Struggling with poverty
Area fights uphill battle against dwindling economy
The Post and Courier
Jeanner Moseley sits in her Broad Street home in Orangeburg where she struggles to pay $170 a month rent with her husband, Jake Moseley.
The Post and Courier
Latoya Conner (right) has been unemployed since July, when she would take a four-hour round-trip bus ride to Hilton Head Island to clean hotel rooms for $8 an hour. She quit the job after her mother died and hasn't been able to find work since.
Previous stories
To jobless, check not in the mail; Because of volume, recently unemployed waiting at least 6 weeks for first funds, published 09/26/08
Jobless payout: $10M a week; Worst unemployment rate in 15 years draining fund, published 09/20/08
ALLENDALE — The evening light faded in wisps of pink and purple as 16 weary workers stepped from a chrome-lined charter bus and shuffled over to a line of idling cars waiting to ferry them home.
Few among the group offered a wave or a nod of farewell to their fellow travelers. They'd be seeing each other again soon enough.
Each day at 4 a.m., a revolving cast of bleary-eyed workers, mostly women, gathers at this scrubby spot along U.S. Highway 278 to make a two-hour journey to Hilton Head Island, where they clean hotel rooms, cut lawns or wash dishes for high-end restaurants. With any luck, they return home by 7:30 p.m. and get a chance to kiss their kids goodnight before stealing in a few hours sleep and repeating the process all over again.
For many in Allendale, this grinding pilgrimage is a means of survival. Jobs and industries are scarce in this rural county of 11,000, which has the highest unemployment rate in South Carolina. Roughly 17 percent of the population is out of work, and nearly 35 percent live in poverty.
"There's nothing here. Everything's closed down," said Maude Fields, 55 and jobless. "I've lived here all my life. It's home. But we are all pushed up against the wall here."
Allendale is like the sickest patient in a ward of the gravely ill. The neighboring counties of Orangeburg, Bamberg and Barnwell also posted double-digit jobless rates last month to earn spots among the top 10 unemployment areas in South Carolina.
Round after round of layoffs in recent months has only added to the scarcity of jobs in a region that has struggled with poverty and despair for decades.
Just ask 46-year-old Jeanner Moseley, who lives with her husband, Jake, in a squat, cinderblock home they rent for $170 a month along a dirt road in Orangeburg. The tin roof leaks, chipped paint curls from the ceilings, gaping holes pock the walls and yellowed curtains hang in rags from greasy, paint-smeared windows. It's all the couple can afford on the $600 disability check Jake Moseley receives each month.
A mangled backbone prevents 66-year-old Jake from working. But Jeanner, who has high blood pressure and diabetes, keeps putting in applications, hoping she can land her first real job since being laid off as a housekeeper three years ago.
"They always say that they will call me and let me know if something comes up, but nothing ever does," she said.
Two projects in the planning stages in Orangeburg County could bring thousands of jobs and restore lost luster to the region. Jafza International plans to build an inland port and office complex on 1,300 acres here. And World Trade City Orangeburg LLC wants to build a massive business center and manufacturing plants on 1,200 acres.
Corey Pitts, the Orangeburg area director for the state Employment Security Commission, wants to see these projects succeed, but he knows any real benefit is years away. His more immediate concern is the 800 or more people who have been laid off in the area in the past few months. Hundreds show up at the commission's offices every day, desperately searching for new work. "It's just continually increasing," he said.
These are people like Ruby Lee Huggins, a 53-year-old widow and mother of four who was laid off two months ago after working 21 years for an outdoor products company. "I don't never stop looking," she said, folding her arms across her chest. "As long as I got my health, I'm going to work."
The ripple effects of this employment gap are felt among small businesses throughout the area. Hong Platt of Bamberg County can testify to that. She runs Poole's five-and-dime store in the tiny town of Denmark, where streets stood nearly empty on a recent afternoon.
Platt's store offers everything from clip-on neckties and sink strainers to fabrics and malted milkballs, but she hadn't rung up more than $10 in sales all morning. She stood behind the register, ironing a blouse, while she waited for customers. Doing clothing alternations on the side helps her stay afloat.
"It's a ghost town around here," she said. "No one has any money to spend."
Times weren't always this bad. The town of Allendale, just three square miles wide, once boasted dozens of motels, restaurants and mom-and-pop shops that catered to the ebb and flow of Florida-bound tourists along U.S. Highway 301. The road threaded through Orangeburg, Bamberg and Allendale counties like a ribbon of prosperity.
Then came Interstate 95, about 35 miles away, which siphoned off thousands of travelers almost overnight. Many of the old motels, diners and gas stations on U.S. 301 now sit empty and in disrepair, the skeletal remains of their signs jutting up from the tall grass and weeds The road now seems like a worn belt, binding the region in poverty.
"This used to be a place you were proud to be from," said Glen Kinard, an Allendale native who owns Southern Fried Chicken along U.S. 301. "It's a bit depressing to see it go south and end up like this."
He's stuck with the town, but so many others have left. Of the 70 people Kinard graduated with in 1967, only about a dozen remain in Allendale County.
It's not hard to see why. Boarded up and empty buildings line Allendale's downtown area. The town's median income of $16,632 is less than half the state average. The county's teen pregnancy rate leads the state while its schools are among the worst in South Carolina.
To be sure, glimmers of hope appear on occasion. Some new businesses have popped up downtown, and Grant Forest Products has invested some $300 million in its Allendale County facility, bringing more than 120 jobs to the area. But the help wanted section in the weekly newspaper last week was telling — just one entry-level job was listed.
At age 25, Alex Moore is too young to remember Allendale's glory days. But he's trying to hang on here and raise a family after losing his job at a wood flooring mill in a recent layoff. As he spoke with a state employment counselor last week, his prospects for new work didn't look good.
"How much you willing to work for?" the man asked him.
"Ten dollars an hour," Moore replied hopefully.
The man shook his head. "Not gonna happen. You only made $7.70 at your last job."
"Then I'll take that, whatever you can do," Moore replied.
Nearby, Moore's 16-month-old daughter squirmed in her mother's lap, growing impatient with the wait. Her mother gently kissed the top of her head. "It's OK, baby. We might have to move soon if no job comes along."
Eddie Dath, a 50-year-old construction worker, already has decided to go, just as soon as his wife finishes her nursing degree in two years. He's had enough of driving 50 miles or more to work while waiting for things in Allendale to pick up.
"I just want to get the hell out," Dath said, while nursing a cold can of Bud in the Lobster House bar. "There's nothing for anyone to do here but grow old and die."
DeWayne Ennis, Allendale's town administrator, has heard the gripes, but he refuses to give up. The town has pulled in more than $4 million in grants in recent years to create a master plan, spruce up downtown and complete other projects. The University of South Carolina's Salkehatchie campus, once in danger of being shuttered, is now adding sports programs and other services.
If people can just stay the course, Allendale might blossom again, bringing growth and jobs, Ennis said.
"One key thing we have here is we definitely, definitely have faith," he said.
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Comments
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
Just where is our goverment when you need it????
September 28, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodkarmasc (anonymous) says...
It's WAY past time for FDR's CCC or WPA programs to be revamped and restarted. Rebuilding our infrastructure while providing jobs, training, support services, etc would go a long way to help ailing towns like Allendale, Johnsonville, and even Charleston.
700 Billion spent to bail out Wall Street, another trillion or so to bail out Iraq....isn't it about time we started putting working American's first again?
September 28, 2008 at 5:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
I guess after reading this story one can look at adversity as something to overcome or like the first poster "Where's the government".
Coming from poverty and never ever wanting to go back, I made a decision along with my brothers to get out of poverty. To get from where I was then to where I'm at today is not all that hard to figure out. One has to ask: what do I have to do, what knowledge do I need to know and where do I go to succeed in life.
I guess this is the reason why liberals hate me. They prefer to see me in poverty and dependant on the government, it makes them feel good.
September 28, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lemonhead (anonymous) says...
this town really needs some help...they should help these people instead of sending money to other countries
September 28, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
We can NOT put working Americans first - treasonist and cowardly employers are putting illegals first!
September 28, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
..... and, McCain as well as Obama want to give them AMNESTY!
September 28, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
so that you can continue being unemployed!
September 28, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Native....
You got a point, I didn't have to compete against illegal aliens.
September 28, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
I'm amazed at the "katrina" like attitudes in these post this morning. I agree the gove should be putting people first but its not the fed gov's job to find you work just as it is not the fed gov's job to bail out wallstreet. And yes I'm an outspoken advocate to deport illegals! Riptide was right on about the liberals likeyou in poverty, thats their voting bloc.
==but== HOW ABOUT MOVE IF THERE ARE NO JOBS IN YOUR AREA! THERE HAVE BEEN NO JOBS IN THESE AREAS FOREVER! THESE ARE SOME OF THE POOREST COUNTIES IN THE STATE. THE GOVERNMENT HAS NEVER GIVEN ME A JOB.
September 28, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Spank:
I'm glad I grew up in an era where if you had to overcome adversity it was up to that individual not the government. If I subscribed to your belief, I still be in poverty today.
September 28, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngirl45 (anonymous) says...
What a heart wrenching story! I used to go to Allendale on buisness once or twice a weeek.It was a beautiful little town with lots of nice places to eat lunch,people were very friendly,and it was a clean town.I would like to know more about the couple featured.Where is the "slum lord" that won't fix the leak? There are renters laws I would like to share with them.It is the obligation of the landlord to maintain structure issues and keep the property up.There was a time when if an article appeared in the newspaper like this people would get together and help others.What a sad world we live in.
September 28, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ironhorse (anonymous) says...
I have to defend spanker for once.
He's writing from prison and his cellmate is tea-bagging him.
I don't know, and I don't want to know how difficult it must be to type with balz obstructing a view of the keyboard.
September 28, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
It this Meeks still in office. I think his own video needs to be sent to help. How about Walters and the rest.
September 28, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
No it seems none of can refute the turth that is post. They come back with the same old recycled crap. No facts on anything.
September 28, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
Now that is how you win an debate PROLETARIAT!
That was like Gingrich beating up Colmes.
You Republicans using those dam facts.
Hey PRO, read Dick Morris's(former B Clinton advisor) books Fleeced and Outrage. I think he warned us about this and the medical/drug companies.
September 28, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Spank:
In your own words, you can't wait for the depression. Something about seeing misery and ushering in a new form of misery whether it's liberalism, socialism, communism or any other form of ism doesn't make sense to me and why some people subscribe to that line of thinking is still a mystery to me. Government is not the answer and never will be. The role of government must play a very limited role in people's lives. I believe in "Look, I made it. You can make it too." We all have to play with the hand that was dealt to us in this game of life. To overcome adversity will make you a better person. To realize success you must understand failure. The two go hand in hand in life.
September 28, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
I feel just saying "move" is far too simplistic. You need cash to move, you need to find a place to live and a job in order to pay the rent.
Should moving be on the planning board for many of these people? Yes, but it takes time and resources. The ESC can assist by providing computers for those who wish to find work outside of the areas. However as with the widow with 4 children, she wants to work, has always worked but does she have the resources to pack up 4 kids to find a place 2 or even 3 counties away where there may be housekeeping jobs? Even if she just looks for a 2-bedroom apartment or trailer she will have to come up with a deposit for the rent & utilities.
Do I advocate the arbitrary use of govt. and/or tax $s to subsidize the lives of people out of work? NO! But I also see an opportunity for our govt. to make it easier for corporations to WANT to develop in areas such as Allendale and Orangeburg by REVAMPING THE TAX CODE AND OFFERING INCENTIVES SUCH AS PAYING FOR INDUSTRY SPECIFIC JOB TRAINING IN ORDER TO UTILIZE THE LEGAL US CITIZENS THAT ARE CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED.
As much as I advocate the 'PULL YOURSELF UP BY YOUR BOOTSTRAPS' mantra, sometimes there is a situation whereby that is just too simplistic.
And for the poster who claims that charity and family should be the ONLY resource for sick and disabled people, I would have to disagree. The Coastal Center is a govt.-funded facility in Ladson where mentally & physically disabled people are cared for. Though I'm sure there are a few patients whose families just gave up because they just didn't want to deal with it, 90% of those housed there had no place to go. Their families especially parents grew too old to care for them. And if the 'churches' are to help them where are they? Are you so naÃive to believe that churches are just going to step in and care for people from birth to death those who cannot care for themselves? This isn't the 20s and 30s. There are 300 million people in the US and there aren't enough charities, churches to care for the hundreds of thousands of mentally retarded or severely physically impaired whose parents are now too old or sick to properly care for them.
At least I'm HONEST enough to admit that I'm not going to bring these people into my home and use my time and resources to care for them. WILL YOU DO IT? If not then stop being disingenuous by demanding that your tax $s shouldn't be used to do so.
September 28, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Allendale is little bit of the third world right here in SC. I do not know about you, but I think it is tragic that this is the case but I doubt it will change. It is a place that businesses and professionals try to avoid like the plague. Education there is also third world, but where is the money or incentive to live there? I only way it will change is if a gulf of jobs comes to the area and I guarantee it will not come from private enterprise.
September 28, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
STREETLAW (anonymous) says...
It is not the number of people out of work that is the issue. It is the number of people out of work because illegal trespassers are scabbing their jobs. I cannot help but notice the influx of Spanish speaking people working at local businesses, and some are actually here legally. But those who are not and are displacing mostly minority works are making the unemployment figure higher than they should be.
As other states crack down on illegals, they are going to flock to areas where they are tolerated. SC needs to send them packing and the numbers will come down.
September 28, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
I've been through Allendale many, many times over the last 20 or so years, and there has never been anything there...I think the last thing to be built there was a prison, and that's what put it on the map. My father was born there, 65 years ago, but lived there only a short time before moving to the Charleston area. There was nothing there then, and there never will be, as far as I'm concerned. There are some beautiful homes, probably built by people in the agricultural community, but times have changed, and Allendale will go the way of the lost colony.
September 28, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cassique (anonymous) says...
Southerngirl45 says: "Where is the "slum lord" that won't fix the leak?"
Did you not read that the house fetches a whopping $170/month for rent? After the mortgage, taxes, and insurance are paid, I seriously doubt there's a pile of money left over for repairs. If the landlord replaces that roof, the rent will have to go up and the folks living there now will be looking for a new place to live.
September 28, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Poverty is going to be with us until the end of time. We can alleviate most of it in our approach to the problem but to end it:I seriously doubt it. People born in poverty have a choice to make, they can either accept their fate or take matters in their own in hands and take the initiative to make a move out of their situation. Focus on what it takes to succeed. Education, skills, attitude, matters, proper attire, etc. Once you acquire a job or business opportunity study the skills of managing money and know the value of a dollar. Live within your means, open a checking account and a savings accounts. Learn to manage your accounts and balance your checkbook ledger. Pay yourself 10% and invest that money. Once you're a head of the game, study what it takes to grow that nest egg. Study the markets and make some prudent investments for long term growth. Protect yourself from the market swings in real estate, the stock market or the bond market by diversifying your investments. Index funds are good sound investments for long term growth. This country has a lot of opportunities, more than any other country in the world. If this high school drop out can do it then anybody can if they only apply themselves.
There was an article in Kiplinger's magazine about a man in his 70s that lived in New Jersey that donated over 2 million dollars but never made an hourly wage of more than 13 dollars an hour. No doubt he had a fugal and boring life but he did acquire a lot wealth in his lifetime.
September 28, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CMLMADDOG (anonymous) says...
Every Election Day I get excited.
I think to myself, "Today is the day that we Americans can speak and be heard. We can vote out every single politician that has done us wrong and start anew."
Then I see that Senator Graham wins with 70% of the vote, and I get flustered.
People, please, go vote and change the way things are currently done. The people we are voting into office (mostly) aren't representing us.
Please don't complain if you don't vote or if you continue to vote for idiot politicians who aren't held accountable.
Love you!
September 28, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CMLMADDOG (anonymous) says...
BTW, I wish my rent was $170!
Yes, I said "rent" because I realize I cannot afford to buy a house, so I rent.
Gee, if I knew the Great & All-Knowing Gov't was going to bail me out, I'd have closed on a place in I'on!
September 28, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
"Spanker ass" I'm not participating in your recession, depression, jail cell! Lets recap whos fault it is that our banking, finance and housing markets are in trouble. Try to stay with me here, but your man "Obamamesiah", Chris Dodgethebullet" Dodd recieved more money from fannie mae and mack than ANY US SENATOR? All while rebutting lobbist and blaming republicans. While I believe that both parties are to I blame (and i don't drink the coolaide you drink) I also know that your guy has blood on his hands, and a lot of it...
September 28, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
DTM_Bro:
Well do you feel better calling me a racist? Look at the government programs and what the war on poverty have done to the black community after 40 years. This country has spent over 6 trillion dollars. We still have the same percentage of people in poverty we had 40 years ago. The black community are worst off today than they were 40 years ago. Grant you there are some that make a pretty good living managing the liberal plantation but how they sleep at night or look themselves in the mirror is beyond me. The fact remains, liberalism like it's cousin socialism and communism are failures. But what amazes me is how liberals can spent so much of our money with little or no results to show for and yet still ask for more money to solve a problem they have no intentions of solving, it must be for their careers. Have good night Bro.
September 28, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
STREETLAW (anonymous) says...
So here's the deal. Anyone who will work every day for something like 8 hours is guaranteed a decent wage and a decent place to live.
People at the bottom make society run for the rest. They deserve to be treated fairly. This may require some "sacrifice" at the top, but do CEO's really need all that money?
I don't believe in socialism, but capitalism that sucks the soul dry can hardly be condoned.
September 28, 2008 at 8 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkhaynes (anonymous) says...
DTMB -
Keep the faith.
Proletariat - I watched the video, I read the articles... I'm not saying that they're all just right-wing propaganda, but the video (which is cut-and-paste clips of other video with text references that may or may not reflect the reality of what was going on) shows Raines as Obama's economic adviser, and one of the articles says that he is one of his advisers. If you google Raines Adviser, the first hit is a story from the Washington Post - which, I'm sure, you'll react to as MSM libbies, but in any case it's more legitimate than the links you posted - Raines has never advised Obama on anything.
I'm just glad that I live in VA now, and can actually hope to make a difference in this election. I wish that people would actually pay attention to what's going on and listen to what the candidates are saying.
This story shouldn't have ended up as left vs. right - when did that start? That everything is about left or right, and not just about what's the right thing to do? It's sad that we can't work together to solve a problem because we're too caught up in trying to assume what our "opposites" believe and saying "that's the wrong answer." Just because I'm a Democrat and will vote Democrat does not mean that I agree with what welfare has done to this country and the black community. I do believe that taking care of the members of our community helps all of us in the end, but I think that the system needs help.
September 28, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WSM (anonymous) says...
What I read in the article:
"AREAS THAT NEVER CONSIDERED EDUCATION AND INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY IMPORTANT, AND HAVE BEEN ECONOMIC BOTTOMLESS PITS FOR YEARS, HAVE PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY."
What I read from some of the posters below:
"KING BUSH AND HIS REPUBLICAN, BIBLE TOTING, GUN OWNING BOURGOISE CAUSE LITTLE BLACK CHILDREN TO STARVE IN ALLENDALE, SO THEY CAN GET THE PARENTS TO SELL THEM THEIR SKINS IN ORDER TO MAKE LOW COST LAMPSHADES AT WAL MART!"
I sometimes wonder how many people are high when they are posting here?
Reality 101: I've more than done business in Alendale, and have plenty of contacts there. It has always been dead, it has been a place where the people shun education, call trying to "better onself" the "white man's game," oh...by the way, has been a Democratic stronghold for well over 80 years.
How badly do these people think of an education? Food for thought- Allendale is the only county where the State of SC had to take over the public school system because it was so bad. Now, let's remember that the State of SC is what? 48 or 49 out of 50 this year? That should be sobering enough.
Bottom line: If you are a functional illiterate, if you choose to enslave yourself to a governmental master, expect NOTHING to change for the better. The fact that people can't DO the work modern manufacturing requires might be the reason that there are no plants lining up to do business in Allendale!
September 28, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
mkhaynes...
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge-and more.
Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country.
The above are parts of a speech given by John F. Kennedy. He was the last democrat to serve as president. I was once a democrat until guys like DontTaseMe_Bro took over the democrat party. The Vietnam Veterans coming back from South Vietnam were greeted by anti-war protesters waving the Viet-Cong and NVA flags from colleges campus through out this country. The democrat party change at the end of the sixties and this country hasn't been right since. The good friend of Barack Obama Bill Ayers was a member of the Weather Underground, a Marxist terrorist organization from those days. The left in this country has a lot of admiration for Bill Ayers and what he stands for. That is the democratic party today.
But to DTM_Bro and guys like him I'm a racist and he thinks he can control the debate by calling me a racist. That stuff doesn't work. They have a lot contempt for me because I don't agree with his viewpoints or where he and his ink is taking this country to. If you're with him, what can I say, it's a partnership made in Hell.
September 28, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cha4vr (anonymous) says...
Having grew up in Allendale I thank God I actually got out of there, went to college, and did something with my life. When I graduated everyone had the same opportunity that I did. I came from poor parents--I used student loans, working two jobs, and good grades to get me through college. Was it easy? NO! You have to have the desire to make life better for yourself. I didn't get pregnant in high school, be on my third child by the time I was 18, and expect the goverment to take care of me. Was that a possibility? Of course it was--in fact it seemed to be the trend back then and maybe even today? I still travel there maybe once a year making sure to stay clear of Flat street where one could be sure to witness Allendale's number one industry--drug sales. There are lots of 20 inch rims and Cadillac Escalades in Allendale, although with the poor economy this news story just doesn't seem to fit that lifestyle. Perhaps before we ask what the government can do for Allendale, maybe we should be asking what the citizens can do for themselves. Clean up their acts and for heaven's sake try to make a better life for themselves than always depending on someone else to do it for them. Perhaps if Allendale didn't have such a negative stigma attached to it then maybe more jobs would come into the area. They definately have enough land. I suspect companies don't want to have to worry about people stealing their equiptment continously or selling drugs on their property. I hope this gives some of you a little more perspective on this area. Is is unfortuntate? Absolutely for the few people there that are stuck through no fault of their own and through age or true disability cannot help the situation they are in.
September 28, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MCornerGirl (anonymous) says...
Posted by cha4vr on September 28, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Having grew up in Allendale I thank God I actually got out of there, went to college, and did something with my life. When I graduated everyone had the same opportunity that I did. I came from poor parents--I used student loans, working two jobs, and good grades to get me through college. Was it easy? NO! You have to have the desire to make life better for yourself. I didn't get pregnant in high school, be on my third child by the time I was 18, and expect the goverment to take care of me. Was that a possibility? Of course it was--in fact it seemed to be the trend back then and maybe even today? I still travel there maybe once a year making sure to stay clear of Flat street where one could be sure to witness Allendale's number one industry--drug sales. There are lots of 20 inch rims and Cadillac Escalades in Allendale, although with the poor economy this news story just doesn't seem to fit that lifestyle. Perhaps before we ask what the government can do for Allendale, maybe we should be asking what the citizens can do for themselves. Clean up their acts and for heaven's sake try to make a better life for themselves than always depending on someone else to do it for them. Perhaps if Allendale didn't have such a negative stigma attached to it then maybe more jobs would come into the area. They definately have enough land. I suspect companies don't want to have to worry about people stealing their equiptment continously or selling drugs on their property. I hope this gives some of you a little more perspective on this area. Is is unfortuntate? Absolutely for the few people there that are stuck through no fault of their own and through age or true disability cannot help the situation they are in.
FINALLY! A post worth reading with some very good ideas and suggestions for the people in Allendale, and well, everywhere! It seems people these days are willing to settle for so little, and not want to put any initiative into anything! I'm not naive, I know just from hard work I will not become a millionaire, but at least I know I will be able to pay my bills everymonth. Thank you cha4vr, that was a great post.
September 29, 2008 at 2:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cha4vr (anonymous) says...
Thanks....I couldn't pass up the opportunity!
September 29, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
I've been to Allendale a long time ago when I was at the Univ of S Carolina and they had a big cookout at the Allendale campus. The town looks very depressing and you can see the despair all around you. What I don't understand is why some of these people stay there. I know that moving costs money and all, but Columbia is closer to Allendale than Hilton Head. Why not try to find employment in Columbia? Or Walterboro? Walterboro has a stronger economy because it's so close to I-95.
September 29, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkhaynes (anonymous) says...
Riptide,
I understand what you're saying. I don't know why DTMB called you a racist, I see nothing in any of your posts that even resembles racism.
I disagree about the black community being worse off than they were 40 years ago - 40 years ago, segregation was still going strong in some corners of this country.
I could probably vote Republican, if I wasn't more afraid of this country turning into a theocracy than I am of voting for Obama and what will happen then. I believe that he is the kind of person who wants people to stand up for themselves and has a real understanding of how to change the government so that instead of keeping the black community impoverished (primarily intellectually), the black community can finally be on equal ground.
There are people like DTMB on both sides, and what really needs to happen is that people who are more in the center and more level-headed, need to have the discussion. But nobody pays attention to anyone unless they're screaming slurs and spewing hate.
September 29, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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