This is a prayer request for Joel Dykstra and his family. I've heard a rumor around Canton that one of Joel's family members has been seriously ill recently. Now I hear that family member passed away yesterday. So please keep the Dykstras in your prayers while they go through this difficult time.
While I've been hard on Joel in the past, I actually really like his family. I especially like his parents. They're just nice, wonderful people. And this news is tough.
I don't know, it's probably a mistake to post this on the internet. But I just think the Dykstras need some extra prayers right now and I know the SD Blogosphere is great at that.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
McCain Used "Lipstick on a Pig" Phrase Too.
A lot of people are talking about Obama's use of the phrase "you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig" when discussing McCain on change. I think it's a dumb thing to get riled up about, but it seems like a lot of dumb things have taken over the presidential race lately. Anyway, here's a video of McCain using that exact same phrase:
There. That should settle this idiotic discussion. Can we get back to talking about things that actually matter again?
There. That should settle this idiotic discussion. Can we get back to talking about things that actually matter again?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Quote of the Week
"She's a Democrat. She must prove she loves America. As opposed to Republicans who everyone knows love America... they just hate half the people living in it."
- Jon Stewart, The Daily Show, in response to the discussion of Michelle Obama needing to be patriotic in her speech.
- Jon Stewart, The Daily Show, in response to the discussion of Michelle Obama needing to be patriotic in her speech.
Happy 72nd Birthday John McCain!
I just wanted to wish Senator John McCain a happy 72nd birthday!
Once again, happy 72nd birthday John McCain!
Once again, happy 72nd birthday John McCain!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Water 1 - Canton 0
Canton is in the news again. This time, it's because we're underwater. KELO, KSFY and KDLT are in town covering the flood of Christmas Lake and the people who are fighting it.
Y'know, I forget sometimes that Canton is surrounded by water. We have Christmas Lake on the northeast edge, the Big Sioux River running along the south and Beaver Creek going through the western part of town. And right now, they're all exploding with water. Christmas Lake is the new part of town so I think they might have had less time to deal with flooding than the othe parts of Canton.
The whole town is dealing with this. I came home from work today only to find water in my basement. Other people are dealing with water issues. It's a big mess. But I'm glad to see the community coming together to help everyone out. Gotta love that!
*Note: Picture borrowed from Keloland's website.
Monday, June 02, 2008
If Clinton Wins in SD, Will Our Superdelegates Switch?
So a poll came out that shows Hillary Clinton ahead of Barack Obama in South Dakota. Pretty much all of our superdelegates support Obama, but if Clinton wins will they switch to support her? Around the country, many superdelegates are switching (sometimes reluctantly) depending on how their districts and states vote.
That's going to be a tough decision. Either stay a supporter for the Democratic Party's nominee (*cough*Obama*cough*) or switch to the person a majority of South Dakotan Democrats support (no matter if they're wrong).
And what of Daschle? He's co-chair of Obama's campaign. That would be an awkward conversation.
Obama: You're doing what?
Daschle: Y'see, South Dakota voted for Hillary and I don't want to go against the will of my home state.
Obama: But you work for my campaign. You were one of my earliest supporters.
Daschle: Yeah, sorry about that. We still cool?
Obama: ... Security!
Heh. That's not going to happen, but it was fun to think about. And if Clinton does win in SD tomorrow, it's going to be too little too late. All day I've been hearing rumors about her campaign shutting down tomorrow and 34 superdelegates coming out for Obama in the next couple days (putting him over the top).
So we'll see.
That's going to be a tough decision. Either stay a supporter for the Democratic Party's nominee (*cough*Obama*cough*) or switch to the person a majority of South Dakotan Democrats support (no matter if they're wrong).
And what of Daschle? He's co-chair of Obama's campaign. That would be an awkward conversation.
Obama: You're doing what?
Daschle: Y'see, South Dakota voted for Hillary and I don't want to go against the will of my home state.
Obama: But you work for my campaign. You were one of my earliest supporters.
Daschle: Yeah, sorry about that. We still cool?
Obama: ... Security!
Heh. That's not going to happen, but it was fun to think about. And if Clinton does win in SD tomorrow, it's going to be too little too late. All day I've been hearing rumors about her campaign shutting down tomorrow and 34 superdelegates coming out for Obama in the next couple days (putting him over the top).
So we'll see.
Jim Bolin for District 16 House
(Update: For my current views of Mr. Bolin, please check out this new post.)
I support Republican Jim Bolin for the South Dakota House of Representatives.
Why do I support him? Well, Mr. Bolin was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I have fond memories of his classes, including all the times we tried to get him to tell us stories of his time teaching in Africa. It's safe to say Mr. Bolin played a big role in the person I grew up to be.
But beyond all that, I think he'll make a great legislator. I've been watching him during the past year. He served as a city commissioner in Canton for six months. At that time, the community decided to change the form of government and Mr. Bolin was the only commissioner who stayed. And he was even elected mayor of Canton by the other commissioners.
During his time as a commissioner he fought hard for fiscal responsibility. Remember the hard time Canton had with a previous finance officer screwing up Canton's finances? Well I think one of the reasons Mr. Bolin ran for the commission was to help Canton get back to financial responsibility. He did want to cut spending where he could, but he wasn't a radical conservative in that regard (like, say, Rob Paul). He seemed to think that there were some things worth spending money on, but we need to be responsible with how we do it.
Another reason I think Mr. Bolin will make a great legislator is that he'll listen to people. Even if he disagrees with them, he'll respect them enough to give them a chance to voice their opinion. He has a strong sense of fairness and wants to make sure that every aspect of government treats the citizens fairly.
I was very sad when Mr. Bolin decided not to continue as Canton's mayor, but I hope he'll get into the legislature and do some good.
Mr. Bolin is also a teacher, so hopefully he'll care more than other Republicans about making sure SD's teachers are paid a living wage.
Now Mr. Bolin is a conservative and I'm a liberal, so I know he'll do things I disagree with and say things that frustrate me. Just look at his answers to the Family Policy Council's survey (warning: PDF). It's safe to say I disagree with most of his answers. But, if our legislature runs the way it's supposed to, those won't be the only issues that they will deal with. And I know Mr. Bolin will work hard for everyone in this district and this state. That's the kind of guy he is.
I support Republican Jim Bolin for the South Dakota House of Representatives.
Why do I support him? Well, Mr. Bolin was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I have fond memories of his classes, including all the times we tried to get him to tell us stories of his time teaching in Africa. It's safe to say Mr. Bolin played a big role in the person I grew up to be.
But beyond all that, I think he'll make a great legislator. I've been watching him during the past year. He served as a city commissioner in Canton for six months. At that time, the community decided to change the form of government and Mr. Bolin was the only commissioner who stayed. And he was even elected mayor of Canton by the other commissioners.
During his time as a commissioner he fought hard for fiscal responsibility. Remember the hard time Canton had with a previous finance officer screwing up Canton's finances? Well I think one of the reasons Mr. Bolin ran for the commission was to help Canton get back to financial responsibility. He did want to cut spending where he could, but he wasn't a radical conservative in that regard (like, say, Rob Paul). He seemed to think that there were some things worth spending money on, but we need to be responsible with how we do it.
Another reason I think Mr. Bolin will make a great legislator is that he'll listen to people. Even if he disagrees with them, he'll respect them enough to give them a chance to voice their opinion. He has a strong sense of fairness and wants to make sure that every aspect of government treats the citizens fairly.
I was very sad when Mr. Bolin decided not to continue as Canton's mayor, but I hope he'll get into the legislature and do some good.
Mr. Bolin is also a teacher, so hopefully he'll care more than other Republicans about making sure SD's teachers are paid a living wage.
Now Mr. Bolin is a conservative and I'm a liberal, so I know he'll do things I disagree with and say things that frustrate me. Just look at his answers to the Family Policy Council's survey (warning: PDF). It's safe to say I disagree with most of his answers. But, if our legislature runs the way it's supposed to, those won't be the only issues that they will deal with. And I know Mr. Bolin will work hard for everyone in this district and this state. That's the kind of guy he is.
Pat Powers for SD State Senate
PP probably doesn't want to be endorsed by a liberal who just registered with the Democratic Party, but I'm going to do it anyway.
As I've been following the South Dakota blogosphere for the last couple years, there have been a couple people who have stuck out to me as representing what South Dakota is all about. Pat Powers is one of those people. I always enjoy reading his views about issues that are important to South Dakota. I don't always agree with Pat, but you can see that he really cares about what goes on in this state.
There are some issues I agree with PP on, like open government and fiscal responsibility. I see that those issues are ones he's focused on in his campaign. Also, and this is most important, he cares. Reading his posts at SDWC, I can see that he cares deeply about helping people. One of the best examples I found was discussing South Dakota's restitution system. He's had personal experience with the problems in that system and wants to fix it so no one else will have those same problems.
Unfortunately, I don't live in his district nor am I a Republican. But I pray that those who can will vote for Pat Powers tomorrow and also in November.
As I've been following the South Dakota blogosphere for the last couple years, there have been a couple people who have stuck out to me as representing what South Dakota is all about. Pat Powers is one of those people. I always enjoy reading his views about issues that are important to South Dakota. I don't always agree with Pat, but you can see that he really cares about what goes on in this state.
There are some issues I agree with PP on, like open government and fiscal responsibility. I see that those issues are ones he's focused on in his campaign. Also, and this is most important, he cares. Reading his posts at SDWC, I can see that he cares deeply about helping people. One of the best examples I found was discussing South Dakota's restitution system. He's had personal experience with the problems in that system and wants to fix it so no one else will have those same problems.
Unfortunately, I don't live in his district nor am I a Republican. But I pray that those who can will vote for Pat Powers tomorrow and also in November.
Friday, May 30, 2008
My Democratic Adventure - Day 15
This is my fifteenth day as a member of the Democratic Party. I find that nothing has really changed for me. I still feel like an independent. I've always been pretty liberal, especially about social issues. Though in the last couple years I've started to warm up to a few conservative Republican ideas like local/state control (especially when it comes to education). Does that make me a "Blue Dog"?
I'm still trying to decide, but I still think I'll go back to being an independent after the June 3rd primary. Oh well.
I'm still trying to decide, but I still think I'll go back to being an independent after the June 3rd primary. Oh well.
Bill Clinton is Coming to Canton!
Well, I was pretty shocked today. I learned that former President Bill Clinton is going to be coming to Canton, South Dakota tomorrow. Wow.
Having a former President of the United State of America in Canton is HUGE! I know I just registered as a Democrat to vote for Obama next week, but it's exciting to get President Clinton in town. Who knows if South Dakota will be this important to the next presidential race, so this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
It looks like he's coming around lunch time. Maybe he'll stop by the Garden of Eat'n for some of the best sandwiches in this part of the country. *hint hint* Or maybe he'll stop at the Depot and check out the Lawrence Brother's monument and see Canton's contribution to history. *hint hint* He'll be in Jack Fox Park, so maybe he'll comment on our brand new county courthouse. *hint hint*
I also hope some of our commissioners will make an appearance, like our new mayor Bruce Braaten. *hint hint*
Whoo-hoo!
Having a former President of the United State of America in Canton is HUGE! I know I just registered as a Democrat to vote for Obama next week, but it's exciting to get President Clinton in town. Who knows if South Dakota will be this important to the next presidential race, so this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
It looks like he's coming around lunch time. Maybe he'll stop by the Garden of Eat'n for some of the best sandwiches in this part of the country. *hint hint* Or maybe he'll stop at the Depot and check out the Lawrence Brother's monument and see Canton's contribution to history. *hint hint* He'll be in Jack Fox Park, so maybe he'll comment on our brand new county courthouse. *hint hint*
I also hope some of our commissioners will make an appearance, like our new mayor Bruce Braaten. *hint hint*
Whoo-hoo!
Monday, May 19, 2008
My Nineteen Days as a Democrat
I never thought it would happen. I've been living blissfully happy as an independent voter since I turned 18. But last Friday night I, Haggs T. Haggardson, registered with the Democratic Party.
I went to the Barack Obama rally in Sioux Falls on Friday night with a few friends. It was a lot of fun. We were apparently sitting in the Augustana College section. There were a lot of students with Augie t-shirts around us and they were all studying for finals while waiting for the program to start.
What a great program. Sen. McGovern gave a wonderful intro. He was hilarious! I loved his Lincoln quotes. And Sen. Daschle's speech was very energetic. All good stuff that successfully built up the main event.
As my nerdy friends might say, Obama's speech was "full of win." I was captivated by it the entire time, so much so I almost wish it would've been longer. I loved to hear him talk about South Dakota's potential for alternative energy. He also made a lot of great points about supporting our veterans. The longer I listened to him, the more I felt a growing sense of hopefulness about the future of this country. I strongly believe Barack Obama can heal some of the problems that have infected our country. When the speech was over, I just had to register. I was going to give the SD primary a pass because I figured I'd get my chance to vote for Obama in November. But something about the speech just made me want to vote for Obama as soon as I could. Maybe hope is more powerful than I thought.
So I've been a Democrat for almost four days now. I've been fighting the urge to become a vegan, listen to NPR, buy a Prius and install solar panels on my roof... but I don't know how long I can hold out. And last night I had a dream about wanting to tax the air we breathe. I wonder what that means?
But seriously, I'm excited to vote in my first Democratic primary. Unfortunately I'm not sure how long I'll remain a Democrat once the primary is over. I'll most likely go back to being an independent (though I'm open to being bribed with an X-Box 360 to get me to stay *hint hint*).
I'll try to keep everyone updated on my crazy adventures in the Democratic Party.
I went to the Barack Obama rally in Sioux Falls on Friday night with a few friends. It was a lot of fun. We were apparently sitting in the Augustana College section. There were a lot of students with Augie t-shirts around us and they were all studying for finals while waiting for the program to start.
What a great program. Sen. McGovern gave a wonderful intro. He was hilarious! I loved his Lincoln quotes. And Sen. Daschle's speech was very energetic. All good stuff that successfully built up the main event.
As my nerdy friends might say, Obama's speech was "full of win." I was captivated by it the entire time, so much so I almost wish it would've been longer. I loved to hear him talk about South Dakota's potential for alternative energy. He also made a lot of great points about supporting our veterans. The longer I listened to him, the more I felt a growing sense of hopefulness about the future of this country. I strongly believe Barack Obama can heal some of the problems that have infected our country. When the speech was over, I just had to register. I was going to give the SD primary a pass because I figured I'd get my chance to vote for Obama in November. But something about the speech just made me want to vote for Obama as soon as I could. Maybe hope is more powerful than I thought.
So I've been a Democrat for almost four days now. I've been fighting the urge to become a vegan, listen to NPR, buy a Prius and install solar panels on my roof... but I don't know how long I can hold out. And last night I had a dream about wanting to tax the air we breathe. I wonder what that means?
But seriously, I'm excited to vote in my first Democratic primary. Unfortunately I'm not sure how long I'll remain a Democrat once the primary is over. I'll most likely go back to being an independent (though I'm open to being bribed with an X-Box 360 to get me to stay *hint hint*).
I'll try to keep everyone updated on my crazy adventures in the Democratic Party.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Bruce Braatan Is Canton's New Mayor
Well, Canton has a new mayor and his name is Bruce Braaten.
For those unfamiliar with the city manager form of government, every year once the three new commissioners are sworn in they then pick a mayor from the group. If the current mayor wanted, I imagine he or she could've run for the position again. But Canton's mayor, Jim Bolin, didn't run for re-election to the city commission (instead, he's running for the state House. Go Bolin!). Commissioners nominate who they think would be a good mayor and if there's more than one nominee, they vote.
A funny thing happened this time though. I talked with someone who was at Monday night's meeting and apparently there were two nominees and they each got four votes. Normally there would be a tie-breaker in the ninth commissioner, but one was missing. When that happened the commissioners looked over at the city attorney for what to do. The ninth commissioner was supposed to come late, so it was decided to defer the vote until he got there. The other option was the re-vote, but only if someone would change their mind. But by the end of the meeting, when the commission went into executive session, he still hadn't shown up. So the citizens who were at the meeting left thinking Canton wouldn't have a mayor until the next meeting two weeks away (though that's not a huge deal since a commissioner mayor has mostly ceremonial powers).
But that last commissioner must've shown up before the meeting adjourned because today's Canton paper says Bruce Braaten was elected. Strangely, it was a 6-3 vote, so someone changed their minds anyway. Oh well, it makes for a funny story.
Congrats to Bruce! I know I was very hard on him last year when he was part of the group wanting to change Canton's government. If I said anything he was offended by I sincerely apologize. From what I've heard and observed, Bruce Braaten has done an excellent job on the commission. So I have faith that he will be an excellent mayor for Canton.
For those unfamiliar with the city manager form of government, every year once the three new commissioners are sworn in they then pick a mayor from the group. If the current mayor wanted, I imagine he or she could've run for the position again. But Canton's mayor, Jim Bolin, didn't run for re-election to the city commission (instead, he's running for the state House. Go Bolin!). Commissioners nominate who they think would be a good mayor and if there's more than one nominee, they vote.
A funny thing happened this time though. I talked with someone who was at Monday night's meeting and apparently there were two nominees and they each got four votes. Normally there would be a tie-breaker in the ninth commissioner, but one was missing. When that happened the commissioners looked over at the city attorney for what to do. The ninth commissioner was supposed to come late, so it was decided to defer the vote until he got there. The other option was the re-vote, but only if someone would change their mind. But by the end of the meeting, when the commission went into executive session, he still hadn't shown up. So the citizens who were at the meeting left thinking Canton wouldn't have a mayor until the next meeting two weeks away (though that's not a huge deal since a commissioner mayor has mostly ceremonial powers).
But that last commissioner must've shown up before the meeting adjourned because today's Canton paper says Bruce Braaten was elected. Strangely, it was a 6-3 vote, so someone changed their minds anyway. Oh well, it makes for a funny story.
Congrats to Bruce! I know I was very hard on him last year when he was part of the group wanting to change Canton's government. If I said anything he was offended by I sincerely apologize. From what I've heard and observed, Bruce Braaten has done an excellent job on the commission. So I have faith that he will be an excellent mayor for Canton.
Sen. McGovern Switches to Obama
I logged into Google News like I do every morning, and the very first headline I see is "McGovern, former Clinton backer, urges her to drop out."
Wow! Not only has he switched his endorsement to Obama, but he's also suggesting she get out of the race. This is not good for Clinton. Could McGovern be the first drip in an upcoming tidal wave of delegate switches? I wonder just how many superdelegate have been waiting for a good enough reason to switch?
And what does this mean for Clinton's visit tomorrow? Will she cancel it like she cancelled her morning show appearances today? I mean, does she have any SD superdelegate support anymore? They usually like to bring a local superdelegate with them in these appearances.
UPDATE: I had MSNBC on in the background and about 30 seconds after I hit "Publish Post" there McGovern was on the phone with them talking about this. I think this will turn out as a better switch than the Bill Richardson thing was because McGovern called them ahead of time.
Wow! Not only has he switched his endorsement to Obama, but he's also suggesting she get out of the race. This is not good for Clinton. Could McGovern be the first drip in an upcoming tidal wave of delegate switches? I wonder just how many superdelegate have been waiting for a good enough reason to switch?
And what does this mean for Clinton's visit tomorrow? Will she cancel it like she cancelled her morning show appearances today? I mean, does she have any SD superdelegate support anymore? They usually like to bring a local superdelegate with them in these appearances.
UPDATE: I had MSNBC on in the background and about 30 seconds after I hit "Publish Post" there McGovern was on the phone with them talking about this. I think this will turn out as a better switch than the Bill Richardson thing was because McGovern called them ahead of time.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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