Tony Venhuizen
From the Right: Nuclear Option
Over the past four years, thousands of gallons of ink have been spent about the use of filibusters by the Democratic minority in the U.S. Senate to block several of President Bush’s nominees for the federal courts. The Constitution of the United States gives the Senate the responsibility to offer its “advice and consent” for the President’s appointees to the federal bench.
From the Left, From the Right: Condoleezza Rice
Last Wednesday was an historic day. On that day, Condoleezza Rice became the first African-American woman to be sworn in as secretary of state. As a supporter of the president, I was pleased when he nominated Rice to replace Secretary of State Colin Powell, who was retiring after four years in the position.
From the Right
The race for the White House is in full swing. President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry are barnstorming the country, promoting their visions for the country as they discount their opponents. Every four years, we are told that that year’s election is “the most important in a generation” or “a turning point in American history.
Likely that Cheney will remain as Bush’s sidekick
This week, my friend on the left is writing about Sen. John Kerry’s upcoming selection of a running mate. Kerry will be choosing from among scores of qualified individuals, each with positives and negatives. Political journalists are joining in the fun of the every-four-year-ritual of “Veepstakes” speculation.
Personal friendship won’t skew professional decision
Over the last several weeks, a controversy has emerged around United State Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Scalia is a good friend of Vice President Dick Cheney. Despite this, Scalia has refused to recuse himself from an upcoming decision involving the vice president.
Lawmakers’ commitment makes session successful
Last Monday, the South Dakota State Legislature concluded a successful, yet quiet legislative session. Under the steady leadership of Governor Mike Rounds, legislators found that there was no overriding issue to inspire controversy. Rounds and the legislature took advantage of the calm conditions to make important contributions to education and economic development .
Decisions on gay marriage should not be left to courts
Last November, Josh and I wrote about civil unions. Since that time, gay marriage has become the hot political topic. It has clearly replaced abortion as the “social wedge issue” of 2004. Gay marriage has emerged as a major issue because of several events in the news.
All media have responsibility not to unduly offend public
Super Bowl XXXVIII was one of the best championship games ever played. But this year’s Super Bowl will not be remembered for its explosion of offense in the second half or its last-second game-winning field goal by SDSU’s Adam Vinatieri. Super Bowl XXXVIII will be most remembered for what occurred at halftime, when Janet Jackson put a little too much of herself into the MTV-produced halftime show.
Civil unions, military record key in tight November race
Over the last couple of weeks, John F. Kerry, the junior senator from Massachusetts, has emerged as the likely Democratic nominee for president. With the primary season already drawing to a close, the focus of political junkies now shifts to November. The November election presents several interesting questions.
Herseth not as unbeatable as many Democrats think
Last weekend, Republicans met to select a candidate for Bill Janklow’s U.S. House seat. On the fourth ballot, the convention unanimously selected Larry Diedrich, a farmer and state legislator from Elkton. Ever since it became evident that Bill Janklow would not be a candidate in 2004, the Democrats have been crowing about their candidate.
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