This group of men was nothing special, there are groups of them in every small town cafe in South Dakota. Baxter Black calls is "coffee shop communion" Retired farmers gather and discuss politics, history, the price of tea in China, and anything else they care to talk about. What Ms. Noem was doing there is easy to see, she wants to hear what the possible voters have to say. Each of those men are very likely to vote. They may vote for her, or they may not, but they will vote unless death or taxes prevent that from happening.

It was a well balanced group of men. I never took a count but there were at least 5 of them. I I remember 2 Republicans, 2 Democrats, and this guy that was easily the oldest man on the panel who was literally in the middle of the discussion. Things got heated at times, but always respectful. They ripped on Obama, W, and even Bill Clinton took some lumps, but they never got personal with each other. A sign of true wisdom indeed. One guy said he thought the media was trying to tear down America's confidence in the President, another said the President was a Muslim fundamentalist that was trying to turn America into a Third World country. Neither one could convince the other that his viewpoint was right, but they sure gave it a try. The best part is, they didn't let their difference of opinion mar the free exchange of thoughts and ideals. This is what the First Amendment.

After Ms. Noem left, the discussion kept going. The first thing they all wanted to know was if any of the others were going to give her any money. There was also speculation on when or if Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin was going to show up and if she would be driving a Caddilac if in fact she did show up.

One of the group was disappointed that his question wasn't answered, that being "What is it going to take to get us out of this mess?" At that time, I spoke up, "$14 trillion for a start". They asked me what my impression was, i said I'd have to study on this further.I also told the group that I was glad I didn't Go to Hardee's for breakfast. My one big regret was that I had left both JTV and my soundbiter in the car. I plan on going back tomorrow, just to see if anything happens worth writing about.

Interestingly enough, I was missed by some back in Hyde County, as hard as that is to believe. There was an Elvis impersonator who performed on Friday night to mixed reviews. I wish they'd do Hee Haw again! I used to do that sort of thing, but I'm not as young as I used to be.

Elvis left us much too soon. He was just my age when he died. He lived a lot of life in those 42 years. When he started out, people said he was vulgar. His shaking was something I picked up honestly enough when I was on stage because I was nervous. I think he was too. He wanted the audience to like the show, and he gave his stage shows everything he could. Indeed, it is my contention that his desire to please his fans that let to the drugs. It's ironic that they are called "performance enhancing substances" now, because for better or worse, that's what they did. Some of the people that worked with him said that even after a show when everyone else was spent Elvis would insist that they gather round the piano and sing, and most of the time, he'd play and sing a gospel song. He would play and sing, praising God, sometimes until 3am. Whatever drugs he took did no harm to his spirit and soul. Elvis was not perfect, nor were his critics. If I had to choose which path to take, however, I'd choose Elvis. He loved his fans, and they loved him. It showed both ways! The hatred with which his critics attacked him was very unique, and just as wrong. That he never hated them back was a real testament to his faith and to the way he was raised. That's why he is as loved as he is today We could all learn something from that!

The one thing that has been getting the most attention is the alcohol consumption. This is a part of the annual celebration that up until a few years ago went unnoticed. An outsider came to town and saw quite a site at one of the local drinking establishments. it caused quite a ruckus at the time, but no action was taken. It seems that what really got this person going was the fact that an alcohol related death had taken place just 6 months before, and it struck a chord.

I'm not sure if there have been any alcohol related deaths since that one, or since the outsider's remarks were published in the local paper. I certainly hope not. I am sure that the amount of alcohol consumption has not changed in Highmore. That is, however, not necessarily a bad thing.

I've noticed something since moving to the big city. I live withing walking distance of at least 3 drinking establishments. Drinking takes place here. Yes, it does. It takes place in bars, in peoples houses and apartments, and it wouldn't surprise me if it takes place on the DWU campus when nobody is looking. I used to be against the consumption of alcohol, and strongly so. Someone once asked me if I have ever been to the Moonlight Bar. I replied, "That sounds suspiciously like a drinking establishment." A few months later, I went to that place. Now I've found that an occasional drink has not harmed me. After all, I am well passed the age of 21, the age that the US congress has declared that I am magically old enough and responsible enough to do that sort of thing. I do know my limits. I use my best judgement to decide when to stop drinking. If only I could do that at Marlin's at Brunch time. Most importantly of all, I walk home instead of driving. Of course not everyone can do that, but not driving under the influence could save at least one life.

So whether you spend this weekend in Highmore, Mitchell, or East Jesus Nowhere, and you are over the magical age of 21 use the sense God gave you and know your limits. For those under 21, savor the sweet taste of an iced tea, lemonade, or Coke if you must. Of all the drinks I've ever had, chocolate milk is still my favorite. Don't be in a hurry to grow up. You'll get old soon enough. Enjoy your youth while you can.

President Obama addressed the nation concerning BP last night and spoke about it again today. I didn't hear what he said, but I've heard about it. The President apparently said that the government was going to take over the settlement of BP's claims because they were moving too slow. It's hard for me to imagine anything moving slower that the government, but there we are. It also appears that BP will be setting up a $20 billion fund to begin the settlement of claims. Even this fast way of doing thins will take at least 4 years.

Closer to home, Dennis Daugaard (I spelled it right! YAY!) will be selecting a running mate and making it public sometime tomorrow. I don't know who it is, but I'm sure of 2 thing: it's a Republican, and it isn't me. Well, of course not, he wants to win!

Cousin Al's newspaper, USA TODAY, had an interesting article about a European study that claimed obese women were 30% less likely to have sex than women who were of "normal weight". Obese women are 4 times more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy. Men have the same chances regardless of what their body mass index indicates. Amusing little story!

After seeing what a mess I made of election predicting, your host has decided to resume coursework at the South Dakota War College. Professor Powers reports that some outfit took a poll and it shows that Kristi Noem is ahead of Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin by a margin of about 53%-41%. Our own Pollmaster General has them evenly matched right now, but that will change as soon as a 3rd person votes. Thanks to the 2 that helped me out so far.

I was also amazed to learn that no Independent candidates have been able to find the much needed 3356 signatures to get on the ballot to challenge Senator John Thune. The conventional wisdom out there says that is because he's been doing a good job. It's hard to disagree when you can't get a few thousand people to sign an election petition for someone to run against him. I wonder if that's ever happened here before. It matters little, since it appears to be happening now. It also appears to be a good time to be Republican

Few things seem to be working in Herseth-Sandlin's favor. Republicans don't support her because she's a Democrat, and the Democrats won't support her because she votes contrary to the party line. Even if the Democrats did support her, the likely voters might not take to that. As for me, I'm not sure that I can figure out who I will be endorsing until Labour day, if then.

It has also not escaped notice that Scott Heidepriem is a Democrat in name only. His ads sure make him sound more conservative than (hold on let me get the cheat sheet) Daugaard. I gotta learn how to spell that name! And spell check is no #!&* help either!

At any rate, I look forward to catching up to what I don't know and what's been going on since I was away studying at DWU. If anyone of you Readers out there can offer me a little free tutoring, I'd sure be glad of that.

The "Colgate Country Showdown" played the Corn Palace last year. I slipped in to see what was going down. One of the things that they wanted the audience to judge the contestants on is "Marketability in Country Music". That is the trend I guess. Never mind if they can make the corn shake on the turret! Can they shake their rear end fast enough? How do they look in tight jeans? Do people cheer them on no matter how bad they sound?

Now I have no talent, or marketability. I also lack the third crucial ingredient to assure musical super stardom, a thick skin. However, I must admit that I so enjoy singing, but it's not something that I have to do. I gotta be in the mood. The same goes for pretty much everything I do. When I'm not in the mood for something, and I just go through the motions, it shows. It has to show. I'm sure it's that way for others as well.

Of all the things I've done, acting has been the thing that I enjoy the most. I have used my acting skills quite a bit in life. This is not necessarily a good thing. After all, people won't know what to believe if they only see what I want them to see. Those of you who got in on my blogging early on know that. This whole thing was a put on from the start. When this was the Holabird Advocate, I played the part of a Publisher. Now I play the part of a host. I've done the same thing with the Phreno, as reporter, columnist, and even as senator. Sometimes wonder if I can keep this up, and when or if the day comes when I'll have to be real for a change. I guess we'll see about that someday!

Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard pulled ahead of the of a crowded field to a clear majority of the vote in last night's primary. Why he did it, well the experts can dissect that. He got my attention when he came to DWU with pizza and soda. Of course that's a given. If you want to get a crowd, you have free vittles. But Daugaard did something extra, he actually poured the soda. A symbolic some may call it cheesy, gesture. But in my case it worked. Not enough to vote for him, but it did get my attention.

OOPS! Well it seems that Chris Nelson name was not enough to get the Republican nomination to the House race. I thought for sure he had it in the bag. I guess you can't take anything for granted. I read once in Tip O' Neil's "Man of the House" that he lost his first election because he never asked his family and close friends to vote for him. A his mother advised him, "People like to be asked sometimes." Every politician could learn a little bit from Ma O'Neill, and maybe us voters could as well. Mr. Nelson sure learned it the hard way.

Kristi Noem moved ahead of Nelson and got the nomination.. She may not have moved me but she managed to get a few thousand voters off the couch. There are those who say she might actually have what it takes to unseat Herseth-Sandlin in November as well. Seems there is a movement out there dedicated to voting out incumbents, and she just may be one of the beneficiaries of that movement. Since nobody had the guts to go against Thune, this will be the race to watch in South Dakota. I know I'll be watching!

I used to be something of a political junkie, but these days there's just not much to be excited about. The primary election is today, but unless you are a Republican there's nothing to vote for. Even is you're a Republican there isn't much.

We will see who faces Scott Heidepriem for Governor. I'm hoping Scott will win in November because he's the only candidate in either party whose name I can spell without a cheat sheet. All the candidates for Governor are saying the same thing. From what I've seen it's been mostly positive, at least not as negative as it was 8 years ago.

Then we have the race for House to see who can unseat Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin. Do think she can be unseated? Anything is possible! As for who will do it, I think Chris Nelson is the best bet there. I don't know Kristi Noem, and I have nothing against her. Still, her campaign ads are just not moving me. The same can be said about the other guy who is running. I can't remember his name, and that may be part of his problem. Nelson is acting like he has the nomination sowed up, and is sitting (or is he setting) on his campaign war chest. If he isn't nominated, whoever is will have their work cut out for them.

Even though this primary is lackluster for me, for those who are seeking to win their party's nomination, this vote is crucial. Those who make it that far will have to try to do it all over again in November. One thing that any candidate, regardless of party should do is just look the voter in the eye and tell them what you know and where you stand. After that, the rest is up to them.