Welcome to the launch of The South Dakota Standard! Tom Lawrence and I will bring you thoughts and ideas concerning issues pertinent to the health and well-being of our political culture. Feel free to let us know what you are thinking.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling overturning abortion rights across the nation is still resonating. It may end up being one of the most significant factors in the midterm elections.
Women are angry. No matter if they are Democrats, Republicans, independents or belong to another party, many, likely most, women are livid that the Supreme Court tossed out Roe v. Wade, turning the question of abortion rights over to the states.
That means a woman in western Minnesota has a right to end a pregnancy, but her friend or sister just across the border in South Dakota cannot. Rights are now based on geography.
Democrats have seen a surge in support since the June 24 ruling that rocked the nation. The Rally for Reproductive Justice this weekend is sure to display that.
The rally at Fawick Park , 200 S. Second Ave. in downtown Sioux Falls at 2 p.m. Sunday will include at least five Democratic candidates: state Rep. Jamie Smith , who is running for governor; his running mate, state Rep. Jennifer Keintz; Senate candidate Brian Bengs : state Rep. Linda Duba , seeking re-election to her District 15 seat, and Kristin Hayward , who is running for a District 12 House seat. Other candidates are sure to be there.
In addition to the politicians, food will be available from the A Taste of New Orleans food truck, merchandise will be on sale and there will be vendor booths. People are encouraged to wear green , which has become the color of abortion rights.
Organizers have asked people not to wear “Handmaid's Tale” attire, use coat hanger references or carry signs or wear apparel with profanity. The goal is to win people over with well-reasoned arguments, not inflame an already emotional issue.
The aim is to shed more light than heat on this issue. The last thing organizers want is how the June 30 protest march in Sioux Falls got out of hand in downtown Sioux Falls, with people spilling onto 14th Street to express their anger, block traffic and draw a large police presence. That ended up overshadowing the message of outrage over the high court’s ruling.
Smith is running a strong campaign to deny Gov. Kristi Noem a second term. A boost from women who don’t want the government regulating their health and personal choices could certainly help him become the first Democrat to win a gubernatorial election since 1974.
With the clock ticking down to the Nov. 8 election, and early voting already underway , this rally will be a test of how this ruling will impact the 2022 vote.
Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states and contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets.
Help support The Standard’s mission to advance independent political and social commentary with your non-tax-deductible donation.
You can also send a check if you prefer. Please make it out to The South Dakota Standard and mail it c/o John Tsitrian 6144 Wildwood Drive Rapid City, SD 57702. Thanks!
If you’d like to submit a contribution for publication in The Standard, please e-mail it simultaneously to John at tsitrian@gmail.com and Tom at sdwriter26@gmail.com
You can also sponsor a post that you submit for promotional purposes, which requires a modest set-up fee. Contact us at the above for details.
Your ad here will reach thousands of South Dakota’s most informed and engaged residents. Our rates are reasonable. Contact tsitrian@gmail.com
Wall, South Dakota and its world famous Drug Store
Learn more about the opportunity to work with South Dakota’s award-winning author Linda Hasselstrom.
The Badlands, sculpted by nature for millions of years—10 minutes from Wall
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter