Despite being turned down the last 3 years, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is again asking for a special use permit from the National Park Service for a 4th of July fireworks show at Mount Rushmore next year.
Noem successfully brought back fireworks in 2020 after a decade-long wildfire-related absence, with then-President Donald Trump the featured guest, but similar requests were denied the next 3 years.
Noem says “There is truly no better place to celebrate America’s Birthday than Mount Rushmore (and) we will keep fighting to host fireworks at Mount Rushmore and celebrate our Freedoms.”
Noem has attacked the Park Service and the Biden Administration over the permit denials, calling them political decisions, but each denial gave multiple reasons including the threat of fire, potentially pollution to area streams, and objections by Native American tribes historically linked to the area.
Noem sued to overturn denial of the 2021 permit, but a federal judge rejected the arguments – saying that removing the permit process would make it harder, not easier, to have a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore.
Noam refuses to defend farmers in south dakota against corporations trying to take their land yes at least 21 of them meanwhile states a firework show on stolen land is a celebration of freedom?? The movie Bury my Heart At Wounded Knee should be watched by all!
When permits are required by a people including Noam, freedom does not exist, when govts need permission by we the people there is freedom!