The Dye is Cast in South Dakota

Caeser crosses the Rubicon

Because the Supreme Court was so dependably liberal on this issue the States that had the citizens behind them in the desire to restrict or end abortion had to bide their time. The federalist concept was supposed to leave the states free to legislate such issues but since the 1930's Congress has allowed the Courts to hand more of the state's sovereignty to Washington.

Gov. Mike Rounds signed legislation Monday that would ban most abortions in South Dakota, a law he acknowledged would be tied up in court for years while the state challenges the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

The bill would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life. It would make no exception for cases of rape or incest.

The governor issued a written statement saying he expected a lengthy legal battle over the law, which, he said, would not take effect unless the U.S. Supreme Court upheld it.

"In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them," Rounds said in the statement.

The Governor is correct that many years will pass before this issue is settled. As the cliché goes, a long journey starts with the first step.

Basil's