Letters to the Editor

Double standard

Living in what is known as the Bible Belt suggests that we believe in treating others the way that we would like to be treated. However, it appears that the Golden Rule does not apply when it comes to the political arena.

There is much hostility in the atmosphere these days, and I wonder why. I've learned that it is important to listen to what is not being said.

Every day since the election of Barack Obama, the double standard is apparent. As I read the letters to the editor or watch the pundits and journalists on television it makes me wonder.

No matter our vocation or career choice, we are given adequate time to prove ourselves in the field that we have chosen. Why not this president?

Even God didn't try to solve all of the world's problems in one year, and He is fully capable of doing so if He desires. So, why did some of us expect this from this president?

These problems did not come about in one year and they won't be resolved in one year.

Are all you so-called experts or critics out there willing to run for office and show us a better way of doing things?

I am convinced that the bipartisan talk that we hear is just that -- talk. Do we really want to work together to solve the problems that we are experiencing in our own state and country?

I don't believe that everyone who is against President Barack Obama is a racist. However, I do believe that there are some who are jealous and that creates all of this confusion. Remember, at the end of the day "it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man (person); but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man (person)" (Matthew 15:11).

REV. LEON R. MAXWELL

Longbranch Drive

Charleston

Ethical Congress?

Over the course of a long working career I have lived in 10 Southern cities, each with a conscientious press.

The one thing each had in common: a determined fixation on the freedom of the press, the people's right to know, sunshine as the best disinfectant and open government.

Armed with investigative reporters and freedom of information requests, backed by legal folks at the press association, no committee or council could hold a clandestine meeting, meet without proper public notice or go into executive session illegally without all hell to pay.

We have a president who vowed to have all negotiations on health care reform done publicly -- on C-SPAN yet -- and a speaker of the house who vowed to have the "most honest, open and ethical Congress in history."

Congress has shut out the public, the press, the loyal opposition and everyone else in their closed, smokeless back-room deals with their lobbyists while they commit trillions of public funds.

My question is:

Where is the Fourth Estate?

For that matter, where are the American people?

Where is the outrage?

MOULTRIE D. PLOWDEN

Wade Hampton Avenue

Walterboro

Okinawa base

I recently read about local resistance to a planned Marine base relocation in Okinawa and Japan's Prime Minister Hatoyama being caught between the ire of a key ally and the opposition of local residents. The article went on to say that Hatoyama could explain that he would have to listen to the local people, but an expert said, "I don't think that's going to cut much weight with Washington."

So what's new? Washington doesn't listen very well to the voice of the people here. What makes Hatoyama think it will listen to him?

GERALD W. MUSSELMAN

Linwood Lane

Summerville

Sound barrier

I have been reading with interest about the town of Mount Pleasant constructing a wall to appease some residents of Snee Farm unhappy because of traffic noise from U.S. Highway 17. I do not feel that the citizens of Mount Pleasant should have to bear any financial responsibility for building this wall.

When the irritated residents of Snee Farm chose to live in that area, they should have known that the highway was already in existence and traffic does create noise. There is such a thing as personal responsibility for actions and the choices that we all make. I see people who build homes of great value on or near our sandy beaches, then cry loudly that the ocean is devouring their property. They expect everyone to come and pay for their foolishness.

Four-year-old children learn in Sunday school about the consequences of building upon sand. Others choose to build right next to an operating airport, then complain about the noise, lights, etc.

I noticed years ago how homes were built next to our Navy Base, where ships were loaded with explosives and other flammable stores. That problem was solved through the closing of that facility and the loss of employment and revenue it generated.

Could our Air Force Base be next? The coliseum? Sam's? Homes and other buildings have encroached upon the safety zones of the air base and in direct line of the landing flight path.

I am amazed how few people seem to accept responsibility for decisions they make and how they expect everyone to shoulder the blame. It's almost mind-boggling.

BILL CORBIN

Simmons Street

Mount Pleasant

Man of integrity

My father, the late Rev. Marion A. Strobel, introduced me to attorney J.C. Hare in the early 1960s. From that time we became friends. I found him to be a man of integrity. Mr. Hare was the first FBI agent stationed in Charleston. His years as assistant solicitor and solicitor for the Ninth Circuit were profound, prosecuting very fairly under the color of the law.

At my retirement ceremony in 1995 he was at the U.S. District Court in the first row with words of encouragement to me. He will be missed on Broad Street.

There is a verse in the Bible that describes J.C. Hare. It is found in the book of Proverbs, Chapter 29:18, and it reads: "Where there is no vision the people perish. But he that keepth the law, happy is he."

FRED STROBLE

U.S. Deputy Marshal (Retired)

Old Postern Road

Summervuille

Wasting food

Schools around South Carolina throw away as much as a whole dumpster of food a day. I see a dumpster full of food thrown out daily at my school. It's shocking because students don't really think about what they are doing.

In Mexico and other poor areas of the world, and especially Haiti now, children are without food and clothes. They beg for money on the streets and have nothing to eat. They are dirty and sit around waiting for a miracle to come down from Heaven and give them enough money to buy clothes and food.

In my belief, South Carolina should stop wasting so much food and save up enough to feed all the poor children in these countries for a week. The children here in America don't think when they throw their half-eaten food away.

There should be a way for public schools to donate unwanted, untouched food to a soup kitchen or food pantry for the homeless or hungry.

JULISSA OROZCO

James Island Middle School

Camp Road

Charleston

Helping hands

I am writing to commend the staff of the Charleston County Department of Social Services for its service in repatriating American citizens who are coming to Charleston from Haiti.

Employees were asked to take long shifts at the airport processing paperwork, working with airlines to help people return home and finding temporary shelter for those who cannot fly out immediately. They are often working overnight shifts to help these people escaping the trauma of the recent earthquake.

The CCDSS staff members have hard jobs working with abused and neglected children and the most marginalized in our community. I think they deserve our gratitude.

KIM CLIFTON

Executive Director

HALOS

Taylor Circle

Goose Creek