This is the fourth of five excerpts from "In Darkest South Carolina," the new book from Post and Courier columnist Brian Hicks. The story of Charleston Judge J. Waties Waring and his plot that culminated in the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, this excerpt recounts the national controversy that erupts when the judge’s wife attacks the South in a local speech. "In Darkest South Carolina" is available in local book stores, The Post and Courier offices at 134 Columbus St. or from eveningpostbooks.com. Call 843-958-7367 for details.

OK, this may be the stupidest controversy ever.

This is the third of five excerpts from "In Darkest South Carolina," the new book from Post and Courier columnist Brian Hicks. The story of Charleston Judge J. Waties Waring and his plot that culminated in the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, this excerpt focuses on a lawsuit that argues black voters should be allowed to vote in the state’s Democratic primary. "In Darkest South Carolina" is available in local book stores, The Post and Courier offices at 134 Columbus St., or from eveningpostbooks.com. Call 843-958-7367 for details.

This is the second of five excerpts from "In Darkest South Carolina," the new book from Post and Courier columnist Brian Hicks. The story of Charleston Judge J. Waties Waring and his plot that culminated in the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, this excerpt introduces Charleston as it was trying to refurbish its image — and economy — with a grand world’s fair. "In Darkest South Carolina" is available in local book stores, The Post and Courier offices at 134 Columbus St., or from eveningpostbooks.com. Call 843-958-7367 for details.

This is the first of five excerpts from "In Darkest South Carolina," the new book from Post and Courier columnist Brian Hicks. The story of Charleston Judge J. Waties Waring and his plot that culminated in the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, this excerpt opens with the 1950 attack on his home. "In Darkest South Carolina" is available in local book stores, The Post and Courier offices at 134 Columbus St. or from eveningpostbooks.com. Call 843-958-7367 for details.

Even if South Carolina largely dodges the Florence bullet, the state is still on the firing line. It's time to quit ignoring the real problems.

For the city of Charleston, all this practice with tropical storms has built an efficient emergency management system.