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In this post about Ellsworth I argued, amongst other things, that in the name of economic development conservatives must not fall into a reflexive anti-government stance. Here's an example of a conservative Republican foolishly willing to drive the anti-government bandwagon...

Eric has an interesting post on some of the latest hoo-haw surrounding the DLC, and whether or not a more "mainstream" Democrat can garner the support of the increasingly rancid "anti-war" Left. (Bear in mind I have absolutely no idea...

Whoops! From the Southern Illinois - Carbondale student newspaper: Over nearly two years, the Daily Egyptian told the story of a precocious little girl whose mother was dead and whose father was fighting in Iraq. Members of the newspaper staff...

The New York Times has a story this morning about Thune and Ellsworth:He pulled out all the stops and virtually camped out at the commission hearings being held at a hotel just outside Washington, buttonholing anyone he could to make...

Public vote on feedlots prohibited, court says

In a case originating in Moody County the SD Supreme Court upheld the permitting of large dairy operations in the face of opposition from activists, therreby jabbing a finger in the eyes of Dakota Rural Action et al. The decision effectively upholds a rational and orderly oexercise of property rights, without activists'having veto powers.

The case began when the Moody County Commission, acting as the board of adjustment, granted permits for two dairies - Britannia Dairy just west of Flandreau and the Rex Nederend Family Trust southwest of Elkton. Opponents of large feedlots pressed for a vote, and the commission denied their petitions.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the county was correct: Because the commission was acting as a board of adjustment, a referendum is not allowed. The decision applies across much of eastern South Dakota because boards of adjustment grant permits in most counties, said Todd Kays of the First District Association of Local Governments in Watertown

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Unfortunately we haven't heard the last out of the DRA crew yet:

In March, lawyer Jim Abourezk argued that feedlot permits are legislative decisions. But on Thursday, the court ruled that the distinction applies only to decisions made by the state, or by cities or county commissions.

Wouldn't you know that former Donk (appointed) Senator Abourezk is involved here. At times he makes McGovern look like a conservative.

"In once sense, it's a big loss," Abourezk said. "In the other sense, it gives great urgency to that initiative to plug the loophole that the court wouldn't plug."

Oh no! A LOOPHOLE that allows property owners to develop something on their property without the activists approval! Horrors!

He was referring to a petition that would change state law to subject all feedlot permits to a public vote. A vote could come in November 2006 if enough people sign on. "I think the public is very much for it," Abourezk said.

The libDonks, envirowackos, NIMBYs (Not In My BackYard) will unfortunately probably get enough signatures to get thsi onto the ballot, but the Chief still hopes not. This whole concept needs to be shot down in flames, and then fed through a dairy's manure processing system, where it belongs.

[This post has been bumped to appear on the top of the page, all day today. Scroll down for new posts.] Time for a Hurricane Katrina blogburst. Instapundit wants a post recommending relief efforts to donate to, and here are...

Dead bodies are floating in the streets, the entire city is mostly submerged, looters are running amok, inmates have taken hostages at a local jail, and they're evacuating the Superdome (a site where there have been, what, three deaths now?)....

A few days ago I posted an email from a reader questioning me on abortion. I wrote a response to this reader's views. That reader, Mark Anderson (who gives me permission to use his name), now has a rejoinder. I'll...

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