People at the University of North Dakota, from the administration to students to members of the faculty – are overreacting to a couple of racist Snapchat photos. An anti-racism rally prompted by the photos is scheduled for later today, and according to the Grand Forks Herald, “the school will form a diversity advisory council to…
There Is Nothing Racist About Understanding the Local Costs of Refugee Resettlement
There is no question that refugee resettlement in North Dakota, particularly in the Fargo area, is something of a burden for local taxpayers. Whether it’s the additional services needed for students with language barriers in our schools or the fact that refugees use a disproportionate amount of social services, there is a cost. There is,…
Another 21 “Peaceful” #NoDAPL Protesters Arrested Today for Trespass, Possession of Stolen Property
According to the Morton County Sheriff’s Department, another 21 protesters fighting to block the Dakota Access Pipeline were arrested today for charges including resisting arrest, trespass, and possession of stolen property. Per the press release, it also seems as though there was an incident where a protester on horseback menaced a law enforcement officer, prompting…
Social Media Photos Collected by State Show Dakota Access Protesters With Weapons
Protesters looking to block the Dakota Access Pipeline have insisted, despite violent clashes with security guards and dozens of arrests for things like vandalism and trespass, that their movement is engaged only in peaceful prayer. The protesters also say that weapons aren’t allowed in their camps. Yet images collected by the State of North Dakota…
One of These Idiots Is Going to Be President
There is much sturm und drang over “who won” the presidential debate last night. I’m not sure either of the candidates won, really. Donald Trump didn’t throw a chair, and Hillary Clinton managed to get through it without passing out or something. For me the bar was set that low. They both cleared it. Well done,…
Audio: Jack Seaman Says Kevin Cramer Has “Consistently Voted for Unbalanced Budgets”
Jack Seaman, Libertarian candidate for the U.S. House, was my guest on the radio today. His top priority, should be be elected to the U.S. House? The national debt, which he described as the “biggest threat to our national security” today. He said his Republican opponent, incumbent Congressman Kevin Cramer, has “consistently voted for unbalanced…
State Archaeologist Finds No Evidence of Destroyed Cultural Artifacts at Dakota Access Pipeline Site
Earlier this month a violent clash between Dakota Access Pipeline protesters and security workers protecting the project and pipeline workers erupted after the Standing Rock Sioux tribe said culturally significant artifacts and remains they’d identified had been destroyed. Since then tribal Chairman David Archambault has repeatedly claimed that pipeline workers destroyed artifacts. But a review…
Is This North Dakota’s First National Anthem Protest?
Unless I’ve missed something, I believe this group of Dickinson State University football players who linked arms before their game this weekend is the first protest during the national anthem from athletes that North Dakota has seen. And to their credit, the players were respectful about it. More so, I think, thank 49’ers quarterback Colin…
Not Rock Bottom Yet: North Dakota’s August Revenues Come in $9 Million Under Forecast
Revenue forecasting in North Dakota has been a train wreck over the last several years. During the peak of the oil boom years revenue forecasts understated revenue by billions. Now that the oil boom is over, the forecasters have understated revenues by billions. For a state that budgets based on revenue forecasts, this is an…
Audio: Rep. Al Carlson Says Burgum “Has Seen the Light” on Some of His Criticisms of North Dakota Lawmakers
I had House Majority Leader Al Carlson on my radio show yesterday and, among other things, I asked him how the legislative races were shaping up this election cycle. Particularly after a primary campaign during which Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Burgum was pretty critical of the Republican-led state government. Among other things, Burgum lambasted “run…
