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SDPB Radio Coverage of the South Dakota Legislature. See all coverage and find links to audio and video streams live from the Capitol at www.sdpb.org/statehouse

Dakota Midday: Balanced Budget Amendment and the Debt Crisis

Bill White

South Dakota House Joint Resolution 1001 asks Congress to call a constitutional convention for a federal balanced budget amendment. It would make it unconstitutional for the federal government to run annual budget deficits. The House passed the resolution earlier this session, but it fell one vote short of passage in the Senate last week. A second vote is expected today.

Supporters say the amendment would reign in fiscally irresponsible behavior. Opponents say it could limit the government’s ability to respond to national emergencies.

Former Houston Mayor Bill Whitetakes a historical view of the nation’s debt crisis in his recent book, America’s Fiscal Constitution: Its Triumph and Collapse. White is senior advisor at Lazard, a firm advising corporate leaders and governments worldwide. He also served as the Deputy Secretary of Energy of the United States in the Clinton administration.

White joined Dakota Midday and discussed the current debt crisis and the history of the balance budget amendment.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.