My neighbor, John Thune

If I ever have the opportunity to move away from South Dakota, I am comforted to know that I can still find Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota) on C-Span (and The Daily Show) making goofball presentations and representin' South Dakota. He represents South Dakota better as an athlete. He could pass me in a whirlwind, as we occasionally run on the same paths in Soo Foo. Apparently he could kick my butt (and President Obama's) on a basketball court. But his talk about the stimulus bill is foolish. Why? Talking about the physical size of 1 trillion dollars does nothing to help public discourse. The point does not even clarify ideological economic differences. Thank you, Jon Stewart, for lampooning this presentation.

But, Jon Stewart...I DRAW THE LINE CONCERNING YOU MAKING FUN OF OUR LARGE PHEASANT IN HURON!

That's right in Huron, South Dakota! Home of the Pheasant, our beloved South Dakota State Fair, and a dual pronunciation. Yes, some residents pronounce it: Hyur-on. Others pronounce it: Urine.

I'm not making this up.

But The Pheasant is a fun place to go visit. It represents the sporting life here in South Dakota--a connection with God's creation and an opportunity for cameraderie. The Pheasant will be an enduring memory of South Dakota--taking my family to a hot, humid day at the Fair. Despite coming close to spontaneous combustion on that 97 degree day, we enjoyed the rides, pet the animals and chugged some of the best refreshing milkshakes of our lifetimes. On the way home, we stopped for a photo at The Pheasant. It was a great day--and a story we will share every time we speak of the great days of summer fairs.

Make fun of Thune all you want. Just don't try to box him out or outrun him. Don't EVER make fun of our Pheasant.