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SD Stockgrowers report big turnout for property rights speaker
South Dakota
About 200 people gathered Jan. 31 in the Rapid City Civic Center Theater to hear a fact-filled and uplifting message from former Republican Idaho Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth-Hage.
"Mrs. Chenoweth-Hage is a well-informed and respected advocate for property owners nationwide," said Ken Knuppe, Buffalo Gap, S.D., South Dakota Stockgrowers Association president.
Knuppe said she spoke to the crowd of mostly ranchers about their rights as property owners, and as citizens of the USA. "She reminded us that the founders of this country considered property ownership of utmost importance. She said without property rights, we have no freedom, and I have to agree."
Chenoweth-Hage spoke of her husband's litigation with the federal government over an uncompensated taking of his property.
"We are in a war of a different kind. We're fighting for the right to hold on to our land, and to make it fruitful and productive. The battle lines are blurred at times--this is how our opponents have successfully dominated landowners like you and me, but the tide is turning." She told of several cases where landowners have reclaimed property through the court system.
"We have to stand up for what is right and good," Chenoweth-Hage said.
When asked about the open fields doctrine, she encouraged South Dakotans to implement state law requiring conservation officers to obtain permission before entering private property.
"To allow anyone, law officers or not, to enter property with no permission is a direct conflict with our constitution," she said.
Chenoweth-Hage mentioned another right that she believes has been compromised by government and big business--producers' right to label and promote their product. One of the original sponsors of country-of-origin labeling during her congressional term, she continues today to promote mandatory labeling and referred to it as "common sense."
After a brief question and answer session, ranchers had a chance to thank Mr. and Mrs. Hage for their dedication to the cattle industry during a social held in the Stockmen's Club.
Date: 2/24/05
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