Posted on 02/28/2006 1:53:09 AM PST by beaversmom
Stay out of South Dakota.
That's the message one pro-choice group has for its supporters.
The Wisconsin-based Women's Medical Fund is calling for a boycott of South Dakota tourism if Governor Mike Rounds signs a bill banning most abortions.
It's the state's second largest industry, but South Dakota tourism could see a drop in visitors who don't support a ban on abortion.
Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Women's Medical Fund says, "Women across the country and those who believe in women's rights need to act immediately to let South Dakotans know that we will bypass South Dakota, that we can do without Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and the Badlands and the Corn Palace."
Last year tourism brought in two billion dollars worth of economic impact.
Teri Ellis Schmidt with the SF Convention and Visitors Bureau says, "Tourism is critical to Sioux Falls and all of South Dakota. It's the bread and butter of a lot of people's livelihoods."
And while out-of-state visitors may not think of places like the falls, they often stop here on their way out west. So this part of the state could also take a hit.
Schmidt says, "We know Sioux Falls is also a destination spot for tourists and convention goers and they may stay longer and go to the Black Hills so what's good for one of us is good for all and what's bad for one is bad for all of us."
And since some potential visitors believe the abortion bill is bad for America, they plan to take their anger out on the state where they believe it will hurt the most.
Gaylor says, "They depend on tourism and the goodwill of other Americans./30:28 "when Idaho was poised to pass a similar ban there was a boycott called of Idaho potatoes and we got the governor to back down."
But Governor Mike Rounds has also heavily promoted increasing tourism as part of his 20-10 initiative, which increases the political pressure as he decides whether to sign the controversial bill into law.
Schmidt says, "I wouldn't want to be in the governor's shoes for anything right now!"
The state tourism office has received between 60 and 75 emails on the issue, both positive and negative.
Pro-Lifers need to counter.
This boycott and $3.95 will get you a cup of Starbucks.
So will bikers go somewhere else than Sturgis in protest
I wanted to post another article that included the counter to this but you can't post from that particular paper. Here's the link:
Could abortion law affect tourism? Both sides say yes
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060228/NEWS/602280326/1001
I've never had any desire to visit South Dekota - until now!
Make that "South DAkota"...sorry, I'm from outa town.
I've never been either but have always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. The lady cleaning my teeth the other day was just talking about her visit to SD. So I was already thinking about going--now I really want to go. It's a little closer for me though. Hope you can make the trip someday.
I'll make it my business to!
I've already checked out what it has to offer:
http://www.usatourism.com/sd.htm
Do a google for more links
Road Side America/South Dakota
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/sd.html
USA Tourism/South Dakota
http://www.usatourism.com/sd.htm
Travel SD
http://www.travelsd.com/
South Dakota Office of Tourism
http://www.travelsd.com/
>>>The lady cleaning my teeth the other day was just talking about her visit to SD. So I was already thinking about going--now I really want to go.<<<
Hope you can go.
If you do - make sure you check out the Bill Clinton sculpture going up on the North end of Crazy Horse's steed. :)
OK - not really - wishful thinking on my part.
You beat me to it. P.S. The dental hygienist said she went in September and it was not very crowded at that time.
You won't get me out of Melbourne in September. Australian football finals are on then. Any other suggestions?
A hardened cynic would be pardoned for saying this is a big yawn. SD passes its law in the morning, the Federal injunction is in by the afternoon, followed some weeks later by the official Uncle Sam smackdown yet again. Until enough states care that they can get a constitutional amendment passed, it'll be just another teapot tempest.
I doubt it.
Everyone in South Dakota knows that These lefties in Wisconson don't come to South Dakota anyways. They don't like to stray too far from their mailboxes in case a welfare check comes early. And when they do come, they enpty out the food bank. Let them stay in Wisconson.
Oops!
So... let me get this straight...
If you pass a law banning abortion, the pro aborts will stay away from your state?
And this is supposed to be a BAD thing???
That reminds me... I need to make a visit up there. I haven't been there in about 25 years.
I haven't been there in about 5 years. Guess it's time to go back and visit the Badlands and Mount Rushmore, and maybe do a little gambling in Deadwood.
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