TUESDAY: Sanford letter seeks to pay school debt

KidYendor (anonymous) says...

Sanford is the man. Barry Obama and Jimmy Clyburn need to call off the attack dogs. Bailouts and stimulus packages are unpopular with American Americans and we realize the damage they will do to the incomes of our children and the danger they do by turning up the heat on socialism. We support Sanford! Call off the rottweilers and the pit bulls of the Democrat Party!

March 17, 2009 at 1:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seneca264 (anonymous) says...

Kudos to Sanford for not caving in to the illegal usurper Hussein Obama's vision for the new Neo Marxist America. It is refreshing to see Sanford stand on his own principles and exhibit a high degree of moral backbone. It does not matter if Hussein cedes to, or denies Sanford's request.....Sanford still wins.

March 17, 2009 at 2:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justjerry (anonymous) says...

If only our President and Congress people were brave enough to stand up for fiscal responsibility like Sanford we would be in much better shape getting through this down cycle.

March 17, 2009 at 2:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justjerry (anonymous) says...

blue_eyes it appears that you are the racist. No one so far in this thread mentioned anything about race except you. Socialism is not a race (except to mediocrity) but our president and my congressman both happen to be socialists that will not stand up and say so. The efforts of these two and all of their cohorts will bankrupt this country and it's states for decades to come. How anyone could vote for any of these people who have spent and over-regulated this country into the dump, plenty of bad ones on both sides, is beyond me.

Sanford is making a simple and logical point that the Democratic party will never understand. You cannot borrow money when you are broke and expect things to get better. To accurately rewrite Carville's mantra, 'it's the spending stupid.'

If the state house, which is controlled by Sanford's own party, would have quit trying to stonewall every effort to stabilize and build this state by our governor we would be miles ahead of where we are now. All the folks from your point of view want to do is throw more money at problems. Well it's NOT YOUR MONEY.

I would rather suffer without the stimulus funds now and not have to support all of the extra and unnecessary programs that are not going away down the road with economically crippling taxes. I am not rich but one of these days through hard work I aspire to get closer and closer. Keep raising our taxes and redistributing the earnings of others and none of us will ever get there.

I sincerely hope that someone will pick up the mantle of Dr Paul in the next few years and get this country back on the right track so that ALL can aspire to greatness.

March 17, 2009 at 4:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

pithy (anonymous) says...

blue eyes writes: "Even if by some miracle Sanford gained attention for the 2012 presidential race what sort of qualifications is he going to point to?"

Perhaps the same qualifications the man currently holding a space in the White House did when he was elected?

March 17, 2009 at 5 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jifdeng3 (anonymous) says...

Over regulation? It was the deregulation of banking and other industries that mainlined them toward failure. Capitalism cannot exist without regulation becuse what is happening now. Greed trumps any kind of responsible actions. Greed is what is driving these bonuses, greed has caused the airline industry CEO's to use the employees as an ATM and suck the life out of that industry. How can any of you "republicans" get so fired up abour Obamas spending when 700 billion was spent by the previous administration. Lets not foget that fact. Not to mention that money went to private banks and coporations and not to the true wellfare of the vast majority of americans. Typical hipocracy from the right side of the table. Bush managed to grow government and spending right along with the best of the dems. Look at all sides of the picture!

March 17, 2009 at 5:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

moonpie (anonymous) says...

Yeah "puke eyes" ALIAS JI, continue to drink the coolaide do you? Remember just because someone doesn't agree with President Obamaessiah doesn't make them a racist. I know thats the norm when you have no other argument. I think he is using the economic situation in the country to adavance his socialist views, No matter if he is green! And yes Sanford is playing politics but isn't that what politicians do? He is truely an old Reagon Republican so he does seem odd these days. But his was the mantra of the old winning Republican party. They must get back to that after this second coming of Jimmy Carter is over!

March 17, 2009 at 6:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justmyview (anonymous) says...

Sanford seems like a decent man, but as a governor his tenure thus far has been mediocre. Sanford appeals primarily to the extreme right of the Republican party. Many in this forum hail Sanford for his "common sense" approach to fiscal issues. Has six years of the governor's leadership improved our economic and education standing in the nation? The answer that the Sanford fans will give is that he cannot get the republican controlled General Assembly to explicitly follow his directions. Sanford is a one trick pony who has shown no real vision for leading SC out of the basement. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" Proverbs 29:18.

March 17, 2009 at 6:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justjerry (anonymous) says...

First of all, I am not a Republican although I tend to believe in their fiscally responsible rhetoric - which they have done a poor job of practicing - more than the socialization rhetoric of the Democratic side.

Over regulation is bad. Forcing banks to lend to people who did not qualify for loans (the Community Reinvestment Act) and the crippling effects of Enron knee jerk Sarbanes Oxley Act has caused more problems for this economy than any deregulation could. The quasi regulated airline industry with its government bailout business model is not a great example to prove a point in favor of regulating business.

I agree that Bush did poorly by not vetoing every bad budget that spent too much. His tax cuts grew revenue to the government the first seven years but spending grew twice as fast. He should have ignored the folks in the Republican Congress early when they wanted to spend too much and should have ignored the Democratic Congress when they wanted to spend even more.

The thought of letting one of the least efficient management systems manage (regulate) entities that survive only through increased efficiency is completely illogical. The TARP bill (supported more heavily by the left than the right) is a perfect example.

Us folks who are getting fired up about all of this spending are upset because we cannot afford it. Obama, Pelosi and Reid have created a larger deficit in their first 50 days in office than the last eight years combined. What got us as a nation into trouble was spending beyond our means, now we are spending beyond every other nations means.

Democrat, Republican, Liberterian, Green or whatever should be disgusted at what this government is doing, even more so that anything that Bush did. The damage that Bush allowed to happen to this economy by not fighting for fiscally conservative principles is evident but there is no sense in prolonging it for another 10 years with a crippling debt. The saddest thing is that Bush will get all of the blame for his and Obama's first couple of years of deficits when the actual blame should go to the Congress. They are, after all, the ones who control the purse strings.

March 17, 2009 at 6:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justjerry (anonymous) says...

I love it when the race card gets thrown out. Disagreeing with someone's policy beliefs does not make them racist. I think that it is great that we have a person of color in the highest office, the glass ceiling has now been shattered. We can now concentrate affirmative action programs on helping people based on economics and environment rather than on their race.

March 17, 2009 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

What Obama is doing is NOT a solution to this situation. In actuality he is ignoring it and just putting a bandaid on a severe gushing wound.

Taking this money has numerous strings attached to it. The money is only there for 2 years, that's it. Obama is just buying time, not helping the economy back. Now you go on and hire and spend, and spend and then the money is gone. The only way to keep up with what the Governor was mandated to spend after 2 years is raise your taxes. So basically, you will be enjoying the fruits of this so called stimulus for 2 yrs. and that's it.

Do you think that the higher taxes on small business is going to help create jobs? Do you believe that the higher taxes on families making $250,000 is going to leave them with that extra money to travel and vacation at the beaches? Those folks making that kind of money are not rich, they are a teacher married to a salesman. Those are the people that come to SC to vacation at Folly, or IOP, they then go out to dinner, etc. You can kiss those folks goodbye as well. All things are relative, yes take that money, but don't be surprised that it comes back to bite you in the butt, because the only way to keep that money coming in is for all the rest of us to spend ours, which is not likely between job losses and higher taxes.

March 17, 2009 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

Blue_Eyes, the policies that have brought down this country have all started with Democrats. First and fore most with Franklin Roosevelt with his New Deal and then Lyndon Johnson's great War on Poverty. Both inserted the Federal Government into peoples personal lives. And before you start with how wonderful Roosevelt was, do some research, you know real research, not the revisionist history that is fed to us time and time again.

March 17, 2009 at 7:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

captivated (anonymous) says...

MizAmerica-You said "In actuality he is ignoring it and just putting a bandage on a severe gushing wound". So, you think he should let the severe gushing wound keep on gushing? Do you have a better solution? Just curious.

March 17, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

WhatMeWorry (anonymous) says...

Given Sanford's ability to govern this state using South Carolina's rankings in education, health care, unemployment, etcetera as a barometer, perhaps the best way to utilize his decision-making abilities would be to let him decide on a course, then legislate in the opposite direction.

Then perhaps we would climb out of the bottom of the barrel and compete with other states in categories other than friendliness, weather and access to beaches.

March 17, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joldham (anonymous) says...

IT'S EASY TO STAND OUTSIDE AND JUDGE PEOPLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS WHEN WE DON'T HAVE ALL THE FACTS. WE NEED TO STAND UP FOR WHAT WE FEEL IS RIGHT AND NOT GIVE INTO THE GREED OF THE MANY. WE CAN SLAM GOVENOR SANFORD FOR WHAT HE IS DOING BECAUSE ALL WE SEE IS MONEY THAT WE MAY NOT GET. WELL WHEN YOU GET A CREDIT CARD AND SPEND LOTS OF MONEY OFF IT WE SOMETIMES FORGET THAT WE HAVE TO PAY IT BACK. IF SANFORD WANTS TO COMPROMISE WITH HIS CRITICS ON THIS THEN DO LIKE HIS OTHER BILLS THAT HE SEES AND DO A LINE ITEM VETO. KEEP WHAT WE CAN USE TO REBUILD SCHOOLS, ROADS, ETC.. SEND THE REST BACK AND TELL THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE AMOUNT WE RECEIVE AND USE IS ALL WE ARE GOING TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IF REPAYMENT IS REQUIRED.

March 17, 2009 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Get_seriousHELP (anonymous) says...

Why do any of you respond to blu_I_JimQ? He is a miserable troll and hate filled bigot. A race baiter and a malcontent.

obama is forcing this on states to gain even more control.

O'bama is nothing more than a puppet of George Soros, and a simple text book marxist.

I hope that his policies fail and that this nation turns from the selfish agenda of spending other peoples money.

Go Sanford! Stand Strong against the masses of the bitter leftists!

March 17, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cwmcpa (anonymous) says...

Racist,
according to blue-eyes calling someone by their name is racist, disagreeing with someones policies is racist, A black man is automatically superior to everyone in South Carolina, everyone in south carolina is dumb and racist.
No proof just accusations, nothing to support this just the ability to type. Typical democrat, a coward that becomes a cowboy when they get behind a key board and choose to name call instead of providing anything intelligent for debate. Blue-eyes is typical with this bunch, they know they are morally and intellectually inferior to a toad, but will call you an offensive name because it makes them feel better.

March 17, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joldham (anonymous) says...

THIS BLUE EYES CHARACTER IS A REAL GEM ISN'T HE???
ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOU CAN GO SOMEWHERE ELSE IF YOU THINK WE ARE SO STUPID IN THIS STATE. THAT ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE THE WAY IT IS WITH SOME PEOPLE. THEY ARE NEVER HAPPY ANYWHERE THEY GO BUT THEY ALWAYS WANT TO TELL EVERYONE ELSE HOW STUPID THE THING THEY DO ARE OR JUST HOW STUPID IN GENERAL THEY ARE. SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE NEEDS A HUG, DOESN'T IT????

March 17, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

A better solution would be to quit funding welfare for eternity. You need a helping hand, fine, but you must do something to get it, like attend school, get job training, anything but sitting on your butt waiting at the mailbox. Where in the Constitution does it say that the Federal Government is supposed to support things like ACORN, LaRaza, Planned Parenthood? You want jobs back in this country? Lower the corporate tax rate, look at what Ireland did. You complain about offshoring, why is that? Believe it or not an entrepreneur who starts a business does not owe you or me a job, it is his business. If he decided to make his business public, his first responsibility is to his shareholders who put money into his company, they are looking for a return. Yes, a few of the big banks screwed up, but there are millions of other businesses playing by the rules. Instead of propping up bad business, everyone is going to pay the price now. And as for this nonsense of trickle up economics, give me a break. We have let the democrats demonize businesses and y'all have bought into hook line and sinker. That person who started that small business in his house and grew it, provided jobs, and his business needed supplies which then grew the company for the guy who made the supplies and so on. When was the last time you went to a homeless person and asked for a job? Yes and lets tax and demonize those evil rich, you know the ones that make $250,000 a year, the ones that because they could afford it hire a landscaper, do remodels on their homes, to out to dinner once a week, get their hair done at salons, pay for lessons for their children, have parties catered, etc. Oh and lets look at that cap and trade punishment for those evil companies, do you think they are actually going to take a cut in profit? No you and I will be paying higher costs to absorb it.

March 17, 2009 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

IHATEINBEV (anonymous) says...

I FULLY SUPPORT MARK SANFORD'S EFFORTS. HE IS DOING WHAT IS RIGHT.

YOU CAN'T BLAME SANFORD FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS IN THE STATE. HE IS DOING THE BEST HE CAN TO DO WHAT IS ACTUALLY BEST FOR OUR STATE, EVEN WITH NO HELP FROM THE POLITICIANS. YOU SIMPLY CANNOT GIVE EVERY VOTER EVERYTHING HE WANTS. THIS IS STILL AMERICA AND WE ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO WANT US TO. YOU SAY SOUTH CAROLINA HAS A BAD SCHOOL SYSTEM. MAYBE THE MAJORITY OF THE KIDS IN PUBLIC SCHOOL DON'T CARE ABOUT IT. MAYBE ALL THE GOOD STUDENTS ARE IN PRIVATE SCHOOL, WHERE THERE IS ACTUALLY STILL AN ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES LEARNING.

March 17, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

theronce (anonymous) says...

blue_eyes, you consistently tell only part of the truth when you point out this state's standings. Granted, debatably true, the state's standings in most things that I see in the paper is poor and has been poor under the reps. However, that is not new, the reps inherited that same position after the dems had run this state for about 100 years. That does highlight what I think is part of the real problem with the parties in SC. The reps are really dem-lites. They've kept the antiquated strong-legislature form of government which by its nature cannot adequately respond to the faster pace of today. The legislature individually owe too much to too many to make quick effective real change whether reps or dems.

March 17, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kreader (anonymous) says...

I don't think the 'stimulus' will do much at all. I voted for Obama but am shocked at the fiscal irresponsibility we're seeing. I always seem to side with Sanford on the issues.

Why not pay down our debt? I am doing it in my household, and it's causing us to tighten our belt for the good of our long-term financial future.

We can't keep throwing money at the problem. Yes, we're in for a tough period. Let's make sure the less fortunate are taken care of, but keep America sound for the long-term future.

March 17, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

Everyone is so up in arms about Public Schools, well thank Old Jimmy Carter for that. A huge bureaucracy where most of the people working for it have nothing to do with education. Then lets look a the fact that parents nowadays consider school a free babysitting service. I believe you will find that in the worst performing schools around the country there is virtually NO parental support. We have horrible teachers teaching thanks to the NEA. Teachers spend a tremendous amount of time dealing with behavioral issues because reprimanding a child or instilling any sort of discipline brings lawsuits. The teachers are now responsible for teaching manners and character issues because parents are too lazy to teach them at home. Education and the attitude towards it is TAUGHT AT HOME! Successful children have parents that reinforce learning, they do homework with their kids, they know what is going on, they are involved. Parents of successful children do not plop them in front of the television set. Parents of successful children engage their kids. Governor Sanford cannot make parents make education important. Again, the liberal mentality, let someone else do it. Oh, and you don't have to be rich to read a book with your kid. The library is still FREE.

March 17, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nappyd (anonymous) says...

Only in SC could a flaming idiot like Sanford get ahead or be taken seriously. Really, he wants to use gov't $ to pay down a debt he created? And they're saying no that it should go to more worthwhile stuff? Really, who didn't see that coming?

This guy's an insult to Republicans everywhere. Worse yet, it comes across like he's trying to get out of any blame that could come down if the stimulus funds that don't work. Just what SC needs, more leadership without responsibility.

March 17, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BreezinIAm (anonymous) says...

MizAmerica, good points about welfare: "you must do something to get it, like attend school, get job training ..."

What you are describing is Workfare, which was signed into law by Clinton in 1996 to "end welfare as we know it."

Maybe you can tell us why the Republicans pulled the plug on the program in 2004.

March 17, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

nappyd, if Governor Sanford is the one calling ALL OF THE SHOTS, why do y'all have a state legislature? We have done a great disservice to ourselves by cutting civics out of school. Hey, but if the people don't understand how our government is supposed to work then it is just that much easier for the government to take over.

March 17, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...

South Carolina was until recently the laughing stock of a region. Now it's the laughing stock of a nation.

Keep up the not so good work South Carolina.

Smiling faces, beautiful places, last in education, high in crime, high in unemployment.

March 17, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

singleroni (anonymous) says...

way to go sanford at least some one will stand up for what he believes. - oh since when is obamma black. he has a white mother . he is half white- he is a pretender black

March 17, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

Please, the Republicans wanted the community service jobs exempt from the same labor laws the private sector were held to. While dumping trash in the park is work, it should be a stepping stone. The Republicans were not talking about any jobs in the private sector, you know the ones that actually fuel the economy. The ones where you can actually support yourself and your family with.

March 17, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

willbillbedamned (anonymous) says...

Sanford is a joke. The same guy who debated taking money to raise unemployment checks $25 is selling his house on S.I. for $3.5 million. Now there's a man who is totally out of touch with the common man in this state.

March 17, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

badplf (anonymous) says...

if SC is in economic dire straights, how is it sanford's fault when the legislature vetoes everything he proposes?

if the legislature had listened to sanford years ago when they were spending like drunken politicians, then we wouldn't be as bad off as we currently are.

if any of sanford critics out there think massive debt and spending are such good ideas, please go out today get car loans and 2nd mortgages for the biggest amount you can get. spend that money of new TV's or a vacation or a big SUV. what's the big deal? just let your kids pay off that debt.

March 17, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

I have said in constant threads that Sanford has his ideology so far up his backside that he could not make a pragmatic decision to save his life (or this State) and now he proving this to be the case. And now, Sanford has the audacity to ask for the money to pay off the debt just because Sanford did not want to tax his wealthy friends on Sullivan's Island, what a crock! This was under the guise that if the wealthy kept their money, some of it would trickle down somehow, isn't that right Sanford. Yet, we are at double digit unemployment and now we have an opportunity to invest in this State and Sanford says no thank you, WHAT A CROCK!

March 17, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Based on what has happened to the GOP in the past years Sanford has a snowballs chance in he77 getting elected on the national scene.

All any journalist has to do is look at this state's record under his govern ship......do you Sanford lover's really think that his record will stand up to scrutiny?

I understand the idea of standing on principal, but there is something else about standing on principal when it is piled on the backs of your citizens. When our schools are in the top 10, 20, heck, I'll take the top 30 then you can turn away the money. When Charles Webb Center is fully funded, when our Mental Health score move to a C from an F, when our streets stop flooding, when we have 526 completed::and the list goes on and on:.we can reject the money.

Sanford has kept us first in everything bad and last in everything good.

Sure he'd make a great president::.raspberry!

March 17, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Winker (anonymous) says...

SC, has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country,worst school scores and a work force that is not even ready for the 19th century. I am amazed that there are still people that think Sanford is doing a good job. Our state is like the Titanic and he is the captian.

The faster the people of SC figure out Mark Sanford does not care about the people of SC the better off we are going to be. Sanford only cares about getting himself on the national news. I would bet $700 million that none of this would be happening if he where up for re-election.

March 17, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Harold - my darling, where in my post did you see Bush's name?

Also, you are a nut if you think Obama is foreign born. That OLD wingnut fight died a long time ago when Hawaii provided his certificate. You probably think he is part of a 40 year plot to infiltrate our government by some secret cell. Here I give you something to fear::BOO!

WOW! You righties can sure be stubborn and a little scary.

March 17, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justmyview (anonymous) says...

For all of the fiscal conservatives out there, how much of the state debt has been paid off during the "prosperous" Sanford years? How many jobs can be created by using the 700 million to reduce the state debt?

March 17, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

OK. For everyone supporting the stimulating gov't cheese - what happens in two years when it's gone? We will have to have huge tax increases to keep it. This isn't some endless supply of gov't cash. We eventually, as residents of this state, have to pick up the tab! We could end up in worse shape than we are now. I want no part of the stimulus money. When big gov't gets involved, you become a slave to their demands.

March 17, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mp123 (anonymous) says...

It's funny that Sanford and all his supporters in these comments seem to think that he is somehow trying to save the American taxpayer from future debt. Remember, he is willing to take the money if he can use it to pay down the SC debt, but he won't use it to provide direct help to the citizens of his state. How would our future national debt and taxpayer obligation be any less if he used it as he wishes? The answer: it wouldn't be different at all. So, it's not about saving taxpayers money, it's about positioning himself for the presidential elections in 2012. Personally, I think Sanford is delusional if he thinks he even has a remote chance at the 2012 bid. It won't take long for his republican opponents in the primary to point to SC's lousy record on education, health care, and employment. I'm not a Republican, but I don't think they'll be dumb enough to run a candidate like Sanford in 2012. But if they did, that would be great, as it would insure another four years of a democratic presidency.

March 17, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BlackReign (anonymous) says...

Good for Sanford!

Mr Obama, is now going after US Vets!

This guy is indeed, Jimmy Carter part 2!

Vets' Groups Blast Obama Plan for Private Insurance to Pay for Service-Related Health Care

President Obama's plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs for the treatment of troops injured in service has angered veterans groups who say the government has a moral obligation to pay for service-related medical care. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first...

March 17, 2009 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

regulardude (anonymous) says...

Since when did we start referring to politicians by their middle names? I don't believe I've ever seen someone post "Walker Bush..blah blah" or "Clement Sanford..blah blah". Hidden messages always amuse me.

March 17, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KiawahIslandGirl (anonymous) says...

Sanford has his education, so what does he care if most of SC is uneducated? Everywhere I go It amazes me how uneducated our leaders, doctors and average people are. Its not fair to anyone.
School courses offer outdated computer courses (on out dated systems if they have computers at all) and many useless classes in both public and private schools. We are way behind. We are so behind in technology its ridiculous.
what is all this talk about Marxism? Giving an Education or should we pay off a bill that will never be paid off until the fishermen learns to fish for themselves.
You've heard that saying? Feed a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man to fish, he can feed himself for a life time.
In this state, people of all ages need to catch up on Education. Free Public education with this stimulus money is a God sent for everyone (children and adults) so we don't have to be the 3rd world coolies for other countries come tomorrow. (Ben Stein said that one)
We are way behind. I'm sick of hearing this President Obama's middle name "Hossein". So what? His parents were Muslims? A black father, a white mother. So what? They left him (a bi-racial child) in the charge of his White Christian Grandparents, who raised him a Christian.
Do you think he is going to have lunch with Bin Laden at the White House or something? What the heck is wrong with everyone. He has a wonderful family. A lovely wife and children. He loves the women in his life and respects them more then most men I have ever seen in my life. Is that the work of some Communist Marxist?
He is an example of a true family man and the Melting Pot of America. I wish more men would show such respect and an open display of love for their wives and family.
I believe, that if nothing else, his heart is in helping our great nation and the State of South Carolina. It was here that he started his campaign from the urging of people in Greenwood in a small church. its here, he went to that small school in Dillion where the children have to stop school 6 times a day due the train passing, in a school that is so rickety that it should had been torn down years ago.
Oh yeah, what an awful person he is. He just wants people to get an Education with stimulus money. I wish I could go back to school and be as Educated as he and his wife are. His children are getting a wonderful education and now he wants you and your children to have this same right.
The schools in South Carolina stink! they stink to high Heaven. How about using our brains on this one. Oh yeah, we only got taught small minded bigotry. Start looking at the whole picture, be a visionary for a moment and think how good the United States learning system on top on the world would be for all of us. Better pay, better living, being treated by better Doctors that actually don't need to keep sending you everywhere to diagnose simple illnesses. Come on. The same old stuff just isn't working. We need to catch up to the 21st century.

March 17, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

regulardude (anonymous) says...

KiawahIsland - Great Post!!!!!! Best I've read all day.

March 17, 2009 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

upstateislander (anonymous) says...

OK...all of you folks that are busy grinding axes on each other....you're missing the point! Dear ole guv has done it once again and for the life of me I just don't see how the man manages to get on the front page of so many papers, websites, etc. without having done anything!

I mean the man is newsworthy for his inaction only! The man has no plan, no foresight, just a bunch of ridiculous out of step idealsim that he is trying to use to get back to Washington!

Idealsim is fine and so is remembering the lessons your father taught you, but the measure of a leader is to assess where you are in life, look at what you're doing and then evaluate if what you're doing is still the right course of action, OR, do you need to modify your plan or your behavior or BOTH.

I mean if paying down the state's debt is such a passion for him, why not put in his own stimulus request for an extra $700 million.

Why can't our dear ole guv make news based on something positive he's done? Because he's too busy being negative, obstructionist, too intent on making our state continue to look like a bunch of bufoons that don't know when to get in out the rain!

Well guv, its raining cats and dogs out here in the real world and the dike is leaking. Its time for you to understand that idealism doesn't do anything except get you in the news.

You aren't solving today's problems, nor apparently do you have any inkling of whats really wrong in the Palmetto State. By the way guv, what have you done about that crumbling school by the railroad tracks.....maybe you can find some surplus earplugs in some of the numerous manufacturing plants that have closed all over our state and take them and give them to the kids so that when the train comes by it won't be so distracting.

Wouldn't that be a great headline for a photo op! Govenor leads recycling effort with under priviledged school children!

March 17, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

martin (anonymous) says...

Whine, Mark, Whine.
You want to be President? Get prepared for some real digging from the national press.
Your Skil heiress wife is going to have to provide her family financial info the same way Cindy McCain and Teresa Heinz Kerry have had to. Did you think of that?
They are going to find out how you started out as a driver for Phil Lader and explore WHY you became a Republic Party member?
Your family's acceptance of farm subsidies, exposing your hypocrisy, is going to be all over the papers.
In SC, so many voters are just lock-step Republic Party ideologues; say the right words and they fall over. They don't question that you just might be using them to make a good living and do minimal work. THAT expains why you are a career politician.

March 17, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

KiawahIslandGirl posted," His children are getting a wonderful education and now he wants you and your children to have this same right." BS! No he doesn't. Did you not hear about what happened in the school his girls go to? They had a voucher program allowing children(who arent wealthy) to attend the school. Well, well, well, it didn't take long after his kids arrived before those needy children were ousted. My daughter is getting ready to go into high school and the courses they offer are amazing. Not to mention, when she enters high school, she will already have 1 1/2 high school credits that she has earned in middle school. The opportunities are there, but nothing is handed to you, you have to want it and earn it.

March 17, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

WhatMeWorry (anonymous) says...

In the republican race for the nomination for 2012, Sanford will be up against Gov. Perry from Texas. Look at Perry. Look at his record. Look at Texas. Compared with Texas, SC looks like a third-world country.

Sanford hasn't a chance. He should take his eyes off the 2012 nomination, stop posturing, and start thinking about what's best for his constituents.

March 17, 2009 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

Just mention the governor and out from the bottom of the Bell Curve slither Lunatic, Guidedbystupidity and blind_eyes.

I suppose Spiderintheouthouse , Getdelerious and the rest of the welfare pimps will be around to add their nonsense to the thread.

Just like MizAmerica said, "We have done a great disservice to ourselves by cutting civics out of school".

The result is a bunch of whining, supposedly educated, folks, steeped in ignorance.

How else can anyone explain how we ended up with this for president;

http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.... ???

March 17, 2009 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

WhatMeWorry (anonymous) says...

Come on, yird, that link leads to an editorial by a woman with more loose screws that most of these posters. Her conspiracy theories are as absurb as her Canadian hockey hair.

March 17, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

yird,

Idiots like yourself that have their ideology up their backside are the reason why we have a Governor like Sanford...and is also the reason why this State is the laughing stock of our Nation!

March 17, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...

Since everyone is agreeing with Sanford - how should we fix this if no one want's a bailout? If he get's his way and uses the money to pay-off debt, then how will that help the millions of people that have lost their jobs, homes, and in some cases life? It may help in the long run, but this instant.

I think the money should be used to created jobs, which will pump money back in the economy. Whatever is left should then be used to paydown any debt.

March 17, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...

As a boy, Ben Bernanke attended East Elementary for his preliminary education followed by J.V. Martin Junior High and Dillon High School. Bernanke was a stellar student and even went beyond the confines of the classroom to teach himself calculus and edit the school newspaper. He later graduated as valedictorian of his class and achieved a 1590 (out of 1600) on his SATs, the highest SAT score in South Carolina for that year.
**********************************************

I hope you are all wrong about the South Carolina education system. This is the guy orchestrating the bail out.

March 17, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kreader (anonymous) says...

I just disagree, prosperous, that the gov't owes us jobs or a rescue from our mortgages. Where is that listed in the constitution?

March 17, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Harold - There are fruity lawsuits every day....isn't TORT Reform one of the big GOP causes?

There are wackos that think the UFO god is coming to get them and they all drink laced Kool-aide. Does not make them correct?

And what about all the Scientologists, now that is a group of off-the-wall freaks.

There are all types of people in this world and just because they believe something doesn't make it so.....goodness just look at what happens on these posts when religion is brought up.

And we are a perfect example.....

"You are not in this world to meet my expectations and I am not here to life up to yours, but if by chance we find each other it is beautiful."

Kisses Harold - agree to disagree:-)

March 17, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

yird - I promise to not call you a turd if you agree to keep everything civil.

Spider is not an African American. I happen to know him. I find it enlightening and humorous that you would assume someone that fights for equality would have to be something other than white. But not that funny (haha) that you would call someone a pimp. Do you know Spider personally? Or are you just making more outlandish stereo types?

We can agree to disagree yird, but we will only play if you play nice.

March 17, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

So to all you who decry the schools, tell me how giving more money to education is going to get parents to turn the t.v. off? How does giving more money to education prevent students from challenging teachers for simple things like handing in homework? I know that when I was in school, my parents would have came down on me like a ton of bricks if I ever told a teacher to get out of my face. I don't know if I ever would have saw the next day if I told a teacher to F*ck themselves. Please tell me how more money for education is going to fix the break down of the family and respect to ones teachers. Go on and try to contact a parent about their childs bad behavior and you sure do get an earful. Not an earful of thank you, I support you and I will take care of it, but why are you picking on my child.

It is so easy to blame everyone but one's self for what is lacking. There is no amount of money that can compensate for personal responsibility. There is no amount of money that empowers anybody more than achievement, and by the way, achievement does not equate to an Ivy League education. A person who is driven can be successful in any avenue they choose to persue.

We have got to come to the realization, do we as a country want freedom to make our own choices as we see fit? Because if we do, with that freedom comes not only the freedom to succeed to fail as well. Or we can give up our freedoms for a constant safety net, where after a while, the masses will be content with what is given to them and that is it.

March 17, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...

I've just gotten an email from a group of Parents at Wando High School. Apparently the upcoming budget cuts are going to have a severe impact on my son't school. It's far more than the money raised two weeks ago at the "big bash" can cover.

I'm sure the conservatives will tell me to put my son in Private school or home school him. Do you honestly believe anyone is going to locate a business here or invest in our local economy with those options. It's a sure plan for economic suicide. Thankfully my son is halfway through. We'll see what is left for the younger kids.

Here is what the email says:

Reading, Writing, and . . ... Recession
The current budget crisis threatens the quality of your child's education. Our schools have already absorbed $18.5 million in cuts this year. With the estimated $28 million shortfall in the upcoming budget, what will be on the chopping block next?
• Teacher layoffs
• Larger class sizes
• Cuts in bus transportation
• Cuts in music and art programs
• Cuts in athletic programs
• Fewer course selections
• Cuts in academic assistance
• Reduction of nurses
Did you know?
Some budget cuts are a direct result of the downturn in the economy. The recession and recent budget cuts have exposed significant flaws in the way Charleston County schools are funded.
These serious flaws can be corrected if our elected officials act immediately. (To learn more click www.charlestoncountypta.org/TakeActio...)
How can you help?
Our elected officials need to hear a mandate from their constituency. Members of the Charleston County School Improvement Council and PTA urge you to e-mail or mail the attached letter to your legislators today. You can link directly to your legislator at www.scstatehouse.gov Click on "find your legislator" to locate your representatives.
Investing in education is important to the success of our children and is critical to the future of our community. Thank you for supporting your schools.
Sincerely,
Kate Darby
Chairman, School Improvement Council
Wando High School
Moultrie Middle School
Marzel Thomas
President
Charleston County PTA

March 17, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KiawahIslandGirl (anonymous) says...

hey coolfreakinbeans, SC is on the bottom of the nation's test scores. most of our High Schools can't even pass the South Carolina basic requirement tests. I don't know where your kid is getting this wonderful education. (my children also had credits from middle school tranfered to HS) but perhaps you might want to look up if your high school is even passing the state requirements, because there are very few HS's in this state that are. plus those amazing courses, like what? computer design? with some old window's program applications? yeah, sure, keep dreaming. maybe your child will go to Harvard or Princeton tomorrow with their SC education. you think?
perhaps be a rocket scientist, a Governor or President with the super duper education in SC you speak of.

March 17, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

BTW yird, I'm a white male, gainfully employed (about to have two jobs), southern, a veteran, educated in the SC public school system (though it was an upstate school, not as many private schools up there and the ones that are private are hard core bible thumpin, and a graduate of USC), and never have or never will be a pimp. So much for stereotypes!

March 17, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

kreader - What a simply put, excellent post ! Where in the constitution does it say," The gov't will provide you with a high paying job, free housing, free medical care, relieve you of any personal accountability for poor decision making, etc" ? The gov't can and does help out. But geesh people ! This society has become insanely narcissistic and full of feelings of entitlement. No one owes you crap !

March 17, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Here's one::.why blame a child or punish a child for the short comings of adults? A kid at 5 is supposed to pull themselves up by the boot straps? What if he has no boots or shoes, for that matter?
What if the child hasn't eaten dinner or breakfast, is he still expected to perform in your "dog & pony" show?

I understand parental responsibility, but what if your parents suck. How are you supposed to know right from wrong when all you see is wrong? When every person you know communicates through cuss words and harshness what do you expect?
I understand some of the posts on here, but what is the answer?

March 17, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BBBP (anonymous) says...

Oh the hostility here!

As far as the schools go, it is the Parents who determine how well their children do in school! It is the Parents getting involved with the schools that make them great. My children attended Wando. My son ended up with a full academic scholarship to the College of Charleston. We started his education early...with learning toys instead of the run of the mill toys. He has been learning since he was a toddler! Both of my children made A's in school.

Wando is a South Carolina public school! But...the parents are involved! One of my best friends..who also belongs to my church, is Black. My White daughter was her son's girlfriend early on. (just the holding hands type of girlfriend though...too young otherwise) At first I was taken aback. But I soon learned what a wonderful kid he was! What a wonderful single parent his mother is! You see I am a parent who gets involved in her children's life. He eventually dumped my daughter...who became a Goth. He was the smart one there. (and she would not have gone Goth if she had remained living with me instead of the ex..believe me)When you peel back the skin, we all look the same underneath that skin. It is how you are brought up that counts. It is your ethics, it is your fruits that help others determine what type of person you are.

March 17, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BBBP (anonymous) says...

Obama is running this country straight into Socialism and I cannot understand why you who oppose Sanford cannot see that! This is not a white on black statement..but a Republic vs. Socialism statement. And I did not vote for the Dems or the Reps in the election for President. I voted for a third party candidate.

Sanford is a Libertarian. He is fiscally responsible. It is the weak Governor, strong Legislature system in South Carolina that has kept Sanford from getting done, that which needed to be done! HE tries!!

Just as Dr. Ron Paul tries time and again to pass legislation that could only help the PEOPLE of this nation...Sanford tries here to do his best..but hits a brick wall.

In reference to non-vetting of our so called President..our narcissistic President IMHO..the certificate that was shown by his people was a certificate of live birth..not a true Birth Certificate. Anyone can apply for a certificate of live birth even if they were not born in that state. A true Birth Certificate has the hospital and the doctor's signature on it. And it states who is the father and who is the mother. None of that was proven. His own grandmother has stated numerous times that she was present when Obama was born...in Kenya. The Ambassador to Kenya told a radio station in Michigan that there is a plaque on the wall of the building where Obama was born in Kenya. I confirmed this with the radio station itself before I put it in print, myself.

Most of America expects everyone else to do their job for them. If they would spend just an hour a day researching the candidates who they place in office to represent us...we would have representatives that truly know what they are doing. But instead, they look at the glamor of the person, how eloquent they speak. They use Hollywood ethics to elect their representatives.

And remember..We are supposed to be the leaders...The people we elect are supposed to be our SERVANTS...NOT the other way around. Sanford knows this. Obama does not. The majority of Americans did not want this stimulus bill. But we were ignored. Our children, grand children, and great grandchildren will suffer because there will no longer be a middle class. There will be a huge poor class and the small but powerful Elite class.

As I see it...with the representatives we now have in Congress and the Executive Branch...our nation is doomed. Enjoy!

March 17, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Oh the hostility here!

And remember..We are supposed to be the leaders...The people we elect are supposed to be our SERVANTS...NOT the other way around. Sanford knows this. Obama does not.

our narcissistic President IMHO..the certificate that was shown by his people was a certificate of live birth..not a true Birth Certificate.
*****
Oh it is so hard to not make points and turn around and prove them correct about yourself.

March 17, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BBBP (anonymous) says...

Luna,

I had parents who smoked, were alcoholics, hateful, and abused us all. I decided I was NOT going to be like my parents. I decided to make straight A's in school and make something of myself. I decided not to drink alcohol, smoke, cuss, or abuse. YOU determine your own life...it is not up to the government to do it for you. It is not your right!

Socialism will take away your right to even write on this blog. Your right to think. Your right to make something of yourself. All your God given rights will be taken from you. If you are young, Obama will force you to work in his Youth Brigade. You will be indoctrinated as the Youth Stazi was in Germany. The youth do not have the wisdom nor discernment to be quasi-police. Many police officers do not have the wisdom and discernment to police us! The draft will eventually be re-instated. Doctors will be told where they can work...where they can live...what patients they can see..what procedures they can use...what patients to turn away...a nightmare..check out Canada's government run medical care. You wait 2 months or longer for an MRI! If you are in your 50's and need a knee replaced, they tell you NO you are too old..we will give this to someone with a greater life expectancy who can work for the collective. Fifty is young now...we live to be around 100. Can you see yourself living in a wheel chair for 50 years when you could have been walking and being productive?

This is a sad time in country. Pray! Pray! Pray! And get off your duffs and do something to turn this around!

March 17, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jblakeslee (anonymous) says...

I know everyone remembers last year when the Bush admin. sent a everyone stimilus check $600 for singles, $1200 for couples.....how many of the people speaking out against this stimilus sent their check back?.....please raise your hands....

This is the SECOND stimilus package put together, the first was done under the previous admin. I did not hear too many speaking so loudly about that one........

Difference: The first was under a Rep. President, and SC is a Red state, and this is a Dem. Package, and now all the Rep.'s in SC are speaking out......but did not during the previous one.......

March 17, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

OK get out the tin foil hats!!!!!!!! Or you could just do some TRUE research.

"When Barack Obama Jr. was born on Aug. 4,1961, in Honolulu, Kenya was a British colony, still part of the United Kingdom's dwindling empire. As a Kenyan native, Barack Obama Sr. was a British subject whose citizenship status was governed by The British Nationality Act of 1948. That same act governed the status of Obama Sr.'s children.
Since Sen. Obama has neither renounced his U.S. citizenship nor sworn an oath of allegiance to Kenya, his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired on Aug. 4,1982."
http://www.answers.com/topic/barack-o...

http://hubpages.com/hub/Barack-Obama-...

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-20...

March 17, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BBBP (anonymous) says...

Luna..quit beating around the bush and spit it out...I do not understand your statement..please be more clear!

March 17, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

BBBP - I thought after reading your first post that you were pretty sane.....that was then and this is now.

I am so sorry for your hard life. But I will never blame you for the parents you did not pick, therefore I can not blame an innocent child for the parents they did not pick.

I think maybe you may spend too much time listening to talk radio, conspiracy theories and Hannity.

By the way - it's the communists that control the press, not the socialists. Ask Canada, U.K., France, etc.....Or better yet see if you can get a response from China.

March 17, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BBBP (anonymous) says...

Obama's father was not a US citizen....his mother was too young to meet the qualifications that would make Obama, the son, a US citizen. Besides he was born in Kenya. A Certificate of Live Birth is NOT a True Birth Certificate! Period!

No tin foil hat here..just the facts.

But we digress...this is about Sanford...

March 17, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BBBP (anonymous) says...

Socialism is the precusor of Communism.

March 17, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jblakeslee (anonymous) says...

"When Barack Obama Jr. was born on aug. 4, 1961, in Honolulu," Point is: any child born in the US is a US citizen.........that's why illegal's like to come here and have children, then their child is a US citizen and they will be granted permission to stay and care for their child......

March 17, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

Luna, interesting that both you and guided who claims to be a GSA analyst or something, (some analyst) were able to read into my post something that was not even there.

In fact you have done the same thing you accuse me off by assuming a stereotypical label to my term welfare pimps.

And guide, instead of trashing the writer who wrote that piece you might analyze it objectively and figure out that all these allegations cannot possibly be fabrications created by racist, right wing extreme ideologues.

Why is Obama fighting so vigorously against total scrutiny of his past if he has nothing to hide?

March 17, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

his mother was too young to meet the qualifications that would make Obama, the son, ????????????????????????????

You are a nut!

Done with you. Sanford sucks!

March 17, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

geekboy (anonymous) says...

Why does no one want to talk about how these programs are going to be funded once the money from Uncle Sam is all gone?

In about 3 years not only will taxes go up to pay back the "stimulus" funds, taxes will also increase to pay for all of these new and expanded programs.

March 17, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

I suppose Spiderintheouthouse , Getdelerious and the rest of the welfare pimps will be around to add their nonsense to the thread.

Yird - I am a product of my life and TV played a huge part in my youth.....every pimp I ever watched was (do not subscribe to this belief) African American.

Now, I will agree that I assumed something not written.....but based on past posts and who posted it....I can say I am probably correct in my assessment of your character.

You however are not.

Agree to disagree.

March 17, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Oh, so Canada is on the slippery slope to Stalin?

RRRRIIIIIGGGGHHHTTTTT!

March 17, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

OMG - it's JANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 17, 2009 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

wjh3 Apparently you have little faith in teachers or students.

.teacher layoffs : could get rid of non productive teachers if unions don't interfere.

• Larger class sizes: 30 students per class is not unreasonable with good teachers and civilized students.

• Cuts in bus transportation: does that mean less soccer moms driving kids in SUVs?

• Cuts in music and art programs: students might now actually have to buy their own instruments.

• Cuts in athletic programs:less money for over compensated coaches (gym teachers) trying to produce athletic superstars for tomorrows big screen.

• Fewer course selections:?

• Cuts in academic assistance: I thought teachers did that.

• Reduction of nurses: No longer needed when and if Obama's universal health debacle become a reality

Funny how the needs of the school system have changed over the years.

March 17, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

BBBP, justjerry, and one else that talks the libertarian argument.
I assure you that you guys were not very good at history. Hell, you guys are not very good at observing the current events. Lack of regulation, amongst many things are what got us into mess to start with! About the only time in we had laissez-faire or "libertarian" type of government and the United States was in one of worst period in the history of our Nation. It was during the beginning of the industrial revolution and with it we had "Robber Barons", child labor, the trunk system (the company store), and the hugest disparity of wealth in the history of our nation. The only thing was government was not any smaller, efficient, or less cost effective, yet, most people's opportunity for advancement was nonexistent. Just take a look in your history books and see that this period was less than ideal for most Americans. Again, you guys ideology overshadowing any common sense.
Kreader and coolfreaknbeans.
In the preamble (see I did take Civics) it does mention "provide for the common defense and the general welfare:." I, like with most all Americans, the bailouts are a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, most of you all are not looking at the big picture. Throughout history and the world, the way the economy has gotten out of its doldrums is through government spending. Is this the perfect solution? NO, but sometimes desperate times take desperate measures. Many of you want to put your personal experiences as if it works for everything, but the world is much more complicated than "it worked for me" mentality.

I could go into this for hours but I got to get back to work.

March 17, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

For all of you that are so compassionate, it's not anybody's fault, the government needs to help, yada, yada. I was one of those who made mistakes, did not have my priorities right, although I will say, I never took a dime from the government. I meandered along complaining and whining about my lot in life. Then when I finally got sick of hearing myself whine, I went full speed ahead and quit making excuses for myself and guess what? Everything, improved, my life style, my attitude, my self esteem, EVERYTHING! But I did it myself, the government did not do it for me! I have seen both sides and I'll tell you what, if anything is ever going to change, the excuses MUST stop.

March 17, 2009 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

yird,
It is GIS (Geographical Information System) Analyst.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIS

March 17, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

Hello??? General Welfare does not mean sitting on your butt watching Maury Povich all day whining that you don't have enough to eat! It is so easy to cherry pick now isn't it?

March 17, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

Posted by MizAmerica on March 17, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Hello??? General Welfare does not mean sitting on your butt watching Maury Povich all day whining that you don't have enough to eat! It is so easy to cherry pick now isn't it?"

Personally, I not for people helping people that can not help themselves, yet there are several people (again we are at double digit unemployment) that are not there by choice either.

March 17, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

wjhamilton3

Instead of complaining about how your child's education is being compromised and blaming Gov. Sanford, why not look at the Department of Education and see how much that gov. agency sucks up money wise? Why not look at what the NEA is doing to improve your child's education?

Excuse me, but did you go and have numerous children that you could clearly not afford? Well, thanks to the War on Poverty, generations of families have become solely dependent on welfare, and the schools must now compensate for their parents lack of responsibility. How much do you think the schools pay for free breakfast and lunch? How much do the schools pay for the extra teachers that have to be hired because of the influx of illegal alien's children having no basic english skills. Teachers and schools have become defacto social workers. It all begins with our own personal responsibility. Personal responsibility is what makes a successful society.

March 17, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

northeastguy (anonymous) says...

Let's raise money by putting Sanford up for sale, not sure anyone would want him, but it's worth a try. Any one out there want to admit they voted for this clown?

March 17, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KiawahIslandGirl (anonymous) says...

It's our Tax Dollars that make the Government possible. so they owe us big time. Sanford is a servant to South Carolina (not a demigod). He is to Serve the Public.
How many people don't realize that We the People give these leaders the authority to act on behalf of all of us.
He is not acting on the behalf of the basic good for the future of all the people or at least the majority of the people.
The schools in South Carolina offer so little in technology, music, arts, science, business, financing, banking, radio broadcasting, tv production, broader spectrum of sports, better academics, more educated and qualified teachers and professors. little to no after school care, decent tasting healthy breakfasts, lunches and never an after school meal. there are no regular scheduled school dances and activities to keep kids off the streets, besides some sports. There should be kids completing in schools in home made bands, art projects, science projects and so on. not all kids are into sports, nor will it serve them in their future. Their future effects all the people. These younger people will be making the decisions of tomorrow. i hope that they have a balanced scale of thought to work from. But with thinking that paying off a bill that will only get larger as time goes on instead of educating and making a better educated work team for the future is plain short sighted.
perhaps we should get Donald Trump to run the state. I'd like him to tell Sanford, "your fired".

March 17, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

Posted by guidedbystewart on March 17, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yird,
It is GIS (Geographical Information System) Analyst.

I remember now, just got carried away. Need more coffee!

March 17, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

Posted by KiawahIslandGirl on March 17, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"The schools in South Carolina:" "little to no after school care, decent tasting healthy breakfasts, lunches and never an after school meal."

Hey KIG why stop there with your total nanny state school system? Let's make sure every child has a nice clean bed at the school and their own personal TV so they can watch NICK or MTV(depending (on their age of course) and let us not forget a bedtime snack.

That will definitely reduce student transportation cost while providing the added benefit of helping to slow down the death of the planet from man made global warming. ARRRGH!

March 17, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

Gee KiawahIslandGirl, what are you personally doing to bring change about? You see, I live in a great school district, very competitive academically as well as athletically. The parents pour their heart and soul into the school and have extremely high expectations for their children, in return their children reflect that. We have had many families move into our area because of the schools. If South Carolina is so backwards and illiterate, why do you stay? People sacrafice all the time for their kids education. BTW, my best friends daughter is a Sr, is a product of one of those lousy SC public schools, she has Duke, UNC, Clemson, Wofford, USC and many other schools throwing money at her to attend, full academic scholarships. I guess nobody told her she she is backwards.

March 17, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Just1MoreCitizen (anonymous) says...

Our country isn't going under because of just 2 men (meaning Obama and Sanford). Rather, it's going under at a rapid rate because far too often the citizens of every state are more interested in insulting the intelligence of everyone around them instead of working together for a common goal that will improve the lives of everyone around them.

To remove one from office of government will not change anything. You could remove them all and put all new people in their place and ultimately wind up right here where we are today because our entire country is being fueled by greed and power.

What would be worse? Socialism or Absolute Power?

Why not take the good in every suggestion and make a plan to submit that would work? I know that there's a little truth to every comment here (with the exception of those that did nothing but bash and victimize someone else's thoughts) on the issue of our Governor using the State's stimulus to pay down debt.

I would think by now that the Citizens of the USA would stop being like the Government (partisanship)and start working together (bi-partisanship)to show our leaders how it's done...

Just my 2 cents...

March 17, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

KiawahIslandGirl- I'm not saying that SC education is #1 by any means. However, it is what you make of it. With proper parenting, children in SC school systems have been very successful. You act as if no one from our state has ever went to Harvard, Yale or anywhere beyond Trident Tech. That's ridiculous. The gov't can't replace good parenting. My child's school offered more than I was ever offered. To me, thats a sign of improvement. The high school offers something for damn near everyone. From brick laying, firefighting, law enforcement to courses preparing for a career in medicine. You can only lead a horse to water, you can't make him drink. I give my child the tools needed to prepare for life as a successful adult. I don't rely on others to do it for me.

March 17, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

fisher22 (anonymous) says...

Why does it seem like the republicans who write on this page are so ignorant? Ppl are describing the concept of fiscal responsibility and the trickle down effect is the way to be successful. However the last 8 years have been far from fiscal responsible and the concept of trickle effect down has failed. Deregulation allows for greed and poor long term management, as shown in the banking industry as well as the auto industry. As far as im concerned, Stanford has done nothing worthy of receiving credit or any accommodations. He is trying to maintain a stance of disagreement with the government spending yet would take the money to pay off his debts? If he wanted to be fiscally responsible, fine, stand up and reject the money all together. But again his decisions are at the expense of the state that has the 4th highest unemployment rate, as well as education systems that are ranked near the worst in the country. It's difficult to defend him having zero positive results or his contradictory ways.

March 17, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

How funny people refer to SC's debt as Sandford's debt. As if we're paying his private mortgages and credit card debt. This is OUR debt as a state. Guess what ? Unemployment costs our state money. Yet people scream it's Sandford's debt. Like he's getting an unemployment check and food stamps.

March 17, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...

I'm somewhat amazed at how little some conservatives know about our schools.

Posted by yird on March 17, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"wjh3 Apparently you have little faith in teachers or students."

I have a lot of faith in my Son's school. I was a sponsor of it's fundraiser two weeks ago, $300 and my son was elected a student government representative last week. Two weeks ago I judged this history contest for Moultrie.

".teacher layoffs : could get rid of non productive teachers if unions don't interfere."

Wando's teachers aren't unionized.

"• Larger class sizes: 30 students per class is not unreasonable with good teachers and civilized students."

My son studies complex subjects like computers, German and Algebra. You can't just lecture to 30 kids and expect them to learn that.

"• Cuts in bus transportation: does that mean less soccer moms driving kids in SUVs?"

Actually, it will mean far more moms driving their kids to school Routes will get longer to put more kids on each bus and cut costs. Parents will start driving their kids to school so they don't spend an hour on the bus.

"• Cuts in music and art programs: students might now actually have to buy their own instruments."

My son was in Band at Moultrie Middle School and we paid for his instrument. Of course it would be nice if poor kids could afford band.

"• Cuts in athletic programs:less money for over compensated coaches (gym teachers) trying to produce athletic superstars for tomorrows big screen."

You are proposing to cut out Gym in a state with the lowest exercise rate in the US.

"• Fewer course selections:?" My son couldn't get is second semester German this Spring because all the slots were filled with older students trying to get their graduation requirements. He had to take an online Algebra course instead of a live class.

"• Cuts in academic assistance: I thought teachers did that." Some kids need tutoring or special Ed. It's a proven approach to raising test scores.

"• Reduction of nurses: No longer needed when and if Obama's universal health debacle become a reality." School Nurses are important to help administer medication, including the huge amounts of Ritalin needed to get some students to sit still in large, impersonal classes. SC has one of the highest medication rates in the US.

"Funny how the needs of the school system have changed over the years."

The world has changed. Places that don't adapt to that will end up very poor. Places with better schools will get the new jobs and investment.

March 17, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KiawahIslandGirl (anonymous) says...

Yird an coolfreakinbeans
Hey gee, I'm sorry you think I'm saying a nanny service. wow, i didn't know that you didn't view all these acts as part of education, including, eating properly, how stupid of me. I'm so glad everyone wants to be where your kids go to school. you are another crack in the system my friend.
the problem is, there is no adults home today, everyone is working 2 or 3 jobs or unemployed, in jail, in the military, on drugs or all of the above,so i guess your right, just let the kids take care of themselves after school. how brilliant and well thought out of you all. maybe we could teach them in school how much time in jail little johnny will spend while his new after school friends acquaint him with drugs, alcohol cigerettes and firearms. we are the 3rd most violent city in the country, with people like you i can see why. ignore the problem, bury the problem, pretend it doesn't exist.
I don't know how you and those other so called parents have so much time to spend in school, most people barely have enough time to sleep at night, but you, you are one in a million.
and why are you asking me, "why i stay in sc"? you don't know me. I've live here all my life and have had to listen to fools like you. i believe in fixing our own backyard before i move to someone Else's.
by the way, clemson, great party school.
re: good parenting, parents aren't home anymore. or did you all overlook that before you attacked me on this issue. i never said no one went to harvard from SC, but i bet more people from conn., ohio and other states go. seeing all those license plates and all the 2nd and 3rd homes they own, i think they must had been given a better education tha paid more then offered here, our education places #50 out of 50 states, that IS the bottom.
not even near number one. so Sanford should get off his arse and start getting our school education UP TO DATE.
the education will make lots of new jobs come to us here in SC with companies opening here, because our people will be the most qualified and that will get us out of debt.
if you pay the money toward the bill, you have no way to turn it into more cash.
even Jesus talks in the bible about the money the boss gives to the 3 servants and while he is away, the first servant invests the money and makes more of it, the second, puts it in stocks and bonds, the third buried it so as not to loose it. In that story the third guy gets his butt thrown out of the bosses house.
it only makes sense. You have to have money to turn it into more money if you know how to invest in the future.
by the way, God bless our troops. They certainly also deserve more then what they are getting, especially coming home to less then they were promised.in the way of education, money, medical, etc, God bless you all for being so brave, i wish our leaders were so brave.

March 17, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Kiawah - well said!

March 17, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DChinnis (anonymous) says...

So many of you want SC to take a "loan" from the Government to pay for things that we "need"? Create jobs that in two years there will very possibly be no money to support.
What is the root cause of the current problem? If you look closely you will see that the Lehman Bros, Citi's, Aig's failed or almost failed because they made bad investments on bad mortgage loans. And what made those loans bad? Well they were bad because people took out loans for their homes and then second mortgages for things they "needed" from banks and the government and then they couldn't pay for those "needs". Sounds all too familiar.
My daughter is a product of the public schools in Sc and on the Deans list at USC. I am a product of the public schools in Charleston County and a graduate of Clemson U. Bravo to those who see that personal responsibility in finances and education should have priority. Bravo Gov. Sanford for being responsible to the people of Sc now and into the future!

March 17, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

wjh3;"School Nurses are important to help administer medication, including the huge amounts of Ritalin needed to get some students to sit still in large, impersonal classes. SC has one of the highest medication rates in the US."

First Ritalin , next cocaine. Just keep medicating, that will solve everything.

KIG; DUH!! Wait till all the tax and spend initiatives (called investments)proposed by the Obamatron kick in.

2 or 3 jobs wont be enough to even keep food on the table let alone provide 24/7 day care for children in the government school systems.

March 17, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DChinnis (anonymous) says...

Miss KIG,
Your arguments are extremely flawed. You assume they have multiple homes because of their education and completely ignore the cost of living in those areas which likely has greater impact on their ability to purchase more or larger homes in an area where cost of living is half or less than the areas they left.
Are parents working two jobs because they're keeping up with the proverbial Jones or just to survive? Two different issue completely and with two distinct responses. Are they low paid because of a poor education system or because they did not get parental support in education? To blame the education system for the failure of parents is absurd. Are there issues with the SC system? Definitely, but Sanford is not the issue because he choose to be fiscaly responsible and to have a vision beyond the end of his term as Governor.
It's possible that some here should think twice before typing once.

March 17, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

northeastguy (anonymous) says...

To the clueless supporters of Sanford. He (Sanford) is not saving anyone a penney. As we all know Obama is dropping cash from the sky. If you don't pick up your share you fall further behind and the other 49 states will be more than happy to pick up what you refused to take. This is just another stunt by Sanford to keep his name in the spotlight. What he doesn't realize is that 85% of americans think he is a fool and he will never be elected President. He makes SC look like a joke.

March 17, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

regulardude (anonymous) says...

It seems that a few of you are taking the facts posted about SC's educational system as a personal attack on your family. You and your child may of graduated with honors, but thousand of children have, and will not. That is a FACT, not an opinion. If you don't agree with whats being said about the public school systems here in SC, look it up for yourselves, and that should quash your arguments about making the deans list at USC...etc.

If you made it through successfully, congrats. However, thousands won't.

March 17, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kreader (anonymous) says...

Stewart! Are we to abandon our principles at the first sign of trouble?

As soon as it gets hard, throw money at the problem?

March 17, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kreader (anonymous) says...

BBBP please seek professional help!

March 17, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

regulardude (anonymous) says...

And oh yeah, Clement(since where on a middle name basis with politicians now a days) "Mark" Sanford, what a joke.

I hope he is elected as the republican candidate, if you know what I mean. wink wink

March 17, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

Regulardude,

Please explain to me how in God's name does giving more money to the schools get a child to do homework? How does it make sure that child spends 20-30 minutes of quiet time each night reading? How does giving the school more money going get parents to sit with their child to do flash cards with them so they can do their times tables? You ever go to Walmart at night after 10:00 and see the amount of people shopping with their children? How is giving more money to the schools going to make sure kids are getting enough rest?

Perhaps we should flood the education system with money and make schools boarding schools, this way the teachers can make sure that the kids are doing homework, reading, studying and getting proper rest.

March 17, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

I can't remember who posted this before but I loved it. (something to the effect of) " Some people were meant to be ditch diggers." (I'll prepare for being attacked now) But it's true. Not everyone is capable of med school, Harvard or any college for that matter. We all have the opportunity to ovecome adversity and succeed. Thats why I think its so good that my daughters high school offers masonry classes and other skilled labor as well as career training to become a MD. One class includes on the job training making over $11.00 per hour. (not bad for a student) As far as your son's problems wjhamilton3, careful planning goes a long way. My daughter is only in 8th grade and we signed her up for 2 yrs worth of classes. Maybe they don't do that at Wando ?

March 17, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

coolfreaknbeans,

I have a son that is not academic at all. Bless his heart, he struggles immensely with sitting, reading, writing, etc. He is by no means stupid though. He likes the outdoors, working with his hands, anything that is physical. Doesn't play video games or watch t.v. While he can't stand sitting learning the Mayan number system, he can take apart a motorcycle engine and build an awesome tree house with his friends. I don't cry that he probably won't be going to Harvard, but ya never know.

March 17, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

cool - it was Newt that posted that! You know the one that you guys screamed at......see not all us liberal pinko commies are wrong 100% of the time.

Miz - I completely understand about having a kid that is academically challenged.....however I just do not understand this adamant belief that it is child's fault.

March 17, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CNN_10 (anonymous) says...

I know that Governor Sanford is standing on his conservative principles, however the best thing for him to do is take the money from the Feds. He is hurting this state more if he does not take the money period

March 17, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

a_set_love (anonymous) says...

David against Goliath all over again.

Then of course, we know how that bout ended.

March 17, 2009 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

princeleo (anonymous) says...

people enough ,the stimulus package has been voted in . and for those of you that think that sc shouldn't cash in on the money, your doom.if we don't accept the money, we'll end up paying back money that we didn't get to spend.what sense is it to pay back money that some other state will enjoy.take sc share and do for the people and not to cover your bad judgement"gov."

March 17, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

theronce (anonymous) says...

Many, maybe most, parents in America love things and themselves more than their children these days. They have to work all these jobs and hours, not for their children, but for things. So, the government raises their children for the most part. The kids get their morality from TV, their exercise with video games, their social studies and sex education on the webb, and their sense of helplessness in the government schools. I find that ironic; the truth is the administrators in the schools fear the children. The children know that, play them, and laugh at them behind their back. The children think that is the way the world works. This is a house of cards...and not just in SC, folks.

March 17, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Get_seriousHELP (anonymous) says...

Sanford is right and he is right because the dems and o'bama are rotten to the core and playing games with the American people!

This whole AIG bonus "outrage" is yet another phony propaganda ploy by the obama administration. The American people are being played for fools by obama's false outrage!

Anger over AIG bonuses depletes president's political capital

"AIG disclosed its retention-payment program more than a year ago, and the amount of the bonuses had been widely reported. But as the payments were coming due in recent days, the White House began to express its indignation."

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_1192814...

American International Group: All Recipients

Name Office Total Contributions
Dodd, Chris (D-CT) Senate $103,100
Obama, Barack (D-IL) Senate $101,332
McCain, John (R-AZ) Senate $59,499
Clinton, Hillary (D-NY) Senate $35,965

http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recip...

Amid AIG Furor, Dodd Tries to Undo Bonus Protections He Put In

"While the Senate was constructing the $787 billion stimulus last month, Dodd added an executive-compensation restriction to the bill. That amendment provides an "exception for contractually obligated bonuses agreed on before Feb. 11, 2009" -- which exempts the very AIG bonuses Dodd and others are now seeking to tax.

The amendment made it into the final version of the bill, and is law.

Separately, Sen. Dodd was AIG's largest single recipient of campaign donations during the 2008 election cycle with $103,100, according to opensecrets.org."

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/mark...

March 17, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

kreader,
I am more a pragmatist than a principles guy and this is my main complaint with Sanford.
Sometimes you have to abandon principles and do what is the good for this State.

March 17, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luna (anonymous) says...

Mar 17, 11:36 AM EDT

SC budget panel to consider $87M budget cut


Advertisement




COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina budget oversight panel will meet to discuss cutting another $87 million from the state spending plan, with public schools losing $37 million.

The Budget and Control Board plans to meet Wednesday and take up plans to cut 1.7 percent from the state's budget. The five-member board can only make across-the-board cuts to keep the state from running a deficit.

That meeting comes a week after the Board of Economic Advisors trimmed 1 percent from the state's revenue forecast.

It's another round of bad fiscal news. Since the current budget took effect in July, $1 billion has been carved from state spending. It's taken a toll on health care and education programs and most agencies have lost a fifth or more of their state budget.

*********

And Sanford wants to say NO? WOW!

March 17, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...

How did mark Sanford become governor of this state. Never mind, we elected Strrom Thurmond for so long I thought he was dead long before he was pronounced. I suppose mark Sanford wants to leave SC is a worse condition than when he found it. Of - well, you can stop now, you have.

March 17, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...

Some loads of poop have to be answered.

"Posted by theronce on March 17, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have worked for Charleston County's Public Schools as a parent for 14 years and graduated from Wando High School myself in 1978.

I have seen parents work long and hard for their children and their schools. Less than two weeks ago, we helped raise nearly 30 thousand dollars for Wando. Parents wrote checks, made donations from their businesses, helped prepare food and picked up the trash afterwords. This was only part of hundreds of thousands of dollar per year raised at Wando. Thousands of hours of parent volunteer time are also contributed at the school.

Four days later I helped judge the history day competition at Moultrie Middle School. The projects showed huge amounts of student work and lots of family support.

My son and his friends get a quality education at Wando. I assure you their Principal, Lucy Beckham, isn't afraid of anything. She is relentless in maintaining control of the school environment and works with a staff of assistant Principals towards that end. At the same time, they try to help students struggling with problems who need it.

Most of my son's peers have pretty decent morals for teenagers. They're certainly better behaved than my peers were in the 1970s. Most are patriotic Americans. Many work for non profit groups, charities or participate in ROTC. They tolerate, largely without complaint, a level of surveillance, police attention and restrictions on where they are allowed to be, that would have been intolerable to my peers in the 1970s.

I will not be lectured on how shabby I or my son's school is when I know better. Wando is the best general admission High School in the State, despite welcoming hundreds of poor students. I am more than happy to take on a State Government that has committed financial suicide cutting the taxes of the Rich by moving its reliance for revenue to run its schools on Sales taxes on largely discretionary purchases. The Governor was warned this would happen and it has.

The Governor's children attend private school. My son attends Wando. I wouldn't have it any other way even if I have to send him to school with a flashlight because they can't pay the power bill.

There will be a small rally at the Capital next Tuesday. If that doesn't work, perhaps we'll organize a big one.

March 17, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

northeastguy (anonymous) says...

"Sanford is right and he is right because the dems and o'bama are rotten to the core and playing games with the American people!"

Noone plays more games with the people of SC than Sanford, this clown could'nt run a 7-11 store, let alone a state.

He could care less about the average Joe, he has $3.5 million coming in as soon as he unloads the house. He understands your concerns........right!!

March 17, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MizAmerica (anonymous) says...

Luna,

Nobody is blaming the kids, the adults need to step up and take responsibility. Like I said, how is a child going to be a proficient reader if they read only during class time and once they are at home, they are plopped in front of the television? Do you have to be rich and advantaged to read a book to your kindergartner? Some people do have an easier time than others, that's life. Johnny's mom and dad finished HS and both went on to college, Mom is a lawyer, Dad is a Computer Engineer. Joey's Dad is a plumber, he didn't go to college but he does own his plumbing business and his mom stays at home. Timmy's mom got pregnant at 16 and quit school, Timmy's dad comes in and out of his life. Timmy's mom works and then goes out on the weekends with her friends partying. Life isn't fair and it is not the kids fault, the problem isn't money at the school system the problem is the breakdown of the family. School can only have so much influence, the real influence in a child's life begins at home. With those examples, that does not mean that Johnny or Joey could say I don't care and screw up, and it doesn't mean that Timmy will fail either but the odds are your environment and expectations will have a lot to do with a child becoming a productive adult.

March 17, 2009 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Get_seriousHELP (anonymous) says...

So northeastguy, you have no problems with the filthy rich democrats? Especially the ones that have been in office for decades, selling the same old welfare state crap that has destroyed so many lives.

How about the war profiteers;
By The Associated Press

03/04/08 "AP" -- -- WASHINGTON: Members of the U.S.Congress have as much as $196 million (126.2 million) collectively invested in companies doing business with the Defense Department, earning millions since the start of the Iraq war, according to a new study by a nonpartisan research group.

In 2006, for example, Democrats held at least $3.7 million (â 2.3 million) in military-related investments, compared to Republican investments of $577,500 (â 372,000).

Overall, 151 members hold investments worth $78.7 million (â 50.6 million) to $195.5 million (â 125.9 million) in companies that receive defense contracts that are worth at least $5 million (â 3.2 million). These investments earned them anywhere between $15.8 million (â 10.1 million) and $62 million (â 39.9 million) between 2004 and 2006, the center concludes.

Hillary Rodham Clinton did note holdings in such companies as Honeywell, Boeing and Raytheon, but sold the stock in May 2007.

Kerry, a Democrat, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is identified as earning the most at least $2.6 million between 2004 and 2006 from investments worth up to $38.2 million (â 24.6 million).

http://www.informationclearinghouse.i...

I guess for you left-wing idealists, its only the rich GOP that should be accountable.

March 17, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

Posted by wjhamilton3, "They tolerate, largely without complaint, a level of surveillance, police attention and restrictions on where they are allowed to be, that would have been intolerable to my peers in the 1970s."

Talk about conditioning, that says it all!

March 17, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

Whenever many on this board talk about the real problems with policy, they always change the subject. So here are some responses to your subject changes.

1. Whether they are republican or democrat, most of all Politians are disappointing, yet this does not make them any less necessary. Beside we are the ones that vote them in or out, and to me, bad Politians are a reflection of the people that vote them in.

2. Yes, a proper education takes good parental involvement. But education still cost money, and I would rather spend money on education than prisons. Regardless of parental involvement, we still have to pay competive wages to teachers; we must have comfortable and adequate facilities, and there are things such as class size, maintaining a good secondary school system to nurture good teachers and so on.

Fact, it takes $87 a day to incarcerate an inmate and only $12 dollars a day to maintain public education and we only have to provide this for 12 years.

I am sure this will change the subject:..

March 17, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

Thanks Luna ! I may not always agree with everyone (especially my liberal buddies:) But, without differing opinions, this board would really suck.

March 17, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...

I won't change the subject. I happen to agree with what you've said. For example, Bush was not nearly as fiscally responsible as he should have been. Politicians are very disappointing. Most people don't realize that when they (both sides) get behind closed doors.... it's us against them. I don't mean dems vs repubs either. It's politicians vs us.

March 17, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yird (anonymous) says...

Posted by guidedbystewart on March 17, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Politians are a reflection of the people that vote them in.

+ + + + + + + + +
Although a bitter pill to swallow, I must agree totally.
Just look at what we have for a president, not to overlook the "leadership' in both houses of congress.

Notice my benevolence as I resisted the temptation to label an obvious typo a spelling error.

March 17, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

GG (anonymous) says...

Yird- Teachers in SC have no union. They can choose to become members of the SCEA (SC Education Association) which is only an organization with no union powers. In other words, teachers are basically powerless in SC.

This article states "The request by the governor to the White House on Tuesday comes a day after the Obama administration told Sanford the cash is intended to spare jobs and educate children."

So, obviously Messiah Osama didn't read his own pork-loaded stimulus package either, or he would have realized how little it will do to produce real jobs for Americans.

March 17, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Get_seriousHELP (anonymous) says...

GG, what about the NEA?

March 17, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Get_seriousHELP (anonymous) says...

Posted by yird on March 17, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by wjhamilton3, "They tolerate, largely without complaint, a level of surveillance, police attention and restrictions on where they are allowed to be, that would have been intolerable to my peers in the 1970s."

Talk about conditioning, that says it all!

Man that is a nice catch yird! Your right, they are ready to vote democrat!

March 17, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MsSun (anonymous) says...

Posted from KIG
"the problem is, there is no adults home today, everyone is working 2 or 3 jobs or unemployed, in jail, in the military, on drugs or all of the above,so i guess your right, just let the kids take care of themselves after school"

WHAT-Everyone? Speak for yourself.
Military-WHAT? I was a military brat and my parents were very involved. I am sure that offended many military people so please don't bother with your "God Bless our Troops" if you are going to insult them.

I am a public school teacher with a computer lab with 2007 software. Software is updated every 3 years-the money comes from Perkins-a FEDERAL program not the state. Glad you know so much.
Maybe these parents could quit one of the jobs if they would give up cable tv or eating out.

March 17, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

halfsheli (anonymous) says...

According to their website:
"NEA state affiliates regularly lobby legislators for the resources schools need, campaign for higher professional standards for the teaching profession, and file legal actions to protect academic freedom and the rights of school employees."

They do have lobbying power, but are not a union.

I do not like powerful unions either, but organizations like NEA at least give teachers a voice. Otherwise we have ZERO control or power when it comes to working conditions, , educational policies, salaries, etc. If it weren't for NEA, teachers would be crapped on even more than they already are. And believe me. Teachers wade through bureaucratic, political, parental (or lack thereof), and hormonal teenage (or adolescent) crap all day every day. It's not like the NEA has just negotiated lifetime tenure (doesn't really exist) for teachers or amazing 6-figure salries, or even clean bathrooms to use...

March 17, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

AMAZING (anonymous) says...

"I think it's time for Mark Sanford to quit being pen pals with the White House and take the money"

State Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler says Governor Mark Sanford needs to spend less time writing letters to President Barack Obama about stimulus funds and more time finding jobs for South Carolinians.

WATCH THE VIDEO ON THIS LINK
http://www.wolo.com/index.php?option=...

March 17, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seneca264 (anonymous) says...

Sanford was right about one thing.....Hussein Obama is nothing but a liar. What do you expect from a Muslim boot licking neo Marxist usurper?

March 17, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

XOAmourPropreOX (anonymous) says...

Someone wrote this posted flyer and I thought I would share this with the group. After reading this i wondered if the debts were being paid from the increase tax for tabacco users.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - -- - -
Predator = Animal or Beast of Prey VULTURE/PIHRANHA/HUNTER/KILLER/DESTROYER/ABUSER
Coercion = The practice of compelling a person or manipulating them to behave in an involuntary way (whether through action or inaction) by use of threats, intimidation, trickery, Or SOME OTHER FORM OF PRESSURE OR FORCE. (SUCH AS EXCESSIVE TAXATION especially during economic hardships.)

Intimidation (also called cowing) is intentional behavior "which would cause a person of ordinary sensibilities" fear of injury or harm. It's not necessary to prove that the behavior was so violent as to cause terror or that the victim was actually frightened. The calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to attain goals political, religious, or ideological in nature...through intimidation, coercion, or INSTILLING FEAR can be defined as TERRORISM.

The average, ordinary, sensible smoker FEARS the AFFORDABILITY of their nicotine ADDICTION (especially during economic hardship) due to the emotional, mental and or physical effects of withdrawal thus creating an emotional and or mental impairment and the debauching of the morals of those individuals.

Note: The Federal Government did little to nothing when the tobacco industry added addictive, harmful inert ingredients along with additional nicotine that keep the individual addicted to their products.

This is a detrimental gross injustice against a single group of individuals.

Now that you are addicted the FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE of YOUR FEAR THAT THEY INTENTIONALLY CREATED!

Are Bobby Harrell and Governor Mark Sanford along with the federal law makers who were or are engaged in the over taxation of tobacco (especially during economic hardships) PREDATORS by means of coercional terrorism ???????
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By the way if you want to talk about spending others people's money how about looking at the theft of other people's money. Taxes on Tobacco products are up over 153% and expected to go up again in less than a month? Come on that is legalized theft. These people are worse than the predatory home lenders and credit card scammers. I dont smoke but i have to tell you that the above letter hit many points. I thought for a moment what if they began to over tax store bought water? How would i feel?

March 17, 2009 at 10:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...

quit being a tool, and just take the money, so we can get this state, and nation, back in order!

March 17, 2009 at 11:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

GG (anonymous) says...

GET SERIOUS - The NEA is the National Education Association, and it is also just an organization that teachers have the option of paying to join. It is not a union. I belonged to both the SCEA and the NEA for two reasons: the insurance they offered and the educational journals they published. Beyond that, they did little to improve the lot of educators in SC.

March 18, 2009 at 12:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

AMAZING (anonymous) says...

2008 South Carolina Constitution

ARTICLE XV.

IMPEACHMENT
SECTION 1. Power of impeachment; vote required; suspension of officer impeached.

The House of Representatives alone shall have the power of impeachment in cases of serious crimes or serious misconduct in office by officials elected on a statewide basis, state judges, and such other state officers as may be designated by law. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members elected shall be required for an impeachment. Any officer impeached shall thereby be suspended from office until judgment in the case shall have been pronounced, and the office shall be filled during the trial in such manner as may be provided by law.

When the Governor is impeached, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or, if he be disqualified, the Senior Justice, shall preside, with a casting vote in all preliminary questions.

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/scconstit...

March 18, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

vuduchld (anonymous) says...

People of SC, the proof is in the pudding! My birth state still lives in the 19th century, the problem: THIS IS THE 21st CENTURY. You are at or near the bottom of every category that matters of importance, but steeped in ignorance, arrogance and stupidity. Sanford is a millionaire many times over, he could give a good snot about you and the other citizens of SC except those wealthy donors that contribute money, keeping them in power with their boots on your neck.
If you folks want to keep living like this where 100 year old dilapidated schools are the norm, unemployment rates sky high and poverty lurking around every corner, then I suggest you keeps idiots like Sanford in power. He keeps going back to a well time and time again like some sleazy carnival barker doing everything he can to get the stimulus money to pay down debt that is squarely his. Next thing you know, he'll be asking for stimulus money to help pay on his house that is up for sale! Frankly, I'm tired of you nitwits in this state, please don't take the cash, let it go to Michigan where it will be way more appreciated than it will be in your state. YOU FOLKS ARE TOTALLY DISGUSTING AND PATHETIC!! LOL

March 19, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )