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Editor's post: Michael Jackson is dead, can we move on?  Face it, the guy was a freak, a child molestor, and will get his just rewards for his life's actions. Can we please keep his ugly mug off the TV with all the liberal media types just swooning over this freak 24/7 like he was some sort of god to them? After all, haven't they already found their new god in Obama?

On the other hand, MJ did prove one thing, a poor black child can grow up and become a rich white woman.
web posted June 30, 2009

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Re:Ms. Stewart is the first person who has been willing to publicly stand up to the board in an attempt to get the facts out in public about some real problems that exist at the school

I think that is incorrect. If you recall back in Spring and Summer of 2006, Beth Folland stood up to the board on more than one occasion. She even went on the news after a reporter tracked her down and went public with some things here on Edgefielddaily.com. She and David Franklin (who also stood up to the board on numerous occasions) tried to tell people what the board was doing and what they are capable of. No one would listen. I suppose now suddenly that it is someone that was considered as "in the clique" now everyone will listen? I still wish her luck though. Hopefully she will bring some truths out there that need to be and something good will FINALLY happen with that school!

Re:The only advantage she would have is NOT having a child in school who would suffer as a result of her challenges to board actions

That is the truth though! I know of kids that were treated horribly as a result of their mom speaking out one too many times.

Mr. Editor, will you be reporting on what the outcome of the meeting at FCHS was?

Editor's note: Yes, I am waiting on some final information before publishing the report. It was set for publication today but had to be held back.
web posted June 30, 2009

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I know that the 4th is all about celebrating our freedoms by doing all the things that as Americans we love to do. Grilling, going to the lake, fishing, or just relaxing at home. This Fourth of July, I ask 
everyone to think of how quickly these freedoms are slipping away under the mantle of "change". We can celebrate our freedoms and hope for the best, or we can celebrate those freedoms by doing something to help save them. Join us at the Tea Party at the State House on July 4th at noon. Our voices must be heard before it is too late. Think of the protesters in Iran. Our freedom to protest that with which we don't agree is a precious right that people in other countries are dying to try to achieve. Come to Columbia and celebrate freedom.
web posted June 30, 2009

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Any word yet on who will replace Mr. Huiet and Mr. Ellis at Merriwether Elementary?

Editor's note: Not at this time.
web posted June 30, 2009

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Re: Jena Six Case
 
Please explain this to me.  A group of punks can beat a boy to death and they get 7 days unsupervised probation and a $500.00 fine.
 
Same week, a man who commits adultery is said to no longer be fit to lead us in fiscal responsibility.
 
Please don't get me wrong.  What Sanford did was wrong but it's between he and his wife and his God.  Has nothing whatsoever to do with turning down stimulus money for crying out loud.  And no, I don't condone his behavior, having a mistress.  But one thing has nothing to do with the other.
 
People are calling for a stronger punishment for him than they are 6 punks who beat a kid to death.
  
Incidently, we're all thrilled you're back from vacation.  Had you been gone longer, we'd have sent a posse out looking for you.  (grin)
web posted June 30, 2009

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I don't disagree with you that Mr. Pettigrew is unqualified (terribly unqualified, not to mention overpaid), but why should you drag under used car salesmen as a whole? I understand that he was a used car salesman once, but you're giving the rest of them  a bad rap. Ease up on them.
web posted June 30, 2009

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RE: All the kiddie jokes are sick and perverted.
Since Michael Jackson died he has become a "saint" to many. He Is just an example of the many before him.
I have a problem with this " after death Idol ism"  It Is what you do when you are alive, that makes you worthy of respect.
I grew up listing to Michael Jackson music, he was only 3 years older then I. I liked some of his music but cannot justify his problems as an ADULT by forgetting he was a drug user,  accused of Child molestation and in financial ruin.  He bought his way out of trouble with nondisclosures financial payoff's so the truth may never come out. Yes he was acquitted on some charges, but that does not make him innocent.
He choose to use drugs and it killed him
web posted June 30, 2009

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So Bill Clinton as the President of the United States can have an affair, lie about it to the whole country and that’s okay. Mark Sanford has one and tells the truth and he is the worse human ever? I don’t understand the logic in any of this. I guess it comes down to Democrat or Republican.
web posted June 30, 2009

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Governor Sanford is my hero. 
web posted June 30, 2009

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I totally agree with the Editor's column on Mark Sanford. I think the state of SC is better with him in charge at this point. My first reaction to the news was to be hurt, emotional and mad. The one thing he has done, that a lot of them have not done, is to apologize publicly to the ones he has hurt. I have admired the way Mrs. Sanford has handled this entire thing. She is a real lady and a woman to admire. I pray for her and her sons. There is a long road of work ahead for Mark Sanford in trying to heal the pain he has caused.  God can heal. I pray God heals the pain in the lives of his family.
web posted June 30, 2009

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For those of you who might be considering a road trip, be advised: Portions of I-64, I-70, I-29, and I-90 will be closed this weekend..

Expect long delays along these interstate highways plus major traffic Disruptions in Charleston, WV, Louisville, KY, St Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO, and Omaha, NE.

A 500-ton piece of coal is being moved from West Virginia to South Dakota so that Barack H. Obama can be added to Mt Rushmore.
web posted June 30, 2009

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Editor's post: As I said on June 16, Bettis Rainsford and Ken Durham are still pushing for the county to buy the Calliham property. I spoke with County Administrator John Pettigrew about this last week on drainage issues regarding the Railroad Street property and he told me he knew of no concerns. (Hint - I know the answers to questions before I ask them). Pretty much the way I advised county council members of the failed soil core samples before they were provided the test results by Administrator Pettigrew.

How sad, I have info before the county council members. At least I provide that info to them and they don't have to pay me $80k a year to do it. Maybe they should pay me for info as I have it first.

Of course, that's what you get when you hire the unqualified to run the county. How long are we going to let a used car salesman run our county?
web posted June 29, 2009

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Thank you Mark Sanford for once again putting yourself in the spotlight.   You ran off to be with your mistress while our state is seeing double digit unemployment numbers, DSS is in the middle of a embezzlement case, tuition at  public colleges has risen over 15% in the past 2 years. ( The Citadel has seen an increase of 15.6% since 2008, that is an increase of $4500)  Our state is paying the federal government 12 MILLION dollars a year  in fines,  and he runs off to spend time with his mistress, on OUR dime. ( which he has graciously  offered to repay)  we heard all the whining about the budget, but no real solutions. apparently he didnt come up with any answers to the states problems while he was committing adultery in Argentina. I have  a suggestion for our local officials to consider since our governor can only whine and run away  from our budget dilemma and not offer a real solution. Someone ( our governor)  must Stand up to the chief justice, and implement the central child support collection. Heaven forbid the money goes to the child and not that state. that would be awful, imagine if it allowed some families to get off of welfare and medicaid ,that would be just terrible. It is also quite obvious that one of the solutions  to the problem is sitting in downtown Columbia.(no, not Williams -Brice) It is TIME to sell the USC school of medicine hospital, take it private . It is ridiculous for our state to continue to pour money into that huge pink elephant that is the USC school of medicine. consolidate the schools of medicine. we have 2 medical schools and No vet school? How is that fiscally responsible?  would you buy a second house if you couldnt afford the mortgage on the first one?  no. you would sell the one you couldnt afford to keep. Wake up columbia, we cant afford it any longer. its time to put the  giant budget eating elephant to sleep. its time to take a stand for the kids and time to stand up to the good ol boy regime that is so entrenched   in South Carolina politics.
web posted June 29, 2009

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Re: Susie Stewart doing this out of spite....Ms. Stewart is the first person who has been willing to publicly stand up to the board in an attempt to get the facts out in public about some real problems that exist at the school.  The board is obviously not interested in those facts being exposed,  The have operated outside their own bylaws and internal policies for a number of years.  If Ms Stewart were on the board, she would have little impact because she wouldd have only one vote.  The only advantage she would have is NOT having a child in school who would suffer as a result of her challenges to board actions.   Fox Creek parents should go to the board meeting this Monday night to see how the board will react to her actions.  I hope she takes them to court.  Maybe there could be a fund set up to help her with expenses.

Editor's note: Mrs. Stewart will be on the agenda for the Fox Creek Charter School Board meeting tonight at 6 pm at FCCHS.
web posted June 29, 2009

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Is there no way that the county franchise for Comcast can be revoked? Our service on Murrah Road is "sporatic" at best. It has been out three times in the last month. They are virtually impossible to contact and generally unresponsive. You cannot speak to their supervisors because they will not connect you to them. It is the exact same problem each time- a cloud passes over the county , the tv goes off, Concast's transmitter dies, the transmitter does not reset, you spend an hour o nhold on the telphone, they come 12 hours later to fix it, they won't discuss the fact that it is a regular occurance and that it needs to be resolved. They have a monopoly, they take your money and they simply just don't seem to care. Their "customer service" departmentis the poster child for "Customer NO Service".
web posted June 29, 2009

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I do not agree with all the michael jackson jokes as one was one here.That is your right.The man is now deceased,so show some respect please.I am not a big fan of his but i am showing respect.All the kiddie jokes are sick and preverted.
web posted June 29, 2009

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Mark Sanford needs to get the (heck) out of office! Just another Repub that shows how sorry they are.

Editor's note: That is compared to who? Bill Clinton, Barney Frank, and a slew of other Democrats? At least Gov. Sanford's fling did not end up dead like Hillary Clinton's or Gary Condit's trist Chandra Ann Levy. Selective memory?
web posted June 29, 2009

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Re: "Nationalism is the main point I disagree with".

I appreciate your comments on this topic. We certainly viewed the ideas on this video differently. I do not totally agree with it but it raises good points about where this country is today and the lack of representation of the people. That was my only reason for sharing it. It was not to open a discussion on states' rights.  The compulsory service idea is crazy in my opinion and I don't know where that came from. We have always had a volunteer army. We are a nation and we are in big trouble. We are facing the worst spending and future taxation that we have seen. We see an administration that is now in control of banking, the auto industry and soon our healthcare. We are giving benefits to illegal immigrants when some of our own citizens do not get the same benefits. You and I are paying for those things and it is not going to get better.  The point I see is that we are not being represented by our leaders and that is the issue and the point of this. Taxation without representation is a serious problem that we are facing. 

 I always thought of us as "one nation under God" , however the under God part of that is in great jeopardy.  I just thought this video was a bit of a wake up call to where we really are as a country. We are a county of fifty states, but we are also a nation. When we go to war we go as a nation, not individual states. That was tried once and it didn't go so well.  We need to protect what we are and we need to have representation, not a lot of socialistic ideas and programs crammed down our throats.The people who are making all these decisions for us do not live with the same things they are imposing on us. For example, they don't pay into Social Security-they have a nice fat retirement program that you and I pay for. Yet they make all the rules concerning Social Security, among other issues they decide on.

 I am very worried about our future as a nation and I fear for what my children are going to be living with for a long time.
It is a troubling time we live in.

Editor's note: I don't disagree, I just think people should listen to an entire message and not be swayed into some things that are contrary just because they are posed (or presented in video) with ideas or beliefs you may agree with. Take each issue individually.
web posted June 29, 2009

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Re: Editor's note: "I agree with about half of what of the actor is saing in the video." 

I don't agree with all of what he is saying but I do think that it is conservative thought that brings us back to nationalism. We have bought into too many other politically correct ideas that have taken us from our basic foundations as a country. I do not understand what is scary about wanting to get back to those foundations. I guess I really do not understand your point. I wonder if you would have similar concerns about some of the principles our founding fathers spoke and wrote about.  I would need to understand more of your thought. Again, I do not totally agree with this video but it points out a lot of things to think about as far as where we are today as a country. I don't have a problem with "conservatism" as I think that is the path back to sanity.

Editor's note: Nationalism is the main point I disagree with. We are a voluntary union of independent states. We are not to be dictated to from a federal government, the federal government is supposed to be dictated to by the states and the people respectively. And where did the compulsory service thing come from? That sounds more like Obama than the Founding Fathers.
web posted June 27, 2009

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“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save”, says Proverbs 146.   This is a proverb that is being ignored by the blind loyalists of both political parties.  Sanford is a living example but how great will be the fall for our novice and ill-equipped president in whom so many now place their worship.  The list is long and include worshiped saints such as Dr. King, Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton as well as a corps of Republicans and Democrats politicians.  It is unfortunate but sometimes the “call of the wild” is greater than devotion to the flock.  Proverbs 146 is worthy of reading because it tells you of the one you can trust.
web posted June 27, 2009

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I think now is the time to leave our governor alone. He is the one who has to reconcile his actions with his wife, his children and his God. The Dem's and Rep. have all had problems. Our last Dem president wasn't so perfect himself. We all have faults and things to be ashamed of. Remember " He who is without sin, cast the first stone" only our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the right to judge.  As long as he upholds the Constitution of SC. and does what is best for it's people. His private life needs to be left alone.
web posted June 27, 2009

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All the adoring media coverage over a sick, twisted, little child molester, Michael Jackson. I should have expected no less.
web posted June 27, 2009

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To say that the ECSB and ECSD are in deep, deep trouble is an understatement, and not only financially.  Right now, teacher morale is very low.  Teachers are fully aware that they are considered unworthy of any respect, instead of teachers of children and youth.  Teachers are being moved around like a chess game to positions that they do not want to teach for the convenience of the powers that be at the district office.  And the class sizes next year will be much larger than ever before.  Expect our scores to go down, because teachers will not be able to teach their best to all students because of the extra number is each class. And I don't even want to think about the added discipline problems!!!!   I am truly convinced this problem is more than money....it is about power from the district office.  Having said all of this, it is time for concerted prayer from the Christians of Edgefield County, whether you have a child in school or not.  All of these problems affects every citizen.  And God IS STILL IN CONTROL, and He is more powerful than the folks at the district office.  But we must call on HIM and ask for wisdom, patience, and direction in which way to go to remedy these problems.  None of this will be solved overnight, but with God's guidance and leadership, it can be done.
web posted June 27, 2009

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Since Michael Jackson was 90% plastic they are going to melt him down and form him into Leggo's so kids can play with him for a change.
web posted June 27, 2009

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A wealthy old Gentleman decides to go on a hunting safari in Africa , taking his faithful, elderly Jack Russell named Killer, along for the company.

One day the old Jack Russell starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost.  Wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.

The old Jack Russell thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep doo-doo now!" Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat just as the leopard is about to leap, the old Jack Russell exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. "Whew!", says the leopard, "that was close! That old Jack Russell nearly had me!"

Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So off he goes, but the old Jack Russell sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard.

The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!

Now, the old Jack Russell sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I go- ing to do now?", but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old Jack Russell says...

"Where's that (darn) monkey? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!

Moral of this story.....

Don't mess with the old dogs...age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! BS and brilliance only come with age and experience.
web posted June 27, 2009

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RE:  Editor's note: Gov. Sanford told the State that he was going to the trails but decided he "wanted to do something more exotic". Boy was that an understatement.

Now THAT'S FUNNY!!!!!!
web posted June 26, 2009

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No wonder Sanford did not take the stimulus money - He was getting stimulated in Argentina.
web posted June 26, 2009

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Why would they (Edgefield County Council) vote to put more commercial and industrial property in merriwether if they zoned it residential to protect it from commercial and industrial developement? I agree it sounds fishy that Mr. Hagler want(s) to change the zoning with no plans to use the property if what you said is true. Can you confirm that?

Editor's note: I have the entire night on tape and reported on who said what at the meeting. I stand by every quote and statement reported as factual and accurate. I am in the process of filing for my own zoning change if they grant Mr. Hagler's request. After all, he is asking to change zoning of property he bought after it was zoned. I just want to reclaim the rights to our property we owned before it was zoned in the first place. I think I have more standing than Mr. Hagler.

We will see.
web posted June 26, 2009

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I like the idea of a woman governor. They only have one head to think with. It keeps the two from confusing each other on the right thing to do.
web posted June 26, 2009

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I am so disappointed in Gov. Sanford. I'd really thought he was that rarity in politicians, an honorable man. The infidelity is bad enough, but is really his and his wife's business, but the 'creating a fiction' about his whereabouts and not leaving anyone in charge of the state is inexcusable. At least the affair appears to be a 'grand passion' and not a sleazy mess like Clinton's, or a betrayal of a sick wife like Gingrich. Small comfort. I really feel sorry for his wife and particularly his children (imagine, acting like that on Fathers Day, no less) but that is really their personal business. But leaving the state 'rudderless', that's OUR business. There needs to be some provision that if the Governor is incommunicado for over 8 hours, the Lt Gov is automatically in charge, or something.
web posted June 26, 2009

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First of all I am glad you think he only made one mistake

Not just one but thousands of Men and Women who has lost a love one to a senseless war.

Now that is the main (HORROR) mistake the rest are the little ones. Now I gave your President a chance for 8 years why want you get your fishing pole like I said and make it useful and stay off the keys and give Obama a chance like I gave your Pres 8 years of a chance. At least you know what Pres Obama is doing because he is always on television letting you know. I did not see your Pres until he comes on TV and say I made a big mistake and wanting America to come together. (HOG Wash). Leave it alone and sit on the bank of do nothing with your fishing pole making it useful. Your Pres is not worrying about anything did you see that house he built for him and Laura and the first lady (Michelle) planting a garden in the back yard to the left of the house. Now you tell me who is down to earth. Not just her but many children with all nationality (So she has not picks) you tell me who cares and who does not. Make appointment they just may let you in it
web posted June 26, 2009

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I live on Copeland Circle and I don't want to see comercial property in my backyard. I say NO! to the rezoning!!!

Editor's note: Then you need to attend the County Council meetings over the next three months.
web posted June 26, 2009

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mr.editor
   you have criticized our President and the democratic party as a whole and to be honest your journalistic skills are pretty good, however i want to see if you are going to use these skills in reporting on governor Sanford without being bias. the man is a self -centered hypocrite who cared nothing about the people of our state,but more than that he left his four sons on fathers day weekend, being a father myself this is in-excusable lower than low.
   when he was refusing stimulus money was he so weak and hateful, thinking of this woman that he allowed the people of SC to suffer particularly or teachers. i think there is more to this story.
   mr.editor i want you to investigate the story and give your readers a straight unbias report on what is going on with the gov. hears an idea pretend this is President Obama or John Edwards that would make it unbias.

Editor's note: I have written a rough draft of my column that is anything but flattering of Gov. Sanford. I do not want to make the mistake that so many do and rush to judgement by letting my emotions lead me in my opinion. I will resreve comment until I can base my opinion on the facts and what lead up to them becoming known. There is a lot more to this story than the headlines. In politics the person behind the headlines is often times far more interesting than the person in them.

I have a feeling that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer will be in more headlines in the near future than anyone. Call it a hunch.
web posted June 26, 2009

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RE: Gee lady, you and Rush deserve each other.

You're right -- I was totally duped! Will I ever stick up for a politician again? Probably not. Does it change what I believe in? No. Does it change who I believe in? Absolutely.

And I'll also agree with you that Gov. Sanford should resign. If you're going to talk the talk, you have to be able to walk the walk. Being a lying, cheating hypocrite hurts us all.

I'll respectfully disagree with being called an idiot. I think Gov. Sanford should carry that torch alone. I will admit to being foolishly naive in thinking there are any people left in this country who, once elected, actually serve the people instead of themselves. I think it's fair to say that there are many elected officials on both sides of the fence who become drunk with power and forget all about the "peons" at home -- at least until tax time.

I hope you get to spend the remainder of your life never feeling the sting of betrayal by someone you respected and trusted. Consider yourself one lucky human being if you do.
web posted June 26, 2009

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Re: It is a shame that people can't get past something as trivial as skin color.  Until we as a society can realize that racism and bigotry are taught behavior, not born behavior we are doomed. Until we realize that we as (Humans) are all in this together, we will continue to fail our selves and the generations that follow.  We need to accept each persons individuality and treat one another with the same respect that we expect.

May I say "AMEN"!!!  When people ask me what I dislike about Edgefield county or S I tell them the racism! I have lived many places and have been the minority in a few (I happen to be Caucasian) and I have NEVER seen racism like I do here! Both ways! Not just whites towards black but also black towards white! It is so sad to me! It breaks my heart to see people treat each other as I have seen. I see no reason for people to act this way! What good does it do? NONE at all! What does it teach our children? NOTHING good that is for sure! So....the question is, how do we fix this area and it's love for drama & racism? There must be a way! Any ideas? Does anyone even really care enough to want to change things?
web posted June 26, 2009

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There is a great youtube video out there that really gets to the basics of where our country has gone. It is Youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA  .

 It is a sad day in SC, and in the country as whole, due to Mark Sanford's behavior. I believe in forgiveness but there are consequences when we do wrong. He took full responsibility, as should anyone in his position. I also think he will face the consequences.  I do think if you want "transparency" you certainly did see that with him-maybe a little more than we needed but more than we get from other leaders that have been in similar situations. Since he is a Republican he is  held to a higher standard (remember Barney Frank and his male prostitution ring being run out his basement apartment? That certainly did not affect his political career but it should have.) whereas Democrats seem to just keep floating along for the most part. Look at Bill Clinton.  I think Sanford should be held to a higher standard, I think ALL our leaders should be. How can you follow someone who is not trustworthy? That is why it is hard to follow our President today. Lying is not being trustworthy.  There are few people in politics today that are worth our trust and that is a sad case. The ones that are worth trusting are raked over the coals for standing up for things like the rights of the unborn. I think Mark Sanford is a troubled man with a lot of issues. The fact that he left SC the way he did, without a clear idea of where he was or who was in charge is deplorable. He failed all of us and hurt the good people that are fighting the fight. He didn't just hurt SC, he hurt the country. 

I also think that Sanford was foolish and that is not a characteristic I look for in a leader. An affair is foolish. Do politicians really think they won't get caught? Thinking this "just happened" is foolish. Is there any chance this woman was after him for eight years? Just a thought, but these things don't just happen-good friend or not.  Only a fool would believe that.

My heart and prayers go out to his wife and family. He says he and his wife have a lot of work to do in their marriage-he has a lot of work to do. So far I don't see that his wife deserved any of this.  How sad for her.  If a person cheats on their spouse they will cheat on anyone. It shows a person's character more than anything else does. Trust is something earned and it is hard to get it back once it is lost.

Editor's note: I agree with about half of what the actor is saying in the video. It is the parts I disagree with that scares me the most as he couches the ideas in conservatism when he is preaching nationalism. Think about it.
web posted June 26, 2009

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A wealthy old Gentleman decides to go on a hunting safari in Africa , taking his faithful, elderly Jack Russell named Killer, along for the company.

One day the old Jack Russell starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost.  Wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.

The old Jack Russell thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep doo-doo now!" Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat just as the leopard is about to leap, the old Jack Russell exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. "Whew!", says the leopard, "that was close! That old Jack Russell nearly had me!"

Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So off he goes, but the old Jack Russell sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard.

The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!

Now, the old Jack Russell sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I go- ing to do now?", but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old Jack Russell says...

"Where's that (darn) monkey? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!

Moral of this story.....

Don't mess with the old dogs...age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! BS and brilliance only come with age and experience.
web posted June 26, 2009

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First of all I would like to say I believe in freedom of speech. I am thankful that as Americans that's one right we still have.  I recently discovered on Edgefielddaily.com the comment site Wandering minds, which I feel is a great forum for people to vent and voice their views and opinions.  I have to admit that I was very disappointed to read such racist bigotry spewing from the type writers of the good citizens of Edgefield county.
 
As editor you are kind enough not to print the entire racial epitaf; however, the general idea remains. This truely sadens me, and I wonder when people are going to come to the realization that God created each and everyone of us. 

The color of our skin is determined by one little strand of nuclei in our DNA, this and the amount of melanin is a determining factor in our skin color.  When a person has a small amount of melanin they will have a light complexion, and if a person has a large amount of melanin they will have a darker complexion.  It is truely that simple.

It is a shame that people can't get past something as trival as skin color.  Until we as a society can realize that racism and bigotry are taught behavior, not born behavior we are doomed. Until we realize that we as (Humans) are all in this together, we will continue to fail our selves and the generations that follow.  We need to accept each persons individuality and treat one another with the same respect that we expect.

On a final note I ask that people consider this, a baby in a hospital nursery does not know the color of their skin and it doesn't matter what color the baby next to them may be, also a dead person in a morgue does not know the color of their skin and it doesn't matter what color the person lying on the slab next to them may be. I personally don't believe that God intended for us to be so shallow, also I don't believe that we will be seperated by the color of our skin in heaven. Thank you
web posted June 25, 2009

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I do believe that Governor Sanford has lost his mind!  He was politically set and such an asset for SC and just blew it!

He has let all of South Carolina down. Someone made the point that maybe his affair was "dug up" because he would not accept the stimulus money.  Either way, Keep your pants zipped man!  We need a woman Governor.

Editor's note: I'm sure Nikki Haley would agree with you.
web posted June 25, 2009

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quote " EdgefieldDaily.com will provide any further updates on the Governor’s whereabouts as information is provided, but sees little in the news value of his taking a short vacation."
you really are bigger idiots than I ever imagined.

Editor's note: All information on the trip was false, but information from Gov. Sanford's staff is all we had to go on at the time. Do not blame EdgefieldDaily.com for delivering the message as it was delivered to the press.
web posted June 25, 2009

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Re: "A friend on Rush....." 
 
Gee lady, you and Rush deserve each other.  The Governor of the Great State of South Carolina really cares about his career, family, sons, and the great citizens of South Carolina.  Having an affair!  He should not only resign from the Republican Governor's Chair but also like his counterpart from the State of New York, Governor Sanford should resign the Governorship!  The sooner he is gone the better off South Carolina will be!  You should join the rest of the IDIOTS (Rush, Sanford, Bill O'Reilly and any of the other big mouth spouters) and do commentary!  Yeah, can't wait to read those remarks!
web posted June 25, 2009

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I was saddened, bewildered, and otherwise greatly disappointed when I found out today about Mark Sanford. I feel sorry for his family having to deal with his infidelity. I also am sad for the conservative people of this country that had every thought that maybe Mark would have been one of the leaders that could have  helped bring this country back to an era of fiscal responsibility. He has lost our trust.
web posted June 25, 2009

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When a convicted drug dealer is giving voice at a school board meeting and says that the Edgefield County School System is on the right track under the guidance of our county’s superintendent it makes me wonder if the school board is smoking what he was charged with selling in the 1980’s.   Nat. Jackson doesn’t speak for the majority of this county black or white or any other color.   The Board and I mean all of the board needs to stand up and voice their concerns or praises.  The minority on the board need to start being leaders and not followers. As for the school system,  Dr. Crenshaw don’t go on the radio to a station no one in the county listens to and blame budget cuts for poor morale when the morale problem has to do with lack of leadership on your part.
web posted June 25, 2009

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Re:Mrs. Stewart is doing this out of spite.  She is spreading false information in the community about the school and she should be ashamed of herself.

No, Suzie just finally saw the TRUE side of Fox Creek and it's "leaders". She had been fooled like so many others have up until now. None of their elections have been legal and David Franklin & Beth Folland stated that long ago but no one will do anything about it! As it was said about the "same dumb people" running the schools. Over and over again it happens on the ECSB and on the Fox Creek Board. Nothing will change unless the people of Edgefield county finally wake up and see the light. Obviously Suzie can now see the light! It just took her longer than others and it seems to be taking most others MUCH longer! Hopefully something will actually come out of this and things will start to change at FC! Good luck Suzie Stewart!
web posted June 25, 2009

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Here is an example of your tax dollars hard at work . Today they held the SRS gay pride program during work hours on our dime. I had no idea that so many homosexuals work out there.
web posted June 25, 2009

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Pray tell, what is a “fishing pool”?
web posted June 25, 2009

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RE: Why are our schools being run by the dumbest people in the county?  RE: Because the people in this county are afraid of something! What it is I have NO clue! They keep voting for the same people to run things so that is the way it will be. The same people run the county school board (for the most part) and the same "dumb people" keep getting voted in by parents that complain about them CONSTANTLY at Fox Creek! It is unreal that it keeps happening. It will continue on this way until Edgefield County people grow some backbone! Just my honest opinion of course!
web posted June 24, 2009
 
Maybe it's because if you can hold a pen or push a button, you can vote, you don't even have to know how to read what you are voting on.  Just look at the presidential election.

I think only people that pay income taxes should be allowed to vote (that means you have a job and work).  And of course retired people that have paid income taxes their entire working life too.
web posted June 25, 2009

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Re: Where were you when Bush was making his mistake?

First of all I am glad you think he only made one mistake. I wonder what that would be. I did not agree with everything President Bush did but you really cannot compare him to Obama. They have two totally different philosophies about what this country should look like. President Bush wanted it to remain a free nation with free enterprise. Obama wants a basically socialistic country where the government is in charge of things like the banks, auto industry and healthcare. Duh! Like we aren't almost totally there and he has been in office six months. He looks at countries like France to be an example of how things could be here. Why would we want to be like them?

Why are we not questioning things that this President is doing that are flat out not Constitutional? Why is he afraid to produce a real birth certificate? Why was that ignored? Where did all his czars come from? They are not constitutional.   When did we decide to let our standards and beliefs in this country go?  When did we become afraid to stand up for human rights and freedom?  What has happened to this country that I love to make it so easily changed?  We are complacent, ignorant of history and afraid of world opinion. People got swept up in this crazy "Change" idea. So far the change is destructive change not good change.  We have bought into the lies. I am tired of the Europeans criticizing Bush. They criticize how this country has stood up to terrorism etc. in the past. What if we had done that in WWII?  If it were not for us they would all be speaking German. Most of the critics were not alive during WWII or they had a short history lesson in how much we helped them. If Obama had been President then he would have sat back and "waited to see how it turned out".  Gee, how do you think it would have turned out?  Enough said!!!
web posted June 25, 2009

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Who knew the Appalachian Trail is in Argentina? 

Wow.  Learn something everyday.

Editor's note: Gov. Sanford told the State that he was going to the trails but decided he "wanted to do something more exotic". Boy was that an understatement.
web posted June 25, 2009

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Re: You are truly a dumb (rear end)!
 
Not me. But the process is working. I gave you some false information and look what you did, you researched and found info that may or may not be true. However, the environmental laws I mentioned about California were passed by the CA legislature and signed by Ronald Reagan in the mid 70s. CA has to refine oil, because as I said, they have more strict emissions standards for all vehicles. Its mysterious to me why when someone takes an opposing view to that of a SCUM-SUCKING REDNECK,  then suddenly they are some ragin' HIPPIE. I didn't vote for Nancy Pelosi, so you'll have to take up that with someone who resides in CA, in her congressional district. But I guess maybe your hero is John Ensign, or Vittner from LA, or maybe you prefer to hang out with Larry Craig in those Minneapolis restrooms. Are you a closet foot-tapper? I bet you are. There are plenty of rest areas along SC highways to pick up single men. Also, Rush is having a discount sale on Oxy-Contin, but the sale only lasts a couple of days longer. (removed content) Now, that's what I call values. 
web posted June 25, 2009

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I wish no harm to anyone, but the "Governor" missing is no big lose in my book. I just hate his wife said he had to get away from the children. Can you imagin how his children feel? I know I would have been heart broken if my mother or father had ever made a public statement like that.
web posted June 25, 2009

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RE: I am not against hunting, but if you are eating dogs and cats, then times are not good. I love John Steinbeck and that "survival of the fittest"mentality, but when people are eating domesticated animals, and maybe Even resorting to cannibilism to survive, then to me it sounds like they need a little help. Fourth, just because I criticize Sarah, does not mean I support everything Obama and Nancy do.

You are truly a dumb (rear end)!
First of all, Fred Meyer's in Anchorage has the following prices in their current circular: Gallon Milk: 2 for $7:Dozen Eggs: 2 for $4 "not to bad if I must say, a far cry from the $22 a dozen you mentioned."
Second, California's gas prices are so high due to all the liberal hippies running the state,"Democrats, according to the latest figures from the California Secretary of State's Office, now make up 43.9 percent of the electorate, while Republicans represent 32.3 percent".
Third, Alaska does have oil refineries, 6 to be exact, producing about 376,000 bbl/d, California has 21 refineries producing about 2,119,000 bbl/d. "in case your wondering, bbl/d stands for barrels a day".
Fourth, EATING DOMESTICATED ANIMALS AND MAYBE RESORTING TO CANNIBALISM? are you serious? I hope your not that stupid, "but you probably are"
Finally, people pay attention to the for mentioned posters last statement "just because I criticize Sarah, does not mean I support everything Obama and Nancy do." I can almost guarantee that the poster was one of those Oboma worshiping hippies during the election, and this statement will probably change to "I don't agree with any thing Obama and Nancy do and I wish a Conservative was running this once great nation" by the end of Obama's term.
web posted June 24, 2009

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A friend of mine in Edgefield was on the Rush Limbaugh show yesterday and she asked a great question. Why isn't the media putting up the effort trying to find Obama's missing birth certificate as they are trying to find our missing governor who is just on vacation? The media has gone from watchdog to a lapdog.
web posted June 24, 2009

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I have to wonder why Susie Stewart is still interested in being on the board.  Her children have graduated and if I recall she didnt have a problem with it when her son was salutatorian.  Mrs. Stewart is doing this out of spite.  She is spreading false information in the community about the school and she should be ashamed of herself.  Fox Creek is entering an exciting time with the new school opening up and as a member of the SIC, you would think she would want to promote the school, not trash it.
web posted June 24, 2009

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Re: "What is going on with the ECBOE trying to give back money to teachers after they got caught?"

Part of the original agreement was that IF the stimulus money came through, the teachers who had volunteered the $1250 (1/2 of the local supplement) would no longer be obligated.  Since the stimulus money has come through, those teachers have received written notification that their contributions are no longer needed.  The district expressed gratitude for their offer of generosity and those teachers will keep their entire local supplement.

Editor's note: There are still problems surrounding the "submission forms" distributed to teachers.
web posted June 24, 2009

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I know where Gov Sanford was. He was meeting with Rush Limbaugh and Pres Bush about his run for president. Rush was away at the same time Gov Sanford was gone.
web posted June 24, 2009

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Re: OBAMA

O one
B big
A "actual"
M mistake for
A America

Where were you when Bush was making his mistake?

I did not see your comment for 8 yrs on the Edgefield Daily about Bush.

Take your fishing pool and make it useful and stay off the computer keys.
web posted June 24, 2009

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RE: Why are our schools being run by the dumbest people in the county?

Because the people in this county are afraid of something! What it is I have NO clue! They keep voting for the same people to run things so that is the way it will be. The same people run the county school board (for the most part) and the same "dumb people" keep getting voted in by parents that complain about them CONSTANTLY at Fox Creek! It is unreal that it keeps happening. It will continue on this way until Edgefield County people grow some backbone! Just my honest opinion of course!
web posted June 24, 2009

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Re:  Go crawl back under your rock.  Your writings say much. Our schools are really in trouble, the more we see of people like you.  Again, never argue with a fool.  And...Re: I don't recall calling anyone any names, merely stated a fact.  More than I can say for you-contradicted your own position...

Mr. Editor, I once again beg your indulgence regarding word count, I would like to address these comments since they were made to (and about) me please kind sir.

The first sentence really disturbs me, and not because of the name calling (once again inferred).  With the abundance of scripture quoting in this column I am amazed at the amount of judgmental postings and rhetoric.  Were there not some verses about he without sin casting the first stone, and judge not lest ye be judged?  Or do we only quote those verses we feel don’t apply to us?  You make hay about an ongoing investigation about which no conclusions have been made, call anyone who disagrees with you a fool and act as if you are the only person in the district who A. cares about the children, and B. knows what to do to fix the problem.  Yet I have heard not one idea of how to fix anything from your posts, only insults (which to be honest need work).  Short of substantive and qualified evidence I try very hard not to jump to conclusions or assume, but I am not sure I cannot say that about all who post here.  I will never play the race card, its an insult to everyone and a distractor.  This is not about race, it is about hateful words in place of constructive criticism.  You have ducked every single question asked by ignoring the questions and insulting the questioner.  If you really cared about this district as much as you say you do, why do you persist in this destructive behavior?  As you can see there is more than one person who takes offense at your methods, maybe the problem here isn’t caused by the school district, rather by those who would destroy the district. I will listen to any constructive idea, the problem is I have yet to hear one.  A very wise old Sergeant once told me ‘don’t come to me with problems, come to me with solutions.’  That is what I have been asking for but so far all I hear or read is name calling and malodorous dialogue.  OK, so you don’t like things as they stand in the district.  We get that.  Now, aside from name calling and fear mongering have you made a suggestion of late to improve things in the district?  No, you take the worst case someone mentions (but doesn’t intend to implement) and attempt to whip up anti this or anti that sentiment for whatever it is that drives you.  Take that anger and use it to create something.  From what I have seen the district is doing its best to make sure that the really lousy financial hand dealt to them from state does not translate into anything worse than it already has.  It is really easy to stand to the side and find fault with every single thing someone does, try being an adult for once and doing something constructive or at least beneficial to the district please.  And I love your stereotypical use of phrases - people like me?  You know nothing of me except that I disagree with some of your methods and dialog and that I have stated I want this district to succeed and grow.  So if that somehow makes me a bad person in your book then so be it, I shudder to think of what it would take to be considered a good person in that book.

And calling me a fool was a fact (according to your logic)?  So all of the names you have called the board members were fact, as is the slur, excuse me the name you use for Dr. Crenshaw?  As for contradicting myself, I answered your lame attempt at a repost regarding my agreement with local policies, apparently you did not read it, or if you did you did not bother to retain the content.  And I have read your posts, which do occasionally raise an interesting point, but of late have sounded somewhat redundant.  What I have attempted to do is to ask you to mitigate some of the more inflammatory remarks, and to quit assuming everyone is guilty until proven innocent.  And every single request for constructive suggestions has gone ignored.  Reading through various posts you refer to everyone and anyone who disagrees with you via some form of negative nickname or slur.  And when someone answers your postings with her own demographic info you mock her, even though she used that information to shred several of your previous arguments (those referring so negatively to anyone daring to stand up for this district and or the board).  It is obvious that you read what you want to read in everyone's writing, try taking an objective stance for once, you may even find you like it.  And just in case you haven't figured it out yet, that last remark about Mr. IDontCareWhattheRestofYouThinkIKnowIAmRight was to make a point, not call you a name (especially since I am not sure what category that one would fall under).  If you still really believe that you have not called anyone a name, I would suggest you go back and read your own posts.
web posted June 24, 2009

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Re: "The "inference" is actually yours-mine was addressing complacency.  Go crawl back under your rock.  Your writings say much.  Our schools are really in trouble, the more we see of people like you.  Again, never argue with a fool."

I'm going to call you Mr. Propaganda since you employ the techniques so well: name-calling, generalizations, stereotyping, band wagoning, hate-speech, and so many pages out of the propaganda "playbook".  You are a first rate hate monger and vigilante.  People should be more afraid of you than anyone else in this county.  We have legitimate ways of investigation; let's wait for the legal process to reveal the real issues before deteriorating into an angry mob.
web posted June 23, 2009

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What is going on with the ECBOE trying to give back money to teachers after they got caught?

Editor's note: At this time there is no connection to the return of the teacher's local supplement and the report of the initiative being fostered by the District. A recent Freedom of Information request (FOIA) submitted earlier this month has not been responded to at this time.
web posted June 23, 2009

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Re: There have been no new oil refineries built in the U.S. in the last 30 years. California, a state that has oil refineries, shows gas at $3.04 a gallon. So your point is???? By the way, the gas price in IL is $2.82.
 
So many points to make on the comments. First, gas prices in California are high because the state legislature, many years ago, passed envirnomental laws which require that any gasoline sold in the state be specially formulated to meet the emissions requirements of that state. California chose to enact these laws so the people of California must pay for it. Second, no refineries have been built in the lower 48 because of pressure from environmental groups; and people who live in those states don't want oil refineries in their backyards. Why don't you pay for a poll that would ask how many people in the greater Charleston-Mt. Pleasant area would like a refinery built in that area and release the results to the public? The area has a huge port where oil tankers could come in and drop off crude to be refined. Second, the state of Illinois does not have oil reserves like Alaska. Alaska pumps hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil each year, so why don't they refine some of it up there and let there citizens have cheaper gasoline. Third, so what if food has to be flown in from other places, do you know anywhere in the lower 48 where a dozen eggs cost $22? I am not against hunting, but if you are eating dogs and cats, then times are not good. I love John Steinbeck and that "survival of the fittest"mentality, but when people are eating domesticated animals, and maybe eaven resorting to cannibilism to survive, then to me it sounds like they need a little help. Fourth, just because I criticize Sarah, does not mean I support everything Obama and Nancy do.
web posted June 23, 2009

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RE:  "It is obvious that you are still young and you love to argue.  You love to surmise the identity of the posters who respond to you and imply that they are part of the ECSB.  I have responded to you three times and I am a white female senior citizen who has family roots in this county since the mid-1700's."

Age does not automatically bestow wisdom upon oneself.  If the aged Rainsford, Adams, Dorn, Cooks, Jackson, Bibbs, Kneece, etc., is an indicator of wisdom, we're in trouble.  If they went unchecked, only the good Lord knows where Edgefield would be.  Count your blessings you have young men and women that are willing to take a stand.  After all, wasn't it your generations young men and women who saved the world from tyranny and were bestowed with the mantle of being the "greatest generation"?  We appreciate what you have done, but we are just as capable as standing up as you were-let us.

It's always been quite provocative in trying to understand why people, even when unidentified, have to clarify their race and age.  Interesting.  I guess maybe because your "white" and a "senior citizen" adds credibility to what you have said? If what you said was credible or worthy, why would you have to establish your bona fides?
web posted June 23, 2009

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The "inference" is actually yours-mine was addressing complacency.  Go crawl back under your rock.  Your writings say much.  Our schools are really in trouble, the more we see of people like you.  Again, never argue with a fool.

It was obvious you have been addressing complacency since day one (among other things).  My point which you once again ignored was that by bringing in the Holocaust and Europe in that particular timeframe to your remarks, you also inferred a comparison to National Socialism and that disgusting group of individuals calling themselves Nazis.  So either chose your analogies and metaphors a bit more carefully, or do not get so upset when someone does not read exactly into your words what you want them to read.  Hmm, sounds familiar for some reason....as for people like me all you know is that I support the district and Dr. Crenshaw.  What exactly does that make me?  You say a fool, I say one who works for constructive change.  Gosh, that sounds familiar too.  This country was founded by a group of patriots to whom you continually refer, but those men and women would be rolling over in their graves if they knew of the hypocrisy in how someone used their names.  They accomplished their goal of forming this country through compromise, they each had their own, and different idea of how to reach that goal, but in the end they realized that only through compromise could they achieve that goal.  So quit wrapping yourself in the flag and acting as if you are the only one who cares, or who knows anything.  Your own words speak volumes for those who truly listen.
web posted June 23, 2009

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I am SO glad you are back from vacation. Don't do that anymore.
web posted June 23, 2009

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RE:  "Oh my, yet again resorting to name calling.  Let us highlight some differences between our postings.  I back up what I say with actions, as in working towards making this a better district.......I believe we share a similar goal in that regard, but not in the way to achieve said goal.  And that Mr. IDontCareWhattheRestofYouThinkIKnowIAmRight is the real bottom line."

I guess we could all sit around being complacent, and not being proactive, allowing those who are destroying our school district to continue to do so.  And once their gone back to where they came from, who will be left behind to pick up the pieces and rebuild. Us!  The citizens of this county and the taxpayer.  And to fix what is broken costs money, time, and resources-all of what we will share in funding.  But Nooooooooo.  There are those that want to negotiate, hold hands, sing Kumbiya, and allow the destruction to occur.  And then, then when all has gone South, they are the first to whine and point fingers and ask, why weren't we told.

You see, it's always easy to point fingers or play Monday morning quarterback.  It's always difficult to be proactive because not only do you fight the system that needs changing, you also fight the complacency.  Look at New Orleans.  For years, they have taken federal funding from the federal government to reinforce the levies.  But the corrupt politicians diverted those funds year after year instead of doing what they were supposed to do-protect the people and their property.  So, in comes Katrina and levels the city and the surrounding area.  Now the city is in ruins and is being reactive.  And at the time, it was real easy to point a finger at Bush.  Amazingly enough was the results of the aftermath.  Those outside of New Orleans that took the bull by the horns, dug deep, and were proactive, have effectively rebuilt their communities.  Those that remained complacent, whined, complained and waited for the handouts are no closer to restoration then they were after Katrina.  They were too busy negotiating, holding each others hands, and singing Kumbiya.  Go ahead Edgefield.  Use your proactive resources for other purposes, ignore what is going on, ignore what is to come if we don't fix it now.  Go ahead Edgefield, when the storm hits and you see the aftermath-don't come crying to anyone in the community-  The alarm has been sounded, but you refuse to listen.  Go ahead Edgefield, become another Richmond County instead of a Columbia County.  Go ahead Edgefield, stay where you are at.  You can ignore the indicators all you want, it will eventually catch up with you.

I don't recall calling anyone any names, merely stated a fact.  More than I can say for you-contradicted your own position - "And that Mr. IDontCareWhattheRestofYouThinkIKnowIAmRight is the real bottom line." I never said I was right, just pointing at some very glaring indicators of which should not be ignored.  As a matter of fact-if you read the archives of this site, you would see the very same indicators and alarms were sounded for years, but again no one listened.
web posted June 23, 2009

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OBAMA

O one
B big
A "actual"
M mistake for
A america
web posted June 23, 2009

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Re: "The only people afraid of Sarah's policies 'is' (should be 'are') the people that live in Alaska" .

I am not sure what your point about an oil refinery in Alaska is. There have been no new oil refineries built in the U.S. in the last 30 years. California, a state that has oil refineries, shows gas at $3.04 a gallon. So your point is???? By the way, the gas price in IL is $2.82.

Are you familiar with the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend that goes to every Alaskan resident (man, woman and child). The amount varies but the 2008 amount was $3269.00. It is in place to help with higher cost of living in Alaska.

The high cost of food in Alaska is not due to Sarah Palin (the one who instituted the Alaskan Permanent Fund Dividend) but rather it is due to the cost of getting the food to Alaska.  They have high prices but the main way to get food in is to fly it in. Have you been there or to Hawaii? Check out the prices in Hawaii-same issues there as in Alaska. The cost of food is higher in a lot of places other than SC.  At least in Alaska, there is an attempt to give back some of the state revenue to help with costs. It is not welfare, it is sharing from income recieved from oil. Their taxes are not going up in order to pay for this program, unlike what is being proposed by Obama.

Salaries tend to be higher in Alaska. You have to look at the whole picture when you are looking at cost of living. The remote villages are struggling but that is not new. Again, everything has to be flown in and there are other issues. These are not Sarah Palin's policies that are affecting these people.  It sounds like you listen to MSNBC or something.  We have our own kind of "villages" here in the south that are struggling. That is a whole new discussion.

I should be glad I live here and not Alaska? I don't know about that.  I am glad I have a conservative governor and a great senator in Jim De Mint. However, I would not be afraid to live in a state or country run by Sarah Palin or anyone else who holds her values, policy beliefs and beliefs about our country.  We are on a slippery slope with Obama. He has a scary agenda and he does not care about you. Again, rather that buying in to the liberal lies, look very closely at where this country is headed. Look at all the facts. You think it looks like it is expensive to live in Alaska ,and I add many other states, other than SC?  Wait until we start seeing the affects of all he money Obama has spent and is proposing to spend. If you want to look at high prices, look at gas prices in England, one of the countries that embraces some of what Obama is proposing. That should make you think.
web posted June 22, 2009

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I am very concerned over so many of the principals and heads of departments resigning this year. Their jobs weren't cut, they resigned. Mr. Huiet (Principal MES) made our school one of the top in the state and now he just walks away? This is the same thing that happemned when Dr. Keesley resigned. We've lost most of the most qualified people in the school system and nobody says a word!!! PEOPLE BETTER WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!

The entire school system is going in the toilet while Sister Sally and the Mo Town Fo hide. I hear there is another charter school coming but if it is anything like Fox Creek I am sending my kids to Wardlaw. Why are our schools being run by the dumbest people in the county?
web posted June 22, 2009

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I hope you had a great vacation.

Editor's note: I did, and I thank all those who continued to support EdgefieldDaily.com during my absence.
web posted June 22, 2009

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RE: Food prices have doubled since she became governor. Her only policy is to starve Alaska's citizens to death. They have to shoot elk, coyotes, wolves, dogs, cats, and anything else to survive.

I have several family members who, unlike you, actually LIVE in Alaska. They don't hunt because they're starving and have to feed their families. They hunt because they WANT to. And they don't hunt or eat dogs or cats -- to insinuate such a thing is just plain stupid. They're each raising families on one salary without any help from the Federal Government. They love their lives in the Alaska wilderness, and more importantly, they support Governor Palin. Since they are actual citizens of Alaska, I think I'll take their word for it instead of believing your ignorant remarks.
web posted June 22, 2009

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RE: "I read with bemused interest the article in this week's Edgefield Advertiser concerning Andy Livingston's awakening.  What rock did he crawl out from under!?!  Can it really be true that he has been
unimpressed by all that has gone on in the school district to date and it took the resignation of the chief finance officer to get his attention!?!"

Amen.  There are some ignoramuses that believe we are only going after Crenshaw.  They have even referred or stated that we were racists because we were exposing the corruption, malfeasance, mismanagement and incompetence.  But they have actually shown their own true agenda and reverse racist ways.  It has been long thought that Livingston needed to go with the rest of them-Bibbs, Cooks, and Crenshaw. 15 years on the school board and he's just now seeing things.  what a pompous ass!  Guess that's just another pejorative.
web posted June 22, 2009

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Re:  "You just proved my point.  You are in the tank with the current ECSB and ECSD.  That was easy. So now all can see why you present your case in the manner in which you do.  However, to make it appear you know what you are talking about you sprinkle it with a few slurs and big words, but in the end, you still haven't said anything.  I should have listened to a rule I was taught at a young: Never argue with a fool."
 
It is obvious that you are still young and you love to argue.  You love to surmise the identity of the posters who respond to you and imply that they are part of the ECSB.  I have responded to you three times and I am a white female senior citizen who has family roots in this county since the mid-1700's.  Go ahead and find something in these words to pick out and insult.  You've done enough defamation in your young career as an amateur journalist/investigator.  You're hurting the reputation of our home by printing your words for the world to read.  Life is still good in Edgefield County and our school system is the only one we have.  Take your magnifying glass off the superintendent and board members that you vilify everyday and begin to look for the good things that reflect harmony and progress among our people -- those denizens of all ethnic races and the newcomers as well.  We have deep abiding friendships and love for one another and refuse to participate in any crusade that may damage our relationships. 
 
We will work out our differences and argue for changes, but we DO NOT LIKE your continual references that our citizens are inherently evil. We all have past experiences that we are not proud of either, but by the grace of God, we continue to show our contriteness in ways that you seem to ignore.  You miss the many moments of kindness and attempts to help those who are unable to help themselves.  We may be blundering idiots and champion causes that you think are wrong, but we are growing, learning, and making errors along the way.  Yes, some of us are opportunistic at times, but examine any family and you'll see members with the same trait.  We prefer to speak directly to one another when we disagree.  We've learned that gossip is a sick practice that brings us all down.  Stick around for fifty years and you'll see how people change and develop when you offer encouraging words.  Invite your "enemies" to lunch where you dialog like a civilized person and ask for clarification to your suspicions.  You may learn something and eat some humble pie. 
web posted June 22, 2009

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Re: You just proved my point.  You are in the tank with the current ECSB and ECSD.  That was easy. So now all can see why you present your case in the manner in which you do.  However, to make it appear you know what you are talking about you sprinkle it with a few slurs and big words, but in the end, you still haven't said anything.  I should have listened to a rule I was taught at a young: Never argue with a fool.

Oh my, yet again resorting to name calling.  Let us highlight some differences between our postings.  I back up what I say with actions, as in working towards making this a better district.  You put  up a petition based on speculation and innuendo, then rely entirely on rhetoric to make your point.  I ask if you have done anything constructive, you dodge the question and call everyone names from school board members down to district employees.  I advocate compromise as a potential solution, you use the same tired dialogue about your opponent sprinkling this or that into the conversation, then call him or her a name and then pat yourself on the back for doing exactly nothing.  As for being in the tank with anyone, I am neither a yes nor a no man, rather one who prefers to think for himself, evaluate all of the items or evidence in question and make an informed decision.  I do not need the assistance of a rabble-rousing ideologue.  You may think me a fool, or anything else for that matter. If I really cared as to your thoughts on that issue then I would be a fool, however in this case the only sleep I lose is over how to make this a better district despite the amount of partisan and petty bickering.  I believe we share a similar goal in that regard, but not in the way to achieve said goal.  And that Mr. IDontCareWhattheRestofYouThinkIKnowIAmRight is the real bottom line.
web posted June 22, 2009

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RE: "I believe your reference to the Holocaust and Europe is what brought on the Nazi reference.  So please do not blame the respondent for referring to your own words and the inference within those words."

The "inference" is actually yours-mine was addressing complacency.  Go crawl back under your rock.  Your writings say much.  Our schools are really in trouble, the more we see of people like you.  Again, never argue with a fool.
web posted June 22, 2009

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I attended the ECSB meeting last night.  A question arose regarding how much stimulus money ECSD would be receiving.  The answer was that the exact amount was unknown, but thought to be approximately $1.5 million. How the money is earmarked was not known either.  Then it was stated that part of the stimulus money has already been allocated so that the pay would not have to be given up by the teachers.  Letters were going to be sent out to the teachers to let them know that their pay cuts were not needed.  It was also noted that the current budget revision does not reflect this. The budget will need to be revised to show the stimulus money as revenue and the paycuts as being restored.  It was very interesting to see how everyone, especially Crenshaw, skirted the issue of the "voluntary cuts."
 
The education portion of the stimulus package does have provisions to use the money for paying teachers' salaries to avoid layoffs.  The downside is that these funds will only be available for the next two school years so this is not a permanent fix to the budget woes.
web posted June 18, 2009

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I read with bemused interest the article in this week's Edgefield Advertiser concerning Andy Livingston's awakening.  What rock did he crawl out from under!?!  Can it really be true that he has been
unimpressed by all that has gone on in the school district to date and it took the resignation of the chief finance officer to get his attention!?!  Why did it not matter to him that the district has been in turmoil for most of the two years of Crenshaw's watch?  Why did he not care that we were losing talented and experienced educators from every school at the expense of quality education for our children? Why did it not matter to him that we will not have a single administrator from STHS that is a county resident next year?  Why did it not matter to him that the entire district is under an ethics
investigation?  Why was he not concerned when people in the community expressed dissatisfaction with Crenshaw and the Board?  Why has he sat back with his fellow board members and quietly rubber stamped all of Crenshaw's dumb decisions?  What kind of doofus is Mr. Livingston and why is he on the school board? Can we not find someone who is awake to help make decisions for our children?
web posted June 18, 2009

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I read where you said Bettis (Rainsford) and (Edgefield Mayor) Ken (Durham) were trying to get the county to buy JC Calliham's property. I haven't seen anything about this in any of the papers. Is this more of your conspiracy theories?

Editor's note: For five years I have been breaking information on the behind the scenes activities of county politics. You do not have to believe me, but I have yet to be proven wrong. Word to the wise, the "powers that be" are turning on County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece. They are trolling the waters for a bottom feeder. Kneece is empowered by a thinking council majority. That makes him a target.
web posted June 18, 2009

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Re: The fact that Palin is still a target just shows how really powerful she is.

The only people afraid of Sarah's policies is the people that live in Alaska. You or others want research, here's your reseach.
 
June 16, 2009  Average Gas Prices
Alaska   $2.90 per gallon
Contiguous US  $2.69 per gallon
 
If Sarah is such an expert on energy (John McCain's line), then why can she not get any oil company to build a refinery anywhere in Alaska. No environmental groups in Alaska to stop them.
 
June 16, 2009 Food prices in Alaska
In many stores, 2 pounds of cheese costs between $15 and $18, milk costs $10 a gallon, a 5-pound bag of apples costs $15, and a dozen eggs costs $22 -- more than double the price in the area just two years ago
 
Food prices have doubled since she became governor. Her only policy is to starve Alaska's citizens to death. They have to shoot elk, coyotes, wolves, dogs, cats, and anything else to survive.
 
Heck i would give you more information, but it is too darn depressin'.
 
Have a great day, and be glad you don't live in Alaska.
web posted June 18, 2009

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Is this what the STHS football players do after graduation?

Arrest Report
web posted June 9, 2009
June 2
Anthony Hillary, 18; Driving under suspension, not for DUI, ECSO
web posted June 18, 2009

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Re: Right out of the playbook.  First you call people paranoid to imply their instability, sprinkle it with a little reference to Nazi's to imply they are radicals, douse with a little reference to inflammatory speech to imply inciting some type of riot or revolution, and next you'll throw down the race card to imply they are bigots.  All arbitrarily thrown out there because there is no other real argument.

I believe your reference to the Holocaust and Europe is what brought on the Nazi reference.  So please do not blame the respondent for referring to your own words and the inference within those words.  Once again you attempt to minimalize other's words to your own world view.  Your statement that everyone hired by Dr. Crenshaw is a yes person is not only insulting, it is incorrect.  Yes, incorrect.  I realize you probably do not hear this very often, but that may be due to a failure to listen on your part.  The only assumptions I have read of late come from your postings.  I admire Mr. Hoffman for working without pay, but I do not presume to know the motivations of any board member so I do not subscribe to the everyone is in it for themselves routine.  So what if they cannot articulate things exactly as you want.  Learn to work with others, it is called compromise, and it does not always lead to disaster.  Sometimes it leads to success, but only if one tries.
web posted June 18, 2009

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Re:  "This is what I truly enjoy about these responses, they show the true narrow minded focus of the individuals who are so consumed with something they just want to destroy something else.  I assume nothing, rather I read your words in the context in which they appear, and attempt to be objective in this endeavor.  Can you say the same?  Since I have spent my time working on constructive solutions intended to move this district in a forward direction..."

You just proved my point.  You are in the tank with the current ECSB and ECSD.  That was easy. So now all can see why you present your case in the manner in which you do.  However, to make it appear you know what you are talking about you sprinkle it with a few slurs and big words, but in the end, you still haven't said anything.  I should have listened to a rule I was taught at a young: Never argue with a fool.
web posted June 18, 2009

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Superintendent Jim Rex has established a "Failure Czar" position to oversee reform of South Carolina's most troubled public schools.

Rex selected Amanda Burnette, principal of the highly publicized J. V. Martin School in Dillon, for the job.

Some fear that Burnette's long track record of overseeing failing schools makes this is another case of the blind leading the blind.

Read the details...
web posted June 18, 2009

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Editor's post: Still enjoying vacation, but still trying to follow the news. A lot of activity on Tuesday and there should be more on that tomorrow.

I was also given information that all Edgefield County School Teachers will be receiving their full local supplement ($2,500). I am awaiting further information as to why this sudden change and if it will lead to more lay-offs or not. One stated it was due to the heat that has been put on the district since one teacher came forward about Dr. Crenshaw being behind the “voluntary” cuts.

I will report on this more in depth as information becomes available.
web posted June 17, 2009

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Okay, I give up.  It's impossible to debate with someone whose mind is stuck in a rut.
 
Do you still not get it?  The original comments had absolutely nothing to do with Gov. Palin's abilities or her family.
 
You went off on a mud-slinging tangent without provocation and now keep trying to justify your remarks by adding even more asinine comments.
 
By the way, I lived in Alaska for several years.  The majority of the fine folks there don't live in igloos, nor do they eat whale blubber or use dog sleds as their primary transportation.  And, golly, gee whiz, they even have electricity and running water!
 
Believe what you want.  But before you are totally lost to the darkness of political hyperbole, do some independent research and try to balance the fallacies with facts.
web posted June 17, 2009

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Is there going to be a dance in Trenton this Saturday night?? If so what time & how much--Thanks

Editor's note: I was speaking with someone today about this very topic and was told there would not be a dance.
web posted June 17, 2009

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Re:There you go again, assuming.  Wringer is the correct word as it applies to those that sit idly by and wring their hands in hopes that something happens, or is quite worrisome.  In your case, you appear to be standing by wringing your hands, hoping the citizens of this community fail ...

This is what I truly enjoy about these responses, they show the true narrow minded focus of the individuals who are so consumed with something they just want to destroy something else.  I assume nothing, rather I read your words in the context in which they appear, and attempt to be objective in this endeavor.  Can you say the same?  Since I have spent my time working on constructive solutions intended to move this district in a forward direction, I do not think that fairly qualifies me as a standing idly by or a wringer of hands.  And in some cultures around the world, your comparison of me with a politician would be a severe insult, which I am sure you already know.  But I digress.  While you type with your pejoratives and pretend to care about the betterment of the district and the children therein, I must say I am reminded of other great speakers such as  Vladimir Lenin or  Kim Il-Sung.  You want only your version of things to be factual regardless of others, and your words prove this fact.  To paraphrase Bill (I write em, you read em) Shakespeare, methinks thou doth protest too much. 
web posted June 17, 2009

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The liberals are so afraid of Sarah Palin that they have tried to destroy her in every way that they can. The crowds she draws is a real threat to them. Could she raise money to run for office? There is no doubt she could raise money. She has more experience in her little finger than Obama will ever have. He was never in a real leadership position in government other than his short stint as a Senator. Things he sponsored and voted on as a Senator are now being dismissed by him as President. For example the Inspector General that was recently fired over a situation in CA where the IG was doing his job and going after a crook. Unfortunately the crook is a big Obama supporter and the IG was fired. Guess who sponsored the bill to put the IGs in place. You got it-Obama. Look at the caliber of people he has put in his cabinet. Good grief!!! He puts these "czars" in place and they have no legal authority to even be there. He speaks to the other countries and thinks just speaking to them makes them change. They are laughing at us behind our backs.  Our national security is really compromised. He has an agenda, but as far as experience he falls short every day. His agenda is what is scary. We are losing our freedoms every day. Wake up. Go ahead and lie about Palin and believe all the ridiculous things the left is saying about her.  Maybe we should look at some of the facts of what Obama is doing (and has done) rather than the made up things being said about Palin. The fact that Palin is still a target just shows how really powerful she is.
web posted June 17, 2009

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When will the citizens learn that Bettis and Mayor Durham are only looking for a free meal.  The Calliham property is a way that these two people can earl a dollar from the Edgefield County citizens. 

Isn’t it clear that every contract given for construction in Edgefield goes to Edgefield Construction.  Not one contract goes to any one else unless it is approved by Bettis.  Even the architect (allegedly) used is in with Bettis. 

The county must do as others have done and “sue” Bettis.  Don’t forget the Mayor he is in this all the way.
web posted June 17, 2009

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RE:  "Are you paranoid or what?!?  Who in their right mind equates the Edgefield County School Board to Nazi's?  I don't believe anyone is dying here.  I think you need to get a job!  You have too much time on your hands.  Do you think you're Paul Revere or something?  You're more like Peter and the Wolf - people are going to get tired of your inflammatory speech.  If you think there's so much evidence, then MAKE AN ARREST ALREADY"

Right out of the playbook.  First you call people paranoid to imply their instability, sprinkle it with a little reference to Nazi's to imply they are radicals, douse with a little reference to inflammatory speech to imply inciting some type of riot or revolution, and next you'll throw down the race card to imply they are bigots.  All arbitrarily thrown out there because there is no other real argument.

The point, of which was obviously missed, was that complacency can be a very dangerous or harmful characteristic.  And next year, when the Finance Officer who just resigned is replaced by a "yes" person instead of one having the integrity and "intestinal fortitude" to stand up to questionable demands, and when MES, which was the best school in the district, have outsiders hired to replace the two that just resigned, that have no clue about this community, come in and run it into the ground because they too will  be selected not based on merit or qualifications, but on their willingness to carry out the deeds of others.  Merriwether is in for a rude awakening because of their complacency.  And what will be somewhat amusing is they'll all start whining and bitching, asking, why didn't someone tell us, and, how did this happen.  Also interesting to note: if we shut it down tomorrow and let this community get what they deserve because they will continue to sit idly by, I would not lose one wink of sleep, because I know what options are available to me, and I have no compunction in exercising those options.  And I am sure the likes of you would step right up to the plate, wouldn't you?  Just like you are now.

Actually, I prefer Nathan Hale.  And thanks for referring to me as Peter and the Wolf.  For a minute I thought you were going to call me George Bush.  You know, using the playbook argument that there weren't any WMD's.  Any fool that was ignorant of our technological capabilities believed that silly argument.
web posted June 17, 2009

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RE:  "To the above I would say do not worry about my arm, I haven’t received a pat on my back in years, from myself or anyone else.  I will admit I could have worded the question slightly differently, as in ‘why am I the only one asking this question in this forum?’  By the way, I think wringer is someone who wrings liquid from items; a ringer would be one who is brought in for a specific purpose.  And I admire your request that I base my remarks on facts; funny, while I see a lot of speculation and innuendo in a many of these posts, I actually did research the test results for Clarendon County 3 over the course of several years, and as I previously stated the scores were improving."

There you go again, assuming.  Wringer is the correct word as it applies to those that sit idly by and wring their hands in hopes that something happens, or is quite worrisome.  In your case, you appear to be standing by wringing your hands, hoping the citizens of this community fail in their efforts to rid it of corruption, greed, and sheer incompetence, just so you and a select few can maintain some meager holding of power.  Amazing how skewed one's interpretation of information becomes when they support something such as the current ECSB and ECSD.  Clarendon 3, on the positive upswing?????-if so, why did they fire her?  Those scores were improving alright, just like our school district scores this year.  However, .5 - 2% points can be shown as improvement just based on the individuals they refuse to expel.  We shall see what happens next year.  And from what is already known and understood-it will not be good.

Your posts are like those words of politicians-a verbose pontification that says absolutely nothing in content.  However, it does say a lot.  Just another seminar caller.
web posted June 17, 2009

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Editor's post: The bookings have been updated with a nod to Mike Rosier filling in this week for me at the jail. I am still getting calls and information that Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham and Bettis Rainsford are still trying to give new life in the Calliham property. Geez, you'd think some people could learn to take "NO" three times over, as an answer. Just goes to show how far some people will go to try to exert their "power" over the rest of the county.

How embarrassingly pitiful.

On another note. Here is a picture from one of the golf courses up here. I think this is #14. We ride up after our drives and say, "nice waterfall", then proceed to dump four golf balls into it between the two of us trying to reach the green.

Hey, it's 76 degrees, we're in the mountains playing golf, who cares?
web posted June 16, 2009

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I just read the article about the re-Zoning in Merriwether. I must say I have some concerns. I called the zoning office and was told that Hagler was growing so fast that they needed to expand and that they want to build an office building and a larger parking lot. This is not what you where told. Here is a small exerpt from your interview. Sounds like one of us was not told the truth.

"Shortly before the discussion ended EdgefieldDaily.com asked Mr. Hagler if he has any current plans, tens years or anytime to expand onto the property. “No,” Mr. Hagler said. When asked, why the rush and why not wait until there were solid plans to make the request at that time there was no answer forthcoming. The same question asked of the Planning Commission was also met by silence until Chairman Fab Burt said that zoning is to look out to the future."

Editor's note: Mr. Hagler stated at the meeting that if they did not use the property (with no plans for the next ten years), even after it was rezoned, they would sell it. Making it the most valuable piece of property in Merriwether with a single vote. How coincidental is that? The people of Merriwether better pay attention.

Anyone telling you it is due to an expansion, or even a planned expansion, is not telling the truth. If they want to call me a liar I will be happy to make the recording of the meeting available for all to hear.
web posted June 16, 2009

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Re:  "And where some would say it was intimidation my only question is how is Finance supposed to know whose pay to dock without a name and a signature?  And why am I the only one asking this question?"  “First, if her record was as you interpret it, then why isn't she still there?  Second, don't break your arm patting yourself on the back!  You weren't the only one asking the question, why don't you ask the teachers? Another wringer thrown in to protect Crenshaw.  Learn how to cogently put your facts together with some type of factual basis”   Mr. Editor, I apologize for exceeding the word count (not counting the copy of the response to my original post), and I ask once again for an exception to the word limit please kind sir.

To the above I would say do not worry about my arm, I haven’t received a pat on my back in years, from myself or anyone else.  I will admit I could have worded the question slightly differently, as in ‘why am I the only one asking this question in this forum?’  By the way, I think wringer is someone who wrings liquid from items; a ringer would be one who is brought in for a specific purpose.  And I admire your request that I base my remarks on facts; funny, while I see a lot of speculation and innuendo in a many of these posts, I actually did research the test results for Clarendon County 3 over the course of several years, and as I previously stated the scores were improving.  I am not defending anyone although someone with a specific agenda may read my remarks in that way, rather all I ask is that everyone step back and take a dispassionate look at the entire picture.  As someone else here said, let things run their course.  But please do not jump on the USS Conclusion before she sails.  For someone with no grudge or vendetta you markedly and summarily insult and verbally attack both the Superintendent and many Board members.  Maybe that is not a grudge or vendetta, but it does little to show you taking an objective point of view.  I do not belittle those of you who wish for change in the way things are done in the district, in fact in some ways I agree with you.  But as previously stated, please “Learn to cogently put your facts (let us stress the word facts here) together with some type of factual basis.  For someone who claims there is no rush to judgment there certainly seems to be a rush to judgment.  There are many of us who deeply care what goes on in this district, not all of us however are willing to point our fingers until all of the evidence is in and evaluated.
web posted June 16, 2009

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Every month (the Town of Johnston) writes checks to the Mayor and Council. Every month Council endorses the their check and donates the net back to the town. So what you see on the monthly financial statement is both and expense and a revenue for both. All Council members are donating their salary for last year. Mayor Campbell chose not to do so. Also, the way it works out is that the checks are written, Social Security and SC Retirement System payments are withheld and then the net is donated back to the town.
 
It amounts to $755 per Council member. Tyra (Miller) is the only one doing it this year.
web posted June 16, 2009

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Re: Quoting idiots from the "idiot box" just shows a lack of thinking on your part.

It's just easier to rehash past quotes when they are true and to the point. Go ahead and support Idiot Palin. You are wasting your time. She'll never be able to raise enough money to be a serious national candidate. She always stick her foot in her mouth from the public statements that she makes. She the Democrats most Valuable Asset in defeating the Republican machine.
 
Re: When was the last time you ran the largest state in the union
 
Come on this must be a joke. Largest by land area, and still one of the smallest by population. It's easy to be the dictator of a large land mass when it is as sparsely populated as Alaska; and when you have a GOON squad (lead by Todd) that intimidates by threatening people and by untold scores of illegal killings, torture, and those in the opposition that show up missing mysteriously.
web posted June 16, 2009

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RE:Re: Could it be that Mz. Obama is looking so mean

Come on now. You could at least use one original thought. All I read from your post was talking points from far left zealots. You state that Gov. Palin "allows" her daughter to sleep with her boyfriend, but have you ever had a teenager? You trust them to make decisions based on knowledge and example when they are at home, but as is often the case, they will make mistakes and not do what parents like. It`s called growing up. As for Gov. Palin being an "slutty airline stewardess wanna-be", that is a quote from another far left idiot that you chose to parrot. How can anyone actually think a Governor would want to be an airline steward, nothing against the profession. But is not that regression, or a step, or two, down? So please, next time you want to say something, and want others to pay attention to what you think, let it be original thoughts and opinion. Quoting idiots from the "idiot box" just shows a lack of thinking on your part.
web posted June 15, 2009

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This wasn't about Gov. Palin's daughter.  The governor is a public figure.  Her children and husband are not.
 
It was solely about the fact that in the photo Michelle Obama is one mean-looking mama and the fact that the object of her glare - whoever she may be - just happens to resemble Sarah Palin.
 
"Incompetent ignoramous"?  When was the last time you ran the largest state in the union?  Or a mid-sized town?  Or anything else, for that matter?
 
By the way, did you know that all of the trumped-up ethics charges against Gov. Palin quietly had been dropped?  Wonder why the main-stream media didn't report that?
 
"How can someone who allows their underage teenage daughter to sleep with her boyfriend," and "Reports say that Todd took photographs" ...  gosh, are you David Letterman's joke writer?
 
Unless you were there when Bristol Palin got pregnant and in the nine months that followed, you have no knowledge whatsoever of the circumstances - you are only repeating garbage. 
 
Rumors and conjecture.  They're vile, nasty things.  Those who repeat them are just as vile and nasty.
web posted June 15, 2009

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all one has to do is  look at the monthly fininancial report for the Town of Johnston, look under salaries for the council and mayor. if only the mayors salary is being paid, as was reported, then were did the money go.  don't ask anyone for this info, as the facts speak for themselves.. If they did take the money, shame, shame.  Talk your way out of this one council.

Editor's note: According to the budget, Town Councilwoman Tyra Miller is the only one not accepting pay in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
web posted June 15, 2009

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Re: "Wake up. The web of deception has been exposed for a long time (just read the archives on this site and it does not take a brain trust to figure that out), it's just that complacent people requesting "patients" has allowed the web of deception and corruption to further intrench itself and cover its tracks.  Somewhat like Neville Chamberlain.  His complacency and patient's cost this country 100's of thousands of our men and women, private resources, and six million Jews, not counting the countless number of Europeans."

Are you paranoid or what?!?  Who in their right mind equates the Edgefield County School Board to Nazi's?  I don't believe anyone is dying here.  I think you need to get a job!  You have too much time on your hands.  Do you think you're Paul Revere or something?  You're more like Peter and the Wolf - people are going to get tired of your inflammatory speech.  If you think there's so much evidence, then MAKE AN ARREST ALREADY.  
web posted June 15, 2009

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RE:  "To the above I would say do not worry about my arm, I haven’t received a pat on my back in years, from myself or anyone else.  I will admit I could have worded the question slightly differently, as in ‘why am I the only one asking this question in this forum?’  By the way, I think wringer is someone who wrings liquid from items; a ringer would be one who is brought in for a specific purpose.  And I admire your request that I base my remarks on facts; funny, while I see a lot of speculation and innuendo in a many of these posts, I actually did research the test results for Clarendon County 3 over the course of several years, and as I previously stated the scores were improving."

There you go again, assuming.  Wringer is the correct word as it applies to those that sit idly by and wring their hands in hopes that something happens, or is quite worrisome.  In your case, you appear to be standing by wringing your hands, hoping the citizens of this community fail in their efforts to rid it of corruption, greed, and sheer incompetence, just so you and a select few can maintain some meager holding of power.  Amazing how skewed one's interpretation of information becomes when they support something such as the current ECSB and ECSD.  Clarendon 3, on the positive upswing?????-if so, why did they fire her?  Those scores were improving alright, just like our school district scores this year.  However, .5 - 2% points can be shown as improvement just based on the individuals they refuse to expel.  We shall see what happens next year.  And from what is already known and understood-it will not be good.

Your posts are like those words of politicians-a verbose pontification that says absolutely nothing in content.  However, it does say a lot.  Just another seminar caller.
web posted June 15, 2009

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Re:  It's shameful, but if you look at it closely-it really has been the African Americans, especially those that rise to power, that have actually kept their own down trodden, down.  That's how they maintain power.

Yep, kind of like the rich textile mill owners kept the low paid textile workers in mill villages all across the South uneducated and in debt, so that they could exploit the poor. Exploitation occurs no matter what race, creed, ethnicity, religion, etc. The very rich and powerful have always exploited the less fortunate to keep control of their wealth and consolidate their power. The MoTown Fo have no wealth and their power is just limited to the actions controlling the school system; however, it is the largest employer in the county. I am still waiting for the other interviews that the editor promised on DT speaking out. Every teacher that was in the meeting called by Mary Rice should speak out and tell the real situation. Someone who is affected by all this mess needs to step forward.
web posted June 12, 2009

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RE: I keep thinking about those free-range Patagonian cavies in the county and wondering if a beagle would chase one or if a cavy would even run from a beagle….web posted June 8, 2009

I own a cavy as a pet, and the answer to your question about cavies and beagles is yes, beagles will chase cavies. My basset hound chases our cavy around its pen, and the cavy ran from the cat when it was inside our home. Cavies will run from beagles, cats, chickens, humans, or anything else they perceive as a predator. They are natural animals of prey. Coyotes or aggressive dogs could be considered their predators. They have a thin, fragile skeletal system so they can be easily injured when chased or spooked in enclosures. The nearest vet that treats Patagonian cavies is in Lexington. There are many resourceful sites about these little creatures on the internet.
web posted June 12, 2009

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Check out this good news.
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/06_09/06_12_2010_World_Summit_Host.html
web posted June 12, 2009

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Re:  "The ECSB does not care one whit about students... - if you can afford private school at all,  go for it.  They often have  need-based scholarships and payment plans."

That truly is an option to get the District's and ECSB's attention.  If 100 children were enrolled into a private school or home schooled next year, that would cost the ECSD $500K+.  How would they make up that budget short fall?  Go back to the teachers to sign another "Voluntary Submission Form"?  And if that didn't raise enough money, that means teachers would have to be let go again.  That is an interesting concept and option, although it could be painful.  However, politicians and even people in the community don't always get the message until something drastic happens.  After all, look at 9/11.  We have been attacked time and time again since the Iranian Embassy crisis, but did not rally as a country until 9/11.  Look at WWII-we knew what was going on in Europe and with the Holocaust, but we didn't get involved until Pearl Harbor.  Reactive, never proactive, until of course W.
web posted June 12, 2009

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Re: Could it be that Mz. Obama is looking so mean 'cause the woman next to her is looking so "Palin"?  Really, the lady bears a marked resemblance to the lovely governor.

Please do not criticize the First Lady of France in such a demeaning manner. Sarah Palin is just an incompetent ignoramous. How can someone who allows their underage teenage daughter to sleep with her boyfriend, and Sarah (slutty airline stewardess wanna-be) knew about it. Seems to me Sarah was promoting feminist values of free expression of love. Reports say that Todd took photographs of the two going at it to put show to his secessionist buddies at their monthly meeting.
web posted June 12, 2009

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Re:  "And where some would say it was intimidation my only question is how is Finance supposed to know whose pay to dock without a name and a signature?  And why am I the only one asking this question?"  “First, if her record was as you interpret it, then why isn't she still there?  Second, don't break your arm patting yourself on the back!  You weren't the only one asking the question, why don't you ask the teachers? Another wringer thrown in to protect Crenshaw.  Learn how to cogently put your facts together with some type of factual basis”   Mr. Editor, I apologize for exceeding the word count (not counting the copy of the response to my original post), and I ask once again for an exception to the word limit please kind sir.

To the above I would say do not worry about my arm, I haven’t received a pat on my back in years, from myself or anyone else.  I will admit I could have worded the question slightly differently, as in ‘why am I the only one asking this question in this forum?’  By the way, I think wringer is someone who wrings liquid from items; a ringer would be one who is brought in for a specific purpose.  And I admire your request that I base my remarks on facts; funny, while I see a lot of speculation and innuendo in a many of these posts, I actually did research the test results for Clarendon County 3 over the course of several years, and as I previously stated the scores were improving.  I am not defending anyone although someone with a specific agenda may read my remarks in that way, rather all I ask is that everyone step back and take a dispassionate look at the entire picture.  As someone else here said, let things run their course.  But please do not jump on the USS Conclusion before she sails.  For someone with no grudge or vendetta you markedly and summarily insult and verbally attack both the Superintendent and many Board members.  Maybe that is not a grudge or vendetta, but it does little to show you taking an objective point of view.  I do not belittle those of you who wish for change in the way things are done in the district, in fact in some ways I agree with you.  But as previously stated, please “Learn to cogently put your facts (let us stress the word facts here) together with some type of factual basis.  For someone who claims there is no rush to judgment there certainly seems to be a rush to judgment.  There are many of us who deeply care what goes on in this district, not all of us however are willing to point our fingers until all of the evidence is in and evaluated.
web posted June 12, 2009

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Re:  "You cc'd many organizations regarding this investigation.  Your request is not being ignored.  If you continue to push for drastic action, it takes away from the sincerity of your request and indicates you are restless for a quick result.  To remove only the superintendant without revealing the rest of the county wide web of deception would be precipitate.  Be patient."

Wake up. The web of deception has been exposed for a long time (just read the archives on this site and it does not take a brain trust to figure that out), it's just that complacent people requesting "patients" has allowed the web of deception and corruption to further intrench itself and cover its tracks.  Somewhat like Neville Chamberlain.  His complacency and patient's cost this country 100's of thousands of our men and women, private resources, and six million Jews, not counting the countless number of Europeans.

Further, it's interesting how you equate impatience with devaluing of sincerity, and you probably meant precipitous. No, not restless, just decisive, recognizing the longer they are in charge the more damage they will do to the school system.  If attempting to garner public support and opening the eyes of the public is being restless, then so be it.  If you think the circulating of a petition is showing impatience, then what are you going to say when the next initiative has been launched.  It appears maybe you are not who you would like any of us to believe because your posts suggest you want people to back off, possibly because you want them to have time to further cover their trail????  Sounds like the UN and Iraq.
web posted June 12, 2009

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Editor's post: You just have to wonder why a state government van was found at a local liquor store in the middle of the day. The driver was not very happy that I backed up to take the picture.
web posted June 11, 2009







Yes, I have the tag number.

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The ECSB does not care one whit about students... - if you can afford private school at all,  go for it.  They often have  need-based scholarships and payment plans.
web posted June 11, 2009

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Could it be that Mz. Obama is looking so mean 'cause the woman next to her is looking so "Palin"?  Really, the lady bears a marked resemblance to the lovely governor.
web posted June 11, 2009

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The person that responded to whoop-pa-dee-doo appeared to be a ding bat and not worthy of our taxpayer dollars because they obviously could not understand nor did they apparently read the whoop-pa-dee-doo post carefully before they responded, not because they misspelled one word. (That was thrown in for good measure though.)

The concerned county employees for the most part did not bother to show in numbers until the last Council meeting. For the last time! Read the post! I gave them credit! It doesn’t matter what their motivation was, it worked whether I agree with them or not. I never wrote that they didn’t have a right.

No one can deny that there seems to be a general trend downward in the importance of honesty, integrity and courtesy in our society today. How many Blagojevich like examples (integrity) are needed among the many others out there? If you really believe that appearance does not matter at all, you kid yourself. Prejudice in its many forms is a natural human condition. (And before you call me a racist, there are other types of prejudices beside that of a white man thinking that a black man is inferior in some way). No one can truthfully deny that they do not have prejudices of some kind. Those prejudices affect the way people relate to one another – positively or negatively. Hence dress codes/ personal appearance policies. Whether anyone fundamentally believes it is right or wrong, you can’t just look and smell like you may want to. The connection between honesty, integrity, etc… and personal appearance – only that individually, they all, among other things, seem to have less importance in our society today as a whole.

Don’t necessarily support all that Mr. Dorn does, just his Nay vote this particular time. I do not know his reasons for his nay vote on the budget. His explanations and reasoning’s are not always very clear to me. The irony of our agreement on a particular subject was the reason for the comment.

My understanding about Ms. Blackwell was that she would be unavailable for the next regular council meeting. If I was mistaken, I will apologize (just this once!). If I did have criticism for Ms. Blackwell though, I have earned the right to voice it. My vote helped her get her council seat.

There are many aspects of various government budgets to disagree with. County employee insurance was at one time a Wandering Minds topic I had an opinion on – it wasn’t alone a subject of a one person crusade. I know some good people that work for the County, but I still believe there is a moral and ethical responsibility to be vigilant when establishing budgets based on taxpayer dollars (dollars that were not earned by those spending them). There are likely many excesses that have not even been discussed here yet. Every aspect of the budget should be examined for its benefit for the citizens of the county as a whole.

Whew!!

Editor – maybe you ought to shut down Wandering Minds for the week. Then I wouldn’t feel it necessary to read or respond for a week either! 

Thanks,

A (McDonalds) Cheeseburger in paradise, (A. K. A. dee-doo?)
web posted June 11, 2009

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Here's a video for your enjoyment right before you go on your vacation. It shows us how to be perfect citizens
 
http://geteducated.ning.com/profiles/blogs/because-we-are-the-government?xgs=1
web posted June 11, 2009

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Re: "And what are you babbling about being impatient about an investigation????  That's an odd comment."
 
http://www.firecrenshaw.com/ECSB/Ethics%20Investigations-MK%20Inc.pdf
 
"April 4, 2009
TO: State Ethics Commission:
RE: Ethics Violations by Superintendent, Edgefield County School District
We the undersigned respectfully request your office open and conduct an investigation
into ethics violations regarding Dr. Mary Rice-Crenshaw, Superintendent, Edgefield County
School District, and the highly questionable ongoing ownership and material interest in a
company the Superintendent founded and currently serves as President identified as M.K. Inc....
cc: Mark Sanford, Governor
Secretary of State, South Carolina
Department of Education, State of South Carolina
Molly Spearman, South Carolina Association of School Administrators
The Augusta Chronicle
The Citizen News
The North Augusta Star
Edgefield daily.com"
 
You cc'd many organizations regarding this investigation.  Your request is not being ignored.  If you continue to push for drastic action, it takes away from the sincerity of your request and indicates you are restless for a quick result.  To remove only the superintendant without revealing the rest of the county wide web of deception would be precipitate.  Be patient.
web posted June 11, 2009

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What's the difference between Edgefield County School District and America today?

Nothing.  They are both being systematically dismantled by a group of inexperienced, unqualified, ego-maniacal, self-absorbed, indignant, arrogant reverse racists that hate this country, and will stop at nothing to get what they believe is "owed" to them based on mistakes made decades past.  They are so arrogant and self-centered that they are willing to destroy everything that has been accomplished and erase any future chance for their own people.

What you are actually seeing, is the dismantling of the African American race, not by the white, yellow, brown, purple, or whatever color man, but by the African American man/woman themselves.  After these people are through, who, regardless of race, would ever entrust them to run anything of any significance in this country again?  It really is time for the black community to stand up.  Notice the word black was used and not African American.  African American implies political correctness of which conveys "you owe me".

You don't hear the term English, French, German, Asian, Japanese, Chinese, etc. American.  All of those that came, struggled just as hard, and technically weren't enslaved, but they were discriminated against.  Check history-the Chinese were used to build our railroads, the Italians were labeled-WOPs (without papers), the Irish cordoned off, etc.  The difference is, instead of laying around waiting for a handout or what they thought they were owed, they busted their ass and rose above it all, to positions of prominence throughout the history of our nation.

This school district and board are acting in a manner as to "repay" the white man, but they are extremely short sited and self serving.  They don't see that if they run the school system into the ground, their children will once again have dominion over failing schools, because those that want better will go elsewhere.  And those children that will have the school system to themselves, will be just as stuck in society tomorrow as they are claimed to be today.  With no school system, there will be no new businesses or high paying jobs, and those left behind will have nothing, not even a way to escape the damage their brothers and sisters did.  It's shameful, but if you look at it closely-it really has been the African Americans, especially those that rise to power, that have actually kept their own down trodden, down.  That's how they maintain power.
web posted June 11, 2009

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Re: Fourth, since the emphasis was on not punishing so many African American students who were behavior problems throughout the school year, maybe there should be a focus on if the Superintendent fairly shuffled as many African American teachers as all other races of teachers in the district.
 
Thank you clearing up an issue I could not understand.
One African American Child was allowed to bully my child and others in the class for a good part of beginning of the year. This child had not been written up for any of the times he hit the other kids. The person who receives the write up had never even heard of this child until I asked him what was going to be done to stop the bullying. At that point the bully did not bother my child any more, I cannot speak for the other children. 
 
Chrenshaw-
You have brought this on by tying the teacher hands.
This will not happen again, I will file assault charges with the local police if I have to next year.
If that does not work I will pursue legal advice.
I am sure finding out my child's rights on being bullied will not be hard.
web posted June 11, 2009

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Re:  "And where some would say it was intimidation my only question is how is Finance supposed to know whose pay to dock without a name and a signature?  And why am I the only one asking this question?"

First, if her record was as you interpret it, then why isn't she still there?

Second, don't break your arm patting yourself on the back!  You weren't the only one asking the question, why don't you ask the teachers? Another wringer thrown in to protect Crenshaw.  Learn how to cogently put your facts together with some type of factual basis
web posted June 11, 2009

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Editor's post: I and most of the family will be heading out for vacation this Friday. The Wandering Minds will continue to be updated throughout next week though reports will be limited. I really need a vacation this year. I will be honest and say I thought seriously about shutting EdgefieldDaily.com down completely for the week.
web posted June 9, 2009

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If what DT is stating is true, then those teachers who signed "NO" on the "Voluntary Submission Form" were or have been marked for retribution/retaliation. ("DT stated that retribution against teachers who take a stand against the district office was real and those who did so were summarily “marked” and that the practice extends far beyond just the current administration.") Will teachers who had Honors classes taken away from them at the high school level or were moved to grades/subject areas where they were less qualified in the elementary and middle school levels have a cause/reason to argue for their classes/subjects back?
I am teacher and out of concern on how to pay a mortgage, electric, water and phone bills, a used car payment, and provide food and no frills clothes for my children, I signed "No". It was a hard decision, but losing over three thousand dollars out of my overall salary ( that's much, much more than even one paycheck a month for me) was something I felt I couldn't manage and make it financially. I'm sure people will call me greedy and uncaring, but I put in more hours with students and for students than anyone other than my family members will know.
I became a teacher because I cared about teaching what I knew to others, and I knew what was being produced in public schools. Neither I nor my district colleagues deserve to have classes/subjects taken away from us or have the threat of retaliation and retribution hanging over our heads!

Editor's note: The report convered only a short portion of the near hour long interview. A second FIOA request has been filed seeking additional documentation. One other person has now come forward expressing a willingness to talk but has not done so at this time.
web posted June 9, 2009

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RE:  The first is in response to the parent who commented "bite me" against the teachers.

UUM, maybe you should read it again!  Or have a real teacher read it to you.  My comment was on the BEHALF of the teachers, not against them.  See original post below.  So you can call me immature all day long, but I can read.
web posted June 9, 2009

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Re:  DT
 
I am proud that someone on the Teacher Advisory Committee is willing to stand up and tell the truth.  The teachers at our school already knew how it was handled because our representatives told us.  One of our representaitives also told us that Dr. Crenshaw said that the only one who would see the "ballots" would be the individual who does the payroll.  This did not happen.  Others at the district office saw how the teachers responded.  If the actions of Crenshaw, Clinkscales, and Clark were illegal, then they all need to go.  Clark is already on her way out of Dodge.  Doesn't that tell us something?  It doesn't take a genius to figure it out.
web posted June 9, 2009

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RE:  "To the poster inciting teachers to sign a petition to fire Crenshaw: Just as you are able to request a Freedom of Information Act from the ECSB, they in turn will be able to subpoena your records and eventually the names of teachers who signed the petition will be revealed to the board.  Signing the petition puts teachers at even greater risk for retaliation - the kind that would be indefensible in legal actions when they try to recover their jobs after they are let go.  Stop goading them into doing something for the "cause" when you are just impatient to let the investigation take its own course."

Interesting post.  I don't believe anyone is inciting anyone to sign a petition, but rather, the original post was to inspire all to take a stand.  Somewhat like voting-you only earn the right to bi%^$ and complain if you voted, if not,we don't want to hear it.  As for FOIA's-every citizen of this country can request information through the tool known as a Freedom Of Information Act.  The request can be arbitrary and just about for anything that has occurred in a public domain.  However, a subpoena has constraints wherein it is a byproduct of a criminal or civil proceeding.  One can not just arbitrarily issue a subpoena.  Since the web site containing the Petition is not illegal, and the information contained therein is "Free Speech", there is no criminal or civil action present to warrant the issuance of a subpoena.  I don't recall anyone ever stating that Kemp and Jackson had a "cause", but I do recall a lot of posts stating that requested a change for the benefit of our children and our schools.  And what are you babbling about being impatient about an investigation????  That's an odd comment.

I think what the post's initial point was this, "Our country was not borne out of the actions of cowards, nor will it be preserved by cowards."  Thomas Elliot
web posted June 9, 2009

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Can we please stop criticizing JET's new principal before he even gets here?  I don't care what the man's hair looks like or where his degree comes from.  Let's see if he can do the job.  Let's see if he is smarter than the "powers" that have almost run a former Palmetto's Finest school into the ground.  Let's see if he can stand up to them.  Let's see if he can avoid catering to and taking advice from people who want to further their own interests or those of a particular group.  Let's see if he will listen to all of his faculty members instead of a select few.  Let's see if he cares what the people who work with the students actually think.  Let's see if he can tell the difference between people who teach and people who pretend to.  Let's just see.
web posted June 9, 2009

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I would like to chime in on the "Whoop-pa-dee-doo poster.
 
First, dee-doo, your posts were not error free.  For example, in your first post "possee's" should not have an apostrophe.  You have many sentences that are referred to as "run on" sentences.  In your second post in the fifth paragraph, you left out the word "of".  Get my drift?  Perhaps your employer should get rid of you.  I don't think wandering minds posters do it to show off their typing or gramatical skills.  I didn't (forgive me oh great one) and I don't think you do either. 
 
When I read your first post, I wondered why you would think county employees attending a council meeting in which decisions were being made that could affect their welfare and that of their families would be a "strong arm tactic".  Hard for ME to believe they weren't just concerned about and STANDING up for what they rely on and believe.  Also, the one mil that was being discussed was for EMS services and had been in the budget since the beginning of deliberations.  When Magistrate Brenda Carpenter made the McDonald's hamburger comparison it was regarding the additional cost of the one mil increase to the taxpayor.  You are trying to make it sound like it was to benefit county employees.  County employees weren't asking you to give up a cheeseburger to make the budget more to their liking.  The comparison was done to show how much was being given up by ALL COUNTY CITIZENS to maintain the continued level of service.
 
Please tell me from your first post how personal appearence, integrity, honesty and courtesy are remotely connected.  Most images of Jesus show him wearing a robe often tied with a cord or rope.  Are you saying this affected his integrity, honesty or courtesy?  On the other hand former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is always smartly dressed, but I don't think he'd win a contest for honesty and/or integrity.  Whose honesty and integrity and ability to be courteous were you addressing anyway?
 
You made this statement in your first post; "Mr. Dorn if your out there-as a constituent of yours I must say I support your nay on the budget, although I have no idea what the reason was".  What exactly does that mean dee-do?  Does it mean you support Dorn but you have no idea why?
 
For whatever reason, you tried to wrongfully slam Mrs. Blackwell.  Council meetings are the first Tuesday of each month.  She was at the June meeting and as she stated at the June meeting, she will be back from vacation for the July meeting.  Ms. Blackwell is smart, but I don't recall her ever saying she was psychic.  How can you or why should you anticipate a special called meeting when you schedule a vacation?
 
Anybody can gripe and moan about taxes and inflated budgets.  You're not in that boat alone dee-doo.  Sounds like you want to penalize county employees for all of government's wrong doing.  Take your argument to Washington where we taxpayers are really getting slammed by paying Medicaid for alcoholics, drug abusers and those too "sorry" to work.  Stop attacking county employees.  You say county tax $'s should primarily support county infrastructure and county services that support the many and not the few.  You know what?  If that's the case then ALL non government entities should be totally cut from the budget.
 
In closing I would like to say thank you to all county employees for the job you do everyday dealing with the dee-doos of this county.  You STAND together anytime you can.  In my opinion it was heartwarming to see!  You deserve to keep the benefits given you at the time of employment.
web posted June 9, 2009

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In the time I started reading the wondering minds I thought you (Editor) was just one sided to everything.

Now I don’t agree with everything you say in the Wondering Minds but I must say this I thank the concern citizens in the Edgefield Co. for digging the info that Mary tried to hide and the School Board wanted to ignore If I could put my name on the petition 10 times a day I would have but I hope everyone reads and research Mary and you will see the unconcern she has for our County. Read and research  your self because that is what I had to do so no one can say “ only going by what someone told”  and not researching it from the start. Leave Mary on your own so it want be so embarrassing later they will bring you down.

Editor's note: I am "one sided" in many respects. I judge things on a right and wrong basis and my personal opinions are formed after I have gathered the information to form a reasonable opinion. I don't expect everyone to agree with me. That's not the point. The point is to state my position so that others will then state theirs and we can all debate the pros and cons of both sides. It's called free speech. I'd suggest using it while we still have it.
web posted June 9, 2009

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(re: to picture of First Lady)
I think that's a nice picture of OUR First Lady, atleast now we know she has a serious side and not just smiles all the time. By the way, What makes you think she's looking at the lady next to her? it could be the blonde next to the lady.

Editor's note: You mean "your" first lady.
web posted June 9, 2009

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RE:  "You ask us why we don't stand up? Teaching is our profession. It is what we do on a daily basis. Many of us do not have rich husbands or a deep savings account to support us. This job, for many of us, is how we earn a living. Maybe we are not standing up and being public for fear of losing our jobs. If I stood up and said how I truly felt, then I may be fired or retaliated against. Many of us keep our heads down, mind our own business, and do our job. Jobs are scarce now. If I lost my job, being single, how would I pay my mortgage, my car payment, and my basic bills? Yes, I want to stand up for what I believe, but I also have to be realistic and consider the consequences of my actions. Maybe there are ways that we have stood up without being public about it, you never know what is going on under the radar."

Thank God in Heaven our forefathers didn't think like this!  The Finance Office that just resigned has a family, and I'm certain she is very aware, as most of us are, about the economic environment.  Yet she found it in her soul to not allow her integrity or principals to be compromised and resigned.  That took great courage!  That's a hero!
web posted June 9, 2009

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Great Orators of the Democrat Party

'One man with courage makes a majority.'
- Andrew Jackson

'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.'
- Franklin D. Roosevelt

'The buck stops here.'
- Harry S. Truman

'Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.'
- John F. Kennedy

And from today's Genius Democrats...............

'It depends what your definition of 'is' is?''
- Bill Clinton

'That Obama - I would like to cut his NUTS off.'
- Jesse Jackson

'Those rumors are false .... I believe in the sanctity of marriage.'
- John Edwards

'I invented the Internet'
- Al Gore

'The next Person that tells me I'm not religious, I'm going to shove my rosary beads up their A-- -- .'
- Joe Biden

' America is--is no longer, uh, what it--it, uh, could be, uh, what it was once was...uh, and I say to myself, 'uh, I don't want that future, uh, uh for my children.'
- Barack Obama

'I have campaigned in all 57 states.
- Barack Obama (Quoted 2008)

'You don't need God anymore, you have us Democrats.'
- Nancy Pelosi (Quoted 2006)

'Paying taxes is voluntary.'
- Sen. Harry Reid

'Bill is the greatest husband and father I know. No one is more faithful, true, and honest than he.'
- Hillary Clinton (Quoted 1998)

HOW LUCKY CAN WE BE TO HAVE SUCH BRILLIANT MINDS IN
CHARGE OF OUR IMPERILED COUNTRY?

''Life's tough ........ it's even tougher if you're stupid..''
-- John Wayne
web posted June 9, 2009

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Editor's post: I have nothing to add to the conversation below other than the comments listed. Breaking stories have consumed a major part of my time tonight.

One picture released today did catch my eye. I'm willing to bet no one can present a picture of a "First Lady" giving anyone such a "glaring look" as Michelle Obama is giving this woman at a public appearance. Call me stupid, but it sure looks like she is showing total disdain for the woman sitting next to her while listening to Obama talk. Yeah, I know, it has nothing to do with race. (Yahoo News Photo Credit)  A picture is worth a thousand words.
web posted June 9, 2009

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Your recent slander article of our President Obama show hwat (what) a racist you are. You just spout off lies and (manure) to hide your racism.

Editor's note: In the opinion, please show once where I mention race. Second, please show where I mention anything that is not backed up by other news reports, including video and transcripts. I have no problem debating differing "opinions", but there can be no debate about reality and quotes. You may not like the truth, but reporting it is not "racism". It is reality. Don't blame me if you are embarrased by your dirty laundery being aired in public. Obama is your hero, not mine.
web posted June 9, 2009

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To the poster inciting teachers to sign a petition to fire Crenshaw: Just as you are able to request a Freedom of Information Act from the ECSB, they in turn will be able to subpoena your records and eventually the names of teachers who signed the petition will be revealed to the board.  Signing the petition puts teachers at even greater risk for retaliation - the kind that would be indefensible in legal actions when they try to recover their jobs after they are let go.  Stop goading them into doing something for the "cause" when you are just impatient to let the investigation take its own course. 
web posted June 9, 2009

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For a person with so much education really knows how to write a biography.  I try to teach my students at the middle school level that this type of writing is not acceptable unless you are writing a Clifford Book.  I have been working hard for no reason.  I am surprised he didn't write...I am going to tell you about myself and end with a conclusion of.....I hope you enjoyed my story.  It is not surprising since memos from supposedly highly educated people runnning our school system have grammatical errors in them.  I must find a school that teaches ebonics so I can use standard  ebonics instead of standard English.  Forgive me if there are errors in this message....grammatical correct papers or letters are not a prerequiste to work in the school system. 
 
"Hello, my name is Stephen Hampton and I am the assistant principal at Sue Cleveland Elementary.  I was born and raised in Greenville County and attended Greenville County schools.  I graduated from Newberry College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Music in 1994.  I have since earned a Masters Degree from Southern Wesleyan University and an Education Specialist Degree in school leadership from Converse College.

I began my teaching career at St. Anthony's of Padua.  I worked there as a 4th grade teacher.  My first job in Greenville County Schools was at Sirrine Elementary.  I worked there as the music teacher for 4 years.

I have been at Sue Cleveland for four years now.  These past four years have been the most memorable in my career as an educator.  Sue Cleveland is fortunate to have wonderful students and teachers as well as outstanding parents who make Sue Cleveland a fantastic place to learn."
web posted June 9, 2009

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Once again our school district is faced with internal turbulence, which are the besetting actions of an incompetent educational leader. Now, it will be interesting to note the directions of board in replacing these individuals who have resigned. With regards to the recent hire of the new principal at the middle school (who is has a bachelor of music as his initial degree and bought advanced degrees), who possibly could have the ability to lead within our district? Unless you are involved in the secret meetings with select board members to secure a position, don't even think about applying. We already know the intent of the current inanely foolish four, but what about the other three who unanimously voted in support of the superintendents recommendation for the new hire. Not to mention, the number of people who will be forced out in order to secure a career in education without being scathed as an employee in Edgefield County. If the assistant principal was not qualified to become principal at JET, what message is sent to other assistant principals who may wish to become principal at some point in this district. Remember, your color, affiliation, or qualification will not guarantee you a position in this District. However, if you are willing to be a puppet until the superintendent takes the entire crew down with the ship, you just may have a shot. Either sell your soul to the devil, literally, or be cruelly disappointed by the district.
web posted June 9, 2009

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To the poster that replied to my original Whoop-pa-dee-doo post. What a ding bat! (By the way what exactly does premediatated mean?) Hope you don’t work for the County. If so I see a way to save us citizens a few tax dollars real quick – get rid of you! You read my post, or do you need help with that Einstein! My comments about the Council members were mostly positive. Just how did my post devalue integrity, honesty and courtesy? Back it up or shut it up. As far as where I eat, the people at the council meeting that supported  the “McDonalds” speech appeared, in part, to support the suggestion that we (citizens) could give up a “cheeseburger” to make the budget more to your liking, apparently. My guess is if they support such rhetoric then they do care what the rest of us do with our money. The less we citizens get to do with our own money, the more a government (U. S., S. C., County) gets to do with our own money. When does it stop? I see no end in sight, because despite the complaints about taxes and inflated budgets, many still determinedly seek their own piece of the pie (pork, perks, etc…), whether it is good for all of us or not.

Since the poster wants to make further issue of it, ask the “McDonalds” speechmaker if there was no intent prior to the meeting of A) encouraging county employees to show up or B) have those employees stand up. Regardless, I gave credit – give me a break, get someone to read it to you if necessary.

By the way, would you feel guilty if my arteries did explode?
web posted June 9, 2009

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RE: Our teachers should be some of the most respected people in our communities.  They teach or children, they serve as mentors, they are unfairly abused by the system and poor or incompetent management, and unruly and undisciplined children.
 
You ask us why we don't stand up? Teaching is our profession. It is what we do on a daily basis. Many of us do not have rich husbands or a deep savings account to support us. This job, for many of us, is how we earn a living. Maybe we are not standing up and being public for fear of losing our jobs. If I stood up and said how I truly felt, then I may be fired or retaliated against. Many of us keep our heads down, mind our own business, and do our job. Jobs are scarce now. If I lost my job, being single, how would I pay my mortgage, my car payment, and my basic bills? Yes, I want to stand up for what I believe, but I also have to be realistic and consider the consequences of my actions. Maybe there are ways that we have stood up without being public about it, you never know what is going on under the radar.
web posted June 9, 2009

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Re:  "Re: The responses to the article beginning with "Hello",.... Get off of her back and let her do her job, give her the time to do that job and if after that time you have some complaints fine, at least you have given her a fair chance.  To this point that has not happened, so please do not insult us by acting as if this has indeed been the case."

I noticed my brakes on my car are bad because they squealed and locked up that the last several red-lights I had to stop at, but I'll wait to fix them after the accident.

As was pointed out, the editor did a very lengthy and detailed account of the Superintendent's record.  Board members also did the same, and even showed other Board members, but the other Board members ignored the facts and voted for "intestinal fortitude".  Interestingly enough, if the Superintendent couldn't run those districts, what made one think she was capable, or even qualified, to run a much larger district?  A number of attempts were made to interview individuals at her last districts, and they either will not say anything, or thank us for hiring her.  However, there is a school board member from a previous district that said they were gracious to her before they fired her and let her serve out the rest of the school year, allowing her to bow out when school was out.

Again, we can sit idly by and wait to see the end results, or we can be proactive and make the change before we have to clean it up.  Somewhat similar to what we are going to have to face when Fox Creek goes belly up.  That mess should be cleaned up, but people sit idly by and allow it to happen.  But when we as taxpayers have to pick up the tab for the defaulted loan, every one will piss and moan about it.  That's what is wrong with our country today-too many people are complacent and reactive, waiting to dig themselves out of a hole after the dirt has been thrown in on top of them.
web posted June 9, 2009

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After reading several contributions to Wandering Minds, I must comment:
 
1)  The reason that most the School Board is blind to Dr. Crenshaw is because she is a "yes" person to them...that is why she was hired in the first place....to do as they wish with no resistance.
 
2) Gaye Holmes almost destroyed MMS.  By the time she left,in just one year, the teacher morale was non-existant, and the students could not stand her. 
 
3) Yes, the matter of money in the school is quite serious.  But those who are making plans for next year at the district office have no respect for the teachers, and not much for the principals.  And the one person who knows more about this school system there than any one else, Diane Murrell, is being left out of the decision-making process.  That speaks volumes as to the real agenda of those in control at the district office.
web posted June 9, 2009

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Re: Dr. Crenshaw's record in Clarendon 3.   This is in regards to postings and articles regarding Dr. Crenshaw's record in Clarendon 3.

If one actually looks at the test scores for the years she was in Clarendon 3, you will see a general upswing in the scores on the state tests.  We can argue percentages forever, but let's not forget that most knowledgeable people involved in the state education system seem to find many faults with PACT scores, so in truth are we even arguing over something relevant at this point?  However another fact that I find much more important, yet unreported to this point is the fact that during her last year at Clarendon 3 she raised the district's Corridor of Shame rating to Good. 

Also during that year she led her district to a SACS accreditation, which is no small feat in and of itself.

If one takes the totality of her record into dispassionate consideration it is not a record to be ashamed of, rather it is a record to be proud of, which makes me wonder why everyone seems so negative.

Regarding teachers volunteering part of their local subsidy, while I hate the fact the question had to be asked, I applaud the effort to save jobs.  And where some would say it was intimidation my only question is how is Finance supposed to know whose pay to dock without a name and a signature?  And why am I the only one asking this question?
web posted June 9, 2009

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I'd like to address several issues regarding the teachers. The first is in response to the parent who commented "bite me" against the teachers. It is exactly this kind of attitude from certain parents why teachers have so many discipline problems from students. You can't expect a child to behave when the parent is immature.  That kind of comment shows that the parent's argument has no value, when it's all about insults and not a fact presented.

Second, SC teachers are not CA teachers. They don't have great unions that will support them in getting huge raises, nor protecting their jobs.  Maybe it should also occur to some that maybe the teachers don't want to lose their jobs, and are afraid to say anything. And, yes, it is highly LIKELY that they were TOLD to be quiet, in order not to lose their jobs.

Third, if your doctor was a pediatrician, and was told that he had to be a surgeon, wouldn't you feel for that doctor?  First of all, that profession would not put up with that kind of stupidity.  Second, anyone who used that doctor would be at jeopardy for inferior service. The same with teachers. Teachers were moved in all kinds of ways:  from different grade levels, different subject areas, and even from highly qualified areas to lesser qualified areas, then were told that they would possibly have to go back to school to get more training. Then, they were further disrespected by others who said, "Well, at least you have a job."

Fourth, since the emphasis was on not punishing so many African American students who were behavior problems throughout the school year, maybe there should be a focus on if the Superintendent fairly shuffled as many African American teachers as all other races of teachers in the district.

Finally, the comment about the teachers being grateful to have their jobs.  It was a shame when some teachers were cut completely. But, they at least had unemployment due to them. With the last changes, any teacher who didn't like his/her position had no choice for at least temporary unemployment. The teacher was "stuck", or has to quit and lose any kind of monetary compensation, even if for the short term.  The cuts were straddled in spurts all year. And, some teachers were even reassured at one point that all the cuts were finished, because even the schools thought that. And, the cuts were not done in the manner that other Superintendents would have done so, with dignity and grace.
web posted June 9, 2009

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A little known fact....

The first testicular guard "Cup" was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974.

It took 100 years for men to realize that the brain is also important.
web posted June 9, 2009

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Re: "How does the School board ignore the (things) (Dr. Mary) Crenshaw is doing?"

Now that's a silly question. Two question a lot of things, but are ignored.  One sits with his eyes wide shut.  And the other four can't see in the dark.  Sooner or later, and probably sooner than later, the lights are going to come on and you will see the roaches scurry for cover.
web posted June 9, 2009

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Editor's post: Please do not name those not in the public purview in your posts. If they are named in upcoming (or past) stories your posts will be allowed, but until then I cannot place the comments.
web posted June 8, 2009

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I keep thinking about those free-range Patagonian cavies in the county and wondering if a beagle would chase one or if a cavy would even run from a beagle. I wish (name removed) would do some field research and get back to us through the editor before this fall.
web posted June 8, 2009

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Re: "How many schools are the ECBOE going to let Gaye Holmes destroy? "  and  "I ask you parents and taxpayers, is that the respect our teachers deserve?  Perhaps Mrs. Holmes is trying to impress the Superintendent."

Our teachers should be some of the most respected people in our communities.  They teach or children, they serve as mentors, they are unfairly abused by the system and poor or incompetent management, and unruly and undisciplined children.

However, I see quite a few taxpayers and parents coming to the aid of the teachers, only to find the teachers are unwilling to take a stand.  I see quite a few taxpayers and parents taking on the system in defense of our children and our teachers, only to see the teachers sit back and watch.  I see quite a few taxpayers and parents being labeled as trouble makers and racists because they are standing up for our children and our teachers, only to hear nothing from our teachers.  I see taxpayers and parents paying for the effort to make our schools better, safer, and a good place to work, out of their own pocket, only to see the teachers won't stand up and sign one little petition, or provide any information.  If you can't, or won't stand up and fight for yourself, how do you expect others to do so?
web posted June 8, 2009

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How many teachers do we have to lose before we start getting rid of the fat in the district office?
web posted June 8, 2009

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Re: I am proud.... But you call me a racist. Why is it that only whites can be racists??

I could not have said it better myself. I am proud but I am not racist. They beg for equality then have they own days, months, holidays, pageants, etc. It’s like comedian Wanda Sykes once said… I do not discriminate… I treat everyone like they are criminals
web posted June 8, 2009

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How does the School board ignore the (things) (Dr. Mary) Crenshaw is doing?
web posted June 8, 2009

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RE: I was embarrassed for the teaching profession today when I read about the whining going on at Parker. I am not a teacher anywhere nor does my child go to Parker, but on behalf of parents like me and the teachers, BITE ME!

BRAVO, I couldn't have said it better myself.
 
RE: I do agree that the principals should be rotated around, at least every 2 years, to different schools so they can also see how it feels to be "moved around".
 
That would be a poor move.  It takes any "boss" 2 years to get a feel for the staff and how things should operate. If principals rotated among schools, there would be constant chaos. We don't need anymore of that. If someone truly loves teaching, it shouldn't matter where you teach. Please get over being moved. Your negativity is further undermining our school system. Be thankful you have a job.
web posted June 8, 2009

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Re:  "I wanted to express my appreciation to the ECSD for the rapid response to my call on Wednesday.  I spotted the suspicious red mustang on Republican road as I returned from taking lunch to my wife (removed). I thought of Sheriff Dobey's plea to call in any suspicious activity and that is exactly what I did...." and Re:  "Thank you Jamie Tyler for helping the deputies arrest this man for burglary, you are a hero!"

This is a great example of what a true hero is-others tell the story of a hero or a hero's actions and the true hero walks off into the sunset, knowing that they were just doing their job, or the right thing.
web posted June 8, 2009

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I noticed the list on http://www.firecrenshaw.com of the list of schools that didn't make AYP.  What is the school that the new administrator for JET is coming from? Also I have also heard that some of the staff at JET has been cut by 40%.  Sounds like the problems at Parker are a District problem.  So maybe the person complaining about Gaye Holmes should blame the District Administration.
web posted June 6, 2009

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yeah, I do agree that the principals should be rotated around, at least every 2 years, to different schools so they can also see how it feels to be "moved around".
web posted June 6, 2009

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Just wanted to voice an opinion ------
You would think with all the burgers and pizzas that these two establishments sale on a weekly basis that they would fix their parking lots and driveways….. What does it take for them to do this ?
I think it will probably take someone having damage done to their car and then suing these businesses owners would maybe wake them up….

web posted June 6, 2009

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I have sat here on this subject so long that I think I am gonna bust. Occasionaly I will scroll though theses pages and read some of the complaints, ideas, and vents. The one thing that comes to my mind is that a lot of people are contesting for control of what little bit of power there is in this small but rich community. Maybe it is not rich with wealth at this particular time but it is very rich in tradition and history. The biggest thing I see missing is that there is not one thing, other than the football team, that everyone shares. Folks go to different churches together.
The only socializing is limited to private functions or parties where people tend to be around those that they like. This is an unbiased opinion fro someone who is really an outsider that has a connection with the school system. Who has what job is not up for me to decide. I don't have a vote; therefore I don't have any opinions. What I do know is that I have had several oppurtunities to spend time with some of the students from Edgefield County, and I have found them to be bright and capable youngsters of all varieties. The reason for this letter is that I believe Edgefield County could have something unique and attractive that everyone could take an interest.
There are two places in the state of South Carolina could take advantage of its proximity to large populations of people and build a Greyhound Dog Racing Track. A dog track on Hwy. 25 would bring droves of fans from all around. I realize it is a complicated and controversial subject, but by now there are probably enough people in the CSRA going to Cherokee N.C. and Las Vegas and spending a lot of money.
Now is the time that maybe the state legislature could be persuaded to let Edgefield and Rock Hill have Greyhound racing to raise money to help fund the school systems. There are a lot of communities that have benefitted from a Greyhound track in the area. Along with dog racing there would be simulcast horse racing from all over the country--that would interest the horsemen in Aiken. The track would have a nice restaurant, concessions, and gift shop, which along with management, cashiers, and ushers would be a lot of jobs.
On Saturday afternoons run a shuttle to downtown Augusta  and the possibilities are enormous. I believe it can be done, but the only way it will happen is for everyone to work together. I can use the telephone send e-mails and drive to Columbia. I can also vote for the next governor!  Find some likewise thinking people in Rock Hill and maybe Charleston and its off to the races. The money would solve a lot of problems. This is something I have thought about for some time and did not want to sit quiet about it anymore.

Editor's note: I will ask the question a politician will ask. Where will you get the money to pay for it?
web posted June 6, 2009

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RE: I was embarrassed for the teaching profession today when I read about the whining going on at Parker. I am not a teacher anywhere nor does my child go to Parker, but on behalf of parents like me and the teachers, BITE ME!
web posted June 6, 2009

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I have been wondering about why Whites are racists, and no other race is.....
 
Michael Richards better known as Kramer from TV's Seinfeld does make a good point.
This was his defense speech in court after making racial comments in his comedy act. He makes some very interesting points....

Someone finally said it.  How many are actually paying attention to this?  There are African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Arab Americans, etc. And then there are just Americans. You pass me on the street and sneer in my direction. You call me 'White boy,' 'Cracker,' 'Honkey,' 'Whitey,' 'Caveman'... and that's OK..

But when I call you, N****, Kike, Towel head, Sand-n****, Camel Jockey, Beaner, Gook, or Chink..You call me a racist.You say that whites commit a lot of violence against you... so why are the ghettos the most dangerous places to live?

You have the United Negro College Fund. You have Martin Luther King Day. You have Black History Month. You have Cesar Chavez Day. You have Yom Hashoah.  You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi. You have the NAACP.  You have BET.... If we had WET (White Entertainment Television), we'd be racists. If we had a White Pride Day, you would call us racists.

If we had White History Month, we'd be racists. If we had any organization for only whites to 'advance' OUR lives, we'd be racists.

We have a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a Black Chamber of Commerce, and then we just have the plain Chamber of Commerce.  Wonder who pays for that?? A white woman could not be in the Miss Black American pageant, but any color can be in the Miss America pageant. If we had a college fund that only gave white students scholarships... You know we'd be racists.

There are over 60 openly proclaimed Black Colleges in the US . Yet if there were 'White colleges', that would be a racist college. In the Million Man March, you believed that you were marching for your race and rights. If we marched for our race and rights, you would call us racists.

You are proud to be black, brown, yellow and orange, and you're not afraid to announce it. But when we announce our white pride, you call us racists. You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us. But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug dealer running from the law and posing a threat to society, you call him a racist.

I am proud.... But you call me a racist. Why is it that only whites can be racists??
web posted June 6, 2009

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Yes indeed, kudos to Jamie Tyler who caught the burglar and held him for the Sheriff! I only hope I'd have the gumption to do the same. If there is some kind of award the Sheriff Dept can give to citizens who help catch crooks that'd be wonderful. I'd be happy to contribute to such a reward! Maybe now some of these crooks who apparently think Edgefield County is 'easy pickings' will think twice.
web posted June 5, 2009

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RE:Citizen holds suspected burglar at gunpoint, aids in arrest
 
Yea baby, Now that's gun control I can get behind!!!! 
Great job and thank you Mr. Tyler.
web posted June 5, 2009

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I wanted to express my appreciation to the ECSD for the rapid response to my call on Wednesday.

I spotted the suspicious red mustang on Republican road as I returned from taking lunch to my wife (removed). I thought of Sheriff Dobey's plea to call in any suspicious activity and that is exactly what I did.  Thanks to the response of deputy Robles and the quick thinking of Mr. Tyler everything fell in place. In these hard economic times we must all work together as a community to put a stop to these crimes. Thanks for keeping us so well informed @ edgefielddaily.

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments, and most of all for being the one who made the arrest possible. It was your call that started it all. We owe you as much credit as Mr. Tyler. I have asked this individual for permission to reveal his identity.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Thank you Jamie Tyler for helping the deputies arrest this man for burglary, you are a hero!  You probably should have shot him because he may end up taking a jury trial and get the stupid jurors that was on the Justin Broadwater case that let him go.  You jurors should be ashamed letting a sex offender that raped a 13 year old helpless girl go he will more than likely do it again and  i hope he'll get the conviction he deserves.  unfortunately some innocent girl will have to suffer (removed) because you don't interrupt the law like you should you were all very stupid.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Re:  Whoop-pa-dee-do...FACT IS that if what you saw was a premediatated and organized strong arm tactic. you either: 1) Have a very over active imagination, 2) Weren't at the same council meeting the rest of us were, or, 3) All that eating at McDonalds has affected your ability to make a cognizant assessment.  Furthermore, I'm betting county employees don't give a rat's patoote if you eat at McDonalds until your arteries explode!  As for integrity, honesty and courtesy going down the tubes, it is obvious from your post that you are the one doing the flushing.  Read your post, you cannot say a nice word about anyone without following it with something negative.  To Mr. Ashcraft, I would like to see you able to think and speak for yourself and not look to Mr. Ramsey to speak for you and/or make decisions for you.  Listen to your constitutents and accept what they say as information, but unless you're bought and paid for, have enough faith in your own judgement to make your own informed decisions.  I do not remember you and Mr. Ramsey running as a tag team.  Standing in the shadow dulls the shine.
web posted June 5, 2009

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A heart felt thank you for all those who helped apprehend the burglar on the West Side.  No doubt there are others and thankfully he was caught before he was seriously wounded or killed.  Food for thought for any want-to-be thief. I know of no one who is not armed out that way.  If the dogs don't get you, Mr.
Smith or Mr. Wesson will.
web posted June 5, 2009

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I have to say that the council meeting last Tuesday night bordered on torture.  They say women can't make up their minds!  Ms. Blackwell was the only council person who seemed to be able to speak for herself and actually make sense!  Mr. Ashcraft, take that ring out of your nose so the Mt. Vintage few can't lead you around by it.  If Mr. Ramsey wants to be on council, let him run for it.  I'm not real impressed with his showing so far.  His arrogance and self imposed genius are a train wreck waiting to happen.  Kind of a federal government mentality.  Moving on... I did learn one thing from the meeting....how to punish terrorists....make them listen to a presentation by Arlene Traxler.... now that is cruel and unusual punishment!  I thought it would never end.  I guess that's how you get council to give you what you want.  They agree to give you the money just to get you to shut up! Mr. Willie "name them" Bright, you were at a council meeting last night, not hosting "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" and would you please sit up in your chair!  Mr. Dorn......potty on!  Mr. Kneece....using that gavel when people speak out of turn will also "git-r-done"!
web posted June 5, 2009

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Editor,

Concerning my previous Whoop-pa-dee-doo post:

I do believe Mr. Ashcraft would have been in a “rush” if he did not hesitate to clarify any issue up for a vote. Technically, if the budget was agreed upon it would have passed or are you saying that the council (or some of the council) does not know how to hold a vote. It would have been illogical for someone to vote nay on an issue with which they supported. I would not argue with you if you said so – there seemed to be much confusion surrounding the voting at Tuesdays meeting.

Doing something you feel is wrong, at any time or on any schedule, is never the right thing to do.

Still believe an elected public servant should be able to schedule vacations around a scheduled monthly meeting – no offence intended.

I really prefer to hook my wagon to my own horses. My support, nor anyone’s support should ever be given in totality to elected officials. I just thought it strange that I agreed with my council representative (Mr. Dorn) for once in the short time I have been keeping up with council affairs. You seem knowledgeable of the council and its affairs, but I and others should form our own opinions from our own experience. Again, I have little experience with council and may eventually come to agree with you completely.

Finally, my council member observations were meant to highlight what appeared to me to be some the less obvious aspects of the meeting amid the budget, toilet, field rental and voting discussions. They were not meant to show total support or disagreement with any individual mentioned.

By the way if we all give up that McDonalds burger a year would they have to lay someone off for lack of work? Isn’t that about 20,000 plus “$4” burgers? Or equivalent of the yearly salary of a couple/ few minimum wage employees that reside in Edgefield County? What should we give up for next year’s budget - our Taco’s? Hope not!

Editor's note: Mr. Ashcraft was not uninformed of the contents of the budget or what Mr. Ramsey had prepared to speak on. I know Mr. Ashcraft spent countless hours (several hours on Sunday just before the meeting alone) with Mrs. Blackwell going over the budget page by page and line by line. His actions were intended to allow Mr. Ramsey to have the floor to speak. I applaud Administrator Pettigrew for decimating Ramsey's flimsy and baseless claims. It's obvious he did not know what he was talking about while trying to make the majority of council members look as if they were incompetent. I know for a fact that Mrs. Blackwell (a VP with the most exclusive investment firm in the world for over 20 years and recognized nationally for her abilities) is not incompetent on fiscal matters. I know Mr. Kneece was also working on the budget with Blackwell and was a co-sponsor of the budget amendment. Mr. Ashcraft was anything but "uninformed".

Mr. Ashcraft voted in support of the very same budget just two weeks prior. Was he "uninformed" at that point? If so, your argument to justify what he did at the Tuesday night meeting holds water about as well as a fishing net. I consider Mr. Ashcraft a friend, but in my opinion It was a ploy and it blew up in his face. I do not play favorites in local politics and have called him and Mrs. Blackwell out before just as I have the other council members.

Nobody gets a pass.

As far as the vacation, Mrs. Blackwell's vacation was scheduled around regular scheduled meetings. So that argument also holds no water either.
web posted June 5, 2009

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It is not a good idea to send your child to JET Middle School.  It is a place for behavior problems.  The administrative staff has no intention to correct the problem as well as Rice and Beans at the top.  My suggestion is to look for quality education elsewhere.  You won't find it in the Edgefield Public School System.  It is for thugs only. Good luck to those teachers who have been mistreated by office, administration, school board, and super super superintendent.  One more thing, the only way to survive is to become an African American from another county or state...maybe even Canada.  Good JOB Edgefield Super.  Rest well, say your prayers and ask for forgiveness for being so (removed) since you have no morals.  I am sorry...Satan has no morals.  May he keep you comfortable in your endeavors.
web posted June 5, 2009

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I do not understand why anyone would be surprised that Fox Creek would not operate by their bylaws.  Several years ago, they elected a board member from Georgia and several months LATER they changed the bylaws to allow an out of state member.  The person who was elected was elected ILLEGALLY according to their own bylaws.  I think both the ethics and moral fiber of some of the "leaders" are questionable.  Too bad this was not challenged in court at that time.  Maybe the mess they have created would not exist today and the school would be under leadership that does not concern itself with bad judgement and illegal actions.  As per the Ch 12 segment, and I quote :
:"But a Board of Director tells News 12 they feel they've done everything right and fair, adding at their July 2008 public meeting, the Board of Directors announced the date changes and posted them on the school's website. But, she admits, they did not change the school bylaws. "
 
Too bad that Ch 12 did not ask why those were the last minutes posted to the web site.  What are they hiding????

Editor's note: It matters little really, FCHS will default on the loan. Their May 31st YTD P&L showed a net loss in excess of $168,000 according to a source at the school. The monthly rent will go from $8,000/month (which they are barely able to make now) to a mortgage payment of $25,000/month or more. You do the math.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Re: "How many schools are the ECBOE going to let Gaye Holmes destroy? " 

Morale at WEP is at rock bottom.  The former principal was known to shake things up a time or two and move teachers around, but she never did it out of spite; her decisions were always in the best interest of the children.  She was a wise and competent leader.

Mrs. Holmes, on the other hand, told the teachers to "take one for the team!"  What she doesn't understand is how a wise administrator leads a team.  It's never a problem to be a team player when the team respects their leader; however, dictators use fear tactics such as announcing the names of the teachers over the intercom one-by-one as she called them to report to her office.  There was fear and panic all over the school each time the intercom was heard and the next announcement was imminent . . . followed by momentary waves of relief as their name was not called – yet. 

I ask you parents and taxpayers, is that the respect our teachers deserve? 

Perhaps Mrs. Holmes is trying to impress the Superintendent.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Tri-State Distributors right off Gordon Highway in Augusta sells all kind of mobile home parts.  Hope this helps.

Editor's note: I made an exception on mentioning business names with this post.
web posted June 5, 2009

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I was embarrassed for the teaching profession today when I read about the whining going on at Parker.  I cannot understand why teachers are whining and crying about changing grade levels.  They need to read the contract they signed.  I don’t believe they will find a school or a grade level written anywhere on their contract.  Or better yet, quit.  There are a lot of creative, talented, hardworking, professional teachers who would love to have their jobs.  I bet they would even do the job without complaining, whining or rolling their eyes. 
web posted June 5, 2009

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Mr. Editor,
In your report you said  "The young girl had a miscarriage shortly after the incident was reported. Mr.. Broadwater was never suspected to be the father of the child she was carrying."  You reiterated my point in that statement about the girl being promiscuous.  I did not state that she was promiscuous with Mr.. Broadwater.  However, your article does lead the reader to believe she is a very promiscuous girl.  I do not know many 13 year old girls that have that many "notches" in their belts.  Why did they not take the DNA of the miscarried fetus so they could prosecute the correct man.  This whole case has the stench of a small town conspiracy, I'm just not sure who they are trying to protect.  I do not believe the whole story has been told about this girl.  Also, your article states that Mr.. Broadwater went to the police department with his friend.  He did not go to turn himself in.  He was giving his friend a ride to the station, because that was who the police was texting.  Oh, and yes the officer did recognize Mr.. Broadwater, but it was because of him being a star athlete for Strom Thurmond High School, not a "thug" as stated by the state prosecutor in his closing statement.  Why was Mr.. Broadwater the only man targeted by the Johnston Police Department when your article clearly states that she was reportedly having sex with multiple people.  Again, where is DSS???

Editor's note: The reason they did not seek DNA was because Broadwater was never suspected as being the father. The other two boys (they were juveniles) were charged and have been through the family court system already.  A hole in your claim is as follows, if the friend was the one police were texting (and he did claim he was the one they were talking to, but also denied owning the phone number) then he should, and might be, the next one on trial. Secondly, Broadwater admitted (according to testimony by two officers) to being the one they were texting and gave the phone number as his personal contact information to jailers when arrested, police at the time of the initial talk, and the judge when bonded out. He was also the one that gave them the names of the others that also had sex with the girl that also checked out.

I sat through the whole trial, you will never convince me the jury got it right. We are both due our own opinions in the matter. We will just have to agree to disagree on this one.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Our hats off to Jamie Tyler and all of Law Enforcement.  Job well done!

However, what's quite interesting is that there have been numerous Posts over the past several weeks, whining about the Sheriff's Dept. and all of the robberies.  But now that there have been a few breaks and some successes, where are those whiners now?  Always easy to complain, but hard to praise.  What most people do not understand is that investigations take time.  Witnesses have to be rounded up and Interviewed.  Statements have to be taken.  Information has to be sorted out.  Leads need to be developed and followed.  And a lot of times you have to sort through some superfluous bs a witness has passed along, because the witness has an agenda.  Sending investigators on a goose chase with embellished information, wasting time and resources.

One last thing-the apprehended suspect should pray to God every morning, noon, and night for the rest of his life on earth that Mr. Tyler demonstrated considerable restraint and discipline.  Things could have very easily ended differently.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Re:  "It is my understanding that the local schools are "moving" teachers around....Maybe the teachers who got moved for no reason should stand up and complain."

Teacher's stand up for themselves? That's a laugh.  They won't even openly sign a petition to better their own work environment.  It's always nice to whine and complain, but when it's time to stand up, where are they?  Nowhere to be found.  By their inaction, they are teaching our children to be complacent.  Boy, they're great examples for our children.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Re:  "Re: The responses to the article beginning with "Hello",......Lastly I would say that you make my argument for me, this does not appear to be about constructive change for the district, it has all the earmarks of personal grudges and petty vendettas."

Almost everything written in this response was regarding a board member, and I do not recall mentioning even one in my posts.  I have been speaking to the rush to judgment regarding Dr. Crenshaw since her arrival, nothing else.  Regarding her past, I would suggest you take a closer look at those scores you tout so lowly, the last time I looked, the scores at her old district were much higher than anyone here has bothered to mention.  So again, you have made my point for me.  Thank you.

I have been asking this question of how can anyone truly and effectively perform their duties if they have to spend so much of their time putting out brush fires started with kindling made of innuendo and flimsy facts?  Get off of her back and let her do her job, give her the time to do that job and if after that time you have some complaints fine, at least you have given her a fair chance.  To this point that has not happened, so please do not insult us by acting as if this has indeed been the case.

Editor's note: I did review a factual account of Dr. Crenshaw's former schools and the test scores when she was hired. Not taking sides in the current argument, just pointing out this has been covered.
web posted June 5, 2009

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I'm not sure why anyone is complaining about the teacher moves in the district.  Crenshaw made it clear in the community meetings that it would happen.  Life will go on.  Maybe the teachers that have been stuck in one grade for 10 years will like the change.  It's what you make of it.  If you don't make the best of it, I would hate for my child to be in your class.  Oh yeah, maybe one of the teachers that lost their job would like to switch with you?  It's all about perspective.
web posted June 5, 2009

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Editor's post: Hats off to Sheriff Dobey, his deputies, and all those who helped bring Robert Webber into custody. Though unable to name everyone involved I personally would like to thank Jamie Tyler, who held Webber at gunpoint until he could be arrested, the unknown caller who tipped the Sheriff's Office of the suspicious vehicle, Deputy Jessie Robles who chased Webber on foot after catching him in the process of the burglary, the members of the Bloodhound Team - Curtis Morris, Robert Velasco, Mark Howard, Gary Hitt, and Chase Harley, who forced the suspect out of hiding before his capture by Mr. Tyler, and Aiken County Sheriff Mike Hunt and his deputies who provided much needed support. There were countless others who were also involved in the search.

Though this may bring some relief to the Merriwether community, don't rest too easy yet. Investigators say Webber was not the lone one responsible for all of the recent burglaries. Residents need to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activity. There is more to this story that is not being reported at this time to protect the investigation.
web posted June 4, 2009

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Whoop-pa-dee-doo for the “anti-McDonalds/ pay for my insurance” girls on the back row! Pretty impressive impassioned “show of force”. Hard to believe it wasn’t a premeditated and organized strong arm tactic, but I must give credit – nothing technically wrong with it. Maybe the rest of us can learn from this and show up with our own posse’s at future meetings to tout our own causes. It is a shame though that the council and some of the crowd was so obviously influenced by the “McDonalds” speech. The council members do not just represent constituents that show up at council meetings.

Fact is that some individuals in government and individuals who have influence in government have for far too many years thought that we citizens wouldn’t mind being gouged a dollar here or four dollars there, until now we are at the point we pay almost 50% of our income towards some kind of tax or government required fee of some kind. Where does it stop! I guess if you are getting government perks though it’s not as big of a deal. Is that four dollars that important – you’re damn right it is! If we want to eat at “McDonalds”, or do anything else, instead of pay for, what is these days, an unreasonable percentage of your insurance with the dollars that we have worked hard for – it’s our right. County tax dollars should primarily support county infrastructure and county services that support the many, not the few. It is real easy to spend someone else’s money isn’t it!

A few observations:
Mr. Pettigrew showed a great amount of restraint as he was confronted by a passionate member of the crowd, who I did agree with on a few of points, but I believe may have directed too much blame towards Mr. Pettigrew. 

I think Mr. Bright did a good job of asking some questions that needed to be asked on some matters. Commend him for not supporting the rush to pass a budget he obviously believed needed more discussion despite pressure. 

I appreciate Mr. Ashcraft’s effort to resolve the concern of his constituents in spite of the budget rush. Although criticized I believe he was doing what he was truly elected to do – good job. I like that he seemed to want clear understanding of issues before rashly acting. 

Mr. Dorn if you’re out there - as a constituent of yours I must say I support your nay on the budget, although I have no idea what the reason was. I also believe there are better solutions for the road maintenance fee. (As far as the bathroom issue I would consider port-o-lets as a seasonal solution until the economy turns around.) 

I voted for Ms. Blackwell before I moved from her district recently, but I am wondering did I make the right move if she could not manage to schedule her vacations around the one council meeting per month? 

Sorry Mr. Kneece didn’t get much attention for his dress code amidst the concern over the four dollars I might spend at McDonalds and the budget. Seems personal appearance is going down the tubes with integrity, honesty and courtesy. 

Editor, we have not met so I am not sure, but if you are the one that gave the “get-r-done” speech -  You did get much support, but I believe we must respect the right of council members not to support any issues which they and their constituents do not favor, regardless of the particular issues’ popularity with the remainder of the populace or any perceived time frame.

Thank you.

Editor's note: I'm not sure where you get the "rush" to pass the budget from, they have been working on this since March. A budget was agreed upon at the last work session. Why would a vacation schedule that was made nine months ago to take place after the final reading be a problem? Councilwoman Blackwell's vacation was scheduled with consideration that the final reading was to take place on June 2.

Hook your wagon to Norman Dorn and Willie Bright. Let me know how that works out for you. Neither one has a clue about what goes on in this county other than the money they can suck from taxpayers for their pet "recreation" projects.

At least Councilwoman Blackwell, Chairman Monroe Kneece and (and evidently reluctantly) Councilman Ashcraft understand providing for the needs of the county. Norman Dorn and Willie Bright both voted to raise taxes for the sole purpose of giving the money away. That was taken out by the budget amendment drafted by Mrs. Blackwell.
web posted June 4, 2009

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It is my understanding that the local schools are "moving" teachers around.  Several teachers at W.E. Parker/Douglas have been moved to different grades and positions.  It is almost as if someone tossed names in a hat to determine where they would be placed.  Many of these teachers have maintained the same grade level for 10 plus years.  I have a feeling this is coming from the district office but I cannot confirm that.  If the district is allowing each principal to make these decisions, they (the principals) should be moved to different schools as well.  I want to know why this is happening.  The ECSD is at a very frail stage and I cannot imagine the rationale behind this decision.  I understand sometimes changes have to be made (because of budget cuts, etc.) but to move teachers against their will is not exactly what the ECSD needs.  Maybe the teachers who got moved for no reason should stand up and complain.
web posted June 4, 2009

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I was very interested to learn about the events that happened at Parker today.  How many schools are the ECBOE going to let Gaye Holmes destroy?  She caused havoc at JET, made the teachers at MMS miserable, and now is trying to destroy Parker.  My goodness, after her gigantic settlement from her suit against the district you would think she may be a little more reserved.  With her and Crenshaw along with our wonderful board, Edgefield is destined to become the next Allendale.  State Department take over here we come!

Editor's note: Mrs. Holmes' name was allowed because it has been a part of the pubic record.
web posted June 4, 2009

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Does the school board still receive extra pay for called meetings?  Someone told me that in the past (and this year), the board calls a meeting to “discuss” graduation so that they actually receive pay for attending the event.  Surely this isn’t true?  I don’t believe any teachers or principals are paid extra for attending.

Editor's note: Yes, the School Board members, except member Chris Hoffman who refuses to be paid, get extra money for called meetings.
web posted June 4, 2009

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I have no idea who Jamie Tyler is but this man should be given an award for his assistance in apprehending this individual!!!  I'm still going to install a burglar alarm because I don't think he is the only one in the county but it sure helps to get one of them off the streets!
Thanks for the coverage!

Editor's note: Mr. Tyler should be proud, I am proud of him.
web posted June 4, 2009

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OK, so here we go again at Fox Creek High School. Does anyone at this school know what the word discipline means? My child came home from school bragging that 15 of classmates were found BY THE SCHOOL, drunk at school and all that happen to the students was a 3 day out of school. Most of the students are in sports, or other school activities and yet it seems that Fox Creek just really does not care. I know that if that were students at North Augusta, Thurmond or any other high school there would have been MAJOR discipline actions taken. PLEASE Fox Creek wake up and take care of the problems in the school so that the kids that are there to learn can learn....
web posted June 4, 2009

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Re: Fox Creek (first reported by EdgefieldDaily.com) -- They were also the lead story on the 6 PM Ch 12 news last night.  The following link should take you there:
http://www.wrdw.com/schools/headlines/46751947.html
  
I don't know that there should be much concern.  The chair of the board at that school has a standard response for anything that is pointed out which might be "improper" : "We are a Charter School and those rules do not apply to us".  It is about time that someone took them on in open court.  The findings could be very interesting.
web posted June 4, 2009

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On the ECSD Agenda for the May 26 meeting, it lists Mr. John Brown to supply public comments sandwiched in between Charles Kemp and Jim Jackson , who are part the citizen's group to remove Mary "Rice & Beans" Crenshaw as ECSD Superint. I assumed this was you, John Brown, Jr. If not this is not you, then my post in the Wandering Minds was mistaken.
web posted June 4, 2009

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Thank goodness the jurors consisted of unbiased citizens to make a non-guilty judgment in the sexual assault trial that took place on Monday and Tuesday in Edgefield county.  The case only consisted of trumped up charges that were not supported by evidence from the prosecutor.  The prosecutor "assumed" the jurors would make a decision based on hear-say rather than evidence.  I suppose no one ever guessed the defendant had a father with the financial stability to fight this case until justice was served.  The sad part of this case was that two plus years of this boy's life has been wasted while waiting on this case to be settled, not to mention the 45 days he served in jail because of a docket error.   When is a law going to be passed to hold these girls and their parent's responsible for time lost in these boy's lives, not to mention the public persecution they have to undergo throughout the arrest and trial process.  A law needs to passed, that if you can prove that the girl is promiscuous, she should be held liable and rightfully punished.  Actually, where was the Department of Social Services through all of this?
 

Editor's note: If the girl was "proven" to be "promiscuous" with Mr. Broadwater, wouldn't that insinuate he was actually guilty?
web posted June 4, 2009

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Re:  "Re: The responses to the article beginning with "Hello",......Lastly I would say that you make my argument for me, this does not appear to be about constructive change for the district, it has all the earmarks of personal grudges and petty vendettas."

To hold a grudge or ensue on a vendetta means one would have to have been personally betrayed, hurt, or otherwise damaged by a specific individual.  Since I don't know any of the Board or District members personally, it would be difficult to hold a grudge, or even contemplate a vendetta.  However, what is quite clear is the past record of the Superintendent, and the fact that our District is going in the same direction in concert with the Board.  Look at Bibbs, he'll stick his hand in the till as quick as he can, spending money like it's his.  Look at Viola, she couldn't even certify in South Carolina to be a teacher, so she moved her teaching career across the river, and now she's a school board member here?; look at Mary Alice, if you have ever attended even one meeting, tell us, just tell us, what she contributes other than a second to a motion brought forth by one of the aforementioned.  Look at Cooks, even people in her own community, and relatives, consider her to be a bumbling dolt; Look at Livingston-sits up there and says not much of anything, possibly because his daughter has been recently employed by the District so he's not going to rock the boat.  Appears Covar and Hoffman are the only ones that will raise issues, but they sure are a minority
web posted June 4, 2009

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I would hope the council is being honest about how the EMT money will be spent.  From the one comment today it does not sound like there will be raises in store for those folks. Maybe they will increase the needed staff etc in that area? As far as Mr. Ramsey and the comments he made-I think he is actually working to save All of the taxpayers in Edgefield County from any tax increase and that includes the posters who are criticizing him. Maybe if more people knew more about what the council is doing, and has done,  we would not be paying the high taxes we currently are. I really do not want to pay any more taxes, do you? Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees-wake up people. The people on the council should certainly understand what he is talking about, even if some of the audience doesn't.

Editor's note: Actually, the main issues Mr. Ramsey harped upon were irrelevant and baseless as County Adminstrator John Pettigrew explained. The funds allocated to EMS through a millage rate are to support the current level of operations, as is done for fire protection with their millage rate. The rising cost of medical supplies is the cause in the increase in their millage, not raises or additional personnel. I suppose they could cut back and use paper towels and Scotch tape to bandage wounds and use jumper cables as an AED for heart attach victims to save a few bucks.
web posted June 4, 2009

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Re: "Journalist proclaims liberal bias in media.......However, on the flip side of the coin, in the midst of their slobbering love affair with President Obama, they offered nothing but praise for the man after he "green lighted" our Special Forces to shoot 3 Somali Pirates in the head.  That's 3 dead Somalis in exchange for one American life.  Former President Bush waterboarded several terror suspects in order to gain information that saved thousands of Americans on the Iraqi battlefields only to be demonized by the liberal media.  President Obama kills 3 Somali teenagers in exchange for one American life and is treated like a hero."

Actually, the President did not give the "green light" to the Seal team, the Captain of the ship did.  The Seal Team was enroute within 4 hors and were in place within 12 hours to take action.  Obama wanted the FBI to handle it.  The FBi finally arrived on the ship where the Seal Team was posted.  The FBI knew they did not have the skilled snipers to shoot three people on a rocking listing boat-they knew the Seal Team did.  However, Obama did not want the Seal Team to handle it, he wanted the FBI.  To make a long story short, apparently the Seal Team tried to get food and aid, but the Somali pirates started shooting at them.  They went back to the ship.  Bad weather was coming fast so they offered the Somalis a tow to safer waters, they agreed.  The ship was actually towing them into deeper waters where the Captain who still owns the ship, finally gave the word to the Seal Team to take them out.  Obama sounds like Jimmy Carter-with guns to the heads of Americans-he wants to negotiate.  Our hats off to the Seals, the FBI, and the Captain.
web posted June 4, 2009

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Is there a local business that sells mobile home parts?  We need a new door and the conventional doors don't fit. I live in Trenton and would like to support locally owned businesses.
web posted June 4, 2009

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Parents and lawmakers are increasingly worried about South Carolina's high school dropout rate.

In a recent townhall meeting Superintendent Jim Rex addressed the issue directly. Rex described failing public schools as "dropout factories."

Watch the 1 minute video
web posted June 4, 2009

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I only wish that I had the money to buy the camp from the council. This camp was in disgrace many years. My family helped to rebuild this camp and cut the trails.  We spent many weekends out there and many camping trips with the boyscouts and girlscouts.  I do not live in the area anymore but there needs to be an uprising because in the wrong hands this could become a bigger disgrace.
web posted June 3, 2009

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I want to thank (Magistrate) Brenda Carpenter for making us (county employees) stand up so they  (county council) could look us in the eye when they were going to cut our pay. It worked!!!! It's a shame it had to come to that and all that crap about extra pay for EMS is a lie. We're not getting any raises!! I work for EMS and anyone that says that is a liar. Maybe Mr. "Congress" needs to go back to Congress and let us deal with our problems in Edgefield.

Thanks for letting me vent.
web posted June 3, 2009

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I think it is a real shame that the Trenton Peach Festival is once again banning pets from the park for the peach festival. Last year was the first year they banned pets. I wish they would reconsider.
web posted June 3, 2009

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Who is this the guy that they (County Council) let get up and rant and rave about (stuff) he had no idea about that made everyone on the county council look stupid trying to figure out what the (heck) he was ranting about? After all that brohaha they passed the budget that was voted on in the first place? How dumb was thAT?  I'm glad they got it done but what a cluster (removed).
web posted June 3, 2009

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Re:  For the petition to have power before the board, they will have to know that the petition is backed by people who are willing to come forth and express their views.
 
Those who work most closely with Dr. Crenshaw are the ones who can give the most credence to the assertations that she is not doing what's in the best interests of our children.  The majority of district staff are local people who should care that OUR school system is in shambles and has been ever since WE turned the running of it over to outsiders.  What we need right now is a local hero, someone in a position of authority, someone on the inside, to muster the courage to say, "That's enough."  Is there such a person?
web posted June 3, 2009

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I was at the county council meeting tonight and found what was being said behind me a lot more interesting than what was being said in front of me. When (Councilwoman) Mrs. Blackwell made the motion to pass the budget the people behind me started saying (Councilman) Rodney (Ashcraft) better not make a second. He better do what we told him to do. Then he shut down Mrs. Blackwell’s motion to pass the budget. Then one of the men behind me, Mr. (Ramsey) got up and had his own little meeting with the council. How did he get that special privilege when no one else was allowed? Is that a special Mt. Vintage club we have to belong to if we want to talk? No one else got that special treatment. I wanted to talk and raised my hand but my councilman, that would be Mr. (Ashcraft), ignored me. Thank God two people stood up and said what I wanted to say and got things done. I don’t like being placed as a second class servant to the Mt. vintange clan.
web posted June 3, 2009

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Re:  "All this talk about confidential petition is crazy.  What use is a petition that is confidential?????
If the accused does not have the right to know there accuser the petition is useless.  For the petition to have power before the board, they will have to know that the petition is backed by people who are willing to come forth and express there views. If not would you take some serious who hides behind being unknown.??????  Reminds me of the KKK. --- even if I am white and would like to see Dr. Crenshaw removed."

First, the Petition is not confidential, only those that sign the Petition are guaranteed confidentiality.  This was based on the numerous requests because of fear of retaliation.  Essentially, your question as it pertains to confidentiality and so on, proves one of the basic tenets in the Petition-the Superintendent has undermined the morale of the workforce, and the workforce does in fact feel intimidated.  Obviously, this Superintendent has conveyed the air of intimidation, especially to those that oppose her agenda, or voice their opinion.  In light of budget cuts and the potential for retaliation via a pink slip, openly voicing an opinion or concern is more than most want to endure.  Would you openly vote or sign a petition to terminate your bosses position?  Doubtful.

The Petition is not useless because the signatures are kept confidential from public view.  When the time comes to present the Petition to the Board, every method available will be used to keep the signatures confidential.  There are ways to certify the signatures are true and accurate.  It is not believed these people are hiding behind being unknown.  There are different thresholds in which people will subject themselves to retaliation.  Thankfully, their are those that will stand up, that are not in a position to fear, or do not fear from this district.  That is the greatness of this community, and this nation.  There are those willing to sacrifice all, to ensure the rest can continue to live lives of freedom and prosperity.  Hence, our all volunteer military.  And remember this, John 15:13.

Second, are you not hiding behind the unknown?  Did you not post on Wandering Minds because you can remain anonymous?  And you quite honestly don't have anything to be fearful of in the way of a pink slip?  Why don't you write an editorial and disclose your name?

And lastly, what's this about the KKK and being white and wanting Crenshaw removed?  Seems to be a thinly disguised veil at providing further cover for your identity or true agenda.  However, in doing so, you diminished what appeared to be on the surface, valid questions.  In the public forum, you would best be referred to as a "seminar caller".
web posted June 3, 2009

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Re: The responses to the article beginning with "Hello",

The postings in this article were indeed based on fact.  And since a large amount of postings to this site, and a large amount of complaints against the district regard secrecy in how business appears to be conducted I simply wanted to see if the people doing the complaining were in fact as transparent in their actions as they ask the school district to be in its words and deeds.  There was no ill intent, simply curiosity.

In my statement about 'New Ideas', I stand by it.  School consolidation and closings were discussed at several departmental and district level budgetary meetings and were dismissed for various reasons.

Finally, regarding my statement about agreeing with the administration, I would ask if anyone has ever agreed one hundred percent with someone else's ideas and rationale.  If that were the case we wouldn't be having this discussion at all, would we?  My point in this case was inferred, true diversity between individuals occurs at the most basic level, thought.  Ethnicity, religion and gender are a very obvious part of that process, but it all boils down to how one thinks.  You may spin my words any way you wish, I stand by them.

Lastly I would say that you make my argument for me, this does not appear to be about constructive change for the district, it has all the earmarks of personal grudges and petty vendettas.
web posted June 3, 2009

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Two observations on the RACE CARD being constantly being  used, especially by elected officials...One, have you got anything else ?  If not, tough, because you're a liar because I am not a racist and I know it, and quite honestly, you know it too... Two, to quote H.L. Mencken, "Sentiment is the last bastion of fools."  Once you have degenerated into sentimentality instead of presenting cold, hard facts by accusing anyone who doesn't agree with you...guess what, you are a fool.
 
Be prepared to back up your statements.  Otherwise, dumb-dumb, you are a LIAR and a FOOLl.
web posted June 3, 2009

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Re:  "Hello,
First please let me say thank you for providing a forum allowing anyone to speak his or her mind.  Having such a forum is extremely important in a free society, but it does come with a price.  In this case the price is that too many people read unsubstantiated entries made by anyone who thinks they may have some knowledge of something and then take it for granted the printed remarks are reliable."

Appears that what you have provided in support of your own argument, is not only weak, but less factual than what others post.  So, you obivously contradicted your staements in the aforementioned paragraph.

and

Re:  "The people who started the website with a petition to the board to fire her did not even have the intestinal fortitude to register their website with their foundation, rather they resorted to using a proxy service to hide behind while they espouse a petition which taken at face value is a contradiction of itself."

You simply proved our effort to maintain a secure site.  Obviously since you had the wherewithal to look for the server, you, or someone, may have had some ill intent.  Why should the name have to be registered to the Edgefield County Citizen Taskforce Against Corruption in Education - ownership is obvious to any reasonable person since the name at the top of the web-site is quite clear.

and

Re: "I am not saying I agree with everything done by the current administration, but the point is that this country was founded by people who believed in giving someone a chance, and from everything I have seen here there are few people posting to this forum who follow that belief."

You just flushed our entire argument down the toilet with the first statement.  You mean to say, you too, see what others see, but consider turning away to give them a fair chance to run it further into the ground.  Odd logic.
web posted June 2, 2009

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All this talk about confidential petition is crazy.
 
What use is a petition that is confidential?????
If the accused does not have the right to know there accuser the petition is useless.
 
For the petition to have power before the board, they will have to know that the petition is backed by people who are willing to come forth and express there views.
 
If not would you take some serious who hides behind being unknown.??????
 
Reminds me of the KKK. --- even if I am white and would like to see Dr. Crenshaw removed.

Editor's note: It is my understanding that the names will not be revealed until the petition is to be presented or by "court order" as the organizers said. The petition is non-binding in any legla respect and therefore not bound by legal petition requirements as I understand them.
web posted June 2, 2009

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For years educators and lawmakers insisted parents are to blame for educational failures in South Carolina.

A righteously indignant mother lets them know otherwise....

"Politicians don’t really work for the people"

http://thevoiceforschoolchoice.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/politicians-dont-really-work-for-the-people/
web posted June 2, 2009

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In regard to the poster who longwindedly wrote in to defend Crenshaw, did you even go to both community meetings?  I did and I certainly heard ways to cut costs in the district.  Two examples from the Merriweather meeting were met with opposition right away.  The first was a question to Dr. Crenshaw to ask if there had been any discussion about the logistics of closing Douglas Elementary.  Granted, that would be a daunting task, but it is an option to cut district costs.  The second was the idea of doing away with the alternative school.  The lady barely got the idea out of her mouth before Viola Jackson jumped up to the microphone and berated the lady's suggestion. 

So before you accuse other people of not doing their homework before posting, how about doing a little of your own.  You may not think people are paying attention to what the district leadership is doing, but you would be wrong.
web posted June 2, 2009

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Editor's post: June is here and vacation is near. Oh happy day! How I have been waiting on this time to come. Nothing is going to spoil it this year, or at least I hope. Will something pop up? I’d guess yes, but I hope no. Lessons learned over the years say that is always the case. Larcenies, burglaries, or some wild incident will probably interrupt my time away from work.

Resolved as I may be to bringing our county the most updated news and information, I do still need some “away time”. Everybody needs to spend time with their family. So, as I prepare for vacation in the weeks to come, there is one thing I hope won’t happen... I will be called and have to take time out of vacation to deal with it. Granted, it will be less time than normal if it does happen, so that is a good thing. Nothing popping up would be a much better situation, let’s hope for that.
web posted June 1, 2009

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Well Dr. Crenshaw and the Board have done it again.....we had to go out of the county to hire a principal for JET.  What this says to me is they don't think we have anyone in the county qualified like STHS.  maybe (someone) should grow "dreadlocks."  Please wake up people......we are in big trouble.
web posted June 1, 2009

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So Crenshaw who comes from a failing school system hires a principal from failing school system to come help Edgefield County become a failing school system. What a (deleted) joke!
web posted June 1, 2009

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I don't find it very funny that homes are getting robbed almost every day and somebody wants to blame it on the editor. We can find money to pay for everything under the sun but we can't find money to pay to protect our homes? How out of whack is that?!!!
web posted June 1, 2009

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Hello,
First please let me say thank you for providing a forum allowing anyone to speak his or her mind.  Having such a forum is extremely important in a free society, but it does come with a price.  In this case the price is that too many people read unsubstantiated entries made by anyone who thinks they may have some knowledge of something and then take it for granted the printed remarks are reliable.  In many cases this may be the case, but I do know for a fact that in some cases it is definitely not the case.  I would also ask that you afford me the courtesy of exceeding the word count due to content. 

Regarding this recent burst of outrage against the Superintendent I think some items need to be addressed.  Since Dr. Crenshaw came to the district she has been extremely proactive in attempting to cut out waste in the district budget.  And it has been obvious from the beginning that her primary goal was to keep as many teachers as possible in the classroom.  This current school year all district staff took five furlough days in order to help offset the budget reductions we received from the state during the school year.  No teachers were furloughed to my knowledge, and while furloughs may be necessary in the coming year for every day any teacher will be furloughed all district staff will be furloughed two days.  During every budget meeting, all requests were to find ways to save money without affecting instruction.  During the two community meetings held at JET and Merriwether the objective was to get input from the community on how to save money in ways that had not been discussed already, yet not one person spoke up with a new idea on how to save money (or increase income for the district).  And that was the whole purpose for those two meetings; I have read how some people did not like being lectured at those meetings, but very simple ground rules were laid out and ignored.  Instead of using those meetings for constructive purposes, it seemed that people came to vent their frustration with the situation.  Please believe me when I say that everyone at the District Office understands that frustration, as reducing the budget without impacting instruction has been the goal since day one.  Anytime anyone seems to attempt to make a calming comment, the rhetoric ony appears to increase.  I would think that people with as much passion and energy as I have seen posting in this forum over the past few months would put that energy to use trying to improve things instead of destroying them.  Nobody has given Dr. Crenshaw a chance, people have been trying to tear her down since her arrival, so instead of spending all of her time focusing on the betterment of this district she has to waste some of her time defending herself against specious claims, offensive comments and ludicrous remarks, many of which have no foundation in fact.  The people who started the website with a petition to the board to fire her did not even have the intestinal fortitude to register their website with their foundation, rather they resorted to using a proxy service to hide behind while they espouse a petition which taken at face value is a contradiction of itself.

I am not saying I agree with everything done by the current administration, but the point is that this country was founded by people who believed in giving someone a chance, and from everything I have seen here there are few people posting to this forum who follow that belief.  Please, while the real villains who created this situation (at the state level) figure out how to navigate the current rocky shoals in which we sail, put your energy and passion to good use and help us make this district something to be proud of.  Dr. Crenshaw is doing her best to do just that, but she cannot do so alone, she needs everyone in the district and the school system to step up and do his or her part.  I am not a huge fan of clichés, but if we would all pull together we could accomplish something wonderful, otherwise we will only cause destruction, and that will not help anyone, especially the children of the district.

Editor's note: Exception on word limit granted.
web posted June 1, 2009

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Re:  "What a lynch mob mentality.  Granted if you dont like Dr. Crenshaw and her staff, fine.  If you think that they are not doing their job, fine.  You want to do a petition, fine.  But get your information correct.  Some moronic people harp on the issue of "threat of rape" and "extortion" reported incident.  There is something call "due process"."

First, the term "lynch mob mentality" is so inappropriate and once again invokes the use of the "race card" by it's very use.  I guess they will try anything to stir the emotions and continue to promote racial divide.  As someone so sated several days ago in a post, if a white person is found to be corrupt, they are guilty of corruption. If a black person is found to be corrupt, then the revelation of truth is consider and labeled as racist.

And just how many of you attended the graduation ceremonies of our children at the various schools, but more appropriately the children from Pre K - 5 grade?  Did you see all of the children getting along?  Do you think when they learn together in class, or play together on the playground, they even consider race?  Not hardly.  It's not until they grow older or actually are capable of seeing the actions of those adults such as the School Board invoke racism, do they themselves adopt that mentality.  As one of the School Board members so aptly put it, we can learn from our children.  Appears that certain members of our School Board and this Poster need to spend a little time in our elementary schools.

As for the "due process".  That is a correct statement.  No one would want a child ruined for life based on an allegation, until the investigation was complete and the charges were either validated or mitigated.  However, in the case of the extortion/threat of rape case, the perpetrator was in fact interviewed by law enforcement and did in fact admit to the extortion, but denied the threat of rape.  Denying the threat of rape was more than likely for obvious reasons-seriousness of the crime.

So, before one accuses others of having a "lynch mob mentality" and being moronic, one should do their homework.

As for "Granted if you dont like Dr. Crenshaw and her staff, fine.  If you think that they are not doing their job, fine.  You want to do a petition, fine."  Believe me, there are those concerned parents, teachers, and board members that are trying to clean this mess up, and it will be cleaned up.
web posted June 1, 2009

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Have you heard the sheriff and dr. crenshaw are under investigatio(n) because of a grant?

Editor's note: Yes. I am looking into it but getting confirmation of an investigation is difficult. Calls seeking comment have not been returned.
web posted June 1, 2009

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In regards to the "rape/extortion" case that is being investigated by ECSD and STHS, did not the suspect already admit to the extortion?  If so, then due process for this person continuing to be allowed to stay in school is over.  At that point the suspect/student has violated the South Carolina Safe Schools Act.  Please don't confuse the criminal investigation with the fact that Dr. Crenshaw seems to lack "intestinal fortitude" when it comes to keeping our children safe.

As a parent, I can promise you that I will not tolerate threats of any type against my children.  I can't stress to Dr. Crenshaw the danger of allowing this and similar incidents to go unchecked.  If allowed to continue, I can say with certainty that we are headed for a parent/student encounter that will end badly for all. 

Editor's note: The report was investigated and no charges were leveled as a result. The case, as far as I understand, has been closed.
web posted June 1, 2009

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Re: How far will the mainstream media be allowed to go?
 
Hey John L. Brown Jr., I have one easy solution to your problem, turn the channel. If you dislike what's on the present channel, then turn to another channel. If you are afraid that your children will believe the mainstream media, then don't allow them to watch the mainstream media. What's great about America is that you have the freedom to choose what you watch. I admire what you are doing with the petition to fire Mary Rice Crenshaw, but you may should have been more discriminating when you selected the ex-ROTC instructor at STHS to join forces with you. He resigned because he was unable to use the same strong arm tactics with chidren that the military uses with it soldiers. If you sanction enhanced interrogation techniques to retrieve information from enemies on the battlefield, then why don't we use enhanced interrogation techniques on the perpetrators at STHS to retrieve information on the alleged accusations put forth by the ex-ROTC instructor in his lawsuit against the school district. If my child was going through what the ex-ROTC instructor claims, then I would want the suspects to be subject to these techniques to reveal the truth. As many people have claimed "The truth will set you free".
web posted June 1, 2009

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