Pastor Williams

NEW!
Edgefield County Sheriff's Office

Live WebCam

RULES FOR POSTING COMMENTS

Please keep comments to less than 250 words

---

I have worked with Mrs. Wates in many areas and she does not need her husband to get her a job. She is a highly qualified and a highly effective teacher. I am happy that she is a master teacher at WEP.
web posted June 30, 2011

---

RE: "Nothing is going to change until teachers start.."
 
I stood up for what is right at one of the meetings with Clyburn and Rex, I asked them to help our district make better choices with our budget cuts, I offered to teach for free, I got the ax - and I have had a lawsuit going for 2 years!  Instead of dealing with the problem the district does NOTHING.  No replies to my attorney, and now they are not even responding to the judge!  Instead of hiring a CERTIFIED teacher, the district continues to hire flunkies to teach our children!  Our children are the future of our county, giving them a good, solid education should be our top priority!  We have ONE chance to educate our children so that they can become CONTRIBUTING members of society.  ECSD, stop wasting these valuable years in our children's lives!
web posted June 30, 2011

---

There once was a pervert named Weiner,
Who had a perverted demeanor.
Forced from the Hill, for acting like Bill,
Now Congress is one weiner leaner!
web posted June 30, 2011

---

Regarding the Edgefield All Star win over Johnston.....
Of the 12 players on our roster, 2 of them have a Johnston address.  Furthermore, those parents made the decision to allow their children to play in Edgefield based on several factors. Better facilities, better coaching and a higher level of baseball that is played. Over the years I've watched the Johnston players and their fans during games. Asides from knowing little to nothing about the game of baseball, their attitudes on the field are simply terrible. In fact, during one game this season, a Johnston player cussed an Edgefield player during the game. I WILL NOT allow my child to play around children who use that type of language.  However, the most important fact here is that I certainly don't have to defend my decision to have my children participate in Edgefield versus Johnston to you or any other person!  I guess next you'll be telling me that sending my child to a private school versus a public school is also teaching them to be racist.  Finally, in case you missed it, we have several black children on our Edgefield team as well. Amazing how ignorant people are always the ones who play the race card isn't it?  I decide to send my child to Edgefield to play youth sports and you determine that I'm a racist.  Have your players clean their act up and you may be surprised at who comes out to play baseball in Johnston.  I do have one question though for the poster.  How do you defend the other losses your team suffered during the tournament?  You lost to Ridge Spring and Mid Carolina?  Wonder how many players they have from Johnston playing?
web posted June 30, 2011

---

Burger King has a burger called the Angry Whopper.
http://www.bk.com/en/us/company-info/press/press-release1057.html
web posted June 30, 2011

---

Listen and learn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x33QBjv2aU
web posted June 30, 2011

---

Back from the dead: Astonishing pictures show how Japan is recovering just three months after tsunami

Three months on, these images show the Japanese people remain undaunted by the havoc nature has wreaked on their homeland as step by step they rebuild their nation.

Full Story:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2001984/Japan-tsunami-earthquake-Pictures-recovery-3-months-later.html
web posted June 30, 2011

---

What job did Mr. Wates get for his wife? What job is Mrs. Clark's daughter up for? Where are my tax dollars being spent? I want an itemized budget! Is that asking too much? How are federal funds being spent?

Editor's note: Comments made in the Wandering Minds are public opinion, not fact, until verified and should be taken as such.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

Hello, I live off of Martintown Rd in the Merriwether community and have noticed a heavy traffic of dump trucks taking dirt away from some site off the road.  This is occuring all day mon-fri w/ numorous trucks coming in and out non-stop.  With all of this traffic no one has bothered to post any signs warning of trucks entering or exiting the road like they put up when the logging trucks are active.  I have attached a google earth image w/ the geo coords below.

Does the newspaper know what is taking place there and who we could contact about getting some signs up?

Editor's note: I have reviewed the photo submitted and will be looking into this situation as well as contacting officials at the county level. You have good questions that deserve answers.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

Just a reminder that Michelle Bachman will be in Lexington tomorrow .  It would be a wonderful way to see her in person and hear her views.

RE: PSA -COLUMBIA – Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will speak at The Flight Deck, 109-A Old Chapin Road in downtown Lexington on Wednesday, June 29, 12:00-2:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. The visit follows Bachmann's emergence in the field of contenders vying for the 2012 Republican Party's presidential nomination. Billing herself as a Constitutional conservative, Bachmann is known for her outspoken style and alignment with the tea party. In 2010 she formed the Tea Party Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bachmann has a strong following, not only among tea party activists, but among conservative Republicans.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

RE: "School District Attorney Greg Anderson can only "advise" members of the school board. He cannot force thenm to take his advice."

We also had "advisers" in Viet Nam that were only allowed to "suggest".  However, when they saw something wrong, or didn't like what they saw, they didn't stand around and turn a blind eye-they did something about it!  Seventeen (17) of those "advisers" turned out to be Medal of Honor recipients.  Why?  Because they believed in what they were doing and they were willing to sacrifice all.

If Mr. Anderson truly believed what he was doing, he'd sacrifice as well.  But the "advisory" money is too easy, so it's real easy to sit there and be a southern gentleman, while the school system, and ultimately our society, crumbles around us because of bad and corrosive policy.  Stand up and grow some Greg, that is if you really care.  Remember, your grand children will inherit what you fail to correct.  What a guy.

Editor's note: Once again, I will stand firm that Mr. Anderson is beyond reproach in his tenure as an advisor to the school board. You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

If Herman Cain is elected President he would be the first "black" president of the US! Obama is a halfbreed, not a "black man". (Heck) Obama isn't even an American!!!!!!!!
web posted June 29, 2011

---

The skunk has replaced the eagle as the new symbol of the American Presidency.
 
It is half black, half white, and everything it does stinks! 
web posted June 29, 2011 

---

Clarification of Mr. LeDuc’s Clarifications on June 24‐‐‐ Merriwether Fire Department.
Land clearing began in Nov. and was completed mid Dec. This was done originally for a proposed cell phone tower, according to an employee of building and planning. This supposedly fell through. That was almost seven months ago‐a little more than a few.
Perhaps the whole cell phone tower was just a ploy to throw the neighbors off and slip by the firefighter training facility?

Merriwether District has an ISO rating of 5. A training facility on site might lower that to a 4 and according to State Farm Insurance Co. if that happens that will mean a whopping $50 per year savings (give or take a few dollars depending on your insurance company) on homeowners insurance for those in Merriwether.

According to Fire Protection Survey which is used as a basis for ISO rating system of the 37 categories and 51, specific questions 2 questions pertain to “have” and “use of” training facility. In order to lower Northside and Westside rating from a 9, four others from a 6 and two other from a 5 to recognize a savings of a thousand dollars there are many other changes and improvements that have to take place in each local fire organization to achieve this savings. A training facility is not a fix all for the other deficits in county fire departments. This Survey form may be found online at ISO Community Mitigation Website under Community Outreach Questionnaire. This is a four page form the fire department must fill out for citizens to present to their insurance company for an ISO rating to establish their premiums. It is not as simple as building a fire training facility and automatically getting a $1,000 or more savings a year on insurance. I am surprised that Mr. Leduc is throwing us the $ carrot. Speaking of money‐‐‐‐‐

Who is going to pay for this facility anyway? Will our taxes in Merriwether go up as our property values go down once this facility is permitted? If the school dollar disbursement is a concern wait and watch as the Merriwether district is hit once again.

Has anyone ever smelled a burning car? I doubt they will remove all paint inside and out before lighting the torch. Will the oil and other fluid lines be removed? By the way why were the rest of the wrecked cars on the property, which had been sitting there since March, removed under the cover of darkness several weeks ago?

The area firefights don’t have to all go together to Columbia. It is a known fact that the firefighters from the 7 districts cover for each other. Why not send a couple from several and rotate until everyone gets the training. Shame on you Joey Smith, for trying to frighten the neighborhoods by saying not enough coverage by firefighters in case of emergency if travel Columbia for training. Make a plan that will prevent this from happening.

It sounds like from Mr. LeDuc’s article that the county is onboard with this proposal as it appears they are trying to convince us of the necessity of this venture.

Please don’t forget who pays the salaries of the county employees and who votes in or out our district representatives. If the goal is to make Merriwether Fire Department one that will be emulated across the county doesn’t this make you wonder where taxpaying citizens and their property stand in this equation. A possible solution‐come on over North Augusta!!! I am not a bona fied member of the Merriwether Concerned Citizens Group however I do live in the Merriwether district and did sign the petition and say “keep on truckin you guys”!

Editor's note: No new tax dollars can be used to create the training facility. All fire departments have to operate within their available funding through the taxes already collected. At this time the funding to create the facility is not available. There was no bait and switch undertaken by the MVFD after the land was cleared. One deal fell through so they took advantage of an opportunity. Plans and reality are two very different things.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

Obama's approval ratings are so low that Kenyans are now accusing him of being born in the United States.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

Bachmann's campaign tests Tea Party limits
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43544775/ns/politics-decision_2012/

Editor's note: A report from the bend over, I mean "Lean Forward" network of liberals, is your gospel. Please, read all the news provided by independent media rather than just your liberal propagandists.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

Nothing is out of bounds for Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70TjpNvO6JM
web posted June 29, 2011

---

The three stooges rerun.  Anything for a vote to stay in power.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/06/27/dems-push-ahead-with-dream-act-as-ice-offers-new-guidelines-for-illegal/?test=latestnews

Editor's note: You do not expect liberal Democrats to make their case with legal citizens, they are dependant on those who seek to live off the government as economic slaves to keep them in power.
web posted June 29, 2011

---

If Clinkscales is gone where did she relocate to ? This could be true, because every time I call her office , I get "She's out of the office or (t)he voicemail.

Editor's note: The resignation of Clickscale is confirmed. It is not a rumor. The vote to do away with the position is also confirmed. There is no "rumor" surrounding the situation.
web posted June 28, 2011

---

I was reading about Edgefield beating Johnston in tournament. Sounds like Johnston beat Johnston. The kids mentioned in article were mostly from Johnston playing for Edgefield. We must be teaching our kids about segregation on the ball field. Good luck to all kids. Shame on the adults.
web posted June 28, 2011

---

We live within half a mile of the fire station where the new training center is to be located.  I found it hard to believe that “concerned citizens” would suggest our volunteers should drive to Columbia to train.  Maybe they don’t realize these dedicated men and women give of their time and their own resources to get to a training facility.  They spend long hours on weekends when their peers are on the lake or golf course training to be able to help their fellow man when tragedy strikes.  We are blessed in this community to have these men and women who are willing to give of their time to be prepared to help us should we ever need to call them.  I would suggest to “concerned citizens” they should appreciate the people who are there for their protection and not worry so much about the traffic on Murrah Road.  I would further suggest that “concerned citizens” who sent the letter with no identification on it, ask themselves “What would this community be like if everyone’s attitude and behavior was just like mine?”
web posted June 28, 2011

---

RE: "Nothing is going to change until teachers start.........And where is Greg Anderson in all this hiring mess? Drawing a big salary and letting the board get away with the way employees are treated.......If teachers are fearful to pack the board room, then parents should do it for them. There is strength in numbers.

Let's break this one down- 1) you're right, the teacher's need to get involved.  Two problems though, teachers won't get involved, because they have been replaced with "yes" people, so those teachers will toe the line, leaving the real voice of the few "real" teachers a shrinking whisper.  2) Greg Anderson-yup, he's a nice gentleman as is the defense that is always put forth for him-so don't attack him.  Trouble is-he's a %$#@& Democrat, PERIOD!  He sees what's going on, but continues to feed at the public trough.  Him and a few other mealy mouthed political hacks in the county think they are the power brokers-but look at their results. Nothing, same ole same ole.  They use the school system to line their pockets just as well.  It all boils down to free money over morality, love of country, love for the next generations-they always turn a blind eye.  Enough already!  3)  Well, the board meetings were being packed at one time when you had several colorful citizens standing up and taking issue.  Yeah some of the issues were small to some, but it truly is the incremetalism that needs to be addressed-that's how liberalism, socialism operate, creeping into every aspect of our lives.  As was put to those few citizens-you're always to negative when you speak!  Well just how do you expose corruption?  Call it a rose when it's poison ivy?

Bottom line is-who is the NAACP aligned with?  What party is aligned with the education system?  Who opposed Reagan's attempt to get rid of the Dept. of Education?  You got it-Democrats!  The education system is nothing more than a money laundering operation to maintain a voting block.  They care less about the education of your children, but they do care greatly about their indoctrination!

See it, hear it!  http://biggovernment.com/mrctv/2011/02/24/flashback-teachers-union-bigshot-not-about-kids-its-about-power/

Editor's note: School District Attorney Greg Anderson can only "advise" members of the school board. He cannot force thenm to take his advice.
web posted June 28, 2011

---

This is what happens when the government tries to run the marketplace!! The Chevy Volt MUST NOT be allowed to fail! The "Dirty Little Secret Behind the Chevy Volt"

Patrick Michaels is a senior fellow in Environmental Studies at the Cato Institute and the editor of the forthcoming Climate Coup: Global Warming's Invasion of our Government and our Lives, as well as the author of several other books on global warming. His Forbes column on the Chevy Volt is a case study in the nexus between big government corruption and big business subsidies. Michaels briefly recaps the consumer fraud in which GM has touted the Volt as an all-electric mass production vehicle on the supposed basis of which its sales receive a $7,500 taxpayer subsidy, and it is still overpriced and unmarketable. Michaels notes that "sales are anemic: 326 in December, 321 in January, and 281 in February." Do you see a trend here?

Michaels adds that GM has announced a production run of 100,000 in the first two years, and asks what appears to be a rhetorical question: "Who is going to buy all these cars?" But wait! Keep hope alive! There is a positive answer to the question. Jeffrey Immelt's GE will buy a boatload of those uneconomic GM cars. Here the case study opens onto the inevitable political angle: Recently, President Obama selected General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt to chair his Economic Advisory Board. GE is also awash in windmills waiting to be subsidized so they can provide unreliable, expensive power. Consequently, and soon after his appointment, Immelt announced that GE will buy 50,000 Volts in the next two years, or half the total produced.

Assuming the corporation qualifies for the same tax credit, we (you and me) just shelled out $375,000,000 (that's million folks) to a company to buy cars that no one else wants, so that GM will not tank and produce even more cars that no one wants. And this guy is the chair of Obama's Economic Advisory Board?

Michaels includes this hilarious detail in his case study: In a telling attempt to preserve battery power, the car's heater is exceedingly weak. Consumer Reports tests averaged a paltry 25 miles of electric-only running, in part because it was testing in cold Connecticut. (The GM engineer at the Auto Show said cold weather would have little effect.) It will be interesting to see what the Volt's range is on a hot, traffic-jammed summer day, when the air conditioner will really tax the batteries. When the gas engine came on, Consumer Reports got about 30 miles to the gallon of premium fuel; which, in terms of additional cost of high-test gas, drives the effective mileage closer to 27 mpg.

A conventional Honda Accord, which seats 5 (instead of the Volt's 4), gets 34 mpg on the highway, and costs less than half of what CR paid, even with the tax break.

The story of the GM Volt deserves a place in the Harvard Business School curriculum....but of course, it won't.

It's a classic tale of the GOVERNMENT deciding what the public needs, not the marketplace.

What is one of the reasons for this?

Why to keep the UAW in business of course, because Obama owes them for his election. Starting to make sense yet?
web posted June 28, 2011

---

Life makes for some odd history. Remember “make love, not war” and “stick it to the man” of the ’60′s? Well, it’s back, but it ain’t exactly the same.

Read more…
web posted June 28, 2011

---

Don't want to join a union?  Tough!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t77KT6UD0wY
web posted June 28, 2011

---

Great pictures of the bear! That must have been exciting. I've never seen a wild bear.

Editor's note: We've encountered bears there, and here, over the past decade so it was nothing new. However, the thrill our grand-daughter got out of it was priceless.
web posted June 27, 2011

---

i had the chance to watch some games this year.     the ground crew and the reast of the support were very good. it is a shame that the last play of your season had to be spoiled by your coach. i'm sure that he wishes that he could take back all that he said and did.  you should be proud of your young ladies.
web posted June 27, 2011

---

Re: I read with great interest   
You are right on whoever you are.I am so sick and tired of hearing about some having to pay for those that won't. It would be interesting to see the bling bling on those that say they can't pay their share.The fees have crept in little by little so you don't notice as much.It is a nice little trick just like increasing  property taxes. Only $15.00 on a $100,000 home. Doesn't sound like a bunch until you realize they have been adding a little each year.The only fair way to pay for school systems is a consumption tax. Everyone pays including the ones taking advantage of the free breakfast and free lunch program and free transportation and other Free perks. It pays to be poor these days. The problem with this county is we encourage people to be lazy.
web posted June 27, 2011

---

Nothing is going to change until teachers start bringing lawsuits against the district for discriminatory hiring practices. Maybe they should pursue individual.  suits against the superintendent, HR Director, and individual board members. It will be interesting to see what William Herrin can get done. Maybe he will stand up for what is fair and right. Carroll Wates got his wife a big job. Bridget Clark will get her daughter one soon. And the beat goes on. Thank goodness we get to re elect every four years! And where is Greg Anderson in all this hiring mess? Drawing a big salary and letting the board get away with the way employees are treated? He should know board policy and the law, but perhaps he is letting this happen. If teachers are fearful to pack the board room, then parents should do it for them. There is strength in numbers.
web posted June 27, 2011

---

What's all the fuss about the (Merriwether Fire Department) training place? I don't see it but nobody has ever said anything about any plans or anything so I can't take a side in this thing. THey need to train but I don't live that close for it to be an issue with me. Do you know what the plans are?

Editor's note: This has been in the works for years. We had a report on one of the training classes back in March when the preliminary plans were shown. Fire Chief Joey Smith said plans to further expand the training facility would include a 75 seat classroom building, smoke rooms, and burn buildings. Also at the center will be walls for rope training, LP tanks fire training, vehicle fire and culvert rescue training. No actual fires will be included in the training and all smoke will be simulated. County Administrator Roger LeDuc had a guest article on the subject last week.
web posted June 27, 2011

---

Congressman Jeff Duncan on the White House’s Decision to Open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Washington, DC – South Carolina freshman Congressman Jeff Duncan released the following statement Thursday (June 26) regarding the President’s decision to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve:

“There are no short cuts on the path to American energy independence.  I’m disappointed that President Obama chose the political convenience of tapping into the strategic oil reserve over solving our nation’s long term energy needs.  The 30 million barrels of oil released through the reserve are nothing compared to what America could produce on a monthly basis if the President stopped blocking deep sea and arctic energy exploration.  Americans need long-term stability and relief in the cost of fuel, not more government manipulation.  Our country’s policy should place every American energy resource on the table to help create American jobs and end our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.  Short cuts won’t solve America’s energy problems, only bold leadership will.”
web posted June 27, 2011

---

Why everyone should carry a gun! Guy shoots robber THUGS.
http://fox.daytonsnewssource.com/shared/newsroom/raw_news/videos/vid_47.shtml
web posted June 27, 2011

---

WHO SAID IT?

"A beauty is a woman you notice; a charmer is one who notices you."

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

"It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts."

"We mean by "politics" the people's business - the most important business there is."

"We have confused the free with the free and easy."

"On the plains of hesitation lie the blackened bones of countless millions who at the dawn of
victory lay down to rest, and in resting died."

Editor's note: Adlai E. Stevenson
web posted June 27, 2011

---

Archie Bunker was ahead of his time.

http://www.texasrainmaker.com/2011/04/19/archie-bunker-has-a-few-words-for-barack-obama/

Obama doesn't ever know how many states there are in our country. Watch till the end of the video.
He isn't even close.
web posted June 27, 2011

---

Reality Check

This guy worked at Republic Steel for 10 years until its closing in 1983. The best line he says he ever heard there was when a young black kid was being reprimanded for the last time.

The black youth said to the shop foreman, you're firing me because I'm black! The boss said, No, we hired you because you were black. We're firing you because you're useless!

Something to remember in November 2012.
web posted June 27, 2011

---

I read with great interest the response to my posting on the $10 Senior photo sitting fee. With regards to holding the board members accountable….yes they should be accountable!. While one response implies it’s a little overkill for a “simple $10 fee.” My response is, “you miss the point.” The issue is “creeping incrementalism.” The schools are “nickel and diming” the parents to death. Bottom line, our schools are given a budget funded through the state sales tax and local property tax, so act like responsible grown-ups and live and operate within your budget. Let’s not forget, the board members are not supposed to represent the education system or bureaucracy , they were elected to represent the parents and taxpayers. My point is that they should be asking tough questions on behalf of the parents, such as…”why do kids have pay $10 to get their photo in the year book? Why do we charge locker and parking lot fees for items their parents already paid for?” Also, where are all these monies being spent and who maintains oversight on them?” Another reply stated that the money was needed for “start-up” costs of the year book and to also defray the cost for the other kids. Well, given photo shop, power point and other software available on the most basic PCs…what start up costs are there associated with “cutting and pasting photos”? (yes I’ve worked on more extensive projects than a simple yearbook). As to the other point, if the cost is so great that we charge a fee to defray costs for other kids. Well, then the yearbook needs to be scaled back so all can afford it. I suspect if the kids spent less in the canteen or on cell phones or “bling bling” then they could afford a simple year book, so I should not subsidize bad choice on the part of others. As I had one administrator lament to me that they didn’t think it was fair that schools are funded off sales tax because they become underfunded in a bad economy. My reply, “why should schools and educators be immune from the realities of the real world.” Again, this yearbook stuff is a small illustrative point on how parents need to push back and fight these small fights and draw a line in the sand to overreaching administrators and board members to force them to get their priorities straight. I’ve regretted that I voted for a former school official to be on the school board, I believe their paradigm as educators makes them forget that they represent the parents, not the school (the state board of education looks out for the school), the board is supposed to be our voice and our common sense. These seemingly small fights are important too!
web posted June 25, 2011

---

RE:    For the few teachers that don't like TAP and want to be heard, call the D.O. [district office] and sign up to say your peace at a board meeting. You have 5 minutes. Tell them what you don't like about it. Or are you one of the teachers that won't stand up for what you believe in? Maybe you aren't one of the teachers that is already doing the majority of what is asked in TAP? Not open to having someone give you feedback? Too good to use a rubric? Too comfortable with just getting by?
 
Why would I take five minutes to speak to the school board about my feelings of TAP - Why would I do that and risk my job security with my principal that's all in support of TAP? It would take me more than five mintes to tell them what I think of TAP. I would start with the mentor teachers that have NO business scoring anyone much less trying to mentor teachers on best practices of instruction. Then I would question the "Master Teachers" and what they do each day to earn their salary plus their bonus.. which I hear is $10,000.00. Who are these Master Teachers? Names and Qualifications????  Then I would also ask what the principals do for TAP and what they make in profit.... Teachers across the district are comparing their scores - and are we all being scored by the same rubric?????  Are we all getting the same feedback? This is a BIG mess.  And there are more than just a few that don't like TAP.
web posted June 25, 2011

---

Hehe.....Clinkscales got clunked. Awwww....I feel so bad for her. Not! 80 something thousand dollars a year? Please! My salary is half that and I am in the trenches busting my rear everyday. Hasta la Vista, Clunky! Now we can employ about three new teachers......
 
I don't like the TAP program. I think it is a waste of time and money. That grant money could have been used for something more worthwhile than hiring biased "Master" and "Mentor" teachers as well as "bonuses" for deserving teachers. This "program" is so biased it is pathetic. These Masters grade those teachers that are their friends higher and those teachers they dislike lower. Anyone can post what they want to in response, I have seen it with my own eyes. This whole program is fishy.
 
Finally, I am thankful to have a job, but sometimes I wish my conscience would allow me to play the system. I could get free money, free food, and free healthcare. I guess I choose to work because I was brought up with something called an HONEST WORK ETHIC. There are sorry individuals in this county who do the exact opposite. These sorry individuals are the ones that voted the nut we have in the White House into office. Well, this upcoming election, I hope his nut gets cracked.
web posted June 25, 2011

---

Wow, someone had to spend $25 for 180 days instruction. Move to Lexington 1,then see how you feel. There's no problem for 2 kids to spend over $100.00. Then see how much your taxes go up.
web posted June 25, 2011

---

It's amazing how the DemocRATS can spin anything. Talk about speaking with forked tongues. They make snakes look good. Listen to their garbage by clicking the link below and learn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qKdScVerrBU&vg=medium
web posted June 25, 2011

---

Now, this is right on the money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK3Eo9cScEQ&feature=share
web posted June 25, 2011

---

Editor's post: This has been a trying week. Our main computer system was struck by lighting Tuesday night and was taken offline. A back-up system was taken offline last Friday during upgrades and remains offline until Sunday. A third fail-safe computer was in control starting on Wednesday night - which had limited remote access, but has allowed reporting to continue while these problems are resolved. All computer repairs have been made as of Thursday afternoon and all systems will be back online on Sunday.

I would like to thank everyone who worked hard behind the scenes to keep our reports flowing; our IT team (contracted and outsourced), columnists, and reporters while I was on vacation (returned today).
web posted June 24, 2011

---

For the few teachers that don't like TAP and want to be heard, call the D.O. [district office] and sign up to say your peace at a board meeting. You have 5 minutes. Tell them what you don't like about it. Or are you one of the teachers that won't stand up for what you believe in? Maybe you aren't one of the teachers that is already doing the majority of what is asked in TAP? Not open to having someone give you feedback? Too good to use a rubric? Too comfortable with just getting by? I would think most teachers would want what is best for their students.
web posted June 24, 2011

---

I have traveled this state and others for many years and would like to make a few comments.Did you ever notice that the exit signs, mileage signs and other signs seemed to move 20-50feet every 6 month to a year on the Interstate? I called the Gov.--then the DOH&T called. She said it was due to Federal mandates. I had a problem. NC,VA, GA, &FL weren't moving signs;so why us. SILENCE! They won't give me Good answer. Do you ever wonder why they pave the same road all the time and can't drive on yours because it hasn't been paved in 20 years?  Gosh, your school issues are tremendous. I've been reading for months and it doesn't appear that things are getting any better. I see in my school district that we have (or it seems like) we have 2 administrators for every 100 students. I think what everyone is looking for is more "qualified" teachers and less BS. Teach my child what will help them get through and hopefully prosperous life  Dang, that must be very extreme to expect it.
web posted June 24, 2011

---

RE:...what we need to learn is that the schools cannot keep any priveleges back from anyone that doesn't pay instructional fees.
 
Oh, come on.  It's $25 for 180 days of instruction.  It buys paper and other supplies like library books.  I'll bet you could come up with the money if your child wanted a new outfit or a video game that costs much more, but you begrudge paying 14 cents a day for your child's education.  You really have to be kidding!
web posted June 24, 2011

---

The Obama Legacy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQD9IaGoLWk
web posted June 24, 2011

---

Here  are 14 reasons illegal aliens should vacate America
1.  $14 billion to $22 billion dollars are spent  each year on welfare to illegal aliens. (that's  Billion with a 'B') http://tinyurl.com/zob77.html 

3.  $7.5 billion dollars are spent each year on  Medicaid for illegal aliens.http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

4. $12 billion dollars are spent each year  on primary and secondary school education for  children here illegally and they still cannot  speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANscriptS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

5.  $27 billion dollars are spent each year for  education for the A merican-born children of  illegal aliens, known as anchor  babies.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANscriptS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

6. $3  Million Dollars 'PER D A Y' is  spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. That's $1.2  Billion a year.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANscriptS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

7.  28% percent of all federal prison inmates are  illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANscriptS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

8.  $190 billion dollars are spent each year on  illegal aliens for welfare & social services  by the A merican taxpayers.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANscriptS/0610/29/ldt.01.html

9.  $200 billion dollars per year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal  aliens.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANscriptS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

10.  The illegal aliens in the United States have a  crime rate that's two and a half times that of  white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their  children,are  going to make a huge additional crime problem in  the US ..http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANscriptS/0606/12/ldt.01.html

11.  During the year 2005, there were 8 to 10 MILLION  illegal aliens that crossed our southern border  with as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from other  terrorist countries. Over 10,000 of those were  middle-eastern terrorists. Millions of pounds of  drugs, cocaine, meth, heroin, crack, Guns, and  marijuana crossed into the U.S.from the southern  border.http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

12.  The National Policy  Institute, estimates  that the total cost of mass deportation would be  between $206 and $230 billion, or an average  cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually  over a five year period and  nbsp; http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/publications.php?b=deportation

13.  In 2006, illegal aliens sent home $65 BILLION in  remittances back to their countries of origin,  to their families and  friends.http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

14.  The dark side of illegal immigration: Nearly one  million sex crimes are committed by illegal  immigrants in the United States! http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml

Total cost a  whopping $538.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEA R!

If this doesn't bother YOU, then you must be a DemocRAT.
web posted June 24, 2011

---

Editor's post: In another breaking news report, it has been confirmed that Human Resource Director Shawn Clinkscales resigned Wednesday.
web posted June 23, 2011 

---

Re:  Dr. Wates, Bridgette Clark and all new board members should be replaced because of a fee at STHS.  Give me a break.  Has this sender been attending board meetings to see what is going on?  All things can't be changed/corrected overnight, but good things are happening in our county with the new board members.  People need to get behind them and show their support.  I'm sure sometimes they must feel like it is a "thankless job" when all they get is criticism.  If the sender has a problem with the fee, I'd like to know if they called their board member and spoke to him/her one on one.
web posted June 23, 2011

---

Thank you Edgefield County School District. You just ran off another awesome teacher!  When will it end?
web posted June 23, 2011

---

This is for the posts that have bashed the teachers in Edgefield for not attending the board meeting about TAP.  First of all we did not know that TAP was being discussed and the meeting was held on Thursday rather than Tuesday - And why can't we simply ask the Board to make sure each school voted to implement TAP? The Board should ask the teachers - don't expect to get the straight truth from the principals. That won't happen and we all know that. Did the Board decide to let all teachers vote on whether they want TAP for the 2011 - 2012 school year?
web posted June 23, 2011

---

It's not just Strom Thurmond  that is hitting parents up for fees and fundraising - middle and elementary schools too - but what we need to learn is that the schools cannot keep any priveleges back from anyone that doesn't pay instructional fees. Most parents have figured this out already - it's the minority that still pay fees and support fundrairers -
web posted June 23, 2011

---

Re: the poster who was complaining about the sitting fee for senior portraits
 
I do not have a child in school any more, but as a former yearbook sponsor, I would think this charge is to help defray the cost of yearbook production. This is a very costly undertaking, and money must be raised to make the books affordable for most students. I do not believe this is a kickback for Mr. Schilit or the school but rather a "jumpstart" on money for the yearbook. Seniors, especially, usually cherish these books for many years. It would be a shame for the parents to prevent a student from having his/her picture in it because of $10.
web posted June 23, 2011

---

Some time ago, you published a site that one could go in and check out who made the political contributions for a candidate.   Could you publish it again?

Editor's note: Open Secrets.org
web posted June 23, 2011

---

LOL.  Again, folks in Edgefield County  make on average less money than every other location in the state (see my previous posting on the numbers).  So keep believing what you want.

Look at the numbers, businesses do not want to come to Edgefield County because you don't know when to shut up and listen.  From what I understand, most of your business development contracts come from a partnership with Aiken County.

But what do I know.

Not wasting any more time with this forum.  You can't help people who are h.e.l.p.l.e.s.s.  Keep voting Republican!!!! (idiots)
web posted June 23, 2011

---

Better pay attention and know how to vote in 2012.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdTyUvY66Mw
web posted June 23, 2011

---

Editor's post: However, in a breaking news report it has been confirmed that Human Resource Director Shawn Clinkscale's position was eliminated at the meeting of the Edgefield County School Board meeting Thursday night. We will have a full report on this story later.
web posted June 23, 2011 

---

Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market  features a wide variety of fresh locally grown vegetables, berries, homemade baked goods, etc.  Shop local and eat fresh seasonal foods by attending the market located on Calhoun Street in front of the Library/Warehouse each Thursday from 4 - 6 p.m.
web posted June 22, 2011

---

Dr Wates, Bridgette Clark and all the new board members should get voted out.  Where is the reform promised??.  An illustrative point...today, my spouse took our student up to the STHS for their senior photo.  The photo service charged a $10 sitting fee JUST FOR THE “PRIVILEGE”  HAVING THE STUDENT’S PHOTO IN THE YEARBOOK.  WE WERE NOT ORDERING ANY PHOTOS!  Think about this, just to have the privilege of having some of your classmates remember you by your photo in the yearbook, you have to pay “the shrimp’s”...er I mean Principal Schilit’s “kickback” fee....and YES, the lady from the photography service stated that the Principal authorized this “fundraising” fee.  Where does this end? The arrogance of our educators and board members; who gave them the authority to charge parking lot fees, locker fees for taxpayer funded bond projects?  Now our students and their parents are charged senior photo sitting fees.  Here’s a novel thought,  I’m going to offer my student a choice, I could purchase them a copy of their student yearbook....or give them the cash instead.  My recommendation, let’s start boycotting with our $$ any school projects/fundraising activities.  Candy sales, NJROTC canteen, flowers, thespian activities...all of it!  A responsible  school board would require board approval on all fundraising in Edgefield County Schools.  Our schools are worse than loan sharks and drug dealers, they use our love of our kids to tug at our heart strings to get to our wallet....all in the “name of the children.”  Do these clowns know that were in the middle of a recession?? Also, where’s the oversight on the funds collected? I thought we were finally putting “grown-ups” on the school board.  Instead we’ve put “teachers” on the school board who cannot think like an adult and responsible taxpayer.  Where’s Brad Covar and Chris Hoffman???  Please, take a step back and look to see the “forest through the trees”....Kids have to pay “Schilit’s Ransom” to get their photo in the yearbook.....idiots!
web posted June 22, 2011

---

Re :  ABC/NBC/CBS being reputable news sources

These are only reputable to those liberals who don't want the truth. Anyone who wants to know what is going on in this country really needs to do a little more research to find truly reputable sources. All one has to do is watch MSNBC (part of NBC) for one evening and I think you would doubt how "reputable" they are...hateful yes, reputable no! Some of the attacks that are made on any conservative are unbelievable. Where is the civility on the liberal side? I think civility and being reputable have some commonality. I would say check all the facts and see just how reputable the liberal media really is.
web posted June 22, 2011

---

Is there anything new on the training center at the Merriwether Fire Dept (Station 3)?

Editor's note: We should have a report later this week. The plans for the training facility is in the very preliminary stages as we reported earlier this year. There is a process that has to be followed before anything becomes official.  
web posted June 22, 2011

---

RE:  (RE:) Dear White Liberal
 
ABC/NBC/CBS.......Reputable News Services?    You are KIDDING, right?  You meant that to be HUMOROUS, right?   Please tell me so....Oh Pleeeeese tell me so!!
web posted June 22, 2011

---

I sympathize with the person concerned about the road “improvement” work on Key Road. Sounds like the road was just covered with tar and rock which really does very little to improve a road, though it does make it look better though doesn’t it. I call it “Paving for Dummies” or “Cackalacky Paving”. Years ago I began to see this type of work being done more frequently and less real improvement being performed. I wondered how bad it would eventually get and recently my questions were answered when I began to see potholes in the area filled with crusher run. Still can’t believe it. I used to sarcastically say that one day our roads would turn back into wagon trails and I fear it is truly happening.

US 25 from Trenton through Edgefield is in terrible shape as well. But maybe some like the “speed bumps” that seem to be growing like weeds through this section of road. The US in US 25 does stand for United States doesn’t it? Didn’t we used to expect more from a United States highway?

Even our interstates are declining. More and more money being spent on more and more work. They are in a constant state of disrepair. Yet look at the quality of the work being performed. Have you noticed the asphalt work on I-20 between exits 22 and 5? Paved not that long ago the asphalt has worn through to the layer below. Yet no one seems to be held accountable for such things. Men were not satisfied to do this kind of work years ago, nor would they accept that kind of work being done.

Puzzling thing to me is that those responsible for the care of such projects generally seem to have one of two positions. Status quo or more taxes. They can’t do anything because they don’t have the money, etc… or additional taxes need to be applied to us citizens in some way. Managing the budgets more responsibly and holding people accountable never seem to be an applicable solution. This same philosophy is applied to education, law enforcement, national security, infrastructure projects, etc… Key Road, US 25, I-20 are just symptoms of a larger issue.

Remember, many moons ago of course, when you crossed your parents the dread you felt as you waited for your due discipline with the belt? I wonder if some of our brethren in various government positions are feeling that same dread? Maybe they should. Maybe we all should. 
web posted June 22, 2011

---

I subscribe to THE STATE newspaper, and school board members from Columbia area schools (Richland and Lexington districts) are frequently being interviewed for the newspaper to express their feelings about the administration of their respective district schools.  Bridget Clark, Carrol Wates, and William Herrin were all elected to the board.  Other than at the poorly-attended school board meetings, however, not a word seems to be uttered by them for the  community at large to hear.  Why would one of the county newspapers not interview each to see what their thinking is concerning the current administration of the schools.  I was personally visited by one of the newly-elected members before the election asking for my support.  These people were not elected for just the board meetings.  People want to know what they think, not to just sit on their hands in all this discussion.  Two of the above were in positions in the school system;  surely they must have opinions. Thankfully, Nathaniel Jackson's attempt went nowhere, but credit him for speaking out regardless of how wrong he was.  I am disappointed in what I am hearing, or specifically not hearing from the three above.  Is the majority on the school board being led by the minority?
web posted June 21, 2011

---

Clink scales gone!  One down, six to go!!!

Editor's note: I have not confirmed this information.
web posted June 21, 2011

---

RE: Dear White Liberal,

It was CAFTA (C for Central) that shipped jobs to Mexico.  So, your understanding was wrong.  Keep reading though because I like your style.

And yeah, ABC/NBC/CBS are extremely reputable.  Sorry I forgot to mention those.
web posted June 21, 2011

---

Dixie Girls Softball Tournament was held this past weekend. Haven’t heard anything about it on Edgefield Daily or our local newspapers.  People in Edgefield County don’t support girl’s sports. And that is sad!!!!!

Editor's note: I think all sports are well covered by local media. I was unaware of a tournament.
web posted June 21, 2011

---

The truth is out there.  You just have to listen and pay attention to it.  You also must know who and what you are voting for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0NBh6qAH6k
web posted June 21, 2011

---

Lest we forget!  Yes, he told us in advance what he planned to do.  Few were listening.
                 
The following is a narrative taken from a 2008 Sunday morning televised "Meet The Press'.  From Sunday's 07 Sept. 2008  11:48:04 EST,  Televised "Meet the Press" THE THEN Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag.General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain WHY he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.
                 
 The General stated to Obama that according to the  United States  Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171...
During rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present (except those in uniform) are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Or, at the very least, "Stand and Face It".

NOW GET THIS !! 'Senator' Obama replied:
        
"As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides". "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression.." "The anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all that sort of thing."

 ARE YOU READY FOR THIS???
                
Obama continued: "The National Anthem should be 'swapped' for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing'.  If that were our anthem, then, I might salute it.  In my opinion, we should consider reinventing our National Anthem as well as 'redesign' our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love.  It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America  to the level of acceptance to our  Middle East Brethren.  If we, as a Nation of warring people, conduct ourselves like the nations of Islam, where peace prevails - - - perhaps a state or period of mutual accord could exist between our governments ....."
                
When I become President, I will seek a pact of agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation, have placed upon the nations of Islam, an unfair injustice which is WHY my wife disrespects the Flag and she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past".

 "Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the  United States and I have put my hatred aside. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First black Family.  Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America. "

Yes, you read it right.

Editor's note: I'd like to see links to these "quotes".
web posted June 21, 2011

---

They sent my Census form back!!
 
In answer to the question, 'Do you have any dependents?',

I put:   'Asylum seekers, illegal immigrants, crack heads, unemployable (removed), the cast of The Jerry Springer Show, 80,000 people in our 133 penal establishments in Texas, leftovers in Texas from Katrina, half of freaking Mexico, Some of the Congress, most of the Senate, and a Muslim President!'

................. Apparently, this wasn't an acceptable answer.
web posted June 20, 2011

---

Key Rd. Was designed by DOT to  receive tar and gravel just as you see. Nothing wrong with the cement...nothing wrong with contractor...call DOT

Editor's note: My suggestion earlier.
web posted June 20, 2011

---

Seems to be a lot of complaining about our schools, teachers, the district leadership, the board, etc.  Where were you when Kemp and Jackson were trying to illuminate the cockroaches?  Yup, there were a lot of mealy mother complainers that wouldn't stand up and be heard because they were afraid of losing their jobs.  And now it looks like not only they are paying the price, but, unfortunately, so are our children.  Thanks guys.  Thanks for the bravery.  It appears you will have  hard time enlisting someone to fight your battles this time, especially after they saw how you supported the previous effort.  Bibbs, Cooks, Clnkscales, and Crenshaw are emboldened.  You see it's the same thing.  They stick together whatever the cost, and, they play hardball.  Meanwhile, the candy aces, the political hacks, and the self-anointed power brokers, cower and step back when the heat gets a little too hot, or the battle gets a little too bloody.  They have no taste for battle, they have no brass.  They always want someone else to fight their battles.  IDIOTS!  Why do you think they fought so hard to get Nathaniel Jackson on the Board?   Duh.  And you're teaching our children?

So teachers and complainers-why don't you go seek them out and enlist them to fight your battles?

Meanwhile, our schools and children will continue to suffer.  When will you stand up and fight?  When it directly affects one of your children?  That's typically how it happens.
web posted June 20, 2011

---

Re: the chosen few in the class for 12
It was on our school email and I got in, just because I checked my email at a good time.  Oh well, I must be a "chosen" one.
web posted June 20, 2011

---

This is old, but I never saw it here on WM.  Thought it was pretty realistic and wanted to share it again.
 
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude."

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

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

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

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

"I am," replied the balloonist. "But how did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "You don't know where you are or where you're going. You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You've made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and now you expect ME to solve your problem. You're in EXACTLY the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now, it's MY fault.
web posted June 20, 2011

---

Re:  Industry not wanting to relocate

Of places rated in South Carolina, Edgefield is 364/368 in per capita income (how much money you make)

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

Believe what you want, but the numbers tell a totally different story than what you are being told.

Keep believing the lies tho, Republican for life!!!!!!! LOL
web posted June 20, 2011

---

Well - this takes the cake -Just a  veteran teacher in Edgefield County  that wants to transfer - but later I hear on the street that a brand new teacher out of college has been hired. When you have a name, you just look at facebook - this new teacher posted in May that she was hired as a new teacher in Edgefield -   Explain Ms. Clinkscales....... NOW... How did this new teacher know that there was an opening at W. E. Parker? EXPLAIN....
web posted June 17, 2011

---

Why weren't all the people complaining about TAP at the school board meeting last night? You could have heard a very lively discussion about it between board members and principals. I think for the most part the principals and board think it's a good program but may have been implemented a little too quickly.

Also, Bibbs and Cooks seem to be undermining the board now that they are no longer in power. Each of them made false accusations against other board members during the meeting regarding protocol and policy. It seems like they are setting the stage for some type of board upheaval. Cooks made several references to making sure the record reflected what she said. Parents and TEACHERS should pack that room each and every meeting to let each board member know that they will be held accountable. But sadly, I fear that people will only sit back and complain as things go further downhill in this district.
web posted June 17, 2011

---

I live on Key Rd off of Hwy 23 in Edgefield County.  Starting the first part of May the State of South Carolina paid money to a contractor to pave the road.  The contractor did this and for about 5 days we were able to drive on Key Rd enjoying the new road from Martintown Rd.  Unfortunately tax dollars are wasted again and as a tax payer I am not at all happy with this.  I noticed several equipment laying rock and tar and asked an employee of the SCDOT what was happening, he stated the company did not measure the cement correctly and therefore they had to lay tar and rock down even though the state paid lots of your tax dollars for a crappy job.  I was informed that this would be the end result and there is nothing anybody can do about our tax dollars being wasted.  Editor is there anybody we could contact about this problem the road is awful to drive and rocks are flying everywhere.  If the state paid for the company to re-pave the road and they did a poor job then the state should make the company come back and re-pave the road correctly or we should get a refund. 
 
Thank You a taxpayer in South Carolina

Editor's note: Clifton White is the new SCDOT representitive at the Edgefield Office. I believe the phone number is 803-637-6511.
web posted June 17, 2011

---

If school board members want to know if the teachers support TAP, they should ask the teachers and not the principals who did not let the faculty vote.  Really????
web posted June 17, 2011

---

Isn’t it funny how administration at Fox Creek High School can go play golf for days, and write off those days as “Professional Leave”?  Let’s see how many days Murph actually works this summer, after all, according to his contract he gets 2 weeks of vacation per year, wonder how many professional days he feels he needs..........gotta be a professional to get professional days!
web posted June 17, 2011

---

RE:  Look at the teachers that have left - happy employees don't leave.  Look at the principals that are losing employees.
 
JET had one of the lowest teacher turnover rates for many years.  You couldn't get a job there because nobody left.  Then, in less than two years, JET has lost at least ten teachers.  Count them.  It's at least that many, and the majority were experienced teachers.  Out of the seven that left or transferred this year, ALL were experienced teachers.  Now think.  Isn't that saying something about the "leadership" that came on board during the last two years?  That is the variable that has changed.  Two plus two does equal four.
web posted June 17, 2011

---

What is Tim Johnson's status with CHOICES Limited?
web posted June 17, 2011

---

To:  The "White Liberal"
 
Did you ever hear the story about the night class that was being offered to help liberals do better when debating and conversing with conservatives?  (It was designed to combat the tendency liberals have to just start shouting and ranting when they realize their points are indefensible)
 
Well, they got the class all set up and many enrolled but it just did not work out.  You see the course planners decided the first topic would be "An introduction to informal logic".  The students LOVED the content of the class that they had never been exposed to up to that point in their lives and were surprised how informative the class was!  It was virtual  "Wow...I see the Light"  moment for them all !     All those that attended passed that section with a good grade.  Amazingly, though,  they also never returned for the rest of the classes.  The problem was that after you teach a liberal "logic", they cease being a liberal.  So they no longer needed to attend the rest of the class.
 
Dang that enlightenment!
 
But seriously Mr White Liberal, you seem to have brain power.  Maybe you should consider moving a little toward the middle and staring past that point a little further to the right and you might get a glimpse of reality.
web posted June 17, 2011

---

Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way you can understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic . Someone over there has it figured out. We have a lot of work to do.

  "The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting an inexperienced man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama Presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their President. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their President."
web posted June 17, 2011

---

Who were the lucky 12 that got signed up for the week long microsoft computer class Dr. Lenderman posted via email after 11:00 and it was closed by 1:00? And where is the $100.00 stipend per day coming from to pay these 12 lucky people that had the inside scoop? Just another ECSD shenanigan - but we are not fooled.
web posted June 16, 2011 

---

(I) read all the papers and Edgefield Daily. I always find it interesting that all the crime taking place in the county is only reported on Edgefield Daily and not the papers. Like others I was tempted to stop buying the paper since they went up to 75 cents for a few pages. Then it hit me that the reason I was buying them was to read the gossip columns. Then it hit me that it was the same as reading the Wandering Minds that the same people hate. I thought….. why would the rumor writers hate the wandering minds? Light bulb went off...........because it is coming from someone other than them. I'd rather hear the views of john and jane doe before I would some self hired know it all giving their take on what is important. Thank you for giving us an equal footing!

Editor's note: The Wandering Minds belongs to our readers.
web posted June 16, 2011 

---

Just like the other numerous people that have posted, I also have concerns about the questionable practices happening in the Edgefield County School System - I have questions about how my TAP scores were tabulated but even my principal admits that he doesn't know enough to answer my questions - what in the world is going on? The principal is the head of the TAP team but he can't answer my questions - what is going on? From what I hear TAP is ruining other schools too. And it's not just the mentors and master teachers that are undertrained........... It's a joke just like others have said. I wish I knew how many teachers were given the chance to vote on TAP in their school.   
Concerning the transfers that have been overlooked - human resources should provide and answer - but like the others have said, she's a highly paid joke.  Let's see in August how many new teachers are in place in schools. Look at the teachers that have left - happy employees don't leave.  Look at the principals that are losing employees.. And who will be the next part time assistant principal???? Someone explain that need - With budgets tight - we should use all of our teachers in regular classrooms cutting down on class size - That's exactly what needs to happen to the Peach Grant employees that come back into the schools this year. They should be in regular classrooms helping all students - we could sure use the help at JET.  Let's just see what happens when their job is up -   
Let's see what the real student/teacher ratio is in schools - how many students do each teacher have hour by hour - how much true planning time do teachers really have - It's time to answer questions Edgefield School System...
web posted June 16, 2011 

---

As a "white liberal", I was disturbed by the posting alleging bias in the media and other claims. 
 
The claim that some media are less biased is erroneous.  At no point did you mention the three major networks.  Any responsible person does not get ALL of their news from one source.  I, the "disgusting white liberal" that am, watch O'Rielly on FOX and Chris Matthews on MSNBC daily.  Likewise, I read the Edgefield Daily News and both print newspapers in the county.  I also try and read other sources before making up my mind about anything.  It's very easy to spot those fools, and they are fools, who only get thier news from any one source or who don't, or more likely. won't listen to more than one opinion.  It's easy to spot them.
 
All media are inheritly biased.  don't be a fool and trust any one source, including our Dear Editor.
 
About voting Republican after your job goes to Mexico or you lose your schoolteacher job.  It's my understanding that NAFTA, which destroyed our jobs, was a mainly Democratic legislation under Clinton; and the schoolteacher job loss was due to forced overspending by the federal government, again under Democrats.  Remember, when Gov. Sanford tried to BLOCK stimulus money spending under Obama.  Know your history before blaming anyone.
 
I'm sure there's some famous quote rolling around in my head about how a man listens to both sides before making up his mind, but you get my point.
 
As far as Wandering Minds making the county look bad, wrong !  I have relatives in an adjacent county who wish they had their own Wandering Minds.  Yep, sometimes I think our Dear Editor is frothing at the mouth, but I've written in and frothed at the mouth too.
 
IT'S CALLED A FREE PRESS.

Editor's note: Opinions expressed in the Wandering Minds or Editor's Columns are just that, opinions. I will never allow any reporters' personal opinion to be included in a news report published by Edgefield Daily.
web posted June 16, 2011 

---

RE: "The problem with the schools here is that those higher-ups always hire who they want, or are friends with, not who is qualified.  Just look at the turnover in the district since Crenshaw has arrived, teachers, district staff, etc."

Interesting.  I think if you read some of the archived posts and editorials, this was stated as going to be the affect since the teachers didn't stand up when the time was right.  The political hacks that believed they had influence did what they could to shut Kemp and Jackson out because they weren't playing nice.  Well, now you teachers can go to those hacks and ask them to stand up and take the arrows for you.  Bet you probably won't see them.   And they want to replace Hoffman with who?, when he doesn't run for re-election?  You've got to be kidding!  Playing nicey nice in politics is not they way to win or change-haven't these glad handers seen that in national politics.  That's the difference between the parties, the difference between the dreamers and doers, the difference between success and defeat.  If you ain't goin to play to win, don't play.

Sorry teachers, you got what was coming to ya.  I'd rather stand up and die fight'n, then to live in fear.  Ya'll chose to live in fear.  And the sad thing is, you never realized just how close they were.
web posted June 16, 2011 

---

In a scathing screed attacking American law enforcement, New York millionaire Howard Rich tries to paint a picture of massive Gestapo-like tactics on a nationwide scale by chronicling a few extraordinary and unfortunate events.
Read more…
The Garnet Spy
web posted June 16, 2011 

---

Concerning the recent letter sent out to Merriwether residents opposing the fire station training:
 
1. The letter arrived in an evelope with no return address at all.
 
2. The letter itself has
no date;
no return address;
no phone number;
no signature;
no name of persons sending the letter.
 
It was signed  "Sincerely, Merriwether District Concerned Citizens" with a non-personal  "merriwethercc1" email address.
 
"Sincerely"??
If--according to the letter, "important public meeting notices about this proposal," are anticipated, then
Why are the leaders' identities anonymous now??
Why send an anonymous letter??
Do the "Concerned Citizens" actually live on Murrah Rd where the fire dept is located??
What are their true objectives??
 
Signed, A Wondering Citizen.
web posted June 15, 2011

---

I came home for my lunch break today and found this on my mailbox. How far along are they on the plans for the proposed Firefighter Training Facility @ 390 Murrah Rd??  Do they really need it since there is a state of the art, 208 acre 'remote' one in Columbia only an hour away?  I can think of better ways to spend the money it's going to cost to have that facility built.

Editor's note: It is my understanding that the land was cleared when there was an offer to place a cell tower at the location. When that fell through the training facility was considered. The matter is under discussion at the county level at this time. No structures have been erected and all vehicles used in past training sessions have no gas tanks or other fluids in them when brought to the fire department to be used for training.
web posted June 15, 2011

---

re:  OBAMA'S OWN WORDS

side note:  typing in all caps makes you look crazy

Mind providing sources for any of those quotes?  Not that I don't believe you, honestly.  I just find that most Edgefield County voters are wildly misinformed.  You know, they "know" what they "heard" at the ... don't believe everything you hear.

Voting Republican after your textile job got shipped to Mexico.  Or voting Republican after you just got furloughed as a teacher, you know, "Gov'ment employees." 

Keep ranting on the Wandering Minds and making Edgefield County look like a bunch of raving loonies.  I'm sure every other surrounding County loves your message board, as it is funneling the opportunity for business in their direction. 

Again, folks, do yourself and the rest of the country a favor, and do your reading before you vote.  Or stay home.  Don't listen to "what I hear" ... learn for yourself.

I posted this back in 2008, will post it again for those of you who aren't quite that quick.

Reputable news sources:
CSPAN
The Associated Press
Reuters
The Wall Street Journal (conservative leaning)
The New York Times (liberal leaning)
The State (for SC)

News sources that are not as reputable:
Edgefield Daily
CNN/FOX News/MSNBC/Bloomberg/CNBC
The Drudge Report/The Daily Kos

News sources that are absolutely not reputable:
The Wandering Minds
Random person at the local watering hole
Your dad/mom

Editor's note: Interesting. "News sources that are absolutely not reputable" include "Your dad/mom". Yes, don't listen to mom and dad, listen to government for what is best for you. By the way, your opinionated comment, which you sent to the Wandering Minds (opinion) section should also be disregarded since you state the very place you wanted to express your opinion is "absolutely not reputable".
web posted June 15, 2011

---

Re:  “As far as the post regarding transfers and teachers being hired where the jobs weren’t even posted, if teachers are asking for a transfer…”

I agree.  Teachers should be allowed to transfer.  A happy teacher makes for a happy classroom.  I want my child in a happy classroom.  If we aren’t transferring b/c the teacher isn’t any good – then he/she should be terminated.

I think it’s funny that the “higher ups” in the ECSD claim they don’t read Edgefield Daily (Wandering Minds is even blocked from the computers in the schools).  Yet, one morning there was a post asking why the jobs weren’t posted…and by 1:00 the entire district received an email stating the jobs were now posted.  What a coincidence?  I was told that interviews were held before the jobs were even posted.  I have also heard the teachers hired are not certified for the grade and/or subject they will be teaching.

And WHY does MMS need a third assistant principal?  Don’t they have the smallest population?  This seems “fishy” to me.  And, where in the world is the school district getting this kind of money?

School Board WAKE UP!

Editor's note: Merriwether Middle School is in the most densely populated district in the county. I will agree that there is no need to have anything more than a principal and assistant principal at the school. Cuts due to lack of funding should come from the top down, not the bottom up.
web posted June 15, 2011

---

Whoever mowed the sides of the road and bridge on Bland Baptist road, Thank You.
web posted June 15, 2011

---

We need more merriment in the county. Cheese man where are you???

Editor's note: Why would you ever entice...
web posted June 15, 2011

---

THIS IS "OUR" PRESIDENT ? -- Is anyone out there awake?
I bought and read "Audacity". It was difficult to read considering his attitude toward us and everything American. Let me add a phrase he used to describe his attitude toward whites. He harbors a "COIL OF RAGE". His words not mine.

THIS IS "OUR" PRESIDENT ?

Everyone of voting age should read these two books: don't buy them, just get them from the library.

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

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

From Dreams of My Father: "There was something about her that made me wary, a little too sure of herself, maybe and white."

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

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

And FINALLY ...........BE SURE TO REMEMBER this one!! and, it is most scary:

From Audacity of Hope:

"I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
web posted June 15, 2011

---

The problem with the schools here is that those higher-ups always hire who they want, or are friends with, not who is qualified.  Just look at the turnover in the district since Crenshaw has arrived, teachers, district staff, etc.  Every year it's more leaving.  Of course, I'm sure they'll say the budget plays a role, and it does to a certain point, but mostly people are not enjoying the fact of working for such a hostile, one-sided district.  Most teachers are not appreciated, at most schools, as we see from the comments made about the environment at Douglas.  Teachers work hard for their tiny paychecks, that get cut with furlough days, and deal with buddy-system ethics from their bosses.  Teachers are expected to work miracles in the classrooms, in their responsibilities given by Principals, and yet be treated with disrespect on a daily basis, and still come to work with a smile, patience, and the initiative to do it all with no appreciation or support, no "thank you for the hard work" (until the last day of work), and yet most teachers stay, hoping it will get better, fearing to speak up so they don't lose their jobs.  It's really sad.  The kids in these schools are the ones suffering from all the discontent among the adults in the district.  How does that benefit anyone?
web posted June 14, 2011

---

I was wondering if the residents around Hagler knew the reason for their big green fence with covering that was put up awhile back.  Here's a few reasons why.  For one they dont want you to see all the illegal mexicians they have working over there, They have hundreds of welding tanks out there thats unsecured which can go through a brick wall.

They sandblast stuff outside which gets on ours cars and they whole place arounds smells because of that place.  Now on top of that you have Gas tanker trucks next door coming in and out all night.

 Its nice to know right behind your family homes thats there tankers full of gas unsupervised. Oh and they are tearing up the road and ditches coming in and out.  They should just call this place Dorn,Brightharp and kneece industrial park.
web posted June 14, 2011

---

Was wondering what the "Dave" pottery went for at the auction; I heard so much buzz about it beforehand but couldn't stay at the auction until it went.

Editor's note: The top bid was $22,000 and was rejected with a "reserve" price of $30,000.
web posted June 14, 2011

---

While party leaders call on Weiner to leave, his mentor Sen. Charles Schumer backed his decision to seek help.
 
Well of course Schumer would defend the pervert, even if he was a proven serial killer.  Why, because both are DemocRATS and they condone anything a fellow DemocRAT does. 

Q. Who elects these idiots? 

A.  Birds of a feather of course.
web posted June 14, 2011

---

Editor's post: There appears to be a rumor spreading that I have sold Edgefield Daily. There is no truth to that rumor and the enterprise remains under my full ownership and there are no plans to sell Edgefield Daily nor divest the interest in the company to outside investors.

This post is in response to at least six comments sent in over the weekend. To avoid redundancy, they are not posted and answered here.
 
To send your coments click here, or refer to our contact page for additional email addresses or contact information.
web posted June 13, 2011 

---

Earlier this year,  I had written in  disgust the absolute hippocracy of our state joining the lawsuit regarding Obamacare when in fact they require college students to carry health insurance and the poor cannot obtain medicaid so that they can attend college. My Monthly Premium with Cigna  would be$130.82 with a 5,000 dollar deductible from the carrier used by The Citadel, however I can purchase a student Personal Blue Basic Single with a $1500 deductible and Drug Card  for $106.16 monthly. However,  the one APPROVED  by the state has no drug card, and only covers 50 percent AFTER you have met the  5,000 deductible so not only does the state riddle our students with mounting student  loan debts to even attend a  a public university, if the  student becomes seriously ill, they are riddled with huge medical bills. which they would have without insurance as well; but there are indigent programs  to asssit with medical bills for those without.  I have no idea  if the state  is responsible for this horrendous contract or if the colleges select the agent. whoever or whomever is responsible needs to be fired and the contract rebid. When I contacted The Citadel about obtaining insurance through another carrier,and not utilizing their price gouging agent, I was told they would have to APPROVE my sons insurance plan and that could take several WEEKS.How long did it take to approve a plan for  our students that covers nothing? or was it attached to another law to keep a big donor happy?one has to wonder. I have  copy and pasted from the  website to once again show that our state already requires health insurance for students  and does nothing to help those that cannot afford it. Thanks SC for once again looking out for the big company and not looking for the best interest of our citizens.
 Incoming Cadets and Parents:
1. Please complete and sign the attached Medical History form, and ask your physician (MD / DO) to complete the Physical Examination form. Positive answers on these forms must be fully explained, both to determine whether you meet physical qualifications for The Citadel and to guide the Infirmary staff in providing care should you become ill or injured while a cadet. Note that height, weight, immunizations, and supplemental health insurance are required for admission.
web posted June 13, 2011

---

Kudos to Mr. McManus being selected as a senior chief petty officer.  As a navy veteran,
I can tell you it is not easy to make regular Chief Petty Officer.   Senior Chief Petty Officer is
a highly regarded rank.  His family should be very proud.
web posted June 13, 2011

---

I read about the county (considering) doing timber management on "large tracts" of land. My question is where are these large tracts? As far as I know they own a lot of buildings but not much property. Are we gonna harvest trees at the court house? I just don't see where they are going to get money from timber at county offices.

Editor's note: The county owns several locations with wooded areas including 250 acres on Simmons Road off Hyw 25 north behind the former Reynolds Memorial Home and 12.8 acres at the old chain gang camp as well as land surrounding the county maintenance shop and landfill.
web posted June 13, 2011

---

I was curious about the current zoning for the land where the Merriwether firestation on Murrah Rd is located.  How is the land zoned?  I received a letter that was against the new fire training field being constructed due to concerns about pollution, noise and increased traffic in a residential neighborhood.  I live nearby, but these concerns never entered my mind.  My frame of reference, though, comes from having an office located next to the fire training field at work.  In addition, I know several of our volunteer firemen and understand the necessity of the training.  Maybe it would be wise for the concerns of the neighbors to be addressed in a community meeting.

Editor's note: Edgefield County Council Vice-chairwoman Genia Blackwell (R-Merriwether) has received similar calls and is investigating the situation. I do not know if she is planning a town hall meeting on the matter. She is in contact with county officials and citizens at this time.

The zoning in the area of MVFD Station 3 is zoned residential, however; it does allow for fire departments and their training. In the past the training has taken place on weekends during the day and has never presented a traffic problem. Surrounding property owners who are directly affected have a right to have their concerns addressed either by a town hall meeting or by the entire Edgefield County Council.
web posted June 13, 2011

---

Re: If Jim De Mint were in the same situation...
I, for one, hold him to the same standard as other elected leaders. I wrote the original post and my point was that it doesn't matter what party someone is with or who they are, they still need to be truthful. As I said, once trust is broken it is very hard to regain it.

Anyone in elected office that lies is not only breaking our trust but also putting themselves in a dangerous situation of potential blackmail. This could be very serious. Just think of what that could lead to.

I think Sanford should have resigned and  we would have had to deal with the consequences. He lied to his family and to us. He was in charge of this state, just disappears for that time and lies about it? Could anyone trust his leadership after that? I couldn't. What I don't get is why he thought he could do those things and stay in office. Maybe he didn't care about the responsibility of the office,  but he sure didn't resign. I still say,once the trust is broken, it is very hard to regain it. He was just lucky people were afraid of the consequences if he stepped down.

Our society does not seem to be bothered by a lot of this. It is almost as though we are immune to it and just expect it. I think this is the sad state for our country. If trust is broken, there should be consequences because it affects all of us. Maybe in the long run it is good for the person who lies because maybe they learn a lesson. Now, the only lesson learned is- next time, don't get caught.
web posted June 13, 2011

---

ELECTION 2012 IS COMING
A Nation of Sheep Breeds a Government of Wolves!
  Lets Take a stand!!!
  Obama: Gone!
  Borders: Closed...
  Language: English only...
  Culture: Constitution, and the Bill of Rights!!!
  Drug Free: Make a drug screen mandatory for anyone on welfare and/or food stamps!
  NO freebies to Non-Citizens!
  We the people are coming
web posted June 13, 2011

---

You have heard them sing, now you can know the life story of the 17 year cicada phenom.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYLxxALTfAQ&feature=related

Editor's note: Thank God they only come every 13 years. I know there is a place for everything in nature, but these critters are very annoying.
web posted June 13, 2011

---

Why is the establishment vetting Sarah Palin by poking through her 24,000 emails?  Because she scares the hell out of them, of course.  They are desperately trying to find something on her. 

http://video.foxnews.com/v/987443929001/speculation-surrounds-new-palin-film/?playlist_id=86858

Editor's note: Breaking news from the emails. She wanted a tanning bed. Still waiting on the "main stream media" (MSM) to vet Obama... The MSM is obsessed with Sarah Palin, while ignoring Obama refusing to release anything. Of course, they are okay with that, he is their messiah so it's okay for him to hide information. Why not, they do the same thing.
web posted June 13, 2011

---

Mr. Editor,
This post is the best summation I have seen yet.  I am as right-wing as they come, but screwing around is screwing around.  Cheating is cheating!  Lying is lying!  For once, can you admit that maybe you are a little off on something.  My bet is No Way! 

This country has become so immune to scandals that now we are comparing them and saying one is OK and another is not. Good night! I don't care if they are Republicans or Democrats, they are elected to represent us and lead us. I don't know about you but I have a hard time trusting liars. Isn't it too bad that we have such low standards for those in elected office? No wonder people don't trust Congress or administrations. We have our financial leaders not paying taxes, sex scandals all over the place etc. etc.
This is a sign of our moral state in this country. What a shame! If these people were in other jobs, they would be fired for these actions. Should Weiner resign. Yes! Should Sanford have resigned? Yes! Should we expect honesty from our leaders? Yes! The trouble is that anyone with a little bit of power, no matter where they are in life, tend to think more highly of themselves than they should. The old ego gets in there and they get the idea that they can do whatever they want. This idea that the end justifies the means can hurt a lot of folks. Trust is important and once lost it is hard to regain.
web posted June 10, 2011

Editor's note: I'm not sure what your point is. I stated that Gov. Sanford should have resigned, however; I did take into consideration the political ramifications if he did. Lt. Gov Andre Bauer would have taken his place and that would have been a disaster. That was the point I made in that comparing the two and why they were apples and oranges. A special election would be held to replace Rep. Wiener (D-NY) who sent XXX pictures to females he still is not sure all were "of age".

If Sen. Jim DeMint were in the same situation, would you (and the national media) be so kind to him?

I know, that is a rhetorical question....
web posted June 11, 2011

---

For someone that works for (County Administrator) Mr. LeDuc it looks bad they can't spell his name!
web posted June 11, 2011

---

Criminal complaint charges Obama birth record ‘forged’
web posted June 11, 2011

---

He speaks with forked tongue.

OBAMA'S OWN WORDS

2008: "Navy Seal Team 6 is Cheney's private assassination team."

2011: "I put together Seal Team 6 to take out Bin Laden."

2008: "Bin Laden is innocent until proven guilty, and must be captured
alive and given a fair trial."

2011: "I authorized Seal Team 6 to kill Bin Laden."

2008: "Guantanamo is entirely unnecessary, and the detainees should
not be interrogated."

2011: "Vital intelligence was obtained from Guantanamo detainees that
led to our locating Bin Laden."
web posted June 11, 2011

---

I agree with the comments about Mr. Deluc.  It is a pleasure to work for him!  Keep him, he is what Edgefield County has needed for years.  He can't be replaced, there is no one like him.
web posted June 10, 2011

---

Roger LeDuc did a good job in Aiken for many years. It is not a surprise at all that he is doing a good job for Edgefield. His intention upon leaving Aiken was to retire and his efforts here are sadly finite.  What I would suggest (in light of the fact that he will no be staying on board permanently) is giving him the task of finding and grooming his successor without any "help".
web posted June 10, 2011

---

This country has become so immune to scandals that now we are comparing them and saying one is OK and another is not. Good night! I don't care if they are Republicans or Democrats, they are elected to represent us and lead us. I don't know about you but I have a hard time trusting liars. Isn't it too bad that we have such low standards for those in elected office? No wonder people don't trust Congress or administrations. We have our financial leaders not paying taxes, sex scandals all over the place etc. etc.
This is a sign of our moral state in this country. What a shame! If these people were in other jobs, they would be fired for these actions. Should Weiner resign. Yes! Should Sanford have resigned? Yes! Should we expect honesty from our leaders? Yes! The trouble is that anyone with a little bit of power, no matter where they are in life, tend to think more highly of themselves than they should. The old ego gets in there and they get the idea that they can do whatever they want. This idea that the end justifies the means can hurt a lot of folks. Trust is important and once lost it is hard to regain.
web posted June 10, 2011

---

How many of the other schools in the district actually got to vote for TAP?  Our school did not, we were told we were doing TAP, never voted.  The only one I've heard of that actually had say in was Merriwether Elementary.  The idea behind TAP may be a wonderful idea, but how it was handled, dished out to teachers, and the aggravation of TAP was extremely horrible.  Teachers already have enough to do, between teaching, playing parent most days, and being held responsible for everything, this was just the icing on the cake that pushed many teachers over the edge.  Incentive pay...that's a joke.  Maybe it's not worth the tiny incentive (or any amount), that taxes will take anyway, in comparison to the extra work, time, stress, and headaches teachers are already putting in and dealing with.  The board should poll the teachers to see how many actually got a "vote" to do TAP.
 
As far as the post regarding transfers and teachers being hired where the jobs weren't even posted, if teachers are asking for a transfer, they probably have their reasons, whether it be they have children of their own, they don't like the leadership where they are, or it's closer to home. Why isn't that respected in a career where children, family, and the future is the focus, and why can't current teachers be looked at first before hiring those that are "found" and hired by the insiders?  There's obvious preferences for new hires and how they are found and put in place.  Not fair, but looks a certain way to those like the ones who asked for transfers.
 
I know of several teachers who are excellent in the classrooms and such good influence for the schools, but TAP is finishing their time off here in Edgefield County.  It's really a shame that these leaving are not noticed or acknowledged, to the extent they should be, by the Principals or the Board after all the years they put into these schools and our children.  More would leave if the economy was better I imagine, and find places to work that respect them and their professions.
web posted June 10, 2011

---

Why Barack Obama MUST Be Defeated
web posted June 10, 2011

---

No new taxes!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U357W0KTqUE
web posted June 10, 2011

---

Re:  Sanford didn't use taxpayer money http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/24164.html

From Kenneth P. Vogel of POLITICO.  Do your homework before casting your vote folks.

Editor's note: The story does not say Sanford used taxpayer money to visit his latin lover, just that the state paid for trips to several countries. You should read a bit more closely.
web posted June 10, 2011

---

I keep getting a message at the top of the webpage:  This website wants to run the following add-on:  '2007 microsoft office Component from Microsoft corporation:  If you trust the website & the add-on & want to allow it to run click here.   When I click to see what it is it shows Windows explorer 7.
 
Should I click to allow??

Editor's note: I have received a number of emails over the last year about this subject. When we had a major failure in our computer systems almost everything went to the Windows 7 format when the computers were replaced (one still runs XP). Be assured, Edgefield Daily nor our web site is asking to install anything on your computer. The request is being made by Microsoft Internet Explorer.

If you go to your IE browser menu and "check for updates" and download them the message should go away. Those using FireFox, SeaMonkey, or third party browsers do not get the same message.

Not installing the update will not affect your ability to browse any of our content, so there is no need to install any updates to access our web site. I do suggest downloading FireFox as your default browser, as it is much more secure.
web posted June 9, 2011

---

Wake up school board!  When are you going to step up and help the teachers.  They seem to need your help.  Visit the schools. Talk to the teachers.  Get in there and see for yourselves what's going on with the district you are in charge of helping out.
web posted June 9, 2011

---

Below are just a few of the comments on County Administrator Roger DeLuc agreeing to stay for the next 6 to 9 months:






Editor's note: Administrator DeLuc has made it clear that he has no intentions of being our next permanent administrator. However, I would support offering him the job as a part time position. He can do more in a month that our past three administrators did over the past 15 years.

I would even support paying him a full time salary to work part time. That's just how good he is.
web posted June 9, 2011

---

Re:  If principals were doing their job, we wouldn't need TAP.
 
We still don't need TAP.  All it shows is that a teacher can or cannot teach a lesson using a specific set of guidelines, which, by the way, is just about impossible by this method.  It does not prove that the students are learning any more than if the lesson had been taught another way.  It causes stress.  It causes hurt feelings.  It causes people to leave their jobs.  It causes wasted time in meetings.  It causes some who still want to teach to find other places to do it.  It is subjective in many ways.  It is
time-consuming for the teachers and the principals.
 
Way to go, Mr. Turner at Merriweather, for allowing your faculty to have input and to vote on it like they were supposed to!!!  Stick to your guns!!!
web posted June 9, 2011

---

Re: Millions of decent people would like to see the nasty NY Democrap liberal Weiner resign as result of his cyber sexual 'weiner" encounters with young women.

Would all those decent people like to see David Vitter (US Senator from Lousiana) resign since he was caught paying prostitutes and professional women for services rendered in Washington and his home state of Louisiana?
web posted June 9, 2011

---

Re:  Anthony Weiner - does the name Mark Sanford ring a bell?  "I love her."

My how we are so quick to forget South Carolina Republican follies.

Editor's note: Gov. Sanford had an affair (which is inexcusable). Congressman Weiner is privy to national security issues and has voting powers over such. Gov. Sanford came clean off the bat. Weiner lied for 10 days claiming he was the target of a right wing attack, only to admit he was the liar.

Gov.Sanford never sent pornographic photos of himself to several women (who he admits he does not know if all were adults).

Yup, I see how the two are apples and watermelons.

Not defending Weiner.  Just going to ask you if you recall Gov Sanford claiming to be hiking the Appalacian Trail while no one on his staff really knew he was out of the country visiting his girlfriend.  Do you recall this?  Was this a lie?  Did Gov Sanford really come clean off the bat?

Editor's note: Yes, he did. And then he wouldn't shut up and kept giving more and more details when he should have just let it be. If it had not been that Adre Bauer was the Lt.Gov at the time I would have demanded his resignation. But there was no way we needed to end up with Bauer as Gov for the interim. Not so with Weiner. If he resigns there is a special election to fill the position. Apples and oranges.
web posted June 9, 2011

---

This is in response to the ATTEMPTED copmparison of Anthony Weiner to Mark Sanford.
 
 Sanford did not have his activities in open display. It was only when he was "missing" that he was found out. He admittted right away what was going on, and the Democrats couldn't prove that he used taxpayer's money to fund his excursion.(Unlike the wonderful John Edwards)
web posted June 9, 2011

---

Editor, you seem to be missing the point for some reason, but this is the end of this topic for now I hope. Who was making comparisons of governments? And if someone did, that comparison would not be irrelevant because they all govern some aspect of your life. All forms of government perform the same basic function:

1) establish rules, regulations and laws for our own protection and the protection of our resources

2) enforce those rules, regulations and laws

3) provide various services and aid to those in need

4) waste more tax dollars than they take in most years

I certainly do not agree with everything that governments do and am displeased about many things. Surely you have heard of the saying, “You can’t please all of the people all of the time.” With an exponential growth in population more rules, regulations and government are coming my friend because people are going to have much less elbow room and some of us just can’t seem to do the right things on a regular basis.

Who does not want someone elected or appointed that supports their views? That is the point of having a representative in government isn’t it? You do not want someone elected or appointed that you believe best represents your ideas? Does that mean you vote for who you do not want to represent your views?

Unconstitutional directives? This was about the economy and consideration of potential negative impacts of industry on residents. If you think zoning or land use regulations are unconstitutional or unnecessary it is likely that you didn’t get to impose your will on those around you through some use or abuse of your property or nobody around you has imposed their will on you through some use or abuse of their property yet.

You really want to be a true libertarian?  Go find your own planet to rule perfectly on your own. I see nothing wrong with showing some consideration for our neighbors and our resources. For those that are inconsiderate we have your “unconstitutional directives”.

Throughout my whole life I have never had a complaint about how I have used my property. Nor have I not be able to do with it what I wish. Maybe I am lucky. Maybe just considerate. I don’t remember being ruled by a dictator – just average, mostly imperfect politicians. I am not much a fan of most of the Democrats’ agenda either, locally or nationally. Do you assume because I disagree with you I am a Democrat? Are there any perfect political party’s out there?

By the way, I have owned property in Edgefield County for close to twenty years now. I am assuming from your attitude (… you come from an area…) you somehow believe you have more sense and more right than anyone else that may not have lived here as long as you?

Most people believe they know a lot of things. Did you know absolutely nothing is exactly as it was 250 years ago? What has been historically proven is that man left to his own will devour, use up, abuse, sell, rape and pillage practically every resource available to him if he is not kept in check.

Editor's note: Your rights end where mine begin. That includes land use. If you want zoning, move to an incorporated part of the county. And for the zoning loving crowd's favorite "they'll put in a pig farm" line. If I owned enough land in the middle of Merriwether (which has the most restrictive zoning in the county) I could still put in a pig farm if I wanted regardless of the zoning.

On the flip side, even if you have zoning and you do not want a zoning change to allow a use you do not approve of, it still doesn't matter. Just ask those around Hagler Systems. Although those living around the business objected to the zoning change to industrial in the middle of a "residential area" the Planning Commission and the Democrat majority of the County Council at the time out voted the two council members (Ashcrafts and Blackwell) supporting the wishes of their constituents.

Are you catching on yet? Once they have the power over the property, they will do with it as they see fit, not what you or your neighbors deem proper. With zoning you ceed your property rights to a handful of people rather than being a collection of individual property owners.

By the way, I'm not a Libertarian, I am a Constitutionalist.
web posted June 9, 2011

---

This video was released by Vance AFB the day we got Bin Laden.
  Caution: It'll restore your pride in the USA and get your blood stirring.
 (Funny how it takes the military to do that; politicians just get us depressed)

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=wbV3lf1HzQI&vq=medium#t=18
web posted June 9, 2011

---

I am looking for a church in the Edgefield, Johnston area, that will take clothes.

Editor's note: I would first suggest the Edgefield County Churches Helping Others (ECCHO) on Penn Street in Edgefield. If you want to seek out an individual church, they are listed in our Church Listings in our Featured Sections menu on the left side of the page.
web posted June 8, 2011

---

I completely disagree that this district is like every other.  As a parent of three kids in these schools, I see how teachers look rung out and more stressed.  Yes, I'm sure the money at the state level plays a part in stress, but every time I look, I hear about/see new teachers (of a certain color) are being added to the schools, when good teachers are leaving.  I'm not racist, but are there no qualified white applicants, or are the black ones the only ones willing to join this prejudice school district? I keep hearing on the daily and through word-of-mouth how those upper level people (really mostly Crenshaw and Clinkscales) get pay raises when the money for the teachers, who are really the ones doing the work, are not getting more money.  How is that fair?  When is the board going to stand up for the teachers?  Those teachers, who are leaving, retiring before they had wanted to, and who do a great job are the ones being given the hard time, with no reason to stay from the district.  I hear my kids talking about how much their teachers are not in class this year. What do they think is going to get taught when subs are the ones filling in so often?  As far as Douglas goes, the office is only black women, that I have seen.  That would not be allowed by the NAACP if they walked into an all white office, right? How can that go unnoticed?
 
As a parent, I thought when the school board elections over the last year came around, that maybe this Cooks, Bibbs, etc. etc. mess would stop and the district might pull itself out of the gutter, so that other than Crenshaw in another "photo -op" in the newspapers for the district, this schools could have some good news and stories to tell.  I really worry, since I cannot afford Wardlaw, that my children are the ones really suffering from the constant racial lines, aggravations, and hatred going on in this district. Maybe Wardlaw needs to get creative with money for parents like me who would love to get their kids out of public schools until things get better.  They would surely reap the benefits.
web posted June 8, 2011

---

Millions of decent people would like to see the nasty NY Democrap liberal Weiner resign as result of his cyber sexual 'weiner" encounters with young women. However, there will be no great outrage from the Democrap party, because if you look around,especially, right here in Edgefield County, you will see that Weiner is a lifestyle resemblance depicting how many low life Democraps live and act. Just look at all the Obama Democrap types you see in Edgefield County (as well as other American counties)who try to take over the school board, get elected to city or county council or commit most of the crimes and occupy most of the jail cells.  It's ok to run the evil white rich Republican out of town for showing photos of his chest to a young woman, but turn the other cheek and circle their political wagons in truly Charlie Rangle fashion when it happens to a nasty non-Christian. To illustrate my point of view, I ask this question..."Would you let Congressman  Weiner babysit your children, or would you let your wife, girlfriend or daughter go off on a drive with 'Weiner'  through the streets of NY"???? If you answer yes, you are a low life Obama Democrap supporter or one of Edgefield county's fine sexual offenders, or most certainly a repulsive white liberal.
web posted June 8, 2011

---

I feel that I must respond to the comments about the Edgefield County School District - To the poster that has not even been interviewed, don't despair. There are those of us that have wanted to transfer year after year and haven't even been given the courtesy of a response. We have to hear it on the street that people have been hired from out of district. Funny thing is, how did these applicants know that teaching positions were even available? And where is the money coming from to hire up to four or five teachers in some schools? There are teachers that don't have regular classrooms that could have been placed in regular classrooms to not only save money, but to also cut down on class size. That could save money, couldn't it?
We all know that the human resource department is incompetent and unprofessional - but look at the principals that are taking advantage and becoming power hungry leaders. Several are simply trying to make their school look good and go for awards - but who does all of the work to get there? The teachers..
Classroom teachers are swamped, but principals have forgotten what it's like to be a real classroom teacher. And it's really sad that teachers get no support from administration about discipline. We do it all when they bring home the big bucks - and the only reason they wanted TAP was because they saw the dollar signs going right in their bank accounts. If principals were doing their job, we wouldn't need TAP - and please explain why inexperienced mentor and master teachers are qualified to evaluate teachers - That's just a joke and it's created animosity in my school - and in others.
I expect more next year. The Board needs to find out how many teachers were given the choice to vote on TAP.
You can tell with all these posts that we are not talking about just one school. Parents must look around, ask questions, and hold the board and superintendent accountable. And really, do we need Dr. Lenderman's position? If we need to save money - look at the top. What has she done - other than delegate - and the work gets passed right on down to the teachers.... We aren't moving from good to great.  Board members need to start talking to the teachers - things are BAD in several schools.
web posted June 8, 2011

---

Re:  Anthony Weiner - does the name Mark Sanford ring a bell?  "I love her."

My how we are so quick to forget South Carolina Republican follies.

Editor's note: Gov. Sanford had an affair (which is inexcusable). Congressman Weiner is privy to national security issues and has voting powers over such. Gov. Sanford came clean off the bat. Weiner lied for 10 days claiming he was the target of a right wing attack, only to admit he was the liar.

Gov.Sanford never sent pornographic photos of himself to several women (who he admits he does not know if all were adults).

Yup, I see how the two are apples and watermelons.
web posted June 8, 2011

---

To: IRS

Enclosed is my 2011 Form 1040, together with payment. Please take note of the attached article from "USA Today" archives. In the article, you will note that the Pentagon paid $171.50 each for hammers and NASA paid $600.00 each for toilet seats.

Please find enclosed in this package four Toilet seats (value $2,400.00) and six hammers (value $1,029.00). This is in payment for my total tax due of $3,429.00. Out of a sense of patriotic duty, and to assist in the political purification of our government, I am also enclosing a 15 inch Phillips head screw driver, for which HUD duly recorded and approved a purchase value of $2200, as my contribution to fulfill the Residential Election Fund option on Form 1040.

It has been a pleasure to pay my taxes this year and I look forward to paying them again next year in accordance with officially established government values.

Sincerely,
Another Satisfied American Taxpayer

Editor's note: No link was provided with this comment.
web posted June 8, 2011

---

Let me get this straight . . . ..

We're going to be "gifted" with a health care plan we are forced to purchase and fined if we don't, Which purportedly covers at least ten million more people, without adding a single new doctor, but provides for 16,000 new IRS agents, written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that didn't read it but exempted themselves from it, and signed by a President who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, for which we'll be taxed for four years beforeany benefits take effect, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke! 'What the (heck) could possibly go wrong?'
web posted June 8, 2011

---

STATE DINNER MENU DONE ON BUDGET:
White House Honey Gastrique
Tuna Tartare with Rye Crisps
Pickled Young Carrots and Mustard Oil
Spring Pea Salad
Shaved Ham and Ginger Snaps
Petite Filet
With Maryland Crab Ravioli
Wild Ramp Puree
Apple Strudel
Golden Raisins and Topfen
 
Sounds great, except last night I had McDonalds!!
web posted June 8, 2011

---

Editor, yes your response does surprise me. You usually appear to be more on your game and pay better attention to detail. Strong, passionate, a little zealous, etc… Maybe, I don’t know.

Is your faith in our human nature so strong that you believe we can all govern ourselves independently? Why should we have building codes, law enforcement, traffic rules, etc...?  Same reason some land use laws are necessary - we must have those things to make the world idiot proof whether we like it or not.

“Only promote and elect qualified, intelligent people with experience and knowledge in their desired field or position.” That quote is quite clear. It applies to all positions in the county government actually and is a call for citizens and elected officials to use their votes and make their choices wisely and with much consideration. In the original post I just used Planning Commission members as an example of those that should have some planning experience. The council member cannot make the best decision possible about planning issues without qualified recommendations from knowledgeable planning commission members. I should not have to explain why the President of the U. S. A., for example, has a cabinet, C. E. O. has a variety of subordinate managers, etc… I have no idea what the “like minded…” statement means other than that you are saying some council members have cronies on the Planning Commission. If that is the case my recommendation of “knowledge and experience” would apply. Why can’t we have job descriptions and minimum experience or education levels for our special committees? The administrators office could be tasked to establish those.

“Business, finance, leadership, and common sense acumen doesn't matter?”. That was your quote. When did I indicate those things did not matter? Again, “Only promote and elect qualified, intelligent people with experience and knowledge in their desired field or position.” Who said that?

So no one getting paid with my tax dollars has any knowledge of this industry? Hum? The only reason to keep a secret of that kind is to deceive in some way. One of my favorite quotes comes from a song called Minutes to Memories by J. C. Mellencamp. It goes “An honest man’s pillow is his piece of mind.” I will take my honest losses any day over any deceptive gains. If I did run for office on that platform and lost, what do I really loose?

Editor's note: Obviously you have no knowledge of the Home Rule Act of 1976. That would be your first problem. Second, comparing state or federal government to local government is irrelevant.

Obviously you want to see those appointed that support your view. That is understandable, after all, the county has seen the former Democrat controlled County Council do just that against the will of those they impose their unconstitutional directives (in my opinion) upon those who do not want them.

Perhaps you come from an area that such heavy handed dictatorship was the norm. That doesn't gain much support here where people actually believe that they do know what the best use of their property is. It has worked for almost 250 years. I'm sure your way is so much better than that historically proven process.
web posted June 8, 2011

---

Editor's post: The May Wandering Minds comments have been archived and placed in the archive listing at the top of the page to make the page load faster for readers on dial-up internet connections.

And just for the disgraced and lying Democrat Rep. Anthony Weiner who should crawl back under the rock from which he came after it turns out he was lying.He now admits (after many more came forward - game over Weiner boy) to "sexting" with at "least 6 women" (who he "thinks were all over age...") with hundreds of semi or possibly pornagraphic pictures of himself being sent. Of course, he's a liberal Democrat, so he's not going to retire. Whatta guy! Of course, he was the one pushing a bill to outlaw what he was going. Kettle, Pot, Black comes to mind. Typical of the Democrats. After all, Weiner just showed his weiner. It's a "personal matter"... Do as I say do, not as I tell you to do.

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Chris Lee was forced to resign earlier this year after sending a single photo of him with his shirt off to a woman.

Republican shows bare chest... resigns. Democrat shows his privates (and who knows what else), he's elevated in the Democrat party. Below is the theme song I wrote for him. I hope you enjoy.

Oh, If I were an NY Weiner
That is what I'd truley love to be
Texting and a Sexting my beaner
To any woman who will look at me

Run the pervert out of congress!
web posted June 7, 2011 

---

If you voted for Obama in 2008 to prove you're not a racist, you'll need to vote for someone else in 2012 to prove you're not an idiot.

Editor's note:
web posted June 7, 2011

---

Does anyone know when they might start fixing the bridge on Red Oak Grove Rd.? It is still chained off.

This sure is hard on the members of Red Oak Grove Baptist Church.

We meet on Wednesday night prayer meeting and Sunday for church.

Editor's note: That is a state project and the bridge was closed by SCDOT. The last briefing I had on the situation was that the work has to be engineered and then placed out for bids before it can get underway. I do not know where that process is as of today.
web posted June 7, 2011

---

This is in response to a few posts:
 
The Edgefield County School District is like most districts at this point in time. They are looking to save a dollar rather than hire a highly qualified teacher. As a result, inexperienced teachers are being hired to warm a place in the classroom. We can call them glorified babysitters.
 
Nasty! Spandex and Rolls at a graduation? Yuck!
 
Sometimes people think they are making great leaders and are actually leading their staff into a dismal hole of helplessness. Leaders nowadays need to have something called emotional intelligence. Leaders without sensitivity are terrible managers. I have been picked a part to the point that I have no self-confidence left in my ability to do my job. Hence, the need for leaders with emotional intelligence.
web posted June 7, 2011

---

I must have missed a day somewhere. I thought today (yesterday) was June 6, 2011?

Editor's note: It was, work done after midnight placed the date to June 7 (all work done if dated for the next day). I did not catch the error before it was published. To err is human, to really screw things up you need government.
web posted June 7, 2011

---

Re: Editor's Column, "I applaud Gov. Scott and the Florida Republicans for taking the bold move to bring some sanity to the welfare system in their state. Let's hope South Carolina legislators and Gov. Nikki Haley will follow suit."

The editor applauds big government. 

And Rick Scott (the gov of FL) co-founded a drug testing company. Can't believe the editor would leave this fact out of his coverage.  http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/gov-rick-scotts-drug-testing-policy-stirs-suspicion-1350922.html

"Republicans said the law was needed because if taxpayers are screened at their place of employment, so should welfare recipients."  I am a taxpayer.  I have worked in the private sector for 25 years.  I have never been drug tested.

Editor's note: Gov. Scott in not even a share holder in the company he co-founded and has not been for quite a while.Besides, one company will not be able to handle the entire state and the contracts will go out for bid.

I do not support big government, I support a smarter government. Drug testing welfare recipients before handing them our tax dollars would shrink government and its cost. That's why the liberals are against it.
web posted June 7, 2011

---

Mr. Editor,
Personally I don’t care how industry location is done. Secrecy on the part of an elected official is not a good thing - period. One of the main problems here and throughout this country is many want to throw their hands up and say it’s just the way it’s been done or that’s just how it is. That don’t make it right.

Housing and construction employs people, keeps them on payrolls and most importantly keeps money in their pockets. It is not just about what taxes can be collected. Since you mention it though, people with money in their pockets and bank accounts can by boats, houses, cars, etc… They can also buy the goods and services needed to take care of these things. How does that not increase property tax and sales tax going to the county? Many different small independent businesses are involved in the construction and supply of construction materials. These type businesses are the backbone of a healthy economy. Regardless, North Augusta has been doing quite well for itself for many years hasn’t it? Columbia County seems to be kicking along quite well to.

Regardless of how you or I feel about government regulating land use the evidence is very clear that many cannot manage their properties themselves without spoiling their own resources, and those of their neighbors, or becoming some type of nuisance to the neighbors and community. There are legitimate reasons why those of us that do have some sense must abide by thousands of laws and regulations. It is due to those that have no sense and there are plenty of them.

As far as the “fortunate ones”, they should be the ones that have been elected (or appointed by those elected) to represent our voices, not think for us. Quote from my previous post – “Only promote and elect qualified, intelligent people with experience and knowledge in their desired field or position.”

There is no perfect system to make everyone happy. What did not work for you may have worked for many more. I don’t know all the facts in your case. There is also no single answer to our economic woes in this county and I never claimed to be an expert. Lessons are all around us however on some things that do not work. One of them is a rush to give away the keys to the county and years of tax breaks only to have the industry pull out when the tax breaks are up. I think my questions and my request for the citizens to ask questions are legitimate.

Finally I must say I am surprised a little by your response. Not surprised or offended that we disagree, but it seems either your zoning problem or my positive mention of Rainsford, who I do not know, has solicited a strong response maybe?

Editor's note: Pardon me if you felt my responce was "strong". It was just meant to be a "matter of fact" reply. Regarding your quote, "Only promote and elect qualified, intelligent people with experience and knowledge in their desired field or position.” So, all members of the county council should be trained in planning what the use of someone else's property should be used for with like-minded members of the planning commission (since those are the bodies charged with setting the guidlines)?

Business, finance, leadership, and common sense acumen doesn't matter? And, you expect these twelve people to dictate (yes dictate) what over 25,000 property owners think is the best use for their properties? You should run for local office with that platform and let me know how it works out for you.

Also, it is not the county who is holding the name of the industry secret, it is the industry. The fastest way to see the industry drop our county like a hot rock would be for someone to let out who they are and what they do. Yes, that is the way it is done, not just the "way it's always been done". 
web posted June 7, 2011

---

Government Gone Wild!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOAgT8L_BqQ
web posted June 7, 2011

---

Say what?
 http://www.personalliberty.com/feature-video/its-anthonys-weinermobile-vs-debbies-clown-car/?rmid=2011_06_04_PLA_%5bP11863970%5d&rrid=307034116
web posted June 7, 2011

---

Douglas Elementary is not the only school being ruined by a  principal - just take a look at STHS, JET, and Parker. As a parent of two children in these schools, I hope we don't lose more teachers - look at the ones that left or decided to retire this year - expect more next year - but really, these principals don't care about their teachers - as a volunteer in schools, I admire the dedication of the teachers and their positive attitudes to parents and students - even though you can tell the teachers are not just unhappy, but miserable. I had faith in the new school board and I hope by next year things will change in these schools -  But, things will not change unless something is done to promote positive change - as a community, let's hope it's not too late.
web posted June 6, 2011

---

I have just returned from graduation at STHS. The weather was great, the speakers were good, the graduates were well behaved--but the crowd needed a course in manners. The crowd milled around during the ceremony, numerous people left as soon as their family member's name was called, dress was inappropriate in many cases, and the crowd began pouring out before the recessional even started. Please, let's give our graduates and their families the respect they deserve on this special night!
web posted June 6, 2011

---

I just want to say Congratulations STHS class of 2011!!! :)
web posted June 6, 2011

---

To the woman sitting in front of me at the ST graduation.... spandex makes your fat rolls grosser! And I saw more boxers showing from baggy pants that there are in the underwear section of a Sears catalog! BUY A FRIGGIN BELT!!!!!
web posted June 6, 2011

---

RE: Edgefield County School District -

I have been wondering the same thing about the district's new hires.  I am a certified, excellent teacher.  I have applied MANY times for several positions, and never even got an interview.  How can they hire non certified, non educated people when they could hire a certified teacher with excellent references?
web posted June 6, 2011

---

I was reading in an online upstate South Carolina newspaper about yet another mauling by a pit bull or bull terrier. This time the victim was a senior, who survived but was hospitalized. Some online commenters said they carry handguns when taking evening walks if they know a potentially vicious breed of dog lives in their neighborhood. (The dog who attacked the lady had escaped its chain.) Here's an idea: Why not have a countywide online registry, like the sex-offender registry, showing the street addresses of those who keep breeds of dogs known to be potentially mean and large enough to kill or injure us or our pets? People could check in to find out where not to walk or, at least, to know when to carry protection. Forewarned is forearmed.
web posted June 6, 2011

---

The recent article concerning an “industry” of some kind has left me with some questions for all in Edgefield County. How much is peace worth to you? Edgefield County will one day become a hodgepodge of intermixed, undesirable deforested residential and industrial sprawl if someone with foresight and guts does not step forward. We do need jobs in the county. But what good are the jobs if those workers one day realize that they do not want to raise their families and build homes here? We need not look far for an example. How many wish they could reside in Richmond County? What good will a job do you at this “industry” when you realize you are miserable because of the environment and conditions you must live and raise a family? What about your kids and generations beyond ourselves? What if this “industry” located next to your home instead of someone else? And for Edgefield County government – If the workers don’t want to live here and you are bribing the “industries” by not making them pay there legitimate share of taxes, who wins? Certainly not Edgefield County. Has anyone bothered to ask what this “industry” plans to pay its employees?

There are other ways to promote growth without building a plant of some kind. For one make the county an attractive place to live. Many jobs in the United States are service/ support related. When people want to live here, build here and raise families here they will need services and support. Citizens need to step up to the plate and make themselves desirable potential workers. Those that already have jobs need to hold their employees and peers to a reasonable standard. Maintain our homes, businesses and properties. Only promote and elect qualified, intelligent people with experience and knowledge in their desired field or position. Example: Planning Commission members with experience planning. And get busy zoning to avoid the messes in some of the counties around us. Hire a professional firm if necessary. “Industry” is fine in the appropriate place. It is fair to all when we all know and expect where things can and cannot be and where they will be in the future.

Edgefield County needs more than just some industry jobs to make it a desirable place to live. Despite all the criticisms of Rainsford and regardless of his supposed motives you cannot deny that the development on Sweetwater Road is one of the brighter elements of the county. That statement stands too despite the problems at the development. The development of that area has brought in taxes, taxpayers, provided countless man-hour’s of paid work and is far from an eyesore or nuisance. Granted it is not the total solution, just an example of potential.

Finally, shame on those who think that secrecy is warranted in this matter until a final reading. Shame on those that think it is somehow legitimate to “bribe” this “industry” with what should be our tax dollars.

Editor's note: Obviously you are not educated in the way industry works in the search for a relocation project. It is always secret, just as it is for the local school board not to say where they plan to build a school.

Also, residential growth does not add a positive tax base to the county. I explained this in detail in a well researched 2006 column.

Lastly, just who are the fortunate ones who get to decide what other people's property should be used for? How are a handful of appointed folks so much smarter than the people who actually own the property? We own property in an unzoned and a zoned part of the unincorporated part of the county. The only use for our property that was zoned against our will is to build a house though it is bountiful in semi-precious gems and gold. Of course, taking those resources from the other property is now illegal because seven people thought they knew a better use of our land, to build a house. Sorry, we already have a house on our other property thus making the use of the zoned property useless to us.

The county did not pay us for the mineral rights they stole, not to mention the commercial rights, industrical rights, and all other property rights they stole by zoning the property. Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the 5th Amendment which states no one shall, "be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation."

Maybe you would like to write the check to me and those who you wish to steal property rights from to push your view of what you think this county should look like?
web posted June 6, 2011

---

Re: Douglas Elementary used to be a wonderful school but it seems that the principal there takes her job, parents, and most importantly the children as a joke.

I totally agree with you! Mrs. Clark doesn’t put her students first and is a terrible disciplinarian. She was horrible as an assistant principal and not sure why she was hired as a principal.  She is very unprofessional and doesn’t even use proper grammar.  Douglas used to be the best kept secret in Edgefield County but she has ruined that concept!  Hopefully this new school board will wake up and get her out of there!!
web posted June 6, 2011

---

So many problems are being aired regarding our schools, and not just in Merriwether.  See what's going on at DES?  Meanwhile, you have a School Board that appears to be lethargic at best.  But maybe, just maybe, it's because Crenshaw has thrown the Hail Mary to cling to power and her trivial position.  Why?  Follow the money.  It is a well known fact that grant writing businesses are a way for the likes of Crenshaw and her NAACP thug cronies to launder money.  If it was not for the money, then why fight so hard to save your job.  And the Hail Mary is-now the NAACP attends every school board meeting.  An attempt to intimidate other Board members?  An attempt to intimidate the public from showing up and speaking out?  Right out of the old playbook.  And, let's not forget, the NAACP is now cornering Board members after the meetings and reading them the riot act.

So one must ask - Why is the NAACP getting involved in our school systems to such a degree, when they care less about anything else, namely the race they say they represent?  Follow the money.  Wasn't it a stated goal of the NAACP to control the school systems?  Wasn't it the NAACP that was at the secret meeting with Cook, Bibbs, Crenshaw, Clinkscales, V. Jackson, Bright, Dorn, Nathaniel Jackson, etc. to bolster their support for N. Jackson and V. Jackson in an effort to remain the majority on the School Board? So sorry, the public spoke, voted, and they lost.  And now as a last gasp to cling to power, and purse strings, the NAACP after failing miserably to get the thug Nathaniel Jackson elected, are trying to intimidate.

Crenshaw = Grant writing company.  Grants awarded are funneled through the school and churches.  NAACP = hand out for funds from churches and schools.  NAACP money laundering = votes, or get out the vote operations, voter fraud.

If the NAACP and the Crenshaws, Bibbs', Cooks, Jacksons of the world are so inclined to do all they can to help their own people, then why, why does the black community still live in abject poverty, live in crime and drug invested housing areas, have higher drop out rates, have higher incarceration rates, have higher abortion rates, have higher murder rates, have higher unemployment rates, while Bibbs and Cook have a cushy job and drive around in the Mercedes, while Crenshaw lives in a high income residential community and makes 130K/year, Clinkscales drive a great distance for her 90k/year job, and the members of the NAACP, check out their job status.  What about it black community?  Have you had enough yet?  It's only been fifty years of promises.  How about it black community-are you any better off today than you were 50 years ago?  Better yet.  How about it black community, are you any better off today than you were 3 years ago?
web posted June 6, 2011

---

This is from Mark Knoller of CBS.

The pilots and crew of Air Force One are flying more hours than a rookie on a beer run.  They are tired of it too, and are adding more crew to Air Force-1, -  I know this for a fact because I'm one of the instructors that trains the crews. Our company (Atlas Air) has had the Air Force-1 and E-4 contract for over two years and I've been doing it for about 8 months now.

Last year (2010) Obama flew in Air Force One 172 times, almost every other day. White House officials have been telling reporters in recent days that the Democrat doesn't intend to hang around the White House quite so much in 2011.  They explain he wants to get out more around the country because, as everyone knows, that midterm election shellacking on Nov. 2 had nothing to do with his health care bill, over-spending or other policies, and everything to do with Obama's not adequately explaining himself to his countrymen and women. And with only 673 days remaining in Obama's never ending presidential campaign, the incumbent's travel pace will not likely slacken.

At an Air Force-estimated cost of $181,757 per flight HOUR (not to mention the additional travel costs of Marine One, Secret Service, logistics and local police overtime), that's a lot of frequent flier dollars going into Obama's carbon footprint. We are privy to some of these numbers thanks to CBS' Mark Knoller, a bearded national treasure trove of presidential stats.  According to Knoller's copious notes, during the last year, Obama made 65 domestic trips over 104 days, and six trips to eight countries over 22 days.  Not counting six vacation trips over 32 days. He took 196 helicopter trips, signed 203 pieces of legislation and squeezed in 29 rounds of left-handed golf.

Obama last year gave 491 speeches, remarks or statements.  That's more talking than goes on in some entire families, at least from fatherly mouths. In fact, even including the 24 days of 2010 that we never saw Obama in public, his speaking works out to about one official utterance every 11 waking hours.  Aides indicate the "Real Good Talker" believes we need more.

Related:  Obama spends nearly half his presidency outside Washington , plans to travel more Related:  Vacationer-in-Chief Spends $1.75 Million to Visit Hawaiian Chums. Obama has spent over $100 million taxpayer dollars flying around in Air Force One, and probably another $100 million on his entourage.

Obama is just another tin-pot dictator living lavishly at the expense of his subjects.

And we seniors have to "tighten our belts" because we aren't getting a COLA again this year... and none last year! THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED PUT THIS GREEDY WINDBAG IN OFFICE!! BE MORE CAREFUL NEXT TIME!!
web posted June 6, 2011

---

If it had been a fight, they would have stopped it!! Friday's showdown between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasn't close, and it wasn't pretty -- though Netanyahu didn't want to leave any obvious marks. The end result was that our president is suddenly aware that Chicago rules don't work on tough-minded leaders of countries surrounded by terrorists. The battle between the warrior and the academic was bound to turn out this way. President Obama was a community organizer once. Netanyahu was commander of the Israeli Defense Forces' elite special forces unit, Sayeret Matkal. Faculty meetings can get rough, but not as rough as the hostage rescue mission to free Sabena Flight 571.

So the president's absurd declaration about 1967 borders is off the table. In fact, the table is gone. Israel can wait out the 20 months left to Obama's presidency, or even 48 months if American voters insanely choose to experiment with epic incompetence at the top for another term. Israel isn't going back to the Auschwitz borders, and only a naive and inexperienced academic would think that Thursday's speech would do other than worsen prospects for a negotiated settlement.

Netanyahu's take-down of the president should be on the TiVo of Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Mitch Daniels, Jon Huntsman (and, yes, Rick Perry if what I have been hearing is true).
One of those men will be standing opposite the president in the debates of September and October of 2012, and Netanyahu showed exactly how to respond to the prolixities and pauses of the teleprompter-dependent president.

First, let the president talk, and talk, and talk. (And talk.) His frequent rhetorical cul-de-sacs numb the minds of listeners and set up the opportunity for sharp contrasts between the definitive and the ambiguous, the purposeful and the feckless.

Second, look right at him when responding. This so unnerved President Obama that his anger and frustration was visible. Whether he brought the sense of superiority to the White House or whether it erupted there, the president does not care for people who challenge him directly, cannot seem to believe that anyone would have the temerity to do so. This is the sign of a deep insecurity, and Netanyahu used it.

Next, speak from specifics, using facts and especially history. Netanyahu used history to spank the president on Friday. A GOP nominee armed with specific references -- not just to Obama's many blunders but also to clear evidence of the American exceptionalism that Obama has clearly rejected -- will put the wordy academic on his heels.

Finally, express core truths bluntly -- especially the harshest ones, such as the nature of Hamas. The president has been shrinking from clarity for more than two years, whether it is clarity on Iran, on the butcher Assad and the nutter Chavez, and most recently on the key Palestinian problem -- that Hamas, like Hezbollah to the north, wants Israel destroyed.

Netanyahu showed a worldwide audience that purposefulness can be as polite as it is pointed, and that Obama has a glass jaw. A clenched glass jaw, but a glass jaw nonetheless. Israel isn't going back to the 1967 borders. Hamas cannot be a partner in peace negotiations. And Israel is a friend and a valued ally, not a lap dog. The president would do well to figure out that our country prefers Netanyahu's approach to his. Even the president's own party does.
(Article by:   Examiner Columnist Hugh Hewitt is a law professor at Chapman University Law School and a nationally syndicated radio talk show host who blogs daily at HughHewitt.com)

Editor's note: That's what happens when the people elect a man-child Marxist revolutionary to the White House.
web posted June 6, 2011

---

Don't be surprised when you see on the morning news that some nut has shot and killed several people for no reason and it turns out that the killer is a Muslim. And it may happen in several cities on the same day at the same time. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpRQzTP8H1o
web posted June 6, 2011

---

Douglas Elementary used to be a wonderful school but it seems that the principal there takes her job, parents, and most importantly the children as a joke. She is too busy having all day conferences with (two staff members). Who is running the school? Is it Mrs. Clark or (a staff member), who hardly ever does her real job? Also, I find it disgusting how she treats some parents at the school! It seems to me that the parents willing to take the time to help improve Douglas are the ones shot down time and time again!!!!! Mrs. Clark may tell you that behavior is down because of "their" positive behavior system, but what she has failed to mention is that when children get written up they are just sent back to class to misbehave once again. She may reply that Douglas has won the Silver award from the State Department, but we were at the bottom of the barrel and with our improvement rating system we had nowhere to go but up! I can only give the dedicated teachers at DES all the credit. Mrs. Clark treats all or MOST of her employees like trash and it seems to me that power has finally gone to her head. She, the (other staff members) have ruined the school!!!!!! Several and I mean SEVERAL people wish they would all leave DES and let it be the wonderful school it used to be!!!!!!
web posted June 3, 2011

---

RE: We are in no way wealthy, but based on our income we are in the top 1 to 2 % of income earners in the U.S., and pay close to over 50%  or more the of income taxes in this country. When the Government takes close to 40% of your income, how much more can I give?


To get into the top 2%, AGI must be $253,197.  Top 1% is $380,354.  http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/23408.html

The median income in Edgefield County is $40,226.  http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/23408.html

So, you have income b/n $253K and $380K, and live in county where half the households make $40,226 or under.  Can we agree on this so far?   

If your taxes were raised from 35% to 39.5% on the income above $250,000 and you made $380,000, your income taxes would go up $5850 (This is $130,000 * 4.5%) .  No one is saying to raise the top rate above 39.5% for income under $1million. 

That is how your situation stacks up in the current debate over taxes.  I offer no opinion, just these facts.
web posted June 3, 2011

---

My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day. He has his food prepared for him. He can eat whenever he wants, 24/7/365. His meals are provided at no cost to him. He visits the Dr. Once a year for his checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise. For this he pays nothing, and nothing is required of him.
 
He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep. If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up. He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep. He receives these accommodations absolutely free.
 
He is living like a king, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever All of his costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day. I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head...

My dog is a Democrat
web posted June 3, 2011

---

It would be interesting to see the numbers on how many teachers are leaving this year. So sad for our children  and to see how many non teaching positions have been added the past four years.  The new board has not impressed me so far . But maybe that is because their family is reaping the rewards of the system  just sayin... the past four years
web posted June 3, 2011

---

Obama to devalue the dollar even more... Food Prices, Inflation and more Unemployment on the way!
"Investors should prepare themselves for a third round of quantitative easing, Simon Maughn, co-head of European equities at MF Global, told CNBC Wednesday.

“The bond market is going in one direction which is up-falling yields which is telling you quite clearly the direction of economic travel is downwards. Downgrades. QE3 (a third round of quantitative easing) is coming,” said Maughn. “The bond markets are all smarter than us, and that’s exactly what the bond markets are telling me.”

The man-child president and his minions are doing everything they can to destroy the US. This is proof positive. Doing the same destructive things and expecting a different outcome is evidence of a fool! Welcome to his view of "fundamentally changing America" as he promised. Change you can suffer with!

People working for a living better pay attention!

Editor's note: They and you, are correct. I wrote a column on these practices several years ago. I offer it again to bring a perspective to the situation we face.
web posted June 3, 2011

---

The Obama POLICE STATE.........Molesting white women because arab terrorists want to kill us? Your papers please, and show you (breasts)! Got a turban or hijab, no search or molestations. If you're white... strip naked or be groped. Where does the madness end?
web posted June 3, 2011

---

Goodbye Mortgage Interest Deductions
Welfare state doubles under Obama, homeowners to pay the costs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul2C8Gfj3Io
web posted June 3, 2011

---

Dear Senator DeMint,

There are reports in the press that you are considering running for the Republican nomination for President in 2012. With respect, sir, don't do it.

Read more of this post (The Garnet Spy)

Editor's note: Sen. DeMint has stated he is not running for President.
web posted June 3, 2011

---

A few of the many comments sent in on Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston withdrawing his resignation:

Great news to hear that (Police Chief) Chris (Aston) is staying on. Wonderful news!

I am glad that Chief Aston decided to continue as our police chief. He's done a remarkable job and we'd be hard pressed to find someone to fill his shoes. Thank you Chief Aston.

Did they give (Chief) Chris (Aston) a raise to keep him? That's what I heard.

Editor's note: According to Chief Aston, there were no negotiations or concessions made in his deciding to remain in the position. It was pure public support.
web posted June 2, 2011

---

Edgefield County School District -
How many administrative position have been filled recently in schools with uncertified applicants?  Were any certified applicant interviewed Ms. Clinkscales... maybe even those of us inside the district?   Is that called the Good OldBoy System? When its on the other foot you call it reverse racism..
And speaking of our competent HR - How many teaching position have been filled with folk from outside rather than those that wanted to transfer?  Did you list these positions on the website?  Were they advertised HR?  EXPLAIN - Someone needs to.
Take a look parents - lots of teachers leaving your FINE district -JUST TAKE A LOOK - Wake up Merriwether... You are being snowed by the district. Expect lawsuits ECSD - but thats happened before from those that were passed over time and time again for jobs that they were certified for, Now it's our turn - you just thought the board was on your side - just keep on thinking that.
web posted June 2, 2011

---

Re:Take a look at this. I am sick and tired of people who pay little or no taxes telling me I need to pay more taxes, because of my income. Why should I be punished for going to work everyday and earning money. We are in no way wealthy, but based on our income we are in the top 1 to 2 % of income earners in the U.S., and pay close to over 50%  or more the of income taxes in this country. When the Government takes close to 40% of your income, how much more can I give? There is a sense of entitlement that the liberals and democrats have created in this country that is sickening and shameful.If people want a say in how much taxes should be,they should become  taxpayer's and stay off the government programs!
web posted June 2, 2011

---

They say now that one of the ways Obama hopes to win in 2012 is with the Hispanic vote. They say this population is increasing in great numbers all over the country. I think we all know that. How many of these new voters are here legally? It doesn't take a genius to figure out why the push for amnesty. This will be a big issue in the next year. Does anyone really think this administration gives a hoot about controlling the border? This is a huge problem for us and a potential vote getter for Obama. We are already paying dearly for having all these folks here. Go to any western state and see the impact these people have on schools, hospitals etc. Think it might get worse? Just wait.
web posted June 2, 2011

---

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old rancher,  who's hand was caught in the gate while working cattle, the  doctor struck up a conversation with the old  man...Eventually  the topic got around to Obama and his role as our  president.

The old rancher said, 'Well, ya know, Obama is a 'Post Turtle''.. 

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him,  what  a 'post turtle' was. 

The old rancher said, 'When you're driving down  a 
country road and you come across a fence post with  a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'.

The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's  face so he continued to explain.
 
"You know he didn't  get  up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there,  he  doesn't know what to do while he's up there, he's  elevated beyond his ability to function,  and you just wonder what kind of dumb (removed) put him up there to begin with."
web posted June 2, 2011

---

The "Tea Party" movement in the 2010 off-year elections re-created the national political landscape. A decidedly leftist Congressional and White House agenda, characterized by bullied health care legislation gave rise to a populist revolt not seen since the anti-war sentiments of the 1960's.  Now what?
The Garnet Spy
web posted June 2, 2011

---

Our daughter was going to Myrtle Beach after graduation with 3 other friends until I saw this in the news. Rape, robbery, car jackings and violent crimes reported this past weekend has changed our mind. I don't care if we still have to pay for her hotel room she is not going to Myrtle Beach! Even with a chaperone it is not safe! I went when I graduated in 83 and things were a lot different then. OBVIOUSLY!

We've booked her and two friends at a hotel in Charleston and consider it money well spent! Even if we lose the other money on the other room. Money is no object to make sure our daughter is safe!
http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/14746715/myrtle-beach-police-see-busy-weekend-for-crime
web posted June 1, 2011

---

Johnston Police Chief Re-thinking Resignation | NBC Augusta 26
http://www2.wagt.com/news/2011/may/29/johnston-police-chief-re-thinking-resignation-ar-1904324/

Editor's note: Chief Aston confirmed he is staying with the Department on Tuesday.
web posted June 1, 2011

---

From an email: An old guy was working out in the gym when he spotted a sweet young thing.

He asked the trainer that was nearby, "What machine in here should I use to impress that sweet young thing over there?"

The trainer looked him up and down and said, "I’d try the ATM in the lobby".
web posted June 1, 2011

---

Take a look at this! Almost half of the people think tax rates are about right and the rich are getting all the breaks!!!!! This is why taxes should be increased to make the rich pay their fair share. The governement just gives them money to let them get richer!!

Editor's note: First off, the government does not "give" those producing wealth any money, they just allow them to keep more of what they earn. Government does not supply wealth, they confiscate it from those who produce it. Second, if you do your research, you will find that 47% do not pay any income taxes at all and any change in the current monstrous tax code would increase their taxes, despite what the tax and spend Democrats claim. By the way, though they held the majority in both houses of congress for the past four years they never passed a budget in the past two years and then complain when the Republicans actually do their job.
web posted June 1, 2011

---