Here is my response from the comments of the post, cleaned up a bit.
As harsh of a critic as I am of Gov. Rounds, I think it is never the wrong time to do the right thing even if the person who is doing it has ulterior motives. And so far, there is no proof that Gov. Rounds is doing this other than to solve a problem.
I applaud Gov. Rounds for his interest in this issue and trying to find a way to solve the tricky zoning issues involved. If he does it because he’s “running for something,” so what? I can’t imagine it helps him any with the redneck bubbas that are never going to vote for a Democrat not matter what.
There’s an easy solution to PP’s concerns. Bear Butte is not only religiously significant it is CULTURALLY AND HISTORICALLY significant to the history of South Dakota and its early inhabitants. (It is also a state park.) That there is a buffer zone to protect its integrity and peoples’ enjoyment (which may include prayer) is good zoning practice. I think it is also hard to argue that it is any way an establishment of religion by the state of South Dakota.
Notice if you look at the maps of the proposed Hyperion Refinery in Elk Point, they are proposing a buffer zone or transition zone. It is a way to soften the impact of the refinery on the other citizens’ surrounding land uses; here, the buffer or transition zone protects the use and enjoyment of Bear Butte. Same basic zoning principles.
What if St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls were being threatened by bars and casinos? Would the state or local government be able to act in a similar matter? This might make Sibby fall down dead, but I would think so for the same reasons. St. Joseph’s, while it is obviously a religious facility is also important to the history and culture of South Dakota and Sioux Falls. That people worship there is really beside the point.
Sounds to me that there will be no “taking” by the state, that landowners will be compensated for the state acquiring the development rights. We see similar programs where the state pays landowners for hunting easements so the public can hunt. Again, these are typical land use planning tools. I’m with Smilin’ Mike on this one.
(Cross-posted the the Home Edition of SD Watch and SDW @ KELOLAND.com.)
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Today, Native American Day (Columbus Day to the rest of the USA), is another of those goofy Monday holidays for the "other" holidays that aren't Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the 4th of July.
Some tangible things have happened because of Native American Day. Many schools have special units on Native Americans for the day. Others bring in speakers. Groups have speakers and programs.