GOP touts conservative vision

Behind all the huffing and puffing that make up politics and politicians, there's always a vision that propels a political movement.

For Democrats, it's the vision of justice for everyone, including the weak, even if it means raising taxes for more government programs.

For Republicans, it's keeping government out of the way so individuals can solve their own problems.

It's the latter vision that was heralded Saturday morning at a breakfast to raise money to help keep Republicans in office in Dorchester County, where Republicans already dominate.

"I don't think there's a more important time in world history to be involved in the conservative cause," Gov. Mark Sanford told about 350 people gathered under a tent at Wescott Plantation in North Charleston.

"For every challenge that comes our way, there are always two answers. One answer is to say, 'Just give me a little bit more power and authority and control, and I can take care of this problem for you.' There's another set of answers that says, 'No, the real answer lies in the individual and empowering the individual and maximizing the freedom of that individual so that they can solve that problem,' " Sanford said.

Elected officials, candidates and party loyalists came to support the vision, pay tribute to the men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and shake hands with Sanford.

Those who paid $100 got to have their pictures taken with him in the clubhouse. Those who gave $1,000 were made members of "the Governor's Escort Team," which meant walking with him from the clubhouse into the tent in front of everyone else.

In the center of this conservative affirmation were three wounded soldiers from the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Jackson in Columbia. They were being rehabilitated to go back to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We wanted to show that the Republican Party supports the military," Dorchester County Republican Party Chairman Arthur Bryngelson said.

They were invited by Jim Emery, a retired Air Force colonel and party leader. Folly Beach Public Safety Director Terry Boatwright, who is running for Dorchester sheriff, bought their tickets.

S.C. National Guard Spec. Paul Ernst sustained a serious head injury in Afghanistan when a mortar round hit near his vehicle in November 2003 while he was checking out a bridge. National Guard Spec. Brian Turner badly cut his left hand chopping firewood on Christmas Day in Afghanistan. Army Spec. Amanda Nelson of Texas tore out the ligaments in a knee when she fell 20 feet during basic training.

All three said they looked forward to getting back into the action.

"I didn't join the Army to be safe," Nelson said. "I joined the Army to serve my country."

Reach Dave Munday at dmunday@postandcourier.com or 745-5862.