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Thune, GOP Reject Universal Human Rights for Johnson, Others with Disabilities

South Dakota's senior senator, Tim Johnson, has a significant disability. Johnson has difficulty speaking and gets around in a motorized chair. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, he enjoys equal access to public accommodations and protections against job discrimination.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls on all nations to treat citizens with disabilities as fairly and respectfully as we treat Senator Johnson under the ADA.

So is that why Senator John Thune and 37 other Republicans voted against it yesterday?

"[D]iscrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person," reads the treaty. Does Senator Thune really disagree with that statement? Has Senator Thune become a liberal relativist who thinks that holding the world to our standards of human rights is cultural imperialism?

Maybe Senator Thune was listening to the noise from Rick Santorum and homeschool activists who think the U.N. would use this treaty to force their kids into public school. Maybe he read Article 31 on data collection and thought he needed to play Fox Mulder against shadowy global conspirators.

Or maybe he was just being a jerk, flipping the bird at disabled veteran and former Senator Bob Dole, who rolled to the Senate in his wheelchair to remind his colleagues of the importance of this bill, and voting against human rights protections that even noted human rights abusers Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Saudi Arabia could not say no to.

America should lead the world in the protection of human rights. Senator Thune apparently wants to lead the world in hysteria and discrimination.

259 Comments

  1. Testor15 2012.12.05

    Reminds me of St Ronnie Reagan's total repudiation of the strides made prior to his ascension to the presidency. His foreign policy only worked when he went back to stressing human rights. ADA laws of the United States would have been a human rights standard for the world. Any of the those old super rich Thunebag backers would able to travel the world with toilets at the right height for their wheelchairs because this treaty required worldwide standards based on our 'USA' rules.

  2. Owen Reitzel 2012.12.05

    These nutcases think the UN is taking over the world. Thune is a follower-not a leader

  3. vikingobsessed 2012.12.05

    I have a couple of friends who homeschool and are also evangelical...they were convinced that the state could take over the education of their children and that if they had a disabled child that the UN would tell them the proper way to care for that child. There is a crazy leader for the evangelical homeschool movement (can't think of his name) that started all this garbage. They hang on his every word, no matter how crazy. Typical "one world government" crap.

  4. John M. Nelson 2012.12.05

    "Or maybe he was just being a jerk". It would not be the first time, e.g. his vote on the on the jobs for veterans bill.
    Both votes are disgraceful and shameful.

  5. Eve Fisher 2012.12.05

    John Thune: pandering to the nut-cases, because he plans to use them some day.

  6. Jenny 2012.12.05

    Good article. Why am I not surprised Thune voted against this? This vote will (hopefully) come back to haunt him when he runs for President. Ths US has a long history of discrimination and this vote would have sent a powerful humane message to the world. Apparently, it's ok to sweep disability under the rug.

  7. Jenny 2012.12.05

    Do Thune and Noem ever vote against their party line?

  8. John M. Nelson 2012.12.05

    Jenny, that is a very good question. I wonder if anyone has research on that.

    [CAH: According to the Washington Post database, Rep. Noem has voted with her party 94% of the time. Sen. Thune, in the 112th Congress: 91%. Sen. Johnson in the 112th: 96%.]

  9. Taunia 2012.12.05

    "The treaty was negotiated and first signed under former President George W. Bush and signed again by Obama in 2009. At least 153 other countries have signed it."

    http://tinyurl.com/btz3kmm

    Raising the debt ceiling wasn't an issue under Bush. Signing human rights treaties wasn't an issue under Bush.

  10. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    I sent a note to Cory back channel wondering if any of our GOP friends would like to come on and explain this vote. I'd really like to hear it, and am willing to keep an open mind. Please. Help us understand this, if it's at all possible.

  11. Dana P. 2012.12.05

    Ridiculous. Vets job bill, funding 9/11 first responders, and now this added to the list of shameful votes. Hello? Mr. Thune? Explanation please?

  12. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    How we run our country is none of the U.N.'s business. As you can see, as we have an Americans with Disabilities Act, we're handling things just fine on our own without any additional oversight from a nosy international organization. I will throw a party when we quit funding the U.N., as it is constantly overreaching and attacking the United States' sovereignty.

  13. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    UNDRIP will be flying drones over Sully County within the year.

  14. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Do you support the U.N. sticking its nose where it doesn't belong? How about if it sticks its nose into tribal affairs?

  15. Taunia 2012.12.05

    Senator Saxby Chamblis must have been swatted pretty heavily again.

    "As many of you know, yesterday I voted against the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities treaty. I have always been a champion of equality and nondiscrimination legislation, and am proud of the strides our nation has made in recent decades, especially considering the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

    However, before Election day I signed Sen. Pat Toomey and Sen. Mike Lee’s letter to Senate leadership asking them not to consider ANY treaties during the lame duck session. I believe that our nation is facing far more pressing issues that must be tackled before the end of the 112th Congress, like addressing our dire fiscal situation before January 1 or getting answers to the American people on the Benghazi attacks. Let's get back to those issues."

    Why is Chamblis signing pledges to other people instead of The People?

    Benghazi. Dog whistle, nearly as big a rallying cry as abortion and guns. Suicide bomber killed 3 people near the US embassy in Afghanistan November 21, 2012. No one is talking about that one.

    [CAH: ...and there's a disconnect in Chambliss's logic. Reading and signing a pledge like that wastes as much of Chambliss's time as voting against the treaty. Sure, there may be more pressing practical issues , but expressing our moral leadership on human rights isn't exactly a waste of time. And even if there is an argument that we should wait until after resolving the fiscal cliff before taking up treaty ratifications, that doesn't justify voting against a good treaty. If someone brings it up, if it makes the floor, and if a vote is called, voting against it doesn't win back whatever time was "wasted" by bringing it up. You can get back to the fiscal cliff discussion just as quickly by voting aye as by voting nay.]

  16. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    That doesn't really explain why we wouldn't ratify the Treaty, Bree. Wouldn't we want to ensure the same rights for our disabled citizens traveling abroad that they enjoy here at home?

  17. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Bill, I'm not interested in any pretty-sounding treaties from the U.N. You can keep your singing birds and dancing butterflies. I see the reality that the U.N. has been hijacked by dirty politicians from Africa and the Middle East who hate my country. I am absolutely not interested in giving it any more power under any circumstances. It's pretty bad when the U.N. has gotten so arrogant and power-hungry that they think they have a right to monitor our elections, against United States laws.

  18. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    You're batting about .150 here at Madville, Bree.

  19. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Larry, if you think the United States is a threat to your quest for tribal sovereignty and independence - the U.N. is 100 times worse as far as threats go.

  20. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    Israel should move to the former Sky Ranch campus.

  21. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I realize you don't like Israel. The enemy of your enemy is not your friend.

  22. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    I wonder if the Bree position is also the Thune position. Or the Troy Jones position, for that matter. Or anyone else's position.

  23. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    You're not going to recognize South Dakota in a year, Bree: the feds have already swept into the bowels of the state and will start dropping dox on entrenched corruption in the new year.

  24. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Am I required to think like everyone else? I have my own mind so I will use it.

  25. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I of course don't like the idea of the feds sticking their nose in the state's business. The corruption has to go though, for the good of us all.

  26. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Good idea, Bree, when are you going to start?

  27. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    (...using your mind, instead of losing it.)

  28. vikingobsessed 2012.12.05

    How can the United States lead if we can't even agree on a simple thing like a persons with disabilities treaty? Typical tea party/john bircher attitude/conspiracy theory. The whole world is out to get us! Run fast! One World Government! There are never any facts to back this up. Some people are just not happy unless they are persecuted.

  29. Les 2012.12.05

    We don't have our own ADA standards up to par and ya'll are crying over international standards.

    UN hype of one sort or another prob hits both extremes, however, we have yet to experience the UN overflying our country telling our citizens to turn in the guns. We are prob safe though as they seem at the moment to be targeting Africans through murder and sexual assault.

  30. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Yes, I am disgusted with what is going on in the region of the Congo and South Sudan, Les.

  31. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I don't really care what you call it viking. Call it the NWO. Call it "Bircher conspiracy theories." You can call it what you like. I call it an attack on national sovereignty. Not to mention an incredibly corrupt and ineffective organization. You might as well flush your tax dollars down the toilet.

  32. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Okay Larry. You think the U.N. is a squeaky clean and well run organization?

  33. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    You do realize that I said "national sovereignty" not "U.S. sovereignty." As in - an attack on the sovereignty of ALL nations.

  34. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    I suppose Bree doesn't like the fact that we've signed on to the international Geneva Accords or the Human Rights Act either.

  35. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    How about NATO? Is NATO okay, Bree?

  36. Les 2012.12.05

    Hey 'Lar', Sky Ranch could be the new West Bank. Since Rounds took our Nat Guard, we could use some @ss kickin military might out here.

    BTW, I give Bree .500 'Lar', you socialist progressives know the only way ur gonna try and pull us down is to import the same crap that was defeated 200+ years back.

  37. Jana 2012.12.05

    Fright wing paranoia strikes again!

    Failed GOP candidate Rick Santorum tried to come up with a good reason for not signing it in this opinion piece...the children being ripped by the UN from the control of their parents.

    http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/05/santorum-un-disabilities-treaty-would-ve-had-bureaucrats-unseat-parents.html

    sheesh...they are not only untethered from voters, they seem to have untethered themselves from reality. But hey, World Nuts Daily has brought this guy on as a one of their thinkers.

  38. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    The U.S. pays a big chunk of the bills. The U.N. is it's own animal. I don't feel like watching my culture wash away into the international ocean. How about you?

  39. Les 2012.12.05

    Those accords and acts sure have kept us out of war and eliminated international suffering Flem. Huh?

  40. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    god bless you. please, mr. roddenberry....

  41. Les 2012.12.05

    All knowing Jana checks the African death toll, sexual assault and corruption at the door to bring Fright Wing Paranoia headlines. You go girl!

  42. vikingobsessed 2012.12.05

    I guess it's not a conspiracy theory if you believe it....But on a more serious note...these birchers are gaining a foothold in our state through the tea party movement. There have always been a few, but most have been marginalized through the years. That is no longer true. And no one from the mainstream Republican party will denounce them. They hold their nose and embrace their votes because their older base voters are diminishing by the month. If the tinfoil hat fits, wear it proudly, Bree!

  43. Les 2012.12.05

    Earth to Kurtz.

  44. Les 2012.12.05

    The infamous twistit award to vikingobeezed.

  45. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I buy into the Central Asian theory of human origination personally Larry.

  46. Les 2012.12.05

    Yes dear son. That's my rage.

  47. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    You know I had never even heard of the John Birch Society until I came on this blog and Cory brought up "Birchers" over and over again. So I looked them up. They weren't the scary crazed nuts you spin it as. Granted, they've got a past with some shady members back in the 60's (or the 70's I can't remember) but seriously find me an organization that doesn't have a shady past. They're a very normal conservative organization with an emphasis about being against internationalist organizations like the U.N. As a progressive liberal you are certainly welcome to disagree with them, but honestly get tired of the constant childish attacks on here against them. I mean come on. Wingnuts. Certifiable. Tin Foil Hats. What are you, 12 years old?

  48. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    And how many times has the white man lied? How many treaties were broken?

  49. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Les, they weren't designed to keep us out of war. They were designed to ensure our fighting troops and yes, the enemy's troops as well, some human dignity as are all the other measures. I think that's important and am surprised to hear that you don't, Les.

    Look Les, the world works by agreement. There are some things ALL human beings can (and in my opinion, should) agree on. Human rights is one of those.

  50. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    One treaty that the US has chosen to uphold even though its government has vacated it is that which created the naval base at Guantanamo.

  51. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    One mess at a time Larry. You're gonna spread yourself thin.

  52. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I can't wait til Bill's perfect world finally comes about, where only humans cloned in petri dishes are allowed to live.

  53. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    My guess is that the right would sign on to a United Nations treaty if human rights were to be extended to the just-conceived.

  54. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    If there was a way to stick my cyber-tongue out at you Larry, I would do it.

  55. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    And the answer is no at least for me... no more U.N. treaties. Ever.

  56. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Okay, Larry. I read the whole article. I'm a big picture person and I don't like to spread myself thin. But I will say, if the lands are only coming from the federal government, I personally think your case is reasonable. I'm only speaking for myself. Now stop trying to suck me into giving my position on these things.

  57. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Bree misses the entire point as usual. We create our experience of the world. Nothing just "comes about" and only lazy minded fools such as she believe that it does.

  58. Les 2012.12.05

    The world works by international corporate agreement Flem. Somewhere along the way these accords and acts were created for some appearance of humanity.
    War is death and the UN is for control.
    Find me some dignity in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Africa, Haiti and a slew of others represented by the corruption of international corporate interests.
    On to a different note, this post reveals nipple sucking goats using any agenda to cover the fear of the nipple going dry.

  59. Taunia 2012.12.05

    In concert with Jana's post about Santorum/parental control is this tweet from another conservative that tries so hard, bless little heart.

    MichelleMalkin: MT @ProLifeStuff: BREAKING: U.S Senate Defeats CRPD Treaty That Would Promote Abortion bit.ly/XmGgae

    "The International Right to Life Federation says pro-life groups oppose this legislation because it leaves open the potential for the international community to permit sterilization or abortion for the disabled. The terminology, found in Article 25, requires, “free or affordable health care including the area of sexual and reproductive health and population-based health programs.”

    Maybe someone can help me out, because I cannot find Article 25. http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-15&chapter=4&lang=en

  60. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    No, Les, your world works by agreement. When you have it things happens, when you don't have it they don't. This works all the way down to everyone agreeing what your name is. Very, very basic.

  61. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Interesting discussion. It's always amazing to me when the paranoids, who appear to be preaching personal responsibility and self-reliance, instead cry and whine like babies that they are the victims of nefarious forces beyond their control. Like Kurtz likes to say, "Pick a lane, people." Sheesh.

  62. Taunia 2012.12.05

    Their personal responsibility isn't personal or responsible. It's Professional Victimhood and targets progress.

    This treaty was fine when Bush signed it.

  63. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Les, Larry, and I are agreed on sovereignty. You want petri dish people. You can keep your path. I'm walking a different one.

  64. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    We already have petri dish people. Have had them for decades.

  65. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    You do understand the difference between mandatory and optional don't you Bill? I get tired of mandates.

  66. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    By the way, Bree, if Larry agrees with you and Les, I'll eat my hat.

    Hell, I'll even eat your hat.

  67. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Control freak mandates bringing us back to the subject of this post, the concerns over the U.N. sticking it's nose into our children's education. If the government wants to "educate" my children without my permission, they will have to pry them from my cold dead fingers. I need absolutely no "assistance" from anyone in raising and teaching my children.

  68. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Poor kids.

  69. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I was reading classical novels from the 1800's by the time I was seven Bill. I have a funny feelings my kids are gonna do fine. Do you have anything better to do with your time than throw childish jabs? Aren't you 60 or something?

  70. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    We have here a mother who has testified publicly on this very discussion board that she doesn't like science, doesn't like to think too hard, isn't interested in math or culture and who obviously is 100% driven by emotion and other people's paranoid delusional extremist talking points now insisting that there is no other mind than hers qualified to educate her children.

    I'll say it again. Poor kids.

  71. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    After years and years of public education, learning and relearning things I'd learned by the age of five, regurgitating and memorizing, nights consumed with pointless busywork, constantly bored shitless to the point of insanity; I will not subject my children to the same.

  72. David Pyle 2012.12.05

    Well, let's see ... the Romney crew is gone, Rove is gone from Fox and Thune is looking for someone new to tell him what to say. Could that be the problem?

  73. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I hate poetry Bill. Nothing annoys me more than some blankminded hippie know-it-alls telling me what someone thought 300 years ago, and telling me my analysis is wrong. Did they time travel back and ask the author; or do they regurgitate what they're told like little monkeys? In fact I avoided all "Language Arts" classes like the plague, which is how I ended up in science classes in the first place.

  74. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Suit yourself, Bree. It's a free country. Kids are pretty resilient. Most turn out just fine regardless of how they were parented. So ,yeah, you're probably right. They'll be okay.

  75. Taunia 2012.12.05

    "5 Dumbest Right-Wing Conspiracy Theories About the United Nations"

    1. Disability Treaty ‘Undermines American Sovereignty’

    http://tinyurl.com/aa6p4zk

  76. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    You write just like South Dakota's At-large Representative, Bree.

  77. Taunia 2012.12.05

    (beating BF to the punch...maybe)

    during WWII, "as the cost of war was escalating and the government struggled to balance the nations books a minister suggested cutting funding for the arts to prop up the war effort. Winston Churchill response was to ask the question “Then what are we fighting for?”

  78. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I doubt that Larry. I'm sure she's never said anything similar to that.

    I've got nothing against public education for other people. But I won't stunt my children's development. This isn't some need to live vicariously through my children by forcing them to do science projects at a young age so I can compete with other parents. I hate that crap. I simply will not put them through the same hell I went through. Which is why we should not be mandating "educational equality" by forcing one method of education down everyone's throat.

  79. Taunia 2012.12.05

    Larry: at yer service.

  80. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Yup, good one, Taunia.

    Bree's a died in the wool philistine, I fear.

    Hopeless and shameless to boot.

    And so astute in her reading skills, she mistook YOU for Katzy on SDDWC!

    Mind like a steel trap this kid.

    LOL

  81. Taunia 2012.12.05

    BF: it's not nice to play with your food.

  82. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Taunia, nice? Moi?

  83. Taunia 2012.12.05

    "she mistook YOU for Katzy on SDDWC"

    Yeah, I didn't get that at all. It's been years since I've been there and can't think of anything that would cause that to change. I'm comfortable in my own skin and my own name. Must've been an ass-kicking time.

  84. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Bill I think I specifically said I didn't care who katzy was and wasn't bothering to check. You and your trolling friends are irrelevant at this point, wouldn't you say? :)

  85. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I feel like I've stepped onto the playground with the stupid kids. Time to step away.

  86. Douglas Wiken 2012.12.05

    "Am I required to think like everyone else? I have my own mind so I will use it."
    As the old Black colleges public services ads said, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."

    The John Birchers were riding high in Rapid City back around 1965. Seems to me there was a local tailor named George Moses who was a big muckee muck there. The Birchers had a booth at the farm and home show. Their spokesperson there literally believed that the whole Cuban nation would be better dead than red. Thought we should drop a nuclear bomb on Cuba to save all those Cubans from Castro's communism.

    The Birchers are the nutty precursors of the TEA Party loons. They don't quite seem to understand that their weird form of hyper-patriotism is generated by interests than don't care a whit about them, but finds them useful tools to advance the interests of the predatory plutocrats.

  87. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Right Taunia, not a lot going on there lately. Mostly PP trying to avoid talking about reality and the Tea Party torturing the old time (translate: "smart) Republicans with their hyper-obnoxious, paraniod, extremist hysteria.

    No reason to visit unless you actually have to live among 'em. LOL.

    Oh, did we lose Bree?

    Pity.

  88. Les 2012.12.05

    Nice long nap, and I awaken to the same zoo I left an hour ago.
    Taunia, didn't Churchill also say, you feed tigers only hoping to be eaten last.
    There is no one, who more than I wishes, "Imagine" was a ralistic world and not just a vision. It just ain't so, no matter how hard you wish it Flem.
    I wouldn't be so quick to put Larry under yur arm Flem, pick a lane 'Lar'.

  89. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    I didn't say, "imagine" Les, I said "agreement." Completely different mechanism. Imagine comes first from a few, subsequent agreement involves all of us.

    And yeah, Larry doesn't get to spend any time under my arm, nor does he want to, I suspect.

  90. vikingobsessed 2012.12.05

    Thanks, Doug W. for providing a little history on the birchers in this area. I was wondering how they got a foothold so quickly this time around. Gordon even endorses them at his "liberty lunches" and has them speak.

  91. Les 2012.12.05

    Wiken is absolutely right, though many here will choose not to see it.

    The hijacking and distortion of good people's causes.
    You libs in SD have it here big time with a party devastated to the point a Gordo could take you out.

    Get grass roots and end yur educated insolence.

  92. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Things most of us agree on that make the world work (non-exahusive, and in no particular order):

    1. The sound(s) each letter of the alphabet stands for
    2. The quantity represented by each numeric integer
    3. The concept of zero
    4. We need roads
    5. What things are worth more than $20.
    6. What words mean (lately I'm starting to wonder about this one.)
    7. What time it is.
    8. All people are created equal (we do agree on this, yes?)
    9. Chemical weapons should be banned.
    10. Paper covers rock, scissors cut paper, rock smashes scissors.

    Agreement, Les.

    The world works by agreement.

    And doesn't work when we don't agree.

    Simple. Basic. Fact.

  93. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I think I mentioned that the John Birch Society had shady characters in the 60's or 70's. I have yet to find one single organization on this planet that is pure and good to its core with a perfect history. Not one. In fact, there are a ton of other organizations with a much worse history. Your fixation on them isn't educated, reasonable or objective. You are like children throwing rocks.

  94. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    The world works best when people are left alone, instead of forced to "agree."

  95. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Yes, if the Democrats would get a little practical and stop running very left wing Dems for every office, they'd have a much stronger foothold in South Dakota. Where are your Blue Dogs? Did you eat them?

  96. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    No discussion of force, whatsoever.

    How can anyone be "forced" to agree anyway?

    No, they can't (...see Viktor Frankl.)

    On this blog, you yourself are living proof of that, Bree.

    My assertion is that things work when we do, and don't when we don't.

    Period.

  97. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Ways one can make things work (levels of agreement):

    Position 1: "I don't like it , but I'll do it anyway."
    Postion 2: "I like your idea, and I'll do it."
    Position 3. "I like your idea so much, I'm making it my idea and doing it."

  98. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Just say no to the U.N. Bill. If you grab a sign and march about it you'll get it.

  99. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    If we had listened to the UN, Bree we wouldn't have invaded Iraq.

  100. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    The GOP is in the process of fixing its problems in regards to the base. The Democrats need to do the same so we can have a solid two party system in South Dakota.

  101. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    I think partisan politics is a probably a bad idea in South Dakota, Bree. So, apparently do most South Dakotans.

  102. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Really? Interesting that you would think that because the competition of a two party system keeps corruption in check.

  103. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Then start a new party, Bree. Right now, its all Republicans, all the time. If you see corruption there, it's because:

    1. Your party is corrupted or
    2. You are paranoid and delusional.

    I'm watching closely to see if I can figure out which and have reached a few tentative conclusions. LOL.

  104. Les 2012.12.05

    No force Flem? Bringing a concert of agreement to Sudan, Haiti, Libya, Syria, and others, does move humanity forward a notch? At least there are fewer to humanize.

    Agreement by force or for the sake of agreement does nothing to further humanity.
    I wonder who these New Democratic governments are run by?

  105. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Bill, unfortunately your mind is warped by lies. It's sad to see you on that hamster wheel to nowhere.

    I made a statement of truth and you respond with nonsense. You are like a tree that grows twisted without water.

    When was the last time you lived and spoke the truth?

  106. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Give it up, Bree, you wouldn't recognize the truth if it jumped out and bit you in the butt.

  107. Les 2012.12.05

    We didn't need the UN to tell us not to go into Iraq or Afghanistan, as we don't need them to tell us to bring our troops home.

    We the people should be demanding those changes. You forget Nam, Flem?

  108. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Someone made a similar statement to your pal Charlie a few days ago.

  109. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    ...because it does, frequently... here... and you don't.

  110. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    We don't need the U.N. at all. It's just one more corrupt organization sucking up tax dollars.

  111. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Exactly, Les. Where is no solid agreement, things don't work very well. All you're doing is reinforcing what I've been saying all along. Things work when there is agreement and don't when there isn't. Stop trying to argue with me and let it sink in. It's not rocket science, man.

  112. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    ...because it does, frequently... here... and you don't.

    Larry, will you translate this for me.

  113. Jenny 2012.12.05

    The problem with public education is other's people's kids.

  114. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    As per above:
    "Give it up, Bree, you wouldn't recognize the truth if it jumped out and bit you in the butt."

    Then:
    "...because it does, frequently... here... and you don't."

    (Larry has bigger fish to fry, Bree. Suggestion: maybe practice holding on to a thought for a little more than the time it takes to read one.)

  115. Les 2012.12.05

    Yes Bill, obviously that is how this discussion started with Sen Thunes disagreement to let the UN start regulating nations at will due to treaties signed by those who will be long gone when the SHTF.

  116. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Oh I see. I thought you were panting and out of breath from running... on that hamster wheel.

  117. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Go for it Larry. I gotta watch the news.

  118. larry kurtz 2012.12.05

    Cory should be along to wipe up the vomit pretty soon.

  119. Les 2012.12.05

    It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you think you know for sure that just ain't so. MT

    Big job if its a non partisan wipe brother 'Lar'!

  120. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Speaking of what you think you know, Les, can you provide us with a link that shows us how the UN will have anything whatsoever to do with enforcing this treaty, especially when it comes to American Citizens (and/or any other nation for that matter.) Show us where you get the idea that the UN is the "enforcer." Just watched John Kerry speak and he says the UN has nothing to do with it other than the fact that the UN Name is on the Title of the Treaty.

    I can't find anything like that at all.

  121. rollin potter 2012.12.05

    John thune,Biographical information 1979-1984 College, south dakota municipal League executive director ,SEN. james Abnor staff 1985-1986 sd republican party director 1989-1991, SD railroad division 1991-1993, SD municipal league director 1993-1996, US congress 1997-2003, us senate 2004-2012. talk about a politcal parasite!!!!!!!!
    you got one!!!! Never held an honest job in his life and never served his country in the military, but doesn't believe in helping the young men who protected him all these years!!!!

  122. Dana P. 2012.12.05

    in an interview this evening, Senator Kerry said that several R's want to "get past the lame duck" and then "get past the fiscal cliff", and will change their votes after all that is in the rear view mirror.

    Ummm, ok. Either you are for or against this. Either you believe the black helicopter theories (and you remember to take your meds) or you don't. This is ridiculous.

    Where will "empty suit" Thune fall after all the dust settles? Is he a tin foil hat person, or just a silly politician?

  123. Les 2012.12.05

    Odd Flem that an Internet link would be the proof in the puddin for you.
    The past acts of the UN should carry some steam and do for me.
    I will never forget the day I walked into my lobby and watched the green or yellow or red or (black helicopters Dana Pee) over flying Haiti telling the Haitians over their PA to turn in their guns. Of course a democratic government was installed, just like we did with Osama, the Shah, Saddam and Samoza the ultimate criminal Jimmy Carter helped defeat.

    Thanks guys, it's good to know the torch bearers protecting our rights.

  124. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    So translation Les, you got nuthin'. That's the long and short of it isn't it.

  125. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Folks, all we got here from Les and Bree is a big pile of bogeyman bullsh*t. Same as the vote on the Senate floor. Preposterous and despicable. And shameful.

  126. Les 2012.12.05

    I guess if that's nuthin, I got it Flem. Nice to be able to rewrite history to fit your agenda. Carry that torch high my friend.

  127. Les 2012.12.05

    Now ur starting to remind me of the carney hawker in front of the lady with ten heads tent, Flem. Get that from your organizer days?

  128. Bill Fleming 2012.12.05

    Yes Les, it's nothing. Somebody has to be the one to break it to you. Nothing.

  129. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Dana's Liberal Tagline Machine broke and shit out "black helicopters" this time instead of "Bircher." It also chose "tin foil hat person" over the more popular "wing nut." I think you should take it into the Spewage Shop and have it recalibrated.

  130. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    I suppose that should be "pooped" or "number two-ed" but it just didn't have quite the right ring to it.

  131. Donald Pay 2012.12.05

    I work with a person who is paranoid-schizophrenic. He's a very nice man and a very hard worker. He hears voices, and sometimes they tell him that the police are coming after him. He can keep the voices in the background by working, so he has five jobs. When he's not working the voices come forward and he has to spend effort to try to ignore what they are telling him.

    You have to wonder whether a lot of these Republicans--Thune and the like--have an untreated mental illness, and that it could be cured by getting some productive work.

    These people are scared of the U. N.? I mean who really is more unbalanced: the guy who acts irrationally as a result of chemical imbalances or the guy who acts irrationally as a result of being scared to stand up to the irrationality of others.

    If I had to judge, I'd say Thune is in need of a little courage to face reality.

  132. Bree S. 2012.12.05

    Yes, that's right Donald. You've convinced me. All conservatives are paranoid-schizophrenics. Excellent argument. It was what we've been waiting for all day - the final clincher of the debate.

  133. Bill Fleming 2012.12.06

    Not exactly, Bree. I took Donald's post to mean something more like: some conservatives are paranoid schizophrenics (...if it quacks like a duck...) and some politicians are pandering to their delusions in order to harvest their votes. (i.e. the inmates are running the asylum.)

  134. caheidelberger Post author | 2012.12.06

    Bree, you clearly should have taken my English class. I'm no blank-minded hippie. I also wouldn't force on you one interpretation of a 300-year-old poem. But I'd make you exercise your brain to come up with your own reasoned, supportable interpretation of each text we studied.

    Donald, I keep waiting for someone to provide one concrete example of the United Nations exerting some active harm on the United States. If there is any risk, I would think we would minimize it by keeping ourselves in a position of moral leadership.

  135. Les 2012.12.06

    Corey, ask the hundreds of thousands of Africans killed and sexually assaulted how much they trust the UN.
    Am I afraid of the UN Donald? Heck no. I'm much more afraid of the random act touching my life and how hard it might be to vindicate my actions of self defense in my own home with a jury of 12 peers as reside here.
    Aw, he was just a paranoid idiot hearing voices.
    I realize Corey, you and Flem prob need a link to some horror perpetrated on the US soil but if the hard facts of the terrors reigned/rained in history don't affect you nothing will.

  136. caheidelberger Post author | 2012.12.06

    Les, if I'm not mistaken there, the Africans' beef would be that the U.N. did not do enough, not that it overran their sovereignty.

  137. Bill Fleming 2012.12.06

    From Wiki:
    The UN's mandate forbids intervening in the internal politics of any country unless the crime of genocide is being committed. France has been accused of aiding the Hutu regime to flee by creating Opération Turquoise.[12] Canada, Ghana, and the Netherlands provided consistent support for the UN mission under the command of Dallaire, although the UN Security Council did not give it an appropriate mandate to intervene. Despite emphatic demands from UNAMIR's commanders in Rwanda before and throughout the genocide, its requests for authorization to end it were refused, and its intervention capacity was reduced.
    In 2000, the UN explicitly declared its reaction to Rwanda a "failure".[30] Then Secretary General Kofi Annan said of the event "The international community failed Rwanda and that must leave us always with a sense of bitter regret.".[31]
    ......

    The problem was too much 'respect' for sovereignty, not a lack of it. You are correct, Cory. Les, cause and effect, man, cause and effect. Think brother, think.

  138. Les 2012.12.06

    Who holds the UN "peacekeeper" accountable for their acts falling outside of the mission? 8000 deaths and 35000 acts of sexual assault in Haiti.
    Go have lunch with your Jewish brother Flem and mention the UN.

    Poor old Kofi, couldn't save Rwanda until the UN forces were released from serving corporate interests elsewhere. Too little to late and you lost the love of your nation as they now see the puppet you are Kofi.

  139. Les 2012.12.06

    Where was the UN while Nixon carpet bombed Vietnam? Oh, that's right, more corp interests making money off the event. No genocide there. Huh?

  140. Bill Fleming 2012.12.06

    So your answer then is to criticize them when they try to do something right? You're not making any sense, Les. Sorry.

  141. Les 2012.12.06

    Time will tell.

  142. Bill Fleming 2012.12.06

    To recap the argument after climbing out of the Les/Bree rabbit hole:

    The Treaty is an agreement among nations to provide equal rights to the disabled, the same way we do here in the US. That's it. The President has signed it, and there is no reason the for the US Senate not to ratify it. None, other than paranoia (as demonstrated here by Les and Bree and partisan hackery (as demonstrated by Senator John Thune.)

  143. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    The Treaty is an agreement among the corrupt control freaks at the top on how to better control the innocent people at the bottom who lack the resources to defend themselves.

  144. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    Exactly Bill. We've already taken care of rights for the disabled because we have the best government structure in the world. The U.N. is a redundant unnecessary corrupt foreign entity attempting to control the nations against their will.

  145. Les 2012.12.06

    Fear triumphed, not the legitimate concern of the disabled American wanting to travel abroad. Your great Sen Kerry is still a Swift operator. Yep they're trying to do the right thing, genocide and all that stuff.

  146. larry kurtz 2012.12.06

    The Unified Executive becomes King of the World right here at Madville.

  147. Taunia 2012.12.06

    Pass the memo.

    So far this week: Faux News canned Karl Rove and Dickey Morris. Dick Armey took his toys (and $8 million) and left FreedomWorks. House Steering Committee kicked out 2 obstructive conservatives. And Jim DeMint's leaving the Senate.

    Tough time for conservatives. Elections have consequences.

    What's next week bring?

  148. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    You're an exception Cory. Your compatriots are not so open-minded.

  149. Taunia 2012.12.06

    2:51 - What? No boogeyman with any power, at all? Exactly, Jana.

    Delusional paranoia. Then everyone could be covered.

  150. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    Tough time for NeoCons Taunia. Who were never conservative to begin with.

  151. larry kurtz 2012.12.06

    The individual mandate and Jim DeMint: what a package.

  152. Jana 2012.12.06

    Best line from Jon Stewart.

    "It's official. Republicans hate the United Nations more than they like helping people in wheelchairs."

  153. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    Are liberals incapable of telling the truth? We already have an Americans with Disabilities Act. Reference blogpost above. Why should we stick our nose into another countries business and tell them what to do?

  154. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    *country's

  155. Bill Fleming 2012.12.06

    Yeah, we already have laws against apartheid, too. No reason we and the other nations should have put all that heavy pressure on the government of South Africa, right Bree? That discrimination stuff that other countries do with women and disabled people is none of our dang busness, dag nabbit. Pesky old liberals.

  156. Les 2012.12.06

    How much of the apartheid come from dictators placed or easily bought by international corp interests protected by our military? The UN is controlled by those same folks, easily verified by Ted Turners Bil dollar donation.

    I'm still curious how your Jewish buddy feels about the UN?

    Hey 'Lar', Pe Sla or East Jerusalem? Pick a lane.

  157. larry kurtz 2012.12.06

    evolution means making it up as we go along.

  158. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    I'm not going to get into the subject of South Africa, but if you really cared about people you'd be concerned about the number of white children being murdered there. Hate is colorblind.

    I've added Jana to my list of liberal fakers, along with you, Taunia, Dana, Wiken, and vikingobsessed. Not that I really care, but when you shove it right under my nose - I will notice without having to put any effort into it.

  159. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    Leave him alone about his Jewish buddy Les. What difference does it make? We will work together on what we agree.

  160. Les 2012.12.06

    What 'Lar' says. You're right Bree, I'd hate to be the catylist in ruining a good relationship and consider Flem a friend.

  161. larry kurtz 2012.12.06

    Be sure to click Cory's tip jar.

  162. Les 2012.12.06

    For sure Larry.

  163. larry kurtz 2012.12.06

    Creepy. Condi Rice most popular pol among 'independents' sez: PPP.

  164. Jana 2012.12.06

    I made Bree's list!!! I bet she's even checking it twice.

    But liberal faker? I'm hurt...so am I a LINO?

    pssst...Bree, the real reason that they are trying to get this treaty signed is hidden in the language. It is really an international mandate that all young girls of child bearing age be forced to take the pill...turning them into sluts!

    Speaking of Rush Limbaugh...it seems his little "slut" comment is bankrupting Clear Channel communications and the whole right wing talker genre is imploding.

  165. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    You're so cute with the dots Jana. Like a 3rd grader with a knock knock joke. Actually, I'm not checking. You guys are pretty much screaming "look at me! look at me! I'm a liberal faker!" on the SDWC. I actually don't care anymore, as the topic is irrelevant now, which all of you have failed to realize so far.

    My eyes glazed over during the rest of your post, since you said nothing. I never listen to Rush Limbaugh, but considering the Nielsen ratings of right vs. left I highly doubt anything is imploding.

  166. Jana 2012.12.06

    Of course I could be wrong on the Clear Channel/Limbaugh thing...(dots again) What makes this even more interesting is how Bain Capital is involved and the special dividend to be paid to investors that they had to borrow.

    Read the whole thing.

    What would be nice is if the bankrupt company was dissembled and the radio stations they gobbled up on their acquisition frenzy went back to local owners.

    http://americablog.com/2012/03/will-limbaugh-with-the-help-of-romneys-bain-capital-bring-down-clear-channel.html

  167. Bree S. 2012.12.06

    I never liked Romney much in the first place. I doubt very many Republican's did, of any stripe.

  168. Donald Pay 2012.12.06

    I don't find conservative opposition to this treaty all that surprising. Conservatives have never supported government guaranteed rights to the disable. They've always tried to stand in the school house, and even the church door hoping to bar the disabled access to education and religion. Yes, business and conservative religious groups lobbied hard against the Americans with Disabilities Act. Conservatives like to pretend they want all children born, even disabled children, but when it comes down to actually assuring these disabled people can actually get into the church to pray to Jesus, well, that's where conservatives drew the line. Can't have that, oh, no. So, let's not pretend this is anything but the continuation of conservatives' decades long war on the disabled.

  169. Les 2012.12.06

    I wouldn't say for fact Donald, but I don't remember seeing you or for that matter many if any of my lib friends around the Black Hills Ski for Light for the last 17 years. Some walk it(much better than I) and some talk it. No pay involved could be the reason.
    Ive reached for the keyboard on many occasions this fall to complement you on your solid logic which seems to have gone from the penthouse to the outhouse lately. I failed on all the occasions to follow through, must have been my intuition.

  170. Jana 2012.12.06

    What's ironic, Bree, is that it looks like Romney is going to end up with 47% of the popular vote. Now where have I heard that 47% number used with Romney? Let me think...

  171. Donald Pay 2012.12.06

    Les, I've been working with disabled people for twenty years, so your attempt at pumping yourself up and patting yourself on the back in order to obfuscate the issue I brought up is off base. Ski For Light is a great event, and I thank you for participating. The event likely wouldn't have happened without the ADA, which conservatives opposed.

  172. Les 2012.12.06

    Thanks for your efforts Donald, thats a lot of charity. I have long been a supporter of ADA issues and consider myself a conservative as well. So while I pump myself up and you pump yourself back at me, consider how your blanket use of words annihilates many conservative relationships that could further the cause of helping "Americans" with disabilities, and God knows there is much to be done.

  173. Jana 2012.12.06

    I'm still a little amazed that two of the Senate GOP's elder statesmen and decorated veterans were rebuffed by the vote. But then given their, and Thune's, track record of listening to veterans, I shouldn't be.

    Here's a little late night cartoon look at the vote.

    http://www.cagle.com/2012/12/butt-bump/

  174. Donald Pay 2012.12.07

    Again, this vote is nothing new in conservatives' long history of opposing rights for the disabled. I'm surprised we forget the battles. I understand that conservatives might not want to face the reality of what their philosophy means to others.

    If you're a conservative and have a disabled person in the family or volunteer in some capacity with disasbled people, you need to understand and not ignore that history. Volunteering is great, but often such events are one day out of 365 in a year. I sat in many government meetings in South Dakota where conservatives opposed implementing the ADA. It continues on today with bogus voter fraud charges.

    I suspect most conservatives are not aware of this history of hatred. Repent.

  175. Nick Nemec 2012.12.07

    I plowed through this conversation two days late and am amazed by much of what was said. But the one out of nowhere, rejected by the experts, unsupported by any facts what so ever comment is Bree's that she rejects the out of Africa theory of human origination and supports the out of Asia theory of human origination.

    And she claims to have concentrated on science in school because she was turned off by poetry. She home schools her kids? Don't forget the chapter on the Piltdown Man.

  176. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Nick, there are plenty of anthropologists considering the possibility of a Central Asian theory of human origination. I didn't say it was "fact." I said it was the theory I buy into. Does every liberal on here fart at the mouth popular science? Do you know what the word "theory" means Nick? Go look it up in the dictionary, and then you will understand why I am not the stupid one in this conversation.

  177. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    Oh oh. Bree insulted the Nickster. I can hear the pokin' sticks gettin' sharpened. And some serious sow squealin' down the line. LOL.

  178. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Science is not a religion. The fact that anyone would be insult me and implicate that I am too stupid to teach my children because I don't follow the current most popular theory is ridiculous; and he should be ashamed to even suggest that to a mother he doesn't even know.

  179. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    Please provide for us the source(s) you will use to support your theory that humans alive today are descended from Asia and not Africa. Here is the conventional wisdom on the subject as backed by the most current research.

    Then please explain how any responsible parent presuming to teach her child science would consciously avoid teaching them the most state of the art theories.

    You're right, Bree. Science is not religion. You're just wrong about which of the two of you, yourself or Nick is getting the two confused.

    Here's the accepted science from:
    http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/080424-humans-extinct.html

  180. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    There you go Cory. A perfect example of one of your closedminded compatriots. So closedminded that because I don't immediately subscribe to every notion or theory currently popular, he thinks I'm not capable of teaching my children Reading and 'Rithmetic.

  181. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    God Bill. Everyday with the cut and paste. And the National Geographic? Really? Well then, I will just plop my kids down in front of the TV; no need for books. I will of course allow my children to study any and all intelligent theories that make sense and allow them to come to their own conclusions. You see, the most important thing I want them to learn is to think for themselves and use their own mind instead of regurgitating popular science at the behest of arrogant monkeys. You and Nemec are exactly why I will not be putting my children in public schools. As I stated previously, if you want to "educate" my children you will have to pry them from my cold dead fingers.

  182. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    As in any religion, some old men are going to have to die before fresh ideas can reach the public.

    And so civilization evolves, unlinear, building and crashing through time.

  183. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    I said the origination of humans, not primates.

  184. Nick Nemec 2012.12.07

    Try this on for size Bree.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out_of_Asia_theory

    I realize Wikipedia is not considered an infallible source but it is often a good starting place for research leads and a quick tutorial on a subject. Oh check out that last line about the out of Asia theory being a product of Chinese nationalism.

    I'm not an expert on all the many areas of science but I do defer to those who have spent their life studying various questions and have developed theories supported by the evidence. Out of Africa is one such theory Out of Asia is not.

  185. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Fine Nick. I obviously would offer that theory to my children as well for their consideration.

  186. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    Bree, you don't get to "come to your own conclusions" about empirical evidence science. If water boils at a certain temperature, it doesn't matter if you believe in it doing that or not. Same with mitochondrial DNA and the fossil record.

  187. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    I didn't say out of China. I said out of Central Asia. Old Men can say what they like until they die. Really, I am entirely uninterested in a scientific discussion. All that information is locked away in dusty file boxes in the back of my mind so that I don't have to think about it. The evolution of scientific thought is not my problem, it's someone else's problem. So until my daughter gets a little older I won't be delving into it and will be careful not to drop any scientific thoughts on the blog in the future.

  188. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    I didn't realize there was a Theory of Water Boiling, Bill.

  189. larry kurtz 2012.12.07

    BS: you have provided few if any links to your preferred sources of information.

  190. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    I'm not going to get into my sources of information Larry. I don't feel like discussing this topic, as it isn't productive.

  191. larry kurtz 2012.12.07

    How is filling Cory's servers with gibberish productive?

  192. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Larry, I didn't start this conversation, Nemec did with a personal attack. I'm not interested in trying to convince anyone on this topic. The point is that a theory is a theory, not a fact.

  193. Nick Nemec 2012.12.07

    Try writing a research paper where you don't cite your sources. It's called making shit up as you go along.

  194. larry kurtz 2012.12.07

    i, too, am frightened that Cory puts up with you.

  195. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Um Larry.. you just accused me of filling Cory's servers with gibberish. LOL

  196. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Nemec, I said I wasn't interested in trying to convince anyone, not that I wasn't capable of coming up with any sources. You do accept that a theory is not a fact, correct?

  197. Les 2012.12.07

    Yur side already took Wikipedia 'lar'. What's left that cud possibly beat them apples?

    I feel your side is obfuscating(Pay dirt) the real issue of whether the UN should be given any more cred as we look to potentially more acts or accords taking individual nations rights.

    Nick, you may be the only vet here. What do you feel about the way the UN allowed the US to carpet bomb Vietnam and do you think military weapons listed in the 2nd amendment should come under the control of the UN?

  198. larry kurtz 2012.12.07

    That your side would try to discredit the UN's influence on the Black Hills Claim makes all the sense in the world.

  199. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Larry thinks the U.N. can help him now, and doesn't care if it swallows him in the future.

    Is that a dark rain cloud over your head?

  200. Les 2012.12.07

    Pick a lane 'Lar'. East Jerusalem and Pe' Sla or nuthin. UN has one hand over her heart and the other on the knife in her pocket.
    We are still making the up as we go?

  201. Taunia 2012.12.07

    214 comments worth of following rabid varmints down rabbit holes.

    What have we learned?

  202. Les 2012.12.07

    That'd be making this up......Larry's form of evolution which I do actually agree with, though, in a different context.

  203. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    We learned that if Bree tries to homeschool her kids in science it will be tantamount to child abuse? Or is that too strident, T?

  204. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Ah I see the congenital partners in crime have recombined. How's the weather where you're at Taunia? It's beautiful here.

  205. larry kurtz 2012.12.07

    The need for a counter-weight to a Unitary Executive is evident, Les.

  206. Les 2012.12.07

    That iz we Larry!

  207. Taunia 2012.12.07

    Excellent article. It's the old, respectable Republicans v the new, selfish, conspiracy-driven Republicans.

    "If you have any curiosity based upon the dark charges raised in recent months by evangelical homeschoolers, United Nations haters, Doomsday prophets, and others sure that black helicopters will soon be landing to take away your children, then especially read the treaty at the link provided above." http://tinyurl.com/bnj5k96

  208. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    I guess I will go back to my folding now.

  209. Taunia 2012.12.07

    Try actually reading the treaty (link has Article 25 I didn't find before). http://tinyurl.com/3lt5s2
    The States Parties to the present Convention,
    a.Recalling the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations which recognize the inherent dignity and worth and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
    b.Recognizing that the United Nations, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenants on Human Rights, has proclaimed and agreed that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind,
    c.Reaffirming the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and the need for persons with disabilities to be guaranteed their full enjoyment without discrimination,
    d.Recalling the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families,
    e.Recognizing that disability is an evolving concept and that disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others,
    f.Recognizing the importance of the principles and policy guidelines contained in the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and in the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in influencing the promotion, formulation and evaluation of the policies, plans, programmes and actions at the national, regional and international levels to further equalize opportunities for persons with disabilities,
    g.Emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming disability issues as an integral part of relevant strategies of sustainable development,
    h.Recognizing also that discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person,
    i.Recognizing further the diversity of persons with disabilities,
    j.Recognizing the need to promote and protect the human rights of all persons with disabilities, including those who require more intensive support,
    k.Concerned that, despite these various instruments and undertakings, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in their participation as equal members of society and violations of their human rights in all parts of the world,
    l.Recognizing the importance of international cooperation for improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities in every country, particularly in developing countries,
    m.Recognizing the valued existing and potential contributions made by persons with disabilities to the overall well-being and diversity of their communities, and that the promotion of the full enjoyment by persons with disabilities of their human rights and fundamental freedoms and of full participation by persons with disabilities will result in their enhanced sense of belonging and in significant advances in the human, social and economic development of society and the eradication of poverty,
    n.Recognizing the importance for persons with disabilities of their individual autonomy and independence, including the freedom to make their own choices,
    o.Considering that persons with disabilities should have the opportunity to be actively involved in decision-making processes about policies and programmes, including those directly concerning them,
    p.Concerned about the difficult conditions faced by persons with disabilities who are subject to multiple or aggravated forms of discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic, indigenous or social origin, property, birth, age or other status,
    q.Recognizing that women and girls with disabilities are often at greater risk, both within and outside the home of violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation,
    r.Recognizing that children with disabilities should have full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children, and recalling obligations to that end undertaken by States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child,
    s.Emphasizing the need to incorporate a gender perspective in all efforts to promote the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities,
    t.Highlighting the fact that the majority of persons with disabilities live in conditions of poverty, and in this regard recognizing the critical need to address the negative impact of poverty on persons with disabilities,
    u.Bearing in mind that conditions of peace and security based on full respect for the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations and observance of applicable human rights instruments are indispensable for the full protection of persons with disabilities, in particular during armed conflicts and foreign occupation,
    v.Recognizing the importance of accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, to health and education and to information and communication, in enabling persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms,
    w.Realizing that the individual, having duties to other individuals and to the community to which he or she belongs, is under a responsibility to strive for the promotion and observance of the rights recognized in the International Bill of Human Rights,
    x.Convinced that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State, and that persons with disabilities and their family members should receive the necessary protection and assistance to enable families to contribute towards the full and equal enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities,
    y.Convinced that a comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities will make a significant contribution to redressing the profound social disadvantage of persons with disabilities and promote their participation in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres with equal opportunities, in both developing and developed countries,

    Have agreed as follows:

  210. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Taunia, seriously, you shouldn't dabble in things you don't understand. LOL

  211. Taunia 2012.12.07

    It's a very honorable declaration proposal and should be seriously discussed and appreciated for its content and commitment to everyone regardless of skin color, sex, physical ability, location, wealth, etc.

    It made me seriously reflect on where we are today vs where we should be. Conclusion: we're a selfish bunch of uncaring bastards that probably don't deserve consideration from anyone anywhere.

  212. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Well, it's good to see we're back to the topic at hand instead of waging personal attacks against me. I am willing to let it go, I don't believe in attacking other people. We walk different paths.

  213. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    Bree, Taunia is an attorney and a civil rights just FYI.
    She understands plenty. And your degree is in...?

  214. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    Above: ...civil rights activist... Sorry.

  215. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Bill, this is a private conversation between Taunia and I. We are both aware of the topic. Back off.

  216. larry kurtz 2012.12.07

    Exactly right, Taunia: compassionate conservatism is kaput.

  217. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    A private conversation? LOL. Hilarious.

  218. Taunia 2012.12.07

    There are no private discussions on a public forum. Everyone has a right (so long as Cory/owner allows it) to post on every thread.

    Bill is one of the most welcome to post, in my book. I look forward to his comments. He always makes me think and contributes a lot to the discussions he's involved in. He's probably the most respected -by both sides - commenter I've seen in quite awhile.

  219. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Sigh. Okay Taunia. Whatever you say. I will keep that in mind in the future.

  220. Taunia 2012.12.07

    You're more than welcome to apologize. I'm sure you may have forgotten we were on a public thread, so I get it.

  221. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    It's on the INTERNET Bree.
    Just you,Taunia and 2 billion other people. ROTFL.

  222. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    I am rubber, you are glue. LOL

    Bill, you are irrelevant. Go hatefully attack someone else for awhile. No amount of tolerance on my part apparently gets through to you people. Stepping off the playground again.

  223. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    Irrelevant?! Wow, I havent been called that in... let's see... um... about two hours.

  224. grudznick 2012.12.07

    Young Mr. Fleming, you are never irrelevant but often irreverent. I raise my biscuit at you.

  225. Bill Fleming 2012.12.07

    Guilty as charged, Mr. Grudznick. Enjoy your repast good sir.

  226. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Irreverent is a good word. You're right, "irrelevant" is mean. I'm just wrathful at the moment. Not Bill's fault, despite his hatefulness when terming my homeschooling child abuse.

  227. Les 2012.12.07

    You will never gain respect for home schooling among the liberal elite of which I have many in my family Bree. I'm not sure any of them have published great med papers or accumulated anything which doesn't bother me. What does bother is not the way they try to home school(edukashin) me but the fact they often need my money to affect their lib logic through me after the home schooling. As one sis commonly says, that's a very scholarly reference I've just given you Les. Talk is cheap.

    Talk about obfuscation Donald. Does it create a great anger inside to be a part of a party where the only thing left is elitism.?

    I see no need here for any apology by Bree, though a nod to Charlie Hoffman wouldn't hurt! Didn't do any good to run him off.

  228. Bree S. 2012.12.07

    Hmm. For you Les, if he gets a hall pass from conservatives I will leave him be.

  229. Les 2012.12.08

    I've always been told to watch my brothers back, sisters to it seems.

    Flem asked me why I burnt my toast one morning I was duking it out to win, said I should apologize. I did, it's a great way to show the world you care. Anyway, I appreciate your intentions and believe most here have a good heart, even if they're grossly misled... ;-).

    There are many who should leave before Charlie., it will be an interesting session to say the least.

  230. Bree S. 2012.12.08

    I believe you Les. I can tell you have a good heart, and have more faith in your word than many others.

  231. larry kurtz 2012.12.08

    Bake a man a pie and he'll learn to share. Teach a man piety and he'll crucify the apples and say they died for his sins.

  232. Charlie Hoffman 2012.12.08

    No good deed goes unpunished.

  233. Les 2012.12.08

    Thanks for the link Larry.

    " the senates rejection of the disability treaty is disgraceful" tweeted Joe Cirincione an Arms Control Expert.
    Every genocide I can find had those disarmed prior. She's a lady of darkness operating as United. If it truly is about international arms, it wouldn't be the same folks controlling arms as controlling the UN.

  234. Bree S. 2012.12.08

    Ironic when a lady of darkness defends a lady of darkness.

  235. Bree S. 2012.12.08

    Charlie, is that a threat? lol.

  236. Bree S. 2012.12.08

    Bill Fleming
    2012.08.10 AT 12:01
    I guess I see their point, Stace & Sibby.

    Better to stay anonymous than to run the risk that our sly coven of sardonic liberals will call down the Great New Age Pumpkin's wrath of ridicule on their ridiculously puny cucumber patches, huh?

    LOL

  237. Bill Fleming 2012.12.09

    Good essay, Jana. Perhaps it's time to rethink the whole party politics model. In SD it's now become fairly commonplace for a candidate to be elected in the primary with as few as 10% of the total electorate actually voting for them. What's wrong with this picture?

  238. Bill Fleming 2012.12.09

    Bree, something to keep in mind: 'The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.' - Albert Einstein

  239. caheidelberger Post author | 2012.12.09

    Jana, that's a strong essay. Thanks for that link!

  240. Bree S. 2012.12.09

    I'll keep flushing the foxes Bill. That's what a bloodhound does.

  241. Bill Fleming 2012.12.09

    Watch out for the skunks, Bree. LOL.

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