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L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

A Friend Says Goodbye

March 6, 2008
To the Editor:

It has been said that we are only granted a few good friends in our lifetime. We have hundreds of acquaintances but good friends, only a few.

I am proud to say Ann Boyd Thomas was my friend. Her death has broken my heart.

Ann Boyd Thomas was a complex, simple person. Those of us who knew her understand this. Her professional life was complex. Her job as publisher of the News and Press was something she took very seriously. The paper “went to bed” at a certain time every week and that was that. When that time came she wanted it right and it was. She never took credit for the paper being as good as it is. She would say she surrounded herself with good people and they made her shine!

Her personal life was a little simpler. When she would leave her office she would climb into her big ole truck and head to the horse barn with her midget dog and her best friend, Margaret Ann Thomas. (These three could have more fun than any 10 people doing nothing but hanging out together). Ann Boyd’s equestrian skills were as sharp as her journalistic ones but as with the paper, she never was braggadocios in this regard. She just quietly offered her horse advice to those who wanted it and reserved it for those who did not. She even instructed her niece Tessa on the fine skills of reining from her hospital bed (using Morrey’s belt) a few short weeks ago.

I heard a song years ago and the lyrics said, “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.”

Ann Boyd’s life changed dramatically about two years ago when she learned she had cancer. Her priorities were redirected and she decided to spend more time outside of working. Her focus became her family and her health.

In the end, she would lose her hard fought battle to live and the Lord would call her home.

Her final struggle would be a difficult one. I don’t know why she had to struggle the way she did but one day I’m going to see the Lord face to face and I’m going to ask him.

She and I had three standard greetings. If I said Hello AB she would reply Hello JT. If I said Good Morning Ann Boyd she would say Good Morning J Todd, and if I said Good Morning Newspaper Lady she would reply Good Morning Undertaker Man.

I went to her bedside a few nights before her death. The room was dark and I could hear her labored breathing.

When I opened the door to her room she immediately knew who I was. She asked me to walk over to her side.

She said, after a few moments, in a very shallow voice, “Todd, look into my eyes and kiss me right here,” pointing to her forehead. I leaned over and kissed her on her head.

She then paused for a brief moment and said, “Goodbye, Todd.”

This would be the last time I would talk to my friend.

In a way I guess we could say Ann Boyd Thomas’ life was “Put to Bed” on Saturday. The deadline came and that was that. No more time for any more last minutes. It was time to start the press.

Isn’t it wonderful that we each can envision our own headline? I don’t know about you but I would be willing to bet she made it to the almighty front page, ABOVE THE FOLD!

We never rehearsed a goodbye so I guess I’ll say, until we meet again, so long my friend. I love you.

Todd Hardee, Darlington


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Other Darlington Heroes Should Be Included

March 6, 2008
To the Editor:

I just read your article about a possible memorial for Billy Farrow. Probably other Darlington heroes should be included. Putting it at the site of the old Hardees would be appropriate. His aunt was Lillian Stem McFall, and she and her husband, whose first name I probably never knew, owned and lived at the McFall Hotel, later the Park Terrace, which was on that site. His cousin, Illy McFall ran her kindergarten there for some years, assisted by her aunt, and Miss Lill’s sister, PeeWee Stem Bonnoit. (I never knew PeeWee’s first name,either.)

The unknown man in the picture is Billy’s first cousin, the late Freddy Stem, also called “Peppy” or “Pepi”, son of Fred and Mary Timberlake Stem. They lived in the white brick house on St.John’s Street. Mr. Fred was mayor of Darlington for one or two terms, and probably one of the only Republicans in town in the 40’s.

Billy’s mother was Jessie Stem Farrow, and he had an older sister, Margie, probably Margaret, named for their maiden aunt, Margaret. Margie married and moved to some far off place like Ohio or some other far flung place and had three sons. 

There was another uncle, William Stem, known as “Pie”, in the tobacco warehouse business with Mr. Fred. They owned Centerbrick Warehouse on South Main and West Broad Streets, across from the First Baptist Church.

Pie and his wife, Bess, had a daughter named “Betsy” who is married and to the best of my knowledge still living in Columbia with her husband, Harry Mashburn.  She was born, I believe,  the year Billy made his last flight, so he may never have seen her. So, he does have a first cousin living in South Carolina…

I grew up at 123 Park Street, just down the street from the Fred Stems.  My parents were Bill and Ruby Rikard James. 

I hope some of this will be helpful to someone in your quest.

Nancy James Webert


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Farrow Memorial Could Bring Pride, Education

March 6, 2008
To the Editor:

I think it is a wonderful idea for Darlington to finally join the other towns in our wonderful and free country to honor our veterans without them we would not live in a free nation. The sacrifices that are made daily by veterans when we are at war and when we have peace is the reason why our country is the grandest on earth.

The ultimate sacrafice that was made by young Billy Farrow is something that all Darlingtonians should hold their heads in pride that this young man was from OUR TOWN. All school students and all native Darlingtonians should carry in their heart the wonderful and heart warming story of this young veteran, and a memorial to him and all veterans is something we should do and all take a part in. Since Billy Farrow was an Eagle Scout maybe the boy scouts could use him as a true role model because I know that some of his training to survive was instilled in him in the scouts. I feel like boy scout groups, girl scout groups, veteran groups and people should and want to help with this memorial for Mr. Farrow and all veterans.

Carolyn Langley, Darlington


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Where Have All the Movies Gone?

March 6, 2008
To the Editor:

“Lights! Camera! Leave?” This has become the new battle cry of the film industry in our state now that our film incentives have been changed.

Remember when all those big budget films were being shot around our state? That could soon be a thing of the past now that a change made to our incentives has been driving away business.

Too often, states have been slow to react or have made the wrong decisions when it comes to dealing with fast-paced industries and economic development. The ensuing wake up call that finally grabs their attention usually happens after they have lost countless jobs and millions of dollars.

Under our original film incentives, nine feature films, a television series, a television pilot, 7,100 jobs and millions of dollars in increased economic activity were generated.

Since the Department of Commerce changed the incentives, there were no new movie productions and only one television pilot in 2007. And currently, we have one film under production, one new television pilot and one television series that was almost forced to leave our state because of the change in incentives. So why are we driving away a multi-billion dollar, high wage industry?

In 2005, the General Assembly passed a film incentive package that made South Carolina a top contender for film production in today’s ever expanding film industry and attracted all this Hollywood investment to our state. The result was maximum capacity film production.

But now the original intent of the law we passed has been changed for the worse by our State Department of Commerce.

In June of 2007, by using a loophole in the law, Commerce changed and reduced the incentives we offer film productions. The resulting negative impact on the film industry in our state was immediate. We have seen projects that were attracted to South Carolina forced to go to other states at the last minute because incentives originally advertised to them had been suddenly changed.

As a result of the changes that were made, we have seen a mass exodus of the film industry from our state. We have lost our competitive edge in an industry where tax incentives make or break deals.

The University of South Carolina’s Business School recently conducted an in-depth study on the economic impact of seven films recently shot on location in South Carolina.

Their study found that, even though our state had no permanent infrastructure currently in place, these films had a very positive economic impact and our original incentives were helping to seed the industry in our state.

The study concluded that for every $1.00 we spent on supplier rebates, it generated a total income effect of $3.68 for our state. That is almost a 4 to 1 return on our investment. It also concluded that for every $1.00 we spent on wage rebates, it generated a total income effect of $1.30 for our state.

This past week, the House introduced legislation to, once again, make South Carolina a top competitor in the film industry. The bill reinstates many of the original incentives the General Assembly passed in 2005 and enhances others.

To further encourage the hiring of South Carolinians, the bill expands wage rebates for residents from 20 percent to 30 percent. Also, it creates an apprenticeship program that will help our citizens gain valuable experience and gain access to future involvement in this industry.

The more films we are able to attract, the larger the economic impact will be on our state. Clustering this industry in our state will lead to more film related businesses moving to South Carolina. And that is our goal, to grow an industry.

Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives


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Illegal Immigration: A Problem for Business or Created by Business?

February 28, 2008
To the Editor:

According to a Feb. 20 Associated Press article concerning illegal immigration, Latino Association of Charleston, S.C. President Diana Salazar “…warned legislators their proposals would hurt the state’s economy, which she said relies on the cheap labor and long hours from undocumented workers.”  Pointing out that “…illegal workers often are paid less or nothing at all, Latino association treasurer, Alejandro Dominguez said:  “Many people are getting rich off immigrants work.”  So which is true; does S.C.’s economy depend on cheap, illegal labor, or are S.C. employers, as well as others throughout out nation, getting rich on cheap, illegal labor, without legal consequences?

Spokesman for the Washington-based Federation of American Immigration reform, Ira Mehlman said:  “…illegal workers are doing the jobs Americans used to do, but businesses now offer low wages and poor working conditions, they can claim they can’t find local workers.  These are jobs for the most part Americans are happy to do.  They just want to earn a living.’”  Yes. Businesses “…can claim they can’t find local workers.”  But are they looking? Yes, “These are jobs…Americans are happy to do,” but why hire Americans that businesses are required to pay at least minimum wage, when businesses can hire illegal undocumented immigrants, and pay them considerably less?

Proponents of legalizing undocumented immigrants as “guest workers” insult America’s workforce with “Illegal workers are willing to do the work Americans workers will not do.” Who did that work before U.S. employers started paying illegal workers less “under the table,” and without legal consequences? In reality, unscrupulous U.S. employers are now exploiting illegal workers, who dare not complain because they are illegal, while American taxpayers pay for their medical needs and their children’s education.  Meanwhile, American workers who are responsible for their own medical needs, and are required to pay local, state and federal taxes to our government, are criticized because they cannot survive doing jobs exploitive employers will not hire them for in the first place, as long as illegal workers are available!

So what is the answer? The simple solution is rather than round up all illegal workers and send them back to their native countries, round up all U.S. employers who violate U.S. law by employing illegal foreign workers, and banish them from our country? Then, the illegal workers will have no reason to stay, and others will have no reason to come. Wouldn’t that solve the problem?

Think about it, please!

Robert C. Currie Jr.


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Which candidate to choose?

February 21, 2008
To the Editor:

My! My! My! ... This political season leaves us with very difficult choices.  The three top choices right now (and ALL for good reasons) are Hillary, Obama and McCain (not to count out Huckabee prematurely). The time has come for all three, but each has their own good and bad side.

I think there SHOULD be a female President....but I’d sooner vote for Adolf Hitler than for Hillary Clinton.

I think there SHOULD be a black President....but he’s a Democrat who is now beholden to Teddy Kennedy.

I think there SHOULD be a veteran President...but McCain may be seen as “too liberal” or “too old” for some.

So, where does that leave us?

To be totally honest, I would like to see Barack Obama and John McCain as the nominees. As a matter of fact, I would like to see a McCain/Obama ticket!!!  McCain may not be able to win against Obama. McCain could probably beat Hillary if she were the nominee......or could he? Can we afford to take that chance?

I don’t know if others have noticed it but, when I watch Hillary Clinton, I can see just how much she covets the office.

Just pause and look at her record: She was a brilliant attorney who rightly could have run on her own merit, except for the fact that she was a woman in a time when women didn’t get elected President. So, she married a bumbling (but goodhearted) jackass who couldn’t keep his zipper up.

She made a deal with him. “You can have all the women you want, just leave the power to me!”, and she ran the White House for eight years. How else would she have gotten all this “experience” we keep hearing about? She certainly hasn’t done anything of great significance as a senator, so she had to be secretly running the country while Bill “fronted” for her behind the desk.

Well, now she wants to be President in NAME as well as FACT! That greedy look of hers should scare the pantsuit off any sane person.

Obama has true style and charisma and he isn’t a “status quo” politician. That’s a good thing.

But, does he have what it takes to handle the crises before us? Being “outside the loop” didn’t help Jimmy Carter handle Washington politics very well.

I really like Sen. Obama, I just wish he were a Republican (or at least not so “loved” by Teddy Kennedy).

And then there’s McCain. I admire and respect his service, his injuries and his hardships, but is he too feeble? He is older than Ronald Reagan was when Reagan became President, but is that bad or good?

So, there you have it, folks!  A woman who is so diabolical she’ll do ANYTHING to be President ... a fresh-faced “Golden Boy” who has plenty of panache and star quality but little experience, and a statesmanlike war hero who may (or may not) be past his prime.

I know who I want to be elected, but I have the right (as do you) to keep that between me and the voting booth. Just know what you’re getting when you cast your ballot.

The “She-Witch”, the “Rockstar” or the “Old Geezer”.

What a quandary!

Stephan C. Drew, Darlington


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Holy Cow Batman!

February 21, 2008
To the Editor:

Did you read about the major crime ring that was busted in our county? Pop-Boom-Pow 

Yes, Robin. Justice will always prevail. 

Criminals take our Sheriffs Dept, SLED and some other police agency for granted here, my Boy Wonder.

Batman, did you say it took all of those police agencies to shut down that low, dasterdly and no good Shady Pines rest stop? Yes Robin, it is true.

Robin what was not told, though, is the Truth. Zing-Bang 

Yes the Shady Pines has always been known as a House of Rolaids. Plop,Plop, Fizz, Fizz

Batman what in the name of Alka-Seltzer are you talking about?

Rolaids! Boy Wonder, the Shady Pines is a house of Relief and I will venture no further.

But what really happened?  The truth of the matter Robin is this; The lawlessness in the house was enough to corrupt our Honest and Law Abiding Politicians. They were not using Yellow Darlington County Trash Bags, Boy Wonder.

My ears are ringing from those words Batman. Tears come to my eyes.

Be very careful with those tears, Robin. They are not recyclable and must be put in a Yellow Bag. 

Those were not real policemen, they were the dreaded Yellow Bag Brigade.  Worse than the hired hitmen of the IRS.  Worse than even that 1960’s Bomber Jacket that Delio man wears. 

Say no more, please.

One last thing Robin.  How could it get worse than that Bomber Jacket Batman? 

No, Robin, not that horrible jacket, but another sad tragedy in this county. The urban legend of the Darsmukel Beetle!!!!!

I will tell you later, Boy Wonde,r for now I feel the need for a Rolaid. The story of the Darsmukel Beetle will be told soon.

William Thames, Darlington


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CRC Inc.: The Best is Yet To Come

February 14, 2008
To the Editor:

The Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex, Inc. would like to thank the News and Press, the Morning News, the Messenger and Community Times for the wonderful coverage given to “Celebrating 35 Years,” a legacy for Darlington County, South Carolina and America.

Thirty-five years of thanks are given to the media on all levels--radio, television, and newspapers in South Carolina and North Carolina for the coverage of events and activities that are of historical significance.

Using the words of the late, great President John F. Kennedy, and I quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” unquote.

These words are the motivational force for CRC, Inc. from the beginning, and presently with the mission to bridge the gap between the school and the home with educational, arts, life skills, cultural, historical and therapeutic recreation in the community.

The Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, chartered in 1975, with all the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. CRC Inc. has operated for 35 years, with both volunteer and management staff.

Historically speaking, during the planning stage of our great country’s Bicentennial Celebration, African Americans in Darlington County were saying they had “nothing in which to celebrate.”

CRC Inc. provided the leadership in getting an endorsement for the Darlington County Bicentennial Committee for Ethnic Participation, along with a new line item to the State’s celebration.

The Ethnic Museum was established in 1975, with more historical markers for African Americans than the whole state of South Carolina put together.

For 17 years, CRC Inc. conducted the Summer Food Program for Children under the auspices of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in counties, feeding thousands and equally providing employment for thousands of both part-time and full-time workers while infusing millions of dollars into the economy.

The cited accomplishment is just one of many major, unduplicated projects and activities provided by CRC Inc. throughout the past 35 years, affecting our city, county and state. We have helped improve the economic development, quality of life and well-being of Darlington County’s citizens with an emphasis on the disadvantaged and African Americans.

The legacy and struggle of the Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex, Inc. is a national and global story to be told of the hypocrisy and injustice in this democratic society. Presently, CRC Inc. owns and operates five historical centers that value more than $1 million.

Where much is given, much is required, the old mantra states. The Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex, Inc. has prove that we have a job to do together in making this country a better place for future generations to grow and develop in becoming positive and productive citizens.

We have proven with our 35-year track record that we can get the job done.

The time is long past due in sharing the wealth of this country. CRC Inc. is not playing the Blame Card, because there is enough blame to go around. We cannot play politics with the lives of people. We are experiencing the negative influences of such actions in our society.

As the Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex, Inc. continues to render unduplicated services to rural Darlington County, SC, we are calling on elected officials in all levels of government, USDA; Rural Development; SC Arts Commission; State Department of Education; Department of Commerce; Department of Labor; SC Department of History and Archives; Regional Council of Governments; Department of Juvenile Justice; Department of Social Services; manufacturing companies; foundations, churches; businesses; clubs; and individuals in giving back financially to a landmark that is a legacy in this country. Thirty-five years and counting; the best is yet to come.

Wilhelmina P. Johnson, Executive director, CRC, Inc.


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The Alligator Tour

February 14, 2008
To the Editor:

Make no mistake about it. Marie Dillard and Rachel Jeffrey are two “neighboring property owners in McBee” who have joined voices of the most opposition to the proposed Sewer site, did not attend the Alligator Tour to the Cary North Carolina Sewer System. Many reasons point to almost pointlessness: In the invisible shadows of community participation, the Alligator Rural Water and Sewer Company Inc., the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/RD), the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and the South Carolina Clearinghouse have basically confirmed the horse is out of the barn.

“The Lord has blessed us by McBee, ‘it is what it is,” Glenn Odom, Alligator Rural Water General Manager, said.

The USDA/RD said, (“it has reached a determination the proposed Sewer Project should not result in a significant adverse environmental impact to minorities or low-income”, and that our “concerns duly noted”) - clearing the way for the USDA/RD to give grants and loans to Alligator to construct a Collection, Treatment, and an Absorption Field Sewer System next to McBee, and directly adjacent to our personal backyards.

The South Carolina Clearinghouse forwarded “the May 29, 2007 letter” to Alligator and the USDA/RD “registering no concerns” about the construction of the proposed Sewer project.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) must approve the proposed Sewer design, sell Alligator the appropriate permits, and monitor the operations – compensation?

What is known, DHEC “has given tentative approval” to the Sewer project, paving the way for the Alligator to discharge sewer waste material into the proposed Absorption Field at a rate of 2 inches per week .2 miles from our land.

Let’s talk about the Tour.

We can not be made to feel good about a proposed Sewer Absorption-field system in our backyards, and when a proposed owner offers the feel good trip, more than likely, it’s a trip down primrose path!

It was clear before the Tour, Robert Bonne, Utilities Director Town of Cary said, “In November 2006, the Town of Cary completed a $654,000 odor control project. The project was an initial success but odor has been an intermittent problem since spring 2007.”

The problem referred to here, “a wastewater plant on the south side of Cary, and not the facility Alligator is modeling its plant after (Cary’s North plant)”, Odom said.

Yet, “occasionally he does receive complaints about odor, but the complaints are few and far between”, Chris Parisher, plant manager of the North Plant, said – intermittent odor at the North plant?

Could it be you complain until you are blue in the face, and say, what’s the point the authorities receiving the complaint approved the Sewer System? “It is what it is”, as Odom says.

A trip to Cary will not answer our “fears of the unknown”:

Is it too late to stop this train coming down the track?

If the Alligator had taken the same level of interest and sent us “certified letters” inviting us into open and frank meetings of discussions proposing to construct a Sewer Absorption Field System designed to absorb 2 inches of Sewer matter per week or any amount, next to our backyards, we would have been there.

That was not forthcoming from the Alligator or the powers that be above.

Out of the invisible shadows, maybe community input would have meant something then?

Since Odom brought the Lord into the picture, can I get an Amen? It would be comical if it was not so serious.

Finally, should construction begin on the proposed Hwy. 151 site .2 miles from our homes and person, how are we going to survive the excruciating noise, constant rain of sand and dust onto our land, into our homes, and into our bodies?

When the heavy machinery starts lifting the “Alpine Sand”, the Alligator says “Environmental Consequences - Air Quality during construction activities, the increased levels of dust machinery exhaust, and odors may diminish visibility on travel roadways, and perhaps aggravate respiratory problems for some individuals.” I am one of those individuals.

Marie and Rachel have yet to hear or see a hint of Socio-Economic Justice here.

We do not have time for feel good trips. We are searching through paper-work looking for a David to slay (beat-back) giants and the Alligator…

Marie Dillard, McBee, SC


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Thanks to Isgett for fine pageant effort

February 7, 2008
To the Editor:

I just wanted to take a moment and say “Thank You” to Will Isgett for putting on a superb Miss Darlington/Teen pageant last Saturday night (Feb 2nd).

I found it really touching that he realized a long-time dream of his and I’m sure other dreams were realized that night as well.

Also a big “Thank You” to Patsy Hathcock and her assistants, Jennifer and Nicole. They have taught those little girls so much in a few short months.

I find it nothing short of amazing what my (barely) three year old has learned under their tutelage. Patsy’s “babies” were graciously invited to entertain at the Pageant.

I hope the Darlington community continues to support and uphold such worthwhile efforts.

Patti Tindal, Darlington,SC


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Look to the heavens this month

February 7, 2008
To the Editor:

As some of your readers may recall, a few years ago I wrote a monthly astronomy column for the News & Press called “The Backyard Stargazer.”  Well, for February, I’m back! 

There are two neat things happening this month. One is the Total Lunar Eclipse on the night of the 20th. According to Sky & Telescope magazine,  Partial eclipse--when the moon starts to enter the earth’s shadow--begins at 8:43 p.m., but for the first few minutes you may not notice anything. 

Keep watching though, and you’ll see the earth’s shadow begin to take a bite out of the moon! 

Totality--with the moon fully in earth’s shadow--begins at 10:00 p.m., mid-eclipse at 10:26 p.m., with totality ending at 10:52 p.m. 

There’s a simple scale to gauge the color of the moon during totality. (1) bright orange, (2) orange, (3) bright red, (4) red, (5) dark red. 

Which color will you observe? 

Starting on February 25 and running through March 8, GLOBE at Night--Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment--is again asking citizen scientists from around the world to help document the spread of light pollution by observing how many stars they can see in the constellation of Orion. 

Just go to the GLOBE website at www.globe.gov/GaN/ to sign up and help contribute your observations to this important scientific project.  Teachers, and parents, this is an excellent and fun way for everyone to learn about the nighttime environment. 

Francis Parnell, Citizens for Responsible Lighting, Darlington, SC


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America needs a strong military leader as Commander in Chief

February 7, 2008
To the Editor:

In a letter to the editor, William T. Clinkscales of Wallace, SC wrote:  “I’m supportive of our President’s plan for Iraq, even though most Democrats opposed.  My beliefs are similar to those of John McCain.  I do not believe that our military wants to ‘tuck tail and run.’  I believe that they want to ‘win’ and ‘will’.” 

Who has ever said that our military wants to “tuck tail and run?” 

Our courageous fighting force has only one deficit; the absence of a qualified Commander in Chief with military experience.

An adequate Commander in Chief would have allowed our unparalleled military forces to “stay the course” in Afghanistan and capture our worst enemy, Osama bin Ladin, rather than order them to “cut and run” to Iraq and capture cowardly Saddam Hussein, hiding in a rat hole. 

Yes, our military wants to win, but how can they if a militarily inexperienced Commander in Chief orders them to abandon the pursuit of our real enemy, and waste lives and resources pursuing an inept non-threat?

Interestingly enough, war-hawk Rush Limbaugh, who has never served in our military in any capacity, is leading the opposition to John McCain, who has served in harm’s way, and paid the ultimate price short of the supreme price. 

Of course, profiteers of the military industrial complex, which obviously subsidizes Limbaugh, apparently have avoided military service themselves. 

Perhaps that is why they dictated their radio puppet’s verbal attack on John McCain.  Just think what a militarily experienced Commander in Chief, who acts on behalf of our troops and our nation rather than following corporate dictation, might do to the egregious profiteering of those who have never served, and whose children never will!

Talk radio’s self-proclaimed “truth detector,” invokes God as he uses profanity, and arrogantly boasts of self-proclaimed superiorities in blatant violation of the principles taught in the Book of Proverbs. 

He refers to himself as the “doctor of democracy” (no capitalization intended), yet, he used privilege to avoid prosecution for obtaining excessive amounts of prescription drugs; obtained a sexual performance enhancing drug inappropriately if not illegally in his doctor’s name, then bragged about the pleasure the drug enabled that particular weekend although he is not married. 

Now, this profane, drug abusing fornicator is criticizing the only presidential candidate from either party with an outstanding military record!  Perhaps talk radio’s armchair general needs to untie the half of his brain he boasts of tying behind his back, lest he put his foot deeper into his mouth.

Mr. Clinkscales wrote that our military needs the full support of the American people and our Congress, and I agree.  But more so, our military needs leadership by a Commander in Chief who is not led by special interest war profiteers, who do not serve, but dictate pulling troops brave enough to serve our country from real battles, and sending them into un-winnable, though immeasurably profitable quagmires.  Now don’t they?

Think about it, please!

Robert C. Currie Jr


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We Will Not Abandon You

January 31, 2008
To the Editor:

The lack of support shown by national lawmakers to give troops the support needed to achieve their mission has become egregious.

Americans wag at political assertions of troop support as the mission is obstructed. Every day, it seems as if another public official has claimed that victory in Iraq is impossible. This would come as quite a shock to the fighting soldiers. They know better. They also know that such proclamations are made solely for political gain, and are perhaps most welcomed by the enemies they fight.

It is past the time for national lawmakers to abandon their political investment in defeat. We must reassure our fighting men and women that they aren’t fighting alone.

What can the average American do to back up our troops when our national lawmakers will not? This is a question I get asked frequently. The answer is, “take it to the states.” Several states have already stepped forward with resolutions that promise to “not abandon our service men and women in this time of war and pledge full support of them and their efforts to secure victory.”

Exactly one year ago, defeat seemed a forgone conclusion to many. Groups of “experts” sought an “honorable exit.” But Vets for Victory, a pro-troop and pro-mission organization I head, began working with state lawmakers who were as frustrated about this as the people they represent. The result was a legislative proclamation telling the troops, “We will not abandon you.”

Last February, average Oklahomans working with their state lawmakers rose up to declare such support. Despite the midterm elections and the pessimistic Iraq Study Group report, over a thousand veterans and troop supporters filled the plaza at the State Capitol building to take a stand on their behalf. A respectable group of bi-partisan lawmakers were also in attendance and read the state’s pledge to not abandon the troops.

Vermont followed suit with its own proclamation in May. In June, Florida’s Hillsborough County of six million people became the first non-state government to pass the resolution. And last November, the Massachusetts legislature followed with a strong variant of the bill. The Florida State Legislature will consider its own version this spring.

Do such resolutions matter? The soldiers and their families sure think so. And state legislators know they have to pump gas and buy groceries with their voters when the legislative session ends by summer in most states. To be fair, lawmakers are relieved when they are not alone in their views of backing the troops and their mission when all political ‘savvy’ would suggest leaving it alone.

Now is time to act at the state level. National media and political groups have allowed opponents of the war a steady national say. When the surge began to bear fruit, they began to focus their tactics of defeat by attacking the integrity and character of our men and women that serve in uniform or as contractors.

First, soldiers and marines were subjected to despicable political statements asserting instant guilt regarding war crimes that never were, with no apologies were forthcoming upon acquittal.

Then we saw the same tactic in the celebrated Blackwater case. The media circled with vulture-like appetite to declare all contractors as out-of-control criminals. These former soldiers and law enforcement agents obviously chucked all their integrity and character the moment they took a paycheck from a private firm to serve their country as civilians.

Now we see returning veterans caught in the blast of hit pieces portraying us maladjusted beings of pity, likely to kill our loved ones and then come after you. Please don’t tell my wife.

Instead, tell your local lawmakers. Enough is enough. Ask them to sponsor a resolution declaring that your state will not abandon the troops. This simple official message tells our troops that their sacrifice will not be in vain. It also goes a long way toward raising the morale of our troops instead of our enemies.

LTC Steve Russell, US Army, (Ret.), a central player in Saddam Hussein’s hunt and capture, is the founder and chairman of Vets for Victory (www.vets4victory.com). He is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Stop Stalkers Before They Become Headlines

January 31, 2008
To the Editor:

She could have been my daughter, or my neighbor’s daughter. Carnesha Nelson was a bright, attractive 19-year-old college student who unfortunately became the obsession of a young man who worked on her campus at the University of Mississippi. He hounded her relentlessly, and wouldn’t take no for an answer. The night he assaulted her, she ran screaming from him, pounding on dormitory doors. Fellow students called the police, but did not let her in. He caught and killed her.

January is stalking awareness month, an appropriate time to assess our treatment of stalkers, and unfortunately “awareness” is lacking. Most are not aware that stalking that ends in violence is not uncommon. Each year there are many young women who say no to boyfriends and suitors, and lose their lives as a result. Over 1,100 women were killed by intimate partners in 2005, and another 860 by male acquaintances, with women from 18 to 30 years old the most at risk. However the number of women killed by stalkers is only a fraction of those affected by the violence: over one million protective orders are issued annually by the states to protect women from assault or stalking. Stalking is a growing problem on college campuses where over 20 percent of college women report fearing for their safety as a result of being stalked, according to a 2004 study cited by the National Center for Victims of Crime.

The suffering inflicted by stalking is great. Fearing for their safety, victims will often move, change jobs, or drop out of college and training programs to elude their pursuers. If they rely instead on protective orders, they can expect to find an angry stalker taunting them at their home or workplace: over 69 percent of protective orders for women are violated, according to a 1996 Justice Department survey.  At times the stalker is not even served with papers notifying him of the protective order, since budget priorities lie elsewhere. In many states, some victims cannot even apply for protective orders: teens under 18 years old or women who have never dated their stalkers may not have this legal recourse. These same women may also be ineligible for access to women’s shelters.

The first anti-stalking law went into effect in 1990 in California, and such laws now exist in all the states. The states and several college campuses remain in the process of working out effective protocols for dealing with stalkers. Anti-stalking laws can be a strong deterrent to violence, but only if effectively enforced. In a few cases, a serious discussion with the stalker may be all that is needed. But persistent stalkers, who ignore court orders and pose a threat to the victim, must face certain arrest and jail time, if such stalking is to be stopped. However, only 44 percent of persons violating a protective order were arrested, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime.

Stronger protections for women who are stalked would save the lives of thousands of women, and would increase the security and well-being of the young adults on our college campuses. The funding of the necessary interventions should be a high priority.

A shift towards such a policy requires a change in national attitudes. Our communities will be better off when we get tough on stalkers: the young, good-looking college student or businessman who persistently stalks and threatens his ex-girlfriend with violence is a threat not only to her, but to her family, friends and co-workers and should serve time. Our legal system must in fact protect those whose only crime is to have chosen the wrong partner, or in some cases, simply to have become the obsession of the wrong person. The need is urgent. Without such protection, many more lives will be unnecessarily lost to violence, and millions of young adults will lack the safety and security they need to flourish. 

Marianne Hill, an economist and a founder and member of the Mississippi Coalition for Women
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Take a Close Look Before Choosing Clinton

January 24, 2008
To the Editor:

On January 26, the democrats of South Carolina are going to the polls to choose whom they think will best represent them in our next presidential election. The top candidates for this position at the present are Barack Obama D-Il and Hillary Clinton D-NY. I would suggest the voters look closely at each one of these candidates before they go to the polls.

Hillary Clinton tells us to look at her record over the last thirty five years, but she refuses to release her records that are filed in the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.

What could be in those records that she is so afraid to release? If you recall during her husband’s administration some of the scandals that were aired to the public. One that perhaps had the most impact on the taxpayers was the Whitewater land deal where the Clintons and some of their friends bilked millions of dollars from investors.

It took two years for Hillary’s records from the Rose Law firm to surface after the FBI subpoenaed them. It seems a little strange these records turned up in the private residence of the President and Mrs. Clinton at the White House while Mrs. Clinton told everyone she had no idea where they may be. While Hillary is calling for change she is using the same operatives her husband used while running for office and serving his two terms as president. This sounds more like reverting back to the scandals to me.

Do the democrats really want another term of Clinton scandals? I sure hope not, I know I don’t.

Larry Donaldson Darlington
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Reader Offers Expressions of Pride

January 24, 2008
To the Editor:

After reading Bill Shepard’s letter to the editor (N&P Jan. 10) I too feel proud, we may or may not agree on presidential candidates but we share the same sense of pride. My pride comes from seeing a candidate that looks like me, Barack Obama, being in serious contention for the White House, his wife looks like my wife, she is the face of the young black teachers at the Mayo High School I attended in the 40s and 50s. Some taught by choice, others because it was the only option commensurate with their educational achievements. The candidate’s daughters are the remembered faces of my 4th and 5th grade classmates, little black girls, bright eyed and eager to learn.

His wife is also the face of my stepdaughter, Kathy Brewer, who when the door cracked, rushed in and took a seat at the table, becoming a successful New York/Florida corporate lawyer. My pride is also in seeing on CNN the faces of the residents in Barack Obama’s father’s village rejoicing in the excitement that one of their own – however distant – may be elected chief of the mightiest tribe of all. No matter who the white house door swings open for on next January 21st, America is on the cusp of political change. The torch is again being passed Hillary, Barack, John Edwards, Romney, McCain, and Huckabee. My pride is also for them for they are the face of America.

My pride is in Darlington where I grew up and where such change has taken place. The Mill Village that Mr. Shepard writes of, although I lived within a mile, its streets were as foreign to me as the boulevards of Paris. I used to ride my bicycle everywhere; it seems my bicycle knew not to go on the ‘factory Hill’. Slowly there was change. Man Stanley, W.J. Hunter, Earl Johnson, Thelma Dawson, Wilhemina Johnson, Cecil Thomas, Annette Davis, and the names roll on. Yes, I’m proud as a peacock in a barnyard! Well I’m pretty much past my proud peacock days, I’m more the lazy old lion on the couch in the den watching the young lions, and very proud.

One of the things I’m proud of is my ability to hear what John Edwards is saying. He speaks eloquently and passionately for the “Mill Village” people all across America, people who need health care, good jobs, affordable housing, quality educational opportunities, someone who understands and cares about their problems as John Edwards surely does.

Maybe casting a vote because someone looks like you may not be a good reason to choose a candidate, therefore I must admit I am a Hilary supporter. The thing that makes me most proud is that Barack the ‘boy’ is no longer ‘boy’ but has transpired into a man and may someday indeed be The Man.

Alphonso H. Suber Pembroke Pines, FL
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Rex Should Focus on Job, Not Politics

January 24, 2008
To the Editor:

A recent column authored by Jim Rex began with a verbal assault against South Carolin-ians for Responsible Govern-ment and our many supporters.  Responding to our critique of his so-called school choice plan, Rex calls us a “cancer” and describes us as “thuggish.” He then states, “His (SCRG President Randy Page) extremist attack is exactly what you might expect from an organization with a failed agenda, few friends and very little credibility.” My question to Mr. Rex is if SCRG has “a failed agenda, few friends and very little credibility,” then why are you spending your time and our tax dollars responding to us? It’s because quite the opposite is true – and he knows it.

 Rex can’t defend his position against parental choice; he can’t defend the sorry state of public education in South Carolina; and he can’t defend the obstructionist tactics of the education-industrial complex.  So, what does he do?  In what is a time honored tactic, he attacks advocates of real reform and attempts to isolate and demean the effort.

Despite his baseless rhetoric, I’m proud to say that SCRG now has over 200,000 residents who have identified themselves as supporting our mission of advancing policies that promote both limited government and genuine school choice. These supporters come from all walks of life from all over the state.  They include black and white families, rich and poor families, Jewish and Christian families, home school parents, private school parents, and yes, public school parents – of which I am one.

Rex and the education establishment are feeling the heat because they are losing the school choice argument.  Report after report shows the current system is not getting the job done, which leads to more frustration for families longing for an opportunity to find different learning environments.  Rex’s column is a desperate attempt to divert attention away from the real issue of what to do about an underperforming system that cannot possibly be all things to all children.

In fact, the just released 2008 Quality Counts study by Education Week ranks South Carolina 41st in “K-12 Achievement” and 39th in the country in giving our children a “Chance for Success.” Among the contributing factors for both of these rankings are our: 53% graduation rate; 26% proficiency level for 4th graders in reading; 32% proficiency level in Math for 8th graders; 27 point reading gap between poor and non-poor 4th graders; 25 point math gap between poor and non-poor 8th graders; 46% postsecondary participation rate; and a 33% postsecondary degree attainment rate.

Add to these results the study’s conclusion that South Carolina ranks 12th in state expenditures for K-12 as a percent of state taxable resources and 11th in the per pupil difference between lower income and higher income school districts, and Rex knows he can no longer afford to simply pay lip service to real school choice. And that’s exactly what his plans have done. While we applaud any increase in public school options (which is being pushed by Rex), we continue to argue that Rex’s plan actually ends up placing more power in the hands of education bureaucrats because they set the policies, limitations and restrictions.

As an example, look no further than Richland 2 – the model and basis of Rex’s school choice plan. Widely regarded as the most innovative school district with the most educational choices, it has slots for only 20 children in each of its 15 “choice” schools and programs. That’s a great start and should be duplicated, but what about the other 21,000 students in Richland 2? Don’t they deserve options too?  Of course they do.

The point is that Rex’s plan limits educational choice to the government run system, which does nothing to truly empower parents. The reality is that under the Rex system of choice, government bureaucrats will be making the criteria that only a select few will have the opportunity to enjoy. Empowering parents – not the government – is real reform.  But Jim Rex does not want to hear that so he has turned his ire towards SCRG and its supporters. Instead of engaging in gutter politics, I would encourage Jim Rex to truly practice what he preaches, when he says, “Increasing innovation, expanding choices and empowering parents are ideas whose time has come. But we can only create meaningful options for all parents and all students by increasing options within the schools that serve us all.”

As we have said before, the only way to make that statement a reality is by embracing comprehensive school choice that includes both the public sector and the private sector – thus truly stimulating innovation via expanded choices and empowered parents.

Tom Swatzel Founder of South Carolinians for Responsible Government and CEO of Captain Dick’s Marina 
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Parking problems at the Square

January 24, 2008
To the Editor:

This past week, my granddaughter, my husband and myself were called to be a witness at the court house.

My husband and I are both handicapped and I am on a cane from just having knee surgery.  There were no handicapped spaces empty so we parked in a regular space.  I know I should have put the sign on the rearview mirror but I left it on the dash of the car as we were running late and our granddaughter was having to help both of us, and I just forgot to hang it. When we got upstairs, we were asked to wait in the room until someone called us.  Not to leave. This was at 9 a.m.  We did.  The attorney came out at 2:30 and told us we could all go home as the case had been settled.  When we got to the car we had a ticket on it.  I asked the ticket policeman the next day why we were given a ticket when we could not leave.  He said we were not supposed to park there, we were supposed to park in the parking area.  Well we rode around and found one parking area after another saying parking only for customers of——-.  Would you please tell me where a person is supposed to park when they are handicapped  and can’t walk from Piggly Wiggly? Oh yes, that is parking only for customers there, too.

Dorothy Anderson Darlington
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The Inside Scoop

January 17, 2008
To the Editor:

Talk about a Snow Job 

The weather is rather balmy outside, but once again Jim Rex and the Department of Education are putting a great snow job on South Carolina taxpayers.  This time their spinmeisters are trying to convince us that everything is hunky-dory on the education front according to the 2008 Quality Counts report by Education Week.

But as its editors note, “a more thorough reading of the results presented in this State Highlights Report will provide a more nuanced perspective on the educational condition of the nation and of individual states.” 

As we explain on this Voice for School Choice post, from our “perspective” the South Carolina results clearly demonstrate that the schools our children are being forced to attend aren’t working for enough students.  We need to change how the money flows so that parents can find the best school – public or private – for their child. 

Education woes bringing down our competitiveness

Take a look at the report from the Beacon Hill Institute that rates our state competitiveness at 42nd in the country.  It’s no surprise you will read that our educational system is cited as a primary reason for the ranking. As College of Charleston professor David Desplaces states in this article on the report, “We must address now the human resources and educational weaknesses to remain competitive to avoid chasing away companies that have made South Carolina their home.” 

So the question remains, how many more reports like these will it take for our leaders to realize it’s time to truly change the system so that every child has an opportunity to find the best education possible?

South Carolinians for Responsible Government
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Two primary dates’ confusion will extend through November

January 17, 2008
To the Editor:

The GOP’s move of the Republican primary date to Jan. 19 is causing and will continue to cause problems for the Democratic Primary, as the GOP admits, AND the General Election in November.

Had the Democrats followed suit to match the Jan. 19 date, the state could have lost all its delegates (like Michigan), disenfranchising an electorate that is half black. (If the GOP doesn’t know why blacks vote Democratic most of the time, this would be one good reason. The GOP doesn’t ignore blacks, it actively tries to keep blacks from electing anyone.)

On Jan. 19 and Jan. 26, voters may not know their correct polling location and be deterred from voting, but those who do vote this time may find the confusion continues in November when they return to the same poll only to be directed elsewhere.

No Americans should be discouraged from their right to vote, period. The GOP thinks otherwise. They admitted it in a story that ran on the Morning News’ front page Jan. 12. While the GOP espouses the problems of voter fraud, the party doesn’t mind disenfranchising voters.

In what will be a tight general election presidential race, the GOP has found another tool (besides caging lists and phone jamming) to discourage voters who might not vote their way.

The “spook” factor continued as Gov. Sanford made it clear in a Letter to the Editor in the Jan. 11 edition of the Morning News in a sideways but polite manner that South Carolina needs to make sure a black man doesn’t become president because of our state’s part in history.

Changing the primary date was unfair but cannot be changed now.

As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.” Now is the time to get the word out about how the GOP is manipulating the system for political gain.

Now is the time that readers should reach out to their neighbors who may have difficulty getting to the correct poll this election year and share their transportation.

Additionally, polling locations that are not open because of the GOP-induced budget issue should post large signs and maps directing voters to the correct polling location. The GOP should also help pay for an advertising campaign to let voters know where to go both now and in November.

Loren G. Rock Timmonsville, SC
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Local Family Gets a Miracle During the Holiday Season

January 10, 2008
To the Editor:

Our family was celebrating a birthday at Redbone Alley on November 27 when our father became woozy, turned bluish, and passed out.

What a miracle that four RNs (angels of mercy) were dining nearby and came to the rescue!

After lowering him to the floor, the cardiac nurse began to administer CPR, rousing him, and 911 was called.

We want to thank the four nurses, the promptness of 911 which arrived within four minutes, and the professionalism of restaurant owner Dale Barth and restaurant manager David Poland, who handled the crisis in a quiet, dignified manner.

When we arrived at the emergency room of McLeod Medical Center, our father received superior treatment, especially from Nurse Brayboy, who went beyond the call of duty in encouraging, ministering and reassuring not only the patient but also the entire family.

We were especially pleased to be allowed to remain with our father during the ordeal.

We thank all the medical professionals who ministered so well to our father during his five days at McLeod; the ER staff; the telemetry floor staff; the personnel of various testing departments; and Drs. Leng and Healy.

We thank God who provided medical expertise and TLC to meet our physical and emotional needs during our time of crisis.

The Kenneth Bryant Family, Darlington, SC
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In DUI Cases, the Punishment Should Fit the Crime

January 10, 2008
To the Editor:

As far as I think we have come, I am only reminded how much further we have to go. Our work is never complete and never reaches a plateau of, “We have arrived.” That was proven to me on Friday, December 21 while attending the hearing of Melissa Asko.

I have been involved in MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) for 17 years now, and I have seen a lot of changes take place not only within our organization, but within the judicial system, law enforcement, education, and public awareness.

We think we have come so far and done so much, only to be slapped in the face time and time again.

Our ultimate goal in this organization is to assist the victims of this violent crime, (though it is not categorized as such), stop drunk driving, and prevent underage drinking.

As I sat Friday morning in the courtroom on the 11th floor of the City-County Complex in Florence, I was reminded once again just how much work we continue to have to do.

Drunk driving is no longer a socially acceptable crime. For those of us that have fallen victim to this horrific crime, we know the true meaning and we are tired of it being treated as though it is a simple misdemeanor.

I sat through over two hours of victim after victim sharing their heart-torn stories of watching a car come charging at them, knowing there was nothing they could do, on the early morning of April 1, 2006.

The horror of losing two of your best friends while you are fighting for your life and wondering why you were spared, and suffering through numerous surgeries to bring life back to some form of normalcy, incurring debts that they will be paying for the rest of their lives because she was underinsured and chose on the night of April 1, 2006 to get in her car and leave Club 231 and drive to Shooters Lounge while under the influence of alcohol.

I listened as so many loved ones poured their hearts out, stating the facts of what they had been through, what they continue to go through even today, some 20 months after the fact.

I listened and cried with them while Melissa Asko sat watching. And yes, I listened while Melissa Asko read her statement to the court and to the families of all these people she had devastated. The only time Melissa Asko showed any emotion was when she apologized to her family, yes, to her family, for what she had put them through. No, not the families of all the people devastated by the actions she took on April 1, 2006.

It made me sick to think that someone could stand before these people and not feel what they felt, and then to have a judge sentence her to eight years. Is a life not worth more than eight years? What is the price of a life?

What was even more demeaning, he categorized the felony DUI deaths the same as the felony DUI/Great Bodily Injuries.

For those not understanding the sentencing that took place, Melissa Asko got eight years for killing two people and critically injuring three others. That’s about a year and a half for each person she killed or injured that night.

Yes, she was ordered to pay restitution, which I do hope SOVA will get behind and make sure they collect on this and yes, she is ordered to go speak about what she did.

I dare say that if someone had drove down an alley to purchase drugs and the deal had gone bad and two people were killed and three critically injured, we would probably be looking at a death penalty case, or if a gunman walked into Magnolia Mall and gunned down two innocent people, critically injuring others, we would be looking at a death penalty case.

Instead, a person can take a 3,000 pound car, go out drinking, all their choice, no one forcing them to do any of this, and drive into innocent people sitting at a table outside of an establishment, killing two people and crippling three others, and receive eight years!

So now what do we do? We go back to our homes, wondering the reasoning behind all of this. We will carry flowers and candles to the grave of our loved ones and tell them of the battle we fought and lost today, cherishing only the memories we have now.

While Melissa Asko serves her time, 85 percent of her sentence, her family can visit her, talk to her, write to her, touch her, tell her they love her and are supporting her. I pray she receives the help she needs while in the system and that those of us that think justice has been served will one day come to understand there is no justice when you are needlessly robbed of someone you love by a drunk driver when it all could have been prevented in the first place.

My heart goes out to each of these families that suffered another holiday without your loved ones. I understand your pain and grief and no, time will never heal your wounds, but you will get stronger each day.

May the blessings of God’s love meet your needs today, and may you be kept safe and never have to suffer such a tragedy again in your lifetime.

Donna Carter MADD Darlington County
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From the Mill Hill to Capitol Hill

January 10, 2008
To the Editor:

I expect that by now, most folks have already made up their minds as to who they want for our next president, and for the reason they will vote for that person. I don’t know why we don’t just go ahead and have the election and get it over with so we can start working on the next one.

Anyway, I have decided that Mr. John Edwards is my choice. I can see the headlines in newspapers all across America in bold letters: Mill Village Boy Moves to the White House! From the Mill Hill to Capitol Hill!

In this writer’s mind, Mr. Edwards is already a winner and not a single vote has been cast. How many boys, raised in a mill village, have ever been in the race for the office of the President of the United States? I don’t know of any other.

When I see on television that small mill house in Seneca, SC where Mr. Edwards lived when he was a baby, and hear him tell that story about how his daddy had to borrow the money to pay the hospital bill before bringing him home to it, I reflect upon my own beginning, and feel a closeness to the man. A sense of pride sweeps over me just to think of a mill village boy being in such a high position.

When I was a mill village boy, back in the 1920s and 30s, I heard it said all too often that all I could ever expect to be was just another “linthead,” who would spend all his life working at the cotton mill. Had it not been for the war that changed my direction and the direction of millions more, I might have lived up to that early prediction.

Now, when I see a used-to-be mill village boy debating with Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and others, it makes me feel as proud as a peacock in a barnyard! After all, Mr. Edwards is one of my kind, a mill village boy. And add to that, a South Carolina mill village boy!

Yes, in my mind, Mr. Edwards is already a winner even if he doesn’t get to live in the White House. Of course, I know everyone doesn’t feel the same as I, but everyone doesn’t know how far one has to go to get from a cotton mill village to where he already is.

I suppose everyone has his or her own reasons for choosing a President and I have stated mine. After all, I think my reason is as good as any other that I’ve heard!

Like I said, either way, Mr. Edwards is already a winner in my mind. See you at the voting booth.

Bill Shepard Piedmont, SC
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