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If the election is on hold for the school board because of Mr. Jackson..... who is representing the people in that district? That doesn't seem right to hold meetings and them not having a vote.

Editor's note: Mary Alice Jackson will continue to fill the seat until a winner from an election is certified by the Election Commission.
web posted December 31, 2010 

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Happy New Year to EdgefieldDaily!!!! Thanks for all ya'll do. Buest of luck in 2011.

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comment and may the coming year bring health and happiness to you and yours.
web posted December 31, 2010 

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I read with much interest Monroe Kneece's interview in the local paper.  Let's see, he says he will be on the back row at the next council meeting to be sure the right things are done.  Does that mean he wants to be sure his boys do the right thing and vote in his choice?  Does he want to see if things will be the same even though there will be a republican majority.  Interesting how he now hopes all members will cooperate and work together.  He wasn't too interested in that happening when the demoncrats were in a majority.  The only thing I read about his accomplishments was the three rivers waste facility.  You would think that 20 years would produce more than that.  He should have mentioned how he pushed in the rezoning of the Hagler property even though the citizens didn't want it and even though Hagler said he had no plans to do anything with it.  Strange how he expanded without any plans.  Monroe's zing to the Merriwether citizens. 
 
Another recent accomplishment he failed to mention was the purchase of the Calliham building and all those renovations now the need for additional parking.  This was also against the citizens wishes.  Between him and Rainsford's chairing the economic development committee it is a wonder Edgefield County is still standing. 
 
The jury is still out on how well the county will fare during the coming year.  Stay on your toes citizens to see what gets accomplished if anything.  Happy New Year and may God bless us all.
web posted December 31, 2010

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I'm getting sick of this Nate Jackson (stuff). I just want it to be over.
web posted December 31, 2010 

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I knew Alex Bush through a friend and was sad to read he got killed. I hope the girl recovers. I didn't know her, but he was a fun guy to be around.

Editor's note: We recieved a report from Coroner Tim Carlton on Thursday that Ms. Scott died from her injuries just after noon at MCG. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families.
web posted December 31, 2010 

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This county reminds me of the former tv show "The Land Time Forgot". Why is it taking so long for this out of town judge to make a decision about scumbag cocaine Jackson? The decision should be simple unless this judge is a liberal democrap and is scared of NAACP goons. There are many angry white
and a few angry black people in this county who believe this cocaine Jackson mess has gone
on too long and too far. This scumbag has not a shred of decency to realize he is creating more racial animosity in our troubled county. Which proves my point that he is a thug/stooge for the NAACP, Idiot Bibbs, Sister Sallie and his 429 moron supporters who 'stay' in Johnston'. And, it has been proven cocaine Jackson doesn't live in this county. What's the problem Judge.....scared of NAACP goons? Must have graduated with Brother Bill Keesley from the Jimmy Carter school of Bleeding Hearts. Surely, there is a lawyer outside of Edgefield country who can represent the county with a counter suit against cocanine Jackson who probably sees himself as a Obama character leading his people out of bondage. Excuse me while I go puke and look for three positive/illusive Monroe Kneece initiatives which made this county great. 

Editor's note: Judges do things on a different time table than most people like. They will search case law to support their rulings. The last thing a judge wants to have is his or her ruling overturned. I have faith in the system. Let the matter run its course.
web posted December 31, 2010 

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RE: "Word has it that Heidi Kearns, the chief financial officer for the school distrct, resigned just before Christmas.  Is it true?  Did her resignation come as a result of the recent audit that you reported on?  Could it be that there were problems that have not been shared with the public?"

Well, well, well.  In the immortal words of Jeremiah Wright, the chickens have come home to roost!  Now why would someone who came all the way from the upstate to fill a cushy position, resign just for personal reasons?  Hmmmm?  Isn't that the excuse politicians use when they get caught with their hand in the cookie jar, or are about to get caught?

A very reliable source stated almost a year ago there would be a nuclear bomb go off in the realm of the finance department because of the incompetence and failure to attend mandatory training for the distribution and use of federal stimulus funds.  Could it be?  Or could it be something else-after all, we really don't know why Teresa Clarke resigned. And we know Myrtis Brightharp's employment was terminated (removed).

Appears the wheels of the cart aren't just coming off, they're gone!  And does this mean the real intent of the empress's law suit against Jackson, Kemp, and Brown has just been exposed as well?  Trying to backstop herself before the dam totally gives way?  I'd say, there may be a need to call for a thorough investigation and audit by an outside source-two, two CFO's resign in a two-year period?  Something smells rotten in Hemmingway, ooooops!, Denmark.
web posted December 31, 2010 

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Editor's post: Today was perhaps the slowest news days in six years. To those sending in comments over the past weekend, if your comment were not listed over the past few days, please resend them as a massive number of emails were lost when the main system went down. No emails were stored on other computers as they are tasked for other operational usage.
 
To send your comments click here.
web posted December 30, 2010 

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All the schools are talking about needing money but every night I ride by Parker every light at the school is on. Not some lights, all the lights. Come on people, do your part and help out. Quit wasting our money!
web posted December 30, 2010

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RE: "Sally Cooks and James Bibbs bought their Mercedes right after getting elected to the school board."

Gee I coulda had a V-8.  What an epiphany.  Y'all are just waking up to this?  Where were you when the guys being sued right now were beating the drums?  Viola Jackson was madder than a wet hen when Chris Hoffman motioned not to take his pay when seated.  Bro Bibbs had been living high on the hog when he traveled to "School Board" functions.  Remember the "Suite Life" article. And the school board gave the Superintendent the signature authority to sign travel expense forms, of which was being signed with little or no supporting documentation. If that's not an exploitable cash cow, what is?

Any time you here a politician say they are doing it for the children should be an immediate red flag.  "For the Children" is code lingo for, "We are in it for ourselves, the children are just our tools to pull at the heartstrings of parents."

Reducing the pay of the school board members is all good, it will save a little money, and IT IS a start, but that's chump change.  People ought to demand to see the books, see what companies are getting what contracts, and what relationship any of those companies have with board or district personnel, wink wink nod nod, Courtney, Crenshaw, etc.  That's where the real waste is coming in.  And look at Schillit's new office and furnishings.  Ya better start looking at the accounting, contracting and human resources.  But be careful, when you start to question, you could be sued.
web posted December 30, 2010

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Do you know when the run off for the open school board seat will happen? The only name I can remember in all of this mess is Nathaniel Jackson. Who are the other two still in the running if there ever is an election held?

Editor's note: At this time there is no indication of when a run-off will be held or who will be in the election. The candidates in the race were Jackson, William Herrin, and Roman Whitfield when Jackson was removed from the ballot.

Under the law, if Jackson prevails in his recent appeal the election would take place 14 days after the ruling is handed down and would place the date sometime in January with Jackson and Herrin facing off unless Mr. Kemp, who filed the original complaint, or the county appeals. If Jackson loses and appeals again the date of the election could be months away. If Jackson loses in the court hearing recently held and does not appeal the run-off would be between Herrin and Whitfield and should be held next month.

To me it seems pointless for Jackson to continue his fight. He will be in the minority with the conservatives controlling the school board who recently voted to cut the pay and the number of meetings. Jackson at this time would be a non-factor other than to give him a soapbox to push his racially charged agenda at the meetings.

Personally, I would love to see him seated and then a vote come up to restore the STH Rebel mascot back to the "Rebel man" that he lead the charge to remove, and be defeated. Why should the Rebels have a "Coon dog" as a mascot. You would think that term would be "offensive" to minorities.

Of course, that vote would have to be put off until he gets out of jail if convicted of his arrest for driving under suspension for the third time in five years. He has requested a jury trial for that case. That is on top of his Federal conviction and eight year sentence for cocaine trafficking. What a model citizen to sit on our school board. Only in Edgefield County can things get this ridiculous.
web posted December 30, 2010

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Re - Fix your (removed) computers! We don't care about your personal problems. Give us the news.

In case you didn't read the news today that's what the editor did and he should be thanked for it not fussed at for being honest and open with the problems that happen in any business... even the NEWS! How much do you pay to Edgefielddaily.com to read the news? Huh? I don't even read the papers anymore because there's nothing in there worth reading unless its old news that I read the day after it happened here. I think he should charge a subscription fee to read. I'd pay it. Since I quit the papers I saved $52 a year and I'd pay that to read Edgefielddaily.com.

Editor's' note: Thank you for the kind comments. When Edgefield Daily was founded we made the promise to never charge for our services and never require a registration for access. That is a promise that will never be broken. Those who do send donations from time to time to help offset the costs to produce our news service are greatly appreciated.
web posted December 30, 2010

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Word has it that Heidi Kearns, the chief financial officer for the school distrct, resigned just before Christmas.  Is it true?  Did her resignation come as a result of the recent audit that you reported on?  Could it be that there were problems that have not been shared with the public?

Editor's note: I can confirm she resigned. I was told it was for personal reasons.
web posted December 30, 2010

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I would like to thank all of our local law enforcements. Thank you all for protecting us!! You all are awesome!! I am proud to be a LIL HOMIE!!!
web posted December 30, 2010

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I don't know why everybody keeps harping on the old school board. They're gone now. Brad (Covar) is back in control with a majority of thinking people backing him up. Let's give em a chance to get something done. I hope the new majority on the county council will get together and put Ms. Blackwell in charge. That's what we need around here. People from the business world running things like a business.
web posted December 30, 2010

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What's up with the gas prices? They've gone up 30 cents in the last few weeks? I heard on the radio today that its supposed to go up to $4. Why isn't this all over the news like the last time gas went so high?

Editor's note: To answer your last question first, a Democrat is President. Gas prices will continue to rise due to the bumbling nitwit running this country. A trillion dollars here ("stimulus") created by printing money from nothing and the QE2 by the feds turning on the printing presses again for another near trillion. And don't forget the bank bailouts and taking over GM and Chrysler all with money just printed from thin air.

All that printing of money has devalued the dollar by at least 20 to 30% in the last two years. Oil prices are based on US dollars. When you devalue the money the cost of what it purchases also goes up. I wrote on this years ago in this column.
web posted December 30, 2010

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Two or three years ago, the Town  Council of Johnson voted not  to receive any pay for a year.  As I know understand, all except one Council lady kept their pay.  How  can they do this if  they voted in open session and it passed, not to receive any pay?

Editor's note: As I recall, the only serving member that refused to give up their pay was Mayor Willie Campbell. The vote was to expire after the first year. I do not have a record the vote was sustained for the following years.
web posted December 29, 2010 

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I know this is a pain in the butt.......... anything on the Nathaniel Jackson election?

Editor's note: A check with the Clerk of Court and County Attorney Michael Medlock showed no ruling has been handed down as of Tuesday. Mr. Medlock has assured us we would be one of the first to be contacted when a ruling is issued. If the ruling is against Mr. Jackson he will have 10 days to appeal to the SC Supreme Court and then the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) if that ruling is upheld against him. SCOTUS rarely overturns a state ruling on a state issue. This is a "wait and see" issue.
web posted December 29, 2010 

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I think it snowed in Dec. in the early part of 1996 or 97. I'm not sure but that's my best recollection.
web posted December 29, 2010 

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Re: No snow on Christmas. When has the weatherman ever been 100% right? They called for snow and we got snow. They got that part right!
web posted December 29, 2010 

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School board members should not be paid a penny. Maybe they should vote to do way with pay to save the schools.
web posted December 29, 2010 

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This is to the person complaining about black people in the news. Buy the Jail Report that has pictures of everybody arrested. Look at all the white people.

Editor's note: We do not list the race or sex of those arrested in the Crime Blotter because we do not see race or sex as a mitigating factor in local crime. Everyone arrested is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
web posted December 29, 2010 

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Sally Cooks and James Bibbs bought their Mercedes right after getting elected to the school board. I wonder who got stuck paying those car notes with called meetings and extra pay?  Wonder why they voted against the reduced pay and fewer meetings? Thank God we got some who understand "public service" to be " public service" not self enrichment!
web posted December 29, 2010 

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Obama approves of death panels to kill off the elderly! He wants to kill babies and the old folks when they get too expensive to take care of. Anyone but Obama in 2012.
web posted December 29, 2010 

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Fix your (removed) computers! We don't care about your personal problems. Give us the news.

Editor's note: We apologize for any inconvenience this problem has caused our readers.
web posted December 29, 2010 

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Editor's post: What a nightmare of a day. The main computer system went down and all efforts to reformat and reinstall failed. Having to work on back-up systems is a real pain. The internal problem does not affect the online information published or limit access to Edgefield Daily in any way.

web posted December 28, 2010 

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I can't remember the last time it snowed in Dec around here. It was nice even if it didn't last.

Editor's note: It snowed in December of 1991 or 1992. I believe it was the week before Christmas and there was about 3 to 4 inches of accumulations.
web posted December 28, 2010 

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Ref. "Why so many black people in the news?"

Racial equality in the news is a popular concept more so since the institution of Obama and his new Republic. Edgefield county is no exception with such news makers as Cocaine Jackson, Brother Bibbs, Sister Sallie, Madame Clunkscales, the multitude of black sex offenders residing in Johnston and Edgefield and so on. It just doesn't get any better? Take a visit to Monroe Kneece's Johnston Liquor store and count the number of crack-heads, known criminals and of course those fine sex offenders who walk our streets with impunity. This is a good place for a hidden camera and locate criminals who have escaped local and possibly national authorities. Someone must know why so many registered and unregistered sex offenders live in this county. I believe these sex offenders live here because they can easily hide under the legal radar where they can continue to offend until caught again and again. (Removed) And finally, if someone can list three positive initiatives Monroe Kneece accomplished during his 20 year reign, I will eat mud. Otherwise, please stop memorializing him with a building name and news articles worthy of a bird cage.
web posted December 28, 2010 

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Re It won't snow

It snowed all day sunday.  We made a snowman.

Editor's note: Pictures are not allowed in the Wandering Minds.
web posted December 28, 2010 

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I know this might be a little to late to ask but was there a Christmas lights page this year? I never saw it and wondered if it was stopped and why? It was nice to plan out where to take the kids to see the light displays close by.

Editor's note: We did not pursue the page this year and plan to bring it back in 2011.
web posted December 28, 2010 

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New government rules encourage doctors to have patients on Medicare plan their “end of life” medical strategy.
The provision in President Obama’s national health-care law will compensate doctors for annual discussions with patients on what the Medicare recipients expect at the end and how to achieve their goals.

It’s all part of a long-standing push inside the health industry to get seniors to think strategically about the end. Most health costs come at the end of life, and convincing more seniors to pull their own plugs in advance would represent huge savings.

In order to get the $500 billion in slated Medicare cuts that are part of Obama’s health law, federal officials need to realize substantial end-of-life savings.

The Sunday New York Times reported that annual meetings to encourage patients to plot their final exits would now be covered by Medicare. Sensitive to allegations that the federal health law will encourage creeping euthanasia as government-paid doctors look for ways to save the government money, the administration hit back hard.

New government rules encourage doctors to have patients on Medicare plan their “end of life” medical strategy.

The provision in President Obama’s national health-care law will compensate doctors for annual discussions with patients on what the Medicare recipients expect at the end and how to achieve their goals.

It’s all part of a long-standing push inside the health industry to get seniors to think strategically about the end. Most health costs come at the end of life, and convincing more seniors to pull their own plugs in advance would represent huge savings.

In order to get the $500 billion in slated Medicare cuts that are part of Obama’s health law, federal officials need to realize substantial end-of-life savings.

The Sunday New York Times reported that annual meetings to encourage patients to plot their final exits would now be covered by Medicare. Sensitive to allegations that the federal health law will encourage creeping euthanasia as government-paid doctors look for ways to save the government money, the administration hit back hard.

Just some of that "change" Obama promised. How do you like it?
web posted December 28, 2010 

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Editor's post: I have enjoyed taking time off during Christmas to spend extra time with family. Something that is more rare than ordinary due to work demands.
 
To send your comments click here.
web posted December 27, 2010 

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Cutting the school boards pay may take care of Bibbs and Cooks. All that money they have made should have been going to our children. The new board can look now and see the financial mess these clowns put us in. At the same time we have overcrowded classrooms and are losing great teachers because of poor leadership. Maybe 2011 will bring change all the way around.
web posted December 27, 2010

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Happy Birthday Jesus.  Thank you for showing your love to all the world even though we don't deserve it.  For the past two years we have heard that we are not a Christian nation.  We have been told our values are slipping away into political correctness.  We have been told we must accept gay service, gay marriage and gay anything.  We have been told the government will redistribute our "wealth".  How happy I am in knowing You are in control.  As we remember this season (Christmas)  we remember how much you love us and the reason you came to Earth in the first place.  On this day, your birthday, let us all remember. Let us all celebrate and let us each day say thank you through our prayers and even more through our living our lives for You.  Happy Birthday dear Jesus, happy birthday to you.
web posted December 27, 2010

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Anything new on Nate Jackson? I know it was Christmas but didn't know if anything had come up yet?

Editor's note: No ruling has been handed down. We do have copies of the orders entered into the record on Dec. 21 by each side and are awaiting a final ruling. Judge McMahon can craft his own ruling if he so chooses. We will have a report on the findings as soon as they are entered into the record. I would expect that ruling to be filed this week.
web posted December 27, 2010

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(Sent Christmas Eve) BREAKING NEWS!!!! ITS GOING TO SNOW!!!!! I know the news business is all about getting people to read the stories but at least make them believable. It’s not going to snow and even the tv stations say its not going to happen. More hyping of a story that never was or will be!

Editor’s note: We missed the arrival of the snow by 12 hours and included every National Weather Service Warning issued over the weekend. I’m not sure how that is “hyping” a story that is important to readers. We have never missed a predicted snowfall even though some media outlets rejected the forecasts.   
web posted December 27, 2010

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Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and safe Holidays. Remember Christmas is a time of miracles memories and Love. Merry Christmas
web posted December 27, 2010

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I get the county news every week.  This week (12-22-10) the front page was covered with photo’s of only Black people. Has Edgefield Co. completely gone to the Blacks?? 

I don’t mind sharing the news paper with blacks, whites, yellow or even the Mexicans.

Even the news on TV has more Blacks giving the news, and more blacks in the news.

Many years ago when there was a crime, the news would show the person or give their name. Today since so many crimes are committed by blacks, all we need is their name. ex(Lacrisha, Sacritha, Heisaboy, Mofoodstamps)

Editor's note: Crime knows no boundaries on race by those who commit them or those affected by the crimes.
web posted December 27, 2010

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Editor's post: Could it snow on Christmas? I have no idea, but if you average out all the forecasts it seems it will be either Saturday evening or Sunday. I doubt it will be much of a weather event but it certainly has all the right ingredients being put into place.

Snow or not, on behalf of everyone at Edgefield Daily we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and we thank you for providing us with another record setting year for readership and almost 36 million hits so far this year.
 
To send your comments click here.
web posted December 24, 2010 

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Re:Tough year huh? Computers crashing, networks problems, and now a new server. That's got to cost a fortune. Why don't you just close up shop and save your money and stop all the negativity that you push?

I see you are a loyal reader why would want the only daily news outlet who cares enough to cover our county. The only way to stop crime is to expose it.If you don’t like the bad news do something to change it.  The editor writes about all the news good or bad and I feel safer for it.  I am very thankful for all the hard work put into Edgefield daily.
web posted December 24, 2010

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It is so sad that Sallie Cooks still doesn't get it. Serving on the school board should be about what is best for children, not about getting paid for it. It is not her paid job, for Pete's sake. Most boards don't get paid at all. Maybe now we will get people elected who want it for the right reason. Thank you to Chris Hoffman for his stance on this and for Wates and Clark who truly want to  help our children and agreed with him . Finally board members with character. What a concept!!!
web posted December 24, 2010

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RE: " I am sure our new governor would love to hear about Cocaine Jackson and his NAACP friends, Brother Bibbs, Sainted Sister Sallie, to name a few. Up until now, our county (and country) has been led by the incompetent and held hostage by people who couldn't find their rear ends with a flashlight in both hands(that's you brother Bibbs). And, we should be enraged at letting this continue."

That's ok.  What they don't realize is that this mess WILL be cleaned up.  And we know they monitor this site just like people monitor Limbaugh's site and radio program. So, since you're listening, or reading-BIBBS-YOU'RE NEXT! - and there sure is some good stuff there!;  then KEARNS; then COURTNEY; then CLINKSCALES; and the rest will fall.  Have a very, Merry Christmas!  Santa Claus is coming to town!
web posted December 24, 2010

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I read the comments concerning the Trojan Horse article and as a resident in the Merriwether area that will be impacted by North Augusta building this recreational facility in our area, is there anything that can be done to stop this?  North Augusta has purchased the property and they've spent a lot of money to do so and it seems that  most of the elected officials in Edgefield do not care how it will impact the Merriwether area.  I'm afraid that most of the residents in this area are just uninformed on what is going on.  If there is anything that could prevent this, I would appreciate any advice or comments you could give.

Editor's note: Edgefield County Council members Genia Blackwell and Rodney Ashcraft have been fervently working to keep Merriwether intact as an Edgefield County community, not a subsidiary of North Augusta's wishes for annexation. The reality is that Merriwether should incorporate in order to stop the take-over by North Augusta. Why let North Augusta be the "largest municipality in Edgefield County" as they have stated rather than Merriwether owning that designation?

Why must Merriwether bow to the pressures of outsiders?
web posted December 24, 2010

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To the employee of STHS who has all the kudos for the principal ..   you must teach only CP or honors or one of his chosen few.     There are several employees of the school who are ready for him to leave.  The previous writer is entitled to be distressed because his wifes unhappiness and can not be at fault for hurting moral.   The prinicpal is doing that on his own.   I work there and I will not be back.  I have a Masters Degree and contribute significantly to the school.... but I am fed up, not only with him but the whole Edgefield mess.   Its embarrassing.
web posted December 24, 2010

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Would like to wish each and everyone a Merry Christmas...Be Safe and God Bless!
web posted December 24, 2010

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RE:  Shepard Smith
 
I like Shep Smith...but his take on what is going on (regarding ANYTHING) has to be tempered by the fact that he keeps showing that "bear on a trampoline" video....can't take him seriously.
web posted December 24, 2010

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Massachusetts School Issues Permission Slips for Pledge of Allegiance - FoxNews.com
 
Have you seen this garbage?  I'm positively outraged!  Every school in America should have the children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and those who refuse should go elsewhere.

Editor's note: How long will it be before we issue "permission slips" to be able to claim you are an American?
web posted December 24, 2010

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Re: [Editor's note] I feel certain the run-off will take place in January and Nathaniel Jackson will not be on the ballot.

First, to the readers and posters, if it's in the Headlines it's reporting. If it's in Wandering Minds, it's opinion (or in the editor's case bloviating). Second, the editor's prognosticating skills are lacking. He predicted that Fox Creek would never get a school built, now they not only have a facility, they have a football team. Third, he said before the election that Nikki "You're so blind, you're so blind, you blow my mind" Haley would get 65% of the popular vote. She got 51%. She won, i will concede that. Fox Creek most likely will fail, because of financial mismanagement, like the majority of charter schools do, but you were still wrong. But people please go by the words my Uncle B.S. always told me, "news, information or opinion is only worth what you pay for it", and Edgefielddaily is free. Have a good day and Happy Kwanza.

Editor's note: Thank you for admitting I am right far more than I am wrong. Merry Christmas. Or in your case maybe I should say happy non-secular celestial holiday.
web posted December 24, 2010

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Re: 9/11 First Responder Health Benefits.

The writer of a recent post criticizing some for a no vote is the same type of person that is helping our current government drag this nation into the dirt. I guess these people will not get the message until a few soldiers from the Red Army drop in one day and take away every single freedom and possession they “thought” they ever had a right to. While waiting on our visit from a foreign conqueror we American citizens are just turning into modern day slaves. We are reverting to the days of the old migrant camps and cotton mill villages, and doing it willingly. Our great paternal masters are giving us everything we truly need - right? Problem is when all is said and done we will not have any freedoms and not a pot to urinate in.

Does this person or others like them really believe that Senator DeMint doesn’t really care about the men/ women who may have sacrificed themselves to save others on 9/11?  I believe all that Mr. DeMint wants to do is reign in the practice by our government of trying to solve some legitimate issues by throwing billions of tax dollars and impenetrable bureaucracy at them. I applaud the few in our government like Mr. DeMint, Republican or Democrat, that still appear to have some integrity.

By the way, I do watch Fox News occasionally. Long ago the other news networks were dropped from our favorites list and deprogrammed for their lack of partiality. But Fox is not without fault either and a good thing to remember is that “Shep” and his peers aren’t the moral guard, the truth police or any type of government policy experts. They are professional teleprompter readers/ actors.

Doesn’t the writer of the recent post and its supporters realize that they have only been “campaigned” again by Obama and his supporters? It sounds great doesn’t it? Patriotic, All American, etc… Helping out the heroes.  Citizens and politicians stomping around with a halo around their heads and a flag in their hands isn’t solving Americas problems. The fact is that most of the politicians were advised going in how great it would sound if they voted for such a bill, regardless of its effectiveness. Many of them probably have no idea how the program will actually work. They are too busy campaigning twenty four hours and three sixty five a year, with our money, to hold on to their honey holes. Most citizens do not have a clue how their tax dollars are spent either. Support for a bill or project seems to be based on one of the three following priorities (in no particular order) race, political party and just plain old selfishness.

Anyone that understands how federal budgets work know that when a certain number of dollars are designated for a federal project most of those dollars are wasted on administration of the project and the remainder of the budgeted money is spent by the end of the budgeted year – regardless. If they can’t spend the money on the target of the project, in this case the first responders, they will spend it on five hundred dollar toilet seats, stays in luxury hotels and vacations to Europe. In the case of this 9/11 Responder benefit package I certainly believe that of 50% of the money designated will be wasted on fraud and administration. Some deserving will be helped with the money, but really, how many and at what cost?   

The country cannot continue on this path. We cannot afford to do business the way it has always been done. Ultimately, the financial stability of our country/ government is as important to the defense of our resources and freedoms as any bullet, bomb, ship, tank, etc… We can pay you now, but you and your kids will pay later, believe it.
web posted December 24, 2010

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I just want to thank you for your post on (Wednesday's) wandering minds. We do need to remember what this season is all about . Christ is the Lord and Christmas is a celebration of His birth and His love for us. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a truly blessed year in 2011.
web posted December 23, 2010

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I read in the Advertiser that Monroe (Kneece) was going to be sitting on the back row at the next meeting to make sure they (county council) do the right thing and fall in line. What is that supposed to mean?

Editor’s note: It means that the first vote of the County Council will tell the entire county if anything has changed after the historic election of a Republican majority and if they really are in control.
web posted December 23, 2010

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Thanks for your analysis of the "cash for clunkers" program, and you are right. "We spent 8.57 for every dollar we saved. " At that rate the program will pay for itself in less than nine years. As a businessman I can assure you there are few if any investments that will pay for themselves in that length of time. Congrats to Congress for the good work, and to you for your accidental endorsement.

Editor's note: Not agreeing or disagreeing in the conversation, but a fact that I've not seen mentioned is the cost it has placed on the lower income auto buyers (that would be the "working poor" for Democrats). The government made sure that every car taken in under the "cash for clunkers" program was destroyed and not allowed to be resold. That took nearly a million good used cars off the market. When you decrease supply in a an economy seeking lower cost options, the price of used cars skyrocketed. Now, who did that benefit? I also do not understand how the government is saving any money. They do not buy your gas, you do. So in my opinion, the taxpayers dollars were all wasted as the "government" got nothing out of the deal.
web posted December 23, 2010  

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This Judge MacMahon sure needs some serious praying for a backbone to be given him for Christmas. Maybe Brother Bill Keesley will lend him some of his...that is if he can find it. This illegal Cocaine Jackson process should show us how frightened some people are of the NAACP. This charlatan outdated racist organization is throwing every legal wrench at the system in hope of getting over on whitey again...and it appears to be working. We all should learn one thing about this Cocaine Jackson mess, and that is if anyone living outside Edgefield County wants to run for a political office for which they don't qualify, just call the NAACP and they will eventually have thugs from Chicago sitting on our school board. It's time for this crap to stop, but that will only happen if enough enraged citizens contact their non-democrap-liberal political representative. I am sure our new governor would love to hear about Cocanine Jackson and his NAACP friends, Brother Bibbs, Sainted Sister Sallie, to name a few. Up until now, our county (and country) has been led by the incompetent and held hostage by people who couldn't find their rear ends with a flashlight in both hands(that's you brother Bibbs). And, we should be enraged at letting this continue.

Editor's note: Do not lose faith in the system until it actually fails. I feel certain the run-off will take place in January and Nathaniel Jackson will not be on the ballot.
web posted December 23, 2010

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Tough year huh? Computers crashing, networks problems, and now a new server. That's got to cost a fortune. Why don't you just close up shop and save your money and stop all the negativity that you push?

Editor's note: It has been a very expensive year. It is called the cost of doing business. I suppose that reporting county council, the towns' councils, school board, and informing the public of the criminal activity taking place in their neighborhoods is "negitive" reporting. We call it news.
web posted December 23, 2010

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At least one Fox News host is willing to hold Republicans accountable for blocking a bill that would provide health benefits to 9/11 first responders.

Fox News' Shepard Smith called out Republicans by name Monday, placing individual responsibility for their successful filibuster of the bill and refusals to come on his show to talk about it.

While Smith noted that they blocked the bill "in lockstep."

"We called a lot of Republicans today, who are in office at the moment," he said. "These are the one who told us no: Sens. Alexander, Barrasso, Cornyn, Crapo, DeMint, Grassley, Kyl, McConnell, Sessions, Baucus, Gregg, and Inhofe."

In addition, Sens. Bunning, Coburn, Ensign, Graham, Hatch, and McCain failed to respond to his request at all.

"I'm not really surprised, but what is your take? Why does no one want to talk about this?" Smith asked former Republican Gov. of New York George Pataki.

"I can't tell you why they didn't come on and talk about it but I do believe that it's important that the Senate act and I hope they act before they break," Pataki said.

House Resolution 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, would provide $7 billion in benefits to workers that responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Many of those workers are now experiencing health problems such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.

For his part, Smith seems to be the exception at Fox News, where only one other personality has gotten angry about the 9/11 first responders bill -- but he neglected to mention that Republicans were the reason for its failure.

"Shame, embarrassment, outrage, anger, all are proper reactions to the conduct of our Senators, who will now find one excuse after another to explain away the fact that they have turned their back on American heroes," Peter Johnson Jr. said last week. "Heroes whose only sin was to expect nothing for their service and were then promised the world by politicians who couldn't take enough pictures with them
web posted December 23, 2010

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Editor's post: Wishing all a very Merry Christmas. Please remember why we celebrate. It is not about Santa, it is about the birth of our Lord and Savior.
 
To send your comments click here.
web posted December 22, 2010 

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RE: "If you Republicans or Independents who were recently voted into office believe you can play both ends against the middle, think again. You are now under the political microscope."

AMEN! We need to keep the pressure on until 2012, and beyond.  We are a peaceful nation, and the political thugs should count their blessings we do not attend to political upheaval in the same manner as the thug dictators and despots around the world.  Remember, 2012, Lindsey needs to go, Bibbs and Cooks need to go, and thereafter the rest of the house needs to be swept of dirt.  We are making inroads in cleaning this mess up, dumped upon us by both parties-time to take our country back, town by town, city by city, county by county, state by state.
web posted December 22, 2010 

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Think of it this way:  A clunker that travels 12,000 miles a year at 15 mpg uses 800 gallons of gas a year.  A vehicle that travels 12,000 miles a year at 25 mpg uses 480 gallons a year.  So, the average Cash for Clunkers transaction will reduce US gasoline consumption by 320 gallons per year.   They claim 700,000 vehicles so that's 224 million gallons saved per year.  That equates to a bit over 5 million barrels of oil.   5 million barrels is about 5 hours worth of US consumption.  More importantly, 5 million barrels of oil at $70 per barrel costs about $350 million dollars So, the government paid $3 billion of our tax dollars to save $350 million.  

We spent $8.57 for every dollar we saved.

I'm pretty sure they will do a great job with our health care, though.
web posted December 22, 2010 

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Re: Child support. South Carolina does not have a garnishment law.   The person can ask for payroll deduction - but garnishment is prohibited in SC
web posted December 22, 2010 

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Despite the soul-sucking process, this Congress has been one of the most productive and effective in recent history. Here's a clip from the Washington Post in January, 2010:

...this Democratic Congress is on a path to become one of the most productive since the Great Society 89th Congress in 1965-66, and Obama already has the most legislative success of any modern president -- and that includes Ronald Reagan and Lyndon Johnson. The deep dysfunction of our politics may have produced public disdain, but it has also delivered record accomplishment.

The productivity began with the stimulus package, which was far more than an injection of $787 billion in government spending to jump-start the ailing economy. More than one-third of it -- $288 billion -- came in the form of tax cuts, making it one of the largest tax cuts in history, with sizable credits for energy conservation and renewable-energy production as well as home-buying and college tuition. The stimulus also promised $19 billion for the critical policy arena of health-information technology, and more than $1 billion to advance research on the effectiveness of health-care treatments.

In 2010, we've had Wall Street regulatory reform, repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the new START treaty appears to have the votes for ratification, food safety bill was passed, student loan reform, extension of tax credits in the stimulus bill benefiting the poor and middle class for two more years, and we may yet still get a 9-11 responders bill passed in some form. These are not small accomplishment

Editor's note: Great going for Obama and the Democrats. They shoved their agenda down the throats of the American people and they in turn fired them in record numbers. Yeah, what an achievement. Takeover of private companies while leaving investors with nothing and unions with ownership of the company they helped destroy, the unconstitutional takeover of healthcare, a Trillion dollar "stimulus" that was nothing more than pork payments to the unions who helped elect Obama, devalued the dollar by at least 20%, and a whole host of other great "achievements".

If it was such a great two years, why have the Democrats been run out of power in greater numbers than in the last near century?

How is that "Hope and Change" working out so far?
web posted December 22, 2010 

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It painded me to read about the (MES) PTO and all the bad press didn't help matters. I understand that when you are dealing with other people's money it is new worthy, but I just wish this could have been left unsaid.

Editor's note: How can claim something that you deem "news worthy" should go "unsaid"? We laid out the facts and the corrective measures beng taken by the MES PTO to correct problems. Showing that would be a positive for them, not a negitive.
web posted December 22, 2010 

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RE: Editor's note: Fannie and Freddie created the worthless government backed paper they forced on the market. By all means, lets look at a "study" rather than the words of those who directed the entire meltdown. Remember, all those mentioned running Fannie and Freddie are... wait for it, Democrats who served with Bill Clinton's White House and got huge bonuses while overseeing the fall of the housing market with worthless paper.

Even Clinton admitted that the problem was caused by the Democrats after leaving office.

Editor,
    Where in the video does it explain why Freddie and Fannie caused the housing bubble?  Fannie and Freddie were privately held companies that did plenty wrong in the search for profits to keep shareholders happy.  W "nationalized" them.  Why didn't W and his conservative house and senate do something about all this?  It happened while W was in the Whitehouse and the House and Senate were about as conservative as they have ever been.  The reason is.....the right did this via repealing Glass Stegall.  And this is what Clinton said was his mistake was....signing the repeal of Glass Stegall. 

    This guy explains it.  http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2010/05/rewriting-the-causes-of-the-credit-crisis/

Editor's note: If you took the time to watch the hearings held by Republicans in 2004, they were calling for regulation of Fannie and Freddie (government backed quasi-private, government banks stareted by Carter and put on steriods by Clinton) in order to advert the meltdown everyone with a brain saw coming. Which is why the Democrats couldn't see the forrest for the trees. Look at who was contributing millions to their campaign accounts... Fannie and Freddie.

You can point to a million "studies", but the facts are what they are. "Studies" show that the fraud of "global warming" is real when the world knows it is a hoax. "Experts" also said air travel would never become a viable business. 
web posted December 22, 2010 

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Yur a (Removed)

Editor's note: Thank you for reading.
web posted December 22, 2010 

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Editor's post: Christmas is under attack again this year - as it is every year - from our wonderful friends on the left, I.E. Democrats. Federal Bank Regulators have forced at least one bank from saying "Merry Christmas" and was told to remove the "Christmas tree", crosses, and anything relating to Christ so not to "offend others". I was also informed that a local bank refused to say "Merry Christmas" to its customers claiming they could only say "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings". Good thing we do not bank with that particular branch or I would withdraw every dime from them in protest. I'd name the bank, but there is no need. If you walk into your local branch and wish them a Merry Christmas and you get anything less in return, you will know where they stand with the politically correct police on the left working to remove Christ from every aspect of your daily public life.

Democrats supported removing prayer from the schools, support and defend the killing of the unborn, continue to work to remove the "under God" from the pledge, and Pres. Obama will not place his hand over his heart during the same pledge... but he will bow to every Muslim ruler he visits. I feel sorry for those who will praise Obama, vote Democrat and forsake God at the same time while claiming to be Christians.
 
To send your comments click here.
web posted December 21, 2010 

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We donated some things to the Sarah's Santa yard sale this year and hung around for a few hours to help with the setup.  It was such a positive experience for my child and me.  I am so impressed with what this organization is doing in our community.  They obviously put a tremendous effort into this and as today's article shows, the results are fabulous. I hope we can help some next year and I really hope that everyone in this community remembers this organization next year.  Kudos to them all!
web posted December 21, 2010

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A new year will be upon us soon and if you have not sent your Congressman and/or Senator an email requesting your support to repeal Obamacare, then make that one of your New Year resolutions. Forget Lindsey Graham. He is a RINO, or Republican In Name Only. His backbone is much like the Edgefield Voting Commission, jelly. If you are not one of Obama's entitlement supporters much like the ones we have in Edgefield and Johnston who walk the streets in search of Monroe Kneece, then you know what Obama is doing to our security, personal freedom, energy dependence, and so on. And for you idiot Democraps who still blame GW Bush, please stick you head back where the sun don't shine and keep quite. Most Americans are sick of that excuse from morons who continue to insult our intelligence with their blaming Bush excuse. The blame is on Obama and his Chicago thugs who bully Americans via Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Janet Idiot-tano and others who are anxious to turn
 American into a third world country. Much like what we experience first hand with Obama types sitting on the Edgefield County Commission, School Board, and specific elected positions. Fortunately, there has been some positive changes in School Board and County Commission seats. Those we voted in to make positive change were not put in place to be good pals with Brother Bibbs, Sister Sallie, Mr. Dorn and Mr. 'I'm not too bright' Bright. If you Republicans or Independents who were recently voted into office believe you can play both ends against the middle, think again. You are now under the political microscope.
web posted December 21, 2010 

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RE the letter about arresting men for non-payment for child support...Why are we wasting the county sheriff department's time and money over this ?  This is a nonviolent civil issue, not a criminal one.  It takes MONEY to arrest, lock up, and hold people in jail.
 
South Carolina recently passed a law that reduced imprisonment of non-violent offenders because of MONEY...It costs too much !!  How much does it cost the taxpayers to process these arrests ? 
 
Where is the personal responsibility for both women and men on this issue ?  The vast majority of child support cases are not married couples but from shack-ups and casual sex.  Psst ladies, ever hear of birth control...Or is your reason for having child after child out of wedlock just MONEY...Whether it's from the government or ripping off some unsuspecting male for 18 years...I know of one woman who had a child on purpose when her last child reached 18...And boys, and I do mean boys, because no man would be that stupid...take precautions, DUH !!! 
 
One more thing, why do we even have child support enforcement agencies...How much MONEY is that costing the taxpayers...Perhaps if we didn't have THAT bloated bureaucracy, men and women MIGHT learn some responsibility and have fewer babies...Stop this gravy chain for these stupid and sleazy women.  Why should I pay for your sexual irresponsibility ?
web posted December 21, 2010

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I would like to thank you for the article on the MES PTO. It is good that all this is out in the open. Things always get swept under the rug and rumors go wild about what really happens. I’d also like to thank Mrs. Swearingen for her openness in discussing this. She’s been an asset to the PTO for a long time and I wish her well as the new president. She’ll get things done the right way. There were other problems that you may or may not know about. I’m just glad we can move on and get all this behind us. We have the best schools in the county and this just goes to show that we won’t sit back and be taken advantage of like other schools afraid to upset the apple cart.
web posted December 21, 2010

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Edgefield Dixie Youth Girls Softball supporters can now visit http://www.edgefieldsoftball.com to fill-out and print the softball registration form. Registration dates have been set. The website will be updated as needed to keep parents, supporters and players informed of practices, games, and activities. "We don't play hardball...but we  play hard!"
web posted December 21, 2010

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Twas the Month before Christmas
 
Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas – no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say,
“Dec. 25th is just a ‘Holiday!”
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CD’s from Madonna, an X-Box, and I-Pod,
Something was changing, something quite old.
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas was nowhere to be found.
At K-Mart, Staples, Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas – it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are the words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, now Darden, now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Box, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your ‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS no Happy Holiday!

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet “MERRY CHRISTMAS – CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THE CHRIST-MAS SEASON!
web posted December 21, 2010

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Editor's post: Christmas is just a few days away. Please take the time to thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon our Union of Independent States over the past 200+ years.

In a second matter, several people have reported (and now verified), that a person has stated on thier Facebook page that an Edgefield Town Police Officer was arrested for charges of cocaine possession. We investigated the matter and the claim is false.
web posted December 20, 2010 

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Its time for judges and officers of the child support enforcement agencies to rethink how they handle cases. It is not smart to put a man or woman behind bars for nonpayment when they are employed. A wise person would consider that this man or woman would loose their job if jailed. So why is this done?  The smart thing to do, would be garnishment!!  You them in jail and there no money for anyone and the child and our social service dept would loose out. Time to think and govern smarter then this.  JAIL IS NOT THE ANSWER FOR EVERYTHING  THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
web posted December 20, 2010

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Thank you for the story on the Merriwether PTO so that those who didn't know now are aware of the existing officers of the PTO.  They are doing a great job and my apologies for ever thinking Mrs. Swearingen was the president in question. She and the other ladies work very hard for the students and parents and we apppreciate them. There are problems at that school that never existed before with the long tenure of Mr. Huiet and Mr. Ellis and that is a disappointment to the community, but it seems the existing PTO is doing thier part and more to make it a good school.

Editor's note: We have a follow up report published today that covers more of the circumstances surrounding the shake-up within the MES PTO. We are the only media outlet to cover this situation to date and we will continue to provide readers with the most up-to-date information as it becomes available for release.
web posted December 20, 2010

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The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the presidency. It will be easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to an electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails us. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president.  --  Author Unknown
web posted December 20, 2010

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RE: " I wonder how many employees/former employees of the school district would advocate a lawsuit against Crenshaw, and Clinkscales for that matter?"

If you had some big brass ones, you could probably file a class action lawsuit for discrimination (reverse).  It wouldn't be too hard to prove.  Look at their hiring practices, look at their firing practices, look at their recruiting practices, and look how they handle problems, eh hem, latest PTO issue.  To them its all racism if people get caught, yet their agenda and the way the operate clearly says they're the racists.  You've got them with their pants down-only you can expose them now.  Stand up.
web posted December 20, 2010

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RE: Editor's note: All things are relative. The Democrats were the ones protecting Fannie and Freddie during the Bush years (He never had a majority that could override any filibuster or override of a veto as Obama had).  Here is a video of your beloved Democrat leaders attacking Republicans for even trying to question the illegal practices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Don't take my word for it, watch, see, and hear them in 2004 blocking the Republicans for even daring asking for regulation of their scam. Good luck trying to explain away their words.

As I said, Democrats created this mess, promulgated this mess, and still promote bailing our Fannie and Freddie because it was run by Democrats.Your ilk own it lock stock and barrel. Be honest enough to admit it.

The private banks on Wall Street caused the mess.  Your video is about Fannie and Freddie.  It is a right wing myth that Fannie and Freddie caused the crises.  I am not surprised you believe it as you believe W tax cuts increased revenue from individual income tax payers, you believe the health care reform increases the deficit.  So believing Fannie and Freddie cause AIG to need a bailout is par for the course.

Here about the Univ of Maryland study?  You are part of the folks who watch too much Fox News and believe it to be true.

Editor's note: Fannie and Freddie created the worthless government backed paper they forced on the market. By all means, lets look at a "study" rather than the words of those who directed the entire meltdown. Remember, all those mentioned running Fannie and Freddie are... wait for it, Democrats who served with Bill Clinton's White House and got huge bonuses while overseeing the fall of the housing market with worthless paper.

Even Clinton admitted that the problem was caused by the Democrats after leaving office.
web posted December 20, 2010

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I was 0ne 0f the resp0nding pe0ple and I was still in c0ntact with them until I read y0ur statement. They are saying they are 0n a misssi0nary trip t0 africa right n0w and wants t0 ship the d0gs fr0m there and we g0t t0 pay 450 t0 have them shipped we have n0t sent any m0ney but thanks f0r writing this bef0re we d0ne anything we w0uld 0f regretted.
web posted December 20, 2010

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Dear Employees:

As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barrack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way.

To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. But since we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead.

This has really been bothering me since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go.

So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem. They voted for change...... I gave it to them.

I will see the rest of you at the annual Christmas Party next week.

THE BOSS
web posted December 20, 2010

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Ain't it the truth!

http://www.youtube.com/user/claythe1?feature=mhum
web posted December 20, 2010

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There are two borders that are serving as more than just national delineations; they're also firewalls to American security. It doesn't have to be this way, but U.S. policies have allowed this to happen and the result is the death of Americans in uniform, billions of dollars in unnecessary expenditures and a great nation humiliated.

Read more of this post (The Garnet Spy)
web posted December 20, 2010

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If you are a patriotic American, this is definitely worth 9 1/2 minutes of your time.
If you are not a patriotic American, perhaps this will make you think long and hard
about how the freedoms which you enjoy in this country were obtained.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Iwa-lSVqA1M&vq=medium
web posted December 20, 2010

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Editor's post: An advertisement for two English Bull Dog puppies free to a good home has been removed earlier this week after it was discovered to be an attempted scam. The ad and the email address have been removed. Our initial contact verified the dogs were free, but those responding to the ad were told the dogs were no longer free and were asked for money. If you responded to the ad please, make no further contact with the person and block or refuse further contact from the individual.
web posted December 18, 2010 

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I wonder how many employees/former employees of the school district would advocate a lawsuit against Crenshaw, and Clinkscales for that matter?  They've caused plenty of "emotional distress" of their own and driven some fine people away from this district.
 
I would be very revealing, for people to know all the nastiness that has went on. . .
web posted December 18, 2010

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Just a note to say thank you for the story on the dirty water. We tried to call the county but got no answers.

Editor's note: Mr. Hare was very responsive to our inquiries and answered all questions. All questions regarding water supply or sewage should always be directed to the Water and Sewer Authority (803-637-3011), not the county.
web posted December 18, 2010

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There hasn't been much news on the headlines page the last two days. Slacking off for the holidays or just gettin slack?

Editor's note: We cannot make up things to print (unlike Suzanne Derrick of the Edgefield Advertiser). When crime and events create a slow news day, it is just a slow news day.
web posted December 18, 2010

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Two short comments-
Why are the crooks the first ones who play the race card?  Nothing is ever their fault ask (removed) and the billion dollar man William Singletary. Next if you are on the Edgefield County School Board for the $400 a month then you are on it for the wrong reason. Your personal finances are not the tax payers problem.
web posted December 18, 2010

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not all grants can be applied for by the county.  The towns  in  Edgefield county can also apply for a grant.  the problem is, 1. the town has to have someone that can administer the grant and the town has to pay a match. I don't think either town in  the county can match this requirements. maybe, just maybe if the towns stop giving away their money, they could afford a match. that goes for the country, also..
web posted December 18, 2010

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BRAVO on the video posted about the DEMONcraps porotecting their own running fannie and freddie into the ground and causing the meltdown. I bet that shuts up the Obama supporters. Prob not, they elected him so they ain't to bright to begin with and facts dont' matter anyway.
web posted December 18, 2010

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So Simple a caveman could understand:

Why did Bernie Madoff go to prison? To make it simple, he talked people into investing with him. Trouble was, he didn't invest their money.  As time rolled on he simply took the money from the new investors to pay off the old investors.  Finally there were too many old investors and not enough money from new investors coming in to keep the payments going. Next thing you know, Madoff is one of the most hated men in  America  and he is off to jail. 

Some of you know this. but not enough of you.

Madoff did to his investors what the Congress has been doing to us for over 70 years with Social Security.  There is no meaningful difference between the two schemes, except that one was operated by a private individual who is now in jail, and the other is operated by politicians who enjoy perks, privileges and status in spite of their actions.

Do you need a side-by-side comparison here?  Well here's a nifty little comparison.
 
 Madoff:
Takes money from investors  with  the promise that the money will be invested and made available to them later

Social Security:
Takes money from wage earners with the promise that the money will be invested in a "Trust Fund" and made available later.

Madoff:                                                                                .
Instead of investing the money Madoff spends it on nice homes in theHamptons and yachts

Social Security: 
 Instead of depositing money in a Trust Fund the politicians use it for general spending and vote buying.

Madoff:
When the time comes to pay the investors back Madoff simply uses some of the new funds from newer investors to pay back the older investors.

Social Security:
When benefits for older investors become due the politicians pay them with money taken from younger and newer wage earners to pay the geezers.

Madoff:
When Madoff's scheme is discovered all (heck) breaks loose. New investors won't give him any more cash.

Social Security:
When Social Security runs out of money they simply force the taxpayers to send them some more.
     
Bernie Madoff is in jail.

Politicians remain in  Washington  .

'The taxpayer:
That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination. ' - Ronald Reagan
web posted December 18, 2010

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A German's View on Islam
 A man, whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II, owned a number of large industries and estates. When asked how many German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our attitude toward fanaticism. 'Very few people were true Nazis,' he said, 'but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools.  So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come.  My family lost everything.  I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.'
 We are told again and again by 'experts' and 'talking heads' that Islam is the religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims just want to live in peace. Although this unqualified assertion may be true, it is entirely irrelevant.  It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the specter of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam.
 The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history; it is the fanatics who march...it is the fanatics who wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide.  It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout  Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or honour-kill.  It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque.  It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and homosexuals.  It is the fanatics who teach their young to kill and to become suicide bombers..
  The hard, quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the 'silent majority,' is cowed and extraneous.
  Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people.  The peaceful majority were irrelevant.    China 's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.
   The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a warmongering sadist.  Yet,  Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across  Southeast Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel, and bayonet.

   And who can forget  Rwanda , which collapsed into butchery.  Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were 'peace loving'?
web posted December 18, 2010

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If person think we need to give the new school board a hand for reducing the salaries of the members. If you are elected to carry on a job like that you should be blessed that the people of Edgefield County though that much of you, and not pad the pocket book. This is a service to the student of our county.
If Rev. Sallie Cook need the money that bad, then she should drive a car that she can afford. Well at least the School Board gave Dean Campbell a rest, but you citizens will learn what Dean is all about coming very soon. 
web posted December 17, 2010 

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Again, these guys were obviously onto something when they questioned Crenshaw's competance -
Bender appears to have spelled it out pretty clear.  So clear, even some members of the School Board and District - Bibbs, Cooks, Clinkscales, Courtney, Linderman, Kearns could comprehend.

I think now, one must wonder, and even question Crenshaw's legal representation.  Couldn't her attorney see this?  Oh but wait. (Removed) isn't it interesting how Crenshaw gravitates toward thugs, Nathaniel Jackson, and people of questionable character and ethics?
web posted December 17, 2010 

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So who is the president now? Is it the lady that also does 4-H and was so involved with the carnival? Is she still the president or is she the one they are investigating. The lady I am speaking of does a great job so I would be disappointed to hear that there was a problem. I have given a lot of money to this program for fundraisers so I would just like to know who may have had a problem. What exactly were the issues involving the money. Of course I guess it couldn't be any worse then the candle fundraiser every year where the PTO president sold candles that were part of her own business. She took her portion and the rest went to the School.(PTO). That would have been a conflict of interest for sure. That is in the past and has nothing to do with this current situation. If anyone can enlighten us on the current issue, thanks!

Editor's note: The new PTO President is Sharon Swearingen.
web posted December 17, 2010 

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I am a parent of 2 at Merriwether Elementary School and I am SICK of hearing that our PTO is being questioned! We have the best PTO program in the county and maybe in the state. IF you want to ask questions they should be addressed to one person...the ex-president NOT the PTO.
The ex-president, Natasha Langford, was removed from her position (removed). Some of the PTO board members were overwhelmed with emails and phone calls from VERY concerned parents about the money going home before it was even counted! These PTO board members stepped right up to the plate. They went to Mr. Marchant immediately to have this matter looked into.
Once PTO vice-president Sharon Swearingen (now the new president) saw nothing was getting being done to prevent this from happening again, she stepped up again. She called a PTO Board meeting to remove the president so no futher damage could be done. She held an anonymous paper ballot and the board voted to remove the president and voted Sharon Swearingen as the new president. They also voted to add a Co-Treasurer to assure that 2 people woud be signing all checks. They voted to add Diana Parrish as the new Vice President, Stacie Williams is the secretary, Colleen Mathis is the Treasurer and Sylvia Kup is the Co-Treasurer. These ladies are a great team and it is my opinion that they are doing everything in their power to better our MES PTO. Sharon, the president sent letters to all PTO members, MES staff and teachers explaining the new officers. She also held a meeting with the staff members of MES to answer all questions they may have.
For those of you that want to question these ladies, maybe you should join them as they are cooking a FULL lunch for our teachers and staff once a month. Join them as they are getting fundraisers together to better the school for your child. If you have time to complain, then you are not doing a fraction of the work these ladies are doing. Please remember,our PTO is a group of HIGHLY dedicated, hard working VOLUNTEERS! They are there supporting our teachers and our children. It makes me feel great to know that Sharon and her staff are at the school everyday working on ways to better the day to day process for our MES staff. I encourage each of you to join PTO and see what they really do.
I would like to say THANK YOU to Sharon and the PTO board members for stepping up to the plate, correcting the mistakes that were made and informing us about what is going on. I have been given many ways to contact these ladies and I personally will contact them if I have any concerns. I have great confidence in the PTO and I know that if I have any questions, they will answer them!
Thanks
 A very pleased MES parent
web posted December 17, 2010 

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RE: Monster Buck: If the charges are true (night hunting) maybe he has or will learn his lesson. Who knows he may be a DNR officer one day .(Obama became President?) He may need some mentoring in good morals and guidance , you should try to reach out to youth and HELP instead of bashing . That great buck may change his whole thoughts of what hunting deer can do for a person's life . Could be a positive or could be a negative , I never wish bad on a youth , I used to be one!
web posted December 17, 2010 

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Why has my son been in jail for 7 months if he's innocent until proven guilty?  Shouldn’t it be guilty until proven innocent ?
web posted December 17, 2010 

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Any idea what’s going into the old Dollar General Store on Calhoun St. in Johnston?

Editor's note: Not at this time.
web posted December 17, 2010 

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RE: Editor's note: The Democrats were the ones in control and refused to allow Bush to bring Fannie and Freddie under control. Were there some liberal Republicans, yes. Many of them were kicked out in the 2010 election if you were not paying attention. TARP (most Rep and Dems supporting it out) Stimulus (most Rep and Dems supporting it out), Obamacare (most Dems supporting it now out), and Obama's $600 billion to decrease the value of a dollar will seal their fate in 2012.

How's that $3 a gallon gas hitting you during this "greatest recession since the great depression" working out for you? Same plan, same actions, same left-wing agenda. Who is living in the past?

I am not saying this is a democrat or republican thing.  But if it were.....Republicans controlled the house from 1996 to 2005.  The house operates as a majority rules, unlike the Senate.  Any regulation W wanted over Fannie and Freddie from 2001-2005 could have happened with a republican majority. 

It is a "theory" thing.  Conservative "theory" supports getting gov't regulation off the backs of banks and allow the "market" to sort things out.  It was the removal of the regs (a conservative position) that allowed the banks to loan money to people who couldn't pay it back. 

Fannie and Freddie bought the bad loans from the private banks who initiated them.  That was the plan.  Loan money to people that the new regs allow, but the old regs wouldn't.  People of all income levels.  Make the loan fees, sell the loans at a profit and allow the new owner of the loan deal with the non payments. 

$3 gas has nothing to do with mortgage backed securities and the fact that deregulaton of the banking rules caused our crises.  Why do you ask?

Editor's note: All things are relative. The Democrats were the ones protecting Fannie and Freddie during the Bush years (He never had a majority that could override any filibuster or override of a veto as Obama had).  Here is a video of your beloved Democrat leaders attacking Republicans for even trying to question the illegal practices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Don't take my word for it, watch, see, and hear them in 2004 blocking the Republicans for even daring asking for regulation of their scam. Good luck trying to explain away their words.

As I said, Democrats created this mess, promulgated this mess, and still promote bailing our Fannie and Freddie because it was run by Democrats.Your ilk own it lock stock and barrel. Be honest enough to admit it.
web posted December 17, 2010 

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Re:  Editor's note: Everything Obama is doing is killing the middle class (for those who love "class warfare"). The Democrats increased the minimum wage...

Most people who are receiving help are referred to as the working poor.  Why the working poor?  Because the salary that they make will not move them up on the economic ladder.  Since you mentioned that minimum wage was the cost of unemployment, I had to smile.  It has been a long time since you worked for minimum wage.  You have to remember that a majority of good paying jobs had been moved overseas before the recession hit.  Textile plants in the South disappeared fast.  Most people lost good paying jobs to minimun wage jobs.  Most of the working poor receive some type of financial help from the federal government.  Most of them work harder than you and I can ever imagine.  Their income moved from $5.15 to $7.25 (that makes a $2.10 increase) in the last three years, but that didn’t raise their living conditions. 

The following income for someone working for minimum wage:

                      Weekly         $7.25*40=290.00

                     Bi-Weekly       $580.00

                     Monthly         $1160.00

                     Yearly          $13920.00*

*Out of this amount, they are expected to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, social and recreation activities and save for the future.  Minus the money taken out for State and Federal taxes, along with FICA.  Most jobs created by small businesses or food chains are minimum wage jobs.  While their pay moved slowly, they have seen their rent, medical needs, electrical needs, transportation, and everything else doubled or tripled.    And yet, you begrudge them the little rise in income that was granted to them.

Editor's note: Do you believe that minimum wage jobs are sought by those seeking to raise a family?  These are entry level job seekers (teens or college students working part time) or jobs taken on by retired individuals (please, check the stats). No one is talking about how the move to increase minimum wages started the downfall of job losses because businesses had to lay off employees to be able to pay their current staff's artificially increased salaries after the government falsely increased their pay without any basis in the business world. Politicians live in the bubble of government, not reality. And all union wage contracts are based on the minimum wage and therefore their pay also increased creating a false rise in pay for people who did nothing to deserve a raise other than voting for liberal Democrats. (No wonder they were voted out of power in droves).

According to Democrats, why work when you can draw three times that amount by sitting home doing nothing on government subsidies by voting them into office. Seems the taxpayers wised up.
web posted December 17, 2010 

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Rise and shine Edgefield County.

A few people in Edgefield County need to week up calls starting at the the top.. When are the trucks coming to pick up the THREE STODGES Crenshaw, Clescsale, and Hampton. I know she is not trying to sue for emtional stress should think about the emotional distress she has cause other people now the shoe is on the other foot. I hope it squeeze the (heck) out your toes.  Yes Mr. jackson she is a big bulley. (Removed content)
web posted December 17, 2010 

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RE:   All grants awarded by the CDBG program must meet at least one of three objectives:

Benefit low and moderate income persons.
Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions.
Meet other urgent community development needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to public health and welfare and where other financial resources are not readily available to meet such needs.
I am very surprised at the lack of comments about Edgefield county not being anywhere on this grant list.  Does that mean our "esteemed" leaders did not apply for any of these grants?  I can think of plenty of places that qualify as "blighted" or "slum" areas in Johnston and Edgefield.  Most of which pose serious threats to public health and welfare.  Maybe I don't understand the process for these grants.  Someone please educate me if that is the case.
 
Whitmire got 500K to "renovate" their library.  My oh My, with that they can build a new building and replace BOTH books.  Yet Johnston has several "buildings" that are empty and are fire traps that should be demolished.  Recent news about Johnston having sewer troubles at the old armory, hmmmmmm.  Public health concern.  Not a new issue is it?  What about the completion of sidewalks in Johnston?  A safety issue for REAL.
 
I guess our "fearless leaders" , town and county,  had their eyes closed again.
web posted December 17, 2010 

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Here is a simple way to say thanks to our guys and gals that serve and help keep us free.
It takes all of two minutes and costs nothing.  All of the cards are made by children and likely bring smiles when they are read.  Take the two minutes and make a smile happen..
web posted December 17, 2010 

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You may agree with the guy from Montana. I know I do.

Alan Simpson calls seniors the Greediest Generation.

Here's a response in a letter from a fellow in Montana. I cleaned it up a litte.

 Hey Alan, let's get a few things straight 
1. As a career politician, you have been on the public dole for FIFTY YEARS.
 
2. I have been paying Social Security taxes for 48 YEARS (since I was 15 years old. I am now 63).
 
3. My Social Security payments, and those of millions of other Americans, were safely tucked away in an interest bearing account for decades until you political pukes decided to raid the account and give OUR money to a bunch of zero ambition losers in return for votes, thus bankrupting the system and turning Social Security into a Ponzi scheme that would have made Bernie Madoff proud

4. Recently, just like Lucy & Charlie Brown, you and your ilk pulled the proverbial football away from millions of American seniors nearing retirement and moved the goalposts for full retirement from age 65 to age 67.   NOW, you and your shill commission is proposing to move the goalposts YET AGAIN.

5. I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying into Medicare from Day One, and now you morons propose to change the rules of the game. Why? Because you idiots mismanaged other parts of the economy to such an  extent that you need to steal money from Medicare to pay the bills
 
6. I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying income taxes our entire lives, and now you propose to increase our taxes yet again. Why? Because you fatherless incompetents spent our money so profligately that you just kept on spending even after you ran out of money. Now, you come to the American taxpayers and say you need more to pay off YOUR debt.

To add insult to injury, you label us greedy for calling you out on your incompetence. Well, I have a few questions for YOU.

1. How much money have you earned from the American taxpayers during  your pathetic 50-year political career?

2. At what age did you retire from your pathetic political career, and how much are you receiving in annual retirement benefits from the American taxpayers?

3. How much do you pay for YOUR government provided health insurance?

4.  What cuts in YOUR retirement and healthcare benefits are you  proposing in your disgusting deficit reduction proposal, or, as usual, have  you exempted yourself and your political cronies?

It is you and your political co-conspirators who are greedy. It is you and they who have bankrupted America and stolen the American dream from millions of loyal, patriotic taxpayers.  And for what?  Votes.  That's right, sir.  You and yours have bankrupted America for the sole purpose of advancing your pathetic political careers.  You know it, we know it, and you know that we know it.

And you can take that to the bank, you miserable son of a (removed).
web posted December 17, 2010 

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I just read the information about the MES PTO.  Well I am a parent as well however I don't feel this is the place to air dirty laundry. But if I am allowed the opportunity to the same thing the other parent did I will.   It is my understand that the past three or four presidents of this organization has done wrong.  But no one want to say anything fearing they would get into trouble. No one has handled this organization properly regardless of what their skin color is. The MES PTO is for high class women who don't work. They really don't care about the students at this school.  They are more concern about giving the teachers money, sending a teacher or teachers to a conference, catering to the chorus and feeding the staff at MES instead of helping the students. If this organization was to benefit the school why didn't it help the students make AYP? Why do this organization ask parents for money just to give to teachers instead of helping parents that have two or three children at this school that don't have the necessary supplies for their grade level? People are so concerned about the PTO why don't they focus on AYP and students who are less fortune then other students.  I don't support wrong doing by anyone but I don't like for people to discredit someone for their effort.  The other parent put what he or she want to put on wandering minds but they did not inform you that people threatening people via texts, emails and phone calls to people inside and outside of PTO.  While a parent is trying to shine the light on  MES PTO. I would like to shine the light on these issues:

*Why Mr. Gene Huiet, Principal and the Assistant Principal Mr. Robert Ellis left MES?

*How (removed) go from being a 2ND teacher to Assistant Principal?

*Why MES only has four black full time teachers.  This does not include teacher aide or in-school suspension. Of course they do have black people cleaning the school and two black ladies in the lunchroom.  I am a white woman with three children at this school, you want to talk about race look at the whole picture not part of the picture.

*Why is the board allowing students that are not zone for MES go to MES?  I was told that a letter has to been written to the board to get permission for a child to go to MES. If the board does not approve the letter then the child or children has to remain in their zoning area.  There are some people who are using other people address so their child or children can go to MES.  What is the rules and regulations for this????

People need to be careful how they try to attack people because it could get ugly for the school and students.

Concerned Parent
web posted December 17, 2010 

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Thank God almighty that the new school board has done what people have been suggesting for years about reducing their salary and cutting the number of meetings.  With economics like they are, that only makes sense.  Now the next step should be to cut the fat at the top, not only in salaries and perks, but nice furniture, machines, supplies, etc.  One only has to visit the district office, then visit a classroom to see a stark difference.  I pray that not too much damage has already been done to our school system, and that these poor children can recover before they graduate.
web posted December 16, 2010 

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I just read your article and feel compelled to speak out on the behalf on the Merriwether Elementary School PTO.

I am a parent of students at the school and have full confidence in the job they (the PTO) are doing. There have been serious issues and they are in the process of recovering from them and moving forward.

[Removed] The “former” president of the 2010/2011 school year, mishandled money, broke school protocols, and broke bylaws set by the PTO. When this was found out, meetings were immediately held by the PTO board and principal to figure out how to handle the situation. The principal also notified Dr. Crenshaw. The situation soon turned into a racial issue instead of one of ethics.

The PTO was first told to disband in entirety and the PTO account to be frozen until further notice per the board of education (Dr. Crenshaw).

Then the PTO was told they could meet and continue on with their agenda, but were told not speak to anyone regarding the matter at hand. They were told that the current president was to remain in office unless she resigned. (The same president who was accused of all the wrongdoings that caused the situation.) Is this saying, ignore the problem and it will just go away?

The PTO board then met and voted to relinquish her position as president (so that she could not do any further damage), they voted to reorganize the positions of the board and also created a co-treasurer position to safe guard the funds, and also voted to rewrite the bylaws to add even more protection.

Since then the PTO, has seemed to me, to be working hard to rectify the problem and to move forward.

I feel the lack of understanding seems to be on the part of Dr. Crenshaw. She seems to be the one that is ignorant of the fact that this was never a racial issue ,but one of ethics. It could of been handled differently and parents and teachers needed to be made aware. The PTO did in fact send out letters to all members letting them know of problems that had occurred and the restructuring of the PTO. I think this was needed. I commend them for it.

I fully support the work they are doing on the behalf of our children, teachers, and school.
Thank you for listening,
A concerned parent

Editor's note: I have been following this situation for some time and have spoken to school officials as to where the investigation may go. At this time it is an internal matter. However, if it is determined that a criminal act took place it will be turned over to law enforcement for further investigation. At this point, it is still under the review of the school board.
web posted December 16, 2010 

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Re: Religion ; Eternal Father by Pastor Phillip Howle

Thanks for the words you wrote , As a father of two boys myself , it is truly hard to live the example we try to teach to our children . But I often need to be reminded of who our Father truly is . Thanks for the
scriptures and the courage you have shown to tell us the truth. Jesus is whom we should all lean to , when any bump in the road is before us , Thanks and be Blessed!
web posted December 16, 2010

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Re:  Principal at STHS is destroying staff morale

I think you are harsh in your statement against the principal at STHS.  What the principal is trying to do is bring the school up to par with other schools in the state and country.  By implementing these programs, he has successfully made progress with the development of our school environment.  He is a really hard worker who is full of energy and never stops trying to improve our school community.  STHS was awarded the Red Carpet Award recently we surpassed our SAT scores under the direction of this principal, and we also received a magna cum laude award for excellent performance in rapid growth in the SAT performance.  This principal has worked hard in getting the students to perform better academically, in the arts, and sports, he truly cares for the students and staff at the school I see this everyday.  The Thurmond Statesman Institute was his idea for our students to be prepared early for college with college credits, which is a major help to the students.  This principal could be ten times worse to work for, as an employee of STHS I am motivated by his actions and want to learn, work harder, and be a better employee for the students.  His inspiration is addictive.  Your comments are destroying staff morale, if you have an opinion like you do take it up with one of the best administrators I have ever worked for.  I do not want you to leave, I have your back KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!
web posted December 16, 2010

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I need one of those 429 dum-bass Johnston voters to 'splaine' why Cocaine Jackson is a reputable representative for our school board. If Cocaine Jackson's glorious mug shot is any indication to his personal character then I will write in a vote for Charles Manson. Also my feeble wandering mind can not grasp the slow dithering judgment process by Judge MacMahon and why Cocaine Jackson, a proven criminal and embarrassment to humanity, is given more legal wiggle room than a person stopped for speeding. Maybe Judge MacMahon is from the liberal Democrap school from whence Brother Bill Keesley emerged. If so, open the jail house and let them fine Brothers out and relocate them to Johnston where a nice batch of sex criminals already reside. No wonder there is no industry worth a hoot moving to this county. Nobody outside this county would believe this Cocaine Jackson saga. Only in Edgefield county, home to many sex criminals and the biggest Democratic jokes
 of humanity sitting on the county Council and school board.
web posted December 16, 2010

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Way to go on the teen that killed the MONSTER BUCK ! Love to see our youth doing something mind productive , than out mind shattering . Hope he gets more in the future!
web posted December 14
 
This youth didn't do to good since he has been charged with night hunting.  Not to good of an example to be bragging about.  Also from the picture taken with the deer it makes you wonder when he shot this deer.  Also when you get caught night hunting you lose your hunting rights for a year, so why is he still hunting?
 
This is from the crime blotter on October 9th.
Dalton Hunter Wates, 19; Open container, hunting deer at night, minor in possession of alcohol, DNR
web posted December 16, 2010

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A guy cruises thru a stop sign and gets pulled over by a local policeman.  Guy hands the cop his driver's license, insurance verification, plus his Concealed Carry permit.

"Okay, Mr. Smith," the cop says, "I see your CCW permit. Are you carrying today?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well then, better tell me what you got."

Smith says, "Well, I got a .357 revolver in my inside coat pocket.  There's a 9mm semi-auto in the glove box.   And, I've got a .22 magnum derringer in my right boot."

"Okay," the cop says. "Anything else?"

"Yeah, back in the trunk, there's an AR15 and a shotgun.  That's about it."

"Mr. Smith, are you on your way to or from a gun range...?"

"Nope."

"Well then, what are you afraid of...?"

"Not a (darn) thing..."
web posted December 16, 2010

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RE: "did I miss something? Did Crenshaw get fired?"

Not yet.  But the writing is on the wall and she's sees it.  Why else would she be trying to position herself?  Sad thing is, she's known all these years why she has been hired and it's finally caught up to her.  Somewhat like the big O in the white house.  Didn't get elected because he was qualified and now, everyone sees he is in way over his head.  That's why affirmative action doesn't work.  People are hired on qualifications and merit and nothing else, or it will eventually collapse.  You are now seeing it first hand at the local level.
web posted December 16, 2010

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Obama is victim of Bush's failed promises

Barack Obama is setting a record-setting number of records during his first year in office.
Largest budget ever. Largest deficit ever. Largest number of broken promises ever. Most self-serving speeches ever. Largest number of agenda-setting failures ever. Fastest dive in popularity ever. Wow! Talk about change.

Just one year ago, fresh from his inauguration celebrations, President Obama was flying high. After one of the nation's most inspiring political campaigns, the election of America 's first black president had captured the hopes and dreams of millions. To his devout followers, it was inconceivable that a year later his administration would be gripped in self-imposed crisis. Of course, they don't see it as self-imposed. It's all George Bush's fault. George Bush, who doesn't have a vote in congress and who no longer occupies the White House, is to blame for it all.

He broke Obama's promise to put all bills on the White House web site for five days before signing them.
He broke Obama's promise to have the congressional health care negotiations broadcast live on C-SPAN. He broke Obama's promise to end earmarks.
He broke Obama's promise to keep unemployment from rising above 8 percent.
He broke Obama's promise to close the detention center at Guantanamo in the first year.
He broke Obama's promise to make peace with direct, no precondition talks with America 's most hate-filled enemies during his first year in office, ushering in a new era of global cooperation.
He broke Obama's promise to end the hiring of former lobbyists into high White House jobs.
He broke Obama's promise to end no-compete contracts with the government.
He broke Obama's promise to disclose the names of all attendees at closed White House meetings.
He broke Obama's promise for a new era of bipartisan cooperation in all matters.
He broke Obama's promise to have chosen a home church to attend Sunday services with his family by Easter of last year.

Yes, it's all George Bush's fault. President Obama is nothing more than a puppet in the never-ending failed Bush administration. If only George Bush wasn't still in charge, all of President Obama's problems would be solved. His promises would have been kept, the economy would be back on track, Iran would have stopped its work on developing a nuclear bomb and would be negotiating a peace treaty with Israel . North Korea would have ended its tyrannical regime, and integrity would have been restored to the federal government. Oh, and did I mention what it would be like if the Democrats, under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, didn't have the heavy yoke of George Bush around their necks? There would be no ear marks, no closed-door drafting of bills, no increase in deficit spending, no special-interest influence (unions), no vote buying (Nebraska, Louisiana).

If only George Bush wasn't still in charge, we'd have real change by now. All the broken promises, all the failed legislation and delay (health care reform, immigration reform) is not President Obama's fault or the fault of the Democrat-controlled Congress. It's all George Bush's fault. Take for example the decision of Eric Holder, the president's attorney general, to hold terrorists' trials in New York City . Or his decision to try the Christmas Day underpants bomber as a civilian. Two disastrous decisions. Certainly those were bad judgments based on poor advice from George Bush. Need more proof?

You might recall that when Scott Brown won the election to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts , capturing "the Ted Kennedy seat", President Obama said that Brown's victory was the result of the same voter anger that propelled Obama into office in 2008. People were still angry about George Bush and the policies of the past 10 years. And they wanted change. Yes, according to the president, the voter rebellion in Massachusetts was George Bush's fault. Therefore, in retaliation, they elected a Republican to the Ted Kennedy seat, ending a half-century of domination by Democrats. It is all George Bush's fault. Will the failed administration of George Bush ever end, and the time for hope and change ever arrive?

Will President Obama ever accept responsibility for something...  - anything?
web posted December 16, 2010

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Re: Editor's note: Those responsible for forcing the regulations to be lifted were Democrats supporting the quasi-government run lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who we are still bailing out to this day for their irresponsible actions and being allowed to issue the worthless paper the loans generated.

Didn't know Phil Graham of Texas was a democrat.....he's not. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass%E2%80%93Steagall_Act

I too blame dems and republicans and greed for the mess we're in.  But overall, our country has moved to right since Reagan.  Clinton signed this law and has admitted it was a mistake.  Clinton is to Nixon's right on many issues because Clinton was president during a right leaning time and Nixon during a left leaning timeframe.  But it is the move to right of center that is calling for this deregulation and is crushing our country as we know it.

Editor's note: The Democrats were the ones in control and refused to allow Bush to bring Fannie and Freddie under control. Were there some liberal Republicans, yes. Many of them were kicked out in the 2010 election if you were not paying attention. TARP (most Rep and Dems supporting it out) Stimulus (most Rep and Dems supporting it out), Obamacare (most Dems supporting it now out), and Obama's $600 billion to decrease the value of a dollar will seal their fate in 2012.

How's that $3 a gallon gas hitting you during this "greatest recession since the great depression" working out for you? Same plan, same actions, same left-wing agenda. Who is living in the past?
web posted December 16, 2010

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In response to this posting:

"I am increasingly questioning the intelligence of the folk living in Merriwether community! Unlawful entry into their automobiles has become an almost nightly event and yet, as reported in EdgefieldDaily.com (Saturday), they are leaving their automobiles unlocked, with valuables in them no less!!! A thought, are they filing insurance claims? If so they should soon find themselves uninsurable!
web posted December 13, 2010"

re: intelligence of merriwether community

I fully believe that everyone is entitled to their opinions and I never respond to what I read in wandering minds because it is someone opinion.  But this infuriated me because it hit an extremely sensitive nerve considering that I just had a vehicle stolen from me which, by the way, also happened to be locked.  Unless you’ve been a victim, you might want to get the facts straight of who’s benefiting from the loss and who’s not.  Who are you to say that their cars were or weren’t locked?  Who are you to accuse someone of benefiting from insurance claims?  Who are you to question someone’s “intelligence”?  Are you saying that if we leave anything in our cars, that it’s an open invitation for someone to come and take it?  If you leave a lawnmower in your backyard does that give someone the right to come and take it?  We all leave things in our cars.  We all leave things in our yard.  Can you honestly say there is nothing of personal value in your car, a CD, a pair of battery cables or flashlight, a buy one get one free coupon?  Locked or not locked no one has the right to take what doesn’t belong to them regardless if it’s a $1000 worth of CD’s or a $20 pair of battery cables.  The value of what is stolen isn’t even close to how much it costs to replace.  We have spent the last 3 weeks working and worry about trying to come up with a means to get another vehicle so we can go to work every day.  Sure has deflated the spirit of Christmas.  I wonder if the thief driving our truck or walking around with the money he profited from it is getting up and going to work every day?  I seriously doubt it.  And in case you’re curious we got nothing from our insurance because of the coverage we chose to carry and we’re okay with that.  We work hard for what we have and for someone to come and take that away not only hurts you financially, but also emotionally.  How dare you spin this to be the victims fault. 

Here’s an idea…..have you ever thought of blaming the THIEF instead of the victim?

Editor's note: Several of our reports on stolen vehicles or break-ins did include information that many (not all) of the vehicles targeted were left unlocked or had the keys inside the vehicle. I agree that the blame lies with the person or persons responsible for the thefts.
web posted December 15, 2010

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Re: Crenshaw Sues Citizens Group for Defamation, Civil Conspiracy
 
For those citizens of Edgefield County, or any other county for that matter who believe there should be some changes made in the school system, they should all stand up and be accounted for.  Someone should start an account at the bank to pay for the expenses for this law suit against James (Jim) Jackson, Charles Kemp and John Brown. They have the guts to stand up and speak out.  If you believe in what they are doing, everyone needs to  open up their wallets and support them.  Also there should be a public record of who is behind them and is supporting them.  How about it Edgefield County citizens?  She may back off of the lawsuit when she finds out who and how many supporters they have.  She may even back way out - of the door and never come back.
web posted December 15, 2010

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Poor old Bettis (Rainsford). Can't pay the tax bills can't do this or that and it's everybody's fault but his.
Whine whine whine. He needs to face he's a has been and can't get anywhere using everybody elses' money anymore. The golden goose has laid her last egg. You can fool some of the people some of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time. I guess he can't fool anyone anytime anymore. Maybe now he can spend some time fixing up his barn with a hole in the roof the size of self aggrandizing ego.
web posted December 15, 2010

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Democrats have their panties in a twist and Republicans are patting themselves on the back, both in response to the likelihood that the Bush-era rates of taxation will not be repealed.  But the idea that Democrats should be upset with this deal is surprising--as surprising as any Republican calling himself a fiscal hawk should be happy.  Republicans got sucker-punched again, for the exact same reason they always do: they mistook gross fiscal and moral irresponsibility for "compassion." Let me explain.

Here's what Republicans got:  nothing.  By nothing I mean that, if the deal in its current form is passed, all that happens is the current rates of taxation stay the same.  Perhaps is some intellectual circles changing nothing equals something.  Certainly Democrats think so.  They're quite adamant about characterizing a maintenance of the current status quo as a "tax cut," which is as unsurprising as it is inaccurate.  Calculated misrepresentation is one of their primary calling cards.  And they're more than willing to embellish that misrepresentation with a dollop of class warfare by adding the words "for the rich" to the words "tax cut." 

No doubt the fact that 48% of Americans pay no income tax at all is the essence of "fairness" for the "social justice" sputterers, thoroughly convinced that someone--make that anyone--besides themselves owes them a living as compensation for the "heartless" inequities of capitalism.  Even if that were so (which it's not), biting the hand that feeds you, as in vilifying successful Americans for their success, even as you put your hand deeper in their pockets, is hardly a recipe for winning hearts and minds. 

One suspects that if the last election proved anything, it is a substantial number of Americans have had their sympathy meters pushed to the limit.  A government confiscating 25% of the Gross National Product, even as it castigates Americans for not contributing more to its wretched excess, tends to clarify many addled minds.

"Two things are infinite:The universe and human stupidity, I'm not sure about the universe."
-- Albert Einstein
web posted December 15, 2010

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Here is an example of class warfare.  This statement below. 

The Democrats promoted the easy lending to those who could not afford homes by threat of the government under the Democrat controlled Congress,

Yep poor people caused our housing and insurance defaults.  It was not greedy people lobbying congress in the 90's to get rid of the mortgage regulations that kept our system in check since the 40's.  It was not banks who lent to people off all income levels, held the mortgages for a month, made the loan fees, sold the loans, packaged them into securites, sold the securities at a profit, had their rating agency fraudulently inflate the rating of the bond, sold insurance on the bonds, pocketed the insurance premiums, paid out huge bonuses to executives on Wall Street, and then asked for a taxpayer bailout when the insurance policy holders came to collect on the claim.

No it was poor people who caused it all. 

Well, if you believe in class warfare.

Editor's note: Those responsible for forcing the regulations to be lifted were Democrats supporting the quasi-government run lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who we are still bailing out to this day for their irresponsible actions and being allowed to issue the worthless paper the loans generated.

I would also state I was against TARP as I was against Obama's trillion dollar pork filled "stimulus".
web posted December 15, 2010

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RE: "Additionally, given the penalties and interest which are charged on unpaid taxes, the county stands to benefit substantially from the late payment of these and other late taxes.
 
Since you have raised the question of the County’s need for tax revenue, county citizens may be interested to know that, prior to my involvement with the area which is now within Mount Vintage, this property produced approximately $15,000 in annual tax revenue. 

Today, it produces approximately $1.4 million in annual tax revenue. That is not such a bad deal for the county. Additionally, the other commercial and industrial activities in which I have been involved in Edgefield County over the last thirty-five years produce another $500,000 to $600,000 in annual tax revenue. Thus, the county currently benefits to the tune of approximately $2 million annually for my efforts over the years."

Simply amazing.  All of what Rainsford did was "to benefit" the county???? Hah!  More like benefit himself.  His greed got too him.  He over leveraged himself, and when the bottom fell out of the real estate market he got caught by his own greed and hunger for power and control.  And now he wants everyone to believe that his being delinquent is okay because it will ultimately benefit the county?  What a crock of fecal matter! Typical Liberal Democrat thieving thug!  Now he's the victim, and we should all pity him for what he has done for "the county."  Boo hoo hoo.  Yeah right.  Taxes on the property went from $15,000 to $1.4 million, so he states, and how much did his net worth go up?    Counties all around us are doing well.  He ran this county just like he ran his business-into the ground.  Good riddens!  Thank you America for waking up! Thank you Edgefield County for waking up!
web posted December 15, 2010

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RE:Na na na na, Na na na na, Hey, hey, hey, Goodbye. Crenshaw is going.
Ding dong she is gone.

did I miss something? Did Crenshaw get fired?

Editor's note: No, Dr. Crenshaw remains in her position and her contract is not up for review until June, if memory serves.
web posted December 15, 2010

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Michelle Obama on Deciding What Kids Eat: ‘We Can’t Just Leave it Up to The Parents'
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michelle-obama-45-billion-child-nutritio

Editor's note: Have you ever seen an elected Democrat that thought individuals should have the right to run their own lives?
web posted December 15, 2010

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Wikileaks proves Bush was right. Saddam had WMD's!
Wired magazine's contributing editor Noah Shachtman -- a nonresident fellow at the liberal Brookings Institution -- researched the 400,000 WikiLeaked documents released in October. Here's what he found: "By late 2003, even the Bush White House's staunchest defenders were starting to give up on the idea that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. But WikiLeaks' newly-released Iraq war documents reveal that for years afterward, U.S. troops continued to find chemical weapons labs, encounter insurgent specialists in toxins and uncover weapons of mass destruction (emphasis added). ... Chemical weapons, especially, did not vanish from the Iraqi battlefield. Remnants of Saddam's toxic arsenal, largely destroyed after the Gulf War, remained. Jihadists, insurgents and foreign (possibly Iranian) agitators turned to these stockpiles during the Iraq conflict -- and may have brewed up their own deadly agents."
web posted December 15, 2010

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Having been called many things in my life, I kinda like being referred to as a "kook." Not as good as "eccentric," mainly because an eccentric usually has money. But it's better than "nuts" and much preferred over "stone-cold bats*** f***** crazy."
Read more (The Garnet Spy)
web posted December 15, 2010

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Re:  Editor's note: Not to get into a theology debate here, but I believe in the Bible and praying to God - not a man-appointed saint - to grant an answer to prayer. I just don't think God needs the help of dead humans to help him do his job as Creator.

I respect your belief.  However, if you do believe in the Bible, you then must believe in the power God bestowed upon humans to perform extraordinary feats. Call them miracles or not it doesn't matter.  Danny Thomas had a great belief in the power bestowed by God on St. Jude.  And you only have to
visit the Children's Research Hospital in Memphis to see the miracles that happen every day.  Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Editor's note: I agree God works His miracles through humans (I believe it was Paul or another Apostle who also raised someone from the dead), but that feat was not because of the human, it was because of God. The Shriners provide free help to children suffering and yet I do not pray through them to answer my prayers.

I just believe that the only being able to grant an answer to prayer is God.

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.
web posted December 14, 2010

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Way to go on the teen that killed the MONSTER BUCK ! Love to see our youth doing something mind productive , than out mind shattering . Hope he gets more in the future!
web posted December 14, 2010

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Having a wife who comes home in tears everyday is beginning to wear on the patients of some of the husbands. These ladies earned college degrees when it was required to actually attend school. Now that the education system has fallen into the toilet I suppose it would be natural for the system to be maintained by plumbers who only know that hot is on the left cold on the right and everything runs downhill--the direction they are traveling. The administrators in these schools had better wake up or they are going to find themselves working on toilets somewhere else. If they can't support and protect the teachers in the classrooms then they have no job to do. They don't teach anything. They don't bring in any money. All they do is run behind the name plate that decries "insubordination" and treat the teachers like they don't belong there. When students are allowed to carry and use cell phones in order to cheat on tests then there is a loss of credibility. That is your first indictment. Prove it is not so!
web posted December 14, 2010

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Na na na na, Na na na na, Hey, hey, hey, Goodbye. Crenshaw is going. Ding dong she is gone.  Thing is, she shoulda never been hired in the first place, especially if they voted on her qualifications, but we all know that didn't happen right Bro Bibbs, Sister Sally, Mary Alice, and Viola?  Oh I'm sorry, I forgot Viola is no longer with us either. And Crenshaw knows that too, and is now scrambling to find a way to stay.  Too bad, so sad.  Ooops! Guess we shouldn't celebrate just yet-we haven't seen the door hit her in the (rear).  Sooner or later it'll all catch up to you.  Remember-be careful who you step on, on the way up, you'll never know who you'll meet on the way down.
web posted December 14, 2010

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The principal at STHS is destroying staff morale . He is showering praise and attention to those who (favor him), putting 'yes-men' in positions of authority over other teachers, and shunning anyone who dares to  disagree with any of his declarations from on high. The students and staff of Strom Thurmond High School deserve better than this self promoting little man.
web posted December 14, 2010

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Way to go Nikki !  She is going to be a FINE Governor for South Carolina.  She is already showing that she is not scared.  You GO NIKKI !
web posted December 14, 2010

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I have never seen so much candy thrown at a parade and I am an over 40 adult. I don't think it mattered what color you were if you didn't get candy there then there was some other issue going on! It was actually quite entertaining to pick up so many pieces and there was plenty for all. Good quality candy as well. The parade was also entertaining and an enjoyable outing!
web posted December 14, 2010

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OMG!!! "They" didn't throw my kid candy because he is black!!!! For goodness sakes. The only reason racism is alive is because of iditiots like this nutcase. Boo Hoo, my kid didn't get a free toy or candy. Shut the (removed) up!!!! Why should everyone GIVE you what you should buy? Its a (darn) PARADE and there were black people in it throwing candy too!!!!!!! I guess "they" are racists too?
web posted December 14, 2010

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Re: Government IS the problem, it is NOT the solution. TARP created more money from thin air (again, refer to my column) and plans to create another $600 to $800 billion more just by turning on the printing presses. Each time the value of your dollars decrease. This can be seen in the steady rise in oil (gas) prices which are based on US Dollars. As the dollar goes down in value, the cost goes up. See the part on inflation (the hidden tax).
web posted December 13, 2010

As I said before, the TARP was not created on President Obama’s watch.  And as I said before the Federal Reserve, government, that you referred to in your paper over 6 years ago was controlled by the Republicans.  So I can only conclude that the truth will not set you free.  As a nation, we have enjoyed the longest streak of low gas prices in the last two years.  Before President Obama took office, the price of gas increased at the whim of the oil companies.  Even with the BP spill, the price of oil did not go up as expected.  Because we now know that the oil companies reserve can absorb accidents and spills.  And yeah it is rising now, but just imagine where it would have been if new guidelines had not been put in place.  You should be thanking President Obama then running a crusade against him.  The laws that he is trying to pass will not benefit him nor his family.  He’s doing it for the middle class.

Editor's note: Everything Obama is doing is killing the middle class (for those who love "class warfare"). Not to mention that gas prices have risen 33% since he took office. Again, please check your facts.

The Democrats increased the minimum wage (which led to layoffs) then promoted the easy lending to those who could not afford homes by threat of the government under the Democrat controlled Congress, and have since printed nearly $2 trillion in money from nothing. And you want to blame who? Is Bush to blame for part of this, yes. I blame both Bush and Obama. Why can't you blame Obama for his part? Bias on your part?
web posted December 14, 2010

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Editor's post: This is the last week to enter the Edgefield Daily and Tidwell Jewelers $500 Christmas Giveaway. Drawing will be held this Saturday and your entry will have to be in by Friday to qualify. You cannot win if you do not enter!

Looks like some weather maps show us getting rain turning to snow midweek (Tues. Dec. 21). Don't get too excited just yet. That's over a week out. We will keep an eye on things and continue to stay in touch with the Edgefield County EMA Office on possible weather advisories as well as a number of meteorologists.

There were reports of sleet and freezing rain in the mid to late afternoon in Merriwether as well as snow flurries in Edgefield, Johnston, and Trenton on Sunday.

You should be careful of standing water on roadways or bridges that will freeze overnight. It might look like water, but will most likely be "black ice". Drive with caution.
web posted December 14, 2010 

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It's time to wake up when it comes to Edgefield politics and begin asking yourself some questions concerning how and why the dumb[removed] get all the breaks. For instance, why is so much concern and energy given to the Cocaine Jackson case when it is pure and simple this scum bag does not live in this country and his quest for a school board seat with his good buddy 'Professor Bibbs' is given the NAACP red carpet by the spineless Edgefield Voting Commission. Are you afraid of that [removed] organization called the NAACP? Anyone remember the Million Dollar Man case? Then there is the case of Andy Yonce who is fired for asking reasonable questions from an inept boss (hired by inept Wayne Adams) who should be the one really getting fired. Again, the inept person concerned is given the 'Cocaine Jackson' preferential treatment and the real issue at hand is brushed aside. The firing of Andy Yonce could have been avoided if Mr. Altoon Brown were doing his job. My advice to Mr. Yonce is to get a good lawyer and sue the county. And if Mr. Altoon Brown is determined to be the person who put the county in a position for a law suite, he and the Obama supporting idiots who hired him be sued by the good citizens of Edgefield for ineptness which is not too hard to prove. Then maybe someone will wake up and take charge of this county and quit acting like the 429 dumb[removed] Johnston voters supporting Cocaine Jackson.
web posted December 13, 2010

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I'm dissappointed in Judge Knox McMahon.  I hope he doesn't lack the "intestional fortitude" to do the right thing.  Our comminity and the school district have been left hanging long enough.  Also, I think Dr. Crenshaw is running scared.  Why else would she file her lawsuite right before her contract renewal is being decided upon.  If the board decides to send her packing, I hope they send Linderman, Clinkscales and Brown with her.  How does everyone else feel out there?

Editor's note: Judge McMahon and the local Elections Commission has done a fine job to this point. Judge McMahon did ask at the hearing if the seat was "open" and was informed that Mary Alice Jackson would continue to serve until a duly elected replacement has been certified. I can understand wanting to review all the evidence (which in my opinion is overwhelming) before reaching a decision.

I do think it is unfair to Mr. Whitfield and Mr. Herrin (although Herrin knows he will be in the run-off no matter how the ruling goes) because it hurts their ability to campaign. Plus, getting voters out again in January, two months removed from a general election or run-off period, seems to disenfranchise some voters.

I think it would have been far better if Jackson would have just stepped aside after the first ruling and let the majority of voters decide. More people voted against him than voted for him, take the hint and move on.
web posted December 13, 2010

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I am increasingly questioning the intelligence of the folk living in Merriwether community! Unlawful entry into their automobiles has become an almost nightly event and yet, as reported in EdgefieldDaily.com (Saturday), they are leaving their automobiles unlocked, with valuables in them no less!!! A thought, are they filing insurance claims? If so they should soon find themselves uninsurable!
web posted December 13, 2010

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I love Edgefield County. We could have moved to any number of counties, and chose Edgefield because of its small town, quiet , slow character. Well, for nearly 5 years now, we have endured extreme noise pollution and hardly a day of quiet. What can I do????? Please help. Our neighbor runs their leaf blower sometimes 3 hours a day, every possible day they can. At first, I figured they'd tire of it. No.... it continues..... day in... and day out.... even now.

Editor's note: I assume this is being done during the daylight hours. I would contact the town police or the Sheriff's Office to see if the noise is covered under noise ordinances.
web posted December 13, 2010

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It’s very funny that Bettis “fired” Durham so his son could run the construction company.  Why is it that the Mayor,  was hanging around the construction site, and it looked like he was telling workers how or what to do. This is speculation, because I didn’t hear the conversation.  But it certainly looked like he was giving some type of building instructions.

I haven’t seen the little Rainsford, guess he is holding the office down.

This really makes me sick, especially since the Mayor stated his company would not be working on this project. Well since he was fired, I guess this isn’t his company.

Editor's note: Mr. Durham stated at the time he resigned as the President of the company it was his choice to leave. There is nothing wrong with him going to the site and speaking with workers anymore than it is for you to do the same as a taxpayer.

Edgefield Construction is not performing any of the work on the project.
web posted December 13, 2010

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RE: "Are we now firing people for asking questions to their boss? What a crock."

And don't forget, suing citizens because they speak out and ask questions.  But hey, don't you know that's the new standard.  If you're an incompetent boob and THE PEOPLE question your failed policies, this is the method used to silence public outrage.  That's trickle down community organization at its best.  The shining example from the White House to the School House.  Not anymore!  The people have finally awakened and caught on.  Our constitution was designed the way it was to eliminate the elitists' ability to seize control over the people.  Thank God our forefathers were smart and assembled on their own.  It appears elections bring out the dumb masses and they are the ones that get elected.
web posted December 13, 2010

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On Sunday, December 5, 2010, my family and I attended the annual Christmas parade in downtown Edgefield.  We thoroughly enjoyed the parade, however I experienced an act of favoritism in the area in which I was standing.  To specifically mention one of several incidences, the man with a statue of Elvis in his car held up a teddy bear and my grandson was going to get it, but instead he gave it to the white by-stander standing next to us.  My grandson asked, "Why didn't he give it to me?" I found some reason to cover up that situation.  The look on his little face prompted me to write this letter.  Another child said, "They wouldn't give us any candy."  These are children!!!  If you can't be fair to them all, stop throwing candy and stop passing out gifts.  Children are innocent and prejudices are taught.

Editor's note: I have no idea about someone handing out toys, however; there was so much candy thrown out to all those attending the parade that it still littered the street on Monday.
web posted December 13, 2010

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St. Jude Novena
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.  Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us.  St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day.  By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail.  Publication must be promised.  Thank you St. Jude for granting my petition.

Editor's note: Not to get into a theology debate here, but I believe in the Bible and praying to God - not a man-appointed saint - to grant an answer to prayer. I just don't think God needs the help of dead humans to help him do his job as Creator.
web posted December 13, 2010

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This is to the person saying lower taxes is bad for the economy. Read it and weep!
The Historical Lessons of Lower Tax Rates
web posted December 13, 2010

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I have a question. How does Mr. Rainsford stay the chairman of the economic committee and owe back taxes and (has) all the other foreclosures and debt collections against him?

Editor's note: You will have to ask your elected county council member that question. They appoint the members that represent the county.
web posted December 13, 2010

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RE: Bettis tried to save the club after the formerly member-owned club made unwise decsions to borrow money to renovate the club house and could not pay the loan back. This was fueled by Mayor Ken Durham. He/Bettis persuaded the club board to borrow the money so Edgefield Cosntruction could do the renovations and make a handsome profit. So Bettis/Durham caused the problem, Bettis tried to swoop in and clean up the dirty mess, and now it rests in foreclosure.

 
We've lived in Mt. Vintage for many years and have been members of the Golf Club since moving here.  When has it ever been a member owned golf club?

Editor's note: The poster is referring to Pine Ridge Country Club, not Mt. Vintage.
web posted December 13, 2010

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The Republicans held Pres. Obama hostage to get the tax cuts for the rich. Why are we giving millionares and billionares all this money that we need?

Editor's note: Please stop watching or reading the state controlled media to get your information. It makes you ignorant to the facts. "We" are not giving high income producers money. They earned the money the government wants to take (just like the other tax increases that would come to all taxpayers if the vote to extend them is not passed). No one is getting a tax cut. Tax rates will remain the same. The Democrats have a super majority in the House and 59 seats in the Senate. If anyone is to blame for his move to the center, it is his failure to get his own party members to go along. Most of which got kicked out of office for following his Marxist agenda to begin with. You can lead a Democrat to the facts, but you can't make him think. 
web posted December 13, 2010

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Re:  Editor's note: ... You should read my column written six years ago to understand how this system works. Refute it if you can.
web posted December 9, 2010

I must say your vocabulary decrease as your anger increase.  Your column written six years ago was very interesting.  You wrote it during the time that the economy was beginning it downfall.  You realized that the banks were showing sound management on paper but in real life, the money was not there.  That was 4 years before President Obama came on the scene.  That was before the Democrats took over the house and senate.  That was before the stock market fell.  Yet you only give the Democrats credit for this mess that was created under Republican leadership.  You had it right.  So I am curious to know why you only give the Democrats credit for this mess.  I guess you know by now that millionaires and billionaires money was not wasted during the last election.  And I do believe if you listen closely to the news, a modified tax cut was given on estate taxes.  I don’t refute your article from six years ago, but I wonder if you have gone back and read it.  Everything you said was done over the last four years.  Even the budget for 2009 was in place before President Obama took office.  He was able to institute guidelines that made borrowing the money from TART unfavorable.  And those who had taken it couldn’t wait to pay it back.  But using your investigative skills, I know that you have studied the last depression we faced.  You understand the importance of the Federal government stepping in to help its people during a depression. 

And I hope you noticed exactly what the Republicans accomplished in one week.  Continuing tax cuts and breaks for the rich and no $250.00 check for the seniors.  It is good to know where there heart is and how their vote is cast.  Your article was right on time but it wasn’t directed at the Democrats.  The Republicans had full control of the country.

Editor's note: How can you read so much and still be so misinformed. Where to start? The plan (being worked out by the huge majorities held in the current Democrat Controlled Congress (Not Republican controlled) does not give a "tax cut" on the death tax. The current rate is ZERO and it will go to 35%. I'm sorry, but even in government schools the least educated knows 35% is higher than 0%, unless you are a liberal Democrat.

My column, thank you for reading by the way, was written on the failure of the Federal Reserve and the corrupt Federal Government that uses it to steal money from everyone, even the poor. I do not agree the government should get involved in the free market. That is the whole problem to start with. Please, go back and read it again. Government IS the problem, it is NOT the solution. TARP created more money from thin air (again, refer to my column) and plans to create another $600 to $800 billion more just by turning on the printing presses. Each time the value of your dollars decrease. This can be seen in the steady rise in oil (gas) prices which are based on US Dollars. As the dollar goes down in value, the cost goes up. See the part on inflation (the hidden tax).
web posted December 13, 2010

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So who is the tactician behind Crenshaw?  Everyone knows she's married to a retired jar head.  Because he's an ex-marine doesn't make him a strategist.  So is it her?  I know stupid is as stupid does, but could both of them really be that stupid??????  Don't they realize that Edgefield Daily archives everything that was put in print?  If she's this incompetent, maybe those guys were onto something.
web posted December 13, 2010

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Na na na na, Na na na na, Hey hey hey, Goodbye. It's party time! Monroe is gone. Ding dong the (removed) is dead!!! Do us proud Dead (Campbell)!
web posted December 13, 2010

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The Democratic Party has been telling us for a couple of generations that Republicans hate children, the poor, people of color (though I think beige IS a color), immigrants, homosexuals, women, the elderly, Native Americans ... well, everyone but rich white folk.

Read more of this post (submitted by the Garnet Spy)
web posted December 13, 2010

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Editor's post: Note: Comments are short today due to a cut-off of 6 pm for press time. Anything delivered after 6 pm will be placed in the Monday edition.

As promised when the whole Calliham deal went down, I am still following the heavy price the taxpayers are paying as a result. As stated twice this week, the remodeling of the lower portion of the building is nearing $100,000 over budget. That shortfall is made up by using funds for road paving to do site work, drainage, and paving of the parking lot. A project pushed hard by Bettis Rainsford and Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham. Durham assured those attending town hall meetings at the time the project would not cost the taxpayer a penny.

Well, I will give him that truthful statement; it is costing them about 15,000,000 pennies so far.

Monies also used for the project were not including in the latest spending. During the planning stages the county spent a large sum of money for the 2KM firm to draw up designs and estimations on costs. During the project additional drawings, plans, and other architectural consultations have been utilized.

One thing I know from my extensive background in commercial and specialty construction; nothing an architectural firm does is cheap. The actual amount paid for these services is not represented in a spreadsheet accounting for the current cost of the project and remains undetermined at this time.

Tack that on the bill to the taxpayer as well.
web posted December 11, 2010 

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Re: Tax Accessor Younce's termination
 
Sounds to me like Bryant had it in for him; maybe it's because he holds a higher certification than her.  And the "I don't know which termination letter I sent him so I just filed one of them" argument is bull_____.  This county gets weirder every day.  I've come to the conclusion that it runs "by hook or by CROOK".
web posted December 11, 2010

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Why do you take out the word hell when others use it but not when you use it?

Editor's note: I refered to hell as a Biblical place, not as a curse word. It is removed when it is used in the context of the latter.
web posted December 11, 2010

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I read about Mr. Yonce’s hearing about being fired. Ms. Bryant had two termination letters? Multiple versions written? Can’t remember which one he was given? That is the biggest line of bull malarkey I’ve ever heard. How can she claim he was fired for refusing to do the work he proved he did? Are we now firing people for asking questions to their boss? What a crock.
web posted December 11, 2010

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I have not followed the Jackson appeal case in its entirety, but two questions need to be asked if they haven't been answered already: (1) Does Mr. Jackson get his mail at the disputed address? and (2) Does he claim a homestead exemption at that address?

Editor's note: There has been mail delieved to the address to him, but recieving a letter there does not prove the structure to be a domiclie. I can get mail at three locations; Edgefield, Merriwether, and Augusta.I live at only one of those addresses. The answer to the second question is no. It is on the tax books at 6%, meaning it it not a primary residence, which would be on the tax rolls at 4%.
web posted December 11, 2010

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Re: There is a foreclosure filed on the property (also owned by Mt. Vintage ie: Bettis Rainsford and Talmadge Knight). I have no idea if that will lead to its closing.

Bettis tried to save the club after the formerly member-owned club made unwise decsions to borrow money to renovate the club house and could not pay the loan back. This was fueled by Mayor Ken Durham. He/Bettis persuaded the club board to borrow the money so Edgefield Cosntruction could do the renovations and make a handsome profit. So Bettis/Durham caused the problem, Bettis tried to swoop in and clean up the dirty mess, and now it rests in foreclosure.
web posted December 11, 2010

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I saw where you called Bettis (Rainsford) a "Deadbeat". Better watch out, he mght sue you like Crenshaw is the other guys.

Editor's note: No, anyone who's company owes over $200,000 in delinquent taxers (about that much more in Augusta last time I checked) is a deadbeat in my opinion. Public records are public records, facts are facts, being chairman of the county's Development Committee is a public office, and opinions are protected under the 1st Amendment.
web posted December 11, 2010

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DId you really expect the new county building to be done under budget? Do you know how much fixing up the rest of the bld will be after Calliham's closes?

Editor's note: The estimates I have seen are over $1 million. And no, I knew from the start the county taxpayer was going to get soaked in this pre-ordanined deal.
web posted December 11, 2010

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Editor's post: I have been informed that the Edgefield County Council was given a spreadsheet (missing for three months) at the meeting Tuesday night. According to that information, the project is running over budget as the insurance money provided would include the total replacement of the burned out Church Street property. The figures provided show the project is at least $60,000 to $70,000 over budget, but that overage is being hidden by claiming the use of C-Funds which are not accounted for in drainage and site work (which was included in the estimate to replace the Church Street property.)

The numbers show that there are several jobs approved but not yet billed, and did not list any incidental or change orders currently under consideration. In addition, the site work and drainage is stated by Mike Reed to be $100,000, which is not included in the accounting for whatever reason.

I was asked to revise my statement that the project was over budget. I remain resolute that my comment stands with the information provided. There are also contractors or personnel that are working on an hourly basis whose bills have not been submitted at this time and will not be submitted until the work has been completed. This will only add to the cost of the project.

It is undisputed that funds that could go towards paving roads for county citizens are being diverted (but not budgeted) towards the project. Is it legal? Yes. Is it proper? You decide. Chairman Kneece stated that by allowing Mr. Reed to manage the project that it would come in under the budgeted $625,000 (we were told we would save $100,000) in insurance money, yet we know for a fact that it is costing nearly $100,000 more and that funds set aside for road projects are being diverted to to cover the costs.

The sad part is that the cost over-runs could have been offset if the county would have charged J.P. Callham for rental space in the county owned building he is using to profit from his business that he operates free of charge in government owned property rather than take funds designated to pave dirt roads in the county.

But it is better to reward Calliham who did not pay his bills, was foreclosed on, and had the property put up for tax sale for unpaid property taxes rather than spend these much needed funds to pave roads. Stupid taxpayers... why should you be put in front of a well connected insider? Haven't you lived in Edgefield County long enough to know how things are done here?

Will I revise my statements? Yes, when hell freezes over. I don't see that happening anytime soon.
web posted December 10, 2010 

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To the poster who wants to denote Crenshaw to a lunchroom lady--Our lunchroom ladies are a hard-working group who feed a large number of students efficiently in a short period of time. They maintain a cheerful attitude and do a great job! Doing their work would not be a demotion. They are valuable employees who work for their paychecks and work for all students.
web posted December 10, 2010 

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I just returned from my Grandaughters Christmas play at Merriwether Elem. What a joy it was to watch those children sing and dance....it came to mind that a lot of hard work and dedication went into that wonderful production...kudos to the teachers and students for a great hour of entertainent. The turnout was wonderful this community really supports this school and its students and staff.
web posted December 10, 2010 

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I am so glad the "new county building"  has been named for Kneece.  It will serve as a constant reminder of one of those times when  Kneece went against what the citizens wanted even after saying the issue was dead, never to be brought up again and voted to purchase that building at too high a cost with too much being paid for renovations.  Now these same citizens get to pay for 15-20 additional parking spaces.  Sure Kneece did what he thought was right.  Right for Bettis and Ken.  We have a constant reminder that business property has come off the tax rolls thus reduced revenue.  We are receiving no money for Calliham renting (for free) the overpriced building. 
 
I see Dorn finally got something for his "group".  The Church rents the property to the County for $1 and the citizens of the County get to pay to keep it up and improve it.  Now a pavilion for the church members, no youth recreation and the property is so bad you can't even put in a septic tank.  Good investment there.  Yeah we are going to have economic developers beating down our door to locate here with these kinds of decisions being made and with the economic leader who can't even pay his taxes.  January there will be a real opportunity to change the course for the citizens of Edgefield County.  It will only happen if the citizens (you know those who pay the bills) stand up and demand better service from our elected officials.
 
Hey Dorn no one said your group didn't pay taxes.  It was said that the Merriwether section pays more, is growing and actually has children and adults which would utilize a recreation facility.  I think we are all tired of seeing only a "select" group of people receiving the largest percentage of the recreational funds while others do without and pay more.  It is past time to straighten this mess out.
web posted December 10, 2010

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Saw the notes today re Rainsford taxes,  Calliham project....... Keep up the news.  Need a spotlight on all he's orchestrating to waste Edgefield taxpayers' money, as well as destroy the Mount Vintage community. Sure appears he's squandered all the $ he sucked out from MV and the numerous banks that bought into his "vision" !
web posted December 10, 2010

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Geez, maybe if everyone paid their taxes, they would have a right to ask for things like money for some historical film about Edgefield. What is it a about being responsible that some people just don't get?  I would think the folks that just love Edgefield and all of its history etc. would do everything possible to help it survive. Seems like you would put your money where your mouth is. Do they think the rules just don't apply to them but they apply to everyone else? It reminds me of our national government-expect the little guys to carry the ball and just keep spending, spending. I am tired of following the rules, doing the right thing and watching all the egos and greedy people taking advantage of me. It is everywhere I look-nationally, locally and even in my neighborhood. To say it is disturbing is an understatement.
web posted December 10, 2010

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What's the story with Pine Ridge Country Club?  I'm hearing rumors that it is closing!

Editor's note: There is a foreclosure filed on the property (also owned by Mt. Vintage ie: Bettis Rainsford and Talmadge Knight). I have no idea if that will lead to its closing.
web posted December 10, 2010

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I'm glad someone if following what goes on in the county. I have 4 kids 2 jobs and a wife that works and I don't have time to go to all these meetings. Maybe that is why they've gotten away with doing whatever they want to do all these years. Thank you. Somebody needs to keep them honest. Keep up the good work!!!
web posted December 10, 2010

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If Jackson lives in that poor “black” house in Johnston?? Where does he get the “money” to provide for his legal team ? Is this paid for by the “NAACP” ?
web posted December 10, 2010

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Re: reading local papers..... I can't remmeber the last time i wasted two bits on a paper. I read edgefield daily, the citizen news (way late on everything) the aiken standard and the augusta chronicle online to keep up on what's going on. The (Augusta) chronicle is going to start charging for their website so i guesss i won't read them anymore. I hope (Edgefield Daily) won't folow suit and start charging.

Editor's note: Edgefield Daily will never require a registration or a fee to read our news. Print media is suffering from reduced readership and are seeking ways to augment their income. We do not need to make such a move as we are based on an online business plan that has proven profitable over the years and will continue to provide our reports free of charge.
web posted December 10, 2010

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Editor's post: I have been stopped by more than one person recently asking how the Building and Planning Department can occupy an unfinished building when they are the ones who will not let a homeowner into their home until all construction has been completed and a C.O. (Certificate of Occupancy) has been issued. The simple answer is, under the current Democrat majority running this county (until January) the county government is there to tell you to do as they say, not as they do.

It is also odd how the requested running spreadsheet of the money spent on the Kneece Building by County Councilwoman Genia Blackwell disappeared after it went over budget. Building Director Mike Reed stated on Monday that roughly $100,000 being used by the county above and beyond the insurance money was a non-factor ("didn't count") because it was being provided by C-Funds (a different source of tax funding not designated for the remodeling of the building).

I thought the project being handled by Reed was going to save us over $100,000. Remember, of the $625,000 supplied by insurance for the replacement of the Church St. property destroyed by fire, $315,000 was used to purchase the Calliham building. And why is the county providing funding to correct a drainage problem created by the Old Edgefield Grill's water run-off at taxpayer expense? The owner causing the problem is the one responsible for correcting it.

I know that is a rhetorical question because Bettis Rainsford is the owner (who cannot seem to pay his company's property taxes in excess of $200,000). You can't get money out of a deadbeat so why bother.

The professional estimate provided to the county by the hired architectural firm 2KM, which was attacked and refuted by the county leaders when published by Edgefield Daily, placed the baseline cost at $892,810.63, not including the purchase price of $315,000.

They just hate it when the facts get in the way of the fibs they try to sell to the taxpayers and will do anything to hide it from being exposed. Which is why they hate Edgefield Daily providing taxpayers with the truth. After all, "Truth is the mother of hatred".

If I was wrong in my accounting of the professional estimates, why are the costs being hidden? Why, if I was wrong, are the cost overruns being deemed as not significant because they are being funneled through other tax revenues placed for road improvements, not the Calliham fiasco? Who mislead (and continues to mislead) to the taxpayers? Me, or the county?

Looks like a Freedom of Information Request is in order to force the county to show how our tax dollars are being misdirected and misused during the worst recession in nearly a century to purchase and remodel a building pushed by none other than Bettis Rainsford (based on false statements) who can't find it in his heart to pay his company's property taxes for his own development.

Do not forget, J.P. Calliham is allowed to use two thirds of the property to continue to run his business in county owned property free of charge. It's nice to have friends in high places.

I am so glad that the Good Ole' Boy system is not alive and well in Edgefield County. Otherwise I would be extremely upset.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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Here's a good idea.
 
If we want to keep our nation's secrets, SECRET; store them where President Obama stores his college transcripts and birth certificate.

Editor's note: This is the same government that wants to have all of our medical records digitized and held by them. If they cannot protect secret transmittals, what hope do you have of having your medical records kept secret? Obamacare at its best, or would that be at its worst?
web posted December 9, 2010 

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In reference to the parade and why the merchants and gift shops weren't open.... Paperwhites was!
web posted December 9, 2010 

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Re: Mt. Vintage claiming to be part of North Augusta

The only connection Mt. Vintage has to North Augusta is the mail delivery. Unfortunately, Mt. Vintage is privileged to pay Edgefield county taxes, which are unfair and inflated, and they get nothing for their taxes. The residents of Edgefield get the benefit of all of their tax money. I wouldn't worry about whether they have some connection to North Augusta but rather be thankful for the cash they provide a stagnant county like Edgefield.

Editor's note: Merriwether fire district, which also includes Mt. Vintage and the Merriwether County Council District 5, pays well over half of all property taxes paid in the county and gets nothing in return, including the same percentage of recreation taxes that never get spent in Merriwether. To those who claim we have the best funded fire department for those taxes, that is paid through a separate tax above and beyond all other taxes.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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re - Armed robbery.... I read the story on the armed robbery and never saw a peep about it in the papers. That's why I read Edgefield Daily. Ya'll always have the real news. Not a word about the burglaries around the county and nothing on the major crimes in the papers today. Thank you for giving us the real news and not all the stupid crap nobody cares about. I'm done buying the papers.

Editor's note: Thank you for the kind comments. Edgefield Daily is the only local news media that actually covers the crime beat in our county on a daily basis, including on the scene reports.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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Re:  Editor's note: "Our greed?" By "our" are you speaking of the federal government which takes money out of the economy through taxation (negitive impact) or the "greed" of those who work 60, 70, and even 80 hours a week to get ahead so the federal government can take those "greedy" people's money who dare to work hard and produce wealth and create jobs? Almost 1/2 of American workers do not pay income taxes (refunds exceed taxes paid) and those top wage earners pay roughly 80% or more of all income taxes paid under the current tax rates. Who is paying their "fair share" an who isn't?

No, I can truthfully say that Federal government is loading its pockets with greed.  Nor am I saying that you are loading your pocket.  I maybe wrong but I really do not believe you would be labeled as one of the wealthiest people in America.  You do defend them mightily.  Why, I really don’t know.  Maybe they are supporting your site.  But the problem with America is the fact that there has developed a big gap between the middle class and the upper class.  The middle class has found itself almost on level with those we call poor and needy.  I understand that in Edgefield, this is usually referred to as someone with dark color.  But Edgefield is small compared to other counties in South Carolina and other counties in other states.  Believe it or not, people of dark color are a minute percentage of people who are receiving help from the Federal government.  There would be no deficit if America was only helping people of dark color.  You are wrong about your statement that only ½ of American workers pay taxes.  Americans labeled as middle class are paying taxes ranging from $6,000 to $20,000.  They do not qualify for earned income credit or other cuts that the rich and poor enjoy.  So, I am curious, are you part of the upper class?  Did extending the tax cuts for the rich have a profound effect on your income?  Will your children be able to inherit $5 millions without paying any taxes on it?  How do you benefit from the tax cuts?

Editor's note: Since you obviously have had a liberal laboratory, there are no tax cuts being voted on. Either the tax rates stay the same or they go up on everyone, even the poor. Get your head out of your liberal rectum and learn the truth. The government does not create wealth, they steal it from those who do. The only thing the feds can do is diminish the value of the dollars created from free enterprise by printing more money. You should read my column written six years ago to understand how this system works. Refute it if you can.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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Mrs. Crenshaw's civil lawsuit is a joke. Mrs.Crenshaw is a joke. The only way she has the job is because of a racist school board. she put ''emotial distress'', goodness we all need to sue her if thats the case. i got alittle more faith in the school board coming up. and that got her scared. Maybe Strom Thurmond will wake up and demote her to a lunch room lady.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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RE: “Of course he (Jackson) will have ten days to appeal that ruling (if the original ruling is upheld) to the (South Carolina) Supreme Court,”Medlock said. If that ruling upholds the disqualification of Jackson he would still be able to appeal that to the Untied States Supreme Court. “I don’t see that happening,” Medlock said, “that’s really gets expensive.”

If Jackson care about the tax money being  spent he never would have appealed the original. All he cares about is himself.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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Southerners are the nicest people on earth. I want to thank the compassionate men and women who helped my son and I this (Wednesday) morning when my truck broke down.
Thank you very much.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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RE: "I guess I'll have to attend all meetings and call out the idiots on City Council who would even entertain this !@#$..."

You better watch it buster!  Just because you elected or pay people with taxpayer money does not give you the right to question their actions or policies.  So, SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! Or you'll end up like Jackson, Kemp, and Brown.
web posted December 9, 2010 

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Editor's post: Congratulations on Chairman Monroe Kneece's retirement. It is well deserved.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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As I drove to work about 10 today (Tuesday) it was nice to see all the flags at half mast for Pearl Harbor Day. My dad was there and the stories he told were captivating and instilled a pride in America and the members of our armed forces that I cannot put into words. I can't tell you how ashamed I was when I passed the (County) courthouse and their flag was full mast like it was any other day. This isn't the first time I've noticed this happening.

Editor's note: I recieved several complaints about this today, including at least three phone calls. I did speak with Clerk of Court Shirly Newby later in the day and was informed the flag pole is maintained by the county, not the court house. If you would like to file a complaint you can email County Administrator Alton Brown here or call him at 803-637-2103.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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COI read with great incredulity to proposition that we spend $10,000.00 on a six or seven minute film about Edgefield...Are you !@#$% idiots insane ?  There is a recession going on, budget cuts are happening all over, people are having unemployment cut off, and the idiots on Edgefield City Council are even entertaining this foolishness...
 
Attention dum-dums on Edgefield City Council...If you are that STUPID...Do I need to say more ?   Psst, if you want a six to seven minute film about Edgefield, get a student from a college film school and they will make it for their film project...Anybody who wants $10,000.00 or $12,500.00 for a film is nothing but a rip-off artist...Dummies on Edgefield City Council, grow a brain...It seems the residents of Edgefield need to be there at ALL Edgefield City Council meetings to prevent this idiocy...
 
After all, don't we remember the $4,500 that these dummies spent on a dance with beach music back in April...
 
I guess I'll have to attend all meetings and call out the idiots on City Council who would even entertain this !@#$...
web posted December 8, 2010 

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Sounds like Crenshaw is trying to scare the board into keeping her around....maybe she doesn't want to do her grant business full time; oh wait; she's doing that anyway!....guess she could always get 3 years unemployment checks.

Editor's note: Federal unemployment benefits are the new Welfare by a different name.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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I have a question, Mount Vintage is in Edgefield County right so why does it claim to be in North Augusta.

Editor's note: Ask Bettis Rainsford. After all, he's the half owner and original developer. Oh, and he's the Chairman of the Edgefield Economic Committee Chairman who also owes a ton of delinquent taxes on the same property, some of which was sold at the tax sale this week. The day before the sale his company owed over $211,000 in local taxes that were unpaid. In Augusta it was $163,000 in unpaid taxes.

What a great ambassador he is for the county seeking to bring in new industry.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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OMG!  Crenshaw has just proven what I have believed all along.  Just because you have an advanced degree doesn't mean you're smart.  She just gave these guys subpoena power. WOW!  This is going to get good. LOL
web posted December 8, 2010 

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Interesting. Where do these people find attorneys to take their case? Who is representing Crenshaw? I have a lawsuit that involves discrimination that she would be a part of. It has caused some emotional distress as well. She didn't look so distraught in the parade on Sunday. With so much emotional distress perhaps she should be relieved of her superintendent duties.  I hate to think she is in charge of making decisions for the school system that my children are part of. What a joke?

Editor's note: Crenshaw is represented by Marsha Banks of Banks & Associates, P.C. in Aiken.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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I was just wondering if Edgefield has a regular 4-H program? I was told there was not enough resources to have a general monthly club so we are going to McCormick. It looked like there was alot of kids on the 4-H floats at the Edgfield parade?

Editor's note: I am not positive, but I believe they announced the 4-H Club in the parade was from Merriwether.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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If you have problems accessing the Edgefield Town Square WebCAM from the Town's website try:
http://www.telecamsystems.com/townsquare/
This site refreshes every 15 seconds
web posted December 8, 2010 

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After reading the proposed business license, it could be argued that the fees are not extremely high. However, in today`s economy, any new fee or tax increase will be a definite drag on business. Adding fees or taxes,  while sales and revenues are low, demonstrates a lack of fiscal responsibility on the part of our elected representatives. Cut unnecessary expenditures , such as funding for non-profits, before taking more from hard working families in Edgefield. That is what we have to do at our house! Why can`t government do the same?

Editor's note: That proposal was DOA before it was brought up at the meeting many months ago. I doubt it will be resurrected in the coming year.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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Any news on the Mt. Vintage tax sale in Edgefield?  The owners owe lots of back taxes. Did anyone pay them? I saw some of the big delinquent  tax payers paid up in augusta, looks like bettis moved up from the #5 spot to the #2 spot as biggest tax cheat since he refuses to pay his share there there also!!
web posted December 8, 2010

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Re:  "A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within." (W. Durant Re: “I have no idea what the argument on tax calculations everybody is fussing over but I do know that the DEMONcrats passed tax increases before they go out of power over the objections of those “mean-spirited Republicans” who want to keep taxes low.)              

Comments like the one up above makes me glad that I was taught to think before I open my mouth.  Undoubtedly you do not know who is paying the highest taxes in America- not the wealthy.  And now their taxes have been lowered even more.  America and her economy were sold to the highest bidder.  The capitalist money is reaping the rewards of the mostly costly election in history.  President Obama had to compromise in order to help the middle class. 

 "The Republicans got tax cuts for the best-off 2 percent and lower estate taxes for the very wealthiest families, neither of which will do much if anything to create jobs.”  Not my words but those of Lawrence Mishel, the president of the Economic Policy Institute.  He did state that "President Obama won policies that will put or keep money in the pockets of the families of the unemployed and middle and low-income families, which will increase spending and create jobs."  Want to read more, check out this site. What, no one hollering about the deficit?   Our greed is going to destroy us as a nation.

Editor's note: "Our greed?" By "our" are you speaking of the federal government which takes money out of the economy through taxation (negitive impact) or the "greed" of those who work 60, 70, and even 80 hours a week to get ahead so the federal government can take those "greedy" people's money who dare to work hard and produce wealth and create jobs? Almost 1/2 of American workers do not pay income taxes (refunds exceed taxes paid) and those top wage earners pay roughly 80% or more of all income taxes paid under the current tax rates. Who is paying their "fair share" an who isn't?
web posted December 8, 2010 

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Christmas Parade- Why were the cars, on the square, not asked to move this year,and what happened to the Hot Chocolate,that was served on the square ? There are a lot of out of town people,that come to the Parade to see their, grandchildren,etc.,and correct me if I am wrong,but were any of our restaurants uptown open,I'm sure if Edgefield has a Huddle House and McDonald's,they have one where they traveled from. And they are constantly, hollowing,'Shop Downtown Edgefield', were any of the merchants,gift shops open ? Please move the Parade back to Saturday,or ask the merchants to open on Sunday afternoon,one day a year! It could be one of their best Shopping Days !
web posted December 8, 2010 

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Our son was arrested for simple possession of pot not too long ago and he did the right thing and pleaded guilty because we told him he needed to own up to his mistakes. That was our mistake. We thought it would be a simple fine and that would be that. How wrong we were. They suspended his lincese and now we have to drive him everywhere... work, school, everywhere plus our insurance is going way up! We are getting punished right along with him because he had a small piece of a cigarette in the ashtray! It's not like he was a dealer or had pounds of the stuff in the car. Kids will be kids. At first I thought it was understandable because everybody caught with drugs is treated the same way. Well guess what!!! They aren't. After checking into trying to get his licnese back we found out you can get convicted of dealing cocaine, crack, or any other drug, and keep on driving! HOW FAIR IS THAT? In fact, I was told the ones selling usually get probation and get to drive because they have to report to the probation office to pay their money to be on probation. This is so unfair! How can we do something about this?

Editor's note: I'm not a lawyer so you will need to contact one for legal advice on how to handle the issues you are facing. You are correct that simple possession of marijuana does carry a mandatory suspension of your drivers license (I believe it is six months) if convicted and the mentioned drugs do not. You can apply to have a provisional license for your son that would allow him to drive to and from school and work, but nowhere else. I am not sure how to go about that and would suggest contacting the Magistrate's Office or the local DMV Office in Edgefield for advice in that regard. I have no idea if that would reduce the increase in insurance rates you mention.
web posted December 8, 2010 

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A Christmas poem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_P6yU_ymFM&feature=share

Editor's note: Very heartwarming (High speed internet needed to view).
web posted December 8, 2010 

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Editor's post: How ironic. Charles Kemp, who states he refuses to read the local news on Edgefield Daily because he hates the Wandering Minds comments page, is now accused of owning the Wandering Minds in a lawsuit by Superintendent Crenshaw. Priceless!
web posted December 7, 2010 

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My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wood Family...
web posted December 7, 2010

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hey mr editor what happen to the web cam that was on top of the turkey shop building that would let you see what was going on,on the town square?

Editor's note: I have no idea. I have asked Mayor Durham about it and he thought the camera was still functioning, however; it is not linked at the town's website and the old link is inactive.
web posted December 7, 2010

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Re: "Heard from another close ally of Monroe Kneece that he (Monroe) is going to bat for Campbell"

Well DUH! do you think Monroe would walk away without a hand picked errand boy to do his bidding? PA-LEEESE!
web posted December 7, 2010

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RE: "One more thing. This law on the books in Johnston that has not be active for 30 years until now, where you must have a permit to do work on your own home, even if you do the work yourself. Are you kidding, is the town that desperate for a few bucks??"

Interesting.  Nathaniel Jackson stated during a public hearing, that he was re-wiring his alleged "house" that he claimed to be his "residence" to qualify him to run for the school board position.  One of the Elections Commission members asked if he had a permit and he stated "no, he didn't know he needed one."  So, since this has been made public, why hasn't the town of Johnston pursued this issue?  Laziness? Protecting their kingpin drug dealer?  Or really just don't give a %$#@!  Very interesting.

Oh and by the way.  Since the temperatures have been colder than a well-diggers @$$, how is ole Nate keeping warm at night?  Are we going to see an obituary stating that Nate had passed away from exposure (froze to death for you morons); or are we going to see an obituary that ole Nate passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning from keeping the generators running INSIDE the house to keep the heater running?  I'll tell you, that's almost very funny.  It took me 20 minutes to get this out because I was laughing so hard.  So, do you really think the average person would have accepted the idea that he was living there with generators?  Why hasn't Medlock filed charges of perjury, lying under oath, and false swearing?  Well, Medlock may be asleep at the switch, but God isn't.  Nate, you may be a fine upstanding man in the eyes of the NAACP, the school board, and the school district, but God is your judge.  And just how will he judge you?  Are you that much of a criminal that you don't care?  I thought you people were really true Christians?  Guess if it interferes with your life here on earth, you're only a weekend Christian.

Editor's note: County Attorney Medlock has done an excellent job representing the county in this matter. You have to give credit where credit is due.
web posted December 7, 2010

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Free Internet a Civil Right for ‘Every Nappy-Headed Child’ ..... Wasn't Don Imus fired after calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy headed"? But FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, daughter of Congressman James Clyburn (wonder how she got that job?)can claim the "nappy headed" kids have a "right" to free internet. When do I have a right to get tired of all this (BS)? When do I have a right to keep my money instead of it being stolen to give to these nappy headed worthless freeloaders?

http://www.breitbart.tv/free-internet-a-civil-right-for-every-nappy-headed-child/
web posted December 7, 2010

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I’ve heard the unity argument from several friends supporting Dean (Campbell, county council-elect) as chairman. Just curious if anyone can remember the last time we elected a great unifier to office (IE:OBAMA!) and how well that worked out for us? I didn’t vote for Dean and wouldn’t ever vote for him after the mess he left us in in Johnston. How is him being elected some sort of an ordination as the next savior of Edgefield County? Give me a (removed) break! He’s a little egotistical man that thinks he is smarter than everyone else and I can’t stand him. Thank you for letting me vent my frustrations.
web posted December 7, 2010

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"A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within." (W. Durant)

IMHO, we are doing a terrific job in accomplishing the latter.
web posted December 7, 2010

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I read the story about the woman killed in the wreck this weekend. How sad. My prayers go out to her family. It made me cry to think she sat there all that time all alone all night. How horrible. God bless her and her family as they deal with this tragic loss right here at Christmas.
web posted December 7, 2010

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Christmas Cards: When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address.  If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.  A Great Idea!!! When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001
web posted December 6, 2010 

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To the person talking about being careless and not locking your vehicle at your own residence. It is sad that you always have to remember and lock every single thing you own up. I'm sure you forget to lock things from time to time as we all aren't perfect. Then again this has been an ongoing problem for a while now and they haven't been caught. I do not see random patrolling of the area that is known for these thefts. Seems like there would be though but I personally do not know the status of how many deputies are working at a time. So residents of the area seem to be on there own for this one. As for paying for the jacket. Most of your loyal EMS and Firefighters leave some items in there vehicles so they can respond either off duty or voluntarily in a moments notice. A jacket or any other item is normally always in there vehicle. It really doesn't matter whose it is someone is paying for it.

Editor's note: There are no more than three Sheriff's Deputies patrolling the 507 sq. mile county at any given time. Though Sheriff Dobey tries to keep one deputy in the Merriwether area, all deputies must respond to calls which takes them out of the area due to limited coverage and available deputies.
web posted December 6, 2010 

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Heard from another close ally of Monroe Kneece that he (Monroe) is going to bat for Campbell to be named Edgefield County Council Chairman with support of the "two" Democrats on County Council. Monroe is telling Johnston area supporters that Campbell should get it to advantage Johnston in a county dominated by Edgefield interests. Not only that, Monroe is saying that is the only way to save the County, is to keep it's County Council out of the hands and control of Blackwell and Ashcraft.  Meanwhile Campbell is playing both ends against the middle and engaging in Clintonian style triangulation as previously cited. Kneece, Burton and Campbell are birds of a feather. It should be no surprise that Campbell served (has he resigned yet?) on the Aiken/Edgefield Development Partnership Board. Fred Humes is working overtime to assist Campbell in this effort and Monroe is doing everything he can at the direction of Rainsford & Company. Campbell denies it all, laughing all the way to Chairman. It will be short-lived though, as in 2012 he will lose when he runs during a Presidential election cycle and the minority vote will be a larger percentage of the vote.  Campbell has never shied away from short term personal gain at the expense of others. Disagree or not sure? Just examine closely his financial mismanagement of the Town of Johnston for the ten years he was Mayor.

Editor's note: Since when is Edgefield and Johnston the only two areas of the county that deserve representation at the county level? The Merriwether County Council District and the Merriwether Fire District pays the majority of property taxes paid in the county, should they not have a voice in county government?
web posted December 6, 2010 

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Hey “mare” Livingston, as I am writing this, your town flunkies are riding around in the leaf truck picking up leaves?? How come they have to be followed by that large and I’m sure expensive pick-up? What a waste of man power. Maybe Stuart should ride in the leaf truck and save a few bucks on the gas. Also, I asked before, why don’t they have a broom? They create more of a mess then what they pick up. Same thing with the garbage truck. They dump the pail in the truck, and leave garbage on the ground. How could they not see it? Pick it up for goodness sake!! Go buy a broom, I am not your keeper. I pay the town to do it’s job and if there is a problem, hire people who care.
 
One more thing. This law on the books in Johnston that has not be active for 30 years until now, where you must have a permit to do work on your own home, even if you do the work yourself. Are you kidding, is the town that desperate for a few bucks?? I put my own roof on my own house and a cop came by, which I found out that the flunkies in the large pick up saw me doing my roof, and demanded that I pay for a permit. I was already done. It wasn’t the 10 bucks I paid, but was told that this law was never enforced until now. Hey “mare” are we that broke. I see my neighbors putting on a new roof and also a deck and I bet they didn’t pay because they are the “elite” of the town. You even have to get a permit if you paint your own home or do any kind of improvements. Hey, what’s next, a mowing my lawn permit??  This town is going down the tubes.
 
I’m still waiting for the walking track by the way. I’ve been waiting for over 5 years. If we have a surplus in the budget where is the monies going? If nothing else, replace the ratty flags you keep putting up.
web posted December 6, 2010 

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Where does Dean Campbell get off thinking just because he got elected everyone wants him to be chairman (of the County Council)? Did he ever think we elected him to support the other REPUBLICANS already fighting for us? Put your ego aside Dean. Do what's right for us NOT YOU!!!!!!
web posted December 6, 2010 

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Like seriously what is the deal with church vandalisms and thefts occuring more and more same as house thefts. America is getting sicker and sicker. Going in the lords house entering and praying is one thing, but vandalizing and stealing come on now. Just like the 700 pound bell that was stolen and sold for scrap metal. That makes me sick. With Christmas approaching closer and closer it all going to get worse cause we are in a depression i understand that but come on. Iam a taxpayer have a job and more and im struggling. We need to find these people and see what they need in order to help them and inform them its not right. The coleman baptist church, "ceremonial oil was poured everywhere" thats plain stupid. I dont know hwat everyone else thinks but id like to get my hands on them. Thanks
web posted December 6, 2010 

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i wish you speedy recovery on your knee injury!!!!
web posted December 6, 2010 

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I wanted to let you know I had great response from you putting Roscoe in your headlines and he now is with a very nice man and his wife who will take good care of him.  Thank you for posting the info for me and for putting out a great website.

Editor's note: Glad we were able to help. Thank you for reading.
web posted December 6, 2010 

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In the campaign, Nikki Haley received quite a bit of positive national press, including being on the cover of Newsweek magazine - twice. Now, Governor-elect Haley is being featured in the country's premier conservative publication, The National Review.

Read more of this post (Garnet Spy)
web posted December 6, 2010 

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Today (Friday) we were bombarded out at Pine Ridge with many young adults going door to door in some kind of scam.  Some said they were looking for money for college, another had a broken front tooth and needed money for dental work, etc., etc.  
 
When the police checked some of them out, most were from out of state....none had a vehicle, they were going to be "picked up" when they were through.  They had committed no crime, so there was nothing that could be done.  Watch out, Edgefield, here they come.
web posted December 4, 2010

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Thank you for the story on tips from the Sheriff. We never realized how important it is to take down the serial numbers of everything we own. We always keep the receipts and thought that was enough. The information was an eye opener for us and we will be spending the weekend heading that advice.
web posted December 4, 2010  

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Tommy Burton had nothing to do with Dean’s (Campbell) campaign and that is the truth and I know that first hand. The things people say in your blog are just hateful rumors and it is a shame that you allow them to spread false rumors. You should make sure what they say is the truth before you publish it for all to see.

Editor’s note: Johnston Town Councilman Tommy Burton did in fact support and campaign for Dean Campbell. I spoke to him personally and Mr. Burton had Campbell’s campaign signs in the windows of his van that he drove around during the election cycle. That, sir, is a fact that I know “first hand” and is why the comment was allowed to be placed. Perhaps you should seek a more reliable source for your information.
web posted December 4, 2010

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Never thought about taking pictures of the stuff in the house. Great info. That’s why I read Edgefield daily. To the editor… hope you get well soon.
web posted December 4, 2010

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Re: Drug testing welfare freeloaders

Amen Brother!!!! I work for (the government) and I have to pee in a cup 4 or 5 times a year. (Darn) straight…. If I gotta pee to make the money they get they (darn) well should have to pee to get it! I’d add if they can’t tell who the baby daddy is they shouldn’t get any money for that kid. If they don’t know who the daddy is they must be hookers and earn enough money to support the next generation of parasites.
web posted December 4, 2010

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I want to thank the pinhead that pulled out in front of me with a car load of kids on Parker Rd today. After slamming on the breaks and calming down all the kids I looked up and saw a govmt tag on the truck. I wish I could have written down the tag number but I was shaking so bad it was all I could do to keep driving. I don’t know what kind of truck it was but it was white with 2 people in it. Thanks for scaring the bejeebbers out of us because you can’t read the sign says STOP!
web posted December 4, 2010

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North Augusta is trying to buy up property on 5 notch rd a friend of mine said they were sent a letter asking to buy property they own right inside edgefield county.
web posted December 4, 2010

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I have no idea what the argument on tax calculations everybody is fussing over but I do know that the DEMONcrats passed tax increases before they go out of power over the objections of those “mean-spirited Republicans” who want to keep taxes low. We kicked their (rumps) out of office and they are the ones still shoving their (manure) down our throats! I guess they are just a hateful as there are deaf to the will of the people who pay the (darn) taxes!!!
web posted December 4, 2010

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Editor's post: The Wandering Minds has been cut short tonight due to having been up for over 36 hours, nearly 24 of them in pain and 5 over night in the ER after re-aggravating a recent knee injury. Thank you for understanding.
web posted December 3, 2010

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It is interesting to read about new industry coming to Aiken County. Wouldn't it be nice if Edgefield County would get new industry and help our tax base? Isn't there some group that is working to bring new business to the county? I think the man in charge has some other issues?  It seems like all Edgefield County can focus on are crazy projects like the Calliham debacle. There is so much talk about the new council person. Do you really think anything will change? As I read about Aiken County "taking over" areas, I kind of wish they would take over where I live. I am not impressed with the doings in Edgefield County.

Editor's note: With the recent election of a majority of well qualified elected leaders we are moving in a positive direction.
web posted December 3, 2010

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

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

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

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

The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face so he continued to explain. 'You know he didn't get  up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, he's elevated beyond his ability to function, and you just wonder what kind of dumb a** put him
up there to begin with.
web posted December 3, 2010

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RE: "Well I have to say Mr Editor that you are very close on your tax calculations for a 60,000 income. I don't quite make that exact amount but pay over 12,000 in fed income, medicare, and SS taxes, not to mention over 3100 in state taxes! Then there is your part of your health insurance and your retirement contributions that still have to be deducted."

Could be even higher than that if you are single.  But not if you are married, filing jointly, have a child and pay $9600 per year in child care expenses.  And that was the scenario in the OP.

http://www.money-zine.com/Calculators/Investment-Calculators/2010-Tax-Rate-Calculator/

Punch in the facts as given.
Married, filing jointly.  Take the standard deduction of $11,400.
3 exemptions.  Hit calculate

$9400 in total taxes paid.

This doesn't take into account the child tax credit of $1000 and the making work pay credit of $800.  Or the child care credit (which would be $3000 * 20%, or $750.)

I'd think under the scenerio given, the taxes would be $6850. 

And that is 52.5% of the original example of $13,034.

The average tax rate in 2008 was 12.24%.  To get into the top 25% in 2008, one had to have AGI of $67,280, slightly higher than the $60,000 example.  In 2008, a $60,000 AGI would be be between the top 25-50% of income earners and they paid an average tax rate of 6.75%.  http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/23408.html

To the man paying $12000 on $60000 income.....you must be single, or stupid.

There is no way a family making $60000, with $9600 in child care costs pays $13,034 in federal income tax, SS and medicare tax.  If so, lay it out, line my line like I did and prove it.

Editor's note: I never offered the initial post on the tax calculations. That was offered by a reader.
web posted December 3, 2010

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What trial are you being called to testify at? Why would they call you?

Editor's note: It is not a trial, it is a hearing to determine if Tommy Adams Sr. will be granted a new trial for his Oct. 2005 conviction on criminal sexual conduct and a 45 year sentence. I have no idea what I could offer in the matter since I was just a reporter covering the original trial.
web posted December 2, 2010

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Dean (Campbell) is no republican. He never ran as a republican as (Johnston) mayor or anything else until now.  (Johnston Town Councilman) Tommy Burton was one of his big supporters and he’s a big player in the democrat party in the county. No wonder Dean is looking for support from Tommy’s buddies Dorn and Bright and not his fellow “republicans”.

Editor’s note: The only elective office that Mr. Campbell has held to my knowledge is Mayor of Johnston, which is a non-partisan election.
web posted December 2, 2010

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Saunders Place - planned development 21.8 acres intersection of West Martintown and Gregory Lake roads.  rezoned from neighborhood commercial to planned development allowing a wider range of businesses is planned to have businesses facing Martintown with 4 residential lots on Gregory Lake and about 6.1 acres reserved as a natural area.  Is there a picture of this like the one you showed for the new recreational site?  This information was in the Augusta Chronicle a few months back.  People in Merriwether think this is new?  Give me a break.  Get your head out of the sand or do you like it there?  Think this is just Merriwether, rumblings are that NA officials made a statement several years back that they would be in Trenton before it is all over.

Editor's note: That property (if it is where you state) is in Edgefield County and the County Council has not voted to rezone that area.
web posted December 2, 2010

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Well I have to say Mr Editor that you are very close on your tax calculations for a 60,000 income. I don't quite make that exact amount but pay over 12,000 in fed income, medicare, and SS taxes, not to mention over 3100 in state taxes! Then there is your part of your health insurance and your retirement contributions that still have to be deducted.
web posted December 2, 2010

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RE: Should those who get welfare, SSI, food stamps, subsidized housing, power, and other give-aways have to pass a drug test to get them if the people paying the taxes to provide the redistribution of their money by force have to take a drug test in order to earn the money the government takes from them?

You are right Mr. Editor—Drug testing should be mandatory for all of above. Also there should be no money given directly to a person but sent directly for housing, power, food and any other give-away. I assure you a lot of people on these hand-outs buy Lotto tickets every day.
web posted December 2, 2010

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Editor,
   So we agree that it is nuts to think a family making $60,000 pays $13,034 in Federal income tax, SS tax and medicare tax and that no other taxes are germane to the original post?

    I believe the dems want to extend the 2001 tax rates to those making less than then $250,000 filing jointly and $200,000 filing individually.  And if the republicans would vote with them, it would happen.  But instead the republicans are willing to allow all the 2001 tax rates to expire unless those making $250,000 filing jointly and $200,000 filing individually are also extended.  The dems are trying to keep my taxes from going up and the republicans are willing to raise them unless Bill Gate and Warren Buffet also don't see a tax increase.  That is a fact. 

    What does abortion have to do with this?  If abortion was murder, the courts would be full of murderers who had an abortion.  Abortion is not murder in the USA. 

    Drug testing.....no.  You love a big gov't don't you?  You want abortion to be illegal....with the gov't telling individuals what to do.  You want the gov't spending big money on drug testing now.  Where does it stop with the right's attempts to allow everyone to just free enough to be just like them.  The drug war is a big gov't failure....what has it achieved that it set out to do....nothing.  Yet we continue to throw money at it like it is going to change something. 

    And finally, the Greeneway coming into Merriwether is a bad idea?  The way I see it, if someone who lives in Merriwether can get on a bike and ride all the way to downtown NA and back, go to the store and ride home....that is a good thing.  It is good for the rider, good for the environment, good for the car that isn't driven.  And this would make a heck of a loop of the Greeneway and the Palmetto Parkway for a 20ish mile ride with almost no riding in traffic.  I have never heard of the Greeneway coming all the way to this park, but that would be great.  I live in a county that votes against it's own financial interest. It is not surprising that a park and first class recreation facilities coming to the county is not considered a good idea.

Editor's note: I never said I agreed with your assessment on taxes. And I'm not in agreement that the park is a blessing to the community or the county, it will be a drain on county taxpayers and city planners have nefarious intentions in building it.

On the drug testing of welfare and free handouts? If they have money for drugs they don't need my hard earned tax dollars. Drug testing is cheaper than the billions we give away to keep government owned voters voting Democrat every two years.
web posted December 2, 2010

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The Postal Service created a stamp with a picture of President Obama on it. The Postal Service noticed that the stamp was not sticking to envelopes. This enraged the President, who demanded a full investigation. After a month of testing and $1.73 million in congressional spending, a special Presidential commission presented the following findings:
1. The stamp is in perfect order.
2. There is nothing wrong with the glue.
3. People are spitting on the wrong side of the stamp. 
web posted December 2, 2010

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Without a western military presence in Korea/Japan, China could put more pressure on the North to cooperate and, possibly, begin reunification talks.

Read more of this post (Garnet Spy)
web posted December 2, 2010

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Editor's post: It seems I am being compelled to testify in a hearing this Thursday in Lexington for an appeal for a new trial for someone convicted in 2005. Try as I may using the cover of media credentials and refusing to release sources, I was unable to get out of being called to the stand under threat of subpoena. It is a pain being the only local media outlet that covers criminal trials in Edgefield County. Something you would expect all local media outlets to do rather than piggy back on our reports for their own story using our information.
web posted December 1, 2010

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If Dean Campbell, whom my family and I voted for, gets too friendly with Mr. Dorn and Mr. "I'm not too Bright" Bright, then his political future will end at this point. Dean was not voted into his present position due to his good looks or his great management of Johnston...he was voted in because people like me don't want anything Democrap in office. You got lucky Dean...now the ball is in your court...don't..I repeat don't get friendly with those two (Dorn & Bright) Democraps.
web posted December 1, 2010

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To all those people who are leaving their cars unlocked and then complaining about getting robbed, why don't you just open the doors and put out a sign that says Welcome?!.  It's common sense not to leave your vehicle unlocked. It's even worse when you have company property in the vehicle such as the EMS jacket. That woman should be made to pay for the jacket for her carelessness. You know the Merriwether area is a huge target for break ins, why not take responsibility and secure your vehicle.
web posted December 1, 2010

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I don't know if you know the History behind the plan to put this Park in our County or not , perhaps you know much more than I do but I will let you know from a different perspective what has developed right before Our eyes. This is not a trojan horse ! This is Typical of the way Edgefield county has been run in the Past.  It's more like a sneak attack by a Goodyear Blimp during the middle of a Bright sunny day ! This plan was put on the City of North Augusta website Many years ago. ( I want to say as many as  10 years ago , but don't want to exagerrate ).

You know Our council , especially back when Mr. Hudson represented Merriweather and even when Mr. Bishop was in office. I was appointed Merriweather Recreation rep. ( Because nobody else would do it ) back when our county started it's Football League ( 2001 - 2002 ) and attended some Council meetings. I knew of this "Plan " from a Family member within the City of N. Augusta, ( It was no secret , especially given the fact it was on thier website ) and when I spoke of this at a county meeting , It was met with disbelief , doubt and a " So What attitude". I was stunned that our County would let these people from the next County come in and do this with No care in the world !

I , like many of us Moved into Edgefield county in the mid 80's  (BECAUSE of STHS , not inspite of it.  I went to NAHS and spent many years in the NA rec. dept., coaching , ect.  before recognizing we could do the same thing here , ourselves ) and i was ready to leave the city limits of NA and move to Edgefield County .  ! At the time , in my opinion this was UNBELIEVABLE , that the City of NA was coming in and we didn't seem care !

Our very first Rec. Director was hired and lasted about six months before being run out of town by then acting county Administrator , Wayne Adams ( Because he knew his Job better than Mr. Adans knew his ). During the Interim between having lost our rec, director and the Hiring of our current director, a gentleman whom I deeply respect held the post of Acting rec. Director and at a meeting brought up this very Issue and Council was  suddenly " Shocked " by this !  How could this Happen ? By God , we'll look into this !!!

As you can see , Nothing was ever done. I do not Blame the City of N. Augusta for being aggressive in persueing a very activly growing section of the community as Much as Our Council Ignoring the Merriweather area ( As it still does today ). I know Much more and could go on and on Mr. editor but time and space is limited. I believe this is why we have New representation from your Area on council now and hopefully these things will start to change, but this is No Trojan Horse! ( In my opinion ).
web posted December 1, 2010

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It is certainly relevant (at this time or otherwise)to discuss who will be the next Chair of County Council and it only takes three votes to elect the Chair - any three votes. It's called triangulation and is the sort of thing that a weasel like Dean Campbell would think himself smart enough to pull off over people he believes to be inferior to him intellectually. What happens next procedurally on Council is important. When the new Council meets, the first order of business will be election of new officers for the next two years. As the current Chair will no longer be a member of Council, the current Vice-Chair will preside over the first meeting until new officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, etc.) are nominated and elected by the five Council members.  (Chair, Vice-Chair, etc.)
 
So you can certainly envision a scenario where Campbell, having struck a dirty deal with Bright and Dorn to name him Chair and allow the D's to retain Vice-Chair, in return for voting for their particular pet projects (among other concessions), place his name into nomination and one of the D's or Dean seconds that motion. Then one of the R's is nominated, nominations are closed, the vote is held, and Campbell votes for himself along with the two D's and voila, he's the new Chairman of County Council through the support of Bright and Dorn. Remember, his campaign rhetoric cited his "experience" as Mayor of Johnston thus giving him 10 years of "experience in running Council meetings". If you've really known Dean well for any length of time, (well being the operative word) then you know just how capable he is of pursuing this strategy, at the urging and full support of Rainsford and Company, given his well known, well honed Machiavellian M.O.
web posted December 1, 2010

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What kind of an idiot send threats by text msgs to a cop? That should have been a here's your card story. God, how stupid can you be?
web posted December 1, 2010

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Re:  North Augusta Trojan Horse.  Merriwether citizens have kept their heads in the sand.   Those who don't live close to it won't care about the noise.  Sure they moved to the rural for the peace and quiet but they care little about the changes until it is too late.  How many town hall meetings have Ashcraft, Blackwell and Massey had with only minimal people attending.  Bet you will hear them scream foul when it is too late to make a difference.  Everything the editor said is true.  This property was taken off the Edgefield County tax rolls because the new owner is the city therefore no taxes.  Think there is crime now, wait until the new recreational facility is built.  North Augusta is singing "oh happy day we are getting our way".
web posted December 1, 2010

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Mr. Editor: I know you have a lot more insight on the hulbalalo on the new chairman for (county) council. Why is there all this focus on Dean Campbell? Do you know more than you are telling? Seems to me a lot of other people know things so I know you HAVE to know whats going on behind the scenes. You always do. Spill it brother.

Editor's note: I'm not going to get into this with my personal opinions right now. Campbell has not been sworn in, no vote has taken place, and there are always those who jockey for positions when the apple cart is upset as in the last election. I feel certain calmer heads will prevail in the end. Have no doubt, the "good ole' boys" are working hard to "keep things going". That I have confirmed. Politics makes strange bedfellows.
web posted December 1, 2010

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Editor,
You have provided no facts germane to the calculation of a family making $60,000 paying $13,034 in Social Security, Medicare and Federal Income taxes.  I did layout an example of a form 1040 and a reasonable estimate of the Soc Security, Medicare and federal income taxes.  To which you said SS and Medicare are more than 7.65% and then there are the "other taxes".  It was a nice list of "other taxes", but not germane to the discussion about how a family making $60K pays a whooping $13034 in Fed Inc, SS and Medicare tax.  And SS is 6.2% and Medicare is 1.45%.  Together they are 7.65%.  That is a fact.

Editor's note: I never commented on your calculations other than to add other taxes, which you wanted me to name, or the calculations presented by the previous poster. I took the position that there were more taxes to be considered, provided them in a long list (fact), and now you want me to comment on information posted by someone else's information that I never commented on other than to say who we can thank for all the taxes we pay, Democrats and RINO Republicans.

This is just like the Democrats and Obama saying they are trying to pass "tax cuts for the middle class" and the Republicans are standing in the way. That is a lie. Tax rates will remain the same (not a tax cut) or they will go up. That is the facts on the matter.

Democrats always come up with cute little names for things that have nothing to do with truth. You know, like "Choice" instead of "murder your baby".

So let me take you on a rabbit trail. Should those who get welfare, SSI, food stamps, subsidized housing, power, and other give-aways have to pass a drug test to get them if the people paying the taxes to provide the redistribution of their money by force have to take a drug test in order to earn the money the government takes from them?
web posted December 1, 2010

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Great song regarding $cam Newton of allbarn (Auburn): 
 
http://www.youtube.com/user/MoonPie317

Editor's note: That's funny, and true.
web posted December 1, 2010

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