Editor's post: With one day to go, EdgefieldDaily.com has registered 2.37 million hits this month and an average of over 81,000 hits a day. I would llike to thank Bettis Rainsford for his libelous letters that made it all possible (a record month in August as well with 1.79 million hits when he had his lies published in the papers). I could not buy the type of advertising that drove so many people to EdgefieldDaily.com as a result of his lies. Thanks Bettis. Please publish another attack as soon as possible, maybe we can hit 3 million by next month.

If hits were dollars rather than pennies, maybe I'd buy his foreclosed properties that he could not pay for that will go on sale this week on the court house steps Friday.

Who's the fool now?
web posted September 30, 2009

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My child was telling me about some chairs in the wooded area on the playground that he saw during the fire drill today at MES.  Do you know if this is a new dump site for the school district?  I didn't tell my child, but it sounded more like a smoking section to me. 
web posted September 30, 2009

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Re: where can one buy hay bales for fall yard decoration?
 
Johnston Farm and Hardware has bales of wheat straw.

Editor's note: This was the only reply so I allowed a business name to be mentioned. This is an exception, not the rule.
web posted September 30, 2009

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Maybe (County Council members) Blackwell and Ashcraft would get the new building numbers if they would try to fit in.  All they have to do is buy some slum housing to run into the ground.
web posted September 30, 2009

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I have followed the location of the Heritage Festival each year. And seems to me the best location was the Old Kendall Mill.  The new spot for two years now is Oakley Park.  Last year it was so dark under the trees you could not see where to walk and during the night as the dew fell it was wet and slippery to walk around.  I hope the town or Oakley Park has home owners.  Each summer the town has movies on the square.  Why not have the Heritage Festival on the square?   The lighting is much better there are no hills to climb and surely the few stores in town would love the extra walk in business.   What do you think Chairperson of the Heritage?
web posted September 30, 2009

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I don't understand why [County Council Chairman] Kneece wont turn over the estimates for the buildings we're expected to pay for. He's starting to sound like Obama, shove it down our throats and don't ask about the costs. Well Mr. Kneece, [removed] that!!!!! I want to know where my [darn] money is going!!!!!!!
web posted September 30, 2009

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Mr. Editor: I hope this comment will be posted after you refused my other 2. Bring your lawn chairs to the court house on Friday and watch the fun when they sell off the rest of Mt Vintage. Can we bring wine and cheese to the affair or do we need a special permit from piglet?
web posted September 30, 2009

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Some time back, in this section, it was [said] about a new administrator of one of the schools who  was hired from way out of the area.  [removed]  Well today we have that same administrator today spending more time that is needed with one of our new and also from way out of this area, very cute teachers.  [removed]  But more importantly when is the District staff going to learn the only people who will come to a small town that cant pay like the big cities that these people are leaving, are most likely not the people we want around our kids.
web posted September 30, 2009

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RE:
"I'm writing this in response to the post about Edgefield EMS the person/persons that are writing these comments need to STOP. As a employee of the EMS service the comments aimed at the director and supervisors are based on one persons opinion and is in no way shape or form represent how the ems service is operated."

[Removed], it's not just "one persons" opinion, rather multiple individuals expressing concern over the operation of Edgefield County EMS. Even in your first sentence you recognize this! Then in the second sentence you contradict yourself? Wow, you should be our next president! But, I digress... It does however seem to be only one person defending the Director and the rest of EMS. I bet the Director is proud of you! You have proved to the entire county, the quality of employees the Director of EMS maintains. I'm glad I didn't read your post out-loud, I would need resuscitation from trying to read your run-on sentences.

I don't dispute that you do your best for the county, it's just that "your" best is not the best for the county. Your "best" lacks exponentially.It's not expected for you to be in multiple places at once, it's understandable for there to be delays at times. But it's time after time, after time. It's inexcusable to forgo the resources EMS has available to them when there is going to be a delay in getting to the victim. There are individuals throughout the county who have taken the time to complete a First Responder course and, volunteer their time in order to better help their communities, so when there is a shortage of ambulances, when there is going to be long times to get to the victim.

First responders can help to comfort the patient, provide oxygen, perform CPR, at times defibrillate heart attack victims, help to control bleeding, stabilize a person with a neck or back injury. First Responders typically live closer to the victim than EMS is stationed. They are trained to provide basic life support and first aid above that of the typical person. Your "best" is to wait 5-10 minutes to call on them, if at all? Your standard of care is UNACCEPTABLE! Your policies LAUGHABLE! Your management QUESTIONABLE!

P.S. I do agree with the editor in regards to needing a third truck. I'm just wondering, who is going to staff it when the Director......um.... the Supervisors????? well, whoever is running EMS, runs off the paramedics that this state is short on, and can't replace them. The first Paramedic that was run off this year, has yet to be replaced. I'm glad they have moved on in their careers, and bettering themselves, but I'm also saddened because this has decreased the care me and the rest of Edgefield Counties residents COULD have.

Editor's note: Please do not state that I would agree or disagree with a position taken (statement removed in post) by anyone unless it has been previously stated.
web posted September 30, 2009

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The SC Education Oversight Committee is supposed to be a tough, objective, and nonpartisan watchdog.
But instead up upholding school standards, they are caving to unions and special interest to water down classroom testing.

Read about taxpayer funded education lobbying and the prostrate EOC that bows to unions' whims:

"Educators Pushing for Weakened School Standards"

http://www.voiceforschoolchoice.com/2009/09/29/swatzel-unions-pushing-for-weakened-school-standards/
web posted September 30, 2009

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Editor's post: There are three individuals that I hope are arrested, convicted, and sentenced to prison very soon. So far they owe about $6,000 in medical bills that are continuing to mount. Seems things in Aiken County move a lot slower than they do in Edgefield County, which speaks volumes about the level of service our Sheriff and his staff provides. If it happened in Edgefield County the three would already be sitting in jail.
web posted September 29, 2009

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I would like to thanks the sths girls tennis coaching staff.The news as of today is there will be no tennis this year at sths.Well i just want to thank everyone involved for wasting my hard earned money.I bought all my daughters gear and paid for a physical also.So now who wants to reinburse me?Someone just did"nt have their crap together and now i have to pay for it?This is my daughters freshman year and she wanted to play so bad.Ruined that dream also.All i can say is Thank You from the bottom of my empty wallet.And i bet this would never happen to the precious football team.Thank you edgefielddaily for letting me vent,keep up the good work.
web posted September 29, 2009

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I think it is very inappropriate for MALE teachers to be conversing with their FEMALE students through facebook.  I personally think this blurs the line between the teacher/student relationship! 

Editor's note: I would have to agree.
web posted September 29, 2009

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I'm writing this in response to the post about Edgefield EMS the person/persons that are writing these comments need to STOP. As a employee of the EMS service the comments aimed at the director and supervisors are based on one persons opinion and is in no way shape or form represent how the ems service is operated. Edgefield EMS has excellent supervisors, EMT's and  director that care greatly about the citizens of Edgefield county we do our best to respond to every call and give the up most patient care but as with any 911 emergency service we can not be everywhere at one time. Living in a rural county we often have to take our patients out of the county for the medical attention they need making us having longer transport times and sometimes even longer waiting time at the hospital and with football season starting the need for ems services increases and we do our  best to support the local schools and youth football program by providing our services though will still have to provide medical attention to the rest of the county and often have to leave to provide this and as far as the comment about our trucks and equipment we have fully stocked ambulances that are prepared to handle any type of call or multiple patients 24 hours a day as with any emergency vehicle they are subject to the normal wears and tears and we do our best to keep them in top running shape. To the citizens of Edgefield county please don't doubt or frown upon your ems service they are here to serve YOU and help out in any way that they can.

Editor's note: There is no question we need to have a third ambulance and crew on duty 24/7.
web posted September 29, 2009

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I think you are on to something about the calliham thing. If the "numbers" were so great and the purchase was the best thing for the county to do you know they would wave the results around yelling "told you so!".... but they aren't are they? Thanks for keeping us informed.

Editor's note: That is a very valid point.
web posted September 29, 2009

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This most interesting.  Click the link below and read all three articles.
DNC Failed to Certify Obama as Eligible in MOST States!

http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/14741
 
The plot thickens!
web posted September 29, 2009

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Do you know if the sale of MV (Development properties) is still on?

Editor's note: The last information I had states the sale is a go for Friday at 11 am.
web posted September 29, 2009

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You should change the name of the "Crime Blotter" to something else. Everybody is innocent until proven guilty and the name makes it seem like they are criminals.

Editor's note: The section clearly states all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. However, if someone is arrested it is because they have been accused of a crime, thus the name.
web posted September 29, 2009

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The new suggestion by our president is to extend the school year in order to help children succeed in school. Sounds more like a way to keep those little ones in a place that they can be indoctrinated longer. There is no reason that the regular school year is not long enough. If teachers were actually allowed to teach the things kids need to know and not all the other junk that comes along, kids would learn. It won't matter if the school year is longer, children need to be in school every day during the school year we now embrace.  Now more than ever parents better be aware of what is going on in their schools. For too long, many parents have been absent from their responsibilities. The breakdown of the home, lack of motivation, lack of goals etc. etc. play into much of this.
 
It sounds like Edgefield County schools are in trouble from the top down. Maybe a little clean up is needed. Remember the power of the voting booth.
 
I don't know about anyone else, but hearing those kindergartners singing praises to the president to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic was more than creepy. It reminds one a little of the Nazi youth movement. This kind of indoctrination could lead to the "fundamental change" our president wants to see in this country.
web posted September 29, 2009

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If you really want to klnow all the stuff and underhanded things that are trying to be pushed down our throats , listen to Rush on 580 AM radio.  I had heard a lot  about him but never really made a point to listen. Now I don't agree with the way he says some things but I have to Admit that he pulls no punches and tells it as it is. He does not sweep anything under the rug.
web posted September 29, 2009

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The heavy load is siting on the 118 bypass in Aiken.Take hwy19 into Aiken. Turn onto Rutland drive( goes in front of the Aiken Standard & Aiken High school)  Stay on that road. I think it is about three red lights . It is there on the left(like you can miss it). We went to Beaufort this weekend and saw  it in Barnwell.
The electric line crews were taking down the lines . It was parked in Aiken as we came back home. My son said it looked like a parade with so many people parked to see it. It is a sight to see. Go see it if you can. Just stop and ask for directions if you need to. Everyone should know where it is. We were told that it has over 500 tires and 270 something axles. It is being pulled by two big trucks and pushed by two more. And has an asphalt crew following to repair any road damage. We did not see any road damage or evidence of any repairs anywhere along the route and we followed the same route . I do not know if anything we heard was true. You know how things get turned around and added to in the retelling.

Editor's note: The convoy will remain there until Oct. 6. An update is listed on the Headlines today.
web posted September 29, 2009

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Don't you think that it is time to get in touch with some of the northern UNIONS. ( County employees, Teachers, etc. )
I have never been one that liked the idea of a Union but it sure makes a lot of sense to get someone in a position to support the working people of Edgefield County and the tax paying people of Edgefield County.

Editor's note: The last thing we need around here is a union.
web posted September 29, 2009

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Congratulations are in order to Edgefield EMS. For once again making a patient wait the better part of 30 minutes while in respiratory distress. Guess that is a "good Paramedic", too good to ask for assistance. Maybe we should rename Edgefield EMS, to Edgefield Grim Reapers, surely that is what they are out to do.
web posted September 29, 2009

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Re: Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxdt_f0hwUg&feature=player_embedded#t=60– This is good. It comes from the Jesus Camp. The lady introducing President Bush even begins to speak in tongue. (Awesome, scary)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ettl3zfLWus&feature=player_embedded This one is from a private charity called Katrina’s Kids.
No one saw indoctrination in any of these two. But poor President Obama, everything anyone does for him becomes signs of takeover of a person’s mind. I am wondering, “What is there to take? How far off track can you go and still hang on to your sanity.
Please check out Frank Schaeffer on Rachel Maddox show take on this issue:
http://debunker.typepad.com/boulderblog/2009/09/rachel-maddow-on-teabaggers-and-religious-nutjobs.html This is my favorite. Hope you like it?
web posted September 29, 2009

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It is truly an ugly baby. The goings on in Edgefield are absolutely the craziest stuff ever. I guess no crazier than what is happening in Washington. It is almost too much to think about. Do you think they feel like people will just roll over and give up? Isn't it funny that a little power really makes people do some incredibly stupid things? Is Chairman Kneece caught between a rock and a hard place? What is driving him to act this way and to be so secretive? Maybe the question is not "what" but "who"? Something to ponder and it doesn't take one long to figure it out. Too bad for him that there are people that can actually think and see what is going on. Same thing for our president. Too bad for him that there are actually some decent people who research and find out the truth. Guess what, a lot of those decent folks are not white-they are decent, honest Americans who care about this country. Not a racist thing, just good people in all races that are calling him out.
web posted September 28, 2009

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The list.
I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm reaching sensory overload. This Obama experiment has turned out to be such a complete and absolute disaster … there are so many bad things .. so many things that threaten our security, our freedom and our way of life … I just don't know which way to turn in discussing them. The list of atrocities brought against our country by this disaster in the White House and his anti-capitalist myrmidons in the congress is vast:

    1. Forced Unionization
    2. Pork spending disguised as a stimulus plan
    3. Nationalizing health care
    4. Limiting pay and benefits in the private sector
    5. Government ownership of General Motors
    6. Cap-and-tax
    7. International wealth redistribution through cap-and-trade
    8. Massive tax increases on job providers and producers
    9. Backing off on defense promises to Europe
    10. Placating the mad men of Iran
    11. Constitutional rights for terrorist suspects in Afghanistan
    12. Dishonesty
    13. Single-party talks with the gargoyle in North Korea
    14. Weakening the American military
    15. Continuing class warfare demagoguery
    16. A general anti-free market mentality in the White House
    17. Ending the war on terror
    18. Investigating CIA agents who protected us
    19. No follow-through on the war in Afghanistan
    20. More control over the media
    21. Schmoozing Hugo Chavez
    22. Czars
    23. Rooting for a dictatorship in Honduras
    24. Expanding welfare as never before
    25. Record deficits. Money spent to buy votes.
    26. Record debt for your grandchildren to repay … if they can.
    27. Trade wars with China
    28. Cutting Medicare benefits for senior citizens
    29. Pandering to the America-hating United Nations
    30. Gathering information in the White House on Obama detractors
    31. Setting up for a fraudulent Census in 2010
    32. Ignoring ACORN abuses
    33. FCC Diversity Czar who praises Hugo Chavez's censorship practices.
    34. Massive government growth at expense of the private sector
    35. Tax cheat as Treasury Secretary
    36. Free pass for Black Panther voter intimidating goons
    37. Move Muslim terrorists from Gitmo to American communities
    38. Moving to legalize and legitimize illegal aliens
Where do you go on any given day with a list like this? What do you focus on?  How do you set the priorities among this fine list … and it's a list that can be easily expanded.  Think about this list when you vote in 2010.
web posted September 28, 2009

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Who does (Edgefield County Chairman) Monroe (Kneece) think he is to hold back info from everybody else? We got every right to see what our  money is being spent on!!!!!!!! This is (BS).
web posted September 28, 2009

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Hi.  Can you tell me if the superload is sitting somewhere now.  My husband and I would really like to see it and Sunday would be our best shot.  I work in Columbia Monday and he has to work Monday evening thereby knocking our opportunity to see it.  Thanks for all you do!

Editor's note: My information has it in Aiken County "somewhere". It should be moving into our area on late Monday or Tuesday. I should get a call from SCDOT on Monday with more information.
web posted September 28, 2009

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where can one buy hay bales for fall yard decoration?
web posted September 28, 2009

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i have to say that I am not a supporter of the editor on most things but this time I am behind him 100%. Why wont Mr. kneece release the information on the two buildings. If there is nothing to hide why is it being hidden? This is one of the few times I support the wandering minds and ask people to request that we be told all the facts and figures.  This whole thing stinks to high heaven.
web posted September 28, 2009

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I love your online media outlet.  In fact, I usually check in everyday.  Do you think you could add a Search Feature?  I have wanted to look at some past articles and it took forever to find one in particular.

Editor's note: A replacement search feature is under consideration. EdgefieldDaily.com refuses to be pressured by conglomerates for ads and search options that gives them control over availability of our site.
web posted September 28, 2009

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I love you Pookie!!!!!!!!!!
web posted September 28, 2009

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Published on TheHill.com on September 22, 2009

Now that the various healthcare plans are being reduced to print, the financial details are emerging and with them a fundamental conclusion is becoming evident: The Obama plan is a giant tax increase for much of the American people (not just the rich).

Start with the mandate that falls on those whose welfare is the supposed object of the entire program -- the uninsured. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the average uninsured person or family will have to pay between 15 and 20 percent of his or their total income on health insurance (counting premiums, deductibles and co-payments) before any of the subsidy in the Baucus bill kicks in. Even in the more generous House bill, the tab that the uninsured must pay is very, very high.

Most uninsured would likely be quite happy to avoid paying this much of their income for health insurance. But they will be forced to shell out the money under the program. Others would want catastrophic coverage (which for the young would likely not be too costly) but the Obama program requires comprehensive insurance that is costly to satisfy the government requirement.

Having spent the entire campaign speaking about "affordable" coverage, it turns out the program is not at all affordable, but a massive new tax on the average uninsured American.

Then there is the tax on health insurance premiums that is to finance about a quarter of the subsidy for the uninsured. This tax, billed as only to be levied on "gold-plated" policies, will, in fact, reach down to the average American. The Baucus bill specifies that the tax of 35 percent would be put on all premiums over $8,000 for an individual and on proportionately higher premiums for families. Current estimates are that about one-tenth of the current health insurance policies would be taxable. But the $8,000 premium level that will trigger coverage is not indexed for inflation, let alone for medical inflation, which typically runs twice as high. ObamaCare will take effect in 2013. By then, the percentage of Americans subject to the tax will doubtless expand dramatically. Indeed, this trigger is a new Alternative Minimum Tax waiting to happen. As inflation pushes more and more Americans into tax eligibility, it will become a universal health insurance excise tax of 35 percent. While the tax will be imposed on health insurers and employers, it will, obviously, be passed along to the policyholders.

So if you are insured, you will increasingly have to pay 35 percent more for the privilege. And if you are uninsured, you will have to pay one-fifth of your income in premiums, deductibles and co-payments before any subsidy kicks in.

And then there is the final piece of the puzzle -- the $500 billion cut in Medicare that will pay for the bulk of the subsidy under the bill. We are literally slicing services to the elderly in order to transfer healthcare to others. Obama's claim that only "waste and inefficiency" in Medicare will be cut is, at best, disingenuous. Most of the cuts will be in reimbursement for doctors and hospitals. That will lead to less care, shorter office visits, fewer tests, fewer surgeries and less care. And it will lead to fewer doctors. As a result, a survey by the Investor's Business Daily indicates that 45 percent of all doctors would "consider retiring or closing their practices" if the Obama bill passes. The result will be a greater scarcity of medical services, even as the patient load expands by at least 30 million people.

Each of these fiscal pieces is movable. The left will pressure Obama to increase the subsidy to the uninsured. But that will necessitate raising the Medicare cut borne by the elderly or increasing the tax on health insurance policies -- or adding to the deficit. Any of these options will alienate moderate senators. Balancing these competing priorities only works if the taxpayers don't know what is going on.

If the average middle-income American family realizes that it will have to pay one-third more for health insurance or the uninsured learn that they will have to pay a fifth of their income to get insurance, they will make their dissatisfaction felt by their Democratic senators.

All of which begs the fundamental question: How willing are Democratic congressmen to commit political suicide? Are they willing to lose the elderly and to antagonize the uninsured as the health insurance cops chase them around the block? When does JFK's comment kick in: "Sometimes party loyalty asks too much"?
web posted September 28, 2009

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“Children are the losers when school standards are lowered.”

That’s the message of South Carolinians for Responsible Government (SCRG), a Columbia-based education watchdog group working to draw attention to scoring details of the newly adopted Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) test.

In South Carolina the Association of School Administrators (SCASA) and the School Boards Association (SCSBA) are lobbying to lower achievement standards in public schools. While weakened benchmarks might provide job security and political cover for their membership, they come at a high cost to the parents and children in South Carolina.

When South Carolina’s State Legislature replaced the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT) with the new PASS test, it did so in order to give teachers more timely and detailed information about students' abilities. It also tentatively adjusted the number of student performance tiers from four (advanced, proficient, basic, and below basic) to just three (not met, met, and exemplary).

Now, as the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) prepares to finalize details of how these rankings are applied to test scores, some Committee members argue that the original four-level grading system offers a more rigorous standard that ought to be retained. The Associated Press (AP) has reported that officials from SCASA and SCSBA are pressuring the EOC to use the weaker three-tiered benchmarks.

The PACT test had many problems. It was expensive and time consuming. Still, the use of four rather than three student achievement levels made the test more rigorous than the new PASS, should the PASS be implemented with only three levels of student performance.

“Standardized testing, once seen as the key to measuring and improving student achievement, has devolved into a stomach turning morass of patronage and special interest,” explained Randy Page, President of South Carolinians for Responsible Government. “Renting-seeking testing contractors, turf-protecting political incumbents, and self-serving school officials are working to further lower school standards in order to conceal persistent failures in public schools across South Carolina.”

An employee of Data Recognition Corp, the politically connected Minnesota-based testing firm that develops tests, seems to agree. He recently told the AP that under the three-tiered design more students would fall into higher achievement categories. In other words, without any measurable rise in scores, more students and schools would automatically "PASS" the test!
web posted September 28, 2009

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Mmm, mmm, mm!  Barack Hussein Obama He said that all must lend a hand. To make this country strong again.  Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussien Obama He said we must be clear today. Equal work means equal pay. Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama He said that we must take a stand. To make 
sure everyone gets a chance. Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama. He said Red, Yellow, Black, or  White. All are equal in his sight. Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama Yes.  Mmm, mmm, mm!  We must love and worship Dear Leader. (Video)

Editor's note: I have a real problem with this. What song is it we all sang as children? "Jesus loves the little children" with the line "Red, yellow, black or white, they are equal in His sight". I saw the video but could not make out all the words but the transcript provided above has been sent in several times today. This is not education, it is indoctrination. And blasphemy.
web posted September 26, 2009

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RE: "As far as employee's go, yes the moral there is bad, this is mainly because of one supervisor. She lies and changes all the rules behind the Director's back. She gets people into trouble and does not take any responsibility for her own actions. She is part, actually one of the biggest reasons why people don't stay there. If you do not agree with her, your on her hate list and to be on her hate list, you better watch your back."

So, if the Director of EMS is not responsible for the rules and actions of her employees. WHO IS?!?!? It all goes back to MISS-MANAGEMENT!! The Director wants to enforce the rules and regulations that are convenient for her, not what is best for her employees or the residents of Edgefield County. Why would the Director allow her employees to be run off my an out of control supervisor?

RE: "I was at the recreational football game the other night when the player was hurt, and it took EMS longer than it should have. I live less than two minutes from the station in edgefield and i know it only takes me ten minutes to get to Bettis Acadamey and that's doing the spped limit and getting caught at the light at Billy's. Thank God the child wasn't hurt worse than he was. "

I agree, it did take longer than it should have! But, that's because the ambulance was coming from Merriweather! The powers in charge(haven't quite figured out who is running EMS now), decided that Whitlock Rd(the road just before Bettis Academy Rd coming from Edgefield) is the midway/cutoff point. It takes on average 6 minutes longer for the Merriweather truck to get to Bettis Academy versus the Edgefield truck.And yet again, First Responders could have been on scene in a fraction of time it takes for either ambulance, had the patient stabilized ready for transport, had they been dispatched. But I digress....

Not to lay the entire blame on EMS, it can take up to 8 minutes from the time you call 911 until dispatchers dispatch the call(hopefully to the correct dept. be it EMS or Fire). I understand Edgefield County is NOT Aiken County, but they should look long and hard at their operations and protocols. Aiken Co. 911 Dispatch automatically dispatches the Fire Departments First Responders for any serious or life threatening injury or illness and accidents.
web posted September 26, 2009

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Where do you get that Carolina is a top 15 or even TOP 10 team? Yes, they did well last night, but i defintely think are are many more talented teams that are more rightfully deserving of the top ten spots!

Editor's note: Easy, USC whooped UGA all over the field and in stats. A single lucky play (and 2 called back TD's for USC) was the reason for their win. We just took out a #4 ranked team. Fluke? I don't think so. USC should be in the top 15 without a doubt. I'm waiting to see where the polls put them Monday. USC is just one play away from a 4-0 start with one of the ten toughest schedules this year in the nation.
web posted September 26, 2009

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This goes out to MES.  What is going on with the morning car line?  Thursday traffic was backed up onto Spring Haven Drive and Friday it took 10 minutes to make it around the car line to drop off my child.  This has gotten crazy.    The website has been under construction since school started, car lines have gone CRAZY.  Parents are getting irate.  Wake up  and start worrying about what the parents are thinking.  I’m not the only one talking about this, everyone is saying the school doesn’t seem to have it together this year.
web posted September 26, 2009

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Re teacher contracts comment.....Andy Livingston is a CPA, but I don't think he is a lawyer.  However, if I were a teacher now I would certainly get a good lawyer's advice on this contract business.  I have heard that Dr. Crenshaw is getting rid of the last two "homegrown" administrators.  When are people going to wake up in this county as to what is going on and try to help those who have "woken up".  I'm afraid we're on a very slippery slope and heading toward an  Allendale County type of situation or maybe worse.  Heaven forbid.  Yes we do need to pray, but God gives us intelligence and we also need to take action.
web posted September 26, 2009

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Maybe this will open your mind especially the article I copied for you. But no please don't take my word, do your own search. It was stated that the war on Iraq would cost us nothing. No bigger lie has ever been told. What you don't understand is that you were under a dictator and marxist leader and you loved it because he was white. Yeah I said it. But this Black man who is occupying the White House have you chasing your tails and pulling straws from a haystack. You don't know how to take him. Very simple do what I do and have done, if the majority rule then you accept the majority verdict. I did not want Bush for another four years and couldn't understand how anyone who listen to buildup for the war on iraq would. But lo and behold, as long as he was a republican y'all voted for him. So the mess we are in was created by y'all dictator. Even Bush's wife has respect for our President. But this evil grassroot organization has
 only hatred. But guess what, I am not the least bit surprise about the role the South is playing. There are good, loving, kindhearted people in Edgefield County. And there are thinking people in Edgefield County. And as long as there are people who is willing to listen, I will conhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/28/iraq.afghanistan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_invasion_of_Iraq

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17347-2004Apr16.html

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0110-01.htm

http://www.wealthdaily.com/articles/oil-iraq-war/1208
web posted September 26, 2009

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Editor's post: EdgefieldDaily.com has topped all-time records with over 1.88 million hits for the month of September as of tonight and is expected to to top 2 million hits for the month from over 22,000 individual readers.

The South Carolina Gamecocks showed they were a team to be reckoned with Thursday night in a 16-10 defeat of the Ole Miss #4 ranked team in a strong defensive game followed by an unrelenting offensive attack. The Gamecocks defense held Old Miss to field goals in the first half and gave up only one touchdown in the game.

The defeat ended a 22-game losing streak by USC against teams ranked in the top 5 in AP polls and put an end to the Rebels eight game winning streak.

Is USC getting the respect they deserve?... No. The Gamecocks are a top 15 if not a top 10 team. Lets see where they rank on Monday.

After EdgefieldDaily.com listed the link to the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office they recieved almost 90,000 hits for the day. EdgefieldDaily.com was the only media outlet that listed the link to the public online.
web posted September 25, 2009

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This is quite interesting. I walk into school this morning and find two sign-up sheets.  One of the sheets is for anyone who wants a copy of their contract.  Um, hello?!  Of course we would.  Why isn't it mandatory that we all get a copy?  AND why is our salary and days of work being left off of the contract and ONLY being signed by Dr. Crenshaw?  Smells funny to me.  I am curious as to what Andy Livingston's comments are about this whole situation, being a lawyer and all.
 
The second sign-up sheet stated that Dr. Crenshaw wanted to know of anyone in the county who is interested in getting their Masters of Administration.  Why in the world does this even matter to her?  Several home-grown teachers teach in Edgefield County with this degree already in place and were overlooked when they applied to be administrators.  Dr. Crenshaw has proven that she isn't going to hire within, or if she does, she's only going to hire those who will advance her power.  And by the way, if you do sign the sheet, you might get hired before you are even qualified and you might even receive the full administrator's pay. 
 
P.S.  You may want to make sure your name can't be Googled!
web posted September 25, 2009

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Edgefield EMS is doing the best job they can. They have 2 ambulances running at a time, this is not their fault. The County does not give them enough money in the budget for a third station or a third crew on the weekdays. There is a 3 crew at the main station on the weekends from 8 A till 8 P. If the County put up some money maybe there could be an ambulance dedicated to every single football game.
Everyone is complaining and blaming the Director for everything that is happening with EMS. It's not all her fault. We are driving ambulances that are about to fall apart, She can't buy a new ambulance out of her own money. This is something the County needs to do.
As far as employee's go, yes the moral there is bad, this is mainly because of one supervisor. She lies and changes all the rules behind the Director's back. She gets people into trouble and does not take any responsibility for her own actions. She is part, actually one of the biggest reasons why people don't stay there. If you do not agree with her, your on her hate list and to be on her hate list, you better watch your back.
The people that work there go through alot, they walk into houses not knowing what they are about to walk in on. They are in danger everytime they go on a call, especially a traffic accident. Would you want to be standing out in the middle of the road or in the middle of a domestic dispute, or would u like to have people cussing and threatning you? I don't think you would.
They are people trying to do a job, they are doing the best they can and put up with all more (stuff) that most people. They are puked on, (disrespected)  on, hit, spit on, yelled at, threatend, bleed on, exposed to TB and other diseases, lack of sleep and food, sometimes not sleeping or eating the whole shift. Give them a break, Humans are humans and can only do the best they can.
web posted September 25, 2009

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Imagine opening your paycheck and discovering that it was not adjusted based on 3 furlough days but instead it was cut 48.5%. To make it worse, you had no idea that it was going to happen because no one thought enough of the work you do to bother to tell you. In fact, when you were hired to "fill in" for that position , it was assumed that the only adjustment to your pay rate would be the same adjustment everyone else received. Just another example of what's going on with those who hold the power. How sad for Edgefield County.
web posted September 25, 2009

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I want to thank you for standing up against the "big" people and telling the truth about what the bigwigs do to run Edgefield. You're a brave man. I [j]ust wanted to say thank you for all you do!!!!!
web posted September 25, 2009

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I was at the recreational football game the other night when the player was hurt, and it took EMS longer than it should have. I live less than two minutes from the station in edgefield and i know it only takes me ten minutes to get to Bettis Acadamey and that's doing the spped limit and getting caught at the light at Billy's. Thank God the child wasn't hurt worse than he was.
web posted September 25, 2009

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Your chickens did good against Ole Miss. It was luck but they gotr luickyu and did good.

Editor's note: How does one command the game and get "lucky"?
web posted September 25, 2009

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RE:  To the idiots who wont let the confederate flag be a choice of design-sides for the junior class rings:

Sounds like good old reversed racism to me.  I would follow the Editors advise and buy mine at the Johnston jewelry store and not help finance anything ECSD has.  In 1986 and 85 when my husband and I graduated STH, we were able to get the flags on both our rings.  The student body got along with each other, we were all friends and had a great time and we were treated the same and did not have all this racial tension there is today.  The black members of the school board and some black administrators have made it this way.  Like when they changed the mascot from a "Southern Gentleman" to a "Coon hound" , ha ha ,dummies!

OH, has anyone noticed when you see a mug shot or someone on camera committing a crime, 40-50% of the time they are wearing some kind of obama garbage?  Not a confederate flag!  

Did you see on the news were a volunteer census worker was killed (HUNG), in Kentucky I think, with the work FED written on him?  Well, good thing he was white, otherwise jessie an al would be all over it as a racist hate crime!
web posted September 25, 2009

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I agree, the new CFO is just a yes person for Clinkscales and Crenshaw.  One must wonder why she would drive approximately two hours one way for her job.  The game is playing out.  Crenshaw is adament that the two remaining administrators with tenure, experience, and knowledge of this district will leave before the school year ends.  Others in their situation were allowed to complete the year, but not these two.  Crenshaw and Clinkscales will now have complete control with no one to stop them.  They have continued to use poor judgement time and time again.  Is our Board so blinded by color that they can't see this?  I happen to be white and I promise you one thing, if these two were white I'd be saying the same thing!  The CFO is white and I'm saying that she is not qualified for her job.  When the Edgefield County School District becomes a mirror image of Allendale School District, will they be happy then?  Crenshaw and Clinkscales are just passing through this community.  Before them, we had a second to none administration that had roots here.  People that dedicated their entire careers to this district; people who loved this district, this community and our children.  To all of you former administrators, teachers, and support staff who loved us, I say thank you.  Thank you for your dedication and please keep the district you loved in your prayers.
web posted September 25, 2009

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RE: Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.


I've got a new march on Washington for you to track today (Friday 9/25).  I'm sure you'll count millions at this one:  http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2340995/posts?page=165
web posted September 25, 2009

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Since you only put a little bit of our conversation on your site, I hope this is small enough for you to use. Stills shots do not have people walking on the roof of a building. Nor does it have people moving along the way. As a matter of fact, stills have no movements. The DC Fire Department said no more than 60 or 70,000 people. There is no way you can change that number.

Editor's note: One of the largest crowds ever to swarm D.C. is documented and yet you want to rebuff it because it does not fit your agenda. I will not put our personal conversation online. You refuse to admit actual footage and there is nothing that will deter you from the drinking of the Obama Kool-aid.

I would expect nothing less from a government employee that will benefit from a larger take-over of America.
web posted September 25, 2009

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To the idiots who wont let the confederate flag be a choice of design-sides for the junior class rings:
 
As a parent of a junior at Strom Thurmond High School, I know that the choice of having a confederate flag has been suspended at our school for quite a few years. However, my beef is that students who wish to customize their class rings with the flag, that their parents pay gobbs of money for, cant because of the racist opinion some people have about it. It's offensive and too political some people say. SO WHAT!
The reason I, as a parent of a child who wanted the flag for a design on their ring, am so strucken by this is because you can have a choice of putting anything about Obama on your ring but you cant have a flag on it. Like there's nothing political about putting the President as a design.
And another thing, why weren't any other presidents a choice of a design. Maybe it offends other people who are for the confederate flag. I think it's ridiculous that students cant have what they want on their personal class rings that they keep forever and design themselves to show exactly who they are and what they're about as far as their high school career goes.
Also, back when the speech was on TV and they were made to show it in school, my child told me that some kids at school were wearing shirts that were against Obama on the day of the speech. Apparently these children were reprimanded for the shirts because they displayed too highly of a political opinion or a "political statement" and they were made to take them off of pay the consequences. What i dont understand is the fact that other students can wear shirts with Obama's face on it and it's like that's not displaying political opinion. Are the authorities blind or something can they not see that? Things need to change.

Editor's note: No one said you have to purchase your student's class ring from the school. You can pay a jeweler to produce the ring with whatever you choose. It may even be less than the cost of a ring you do not want to purchase.
web posted September 24, 2009

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I was amused at the school board meeting Tuesday night.  Mr. Bibbs got up to introduce the Americorp volunteers and what it stood for.  Something he said struck me and I just had to laugh.  He said the Americorp program helps kids learn how to be "Givers" and not "Takers".  Seems to me that Mr. Bibbs needs to take that to heart his own self or he might not have that lawsuit staring him in the face.  And what is with that smug look he always has on his face during the public comments. 

On another note, Dr. Crenshaw could hardly keep her eyes open during the public comments.  I was worried she was gonna hit her head on the desk a couple of times from dozing off.  You would think with something as serious as people pleading for their jobs she could pay attention.

And finally, it looks like Crenshaw got a "Yes-Woman" for the CFO this time.  The tax-payers better watch out for this one!  Between the contracts and the mill rate hike, she is really starting out with a bang!
web posted September 24, 2009

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Don't want this to fall of the radar, DHEC shold have had time to make a decision?

Editor's note: The matter is still being followed.
web posted September 24, 2009

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Oh so the school board is going to raise the millage rate....well I am intelligent enough to understand that contrary to what the CFO thinks.  However, I am counting on my property taxes going down since my home value has dropped (ha, ha).
web posted September 24, 2009

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sjvc6baor8 pac This is a 40 second tape. Believe me 1 million nor 1.4 million people could come through a space in that short space of time. So since you are using the actual footage, then please use your common knowledge too. Maybe 70,000 could go through but not 1 million or more. And then look at the label on the tape. It says 8:00-11:00 and then they give you a 40 second clip. Who is misleading who? Maybe you can not figure this one out, but maybe some of your readers can. Could you really move 1 million or more through a street in 40 seconds? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.

Editor's note: As someone who claims to be a "media specialist" you show you cannot see a time lapse compulation of still photos taken (by Washington DC Police) over a 4 hour period for what it is. The only question I have is... what flavor is the Kool-Aid you are drinking?
web posted September 24, 2009

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I am writing you regarding the lost dog signs in the Meriwether area.  I believe I may know where the dog is, but the signs have been damaged by the rain and I am unable to read the number to try and contact the owners. I have seen the sign in the Copeland Circle (Carr Estates) area. I believe the sign said it was a golden colored, medium size, mixed breed and that the dog was wearing a collar and could be very shy. I am not able to get close enough to this dog to see if there is a tag on the collar or not. 

If you know who the possible owners may be, I would love to help them get their dog back.

Editor's note: The owners of the dog can contact EdgefieldDaily.com and we will put the two in contact with each other.
web posted September 24, 2009

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RE: "Can someone please explain to me why there is not an EMS crew on standby at the County Recreational football games?  Last night we watched as a player lay on the field of play for over 20 minutes waiting for a qualified EMS crew to arrive.  Again, total lack of foresight and planning on the part of our County Recreational Department.  If, we are lucky, the hurt players parents won't sue over this.  

Let the excuses begin.............."

First Responders were in the area. If they were dispatched, they could have been on the scene within about 6-8 minutes. Oh, and how about the unconcious and non-responsive patient? It took EMS crews about 20 min to arrive. I'm sure First Responders could have been on scene within a fraction of that time.... had they been dispatched. Who is doing what is best for your emergency medical needs? Sure doesn't sound like Edgefield EMS.

I'm just sayin'
web posted September 24, 2009

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Monroe Kneece stated “the price was why he brought up to purchase the property.”  If the price was the problem, why didn’t the county bid on the property when it was bid at the courthouse square? I realize the owner would have brought the bid up but not to $350,000 ?  What does Monroe owe to Bettis Rainsford

Who proposed this estimate for remodeling.  Bettis?? If he ordered this estimate he should have to pay for it, not the county.  I also bet the estimate includes his partners in crime and his company will have employees working on this deal.  Just my guess??

Editor's note: The estimates come from the firm hired by the county council (which they have, to date, refused to release) not any company related to Mr. Rainsford or Ken Durham. Why the county is refusing to release public information is another question.
web posted September 24, 2009

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Qaddafi spoke after President Barack Obama's first speech to the General Assembly.

Referencing Obama as "my son," Qaddafi said: "We are happy that a young African Kenyan was voted for and made president. Obama is a glimpse in the dark for the next four years, but I'm afraid we may go back to square one."

"African Kenyan"?       "African Kenyan"??     "African Kenyan"?????

Does Qaddafi know something all of America should know?  That Obama is not a natural born citizen of the United States and not qualified to be President????????  Does he have proof?  If so, could Qaddafi use that knowledge to get anything he wants from Obama?  Inquiring minds would sure like to know the answer to that one.
web posted September 24, 2009

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I am curious as to why no contracts have been issued to teachers in Edgefield County? Is this legal? They have not been notified of their salary, or anything else for that matter, and I just don't see how this is legal. I understand that legality, for the current administration, is of no concern since nothing else is done the way it should be, but it looks like someone should be looking out for the teachers and protecting their jobs. This new chick that was hired from Spartanburg is supposedly behind this. Goodness knows the district office is already lacking enough in the intelligence department - we don't need another ignoramous coming in and wrecking havoc on an already crippled school district! Please let me know who I can contact to find out if this is legal, and how we can get our teachers what they deserve! Someone needs to stand up for them!
web posted September 23, 2009

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Can someone please explain to me why there is not an EMS crew on standby at the County Recreational football games?  Last night we watched as a player lay on the field of play for over 20 minutes waiting for a qualified EMS crew to arrive.  Again, total lack of foresight and planning on the part of our County Recreational Department.  If, we are lucky, the hurt players parents won't sue over this.  

Let the excuses begin..............

Editor's note: I received two other comments on this in emails and others in person. The fact remains we need additional EMS units available. But the county wants to spend money on give-aways and other frivolous things rather than provide needed services. Thank goodness County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece and Council members Genia Blackwell and Rodney Ashcraft cut almost $700,000 of waste from this year's budget.
web posted September 23, 2009

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The person complaining about Medicaid, did you ever consider there could have been a time whn the person  had insurance or  a job? Maybe loss of a job or divorce pushed them into Medicaid. the problem with the Medicaid sysytem is it  promotes pregnancy. as long as the receipient has minor children in the home they qualify for Medicaid. so as long as they continue to have babies, they continue to cover the adult. however, a adult who loses his/her job, or spouse etc..and has no minor children CANNOT receive Medicaid regardless of income level unless they are old enough to receive Medicare.those who do not fit tinto that category,  do not qualify simply becasue they do not have chilldren under the age of 19 in the home. regardless  of income.  Medicaid should be for the poor period .Instead it has become a incentive plan to have more children out of wedlock. before you bash anyones outward appearance, thank your Senators and Representatives in Washington for the cause of the problem, not the patient.
web posted September 23, 2009

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I wasn’t surprised to hear that the school board plans to increase the mileage rate for Edgefield County residents.  What surprised me was when the CFO for the school district made a comment during the board meeting that “luckily” most people don’t pay attention to understand the mileage rate.

Editor's note: You are catching on to how things are done in this county. Welcome to my world.
web posted September 23, 2009

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that car parked in front of the poolroom was towed away last night about 10:30 pm.so now some people will be happy.
web posted September 23, 2009

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Let's see. Two years ago the County went looking for as Administrator. Put out adds($), had COG to do the ground work and hires someone that did not even put in an application.   Wander who and how this one will turn out? Why go to the trouble, if you already know who you will hire?

Editor's note: John Pettigrew did apply for the job, he was just not listed among the "qualified applicants". I have a feeling things are going to be very different this time. I could be wrong, but I can assure you if I am it will be a much bigger stink than Pettigrew's hiring ever was.
web posted September 23, 2009

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Mr. Editor: Please post this story. Coming soon to a school near us!!!!!!!! Tucson schools create race-based system of discipline. How long before the Mo-Town Four adopt this for Edgefiled County?

Editor's note: You are a couple years too late. Why do you think Greg Thompson left as well as a long term School Resource Officer?
web posted September 23, 2009

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No Editor, I sent you ABC response to the false number being quoted by Freedomworks: You very convenient continue to mention Talking Point which was only one of the link. And yeah, I do wonder why you convenient ignored ABC response. The UK network was only quoting what it had been feed by Freedom Works. What the traffic camera is showing, I really don't know. What I do know is that the news was misled by Freedom Works using ABC.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/protest-crowd-size-estimate-falsely-attributed-abc-news/story?id=8558055
ABC News Was Misquoted on Crowd Size
ABC News Reported D.C. Rally Size in Tens of Thousands, Not 1M to 1.5M as Activist Said.
Sept. 13, 2009

Editor's note: I have not placed my estimates on anyone, ABC (All Barack Channel), or any of the other state run media outlets, just on the actual footage recorded of the crowd. News from the UK and other foriegn news outlets had the crowd at 1 million or more. Did you miss that over 3/4 of the American people say the national (state run) media is biased and reports false info? Get out from under your rock and get into the real world with the rest of us.
web posted September 23, 2009

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Who the [heck] is [Edgefield Mayor] Ken Durham to tell the county employees what to do? Thye don't work for him!! Why doesn't piglet tell boss hawg to tell their emplyees at Edgefield Fuel and Tompkins Library to stop taking up a dozen spaces every day and [one person] who puts a traffic cone out to save her spot if she goes to lunch?!!!

Editor's note: I have yet to see the cone placed in the parking space, however, if I see it, I will remove it, park in the spot and dare anyone to call the police to report me. Any traffic cone placed by an individual, not the Police, is considered littering as I have been told by law enforcement.
web posted September 23, 2009

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.
THE  ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

OLD VERSION

The ant works hard in the  withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.  Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.  MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!

MODERN VERSION

The ant works hard in the withering heat and the rain all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.  The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while he is cold and starving.  CBS, NBC , PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?  Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing,  'It's Not Easy Being Green.' Acorn stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.'  Rev. Jeremiah Wright then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the  grasshopper's  sake.  President Obama condemns the ant and blames President Bush, President Reagan, Christopher Columbus, and the Pope for the grasshopper's plight.

Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.  Finally, the EEOC  drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar and given to the grasshopper.  The story ends as we see the grasshopper and his free-loading friends finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which, as you recall, just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around them because the grasshopper doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow, never to be seen again.  The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident, and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the ramshackle, once prosperous and once peaceful, neighborhood.  The entire Nation collapses bringing the rest of the free world with it.

MORAL OF THE STORY:  Be careful how you vote in 2010.
web posted September 23, 2009

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Editor's post: I am curious to see the numbers provided for the costs on building a new office building and the remodeling of the Calliham property. I wonder how close my estimate on the remodel of the Calliham property ($1.5 million) is to the actual numbers. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling a new building will be considerably less.

I found another situation interesting. Just like the days before the majority of the county council flipped and voted to buy the Calliham property after a meeting of three individuals, the same individuals were reported meeting again at the County Council Chambers on Monday, the very day the cost projections came in to the county. Humm... just a coincident I'm sure.
web posted September 22, 2009

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Refering to the coment about FC letting students back in after they have been arrested. You must have not noticed that  one of  The Fox Creek Vandels from last year is on your football team. They were supposed to have been expelled last year. I guess they have connections.

Editor's note: I have checked into the matter further as the only incident report from FCCHS last week did not show any arrest only a citation for a minor in possession of tobacco. A "pipe" suspected as being used to smoke marijuana was taken to be tested. At this time no formal charges have been filed in the case. The student was released at the school to a parent.
web posted September 22, 2009

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There will be no Nativity Scene in Washington this year!  The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in the United  States' Capital this Christmas season. This isn't for any religious reason.  They simply  have not been able to find Three Wise Men in the Nation's Capital.  A search for a Virgin continues.  There was no problem, however, finding  enough asses to fill the stable.
web posted September 22, 2009

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I wanted to say thank you for the new info now button. What a great idea! I bookmarked it so I can find numbers I need without having to look it up in the phonebook.

Editor's note: Info Now! has been around for over two years. The box button was just recently changed to the new design to make it more noticeable.
web posted September 22, 2009

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Thank you for not changing the Wandeing Minds. I love it like it is!!!!!
web posted September 22, 2009

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Re: I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for my health, and I would like to ask you to assist me. We're planning to simply walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and we'll need your help to make a few arrangements. We plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Calderon, that I'm on my way over?

Why waste President Obama's time? Just slip over at night. And then you can receive all of benefits that you deseve.

Re: Editor's note: I did not find all the information you listed at FreedomWorks, but I do see the link you use to support your claim in the left wing TalkingPointsDC.
web posted September 21, 2009,

Dear Editor if you had click on the other links you would realize that not only was Talking Point reporting the info but ABC - the network that was there broadcasting cleared up the misquote on their website. And The group's revised estimate -- which it says comes from comparing photos and videos from the event to past marches on Washington -- is significantly lower than FreedomWorks' president Matt Kibbe's weekend foul-up, when he announced that ABC News was reporting attendance of 1.5 million. ABC declared that it had reported no such thing. Kibbe has publicly backed off: "With a dead IPhone, I had been shown tweets from a number of different folks behind the stage citing the ABC estimate. They didn't say it. I regret misrepresenting the network, as their coverage that day was fair and honest." He apologized to ABC for lying. Now I don't know the reason you keep misrepresenting the fact since you say you are non-political. Seems like  you have a tendency to be lenient to those who support your views. What's up with that? Anywhere from 60,000 to 70,000 or maybe lower is the count. I don't really know but I do believe that is a long way from 1 million to 1.5 million. ABC hate for someone to use them as a scapegoat.. They never did report that number and now the Kibbe is saying his iphone was dead and he was taking other people words on the number of marchers. (duh)
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/protest-crowd-size-estimate-falsely-attributed-abc-news/story?id=8558055

Editor's note: Again, take a look at government recorded traffic cams of DC on the day of the protest. Hours of people filling the area. One report by the UK Mail has it at over 1 million. The reality is for the eye to behold, not the bias of the "American" media to portray.  As for bias, you have never been refused any comment so I'm not sure how you can support your claim. 60-70,000? Please, there were that many in the first hour.
web posted September 22, 2009

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RE: Editor's note:  Government does not earn money, it takes it from hard working Americans by force. "We" do not benefit when government takes more.

Amen Amen Amen. How hard is that for people to understand? Anybody that says "we" benifit when the government takes more money from taxpayers are the people the government gives our money to!!!!!! GET OFF YOUR [rear end] and get a [removed] JOB!!!!!!!!!!
web posted September 22, 2009

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(Edgefield Mayor) Ken Durham told county employees they can't park on the (town) square anymore so there is more parking for the new shops but employees of Bettis' (Rainsford) and the Tompkins Library still park in front of their jobs. And why is there a car sitting with a flat tire for over two weeks at the pool room?

Editor's note: That is an interesting point. As far as the car that has been parked on the north side of the town square, Edgefield Police state the driver (an elderly man) parked there to seek medical attention and was transported to the Edgefield County Hospital. Apparently he has no family members locally and they are trying to work with family members to retrieve the car without the cost of a towing and storage bill.

I find that to be acceptable and compassionate on their part.
web posted September 22, 2009

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I have to agree with the write up about the EMS director. From all that I have found out it seems that the county administrator (whoever that is ) should do some hard checking into this. The morale over there is terrible. People really do hate it to a point. They are told when a problem arises that if they do not like the decisions being made to leave. They do not have anyone to stand up for them or get them what they need. She does not want to rock the boat, because, she does not know what she is doing. When she calls someone in her office she already has her mind made up as to what she is going to do. Nothing you can do or say means anything to her. There are 2 maybe 3 people there ( or that were there ) that mean anything at all to her. If you are not one of these people you don't stand a chance. A director can have friends but not to a point where you can not be objective to your other employees. She is not fair to most people there. She talks to her employees like they are children. She tries to treat them the same way. She is no angel, but she sure tries to make everyone now believe she is. These people are normal people that have a very stressful job and sometimes they may say things that they should'nt. Everyone does from time to time. They may be up all night and all day and going on no sleep or food. She should take all this into consideration when they say or do something out of line, it's not like she has'nt ever had it happen to her. These people are normal, just tring to make a living. Now when a problem arises with your wonderful dispatchers and EMS gets treated like dirt and pushed to the side because they do not work for the sherrifs department they are told to be nice. Don't be rude to them. You can bet that the dispatchers are not told this because they never hear any complaints from her because her sister is their boss. Is there a policy about sisters working in the same place, well there should be here because you can not manage people if you are not going to stand up for them because you are kin to who you would have to complain to. Please, someone listen to this and do some serious checking. That service is going downhill fast. I heard at one time that you could not run people off and now at least 50% of them would leave in a heartbeat if they had steady jobs somewhere else.
web posted September 22, 2009

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Correction to a post on Sept. 21st.  It is Max Blumenthal, not Max Thurmond, that is the liberal referred to. I apologize to anyone named Max Thurmond. The point is the same, lets focus on the real issues this country is facing and not get side tracked.
web posted September 22, 2009

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Editor's post: I am being lobbied still to stop or greatly alter the Wandering Minds format. To those doing so, I have listened to your arguments, considered them carefully, but reach the same conclusion. The Wandering Minds is not going to change. I will offer one olive branch. If you can get every single internet news agency to stop their anonymous comment section, I might consider it. Just for good measure, try stopping the Augusta Chronicle’s Rants and Raves, which is almost identical to the Wandering Minds.

It is obvious that the elected and powerful fear the Wandering Minds, something I see as a good thing. They fear their deeds, or misdeeds as the case may be, being exposed and they are powerless to stop others from learning about what is taking place in our county.

I’m sorry, I just do not see a down side to that.

The overwhelming majority of comments deal specifically with our local government officials, schools, and other elected officials. If those comments are negative, then perhaps these same people should behave in a more positive way, resulting in more positive comments being sent in for posting.

To those who continue to try to lobby for a change, give up. I have made my decision and it is final. I do not care to waste any more time debating an issue that has been resolved.

On another note - Many readers wrote, called, and stopped me on Friday and Saturday about the drug raid story that was pulled from the site Friday and wanted to know why. The story was pulled after Sheriff Adell Dobey asked early Friday morning that the names of those arrested be withheld for now to protect the investigation. Though there is nothing to prevent releasing the names of those arrested, I agreed, and rewrote the story for Saturday without the names of those arrested in the raid.

The bookings of everyone arrested last week will be placed online tomorrow.
web posted September 21, 2009

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I just cannot help but respond to the documentation of Joe Wilson being racist. I guess "unseemly" is a racist term. I guess it had to be the fact that Strom Thurmond's illegitimate daughter was black that Joe was referring to as a "smear". Could it have been a smear to bring up the illegitimacy, not the race, at that time-kind of capitalizing on someone's death?  To quote Max Thurmond is really a stretch. He is a flaming liberal who is often on MSNBC with Keith Oberman etc. I am not sure he is a reliable source-that is the most far left news outlet there is. I would seriously doubt the facts that Max Thurmond presents and wonder if they weren't a tad biased.
 
I am not defending the words Joe Wilson has spoken, just commenting on the fact that a lot has been read into and interpreted in his statements. Has he introduced any racist legislation? Has he made any racist speeches? Did he attend a blatantly racist church for 20 years? Was he wrong in his criticism of the President? (there were more lies in that speech than were pointed out)  He was wrong in the way he pointed out the lies but the facts are still there.
 
Joe Wilson apologized, was disciplined and is moving on. Others need to do the same thing but continuing to focus on Joe and the "race" issue takes our eyes off things like what we just did to Poland. That is really an issue and one we should be embarrassed and worried about. Do people have any idea of the significance of that stupid (or intended) move by our great leader? Good Grief!!!!
web posted September 21, 2009

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jimmy carter was a joke, is a joke and will always be a joke. It is people like him that keeps this raciest stuff going. It's a free country and if you know someone is lying then say it. I don't care who it is. I think Wilson needs to be given a plaque that reads," I stood up for truth. What have you stood up for? In My opinion, jimmy carter is the raciest. Notice I didn't give him the respect of captilizing his name. I intend to send him a nice little letter telling him what I think of his turning this into something racist. It doesn't have anything to do with race and I hope this whole thing wakes people up. We got ourselves in this mess by keeping our mouths shut.
web posted September 21, 2009

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As I sit here and look at the football scores from Thursday night and Friday night I noticed that Fox Creek lost another game since the school started a football program they have had the same coaching staff and always the same losing season I have always noticed that if a highschool program had a losing season atleast two years in a row that got rid of the coaching staff.  I think for the sake of the school and the sake of the kids who play their hearts out for their school it is time to get rid of Elvis and his other coaches and see what that school team can do with a real coach and coaching staff.
web posted September 21, 2009

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I hope Mr Jackson and Mr Kemp win their lawsuit and make the high and mighty Crenshaw and Bibbs put up or shut up. Thank you Mr Kemp and Jackson for holding their feet to the fire. Thanks to Edgefield Daily for making it public. None of the papers had anything.
web posted September 21, 2009

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To the [butt] kissing person who wrote the "ems [butt] kissing" response,

I am ONE of those medics that was referred to in the original comments and I was not "let go" I resigned and am now happier at work than ever.  So before you run anyone's name in the mud, YOU should get YOUR facts straight because I had nothing to do with that comment.  So stop talking about things YOU shouldn't be talking about because if you WERE in those meetings you are a supervisor and shouldn't be discussing employee information on the internet and if you aren't a supervisor then that means either the supervisor or director was discussing employee information with others.  Anyway you slice it your misinformation is only an example of mismanagement or mismicromanagement.  Stop brown nosing to improve your position because there isn't a supervisor there who hasn't talked [dung] about the director.
web posted September 21, 2009

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RE: "Dear Editor:
I just read the letter where someone bashed the EMS director and where they said there needs to be some changes in management,well I am going to tell you and,them there are paramedic shortages all over the state,and they need to look at Aiken they have the shortage bad.  I will tell you where this person said that the director ran two fine paramedics off they are wrong some people in this community would agree with that,and can tell you the director had to do what was in the best interest of the county citizens who rely on a good EMS and what is in the best interest of the service.  The Director before she ever has to let anyone go she talks with them and there is always someone there when she has to talk so as there are witnesses of the discussion,and she tries to let the person know that some issues have been brought up and they need to work on and if these individials did not want to straighten up even if they where good or consider good then they needed to leave."


After reading this retort (3-4 times for understanding) I can't offer much in reply. I feel so dumbed down after reading that [post], I'm having difficulty thinking as you have exhausted me mentally.  If you are one of those "very good Paramedics" (which I think you are), I feel safer already (do you sense the sarcasm?). Oh, and if it is so hard to find competent and qualified Paramedics. Why would you get rid of them? Like I said, I would offer more... but I'm mentally exhausted by reading your [post].
web posted September 21, 2009

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I don't know if you are aware but [name removed] was arrested at Fox Creek for drugs last week. This weekend I was told [the student] was going to allowed back in school. To the FC school board. If [he or she] returns to school our two kids are coming out!!!!!
web posted September 21, 2009

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This was GREAT!!!!!!!! What a hypocrite. Obama claims he wants us to ride around in golf carts while his wife shuts down city blocks with an army to buy food most people can't afford!!!!! I wonder if she was wearing the $500 tennis shoes she wore to the homeless shelter? [removed]
web posted September 21, 2009

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Re: Were was the media coverage for the Tea Party??????????????????????????
web posted September 17, 2009

Please checkout FreedomWorks recalled of the number of participants. The organizers of the Tea Party event in Washington has lowered its estimate for the size of the crowd at the event from 1.5 million, a number the group now concedes was a mistake, to between 600,000 and 800,000 people
The following quote was pulled from their website and they are putting the miscount and fake pictures on on their president, Matt Kibbe:
"We’re trying to figure out exactly how many people were here so we can release a reliable number. If we had 1.5 million, we had 100 times the president’s turnout. If we had 750,000, we had 50 times as many, and if we had 300,000, we still had 20 people for every one he had. Any of those numbers puts the Taxpayer March on Washington among the biggest ever in DC, and certainly the biggest showing by fiscal conservatives. But the specific number is not important. What is important is that it was a very large and significant crowd here to ask Washington for less involvement in their lives and the economy.The group's revised estimate -- which it says comes from comparing photos and videos from the event to past marches on Washington -- is significantly lower than FreedomWorks' president Matt Kibbe's weekend foul-up, when he announced that ABC News was reporting attendance of 1.5 million. ABC declared that it had reported no such thing. Kibbe
 has publicly backed off: "With a dead IPhone, I had been shown tweets from a number of different folks behind the stage citing the ABC estimate. They didn't say it. I regret misrepresenting the network, as their coverage that day was fair and honest."

Editor's note: I did not find all the information you listed at FreedomWorks, but I do see the link you use to support your claim in the left wing TalkingPointsDC.
web posted September 21, 2009

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Dear President Obama:
 
I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for my health, and I would like to ask you to assist me.  We're planning to simply walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and we'll need your help to make a few arrangements. We plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws.  I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here.   So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Calderon, that I'm on my way over?
 
Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
 
  1. Free medical care for my entire family.
  2.  English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need,   whether I use them or not.
  3. Please print all Mexican government forms in English.
  4. I want my grandkids to be taught Spanish by English-speaking (bi-lingual) teachers.
  5. Tell their schools they need to include classes on American culture and history.
  6. I want my grandkids to see the American flag on one of the flag poles at  their school.
  7. Please plan to feed my grandkids at school for both breakfast and lunch. 
  8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
  9. I do plan to get a car and drive in Mexico, but, I don't plan to purchase car insurance, and I probably won't make any special effort to learn local traffic laws.
  10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from   their president to leave me alone, please be sure that every patrol car has at least one English-speaking officer.
  11. I plan to fly the U.S.. flag from my house top, put U S. flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
  12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, or have any labor or tax laws enforced on any business I may start.
  13.  Please have the president tell all the Mexican people to be extremely nice and never say critical things about me or my family, or about the strain we might place on their economy.
  14 I want to receive free food stamps.
  15. Naturally, I'll expect free rent subsidies.
  16.  I'll need Income tax credits so although I don't pay Mexican Taxes, I'll receive money from the government.
  17.  Please arrange it so that the Mexican Gov't pays $ 4,500 to help me buy a new car.
  18. Oh yes, I almost forgot, please enroll me free into the Mexican Social Security program so that I'll get a monthly income in retirement.
 
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all his people who walk over to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that President Calderon won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.

Thank you so much for your kind help. You're the man!!!
web posted September 21, 2009

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The automobile driving manual says the average driver's reaction time is: .75 seconds or 1 car length for every 10mph.  Test your average reaction time. Be careful this can be addictive!  You will be surprised at how slow you really are. Click here.

Editor's note: Not bad, I averaged .1989 seconds reaction time out of three tries. I did not count the first time to see how it worked which gave me a time of .2586.
web posted September 21, 2009

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Editor's post: Well it seems that Obama has found a way to get out of his lie about covering illegals under his healthcare takeover. Make the illegals legal. Amnesty, then they are citizens and deserve your tax dollars for doing nothing more than crossing the border illegally. Yeah, that's going to end illegal "immigration" once and for all.

Another point I'd like to make, Obama keeps talking about "his plan"... where is "his plan"? He's never presented a plan. I also like the class Obama shows (bowing to muslim leaders) when he sells out Poland on the very day America rose to stop Russia's invasion of Poland 70 years ago. Oh, I know he went there and told them he wasnt' going to do it. Then did it. But that too wasn't a lie. Russia's Putin called Obama "brave". Iran is gearing up their nuclear threat alomng with Hugo Chaves (Both being helped by the Russians) while Obama has dismantled our military quicker than Carter and Clinton combined and in the first 9 months of being in office.

This guy scares me... Oooops, I'm going to be called a racist because I disagree with a man's policy, who happens to be black. Well, in reality half black, so maybe I'll just be called half racist.
web posted September 19, 2009

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In regards to the person (I suspect a fellow teacher) who complained about the so called insurance/retirement representatives that come to the shools.

Let me assure you they go where they are alowed based on what the administration of the local school says.  [deleted]
web posted September 19, 2009

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Dear Editor:
I just read the letter where someone bashed the EMS director and where they said there needs to be some changes in management,well I am going to tell you and,them there are paramedic shortages all over the state,and they need to look at Aiken they have the shortage bad.  I will tell you where this person said that the director ran two fine paramedics off they are wrong some people in this community would agree with that,and can tell you the director had to do what was in the best interest of the county citizens who rely on a good EMS and what is in the best interest of the service.  The Director before she ever has to let anyone go she talks with them and there is always someone there when she has to talk so as there are witnesses of the discussion,and she tries to let the person know that some issues have been brought up and they need to work on and if these individials did not want to straighten up even if they where good or consider good then they needed to leave.

So this person who said that director ran two good medics off need to get their information right because director did not run them off they ran themselves off,as for the paramedic shortage Edgefield county does have some very good Paramedics and EMT's  and there are normally ALS units in Edgefield county  which means Paramedic units and yes I am proud of what the EMS director does for this county she gets the equipment the EMS service needs and she goes out of her way to make sure that she gets the best EMS providers for the citizens of the great county which I Love, and she does a lot for her employees and is human and has a open door policy with her employees if they have a problems she will listen and help find a solution for that problem which she does not have todo but she leads by example.

I am sorry that the person was in need of a paramedic,but I am sure they got the best patient care from one of Edgefield EMS ambulance and the crew that was on board.  Like I said before the person who said the director ran these two paramedics off need to get their information right.

Editor's note: Personally I would agree that we have inefficient coverage of Paramedics, EMTS, and ambulance service. At any given time we have two ambulance teams on duty, or one team per 12,500 people, and one bad wreck will leave the county with no coverage for EMS for hours. The pay the county offers, as it does for deputies, is below what these trained professionals can get working in bordering counties, a 15 to 20 minute drive from home.

I have no doubt there are personality conflicts between management and staff, there's something that never happens elsewhere, but I think it comes more out of frustration of workers who work extended hours for very little pay and realize they are not able to handle the workload the county lays upon their shoulders and take it personally - when it is not their fault.

Our county needs to take care of needs first, long before it worries about wants.
web posted September 19, 2009

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Our congress in it's finest hour?

This is how Congress will pass ObamaCare. 
How long will the American people put up with this?
 
 Click on youtube Below:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywgUCdefSW8
web posted September 19, 2009

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We are 3 trillions dollars richer than we were two years ago. So to all of President Obama haters, lay off. Not only did we received $4 trillions from the bank payback, we are now seeing our economy grow. Those who have been praying for our President and our country, continue.

Editor's note: You may want to check you numbers. Bush ended his term running a debt of about a half billion (the Democrats screamed about this daily). Obama, so far, has increased that debt to almost $2 trillion, and it is estimated to go to as high as $20 trillion in the next few years (if he gets his way).

I also find it odd that even if the government had the money you want to claim, how does that equates to "we" having more money. Government does not earn money, it takes it from hard working Americans by force. "We" do not benefit when government takes more.
web posted September 19, 2009

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Re: "When someone is accused of racism..."  It sounds like you have read a lot of "stories" about Joe Wilson and I am sure there are a lot of them out there. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the state run media has some good ones out there.  They tend to print things that are not always substantiated. Do any of his speeches or voting records support your claims?
 
The administration and far left are getting desperate because their plans are failing. They are getting criticized, and rightfully so, from all sides. One really cannot keep up with the crazy things they are doing. It really shows a huge lack of experience or some dangerous intent. The only thing they seem to be able to come up with, to get the focus off of their missteps, is to say any disagreement with them is based on racism. That in itself is a racist comment. Don't they realize that? They are the ones focused on this President's race not the critics. If Obama was leading this country and keeping this country strong, he would be praised for his actions, not praised because he is half black. Same goes with his failings-disagreed with because of his policies, not his race.
 
If one wants to really think about this race thing, think about this. If a black person disagrees with this administration, are they racist because Obama is half white? Is it because he is half white that he is wrong on so many things? Does that part of his race have anything to do with disagreements about his policies? I don't hear anyone saying that about people like Michael Steele etc. Is he a racist against whites because he disagrees with the policies of this administration? Think about it.
 
Obama, the great community organizer, should be the first one to speak out and stop all this race talk. How divisive he is to allow this to be perpetrated.  Maybe that is the intent. They are probably upset that the march on DC did not become violent. They want the excuse to take over. Their rhetoric tells us that-the words used to describe regular, God fearing, heart of America type people in ugly and dangerous terms. They want it to appear to be a race issue, or a radical fringe group (as Jimmy Carter, the most incompetent President we ever had) so they have an excuse to deal with it.
 
Joe Wilson apologized and was disciplined by the House. It is over now. Let's move on to the real issues at hand. Focusing on him is really a waste of time.
web posted September 19, 2009

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How can it be called fair justice when two separate individuals accused of the same crime get treated differently by the judicial system? One sits in jail week after week, denied bond, when the other is free to walk the street day after day, free to do as they please, released within several hours, without bond. This can't be justice, especially when [ I ] know that the one held is innocent and feel that the one given freedom is guilty. People within the system don't seem to care or want to listen. It is as if they choose to believe what they want to, no-matter what the truth is! It appears as if they want to boost their own esteem by they way things are handled, regardless that the individual is innocent One is labeled a child molester and publicized all over the news and media,based on what they accuser said and nothing more. While the other is labeled with criminal sexual conduct with a minor and very little is said. It is my belief that a minor "is a child". And that the person charged with criminal sexual conduct, should be reported as a child molester also, if justice or news media is to be fair. I have lost what little faith I had in the judicial system as I knew it or thought it to be. The only thing that keeps me strong and standing firm is my faith in God. And I believe that with God the truth will be made know, and that those that accuse faultily will be dealt with. That God will hold those persons accountable. I pray that the person still being held in jail remain strong and not be broken, to keep their faith in God and pray that the truth be made known. God help us all!!!

Editor's note: Local judges set bonds for those charged. Everyone arrested and charged with criminal sex crimes with children are listed in reports as a molestation on EdgefieldDaily.com.
web posted September 19, 2009

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Check out JET Middle School's new web page. It is still under construction, but there is already a lot of good information for parents and students available on that site.
web posted September 19, 2009

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This is the main reason why conservatives do not want 'Obamacare and the public option.
  
This was a "letter to the editor" in yesterdays Jackson, MS newspaper.
 
During my last shift in the ER, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient  with a shiny new gold tooth,
multiple elaborate tattoos and a new cellular telephone equipped with her favorite R&B tune for a ringtone.
 
Glancing over the chart, one could not help noticing her payer status:  Medicaid!
  
She smokes a costly pack of cigarettes every day and, somehow, still has money to buy beer and pay
monthly charges for cell phone service.
 
And our president expects me to pay for this woman's health care?
 
Our nation's health care crisis is not a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. It is a crisis of
culture - culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on vices while refusing to take care
of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance!
Jackson, MS
web posted September 19, 2009

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This is for ALL Americans...not for just one "Party". Let's all TRY to remember this as the elections of 2010 are drawing near.  And for sure in 2012

Not long ago I read a joke... It said all the politicians running for president are promising change to the American people. We send them billions and billions of tax dollars and they send us the change.

Funny? Not really; there is too much truth in it to be funny. But that got me to thinking... They all promise change.

A restoration that would take us back in time to a place where things ran better, smoother and life was more enjoyable.

Change? That, in truth, is what they have been giving us all along.

We used to have a strong dollar...
 Politicians changed that.

Marriage used to be sacred....
 Politicians have changed that.

We used to be respected around the world...
 Politicians changed that.

We used to have a strong manufacturing economy...
Politicians changed that.

We used to have lower tax structures...
Politicians changed that.

We used to enjoy more freedoms...
 Politicians changed that.

We used to be a large exporter of American made goods...
Politicians changed that.

We used to teach patriotism in schools...
Politicians changed that.

We used to educate children in schools...
 Politicians changed that.

We used to enforce LEGAL citizenship...
Politicians changed that.

We used to have affordable food & gas prices... Politicians changed that, too... and one could go on and on with this list.

What hasn't been changed?  Politicians are promising to change that as well, if you will elect them.

When, oh when, is America going to sit back with open eyes and look at what we once were and where we have come and say, enough is enough?

The trouble is, America's youthful voters today don't know of the great America that existed forty and fifty years ago. They see the world as if it has always existed as it is now.

When will we wake up? Tomorrow may be too late. When will America realize... Politicians are what is wrong with America?

This goes for BOTH parties... Republicans and Democrats, there is no difference anymore... they all do only what they can to be re-elected, not what is best for the citizens!

What is needed is for the constitution to be amended to limit all Senators and Representatives to TWO terms in office like the President. Voters can make that happen without an amendment to the constitution!!!

Oh, by the way, no big pension either, social security just like the rest of us. How do they rate bigger and better entitlements than the people THEY WORK FOR... WHICH IS US!

Being a politician shouldn't be a persons life work but rather a call to public service then back to being an honest hard working citizen.

Politicians are no more than housekeepers and janitors... unfortunately they act like they own the building
web posted September 19, 2009

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Re: (Editor's note: Nothing contained in your post is substantiated by any report or factual information)
 
The State Newspaper:
"Flashback to mid-December 2003, when Essie Mae Washington-Williams came forward with the bombshell that she was the illegitimate daughter of the recently-deceased patriarch of South Carolina politics, Sen. Strom Thurmond.
Rep. Wilson, a former page of Thurmond's, immediately told The State newspaper that he didn't believe Williams. He deemed the revelation "unseemly."
 
Harper's Magazine:
In 2003, Wilson attacked Strom Thurmond’s natural biracial daughter, Essie Mae Washington-Williams, saying her public acknowledgement of her parentage shortly after Thurmond’s death was “a smear” designed to “diminish Thurmond’s legacy.” Wilson launched his political career working as an aide to Senator Thurmond and has continuously held the staunch segregationist as a hero.

Now Max Blumenthal probes more deeply into Wilson’s relationship with a radical Neoconfederate organization entitled the Sons of Confederate Veterans, SCV for short:

Who are the SCV?… By 2006… the SCV had been substantially taken over by an organized cadre of white supremacists who sought to turn the nation’s oldest Southern historical society into what the veteran white supremacy activist Kirk Lyons called “a modern, 21st century Christian war machine capable of uniting the Confederate community and leading it to ultimate victory,” had seized much of the SCV’s leadership positions, the Southern Poverty Law Center released an extensive list of SCV officials who belonged to “hate groups.”
Lyons, a key member of this new leadership, had harbored dreams of creating a seemingly benign front group for a more sophisticated version of the Ku Klux Klan. “I have great respect for the Klan historically, but, sadly the Klan today is ineffective and sometimes even destructive,” Lyons told a German neo-Nazi magazine in 1992. “It would be good if the Klan followed the advice of former Klansman Robert Miles: ‘Become invisible. Hang the robes and hoods in the cupboard and become an underground organization.’” With the SCV, Lyons discovered he didn’t have to go underground after all. Once Lyons helped install his close friend, Ron Wilson (Joe's cousin), as president of the SCV, the organization’s political newsletter, The Southern Mercury, was transformed into a propaganda mill for crude white supremacist cant. Mailed to all dues-paying members of the SCV until it folded in 2008, the Mercury published articles describing blacks as genetically inferior to whites, calling African-Americans as “a childlike people,” and warned that if Obama runs for re-election, race riots of an “exceedingly violent nature” would immediately ensue, leaving “entire sections of some of our cities in ruins.”
 
Here's your factual information.

Editor's note: No, that is your opinion on the stories and opinions linked. The SCV is about as much a hate group as the Boy Scouts. Still waiting on that link to the quote of Wilson's wife saying he sleeps with a confederate flag under his pillow and wants to enslave black people.
web posted September 19, 2009

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This broke this morning. Did you really miss it or are you teasing me? I know this is good news for our country. There is a light in the tunnel.
web posted September 19, 2009

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Editor's post: How sad that the only the only thing the Democrats have now to fight off the mass objection of their socialist takeover of our country is to call everyone that disagrees a racist.

Here is a clue.

I would not support government controlled health care if it was presented by a white man (IE: Bill Clinton was defeated on the same issue.. who was racist then?)

I would not support cap and trade taxes that will cripple energy companies if they were brought by a white man.

I would not support the takeover of banks, financial institutions, or the auto industry if it were done by a white man.

It's not about skin color, it's about the destruction of the American way of life by those (black and white, republican and democrat) that seek to raise themselves as the "ruling class" over the people - making us the servants of the government.
web posted September 18, 2009

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All that's necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
web posted September 18, 2009

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I wish the ECSD would implement a policy about these insurance/retirement representatives that come to the schools.  It is fine when the representatives sit in a lounge and allow the teachers to come by if they would like.  This requiring teachers to attend faculty meetings so they can listen to presentations made by these representatives or allowing the representatives to meander up and down the halls of the school for TWO wholes days is ridiculous.  Not only is this a nuisance to the teachers but the students keep wondering who these strange men are wandering up and down the halls.
web posted September 18, 2009

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The Edgefield Advertiser [and EdgefieldDaily.com] reported that the school board gave the Superintendent a "positive evaluation".  I have some questions about that.  In the past the superintendent's evaluation was tied to a monetary reward.  A positive evaluation meant additional money for the Supereintendent.  Was that the case with this evaluation?  If so, how much money did she receive?  Did she accept the money?  If so, isn't that inappropriate given the current economic situation of the district?   Isn't her salary already too large?
     Also, the article made it sound as if the entire board agreed with the "positive evaluation".  Is that true?  Were there no opposing votes?  How could the board give her a positive evaluation while the district is under an ethics investigation?  The reasons for that investigation were directly linked to the Superintendent and, unless I am mistaken, there has been no report from that investigation.  Any answers you can find would be appreciated.

Editor's note: I have no information at this time on the vote for or against. At this time I cannot confirm that the Ethics investigation has been completed. The district, Dr. Crenshaw, and School Board member James Bibbs are currently named in a lawsuit over failure to produce requested information by Jim Jackson and Charles Kemp.
web posted September 18, 2009

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Alright MES, this is getting old.  When are you going to get your website updated?  This is ridiculous.  Parents love to use the website for information, but there’s no information to be seen.  And don’t respond that teachers should be sending notes home.  Some don’t bother, not all teachers are GREAT. 
web posted September 18, 2009

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Hooray!! for Jackson and Kemp!!  I'm glad to know you haven't run out of steam.  Please keep doing what you're doing to save our district.  Something has to happen fast if it's not already too late!  Crenshaw must go!!
web posted September 18, 2009

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RE: "Let's discuss real issues. Let's stop accusing anyone that disagrees with the President as being racist when there isn't evidence to back that up. Let's stop the political games just like the President said he wanted to do in his speech."

Playing the race card is right out of the play book.  Can't answer people's questions about the issues, or too much heat is on for exposing corruption, misdeeds, malfeasance - play the race card.  It's a well designed detractor. Now they are playing it so much, it actually is hurting what was struggled for over the last 50 years.  Who will listen when real instances of racism occur-on either side of the fence?  Seems they are playing Russian roulette at the expense of their own people. Sad. Very sad. They haven't done much in the past 50 years for the minorities they say they support, but this even a real low for them.
web posted September 18, 2009

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Re: Were was the media coverage for the Tea Party??????????????????????????
web posted September 17, 2009

Probably trying to figure out which fake picture would be used to highligt the event. Remember it dropped from 1.5 million to almost 30,000 after the picture was proved to be fake. That picture was worth 1.5 million lies. Wonder who will have to give account for all those lies?

Editor's note: Take a look at government recorded traffic cams of DC on the day of the protest. Hours of people filling the area. One report by the UK Mail has it at over 1 million. The reality is for the eye to behold, not the bias of the "American" media to portray. The national media, who refused to report the truth about Van Jones, ACORN, and other scandals is why they are not believed by 75% of Americans. Cast your lots where you may.
web posted September 18, 2009

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QUOTATION: The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure.
ATTRIBUTION: THOMAS JEFFERSON, letter to William Stephens Smith, November 13, 1787.—The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd, vol. 12, p. 356 (1955). NUMBER: 1065 AUTHOR: Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) 3w.bartleby.com/73/1065.html Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations. 1989.
web posted September 18, 2009

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Re: Today, I heard former President Carter say that Joe Wilson's "You Lie" comment during the President's speech was based on race.
 
When someone is accused of racism, then one must look at past actions or data to determine if the accusation is baseless or not. Historical data is the best predictor of future actions or data. Let's examine Joe's history and see if the accusation is baseless or not.
 
1) Joe is a proud member of the Son's of Confederate Veterans. This is hate-based group that claims "heritage" but when someone is celebrating being the loser of a war that was fought for "state's rights" so that southern states could keep slaves; "heritage" is the last thing on my mind. Many make the argument that "state's rights" was the underlying perrogative, but wasn't it about the right for states to determine if they could keep slavery. We'll check this for RACISM.
2) Joe fought hard to keep the Confederate flag on top of the state house when he was a state senator. Joe loves the Confederate flag. He has one hanging in his congressional office. His wife says that he sleeps with one under his pillow. Joe loves the thought of enslaving all people of color. Joe is funny that way. We'll check this for RACISM.
3) When Essie Mae Washington (the fruit of Strom Thurmond's loins) announced that she was Thurmond's daughter, Joe was the first to publicly call her a liar and say that she was on a campaign to smear Thurmond's reputation. Shouldn't have Joe waited until he knew the facts? No one from Thurmond's immediate family ever tried to debunk her claim and in the end we learned a great deal about Strommy, and were perplexed that he was so against equality for all, when he had fathered a daughter with a young black female.We'll check this for RACISM.
 
Well it seems as though history has led me to believe that Joe is a racist and the accusation is not baseless. Also, I watched the video uploaded by a poster in yesterday's Wandering Minds (WRONG - here's just one:) and there may have been some boos, but the one thing I didn't hear or see is any Congressman or Senator calling Bush a liar to his face in a formal seesion of Congress when the President was speaking.
 
Joe is nothing more than a REDNECK RACIST.

Editor's note: Nothing contained in your post is substantiated by any report or factual information. The SCV is not a "hate group" even if Wilson is a member, which is not a matter of record that you supplied (or anything else in your claims). President Obama spent 20 + years as a member of a confirmed radical black nationalist church that espoused racist views against whites and Jews. Who has been proven to belong to a racist group? Wilson or Obama?
web posted September 18, 2009

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Editor's post: After an all-time record month in August with 1.79 million hits, halfway through September (9/15) EdgefieldDaily.com has already surpassed 1 million hits for the month and is averaging almost 70,000 hits a day. Thank you for reading and making EdgefieldDaily.com the undisputable number one source for news in Edgefield County.

Some of the August posts have been archived to make the page load faster for dial-up users.
web posted September 17, 2009

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I would like to point out that the Recreation Director's name is Nick Wates not Waits.  If you are going to make comments about him, at least have the decency to spell his name correctly. 

Editor's note: I do not correct spelling errors of posters.
web posted September 17, 2009

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Do you feel in an emergency medical situation, that you will be afforded the best medical attention pre-hospital? If you were to have a heart attack, would there be a paramedic available to give you the medications you need? Those which only a licensed Paramedic can administer.Since the start of the year, the Edgefield County EMS Director has managed to run off two fine paramedics. This has left the county even more shorthanded on paramedics. A merriweather resident experienced this early Wed. morning when he needed advanced care. EMS had to call Aiken County EMS to provide a Paramedic.
I feel a drastic change needs to take place in the management of Edgefield County EMS, otherwise your life and mine are at stake.
web posted September 17, 2009

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I seen the soccer game schedule for the county recreation league lastnight and was disappointed. Can someone please tell me why there are only 6 games scheduled for the 9-11 yr – olds, BUT there are 9 days blank on the schedule? Why not fill in those days with games so the kids can have more playing time?
web posted September 17, 2009

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Today, I heard former President Carter say that Joe Wilson's "You Lie" comment during the President's speech was based on race. This is not the first time I've heard this position and I'm getting sick and tired of that being given as the reason for Wilson's remark. In his speech, the President accused others of lying about the health care bill. Wilson passionately disagreed with the President when the President claimed that illegal aliens wouldn't be covered by it and Wilson couldn't sit by quietly. Was Wilson's outburst rude? I suppose it was but isn't it much worse for the President to lie and mislead citizens?

In any case, that isn't my point. My point is why are people saying this is based on race? If you assume Wilson's actions were racily motivated and you base that ONLY on the color of Wilson's skin verses the color of the President's skin, aren't you actually the person who is forming an opinion based on race? Aside from the difference in skin color, has Wilson given anyone a reason to think that race matters to him? If not, let's stop calling this racism.

I believe that Wilson's comments were based on his beliefs concerning the laws and policies of our country and the road we are headed down. He apologized to the President for his outburst. The President accepted that. Democrats in the House weren't satisfied with that though. Perhaps they wanted to distract citizens from real issues or just use this as a chance to beat up on a person with different political beliefs than them. In any case, what business of this country was served by their actions and the continued discussion about Wilson being "rude"?

Let's discuss real issues. Let's stop accusing anyone that disagrees with the President as being racist when there isn't evidence to back that up. Let's stop the political games just like the President said he wanted to do in his speech.

And for those people who want to say this disrespect is simply unheard of and therefore must be because of the President's race, let's think back to our former President. I guess there weren't ever any outbursts when he addressed congress right? WRONG - here's just one:
web posted September 17, 2009

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Just a wandering thought----It is really smart of President Obama to have spoken to the school children last week. It was especially appropriate that he spoke to them the night before he gave another push for his healthcare plan. The school children are the ones who will be paying a great deal for all his programs in the future. Good thing to try to get them on your side now.
web posted September 17, 2009

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Re: Obama's First Eight Months' Accomplishments and you thought he had not done anything.
What did President Obama do during his first eight months in office? Stop the Runaway Train that was created by President Bush and his Republican henchmen.
Check it Out:
The Troubled Asset Relief Program
· TARP -- $700 billion bailout for the nation’s financial institutions instituted during Bush’s last days. Only used 80 billion before the guidelines were set by President Obama. Response: Once guidelines were set, out of the 80 billion that was given, 70 billion has been paid back with a profit of $4 billion. (I guess they didn’t like the salary cap issued by President Obama.

· Begin his rebuild America campaign. Was able to save thousands of job and put people back to work and stop the RECESSION that begin under then President Bush.
Response: The RECESSION has ended and we can see the light in the tunnel. (Not bad at all.)
· TALF program which spurred lending for autos – 2.88 billion, credit cards, education, home mortgages – 75 billion, and other consumers loans- Out of the 200 billion earmarked only 85 billion has been used (Wonder why?) Response: Gave the economy the boost it needed to stop the RECESSION. “Clunkers for Cash worked.”
To understand the true picture you will have to look at what he inherited and what Bush inherited when they took office: I borrowed a chart from the this website: Check out the national debt chart. It covers what every president has done since being in office.

Where was the Tea Party Express the last eight years when Bush was burying us in a 661 billion national debt? The sad part is that when he came into office the national debt was 18 million. Do I need to state anymore?
web posted September 17, 2009

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RE: Obama Lies. Check this out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOIrBPbDZz8&feature=player_embedded
web posted September 17, 2009

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On Oct 16th, 1995, the liberal media was all over the "Million Man March" (which actually drew only 800k approx) on Washington...  organized by the Nation of Islam and headed by Louis Farrakhan.   That march was in "answer" to the Republican's winning over the majority of Congress in 1994.  
 
There was also the "Day of Absence" held that same day for the "black women of America " , in which they were encouraged to miss work, school and other scheduled activities and attend local rallies.
 
Both of these events were held on a Monday - a day in which most taxpaying Americans start their work week... so what we had was a "grass roots"   radical left-wing organization, which promoted an ALL BLACK group of MEN, encouraging them to miss work and school, and "march" on Washington to get "the Republican Congress" to hear their message.
 
The media reported CONSTANTLY on this, showed photos, sound bites, speeches, etc.  
 
Skip ahead to 2009.  
The liberals control the three branches of Government; and, as we can see, the media.   So a "grass roots" campaign is started by conservatives in local venues to have their voices heard by the government at town hall meetings   - that doesn't work, so they are organized by FreedomWorks Foundation, a conservative organization led by former House of Representatives Majority Leader Dick Armey.  
 
Men, women, children... black, white, hispanic... ALL who wanted their voice heard by their government were invited to attend. This "march" was held on a Saturday - a day that most taxpaying Americans are off of work - and reports say that there were more than ONE MILLION taxpaying Americans in attendance.
 
Where was the media coverage for the Tea Party??????????????????????????
web posted September 17, 2009

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In regards to Mr. Waites and the job he's doing, I submit to you that we will continue to see episodes like the Bettis Park concession stand fiasco take place without changes being made. As a tax paying citizen of Edgefield County, I'm assured of the right to complain about public officials, anytime, anywhere.  You can blame the problems on "being young" or that you gave Mr. Waites "a spoon and sent him into a knife fight", but in the end the problem is lack of foresight and the inability to just say no when the good old boys ask to have something done that breaks the law.  And make no mistake about it, the law was broken.

Please don't try and draw parallels between what was done at Bettis Park and you breaking the speed limit.  Your inability to drive the speed limit doesn't cost me a dime.  That's money that comes out of your pocket, not mine.  Also, I hope that someone will teach you that the word "know" isn't capitalized within a sentence.  I'm somewhat horrified by the fact that you may be serving on a board or coaching children based on your evident lack of education.

In the end, all I'm asking is that we appoint competent individuals to these positions, persons who can see beyond the next 90 days and have a full understanding of the laws that govern their positions. I've seen Mr. Waites working hard, doing his best to create a quality experience for the youth of our county.  However, his work ethic isn't being questioned.  And finally, may I add that I do volunteer my time to the youth of our county by rolling up my sleeves and getting my hands dirty.  

Kinda makes you wonder doesn't it?
web posted September 17, 2009

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This man and his wife made these tapes from their ranch in south-central Texas .
 
At their own expense, they made 1000 copies and sent one to every single congressman and senator
and some media outlets.  

Let's hope that each and every one of them watched and LISTENED!!! 
You can do the same by clicking on the links below.
 
Part 1  http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=j7sQHunYdN8  
 
Part 2  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MJsF11PsnQ
web posted September 17, 2009

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Michael, a public school student in Anderson, South Carolina, is having a tough year.
His district is so "broke" it cannot afford to issue him textbooks....so why are they wasting money on new landscaping?

http://www.voiceforschoolchoice.com/2009/09/16/do-students-need-a-books-b-trees-or-c-benches/
web posted September 17, 2009

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I just came home from my son's football game at the Edgefield County Recreation Department field at Bettis Academy.  It is after 10:00 pm.  This is ridiculous.  The Recreation Department has a new field so that two games can play at once keeping the kids from staying so late.  The field sits unused due to some lame excuse about SCE and G not connecting the lights.  We were promised that this field  would be operational this year.   We already have to drive 20 minutes to get to the field because someone thought this would we a great location for all citizens of Edgefield to go to to watch there kids play football.Bettis citizens are the only ones who think its great.  Besides the lighting issue we could have played two games tonight at 6:00 we did not need the lights until after 7:00 The tax paying citizens of Edgefield are supporting this park and with the amount of money put into this new field why can't we use it.  And by the way the concession stand had line the entire night.  I wonder who's going to get that money.  Turn on the lights,lets play some football and lets be home by 9:00.
web posted September 16, 2009

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The Dems  have censured Joe Wilson for calling President Obama a liar.  Rightly so. Obama was truthful when he said the program would " not add a single dime to the federal deficit".  Correct!.  It will total trillions of dimes if passed.   I'm sure I'd be branded a racist for pointing this out.  Thank goodness for Wandering Minds preserving my anonymity and affording me the opportunity to reveal this particular lie.
web posted September 16, 2009

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State School Superintendent Jim Rex has done such a great job with the  schools that now he wants to be our Governor. Does ANYBODY think this is a good idea? Say what you want about Mark Sanford, Jim Rex is a NIGHTMARE!! Don't know anything about "Dropout Jim"? Let him tell you some of his views........
web posted September 16, 2009

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Have you noticed the weak and feeble attempt by the author of "Wondering Foolishly" to tie the author of "Wandering Minds Wondering Fools" to a pathetic argument?  Boy was that a stretch!  Looked more like what it was, a Puff Piece for the motley crew in Edgefield.  And what's with all this touchy, feely, syrupy call for civility?  It's a amazing when the people raise up and challenge those who are running roughshod over the people, they are required to be civil, e.g., Congressman Joe Wilson. However, when they hang Bush in effigy, create a film on his assassination, call this Editor all kinds of vile names, and accuse Kemp and Jackson of being racists, oh that's okay and "we have a right to decent".  Typical bullies.  When you stand up to them and start kicking their *&^% using the very tactics they use, they cry foul.  I say, when you have snakes like that bunch in Edgefield down, keep putting the boots to them!  If you don't, they'll be back in a much more dangerous and conniving way.
web posted September 16, 2009

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I am so proud of the two young people that have exposed ACORN and some of the illegal things they are doing. These two young people have taken a brave stand to do this investigative work. Isn't it amazing how their work has contributed to the change in funding that ACORN is going to receive from Congress?  Hopefully the House will follow the Senate's lead in this fight. This is especially true when FOX News was the only one covering this story. I did see Joe Scarborough on MSNBC talking about it this morning and though he covered it , he failed to mention that the supposed prostitutes that were coming in for this supposed business, were young, underage girls. Sex trafficking is a major problem in the world today and I would hope our government is not involved in helping anyone pay for that. It is a crime.
 
When people say there isn't anything we can do about what is happening, we need to just look at the things everyday people are doing. We can all write letters, email, call or even write a check to a politician who is fighting the fight. The march on D.C. (another event that is being so misrepresented by the media other than FOX) and other cities this weekend showed normal citizens speaking out for their concerns. They were not Republicans, Democrats or Independents-they were AMERICANS concerned about their country and their families. Party lines are gone, the discussion now is how to save this country. They have awakened a sleeping giant. Thank goodness!!!
 
Some interesting results from just a few people standing up-
 
  The discussion on healthcare is focusing on the illegal issue. (One person said something)
 
  The census has distanced itself from ACORN.
 
  The funding for ACORN is drying up.
 
  The public option is in jeopardy of being dropped from the healthcare plan (although they are a sneaky bunch)
 
  The corruption in Washington is becoming more known and will be in the days and weeks ahead.
 
 
There is a possible light at the end of the tunnel. Again, I am so proud of those two young people. A lot of us just sit around and complain but they got out there and did something.  We need to stand up for them.  If the left has its way, they could be in trouble for their actions.
 
You can write and thank the Senator who sponsored to bill to stop the funding for ACORN:
 
Senator Mike Johanns
404 Russell Senate Building
Washington D. C.  20510
web posted September 16, 2009

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Obama's First Six Months' Accomplishments and you thought he had not done anything.
 
1. Offended the Queen of  England .
2. Bowed to the King of  Saudi Arabia .
3. Praised the Marxist Daniel Ortega.
4. Kissed Socialist Hugo Chavez on the cheek.
5. Endorsed the Socialist Evo Morales of  Bolivia
6. Sided with Hugo Chavez and Communist Fidel Castro against  Honduras .
7. Announced we would meet with Iranians with no pre-conditions while they're building their nuclear weapons.
8. Gave away billions to AIG also without pre-conditions.
9. Expanded the bailouts.
10. Insulted everyone who has ever loved a Special Olympian.
11. Doubled our national debt.
12.. Announced the termination of our new missile defense system the day after  North Korea  launched an
ICBM.
13. Released information on  U.S.  intelligence gathering despite urgings of his own CIA director and the prior four CIA directors.
14. Accepted without comment that five of his cabinet members cheated on their taxes and two other nominees withdrew after they couldn't take the heat.
15. Appointed a Homeland Security Chief who then identified military veterans and abortion opponents as
"dangers to the nation."
16. Ordered that the word "terrorism" no longer be used and instead refers to such acts as "man made
disasters."
17. Circled the globe to publicly apologize for  America 's world leadership.
18. Told the Mexican president that the violence in their country was because of us.
19. Politicized the census by moving it into the White House from the Department of Commerce.
20. Appointed as Attorney General the man who orchestrated the forced removal and expulsion to  Cuba  of a 9-year-old whose mother died trying to bring him to freedom in the  United States .
21. Salutes as heroes three Navy SEALS who took down three terrorists who threatened one American life and the next day announces members of the Bush administration may stand trial for "torturing" three 9/11 terrorists by pouring water up their noses.
22. Low altitude photo shoot of Air Force One over  New York City  that frightened thousands of New Yorkers.
23. Sent his National Defense Advisor to Europe to assure them that the  US  will no longer treat  Israel  in a special manner and they might be on their own with the Muslims.
24. Praised Jimmy Carter's trip to  Gaza  where he sided with terrorist Hamas against  Israel .
25. Nationalized General Motors and Chrysler while turning shareholder control over to the unions and freezing out retired investors who owned their bonds.  Committed unlimited taxpayer billions in the process.
26. Passed a huge energy tax in the House that will make American industry even less competitive while
costing homeowners thousands per year.
27. Announced nationalized health care "reform" that will strip seniors of their Medicare, cut pay of physicians, increase taxes yet another $1 trillion, and put everyone on rationed care with government bureaucrats deciding who gets care and who doesn't.

Bloomberg:  Daschle says, "Health care reform will not be pain free.  Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them," while former Colorado Governor Dick Lamm says seniors have "a duty to die."

If this does not sufficiently raise your ire, just remember that the President, Senators and Congressmen have their own special gold plated health care plan which is guaranteed the remainder of their lives and they are not subject to this new law if they pass it.

We have an election coming up in 16 months where we can reverse the calamitous direction of the Obama administration and its allies.  Just don't count on the mainstream media.  Fox News excluded.
web posted September 16, 2009

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We are originally from Edgefield now living in Virginia and did not read about Jeff Daniels death until today. Please, we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to (the family). Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
web posted September 15, 2009

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Wednesday night, the Commander-in-Chief, fresh from his school daze valedictory semi-success, took to the bully pulpit again to promise the rest of us that we would never have to worry about health care again... and that someone else would pay the two trillion it will cost. That someone else, of course, are the school kids he'd addressed the day before, admonishing them to stay in school and work hard-- presumably in order to become diligent and successful taxpayers.

If our kids can't pony up, the other "someone else" will be anyone foolish enough to buy U.S debt.  Treasury bonds were up this week, though. Makes one wonder if the broadcast was carried in China. It was carried in New York, where the UN had already suggested that the Dollar be replaced with a new key currency.

Tacky foreigners. How dare you not want to pay for my stupid banker, my healthcare, my clunker, my shovel-ready horse-poop, my bankrupt state government, and my national defense-- which I should point out is also often yours too, by the way. Lie back and enjoy it. Why just this week, the long-running U.S. trade deficit came in a larger than expected 32.0B, further evidence that our nation's primary export-- little pieces of paper with pictures of dead presidents on them-- remains unassailable.
web posted September 15, 2009

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Editor's note: A few comments on the Tea Party Rally in Washington DC:

I read the story on David and Micki Hair. AWESOME!!!!!!!  THANK YOU for GOING and THANK YOU for the pictures! You have inspired me and I hope I can be a part of the next event. Is there a website that I can go to to find out when the next one is? Is there going to be one around Edgefield, Saluda, Greenwood?

I enjoyed the artilce on Mr & Mrs Hair.  I loved reading it and felt ashamed I sat on my butt watching football all weekend. Thanks for the article and thanks to the Hairs for going to DC to represent me. Maybe Mr. Hair should run for congress! I liked what he said a lot more than what anyone else is saying.

Can anybody at CNN. CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX count? I bet there were over two million people at the rally but they all say "tens of thousands". HUH? Have you seen the pictures ? HOLY MOLY!!!!!
web posted September 15, 2009

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This being your website and very well ran I might add, you certainly have the right to the last word if you deem necessary. I don't need or want the last word , just a clarification. I nor any of us who started our football league and spent 20 to 30 hours extra a week running it, After our jobs were over each day fear any type of investigation.
Great thing about not being in politics is, I am still in good standing with the truth. Great thing about the truth is you don't have to remember what you said. I just read the comments by some whinny  fruit loop and she ( Must be a she based on HER argument ) is so afraid that somebody is breaking the law. May be. Don't know or care what they did at that time. After we started concentrating on what we were there to do, we didn't worry about concessions. I do know the person who took over the concessions and she SHOULD be citizen of the year based upon her tireless efforts of helping her community and our county. Especially our  football League. As for breaking the law,... When you drive on Martintown road. or Sweetwater road do you exceed 50 MPH ? I do. I and everybody that tailgates me " Are breaking the law". If you do, you also are breaking the law and we need an Investigation ! By the way, who is investigating these horrible lawbreakers ? What exactly are they investigating ? Whatever they are looking for, I assure you they will find no Malice nor an evil attempt at wrongdoing. People are getting their homes broken into each day. People are getting shot. Investigate that. Investigate the school board ! Talk about evil. Point is, when Nick Waites was hired as Rec. director he was given a big plastic spoon and then thrown into a knife fight. Years later, he's still out there doing the best he can with what we gave him and his only wounds are the deep stab wounds in his back. Mostly by people who say they support him, or cowards that call for him to be fired via forums like this. Got a better way for him to do his job ? Come see us. Act like you have a pair ! As stated in the other response, our rec. department is still in it's infant stages and we need people That Know what to do. Note: The "Good ole boy system " is alive and well because people like that other writer won't get of their $*# and do something. Come out with us and get your hands dirty. Tax paying citizens are certainly willing to let things continue to spiral out of control as long as they don't have to do anything !  Enough said.

Editor's note: I doubt that I could ever have the "last word" on any topic as readers are free to send in comments daily. I think the beauty of the Wandering Minds is no one has the last say on anything. It is the free exchange of ideas, information [right or wrong] and opinions that brings forth meaningful progress.

I have never reported that Mr. Waits was involved in any misdeeds, only what has taken place, who knew, who directed it, and who is accountable. Which, to my knowledge at this time, does not include Mr. Waits or members of the Recreation Board. I just suggested that in my opinion while an investigation was ongoing people might not want to raise their hand saying they were involved.
web posted September 15, 2009

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So Pettigrew is gone.  He got what he deserved and some. I guess he didn't know what goes around comes around. The citizens of Edgefield County have spoken. So long Pettigrew. Now what is the used car salesmen going to do now? To the Clerk to Council Barbara Stark just be honest and fair you will be fine.
web posted September 15, 2009

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Mr. Editor,
First, let me preface this note by saying I am an atheist and have been an atheist since I was fourteen. The letter sent to Wandering Minds is typical of some third party trying to place angry divisions among theists and true atheists.
I and like minded people like me who are true atheists are not afraid and really do not care if people who believe in God want to pray for thirty seconds or thirty minutes or where they pray. I have respect for those people and what they believe. To file a lawsuit over something as trivial as a pre-game prayer is asinine.
Second, as a citizen, I have never figured out how any court in the United States has determined that there is a separation of church and state. The preamble to the constitution plainly states that our rights are "God given". The constitution, however, is firmly against a state religion, like the "Church of England" or Church of America". So called "atheists" who don't want prayers in school or at public functions have set a dangerous precedent for all the citizens of this country. We all let it happen. What I am saying is this: If I ride through a neighborhood where there is very loud music consisting of "gangsta rap" and racial slurs, can I sue? I'm sure I could but I would be laughed out of court and have to pay court costs, too. Just because I do not agree with something that is as established and ingrained in our country as organized religion, does not mean that I as one person will change the current thinking by lawsuit. Nor would I want to. Most lawsuits like this, that are won in court, are payed for by taxpayers like you and me. Ironically, this "atheist" would have to pay part of his/her award.
You may ask - what kind of dangerous precedent have these pseudo atheists set? They are the ones that started the erosion of the constitution. That is what their agenda was and still is to this very day. So far they have been very successful. We currently are not governed by the constitution but by the so called Patriot Act. Every one should read it even though it is close to two thousand pages.
Third, among true atheists it is often said that people who read and comprehend the bible from beginning to end often become atheists.  I am no exception. There is one glaring truth in the bible and it is the Golden Rule. So big a rule and so few who follow it. Also, who are these pseudo atheists you might ask? In the new testament Jesus showed us who they were and they are also the ones who surround President Obama and I am not talking about the Secret Service. They also control 99% of the world's mainstream media.
Thank you Mr. Editor for letting me ramble on. Your Wandering Minds blog is probably the best tool that has ever been to post the truth and open the eyes of those blinded. People who are pure of heart do not fear the truth.

Editor's note: The Wandering Minds belongs to the people, not EdgefieldDaily.com.
web posted September 15, 2009

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RE:  "Yet the citizens that have expressed an opinion that differed with the Editor and his friends, were called obnoxious, ill informed, uninformed, mealy mouthed individuals, that act as puppets."

Huh?  As always, there is always one that see it from a different light and misses the boat entirely.  I think the writer was referring to those that spew ideological screed based on nothing rational or logical, and then call it fact.  I also think the writer may have been referring to those that make such comments and hide behind the cloak of secrecy afforded them by Wandering Minds and don't have the moxie to say what they post to someone's face.  At least the two writers did put their name to what they wrote and to their opinions-that's more than we can say for a lot of others that post.
web posted September 15, 2009

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I think this has become my new favorite Web site (next to EdgefieldDaily.com, that is!) Take a look:

http://www.lookingattheleft.com/

Editor's note: As long as it is "second best". Thank you for reading.
web posted September 15, 2009

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The Audacity of Unawareness

April 15th, 2009 5:03 pm Barack Obama, through his spokesman, claimed today that he was unaware of the tax day tea parties. Granted, the MSM has done a good job in suppressing any sort of coverage ahead of time (and the little coverage they did provide was derisive at best). but how out of touch is the Community Organizer in Chief, really?

This much we know:
- He was unaware that he was attending a church (for 20 years) with a racist pastor who hates America .
- He was unaware that he was family friends with, and started his political career in the living room of, a domestic terrorist.
- He was unaware that he had invested in two speculative companies backed by some of his top donors right after taking office in 2005.
- He was unaware that his own aunt was living in the US illegally.
- He was unaware that his own brother lives on pennies a day in a hut in Kenya .
- He was unaware of the AIG bonuses that he and his administration approved and signed into a bill.
- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Commerce was under investigation in a bribery scandal.
- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services was a tax cheat.
- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of the Treasury was a tax cheat.
- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be the U.S. Trade Representative was a tax cheat.
- He was unaware that the woman he nominated to be his Chief Performance Officer was a tax cheat.
- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be #2 at the Environmental Protection Agency was under investigation for mismanaging $25 million in EPA grants.

PLEASE, there are people in comas that are more aware of world affairs than this guy.
web posted September 15, 2009

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Mount Vintage homeowners should note that the properties in The Village and The Shaw Estates are not referenced in the Carolina Bank's foreclosure notice therefore Bettis Rainsford and Tallmadge Knight will still rule the MV Homeowners Association.
 
No doubt Mr. and Mrs. Ward of Washington State will be surprised to find their property at Mount Vintage (Lot N-48. Tax Map 099-01-03-048), for which they paid $169,900 in June of 2007, is included in the foreclosure sale notice!!!

Editor's note: The notice will have to run again for three weeks before the sale. Perhaps the listing or exclusion was in error. Checking the notice and the faxed copy, all lots are as listed. Of course, the listing is now useless until it is rerun.
web posted September 15, 2009

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I saw that the Mayor recommended that the police continue to patrol the side streets to cut down on speeding.  I am not sure which side streets they are patroling, but Mims st. is not one of them.  They do go as far as Nicholson, in order to patrol the apartments, but the rest of Mims is a speedway.  I wish they could stop them on the rest of Mims, so we could all be safe.  Maybe we need more police officers, instead of new cars.  Or in addition to new cars.  Either way the town will win.  There are alot of children that live very close to the street that could step out in an instant.  Most of the houses on Mims do not have front yards, and it would be such a tradgedy if anything like that happened. Just to make things clear....I have the utmost respect for our police department.  They do a good job.  Just maybe there is a need for more of them...  Thanks for the opportunity to make this suggestion.
web posted September 14, 2009

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RE: Joe Wilson is out of control, disrespectful. hateful , he need training he should step down and go south

If I have to put up with the arrogance of James Clyburn, you'll have to get used to Joe Wilson. Deal with it.
web posted September 14, 2009

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How soon we forget our own discretions. I read the Letter to the Editor by Jane Dyer and was amazed that she had forgotten how Congress had booed President Bush in 2005. Where was the outrage then? Oh, I forgot that liberals have very thin skin. Conservatives seem to be stronger when they are attacked or questioned. With liberals, it is always this offended attitude and accusations of things like racism, lack of respect and leadership, etc. etc. Good grief. If Jane is running for office she needs to get a little thicker skin. We have bigger issues to deal with that Joe's comments during a speech.
 
Joe Wilson is the only one who stood up and said what clear thinking Americans were thinking. Good for him. These people who act like conservatives are somehow stupid or uneducated are so narrow minded. It is a smoke screen.  To compare Joe Wilson to our Governor and his personal issues is really not intelligent. I don't think you have too many common things there, Jane. Joe has actually read the bill. He knows what is in it and what was left out (documentation of citizenship to receive benefits was rejected by the Democrats) . He has a conscience which is lacking in a lot of our leaders today. People who can boldly lie to the American people have no conscience. Joe could not sit there and allow the American people to be given misinformation (lies-to those of us who are not as intelligent). I hope he does not apologize to Congress because I appreciate the fact that he cares enough about me to tell me the truth. No apology needed.
 
Now, if Obama has some plan that is different from the House bill he needs to show it to us and prove that he is defending something we should trust in. Hmmm   So far, no plan. Just a lot of talk . Talk and speeches have gotten us in the mess we are in now. Where is this plan and when will we be able to see online before it is voted on? Oops, one campaign pledge that has been ignored.  Where is the plan???????  Oh, I forgot-we just need to blindly trust this administration because they are so good at keeping their word. NOT!!!
 
One good thing-I sure know who I am not voting for in the 3rd district. I do thank you Jane for making that clear.
web posted September 14, 2009

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If you don't stand up for something - you will fall for anything.
It is never too late to discover who your representatives are, and do they truly represent YOU.

Before time gets away from us all, before our memories dim just a  bit, and before our lives are changed irreparably,  it would seem prudent to save & bookmark these two web sites so that,  come November 2010 and 2012,  you can see how your elected official voted on key issues that directly affect you, your children and the future of our nation.  The record will speak for itself and will reveal what you will not be told when our Congressmen & Senators are pressing you for their re-election.  If their vote does not reflect how you feel about the issue(s)  like HR3200, the Health Care Bill  you are obligated to remind them of who exactly they work for , and remove them from Congress with your vote.  It's time to change the meaning of the phrase we elect the Government we deserve.

Click on the links below or copy and paste in your web browser.

Roll Call Votes - THOMAS (Library of Congress)  or copy and paste  http://thomas.loc.gov/home/rollcallvotes.html

Congressional Record 111th Congress - THOMAS (Library of Congress) or copy and paste  http://thomas.loc.gov/home/r111query.html
web posted September 14, 2009

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Re: Nick Waites
It appears that neither Mr. Waites nor his defenders have a clue that they broke the law concerning the Bettis Park concessions.  I'm not sure how our County Recreational Council and our Director could fail to not know
the laws that govern the positions they hold.  As a business owner, if I break the law, I go to jail or pay a fine for my bad judgement.  What happens to these individuals if the powers that be determine wrongdoing?
The very same "good old boy" system that so many in the county rail against here on the pages of Wandering Minds each and everyday is exactly what has caused many of the problems that the Recreational Department is now experiencing.


Gone are the days of operating without proper permission or public debate.  With the economy as flat as we've seen it in many years, tax paying citizens simply are not willing to allow public officials to operate without accountability.  In addition, while I have nothing personal against Mr. Waites, I truly believe that we need a Director who has the fortitude to stand up to the local politicians and "good old boys" and operate the department without negative influence from the outside.  We could use a Director who has a full understanding of the laws that govern his actions. 


Could someone tell me who does the hiring and firing for this position?  Also, how are individuals elected to the County Recreational Council?  And in the end, who has the ultimate say and responsibility over the Recreational Director?

Editor's note: The position is hired by the County Administrator. The Edgefield County Council is ultimately responsible for everything related to the county operations.
web posted September 14, 2009

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To all of the parents, families and friends who attended the Bettis Jamboree, let me take a moment to say thanks for all of the support that these (our) children received. Every team showed great enthusiam and spirit and it was a great start to a great season. It was nice to see the park filled and everyone enjoying themselves. We are looking forward to this football season and to enjoying the opportunity with all of the supporters.
 
With the recent postings, I will go ahead and clear up my position. I have no affiliation with the recreation department, I am just a parent of two players for the Johnston Bears. I simply wanted to say thanks to everyone. Without everyone's support we would just be playing in the backyard. Our children gain so much from organized sports and I have always tried in everyway to support our local teams. I just want to say thanks to all of the supporters. Have a great season kids, we are proud of all of you.
web posted September 14, 2009

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Albert Rainsford is a good man.  We should not judge him based on his family connections.
web posted September 14, 2009

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I attended the Grandparents breakfast (Friday) at W.E. Parker.  Everything was so well-organized, the staff was friendly and went overboard to make me feel welcome.  Thank you for an enjoyable breakfast with my grandchild.
web posted September 14, 2009

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I would also like to offer a couple comments about the post slamming the rec department and director. I have participated in rec league sports for over a decade as both parent and coach. And from someone who's been there and done that, it's obvious the original poster has never pushed up their sleeves and helped out. As the other poster said, our department is fairly young compared to others in the CSRA and changes can only be made if folks stop fussing about what needs to be done and jump in to help do them.
 
I don't know much about the concession mess at Bettis, but I would imagine it was a situation created, in part, by some of the other wonderful (cough) leaders running this county. 'Nough said. As for the sex offender issue- honey, if you live in Johnston, or the county for that matter, chances are you and yours are in close proximity to one at most any time! Just look at the news section of Edgefield Daily... There's another pervert being arrested almost weekly here lately. It's a society plague it seems. Bleachers are bleachers are bleachers. If they belong to the county, it seems they could be moved anywhere in the county. And who else is going to move them? Dah- county bleachers, county employees... The jamboree is indeed today and I will definitely call you out on the uniform issue. We had ours Thursday, delivered personally by that rec director you feel should be replaced. (More on him in just a second.) I also have a schedule, along with a whole team full of parents. The only thing that needs to be finalized, that I'm aware of, is the details for the Black and Blue Classic. And that falls to the hosting league (North Augusta) not us.
 
As for the rec director, I personally feel he's doing the best job he can do with what he's given. He's very qualified and has a ton of good ideas, but he only has so many resources and doesn't get a whole lot of support from our esteemed governing body. I've been to rec meetings. I know the problems our department faces. Let's face it. We're a small county with limited resources and things will never change if folks continue to sit up in the bleachers and gripe. As the other poster said, I invite you down from the cheap seats to the sidelines. The view is A LOT different from here.
web posted September 14, 2009

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I don't believe in Santa  Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a  Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.  I don't agree with Darwin , but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school  teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not  be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal?  It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts.  They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.

But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.

Yes, and this is the United States of America , a country founded on Christian principles.  According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1.  So what would  you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?

If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer...
If I went to a soccer game in  Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn't be  offended.   It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome  .....

But what about the atheists? Is another argument.

What about them? Nobody  is asking them to be baptized.  We're not going to pass the collection plate.  Just humor us for 30 seconds.   If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs.  Go to the bathroom.  Visit the concession stand.  Call your lawyer!

Unfortunately, one or two will make that call.  One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do.. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights.  Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep.  Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing.  Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.

God, help us.  And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.

The  silent majority has been silent too long.  It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want.  It is time that the majority
Rules!   It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him.  That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away.  We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!

God bless us one and all ...  Especially those who denounce Him ,God  bless America , despite all her faults.  She is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
web posted September 14, 2009

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Yes, Albert and Bettis are brothers. They are polar opposites. Albert is the good one.
web posted September 14, 2009

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Ken Durham thinks there is a family connection between Bettis Rainsford and Albert Rainsford.  They are brothers.  I am sure Ken knew that but did not want to admit it.  Albert Rainsford will only be one vote on the board.  I know a couple of people currently on the board and, believe me, they will not bow down to what Bettis wants.
web posted September 14, 2009

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Editor's post: I saw a door today that had a sign over it that said, "Exit Only". I thought to myself, somebody really underestimated the use of that door.  
web posted September 12, 2009

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Hearts and prayers to Jeff (Daniels) and his wonderful family. I hope you can print this.
web posted September 12, 2009

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Who's running the county if John Pettigrew is gone?

Editor's note: Clerk to Council Barbara Stark has stepped in until a new administrator can be hired, which could take between 4 to 8 weeks.
web posted September 12, 2009

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First of all, I want to express my sympathy to you and to the family of the friend you lost. It is such a sad thing to hear and it puts a lot of things into perspective for us. A lot of the silly things we get upset about are just that--silly.
 
I do have one concern that bothers me and that is the playing down of the importance of 9/11 by some of our government leaders. A lot was lost that day. Innocent lives were lost families were changed forever and our feeling of security in this country will never be the same. To turn this into a day of "service" instead of a day of remembrance is a subtle way of taking the importance of the day away. Lest we forget...  Terrorism is not going to go away and we as a nation and as a people need to stay aware. Why is it that if we don't talk about it, or we diminish the meaning of the day,  it takes the threat away? What is it that they are trying to do by minimizing the importance of what this day means to us? This is a day to come together as a nation, thank God we have not had another attack on our soil, pray that we won't have another attack on this country and pray for those that were affected by this hateful and horrible act. This was a terrible thing done by a terrible group of people. The only thing worse are the conspirators who think we did it to ourselves. What kind of lunatics are they?   Lest we forget...

Editor's note: Please pray for Jeff Daniels' family. He was a friend to everyone and spent his life serving and protecting all of us.
web posted September 12, 2009

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Focus on the Family has a great update on the healthscare fibs by Pres. Obama. You can see it here.
http://www.citizenlink.org/videofeatures/A000010941.cfm
web posted September 12, 2009

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Joe Wilson is out of control, disrespectful. hateful , he need training he should step down and go south
web posted September 12, 2009

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I would like to address the remarks made about Nick Waites and our Rec. department. Actually , a couple of them are too silly to respond to. Having said that , as tax paying citizens of our county every body has the right to Know how our dollars are spent and are they being spent wisely. I started to respond but after about a page and a half I realized this was Much too lengthy to print. Many people have questions about Our Rec. department and I would like to put them to rest. Please remember, Our Rec. department is only 4 or 5 years old. We are very young in that aspect and have had to crawl before walking. I was there when our first Director was hired and fired ( Or stepped down ) and was part of the voice asking for Nick to be hired. We as coaches in all leagues desperately needed somebody and Nick was a perfect fit. I will touch on a couple of these matters and then Invite you to come to our next Rec. Meeting. Come and voice your opinion ! Bring others ! I will bet that after you find out Why some of these shortcomings happen, you may very well change your mind. Also, sitting on your thumbs don't help. Volunteer !!!!!!
1. Bettis Park Concessions- I wish this and Brett Favre would just go away. Long story short. We had a choice of running a football league with the people we had OR we could run a concession stand. We did not have the help needed for both so we chose Football and found an alternative for concessions. ( Be glad to expand at the meeting ).
2. Sex offenders - Comment at meeting
3. Bleachers- County employees  .... hmmmmm.... Rec. dept. county employees.... hmmmmm- No further comment.
4. Uniforms - Long before we became a league, some of us ( Merriweather at that time ) coached football and cheerleading in N. Augusta and one of the best organized and best staffed rec. departments in the state could NOT GET Uniforms in a timely manner. ( Note: Maybe If our PARENTS would sign their children on time, we could have our Uniforms on time. Some do , most don,t, All suffer.) Be glad to expand at the Meeting.
5. Schedule - We started a home and away series with North Augusta Park & Rec. 3 years ago to help expand the boundaries of our league and create a buzz of excitement and scheduling has become difficult due to availability of Both North Augusta and Strom Thurmond facilities. Many times in the past we didn't have a schedule until after the season started because we didn't want to keep changing and reprinting ( Costing the tax payers extra money! )
In short, come to the next Recreation Meeting & see for yourself what goes on before criticizing. Call the rec. department for the next scheduled meeting date and time. 803-637-2621.

Editor's note: I would be very careful about admitting that you were part of the group that openly broke the law concerning deposits from concession sales at recreation events that allowed the money to be directed to other entities rather than to the county as the law requires. There is an active ongoing investigation underway. But, that's just my opinion.
web posted September 12, 2009

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I read the article about Albert Rainsford being named to the Edgefield (Town) Planning committee. What's wrong? Bettis didn't have enough lackies on the board to approve his last request so he puts his family on the board? Geez!!!!!

Editor's note: I have not confirmed that Albert Rainsford is a family member. Mayor Ken Durham did say he thought there was a family connection, but I have not confirmed that independently.
web posted September 12, 2009

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RE:  "Yeap, once again leave it to a South Carolinian to show his Good Ole' Boy reputation. Also, proves to the world stats are confirmed. SC does have the lowest education rate in the Nation. It wasn't only embarrassing for Vice President Biden. It was also embarrassing to a lot of citizens who live in the state of SC and I happen to be one of them!"

How awful for you.  I hope you'll soon find the means to move to a more sophisticated locale.  
web posted September 12, 2009

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The letter with the powerful video should be front page news. It is wonderful. Thanks for posting~
http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/15523565/1322781786/name/TeaPartyCommercial.wmv
web posted September 12, 2009

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Joe Wilson spoke the truth. It would be hard to sit quietly by and listen to a liar of this magnitude without objecting. We need more like Joe.
web posted September 11, 2009

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Re: the attractive "Welcome to Historic Edgefield" pamphlets,  If Mr. Rainsford paid for the pamphlets he is doing a service to any business not owned by him to include them in the pamphlet.  If the pamphlets were paid for with public money or donations,  a malfeasance has possibly been committed by virtue of the center fold featuring four of his businesses.  Who printed the pamphlet?  Who chose the layout?  What process was used to select the chosen six centerfold businesses?  Does Mr. Rainsford in fact own 67% of the businesses in Edgefield?  How were those not chosen rejected?   How can businesses other than those aligned with Mr. Rainsford join the club?   Is there an outreach program to include other businesses in future publications?  Just curious about the process...
web posted September 11, 2009

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Congressional Boo, Moan, Interrupt President Bush during SOTU Speech...Where was the outrage from liberals and Democrats then?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBxmEGG71PM&feature=player_embedded
web posted September 11, 2009

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The time has come for Nick Waites to step down as Edgefield County's Director of Recreation.  For too long now Mr. Waites has failed in his duties to maintain and run his office at a level deserving of his title and salary.   While Mr. Pettigrew received the obvious majority of criticism, and rightly so in many situations, Mr. Waites has somehow stayed below the radar, appearing to have had little to no responsibility for the Recreation Departments poor performance.


1)  The Bettis Park concession stand fiasco
2)  Sex Offenders in close proximity to our children at Edgefield County sporting events
3)  The moving of bleachers from one park to another by county employees.
4)  The football jamboree is this Saturday and not a single uniform has been delivered for either the players or cheerleaders
5)  The football schedule for the year has yet to be finalized.


I could go on and on with examples of how Mr. Waites has failed in his duties over the past several years but I think readers can get the idea.  It's time to replace Mr. Waites with someone who has the drive and determination to make Edgefield County youth sports the best in the state.  The children of our county deserve someone who will approach the tasks at hand with energy and expertise.  I hope that Wandering Minds readers will participate in this debate over Mr. Waites as I'm sure many of them have had personal experiences with his department over the years.  I look forward to hearing from readers who both agree and disagree with me.
web posted September 11, 2009

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 Let me get this straight  ........

Obama's health care plan will be:
 
written by a Committee whose head says he doesn't understand it,

passed by a Congress that hasn't read it,

signed by a President who smokes,

funded by a Treasury Chief who did not pay his taxes,

overseen by a Surgeon General who is obese,
 
and financed by a country that is nearly broke.
 
What could possibly go wrong?
web posted September 11, 2009

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The president's speech has changed nothing.

President Obama changed nothing about his plan. His speech did not move Congress any closer to reforms that would put patients first. Instead, he vowed to "call out" people he deems as "misrepresenting" his plan. Is that a threat?

The American people have called out the president and congressional leaders for trying to force their version of health care reform on a public that doesn't want it. That's what the overwhelming response was at those town hall meetings and rallies over the last two months.

Accusing his critics of "scare tactics," he told the American people that if we don't get behind his plan - which he calls doing "nothing" - "more will die as a result."  Talk about scare tactics!

He finally acknowledged the need for medical liability lawsuit reform, but instead of vowing to push for it in health care legislation, he said he would put Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, in charge of that. Interesting choice, since Sebelius used to be a lobbyist for trial lawyers.

Americans are tired of hearing doublespeak from the president. In the same speech, he declared he doesn't want "to defer reform one more year, or one more election, or one more term." But that was right after telling us his plan for the federally regulated health insurance exchange "will take effect in four years."

Tonight's speech rehashed the same plan - including a public, government-controlled health insurance plan; a new federal definition of acceptable health insurance; an individual mandate that everyone purchase that insurance or face a tax; and an employer mandate increasing the burden on the engine of jobs. The president mocked the concerns of Americans who don't want to see these job-killing, tax-raising policies enacted.

The president said his "door is always open" to discuss alternatives to his plan. So far, however, we have seen little consideration given to the types of reforms Republicans support - such as buying health insurance across state lines, tax credits for Americans of all incomes, and real tort reform. These are real reforms that would work for real people.

Unfortunately, Wednesday's speech promised more things Washington can't deliver with its current proposals - promising everyone can keep their current health plan and that reform as Obama imagines it would not add to our deficit. If the president and Congress continue on the course they have charted, these promises will be broken in short order.

Please spread the word and recruit others to the cause of real reform.
 
If you care about your health care, copy and paste this message in a note to all in your email address book.  If you don't care, ignore it and adjust your blinders.
web posted September 11, 2009

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I guess I must be on the wrong page...  A vehicle at 15 mpg and 12,000 miles per year uses 800 gallons a year of gasoline.  A vehicle at 25 mpg and 12,000 miles per year uses 480 gallons a year.
So, the average clunker transaction will reduce US gasoline consumption by 320 gallons per year.

They claim 700,000 vehicles - so that's 224 million gallons / year.

That equates to a bit over 5 million barrels of oil which is about ¼ of one day's US consumption.

And, 5 million barrels of oil costs about $350 million dollars at $75/bbl.

So, we all contributed to spending $3 billion to save $350 million. 

How good a deal was that???

They'll probably do a great job with health care though!!
web posted September 11, 2009

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re: TEA PARTY COMMERCIAL.. .A MUST SEE!

This resulted from a Mom in Alabama asking her high school son to help with a commercial for the Tea Party she was involved in organizing.

Boy, does it slam the message home.  Very impressive.  Here is her note:  "I asked Justin if he could help me make a commercial for my group's Tea Party. He sat down at the laptop for about an hour, and then brought this to me and asked ' is this okay Mom?' After I finished watching it, my stomach was in my throat. Everyone that I have sent it to has really enjoyed it, so I wanted my friends to see it, I am so proud".

A very Powerful video, turn up the sound and sit back....!!!! GUARANTEED GOOSE BUMPS.....
http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/15523565/1322781786/name/TeaPartyCommercial.wmv
 
And she SHOULD be proud! That was awesome! :)  Thanks for sharing! I am going to share it on my Facebook now!
web posted September 11, 2009

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Joe Wilson is my hero. He is the only one that had the guts to speak the truth. Any intelligent person watching that speech, knew it was full of lies. The biggest question, and it goes to the core of what Obama was saying, is where is this plan of his? What plan is he reassuring us about?  Is it written somewhere?  Is it the one that the house passed ?  If it is the house plan, than that in itself shows he is lying-people have actually read that bill know what is really in that 1,000 page bill. How can he tell the American people what this healthcare reform will be like when he has not given us the plan to see?   Why hasn't he presented, in writing and on the Internet for all of us to see as he promised to do with upcoming legislation, this great plan he has?  Would we all rest easy if we actually knew what his plan is?  Does he think we can't understand it? No, he doesn't want us to know what he is doing because he is afraid we WILL understand it. He wants us to blindly trust him, the one who has brought us Cash for Clunkers, huge deficits, Geitner, the many czars including a known Communist, the bank take over, the car industry take over, the freeze on Social Security cost of living adjustments, etc. etc. Boy, I want to go out there and trust this guy and his crew of crooks. Ya Boy!  "A Change We Can Believe In"  "Yes We Can"   Scary, huh?
web posted September 11, 2009

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Yeap, once again leave it to a South Carolinian to show his Good Ole' Boy reputation. Also, proves to the world stats are confirmed. SC does have the lowest education rate in the Nation. It wasn't only embarrassing for Vice President Biden. It was also embarrassing to a lot of citizens who live in the state of SC and I happen to be one of them!
web posted September 11, 2009

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What has 4 wheels and a motor and fly's down the road driven by a 12 yr old? A golf cart with two much younger children as passengers . While driving down the Gray street, Penn street and the surrounding neighborhood, I have seen this golf cart and others driven by children with no adult supervision. My first question would be, is this legal? After all these are motor vehicles being driven on our streets. Do they not have to follow the same laws as cars & trucks? I know they do not follow the same safety procedures, like driving on the right side of the road or the wearing of seat belts . I have had to brake hard and move to the shoulder to keep from hitting this one cart with the young boy behind the wheel. I watched in horror as he flew by me with two other children under the age of 8 yrs old hanging on. So now to my second question, if not illegal, what are their parents thinking? "Yeah "Little Jimmy", go take the golf cart and load "Little Jenny" and "Little Billy" up and ride around the neighborhood. We know you will be careful and responsible with their safety"  . Come on people use your head, there is a reason society places a minimum age to drive. Call me a old dinosaur, but I don't understand the mentality of any adult who would allow kids to to drive on public roads in golf carts that have no seat belts and would not stand a chance in a collision with a 3,000 lb. piece of metal. We talk about children wearing helmets while riding their bikes or helmets and pads while skateboarding, but we will put young children in a golf cart and turn them loose o n the street with no more protection then a fiberglass top  . I love my grandchildren and would never put their lives in jepordy just to make them happy and allow them to race up and down the road in a golf cart. People do us and your children a favor and park those golf carts before someone gets killed!!! 

Editor's note: The use of multiple annimations were removed. Please us no more than one per comment.
web posted September 11, 2009

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I've been reading the dialog regarding the registered sex offender among the children at the ball park for some time now and just can't keep my opinion to myself any longer.  I am not affiliated with anyone involved and don't have kids playing sports; however for the record, Mr. Rainsford, I am a real person and not in the imagination of our editor.

I agree with the poster that says we need to change the laws in this state to protect our children from monsters that want to harm them.  We should all take this up with our representatives and demand changes.

I have to question the poster(s) that are reprimanding the concerned parent that brought this situation to light.  When did it become more important to be protect the feelings and reputation of the sex offender than the children that could be his next victims? 

You keep claiming that they "did the right thing" but the "way" in which they did it was wrong.  There is no wrong way to let people know that there is a child molester among your kids, you say it and you bring back up documentation to prove your allegations.  I would have announced it from a banner plane dropping copies of his page on the registry to the whole town of Johnston.  So I guess that makes me a "trouble maker" too. 

What about the actions of this sex offender?  You should all feel duped by this man.  Did he "do the right thing" and speak up about the fact that he is listed on the registry or what his offense was?  If he kept that information from everyone, then I would say there is a HUGE possibility that his intentions were not innocent.  And if this man cared about his kids feelings then he would have "done the right thing" and been honest.  He would have respected the fact that others would not be comfortable with him being there or assisting the coach in anyway. 

The truth is that sex offenders that like 13 y/o kids CANNOT be rehabilitated and given the slightest chance they will do it again and again and again. 

It's a sad day when you openly bash someone for speaking up in anyway about a situation like this.  Regardless of what you may think of their past actions, this person deserves a huge THANK YOU and nothing more.

Re: Ok first of all, my husband is a police officer so I would be very careful what you say and how you say it when complaining about law enforcement.

This sounds as close to a threat as you can make and get away with.  We have to BE CAREFUL when complaining about law enforcement?  Or what, is your husband going to beat me up, arrest me, harrass me every time I get in my car?  I think cops like your husband are the biggest problem with have in law enforcement today.  Maybe we all need to do our research on the laws regarding the rights of registered sex offenders but I think you and your husband should brush up on the laws regarding using his badge to bully and intimidate. 
Sorry for exceeding the word limit rule.
web posted September 11, 2009

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TO the person who put the link on here for the "Tea Party" http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/15523565/1322781786/name/TeaPartyCommercial.wmv Thanks. To the person who created it. "Great Job!!" Too bad that we as a society will not stand like our fore fathers did against tyranny. Some of you who voted for our president are in for a whirlwind of fallout for his failures. Call it race, call it stupidity in the voters, call it whatever you want, but it is about to hit the fan. Goodbye middle class, go ahead and call DSS and get your forms filled out for assistance. For the christians, get ready to be challenged, the president and his muslims are coming. For all of you illegal's, get ready for a free ride. And as for capitalism, your about to be written in a history book as a thing of the past. All of this because no one cares about the guy next door anymore. People are too concerned about taking care of their own rather than the greater good of society. If I am lying, we would have already revolted against all of the ideocracy disguised as democracy for all of you who would rather have a hand out rather than a hand up, that is being pushed down our throats. I hope you disagree with me, at least then maybe it will put a fire inside of you to do something other than swallow this rancid meal being fed to the American public as necessity.

Our local governments, that parade around as if they are attempting to promote our area to boost our economy is another fallacy. Johnston's economic development board is funded with 0 dollars. How exactly do you develop a plan and coax a business into town without spending any money? We cannot fool corporations into coming into an area that caters to mediocrity. We cannot even produce an educated work force capable of sustaining any meaning corporation. We have serious problems that need serious answers and not a bubba system designed to protect those who feel they are better than everyone else.
 
When was the last time, as a citizen of this county did you shop local other than the grocery store. Have you eaten at a local eatery? Seafood night at a restaurant I can't name on friday nights is the best I can find, but where is everyone? I walked downtown today and the shops are all but empty, I can guarantee that the store that sounds like WALL is full.
 
Crabs in a bucket people, that unfortunately is what we have created here. I hope you enjoy it. Construction companies in this county are working in Aiken, North Augusta, Augusta and just about anywhere but here, and yet, I see contractors from other towns working here. Are we really that worried that someone might actually make a few dollars that we will hire someone that we do not know rather than support a local company? Why don't we talk about that in church on Sunday right after the bucket is passed and your penance is paid. Think about it people. This is pathetic.
web posted September 11, 2009

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Re the questions about the Edgefield County Alliance.  The Alliance is a non profit organization which was formed, officially, one year ago this month.  Most of the members attended the Vision 20/20 Strategic planning meetings sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.  Three areas were addressed, education, quality of life and economic development.of the County.  The goal of the Alliance is to support and enhance those activities which will make Edgefield County the best place to live, work and play in South Carolina.  Private citizens,  representatives of various governmental agencies, business owners, and members of non profit organizations come together to form this Alliance.  We meet once a month and have speakers from various organizations provide information which can also be shared with other groups.  Throughout the State as well as the rest of the nation, partnerships, alliances, etc. are being formed to share resources and information especially in these economic times.  
 
There is no membership fee to join the Alliance.    We welcome everyone. So come on poster bring your friends.   Bring your fresh ideas and a strong desire to move Edgefield County forward roll up those sleeves and let's get to work!    Join us Monday Sept. 14th at Piedmont Tech Edgefield Campus at 7:30 a.m.
web posted September 11, 2009

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Comfortis works well and you can take it orally. I would hate for your wife to have to divide the hair down your neck and back to put Frontline on you.
web posted September 11, 2009

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Editor's post: I expected no less. President Obama is going to downplay the remembrance of the 9/11 attacks by Muslim terrorists. Oh, I forgot, we're not supposed to call them Muslim or terrorists according to his administration. Can't offend the Muslims... those he said in his own book he would side with if things turned against them. Obama Administration Moves to Downplay 9/11

He and the Democrats are also okay with $3,800 fines on individual citizens who choose (because they are free and exercise individual liberty) to not buy insurance.

Take a moment to look at what and who Obama calls America's enemies. The banks, the auto makers, the doctors, the insurance companies, those who own guns and Bibles, Investors and Investment companies, and even our own military personnel.

Those who are not our enemies; Muslims, terrorists, Iran, Hugo Chaves, and those with names that sound like his.

Look at who he sees as the heroes... himself and the Democrats in Congress who collectively have the lowest polling numbers in history.

This is change we can believe in? The ruling class controlled by Obama and the leftist Democrats? Even their own party is jumping ship.

EdgefieldDaily.com and other affiliates are experiencing email problems at this time. Please send your comments to edgefielddaily@att.net or click here until the problems are corrected.
web posted September 10, 2009

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Editor's post: I'm not going to say that our dog is spoiled, but we had to buy a full size couch as his "doggie bed" because of his size. Standing on his hind legs he's about 6' 1" and weighs around 170 pounds. Of course, he doesn't just have a couch as his "doggie bed", he has pillows and a blanket when he goes to bed. Then again, when he can crush a ham hock into pieces in one bite, he gets pretty much whatever he wants.

He is also not very fond of strangers, which is a plus for us and a serious negative to just about everyone else. He's sneaky too, he doesn't always bark, sometimes he sneaks up on visitors before making his presence known causing uncontrolled bladder activity to some. Now that he is full grown I am seeking a Mrs. for him. If you know of one, or have one (Great Dane), give me a call.
web posted September 10, 2009

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Dear Editor,
 
I am a resident of Mount Vintage and heard through the grapevine that Talmadge Knight has settled with Carolina First for $5M ($0.50 on the dollar) and now he is the sole owner of all the remaining properties in Mount Vintage.  Can you confirm this rumor or set the record straight?  What happens to the remaining $5M debt?  Additionally, I thought Talmage was expressly denied access to purchase from the court order.  I would certainly like to know who is at the helm of our beautiful development.  It has not been a very pleasant year with all the mechanics leins and lack of infrastructure work.  I am also very ready to see what Talmadge could / would do if Bettis is really out of the picture.  What do you think will happen to the other LLC's with Bettis as a 50% shareholder if there is no other real income generating possibilities? 
 
Concerned resident

Editor's note: According to Clerk of Court Shirley Newby, the sale is set to go forward, hopefully, sometime in October. At this time there appears to be no "deal" that has been agreed on since the auction will be advertised again. Things, as you know, can always change.

As far as the rest of your questions, I do not have any idea how things will sort out. I will say that our new friends that moved into Mt. Vintage came here believing Bettis Rainsford to be the man he proclaimed to be only for you to find out he was the man we all knew him to be.
web posted September 10, 2009

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It seems that the idea of closing wandering minds got a lot of attention. I hope it is just left the way it is with no changes--i.e. adding user names etc. Why change something that works and gets a lot of attention? It is a place people can vent and at least get some of their concerns out there. If it is changed I would reckon a lot of folks would not send in and a lot of folks would stop reading.  Then the beauty of it would be lost.

Editor's note: There will no changes to the Wandering Minds.
web posted September 10, 2009

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I have an idea for the Wandering Minds. I've been to websites that when you go there there is a song playing in the background. Maybe you should do that when poeple go to the Wandering Minds and play the song "Let the Sunshine In". Please don't change it in any other way!!!!!!!!!

Editor's note: It's funny you should say that. About a week ago I got an email suggesting doing the same thing but playing a song from the band Nantucket. I won't mention the song they suggested, but it referred to messing with a certain type of person.
web posted September 10, 2009

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TEA PARTY COMMERCIAL.. .A MUST SEE!

This resulted from a Mom in Alabama asking her high school son to help with a commercial for the Tea Party she was involved in organizing.

Boy, does it slam the message home.  Very impressive.  Here is her note:  "I asked Justin if he could help me make a commercial for my group's Tea Party. He sat down at the laptop for about an hour, and then brought this to me and asked ' is this okay Mom?' After I finished watching it, my stomach was in my throat. Everyone that I have sent it to has really enjoyed it, so I wanted my friends to see it, I am so proud".

A very Powerful video, turn up the sound and sit back....!!!! GUARANTEED GOOSE BUMPS.....
http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/15523565/1322781786/name/TeaPartyCommercial.wmv
web posted September 10, 2009

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“You lie!”  - Outburst  from Congressman Joe Wilson from South Carolina in a joint session of the United States Congress.  Serial killers, renegade Governors and people who rob banks with a pitch fork- OH MY!  LOL
web posted September 10, 2009

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If you attended the last two school board meetings, and if you were a teacher, you would have once again witnessed first hand that you're employer is not at all looking out for you, and quite frankly, don't even support you.  They say its okay for a teacher to sign an open contract, after all like Heidi Kerns stated, "that's the way we did it in Spartanburg", and then, "We have to protect the District."  And Bibbs, "Yeah we have to protect the District."  If the teacher's were smart, they'd check into the legality of and open-ended contract.  After all, part way through the year, what's to say the District couldn't dismiss a teacher, stating, well that's what it says in your contract, we only needed you for a 140 days instead of 180 days.  See, it's right here.  You signed it.  (But it was filled in later)  If I were a teacher I'd be concerned, very concerned.
web posted September 10, 2009

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I'm a fairly new reader to Edgefield Daily having found the site only a few months ago. I have to say I read for about two months before I ever found the wandering minds section. I LOVE IT!!!!! Please do not change anything! It's perfect the way it is. I've read a lot of other news sites that let people post anything they want and I like that [the Editor] screen(s) every comment before it is allowed to go online. That's the way it should be. Thank you for the wandering minds and for Edgefield Daily. It is a fantastic source of information and available background on every major issue or event that takes place around here. I have turned many of my friends and family on to Edgefield Daily. You're even my homepage now! I have one suggestion. Could you add a search function to the site? It would make it a lot easier to find past articles.
Signed an avid reader.

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments. EdgefieldDaily.com has never advertised our site and has grown by word of mouth recomendations such as yours which has made us the #1 source for local news with over 21,000 monthly readers, more than five times the readership of local papers. A search function is in the works and may be available within the next two months.
web posted September 10, 2009

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RE: Identity of Sex offender in discussion of recent recreation incident
Mark Jones, AKA Mark Jones SR and Mark Jones Jr.
http://services.sled.sc.gov/sor/view.aspx?SRS=12095

Editor's note: Confirming the conviction will allow Mr. Jones' name to be used in posts. Please keep other individuals names out of the conversation or your posts will be refused.
web posted September 10, 2009

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There will be no foreclosure sale for Mt. Vintage.  Talmedge Knight has paid off the note.  No one at this time knows what Bettis has left at Mt. V as nothing more was announced.  Hopefully, Bettis is out of the picture.   This should allow him to spend 100% of the time with his friends in Edgefield. Time will tell.

Editor's note: As stated and linked above, the sale is set to be advertised again and go up for sale in October.
web posted September 10, 2009

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I am a mother of a child on the Johnston Bears team that is being discussed here about the sex offender.  I have been reading the comments that have been made and it seems like the blame is being put on the wrong people (person who started the comments and the coaches of the team).  The blame should be placed on the state of South Carolina who does not care where and what the state's sex offenders do.  Other states have strict control on their sex offenders - South Carolina doesn't care!  So instead of blaming each other, lets do something to change the problem - contact our state senators!
I just want my child to have a good time and be able to show and improve on his football skills.  So lets, have a great winning season! GO BEARS!
web posted September 10, 2009

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Wondering minds would like to know:
 
Why "Joe the plumber" was so aggressively vetted (BY THE DEMOCRATS) and Van Jones, NOTHING?

Kinda makes you go "hmmmmm".
web posted September 10, 2009

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Jane Bess Pottery featured in Encore Atlanta this month.  I thought you would enjoy seeing this.  http://encoreatlanta.com/lifestyle/2009/the-other-side-of-south-carolina.html
web posted September 10, 2009

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The Pentagon announced TODAY the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called the  United StatesRedneck Special Forces (USRSF)
These boys will be dropped off in Afghanistan and have been given only the following facts about terrorists :
1. The season opened today.
2. There is no limit.
3. They taste just like chicken.
4. They don't like beer, pickups, country music or Jesus..
5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt .
The Pentagon expects the problem in Afghanistan to be over by Friday.
web posted September 10, 2009

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I read where (Edgefield) Mayor Ken Durham wants the county to buy the Calliham store so there wouldn't be a run down building when people come into Edgefield. Hey Mr. Mayor, look across the street at the property Boss Hawg owns. Talk about run down! What about the Mims buildings that are falling down? What about the house on blocks Boss Hawg owns. What about YOUR property that is about to fall in? What about Mr. Pettigrew's property? Are you going to try to get the county to buy them too so they can be fixed up next? Sounds like you've been drinking the Obama Kool-Aid where the taxpayers get to fund fixing things up for you. Spend your own money for a change and stay the (heck) out of my wallet.
web posted September 10, 2009

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U are not telling the truth!!! Of course you are going 2 make yourself look like you are not wrong in this situation. Just face it, you are. No matter how you try to put it you handle this matter all wrong. You did tell the truth about one thing, that it was a personal issue with you but you still lied!! It was stated by you that some items were taken from u and he did it. Oh but of course you wouldn't admitted to the real reason why it was personal. Its ok! Just get mad with yourself because you said it.  Again we are glad that you let everyone know about the offender. You did not handle it right. That's all. We can go on and on about this but I wont!!!! We as parents will continue to watch and care for all of the children on our team. We don't won't a mess like we had a couple of years ago with you. You can't keep him from being a parent and supporting his child no matter how hard you try.  It sucks doesn't it? I know exactly how you feel!!! Welcome to our world!!! We are going to have a great season, we will keep our children safe. If you are concerned about ALL of the kids like you say that you are then we will have another parent watching out. That's all I have to say about this.
web posted September 9, 2009

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Yes, I read Wandering Minds and have sent in a few comments along the way.  I do feel guilty at times because the Bible tells us that our words should be used for the edification of others.  This does happen on Wandering Minds sometimes, but often, people's comments are debasing and untrue.  Perhaps, there's a happy medium that could be reached.
web posted September 9, 2009

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Never close wandering minds.  I(t) gives people a place to vent even though sometimes their venting may be totally off base.  I know, I was once a victim of someone posting something about me that was 100% false and I could not really defend myself.  Here is a suggestion though.  Do what the Augusta Chronicle does, on their website you can post comments but you have to create a user name.  This user name is created by the user and is totally anonymous so no one has to know who you are.  You could be poster1234 and no one would ever know who you are.  When you read the Augusta Chronicle comments you see some of the same names over and over again, you have no idea who they are but after a while you know that comments by certain names are going to be stupid. Those IDs begin to develop a personality and like all personalities some are smart and some are complete idiots. Also, and not that you care, but it will prove that the posters on there are real.  I know I am real and I do appericate what you do and I agree with you most of the time too.
web posted September 9, 2009

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I've never commented before but the all male PE teachers at MMS [Merriwether Middle School] bothers me. Why can't the school district employ male and female instructors? How hard is that?
web posted September 9, 2009

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I love the wandering minds. Leave it alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
web posted September 9, 2009

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Have you seen the "Welcome to Historic Edgefield" pamphlets? It's all Bettis, Bettis, Bettis. Does anybody else have anything to do with Edgefield County other than Bettis [Rainsford]?

Editor's note: Yes, I have received many comments personally about the pamphlets.
web posted September 9, 2009

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I saw the notice on the Edgefield County Alliance group. Is that a county  board and who appoints them?

Editor's note: The Edgefield County Alliance is a group of volunteers that gathers every month. They are not appointed by the county council and have no advisory powers.
web posted September 9, 2009

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Re: Hunting season is here again… I didn’t realize I must respect the rights that a dog has to our dilapidated system of county roads! I hope the poster and others in the county/ state remember the rights of hunters and property owners as well as those of their children and pets! We have a growing problem (actually an out of control problem) in the county with those who think that pets have somehow earned more rights than humans. That is to roam, trespass and chase game, at will, across the county. Never mind the rights of property owners and those with hunting rights on leased lands. Never mind the thousands and thousands of dollars spent to obtain, maintain and lease private properties. That’s just what dogs do – right?! Wrong! 

Since those that can and should do something about the problem seem reluctant to do part of the job they are paid to do (I will say that the Animal Control officer does her job well just doesn’t seem to have much support), they potentially pit citizen against citizen to deal with the issue ourselves. Is that a recipe for disaster or what?

If you refuse to control your animals be prepared for the consequences. If you let your pets run around in the roads do not be surprised and saddened when you have to scrape it up with a shovel! If you let your pet roam and chase game on property other than yours (most especially during hunting season) don’t be surprised if it is “mistaken” for game, etc…! Those on the judicial side of things don’t seem to be particularly concerned about the rights of property owners versus someone’s pet. However, do not get a false sense of security and expect the property owners to be very concerned about a roaming, game chasing pet.

Don’t worry we’ll give the kids a break!!
web posted September 9, 2009

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I thought your comment about nobody raising [cane] about the wondering minds was funny. [removed]
web posted September 9, 2009

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Editor's post: I was astounded at the number of those writing in about whether or not the Wandering Minds should be a thing of the past, as has been suggested. A portion of those are listed below (many repeated the same things so a selection of those sent in are posted). Oddly enough, not a single post was submitted saying the Wandering Minds should be discontinued. I was shocked. I expected those who have suggested it to be shut down would sound off and proclaim how the Wandering Minds is such a scourge on our county. Maybe they were too busy enjoying their day off. I look forward to hearing from the side that wants your opinions squashed.

EdgefieldDaily.com and other affiliates are experiencing email problems at this time. Please send your comments to edgefielddaily@att.net or click here until the problems are corrected.
web posted September 8, 2009

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RE: Editor’s post – Question to shut down the wandering minds.

HAHAHAHA…..  That has to be a joke right?   I’ve only posted one item in the last 4 years I’ve been reading, but I LOVE to read what others have to say.  Some bring information to the table that I wasn’t aware of.  I think wandering minds is a wonderful way to express your concerns, anonymously.  Great work to the Edfielddaily.com in keeping the community up to date.  By the way……my answer to your question…. NO!
web posted September 8, 2009

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You asked " Should the Wandering Minds be a thing of the past and the opinions you hold shut out from the reading public?"

I think Wandering Minds is entertaining and refreshing and it's nice to know what others are thinking, even if I don't always agree with them. Count mine as a vote to keep Wandering Minds!
web posted September 8, 2009

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I am wring this letter to wandering minds to once again, let you know that everyone does not feel the same way you do about, Mr. Bettis Rainsfor, Mr. John Pettigrew, and Mayor Ken Durham.   I have had dealings with all three gentlemen.  Mr. Bettis Rainsford was the first person in Edgefield to welcome us, when we moved here  7 years ago, and to offer his assistance in any way.  We took him up on that offer. twice now, and he did not benifit from his actions what so ever.  We did.  He was gracious in every way, with his assistance, and his hospitality.  Mr. John Pettigrew, not only helped us, but helped our son, in a way that very few if any other men would have.  And I do hope he know how much we and many others appreciate the fact that he lives here in Edgefield.  We were lucky to have him as County Administrator.  He will be missed by most.  Mayor Ken Durham, has also shown himself to have the interest of the citizens of Edgefield at heart.  He gave us his cell number and asked us to call him with any concerns, and we have.  These concerns were always handled promptly.  The people of Edgefield, should be proud to have these three men as closley associated with our town.  And we are proud to concider them friends.  We have spoken with lots of people around town that feel the same way we do.  We have not spoken to any that feel the way you do.  We are wondering if your vendetta against them is personal?  The people that have told us that these gentlemen have always been fair and honest with them are the majority in the town of Edgefield.  These gentlemen don't know that I am writing this letter, but I just feel that it needs to be said.  Thank you, Mr. Rainsfor(d), Mr. Pettigrew, and Mayor Durham, for all you have done.  We do appreciate it, and I hope you know in your hearts that the majority of your fellow citizens feel the same way we do.

Editor's note: I happen to call Ken Durham a friend and we speak often. There is nothing ever said that I have not said to his face in a personal conversation. John Pettigrew, as an individual, is a fine man and loving father. I will not offer an opinion on Bettis Rainsford.

That being said, I take issue with people in their service in the public realm as public servants. I, as I hope many can do, am able to separate the two. I have no problem (generally) with the way Mayor Durham runs the town. I see ways it could be done better, but he's the mayor, not me. Pettigrew is a different story as I have documented. There is a reason Mr. Pettigrew resigned, and I had nothing to do with it.
web posted September 8, 2009

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First of all, I am glad you had a relaxing weekend and hope your wife had an enjoyable birthday.
 
Do not shut down Wandering Minds!!!!  I think it provides a valuable service as a forum for people to express their opinions and debate issues.  I have learned a lot from reading Wandering Minds and it is interesting to see the cross section of views presented.

Editor's note: The Wandering Minds is here to stay.
web posted September 8, 2009

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In response to your query, I believe it would never be beneficial to the interests of Edgefield politics to terminate the Wandering Minds column.  When light reveals corruption, rectification can be initiated.  No doubt there will always be mean-spirited posters who will lash out at any and everything but those pathetic individual's motives are obvious and usually ignored.  Those with a propensity  to complain, criticize and condemn will always be with us. Such annoying voices, however, should never be used as justification against the publication of legitimate concerns of true incompetence, mismanagement, fraud, waste or abuse. Your column will always generate heat and sometimes an occasional inferno but what is hidden will be revealed and the hiding places of the corrupt will be abolished.  I shudder to think what license local government would  take if upright citizens do not speak out through Wandering Minds. 
 
Your posters are an interesting and curious mix of individuals.  Some have never had an original thought in their lives and can only direct us to the latest YouTube video.  Others are blind party loyalists and exist to cover up the latest scandal in their party's sandbox to shroud their own faulty judgment.  Some resent anyone who actually worked to accomplish anything of value in life.  There are the racists, of all races, who can only justify their self-worth by their own delusions and hatred of others.  In my estimation the most valuable poster has an inquiring mind and has seen something that is contrary to the common good and is bold enough to speak out until the matter is resolved.  While some posters are the Devil's advocate, in the truest sense of the word, for the most part you serve a divine purpose in supporting the truth.
web posted September 8, 2009

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I believe that Wandering Minds is a great service that Edgefield Daily offers all of us, with differing opinions. There are a lot of people with a lot of great ideas, and observations that help inform all of us. We may not like the opinions of some, but free speech is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
 
I'm sure the Good Ol' Boys like Boss Hawg, Piglet, and Larry, Darryl, & Darryl on the council don't like seeing their names in print, particularly in this forum, but it's about time a little "Sunlight was used as a disinfectant" in this county.
 
A recent poster to wandering minds said he had to throw the Editor under the bus, when one of the Good Ol' Boys came to his establishment in order to protect his business. I for one, would make it a point to patronize this poster's business if I knew he was willing to stand up against all the Good Ol' Boys and their back door dealings.
 
I know that I refuse to patronize any business that Boss Hawg owns, operates, or is a landlord. Odds are, those businesses will soon be bankrupt, if not there already. (Didn't a bank just foreclose on Mt Vintage?) What's ironic, is that Bettis is really irrelevant, he's just too arrogant to realize it. He thinks he's the "Messiah", when in reality... he's just Goober.
web posted September 8, 2009

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Ok, read this and tell me what is so bad about it?
 
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/07/raw-data-obama-speech-american-school-children/
 
I did not vote for him and might not agree with him, but I see nothing wrong with my kids hearing this speech.
 
God Bless America!
web posted September 8, 2009

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Why is  it that if you cross the North Korean border  illegally you get thrown into prison and get 12  years of hard  labor? If you  cross the Iranian border while out supposedly  leisurely hiking in the hills you get arrested and imprisoned...But if  you cross the U.S. Border illegally you get a drivers license, a Social Security card and free health care.  Who's bright  idea was this?

Editor's note: The Congress, President and the Federal Government. I bet you can't wait for them to run your healthcare. They do such a good job at everything they touch.
web posted September 8, 2009

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Mr.Editor : As far a closing down "Wandering Minds", I would ask you to keep it going. It gives the public somewhere to their voice(s) heard. Evidently, a lot of people read "Wandering Minds" and the comments or
"stepping on toes"! If you do  close it down, keep up the good work on reporting the news. Don't back up..don't back down!! Keep their feet to the fire! I'm real. You know who I am.
web posted September 8, 2009

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This is to the Biz owner that said he throws [the Editor] under the bus because he has to deal with the power click. I hope you turn his check down. Send it back!!! You can't buy your way out of being a coward. I've heard people talk about you and I ALWAYS stand up for you and Edgefield Daily! The reason they are attacking you is because they are afraid of you telling us what is going on because we are too busy working for a living and trying to make ends meet than going to the county meetings. We have small kids, homework, and very little so called family time as it is. I love Edgefield Daily because it has more of the news I want to know about not just the feel good stuff. The same goes for the Wondering Minds. Keep everything the way it is!!!! I've never met you but one day I hope I get the chance. You have courage and conviction and I admire that. Keep up the good work!

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind words. I do not have any ill feelings for the poster referenced. Edgefield County is a small county and many local businesses depend on other local businesses. Some more than others.
web posted September 8, 2009

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keep wondering minds - no brainer
web posted September 8, 2009

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Discontinue 'Wandering Minds'?   NEVER
web posted September 8, 2009

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First, I would like to address the recent post about the suggestion to close down the Wandering Minds section. I believe EdgefieldDaily does a great service to our community. I believe the Wandering Minds section is a large part of that as well. This section allows everyone a voice to express their concerns, gratitude, etc... People can speak without the fear that their comments will be used against them. Not all comments are positive and certainly not everyone agrees with everything that is said here. However, we all have a chance to express ourselves and agree or disagree as we see fit. I applaud the editor for this section and hope that it will continue!

That said, I would like to make a few comments about the Presidential "Back to School Event". As a parent, I was concerned when I first heard about the address the President intended to give to students. I disagree with MANY of the President's policies and had a lot of concern about political issues he might discuss with my children WITHOUT my involvement or knowledge.

I read the following post http://www.lewrockwell.com/rozeff/rozeff310.html which I believe brings up a number of good objections. I agree with these. Putting those issues aside, I have other concerns as well. I think that IF this sort of thing happens, there is a better approach. For example, let's not take away from the limited classroom time there is already. Instead, let the President give his speech on television in the evening. Parents and children can then watch it together and discuss it as necessary. In this way, we as parents can also perform our duty and make sure the content is appropriate, offering additional discussion as necessary. Parents would even have the option of recording and reviewing the content BEFORE our children were exposed to it. We do the same with many movies or television programs do we not?

I was happy to see the speech released for review before it is actually made. You can find it here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/. I found most of the content acceptable and was happy (and surprised) to see God mentioned at the conclusion.

I do not know what Edgefield County Public Schools intend to do for this speech. I believe that this too is an area where there could have been improvement. The schools or district should have better communicated intentions for this address. Perhaps there has been an announcement though which I have missed. In any case, now that I have reviewed the speech, I no longer plan to remove my children from school during the address. Of course there is also a chance the actual speech will differ from the address. So, I will be sure to watch the address myself as well. It is my understanding that the address will be shown live on the White House Web site and on C-SPAN at noon. I can then be sure to discuss it with my children as necessary.

I encourage all parents to do what they believe is correct for their children.
web posted September 8, 2009

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Discontinue "Wandering Minds" are you kidding? What would the nosey people, hippocrates, and politicians do then?  Illinois gave us OBAMA. South Carolina can up the anny.... "Ransford 2012"
web posted September 8, 2009

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Do not close the Wandering Minds.
web posted September 8, 2009

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Please do not shut down Wandering Minds.  It helps us vent sometimes, but if feel it serves a great purpose in many ways.
web posted September 8, 2009

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Once again, let me make this perfectly clear for those who have commented towards the sex offenders.
 
I'll answer the last person who made the comments to me. First, I did not pass out copies to the people at the field, I gave a coach a copy of the paper. Secondly, I was not over talking to him, I was talking to another parent who is a friend of mine and [he] came to me and started the altercation that pursued. If you were as close as you appear to be in your comment, you would have heard me tell him to get away from me and he called me a n....r. Now, I don't know about you but that would have turned into a racial disaster if I had made that statement, but then again, not all things are equal. It was extremely discouraging that rather than be concerned with a sex offender, the group was more concerned with attacking me. As for me being asked to leave by the coach if you are going to talk about then lets talk it with the facts. It was the coach who came over and raised his voice to me and told me that I handled it wrong. I'm sorry, I gave the information to COACH and they (coaches) discussed it and [he] left the field. He was not just throwing the ball to his son, he was out there assisting the coaches with tackle drills with all of the children. I do not want a sex offender around my children. I'm sorry if no one else cares, but we do. You can turn this anyway you want and try to make me look bad in the mean time, but the truth is the truth and the facts are the facts and I could care less what is thought of me as long as the children are safe.

As for last year, as you stated, it was two years ago and when I approached the coach in question it was him who verbally laid out the assault. It was the coach who stepped up and got in my face, but I guess in most of your minds I am wrong for standing up to someone who is yelling in my face. I am not one to back down to anyone, regardless of your race or position and I told him what I thought about the situation.
I have supported our kids in the community for many years in sports and I continue to support them.
As far as driving out of there like a bat out of hell, I guess you just needed emphasize that I am wrong for this and I guess he is right....or whatever. I have never and will never drive like that especially when our children are involved and if I saw someone else doing that I would dutifully contact the police to ensure that it does not happen again. As a matter of fact, before I even backed up, someone was standing next to my vehicle and told me it was clear to back up. So lets please stick only to the facts.

Lastly, you are right, I was not removed by law enforcement, but was escorted to my vehicle to leave while certain people crowded around him as if to console the poor man for being attacked by me. Unfortunately for you and everyone who read and would chose to believe it, I did not go over to him and start talking to him. I only gave a copy of the public notice that he is a convicted sex offender for committing a lewd act on a girl 13 years old to a friend of mine. I wonder if all of you that are so concerned with his feelings would have felt the same on the day he chose to commit such an atrocious act on an innocent young girl. I find it unfathomable that the people of Johnston would stand behind this felon. I served my country and retired from the Marine Corps, and I'll be [darned] if I will stand by and let this happen in my town.

As for the personal aspect, you are exactly right. [removed] So yes, there is a personal aspect to this, but it was only after he committed this act that I found the information online of his past crimes.
Be careful, he is not the only one walking around as a sex offender. You can drive by the liquor store on any given morning and find a few others standing out there on the corner. Keep your children safe least we provide another opportunity for them to recommit.

Editor's note: At this time I am going to have to request the name of the sex offender for verification.
web posted September 8, 2009

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Hunting season is here again. People will come from other places to visit friends and clubs to hunt. Please remind them families with children and pets live on the dirt roads they need to travel to get to some of the hunting sites. I am not anti-hunt just anti-stupid.
Please drive with care we have no children to spare.
web posted September 7, 2009

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I hope everyone will watch this report by Focus on the Family and how the Obamabots and DEMONcrats are trying to outlaw Christians.
web posted September 7, 2009

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Who cares if Mr. Pettigrew had the road crews move bleachers or anything else? So WHAT!?! He's gone now so why don't you just leave him alone? It's been done for years.. gimme a break!!!!!!!!

Editor's note: I care and so do many other taxpayers. Drug dealers have been selling drugs "for years", should we just leave them alone? Nepotism was also rampant for years, should we allow that? There are laws for a reason. Here's an idea, let's follow them.
web posted September 7, 2009

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I just can't believe that our "President" is supporting Van Jones out national spokesman for Marxism.  I guess this shows where our country is headed.

Editor's note: According to press releases early Sunday morning Van Jones has resigned.
web posted September 7, 2009

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Just wanted to correct a mistake, on the article about the sex offender topic. I meant to type that you were not escorted by law enforcement! I left out the not in the sentence. See we all make mistakes!!!
web posted September 7, 2009

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I want to thank [the Editor] for being a watchdog over whats going on in our county and not being afraid to speak out. I've lived here my whole life and run a business [in the county] and if I ever spoke my mind I'd probably end up broke. I've even had to throw [the Editor] under the bus when influential people I do business come in badmouthing you. I want to apologize to you for not having the courage you show every day but I have a family to feed and bills to pay. I wanted to buy an ad but was told that would hurt business so I'm just sending you a check to clear my conscience. Please accept it as my way of saying thank you again for all you do and for allowing me to speak out this way.

Editor's note: Thank you for reading and your kind words. Your gift will be graciously accepted to further our work.
web posted September 7, 2009

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According to recent public statements in open meetings by county council members, information was also withheld from them on the Calliham property purchase by Mr. Pettigrew. A project pushed heavily by Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham and local Developer Bettis Rainsford who are both intimately connected to the project.

Did John [Pettigrew?] purchase this building?

Editor's note: The building was sold at auction to Fletcher Lawrence of Greenwood for $50,000. The county council has now voted to purchase it from him at $315,000.
web posted September 7, 2009

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First off I want to thank you for notifying the parents about the convicted sex offender. We need 2 know who they are. That's why we can look on the website to see for ourselves. Noone had a problem with you telling the head coach of johnstons football team. We have a problem with the way that you did it. You passed out a print out of the convicted sex offender information off the web and gave them out at football practice! Why? I will tell everyone why. Did you even think about the the persons child that was out there on the football field? No you didn't because you don't care. Its a way that you handle things. And to clear some things up because you didn't tell it all, the coach did speak to the person and told him that he has to stay on the outside of the fence. And he did just that. He is not a coach and he is not helping coach. He was standing there throwing the ball to his child. Then you decided to go over there on the outside of the fence where he was and continued to argue with him. And it was stated by you that it was  personal with you and him. So that what it all about anyway. We want to have a good football season with all of the parents and children. This is ths second time you have cause problems with our team. We had a wonderful year last year when you wasn't there. And the year before  you cause problems with the coach and embrassed our team at a game. We don't won't that this year. We will do all we can to have a good year with or with out you.!!! And for the records you were not escorted off the field. Law enforcement did escort you. You were ask to leave if you couldn't stop yelling and cursing in front of the children. You left on your own driving like a bat out of hell and you could have harmed a innocent child! The head coach did ask you too leave but he is not the law nor did he call the law. So you left. Get it straight. Noone is perfect not even you! Sweep around your on front door before you try to sweep around someone's else. Again thank for letting us know about the Sex offender, you just handle it all wrong. Let's move on and have a great season.
web posted September 7, 2009

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"Those who do not study history, are apt to repeat it"  Anyone who thinks that Obama in the classroom is a good idea next week...here's some stuff to ponder...and why does the Dept of Education recommend only elementary and junior high only see the video at the end????

The following is NOT a "I hate President Obama rant"....President Bush or Reagan did the following, I'd be just as concerned.

I recommend you view these in order for context.

Hitler Youth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEghwtj1lSU&feature=related

Communists
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB06-mND-_M

It was once said that the last refuge of a political scoundrel is to hide behind patriotism , I submit that the last refuge of a liberal scoundrel (and Demo”crap”) is to hide behind the children.  Look at their constant mantra of “let’s do it for the children”….(e.g.  Children’s Health insurance,  No Child Left Behind, using the kids to educate the adults on the census) and now we have Obama in the classroom indoctrinating our kids.  For those during the campaign who dismissed the concerns of the Obama children’s videos and Obama song, it’s happening and it’s called “creeping incrementalism”….we’re losing our country bit by bit and not even noticing it.  Lenin said, “Give me the schools and control of the education system and I’ll control the parents and the government.”  Doesn’t it bother anyone that in our country we pledge allegiance to our Country and Constitution…not a person?  This is disconcerting!

I Pledge....the video link is at the end of the news article  (Pay close attention to the last minute of the video and what the image morphs into)
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13249171

I truly hope the Edgefield County School District isn’t dumb enough to indoctrinate our kids into “Obamaland.”  My recommendation instead of watching Obama, spend the time in the classroom teaching our kids critical thinking skills and how to avoid snake oil salesman….that or a good Constitutional Law class.
web posted September 7, 2009

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The SOC (stop obamacare) rally was a great success Thursday evening. The setting on the Savannah River was perfect  as a patriotic crowd gathered to listen to members of Congress and the health care industry 
explain why the government takeover of healthcare as proposed by Obama will destroy health care as we know it. The facts of this plan when discussed by doctors and other health care professionals were truly 
frightening and should serve as an eye opener to concerned Americans everywhere.
web posted September 4, 2009

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Re: I would like to comment about… sex offenders… police.

Wake up Dorothy! You are not living in Oz (but you have hit a nerve here in the real world)! Do people really deserve free rides and hero worship just because of their profession or title? You act as if law enforcement is above reproach. I have been on both sides of the law. Duly punished at times. Other times victimized. I do know of lives that have been damaged forever by idiots wearing badges or  black robes. Growing up I naively thought that only those doing wrong got punished. I realized, after an experience in Aiken County, that whether you’re a buddy or “back scratcher” comes first. Integrity and the law are only secondary. And yes someone can be completely guilty of committing a crime while law enforcement turns their head the other way.  

I always taught my daughter that respectable people deserve respect – titles do not. Because of that I believe she is a little wiser beyond her years and I am truly blessed. Too many have suffered terribly for having absolute faith in a title or profession.

Some firemen start fires. Some lawyers and judges break laws. Some law enforcement officers deal drugs, kill their wives and commit crimes those they arrest wouldn’t commit. Some priests and teachers molest kids. Those in the press aren’t always interested in publishing the truth. And by the way politicians don’t always tell the truth! Do I need to go on?
web posted September 4, 2009

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It's amazing to me all of the cars that run the stop sign in front of Mim's old store on the square.  I bet if the police still used that corner for parking like they did 40 years ago it wouldn't be happening.  But then again there wouldn't be as many cars on the streets either.  Most people were parked and walking back in the "GOOD OLE DAYS".
web posted September 4, 2009

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Here is one solution for the nations' financial woes. Let's get rid of Social Security, MediCare, and MediCaid; place a 50% tariff on church offerings. Jesus believed that all should help the poor, so I think it should be the responsibility of each church to share in this burden. Isn't that what Jesus would do?

Editor's note:
web posted September 4, 2009

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President Obama plans to address children through a speech broadcast directly to all public schools.

The US Secretary of Education wants students to "write letters about what they can do to help the president" realize his agenda.

Parents -and now an SC lawmaker- are not too excited about this unprecedented move.
web posted September 4, 2009

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This is to the wife of the law enforcement officer who responded about the Sex Offenders.  The point of the comment was not to bash law enforcement, it is to make a point that South Carolina as a state does not care if you are a registered sex offender. 
 
Side Note: You are right, law enforcement should know the laws.  The law enforcement officer we spoke to did not know the laws about registered sex offenders (which was part of the problem).  The other problem is that South Carolina laws state that if a registered sex offender is not on probation, they can do whatever the hell they want to.  As a state, everyone should have a problem with that, especially if you have children and in this case if you have a daughter who is 13 years old. That was his specialty.
 
Personally, whether you have "served your debt to society" or not you should not be allowed to coach or help coach any little league sports or live near any schools if you are a registered sex offender.  I do not want my children, boys or girls, around a known sex offender.  But the state of South Carolina does not give a crap where sex offenders live or what they do in their spare time aka helping with little league football (a contact sport...does anyone else see the problem in this?).  I'm not saying they shouldn't be able to watch from the stands, I'm saying they should not be allowed to help on the field. The law does state that you cannot live in college dorms, but fails to protect anyone else especially our young children.
 
But hey, in the words of the South Carolina prosecutor, "Thank God for Mississippi" we are only 2nd to last in the Union. I guess as a state we are more concerned about how the governor travels and who he has relations with rather than what really matters. You would be surprised at how many sex offenders we have in such a small area.
 
Regardless of how you feel about my comments please check out the registry and know who is watching your children. Hindsight in this situation is unacceptable.
web posted September 4, 2009

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Editor's post: How low can you go? All I can hope is Obama and the Democrats continue to get their "message out", because America is getting it... loud and clear.


EdgefieldDaily.com and other affiliates are experiencing email problems at this time. Please send your comments to edgefielddaily@att.net or click here until the problems are corrected.
web posted September 4, 2009

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Could you please post the area school’s that are planning to broadcast the obama school speech so we can protect our children if necessary? Thanks

Editor's note: I believe all schools will participate. That is the information I have to date.
web posted September 3, 2009

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"A government big enough to give you what you want is strong enough to take everything you have"
---Thomas Jefferson
web posted September 3, 2009

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Do we really want this here??
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6127514/Sentenced-to-death-on-the-NHS.html
web posted September 3, 2009

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Not a hoax!!! Legislation Gives President Power to Shut Down Portions of the Internet
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320096-38.html
web posted September 3, 2009

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What was the big breaking story? Was it Mr. Pettigrew leaving early?

Editor's note: No, the story has not been published to date. Something came up and the release of the information is being held. It could come out before the week is over, but it could also be delayed until next week.
web posted September 3, 2009

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Once again CountyLine Fire dept has left district #9 without a kiss.  Last weekend that can’t even answer a signal 8 (person unconscious), Chief gets on the radio and announces that all First Responders are out of town.  Now this week he is in front of the County Council asking them to sign a letter that they are in good standing with the county.  Guess they even have (the Editor) convinced they are in good standing, as he didn’t have anything to say.    When are the people in CountyLine District going to wake up and realize these fools aren’t doing anything but spending YOUR money and the major of the time not saving your lives.  The BS that these new Council proclaimed in their fight to be voted in was just that BS, because they have no intention of doing what is right for each and every person that lives in this county.  Edgefield County citizen until you speak up nothing will ever be done to improve this county.  You will just be **** without a KISS!!!

Editor's note: There was no comment to be made as the letter requested had already been signed and there was no need in Chief Malcolm to even appear before the county council. No action was taken. How do you comment on something that was not acted upon?

The new county council members, Rodney Ashcraft and Genia Blackwell, have stood their ground for conservative principals they ran on including accountability. Some battles they have won, some they have lost (for the time being), and others they are fighting. That is a stark contrast to their predecessors over the past two decades.
web posted September 3, 2009

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Where is this north side park discussed here?

Editor's note: It is located on Liberty Springs Road across the street from Liberty Springs Baptist Church. In the middle of nowhere. Here is a Google Earth photo of the location.
web posted September 3, 2009

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If a “white” church had their hands in a county funded park and “rumors” started flying about misplaced, no records, who took the money, the NAACP with Al Sharpton would be all over it like stink on [dung]. The sad thing about all this is nothing will be done to anyone. The Willie Bright “Bettis” park will still get county money, they will still do whatever they want with “gate” and “concession” money.

Editor's note: Right now it appears gate fees are being reported. Without ticket sales there is no way to verify the amount taken in and the amount deposited is corroborated.
web posted September 3, 2009

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Forty years ago when I was in elementary school, I had a male PE teacher, who was also the principal. He never came into the dressing room, he took little girls and little boys to his office and locked the door. I guess that was a safer place for him. You parents out there, teach your children that NO ONE, mom,dad, uncle, teacher, or  principal is to touch them inappropriately, no matter what they threaten these kids with.
web posted September 3, 2009

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We all need to prevent terrible things such as this from happening. Children are such precious gifts.
 
http://media.causes.com/544740?p_id=38215621
web posted September 3, 2009

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..still reading every day...
Remember, we're down to 3yrs, 5mos to G.R.O.O.! (get rid of Obama)
I count every day. I can't wait. I hope I live to see it.

Editor's note:  Thank you for reading.
web posted September 3, 2009

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I would like to comment on the post about the Sex Offenders & how police officers didn't do there job by not escorting the gentleman out of the football game.
 
Ok first of all, my husband is a police officer so I would be very careful what you say and how you say it when complaining about law enforcement.
 
Second of all, if you were a police officer, you would be fired very quickly because as an officer you must know the laws before you can enforce them! You can't escort someone out of a game whether they are a registered sex offender or not. If they are not doing anything illegal at that time, what is an officer supposed to do? The laws do not change just to appease certain people at that time!!! If you don't like that laws, then complain to the proper authorities and try to have them changed!
 
Police officers are just doing there job the way they are supposed to do them. I am in NO way whatsoever defending this registered sex offender however, just because he is a sex offender doesn't mean he is not allowed in public. There is no law that states he must stay in his home and never leave. Nor is it court ordered that this man is not allows within a mile radius of a public place that may have children present!
 
I suggest you do your research before you run your mouth about law enforcement!
web posted September 3, 2009

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Public schools across South Carolina insist they are broke...

But in addition to public budgets of $11K per child, many are running up debt through new bond issues!

Some school boards have even hired new bureaucrats and called for yet other tax hikes at the same meetings bonds were approved!
web posted September 3, 2009

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When I was in middle school, we had one PE coach, and he was a man.  I took PE from him for three years in a row.  There were no problems or issues.  Occasionally, he would yell into the locker room for us to hurry up, but that was it.  What's the big deal about Meriwether's coach being a man?  What if the coach were a woman?  Would the boys' parents then be complaining?  Have we become so cynical that we cannot trust anyone with our children?  Really, I believe there are more good and decent people than not, but we only hear about the "bad apples."
web posted September 2, 2009

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I read the story on the county using the road crews to move beachers to the northside park for a church function. I guess its true it aint what you know its who you know in Edgefield County.
web posted September 2, 2009

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Can you do a study on delapidated buildings in Edgefield and who owns them? What happened to the town ordinance to make the owners fix them?

Editor's note: The town ordinance died after it was mentioned and was never brought to a vote. I think it struck a little too close to home for certain politically connected people.
web posted September 2, 2009

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An eye opener...at least it is good to know not ALL of Congress is thinking like Pelosi and Reid!
You have to watch this video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
web posted September 2, 2009

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I would  like  for someone to look into the fact that there are places in are area that discriminate against people like me that need work and looking for work.
  I have cerebral ballsy and i have a little trouble walking there nothing wrong my Brian and i have work before. I have went to school and some collage. I have had jobs in teaching and bookkeeping and doing records in a hospital..i have not work in 6 years due to me having kids.I was told i would never have children and god has blessed me with 2 girls and i wanted to stay home with them now this year they are in school full time so i decide to go back to work.
 
   I went and put in for a job at a local store and was told i would have no trouble in getting the job i was told i came in at the right time and was the first to ask about the job and the manger there really wanted me in there to work.But the one that dose the hiring for them put me down from the time i walked in and he looked at me and there not the first to do so.
 He also told me if it was up to the manger i would have the job right then and there. I  called these people up till today 9/1/2009.When i went in for my interview with this men he made me put my crutches down and walk all around his desk to show him i could walk some on my own. On my resume i have it down that i had done book keeping.  I called then this morning to see if they decided any thing this morning like i was told to do. Well he tells me this morning that he he hired 1  cashier 1 book keeper 2 stockers and that he didn't even consider me and he will keep  my app  on file.
 
    I am really hurt that in our town as little as Edgefield is and around Augusta,Aiken there are people that act they care about our community and the people in it when in there heart they look down on ever one have their nose stuck in the air to some
web posted September 2, 2009

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I have a question. Why is it that black churches get the contracts for county parks but no white churches are considered? I think all churches own property that could be developed. Is it just a black thang and white churches are ignored? I thought that there was supposed to be a sepperation of "church and state". How can Edgefield County contract with black churches and its ok but nobody else? I want a park in our community so should I get my church to get on the government dole for funding or would being white put us on the black list?
web posted September 2, 2009

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What do you do when you feel a family member has been wrongly accused, and the truth is totally the opposite. That the one making the accusations is the guilty party involved in the incident,
What do you do when you feel that there is no justice in the justice system. When you talk to people within the justice system to see where to go. That maybe they may be investigating the other party in this particular case, and you're told there's nothing they can do.
 
You get angry, and you think revenge may be the answer, to cause the same amount of pain that the person has cause your family members.
You cry every day because you  just don't know what you can do to help your family.
 
You know that the only thing you can do is to give it to God and not to rely on the people of this world and let God take care of the situation. And for whatever reason if a wrong decision is made, that those involve will be held accountable when the time comes. You pray that the truth be made known.
I pray everyday, and when I don't know what else to do, I pray some more and I stand firm and trust God.

Editor's note: I have passed your question on to Pastor Stacy Williams as I feel he is in a better position to address your question. From his email I think he prefers to answer in a personal email that I will forward on to you individually.
web posted September 2, 2009

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To the person that can't believe there is not a female PE teacher at MMS.  Give me a break.  Do you think that just because you have girls in school they need to have a female PE teacher.  When I was in  elementary school 40 years ago we had male PE teachers.  They don't go into the locker room with the girls, and if something is wrong in the locker room they get a nearby female teacher to assist them with the problem. If everyone thought like you then girls that do sports would only have female coaches.  Edgefield School District does not have the money to change the athletics department.
web posted September 2, 2009

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For some time I have been a frequent reader of your online news source.  I have been very pleased at the approach you are taking to make Edgefield County transparent.  Yet, I continue to encounter inaccurate and many instances with your reporting.  Councilman Norman is not a member of this church group in which you are making reference to.  I would advise you to seek better information before you post “startling revelation”.  It will be very unlikely that you will retract this statement.

Editor's note: Councilman Norman Dorn has repeatedly placed or made a point to put Rev. Gordon on the agenda or give him the floor off agenda to push the park in question. He is intimately involved in the discussions and negotiations.

No, there will be no retraction of statements made in the article and in fact a formal complaint has been filed due to recent activities regarding the park, Rev. Gordon, and the county.
web posted September 2, 2009

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Wow it sounds as if one of our "esteemed" councilmen is using tax payers funding to benefit his own church?  NO NO that cannot be !  We all know "they" have only the public interest at heart and would never do anything that could possibly resemble MALFEASANCE or BREACH OF TRUST.  No No not possible.  I am sure we will see that check written SOON.  Maybe at this weeks council meeting it can be addressed?
 
signed:  not (the Editor)

Editor's note: A hat tip to you is in order.
web posted September 1, 2009

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Make Edgefield beautiful. Make Mayor Durham and Bettis Rainsford fix up their properties in town. Do as I say do not as I do is all I hear. Hypocrits to the enth degree.

Editor's note: An ordinance was proposed by the Town of Edgefield to require such a move. It disappeared quicker than a snowflake in the Sahara after it was brought up. I have no idea why that would have happened.
web posted September 1, 2009

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I find it disturbing at how little this county has control over the listed sex offenders. It appears that no one cares that sex offenders are at the practices of the little league football teams. When police are questioned or coaches are informed, no one cares. I for one, do care very much about the safety and welfare of the children and I will continue to notify and speak out concerning these predators.
 
It was just a week ago when they found the girl held for 18 years and it was the police that failed to uncover the uncontainable circumstances that held that poor girl and her two children for 18 years. What are the police waiting for? Another rape, a murder? What will it take to get these predators away from our children? Please stand up for your rights and remove these vile creatures from our existence before someone does it for us.
 
It is an absolute travesty of justice to have these individuals even remotely around our children and it is unfathomable that our law enforcement officers do not have a clue as to what the law is or what they can do. If I was an officer, I would have responded immediately and escorted the individual away....no questions asked.

That unfortunately was not the case and instead the head coach of the (Johnston team) chose to get in my face for informing one of his coaches as to the situation and informing the parents as too the issue at hand. I was the one escorted away from the field. After practice, the coaches gathered around the individual as if to console him.[Darned] if you do and [darned] if you don't I guess. But no matter what happens the Johnston team now will not have a convicted sex offender on the field with our kids, not so long as my son is on the field.
 
Please take a moment and look at the registry of sex offenders and know what is looking at your children. We do not need another rape or murder of our children. Protect the innocence of our children. Stand up for your rights and the right to protect these innocent children from these monsters.
web posted September 1, 2009

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Congrats to Edgefield Daily for another record. I read it every day and all of my family and all my friends read it too. I quit buying the papers because it was old news or no news. Why don't you charge at least .50 a week to read? I'd pay it and I know plenty who would too.

Editor's note: EdgefieldDaily.com will never charge for access nor will we ever require readers to register in order to read our content. Registration could lead to the identification of our readers and that is not something we would ever condone.
web posted September 1, 2009

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Regarding broadband and the Obama Stimulation Package:  http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/56795-stimulus-spending-too-fast-group-warns
web posted September 1, 2009

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FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE
1. "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."  ~Thomas Jefferson
2.  Those who trade liberty for security have neither. ~John Adams
3.  Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
4. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
5.  Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
6. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
7.  You only have the rights you are willing to fight for.
8.  Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
9.  You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
10. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
11. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
12. The  United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights Reserved.
13. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
14. What part of 'shall not be infringed' do you NOT understand?
15  Guns have only two enemies; rust and politicians.
16. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
17. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
web posted September 1, 2009

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It doesn't matter if you are for/against the war... we all vividly remember where we were and how we felt on 911... wouldn't it be awesome to see this put into action by as many people as possible... just showing unification of hearts that remember...

September 11th, 2009

We have a little less than one month and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America.

If you forward this email to least 11 people and each of those people do the same ... you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM:

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones, who continue to endure the pain and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds

Action Plan:  So, here's what we need you to do:

(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America!
web posted September 1, 2009

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While traveling on the roads this weekend I noticed a  disturbing trend among South Carolina drivers. People who fail to turn on their headlights while driving in the rain. this is not limited to a few forgetful people. I noticed  among the most popular offenders were our own law enforcement personnel. S.C. Highway Patrol, EMS, Sheriff's department  they  are all equal opportunity offenders
 note, it has been state LAW in S.C since 1989.
 Without your lights on you are invisible to other cars. Please turn on the lights so you can be seen. 
web posted September 1, 2009

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I just took action on this issue and thought you might find it interesting too.

Click on this URL to take action now
http://capwiz.com/ahca/utr/2/?a=13862401&i=1234&c
web posted September 1, 2009

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Public schools is Chesterfield are struggling.

Low test scores, low graduation rates, and even two "failing schools" are among the district's problems.

So what is time and money being wasted on fruit and fluff?

http://www.voiceforschoolchoice.com/2009/08/31/chesterfield-public-schools-fruits-and-nuts/
web posted September 1, 2009