The map below, of south-central South Dakota (the Great Plains portion of the south half of West River (1/6th of the State: 12,500 square miles) shows the Mni Wiconi Project.
The story of this project is a classic example of how government theft, spending, welfare, lust for votes and power work together to create a nightmare. It is an example of why the FedGov is 39 TRILLION dollars in debt, and why corruption and double-dealing are an essential part of human government.

Nobody is really sure how much this project cost over its 25+ year life, and how much it is costing today. Certainly a half-billion dollars between 1988 and at least 2015, and probably over a billion. And there is a strong possibility it was 2-3 billion. It provides water for an estimated population of around 40,000 to 50,000 people. Yes, an average population density of 5 people (or fewer) per square mile. And probably 3 times that many cattle. Assuming the $1 billion figure is right, that means an installed cost we can estimate conservatively at $20,000 per person: and upwards of $60,000 per household.
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Preparing for the unexpected
The uncertainty of life is never more apparent than we find as we approach two months of Trump 2.0. And the end of the winter season. And the fifth anniversary of the Lockdown, the second phase of the Pandemic Panic and its tyranny in the States (thanks to Paradigm for reminding us of that evil anniversary.)
The Donald has completely turned much of our world upside down. As complex and amazing as the year of 2024 was, 2025 already may be exceeding it. It is clear that he and his advisors spent the 3+ months between Election Day and Inauguration Day planning and preparing. No one – however much they hate Trump, Vance, Musk, et al. – can say that the new leadership did not hit the ground running!
Around the world, of course, we see this year is chaotic, but especially here in the States. Even in places like Wyoming and South Dakota. Too many things are on-again, off-again, with a few surges here and there.
What has gone on this winter economically, politically, and even weather-wise? Nothing that most people would have predicted or expected. We are caught up in an amazing string of events that, of course, have people worried. Ask yourself: are you prepared for more? It almost certainly is coming.
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