Are you surprised that the school district can find money for pacing guides that won't even be used?  They find money for what ever they want.  Any time they have a meeting, there is always plenty of food and they certainly have not cut back on any conferences. I would much rather see that money used in the classroom.  Over spending on pork is a hugh problem that should be addressed.

Editor's note: No, it is what I expect.
web posted June 30, 2008

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I still think your stupid.

Editor's note: I still think you are a reader. I guess we are even.
web posted June 30, 2008

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In response to the angry liberal left wing flag burning person who continually writes (his or her) dribble concerning your "ignorant readers"....keep on writing and showing your ignorance via your self imposed intellectualism. You personify the typical liberal who condems all who disagree with your political beliefs by calling them names. If you are a biological male, you have real problems. As an angry white man ( and there are millions of us compared to you wimps) I detest you liberals who twist and turn every word to make your convoluted point especially with your interpretation of the recent Supreme court ruling concerning the right to own firearms. You can't convince my side and I will never be able to convince your side about what is right for this country. Your angry name calling only proves that liberals are the dung of the earth.  Keep on defending your liberal political views which run a parallel to those of Karl Marx, Mao Tse-tung, Fidel Castro and anti-American Obama. You are doing an excellent job of proving that quasi liberal hack-intellectuals such as yourself exist, are dangerous to this country, should be horse whipped, and run out of town. Go work on your syllabus, feed your cat, drink your special mineral water and day dream about what a great country it will be with your idol Obama, and work on a response that only angry liberals like you can generate.
web posted June 30, 2008

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Fox Creek (Charter High School) got the plans to the new school approved by the planning commission this month. So much for your claims of "no new school". I'm waiting for your "I was wrong" editors post.

Editor's note: Don't hold your breath. I can get a plan to build the next Six Flags in Edgefield County approved. That does not mean I have the money to build it. The plans have been on file for almost two years. There is still no loan and there will be no new school. It is just another move by the renangade 501(3)C to make people believe their yearly lie that a new school will be built. Check you past issues of the papers. This is what - the 4th year they have made the annual claim? At what point will people begin to realize the king (or queen) has no clothes?

They do not have the more than $5 million for the new school, the near $500,000 (lump sum payment) due October 1, 2008, nor the more than $250,000 borrowed for the Stephens Road location under the WBBQ radio tower. Oh, and ignore that the state said the location was not viable as a location for a school. I know I would love for my children to go to a school where the radio tower standing next to it has already fallen once.
web posted June 30, 2008

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How can you charge people to park on a public street?

Editor's note: Put up parking meters.
web posted June 30, 2008

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i would like to know who"s bright idea it was to "try" and charge someone for driving down a public road and to watch a game on public property.the event in question was the all stars game at edgefield park.i would have been glad to make a donation.norman dorn?he was there.....
web posted June 30, 2008

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Please post this for the person that called you an idiot.  You're one of the most informed people I know.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments. It is hard to get some people to read the written word. It interferes with their personal beliefs of a "living constitution". They also believe we are a "democracy" when our nation is a Republic, but facts are not thier strong suit.
web posted June 30, 2008

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RE: "Most people in the district don't like the school [Fox Creek] because it is taking away from Strom Thurmond High School. But you know what, who really cares?"

I care  - and my concern has nothing to do with STHS.   My fifth grade child at MES will be in a larger classroom next year  because there wasn't enough money in the budget to replace a retiring teacher.  I have heard that MES is not the only school dealing with this issue.  Where has the money gone, you ask?  "The Creek"... it's a major drain (no pun intended).
 
I agree with you. And I am glad that someone actually cares about their child's education.  I am so sorry that your child will be in a larger classroom. That is not a good enviornment at all for a child to learn.  A child has to be able to get the proper help that is needed.  I think that A LOT of money has been wasted on FCHS and yes it is taking away from your childs education at MES.  FC is pulling the county down regardless of what anyone says. Dont send your child there. I used to go there I know what its like.  If I had a child I wouldnt send my child there to use the bathroom.
web posted June 30, 2008

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I was shocked after viewing the registered sex offender list to find that one of them lives right on Main Street, Edgefield!  Isn't it against the law for such a criminal to live so close to where children are present?  That address is practically right across the street from the public library!  
web posted June 30, 2008

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Times are tough in the Palmetto State. Unemployment is at a 2-year high of 6.5 percent. Energy and transportation costs are soaring. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina leads the nation in violent crime, primarily as a result of its shameful 55 percent high school graduation rate. The median family income in South Carolina lingers just above $52,000.

But not to worry, the clairvoyant and magnanimous leadership at the State Department of Education has a vision for navigating our people out of the storm: Massively subsidizing mortgages for public school employees.

Middle and low income taxpayers across South Carolina can sleep easy knowing that their money is helping to float sub-prime mortgages (30 years at 5.8 percent) for public school teachers earning up to $73,800 per year. In fact, the program provides for both newly constructed homes as well as existing homes up to $284,050! It also gives school employees $7,000 in down-payment cash to shoulder the initial burden.

This all encompassing devotion to the state’s prosperity and the people’s happiness deserves an equally magnificent and politically unassailable title. That’s why they call it “the Palmetto Hero Program.”

The impartial visionaries at the People’s State Newspaper have rightfully praised this benevolent system of redistribution and state leadership as essential for attracting “high quality teachers” to nation’s worst public schools.

While the average home in South Carolina sells for a mere $129,000, we know that hard working public schools teachers deserve much better! We only hope that lawmakers and “professional educators” in Columbia will consider expanding the program by removing all income and home price limitations.
web posted June 30, 2008

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Editor's post: The Edgefield Medical Clinic topic is turning more into a free advertising campaign for a new doctor's office than a topic of public concern. I think both sides have expressed about all the views that can be expressed. I will not allow the Wandering Minds to be used to bash one office in support of another. If one or both want to tout their services, we sell advertising and they can pay to get their message out.
web posted June 28, 2008

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Your an idiot!!!!!!! The Supreme Court got it wrong. The 2nd amemndement says that in order to keep a militia the members of the militia, that's an ARMY dumbass, can keep guns not every person. They're wrong and your wrong.

Editor's note: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State (not nation), the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

See my comments to one of your ilk below. He can't read either.
web posted June 28, 2008

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Listening to all the news reports on the murder last week it sounds like they know who did it but nobody will say who did it. some say they have somebody in jail but nobody has been charged. Do they know or what? I live near there and I want to know if there is a killer on our street.

Editor's note: Charges should be coming by Tuesday or Wednesday depending on when test results are returned. I can assure you that no killer is walking the streets in relation to this murder.
web posted June 28, 2008

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I saw where you said that Trace Faust had to run against Norman Dorn. I thought Mr. Faust won and it was over?

Editor's note: No, Trace Faust won the Republican nomination for the November general election. Norman Dorn won the Democrat nomination. Voters can cross over anywhere on the ballot during the general elections and vote for Democrats and Republicans in different races unlike the primaries where they had to choose only one party.
web posted June 28, 2008

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I thought you and your readers might like to know what I overheard at lunch at the (Edgefield) Grill Friday. (content removed).

Editor's note: Thank you but I will have to hold back on the information. Very interesting.
web posted June 28, 2008

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This was in an email I received.  I thought it was interesting.
- - Chris Matthews slam dunked Texas Senator Kirk Watson, when he asked the Senator for just ONE example of Obama's legislative accomplishments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGeu_4Ekx-o
web posted June 28, 2008

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I kinda figured the Israelis would start in on Obama when he said that he wouldn't attack Iran (re: Faked Birth Certificate). This, however, has been ongoing and I haven't seen it in the MainStream Media - yet: http://larrysinclair0926.wordpress.com/  . Seems that Obama might have a shady past as well in Illinois/Indiana. I'm sure since he slapped the Israelis in the face (took their money but won't do their bidding) they will bring out the big guns, now. We'll start seeing this in the MSM.
 
People "in the know" on several blogs have indicated that McCain will drop out in September before the convention due to severe ongoing illness and that the GOP will place one of the "dropouts" back in the running. http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/200...J6tAydi6ce6sgF  I'll believe it when it happens, but I hope it's Ron Paul. If not Ron Paul, I will vote for the Independent.
 
With my ongoing concerns about the electronic voting machines used across the state and the ease of them being pre-programmed for an already determined outcome, I voiced my concerns to the SC election committe who referred me to the SC Attorney Generals Office who then reffered me back to the SC election comittee's office. Catch 22 at its best (or worst). I urge everyone to vote using paper ballots - absentee ballots. Its harder to change those votes, a more accurate count and less possibilty of them being discarded, also.
web posted June 28, 2008

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Again, you have slanted the ruling of the Supreme Court to frighten and enrage your ignorant readers. I'll trust interpretations of those who have studied the law and have a background in Constitutional law before I will believe the misguided rantings of a two-bit proprietor of a local web-based news provider. People with radical right-wing views like yourself are what's wrong with this country. "Dubya" has stripped the American people of more rights and freedoms than any other President in the history of the US. You say you are for freedom, but what you mean is that you are only for freedoms that you agree with. Freeedom is a broad and sometimes ambiguous term. If people are to be free, than sometimes we may not agree with how they express their freedom. Freedom is the right to choose how we live our daily lives in a law-abiding manner.  

Editor's note: Name one "freedom" I have ever stated being against. Also, how dumb is it for the supreme court to try to rule on the constitutionality of one of the Bill of Rights? My views are based on the Constitution. If that is "radical right-wing" then so be it. I sure don't cut the Republicans any slack for aiding Democrats in the destruction of our God given rights.

Who knew you (and the liberals on the SCOTUS), were unable to read: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State (not nation), the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

I'm not the brightest bulb in the tree, but even I can read "the right of the people" and do not need some dim-witted liberal college professor or lawyer to tell me what that means. I already have a brain. You should try it sometime, it's enlightening.
web posted June 28, 2008

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After reading your commentary this morning, I am curious as to whether the residents of Henderson, KY have the same feelings as you do. Also, I share this quote from Dahlia Lithwick "I must first pass along this rather brilliant observation from professor Stephen Wermiel from American University, who wonders why none of the dissenters cautioned the majority that today’s decision ‘will almost certainly cause more Americans to be killed.’"

Editor's note: Yeah, that gun ban in Washington DC did so much to help save lives as it created the highest rate of gun deaths from violent crime in the entire US. When the people are unarmed they are sitting ducks to the criminals who ignore the so-called gun laws to begin with.
web posted June 28, 2008

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RE: No doctors office open on Saturday in Augusta
Yes, there is one doctor's office in Augusta open on Saturday and Sunday and until 8:00 P. M. each weekday.  I know, I've been to him on Saturday for follow-up bloodwork.  There may be more but as long as he stays around I'll be seeing him.
web posted June 28, 2008

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Perception of the voters is the key to winning elections. Anyone ever walk into a room of men and the first thing you notice is the "short" guys. "Short" people stand out in a room of people. John McCain is really short. He must be 5'2" maybe. When world leaders gather do we really want a short person representing our country? We need a tall man elected President. As Randy Newman once said "Short people got no reason to live". By the way, McCain can always be a horse jockey.
web posted June 28, 2008

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I've got an idea for the medical clinic:  Why don't you send those patients that don't have but $5 and don't pay their bills to the emergency room and keep the patients that do pay their bills.  I never knew that payments were an option!  I also think the rest of the Doctors should go with that "Woman of the Year" and leave Dr. Ned and Dr. George behind.  Maybe then I could get decent service and still get to see the Doctors that provide the best and most logical care!
web posted June 28, 2008

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Now that the county council races are over who is going to run to fix the crap on the school board? Last I heard nobody was going to run against anybody.

Editor's note: The County Council races are not over. District 1 incumbent Norman Dorn (D) still has to face Trace Faust (R) for the seat in November.

As far as the school board, I know of three seats that are going to be challanged. Brad Covar, Sallie Cooks, and Scott Chitty will all see opposition. Chitty may see two seeking his seat. No one has shown an interest in running against James "Farrakhan" Bibbs at this time.
web posted June 27, 2008

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I don't know if you will let me do this but I wanted to show how I felt about (County Councilman) Everett Kitchens gettin whipped. Everybody dance the jig!!!!!!!

Editor's note: This forum belongs to the readers, feel free to express yourself.
web posted June 27, 2008

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I arrived in Edgefield on July 10, 1970, pulling a U-haul with a wife and two sons, as I had been given the job of State Turkey Biologist by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department....On July 12th I met Sam at his hardware store, and we became friends right-off......We joined th same church Sam and Aline went to, and I stopped by many a morning  to hear the latest hunting talk...I met Raymond Covar, Bob Griffith, and Lee Mathis at Sam's place, and Raymond
took me under his wing and taught me how to turkey hunt and called my first gobbler in 1971....Crouch Hardware was the place that I made lots of friends, and got lots of advice....I bought my first Lynch Box from Sam and still use it every time I turkey now 38-years later.....I served with Sam on the State Chapter of the National Wildlife Federation Board for 4-years.....Sam was always my friend whether in Edgefield or in the places I have lived since, and I appreciate what he did to help a young wild eyed biologist like me get started.....He, along with Bubba Nichols and Kirk Dunlap had much to do with starting NWTF.....Sam Crouch was a good influence on my life, because I saw in Sam a man of conviction for conservation....I talked to Sam a few months ago after he received the C. B. McCleod award from NWTF and told him how pleased I was that he received that well deserved recognition for what he had done....We talked about some good old times, and that's the way I will always remember my friend Sam.

Vernon Bevill
315 Cedar Drive
Mountain City, TX 78610
web posted June 27, 2008

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RE:  20+ teachers in EC were paid an additional $400 for working on a curriculum pacing guide (a job that can be completed in less than 2 hours).  Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for teachers being paid more--the job, when done correctly, is difficult--but to spend $8000+ on something that all teachers do anyway (i.e. long range plans) seems like such a waste.
 
WHAT??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How can this be justified?  Especially at a time when the district can't find the money to hire teachers to replace positions that were already there.  And honestly, I would like to know how many teachers actually use these pacing guides!  What a waste of time, MONEY, and paper!
web posted June 27, 2008

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"Editor's note: In whose world is $25k a year "affluent"? Isn't that right at poverty level? I made $25k a year when I was in my early 20's some 25 years ago when gas was around a dollar a gallon and steak was $1.99 a pound.

Hope you are enjoying your vacation. "
 
$25K per year is very affluent in many parts of the world.  Just not in my world or your world, mostly the third world. 
 
Back to America......where the poverty theshold is: 
As defined by the Office of Management and Budget and updated for inflation using the Consumer Price Index, the average poverty threshold for a family of four in 2004 was an income of $19,307; for a family of three, $15,067; for a family of two, $12,334; and for unrelated individuals, $9,645.
 
You are closing in on the real issue.  Single retirees making less than $25K & married filing jointly retirees making less than $35K DON'T PAY TAXES on their SS income. This is 2 out of 3 retirees.  2 of 3 Americans are working their entire lives and retiring at not quite three times the poverty rate.  While CEO's retire with $Millions in stock options and deferred compensation. 
 
When did this trend start?  With Ronald Reagan's presidency.  Do you support this divide of wealth that the right of center economic policy causes/embraces?  What is good about it in terms of Edgefield County?  Does Edgefield County have a lot of CEO types that are taking home the big salaries and retirements?  Or do you think Edgefield County has more of the rank and file people that are falling further behind the income curve with each passing year? 
 
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/04/08/business/pay.graphic.jpg
  
Home from Utah.  I saw 2 fat people and 1 person smoking a cigarette in Park City, Utah.  They are fit out there. 

Editor's note: I thought we were talking about America not third world contries. People on welfare would live like kings there. My point it people who had SS taken out of their check their entire life (and the money is not there now) earned no intrest on their money, get very little of it back, and when they do it gets taxed again. I know when we retire we well be taxed on our "saved income" (401k, stocks, investments, property) in addition to our SS.

Face it, if you and I were to try to sell the SS plan to people on our own we would be put in jail for running a pyramid scheme.
web posted June 27, 2008

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Ref: Comments about the Edgefield Medical Clinic

The fact is 1."Dr.'s retire sooner or later"and new ones have to be hired. All Dr.'s there have local ties. 2. The building is owned by the hospital and any improvements are the hospitals responsibility. 3. If the patients who CAN pay their bill WOULD pay their bill (a business cannot stay open without being paid for their services), there could be extra funds for improvements.  I have never been to a Dr. in Augusta or Aiken who would see you if "I ain't got but 5 dollars".  4. Dr. offices in Augusta and Aiken don't open on Saturday mornings...the Edgefield Medical Clinic does. 5. Most city Dr.'s offices have staff wearing
the same uniforms. 6. The EMC locks the doors at 5pm (they stop taking patients at 4:30). The Dr.'s start their rounds at the hospital at 5:30pm.

The honest truth is...people don't like change.  Times change, technology changes, people change, Dr.'s change, patient's change.  If you are not happy, be civil about it.  Ask to speak to the Office Manager.  If she cannot satisfy you, pay off your bill, pay for a copy of your records, and seek another Dr.'s office that is still stuck in the past. You will regret that you left..."the grass is not always greener on the other side" comes to mind......
web posted June 27, 2008

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I like this idea!
OPEC sells oil for $136.00 a barrel.
OPEC nations buy our grain at $7.00 a bushel.
Solution: Sell grain for $136.00 a bushel.
Can't buy it? Tough (stuff)! Eat your oil!
Ought to go well with a nice thick grilled filet of camel's (rump)!!!

Editor's note: I like that idea, but I would expand it to corn, soybeans, and every food source we sell them. After all, gas there is about 40 cents a gallon. Sounds like a trade off to me. Better still, stop all purchases of OPEC oil and release the same amount from the SOR (strategic oil reserves) and refuse to sell the grain, corn, and other goods for a few months. Take the grain and corn we would sell them and make ethanol to add to our fuel supply. It wouldn't take long to get their attention.

But that would be something that would actually make a real change, and Washington politicians hate that.
web posted June 27, 2008

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Yes, the waiting room at the Edgefield Medical Clinic is extremely shabby - they even have parts of the wallpaper held together with scotch tape!  As for service, the good news is that (a Dr), who was recently awarded "Business Woman of the Year" for Edgefield County and has been a long-time physician with the Clinic, is getting out of there and opening up her own clinic nearby in September.  Kudos to (her).  I, for one, plan on following her.
web posted June 27, 2008

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RE: Everyday Math Video
I believe the dance was an ice breaker or a time to get up and stretch after a long discussion. As for the "new math", can't help with that.
web posted June 27, 2008

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To the person complaining about the cleanliness of the doctors' office:  just take your cleaning supplies with you the next time you go.   From my experiences, you will have plenty of time to "tidy up" before you have to go back to see the Dr.  As for the uniforms, I really don't care what they wear, I just want the good service back that we use to get.  And about being glad that you don't have to pay for the gas to drive a long way, if you are one of the many people in this county who does not get paid while you are out for a doctors visit and you do the math, it would be cheaper to drive out of town to a doctors' office where you can get in and out quickly.  I would like to encourage any young person who is considering becoming an M.D. to do so and build a new facility here in town.  We need it!

Another note about this doctors' office.  I have been in there when the nurses are arguing amongst themselves.  This is very unprofessional.  If they need to argue, they need to take it behind closed doors, where the patients cannot see or hear them.  It seems like every time I go in there they have new faces working up front and none of them are familiar.  They all seem a bit "grouchy" to me.
web posted June 27, 2008

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Editor's post: I expect charges to be formally filed in the murder of Raymond Merriweather by Monday or Tuesday. More details of the case will be revealed at that time.
web posted June 26, 2008

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I can't believe they aren't going to do anything about (Dwight) Hall's sentence. He is walking around Johnston a free man. Can I get in trouble if I stop him and ask him what its like to get away with murder?

Editor's note: You are free to ask anyone any question at anytime. I don't know if I would advise it. The last time he got into an argument with someone he shot them twice in the chest and killed them.
web posted June 26, 2008

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I used to go to FCHS.  Thank God I dont anymore. Lets just say I had a wonderful gpa and never cracked open a book. Im saying I never did homework and I didnt do anything in class. Thats sad.  FC is not the best or anything good comes from that school. SORRY.
web posted June 26, 2008

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You were awful mean to Mr. (County Councilman Everett) Kitchens. He lost, isn't that enough?

Editor's note: He lost in a landslide, but he is still in office. Mean? No, giving him a dose of his own medicine? Yes. I don't care, he never sent me a Christmas card anyway. Maybe that is why he wanted to take away county employee bonuses - so he could get the county to pay for Christmas cards to get him re-elected. He always wanted to fire essential personnel so the county could overpay non-essential personnel that stroked his ego.
web posted June 26, 2008

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RE: "Most people in the district don't like the school [Fox Creek] because it is taking away from Strom Thurmond High School. But you know what, who really cares?"

I care  - and my concern has nothing to do with STHS.   My fifth grade child at MES will be in a larger classroom next year  because there wasn't enough money in the budget to replace a retiring teacher.  I have heard that MES is not the only school dealing with this issue.  Where has the money gone, you ask?  "The Creek"... it's a major drain (no pun intended).
web posted June 26, 2008

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20+ teachers in EC were paid an additional $400 for working on a curriculum pacing guide (a job that can be completed in less than 2 hours).  Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for teachers being paid more--the job, when done correctly, is difficult--but to spend $8000+ on something that all teachers do anyway (i.e. long range plans) seems like such a waste.

What really infuriates me, though, is that a friend of mine works at the state dept and she told me that the state is actually writing a state-wide pacing guide…that fact has been made known to all of the districts.

Couldn't this money have been better spent on something the CHILDREN will actually use in the classroom?
web posted June 26, 2008

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Mr. Editor,
Thought I would let you know how much I enjoy reading ED every day. About a month ago I moved to Augusta and your paper is how I keep up on the happenings back home. Wandering Minds is very helpful in helping me keep up with the town gossip J Anyway, just thought I would let you know that I appreciate you and what you do. Keep it up!

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments.
web posted June 26, 2008

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These good ole liberal judges….today the Supreme Court ruled that there cannot be a death penalty imposed for child rape???  The voting was 5-4 with the five liberal justices voting against the death penalty and the 4 conservative judges voting for the death penalty.  "The death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his majority opinion. His four liberal colleagues joined him, while the four more conservative justices dissented. 

You bleeding heart wacko liberals are destroying this nation, piece by piece.  I cannot understand why one shouldn’t die for raping a child….it is enough to make me vomit.

Normal people, you are going to have to rise up against this small but, powerful leftist movement.  The majority of our problems, can be traced back to the non God fearing, criminal sympathizing, tree hugging, political correctness, bleeding heart liberals and/or their policies.   I have had enough!!!

Editor's note: These are the same great legal minds that just threw out over 230 years of precedent to allow terrorists captured during war to avail themselves of our Constitutional rights. The very people who are not even covered under the Geneva Convention. In fact, under the Geneva Convention these people can be shot without trial.

Of course, by forcing the terrorist into our court system, the US has to reveal our intelligence gathering on terrorists so they can use that information against us. A basic premise of the liberal left... destroy America at all costs.
web posted June 26, 2008

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The doctors office in edgefield, at times looks a bit messed up, but if they weren’t behind the counter and they were cleaning, we would be upset because it took

even longer to be seen, now some are upset because its not clean enough. If we are mad because the older doctors are not there, then others are mad because the

new ones aren’t. Either way someone is going to be upset. Why not be grateful that at 4.00 a gallon, you don’t have to drive all the way to Augusta or Aiken to

be seen, just be happy that you have that doctor’s office so close. If it’s not nice enough, suggestions never hurt, but to the person who doesn’t

 like the uniforms…… that should be the last thing someone worries about !!!
web posted June 26, 2008

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I read a large number of “Wandering Minds” comments that are hostile to Fox Creek High School — including a recent editorial comment that….”If Fox Creek continues to seek to not to be a part of the
Edgefield County area I can't be held responsible for what gets reported about what happens at the charter school.”   Like it or not, the majority of wage earners for families living in the Meriwether district
are employed in Augusta or Aiken County.  If this makes us lesser members of the “Edgefield County area,” then all the more reason for a good high school in the southern part of the county.

There is great need for a high school in southern Edgefield County, and yes, it is somewhat about location.  It is a 31 mile one-way trip from my house to Strom Thurmond High School.  It is a little less than 2 miles to Fox Creek High School—this in a state that ranks near the highest in the nation for rural road accidents.  That’s not a welcome statistic for residents in this area of the county. 

Nowadays, I’m of grandfather age and my children are long finished with high school; however, back in the time that they did attend high school, I was aware of least a half-dozen families in the Merriwether
district who sent their children to North Augusta High School.  They accomplished this by assigning the addresses of their children to relatives who were Aiken County residents—or in some cases by simply lying about addresses.  I’ll bet that this practice continues to this day, and I’d also bet that more than a half-dozen families are involved.  This underscores the need that I mention.

Our county is more than large enough to support two high schools.  It seems to me that a better Edgefield County “spirit” would be to promote better schools for all areas of the county—not just for Strom Thurmond High School. 

Editor's note: Fox Creek Charter School will not be around much longer. They are almost $1 million in debt, they claim to be starting a $5 million dollar building with no loan, and gullible people swallow it hook line and sinker. They do not obey school district policies but want all the advantages of claiming to be a part of the school district when it serves their purpose. They are not a part of the school district, they are an independent 501 3(c) school that sucks tax dollars from our school district.
web posted June 26, 2008

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Sweatin’ to the Oldies: Teachers waste time and money with counterproductive “everyday math” dance training in Beaufort. The next time you start to feel sorry for a public school district complaining that they need more money, watch this video.

Perhaps seeing self-respecting adults jive around and chant nonsense words in the name of “participatory education” will clear your head. If this is how South Carolina trains teachers, it should be no wonder that fifty percent of public school students drop out before graduating. This embarrassing display of self indulgent educrat failure is part of Beaufort County School District’s push to introduce corporately developed “Everyday Mathematics” to students in the district. According to “Everyday Math” proponents, students can learn math through fun patterns, “active” learning, and a process called “spiraling,” in which students study a concept for a few days and then come back to it later. Skeptical? You should be.

In fact, numerous criticisms of the “Everyday Mathematics” training method led the state of California to ban it from public school classrooms. Regarding “Everyday Math,” Dr. Wayne Bishop, Professor of Mathematics at California State University  says “In normal classrooms with normal teachers, I would characterize these materials as dangerous.” Another informed critic, Dr. Tswewei Wang of the University of Tennessee, declares:

“In spite of some attractive approaches undertaken by Everyday Mathematics, the topics and skills it leaves out will be seriously detrimental to the students in rendering them not fully prepared to handle the learning of higher mathematical topics in middle, high, and finally the college years.”
It’s great to see that SC educrats aren’t letting empirical evidence and lessons learned in other states get in the way of some good old fashioned fun in the classroom. We only hope that the meager hundred dollar a day training bonus for teachers involved in this revolutionary new training program is generously supplemented with a liberal walk around stipend and per diem.
The most disgusting aspect of this money-wasting disproven technique, is that career politicans and partisan educrats are actually pointing to it as a substantive reform mechanism for the nation’s worst public school system.
web posted June 26, 2008

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Re Editor's note: Eron supported more Democrats than Republicans, you might want to look into contributions to Bill Clinton who was in control while they defrauded millions of Americans. As far as who I "hang out with", I do not judge people by what they make, what color their skin is, or any other Democrat pigeonhole they like to classify people by. I treat everyone as an individual.
 
Do you have a source for your statement about Enron supporting more Dems that Republicans?  You stated this right below a source stating the opposite.  Here it is again. 
 
http://www.snopes.com/politics/clintons/enron.asp
 
I don't question your judgement of people. I just restated what you said.  Which could be said like this.....The Editor only knows the more affluent retirees that do pay taxes on their SS incomes.  You said it, I am not pigeonholing you.  How could I be, I am only stating what you already said.

Editor's note: In whose world is $25k a year "affluent"? Isn't that right at poverty level? I made $25k a year when I was in my early 20's some 25 years ago when gas was around a dollar a gallon and steak was $1.99 a pound.

Hope you are enjoying your vacation.
web posted June 26, 2008

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Re Post: Maybe if Bill Clinton had allowed drilling in ANWAR (1992) and the Democrat majority now who continue to block exploration, we would have much lower gas prices.

Reflection: I got your address from the Edgefield County Tax Assessor's website and I have hired some oil speculators to come and start drilling for oil in your backyard. Happy motoring!

Editor's note: Hot diggidy dog! I'm going to be rich!  Uh oh.... you're liberal. You're just setting me up to hit me with restrictions, fines, enviromental impact study fees, and all that other anti-capitalist crap to keep the little man down and chained on the Democrat Plantation. Darn, even good news from you turns into bad news.

Wait... the Edgefield County Council already stole my mineral rights so I can't drill for oil. Heck, they won't even let me dig for gold and semi-precious gems that are everywhere on the property. I'm still trying to figure out how they could steal that from me Constitutionally. I know you love big government, but I sure don't.
web posted June 26, 2008

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I will have to agree with you Mr. Editor in reference to "Dr. Ned".  Although I would see "Dr. George" but he stays so busy that it is virtually impossible to get in to see him.  I have had some bad experiences up there but I think it's because I try to work an 8-hour day AND go to the Dr.  I don't have all day to sit up there and wait to be seen.  I had an appointment one day and sat there for 4 hours.  When I got to the back, my blood pressure was high.  I told my Dr. that it was probably elevated because I had spent the last 4 hours in his waiting room.  I think he took care of that!  If I have to walk in without an appointment, I expect to have to wait but if I have an appointment, I do not.  I also would like to see them stay open until 6:00 p.m. and not lock the doors at 4:00 p.m.  Not everybody wants to stay out of work!  And I know you're thinking that "they have a life too" but that goes back to the fact that they do not have their hearts in their jobs and are not caring for patients.  There are enough of them that they could alter their schedules to cover that office for that time period.  I also miss the times when one of them was "on-call" and if you had a problem after hours, you could stop by HIS house and he would check you out and advise you from there.

Editor: I have a standing policy when it comes to Doctor visits. I make an appointment and if I am not in a room within 20 minutes, I leave. If they put me in a room quickly and I sit there for over 20 minutes, I leave. I know the doctor is busy, but so am I. If I can keep my appointment schedule he should be able to as well, within reason. Emergencies do happen and in that event, refer back to my policy.
web posted June 26, 2008

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re:   watching their children without a license and the proper background checks?

Does it really matter when THIS can happen???   http://www.wrdw.com/news/headlines/2736726.html

That was a licensed daycare with background checks (supposedly)!  Now it is shut down but I hear the ones in GA run by the same folks are just as bad if not worse!
web posted June 26, 2008

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Editor's post: I wonder if soon to be former county councilman Everett Kitchens was sitting at home with a calculator adding up all the "unnecessary overtime" of Sheriff's Deputies as the Sheriff and his officers were investigating the murder Sunday? Maybe he is happy that county voters agreed with him for a change and cut useless people from the county payroll on June 10. I find it hugely amusing that he got spanked like a red-headed step child to a rented mule in the primary. Don't go away angry Mr. Kitchens, just go away.
web posted June 25, 2008

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Why do you have an Obituaries Section!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! There have been several that were not even mentioned within the county!!!! Did someone forget this section??

Editor's note: The Obituaries were not updated during my vacation last week. Updates have returned this week even though there were no obituaries reported for Edgefield County as of Tuesday afternoon.
web posted June 25, 2008

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To whom this may concern,
I do not have any clue for why in the world you are always downing Fox Creek High School. Yes we may be a charter school, but does that really matter. Most people in the district don't like the school because it is taking away from Strom Thurmond High School. But you know what, who really cares? As long as your child is getting a good education and having an amazing time in high school who cares what school you go to? Most people don't want their children going there because of the distance and the racial portion. In every great high school there is suppose to be an even amount of race.
     
There at Fox Creek, you learn all the knowledge that is needed. Your teachers are great and everything. At Edgefield Daily I always at least see something that is the creek. I mean why don't you all just leave us alone.  I'm sure that everybody in this whole entire world goes mud-bogging. It isn't like that's what the teachers teach us to do up there.
     
Fox Creek High School is the best school out there and nobody can change it. Not even when people report about us. It just makes our school a whole lot stronger.
WHO ARE WE?????  THE PREDATORS........
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
  
To the fact that Fox Creek High School is the greatest, nobody in their right mind cares what the name of the school is or if its a charter school. I hope that you hear out my e-mail and understand my confusion.

Editor's note: If Fox Creek continues to seek to not to be a part of the Edgefield County area I can't be held responsible for what gets reported about what happens at the charter school. I hope they have the money to pay off the near $1 million dollars they are in debt. I do not "down" Fox Creek, I just report on what they are doing. I am sorry if facts get in the way of your admiration for a school that has lowered the SAT scores for the county over the past few years. I guess that pops the bubble of the "best school" theory you brag about.

I wonder why they have the greatest turnover of teachers of any school in the county if it is such a great school?
web posted June 25, 2008

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I wanted to thank you for Edgefield Daily. We have stopped taking the local papers and get all our news online.

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comment and for reading. No news outlet can cover all the happenings of the county and to be well informed it is advisable to read coverage from the various outlets.
web posted June 25, 2008

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This whole Dewight Hall thing is a disgrace. He got away with murder because he wore a badge. I can't believe he plead guilty and is not going to jail.  I wonder if the judge would have been as generous if Mr. Jones killed Mr. Hall? NOT!!!!! Judges like (Circuit Court Judge J. Cordell Maddox) give honest cops a bad name. (Judge Maddox) just made every cops job in Edgefield County a lot harder. Thanks for nothing.
web posted June 25, 2008

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I have taken my wife to this clinic on occasion and I haven't had any real problems with thier front office staff. To the second poster, why were you turned away, was it close to closing time, do you have a high outstanding unpaid bill? I'm not attacking you on this by any means, it's just a bit odd seeing someone complain when my wife and I have had no problems and some of our friends that referred us there haven't had any problems either. The front office has always seemed clean to me as well, aside from magazines being out of place or some toys being strewn about from kids playing with them.  I hate those uniforms they wear, the office looks like it's all "uniformed" or "institutionalized" now. I do know for a fact that the uniforms they wore before going to the "institutionalized" look made the office seem brighter, friendlier and a bit more personalized (homey).  My wife and I will continue to go there as we have had no problems with them, (except for those ugly uniforms).

Editor's note: Just an aside to the comments (above and below), my personal physician practices at this facility. The reason I choose to move my health care from Augusta to Edgefield was for the experience of the doctor. If "Dr. Ned" was not there, I would not be there. The staff has always been friendly and helpful, for what it is worth.
web posted June 25, 2008

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To The Person Who Responded to my comment, first of all, you need to go back to school and learn grammar, how to use commas, etc., and how to spell. How do you shoot a mad in the leg? Ha, ha, ha! You can be a good candidate for the miss-match group at ECCC and ECBOE – you would really fit in - - uneducated you!

To the other person responding, you’re right, a dead man can’t sit (speak) on a witness stand because then the truth would really come out about what happened. Everyone would really know what Mr. Hall and Mr. Jones were doing at this place that caused them to get so drunk that cause a situation like this to happen anyway. One voice can really cover up what happened to that person’s own advantage..

It was said in the beginning the he (Mr. Hall) would get off Scott free and he did. You’re right again, it has a lot to do with his law enforcement past – this shows that an officer (retired or not) can get away with murder- literally!

I’ve been in court the past week and half and the punishment(s) given out is a joke to the system. Minor cases (disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, drug possession, etc.) are getting more time than murder. Are we telling others that you might as well kill someone because you’ll get a lesser sentence?

Back to the Hall case, He went and got the gun, he had time to think! There was a similar case a free years ago when the guy left Billy’s (went and got his gun) came back and killed a guy- did they give him 2 years in home detention – NO – they sent him to prison (and he was a very sick man)? It was said in the court at that time that the young man had time to think when he left, what’s the different with ex-officer hall’s case? Tell me that….!
web posted June 25, 2008

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Lately, there have been a lot of politicians (Gresham Barrett) and pundits talking about drilling for oil on the continental shelf (offfshore drilling). Yesterday, I got the straight goop from NPR. They interviewed Henry Lee, director of the Environment and Natural Resources Program at Harvard University. Mr. Lee is non-partisan and has no preference whether oil is drilled offshore or not. He just provides facts.

Fact #1: The shortest amount of time it would take to set up a facility to begin drilling offshore would be 8 years. First, a state would have to grant permission. Then tracts of the ocean would have to be subdivided. Then the permit process would begin. Permits would have to be created for each tract. Next, oil companies would have to submit bids through a bidding process on these permits and tracts. The bids would have to be reviewed. For anyone who has any knowledge of the bidding process for federal projects, this is a time consuming and arduous task. Once bids were reviewed, and a company was awarded a contract or permit, the company would have to construct a facility offshore. Depending on the ocean bottom, ocean depth, and many other factors, just the planning stages could take two or three years. If all things go smoothly, with no major hiccups in the system, the oil company could start drilling in 8 years. If there are any problems, it may take
 as long as 14 years to be able to begin drilling.

Fact #2) George W says that offshore drilling would add 1 million barrels of oil daily. What he fails to tell everyone, is that it adds this to the world market. Just because American oil companies are drilling the oil domestically does not mean that we get a bargain price in America. Just imagine a corn farmer in Iowa or Illinois; when they harvest their corn they take it to a grain elevator and get paid the market rate for each bushel. The same is true with the oil companies; the oil they harvest is put on the open market and sold at market price to the highest bidder. 1 million barrels a day is a little less than 1% of daily oil production worldwide. It would have a very small affect on oil prices.

Fact #3) Just like there are different types of cows, different types of tomatoes, there are different types of crude oil. The Middle East has the best oil in the world, light sweet crude. It is the easiest and cheapest type of oil to refine. In Alaska, Texas, Wyoming, and offshore oil drilling facilities that exist now, we don't harvest light sweet crude. The oil harvested is more expensive to refine. That's why we did not increase oil production in this country 20-30 years ago. It was cheaper for oil companies to buy oil from foreign sources and refine it. The expense of refining oil harvested domestically made it more expensive than buying light sweet crude and refining it. Now that oil prices have spiked these circumstances may have changed.

My point is that when politicians (Gresham Barrett) and pundits talk about domestic production, take it with a grain of salt. Most say what people want to hear just to get elected. Drilling offshore will offer no real price relief at the pump in the short term (6 months - 8 years). And even then, it will offer no real price reductions. These are the facts; I am not for or against domestic offshore oil drilling.

Editor's note: I allowed your lengthy post in order to give you all the room you needed to tow the Democrat line. I stand amazed that Democrats actually claim that there is no reason to drill our own oil because it will take years to make a difference, so it is not worth doing. Maybe if Bill Clinton had allowed drilling in ANWAR (1992) and the Democrat majority now who continue to block exploration, we would have much lower gas prices.

I imagine that if you saw a small fire starting in your home you would not try to put it out or call the fire department because, after all, it will take time and won't make any difference - your house is going to burn down either way.

I'm sorry, I just don't grasp that illogical concept. Maybe if I get a frontal lobotomy I can begin to think like a liberal.
web posted June 25, 2008

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Re: Editor's note: Yes. Everyone I know that is retired draws more than $35,000 a year (individually) in income from retirement. Who works for 20, 30, or 40 years to draw $25,000 a year? What did you invest your entire retirement portfolio in? Enron or Worldcom?

Does your experience change this fact?  So what your saying is you don't hang out with poor people? 
"Some people who get Social Security will have to pay taxes on their benefits. Less than one-third of our current beneficiaries pay taxes on their benefits."
Speaking of Enron, they were someone's biggest donor.  http://www.snopes.com/politics/clintons/enron.asp

Editor's note: Eron supported more Democrats than Republicans, you might want to look into contributions to Bill Clinton who was in control while they defrauded millions of Americans. As far as who I "hang out with", I do not judge people by what they make, what color their skin is, or any other Democrat pigeonhole they like to classify people by. I treat everyone as an individual.
web posted June 25, 2008

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If you watch more then one child you are supposed to have a license!  I agree these illegal daycare centers need to be shut down!  Why is it fair these people escape paying taxes-EVERYONE ELSE DOES!  I also think it is very irresponsible that parents do not care-your child could be in a home with a registered sex offender. 

Editor's note: I would suggest running a background check on anyone offering to provide child care from their home.
web posted June 25, 2008

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I don't know where the blame lies for the doctors' office.  It could be the front office staff or it could be the direction that has been given by the doctors in the back.  I just know that you got better service and care when they were in the old building and the first couple of years that they were in the new building.  This sort of leads me to believe that it may be the direction from the doctors.  The old doctors have equipment at their homes in the event they need to care for their patients but I'll bet the new doctors don't!  If their heart was not going to be in their profession they should have chosen another one.  I hear that my favorite doctor is thinking about retiring and I am very concerned as to what I will do.  I refuse to see those new doctors and the only old one left is almost impossible to get an appointment with.  Looks like I'm going to have to go out of town to see a doctor.
web posted June 25, 2008

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Income taxes on Social Security began 1984 under Ronald Reagan.  Here is a source. http://www.segurosocial.gov/history/InternetMyths2.html  Look at question #3 & 4. 
 
Clinton increased the % of SS benefits taxed, but did not start the taxation of either SS Taxes or the estate tax. 
 
Taxes on Social Security......"Some people who get Social Security will have to pay taxes on their benefits. Less than one-third of our current beneficiaries pay taxes on their benefits.
You will have to pay federal taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your total income is more than $25,000. If you file a joint return, you will have to pay taxes if you and your spouse have a total income that is more than $32,000."
 
I'd say if you parents rely on SS to live, they do not have a large enough estate to be taxed.  Would you disagree with this statement? 

Editor's note: Yes. Everyone I know that is retired draws more than $35,000 a year (individually) in income from retirement. Who works for 20, 30, or 40 years to draw $25,000 a year? What did you invest your entire retirement portfolio in? Enron or Worldcom?
web posted June 24, 2008

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How can it be reported as murder, when the cause of death is unknown.Sounds like sensationalism of a tragedy. Whe don't want you to be super fast, (we) just want you to be correct. Don't become like the rest of the news media. Man found dead,reasons unknown,would have been fine.

Editor's note: The crime was listed as a homicide within an hour of the discovery. If the Sheriff's Office and the Coroner says it's a murder, I'm going to trust they know what they are talking about.
web posted June 24, 2008

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I'm glad you're back from vacation. I hope you and your family had a great time. I guess it wasn't that much of a vacation with reports every day.

Editor's note: We had a grand time. I had help keeping reports published during the week.
web posted June 24, 2008

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I was very disappointed that Congressman Barrett's article did not start with an apology to the public for Congress's total failure to address energy problems for so many years.
This is not a problem that has just emerged.  It has been known and understood for a long time; however, unfortunately, our gutless  and spineless politicians can't seem to do their jobs.  Well how can you focus on tough problems when you spend all your time trying to get reelected?  Anybody who has been around our elected officials will tell you that their taking tough actions is just not going to happen.  They would rather kick the problem down the road and hope it doesn't blow up before they retire.
 
If Mr. Barrett will apologize for lack of action on energy, perhaps he would do the same for Social Security insolvency, Medicare unfunded liability, Immigration policy, Tax code complexity,  Pork barrel and earmark waste, Bloated farm bills, and other numerous examples of Congressional procrastination.
 
The Main Street Energy Policy is just window dressing like so much Congress does and is merely something to talk about for the next election.  If you want my vote and my financial support, do something, just don't talk about it!

Editor's note: Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program.  He  promised:  1.) That participation in the Program would be completely voluntary, 2.) That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual incomes into the Program,  3.) That the money the participants elected to put into the Program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year, 4.) That the money the participants put into the Independent "Trust Fund" rather than into the General operating fund, and therefore, would Only be used to fund the Social Security
Retirement Program, and no other Government program, and, 5.) That the annuity payments to the retirees Would never be taxed as income.

Since then many have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check
every month -- And then finding that they are getting taxed on 85% of the money they paid to the Federal government to "put away" -- you may be interested in the following:

Lyndon Johnson and the democratically controlled House and Senate took Social Security from the
Independent "Trust Fund" and put it into the General fund so that Congress could spend it.

The Democrat Party eliminated the income tax Deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding.

The Democrat Party started taxing Social Security annuities with Al Gore casting the "tie-breaking" deciding vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the US.

The Democrat Party then decided to start giving Annuity payments to immigrants. Jimmy Carter and the Democratic Party passed a bill that said Immigrants that moved into this country, at age 65, could begin to receive Social Security payments even though they never paid a dime into it. Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away.

The Democrats also shot down President Bush's attempt to let people invest a minuscule portion of their SS savings in private holdings that could be passed own to their children or spouse rather than confiscated by the Federal Government to be given to people that never paid into the system when they died, even if it happened before they were eligible for benefits.

Yes, the Democrats have a great way of protecting the "working class". I just wish you could show me where it is.
web posted June 24, 2008

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OK, I’m seriously tired of hearing people’s different views on Mr. Hall. I don’t know this man at all, and I doubt seriously if any of you do. So instead of defending him as Mr. Hall the person lets look at it from a different point of view. The last comment I read about it someone said he should have shot the mad in the leg. OK, when a person goes for a CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit), cop or not, the VERY first thing they tell you is if you pull your weapon USE IT. Second of all, they point blank tell you if you pull your weapon and use it make damn sure you don’t leave another side to the story. That’s how lawsuits come about. The way I see it this man was defending himself. I would have done the same thing. It has nothing to do with being a Christian or not. Yes it is a sin to take another life, but you don’t allow yourself to be killed either. You would do the same exact thing.
web posted June 24, 2008

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I just wanted to comment about Dwight Halls sentence.  I did not know him or the person he shot but I personally feel he did the right thing. Others have commented about how the person he shot was known for being aggressive and what do you expect someone that is pushed in the corner to do. He had tried to leave and was approached by the man again.  It was justifiable.  And to the person that mentioned shooting him in the leg or somewhere else to "Put him down,"  that's the biggest mistake you can do.  The old saying is a dead person can't sit on the witness stand.  This was told to me by and officer that serves in our county..  Also when taking my training to be an armed security officer in South Carolina I was told whenever you feel threatened you shot to kill not injure. They train you to shoot double tap (two times) into the center mass (Chest).  The only reason that this is getting so much attention is because of his law enforcement past.
web posted June 24, 2008

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I am amazed at how many people are operating a Daycare in their home without a license!  Why would a parent want someone watching their children without a license and the proper background checks??  These illegal daycare centers need to be reported! 
web posted June 24, 2008

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When are you going to get the Crime Blotter updated? Haven't seen any updates since 06/08/08.

Editor's note: I have several comments on this. I have was on vacation last week and the crime blotter has been updated to show the past two weeks of arrests.
web posted June 24, 2008

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How do people find out about the qualifications of teachers and administrators at the schools in our district? 

Editor's note: I believe that information is available on the School District's web site. Unfortunately the link I have (above) is not responding.
web posted June 24, 2008

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I have been a patient there for many years as well and will agree with you that the service has definitely gone down. I feel that the front office reception ladies do not even want you to come in the office at all. And as many years as I have been going there, I was turned away as well and told that they couldn't take any more patients until I complained and they took me but then I got nothing but ugly stares the rest of the time. 

I love the physicians there and think they do an awesome job, but I don't think the office staff cares anymore and they definitely have changed and have lost that "hometown" feel.

I also feel that the office looks dirty. For how many patients they must see, they must be able to do some small or minor renovations that would make it feel newer and not so worn down.
web posted June 24, 2008

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Editor's post: What a sad way to start the week after a relaxing vacation, a murder in Trenton on Sunday. EdgefieldDaily.com's first report on the murder was online within three hours of the first report to 911.  Not much more has been released in the Monday report. However, I will make this prediction, in the last eight years every murder has been solved within a matter of hours or days and I believe this one will be no different. That speaks volumes to the professionalism and quality of law enforcement officers we have serving in an understaffed and overworked set of circumstances.

On a lighter note, here are a couple pictures from our trip to NC. How can you not relax looking at a view like this? (Taken on Hyw 64 halfway between Cashiers and the Highlands) And who would not want to play a round at the golf course offering this kind of a view? Vacations are too short.
web posted June 23, 2008

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I know you are a big supporter of the Sheriff but how do you explain Dewight Hall getting off for murder?  I guess its that whole "thin blue line" thing huh?

Editor's note: The case was brought by the Johnston Police Department and was investigated by SLED. The prosecution was handled by the Attorney General's Office. They agreed on a plea of voluntary manslaughter that carried a 2 to 30 year sentence. The Judge did the rest. An opinion on the case has been published today. I do support all local law enforcement agencies. They lock up the bad guys, it is the judges that sometimes sets them free or gives a slap on the wrist. Place the blame where it lies.
web posted June 23, 2008

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Dwight Hall should go to prison. He should go to prison yesterday and get out never. He murdered a man plain and simple. I know Dwight and I want to know where he got the money to pay for Strom Thurmond Jr. because he ain't got two nickles to rub together. I don't buy it for one second. (content removed).
web posted June 23, 2008

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There were several purses taken from the choir room of the Edgefield Methodist Church on Sunday, June 22 during the 11:00 service.  Merchants are asked to be on the lookout for the attempted use of credit and debit cards and bank checks that may seem suspicious .
web posted June 23, 2008

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To the person who said Dwight Hall took out the trash, Are you a Christian?  He took out someone’s life and that’s definitely not taking out the trash. How can you say that? Do you not have family? How would you feel if someone shot and killed one of your family members, would they be taking out the trash? We’ll see when it happens to you and at that time make sure you response with “they took out the trash”…. 

Dwight Hall was an officer of the law (retired or not) and he really used that to his advantage. He could have just shot the guy in the leg(s) to get him down. He knew all the basic spots to hit and not kill. (Anyway when he left he didn’t have to come back with a gun, he could have called the law. But when you’re out drinking, gambling and doing things that a decent law officer wouldn’t do, you can’t call for help). He had time to think. Your crying in court was just a front, HEY YOU haven’t seen nothing yet!

And the sentence that was given, what kind of sentence was that? Two years for murder (better yet, two years to stay at home and do what he damn well please.) I bet there isn’t even a curfew for {him}. You can look at his picture and tell he {might have been} drunk. He’s all mouth and no fight. That’s why he got his a____ beat. He wasn’t so mighty at the time. Mr. Jones and who ever should have beaten him a little more for everybody that he’s stepped on behind his badge.

Uneducated you and Dwight should run for county council or the school board because both of you are full of crap. Read your Bible about taking a life, it will explain everything to you and Dwight. Go tell Mr. Jones family in person that Dwight took out the trash and see how far you get….What a thing to say?
web posted June 23, 2008

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I must have missed the new book on speaking when in pubic. Fist your voice must be loud enough so everyone in the area can hear you. But the most important part is the four letter descriptive word
referred to on TV as the f-bomb. Women are just as bad a Guys. This is casual conversation not in the
heat of an augment when it just slips out. I think it make the person just look ignorant and classless.
web posted June 23, 2008

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I, as a concerned citizen in Edgefield County, really don't think it will be much of a difference in Principal Thompson, excuse me, Ex Principal Thompson being there because he really didn't put much effort into involving himself with the student body and/or solving the problems that the student body can to him with.  I know of many students who have had problems at STHS and Ex Principal Thompson did little to nothing at all to help them.  It maybe for the best that he is gone or maybe no one will know the difference at all!!!
 
Even though, he had little to no involvement with the STHS students, maybe his presence in another area will really make a difference and I wish him and the students that he will be around the best.  Maybe he can help those students more than he could ever help us.
web posted June 23, 2008

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How much longer are the concerned voters of Edgefield county going to put up with the Mo-Town-Fo and their NAACP agenda? The answer is...until voting time. If the black voters who put Professor Bibbs, Sister Sallie and the two Jack-ass-son sisters in their present positions don't see that these people are bad representatives for them and their children...then woe be to our school system. How much longer are we going to allow our school system be held hostage by these four buffoons? And who will be the next principal? Someone like the highly qualified Loveable Dr. Crenshaw or the Bibbs protege Human Resource Lady...Madam Clankscales? And lets not forget Sister Brightharp whose contribution to our educational system is not very bright at best. Maybe the Mo-Town-Fo will put that clown (who lied about his credentials and was supported by Bibbs & Cooks) in as principal, whereas before he was not qualified to be assistant principal. It is obvious our school
 board is an embarrassment to itself and does not help to bridge the large racial divide existing in this county. Time will not heal the current affairs of the school board....only voting action and removal of all inept people the Mo-Town-Fo hired. When election time finally gets here in August, voters get off your butts, take as many concerned friends, family and others to vote with you and lets take back our school board and get rid of these impostors.
web posted June 23, 2008

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Can anyone tell me the guidlines for getting SSI from the government?
web posted June 23, 2008

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I totally agree with the person who wrote about Butch and Dean Campbell. This town was in good condition until the both of them left. You now have a mayor who knows absolutely nothing about budgets and the running of the town. He was voted in because the blacks thought he was the best choice. Duuuuuh!!! And as for the chief, he needs to grow up and stop giving stupid statements about giving the perps two black eyes!!. Also, his group of Gestapo cops needed to learn how to drive and what stop signs mean. They act like their poop don't stink!!!!
web posted June 23, 2008

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To the individual that made the comment about the voters in District 1.  I voted in District 1, I am not an idiot.
My mother raised me as an intelligent, educated, respectful, generous, and kind individual.  So I do not appreciate you or anyone like you calling District 1 voters idiots.  Unless you know for sure who voted for whom, you need to be careful of your unvalidated statements. But If you do know, we will need to question the Board of Election, because there must be a leak.  NO ONE SUPPOSE TO KNOW WHAT WE MARKED/PRESSED IN THE VOTING BOOTH!!!!!!!!!
 
According to the Constitution, we all have laws and principles. Hence some of us forsake our principles.
We all have the right to vote for who we want to govern our country, state, county, and community. So unless you know who I voted for I would appreciate you substanting from call me, and the voters of District 1 Idiots.
web posted June 20, 2008

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I have kept up with Dewight Hall and the issues involved.  Sounds like to me all he really did was to "Take out the trash"   Thanks Mr Hall.  
web posted June 20, 2008

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RE:  "However, one must wonder what kind of position Greg took at this time of the year. I continuosly bash the ECSD, but even it is better than 95% of the schools in Augusta-Richmond County. Talk about "GHETTO", and that is a compliment to the schools in Aug-Rich Co. "
 
Careful, Careful!  If I were Principal Thompson I  would gladly work for the Rich. County School Board ANY day over the ECSD board.  At least the #1 priority of the RCSB is children, not their own agenda!  No the schools in R. County are not where they need to be academically, but they were smart in hiring a superintendent that had NO connections to Augusta and came in with an open mind and a blank slate.
web posted June 20, 2008

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Democrats want to help the "little people" the downtrodden, the tired and  poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.. that's why my parents pay taxes on their social security (Clinton),estate taxes(Clinton), and countless other tax increases that did nothing more than hurt the middle class. Now, my 67 year old mother must work to be able to pay her bills, medicare part A has increased from 36.00/month in 1996 to almost 100.00 a month this year. That extra 100.00 would be enough for her to buy most of her meds and not need to beg for samples. Any type of pharmacy coverage and you don't qualify for the drug company programs. Married? forget it. Thats a penalty too, If you are disabled, you pay taxes on Social Security if you make over 6000 a year again a Clinton policy. Some other brilliant democrat policy to help the poor. If you work,  even part time and get child support they count it as income and you don't qualify for medicaid. Even though it legally cant be counted as income because its not guaranteed. If the government helps to get a dead beat parent to pay up, they can take the entire arrearage to cover their costs.-even though its a TAX supported government agency. If you child receives medicaid and goes to college they have to work in order to keep coverage. If they are not in school they can keep coverage while doing absolutely nothing. Yep, we are much better off with democrat control, I can't wait to see their next brilliant idea of helping the poor. If they help anymore, I may be living out of my car.
web posted June 20, 2008

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Sorry folks but after reading the article about the shooting I have to agree with the Judge....seems Mr. Hall was put into a position where he had to do what he did......I know nothing of this case...only read about here today...so I am not in any way biased. Just looking at the facts....the sentence is fair.
web posted June 20, 2008

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News is that Greg Thompson took a job as Asst Principal at Josey High School in Augusta, and that as an Asst Prin he will earn more pay at this position. Well Greg, as Guns and Roses once said, "Welcome to the Jungle". One must be pretty desparate to leave a Principal's job to take a demotion in rank and work at Josey H.S. The policies put in place by the MoTownFo and Mary "Have Your Rice and Eat it Too" Crenshaw have placed the ECSD in a bad position to fill the open slot. It is late in the summer to be looking for a principal. The good ones have all been selected and the field of candidates is lacking in experience and quality.
Will the ECSD have to settle? It is highly probable that this is the situation that will occur. Some say "No qualified candidates need to apply if your skin color is not of the darker persuasion". Hopefully, this will be the last big decision that the cartel of the MoTownFo will make for the ECSD. If Bibbs and Cooks are voted out, then it might not be too late to start making gains for the children of EC to receive a minimally adequate education.
Many teachers at STHS are biting their nails waiting to see who will be the successor to the thrown at STH. This upcoming year will be an indicator of how many quality teachers ST will lose for the following school year (2009-2010). If a weak leader is chosen, let's say one with the intestinal fortitude of former principal Chris Clancy, then ST can expect to lose many quality tachers to surrounding counties. This is an important decision for the ECBOE; one that could make a difference to the lives of many young people who attend STHS. Is their education important to the ECBOE? Does the board have the intestinal fortitude to hire a qualified leader, no matter the skin color of the candidate? These are questions that only the Board can answer. Come on Brother Bibbs and Sister Sally, let's see what kind of intestinal fortitude you two have.
web posted June 20, 2008

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Dwight Hall must know a lot of private info on some big time people in this county! It's amazing the way justice is meted out around here! Some don't do anything wrong and they get blackballed for not "walking the walk", but others commit murder and get away scott free! If that's not old time Edgefield justice what is it? They just taught the wrong kind of person that he can get away with murder! The next blood is on thier hands! Pray he's quit drinking!
web posted June 20, 2008

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Is it just me or has our local Doctors' Office gone to the dogs???  I have been going over there for years and the only Doctors that I will see are the old ones.  They are the only ones who seem to care but you have to go through heck to get to them!  I've tried the new ones and a couple of days after seeing them I was even sicker and ended up having to go back to see one of the old ones.  This place use to have that "small town friendliness" about it but not anymore.  They don't care how sick you are.  And they don't hesitate to refer you to the emergency room.  Let me see, should I go to the emergency room and pay $200 or go to the Dr. and pay $15.  They really need to wake up and start "CARING FOR THEIR PATIENTS"!!!!  I am fed up and am searching for a good, young Dr.  Does anybody know where I can get one that I don't have to drive out of town?
web posted June 20, 2008

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To the writer that states it is who you are in Edgefield ,you are absolutely correct...don't ya know this is the good ole boy system we have here?  (Tell on) to the deputies on all the other drug dealers in Edgefield and you can deal all the drugs you want.
web posted June 20, 2008

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I don't know who the ignorant, uneducated, idiot is, that made those illiterate, lying comments about Butch Easler,  but their English, and uninformed post told everyone who read it a lot! When Butch Easler was police chief and Dean Campbell was mayor they knew how and why all departments always operate within their budget! They all tried setting him up before, and that didn't work so let's now, blame all the problems that deal started and the overspending these new leaders have brought with them, on Butch, too! Why can't people let this man retire in peace? And while they are at it, check Butchs' drug conviction rate against the new police chiefs'! This town is going to hell in a handbasket because no one in charge now knows what they are doing. Blame who's really responsible and leave Butch alone! Sounds to me like a Democrat wrote that piece. They're always trying to blame somebody else for thier screw-ups, too! 
web posted June 20, 2008

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Dewight Hall should be in jail for at least 10 yrs.Justice edgefield county style. it all depends on who you know and you can walk away from just about anything even killing a man. It makes me SICK!!!!!!!
web posted June 19, 2008

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two years at home for shooting an unarmed man is that what they are giving nowadays in Edgefield? I have a question. If Mr. Hall is being incerated at home does that mean we have to feed him and pay his medical bills like they do when they are in jail? the whole thing stinks to hi heaven, he killed a man for (G)od's sake.
web posted June 19, 2008

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I read today that Trenton is trying to find a buyer for the caboose donated to the town.  Sad to hear that the town could not envision using this as a means to promote this wonderful example of the Southern heritage.  With the pecan grove providing a scenic drive and located ideally at the crossroads of Hwy 19 ( Heritage Corridor) and Hwy 25 what a wonderful opportunity to showcase the area and attract tourism.  The Peach Festival this weekend would have been a perfect opportunity to show off the caboose through a museum or other venue.  Donations or grant funds could be sought to utilize this asset for long term benefit to Trenton and Edgefield County rather than a one time monetary benefit.  Just like the concern over the loss of the pecan trees, once it is gone, it is gone and/or it is very expensive to replace. 
 
Aiken continues to show real vision in growing their area.  They recently announced they are expanding their revitalization of the railroad cars quite successfully.  Is there a lack of vision on our part?  Why aren't we moving this county forward in a meaningful way?
 
I don't know who donated the caboose nor for what purpose but I do know any donation I make in the future will not be a particular item for a particular purpose.  I do not want the disapointment when those plans fall through.
web posted June 19, 2008

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We live in North Augusta city limits and in Edgefield County.  I just want it to be known that when we went to the polls to vote, we were given the wrong ballot.  Living in District 5, we should have had the opportunity to vote for Ms. Blackwell or Ms. Hudson.  Also, our ballot should have given us the opportunity to vote in the Senate race (Mr. Ryberg or J. Whinghter, in the House for D. Smith or J. Whitehead and US Senate for Lindsay Graham or Buddy Witherspoon.

However, much to our disappointment, our ballot only allowed us to vote for US Senate. Questioning the ballot did no good.  Later we were told by Ms. Butler in the elections office that we could send a letter for her to put in file.  That did not seem to be a solution to this problem.  We know the elections are over, but hopefully, the elections office will acknowledge that they made some gross errors and this problem will be resolved in the future.  Also, poll workers should be encouraged not to overlook and see how voters are voting.

A vote can only count when the poll workers gives you the correct ballot and allows you to make your choices.  Edgefield County desperately needs to look into how the polls are being run – I recommend more competent people to be poll workers.

Editor's note: It sounds like you were given a Democrat ballott.
web posted June 19, 2008

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How in the XXXX can someone get "house arrest" for MURDER????? 2 Years behind bars would have been light enough for taking another humans life, but "house arrest"--that is a joke!!! I guarantee a normal person---even if the crime was deemed "self defense"--would not have gotten the light 2 years behind bars!
web posted June 19, 2008

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Don't you link to My Way quite a bit? 
 
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080617/D91BMDJ00.html
 
From the article. 
 
The Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan joint project of the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, gives a preliminary estimate that over the next decade, McCain's tax proposals would reduce federal revenues $3.7 trillion while Obama's cuts would amount to $2.7 trillion......

Obama, the first-term Illinois senator, wasn't in the Senate when they (Bush's tax cuts) first passed, but he's willing to go along with permanently extending them (Bush's tax cuts) except for their chief beneficiaries, the rich. Those who make more than $250,000 a year would see their taxes increase; Bush's tax cuts for them would be rolled back......

Overall, the Tax Policy Center said people with very high incomes would benefit the most under McCain's proposal, while low- and middle-income taxpayers would see larger tax breaks under Obama's plan and wealthy taxpayers would see their taxes increase.

So, is My Way saying that the chief beneficiaries of W's tax cuts were the rich? 

How does Edgefield County stack up with the demograpics being discussed above?  http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/incomeOverview.php?locIndex=13139  Yea, I see we have a county full of $250,000 taxable income earners (sarcasm) that will benefit from the McCain plan. 
web posted June 19, 2008

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It was just a matter of time before the antics of the MoTownFo ran off Greg Thompson from STHS. And he did it in style, leaving the ECBOE high and dry with no decent candidates left to hire this time of the year.
However, one must wonder what kind of position Greg took at this time of the year. I continuosly bash the ECSD, but even it is better than 95% of the schools in Augusta-Richmond County. Talk about "GHETTO", and that is a compliment to the schools in Aug-Rich Co.
The ECSD is steadily going down hill. At the end of this year an edict was handed dwon from the MoTownFo to fill any openings with the least qualified candidate so that salaries could be kept as low as possible. The quality of education in the district will suffer; however, one must look at reality. Ain't no one of any quality knockin' down any doors to apply for a job with the ECSD.
One thing I do ask for is not to give the job to the current Asst Principal of Curr/Instruction at STHS. If she got the job that school would be run into the ground in less than two years.
web posted June 18, 2008

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Your editorial, Hear No Evil, See No Evil, was hilarious! 
 
To the black lady who wrote such a passionate post, I feel your pain.  I am white and am very hurt by the racism going around these days - both ways.  I have many black friends whom I love dearly.  On the other hand, I am extremely frustrated and furious at the ploys of the racist black school board members.  I believe that is why Mrs. Talbert is not on that board now.  It is almost as though a fair minded black person doesn't stand a chance against the Cooks/Bibbs agenda.  I also believe that Mr. Talbert would have served his district and the county well.  Anyone that knows Mr. Dorn also knows that he is not able.  What are people thinking?

Editor's note: Thank you, I point out the absurd by being absurd.
web posted June 18, 2008

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To the comment made about where is Butch. Butch is one of the reasons why the town is in the mess it's in. Chief Aston has got more courage than any man I have ever meet. Chief Aston has took more drug dealers off the street than Butch has ever thought of. Chief Aston is a ever day hang'em high Law man and will go were we are all scare to go. The biggest problem in this town is that everybody wants to sit on their butts and complain. If the citizens will step up to the plate and show your support  towards Chief Aston, along with his Officers and other Agencies, they will do the butt kicking that needs to be done around here. There are some council members that needs quick worrying about a pile of limbs or a over grown Lott's and help Law Enforcement save our kids and community from drugs and violence, which is the real reason for the crime that is going on. And why I'm at it for the first time and long time citizen here in Johnston, the problems we are having didn't just start over night. It's because Butch didn't do anything before Chief Aston became Chief. Chief Aston it looks like you're hitting them were it hurts, why to go Chief Aston keep hitting them bad guys where it hurts. Me any many other citizens support you. And for a few on the council get off your butts and get out in the street and help your Chief and Police Officers. Chief Aston has builded a strong and well trained force, so don't let them down. You all wanted a true Lawman well you got one, and if you don't want to do the time don't do the crime. GOD BLESS YOU CHIEF ASTON AND THE JOHNSTON POLICE FORCE!!!!
web posted June 18, 2008

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The ignorant voters who support Bro Dorn obviously don't read this page or surely one of them would respond to the many insults written about their Main-Man. This is purely a psychological test to lure Norm Dorn supporters to write their thoughts about their Main-man Norm Dorn. It is a test to evaluate their thinking patterns, their writing style and intelligence levels. What fun this will be for all readers. However, the serious problem existing concerns the veiled threats Bro-Norm made concerning those who did not vote for him. Thanks to Mr. Petti-puke, nothing will be done and Dorn will get away with another blunder. And Edgefield voters wonder why big business does not locate to this county? This is a serious matter and can not be ignored. Now...back to the fun in luring out all those Norm Dorn voters/supporters. Please respond and let's have fun at your expense.
web posted June 18, 2008

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"Editor's note: Don't take my word for it, take Obama's words... I guess you will say he never said it.
Oh, and the comment about the Dems being in control as gas prices have doubled is " funny". Nice you don't deny it, you just find it "funny"."
 
That link never said anything about raising the 10% rate to 15%.  Can you show me where in your link Obama says he is going to raise the 10% rate to 15%.  How can I take Obama's word for it if he didn't say it?  Have you given up on the capital gains tax rates on 401K stocks? 
 
What is funny is your interpretation of why gas prices have doubled.  We have 2 oil men in the Whitehouse, an energy policy they made in secret and the price of oil averaged $34.16 when they came in office.  It is now over $130 per barrel.  http://www.inflationdata.com/inflation/Inflation_Rate/Historical_Oil_Prices_Table.asp .  Oil is going up at rates that can't be explained to me in terms of supply and demand.  How could oil go up 1-3% a day for weeks on end if it isn't being speculated?  At least that is what these folks say.  I'd say all politicians have a hand in this.  It is not all my side or your side.....actually I think you and I are on the same side and it is the side that is getting screwed.  A link to speculation.  http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/08/news/economy/senate_gas_prices/index.htm

Editor's note: Why are you trying to make me work on my vacation? I will respond while you are on yours.  :)
web posted June 18, 2008

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Many of you know Buddy, the big red golden retriever in the blue truck. Restaurants fed him. Children climbed over him and had their pictures made at the Hard Luck Hills produce stand. Adults admired him. Anywhere in the county where Mark was working, there was Buddy. He would arise at 7: 30 every morning and get on the back of the truck, ready for work.
I am sad to inform all of you who loved and watched for him that Buddy passed on Saturday, June 14. All of his extended family grieves for him. I could not let him go without acknowledging this loving and loyal dog. He had more friends than most people!
web posted June 18, 2008

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Editor's post: We took a short stop on the way to the Highlands today.Here is the view we saw.
web posted June 17, 2008

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I am a Black wife, mother and grandmother who has tried to teach my children and grandchildren to treat all people with respect. But when I read the hurtful and derogatory words on the edgefielddaily website(no black-eye intended for you editor or your website)used whenever black people are involved, it makes me angry and sad.

Most of the criminals you are referring to are alcoholics, addicted to drugs or mentally ill and yes beggars.  I doubt very seriously if ALL WHITE PEOPLE ARE INTIMIDATED by them.

As you sit on the pew in God's Church on Wednesday for Bible study and Sunday for morning service, please know that your whiteness will not guarantee you a ticket in heaven. Please do not let the Black criminal element end up in heaven and you spending time with Satan. If you do not believe in God or go to Church, I know I am talking to a person who is spiritually blind and my comments on this website may not make any difference to you.

Jesus came to save the lost, to love the unloved and yes people of color are included. If you are a Christian, you too have a command to be a witness for Christ not just the Mayor. Furthermore, it is not the just the churched who need a Saviour but UNchurched.
web posted June 17, 2008

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Re: "That's right, that's right, that's right, that's right, that's right - and she told others in the (County Administration) office."
 
Mr. Pettigrew has amazing verbal skills....hence his huge salary!Re: I don't live in District #1, thank heavens. I can't believe DEMOCRATS nominated NORMAN DORN again. What is the average IQ over there? These people don't care one iota about Edgefield County. They only care about ... well, apparently, mismanaged government, waste, grandstanding, incoherent ramblings, and, oh yeah, a big fine automobile. It's no "wander" Edgefield County can't attract business and industry.

Well, I live in Distrcit 1, and I don't  want to be lumped in with the rest of the folks that think that having Mr. Dorn  in government is a good idea.  Not ALL of our IQ's are that low.  LOL  anyways, Please vote for Faust in the election.
web posted June 17, 2008

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To the person or persons who took the little boy character from Living Word Fellowship. The Bible says “Thou Shalt Not Steal”! Is that not what you have done? Now ya’ll know it’s a shame when someone takes (steal) from the church. You had to be mighty desperate to take a prop or anything from a church. You would have been better off to stop and ask if you could use the prop (and I know Pastor Judy would’ve been glad to let you borrow it) she may have even given it to you. From what I know she’s always giving to the needy, she’s a “care-giving” woman to anyone. As you can read, even though you took the one without permission, she’s willing to make you one. Please return the boy prop for the parade on Saturday. Papa had surgery but still took the time to get the props ready for VBS because of the love he has for the church and the children.

If you let a man under doctor’s care do the work that you could have done (then you just take it) I hope you can sleep at night. But remember God knows who you are and where you’re at. He knows and sees everything. You’ll have to stand before Him one day (what will he say: “Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant”, or will He say: “Get Thee Behind Me, YOU Didn’t Put That Prop Back That You/Ya’ll took from My Church)….. How will you feel then? Would it have been worth it? Think about it!!!!! Even though the devil tried to attack – God’s VBS was a success! Victory is Mine saith the Lord. Amen…
web posted June 17, 2008

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Re: Editor's note: No, we don't agree on that point. If the tax cuts expire the bottom rates expire as well, which will raise the 10% rate to 15%. As far as the 401k's needing protecting, that will come from the increase in all other taxes, (including capital gains, which will lower the value of 401k's. Those "evil rich" will stop investing (and dont' forget that wonderful rise in unearned minimum wage increase) which is going to sap more jobs from the market and less investment. Don't forget that gase prices (which have doubled since the Dems took control) will keep going up as the Dems refuse to let America drill our own oil.

I'd get into it more, but I'm on vacation.
 
Editor,
Look, either you have a source for Obama's plan to raise the 10% tax rate to 15% or you don't.  I think you don't because Obama has stated clearly that he is not going to raise the 10% rate to 15%.  Please provide a source for your comment "If the tax cuts expire the bottom rates expire as well" in terms of this being what Obama is saying vs. what you say Obama plans to do. 
 
Look, either you have a source for stocks getting capital gains treatment when held in 401K accounts or you don't.  I know you don't because stocks held in 401K accounts are not taxed as capital gains when sold. They never have been.  Ask a stock broker, or a CPA this question sometime.  I don't know what you mean by "protecting 401K's".  Protect them from what?  A 401K is a tax deferred account that is taxed at ORDINARY INCOME rates when distributed to the account holder.  The capital gain tax rate is not germane to the sale of a stock held in a 401K account. 
 
Your last comment about gas prices is pretty funny.

Editor's note: Don't take my word for it, take Obama's words... I guess you will say he never said it.
Oh, and the comment about the Dems being in control as gas prices have doubled is " funny". Nice you don't deny it, you just find it "funny".
web posted June 17, 2008

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Where is Butch Easler now that the Town of Johnston needs him??
 web posted June 17, 2008

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Having a great time in the mountains. Here is the view from the deck. Tried to get a picture of a bear that was in the back yard Friday evening but it ran under the tree cover. I will have more pictures as the week goes on.
web posted June 16, 2008

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I think the person, on Calhoun St., in Johnston, who is complaining about the town not picking up her limbs should learn the difference between a limb and a log. I'm not sure but I would think there was some size limit as to what could be put down the woodchipper. Such as it's circumference. Yeah, Size Does Matter!
web posted June 16, 2008

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George Lynwood Brightharp is again above the law.  He even makes comments that he may even get himself into trouble again, but continues to go against the court order. Is the man of the cloth not following the bible himself?  Isn't it in the bible to follow the laws of the land?  To not abide with what has been ordered by the court is a sad day for all of the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church.
web posted June 16, 2008

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Wandering Minds would like to know " Why anyone would steal a vacation Bible school decoration from Living Word Fellowship in Trenton?" The Little boy cutout character was one of our mascots for our Bible school, "Kids Under Construction".  It was taken from the  front of the church at the road on Thursday night.  The members of our church worked hard on these decorations and we plan to use them for our float in The Peach Festival parade.   Please return our little boy so we can use it.  Please return it, no questions will be asked and we will make you one just like it.  Our Bible school was a tremendous success and God is truly blessing.  Thank you in advance for "the God at Work construction kid's " safe return.
web posted June 16, 2008

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Sorry to see Monroe Kneece didn't get knocked out of the race by his opponent. Rushton had too much "family name baggage" to do it. Who's next?
web posted June 16, 2008

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To the person that is having this trouble.You can always buy a generator or move where you can have SCE&G.I have been with Aiken electric for 30 years.When the tornado touched down on 25 north seven years ago,I was out of power for maybe 12 hours.I was there when a Ice storm come thru,No lost power.Had problems today was taken care of in 4 hours.Don't like the service move.I moved but still like my Aiken electric company.
web posted June 16, 2008

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When Leaders Need to Be Replaced:

·         Leaders who destroy their people instead of developing them

·         Leaders who scatter their people instead of uniting them in a cause

·         Leaders who abandon their people in fear instead of remaining responsible

·         Leaders who act in self-serving and unjust ways instead of standing for the truth

·         Leaders who lie, as though there were no GOD

·         Leaders who lead their people astray instead of guiding them into security

·         Leaders who foster evil and deceit instead of integrity and honesty

·         Leaders who fill people with false hope rather than speaking GODʼs Word

The Bible is packed with all the knowledge we need to make decisions in today World.

JEREMIAH 23:1-40
web posted June 16, 2008

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I have been following the power struggle taking place in Zimbabwe.  There a petty dictator has managed to totally ruin a vibrant economy under the guise of racial justice.  He strives to maintain power through intimidation and physical threats and by continually playing the race card in hopes of winning a rigged election.  I thought how lucky we are in the USA where people can fearlessly disagree and feel safe in making political choices at the ballot box and how sad I feel for the poor citizens of Zimbabwe who just want a better life.
 
Then I went to Edgefileddaily.com and pulled up the days' news.  How ironic was it that the first story is about Mr. Dorn employing similar tactics, as Robert Mugabe, to retain his position of power and making a mockery of the American election system.  If this accusation is true Mr. Dorn should immediately resign, remove his name from the November ballot, and hire a good lawyer.  The State should thoroughly investigate this incident and any past incidents of voter intimidation by Mr. Dorn and other County Council members, and ,if warranted, prosecute them to the full extent of the law.
 
Additionally, Mrs. Stark deserves at least, a written reprimand and probably salary action for aiding and abetting this type of behavior.  Only if we are all vigilant, will we preserve our hard won liberties in the face of those who would steal them to promote their own power.
web posted June 16, 2008

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There is an excellent editorial in the Citizen News which all residents and non-residents of Johnston should read. Yes, we do have a problem with the mostly black criminal element and they are giving this town a black eye as well as the Mexican gang graffiti writers.  Many of the criminals can be found hanging out in front of Monroe Kneece's liquor store begging for money and intimidating people, not a good place for white people to visit. Unfortunately, Johnston is a magnet for these thugs who run the streets throughout the night where they are up to no good and where there is now law and order for them to respect. A curfew would be the solution as suggested in the Citizen News editorial. However, Mayor Campbell would never impose upon his black citizens such a law. Let the white citizens and business owners suck it up. Mayor Campbell should not even be a Mayor. He should be ministering to all the lost souls in his congregation. One solution is for the
 law abiding black and white folk to attend the next town meeting and make Mayor Willie do something for the town's safety. How many people or businesses do you know would want to relocate in the Johnston area with the problems at hand??? If you don't own a gun, buy one or borrow one. Time to protect our property and send some of these people to the hospital or better yet, to Satan.
web posted June 16, 2008

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Editor,
So you don't have a source for your claim that Obama is going to raise the 10% marginal rate back to 15%.  We agree on that right?
 
Now you claim that "Allowing the tax cuts to expire will increase the taxes on all and will include those you mention. Most holdings of the funds you name are those who have 401k's and other retirement plans (capital gains) that earn less than $65,000 a year."  Please provide a source that supports this understanding of the Internal Revenue Code.  Here is my understanding of the law and a source that supports it.  http://taxes.about.com/od/capitalgains/a/CapitalGainsTax.htm
 
    
No Capital Gains on Tax-Deferred Investments
Many people invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds through a tax-deferred retirement account. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), Roth IRA, and 401(k) plans are examples of tax-deferred accounts. Your investment profits in tax-deferred accounts are not reported as capital gains. Instead, income from these accounts is tax-deferred until the money is withdrawn, and then the income is taxed as ordinary income. (Withdrawals from a Roth IRA may be tax-free if you meet certain requirements.)

Now, what is your point about capital gains tax rates on people making less than $65K per year that hold stocks in their 401K accounts?  Can we agree that you are wrong on this too?

Editor's note: No, we don't agree on that point. If the tax cuts expire the bottom rates expire as well, which will raise the 10% rate to 15%. As far as the 401k's needing protecting, that will come from the increase in all other taxes, (including capital gains, which will lower the value of 401k's. Those "evil rich" will stop investing (and dont' forget that wonderful rise in unearned minimum wage increase) which is going to sap more jobs from the market and less investment. Don't forget that gase prices (which have doubled since the Dems took control) will keep going up as the Dems refuse to let America drill our own oil.

I'd get into it more, but I'm on vacation.
web posted June 16, 2008

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Post: (socialist and communist)...socialist agenda of the DNC?

Reflection: Where do you get this stuff? Socialist, communist...Who said anything about socialism and communism? We are trying to have a debate on tax cuts. You must be hung up on FOX News, or should I say the FOX Propaganda Channel. At one time Johnny "Keating Five" McCain was for not extending the tax cuts either. Now he has flip-flopped to pander to the Repub base. Not everyone inherits a big brewing company when they grow up. It must be nice to be rich when you have an addiction problem to prescription drugs. She could afford the treatment she needed.
Johnny has shown a lot of confusion lately. He wants to veto all beers. He forgets the difference between Shiites and Sunis. He has a real problem with early onset Alzheimers..I mean his is not early onset..I forgot he will be 72 soon. Is he still allowed to drive? Yeah.. he is the man for the job. Also, your boy Johnny is for immigration reform also. He voted for the bill that Lindsey Grahamnesty voted for and wanted passed also. We need Mexicans to do the jobs that Americans will not do. You are against raising the minimum wage, but native-born Americans will not pick fruits and vegetables for the going minimum wage. So we have a conumdrum here. You say the Unemply rate has gone up, Americans will not work for the wages that are paid for the low-skilled jobs, so your logic tells me that you think that if pay is raised, then Americans will do the low-skilled jobs. Sounds like circular logic to me. Did you take your medication yesterday"?

Editor's note: America will elect either a Marxist or a socialist for President this year. Unless Hillary gets the nod, then we can add a communist to the list of choices. No matter what, American taxpayers are screwed.
web posted June 16, 2008

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It really is a shame that Trace Faust cannot win in the fall.. The Obama ticket guarantees a huge Democratic turnout & victory..   
Political Science 101...
web posted June 16, 2008

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It is just like our fine DNR officers to  remind someone it is illegal to shoot an alligator as it approaches children for it’s next meal. What sound advice they give.All they want to do is write a citation, get you in front of a certain magistrate and take your money. Fact is, most DNR cases can be defended in court if you go in front of jury of your peers and let the jury decide your fate. I commend the man that stepped up to protect his family. I also think he’s right to say he’d do it again.

Just for the record. Why didn’t these officers do something… too scared? I bet the officer from the low country never shows.
web posted June 13, 2008

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Re Editor's Post: I do love how you depend on the government to provide all things for you....

Reflection: Why must you always blame Mexicans for everything? The best leads say that tomatoes get contaminated with salmonella in the cleaning process. When tomatoes come in from the fields they are dumped into troughs of chlorinated water. Because of the lack of inspections, this water does not get replaced as often as it should, or water is used that is saturated with fecal matter from farm animals. Salmonella lives in the intestines of farm animals, so when they release fecal matter it gets into the water system, and this water is being used to clean the tomatoes. The tomatoes can soak up this water through pores in its skin, if the water is too cold, or the tomatoes are too hot. Also, the tomatoes can absorb water where the stem is ripped from the tomato. Mexicans have nothing to do with the process. They only pick the tomatoes. The problem is that no one is inspecting the process because of massive budget cuts to the FDA put in place by "Dubya", and the Republican Congress
before '06. Go easy on the poor Mexicans picking our vegetables, I don't want to buy lettuce at $4.00 a
head. I can't afford the groceries I'm buying now.

Editor's note: You're right, who cares about immigration laws as long as you can get tainted food at a lower cost. No to mention that the same people are sucking up millions (if not billions) in medical costs for the government (taxpayers) while tainting our food supply. That is a win - win in your mind.

Please explain that with the most recent rise in unemployed workers (US citizens) that entered the work force this May. The democrats are the ones pushing for illegals to stay in the US and they are the ones with the lowest poll ratings in US history for the Congress, and somehow that is President Bush's fault?

Granted I would not vote for President Bush for dog catcher, but at least be honest about your own leftist (socialist and communist) leaders wanting control of our country.
web posted June 13, 2008

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What has happened to the town of Johnston.  In the past year a problem has occurred but the town didn't want to correct the problem, and it was always labeled as a PROPERTY DISPUTE, no matter what complaint I filed.  After meeting w/ the mayor and other town officials over the past yr. trying to resolve this issue, I went to the town council meeting and tried to inform the full council of the problem.  But the MAYOR wouldn't let me reveal the mistakes that the town had made, the mayor would stop me before i could tell the issues that i had already discussed with him.  Councilman Burton tried to help clear up the issue but was shot down by the mayor in a rude manner and disrespectfully told Councilman Burton that he was out of order.  This is why I can't understand why the town of Johnston has a negative attitude toward this situation.  I feel that if the full council was told of the situation and the mistakes the town has made they would quickly resolve the issues.  I have attained documents showing that the town has violated an agreement with the state which is dated April 25th, 1957.  All of my contact with county and state officials has been very informative, helpful, and they have supplied me with the neccessary paperwork which puts the towns conduct in question.  Why should i pay an attorney when all the legal issues are in black & white (paperwork) which i have given to the mayor showing several mistakes by the town.  Its hard to understand why the mayor would act this way with a simple problem that could be easily corrected if the full council could review all paperwork and could see clearly where the mistakes were made.  So, why is Mayor Campbell covering up these facts.  It may be that he knows the town will be in violati on of an agreement between the town and state which was signed by the mayor and full council on the date of April 25th, 1957.  If the mayor handles all town problems in a negative manner like this one, the town as a whole should be very CONCERNED.
web posted June 13, 2008

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This is in response to having to pick a ticket to vote. I live in Johnston, first of all I have never voted here, and it was not easy. No signs when I suggested they might want to put up a sign for people like me new to the area. I was told we've been here for twenty years, my reply was I haven't, then I was ask democrat or republican which party was I voting I said neither and was told in the election I would have to chose, so I too was unable to vote for the person I wanted to. I have never encounter this before. I can not recall in all my years being forced to vote this way.
web posted June 13, 2008

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"The lowest income taxpayer would see their taxes increase a full 33%, from a 10% rate to 15%. Yeah, that's going to help out those just getting out of poverty a lot."
 
Editor,
   Do you have a source for the above statement?  Below is mine.  I can't find a source saying the 10% rate will be raised to 15%. 
 

"Senator Obama has an expensive tax cut for just about every voting block except for the rich.  He has tax cuts for the poor, for middle class workers, and for the elderly with incomes under $50,000.  He would extend most of the Bush tax cuts (the 10% bracket, $1,000 per child credit, and marriage penalty relief), as would most other Democrats. He would offset some of those costs by taxing the rich more heavily, tax raising the top marginal rate and repealing the Bush tax cuts for capital gains, dividends, and estates.

Editor's note: Allowing the tax cuts to expire will increase the taxes on all and will include those you mention. Most holdings of the funds you name are those who have 401k's and other retirement plans (capital gains) that earn less than $65,000 a year.

Oh, you forgot to mention that the federal government will raise the minimum wage that will drive prices and services higher during the same time that gas prices are rising. Great economic decisions by those in control of congress (Democrats) to make our economy stronger by making small businesses weaker.

Can you tell me where I can sign up to have half my brain removed so I can agree with the socialist agenda of the DNC?
web posted June 13, 2008

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Editor's post: How ironic it was to listen to Everett Kitchens berate his fellow republican
candidates Monday night and then so piously claim his pride in his job as a county councilman. Then to see him get taken to the woodshed by the voters who rejected him overwhelmingly just spoke volumes.

I also have a report that Dist. 1 County Councilman Norman Dorn went to at least one government office and told a woman there (who lives in his district) that if he finds out who voted against him he would see to it they did not get a Christmas Bonus this year. I am trying to get this on record, and if it is true, Norman Dorn may not be on the ballot come November. I can name a half dozen laws such a comment would violate, not counting federal election laws.
web posted June 12, 2008




above picture web posted June 5, 2007

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I think Trace Faust will win against Norman Dorn. Trace works with electricy and knows how to chage a LIGHTBULB!!! Hey LIGHTBULB, don't go away mad, just go the (heck) away!!
web posted June 12, 2008

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I don't live in District #1, thank heavens. I can't believe DEMOCRATS nominated NORMAN DORN again. What is the average IQ over there? These people don't care one iota about Edgefield County. They only care about ... well, apparently, mismanaged government, waste, grandstanding, incoherent ramblings, and, oh yeah, a big fine automobile. It's no "wander" Edgefield County can't attract business and industry.
web posted June 12, 2008

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Congratulations to the winners in the county council primaries. How many of these face opposition in the fall?

Editor's note: Rodney Ashcraft, Genia Blackwell, Willie Bright, and Monroe Kneece have no opposition in November. Norman Dorn will face off against Trace Faust in the general election.
web posted June 12, 2008

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It's amazing. Even Greg Anderson is waving the salary he gets from the town of Johnston, just like the rest of the Council, because of budget problems.  But Mayor Willie Campbell is still keeping his salary and raising our taxes.  Are Johnston citizens proud of this?

Editor's note: Wouldn't the better question be is Mayor Campbell proud of this?
web posted June 12, 2008

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You know life is hard when tomatoes are a source of salmonella. However, it brings to mind the larger
picture. Let's take a look at the latest proposals by both presumptive presidential candidates. McCain says that Obama wants to raise taxes. This is a distortion of the truth. Obama wants to let Bush's tax breaks expire without renewal. This would only raise taxes on those persons making over $250,000 per year. I doubt there are many readers of this posting that fit into this category. I don't think the editor of
edgefielddaily can even claim to be in that group, albeit, he does seem very "elitist" at times when
discussing his wife's achievements.

McCain wants to cut government spending. That's where the money comes from to inspect those tomatoes that you and I eat when we go to restaurants. Now you might say that if you want good tomatoes, then you need to grow them yourselves, but some of us do not have the resources to do this. You can cut taxes all you want, but money has to come from somewhere to pay for basic
services that we rely on from the goverment. Right now 25% of our national budget goes to paying interest payments on our national debt. The OMB (Office of Management and Budget), the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) , and the GAO (General Accounting Office) all agree that in the next 10-15 years, our government will use 50% of the national revenues from tax collections just to make interest payments on our natinal debt, just interest. In future years, taxes are going to skyrocket just to meet general obligations so the government can provide basic services.

That's what this whole election is about, our future.

Editor's note: Oh my poor liberal friend. I love the way you gloss over the facts to get to the spin. First, tomatoes are just the latest round of veggies with salmonella. There have been several over the last few years and they all trace back to one common thing - Mexicans. I'm not going to get into the gross particulars of that, but I believe it is the Democrats who stop any effort to rid our country of illegal aliens who bring unsanitary habits and disease along with them.

I do love how you depend on the government to provide all things for you.

Now, on the tax cuts. More spin, you claim Obama doesn't want to raise taxes he just wants to let tax cuts expire. Which would do what? Raise taxes. And not just on those evil rich you seem to hate, but across the board. The lowest income taxpayer would see their taxes increase a full 33%, from a 10% rate to 15%. Yeah, that's going to help out those just getting out of poverty a lot.

I like you, but you have a real twisted sense of reality.
web posted June 12, 2008

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Why is it some people in Johnston have to comply by the rules about limbs being taken up and others don't have to.  I noticed this morning a huge pile of limbs at the old car wash, in which the town employees were there grinding the limbs,  but I know of another person on Calhoun Street who had about the same amount of limbs and they would not pick there's up or grind them up, they told her that it was too much for them that had a limit size and hers was too big.   I guess it is who you are in this snobby town.
web posted June 12, 2008

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Now that the candidates are in place for the State Senate seat that represents Edgefield County, it's
time we had some Town Hall meetings/debates where we can question the candidates on the rhetoric that will be espoused over the next 4 months. Candidates can say many things when they want to be elected, but what we need to know is, what actions they are going to take to enact the rhetoric. As far as I am concerned, Mr. Massey already has 1 year more of experience in state gov't than Mr. Anderson. Do we really need a State Senator-in-Training when we already have one is doing a fine job.
web posted June 12, 2008

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In response to the sidewalks in Johnston about a car dealership parking on them.   The way I see it is they put the sidewalk where the employees and customers park AND HAVE PARKED for over 40 years.
web posted June 12, 2008

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Editor's post: Two of the seats on the county council have been overturned. A third is still out there and will be decided in November. I have to say I love it. November could spell history in Edgefield County. I expect things to heat up in the District 1 race like you have never seen before.
Trace Faust did, in my opinion, what I thought could not be done - take the Republican Primary without a run-off.

We know almost half of the Democrat Primary voters in District 1 went against Norman Dorn. With almost 800 votes cast, Republican and Democrat, only 25% went for Norman Dorn. That is never a good sign.
web posted June 11, 2008

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na na na na....na na na na....hey hey hey....GOODBYE!!!!!  Don't worry Mr. Kitchens, I think the county employees will probably buy you a turkey as a going away present.
web posted June 11, 2008

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I can't believe that Mrs. Blackwell won. Now she will listen to her ignorant husband and close Fox Creek (Charter High School).

Editor's note: I guess anything is better than listening to the idiot that is telling you that the county council has any control over our local schools. That responsibility lies with the School Board.
web posted June 11, 2008

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Congratulations to Ashcraft and Blackwell.  Looking toward a brighter future for Edgefield County.  Now if all those who voted for other candidates will pull together you can unseat Dorn.  Maybe the current council is getting the message that the citizens are not happy with the way they do business.   Look out Edgefield County there is a new day coming!
web posted June 11, 2008

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Congratulations to our newest county council members, especially to our Merriwether representative Genia Blackwell !!!  Hopefully, the new members can work together to make much needed changes in our county government.  Thanks also to everyone who took the time to vote for change.
web posted June 11, 2008

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It is pure amazement and amusement plus a dash of stupidity that Norman Dorn was selected instead of Mr. Talbert. It is obvious that the people who voted for Dumb-arse Dorn are voters who should have their District renamed and rezoned.....Stupid District. I invite you stupid Dorn voters to respond to this post and will enjoy your illiterate response.
web posted June 11, 2008

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Do you suppose Monroe Kneece and Everette Kitchens have informed Joel Hudson that he lost?  Guess he and Mr. Kitchens will have to either find a new pack leader or start thinking for themselves!
web posted June 11, 2008

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Hey Mary Ann, we get to look at Trace's picture for five more months!!  What a great day in Edgefield County.  Congratulations Trace and good luck in November.  You can do it.  I know you can.  I (your big sister) am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished.  Go get 'em!!
web posted June 11, 2008

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Many congrats Genia (Blackwell).  Looking forward to some girl power on the council!
web posted June 11, 2008

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I can't believe our county failed to get rid of so much riff-raff.... for shame on those that didn't vote, and on those who voted to keep the crooked members in power.  Add to that the fact that we now have Lindsey Graham for another term, and it's just a depressing day.
On a higher note, congratulations to Genia Blackwell and Rodney Ashcraft!!! Please make us proud!
Good luck against Norman in the run-off, Trace! We're behind you!!
web posted June 11, 2008

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Congrads to Genia (Blackwell) on the great and honest race. Hope more seats can change and we can get the county back from the rath that the last council has on it. Great job and looking forward to you working for us Genia (Blackwell). Now all we need is to get Dorn out and we can have a Goverment we can be proud of.
web posted June 11, 2008

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I really find it hard to believe that NO ONE saw anything the night the town mural was tagged. It is right in the center of the busiest road in our town. And why were there no police patroling the town. I thought they are supposed to patrol 24/7. This town is too accomidating to the mexicans (supposedly this is who tagged us) , big deal we make money off of them in our grocery stores and gas stations but they are worth more trouble than good. I say give the town a good sweep and arrest all the illegals. And this country needs to enforce a law that if you come here from another country than LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH!!!!!!!!
web posted June 11, 2008

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The Hillbuzz website said its sources revealed, "For about 30 minutes, Michelle Obama launched into a rant about the evils of America, and how America is to blame for the problems of Africa. Michelle personally blamed President Clinton for the deaths of millions of Africans and said America is responsible for the genocide of the Tutsis and other ethnic groups. She then launched into an attack on "whitey," and talked about solutions to black on black crime in the realm of diverting those actions onto white America. Her rant was fueled by the crowd: they reacted strongly to what she said, so she got more passionate and enraged, and that's when she completely loses it and says things that have made the mouths drop of everyone who's seen this," Hillbuzz reported.

Editor's note: As I have been informed, Obama's wife is not the only one who is on tape making such stupid comments. I said before that Hillary Clinton is not done yet. She has not released her delegates and will do everything to broker the Democrat Convention this fall.
web posted June 11, 2008

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Today I went to vote at the same place I always do, but have never incountered this problem before now.
I went in to vote, gave the lady there my card, they ask Democratic or Republican party? I gave my reply.
But when I went to vote the person I wanted to vote for was not listed as one of my choices.
So I went back to the table and voiced my concern.
I told them what party I wanted to vote for, what district I lived in, and even the name of the person I was looking for to vote for.
Now, here's the real kicker, no-one ever said, you need to up-date your voters card(because your district is stated on your card, and you no longer live in the district listed on your card).
Instead I was told this was just the primary and I would be able to vote for my particular canidate of choice in November.
My concern is how many people have been told the same story( I know of at least one other)
so that maybe the people working at these locations can help their canidate of choice get more votes and maybe even elected into office.
web posted June 11, 2008

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I don't know how everyone else took Johnston's police chief, Chris Aston's challenge to the vandals who damaged the town last week, but it sounded very macho and immature to me. His comments were very unproffesional for a police chief. And his comments about giving them two black eyes sounded like a mad child. Are we to expect to see  him out on the streets at night like a vigilante with a deer rifle? Grow up and give up the SWAT dream or go work for SWAT! Most police know that challenging young criminals will only result in retaliation. I hope for the towns sake that he is not stirring up a big stink that we know the Johnston Police Dept. can't handle. Oh, that's right, he'll just call in the county to clean up any mess he's made just like he always does. They need to change the towns name from Johnston to Pass The Buck City. That's all any of this towns administration does anymore.

Editor's note: I have not read where Chief Aston has made the above statement. I know that he is very serious about the incidents and will hold those responsible to the highest level of the law when captured (and I have no doubt those responsible will be caught).
web posted June 11, 2008

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STHS Class of 1968…anyone planning a 40th reunion?
web posted June 11, 2008

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It was posted that the Johnston sidewalk project was complete, other than redoing a part that is cracking already. What I'd like to ask is, what area in town are the cracks in? Could it be in front of Herlong Motors, where they have continously parked trucks on the sidewalk ever since it was laid? Does the town of Johnston allow all merchants to park thier product on a sidewalk, blocking it, or is this a privlige shown only to this automobile dealership? Seems like I recall the town of Johnston loosing a nice restaurant because they were made to remove a small bench from the sidewalk outside of the business that was there for customers waiting. My last question is, "Who pays the cost of sidewalk repair now and in the future and why aren't the police enforcing the law on this. Another merchant, in the past,   had some similar problems with parking and they got with the towns administration  and they jointly resolved the problem. Of course this was back in the day, in Johnston, when the law and town ordinances were enforced fairly, justly, and impartially. Now days people get the law enforced differently, according to who they are. Starting to sound a lot like Edgefield now, aren't they? Has anyone else noticed this or have any answers to my questions?
web posted June 11, 2008

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Re: Something to get off my chest before I am consumed with bitterness.
 
Friends, family, and people of Edgefield County, "lend me your ears".   This is just to let you know that the ECBOE does discriminate against people of all races and genders.  How else would a district "drop the ball" on an employee but yet that employee is the one who suffered.  How ironic to be told that your administrator and personnel on the district level have your back when they themselves are the very ones to give you your walking papers.  The truly sad part about is that one of the people who they have carried out an injustice against actually cared about the kids... all of them.  If that employee didn't care, why else would they continue to work at a place where, 1) they weren't even making enough to pay for gas to come to work, 2) worked at a place where the one key person who always says that he has your back acted as if he couldn't even speak, 3) minimum wage is more than the mere "fifty dollars a day" they insulted this employee with.  People, people, people,... you can't do ugly to people think that you're going to get away with it.  Especially when you accused them of "not being truthful".  At the end of the day, I hope this administrator was able to go home to their home and sleep with a clear conscious as I was able to take that long ride and sleep with peace on my mind because I know that there was nothing that I did wrong.  At first, I decided to never go into education again because of what I went through this past year but after praying about it, I decided that if I gave up something that I have been so passionate about that would mean that my heart was never in it to begin with and I would be allowing those very nice folks at ECBOE district office (oh and I didn't forget those people who wronged me at good ol' ST) win.  That will never happen.  People of Edgefield County, please remember that people are only who they want you to "see" them as.  Take a little time to truly get to know them.  Eventually, their true colors will surface.
web posted June 11, 2008

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Clinton supporter thrown out of rules committee meeting -  http://bloggxz.com/blog/
web posted June 11, 2008

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VOTE! Get out and VOTE! We need everybody to take a stand!!!!!!!! Let's take our county back!!!
Please vote Cockrell for District 1.
web posted June 10, 2008

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I hope that everyone will take advantage of the opportunity afforded them to make a difference in this county's council.  It is past time for a change of thinking with the council if in fact the current tribe does any thinking at all.  When you look at what type of leadership has been the rule, you can kind of understand why we have the people we do heading individual departments.  The head of the building department as you have pointed out before is unqualified, the tax assessor, again unqualified along with dimwitted.  Then running a close third, you have the county attorney who is supposed to represent the citizens by guiding council in there decision making.  Ha, Ha, Ha.  When you sit in on council meetings you realize very quickly that he cannot make a decision on his own.  He either has to look it up or consult with someone in Columbia.  Answering a legal question seems to require more of an effort then he is willing to put out.  It always requires additional time and never does the question get answered for all to hear.  But, as was previously pointed out, he received a raise.  I'm sure it was due to his hard work.  Let's hope that tomorrow ends with a new beginning for Edgefield County and its citizens.
web posted June 10, 2008

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For you guys that won't vote Cockrell or Blackwell just because they are women.... When we end up with the same mess or worse that we have now because of you, keep your mouth shut when you are going down with the ship because you did no bailing.
web posted June 10, 2008

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I saw your story online today and also heard information in the news about the gang markings.  I live in Aiken County and I have noticed these markings most recently have shown up on Hwy 191  (off Hwy 19) going towards Vaucluse.  They are on the columns of the I-20 overpass.  They are the same type of markings and symbols.  I believe they were put up over the weekend.

Editor's note: The information has been passed along to the proper authorities.
web posted June 10, 2008

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Could I be the only resident in Edgefield County  who considers Aiken Power Co-op to be a joke.  I need to type this as quickly possible because I hear thunder outside and when it thunders close to my 
house, the power goes out.  Not to mention that anytime the wind blows semi-hard it goes out as well.  How do these individuals sleep at night knowing what they're charging for a service that is as poorly run as Aiken Co-op?  I grew up in the country and have used Power Cooperatives throughout my life but none have performed as badly as this group.  Please, if you can't keep the power on maybe you should consider giving us a break on our bill.
web posted June 10, 2008

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Editor's post: The Wandering Minds for May has been archived and listed above. Mid May posts are still on this page but will be deleted as the June page grows in order to make the page load faster for Dial-up internet users. I feel your pain.
web posted June 9, 2008

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Everybody please remember to vote Tuesday. Take somebody with you. Tell your friends to vote. It only takes a few minutes but it means SO MUCH! Get out and VOTE!
web posted June 9, 2008

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Citizens of Edgefield County, don't forget to vote Tuesday!  The primary is as important as any other election.  If you want change remember you have to stand up and be counted.  Each district has good candidates challenging the incumbents.  If you like what you have been getting do nothing or vote for the same candidate.  If you want to really see a better run county government, then vote for change while preserving the best the county has to offer.  The future is in our hands.  Get going Edgefield County!
web posted June 9, 2008

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Now that someone has spray painted their sign, maybe the Triangle will take it down before there is a bad accident at that corner.
web posted June 9, 2008

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Dear Editor,
On June 10 our citizens will have a chance to change our county government if they should so desire.
As a resident of District 1, I have been long disappointed with our current Council Member who has a unique combination of arrogance and stupidity.
In reviewing the five candidates, I have come to the conclusion that Trace Faust is our best choice.
Mr. Faust has a record of community service and the business experience desperately needed on our Council. He has served our Country well, retiring from the National Guard in Edgefield after 20+ years. As a volunteer fireman with the Edgefield Fire Department, he has served our community. He has also contributed to our youth as a head coach of a girls' softball team coach in the Edgefield Recreation Department for a number of years. He has served on the Board Of Deacons and is currently the Chairman Of The Board Of Deacons  at a local church. He is the owner and manager of one of our area's larger heat and refrigeration businesses which has experienced substantial growth through customer satisfaction and expanded product lines. He is a strong family man, having raised three daughters, all outstanding young ladies.
I would urge the voters of District 1 to vote for a  candidate with proven dedication to our community, proven business leadership abilities, old fashioned common sense, and a fresh perspective. The best candidate.......TRACE FAUST !!
web posted June 9, 2008

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I am so sick of Edgefield politics.People stop and think. Don't just vote because you know someone.I live in district 1. My vote is going to Jeanette Cockrell. Why? She does not have any ties to any of the people that pull the strings on our council. She operates no business so there is no potenial to be swayed in any one direction. I had already decided who I would vote for but changed my mind. If you have not talked to Mrs. Cockrell, then you need to . I was greatly impressed with her . I think she will hold her own and since she is one us that have to suffer by what is decided for us she will be looking out for us. I think it is time to put some women in. The men certaintly have screwed it up. Let,s try it. We might like it.
web posted June 9, 2008

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Ref:  carpooling.
Since you seem to know everything and you're going to shut up.  Please check back with me around September and we will compare gas prices with today's prices.  If what you're doing is working, maybe they will go down and not up!
web posted June 9, 2008

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I don't care who owns the vans everybody keeps talking about. I'd like to know why one or two people can use them to go get lunch? Dude, brown bag it like the rest of us are having to do because the (darn) gas is so (deleted) high. Don't tell me we're buying your lunch too!!!
web posted June 9, 2008

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Editor's post: The Wandering Minds will be archived over the weekend and should shorten the time required to load the page. A trial of a free forum where readers can post comments live time is under consideration.
web posted June 7, 2008

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To the poster who wrote "Johnston Town Council agreed to get -$0 – per meeting." Please remember that the 5 members of the Johnston Town Council DID agree to give up their salaries.  However, Mayor Willie Campbell REFUSED to give up his salary. Leadership issues are not just found on the County Council.
web posted June 7, 2008

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loved the picture of (County Councilman) Norman Dorn's car. I guess he uses the money we pay him to pimp his ride that he parks on the sidewalk. How old is old lightbulb? 80? 90? What the (heck) does this holdover from the 1930s have that is relevant today? Nothing!!!!!  I say good riddance.
web posted June 7, 2008

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To all of the voters in district 1 pls do not just vote Democrat and Talbert to get Dorn out.  Thinking like that is what got this county in the mess it is in now.  I urge you as someone who lives in district 1 to vote for the person that is best for the job.  What happens if you vote Democrat and the republican that you really wanted to win lost because of the backwards way of thinking that is going on.  The person that wrote that was more then likely a Talbert supporter and figured that would be a ace in the hole.  I urge all of you to vote for the best person whether they are Republican or Democrat.  Don't worry about Dorn he doesn't have snowballs chance of winning.  Do the right thing !
web posted June 7, 2008

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As the elections draw near next Tuesday, I hope the voters will realize that if there is one person that can make a difference on county council, that person would be Genia Blackwell. This candidate is the real deal. She will be the only council person that has real experience in financial matters and will add much needed credibility to the council itself. She is extremely competent and intelligent. I am urging all voters in this district to get out and vote for Mrs. Blackwell on Tuesday if you want to see the council improve. I am just happy that she is willing to provide this service for our county. VOTE FOR GENIA BLACKWELL.
web posted June 7, 2008

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Please vote for Trace Faust on Tues he has my vote!
web posted June 7, 2008

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I would like to make a comment about the reminder to vote and to vote as a Democrat just to get Norman Dorn out of District 1. The meaning of Democracy in the Webster dictionary is "government by the people directly or through representatives". If everyone votes Democratic just to get Norman Dorn out then they will really have no say in the Republican they want in District 1.  So where is the Democracy in that?   So you get Mr. Dorn out but do not agree with the Republican that was elected just because you were too busy getting Mr. Dorn out of office.  I think Mr. Talbert should be able to stand on his own if he is a viable candidate.  Why should everyone vote for him and not the person they truly think would do the best job?  I am not in District 1 but I know most of the Republican candidates and I think voting just for the Democrat would be an injustice to them.  They took the time, energy, and money to run because they do want more for District 1.  Could it be this type of thinking that gives us the council we have today?  One that does not care what the people that elected them think.  Everyone should vote for the candidate that you think will do the best job for the district.
web posted June 7, 2008

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I think that we need to elect Mrs. Blackwell and Mrs. Cockrell to the county council tuesday. It takes a woman to really clean a house and ours is so dirty it will take 2 to get the job done!
web posted June 7, 2008

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My family will celebrate the 50th anniversary of my parents marriage, June 7. I couldnt imagine what to give them so I contacted Senator Massey and asked for a state flag that has flown over the capitol. They are proud to say they are from South Carolina. He came through not with just a flag but  also a proclamation. The Senator then took the time to write them a personal note.  His office was great, and could not have been any more helpful with the request.  Thank you Senator Massey for helping to make it just a little more special, and give us a treasure that can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Editor's note: Be sure to send in a photo of the event.
web posted June 7, 2008

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Ref: carpooling.
You say you're gonna shut up.  I'll bet I can make you continue. But maybe I should leave you alone.  Opinions are like tailholes, everybody has one.  You have yours and I have mine and they are totally different.  You did send in some facts regarding some of the things done for the local community because I've seen some of this in the newspaper.  By the way, are you taking that government van to lunch too?  Does everybody get to go?  If so, maybe the next time I'm working in town, I can go to lunch with you.  You should be able to buy because you are saving so much money by mooching off the government.  I hope you're not using your government computer to send posts to Wandering Minds.  Remember:  you were gonna shut up!
web posted June 7, 2008

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Editor's post: I am so biting my tounge. I know Walton Mims is rolling over in his grave.
web posted June 6, 2008

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I have wandered and am still at a lost as to how the present administrator got his job? Not qualified, Not experienced at running a Town or County. Does not have the ability to work  well with people. Can not handle personnel problems.  Once his mine is made up, will not change it.  And most important, doesn't know what the H%$# is going on.  So, how did he get his JOB?

Editor's note: You have to ask how? Qualified people would never allow what is taking place in the Edgefield County government to continue. When unqualified locals hire unqualified locals to run things, red flags should be going up everywhere. It all starts with our present county council.
web posted June 6, 2008

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Editor's note: A reader sent in the following photograph of Edgefield County Council District 1 Candidate Norman Dorn parking at Tuesday night's County Council meeting. He is so important that he can not only park where cars are not allowed to park, he blocks the sidewalk. What a dipwad.
web posted June 6, 2008

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A one car Auto accident happened last night on my road. 12:30-1:00am Red oak grove road, near Morgan.My next door neighbor was awakened by passer by to help. This is his version I am telling you.
The passer by was concerned because  the car had flipped and was roof side down, so flatted he could not see if some was alive and needed help.
As it turned out the driver who smelled of alcohol had fallen out of the car (no seat belt? )as it flipped over and over. Of course he was, drunk people never are. He was not given a Breathalyzer test because he left the scene of the accident but did get some minor tickets, no driver license, reckless driving
My guess is he was passed out from hitting the ground and woke up when he heard the commotion, no where to go around here.He is related to the (removed) family What do you think the real reason is he did not get a DUI.

Editor's note: I have no idea, I have not seen a report on this incident. I do recall the dispatching of deputies to the location and some of the information you speak of. It was probably turned over to the SC Highway Patrol, but a Sheriff's report should have been filed.
web posted June 6, 2008

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No doubt the cost of registration for a child in our local youth baseball league can be difficult for some parents to afford.  I know  for my own three children combined the cost was well over $100 and  that doesn't include the cost of gas to and from the ballpark plus  meals once there.  But according to our league President, Mr. Scott  Mims, Edgefield Dixie Youth Baseball has a plan in place to cover the 
registration fee of any child who cannot afford it.  I commend both  Mr. Mims and his board for having the foresite to institute this  policy, making participation in our youth baseball program available 
to all.  No matter how you look at it, these youth recreational  activities are vital to the community.  By learning a strong work  ethic, the ability to work together (regardless of race) and keeping  our children off the streets, youth baseball is far more important  than most parents  realize.

My only suggestion would be that we need to be more proactive in  recruiting children into our league.  How do we do this?  By going  into our local schools and making these children aware of the program 
and its benefits through one on one meetings.  I understand that at  this time a "flyer" of some type is sent to the local schools and teachers are asked to distribute it among the children.  For the most 
part I'm sure  this has been a sufficient method of recruiting youth  into the program, but I know for my own 7 year old, insuring that  piece of paper makes it home can be a more daunting task than getting 
gas back to $3 a gallon.  In addition, there are several other ways  to insure that every child who wants to play baseball has the  opportunity to do so and is made aware of the program.

I know for a fact that both Mr. Mims and his board value the  participation of each child in our community and that they will do  everything within their powers to insure that all our children, both 
black and white have an opportunity to play baseball.
web posted June 6, 2008

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Re: "Comment about all kids of no color going to play baseball for Edgefield. Furthermore, they can continue to take their kids to Edgefield & LOSE." per Johnston team. Coach/parent; how rascist, insulting, & ignorant towards our community could you become? Your child would be welcomed & loved to sign up for any league as is our child. However, although, we live so much closer to N. Augusta, Belvedere teams...we choose to support our county. You don't even deserve to know the color of our child. The fees, by the way, are the SAME. My child was born in Augusta with no silver spoon in his mouth. During my lifetime we lived in Aiken Cty., but decided to move to Edgefield Cty. due to the wonderful schools. If you win the playoffs, you have created a negative, unsportsman-like name for yourself Johnston. Shame on you. You are unworthy with such comments to be involved in the league. Why is that we must drive from the opposite side of the county to play in Johnston for the playoffs? Is it your horrific rascist attitude? Your attitude trickles down to your child. No wonder...hmm...ponder that thought. Wins & losses create the far better citizens of our society; apparently your children were berthed with some kind of special spoon; opportunisitic, hate society in some churches (not all) & now on the ballfield. We love our team; colors are very special; no one compells you to join one league vs. the other.
web posted June 6, 2008

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Did you notice the Edgefield "DEMOCRAT" Advertiser's  candidate page? A neighbor of mine is running in the 1st district and (he or she) was told that (they) could only have 100 words to state (his or her) platform. First off, how stupid is that? 100 words? What is that? Name, address and phone number is about 100 words. I found it interesting that (The Edgefield Advertiser) let DEMOCRATS use almost 150 words for their free ads and cut Republicans to less than 100 words.
web posted June 6, 2008

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Ref: Carpooling
I just had to respond to one more thing, then I will “shut up” You were so quick to reference “roots” and assume that gov’t employees are just “passing through”, aren’t concerned with their family and “do not support the community.”  Many of the staff are local and yes many are not.  Let me just provide you a few more facts because I get so tired of the “don’t; support the local community cliche” This one gov’t facility provides an unparalleled tax base in this area.  Local utilities are paid.  We provide training and training facilities to the local gov’t to include training facilities for the Sheriffs dept, Firing ranges for Trenton and many other forms of support.  Employees frequent local businesses to include restaurants.  And on the volunteer front, support is simply phenomenal.  Annual Christmas drives and visits for the Connie Maxwell home, Coat drives for the local area, every year our staff go out of the way for the local school supply drive for local children, we have donated over 400 computers to Edgefield County Schools (all working and less than 3 years old).  Local dress for success drives to help local women find employment.  There have been programs to provide bicycles to local children.  We do recruitment drives in the local areas to assist people in acquiring employment they may be interested in.  And so, so much more!  Any local business can get on the GSA schedule which would allow us to purchase directly from them and this has been explained to many of them.  It requires paperwork that is mandated by Congress, but can be done with effort.  You know, those people you voted for...  Many items to include and enormous amount of maintenance parts are still purchased locally.  So, to hear that old worn out “you don’t support the local community” cry, do your homework and check the “facts” you so much say you desire.  You may not have benefitted personally by any of these, but let me assure you “tax paying citizen” your community certainly has and our staff are passionate about the volunteer efforts they so whole-heartedly give to and their selflessness they put into it.  You may not read about it in the papers as they do not seek reward or recognition, just a thanks every now and them would be nice, rather than a “beat down” on what benefits they receive, how they do not care about their family and do not support you.  They love to hear that it does not matter to you.
web posted June 6, 2008

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We all complain about the price of gasoline at the pump, and it always makes for great headlines in the news.  Additionally, Congress in their infinite wisdom has decided to rake the execs over the coals.  Whatever.  One of the biggest injustices of the oil issue, and one that no major news organization will touch, is why are the prices at the pumps changed immediately (or within 24 hours) when a barrel of oil goes up, but the drop at the pump when barrel prices drop is minute and often takes days or weeks. There is no rationale for this behavior.  You can't (or they should not be able to) have it both ways.  The easiest way of looking at this is that if the oil industry wants to tie pump prices to barrel prices on a daily basis, then they should mimic each other on the upswing, and the downswing.  The price of a barrel of oil has dropped by $13 ( roughly ten percent) in the last ten days, but the prices at the pump remain rock steady at nearly 3.80.  Is that not blatant price fixing and/or gouging?
web posted June 6, 2008

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Ref: Carpooling
If you call facts “blowing smoke” then so be it, but you asked for facts and I provided them for you.  You may not agree but that is what makes America great, you are entitled to do so.  What do you know about my roots?  Do you even know where my relatives are from, when I see them or any thing else about your little tirade?  You ask for facts and then base your response on your speculation.  You stated that if something in your area was not available to something in another area you felt it was discrimination. (a word that is quite overused these days, usually in the wrong context)  I provided you facts that it was not discrimination, but that it was available in your area if you meet the same guidelines that all others must.  So, your choice of where you live may hinder a benefit, but there is certainly nothing wrong with where you choose to live, just quit complaining about what you don’t have and enjoy what you do have.  So you assume all these things, and you are indeed, inaccurate!  It is great that you enjoy you job and do not have a boss standing over you.  I, also enjoy the same benefit, but once again, you assume that I do not.  Wrong again. So, you think you can not find that in the government.  Don’t think, be sure and then your complaining will have more merit.  As far as benefits that others have that you do not like, it always seems that way...  People complain about what someone else has but if they had it themselves, you would not hear the complaints.... hmmm.  It is all about the choices you make.  Be happy with yours and let others enjoy theirs.  Your opinion, is just that, an opinion which does not make you right or wrong, just your view, nothing more.  And speaking of puppets, your strings seem to be easily pulled.
web posted June 6, 2008

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I want to tell everyone to come out for the Farmers Market that will be on the Edgefield (Town) Square Saturday. Let's make this a sucess.
web posted June 5, 2008

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Ya'll get out an vote Tues. June 10. Let's show the good old boys we still run things!!!
web posted June 5, 2008

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I want to say I thought Mrs. Blackwells 'thinking outside the box' was a great idea. I would give up a $10 a week raise to get a bigger bonus at Christmas. I work for the county and we are constantly (excremented) on when it comes time for a raise. I was really (urinated) off that that (County Councilmen Joel) Hudson and (Everett) Kitchens wanted to take our raises and bonuses away and keep their trip to Hilton Head.

Sit your (butt) at home like we have to do because of low pay. What makes you so special?
web posted June 5, 2008

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I just want to remind everyone that the June 10th primary is critical for making changes in the way our county government is run. If you want  Norman Dorn out you must vote for Albert Talbert. Trace Faust,
Jeannette Cockrell, and Bill Jackson are all fine folks and you can vote for them if you want in November, but please vote Democratic on June 10th to put Albert in and Norman out! Albert is a fair man who listens and who doesn't come with an agenda. If Dorn goes back in, it will be because the citizens of District 1!
web posted June 5, 2008

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To the reader's that have commented about "racism" in the Edgefield County recreation program. I thought we were supposed to teach our children that it did not matter whether they won or lost-but how they played the game.
web posted June 5, 2008

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Regarding the 1% increases, maybe our County Council could reduce the amount they are paid per meeting to half of what they currently receive to help offset what I’m not getting.  (Johnston Town Council agreed to get -$0 – per meeting) Let’s see $50.00 per month x 12 months = $600.00 x 6 councilmen = $3600.00.  This still gives them $600.00 per year and would cover my $180.00 annual increase and 19 more that make what I do.  If Administrator Pettigrew would drop his salary back $17,000 per year that shouldn’t have been given when he was hired (nothing personal against him, just the salary he was given), and if the Tax Assessor was dropped back to the $25,000 she deserves (I’m being generous) for not being qualified, it would cover the balance of the deficit.

If the Council really wants to look at where budget cuts could be made, they could look at the high dollar employees, rather than taking the 1% from the lower paid employees like myself.  They could also afford to put more into the department that keeps us safe from the harm of others.  I’d even give up my 1% for them.  I still want to know who is making the other $30,000 salary in the recreation department at Bettis Academy, this should go to law enforcement. 
web posted June 5, 2008

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Once again our county council passed spending our tax dollars with NO DISCUSSION.  They say the mind is a terrible thing to waste, but with no discussion I believe the council disagrees.

Edgefield County needs THINKERS NOT STINKERS.  Vote these guys out on Tuesday.  Vote ASHCRAFT.
web posted June 5, 2008

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Editor's note: I have not confirmed this post but have passed the information along to authorities.

Last night at approximately 7:30 [a woman] was driving home from USC   aiken (travel ball team practices there).   As she was traveling through Graniteville a white suv began riding her   bumper. This vehicle continued to follow her through Graniteville to   the out skirts in the venicity of Aiken Martin Marietta plant. At this   point the vehicle turned on blue lights. [She] pulled over and   waited. After some time when the 'officer' did not get out she got out   of her vehicle. The 'officer' yelled at her to get back in her vehicle   which she did. He came up to her driver side window and asked what is   your name? She said [name]. What is your name? He replied none of   you business. He then proceeded to go around the vehicle and asked her   what is in that bag she told him softball stuff, bat glove ect. He then   went to the passenger side and wanted to know what was in her small bag   which was a cooler. She told him water and ice. He had her open it to   verify items. He then proceeded back to the drivers side window and   asked for her dri vers license. Which she tried to hand him and he   would not take. She asked him at this point if he was really a cop, and   if he was Edgefield county cop why was he stopping her in Aiken, He   responded I can do whatever I want to. This question was asked because   this i ndividual was not driving a patrol car and was not in uniform. He   was wearig a black T shirt which said EDGEFIELD COUNTY on the front and   COP on the back and a Atlanta Braves flat bill hat. Danielle then asked   did he not need her registration ect. He stated no. She said I am   going to call my mom. He said you cannot because I am letting you go   and it is illegal fo r you to drive and talk on the cell phone. He went   back to his vehicle and proceeded to wave at her to go. She did not   want him behind her again and waved for him to go. He went ahead and as   he passed her vehicle she saw that he did not have a license plate.   [She] called her mom when she got home and she told her to   immediately get a piece of paper and write down his description. Her mom   called the police when she got home. This individual is NOT a police   officer per Aiken County Sheriffs office. They are currently looking   for him. They made a report last night and he will be prosecuted when   caught.    Description of individual posing as a police officer approximately 5'   10' blonde hair earrings in both ears and gauged (large holes), skinny,   white but with what appeared to be a tanning bed dark tan. He was   wearing a black shirt with EDGEFIELD COUNTY on front and COP on back,   and black emt style pants. He was also wearing an Atlanta Braves   baseball flat bill hat.    Driving a WHTE SUV (believed to be a trail blazer) no license plate   using a blue flashing light.

Editor's note: Any female is advised to call 911 to report that they are being pulled over if they feel uncomfortable about the traffic stop and to proceed to a public location. Dispatchers will advise the officer of the woman's intentions to comply and they will not charge them for failing to stop for blue lights.
web posted June 5, 2008

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I had a bad experience at a new restaurant in Edgefield. I called in and placed an order, explaining what I wanted. I went in, paid for it, nothing said. When I got home and opened my food, it was totally wrong, the right item, prepared the wrong way. I called back, told them I was returning the food for the correct order. When I got there, not only was the food not ready, but I was told that I needed to order it exactly as it was listed on the menu. No exceptions. When I told him that I just would not return, I was told "I dont care". I had ordered this item at least three other times with no problems. I dont know if they have someone new but I will not go back.
web posted June 5, 2008

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I can't imagine what size raise Mr. Pettigrew got this year after he got a $10,000 or so raise during a ten minute meeting during his unqualified hiring. With a year or so to work on a raise, this one was probably astronomical !!! Maybe if they had not given him such a frivolous raise, they would not have to talk about cutting out the other employee Christmas bonuses. Just "wandering."

Editor's note: County Administrator John Pettigrew got a $17,000 raise when he was hired at the advertised salary. I think that worked out to over 30% for never working a day. I can see how he would suggest cutting everyone else's pay. He has to make sure he gets a good raise this year when all others get little or nothing.
web posted June 5, 2008

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Obama's own words...read it and weep....but don't vote for him!!
Pay very close attention to the last comment!!

A few lines from Obama's books he wrote:

From Dreams of My Father:  "I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."

From Dreams of My Father:  "I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mothers race."

From Dreams of My Father:  "There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white."

From Dreams of My Father:  "It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names."

From Dreams of My Father:  "I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa, that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela."

From Audacity of Hope:  "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
web posted June 5, 2008

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Am I the only one who is saddened and infuriated with the diploma covers that were given to the recent graduating class at Strom Thurmond High School Friday night?  I cannot believe that the administration actually handed out diploma covers that had the name of the high school spelled incorrectly.  I’m sure these came from Jostens – a company that has been handling all of this type of stuff for many years.  The name has not changed.  Where was the proofreader – both at Jostens and at the district office?  This should have been caught long before graduation and replacements should have been requested so that they were in hand in time for graduation.   I’ll be the first to agree that we all make mistakes, but there is no excuse for this type of mistake at a high school graduation when we ask the very best of our students.  What type of example is this for them?

Editor's note: Probably the same example as the one that gave my diploma in 1980 with my name spelled wrong and gave my son someone else's diploma when he graduated last year.
web posted June 5, 2008

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A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below.  She shouted to him, 'Excuse me, can you help me?  I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am.'
 
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, 'You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.'

She rolled her eyes and said, 'You must be a Republican.'

'I am,' replied the man. 'How did you know?'

 'Well,' answered the balloonist, 'everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me.'

The man smiled and responded, 'You must be a Democrat.'

'I am,' replied the balloonist. 'How did you know?'

'Well,' said the man, 'you don't know where you are or where you are going.  You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air.  You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem.  You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but, somehow, now it's my fault.'
web posted June 5, 2008

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I was so excited to see a very positive headline this morning!  The Southern Eagles are a fantastic group of people, and it is wonderful to see them give back to the community!  It is amazing to see what can happen when people take action to make our county a better place.  Maybe no one will read this or give it a second thought, but I think we could all learn a lot from people like the Southern Eagles.  They saw a way to improve the lives of children in Edgefield and they made it happen.  As a side note, I think that everyone who posts should take a look around and think of all the wonderful things that are and could be happening right here in our county.  Have a positive attitude and do your part in influencing people today!  Citizens of Edgefield, I think it's time we all find the Pollyanna way of life! ;-)
web posted June 5, 2008

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I happen to not work for the federal government.  I am very close to some people who do though.  GO GREEN!???  I do not understand but you have done so good at blowing smoke I am sure you will explain that too!  You would make a good politician but I would be willing to bet that you have no roots and don't know enough people in one place that would vote for you if you ran for an office.  Let me explain what roots are.  It is when you were born and raised in one particular town.  Your family lives there.  Your kids grow up knowing who their grandparents are instead of having to visit them only during holidays.  You grow to know and love the people in that town.  You don't move from place to place being a non-supporter of the local community that you happen to be in at that time.  If you had roots and lived in the house that your grandparents grew up in, I don't think you would be so willing to move either!  I happen to be very happy with my job as I don't have a boss standing over me all day.  I do something different every day.  I don't think I could find that in the government.
GO PUPPET!
web posted June 5, 2008

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Sorry, but I must respond to the Kind person that commented on " Race and Baseball" in Etchfield County ! There are 3 kinds of people in our county. Those that can count and those that can not ! The " All White Etchfield Teams ( 90% white ) are 8-0 against the " All Black" ( 90%)  Johnston team, yet are a combined 1-8 against the Half Black/Half White - That’s 50% for the previously poster 06/04 - Very Talented - Johnston team. We had such a fun and successful year here in Etchfield county, we are giving our boys " silver spoons " in lieu of trophys !

Sorry, Just wanted to get the facts Scraight.
web posted June 5, 2008

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Editor's note: I met with County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece on Tuesday for about an hour to discuss several matters including the smoking ban at the recreational facilities. He was not happy that he had to read about it on EdgefieldDaily.com first. I am not at liberty to disclose the content of our conversation at this time, but I will say it was a very productive discussion.

I have also recieved a lot of comments about a suggestion that Merriwether 5th Discrict candidate Genia Blackwell had concerning the budget and the attempts by the current county council members to cut employee bonuses and pay to offset overspending. Even though EdgefieldDaily.com will never endorse a candidate for local office, I will address the emails here.

In full disclosure, Merriwether 5th District Candidate Genia Blackwell is my wife.

The suggestion was that rather than give a 1% raise to some employees (not all county employees would get the raise because it is not an "across the board" 1% raise), hold back on the raise and move the $44,000 into the line item of the employee Christmas bonus. This would place the bonus funds at $54,000, not $10,000. It would increase the Christmas bonus from $75 to a graduated bonus determined by years of service that would range from $200 to as much as $600 and that it should be given in November, not the week of Christmas, so it would actually help the county employees prepare for Christmas.

That was not a sustainable yearly increase in the bonus, just a way to make this year's minuscule raise offering to some employees more accessible to all employees.

However, in a cursory review of next year's budget Genia Blackwell said that she could find ways that would have given an across the board 3% raise to all county employees and not cut any services provided by the county. The 3% raise would not have included the rise in the Christmas bonuses.

A favorite saying of hers is, "you have to think outside of the box". Obviously she is right as the heads of Smith Barney (the largest financial firm in the world) are coming to her branch to review the reorganization she performed in Augusta and Aiken to possibly be implemented nationwide.

But who needs that kind of professional business experience serving on the county council?

Am I breaking the rules? No, I am answering the questions raised. If I had other candidates who offered their solutions I would list them as well. I think there are many capable candidates running for office this year and collectively they could solve a lot, if not most, of the county's problems.

I guess the question is, will they be given the chance?
web posted June 4, 2008

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In response to the posted comment by the angry grandparent.  I personally am shocked and utterly Embarrassed by the comment! I love the MES family and this includes all the teachers and staff.   I am a parent...A White Parent and I believe that it is at the discretion of the teacher to enforce discipline when deemed necessary and not ALL of the teachers at MES use the card-pull system as a means for discipline especially at this particular grade level.  Did you ever think for a moment that your grandchild may have been one of the ones contributing to the chaos and/or disruptive behaviors in this particular classroom?  And who suggested to your grandchild that she/he had experienced racism? I am curious if you ever met with/talked with the teacher or the principal regarding all of your concerns as a means to peacefully resolve the situation? Or is this just an easy way to say what you really wanted to say in the first place.....
web posted June 4, 2008

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It was obvious that (District 2 County) Councilman Kitchens was using visitation at a funeral home recently to try to further his political career.  I guess any port in a storm!  It's amazing what lengths a small town politician will go to trying to make sure the dirt under the rug stays put.  They think we forget what they say during those meetings.  Well, I haven't forgotten that he was against the adult daycare at the Senior Citizens Center.  He must have forgotten though because he had the audacity to show up at the grand opening of this much needed facility.  When making a decision about the upcoming election, make sure when your listening to what they say, that you also watch what they do.  Actions speak louder than words...we don't get action from the current councilmen, we get acting and it's bad acting at that!
web posted June 4, 2008

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I read (the Editor's Column) for Monday when I got up about 5 and thought it was great. When I got to work and told people about it it was gone. It had a lot of information I hadn't thought of about the elections. Where did it go and why? Please put it back!!

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind words. I pulled the column off-line around 5:30 am Monday morning because I felt that some may take it as an endorsement for certain candidates, even though no endorsements were given. It was just a factual breakdown of information from political activists, party insiders, and community leaders that have been in constant contact with EdgefieldDaily.com during the campaign process.

It is being reviewed and may be placed back online later this week.
web posted June 4, 2008

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We won one the Birthday cake giveaways and never said thank you. The cake was delicious! I just wanted to say thank you.

RE : Promoting White Pride.
 First, I would like to know what is promoting white pride ?
Secondly, when all whites was in the offices in Edgefield, why you did not complain then ? Third , when Blacks stand up and defend themselves for the right , why is it that name calling, and other unworthy words are being used ? The important men that you named in your comment is dedicated to help others in the time of need. So get rid of all that anger and get a life. You need to remember that Senator S. Thurmond led double lives, until the day he died. Please remember that GOD do not have any respectful person black , white , Mexican and so on.If you are so angry please tell OUR FATHER who are in heaven about it, and believe me he will work it out .
Please do not leave this earth as a Racist. Thanks
web posted June 4, 2008

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This is in response to the comment about "all the kids of no color"  going to Edgefield to play baseball. If it is such a joke, why is it that our black kids playing for the Johnston baseball team is always winning every year.  I think the problem is we don't baby our kids in Johnston like you do in Edgefield, who were born with silver spoons in their mouth.  Furthermore, they can continue to take their kids to Edgefield and lose.
web posted June 4, 2008

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Correction, you wrote that the LOST money totally supported the Towns operation, WRONG.  The citizens still have to pay franchise fees, at 5% of their total monthly bill, business owners have to have a business license, and other revenue that comes from the state make up the total income side of the budget.  If you look real close you would see that it is about 50%. IN the town of Johnston, they do not have the lock up.

Editor's note: You are correct, however, the residents of the Town of Edgefield have no property taxes billed. They do pay the county property taxes, but none from the town.
web posted June 4, 2008

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Re: Car pooling
Dear disgruntled employee...
To answer your questions (which you already know the answers) but I will humor you... Most vans are always near full as some employees have Doctor's appointments, children issues and the such each day. Please excuse them.. Other agencies, do their homework and not wait for someone else to do all the work and then "jump on" after he work is done and I am sure they, too, could use a similar program. And as far as where you live? That is your choice, sorry you can not find enough riders to start a van, but if you could you would be authorized to do so.  That is what all the rest had to do. Houses are for sale throughout the CSRA every day.  And we pay taxes, too, don't feel exclusive.  Feel free to apply for any job at www.usajobs.gov  and rid yourself of the one that is causing your “soreness”   P.S. GO GREEN!
web posted June 4, 2008

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Editor's post: I found it very interesting that Edgefield County quietly seeks to ban smoking at all outdoor recreational venues by addressing local governments before placing the matter before the voting public. That is "open on honest government" at its best.

In addition, I know tempers are running high, but please keep your comments within the rules. You can complain about sitting county council members without being so vulgar. Over a dozen comments have been witheld. I want you to have your say, but do so in a way that is allowed.
web posted June 4, 2008

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I happen to know for a fact that there is an agreement among several of the funeral homes in this area that they do not rent or loan tents to anyone due to the expense of having them put up and taken down.  Recently, someone did call a funeral home in the area asking to borrow a tent.  The director of the funeral home very politely explained the agreement to the party and made NO comment concerning race or color. The party responded by thanking her and appeared to understand the policy.
web posted June 3, 2008

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Dear Editor,
I would like for everyone voting in the election June 10th to look at all the people that are running.  It should not be about the color of the skin or gender.  Everyone should look at the person running and decide which person would help change Edgefield County for the better.  I think we are getting mired in the black white issues.  I am not in Jeanette Cockrell's district but I know her as a person.  She is well educated, a good Christian woman, and she does not look at people by the color of their skin.  She only decided to run for county council in district one because she saw that her district needed someone that would stand strong for all people in district one.  It does not matter to her whether they are black or white, female or male.  She wants district one to have strong leadership that will be for all the people and not for the few.  She never thought of being in politics but decided someone should stand up for all people of her district.  I look at all the people running against the incumbents and I see we are all tired of the same lies.  It makes no sense to me when there is a big decision being made (i.e. Calliham property purchase) that it all becomes secret.  I think anyone that is on the council should answer to the people of the county and not keep secrets.  Only the people of the county that vote have a say in what will become of our county.  I pray that everyone will get out and vote on June 10th for the best candidate.  Have a say in the county government by voting.  Don't stay home and think it does not matter.  Every vote matters if we want our county to become better than it is.  Look how long the incumbents have been in power.   Is this how the citizens of Edgefield County want our county to continue?   Thank you for your time.
web posted June 3, 2008

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I highly agree with the poster who is promoting white pride. The American White race has been brow beaten for years to believe all the wrongs against 'people of color' are their fault. This is a direct result by the liberal media, black churches, and elite liberal intellectuals campaigning for the past 50 years to
erase the White race from America. Depending from which race you are genetically formed, you either
agree or disagree. White America is frightened of any repercussions that such Anti-Americans as Jesse (I love's all womens) Jackson, Al (I'm related to the Thurmonds) Sharpton, Jeremiah (Communist) Wright, Louie (racist white-Jew hater) Farrakhan, and others can perpetuate against the White race. White Americans have allowed these so-called-men of the church to dictate their own lynch-mob form of retribution against anyone who attracts their self-promoting interest. If White Americans continue to feel guilty, ashamed and afraid, then they will be erased happily by the liberal media and radical black establishment. It's time to take America back from those who profit from extreme racial divide and Edgefield county is no exception. As long as we have an overpaid racist school board majority promoting their NAACP agenda, there will continue to be racial divide in our back yard.
web posted June 3, 2008

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What do you think was the meaning of "beware of sheep in wolves clothing?"  This phrase was used by one of the adult speakers at graduation for sth.

Editor's note: I have no idea. Mrs. Sadie Davis was about as enthusiastic as a wart and repeated herself more often than Bill Clinton telling people he didnt' have sex with Monica.
web posted June 3, 2008

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As we plan to vote on June 10th for county council,  Republican’s should vote as a Democrat in order to eliminate Dorn and Kneece.

If Republicans apply their vote we will elect new members to council. In District two Republicans need to turn out and vote for Mr. Ashcraft and eliminate Kitchens.  In Merriwether we also need to vote for Mrs. Blackwell so we can have a sweep of the council.

If we get these four in, then Mr. Bright want have the edge over spending Recreation money.

PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE.
web posted June 3, 2008

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Editor's post: I believe our children get along better than the adults sometimes and we can learn a lot from them.
web posted June 2, 2008

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I have an idea, make all programs Free in recreation, that way the programs will be paid by the tax payer.  But Waite, the way it is now, children have to pay a small fee to be allowed  to play.  If they do not pay, they cannot  play.
So who is at fault if your child does not play in any program?  Could it be the parent?  The one who for some reason does not take the child to practice, to the ball game , and heaven forbid they watch their child play a game.   
For some reason parents do not like to be at their Childs game?  Why is this?
web posted June 2, 2008

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Election time is almost on us, and the race everyone is holding their breath for is the county council races.  I think people when they go and place their ballet they need to think who is the right person for the job.  I don't think a decision should be based on things like well I know the person so I will just vote for them.  Pls put thoughts into what is their education, values, and can they help this county.  In most house holds the women balance the budget and make sure that the bills get paid and business is taken care of.  That is why I urge the people in district 1 and 5 to look at our two women candidates.  Blackwell and Cockrell both are business educated women.  They went to school for business and both have or had jobs that deal with business and running things.  So I think when you go place your ballet pls don't just vote for someone because you know them.  Vote for someone that has the knowledge and education to get things done.  Knowledge is power and we all know that is something this county needs!  I don't think just because you own a business you have what this county needs to get us out of the mess we are in.  Look who sits on the council now and you should see that. It is our time to make a difference so lets see what we can do with it!
web posted June 2, 2008

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To the reader that thinks that Edgefield should recruit black kids to play rec ball. Why? are they entitled? It has absolutely nothing to do with the color of one's skin and everything to do with parental involvement. Anytime a child participates in extracirricular activities, it is because a parent or other responsible adult took the time and money to get the child to sign up, practices, games. These kids "of color" would not be causing problems if there parent(s) actually took time to be involved, and know what is going on in their childs life. Its not up to the government to raise the kids, thats what parents are for.  This isn't a black/white issue, its a parental issue. We we continue to spin in place as long as everything is made to be a race issue and not the real problem.
web posted June 2, 2008

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Think the media has no respect for our military. I can prove it. Last Saturday, the Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Admiral Thad Allen, was in Columbia. He met with the invited guests and officers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the 12th Division. A press release was issued to all TV stations in Columbia, The State newspaper, and local AP desk. Not a single media outlet covered the Admiral's visit. The Commandant of the Coast Guard is the four star admiral in charge, a commandant has NEVER visited any Auxiliary flotilla in South Carolina. No one could remember a time when the Commandant visited the Coast Guard base in Charleston as well. I felt this was a slap to the men and women serving in the US Coast Guard. Their Commandant wasn't important enough to garner coverage Memorial Day weekend. My guess is had I told them Spurrier was going to be in attendance, they would have been able to "find someone to cover" the event.
web posted June 2, 2008

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Re: After reading wandering minds this morning, I just had to write and add my two cents.  If your grandchild had items stolen from her, why didn't you take the matter before the teacher or the principal?
 
It's sad that a someone teaching OUR children has this attitude!  Maybe you need to find another line of work!
web posted June 2, 2008

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I am conserned about a situation that happened Memorial Day weekend. I have what I consider some very good frinends to call a local Funeral Home to see about renting or borrowing a tent for a family gathering.The first lady my friend spoke with and gave all her information said she would have another lady call her in about 10 minutes.Sure enough the second lady called her back and my friend said was very rude asked did someone call and ask to rent or borrow a tent and my friend said yes I am the person that called and started giving the second lady all her information. Well the second lady at the Fuenral Home said we do not rent to COLOREDS and hung up the phone.Well my firend was speachless needless to say.But yes this lady lets the COLOREDS mow the grass at the cemetary and dig graves for her go figure.I am a white person and would and have done alot of things for my friend and her family and you could not ask for any nicer people I think this was really uncalled for.I would really like for this lady at the Funeral to define the word COLORED for me.
web posted June 2, 2008

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Barrack Hussein Obama's church (United Trinity) is filled with such political and racial venom (reason
enough for them to lose their tax exempt status), that they now have whites hating whites and they are loving it (Michael Pfleger)....yikes!  But this has been the plan all along...divide and conquer, through the powers of white guilt, affirmative action, political correctness, and reverse discrimination. It is working in full force and whites throughout this land better wake up and begin to take pride in their heritage and their futures...or it will be all but gone.  Don't believe the racist rhetoric of certain
"coalitions"....being pro white doesn't, in itself, make you anti black. It's allright to be white! So be
proud of yourself and don't be ashamed to act like you are proud of your heritage.

Here is a 13 minute documentary of Barrack Hussein Obama....informative info.

Editor's note: I have no idea what is contained in the video. I work off a dial-up connection so to download it would take hours. All I can say is view it at your own risk.
web posted June 2, 2008

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I just found out Columbia county GA is planing to ship their trash over to a McCormick County private land fill near the Edgefield county line. Does anyone know any thing? Is this true?  My Guess the area would be  below Clark's hill and above the river.

Editor's note: First I have heard of it.
web posted June 2, 2008

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I used to believe this country would be in big trouble if Mrs. Clinton were elected President. Now I have
eaten those words and thoughts. Unfortunately for Mrs. Clinton she is getting screwed by her own party (and she wasn't even kissed) plus Obama supporters have labeled her and Big Bill as racists. Once, Bill Clinton was lauded by the media as the First Black President...today he is just another white man. I am concerned for this country as most people are except those who hang out in front of the Kneece liquor store or those who are in the majority of our school board.

Yet millions of Americans are being wooed by the media to elect Obama whose past is slowing being peeled apart like an artichoke, but with fake leaves. His long time friends -not associates- are two racist preachers, convicted terrorist Bill Ayers, a shady Chicago businessman, and others we have not found out about yet. The good news is....there are operatives working night and day to get more information about Obama so Americans will have the truth. If we relied on the biased liberal media to unveil Obama's real self, all we would know is Kennedy Camelot. Here is something you can sink your teeth into....would you want Professor Bibbs, Sister Sallie, the Jackson sisters, Dr. Crenshaw, Willie Bright, Brother Dorn and other Edgefield notables running our government? Imagine these cast of characters in charge of America and then you have an Obama presidency.
web posted June 2, 2008

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Re Here's Your Card: Worse, I'd bet a million dollars I can tell you who they would vote for President....

Reply: The car belongs to Brad "Bubba" Covar's (family). I would imagine he will vote for McCain. Covar is full of himself, just as McCain is.

Editor's note: Unless Mr. Covar has a secret family member like Strom Thurmond did, I would have to say you are way off the mark as to the owner of the car.
web posted June 2, 2008

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This is in response to the post about not hardly any "kids of color" on the Edgefield ballfields:  All the "kids of no color" that live in Johnston are going to Edgefield to play now because if anyone has ever compared the two, there is no comparison.   Any sport that is played in Johnston turns out to be a joke!!  You get what you get!!  If the kids acted like kids instead of idiots running the roads maybe you would see the white kids starting to come back to Johnston to play.  But until someone starts controlling the population in Johnston and weeds out all the "rifraf", before long all the white kids will be in Edgefield.  It has been proven that the blacks want all the control - give it to them and see what happens - they turn it into a circus or a church service!!  Wake up and see what has happened in Johnston!!!  We don't want "RIFRAF" in Edgefield!!  
web posted June 2, 2008

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