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Congratulations to David Mathis for having the "intestinal fortitude" to lead the Saluda School District.  They were the only district in the state to make AYP this year.  Perhaps if our previous school board had the intestinal fortitude to hire him instead of Crenshaw the Edgefield School District wouldn't be in the mess it is in.  There are people other than Schilit involved in this scandal.  Is it in 'the best interest of the students' to allow these people to stay in their positions?  I think not.  It's time for the truth to come out.
web posted July 30, 2011

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You folks who are mad at the school board need to look at the bright side of things. First, there is no
cocaine Jackson sitting on the board, second the Jackass-son sisters are gone and third we still have
Bro Bibbs and Sister Sallie to laugh at. Don't forget that like a thief in the night, Sister Clankscales
left with no fanfare. That in itself should bring some relief to a school system that has been run amok
for many years thanks to influence from the Communist Party Branch NAACP. A giant mess must
now be cleaned up and the school board needs to accomplish this task with infinate caution so as
not to incure any lawsuits. Great care must now be taken to find a suitable replacement for the
former principal. The school board should look for an experienced older person who has no affiliations
with the NAACP, Bro Bibbs or Sister Sallie. Remember, it was Bro Bibbs who brought Sister
Clankscales to our school and look at the wonderful personnel management she implemented and
the result of such implementation. Be sure to thank Bro Bibbs next time you see him. The school board
should look for a person who does not show their naked upper body on their facebook. And finally,
the school board should hire someone who has a proven track record of moral interpertude. (Someone
needs to spell this for Bro Bibbs and tell him the defination). We took our school back from NAACP
influence and I suggest the NAACP keep their noses out of our school business. Afterall, many of
us in Edgefield view this group of fools as a traitorous Communist influenced organization.
web posted July 30, 2011

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mr.editor
 its apparent that the district is not going to reveal the reason mr schilit was transferred, if you have information you have a duty to report the news.. don't be affraid of the BOE.

Editor's note: I do not fear the ECBOE or anyone else for that matter. The School Board will meeting on August 9. If the truth is not revealed then, the details will be made public.
web posted July 30, 2011

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Thank you to the poster that suggested asking any student at Strom Thurmond what was going on. That's what I did and boy did I get an ear full.

When is Mr. Bibb's term on the school board over? Isn't he the man that ran his mouth about 'Intestinal Fortitude'? When will he show some?

Editor's note: I believe Bibbs is up for election in 2012.
web posted July 30, 2011

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Re: The Tea Party has done a good job. I am proud of them! It took a long time to get in this financial mess and it will take a long time to get out of it.  I do,however,  think they need to see the whole picture here. The 2012 election is at stake. I would not be surprised if Obama uses all of this to just raise the debt limit on his own. Then he will get his blank check. He will own it but it may destroy this country the process.

Editor, please tell this person that raising the debt limit allows the USA to pay for things in which it already spent money and is not a budget bill that lays out what we will spend the money on in the future.  For example, say you just graded the parking lot at the SS office in Columbia.  The contract went out in January, 2011 and you won the bid.  You did the work in July and sent the agency your invoice.  Now you want to get paid.  The decision to pave the parking lot was made a long time ago.  The contract is done.  The feds owe the contractor for the work that was decided to be funded in the budget process.  And the contractor may not get paid for the work he already did if the debts of the nation already incurred are not allowed to be paid. 

Raising the debt limit allows this contractor to get paid for the work he already did.  It is not a part of the process of deciding what specific items to spend money on.  That is the budget negoiations.   It is during those talks where one could say Obama is getting a blank check.   An example would be medicare part d and the Iraq war.  Those were blank checks given in the process of deciding what to spend money on.  Now we are simply deciding if are going to pay for what we bought in previous timeframes and still owe on it. 

Do you pay your debts?  I do.  It is the way my parents raised me, I suppose.

Editor's note: In case you missed the news since 2008, The Democrats nor Obama have passed a budget creating the crisis the Republicans are now forced to fix. I agree with the Tea Party Republicans. They were elected to shrink government, lower spending and taxes, and get government out of the way of bringing this economy back.
web posted July 30, 2011

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RE: "Enough already!  With the beginning of a new school year about to begin, let's trust our elected School Board to handle the situation while the rest of us continue the business of educating our young people."

That's Clintonesque. Remember him wagging his finger, making his statement (lie), and then saying, I've get to get back to work for the American people, trying desperately to deflect the issue?

Appears someone wants this issue to go away.  How can you "trust" them to handle it now, when they haven't handled it for the last few years?

Actually, we're educating our young children.  We're teaching them how to hold public officials accountable for their actions.  We're teaching them that certain behavior is not acceptable, especially when you're in a leadership position.  We're teaching them that there is a rule of law.  We're teaching them that you will be held accountable for your actions.  We're teaching them life lessons.  We're teaching them that you better be careful of who you step on on the way up, 'cause you'll never know who you'll meet on the way down.  We're teaching them morals, ethics, and values.

What are you teaching?
web posted July 30, 2011

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RE: Enough already!  With the beginning of a new school year about to begin, let's trust our elected School Board to handle the situation while the rest of us continue the business of educating our young
people.

What rock have you been living under? Trust the ECSB, they have to earn trust. The track record of the ECSB speaks for it self. Some major changes would have to happen for that to happen.
web posted July 30, 2011

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With all the talk on the debt crisis....ultimately, the following is the issue I believe will take "O'bumble" out, because nobody's really paying attention, which means O'bumbles minions can't run interference.  Read the latest on "Fast and Furious"

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/lethal_fiasco_rllfHYxZwgAHwNGmMUCaoL
web posted July 30, 2011

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So much attention is now on the principal at Strom Thurmond High School, I guess the district thinks that teachers have forgotten about TAP. That is not the case. As a new year is approaching, teachers across the district still want someone (either the Board or the Superintendent ) to stand up before the "pool" of teachers and answer the question why we were not given the RIGHT to vote for TAP in our schools. Our annual opening meeting would be a great place for SOMEONE to address this LOOMING question for the TAP schools. Teachers weren't given a vote - at the very least they deserve an HONEST explanation. Does anyone have the INTESTINAL FORTITUDE to stand up and be honest? Is that too much to ask?

Will it happen?  Probably not.  Trust and faith are gone. We will start another year with "Master" and "Mentor" teachers that have no credentials to evaluate teacher performance. I want to know what level of education and years of experience these evaluators have. How much training have they had?  I don't mean to blame them. They were caught up in this fiasco just like the rest of us idiots in the "pool". Maybe NEA needs to start looking into this joke.  Money is on the line and principals better be ready for the countless questions that are headed their way. Why are some teachers always given the lower classes? Now more than ever teachers are going to question things rather than embracing all students regardless of their ability. It's normal for teachers to do this when MONEY is on the line. And wonder just how much MONEY the administrators are going to get - And what are they doing extra????

TAP could have been done right - Just like it happened with the Merriwether Schools.  What happened at JET, STHS, Parker, JE, and Douglas? The principals at these schools hold the answers.
web posted July 29, 2011

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Enjoyed (the Editor's) column (Thursday) on the "Pressure Cooker"!!   I hope that it is Chris Hoffman that is willing to take a stand!!!!
web posted July 29, 2011

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Enough already!  With the beginning of a new school year about to begin, let's trust our elected School Board to handle the situation while the rest of us continue the business of educating our young people.

Editor's note: I would agree, except that the School Board and the Superintendent seems to have been AWOL for the past three years.
web posted July 29, 2011

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Questions for the Editor,....and some thoughts for the School Board

1.  What is holding you back from publishing what you know....as long as you state that anything to this point is "alleged".....or use the term "allegations surrounding...etc"  You're covered...right?  Mr Schilit after all is a public official. He meets that criteria because the school district releases his contract upon request. Have you been asked to hold back?

2.  Do you know if the State Board of Education has been notified?  After reading your OP-ED piece, clearly there's some "conflict of interest" regarding our Superintendent to maintain objectivity.  And what about the school board....clearly a state agency would be able to make a determination whether this "incident" meets the confidentiality requirement of a "personnel matter" OR determine that the school board is using this as a convenient excuse to cover their tracks.  What about the School Attorney, Greg Anderson, he should put out a statement justifying the rationale behind the cloak of secrecy surrounding the board's actions.

3.  Based upon what you know, do you know if the allegations surrounding Mr Schilit (and those of others you infer going beyond the Principal) does it reach the threshold warranting a criminal investigation?  If so, has any law enforcement agencies or the solicitor/Attorney General been notified...if so, why haven't they been involved?

Bottom line...the fact that Schilitl was removed is justification enough to warrant the reporting of all known facts surrounding this situation....the board's actions provide edgefield daily and other news agencies the appropriate legal cover.  For the board members, you self-serving pieces of crap, how would you feel about sending your kid to that school under these circumstances.  Have you forgotten your responsibility to us...you are our representatives.  If you feel strong enough to remove that lame excuse of a principal, then it's serious enough to inform the parents of the circumstances surrounding the removal....there is NO WAY you can justify your actions of secrecy once you removed Schilit.

Editor's Note: Answering in order asked.
1) There is nothing to prevent me from releasing the information I have confirmed. I would prefer that our elected leaders act like leaders and step up to the plate. If they don't, I will.
2) I do not know if the State has been contacted, but I would be surprised if they have not, even if on a cursory level. As to Greg Anderson; he is the School District's attorney. He cannot release anything without his clients' (BOE / SD) giving him permission to do so.
3) That is a possibility. I know the Sheriff's Office has been contacted in the matter but to date there is no active criminal investigation.
web posted July 29, 2011

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I appreciate Congressman's Duncan's comments and stands as I am a conservative and Tea Party supporter. Saying that, I do think the Tea Party is trying to win the battle but they may cause us to lose the war (the election in 2012). As it stands, there are no tax hikes in Boehner's plan. There are some (sadly long range) cuts. Obama had wanted a "clean" debt hike. He isn't getting that.

The Tea Party has done a good job. I am proud of them! It took a long time to get in this financial mess and it will take a long time to get out of it.  I do,however,  think they need to see the whole picture here. The 2012 election is at stake. I would not be surprised if Obama uses all of this to just raise the debt limit on his own. Then he will get his blank check. He will own it but it may destroy this country the process. 

In some ways the egos are showing in the Tea Party. They were elected by the wishes of the people but they seem to think they have more political power than is the reality. They have the power of the people behind them but they don't hold enough government power to get their "pure" legislation through. It is just a fact of how the government works. Remember, our founders set it up that way. They are 1/2 of a 1/3 of the power.

I hope the Tea Party people remember that they represent reasonable people out here. We elected them to change business as usual but we also elected them to govern. Remember, the Tea Party is only 1/2  of a 1/3. They are a strong voice (and one that needs to get stronger)  but at this point all they are is a voice. That won't change the actions of the Democrats.  Until they have the Senate and/or the White House, they not going to get all it wants. The power they have does not change the structure of the government. They need to govern within the parameters that they are dealing with.

The stakes are big. Our country is at stake.  Our goal needs to be to defeat Obama in 2012. Folks, if that doesn't happen this country will be totally lost. Please don't miss the forest for the trees.

If anyone else agrees, they can call Congressman Duncan's office in Washington. It is actually easy to get through to him.  His number is 202-225-5301.
web posted July 29, 2011

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RE: "It seems at least one school board member is willing to make a public stand in the very near future while the rest dive for cover under the rocks they apparently want to live under.........That seems to be the difference between a "politician" and a "public servant".

I can just about guarantee the same Board member that truly is a public servant is the same one that refused to take the monthly stipend, because they were in fact being a public servant.

I can also guarantee that it WOULD NOT BE WISE at all to try to cover this up.  Too much is out, and too much can be found out, by too many sources.  If we again have to do the school board's job-it's going to get very very nasty, and the chips will lay where they fall.

I also guarantee there is information available when, where, who, and why were contacted regarding an incident (removed).

To lay it all at Covar's feet is not entirely right, after all, he just assumed that position.  However, he has been a part of those executive sessions, so he really has known.  We know why the complaints went on for so long without action-can we say the previous and current Board members Bibbs, Viola, Mary Alice, and Cooks providing cover for Crenshaw?  You figure it out.  After all, didn't that same bunch circle the wagons around Bibbs when he was living the "suite" life and provide him cover of misappropriating funds, by approving his travel arrangements after the fact?

When it comes to light of who knew what and when, they should be relieved of their positions immediately.  They were enablers.  Enablers of a (person) and their inaction subjected our children to that scum.

And don't forget-little Matt can be flipped.  You don't think he'd turn to lessen his burn?

Oh I'm sorry.  We shouldn't talk so negatively.  Again, when you uncover corruption how are you going to paint it in a positive light?
web posted July 29, 2011

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This is where your tax dollars go folks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6ok5ykyuQ&feature=share
web posted July 29, 2011

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Editor's post: Good news Wednesday. After a visit with her doctors, we have learned that our daughter is cancer free! After getting a 96% assured diagnosis that she had Lymphoma, the doctors were wrong and she is on her way to healing. We still do not know what the root of the problems is that brought about the need to remove her spleen, however; as long as we now know it is not cancer we are grateful. To us, it is proof that prayers are answered.

web posted July 28, 2011 

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Did I read this right or was there a misprint on the GLEAM(N)S thing. "In order for applications to be processed, we will need your child’s birth certificate and proof of your family income from the previous 12 months (2010 Form 1040, W-2).
Applications will be accepted regardless of race, sex, creed, nationality, immigration status, or disability."

Since when did SC start giving taxpayer money to ILLEGALS and their kids? Holy (removed)!!!!!!!! Now we're advertising for illegals to apply for taxpayer money and we're not going to check to see if they are legal?!?!?!?!

Editor's note: It was a copy and print of the release from GLEAMNS.
web posted July 28, 2011

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I guess Fox Creek High School class of 2011 consisted of only two students, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian. These are the only two pictured on their website. What a shame that they can't show the whole class of 2011. Every student in the class of 2011 deserves to be recognized.
web posted July 28, 2011

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It seems that the Post Office is going to close 3500+ branches to save money, well I know how to save a few bucks here in Johnston. As I stated a few months ago, they started putting bar code stickers in the mail box to confirm delivery and give you some one else’s mail. Two weeks ago, I notice the mail carrier at my house for a good two or three minutes trying to scan the bar code. The reason? The bar code was rubbed off due to being put on the inside bottom of the box. The next day there was a new sticker over the old one. Wanna bet that two will be rubbed off? Hey Mr. Postmaster, ever think about putting it on the inside of the door? It would save time in deliveries and also a few bucks in new stickers.
 
Another note about money wasted in the county. I was getting gas the other day, again in Johnston, when a pickup from the water dept. pulled up to the pump, this guy gets out to fill it, does not turn off the truck, has both doors open with the air conditioner running full blast!! He’s sitting in there, flossing his teeth. Nice to have clean teeth, but one look at the inside of that truck and you would lose your lunch. It was filthy!!!! Clean your teeth at home, and once in a while, sweep out your truck and get rid of all the garbage lying on the floor, and for goodness sake turn off your truck when you get gas!!
web posted July 28, 2011

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Thanks for all you do to keep us up-dated with what is going on in our area!  You are the only source that can give us the news quickly.  I no longer subscribe to the other papers in the country.  I love your on line news!

Editor's note: Thank you for reading. Often times it is a thankless job. It is nice to know that the work we all put into bringing you the news is appreciated.
web posted July 28, 2011

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Saw this on the internet today and thought of the fine Christian conservatives in Edgefield County who will agree with this. 
Let's get this straight: I don't particularly care why they need help, if they're drug addled, if they're lazy and sick, crippled, any of it. My interest in feeding the hungry and clothing the shirtless does not exist because I think THEY'RE particularly good people. It exists because I know I am.
web posted July 28, 2011

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With all the budget issues, I get really tired of hearing about cuts to entitlements. The only entitlements they talk about fixing are Medicare and Social Security. Yes, those programs are in trouble and need fixing but we pay into those programs. We work a lot of years and put a lot of money into those programs and not by choice. I should say, those of us who work pay into those programs. That money is not just given to us. How about they also look into welfare and medicaid? I am so tired of supporting people who just sit around and feel "entitled". Why are they entitled to what I actually work for? I know there are some who need it but there are way too many who think they deserve it. Now I hear they get a cell phone (that I pay for) and 70 minutes a month of use. That may not be enough minutes for them, we all need to suffer a little, but come on!

Washington is really afraid to touch that topic. Gee, they might lose votes. Now with all the problems of illegals in this country, we not only get to pay for "entitled" Americans but we also get to pay for "entitled" illegals who can't even speak English. Good grief! No wonder we are in such a mess.

I could make better choices for investments than social security for my future. Too bad I don't have that choice with all of my earnings.  I like the idea of actually taking care of myself. I grew up with that work ethic and I wish I could just do that in all areas. I wish other people would quit thinking I owe them something and expect me to take care of them too.
web posted July 28, 2011

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President Obama is foolish enough to invoke "slavery" into the debt ceiling debate.  The link below is an insightful OP-ED piece from the Wall Street Journal.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903591104576470211147425964.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_MIDDLETopOpinion

The author catches the President in attempting to use his glorious rhetoric to equate our nation's history of "compromise" on the issue of slavery to the current debt debate.  The president had the audacity to say in the context of compromise that, "fierce and passionate debates about the issues of the day, . . . from slavery to war, from civil liberties to questions of economic justice."  As another author cited," WT...!???"

Think about it, if our schools had properly taught our youth history then our current journalists would know, what good came of compromise in the lead up to the civil war?  The Missouri Compromise?  Counting blacks has 1/5 a person?  et al.  This is a black man, OUR President attempting to equate the compromises involving the question of slavery in the US as justification to compromise on the debt ceiling.  The fact is that it wasn't until a principled individual in the name of Lincoln finally began to take a principled stance on the issue that the issue of slavery was finally resolved.  If one reads our own Congressman Duncan's position (in edgefield daily)  as well as other tea party reps, the reason why Obama will lose this fight is that he [President Obama] is using rhetoric, fear mongering, and his own political aspirations (his reelection) as his motivators for his position.  Conservative politicians and citizens are using their CORE Values as the bedrock (right v. wrong) to anchor their position, which is we can't continue to "buy" what we do not have the money, and cannot afford.  At the end of the day, Obama is just a socialist in an empty suit.

What is most scary, in the Boehner plan (which is the most aggressive plan currently on the table), the actual savings in "CUTS" would only be enough money to run the government for a week or so in real savings....this is what has Democrats upset!?  It tells me that neither side is serious.....we need far BIGGER cuts to pull us from the brink.  Regardless, unless Standard and Poors sees at least $4T in cuts, our bonds will get downgraded.....that is the number in real cuts we need to go after.
web posted July 28, 2011

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Mine and a lot of others feelings exactly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SGyVNippvA

Editor's note: Amen.
web posted July 28, 2011

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Dear Mr. President, I heard you say you will not guarantee SS checks if the debt ceiling isn't raised. Why is it the scare always has to do with SS, Medicare, & our Soldiers pay? Why not stop your pay, your staff, or Congress and the Senate to save more money for our country? Why use Seniors, Soldiers, & our Needy as examples? Take the money from those who take no risks and reap the benefits!! Instead of threatening to withhold Social Security, VA and disability payments of people who really need the money.... Lets hold the paychecks of all house & senate members, then see how fast they resolve the debt ceiling crisis !!!!!
web posted July 28, 2011

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Re Assessments:
 
I live here in this county but I also have a home for sale in Columbia, SC and just got reassess up there by Lexington County. That home went from $ 84,000 in 2010 to $ 128,000 for this year!!!!!!, and this is in a depressed neighborhood. Needless to say we have asked for a meeting to get our taxes lowered and should know if we succeed in the next few weeks. So compared with what I was raised here, I have to say, Edgefield County was a bargain. Also, no one came around to look at either home, they just drove by and took a picture, so how could  they come up with a true price if they never got out of their car and walked the property?
web posted July 27, 2011

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Re: "We're sitting out here in the dark! What did he do?! Somebody needs to fess up. Do you know mr. editor? Can you shed some light on this? You're always good at getting to the bottom of things. Wandering Minds want to know!!!"

As has already been noted by another poster, you can ask just about any student, teacher, or custodian at the school the insane number of things Mr. Schilit has brazenly done.  I know this will not be able to be printed should I say, and am not sure which of his many misdeeds finally got him removed, but there is a reason why this school lost so many, many dedicated teachers in only one year and there is a reason why the scores are where they are, and there is a reason why certain people (though no fault of their own) were hired.  Edgefield daily, we know you know, we will be grateful when you finally get enough evidence to finally tell the rest of the community who have not labored under this questionable leader for the past three years.  Had Crenshaw done the right thing and acted a year earlier a great number of excellent teachers would not have left.

Editor's note: Thats the problem, getting officials to confirm what we know if true is next to impossible.
web posted July 27, 2011

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RE: "Re: Schilit: "ye without sin, cast the first stone"

Kind of a perverse application for a defense don't ya think. Just because we're all sinners doesn't mean we are supposed to turn a blind eye and perpetuate other's sin.

If we were to follow your logic, then just because "X" is a child molester and we're sinners, we shouldn't say anything and just allow them to be around our kids. Or, just because we know "X" is an abuser and we're sinners, we should just turn a blind eye and allow them to marry our daughter, or beat the neighbor, or beat the co-worker.

When it comes to our children, we're ALL held to account. (Proverbs 22:6)

So, because we're all sinners, should we turn a blind eye and continue to allow Schilit to mentor or be a role model for our children?  (Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 6:32)

Guaranteed if it involved your daughter, your Biblical application would change - (Matthew 18:6)

Editor's note: None of the above is in evidence concerning the situation and is taken as broad examples of situations we assume used to make a point.
web posted July 27, 2011

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President Obama's economic philosophy/class warfare/re-election campaign re-cycles the old "tax the rich" mantra that has been a jewel of the liberal portfolio for decades. It's the classic "share the wealth" and wealth distribution sloganeering used by liberals/Democrats to divide the country in an attempt to make themselves appear to be benevolent, altruistic and "one of us." As Falstaff said to Prince Henry in Shakespeare's Henry IV (Part 1) "There is neither honesty, manhood or good fellowship in thee."

Read more of this post
web posted July 27, 2011

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I also live off of Red Oak Grove Road.  The bridge has been closed for almost a year and construction has yet to be started.  The detour around the bridge adds an extra 5-10 miles on to a trip in town depending on whether we go to Augusta or North Augusta.  There are several people with medical conditions that are impacted by this detour and if we should need help, it would take an emergency vehicle an extra 10-15 minutes to get to us.  Families driving children to school are also adversely affected.  We have been told many stories as to why the delay, the latest being that it is a state funded project and we can’t get help on a local level.  Will someone please give us an answer?
web posted July 26, 2011

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I predicted in advance to my wife how the County Administrator would address the rising tax increases
in progressive Edgefield county and you did not let me down.  Mr. Administrator, you obviously regurgatated some form letter found in the highly competent tax assessor's desk drawer. Your letter is like a chicken coop, makes a lot of noise and is full of crap. You said some taxes are going up and some are going down. 

WHOOOOOO....that is a brilliant statement!  And you stated that our property values cannot
go up past 15%.  You are spinning this percentage as if it were the best deal of the century.  If the
economy were in great shape,or if I and other tax payers lived in neighborhoods where we are free from
the high population of sex offenders and entitlement people, it would be sensible to raise some property
values, but not 15% in this backward county.  And your answer for us is to visit your highly competent
tax assessor to repeal our tax bill.  You obviously have not spent quality time in any meaningful dialogue with your tax assessor. 

I request all persons reading this who believe the tax assessor is highly competent to please let us know your thoughts. And you, Mr. Administrator,  have just told all tax payers that you support
 one of the most incompetent county employees to continue her charade managing this county's property values.
 
Your credibility has just gone down the toilet.  You have done nothing to explain why during one of the
 worst recessions in this country's history, why we are having  tax increases while other counties across the country are keeping their taxes at reasonable rates.  And, what is really SCAREY,
 is you trust your tax assessor's ability to determine why some taxes go up and some go down.  I bet you do not have a clue as to the property Comps your tax assessor uses.....that is.... there are no comps for  justifying property increases.  She uses a magic wand.  Thanks for the funny article, Mr. Administrator; my bird will enjoy reading it as I obviously have.

Editor's note: It took 20 years of local Democrat rule to create the problems we face. The blame lies elsewhere. The current council and administration is working diligently to correct the missteps of previous administrations. progress is being made, one step at a time.
web posted July 26, 2011

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I saw on tv the story (Edgefield Daily) had on Sunday today (Monday) about the kidnapping and all. I get a kick when a friend at work says later hey did you know whatever and I say yup....read it the other day on Edgefielddaily.com yesterday.

Editor's note: When it comes to Edgefield County news - we lead - all others follow. Thank you for reading.
web posted July 26, 2011

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Re: And you better thank your lucky stars that I do not have the time to adequately dedicate to cleaning this mess up, you surely would be on the list that is already pretty extensive.

This sounds like a threat or what you may see as a promise. It doesn't matter. You can have the last word. I'm spending the next 2 1/2 weeks finishing up my plans for the upcoming school year.
web posted July 26, 2011

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Re: Schilit: "ye without sin, cast the first stone"
web posted July 26, 2011

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Re: "Why should it be acceptable just because someone is black."
First of all, Edgefiled seems to be an extremely racist county!

It's beyond disappointing and even unnerving to know that this type of thinking still exists. I would never let my children attend a school district in a county that enages in archaic thinking and champions the mentality of the antebellum South. How sad!!

In response to the comment that was made, being Black does not absolve anyone whose Black of using correct grammar. Moreover, I'm Black and I have never, not once, because of my color,thought that my grammar would be overlooked if I made an error. If anything, I make sure that I'm more articulate around non-Blacks because of judgemental people like you. Also, for those of us who are educated, we know the difference between informal and formal writing. With that being said, in support of Dr. Crenshaw, just because a person has a doctorate, doesn't mean that he or she is an authority in using grammar; a doctorate means that you are an authority on the topic of your dissertation.
P.s. I typed this on a phone and didn't edit....Please inform me of my incorrect syntax and semantics usage. Also, most of us who had good teachers in school know that we don't  write the way we talk. Oh yeah, I forgot most teachers in Edgefield are White older women who can careless about young black boys and girls. I have seen the difference in mistreatment firsthand. I even know younger white teachers who feel the same way. Also, Edgefield tracks students, which has proven to adverse consequences. But then again, most Blacks are put on the lower track while the Whites students get advanced and accelerated course. It's obvious that segregation still exists.

Editor's note: Wow. Have you attended any school function at STH over the past say, 10 years?

The only student that is not getting an education is the student, and most likely the parent who could care less about their child's education, and is not the fault of the teachers. I've heard it with my own ears that getting good grades is "acting white". Just how ignorant is that? In the past 10 years we've had top graduates from just about every race. They made it, why didn't others if it is all about race?

If there is segregation taking place, it is coming from those who need it to continue to milk the system for more money to fight the prejudice they espouse.
web posted July 26, 2011

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RE: "We're sitting out here in the dark! What did he do?! Somebody needs to fess up. Do you know mr. editor?"

You're kidding? Right?  Ask just about any student-they surely weren't blind.  And then there were some teachers.  They weren't blind either.  Seems like the only one wearing blinders was Crenshaw.  Wonder why? Maybe little Matt's numbers were suspiciously looking too good?  And when he looks good, she looks good? She keeps her job, he keeps his. Get it.  And in the words of Mr. Rogers-Can you say At-lan-ta?

What was that parody song of Teddy Kennedy.....I'm a philanderer, I travel every place, I'm a philanderer.......Dat's too funny
web posted July 26, 2011

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If Debt Is The Enemy Then There Are Traitors Among Us

http://news.libertyextra.com/?v6C1.wkDPyPA5Sx4nwUNAg1wdGt9Gfyjv
web posted July 26, 2011

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Editor's post: Kudos to the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office in the arrest of Mike (Michael) Maxwell after the brutal attack and kidnapping that took place Saturday night on Red Hill Road. It was the work of several agencies coming together that brought the investigation to an arrest within two hours. Of course, Maxwell is innocent until proven guilty. Which shouldn't be that hard with the evidence against him. 
web posted July 25, 2011 

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Mrs. Jett will in fact do an amazing job.  She is a great leader, is not racist, rude or any of the other things said bad.  I know her well & admire her for doing the outstanding job she has done so far. ST will be in good hands with her as interim principal & if the county is smart, they will hire her as permanent principal.  She is tough with the students but fair & that is what  a high school leader should do. Also, the faculty & staff respect her & will work hard under her leadership.  Maybe not all, but MOST in this county are proud to have her as the new leader of ST. As parents & Edgefield county citizens, it is not our duty to pick the administration but better yet pray for it!
web posted July 25, 2011

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Just a reply to the sender who sent the message about Shilit not being racist. No one ever said it was against racism. I am pretty sure if you talk to any Thurmond student they all know what is going on and has been going on the whole year. I do think it is best that Mrs. Jett has been assigned the principal duties. She seems to be very friendly and down to earth,and dresses very nice for her age. I just hope that Thurmond than move on and make the overall high school experience even better for students at Thurmond.
web posted July 25, 2011

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Oh yes I did notice the grammatical errors and I too can not stand to see it.  You would think that someone with a doctorate should know how to use proper grammar.  Why should it be acceptable just because someone is black.  If they are educated black or white they should know how to write but many times teachers and administrators that are black seem to get excused because they talk just like they write.  After all our children get graded in DOL so why should it be tolerated by those teachers and administrators in our school system.
web posted July 25, 2011

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I'm curious what (Superintendent) Creshaw ment when she said, “Certain matters have been brought to my attention that requires me to review the administration at Strom Thurmond High School. During this review, I believe it to be in the best interests of the children for Mr. Schilit to be re-assigned before the school year begins”.

We're sitting out here in the dark! What did he do?! Somebody needs to fess up. Do you know mr. editor? Can you shed some light on this? You're always good at getting to the bottom of things. Wandering Minds want to know!!!

Editor's note: I am fully aware of the accusations as many were sent to the district from emails sent to Edgefield Daily (with names of those sending in the information removed) for most of his tenure. I agree, the School District needs to step up and be honest. If they won't, I will.
web posted July 25, 2011

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I just reviewed my tax notices for property I own:

Springhaven Dr   2010 Assessed Value was $149,511; 2011 Assessed Value is $166,684 which is an increase of 11.5%.

Hummingbird Ln (off Sprouse Rd)  2010 Assessed Value was $28,030; 2011 Assessed Value is $31,440 which is an increase of 12.2%.  This is for the dwelling which is a 1987 double wide.  Never knew they went up in value!!

Does the tax assessor really think that I could get this much if I tried to sell the houses? With all the houses that are not selling around where I live, I doubt it.
web posted July 25, 2011

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Previous Assessment: $214,526
New Assessment: $243,507
Increase: $28,981
% Increase: 13.5%
Subdivision: Pine Ridge
web posted July 25, 2011

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(From an email) THE RECESSION HITS EVERYBODY
If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
web posted July 25, 2011

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RE: "I concede. You win. You are much smarter than me and apparently have an advanced degree in education. My fellow "pool of idoiots" (teachers)"

I know.  But let me first thank you for seeing that you did offer to wager and I took you up on it.  And let us all understand that YOU are the one grouping ALL teachers in the pool because YOU can't stand alone.  We have some great teachers, we have some good teachers, we have some mediocre teachers and we have some that are just flat out collecting a check.  Since you are speaking on behalf of all teachers as being the whole pool, which category do you place yourself in?

And you better thank your lucky stars that I do not have the time to adequately dedicate to cleaning this mess up, you surely would be on the list that is already pretty extensive.
web posted July 25, 2011

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I heard the former Principal of STHS is a Seinfeld fan......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpwJE5DEk7U

Editor's note: So am I, it was a very funny show.
web posted July 25, 2011

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just pasted these from a government site:

With regard to AFDC the figures are:

White 38.8%
Black 39.8
Hispanic 15.7
Asian 2.4
other 3.3

To break down these numbers, we look at how many Whites are in the population as a WHOLE. If Blacks make up less 14% of the population and are almost 40% of all receipients, then they represent about 2.5 times their actual population. Since Whites are over 50% of the total US pop., they represent less than their overall piece of the pie, population-wise. Hispanics are at least 15% of the general population, so they take only about as much as what their population represents. Why am I writing this? Because I am tired of the misrepresentations on this issue. I read so many on here claiming that more Whites are on welfare than Blacks (true, in terms of raw numbers), yet not accounting for the fact that there are over 4X as many Whites in this country than Blacks! In statistics, you cannot go by mere numbers. Only if the playing field is exactly equal, which is rarely is! This thread was started, not to be racist, but to keep it real. After all, there are some legitimate reasons for Blacks to be on welfare more than Whites. But the worst thing anyone can do is be in denial
web posted July 25, 2011

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House GOP Spending Cuts: The List
You look at the list on the link below and you wonder, why are  these things in the Federal budget to begin with. The taxpayers have been getting the shaft from the beginning. The things listed are only in the budget to get some politician votes at our expense. These things are what your hard earned dollars have been spent on. Have you benefited from any of them?????  Not me. If they are cut from the budget, will you miss them?  I don't think so. TOTAL SAVINGS: $2.5 Trillion over Ten Years

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/02/09/house-gop-spending-cuts-the-list/

These are the things Obama doesn't want to cut. Wonder why?
web posted July 25, 2011

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Their worst week ever!

http://www.personalliberty.com/feature-video/their-worst-week-ever-for-now-28973/?rmid=2011_07_23_PLA_[P11734333]&rrid=307043257
web posted July 25, 2011

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Editor's post: I would like to thank all of those who sent cards, emails, letters, and most of all the prayers on behalf of our eldest daughter and her surgery on Thursday. We will not have a final diagnosis until pathology reports are finished. With a previous diagnosis of Lymphoma, family members are taking shifts sitting with her around the clock as she recovers. We are hoping she will be released early next week. At this time we ask you to pray for a full recovery and that the cancer was contained to her spleen.
web posted July 23, 2011 

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Why are they "re-assigning" (Principal Shilit) instead of firing him? (Heck) everybody knows what he's done. (removed) He's a pig!
web posted July 23, 2011

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Re: Mrs.Jett will be a really good principal! Everyone loves her!

NOT EVERYONE!!!!
She can not possibly be qualified! The woman can not even follow dress code! She is rude, insincere and does not care about the students enough.

Mr. Shilit was very helpful and seemed sincere when I spoke to him. Never saw any signs of racism or favoritism. What did he do so wrong that everyone is ranting about? I had never heard a negative word about him until this "event". Seems odd.

As a parent, I certainly do not want a principal that is rude, insincere, dresses against code and shows obvious signs of favoritism & racism.
Does anyone?
Oh wait....I forgot where I was for a moment. Much of Edgefield county does seem to like that.

Editor's note: I will bet in the next week your pedestal for Shilit will crumble. I'm sure you were treated nice by him, you're a female.
web posted July 23, 2011

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The school board has been catching it lately, being called wimps, etc., but ya gotta understand their position.  The have to work slowly and methodically to ensure they won't be sued.  After all, look at Crenshaw, she's tried to sue at the drop of a hat.  They are working, not just as fast as some would rather see.  But you can check three off the list of those that had to go.  There's quite a few more.  So, who should it be next? Let's just spin the wheel and see where it lands. We're gonna clean it up!  One by one.  So if your nose is dirty or your not up to standards, you may wanna think about floating some resume's.

Oh, and go ahead and keep tweaking the School Board - it's always good for them to know we're still out here and there is no time to relax our efforts.  Just like the Tea Party.  They are holding their reps' feet t the fire.  We really do want change.
web posted July 23, 2011

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I concede. You win. You are much smarter than me and apparently have an advanced degree in education. My fellow "pool of idoiots" (teachers) and I look forward to seeing your name on the next ballot to elect trustees for the Board of Education. Until then, we will wait for your visit to call us idiots to our faces, since you "took my bet". Have a lovely day in your world, where you apparently have all the answers.
web posted July 23, 2011

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Well I guess the "little"  (who thinks he is so big) man won't be walking around so bowed up now.  Yes I heard he and Crenshaw were so tight that any negative concerns against him would not be heard.  She must have heard something that couldn't be ignored.  She owes it to everyone in the district to let us know what the allegations were.  The next one they need to look at is Mr. Courtney.  Things he does and says seem to get ignored as well.  Why should someone that is so ignorant still be employed in our school system?
web posted July 23, 2011

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Did anyone else notice how many grammatical errors were in the Superintendent's Press Release regarding Schillit? Problems with subject/verb agreement and punctuation outside the quotes are evident all to often. I am sick of it. Why don't you get an English teacher to proof your work before embarrassing yourself and our county?
web posted July 23, 2011

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All persons who read this site who have had their tax assessment dramatically rise, should write the editor and let your feelings or thoughts be known. Our economic conditions do not give rise to such increases. It is also time to prove or disprove whether the Tax Assessor has the proper licensing to hold her position. This should be the County Administrators (CA) job since this person works for the CA. This issue should be put to rest one way or the other. The new Administrator should know that excessive taxing during a bad economy is not necessary. This is no way to ever expect any population or business growth. Edgefield County is fast becoming the county where idiots and morons make the
rules. And people question why not ever a Chicken Plucking business would relocate to this county? Many property owners I know who have had dramatic tax increases are shocked because there is no Comp that can justify such increase. Is it possible one person, our exteemed Tax Assessor, has such a financial hold over this county? And this person does not even live in Edgefield county.

Editor's note: An article by County Administrator Roger LeDuc will be published on Monday concerning the Assessments. However, I would also encourage readers to send in the increase, or decrease, in their property values so we can assess the percentages. Be sure to include the area you live (town or community) with values from last year and this year.
web posted July 23, 2011

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Someone asked me if I read the messages on Edgefielddaily.com and I told them no. They told me to go on because it was hilarious.  I don't find it hilarious, I find it pitiful and negative.  This website is designed to allow COWARDS to say whatever they want about whomever they want and remain anonymous.  Rather than complain, why not get off your whiney asses and do something to make the county or school board better.  If more people showed up to council meetings or school board meetings, your opinion would be heard and taken more seriously rather than post your comments on this stupid website.  For those of you that actually post negative comments and use an actual name, you not only hurt the person you post about, but what about their children who possibly read this stuff.  TRUST ME, karma is real and it will come back around.  So, rather than complain about things on a website that doesn't get results, go to the meetings and make your voice heard and perhaps do something to make things better around Edgefield county and beyond.  Use your smalltown mentality past Edgefield county.

Editor's note: Thank you for reading and commenting.
web posted July 23, 2011

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When will the violence stop?

(removed), 23, a resident of San Diego, was visiting her in-laws and while there went to a nearby supermarket to pick up some groceries. Later, her husband noticed her sitting in her car in the driveway with the windows rolled up and with her eyes closed, with both hands behind the back of her head. He became concerned and walked over to the car. He noticed that Linda's eyes were now open and she looked very strange. He asked her if she was okay, and Linda replied that she had been shot in the back of the head and had been holding her brains in for over an hour.

The husband called the paramedics, who broke into the car because the doors were locked and Linda refused to remove her hands from her head.

When they finally got in, they found that Linda had a wad of bread dough on the back of her head. A Pillsbury biscuit canister had exploded from the heat, making a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot, and the wad of dough hit her in the back of her head. When she reached back to find out what it was, she felt the dough and thought it was her brains. She initially passed out, but quickly recovered.

Linda is blonde, a Democrat and an Obama supporter, but that could all be a coincidence.

The defective biscuit canister was analyzed and it was determined to be Bush's fault.
web posted July 23, 2011

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I could end the deficit in five minutes. You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than three percent of GDP all sitting members of congress are ineligible for reelection.

- Warren Buffet
web posted July 23, 2011

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Yea Obama!!!!!! Blame whitey!!!!!!!!!!!
DHS Video Characterizes White Americans as Most Likely Terrorists
web posted July 23, 2011

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Fox going light on scandal coverage, study finds

Editor's note: Your sourse is MSNBC the "Lean Forward" (Bend over America) station? Please tell me you are kidding.
web posted July 23, 2011

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Editor's post: At least a dozen comments on the situation surrounding now former STH Principal Schilit have been rejected due to containing what I would consider factual information, however; it is information that has not been "officially" released or confirmed. I can confirm that the matter is far from over and will be considered by some as a black eye on the school district and a scandal by others. In my opinion, both will be right.
web posted July 21, 2011 

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Its about time Shilit gets caught..Everyone knew what was going on,especially the staff and students at Strom Thurmond. Mrs.Jett will be a really good principal! Everyone loves her!
web posted July 21, 2011

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Isn’t it amazing that it has taken all this time for Dr. Crenshaw to respond to the (alledged) inappropriate behavior that Mr. Schillit has exhibited since his arrival at STHS. Rumors have run rampart surrounding his (actions).  But yet, it has taken over two years for anything to be done. Why? How long does it take for the school board and the District Office personnel to realize that Schillit is not what we need at STHS. So now they simply move him to Adult Education where he can continue his escapades (removed).
web posted July 21, 2011

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As to the reassignment of Matthew Schilit, all I can say is it''s about time.  Hopefully when the investigation is over he will be gone from the county.  How many excellent teachers has he run off and how many student's lives has he ruined?  His bullying days are over at the high school.  I know of several dedicated teachers who are no longer serving our high school students because of this man.  When are we going to see the demise of the superintendent who has enabled his behavior for the past three years?
web posted July 21, 2011

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RE:  "I don't remember asking for a bet."

Then you better re-read your post because it was quoted verbatim: "Excuse me but I am a teacher and I am not an idiot. I bet you wouldn't say that to a teacher's face"

And,

RE: "Perhaps you misinterpreted something I said. As for being shaken down, I was not on faculty when the TAP decision was made but if I had been I would still not be an idiot. That label belongs to someone else.    hint, hint"

Obviously you were not around a couple of years ago when the "shakedown" of the teachers occurred to get money so they wouldn't have to layoff anyone - you're mixing the current TAP issue with the other shakedown.  So you're correct, that label does apply elsewhere, hint hint.

If you teach like you comprehend and write, our students are in trouble.  Boy.  Are you out there.  And yes, I didn't use spell check, but it appears you didn't use the grammar/punctuation check either.  And you're the teacher - that's funny.

P.S.  Hope your Principal wasn't Schillit - justice has just been served.
web posted July 21, 2011

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South Carolina Crooked Republicans:
http://www.thestate.com/2011/07/20/1904230/options-to-replace-ard-discussed.html#disqus_thread

If anyone needs me for comment, I'll be hiking the Appalachian Trial
web posted July 21, 2011

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Obama resorts to scaring senior citizens. He has no shame.
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/dick-morris-tv-lunch-alert-obamas-disgusting-scare-tactics/

Editor's note: Liberals and Socialists have no morals or values so they cannot fathom shame.
web posted July 21, 2011

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Editor's post: I am very thankful of the countless prayers and well wishes offered for our daughter who will be undergoing surgery on Thursday. Such an outpouring of support is deeply touching and appreciated. As stated before, Edgefield Daily will be closed to daily reports excluding breaking news and some reader comments from Friday until Monday.
web posted July 20, 2011 

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My name is (removed) I live in Edgefield county.  My dog was shot in my yard on march 22, 2011. Lilah was a 7yr old Newfoundland. She was very friendly and never hurt anyone.  The Edgefield county sheriffs department has not done much to find out who is responsible. Our neighbors dog was also shot some time in January. Another was poisoned the end of 2010. I guess until a person gets hurt my mistake this will keep happening.
web posted July 20, 2011

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In regards to the family member whose dog was shot- I do feel for the children who I'm sure miss their pet. I know I am wasting my time since you would never believe the dog was anything but a sweet, adorable pet but how could know what he is doing when you're not around. Your quote,  "I had never once witnessed anything aggressive in his nature - even in the presence of another dog."  I do believe you, you probably didn't.  Every time I saw his aggressive behavior, there were NO family members to be found because the dog was down the road, away from his home or in someone else's yard.  The dog ran free and he was at times aggressive.  I witnessed it on more than one occasion with my own two eyes. 
 
As to the other poster who says-"Show me an aggressive Labrador Retriever and I will kiss your a##!".  Normally I would agree with you.  Aggressive behavior is not normally associated with Labs.  But to think ALL labs aren't capable of it is ignorant.  Dogs have individual personalities.
 
Anyway, sad situation all the way around.  This is just another episode where if a dog had been kept in his own yard, this wouldn't have happened.

Editor's note: You are not allowed to shoot a dog unless it is damaging property or poses a threat to the life of a pet or family member.
web posted July 20, 2011

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If the county is going to tell me what they THINK my house is worth, can I force them to buy it for that? I bet not!!!!!! More (BS)! Who needs to raise taxes if they just raise the VALUE to the property taxed! Here we go again! Buy a Coke from the cooler marked at a buck and by the time you hit the check out line the price is doubled and so is the tax!!!! Presto.. your taxes just got doubled without a tax increase! We're not stupid!!!!!!!
web posted July 20, 2011

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Re: Well, first off "pool" is the operative word.  Pool meaning group, collection of.... if you are one of the teachers that allowed yourself to be shaken down, then yes, you're an idiot!  And I'll take your bet!
 
I don't remember asking for a bet. Perhaps you misinterpreted something I said. As for being shaken down, I was not on faculty when the TAP decision was made but if I had been I would still not be an idiot. That label belongs to someone else.    hint, hint
 
Regarding "collectively using our kids as pawns to garner higher salaries, blah, blah, blah", that's a joke. We have never had merit pay and no student ever garnered better benefits for me or any of my co-workers. I'm not sure where you got your information.
 
Yes, I do have the moxie (not moxey, you must not have used spell check) to stand up to you but I love my job too much to usurp the authority of my principal. If I have a problem, I can talk to my principal about it. I will not "rally the teachers, etc". because there is no teachers' union in Edgefield and rabble rousing would cost me my job.
 
I am not hiding behind Wandering Minds. I will tell you my name any time you want to know it.
 
P.S.  "pool" is defined as "a group of people who are available to work."  I don't see a limit on how many that might be. I believe all of the teachers in Edgefield are "available to work" so it appears as if all of us are included in the pool you mentioned. You might want to include some dictionary usage skills in that home schooling course.
 
P.S.S.  re: "Guess if they hadn't pissed in their Wheaties" that is what I meant by vulgar. Not exactly the type of language I would use as a teacher or parent if I were making a post and wanted to be taken seriously.

If I missed any of your comments, I'm sure you'll let me know.
web posted July 20, 2011

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I have a suggestion for the family whose dog was shot by that evil person. File charges and take
him to court where you can sue him for mental anguish, cost of your pet and any other charge
a good lawyer would suggest. Make this evil person pay for causing your family anguish. Also, Mr. editor
you should let your readership know the name and address of this person. Afer all this is information
which falls under the heading of public information. When and If, people know that their names and
addresses can be published when they have committed an evil act, maybe other evil people will think
twice before committing a crime.  Justice can be accomplished through unique forms and this is a legal suggestion.
Don't expect justice to be handed out by our local authorities. Hopefully, there is an animal loving lawyer who will help this family out and not charge too much.
web posted July 20, 2011

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Yes, it is reassessment tax time and many of us are getting over taxed. Let me first AX a question.
How qualified is the county tax assessor to hold her position? I have information from a good
source who says she can not pass the necessary licensing for her position. Mr. Campbell, this is
something you need to look into. And, Mr. Golden Boy County Administrator, time to start earning
your money. There are a lot of mad people in your county who are fed up with your incompetent tax assessor, and you need to check out her credentials, before this becomes a legal matter by some of us mad citizens. Would it not be terrible for the county if it were determined the chief tax assessor is not qualified to hold that position. Just imagine the law suits? Better resolve this matter before it becomes more embarassing than it already is. Ax-plain dis to me...Mr. County Administrator....how is dat our taxes sky rocket during one of the worst economic times in the past 60 years? Why is it Mr. Administrator, dat you allow an unneeded tax burden be placed on us? I doubt you have an answer or even know the answer. After all you stepped into a job formerly held by an idiot and that can make anyone look good for a few months. Time to show if you can lead, manage and provide economic progress for this county.
The answer keeps going back to the possibility you have a tax assessor who is not qualifed for
her position and thus she has no inclination or understanding that during harsh economic times, YOU
DON'T raise taxes. Doesn't this sort of describe an Obama administration? This is no laughing matter
and I again suggest Dean Campbell look into the qualifications of our tax assessor and why during
a recession/depression, taxes are going up instead of down or are stable.

Editor's note: County Administrator Roger LeDuc can only act on information he has presented to him. He has been on the job for a few months and is doing a fantastic job. Obviously this situation proceeds him and a majority of the county council members. Citizens have the right to appeal their assessments and, if they feel they are wrong I would suggest they do so. That is the proper process.

I will tell you that anonymous comments in the Wandering Minds will not further any action unless you file a challenge and/or complaint with the County Administrator. You can "vent" here, but action will take you taking a stand openly against the county.
web posted July 20, 2011

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In regards to the shooting of a family pet in Currytowne Station, and in response to a previous post about the pet having an aggressive streak:

When are dog owners going to take responsibility for their pets? If your Dog is running loose and it gets hurt or killed it is the OWNERS fault. How the animal is injured or killed is not important. Blaming someone else is just looking for an excuse for to shift the responsibility. The owners are responsible for keeping the animal contained and safe.
For some reason people thinks it is acceptable for dogs to roam. If you don't want to be a responsible pet owner DON"T have a pet.

Editor's note: As stated above, regardless if the dog is wandering around supervised or not, that does not give a person the right to shoot the animal if it is not a direct threat to personal property or the life of another pet or person. If a dog walks in your yard and is not doing anything, chances are you will be charged for killing the animal, and rightfully so.
web posted July 20, 2011

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I was wondering if you had any updates on the law suit against the sheriff office and all also the case against Wallace percival?

Editor's note: There have been no new updates on lawsuit. There is also nothing new to report on the Percival case, which is not expected to see trial for years.
web posted July 20, 2011

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Editor's post: Steve Wynn, CEO of Wynn Resorts, trashed President Obama on a company conference call Monday. Linked are the most damning portions of the call: Audio is also available on Real Clear Politics. Worth a read or listen. 
web posted July 19, 2011 

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I read the letter (to the Editor) from Karen Brady (Monday) and thought somebody was reading my mind. We got our form and our home (value) went UP over $30K this year. We have two houses within a mile that have been repossessed and even the banks can't sell them under market  and our house went up (in value)? 
web posted July 19, 2011

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Re: Letter 2 editor
This is my advice to Mrs. Brady. Don't waste your time. Unless you have a lot of money and a lot of free time to take the tax assessor and appeals board to court your are (removed). Been there and done that and now I'm just too old to do it anymore. I do agree on one thing…. getting out of Edgefield County. We gave our property to our son and we are moving to McCormick. Good riddance Edgefield County!!
web posted July 19, 2011

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In regards to the shooting of a family pet in Currytowne Station, and in response to a previous post about the pet having an aggressive streak:

I am a part of the family whose dog was shot and killed. I witnessed the crying and hurt of the family and three young children who absolutely adored their dog. The dog always wore a collar and was clearly a family pet. As far as him being aggressive, I do not see where you make that conclusion. I had never once witnessed anything aggressive in his nature - even in the presence of another dog. He was always loving with those children and they were crazy about him. All witness accounts say that the dog was just sniffing around the edge of the pond, minding his own business, bringing no threat or harm to anyone - when he was shot in cold blood and left to suffer.

I wish I could take those three babies over there so that man can look into their eyes and explain to them why he shot their dog. He sure has some explaining to do, there is no right in doing what he did.
web posted July 19, 2011

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I forgot that Norman Dork was a teacher. I asked my son ,(he’s 43) how was he, and my kid just slapped me across the face!!! I guess that says it all.
web posted July 19, 2011

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RE: As a resident of Currytowne, I can tell you from my own personal experience, this dog had an aggressive streak.
 
Show me an aggressive Labrador Retriever and I will kiss your a##!
web posted July 19, 2011

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Re:  Excuse me but I am a teacher and I am not an idiot.

I agree that a broad brush taints the whole profession. I would be interested in your inside opinion on how many teachers are truly excellent, how many are competent, mediocre, ineffective or incompetent.

While this would not be scientific, there should be ample empirical data derived from students handed off to you from other teachers and/or banter in the teachers lounge.
web posted July 19, 2011

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RE: "Excuse me but I am a teacher and I am not an idiot. I bet you wouldn't say that to a teacher's face"

Well, first off "pool" is the operative word.  Pool meaning group, collection of.... if you are one of the teachers that allowed yourself to be shaken down, then yes, you're an idiot!  And I'll take your bet!
 
Why are teachers "always" blamed.  Well, for years they have collectively used our kids as a pawn to garner higher salaries, better benefits, and keep their jobs, all the while our schools are in shambles.  Why? Because, although you may have the moxey to stand up to me, have you ever stood up to your administrators or your Superintendents (meaning all, not just this one) when something has been terribly rammed down your throats, or significantly impacted your ability to teach?  So now that we have a failed policy being rammed down your throats, TAP, will you collectively rally the teachers and get it thrown out?  Or will you "hide" behind your Wandering Minds comments?

P.S.  Since reading comprehension is imperative, I asked my 11 year old son to read the post and asked him how he took it-he said the post wasn't talking about all teachers.  I asked him to explain.  He said, think of a swimming pool, you can only fit so many people in it, not everybody.  Guaranteed he's not a total product of the school system-a lot of home schooling as well.

Vulgar??????????
web posted July 19, 2011

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To think that teachers in Edgefield are referred to as a "pool of idiots" is just beyond belief.... I don't blame each and every teacher for wanting to seek employment outside of Edgefield County with comments like this. My children are in Edgefield schools and I have seen teachers take their own money to make sure children get to go on field trips, etc. We are lucky to have the quality of teachers that we have. But, how much more abuse are these teachers going to take? I ask the school board - who is supporting our teachers?
web posted July 19, 2011

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The Washington Post babbled again today about Obama inheriting a huge deficit from Bush. Amazingly enough, a lot of people swallow this nonsense. So once more, a short civics lesson. 

Budgets do not come from the White House. They come from Congress and the party that controlled Congress since January 2007 is the Democratic Party.

Furthermore, the Democrats controlled the budget process for FY 2008 and FY 2009 as well as FY 2010 and FY 2011.

In that first year, they had to contend with George Bush, which caused them to compromise on spending, when Bush somewhat belatedly got tough on spending increases.

For FY 2009 though, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid bypassed George Bush entirely, passing continuing resolutions to keep government running until Barack Obama could take office. At that time, they passed a massive omnibus spending bill to complete the FY 2009 budgets.

And where was Barack Obama during this time? He was a member of that very Congress that passed all of these massive spending bills, and he signed the omnibus bill as President to complete FY 2009. Let's remember what the deficits looked like during that period:

If the Democrats inherited any deficit, it was the FY 2007 deficit, the last of the Republican budgets. That deficit was the lowest in five years, and the fourth straight decline in deficit spending. After that, Democrats in Congress took control of spending, and that includes Barack Obama, who voted for the budgets.

If Obama inherited anything, he inherited it from himself.

In a nutshell, what Obama is saying is I inherited a deficit that I voted for and then I voted to expand that deficit four-fold since January 20th.
web posted July 19, 2011

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RE: Not only do we have a bunch of thugs and wimps running the district and board, but we have a pool of idiots for teachers.
 
Excuse me but I am a teacher and I am not an idiot. I bet you wouldn't say that to a teacher's face. Why don't you run for the board of education if you have all the answers. It's easy to whine and moan on Wandering Minds. Put your money where your vulgar mouth is. I'm tired of teachers being blamed for the conditon of our local school system.

Editor's note: I agree with you. It is not the majority of teachers (keeping in mind that Norman Dorn is a retired "teacher") that the problems arise. The "stuff" rolls downhill, so to speak.
web posted July 18, 2011

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I would like to also thank those responsible for repairing the speed bumps along highway 25.  I travel these roads twice almost daily and what a blessing it is not to have your vehicle shake over these obstacles.  Thank you so very much !
web posted July 18, 2011

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Regarding the recent dog shooting in Currytowne Station.  We don't have all the facts in this case and probably never will.  On the surface, it seems as though a dog was just minding his own business ( in someone else's yard BTW) and was shot by an uncaring and heartless individual.  But, something may have happened previously we are unaware of, among other things.  I do believe if the person decided to shoot the dog, he should have killed it and not let it suffer.  As a resident of Currytowne, I can tell you from my own personal experience, this dog had an aggressive streak.  I'm not even sure the owners were aware of it.  Let's just wait and see.  I don't like to see pets die unnecessarily either, but we just don't have all the facts.
web posted July 18, 2011

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Can somebody explain to me how our house can INCREASE in value during a DEPRESSION? Of my 6 neighbors, 2 are being foreclosed on. And my property values go up!?! HUH? Another house has been empty for over a year. It's crazy! HELLO!!!!!!!!!! 
web posted July 18, 2011

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When nothing else works, they always play the race card. Of course no DemocRAT was ever disrespectful to Pres. Bush were they? Well, of course not. This woman, who I won't call a female canine because I don't want to insult man's best friend, is the worst hypocrite of the lot.
 
http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/07/16/rep-jackson-lee-suggests-race-delaying-debt-solution
web posted July 18, 2011

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Goodbye al Qaeda's Rose...
web posted July 18, 2011

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Obama Doesn't Know the First Thing About Economics
web posted July 18, 2011

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This is for the sorry (.... Leroy Robertson....) and what he did to Miss Knight at the PK. 40 yrs ain't enuf. They should hang you in front of the resturaunt and let the buzzards eat you! You are scum of the earth.I hate that I have to pay taxes to keep your sorry (deleted) alive until you die. You make me sick!
web posted July 16, 2011

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First, I would like to thank the individual responsible for approving the work removing “speed bumps” on US 25 and the guys who performed the work. It gives you a sense of relief to see that our tax dollars are being used for something other than pocket liners, entitlements and special interest.

Secondly, having had many issues with nuisance pets I hope to hear all of the facts surrounding the dog shooting. It is a shame that so many animals must ultimately suffer because of what are really human problems such as ignorance, irresponsibility and cruelty. I will be interested in finding out was this guy was just a jerk or had he tried to protect his rights and received no assistance from law enforcement or our magistrate. I have long warned that the reluctance to deal with nuisance pets and the belief that somehow pets have more rights to trespass or disturb than a human does will cause more and more conflict. If the issue is not dealt with we can expect human fatalities over such issues one day. Many see pet ownership as another “entitlement” and fail to recognize the responsibility associated with it. Regardless it’s a shame for a involved including the animal.

By the way before anyone gets the “red arse” over my comments, I am a responsible pet owner.
web posted July 16, 2011

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I don't like people who kill or abuse their pets. I consider them the absolute scum of the earth. Probably Obama voters or some such scum.
There are many people who feel the same emotion as concerning  the lowlife scumbag who shot the black lab. (removed)
web posted July 16, 2011

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RE: "...Now, you can't figure out how she ran the TAP program through without all of our teachers being asked to vote."

Yup, the dumb masses didn't learn from the shakedown of the workforce to give up a portion of their pay to "save" teachers' jobs.  Do you believe that.  They whine about pay all the time, and then they let some thug come in and shake them down for money.  And now they're surprised about how the TAP program was rammed through?  Get real.  Not only do we have a bunch of thugs and wimps running the district and board, but we have a pool of idiots for teachers.  Are we in trouble.

Guess if they hadn't pissed in their Wheaties and listened to the so-called power brokers to handle the school board and district with kid gloves, they'd have the same people that fought for them to get the shakedown reversed, get the TAP crap reversed.

When will you ever learn-those thug politicians that have run this country into the ground never give up and definitely don't play with kid gloves.  When you go after the enemy-you have to kill the whole snake, not just the head!
web posted July 16, 2011

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Good Article to Stoke The Fires of All Gamecocks
web posted July 16, 2011

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Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale.."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (sic. Illinois )

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a house of ill repute or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!"

I say dig him up and clone him!!
web posted July 16, 2011

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Really, Midway Police shutting down some kids lemonade stand.  They should be ashamed, that is about ridiculous.
web posted July 16, 2011

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Telling it like it really is.
http://wlsam.com/article.asp?id=2227494&SPID=37725
web posted July 16, 2011

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RE: " I have to say, if it weren't so sad, it would be funny.  All of sudden it's come to light what myself, along with others tried to tell the public more than two years ago.  Your Superintendent of Education simply isn't qualified............Furthermore, your own school board renewed her contract, no questions asked."

Well, looks like the Board provided you with some great legal cover.  Obviously, if the school board continued her employment, then you did not defame her as she alleges.  There's no loss and therefore no injury, so the law suit is exactly what it was meant to be all along - a method of intimidation to keep her job.  Looks like it worked!  Needless to say, it appears you guys are off the hook.  And now you should counter-sue.  Lawsuits are not to be used to quell public dissent or deny citizens of their 1st Amendment Right.

Like this country, this county will also feel the affect of these failed policies for years to come.  Give the reigns to the incompetent and this is what you get.  Remember Jimmy Carter?  How long did it take for us to turn it around? Oh wait, since we disagreed with Jimmy Carter's failed policies, where we racists then too? Never heard of a same race racist.  Oh wait a minute, yes I have.  They have accused Herman Cain of being a racist because he doesn't subscribe to the Messiah's policies.

To reiterate, "I have to say, if it weren't so sad, it would be funny."
web posted July 15, 2011

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I saw the notice of the meeting with the people in Rodney Ashcroff's district at Merriweather school. Perhaps the Council Chairman does not know that this is the Westside District and the Merriweather Schools are not located in Westside District, or maybe the Northside influence is starting to rub off on him?

Editor's note: The location was chosen by County Councilman Ashcraft, not Chairman Campbell. Vice-chairwoman Genia Blackwell (R-Merriwether) will also be attending and a notice of a possible quorum of the county county will be released in the days coming. No votes will be taken at the town hall type meeting. Vice-chairwoman Blackwell will be holding a Town Hall meeting in early August for Merriwether residents to discuss pressing issues of the community.That date will be released later and will include officials from Edgefield County and the City of North Augusta.
web posted July 15, 2011

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I heard Tommy Burton was found guilty of being a major (removed) hole.It's about time!

Editor's note: Burton was found guilty of assault and disorderly conduct on Thursday.
web posted July 15, 2011

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I have not seen any news on this story - can you tell me anything about it?

I was told that a Lab, (dog) was shot and killed by a neighbor in Currytown subdivision yesterday. The man lives on Roper Court. 

That the police went to the house but the man would not come to the door. I would like know some news on the story.
Thank you.

Editor's note: Although following the call when it went out, we could not publish a report until the official incident report was released. That report can be found here.
web posted July 15, 2011

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Our school district is (s)crewed beyond repair. Even with (the new majority) nothing is going to change. Everybody thinks they are so important and they all has to be politically correct. (removed) that! It's time for wholesale house cleaning. Do your (removed) job and clean up this mess!
web posted July 15, 2011

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I read the (Edgefield) Advertiser today and saw they didn't mention that (Edgefield Daily) was sponsoring the movie Star Wars.

Editor's note: What do you expect from the bottom tier media outlet against the top tier media in the county? Edgefield Advertiser Publisher Suzanne Derrick is a joke and, in my opinion, is running the once great Edgefield Advertiser into the ground. They are the only local media outlet to openly publish a made up story of accusations against Edgefield Daily proven to be false.

Once you do that, you have no credibility in anything your report, even from credible reporters employed by the so-called newspaper.
web posted July 15, 2011

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Fathom the hypocrisy of a Government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured but not everyone must prove they are a citizen.

Editor's note: Amen, welcome to liberalism under Obama.
web posted July 14, 2011

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I have to say, if it weren't so sad, it would be funny.  All of sudden it's come to light what myself, along with others tried to tell the public more than two years ago.  Your Superintendent of Education simply isn't qualified to hold the position. This isn't a personal attack on the women, simply an observation. Not everyone is cut out to lead and a piece of paper on the wall has NEVER been the determining factor as to what type of leader a person is. We tried to tell you that if steps weren't taken, she would have a severely negative effect on our public educational system.  Now, you can't figure out how she ran the TAP program through without all of our teachers being asked to vote.  Now we have 4th graders going to summer school for Math and Science, who will be skipping the 5th grade and heading to 6th grade.  That's right folks, skipping an entire grade because they went to summer school!  Two years ago nobody wanted to be a part of the solution.  Two years ago nobody wanted to "rock the boat" or fight for our children.  Well guess what, now you're getting exactly what you deserve....... teachers included.  Oh and according to some, I along with my cohorts got what we deserved.  Sued by our Superintendent.  We stuck our necks out for not only our children but for yours as well and now we find ourselves about to go to court over it.  Furthermore, your own school board renewed her contract, no questions asked.  You wanted it, you got it.  Anyone with the financial means to pull their children out of this mess and send them to Wardlaw who doesn't, is a damned fool.  ONLY YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE THIS CHANGE.  Your school board members are weak and fearful that they'll be the next to be sued by your Superintendent, while your community leaders continue along with business as usual.  Wake Up Edgefield! 


If it weren't so sad, it would be funny........
web posted July 14, 2011

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Kudos to our HP, they gave a family member a ticket for  to fast for conditions on a deer strike accident. they informed us if a tree were in the road you wouldn't go around it would you you would go through it!. so why would I drive intentionally into a tree? yes, i have this statement on video from his dashboard camera.they charged us  155.00 for the ticket. they admit  have no idea the rate of speed.then they listed the speed on the ticket as the posted speed limit, and the weather was clear. you can't write this ticket unless the party is traveling a minimum if 10 mph OVER. If  they cant verify his rate of speed how is possible to issue this ticket.? What if I told you this was a young adult male driving a sports car with Citadel tags and decals on it, would you think differently? would you find him guilty because of his car and school ? this is exactly what happened to the tune of 155.00. the troopers are heard discussing if he can "handle this car"  the reason for writing the ticket was shear  spitefulness, you can hear it when the troopers are discussing what they can charge him with,ironically it wasn't until the supervisor arrived on scene  and informed the other trooper  to write a ticket for the accident and how much to charge for the ticket. state law also reads you cannot charge greater than 25.00 for 10mph over.  are they allowed to pick a random amount for traffic tickets? yes we have requested a jury trial and will be wasting tax payer money  for a day.  all because of pettiness and spitefulness on the part of a a state employee.  how many people have paid this ticket because they did not know the law, how many others have been falsley charged? this  could be viewed as collusion between the troopers involved. One tends to believe this type of profiling  may be rampant in the HP since he was so adamant about the charges, or it could  be a rouge patrolman showing his power over others.One must ask, is this the reputation our state wants for their Highway Patrol ?  who would investigagte their behavior?

Editor's note: No recordings mentioned were provided with this comment.
web posted July 14, 2011

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Ok Obama said the he cannot guarantee that social security checks will go out.  So how bout this instead of denying people who I'm sure worked there whole life for that check how about not paying people there welfare checks and taking that money and paying the deserving Americans their ss checks.

Editor's note: Obama and the Democrats are lying. There is enough money to pay the bills. As James Pethokoukis showed in a report on Wednesday, it is the "other spending" by the Feds, not Social Security, debt (which as the chart shows has grown under Obama), and required spending is paid for through revenues expected.

The Republicans, and more so the TEA Party Caucus, aren't falling for the lies and the "Lame-stream" media knows it, but won't report it since they too are left wingers themselves. This was a rare report for Reuters.

I've always wondered when there was a "government shutdown" (which is actually a "slow down") "non-essential personnel" are furloughed and the government continues to operate uninterrupted.

So, why do we have so many "non-essential personnel" in the first place? If they're not needed, why don't we get rid of them?
web posted July 14, 2011

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I found this quote on the TAP website:  Jim Rex, Former South Carolina Superintentent of Education
"Through these efforts [implementing TAP], we'll reach the tipping point of moving from a pilot project to a full-blown statewide model of reform. A performance-based compensation system, using value-added measures that are reliable and transparent, will ultimately affect achievement for all students. This will be a reform effort that involves teachers every step of the way, starting with their voting to implement the reform and continuing with teachers being the main decision-makers about their individual developmental needs and unique needs within their classroom. It will be a reflection of the power teachers hold over their professional growth as well as their compensation."
 
The website is www.tapsystem.org  Interesting that our former state Supt. (who was still in office at the beginning of last school year) stated that teachers should vote to implement the program.  As a teacher, I think that the district administration (in many districts, not just Edgefield) is too quick to jump on every bandwagon that comes by.  Give us the students, give us the standards and let us teach.  The money that is being spent to implement the latest 'new and innovative' program every 3-5 years could be used to purchase classroom materials or hire more teachers to reduce class size.
web posted July 14, 2011

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Put me in charge . . .
Put me in charge of food stamps. I'd get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just money for 50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.

Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I'd do is to get women Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine and document all tattoos and
piercings. If you want to reproduce or use drugs, alcohol, smoke or get tats and piercings, then get a job.

Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a clean and good state of repair. Your "home" will be subject to inspections anytime and possessions will be inventoried. If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and your own place.

In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government" job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22 inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the “common good..”

Before you write that I've violated someone's rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary. If you want our money, accept our rules.. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their "self esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem.

If we are expected to pay for other people's mistakes we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices.

AND While you are on Gov’t subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will voluntarily remove yourself from voting while you are receiving a Gov’t welfare check. If you want to vote, then get a job.

Editor's note: Will never happen. It would wipe out the Democrat's base voters.
web posted July 14, 2011

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Editor's post: In response to a poster on the burglary of batteries from a golf cart on Briggs Road, according to information released on Tuesday, Kevin Dearing Rogers turned himself in on charges of burglary 3rd degree and larceny on July 6 relating to the crime.
web posted July 13, 2011 

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I feel that folks are being most unfair to the esteemed councilman Burton. ( Ya'll know he be shelled shocked )  When that bomb went off in his front yard that kid must have walked by minutes later.  Burton may have had a flashback to 'nam.  So you see he must be given some slack, after all this is only the second time he has attacked a local kid.  He usually is such a "friendly" guy and all.  Rarely, if ever, showing any signs of anger.  So let's ease up a bit.  He ain't kilt nobody YET.
web posted July 13, 2011

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I point blank asked my child's teacher if she was given the chance to vote for Tap this past year. She was very hesitant to answer - but she finally said No. I asked if she could get out of it - she said No - you could not opt out. I asked if the school would have Tap in the upcoming school year, and she said she thought it was for 4 or 5 more years....... So after seeing all of the posts over the last few months about Tap, I think someone needs to answer as to why it wasn't handled in the correct Tap process.... Do parents need to contact the Milken foundation or the State Department? Our school board is certainly not giving any answers. WHO decided and voted for the teachers?????  Parents need to start asking questions....... And from what I hear in the community, they are. Parents want answers.
web posted July 13, 2011

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re: Westside Woman reports Someone Tampering with Water Supply

I am curious as to what was put in the water and if the culprit was caught.  They should dye the skin of the person responsible red and see how that works out for him/her!

Editor's note: No further investigative reports have been released in the case.
web posted July 13, 2011

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RE: "From what I read, teachers in Edgefield County feel betrayed by their principals and the district administration........I think it's time to stand up for our teachers - they are the ones that are with our children each day - Let's support them!"

Where were you a couple of years ago?  Seems to me there were a few citizens willing to take it to the board and the district, and where were the concerned parents/teachers then?  No where to be found!  And now, now that people are finally beginning to realize what is going on, because now, now it affects them personally, they get concerned and involved.  Only now, getting involved now, you're two years behind and the in-roads made are all gone and they've learned to circle the wagons around each other.  Yeah the school board changed through the electoral process, but what about the district and the principals working together to further destroy the school system.

Yup, when it didn't affect you, it didn't matter.  They were so close, some never knew.  You can thank those that THINK they are the power brokers in the county, when in reality they were protecting their family members positions in the district, that's why they bad mouthed the "negative" progress and group.  Ask yourself, if they weren't close, then why did members of the board and district solicit help form the NAACP?  Why did members of the board and district play the "race" card?

Now you're living with it - the ole liberal touchy feely way of handling things.  Oh well.
web posted July 13, 2011

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RE: "With all the stealing of AC's and scrap metal, maybe the Seriff Dept needs to get on the ball!"

It doesnt help either when two of the 3 deputies thats covering the county is at the waffle house in aiken county eating at 1am for over a hour. So that leaves only one covering the whole county and one of thoses was a a shift supervisor.  I know theses guys have to eat but they need to bring their food if nothing is open in the county!!!
web posted July 13, 2011

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Now he (Obama) is threatening us. Hey, how about stop giving money to Pakistan??
web posted July 13, 2011

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs continues an outrageous and unconstitutional campaign to censor citizens from freely expressing their religious beliefs. Government officials at the Houston National Cemetery continue to:

• Ban the word "God" at funerals for veterans;
• Require grieving families to submit prayers or religious messages for approval to the government before a funeral at the cemetery;
• Hide the Bible and the cross that were once placed in the cemetery chapel;
• Send VA officials to monitor funerals to ensure the VFW, The American Legion or the National Memorial Ladies do not mention God or give a religious message to families who are burying their loved ones.

These outrageous actions of religious hostility and censorship are unlawful, unconstitutional and must stop now. When the Obama VA refused to back down, Liberty Institute took immediate legal action.

TAKE ACTION

Please stand with our veterans today.

Send an email to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Steve L. Muro. Ask him to 1) stop his department's religious discrimination and 2) relieve Houston Cemetery Director Ocasio of her duties.

Call Secretary Muro directly at  202-461-6112  202-461-6112 .
web posted July 13, 2011

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I saw this on another website: Knowing what you now know about how this government mandate led to our financial collapse, you should be outraged when you read this:

    "In what could be a repeat of the easy-lending cycle that led to the housing crisis, the Justice Department has asked several banks to relax their mortgage underwriting standards and approve loans for minorities with poor credit as part of a new crackdown on alleged discrimination, according to court documents reviewed by IBD.

    Prosecutions have already generated more than $20 million in loan set-asides and other subsidies from banks that have settled out of court rather than battle the federal government and risk being branded racist. An additional 60 banks are under investigation, a DOJ spokeswoman says.

    Settlements include setting aside prime-rate mortgages for low-income blacks and Hispanics with blemished credit and even counting "public assistance" as valid income in mortgage applications."

Obama is pushing the Acorn agenda not the American agenda.  Welfare people can't pay for houses you dumb (rear end)! That's what got us here in the first place thanks to DEMONcrats. Here we go again!
web posted July 13, 2011

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All I can say is WOW!!
                                         
This is without a doubt the best video that has come out and apparently 6 Million others think so too because there have been 6 million hits Please watch it again and send it on to others.  I believe the pendulum has started to swing so let's keep it going.   This is very well done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=JVAhr4hZDJE&vq=medium#t=19

Over 6 million in just 4 days! 
web posted July 13, 2011

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Editor's post: June comments have been archived and removed from this page. A link to the archive has been added at the top of the page. This should make the page load faster for our dial-up internet readers and mobile phones.  

To send your coments click here, or refer to our contact page for additional email addresses or contact information.
web posted July 12, 2011 

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I just want to say thank you to all who donated to the Boy Scouts this past Saturday. Thanks to the generosity of our citizens, they are that much closer to having a scout building they can use and be proud of.
Thank you all so very much!!!
web posted July 12, 2011

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My heart goes out to the Coleman family. I read the obituary Sunday and it broke my heart. The fundraiser for Janet was great and there were hundreds that turned out. The next day she was gone. God bless her, David and the kids. She was too young and too sweet to leave us so soon.

P.S. to the editor. Thank you for having it on the Daily on a Sunday. We heard about her passing and went to see when the funeral was going to be and it was already there.

Editor's note: We place obituaries within hours (sometimes minutes) of them being sent in, seven days a week, even though we update reporting only six days a week.
web posted July 12, 2011

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From the Milken Family Foundation
How are schools selected to participate in TAP?
Generally, schools are invited by state departments of education or district superintendents to learn about the system and apply to become TAP schools. NIET reviews applications and selects schools based on their demonstrated ability to implement the system completely and effectively, ability to fund and sustain the system, as well as the level of faculty interest in participating in the system. Application to TAP is competitive, and teachers in the schools must vote to join the system.
web posted July 12, 2011

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Okay, this guy "James Van Deese" was fleeing from police after a burglary, had a gun that had to be wrestled from him when police caught him and he is allowed to plead to a second degree burglary charge and get 3 years probation.  Please just explain to me why he received such a light sentence.  I'm not trying to be critical, I am just curious.  Obviously the punishment did not weigh heavily on him.
web posted July 12, 2011

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Re:  Parking Wars
 
Why should some of these business owners complain when they park in front of their business or the business of someone else!  Those of us who live here and try to support our local businesses have this same problem.  Just this past week a letter to the editor was on ED. about this problem.  It is not just during court we have this problem but everyday.

Editor's note: Yes, it is always a problem, however; GS court exacerbates the problem ten fold.
web posted July 12, 2011

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What were you doing early spring 2005?  Housing prices were soaring and people were buying anything they wanted with money drawn from the equity in their homes.  Anyone who bought a home would gleefully assure you that their house had appreciated $30,000 dollars in the last month.  People were buying homes with no money down, something I had never heard of and most often with no mortgage insurance.

What was Congress doing?  The House Government reform committee was investigating steroid use in Major League Baseball!!  Congress was our NERO, playing a harp while America was spiraling out of control.  Do they do anything there?  Of course I quickly add, they were busy campaigning to get a majority in Congress.  Half of Congress was determined to wrest control from the other half.  When they did it they sat back to pay close attention to their mantra, “win the presidency at all costs”.  Not earning –just winning.  So they may win and as a prize they get a bankrupt country.  Way to go guys!

Where are the foreclosures that have mortgage insurance?  The instrument was designed to protect the bank in the event that the buyer defaults on his payments.  In foreclosure that is what happens.  The banks should be happy…they get their money.  Well maybe not.  Maybe they were self insured and were pocketing the money from the “premiums” and there was NO insurance.
web posted July 12, 2011

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From what I read, teachers in Edgefield County feel betrayed by their principals and the district administration. It has been posted that teachers should have voted for TAP in their schools. I have researched this online and found that this is true - Teachers should have been presented with the complete TAP program and then given the opportunity to vote on it. It looks like that happened in the two Merrriwether schools. What happened at STHS, JET, Parker, JE, and Douglas?   As a parent of children still in these schools, I demand an answer - I don't want my children going to school with teachers being upset about a program that has been pushed down their throats - I am also disappointed in the principals. If they think that their teachers are upset now, do they even care? It is fishy - And I want to know what the principals will get monetarily for this program? I am looking very closely at each school's website to see how many teaching positions are in each grade level - and how many extra teachers are floating around without regular classrooms - My child never qualifies for Gifted and Talented or Remediation or Small Group Instruction. He's just "one in the middle" that gets nothing extra. My thoughts are put all of these extra teachers in regular classrooms and let his class size be 15 o r 16 rather than 21 or 22.  Sounds fair to me. I feel for these regular classroom teachers that are swamped and carrying the weight of the school. Are any other parents concerned about class size creeping up each year? I think it's time to stand up for our teachers - they are the ones that are with our children each day - Let's support them!
web posted July 12, 2011

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Another CHANGE to look forward to....

Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it?
That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home etc.
When did this happen?
SURPRISE:  It's in the health care bill. Just thought you should know.

SALES TAX TO GO INTO EFFECT 2013 (Part of HC Bill)
Why 2013? Could it be to come to light AFTER the 2012 elections?
REAL ESTATE SALES TAX
So, this is "change you can believe in"?
Under the new health care bill - did you know that all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% Sales Tax? The bulk of these new taxes don't kick in until 2013 If you sell your $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax. This bill is set to screw the retiring generation who often downsize their homes. Does this stuff make your November and 2012 vote more important?

Oh, you weren't aware this was in the obamacare bill? Guess what, you aren't alone. There are more than a few members of Congress that aren't aware of it
either .. click on this to verify ......
http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home
 
 VOTERS NEED TO KNOW!!!

Editor's note: Not to mention that this is an additional tax above and beyond the capital gains tax you will have to pay. Double taxation on one transaction by the federal government. There are even more taxes that were included by Mr. I'm not going to raise taxes "one dime" Obama.
web posted July 12, 2011

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RE: "With all the stealing of AC's and scrap metal, maybe the Seriff Dept needs to get on the ball!"

Even when you hand them the ball, they fumble it.  They still haven't arrested a person identified as stealing golf cart batteries.  For all they know, that individual could be part of the group stealing the other scrap metal, since it is said that is how the person makes a living-dealing in scrap metal and that person has a rap sheet longer than you arm.  Hmmmmmmmm.  What else was that person involved in, incarcerated for, and should we as a citizenry feel safe.  If you'd stoop so low as to steal golf cart batteries, what crime wouldn't you be willing to commit?
web posted July 12, 2011

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You know, I've been really hard on you guys all this time.  Calling you out for being the most poor in the state, blindly voting Republican... but I did recently realize there is some good that comes out of Edgefield County.

Peaches

Editor's note: Don't forget the county votes over-all Republican and we have a Republican majority on the county council and things are moving in the right direction for a change. Now if we can get Norman Dorn (D-Northside) voted out of office things will realy start looking up for the county. He is such an embarrasment to the county.
web posted July 12, 2011

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I got an email from a friend today that had this with his signature and thought it was too good not to share. My thoughts exactly - - - Liberals: No Morals, No Standards, NO Problem!
web posted July 12, 2011

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The mayor wants to kick the remaining downtown business persons out of parking areas near their businesses.  If he would make the trip  from his workplace in another county during daytime hours every once  in a while he'd realize that the accused criminals and their attorneys who swoop in during court week are the real problems with the downtown parking problem.  Find a place for these people to park and shuttle them to court.  Leave downtown parking for customers and productive citizens.

Editor's note: This matter is expanded on in an Editor's Opinion column published today.
web posted July 11, 2011

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tommy Burton buulllcrrapp  this is outright WRONG--- his ---let me hold my tongue--should have been taken to jail---too bad us white people dont have white something--that is absoultly wrong!!!!!  ANYONE ELSE WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO JAil---- EQUAL MY @@##24% how do you join??   alwaYS  heard--cant beAT EM JOIN EM!!!
web posted July 11, 2011

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With all the stealing of AC's and scrap metal, maybe the Seriff Dept needs to get on the ball!

Editor's note: I would agree, except that the county only supplies funding for 3 patrol deputies to cover the entire 507 square mile county. Funding for recreation, in which all teams fund themselves outside of the taxes to provide the sevice, would supply an additional two deputies this year and two more next year. It is a matter of priorities I suppose.
web posted July 11, 2011

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Obama's approval ratings are so low now, Kenyans are accusing him of being born in the United States.
web posted July 11, 2011

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More proof Obama birth certificate a fake. The facts don't lie...... only DEMONcrats do!
web posted July 11, 2011

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nuf said.
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/dick-morris-tv-lunch-alert-obama-will-raise-your-taxes/
web posted July 11, 2011

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It is interesting to continue to watch the disastrous results of this administration's policies and actions. The sad thing is that thinking people understand the problems but so many voters don't have a clue. The facts are out there-how do you ignore them? I guess if you are blinded by progressiveness, arrogance or lack of knowledge,  you might ignore them. Maybe if the government is supporting you, you don't really care that new jobs created by the "stimulus" cost $278,000.00. Too bad the workers that got the jobs didn't get paid that kind of money. Where did it go???? Who paid for it? Unfortunately the taxpayers, you and I, paid for it. Wow, good use of our money huh?

Hopefully enough wise people will vote a majority in 2012. If not, we are doomed as a country.

Editor's note: Most of the jobs created were government jobs to help grow the size and cost of government.
web posted July 9, 2011

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OMG!!!! A black super of schools in Atalnta gets caught in a huge cheating scandal that got her hundreds of thousands in bonuses and who does the media blame? Bush!

Editor's note: The law was written by the "Liberal Lion" of the Democrat Party, Ted Kennedy.
web posted July 9, 2011

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Who was the home owner on Plum Branch Rd that had the guns stolen?

Editor's note: We do not release the name of a victim in crime reporting unless the victim requests the information be made public. There is no law preventing releasing their names, however; we choose to protect their identities.
web posted July 9, 2011

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Well, it appears we're finally waking up.  The education system is broken and more is surfacing everyday.  All of these points were on the list to be looked into before, but it was too much of a mountain to climb for just a few concerned citizens to do themselves.  And when they took the tack of firing up the local citizenry at the increasingly combative school board meetings, they were castigated by the political hacks as being too negative.  And the concerned citizens' response-if you're going to fight corruption, how do you paint it in a positive light?

Again, there is much work to be done in our education system, and right here.  I would strongly suggest a unification of effort this time, get a good public speaker to put forth the message to the school board, but don't be whimpy either; get together a good investigative team that can dig; begin another attempt to cultivate sources, like what was happening before; get a couple of good editorialists to keep the public informed; recruit a few citizens that are not afraid to take the arrows when the time comes; and we can go on.....can't reveal the overall strategy-remember, we'll being going up against the NAACLP and the teacher's union, even though we're not here, they'll get involved because what we achieve here could impact the nation.

Bottom line-nothing will ever change if you play patty cake with those that are insistent on destroying our school system and nation for their own political agenda advancement.

This county, our concerned citizens, can make this happen, we can make this change, and we can be a shining example for the whole country to see-WE JUST NEED TO STAND TOGETHER, as the opposition does!  We can win!  Look at the in-roads we have made just through the electoral process-we changed the face of the board, but there is still a mess to clean up that has been left in the wake of their failed policies.  IT IS NOT going to be easy-but continued freedom never is.  You need to really do some soul searching as to whether you want to stand and fight, or continue to allow our children to be raped of an education!

They are not interested in the education of our children, they never have been. It is their thirst for power and money.  And to achieve both, they need to dumb down our schools.  They are succeeding.
web posted July 9, 2011

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As President Obama was addressing the nation about the latest unemployment numbers, Atlantis was in countdown for the last space shuttle launch. Irony is a bitch.

Read more of this post
The Garnet Spy
web posted July 9, 2011

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Oh, how the previous posters took the words out of my mouth. I miss the good old days in the school district. Things are not the same and have not been since Crenshaw came to town. That's okay, I won't be in Edgefield much longer anyway. I am another teacher trying to get out of education. I am tired of all the bs.
web posted July 8, 2011

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Why is it so hard to find a picture of Beverly Hall on the internet or linked to the Atlanta cheating scandal?  Notice the "teaser" picture of Gov Nathan Deal who happens to be a white male, when pulling up the HUGE "no child left behind" cheating scandal in Atlanta?  Makes it look like he is behind the scandal, when actually a black female is the perpetrator. 

A number of other urban school districts and states have been caught in cheating scandals in the last several years, including Baltimore, Houston, plus schools in Michigan and Florida.  Now imagine if all this cheating was done by white teachers and white superintendents for the benefit of white students; our national media would be ALL over it with pictures of the cheaters smeared throughout the headlines.

Equality for all, my foot.
web posted July 8, 2011

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re: “Tommy (Burton) explained to R/O (reporting officer) that he should have put his foot up (the teen’s) ass because he was disrespectful,” the report read in part.

The teen probably should have had a foot up the a##,  far too many are disrespectful punks these days (the mamas fault because they probably don't have a "daddy").  But, I would like to know what Mr. Burton was doing with/around these teens unless they were relatives anyway?

Editor's note: The two teens, one which is related to Burton, were crossing his yard while walking to the store. I have reviewed dozens of reports and anyone else being charged with either one of the crimes he is accused of, much less both, would have been taken to jail and booked into custody.

What I want to know is why was he treated differently than anyone else? As I understand there is video of the situation. All the more reason he should have been taken into custody in my opinion. Who dropped the ball?
web posted July 8, 2011

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Norman Dorn is the biggest race pimp in Edgefield County. I laughed at the comment if they drew a cemetary out of his district he would lose the next election becuase it is so true... sad, but so true. That's what I love about your (the Editor's) humor. It's based on truth.
web posted July 8, 2011

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Because many readers/teacher, only read what they want to see...I'll say this first...I understand and agree that parents and home environment are a critical part in a child's education and I don't excuse unfit parents who don't accept this responsibility.  Having said this and in light of all the controversy in our school district regarding TAP and the breaking scandal in Atlanta regarding widespread cheating on standardized tests by teachers and administrators let me pose this question to all the educators and administrators out there.....

1.  No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was passed in response to provide a standard to assess schools, teachers and students (other things also...but this is a key as to how we evaluate success/failures).

2.  Educators decry...not fair, we're forced to "teach the exam"....and Atlanta schools, in the wake of this scandal are stating, "NCLB" made us do it (laughs).

3.  Our own Edgefield Schools say, TAP is unfair...doesn't reflect the best teachers, the same teachers will adamantly trash NCLB.

4.  In the last few elections Edgefield County School administrators/activist teachers have launched e-mail campaigns (on school time and on district computers) fighting against school choice or candidates supporting school choice

5.  We allow students to "Walk" on graduation who haven't even met the graduation standard and our dropout and failure rates continue.

6.  Our district curriculum is not researched based (ask a teacher if their using phonics or whole language and which one consistently shows success while the other doesn't)...yet teachers are still left to choose their curriculum based upon what makes "them feel good."

Ok...got it, from and educator's perspective....It's the parent's fault, standardized tests force me to "teach" the exam, but I'm going to "cheat" on it anyway.  Don't evaluate me on my skills, and don't "incentivize" my peers, because it will make me look bad, but I'm still going to push your kid along and allow them to wear a cap and gown they did not earn. ....and oh, I'm not going to let you have "choice" as to where your child can learn with your tax dollars, and I'll still increase your millage on your property tax.  Education, this isn't a profession, it's a joke.  No other profession has such absurd standards of conduct.
web posted July 8, 2011

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The guy couldn't run a lemonade stand.

http://www.pjtv.com/?cmd=mpg&mpid=346&load=5695
web posted July 8, 2011

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Why would you print obscenities in a so called news report with Mr. Burton? It was unnecessary

Editor's note: It was a direct quote from the incident report. The reported statement was not "obscene".
web posted July 8, 2011

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way to Tommy u make johnston people proud!!!!!
web posted July 7, 2011

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My school was not given a vote. We were told that it was mandatory. There are some in the administration who do not seem to realize that teachers do have a life outside of school. Most teachers are dedicated, but most also have family responsibilities, church activities, etc. This causes stress at both school and home. Even the high school level students have picked up on this and don't like TAP either. Another sticking point: Everyone who teaches knows who the good teachers are. Some of the master and mentor teachers are not the good teachers in the schools. Why were they picked? Was it gender or racial balance? Was it because they kowtow to the principal and help him with special projects so he will look good? As for showing up at board meetings and complaining as some have suggested, you can believe there would be repercussions. They may be handled in a low key manner, but they would be there. These teachers need their jobs--and they want their jobs. They just want a chance to teach without micromanagement in their classrooms and without being told by their equals (or those not as qualified) how to teach their subjects. More teachers are planning early retirement or are looking for jobs where they can truly teach the way they know how.
web posted July 7, 2011

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When is the vote about the fire training  place on Murrah Road.?

I'm not sure what vote you would be talking about. If they meet DHEC approval for the design, the Edgefield County Planning Commission may have to vote to approve the plans, but that would be a procedural vote. They cannot deny something approved at the state level. MFD Chief Joey Smith is on the agenda for the July 14 meeting to discuss the proposed facility according to the agenda released on Wednesday. Edgefield Daily will be covering the meeting and will file a report.
web posted July 7, 2011

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I saw Dorn’s car. It is a piece of crap hoopdi Mercedes that needs a paint job. I guess to him it is expensive since I always see him at McDonalds!!
web posted July 7, 2011

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Norman Dorn is no fool. He's a bigot, stupid, inarticulate, ugly, arrogant, assinine (your word Mr. Editor not mine), uneducated which makes him the perfect Democrat for his supporters. But he is not a fool. He gets elected because his supporters are are everything he represents.

Editor's note: Norman Dorn has been re-elected on a 10 to 12 vote margin over the last few elections. That said, 49.9% of his voting public is against him. I've said it once and I will say it again, if during redistricting the county draws just one cemetery out of his district he will lose the next election.
web posted July 7, 2011

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And you often wonder about the scores and schools receiving those coveted awards, yet, the graduation rate barely changes.  Oh wait a minute, during graduation this year approximately 30 students walked across the stage in public, name called, wearing a cap and gown, and yes, took part even in the ceremonial movement of the tousle from one side to the other, yet they had not even passed the exam taken several years before and every time in between.  So did they graduate?  How do we find out if they took the final test and passed, and GRADUATED?  Or since it's all over for this year, everyone just forgets?  And those 30 or so students that may not have graduated, are their numbers still reflected in the graduation rate numbers?  Hmmmmmmmmm?  Guess we will never know.  But high(er) graduation numbers reflect greatly upon the Superintendent and the Principal, don't they?  And we all know to well, their demeanor, don't we?

Look at this: http://news.yahoo.com/americas-biggest-teacher-principal-cheating-scandal-unfolds-atlanta-213734183.html

 
With so many unqualified teachers being hired into the system, a lot of our good teachers leaving, and the numbers not changing much at all kinda makes ya wonder huh?
web posted July 7, 2011

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Atlanta school district got caught in a major cheating scam to make certain people look good. Now the brothers and sisters running things have been exposed and might go to jail!!!! I read the story and thought how easy it would be to put "EDGEFIELD" everywhere it said Atlanta... People better start waking up and EdgefieldDaily better start keeping up. Why did you quit covering the school board meetings? Are you covering up?

Editor's note: Our reporter that covered the meetings had personal issues and is now moving out of state. We are seeking a replacement reporter for the position. Anyone interested in the position should send an email to editor@edgefielddaily.com
web posted July 7, 2011

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The New Dentures
A Pastor goes to the dentist for a set of false teeth.
The first Sunday after he gets his teeth, he talks for only eight minutes.
The second Sunday, he talks for only ten minutes.
The following Sunday, he talks for 2 hours and 48 minutes. The congregation had to mob him to get him down from the pulpit and they asked him what happened.

The Pastor explains the first Sunday his gums hurt so bad he couldn't talk for more than 8 minutes.
The second Sunday his gums hurt too much to talk for more than 10 minutes.
But, the third Sunday, by mistake he put his wife's teeth in and couldn't shut up...
w

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Editor's post: First it was Chairman Monroe Kneece who could not curtail County Councilman Norman Dorn's asinine rants. Now it is Chairman Dean Campbell. When will somebody shut this fool up from dragging out meetings 30 to 40 minutes for his rants about how expensive his car is compared to others. Give me a break. Does this fool think that because he has an expensive (non-American built) car he is better than everyone else? 
web posted July 5, 2011 

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REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF EDGEFIELD COUNTY
EDGEFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM
JUNE 16, 2011
D3 - TAP Program
Mr. Covar requested for principals to be present at the meeting.
The following principals were present:
Mrs. Cherya Clark Mr. Bruce Lee
Mr. Wayne Marchant Mrs. Gaye Holmes
Mr. Stephen Hampton Mr. Bobby Turner
Mr. Willie Green
The board and principals discussed how the TAP program was implemented and if it was voted on at each school.
Mr. Covar asked the principals how many positions need to be filled for the 2011/2012 school year?
Mrs. Cook: Why are we asking them about positions? We have not discussed as a board. I need some clarification on why you are asking about positions that is administrative. I call point of order on that.
Mr. Covar: Point is out of order.
RECEIVED AS INFORMATION
These are notes taken at the 06-16-11 ECSD Board Meeting in which TAP was discussed. Now the board “asked” if it was voted on at each school.  Well Principals?  I wonder if they were honest with their answers.  Unfortunately, I guess we’ll never know!    I challenge the board members to talk to the teachers to get the real truth.  If you don’t want to talk to the teachers face-to-face then send a survey.  I’m sure you will hear the truth.
web posted July 5, 2011

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Saturday, July 9, from 8:30 - 11 AM the local Boy Scouts will be posted uptown on the square collecting money for renovations on the scout hut located on Penn St. Please give to this worthy cause and know you are helping to make a difference in the lives of many local boys. Anyone wanting to donate to the Scouts, there is a donation can at Crouch's Hardware in Edgefield.
Thank you!
web posted July 5, 2011

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What is Obama going to run on other than he is black and gives other people's money away to leaches of taxpayers?

Editor's note: Pres. Obama is not black. He is half white and half black and 100% Marxist.
web posted July 5, 2011

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RE: And people born between 1980 and 2010 are called Generation Y
 
I don't see how you can put every single person born between 1980 and 2010 in this category.  I was born in 1989 - I graduated HS, graduated college, hold down a full time job now with little odd jobs on the side to make sure MY bills get paid, I have a house that I pay for, a car that I pay for, as well as many other things that I, MYSELF, pay for!  I not only clean my room, but an entire house!  I depend on NO ONE but MYSELF!
Maybe we should blame certain PARENTS from Generation X that should have raised their children better to be more responsible and productive adults.
Oh, & I'm sure you have the perfect family where everybody has a job supporting themselves.  I just feel bad for the small children in your family that have all of these burdens on them at such a young age.  You better tell that one year old to get out of that house and get to buying their own formula and diapers!!
--Signed, a PROUD member of Generation Y
web posted July 5, 2011

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BHO is the world's greatest -- at deception.  He hits on petty topics over and over in an attempt to convince the public that his assessment of a situation is the ONLY one to be considered.  Of course, this is a Liberal radical technique.  Tell a lie often and loud enough and people will accept it as truth.  He lies so much that he believes what he says is truth.  Be prepared for an onslaught of deception as we get further into the 2012 election.
web posted July 5, 2011

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A new Harvard study says 4th of July parades are right wing????? OK...now supporting our Independence Day is right wing. What does that tell you about these smart people at places like Harvard? So good to know that a lot of them are in leadership in this country. Good grief!
web posted July 5, 2011

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Editor's post: Now Obama's own economists are telling the truth, the "stimulus" was all a scam. "When the Obama administration releases a report on the Friday before a long weekend, it’s clearly not trying to draw attention to the report’s contents. Sure enough, the “Seventh Quarterly Report” on the economic impact of the “stimulus,” released on Friday, July 1, provides further evidence that President Obama’s economic “stimulus” did very little, if anything, to stimulate the economy, and a whole lot to stimulate the debt." In fact, it is killing the economy and killing jobs.

Read more of this article at the Weekly Standard.

To send your coments click here, or refer to our contact page for additional email addresses or contact information.
web posted July 5, 2011 

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Again the question needs to be asked and addressed by the ECSD Board - How did the principal at Merriwether Elementary have enough time to let his teachers vote on whether they wanted TAP or not?  All principals had the same amount of time to contact their faculty for a vote.  A vote!  It didn't happen and teachers want to know if it is going to happen this year ???
Teachers are losing faith in the Board and have lost trust in the principals. This is a big district wide problem and it "smells fishy" just like another poster said.  TAP is biased. 
It will not get better until teachers get real and honest answers - TAP is ruining this district - Congratulations Merriwether Elementary and Middle for once again standing up for what you believe in and for what is right by TAP guidelines.
Teachers are held accountable - WHO is held accountable for this decision to implement TAP in just certain schools? Is it principals or Crenshaw? We want to know.   All that the Board has to do is ask the teachers if they were given the chance to vote - what are they afraid of? The answers that they will get?
web posted July 5, 2011

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we are in full support for this  and if in any way we can help please let us know.  these so called concerned people do not know the importance of this and that our firemen  are volunteers, they protect and save us with no pay, they do this out of thier hearts and love for the people of the area, and yes i had a house fire last year and they were great so i hope the concerned people never need the services of our firemen but if they do im sure they will be very happy with their performance,abillities, and know-how, also we will be more than happy to help with keeping north augusta out ouf our area....
web posted July 5, 2011

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The percentage of each past president's cabinet who had worked in the private business sector prior to their appointment to the cabinet.  You know what the private business sector is, a real-life business, not a government job.  Here are the percentages.

T. Roosevelt..........38% Taft.........................40% Wilson .................52%   Harding..................49%
Coolidge.............. 48%   Hoover .................42%
F. Roosevelt.........50%  Truman..................50%
Eisenhower..........57%   Kennedy..............30%
Johnson................47%   Nixon...................53%
Ford.......................42%   Carter...................32%
Reagan.................56%    GH Bush............. 51%
Clinton   ...............39%   GW Bush.............55%
And the winner (or loser) is:
Obama............... 8%

This helps to explain the incompetence of this administration: only 8% of them have ever worked in private business!
That's right!  Only eight percent---the least, by far, of the last 19 presidents!  And these people are trying to tell our big corporations how to run their business?  They know what's best for GM, Chrysler, Wall Street, and you and me?

How can the president of a major nation and society, the one with the most successful economic system in world history, stand and talk about business when he's never worked for one?  Or about jobs when he has never really had one?  And when it's the same for 92% of his senior staff and closest advisers?  They've spent most of their time in academia, government and/or non-profit jobs or as "community organizers." They should have been in an employment line.
web posted July 5, 2011

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"On President Obama's attack on the corporate jet and oil drilling tax breaks to achieve debt reduction:

He himself, as we just heard, said you can't reduce the deficit to the levels we need without raising revenues. Then he talks about the [tax break for] corporate jets, which he mentioned not once but six times.

I did the math on this. If you collect the corporate jet tax every year for the next 5,000 years, you will cover one year of the debt that Obama has run up. One year.

To put it another way, if you started collecting that tax at the time of John the Baptist and you collected it every year first in shekels and now in dollars you wouldn't be halfway to covering one year of the amount of debt that Obama has run up.

As for the other one, he mentions again and again, the oil depreciation tax break if you collect that one for 700 years, you won't cover a year of Obama deficits.

And then here's my favorite. I worked it out in the car on the way here. If you collect the corporate jets and the oil tax together get all the bad guys and the fat cats at once and you collect it for 100 years, it covers the amount of debt Obama added in February!

And he pretends that he's the serious adult at the table."

Editor's note: Attributed author's name removed due to being unable to verify the quote.
web posted July 5, 2011

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Among the growing field of presidential candidates for 2012, there is one who, if elected, could damage the party for a generation.

Read more of this post
The Garnet Spy
web posted July 5, 2011

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Dear Editor,

One of the few times I have to disagree with you.  This is regarding your post on Republicans celebrating the 4th of July.  While I agree with the assessment, that the preponderance of people celebrating the 4th of July are most probably independence loving Republicans, I do not agree that most DEPENDENT loving Democrats should celebrate their DEPENDENCE day on May 23rd (Obamacare Day).  Their behavior has long predated Obamacare.  My suspicion is Democrats have long held their "backroom" festivities on April 15 (Income Redistribution Day....er, I mean Income Tax Day!).

Editor's note: I cannot argue with logic.
web posted July 4, 2011

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Happy Birthday America!!!!!!!!!!
web posted July 4, 2011

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-  People born before 1946 were called The Silent Generation.

- People born between 1946 and 1964 are called The Baby Boomers.
 
- People born between 1965 and 1979 are called Generation X.
 
- And people born between 1980 and 2010 are called Generation Y, 
     
 
web posted July 4, 2011

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Ex-CIA: 'Forged document' released as birth certificate!
web posted July 4, 2011

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IN YOUR FACE, AMERICAN TAXPAYER

Dear American Taxpayer

For only the second time in my adult life, I am not ashamed of my country. I want to thank the hard working American people for paying $242 thousand dollars for my vacation in Spain . My daughter Sasha, several long-time family friends, my personal staff and various guests had a wonderful time. Honestly, you just haven't lived until you have stayed in a $2,500.00 per night suite at a 5-Star luxury hotel. Thank you also for the use of Air Force 2 and the 70 Secret Service personnel who tagged along to be sure we were safe and cared for at all times.

Air Force 2 only used 47,500 gallons of jet fuel for this trip and carbon emissions were a mere 1,031 tons of CO2. These are only rough estimates, but they are close. That's quite a carbon footprint as my good friend Al Gore would say, so we must ask the American citizens to drive smaller, more fuel efficient cars and drive less too, so we can lessen our combined carbon footprint.

I know times are hard and millions of you are struggling to put food on the table and trying to make ends meet. I do appreciate your sacrifice and do hope you find work soon. I was really exhausted after Barack took our family on a luxury vacation in Maine a few weeks ago. I just had to get away for a few days!

Cordially,
Michelle Obama

P.S. Thank you as well for the $2 MILLION trip to India we recently went on. Love ya, mean it.
P.S. We had a great time in Hawaii too.

Another P.S. My husband has been able to play golf 62 times in the last 100 weeks, so his game is getting much better and it has not cost him a penny for greens' fees or balls or equipment; life is grand.
web posted July 4, 2011

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Editor's post: Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

According to a study by Harvard, those who attend parades on Independence Day are Republicans and children who attend the parades are more likely to become Republicans. Maybe the Democrats should hold Dependance Day celebrations on March 23 - the day ObamaCare was signed.

I think John Edwards was actually right, from his liberal view of America. There are "two Americas". The ones who defend, support, and grow the nation (Republican agenda), and those who sit back like a tick on a dog's ear and promote being a parasite of government sucking the working class dry through taxes to buy votes to keep them in office (Democrat agenda).

To send your coments click here, or refer to our contact page for additional email addresses or contact information.
web posted July 2, 2011 

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I wanted to say thank you to the editor for cutting to the chase about the merriwether fire department fire station. Bravo.
web posted July 2, 2011

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You didn’t make sure that you understood very well what I wrote.  I clearly stated that the proposed Fire Department Training School should not be located in ANY neighborhood, but rather out in a rural area of Edgefield County where it would not disturb anyone!!!!

Editor's note: The Fire Departments are located where the people area (big surprise). The next planned station is for Mt. Vintage (someone else's back yard). Are you willing to buy several acres in the Merriwether area and turn it over to the MVFD to build the facility or should they use what they have?
web posted July 2, 2011

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Happy Birthday America!!!!!!!!!!!!
web posted July 2, 2011

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Proof positive Obamas birth certificate is a FAKE!
web posted July 2, 2011

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There’s a new player in South Carolina Politics: Palmetto Liberty Political Action Committee.  The following is from the Committee’s website:

Before we can ever hope to reclaim the Federal government, we must reclaim our state. For years South Carolina has been dominated and controlled by corrupt politicians, lobbyists, and special interest groups. It’s time for that to change.

Palmetto Liberty PAC was founded by a group of citizens who have refused to sit back and accept the status quo – to play the game on the establishment’s rules. Our goals are twofold:

1.    To train and support candidates for the State House and State Senate that are recruited by local activists.

2.    To educate, inform, and equip the grassroots to get involved in state government.

The candidates we support must demonstrate their ability to stand up to support constitutionally-limited government, fiscal responsibility, and an uncompromising willingness to defend your right to life, liberty, and property.

Visit the website to learn more…
web posted July 2, 2011

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Re:  TAP and Other Programs
 
Have we really come to the point where we believe that working our teachers to stress levels beyond comprehension will produce increased student results?  Children become better readers when they read.  They become more proficient at math by practicing.  But we continue to ask more and more of the teachers and less and less of the students.  We give up on homework because they won't do it.  We pass them from grade to grade even though they fail.  We burden our teachers to make everything fun.  And then we wonder why kids can't pass standardized tests, which are not fun.  It doesn't take a genius to figure it out.  We're putting the pressure on the wrong people.  It's like asking my wife to exercise when I want to lose weight.  It just doesn't make sense, and it won't work.
web posted July 1, 2011

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I agree with the Editor's stand on Greg Anderson's involvement with the school board. He is a legal advisor not a human resource person. He has no responsibility to be involved in things unless there are legal issues to be considered. Why do people have to always throw stones when they don't even seem to know who is responsible for what? Greg Anderson is a reputable person and lawyer. He is doing the job he is hired to do.
web posted July 1, 2011

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the post about johnston boys playing on the edgefield team is very childish.these boys have worked very hard to get where their at.no its not about where you live or where you play,its about how you conduct yourself.due to the coaches for the edgefield all star team they won the sportmanship award for the tournament.these are a group of boys who one day may be pros in the game of baseball,which we all need to be proud of.so instead of writing comments,come out and support all the teams,i do.
web posted July 1, 2011

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I suppose the Fire Department can promise us that the training is going to be a quiet operation – no megaphones, yelling, sirens, microphones, etc., and those of us who have enjoyed living out of town in a quiet and peaceful area, will continue to have our quiet country living totally unchanged by this facility.  If this is going to be a training school, there will have to be all the noises connected with having realistic fire situations, and that would NOT be quiet.  This is only one of my concerns.  There is also the matter of what burning they SAY they are going to do, and what they actually end up doing,  The heads of the Fire Department have not exactly been above board with many things they have done thus far.  Besides the almost certainty of noise pollution and air pollution, not to mention the water pollution that is already a problem because they clear cut the 2+ acres (without a permit), and burned the trees for days on end – again without a permit, what about the traffic problems?  There are two schools located on Murrah Road, one of which is very close to the Fire Station.  At least twice a day, there is already a lot of traffic with people taking their children to and from school at both schools.  With the added traffic of a training school, this just creates more congestion.  I have always thought it would be a dangerous situation if a fire call came during any of these busy times of the day.  I am not opposed to having a Fire Training Facility in Edgefield County, I am just opposed to locating it in the middle of a residential area.  Edgefield County is basically a rural county, so there are plenty of places that are not residential, in which to locate the Training School so that is won’t disturb a neighborhood.  I understand that a new fire station is going to be built farther out Sweetwater Road.  This would be an ideal place for the Training Facility, where it will not affect people who enjoy quiet country living.  I have never voted for a Democrat in all the many years I have been voting, but this just might change if those who are supposed to represent us in the Merriwether area do not listen to how we feel.  I might even find myself campaigning for some Democrats on the local level, which would be quite a shocking change for me, and I know other people around this area who feel the same.

Editor's note: Okay, let me make sure I understand this. It is okay as long as it is in someone else's back yard, just not yours. And because local elected officials are powerless to do anything about it you want to vote Democrat (even though you are a claimed Republican). Let me know how that works out in a district that votes 90+ % Republican.
web posted July 1, 2011

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RE:  "I do live in the Merriwether district and did sign the petition and say "Keep on trucking, you guys!"
 
1. Recently a hi(gh)-school aged young man whom we had never seen before, showed up at our door asking us to sign the petition against the Merriwether fire station. This kid had no ID, and during the conversation, refused to tell us his name, where he lived, or the names of the anonymous "concerned citizens" whom he represented.  Yet he wanted us to put our names on the petition.  Why all the secrecy??????
 
2. Several of us in this immediate area have been the fortunate and grateful recipients of the unselfish services of the fire fighters and EMT's. Swift action by firefighters saved one neighbor's house from burning down;  another neighbor is alive today because of the EMTs. 
 
Might we suggest that "concerned citizens" might want to think twice before wanting the 'guys' to 'keep on trucking'.  What level training do you want the teams to have when it's YOUR house that's on fire, or YOUR loved one having an medical emergency, or YOUR kid in an accident?
web posted July 1, 2011

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RE: 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.
 

And isn't it amazing the mainstream media is not covering this.  This might show how people that do for themselves are far better off than being a dependent on the government, (look at the Midwest floods (farmers) vs. Katrina (gov dependents)).    The government in the USA wants the "dependents" to be dependent on them because the GOV is dependent on their votes.  BS
web posted July 1, 2011

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A little friendly Nose Tweaking of Jeff Duncan . . .
web posted July 1, 2011

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In response to your "Burger King Offering "Angry Value Meals" article on 6/29/11 I thought you should know that Burger King actually does offer a menu item called an Angry Whopper.  It is a spicy version of the Whopper.
 
http://www.bk.com/en/us/company-info/press/press-release1057.html

Editor's note: It's called satire.
web posted July 1, 2011

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More BS from Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVulyCCpaAk
web posted July 1, 2011

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