I am always struck by how much better we South Dakotans think we are compared to the rest of the nation.

We think we don’t have the problems that everyone else has.

We think we are morally superior.

We think we love our kids more than others.

Wrong.

Just look at KELOLAND.com to see the parade of horrors that goes on in our state and region on a daily and weekly basis.

Here are local KELOLAND stories from just today and yesterday from the front page of their website:

• Rapid City Homicide Investigation
  

• Copper Stolen From Wind Farm
  

• Teen Marijuana Party Busted

These are not stories that depict South Dakota and the region as something from a Frank Capra movie.  We too have murders, thieves, and kids that get in trouble.

And these stories aren’t even the really big news of the week.  A former Republican, pro-life state legislator is convicted of four counts of raping his foster daughters.  A former police chief is arrested for killing his wife in cold blood while his child slept next to her.

My fellow South Dakotans, I am sorry to inform you that we are no better than anyone else. 

Even the so-called “responsible” people in our midst—Rep. Ted Klaudt and Chief Ken Huber—people we put our trust in to help run our state and protect us—have been convicted or accused of the ugliest depravities of human behavior.

A little humility is in order, my fellow South Dakota babies.  Before criticizing gang violence in California or a murder in New York or pot smoking kids in the Twin Cities, take a look around your South Dakota backyard—and at yourself first.

(Cross-posted to SD Watch @ KELOLAND.com.)

Top: Convicted pro-life Republican former state legislator Ted Klaudt.

Bottom: Accused wife-killer and former police chief Ken Huber.



Technorati Tags: South Dakota, hypocrisy, Ted Klaudt, Ken Huber, Upper Midwest, murder, rape, legislators, police, bad cops

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An interesting story today out of Maine regarding the BRAC process featuring Senator Earless:

About 15 percent of closure recommendations have been overturned in previous base-closing rounds. This offers a glimmer of hope in states like South Dakota, where there are scarce opportunities for workers if Ellsworth closes.

"It's too important not to do it," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. "By any stretch, it's an uphill climb."

Johnny, last year you told us what clout you have.  Now it's an "uphill climb."  Where's W's ear again?  Will you show the BRAC commissioners the President's ear at the Rapid City hearing?  Let's hope so!

SpongeBob Squarepants--children's cartoon character, toy, and shill for homosexuality?

According to one of Sen. John Thune's major national supporters, Dr. James C. Dobson of "Focus on the Family" Christian Right fame, SpongeBob is a bad, bad, fictional character.  This from today's New York Times:

Now, Dr. Dobson said, SpongeBob's creators had enlisted him in a "pro-homosexual video," in which he appeared alongside children's television colleagues like Barney and Jimmy Neutron, among many others. The makers of the video, he said, planned to mail it to thousands of elementary schools to promote a "tolerance pledge" that includes tolerance for differences of "sexual identity."

The video's creator, Nile Rodgers, who wrote the disco hit "We Are Family," said Mr. Dobson's objection stemmed from a misunderstanding. Mr. Rodgers said he founded the We Are Family Foundation after the Sept. 11 attacks to create a music video to teach children about multiculturalism. The video has appeared on television networks, and nothing in it or its accompanying materials refers to sexual identity. The pledge, borrowed from the Southern Poverty Law Center, is not mentioned on the video and is available only on the group's Web site.

Mr. Rodgers suggested that Dr. Dobson and the American Family Association, the conservative Christian group that first sounded the alarm, might have been confused because of an unrelated Web site belonging to another group called "We Are Family," which supports gay youth.

Just to refresh your memories, Dr. Dobson made South Dakota a frequent stop last election.  This from the November 14, 2004 Denver Post:

As a private citizen, Dobson endorsed about 25 Republican candidates. He visited South Dakota three times to support John Thune, who ousted Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. Dobson also backed winning Christian conservative GOP Senate candidates in Oklahoma, North Carolina and Louisiana.

Thank goodness the Christian Right, John Thune and James Dobson are saving us from the likes of SpongeBob Squarepants.  I always thought there was something a little suspicious about the not-real character.  Next, perhaps John's friend Dr. Dobson can protect our children from Ren and Stimpy, Aquateen Hunger Force, Space Ghost, The Tick, Bugs Bunny, and Betty Boop.