Among many reasons to be thankful? Numerous peaceful demonstrations across South Dakota and the country

I have a couple of additions to the list of things I’m thankful for this year.

First, I’m thankful, make that grateful, to the people across this state and country who organized the hundreds of demonstrations, protests and rallies. To the best of my knowledge, no damages, no arrests. Remarkable.

I was involved with the first couple of events in Sioux Falls. Police officers I, and others worked with, praised us for the organizational efforts, which kept everybody safe. I’m sure that is the case in Pierre, Watertown, Rapid City, Yankton, Madison, Vermillion and other cities.

Second, I’m thankful to you for showing up, by the thousands! You carried signs. Many of them very clever. You joined in chanting. You helped create, “Good Trouble.” You were loud, but respectful and non-violent. That is the way good citizens behave.

I hope you add this topic to your Thanksgiving day conversation. Our Founding Fathers would be proud.

As we prepare for 2026, an election year, there will no doubt be more rallies, demonstrations, protests.

I don’t expect the president and his minions, and those who continue to blindly follow him, will change course.

I attended several events this year. Spoke at two of them. Energizing.

You may be wondering if these events make a difference. The answer is “YES!”

Here is a concrete example:

At the April 5 event in downtown Sioux Falls, I walked through the crowd. Saw a woman I know. Over 40. We talked. She volunteered that she was glad she showed up. I asked her why.

Her answer: “I don’t feel alone anymore.”

My friend Jim and I had a similar conversation with another woman who neither one of us knew. She said she was surprised at the crowd size and said she was glad she came. 

When asked why, we got the same response.

“I don’t feel alone anymore.”

These events create a sense of community. They bind us to each other. That is why they are important.

Eventually, even our elected “leaders” will get the message.

Let’s keep at it.

I hope you enjoy your family. Enjoy the food. Enjoy your freedom.

Godspeed.

Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and a longtime radio talk show host who is now retired but remains active and involved in his community and state as an independent political observer and commentator. His columns appear regularly on The South Dakota Standard.

Photo: October’s No Kings Rally in Rapid City, John Tsitrian

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