I joined the Army after college.
I had fired weapons before and was introduced to others during
my time in uniform. I was never in combat so I am grateful for that.
When I was discharged I lived and worked in D.C. Md, and NVa. There were Murders and

shootings but I was never at risk. I owned no weapons.
Then I moved to KC metro area. Again murders and shootings but none that were near me. Again I owned no weapons.

I moved back to my home town to stay with my family
as they needed. All the old family

hunting weapons were here. They were given out to family members as remembrances.

As I began to settle in here I began to experience the political changes that had occurred. Also the extremism that had taken
over the Republican Party.

God, Guns, Abortion were used as hot buttons to raise money, elect syncophantic pawns, and pass hate and bigoted legislation.

I bought a gun. Then another. There were some people here or moving here that did not recall the South Dakota Citizens I had grown

up around.

I have an acquaintance who possesses 90,000 rounds of ammunition. Because “you just never know” My
lawnmower repair guy wears a Glock.

Our legislature allows open carry in the building. I recall reading that there was a fear that some citizens

might be mad at them and they wanted to defend themselves. One of my former legislators was one of the prime sponsors of this. And the God plaques that went up in schools. Unclear as to what God they trusted.

Now we have stand your ground. You feel

threatened you can blast away. I can tell you if any Republican politician comes on my property I’ll Damn well feel threatened. So note that.

We have horrible leadership that likes us stupid! People seem eager to comply. Our Governor is a grifter of the

highest order. A syncophantic Republican clone of bigotry and hate painted with a thin coat of faux patriotism.

My great great grandfather left the oppression of Bismarck. He fought for the Union. Since then 22 other family members have served our country.

South Dakota has an oppressive dictator in the governor’s office and a majority, save a thin line in the legislature. She armed the populace even thought any habitat needed for hunting has been plowed under.

I don’t believe it will

last. The people eventually figure it out and the game is up. @govkristinoem you are a phony balony and your minions @IanTFury are just
squeaky toys for the unwashed. @FredDeutsch after all these sessions of being paid to legislate hate
you failed again.