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lsandersonWhen do wingnuts and libertarians want more government?
South Dakota Ranchers Face Storm’s Toll, but U.S.’ Helping Hands Are Tied
--OR--
Perfect Storm: Blizzard, Shutdown Pummel South Dakota Ranchers
What the NY Time's article fails to mention:
I could add that the additional information really isn't necessary, but the Time's story struck me like a missing tooth does, because South Dakota has gone full wingnut on most issues. But, just like the rest of us, they're first up to the counter after disaster strikes.
South Dakota Ranchers Face Storm’s Toll, but U.S.’ Helping Hands Are Tied
--OR--
Perfect Storm: Blizzard, Shutdown Pummel South Dakota Ranchers
What the NY Time's article fails to mention:
No assistance available
Many of the cattle died of hypothermia — winds in the blizzard reached 70 mph (113 km/h) — or were suffocated under deep snowdrifts. The week prior to the blizzard, temperatures were above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), and cattle did not yet have the protection of thick winter coats of hair.
Normally, the state's cattle ranchers would apply for assistance from the Farm Service Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But with that office shuttered by the federal government shutdown — now in its third week — that agency is closed.
South Dakota's representative in Congress is Kristi Noem, who, along with her fellow House Republicans, voted against funding the federal government in an effort to prevent implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She also voted against providing federal disaster assistance to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
"Nevertheless, she's at the front of the line asking the federal government for money to help victims of South Dakota's early-October blizzard," said former U.S. Treasury economist Joann Weiner in a Washington Post blog post. "It appears that Noem is against federal spending until she's for it."
South Dakota's Sen. John Thune (R) also voted to defund the ACA, and voted against proceeding with a decision to prevent a government default. "It's time to give families and the economy a break from Obamacare [ACA] by permanently delaying the law for all Americans," Thune said in a statement.
'Kids fighting over a toy'
But the state's other senator, Tim Johnson (D), insists that providing assistance to South Dakota's embattled ranchers underscores the need to fund government operations. "Like the snowstorm, the government shutdown is causing major disruptions in people's lives and everyday business," Johnson said in a statement.
South Dakota's ranchers aren't mincing words when it comes to venting their frustration with government leaders during the shutdown. "They're acting like a bunch of kids fighting over a toy," rancher Matt Kammerer told The New York Times. "They're getting paid; they ain't feeling any hardship."
I could add that the additional information really isn't necessary, but the Time's story struck me like a missing tooth does, because South Dakota has gone full wingnut on most issues. But, just like the rest of us, they're first up to the counter after disaster strikes.
