be entirely willing to talk to you in person. When you need something done and can't afford wingnut prices,who you gonna call? (Not Ghostbusters. That is for sure)

  34. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    The parties have to pay for primaries but have no control over affiliated voters monkey wrenching the results while the earth haters can afford fill the field with decoys.

    Larry Pressler colluding with Wadhams was a brilliant ploy and we can't compete in a crowded field.

  35. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    Idaho GOPers did the same thing crowding the gube primary with idiots just to dilute power from realistic candidates.

  36. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    With some luck, Rick can stay out front and be the spokesman for the party when journalists are seeking comment from the Dems.

  37. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Okay, I see. Funny, I was just thinking if we were smart we could pollute their primaries the same way. Sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander. They want to be the only party in the state, and win elections in the primary? Fine. Let's have those who want to run for office re-register as GOP insurgents and start an insurrection. Force them into convention mode, not us. Meanwhile let the Dems continue be the party that actually believes in people power and voting.

  38. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    Dem legislators should consider a boycott of the session.

  39. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Larry, that's exactly why I say the House of Representatives is obsolete and should be redesigned from the ground up. It was intended to be the People's house. It has instead, via the gerrymander, reinstated the Parliamentary form of government the founders wrote the Constitution to eliminate.

  40. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    Anyone listening to Priebus on NPR last night should realize midterm elections were just a skirmish.

  41. John Tsitrian 2014.11.06

    mfi, I did, face-to-face. Rick's political messiah-complex couldn't be pierced. That's why Dems might make for a more effective feedback source.

  42. John Hess 2014.11.06

    Ann is not entirely wrong. Without adequate controls some people milk the system and Democrats must change being perceived as enablers eager to get those votes. But as to Ann's comment welfare often creates dependence. An example away from us Kuwaiti men quit school on average age 16 because they get an oil stipend. Why better yourself if you don't have to?

  43. John Hess 2014.11.06

    If Obama vetoes everything Dems will be painted as obstructionists. Republicans could have it all.

  44. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    John, that would actually be refreshing. I've noticed lately that obstructionists have this uncanny ability to win elections. I wouldn't worry about it a bit. :-)

  45. John Hess 2014.11.06

    Well, you're right of course, but they will especially be able to demonize him directly. I've been forced to agree with Sarah Palin who said the Republican sweep was not about them but a backlash against dysfunction. If they can blame it on a Democratic President and get their guy in with both houses. Not a fun thought and why Democrats need to think strategically and bring in the moderates closest to the center.

  46. John Hess 2014.11.06

    And the thought of losing Obmacare. That's one thing Rick Weiland really got. How it benefits those who want to retire early, move, change jobs, etc. What a shame that would be so it's not a time to get radical but move to the center. Hillary will stay close like Bill.

  47. jerry 2014.11.06

    Go and apply for disability to see just how easy it is to get that grand a month. First, check out how long you have to be disabled to even apply. Anne is full of bull puckey on this issue. Just because you can walk around does not mean you are not disabled. Milking the system is what corporate America does and they damn sure ain't disabled. Look to the high rollers to see the abuse not to the poor smuck that got banged on the melon in an accident.

  48. bearcreekbat 2014.11.06

    Jerry is correct - obtaining disability benefits is not at all easy. In fact cheating or lying to obtain disability benefits likewise is not easy, given all the verification and double checking agencies do before awarding the benefit.

    A that big fat disability check is typically not enough to survive on, absent some other help, such as SNAP or housing. To think anyone would be discouraged from working based on such a system reflects a real lack of knowledge about how the system works, and the benefits that are available.

  49. John Hess 2014.11.06

    A friend told me her daughter had a child out of wedlock and consequently received benefits. She then went to college on assistance, starting working but decided not working was better when she added it all up so she quit. This was the disappointed Democratic mother telling me this not an angry Republican.

    A friend works for a non-profit and overhears the conversations between recipients on how to appear in more dire need, how to phrase things etc to get more benefits.

    I know a local guy who gets every freebie he can. Commodities, lower house taxes, etc, but as a retired person he didn't want to support the losers who would go on Obamacare.

    It may be hard to get on disability, but you're being naive if you think there's not people who work the system and prefer to get by on the minimum rather than support themselves.

    I'm not talking about those that really need help for an interim period or permanently, but it's not supposed to be a lifestyle choice. Corporate welfare stinks too.

  50. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    76 Hutterite colonies in South Dakota: highest in US. Public assistance is their mantra yet only the corporation pays taxes. Is this a great country or what?

  51. Les 2014.11.06

    """""To think anyone would be discouraged from working based on such a system""""". Anyone?

  52. Jana 2014.11.06

    Les, I'll play, but not sure what you are referring to. Give me a reference point.

    Were you talking about John's unattributed welfare queen anecdotes? Or were you thinking about farmers getting free money from the USDA?

    Or maybe yo were thinking about how Mike Rounds and Rob Skjonsberg could vote to give their investment a little boost with nearly $1 million in taxpayer money...

    That's not it? Were you possibly thinking about the blatant nepotism that is endemic for our current and past governors?

    Help me out Les, just not sure where you are coming from.

  53. Jana 2014.11.06

    Or maybe it was those bold Free Market champions who have businesses and find it easier to take tax payer funds from the GOED than the harder task of seeking angel funding and venture capital. Heck of a lot easier to make a campaign donation than to actually prove that your business model will make anybody, but you. money.

  54. Jana 2014.11.06

    That's not it? Maybe it's the farmer who finds it easier to get taxpayer subsidized crop insurance than to self insure like so many working poor have to do with their health insurance.

    Help me out Les...just trying to figure out where you are coming from.

  55. Jana 2014.11.06

    Les?""""Anyone""""

  56. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Jana""""Howya doin?"""

  57. bearcreekbat 2014.11.06

    John, you argue that "you're being naive if you think there's not people who work the system and prefer to get by on the minimum rather than support themselves." That argument makes as much sense as an argument that, "you're being naive if you think there's not people who rob banks, commit murders, rape, as well as commit financial crimes." Of course there are people who lie, steal and cheat, but what in the world does that prove about our disability and welfare programs?

    The programs are not designed to help cheaters, but isn't that also true about our banks, casinos, and credit card companies? Your argument criticizing programs designed to help people simply because they, like every other institution in the world, can be abused mixes issues. No one supports abuse, but that has little to do with the programs being abused, unless it is done by insiders, such as in the EB-5 program.

    Bottom line - you are flat out wrong in your assumptions about the people legitimately receiving public benefits. I know from nearly 40 years of working within those programs, and working with the people who legitimately qualify for needed help, that they simply are not designed to make people comfortable and, absent some sort of theft, the lifestyle they provide is not one that you nor any competent person would desire for themselves or their kids.

  58. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    """need a sandwich"""or somethin'"" Anyone?

  59. Jana 2014.11.06

    Les, maybe it's this one. Tourism industry owners who put their hate of taxes in a drawer and inflict a tax on visitors which is then used to support their business..creating a need for a whole new level of bureaucracy.

    Heck, sure beats them having to spend their own money on marketing when the state can do it for them.

  60. Jana 2014.11.06

    Hi Bill. Just getting ready to put my rogue on and get to Arby's. Can I get you a sandwich?

  61. Jana 2014.11.06

    Just to be clear. I have nothing against the farm subsidy program, entrepreneurs looking for capital, promoting tourism or even the working poor.

    I'm just having a little fun with Less and John in pointing out their own special little brand of GOP hypocrisy...which I've heard is trending nicely these days.

  62. Jana 2014.11.06

    Les"""you still out there?""" Can I get you a sandwich?

  63. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Jana, no thanks, and thanks for asking. Hope you have a nice fit of rogue rave on the drive over. Or after maybe, with some curly fries. Later sister.

  64. Jana 2014.11.06

    Less = Les....oh wait, that didn't come out right.

  65. mike from iowa 2014.11.06

    John Hess,according to whitey wingnut,people on welfare get EVERYTHING for free. And,apparently in unlimited quantities. I'm still waiting for my new SUV and Obamaphone,my SNAP/foodstamp lobsters and steaks,new housing,etc.

    Wait a second. I don't get any of that stuff. My disability checks come with bills attatched. Medicare,prescription drugs,food, rent,mechanics bill,extraneous doctor co-pays,deductibles,auto insurance,renters insurance,winter fuel bills and who knows what else. I figure I need about three times more per month than I receive. Please pass this along to crook-elect Rounds and all other wingnut congressweasels so they won't cut my parsimonious disability check so the koch bros can have more taxcuts.

  66. Les 2014.11.06

    jeez, Jana. If I'd knowed you was this much fun Ida put you in my itinerary long ago. Can we meet at the zoo fur a bite to eat? Jana? "Anyone"

  67. Daniel Buresh 2014.11.06

    Rambling, rhetoric, and personal attacks. Wish I could have been to this thread sooner but it looks like it went south yesterday and continued on that path.

  68. Jana 2014.11.06

    Ha ha Les, we should probably meet at the monkey exhibit. They're fun to watch too.

  69. Jana 2014.11.06

    Sorry Daniel, but we can get back on track. How do you feel about Citizens United and gerrymandering?

  70. mike from iowa 2014.11.06

    Obama and dems are already being blamed for wingnut obstructionism. Wingnut phony outrage-the phony fuel that fueled impeachment of Clinton for doing what nearly every member of congress had done,and then ignore the mass murdering,illegal war starting Bush.

  71. Daniel Buresh 2014.11.06

    I'm sorry Jana, but I won't respond to your questions until you use your full name. I may ask you questions, but I will not answer yours.

  72. Les 2014.11.06

    My backside has been on the menu here for so long Daniel I'm guessing yours may be next. But they're not fussy here, it could be. "anyone". Jana? You have five minutes to get ur fanny perpendicular an get me fed! "Anyone"?

  73. Jana 2014.11.06

    Let's see, back on track.

    Let's try this one. What do you see as the unintended consequences of a one party ruled state.

    Or then we could go here. How do you think politics, and the ensuing governance, would work if money were taken out of politics? If we adopted that model from England would be have to eat boring food, drink warm dark beer and think soccer is exciting? Or would the benefit be a more representative government and no more overdosing on campaign TV ads.

  74. Jana 2014.11.06

    Thanks Daniel. My real name is "Anonymous" and I post almost all of the comments over at the War College.

  75. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Daniel, don't look now bud, but you already responded to Jana's question. Like a numb nuts, maybe, but you did respond, mon.

  76. Jana 2014.11.06

    Les, only in your wildest dreams will my fanny do anything for you...let alone get perpendicular.

  77. Les 2014.11.06

    Yes, Jana. That would be a wild dream for sure. As to your fanny getting perpendicular, I didn't need to be told you ain't getting off ur a$$ fur me or "anyone" ?

  78. John Hess 2014.11.06

    Quite amusing when someone thinks I'm a GOP troll. When I left SD 30 years ago I met people that didn't fit my liberal assumptions so I had to change my mind from black/white liberal to seeing much more gray in every issue. Call me wrong all you want but the Republican voting block still has the perception of Democrats supporting social programs without accountability. Low-income Republicans "vote against their interests" because they don't want to identify with the people they see on benefits. Democrats can't market themselves as too liberal and expect to be elected.

  79. Daniel Buresh 2014.11.06

    Stay classy Bill.

  80. Les 2014.11.06

    Well dammit, John Ya are. Just accept it and moveon.org.

  81. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    You got it Daniel.

    So, "How do you feel about Citizens United and gerrymandering?"

    Please address your rely to me and I'll pass it on to my friend Jana. Thanks.

  82. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Or, Mr. Buresh, if you would prefer,

    "Let's try this one. What do you see as the unintended consequences of a one party ruled state."

    "Or then we could go here. How do you think politics, and the ensuing governance, would work if money were taken out of politics? If we adopted that model from England would be have to eat boring food, drink warm dark beer and think soccer is exciting? Or would the benefit be a more representative government and no more overdosing on campaign TV ads."
    _________

    I believe any reply to any of the queries above would suffice, if you would please be so kind.

    Plus, perhaps a sandwich on some future date.

    My client has had hers for today.

    Thank you.

    BF/bf

  83. John Hess 2014.11.06

    Where did Scott Marquart go? He was the one calling for no restrictions on free speech. Scotty! Money corrupts. Ginsburg said a couple weeks back it was the one worst decision that's been made by the court. Don't call me a Right Winger! It's the middle class that needs their own party.

  84. bearcreekbat 2014.11.06

    John, perhaps it is true that "the Republican voting block still has the perception of Democrats supporting social programs without accountability." What in your opinion can help change that false perception?

    I read your earlier comments as evidence that you held that same erroneous perception, so I tried to share with you a bit of my factual history and knowledge about our state and federal social program safety net for those in need. It was my intent to provide enough information that might get you to question this stereotypical Republican perception in the hopes that you might do some independent research to see if I was full of hot air or if I was telling you the truth about these programs. Your last comment implies that I misjudged your perception of our social safety net.

    So what can we do to help those folks with the incorrect notions you describe wake up an smell the coffee? Right now our social programs are designed to obtain repayment from folks who get benefits they are not entitled to, and to prosecute criminally those who intentionally lie or cheat to get benefits. I know from my experience that these laws are regularly enforced, and this seems to be the case across our nation.

    http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/welfare-fraud.htm

    What more do you think is necessary to correct the Republican perception you describe?

  85. Les 2014.11.06

    Not picking on you Daniel, but there is a substantial difference here. "Stay classy Bill. Stay classy, Bill." He's an old son of a gun like myself and classy only fits in our mind.

  86. larry kurtz 2014.11.06

    let's eat less.

  87. Les 2014.11.06

    Thought Jana was bringin the sand witch, Lar?

  88. Daniel Buresh 2014.11.06

    "How do you feel about Citizens United and gerrymandering?"

    Corporations need some input, but I don't believe they should be considered people. Gerrymandering is bad whether you look at Florida or California. Both parties love to do it. Some states have countered it with controls to stop it, which includes California. Gerrymandering is in both parties' toolboxes.

    ""Let's try this one. What do you see as the unintended consequences of a one party ruled state.""

    Whether it is Democrat or Republican, you see the extremes come out. SD can't pay teachers but can keep government functioning. MN can pay teacher but can't keep their gov't open.

    "Or then we could go here. How do you think politics, and the ensuing governance, would work if money were taken out of politics? If we adopted that model from England would be have to eat boring food, drink warm dark beer and think soccer is exciting? Or would the benefit be a more representative government and no more overdosing on campaign TV ads."

    That is a much bigger question than I will probably have an answer for. I'm not sure there was a time that money didn't drive politics. I think humility and the respect has been lost over the years and if that wasn't lost, money couldn't take so much hold. We glamorize it. We strive for it. We revolve our lives around it. We condition our children to believe in it.

  89. Les 2014.11.06

    Gerrymandering is only good when it's done at the right time and for the right reasons, BF. But, you already knew that!

  90. John Hess 2014.11.06

    Someone a lot smarter than me is gonna have to come up with that answer, but I think the deciders are in the middle so Democrats need to promote themselves to that voting block and avoid liberal rhetoric. The future of the Democratic Party may be to the right.

  91. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    John, my 2¢,

    We need to spend a whole lot less time trying to present ourselves in a way that the conservatives will find acceptable.

    They don't act like that.

    They do not care one red pubic hair what "liberals" think of them. They are simply assuming a position of pseudo-authority and we are buying it, hook, line, and sinker.

    Don't buy into it.

    There is no way they will ever be satisfied with our demeanor, no matter how we try to tweak it... and as a matter of fact, the LAST thing we should be doing is trying to please them in our tone, especially when they seem to be refusing to listen.

    They are running our government now. Their job is to serve the citizenry. If anyone should be behaving obsequiously it's them, not us.

    We are their clients.

    I'll get all "loyal opposition-ish" when they get off their party-of-no, nose-in- the-air high horses.

    In short, you keep moving to the right, you walk right off the dock into the swamp. Right where they want you.

  92. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Daniel, nicely done, everything appears to be in order, thank you. I'll pass these notes on to my associate, and she will get back to you. BF/bf

  93. Jana 2014.11.06

    Bill, Daniel did a great job on his responses! Good discourse even though we may not totally agree. Tell Daniel thanks and to stick around with more good comments like his last one.

  94. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Will do, J.

    Daniel, please note below from Jana:

    "Daniel did a great job on his responses! Good discourse even though we may not totally agree. Tell Daniel thanks and to stick around with more good comments like his last one."

    BF/bf

  95. Jana 2014.11.06

    Just an observation John, but we saw deep red states vote for a raise in the minimum wage. Why was that? We see purple and red states allowing same sex marriage? Why is that?

    From my perspective it was because it was the right and fair thing to do. I might be a little Pollyanna, but I do believe that there is a desire in everyone to do the right thing and be fair...no matter what party. Being fair and just is the chink in the ideological armor.

    Let's just be the party of doing the right thing and being fair...to everyone. Even if they have nothing to offer but their vote.

  96. Les 2014.11.06

    """""""I might be a little Pollyanna, """""""" chuckle chuckle. Maybe a little Roseanne.

  97. John Hess 2014.11.06

    I'm not saying move to the right as a concession. It's time to win and stay in power by serving the needs of the middle class. Ideologues on the left and right can't see past themselves.

  98. Daniel Buresh 2014.11.06

    Do you think that a fracture of liberal extremists from the Democrat party could actually boost the Democrats likeability? I think Republicans have actually gained more traction after allowing Tea Partiers to essentially put up and support their own candidates. What we call Republicans and Democrats are moving towards the middle more, while the fringe remain on the outside. I think there is something to what John is saying, and maybe even some proof of that in the Republican party. I don't think digging in on the far left as Bill proposes will help any, just as tea partiers haven't helped Republican's garner more votes as a whole.

  99. jerry 2014.11.06

    DB has some good points, but one that he is way off on is Fast and Furious. That is a straw man that gets in the way of the real issues with Holder and those are exactly what Rick Weiland ran against. While everyone sits and looks at their belly buttons, the criminals have gained strength in the looting since the mid 1980's. Democrats are just as guilty as Republicans on this as they both have had attorney generals who have looked the other way. Fast and Furious is really Slow and Lagging. Here is why Weiland needs to stay in the picture, this stuff needs to be addressed and ended promptly. http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-9-billion-witness-20141106

  100. John Hess 2014.11.06

    People are tired of the extremists on both sides, and even if I'm a bit more liberal than the middle I can entirely live with middle class positions. We can't expect our party to mirror our personal beliefs exactly but that's what you see by those most vocal. My way or the highway. It's been unbelievably destructive to governing.

  101. jerry 2014.11.06

    Something else too regarding Rick Weiland's efforts in this race, we need to be hearing that more and more. Here is a guy that ran for office and spent 35 bucks telling his story against the big money rackets. We are supposed to sell sheep here in South Dakota as a commodity so we are supposed to understand how that works. So who are the sheep, two legged or four legged? Obviously, both. Anyway http://wpri.com/2014/11/05/healey-its-amazing-what-35-can-do/

  102. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    A party's philosophy pings back and forth like a guidance system on an airplane. Compared to the real lefties I know, I am the guy in the middle. It's only here in SD, where people who have lived under the R thumb all their lives think I'm radical.

    My Republican son in law from New Jersey, thinks I sound like a fellow Republican. That's because he's from around Newark, and he knows how real lefties roll.

    If you guys think I'm a left winger, that's a very bad sign. It means you're already way out on the farthest right fringe a Dem can get. SHS crossed that line. So did Ben Nelson from Nebraska.

    There comes a time when you hit the bounce-back beam, guys. Or you leave and join the other side. Like a whole bunch of Dems did in this election when they voted for Pressler instead of Weiland.

    That's okay. At least we are now clear on where they stand.

  103. Jana 2014.11.06

    Les...Rosanne??? I was hoping for Molly Ivins.

    "It is possible to read the history of this country as one long struggle to extend the liberties established in our Constitution to everyone in America." - Molly Ivins

    "The thing is this: You got to have fun while you're fightin' for freedom, 'cause you don't always win." - Molly Ivins

  104. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Ah Jana, the happy warrior. I salute you sister. Please carry on.

  105. John Hess 2014.11.06

    Oh, I get that Bill. My college teacher friend in CA calls me a Republican, but this is our environment. Bernie Sanders is left, Sarah Palin is right. Obama is in the middle but perceptions have shifted. Gerald Ford wouldn't fit in the Republican party of today. I'm probably much more liberal than people see me here because I'm practical. We don't have to win every point to win.

  106. JeniW 2014.11.06

    I saw a comment earlier today on this thread that I want to vent about, it is a little off topic, but it was brought up by someone else first.

    Whenever there is discussion about cutting reducing the federal spending it seem that it automatically goes to reducing money for social programs and the people who abuse it. Abuses happen in every system, all you have to do is drive around Sioux Falls, and other places to see the traffic system being abused, or the parking system being abused. Then there are those who cheat on their tax returns, and etc.

    Abuses happen, they always have and always will, all we can do is try to reduce the opportunity for abuse, and deal with the abusers.

    There never seems to be much discussion about reducing federal spending in other areas, such as reducing the amount of money spent for foreign aid, or for pork projects.

    When the government shut down those months ago, the national parks, including Mt. Rushmore were closed. But think about what happened, Gov. Daugaard was able to get people to donate enough money to re-open Mt. Rushmore. That tells me that if the federal government reduced the spending for Mt. Rushmore, there are enough resources available within the state to keep it going. I am willing to bet though that if the feds send less money for Mt. Rushmore there would be a huge outcry. My point is, if going to reduce the federal spending, consider cutting spending on perks before necessities such as SNAP, housing programs, programs for children, the elderly and etc.

  107. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Agreed, John. But if I don't act like this, nobody in SD knows where their left ping is. I'm kind of George McGovern-y actually. I don't think its embarrassing to tell people I'm liberal, that I like what our president has done, and that I support him in what he's going to have to do next.That's all. ;-)

  108. John Hess 2014.11.06

    You have to calculate your risks and play accordingly. Mike could play the nice guy cause he knew he was going to win. Consider your pie in the sky predictions. Nate Silver had updated his prediction to greater than 99 percent for Rounds but still thought otherwise.

  109. John Hess 2014.11.06

    They don't want a left ping here. My mother used to say waves from the coast don't reach us here.

  110. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    JeniW, that's mostly due to the Sequester agreement imposed when the R's wouldn't agree to Obama's grand bargain.

    The deal was that if the two sides can't come to terms, everything has to be cut evenly across the board. And yeah, the projects that are already underfunded (because they weren't lobbied heavily and already porked up to begin with– hence running on shoestrings and bandaids) suffered the most.

    That's why it's a lousy deal. The cuts should me made meticulously and surgically, not with an dull axe and a meat saw.

  111. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    "They don't want a left ping here.:

    Well too bad, "they" have one, John.

    And I'm as Black Hills South Dakota as it's possible to get.

    My grandmothers grandfather discovered gold here in Custer in 1876, so we've lived in the hills longer than anyone except Roger/s people.

    If those Johnny-come-lately South Dakotans don't like my politics, that's just tough shi*ski. ;-)

    p.s. my family was all Republican.

    Abraham Lincoln style Republicans.

    I turned Democratic when the Southern Dixiecrats
    became R's and screwed the GOP all up.

  112. bearcreekbat 2014.11.06

    Jana, I fully agree with you that "there is a desire in everyone to do the right thing and be fair...no matter what party."

    And, you seem to be a perfect Molly Ivins fit! Your comments are among my favorites. Thanks!

  113. John Hess 2014.11.06

    Sounds like they are gonna have to put up with you out there Bill.

  114. Les 2014.11.06

    """"""I turned Democratic when the Southern Dixiecrats
    became R's and screwed the GOP all up."""""". That's old. Here I thought we were both child's of the 60's.
    .
    """"And, you seem to be a perfect Molly Ivins fit! Your comments are among my favorites. Thanks!""""" Now this is how the Weiland should have been running his campaign. Much easier to swallow, huh Molly? You Dems are quick learners!

  115. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    Les, Civil rights issues early 60's. I was 14 in 1964. Went to boy's state right around then, '65 maybe?

  116. grudznick 2014.11.06

    Bill, you know I don't have your fancy family pedigree which I've always admired, but I was born, raised, and dined all about these Hills. And while I envy your office digs I do have to remind you of what you well know...I was a full-blown adult living through that Hippy Era and it did not melt my mind.

  117. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    John, my thing is, how long am I willing to put up with them. ;-)

  118. Les 2014.11.06

    ""nd it did not melt my mind.""". Huh? Grud, melt? ;)
    .
    We are on the money, Bill. I was 12 at that very time trying to figure out the other side of the coin my Democratic pop was talking about. Seems if I remember right Pres Johnson was re inventing the party to make up for the loss. Dad was not happy.

  119. Bill Fleming 2014.11.06

    So when exactly DID it happen then grudz? The melt, I mean. :-)

  120. Les 2014.11.06

    If I was a Democrat in CO or SD, I'd be seriously examining how I could have sent so many votes from all parties to the other side, Deb. How bad must a Democrat appear, to chase the voters of all parties, into as you say, "some corrupt and insane candidates".
    .
    Our Pres and all defeated Dems were mostly overwhelmingly elected and they as well as their prior voters darn sure had some say in Tuesday's results.
    .
    Dobson country? Win elections much Deb?

  121. Bill Fleming 2014.11.07

    "I'd be seriously examining how I could have sent so many votes from all parties to the other side, Deb."

    Three words, Les:
    "Give us Barrabas."

    :-)

  122. caheidelberger Post author | 2014.11.07

    And then there's Pennington County Democrats chairman Mike WIlson preaching ideological suicide:

    "We maybe can't vote exactly how we feel every time, maybe we have to move our message and principles to the center," said Wilson. "'Where more people are. Maybe the candidates we choose need to be more to the center, maybe more moderate."

    Excuse me, but didn't Bill Clinton and Barack Obama already do that to our party, and did we South Dakota Democrats run away from even that successful centrism?

  123. mike from iowa 2014.11.07

    Deb,Colo idiot wingnuts redefine words to suit their purpose. Now bat-#$@% crazy is normal for nutjobs. As for the devil having his own laws,aren't we a nation of equality? Or is it equality fot the chosen few wingnuts?

  124. mike from iowa 2014.11.07

    JeniW-about 1.5% of welfare recipients(the legitimate ones that need actual governmental help) are involved with fraud. Now ask yourself what % of S Dakota gubmint officials are involved with fraud/corruption? And start right at the top of the food chain in Dakota to root out the bottom feeders.

  125. mike from iowa 2014.11.07

    Les how many registered Dems were disenfranchised by specific ALEC model legislation intended to prevent minority vo0ters from exercising their constitutional rights. Big time money has spoken,again and since you will ignore the findings of the Brennan Center for Justice about wingnuts stealing votes from legal voters,that makes you and yours a part of the problem.

  126. larry kurtz 2014.11.07

    How many losing Democratic congressional and gubernatorial candidates talked about cannabis or embraced President Obama? Not a single one.

  127. Les 2014.11.07

    Barrabas was the coolest guy on the set back in my days as part of the mob in the Passion Play. I can easily see how the Dems could be confused. )
    .
    "Lar" comes to mind as I watch the continued burn down of the SD Dems. "Pick a lane". Work to win voters and elections. If "everything" has to be exactly your way, start a colony along the Missouri down by Platte.
    .
    As for CO, it's hardly anything more than CA shifted east, blame yur lib cuzins.

  128. Bill Fleming 2014.11.07

    Barabbas (Proper spelling, sorry above) is a meme/metaphor for an errant crowd making the wrong choice for the wrong reason. No further religious overtones implied.

    But there is a curious side note. It seems that Barabbas is the guy's 'last name' bar-Abbas, which is kind of like Geelsdottir (Geel's daughter) or Heidelberger (from Heidleberg) and that his first name was also Jesus. Jesus Barabbas. Deb, can you confirm?

  129. Deb Geelsdottir 2014.11.07

    You are mostly right about the names, Bill. People generally had only one name, followed by his home. In English, "Jesus of Nazareth," is a name Madizens might be familiar with. Same thing. There were plenty of people named Jesus. In Nazareth, he was sometimes called "Jesus the Carpenter", or "Jesus, son of Joseph."

    More than you ever wanted to know? Well, you know how I get about bible stuff.

    Les, what is this about?
    "Dobson country? Win elections much Deb?"

    Yeah, Colorado Springs is Dobson country. He's not the only right wing preacher/politician there, but he is the most influential. Unfortunately.

    "Win elections?" No. I've never run. And so . . . ?

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