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If there is anyone that would like to help out the Carnival Crew with Strom Thurmond High School's 1st Annual Carnival Extravaganza, that will be held on May 23, please come to our next meeting.  This will be held in STHS cafeteria on Tuesday, May 5th at 5:30.  Please come help us out. This is a very difficult event to get started up in the community and we can use any help that we can get to make this an event that will continue throughout the years.  All the proceeds from the Carnival are going towards Extracurricular Activities at STHS. Any help that we can receive will be great. Thank you.  Sincerely, the members of the Carnival Crew.
web posted April 30, 2009

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RE:  Currently there are discussions with several candidates to replace Cooks and Bibbs, of which can be recalled by the voters.  A petition is being drawn up on the grounds of incompetence, malfeasance, and mismanagement,
 
Where can I sign it?

Editor's note: No contact information has been made available on the matter.
web posted April 30, 2009

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I just want to thank you, editor, for your hard work on Edgefielddaily and for your integrity in keeping Wandering Minds posters anonymous. Some people really are intimidated by that situation. It must be hard for them that they cannot control you. Keep up the good work.  This is a reader who really appreciates you and this forum. I also wanted to say that I hope your daughter is feeling a lot better.

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments. Those who fear the Wandering Minds are those who fear not being able to control the people they are elected to serve, not rule over.
web posted April 30, 2009

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President Barack Obama said in Turkey: "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

Do you know the Preamble for your state?  

Alabama 1901, Preamble : We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..

Alaska 1956, Preamble : We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in  permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State o f Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We..the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction 

Michigan 1908, Preamble.   We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble  We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God,=2 0in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution.
web posted April 30, 2009

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The stock market has turned around 25% since March lows.  Obama took office in February.  I would like everyone to not invest in the stock market.  Keep buying gold!  That way I can go in with the people who know what they are talking about, make money, and smirk when your Party is trounced, again, in 2010.
web posted April 30, 2009

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I am the one asking about how many animals you can have on your property if you do not have a farm.  The response was what type of animals.  there are cows, horses, goats, chickens that we know of.  It is 7:45 pm and we cannot have our windows up without the smell getting into the house.  Or sit and enjoy the outside for the smell. It's going to be  a long hot  smelly summer because our unit is out. Please help.

Editor's note: Again, call Edgefield County Admintrator John Pettigrew (former used car salesman) 637-4000 to try to resolve your situation. If he gives you the usual run-around, get back to me.
web posted April 30, 2009

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I would like the citizens of Edgefield County to know they should be very proud of a lot of their children who attend Fox Creek High School and made the effort to attend the funeral service of John Gratop in Aiken on Tuesday evening and at the church on Wednesday.  Mr. Gratop was the first administrator of FCHS and made the school what it is today.  Also the citizens of Edgefield County should know that not one board member of Fox Creek Charter School attended either ceremony in the memory of Mr. Gratop. What a group of disgusting adult role models you let guide your children.  They should be so ashamed of themselves and resign from the Board in order to allow people with decency and character guide the children of your county.
web posted April 30, 2009

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With the swine flu question up in the air, is it a good idea to have the Johnston Peach Festival?
web posted April 30, 2009

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Why do we allow Steve McKinney to run rampant at STHS?
I am so proud of all our students that participate in after school activities, and thankful for the adults that take the time to coach and supervise these wonderful kids.  However, I have heard something that is very disturbing to me.  The STHS girls soccer team is awesome this year.  This has to be their best record in ten years.  They are a winning TEAM.  The girls played a region game against Newberry last night and won 7-0.  Well, we all know Caught In The Act is this weekend.  Seven of the girls on the soccer team had parts in Caught In The Act. (Yes, I said HAD).  They have devoted their time and effort both to soccer and the play.  Steve dropped  them from the play TODAY because they went to the game last night and didn't make his practice.  Come on, these girls didn't go out and get in trouble.  They played in a soccer game for OUR school.  Why should any student have to choose because a teacher thinks his activity is the ONLY one that counts. Why are the students that want to get involved in extra cirricular activities punished and caught up in some kind of power struggle between coaches and the drama department?  Steve displayed a terrible temper tantrum in front of parents and students at the practice for the Gong Show,  how dare they use HIS stage or move HIS curtains.   The fantastic kids that put on the gong show were raising money for the upcoming carnival to benefit the athletic department.  Do you have something against student athletes?  I thought the stage and everything pertaining to it belonged to the school district.  (deleted) Where is our STHS principal in all this?  I for one intend to call the school tomorrow and talk to him to find out.
web posted April 30, 2009

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Last week, hundreds of engaged parents lined up to plead with State Senators to adopt School Choice.

At the same meeting, nationally renowned education expert Dr. Adam Schaeffer cut through the misleading claims of Jim Rex, and others who deny the data showing that Choice saves money and improves student performance.

Watch Schaeffer's video at the Voice for School Choice:

http://thevoiceforschoolchoice.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/adam-schaeffer-on-school-choice/
web posted April 30, 2009

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Editor's post: The "lamestream" media, engulfed in Obama worship, gave him a pass on what has now been discovered as a planned "photo op" of "Air Force One" (the President's plane) even though the White House knew it would likely cause a panic in NYC. Just imagine if Pres. Bush had done the same thing, not to mention that it cost taxpayers almost a half million dollars during what the media and the White House claims is the worst recession since the great depression. So much for "unbiased reporting" by the "national media". What a joke.
web posted April 29, 2009

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RE:  "Is a "No Confidence" vote a possibilty?

Editor's note: Yes, it is called the election, however, due to four year staggered terms, it will take you (or voters) at least 6 years to overturn the majority running the school district.
web posted April 28, 2009"

Currently there are discussions with several candidates to replace Cooks and Bibbs, of which can be recalled by the voters.  A petition is being drawn up on the grounds of incompetence, malfeasance, and mismanagement, a) for the mere fact that they disregarded the qualifications of the candidates for the Superintendent's job and wanted "intestinal fortitude" instead of a qualified individual; b) they have mismanaged the budget and other expenses; c) have aided and abetted the Superintendent's company in acquiring grant writing contract's; and d) are just plain ignorant of general practices, procedures, and statutes.  A 25% signing of the voting electorate is required to force a recall.  That is being worked on as we speak.  For those that believe or have convinced themselves they are untouchable- Bibbs, Cooks, Jackson- further displays their ignorance of the statutes.  This can be done, and before a six year turnover.  Further, Viola Jackson should also be recalled on the basis that she couldn't certify as a SC teacher, so she moved to the Georgia side of the workforce to be employed in their education system.  If she is not qualified enough to certify here, what makes her believe she can run a school board?  We are all through dealing with corrupt government-we need to start at the lowest level to CLEAN IT UP!
web posted April 29, 2009

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Ref: The Patriotic Retirement Plan.
40 million people times 1million dollars equal’s 40 TRILLION dollars.  The U.S. population is approximately 304 million “legal” residence. 40 trillion divided by 304 million equals approximately $131,000 for every man, woman and child.

I will take my $524,000.00 for my family of 4 now instead of $1,000,000.00 when I’m 50.

More realistically I would like my $52,400.00 of the 4 trillion the Federal Government did give away to “stimulate” the economy.
web posted April 29, 2009

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This pretty much sums it up....just think of the stoning  and beheadings associated with sharia' law.  Mark Styn goes into great detail in his book, "America Alone"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3X5hIFXYU
web posted April 29, 2009

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Thank God somebody is stepping up to show how the Motown 5 (add Dr. Crenshaw) is out of control! Thank you!
web posted April 29, 2009

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Why is it that Edgefield County 2009 went to a girl from Batesburg that goes to (school name removed)? Just who were the judges and did no one from Edgefield run??? How can this happen??? With all the beautiful girls in Edgefield why did we let this happen??? I for one am appalled at this slap in the face. How can she represent Edgefield when she has no idea of our great town?
web posted April 29, 2009

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If the Council approves for employees to pay for their own insurance, this will cause a 65 cents per hour wage reduction (based on a 35 hour week) to those who have insurance and no wage reduction to those employees who do not have insurance.  This is totally unfair.  They better rethink this and find the money elsewhere.  Also, the money for the Civic League should come from Parks and Tourism in South Carolina, not the budget.  This is a non-profit organization and those were not to be left in the budget.  If the Tompkins Library has such important information for researchers, this information should be housed in the archives and library information should be housed at the ABBE Library, then the Civic League/Welcome Center would not be  an issue.
web posted April 29, 2009

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You SAY that you don't give out the names of people sending in comments (to the Wandering Minds), but can you PROVE it?

Editor's note: Yes, if anyone sends in the name of someone claiming that EdgefieldDaily.com released the name of a poster to the Wandering Minds I will list thier name (if confirmed) and publically call them a liar. There has been a conserted effort to stop citizens from airing their concerns via the Wandering Minds by certain individuals (their names have been made known privately). I can attest that any such claim is false and those seeking to prevent comments from the public are doing so for self-serving purposes.

They know who they are, and I know who they are, but they have no idea who you are and they will never know.
web posted April 29, 2009

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Whatever happened to focusing on the education of our children?  All we hear is we don't have enough money in our budget to keep our teachers.  But we have enough to keep these high salary employees.  Dr. Crenshaw's salary could be cut enough to save our teacher's job.  Shawn Clinkscale's job could be eleminated to save another teacher's job also.  We need all the good teachers we can get, so we can go from good to great.  Our children's education should be the number one concern, not the money.

Editor's note: As Education budgets increase, performance continues to drop, is money the answer?
web posted April 28, 2009

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RE: the main rule "HAVE FUN
 
This soccer year both fall and spring has had the biggest group of whinny parents/coaches.  Your whole team did not show up or the others would have had some relief. The teams were even on the field. The score was only 4-0 because our coach did everything he could not to demoralize your team. He pulled the strongest players, rotated all the players into different positions.  They played 10 min quarters.  He showed true sportsmanship.
The only thing he did not do was kick the ball in our goal for you. Knowing how to coach is a big difference then just being the coach. These kids practice 1/2 hour before each game and one day a week because they want to learn and play as a team. Next time you are out on the soccer field and you will see the ones having fun are the kids playing as a team with a dedicated coach.
Get over your self
web posted April 28, 2009

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I loved this 100 DAYS, 100 MISTAKES by Obama!
web posted April 28, 2009

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Can you tell me if there is any truth in the rumor that the distict plans on shutting down Douglas Elementary School (DES)? Its being said that the students will be dispersed to Johnston and Merriweather. Can they do that?

Editor's note: At this time I have no information that DES will be closed. To answer your question, yes, the school board can do as they see fit, without the consent of the parents. They are elected to do as they please, you just pay them.
web posted April 28, 2009

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Edgefield County is one of the smallest, poorest counties in S.C., but we have one of the highest paid school boards in S.C.  One of the board members is serving without pay as a community service and to help the district out of the mire.  Have the others considered the same? - or at the very least, cutting the rather large salary they receive?  They have cut their travel budget from $10,000 to $6,500.  Cut it out altogether.  Teachers and principals are no longer going to conferences.  That's half a teacher or aide salary.

And Dr. Mathis is hiring.  He has hired away at least two faculty members from STHS.  He is so knowledgeable and capable.  It's hard to believe that the board rejected him in favor of the Dr. Roberson fiasco and the Dr. Rice-Crenshaw mess.

Is a "No Confidence" vote a possibilty?

Editor's note: Yes, it is called the election, however, due to four year staggered terms, it will take you (or voters) at least 6 years to overturn the majority running the school district.
web posted April 28, 2009

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THE TOP TEN REASONS (Pres. Obama) DELAYED THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE ON SOMALI PIRATES:
10.  They were potential campaign donors for 2012.
 9.  One looked like a former neighbor.
 8.  All were carrying DNC cards.
 7.  When BO's staff identified them as "Pirates," BO thought they were from Pittsburgh.
 6.  Two of the four were registered with ACORN.
 5.  He didn't want to support the use of firearms, thus backing the NRA.
 4.  He wanted positive confirmation that they were, in fact, not members of the Rainbow Coalition.
 3.  The tele-prompter was broken and he had nothing to say.
 2.  No photo-op existed.
AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON:
1.  They might have been relatives of his.
web posted April 28, 2009

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Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy.  Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following  plan. You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.
Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire.  Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR.  Forty million cars ordered- Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!

If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...
web posted April 27, 2009

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I thought the “spanking” that Dr. Crenshaw gave the audience before the Thursday community meeting was entirely inappropriate.  Did she realize she was talking to a cafeteria full of adult tax-payers, or was she giving a mock lesson on how all teachers will have to begin class next year when they have 28 plus students in a classroom?

I do agree with Dr. Crenshaw that we should all be respectful of each other.  And we should never demean another…for standing up for what is right or correcting what is wrong.  I only hope Dr. Crenshaw is following her own advice…in public, as well as behind closed office doors.

Obviously some members of the board felt they were above the “talking to.”  I was appalled that Mrs. Cooks would make such a derogatory comment about the faculty of one of the district’s own schools.  Then after Dr. Crenshaw said we weren’t going to point fingers, one board member blamed the district’s financial mess all on the Governor.  And to top it all off Viola Jackson’s tone of voice and facial expression towards a parent asking a legitimate question was beyond rude and disrespectful.   It seems to me the people who needed the “talking to” the most weren’t listening.
web posted April 27, 2009

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If the cuts in the budget that (County Councilwoman) Gena Blackwell presented was voted down does that mean that the (county) employees will still have to pay for all thier insurance even though there are cuts that can be made or does her cuts go into the budget?

Editor's note: The cuts were rejected, even though supported by individual departments. The citizens will see an increase in taxes so that your tax dollars can be given away for free to the Edgefield Civic League. Only Blackwell and Ashcraft have offered alternatives to the current budget with no tax increases.
web posted April 27, 2009

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The word on the streets is that the former (Johnston Police) Chief (Butch Easler) has put together a law suite against the Town Of Johnston. Wander how many people will be named?  Better yet, has it been filed with the County?    Will tghe amount top $1,000,000,000.

Editor's note: Former Johnston Police Chief Easler filed suit on May 30, 2008 against the Town of Johnston, Johnston Town Councilman Tommy Burton, Edgefield County Sheriff Adell Dobey, and the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office. No trial date is available. The suit does not ask for specific damages.
web posted April 27, 2009

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Re:Can you articulate in words exactly what Obama did from Jan. 20, 2009 thru the present that makes him responsible for ruining the economy.

It is not what he did but what he will do. The economy has suffered due to many things, including Bush and the democratic congress that has been in control. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reed etc. are the "crew" I am talking about. A major players in this mess were Barney Frank and Chris Dodd. I realize that Obama did not cause all of that, however his proposed massive spending bills and bailouts are not going to fix this economy. These are the things that will ruin this already suffering economy.
web posted April 27, 2009

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To be fair, the Edgefield County School Board Members are not responsible for the budget cuts handed down by the state.  They are, however, responsible for how they deal with those.  It is my understanding that Dr. David Mathis, the superintendent of our neighboring Saluda district, has been able to handle his district's cuts without laying off teachers.  I have heard that he is not rehiring for positions that are being vacated and that he has renegotiated some salaries with some of his district and athletic personnel, but he is not laying off teachers.  If this is true, our Board should hang its head in shame for not hiring him to begin with, swallow their pride, call him, and ask for help.  Even after the way he was treated here, he probably still cares for the people of our district, particularly the teachers, who were always his primary concern, and would be willing to offer suggestions.  We certainly need them!
web posted April 27, 2009

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A warning to parents of children that attend Edgefield County Schools. I hear there is a gang in town. No, this is not a gang that is out to harm anyone. No, this gang is standing up and speaking up for your children. It seams though, people running our schools do not think so. They think these thugs are just stirring up this mess in the county and making it worse. I know several of these gang members and they do not work eight hours a day like there spouses wish they did. No, they put in at least ten to fourteen hour days to make sure our children are getting a good education.  School board, please listen to our teachers and support them. Thank you teachers for standing up for what is best for our children.
web posted April 25, 2009

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When is the next vote on the Calliham property? I heard there was another offer being made. Is that true?

Editor's note: The issue is dead after a vote of the county council top never bring the topic up again. However, anyone of the four votes to never consider it again can bring the dead, double dead, issue back up for discussion. In all my years of following the county council, I have learned that nothing is impossible, even the impossible.
web posted April 25, 2009

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Thank you for not just reporting the news but investigating what (Mr. Singletary) claims.

Editor's note: That is my job.
web posted April 25, 2009

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I just wanted to answer a question in the wandering minds.  Someone asked about making up snow days.  The General Assembly has voted to allow each school district to forgive up to 3 days of school.  The school board gets to make the call, but they have the ability to excuse the snow day and another 2 days if they wish.  It's H.3583.
web posted April 25, 2009

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I attended both meetings set up by the Edgefield Schools District Office.  These are observations, not intended to refute anybody's post, nor to offer argument.  They are simply observations:

1.  Sally Cooks, board chair, is an embarrassment, and cannot put a simple sentence together.  Let someone do the speaking.
2.  The "facts" as given were either inconclusive, circuitous statements, or flat-out wrong.
3.  Cuts should begin at, and come from the top down, not from the classrooms up, where the children are.
4.  There is no need for a public relations person, nor a human relations person.  Those salaries can save two or more teachers.
5.  The blame for the mess has been put entirely on the economy, and that is not the entire problem.  Mismanagement is huge here.
6.  This board should hang its collective head in shame for destroying a good little school system.
web posted April 25, 2009

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Regarding Mr. Singletary's photo of his phone;  Has anyone ever noticed a 1 being displayed on their caller ID?  Even if it's long distance? I don't ever recall seeing a 1 on the caller ID on my phone.  Looks fishy to me.
web posted April 25, 2009

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I love this site. Thank you for bringing such enjoyment to us.
web posted April 25, 2009

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You know Mr. editor you might better watch out as Mr . Singletary might want to sue you in court now, and jack up the amount to oh lets say 1.5 billion since you found the truth about the picture of the caller id on his phone. Like someone said the other day on here, if he does not like it here then he just needs to pack his $#!% and move somewhere else. I hear Montana is nice, and his closest neighbor might be about 15 miles away. Also he wants to sue all these people for all that money, but yet he has no money to go to court or hire any lawyers with. People would have to be stupid if they donate to his so called "Defense Fund". He will probably just take the money that people give him and buy some more dope with it. Oops i might get sued for that remark. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
web posted April 25, 2009

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How much is Fox Creek costing the taxpayers? Would that not be the logical cut to balance the budget, oh yeah, I said logical - not in Crenshaw and the boards vocabulary!

Editor's note: The last figures I have say over $2 million a year.
web posted April 25, 2009

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Re: "Just wait. As the market creeps up Obama and crew are going to take credit for it. I am not sure that his speech yesterday had anything to do with the market going up at that point. In fact the market went down at the end of the day due to the financials.  I am glad for the first time investor who has benefited from the market but they are apparently unaware of what has really happened to the market. Obama's "change" is only leaving a little change in our pockets.  But watch... he is going to take credit for any improvements in the economy and will quickly forget any responsibility in ruining our economy."

Yeah, I laughed at "Obama Bear Market".   Dow went from above 13,000 to below 8,000 in 2008.  Don't recall the "liberal media" or the Editor ever saying "Bush Bear Market".

Can you articulate in words exactly what Obama did from Jan 20, 2009 thru the present that makes him responsible for ruining our economy? 
web posted April 25, 2009

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Is it true Coach Leaphart had been promised the atheletic director position at Thurmond, but that on a whim Dr. Crenshaw decided to move Mr. Scott and take this away from Coach Leaphart? How fair is this? Is this a racial move once again on her part?
web posted April 25, 2009

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After reading the wandering minds column I just could not resist in sending in a comment on the gentleman that is bringing the massive lawsuit. You are most correct when you said that a person can sue without a lawyer. There is a saying here at our law firm. A person who represent themselves in court has a fool for a client. I wonder if Mr. Singletary has ever been told that?
web posted April 24, 2009

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When are we as citizens in Edgefield County going to say enough is enough with the members of county council that have lost their focus on what is important to the citizens of Edgefield County.  It is our responsibility as citizens in Edgefield County to stand up and support the loyal and devoted people that provide us with the necessary services everyday to make our quality of life better and more fulfilling.  It is sad and down right sickening to think that there are members of county council (Kneece, Bright, and Dorn) that would even think twice, let alone refuse to fund without questioning, our county employee’s health insurance premiums.  It has been part of their salaries for years and now they decided to penalize the employees and their families by making them start paying their premiums, give them a break!  And how about council member Dorn’s arrogant amendment to fund the Edgefield Civic League, but refuse to support the loyal and devoted employees that are providing the services necessary to the citizens of Edgefield County.  I can only hope and pray that our loyal and devoted employees of Edgefield County (even though I would not blame them) don’t reduce their performance of their duties of providing the necessary service to our citizens because several members of county council (Kneece, Bright and Dorn) refuse to support them and their families.  I want to say thanks to our newest and proactive members of county council (Blackwell and Ashcraft) for supporting the hard working employees (which I expected nothing less from them) and remembering that their selfless work and devoted efforts makes the county government stand out and look good.  We as citizens of Edgefield County needs to finish what we started and elect other proactive people to county council that support our best interest and our hard working loyal employees.  I want to end with saying thanks, to all of our county employees for working hard and keeping a positive attitude even in midst of this adversity.
web posted April 24, 2009

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I would just like to say that Edgefield County Schools has run before without a Human Resource Department. I must say it ran alot smoother back then. I first think that the director needs to learn how to treat people (black or white) She is there to serve the employees of the district not for her own agenda. She has no interest in Edgefield County .We are only a a stepping stone. Does she work full time or does she have another afternoon job?? I understand she works afternoons in a program that Dr Crenshaw has something to do with in Saluda. Is this true?? Last she needs to remember that alot of people have given many years of service to this district and have been very loyal employees They deserve to be treated with respect not like they have no idea of what the district needs. How would she like to be treated that way!!!! Oh, I also hear that she interviewed for Suzanne O'Neal's job in the same building with her . How insensitive can you be.
web posted April 24, 2009

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Question:  How much increase will the individual taxpayer in Edgefield county pay for the $17,500, to the civic center  i.e.  dollar amount? 

Editor's note: The County has not released a budget at this point. However, the value of a mill is stated at around $69,000 so it would be a percentage of a mill.
web posted April 24, 2009

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I believe the school system should down size a little.  Take for instance some of the positions in the District office. Quit making new jobs for old baggage just so they can keep thier job.  I understand letting the TERI teachers leave.  They have done thier time.  But letting some of the new teachers go.  PLEASE.  We need new and fresh teachers, with the ability to help our children  learn the things they will need for all the testing they do.   A child cannot learn if the class room is to large.  Putting 30 kids in a class is to many.
web posted April 24, 2009

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Here is my question what do you have to do to get some help around here????? I hear of all of these people that have no jobs but get checks every month to help pay for their bills while other people who actually work struggle everyday to make a living??? I went to a local office around here a few days ago to try and get some help and was pretty much shoved out of the door. We all know that this economy sucks and in my opinion the president so far is not helping granted it may take time but in the mean time where is our help!!!! How in the world can people who have no job live rent free and then get a check EVERY month for their light bill and they are on food stamps!!! This really upsets me. I go to work everyday and work hard for my money and still need help along with many other people. So to all the offices around here that gives free money away to people who sit around all day and do nothing how about helping the people that actually try!!!!!!!
web posted April 24, 2009

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To the Wrestling Parent and other STHS sports parents and ANYBODY Interested in the betterment ( Is that a word ? ) of our Student Athletes, PLEASE Attend our Next Athletic Booster Club Meeting on Monday Night , May 11th @ 7:30PM at the Concession Building between the Baseball and softball fields upstairs. The Main topic for discussion is New Officers, but we would love to have enthusiastic and passionate parents to help achieve some of these goals (Practice area's, funding, ect. )  mentioned right here in wandering Minds. When I say join US, we are Few ( 4 to 5 including the STHS A/D ) which is very sad,  but our voice is heard and we desperatly need parents of all sports. Your voice will count as well as your efforts. I have read many complaints and just general comments on the State of Athletics at STHS over the past few years and as always, Invite whoever has a beef to come and Join an existing group of people who have complaints and concerns so we can TRY to get things changed or improved. I don't know the original person who said the following statement, but I believe in it 100%. " DON"T  WHINE OR COMPLAIN UNLESS YOU EITHER HAVE A SOLUTION, OR ARE WILLING TO HELP CREATE A SOLUTION " .  Please try to attend. Remember WE are YOU !! GO REBELS
web posted April 24, 2009

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Just how much is the district office saving from the cuts? A district Secretary is being moved to a school, to be replaced by the over-paid public information office who continues to make many, many mistakes in everything she sends out. She has been paid by the career center but since she is unless at the career center Dr. Crenshaw is moving her to her side and having the district pick up her salary. Her title should be paid from public information officer to "snitch". So how much if anything is saving. or is this ridiculous move once again costly the taxpayers?
web posted April 24, 2009

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we have been told by Dr. Crenshaw that we do not have to make up snow days missed, yet districts aqround us are making up snow days. Who is right? please let us know so that we who work can make plans.

Editor's note: I will see what I can find out. Perhaps those closer to the admin can send the information in.
web posted April 24, 2009

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I do not currently live in Edgefield County, but can't wait to return to my "roots".  To the poster that is "so glad I left the small town" --the small town is probably much better off now that you're gone.  If you don't have pride in where you live, you will not be a contributor to anything positive.  Quite the contrary, you're usually part of the PROBLEM!
 
And for Mr. Singletary--if you're not happy where you live, GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM.  I'm sure you'd feel much more comfortable in Alexandria, VA. than where you are.  As for the poster who wants everyone in the "REDNECK TOWN" to step up and help Mr. Singletary in "whatever he needs", Why don't you step up and help him get out of town?  And by the way if that is the way you feel about where you live, you should consider going out of town at the same time!
web posted April 24, 2009

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Our youth soccer program is to instill sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play in our youth, with the main rule "HAVE FUN". Well, it failed Thursday night. What kind of sportsmanship is instilled when the  goalie dribbles down the field past an undermanned team and scores a goal to the roars and cheers of his parents and relatives? Then he goes back down the field laughing! The other team ran
their hearts out for 4 quarters with no substitutions and then get disrespected and laughed at. The game has always been fun, even in defeat but, it was no longer fun for the opposing team...it was a slap in the face! Then the goalie tries it two more times, and laughs his way back. It just shows, you are what you have been taught to be! Congrats to the defeated team for showing a lot of CLASS!
web posted April 24, 2009

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"It seems the current, but soon-to-be Director, said it wasn't his job to find a replacement since he was being given the boot. That's dedication to the students for ya. His dedication to those receiving HO instruction at the present time is really shining through. Not! These are hard times for the ECSD, but to be one the few who has reaped the most from excessive pay and extracurricular fringe benefits, he sure has let his best side shine though at this critical point in time."

You obviously have no idea what you are talking about - or attempting to talk about.  Feel free to contact Dr. Crenshaw, or the school board, to get the facts before displaying your ignorance again.
web posted April 24, 2009

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Just wait. As the market creeps up Obama and crew are going to take credit for it. I am not sure that his speech yesterday had anything to do with the market going up at that point. In fact the market went down at the end of the day due to the financials.  I am glad for the first time investor who has benefited from the market but they are apparently unaware of what has really happened to the market. Obama's "change" is only leaving a little change in our pockets.  But watch... he is going to take credit for any improvements in the economy and will quickly forget any responsibility in ruining our economy.
web posted April 24, 2009

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sign me up for the charter school!!  I will gladly work there!  they can use my house, just tell me who to contact!
web posted April 24, 2009

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is it true that someone could be such a good friend of yours that you would tell them the identity of a poster?  I defended you, saying that there was no way you would do that.  could you just reassure me?  thanks!!!!

Editor's note: You can be assured that I do not reveal the names of those who send in comments. Not even my wife knows, and there have been some comments made that she really wanted to know who sent them. She gets mad when people attack me for some reason. To help me forget who the sender is, all comments are taken from the emails, placed in a word document in no order, then placed in the Wandering Minds at the end of the day after being reviewed for content.
web posted April 23, 2009

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who can tell me what is the number of animals youl can have on you  property if you do not have a farm. And if this property is less than an acre.  Because the flies the musquito's and the smell is awful.  We have a problem with large black musquitos and large black flies. what is the danger if bittin by these bugs comming on our property.  We can hardly sit in the yard. And the hot weather is not here yet.

Editor's note: The question would be what type of animals. I do not believe there is a certain number on domesticated animals (dog, cats, ect). However, there is a county nuisance ordinance that could be used if the situation infringes upon your quality of life. Call County Administrator John Pettigrew at 637-4000 to see if it applies to your situation.
web posted April 23, 2009

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Before I get started, Mr. Singletary, I’m not jumping on you because you’re black. I’m giving you this crap because you are a jack ass. Do you realize if you are ever in any kind of trouble in Edgefield and need to call the police, they will take their time showing up? These are the people that protect and serve our community and all you are doing is being an idiot. A BILLION DOLLARS?! Are you freaking kidding me? You won’t get that, so far the only thing you have accomplished for yourself is being the laughing stock of Edgefield. Congratulations, you are even more of a moron than Bettis Rainsford.

Editor's note: Bettis Rainsford is a lot of things, but he is not a moron.
web posted April 23, 2009

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The double standards of county council and the administrator never seems to fail.  The budget of county offices has been frozen for almost two months now.  But recently there is news that during the finance director's maternity leave, the county will pay someone to take over her duties.  While I agree that the current finance director is probably one of the most knowledgeable employees in the administrator's office, I cannot think of another office that was afforded a temporary employee when one of their regular employees was out on leave.  Where is the salary for this temporary person coming from?  Either the county has money or it does not.  If it does not, then it needs to stop playing like our president and spending money it doesn't have.  What happend to all the cross training Kitchens and the like always sang about?  Oh, maybe I misunderstood, maybe they were in favor of cross dressing!
web posted April 23, 2009

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re: When, where, and by whom? Who teaches personal finance?

I do.  I will gladly forward you a copy of my lesson plans, a copy of the text book I use, and my room number so that you can see personal finance, creativity... being taught.
web posted April 23, 2009

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I can't believe that the Singletary man is for real.  You can't sue if you don't even have a lawyer.  And the nerve to ask the citizens of Edgefield County to fund his cause.  Does he really think everyone is out to get him?   A compotent lawyer will not even touch this case.  Besides Mayor Durham and Sheriff Dobey are elected officials.  If he wanted to make a difference just run against them in the next election.  Change things that way.
If he keeps on adding folks to his suit he will eventually have the entire county listed. 

Editor's note: You can sue without a lawyer (Pro Se).
web posted April 23, 2009

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What happened to the ordinance that the town of Edgefield was talking about that would force people to keep their property up? It was all the rage until the ugliest buildings in the worst shape belonged to Mr. Rainsford. I guess the mayor got his leash yanked pretty hard after that. It just all went away. Wonder why that is?
web posted April 23, 2009

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To our almighty chairman...what an ingrate you must be to treat county employees like they have no worth and their well being doesn't matter!  Where would your children have been all those years ago if the military thought that way when you were at their mercy?  As we get older we are supposed to have more compassion. (content removed) you need to rethink what's really important.  It's not places or things, it's people!
web posted April 23, 2009

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I have a question. If the county budget is "balanced", why is there a tax increase?

Editor's note: Because Chairman Kneece, Councilmen Willie Bright and Norman Dorn voted to raise taxes for the sole purpose of giving your money to the Edgefield Civic League (Tompkins Library).
web posted April 23, 2009

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Wow, the American media can't grasp what our dictator loving Obama is doing, but his follow dictators sure get it. I saw this headline today, "Hugo Chavez Says Venezuelan Socialism Has Begun to Reach U.S. under Obama". i quote: "Inspired by his meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama at the Americas Summit, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez declared on Sunday that Venezuelan socialism has begun to reach the United States under the Obama administration."

The media attacks AMERICANS protesting Obama's agenda, taxes, and spending. The Homeland Security says the Christian values that held this country together for over 200 years are to be targeted as possible "terrorists" including our veterans, and the highest crime rates in the country are in DEMOCRATS strongholds, but we are the problem? Here's the link.

RIP America.
web posted April 23, 2009

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Please attend the ECSD community meeting at Merriwether Elementary Thursday night. Monday's meeting at JET was attended mainly by teachers and a few parents. Where were all the concerned tax payers who have complained about the Edgefield County School District?  The superintendant and her "panel of experts" need to answer all the questions in regards to cuts and how they will hurt our schools. Clerical staff members have been furloughed but have the big salaried district staff?  How many of them would willingly take a pay cut if it would save a teaching position? How many board members will give up all pay to help with the budget cuts?  What exactly is $15,865 listed as "other" in the board members(trustees) section of the budget used for?  As tax payers, parents, and teachers we deserve answers. Please show up and ask the questions.
web posted April 23, 2009

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I was at the (County Council) meeting Tues night and after listening to Mr. Kneece talk about how they don’t know how much money they have and that they don’t have any interest in making any changes until June, it made me think. Why even hold the meetings if you’re just going to act like you’re holding public meeting? Mr Kneece even used the term “a dog and pony show” to describe the meeting. I was embarrassed to know this is who is leading our county. Then they wanted to jump on Mrs. Blackwell and Mr. Ashcraft for actually doing their jobs then poo-poo their hard work. I didn’t get a chance to speak to Mr. Ashcraft or Mrs. Blackwell after the meeting but want them to know I appreciate their hard work and diligence to their jobs. Thank God somebody on the board is thinking.
web posted April 23, 2009

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Today I found the reason for all of the “Stink” at the School District office. There are two open septic tanks. One just inside the fence and on the grounds of the high school, and the other on the other side of the same fence, about 10 feet away.  Both can be easly accessed by the kids and in anyones mind would be considered a safety problem.

The one inside the fence while the concrete slab has been loosely placed back on top of it, the other has been loosely covered with plywood. In fact it is the same plywood riser that is used every year at graduation for the school board to be seated on. Could it be that this is the way the maintenance department is getting things ready so we don’t notice the school board at graduation?
web posted April 23, 2009

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Of course you know, you just forgot... The takers of the h-capped parking are MENTALLY handicapped!!!
web posted April 23, 2009

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I have been very interested in what was really happening to our School District over the past two to three years. Upon attending the Pulic Forum Meeting at J. E. T. Middle School Monday night, alot of questions were ansewered without our Superintendent or School Board Members ansewering any questions that were presented to them. There was a great deal of avoidance of ansewering the questions presented. The Board and the Superintendent were evidently not prepared. Numbers on Class size were incorrect admittedly. Questions concerning the adherence to RIF policy being adhered to were avoided. More than once questions were presented to the Board and Superintendent about what was being cut at the District Adminstrative Level. Ansewer to which positions were cut were one Title 1 Supervisor (that was already going out on TERI Plan), two secretaries and two Custodians. Secretaries and custodians are not Administrative positions! Reduction in Force actions should be taken seriously and should be taken from top down. Our Superintendent admitted that she was a Human Resource director in her prevoius stints.  Combine Crenshaw's duties with the Human Resource director thus eliminating a high paying position that is being very poorly run now.  That would save two teaching positions. Eliminate  the facilities directors job and share that duty with the Assisistant Superintent. Crenshaw said she has looked hard. Hard decisions require Hard work. The fat need to be cut and our teachers are not the fat! Go to 4 day  week, from what I gather the administrators do not work all day Friday anyway. Board it is your duty to look at her recommendations and approve. I guess we will see what happens. God Bless the decisions that are made and lets pray that they are done with thought and without bias. By the way , one question was really ansewered Monday when the Charman of the school Board had no idea of what the grant Money requested for an alternative school was to be used for. She also does not know the difference in Continuous and Continuing Contract. The answer on Charter Schools forming in Edgefield was avoided in a abrubt manner. After all is said ,it is evident that the caring parents of this county can no longer put up with the actions that have taken place over the past two years that have destroyed a GREAT SCHOOL System. A Charter school will be formed and the displaced and retired teachers that have generations of experience will flood it doors with knowledge. It will start on K-12 level and evidentually expand to upper grades.  Ms Crenshaw will not be here to see it grow because she has had no intentions to stay in this County anyway. One more year and she will retire. Her Heart is not in this county ,that is evident.  The board has shown it does not care, evidenced during the last retreat meeting with hiring of an unexperienced   Guidance Counselor from out of our own school district. That move could have also saved needed jobs in our county. Our district has already lost cases this year due to discrimination in hiring by the Board. We sure can not afford more cases.  It was also evidence from this meeting that very few parents give a hoot about our schools. Show up and make a stance. Parent schools are for education and do not serve as a day care center for your kids. It is also your responsibility to vote on election day the persons that really have your childs best interest in hand.

Editor's note: Word limit rule lifted due to content of a public concern.
web posted April 23, 2009

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Have you heard any new information regarding the recent (alleged) rape threat and extortion attempt at STHS?

Editor's note: I have not. The case is being investigated and as far as I know it is ongoing. I will check with the investigator on the case to see if there have been any new developments.
web posted April 23, 2009

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This is in reply to:  “am so glad that I left the small town that I grew up in!”

The contributor reminds me of Will Rogers’ quote: “When the Okies packed up and moved to California, they raised the average IQ of both places.”  Now while that is probably also true of those who left Edgefield, one thing is certain, some who left Edgefield took their share of arrogance with them. 
I don’t care how many newspapers you read, being rude and offensive is not a quality indigenous to your homeland. 

I am a proud Edgefieldian in Atlanta.
web posted April 23, 2009

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Re: I did not come up with this idea but think it is worth passing on.
Prom season is coming up, times are tough. Some young ladies and not going because of the cost. New dresses you wear once are a luxury many parents cannot afford. I am sure many of the youngs ladies out there have dresses in their closets that are nearly new from last year. It is time to come together and help each other out. Open  a dress swap shop in your church, ask your neighbors if they need help. Prom is only as expensive as you make it. We have so many empty stores on main street, too bad one of them is not available to use as a central location to do this.
web posted April 18, 2009

 
This is a great ideal, we have a couple of dresses that are like new/worn once, that can be donated to this cause. It may too late now, but next year will be here before you know it.
web posted April 23, 2009

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Today President Obama visited a turbine manufacturing company in Newton, Iowa in celebration of Earth Day.  He is laying down the framework for clean energy reform.  When the speech began, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was just a few points down.  Since he began to speak, the market has turned around at current, 36 points up.  Not to brag or anything but I called bottom on the DJIA at 6500 in March and I stand by that declaration.  Personally, I have even put almost $1,000 in for the first time ever.  Since Barack Obama took office in February, when the DJIA was headed for the bottom, it has turned around 23% as a whole.  Sounds like the economic recovery part “change” is occuring.
web posted April 23, 2009

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When will the law enforcement community start enforcing handicapped parking rules? I am sick of seeing able-bodied people park in these spots. These people, with their entitlement mentality totally disgust me.
web posted April 22, 2009

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I am so glad that I left the small town that I grew up in!  Like volcanoes spewing molten lava, people in small towns never get tired of "the talk".  Grow up, stop harassing the scape goats (education system, Rainsford, county council, ect. ect), and please read a damn book that covers more than your political agenda or religious beliefs!  The people of this town really show their ignorance when they speak (or write).  Better yet, please just stop talking all together.  This is why intelligent children in Edgefield can not wait to "get out of town".  They have already outgrown Edgefield.  Adult attitudes and ignorance really do make them think that small towns = small minds.  By the way, it is no secret that edgefield daily leans significantly in the political spectrum.  If you want to get more than one view point, read more than one source!  Newspapers are created and run by politically passionate "right handed" or "left handed" people some times.  You may just find that you are a little "ambidextrous" in your thinking.  Since I know that someone will reply to this with a "clever" definition for ambidextrous, I will explain how it is being used here.  The primary definition, according to Merriam-Webster Online, is "using both hands with equal ease".  However, it is also defined as "unusually skillfull".  Be ambidextrous in your critical thinking when you read any newspaper.
web posted April 22, 2009

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Who is the lawyer that represents Mr. Singletary?

Editor's note: At this time Mr. Singletary is filing as "pro se" meaning he has no legal council.
web posted April 22, 2009

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Mr. Singletary has probably doing what most of us wish we had the nerve to do ! There isn't a African American in Edgefield that most likely have had an inssue with the police or problems of treatment relatives incarcerated in the detention center. African Americans are treated like were illegal aliens in Edgefield & were too afraid and scared to speak out, because we feel like we have a place to stay in! The law allows anyone that pay's the fee's to amend their suit. No one know's the constant Humilation, nor  the mistreatment that he has under gone.Mr. Singletary has been beaten up by Law Enforcment,Harrassed,Threatened to be hung up by a tree by the police. Most of these comments must be by a WHITE PERSON!! or a member of the defendants family. We should write what we know, not what we assume. Mr.Singletary must be going thru alot on a daily basis, if his suite keeps changing! We dont live his life & dont live his day to day experience with the defendant's!  the good book saids;  JUDGE NOT OR BE JUDGE !! Mr. Singletary is the first one that has actually spoken up and done something what African Americans have been dealing with  all our life in Edgefield. His homosexuality has nothing to do with his suit! He can call me for a witness.. Next, the library doesn't allow anything illicit on their computer's! Its blocked automatically. All negatives messages show a sign of severe Ignorance and Supreme Jealousy. Most are probably from members of a White Sempremist Group that dont want change or recognition for whats been happening for many years. (threat redacted). Dont get mad because all his cost is comming out of his Pocket and its the " Insurance Company" not the town that will pay for the Attorneys. I guest most would know that if they ivestigated before they opened there *@^*# mouth. I guess it is because he came from where our FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT LIVES!!  He"s not affraid to open his mouth like most. I hope he has his life Insurance paid, because they will try to kill him, before they let him bring Light to this " REDNECK TOWN" or      write it up accidently.  Let's step up and all help Mr. Singletary and support in which ever way is needed.
web posted April 22, 2009

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Word on the streets is the Calliham’s Building Purchase/Time Option is a done deal.  That is, agreed to dollar amount and time before the County actually takes over the building.  Majority vote wins on the County Council issues.  Maybe the new Council members should find out who from the County have been in involved with the recent negotiations.

What is the status on the MV Development issues that were discussed on Edgefielddaily?  That is, lawsuits and County Council dealing with their own unsatisfactory handling of county laws?

Please keep us posted as these issues do involve Edgefield County citizens.

Editor's note: The lawsuit against the county remians active. The road work is underway, but is not completed at Mt. Vintage. The deal on the Calliham building is a dead issue.
web posted April 22, 2009

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What are these buffoons on the Edgefield County Board of Education thinking? One teacher to thirty-five students? That is our new student to teacher ratio? Well I can foresee what is going to happen in the classroom. Teachers will be maintaining instead of teaching. I think our illustrious leaders need to rethink some of their "improvements" for next year. Dr. Crenshaw, your behind needs to hit the high road. Your decisions along with the school board have lowered us into a muck of a mess we may never be able to pull ourselves away from. Thank you for having the "intestinal fortitude" to run our school district and quality of education into the ground. You know, they say third time is a charm.
web posted April 22, 2009

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Talk about a conflict of interest...is not Mr. Kneece's son having the contract to clean the county buildings not a conflict of interest?

Editor's note:  The contract for these services are being provided by an outside company.
web posted April 22, 2009

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Re: We teach job skills AND how to write resumes, how to fill out job applications, how to interview for a job, how to dress for interviews, responsibility, punctuality, creativity, personal finance, self confidence..

When, where, and by whom? Who teaches personal finance? Who teaches or promotes creativity at the STCC? Please submit a list, with specific dates, places, staff involved, and the curriculum used. Let's get passed the rhetoric and get to the facts. However, your words have made me very curious as to whom exactly teaches personal finance at the STCC.
web posted April 22, 2009

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12 South Carolina lawmakers are tax-evaders!

That's according to figures from the State Department of Revenue, revealed by Senate Ryberg (R-Aiken) at the Statehouse today.

Read more and watch the video:
web posted April 22, 2009

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Regarding the Calliham building, I think it was a wise decision for the county to drop the purchase of it.   We do not need to pay additional taxes for this.    The county does not need it not can we afford it.
 
 It would be a good place for someone to open us a retail business, maybe our mayor should look into this possibility.   We don't have anywhere to shop.
web posted April 21, 2009

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You know, I think if people have the guts to get on Wandering Minds and make their opinions about Mr. Mckinney known, then they should make those comments to his face in the form of constructive criticism. Mr. Mckinney does many things at STHS. Why don't the complainers out there volunteer to help out instead of complaining. Mr. Mckinney spends hours upon hours directing rehearsals. I think he does a wonderful job and needs to be congratulated, not criticized. Why don't you do his job, if you think you can do it better.
web posted April 21, 2009

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Re: Obama will give us the money the rich stole from us.

WATCH:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvc0tYG_YpA
Then:  http://www.youtube.com/user/machosauceproduction

Watch the whole video.  Don't pull the old "I can't afford high speed Internet" BS.  Go to the library, once again courtesy of the taxpayer, and take in an earful.  WATCH THE END OF THIS CLIP AND DO SOME MORE RESEARCH.

When will the jobless fight for THEIR place where those are now that shouldn't have the jobs?  To good for that? OK, then you go to another country with your advanced skills because obviously there is no room for you here.  Oh, no skills?  Then stay the hell out of MY pockets.  At least you didn't SELL OUT and study for your education.  Wow, that was impressive to your friends wasn't it?  Where are they NOW?  Probably going to the same church listening to the same crap where you heard that all of your money was stolen from you by the rich.

Some people risk their life in order to get here, then risk deportation at any time and still work tirelessly. Others have leaders who constantly keep their followers in a state of victim hood to keep them in line.  Keep being a victim and you will stay in the same club. I would love for you to SHAKE free from those shackles and escape the new plantation of Jesse Jackson, and company, and join the club of the accomplished.  Then you will see how futile the mindset is of your COMRADS.
web posted April 21, 2009

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Sounds like the mayor of Edgefield has some "influence" with the council. Why would they consider raising this issue with the Calliham property?  Chairman Kneece sure has shown his true colors lately. Maybe it is just more obvious since we have new members who are not part of the old system. Usually we learn from our mistakes, but it seems like Edgefield just keeps making the same ones over and over due to the good old boys that have always run the place. How did Edgefield Construction do when they were building in Mt. Vintage? Not good-couldn't finish the job. Sounds like they have a long track of over budgets and lack of ability. Why would the council even consider this move? Someone must be afraid of the mayor and "crew" or they owe them something.
web posted April 21, 2009

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If the Caliham buyout was a "dead" item, how did (Edgefield) Mayor (Ken) Durham get it put back on the meeting schedule? Who elected him to the county council?

Editor's note: The agenda for the meeting was approved by Edgefield County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece. It will have to be approved by the full county council prior to the meeting in order to be considered.
web posted April 21, 2009

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money is for nothing and the tricks are free.
web posted April 21, 2009

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Mr. Singletary
I just want you to know because you feel you have special privileges in the public library I had to sit between you and my child to block any possible (things) you feel the need to view. You have no respect for any one else. If I had seen you were here I would not have ok' ed my child the use of the computer to play "G" rated games. You are a leach.
web posted April 21, 2009

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Hey !  I must have missed something, if the county is doing bail-outs (Callihams). I need one too. But wait, maybe they can bail Bettis out next.
web posted April 21, 2009

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re: This poster does not work for the ECSD...

I sincerely hope that I was wrong in my assumption.  I apologize to both of you. STCC has produced many successful students.  STCC has produced students who have been successful in many areas -
college, the armed services, and right here in our own community.  STCC doesn't just teach welding and masonry.  We teach job skills AND how to write resumes, how to fill out job applications, how to interview for a job, how to dress for interviews, responsibility, punctuality, creativity, personal finance, self confidence...The list is endless.  I hope for all concerned that STCC remains a strong contributor in the lives of our children, the community, and in the hollowed district report card.
web posted April 21, 2009

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Re: To the poster wanting to know about the STCC curriculum and the graduates. You obviously do not support your local doctor offices. If you did then you would know that there are a LARGE number of nurses that chose that profession because of the nursing classes at STCC.

Thank you for reminding me of this. This is true there have been those who have gained interest in health occupation areas due to courses attended at STCC; however, just recently the Health Occupations teacher left for greener pastures in the Health Occupations field. Now they have part-timers filling in and they even have a part-time math teacher teaching Health Occupations part-time. Now's that expertise for ya. It seems the current, but soon-to-be Director, said it wasn't his job to find a replacement since he was being given the boot. That's dedication to the students for ya. His dedication to those receiving HO instruction at the present time is really shining through. Not! These are hard times for the ECSD, but to be one the few who has reaped the most from excessive pay and extracurricular fringe benefits, he sure has let his best side shine though at this critical point in time.
web posted April 21, 2009

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As long as Ken Durham is mayor, any work done by Edgefield Construction on any local government concern should be considered a conflict of interest.
web posted April 21, 2009

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Would someone please tell me why would anyone even want to teach in schools these days?!? These kids dont even respect themselves,their families,and also importantly the teachers!!!!!! I think there should be an officer in every class, every second of every day....... If I found out my kids disrespected their teachers like some of these kids do, there would  hell to pay!!! And I dont mean maybe; enough now.........And that is that....
web posted April 21, 2009

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I am so glad to hear someone who cares about the kids in a sport. (Strom Thurmond High School Wrestling Team)
Wrestling is a great sport in addition collage scholarships, wrestling is an Olympic sport. It teaches self control and respect. (Something lacking in kids today).
 What about JET, I have never been inside do they have a space? They are right next door to STHS. My Child goes to W.E. Parker they have small gym and a large cafeteria area not used after 2:30pm.  The STHS soccer team used to use the large p lay ground for practice. (They may still for all I know.)
The School Wrestling Team is getting the shaft. There has to be one empty building in this county the team could use. WAKE up people!!
 
Every one needs to get over this “football/basket” star treatment environment, of the few star players who do get collage scholarships how many finish and get degrees. And of those few how many get into the pros?
More importantly have any of these so calls “stars” come  and given back to the community?
I don’t see any programs for the next generation by theses “stars”
All I see is adults living vicariously threw these kids. Shameful!   
web posted April 21, 2009

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Every child is unique and that requires innovation in the classroom.

Read more about Montessori education and the case for School Choice.
web posted April 21, 2009

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Editor's post: It is nice to know that County Council Chairman Monroe Keece can declare an issue "dead" and Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham can raise the dead from its grave. Who is running this county?

Obama Watch: VIVA OBAMA! : "The president says Americans want him to interact with foreign leaders and that the U.S. has nothing to fear from Venezuela. He stresses importance of collaboration and earning goodwill." So Jimmy Carter made sure a communist dictator was able to seize power through a corrupt election (sounding familiar?) and Obama is finding every communist dictator he can to snuggle up to and blame America for their ills.

And.. no surprise, in the same form of dictatorship and media control, "(CNN) – Senior White House adviser David Axelrod on Sunday suggested the "Tea Party" movement is an "unhealthy" reaction to the tough economic climate facing the country."

Of course, CNN ranks last in the cable news networks viewership. More people attended "TEA Parties" in one day than those who watch CNN on any given day. No wonder their "reporters" attacked those attending the rallies rather than "covering" their concerns.
web posted April 20, 2009

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Trying to ask a democrat for a simple answer is useless. I saw this on tv but didn't have time to record it but I found it on YouTube. Watch this. This is who is running our country.

Editor's note: Thanks for the link, living in the sticks (so to speak) we do not have cable access so we miss such gems.
web posted April 20, 2009

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I can't believe that Singletary has been allowed to bring his rediculous demand for hundreds on millions of dollars and increase it every week. Where;'s the (darn) judges in this (crap)?  Is everybody afraid of him because he's black and a (homosexual)? The really sad part of all this is the town and the county is having to pay lawyers to answer this idiot. Good Grief!!!!!!!!
web posted April 20, 2009

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I am pleased to see that someone cared enough to write a critique of the STHS Band and Chorus Concert.  I now know that I am not the only person who has wondered why the STHS choral program seems to take a back seat to the other jobs that Steve McKinney does.  Steve, you are talented and very hard-working, but please put more time and effort in promoting a higher quality of musical education for our children at STHS.  I always assumed that our community wasn't ready, but obviously and thankfully I am wrong.  At the Edgefield County Fine Arts Festival I, too, was left wondering why the middle school choruses sounded better than the high school choruses.  I don't think it is because of a lack of talent.
web posted April 20, 2009

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I think that (Mr. Singletary) has went a little to far about the amout of money that he is sueig for. Yes indeed we do need for the law enforcement to look into some of their police officers. (Redacted due to baseless claims). I dont believe in homosexual but if thats his life style and thats what he wants to do then thats him, people has they own beliefs. If Mr.Wash made the statement about beening around to many trees i think that was the wrong thing to do. I would also feel as if he was making a suggestion of some sort. He (Singletary), i dont think he should have went to Mr.Dobey fourteen times. I think everyone should be treated the same white or black, both has broken the laws. I do believe that blacks are treated different from whites and shouldnt be that way. Singletary if you have proof on those message you might have a case but not for that amount of money, hopefully someone will open there eyes to look into some of those officers that we have.

Editor's note: The claims made in the lawsuit are just that, claims. At this time the parties sued have not filed an official answer. Expect them to deny all accusations. The lawsuit, as presented so far, represents only one side of the issues involved.
web posted April 20, 2009

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Have ya’ll quit the Newsbusters comedy thing? I haven’t seen anything in a while. I love it. Please don’t stop carrying it!!!

Editor's note: No, Jodi Miller is on vacation until April 21, at which time the videos will return.
web posted April 20, 2009

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The 58-60 million Americans who did not vote for Messiah Obama know these are dangerous times for this country. The other 66-68 million liberal Americans who believe in 'feel good' rhetoric and 'Mo money' could care less. Obama people are content with free handouts, free medicine, ACORN, labeling conservatives as 'domestic terrorists', killing unborn babies, etc. In the meantime, Messiah Obama is cajoling (this means being friendly for you 'feel good' democrats) communist/socialist leaders with his big smile and anti-American statements. For all the men and women who have died protecting this country from communism, Obama, his appointees, and the media are quickly turning this country into a 'Big Brother' state, and these actions are consistent with Anti-American traitorship. If this country continues on the Obama spiral to Socialism/communism, there will be a revolt by the 58-60 million Americans who do not share Obama's traitorious views of governing.
 How will those pompus boobs at Homeland Security react to Americans standing up for their 'civil rights'? Now let me hear from you sniveling liberal democrats. Signed...Scary Right Winger.
web posted April 20, 2009

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Hey why not ask MMS for the use of their GYM. Mr.Turner lets FCCHS use it  at no CHARGE.   If they say they do charge them ask  to see the records.
Still waiting on the numbers for FC in county students. Just look at the baseball and softball  players and see where they come from.  Evans, North Augusta, Augusta Christian and so on.
web posted April 20, 2009

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Th recent actions by the President of The U.S. have been abysmal and inexcusable. In a matter of 2 weeks he has:
1) Told the stinking French how arrogant the American people have been.
THESE ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WE HAVE SAVED TWICE FROM GERMANY AND DON'T CARE
ONE LICK ABOUT THE U.S. I wish they were spealing German.
2) Told the Turks how arrogant we have been towards muslims. The same
religous sect that brought down the twin towers. DO YOU REMEMBER?
3) Bowed his head to a Saudi prince. Saudi Arabia pretends to be our friends, but only because we have made their leaders the wealthiest people in the world. They share none of that wealth with their country men. THE SAUDI MUSLIM SECT IS THE MOST EXTREME, DANGEROUS AND WELL
FINANCED THAN ANY GROUP IN THE WORLD. MOST ALL OF THE 9/11 ATTACKERS WERE
SAUDI MUSLIMS. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME WE BOMBED SAUDI ARABIA?
4) Embraced Dictator Chavez with both hands. Why even acknowledge this murdering thief much less pat him on the shoulder while shaking hands. The only thing I somewhat agree with that he did this week was to make a move to normalize relations with Cuba. This country is no threat to anyone. As the saying goes: Keep you friends close and your enemies closer. We could literally own this country in a few years. Besides, they have a lot of nice old cars and great cigars.
web posted April 20, 2009

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We need to have a tea party in Edgefield.
web posted April 18, 2009

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We attended the Tea Party and the Fair Tax rally in Columbia on Wednesday. It was a wonderful feeling to be among people that aware of what is going on in our country and want to do something about it. I would encourage anyone that is concerned with the direction our country has taken, to please get involved and and make your voice heard now and in 2010. Now that Homeland Security has labeled anyone with a difference of opinion as a right wing extremist, you have to wonder what else is coming down the pipe. Open your eyes everyone, and grab Freedom and the Constitution and hold on for dear life. Sincerely, a local right-wing extremist.
web posted April 18, 2009

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To the poster wanting to know about the STCC curriculum and the graduates. You obviously do not support your local doctor offices. If you did then you would know that there are a LARGE number of nurses that chose that profession because of the nursing classes at STCC.
web posted April 18, 2009

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I am the person who submitted the post about a place for the Strom Thurmond High School Wrestling Team to practice. My son is on the team. He has finally found a sport that he loves and he can't practice to get better. In response to the other poster our team is not asking for money or a building. We are simply asking for the use of space that is already available in the Edgefield County school system, such as Johnston Elementary school's gym, to be able to place our mats and to practice. The mats are rolled up and stored out of the way when we are not practicing so it is not like we are taking up the whole gym all of the time. Wrestling is an intense and dangerous sport they can't just practice in the parking lot. These boys cannot learn the moves they need to become competitive with out practicing them. The coach has worked tirelessly to find a place for these boys to practice. I offered to help by bringing the problem to public attention in the forum of wandering minds so that we could get the most attention and help as possible. I do not understand why we should not be able to use another school's facilities if they are not being used. We are one county. We should all want the betterment of all the children in our county. Our tax money built these schools and pays the salaries. The principal did not build the school and does not own it. We do not want to use the gym during school. So what is the problem? I understand that the towns of Trenton and Edgefield let us use their gyms then they would have to let everyone use it because they are not the school system, but I do not see the problem with another school letting us use their gym. I do not understand why someone would have a problem with the coach placing this issue in the wandering minds. We have a wonderful coach who has worked tirelessly training and teaching these boys and girls the sort that they love if this was football no one would be having this discussion. Wrestling may seem new to most readers but it is a very competitive sport. Newberry's wrestling team was second in the state last time I checked and gives six scholarships a year to wrestlers. What if it were your child that did not have a place to practice golf, basketball, football? Why is wrestling less important? So in closing I, (name removed), am asking for everyone's help in finding the Strom Thurmond Wrestling Team a place to practice. (removed), you can call the High school principal @ 275-1768 or the Johnston Elementary school principal @ 275-1755 or Johnston Town Hall @ 275-2488 (about use of the Armory) and voice your opinion or to offer help or you can be completely useless and a waste of hot air and keep complaining. You can put a negative spin on everything and be part of the problem or you can simply help. If it was your child's sport, your child’s love, you would do the same thing! Thank You!

Editor's note: The writer supplied their name and phone number which was removed according to our policy of not identifying posters.
web posted April 18, 2009

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So Obama is a Christian and not a muslim? Then why did he make Georgetown U remove the cross and the name of Jesus when he gave his speech there this week? "Amidst all of the American flags and presidential seals, there was something missing when President Barack Obama gave an economic speech at Georgetown University this week -- Jesus."
web posted April 18, 2009

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HOLY COW!!!! I just found out I am a "extremist" or "posible terrorist" because I believe in God, read my Bible, hate killing unborn babies, own a gun, support our troops, and won't bow down to king Obama! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!! The Imperial Federal Government has admitted to watching you, TARGETING YOU, and is OUT TO GET YOU!!!!!!!!

Sieg Heil Obama!!!!
web posted April 18, 2009

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To the poster who thinks the attack on "conservatives" is made up:

Do you understand the word "conservative" and the positions "conservatives" hold in this country?  The word "conservative" does not have to be spelled out in these attacks. The positions being attacked are "conservative" views. It does not take a genius to know that.  Maybe it just takes a liberal not to see the truth in it.

Timothy McVeigh was one person who had huge issues.  That was 14 years ago.  How can you use one example to target an entire group of people? Instead of putting our vets on some kind of watch list, lets support them, thank them, appreciate their service, and give them what they need when they get home. They are sacrificing for us. What is wrong with the picture in Washington?

I am glad you are reading Malkin.
web posted April 18, 2009

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I did not come up with this idea but think it is worth passing on.
Prom season is coming up, times are tough. Some young ladies and not going because of the cost. New dresses you wear once are a luxury many parents cannot afford. I am sure many of the youngs ladies out there have dresses in their closets that are nearly new from last year. It is time to come together and help each other out. Open  a dress swap shop in your church, ask your neighbors if they need help. Prom is only as expensive as you make it. We have so many empty stores on main street, too bad one of them is not available to use as a central location to do this.
web posted April 18, 2009

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In 2006, the average income tax rate in the USA was 12.6%.  This is per the tax foundation.  http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/23408.html

   The top 1% paid an average (in 2006) of 22.79%. 

   I understand there are state taxes (average about 5%) and FICA tax (6.2% on the first $100K or so) and 1.45% on all salary. 

   I try to pay as little tax as I can and I think every American should within the law. 

   But what should the "average tax rate" be on the average American?  On the top 1%?  I know you like the Fair Tax, but please don't use that as an answer for my question as it doesn't address the issue in the context of an income tax. 

   What tax rate do you think the "tea baggers" complaining about? 

   Just wondering what you think.  I am pretty sure we could agree to cut federal spending, but we'd probably disagree on what programs to cut.

Editor's note: If not the Fair Tax, which I support, then I would say the US Congress should have to operate under an Enumerated Powers Act (Which has been proposed several times but never makes it out of committee).
 
Quite simply, if the US Constitution does not grant the US Congress the power to appropriate money (each spending bill would have to be linked to the constitution to show when and where the power was specifically granted to Congress) then the program or money cannot be spent and the money returned to the people.
 
Those that would be cut? Every "entitlement" program by the Federal Government (and the USDOEd). If the states want to create such programs, that would be up to them individually.
 
The biggest problem I see is that the Fed's are so far out of control (both parties) that they represent government, not the people.
 
The highest (Fed) tax rate? Like I said, I support the Fair Tax, but if not that, then (after holding Congress to the Constitution) the highest tax rate would be about 3 - 5% (give or take a few points). "Entitlements" (and education) account for well over 60% of the national spending unrelated to actually funding the government.
 
Also, remember that half of the people in this country do not PAY taxes, but received "refunds" (redistribution) checks. I know people myself who get a bigger "refund" than their withholdings totaled. That too should stop.

The Obama administration is starting up the printing presses and will double the supply of "money" in the nation. If someone needs a refresher course in where this leads, please read my column from several years ago (August 2005) that shows how we got where we are and where we are going.
web posted April 18, 2009

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Last evening, I attended the spring concert at STHS. The band was very entertaining. But the chorus needs to learn some new songs. It is bad to go to every concert and hear the same songs being done over and over. It makes me wonder what Mr. McKinney spends his time doing with the students if they cannot learn more than a few songs in a whole year.

The concert was overall fair, but seemed to lack the professional appeal that past concerts have held. Mrs. O’Neal’s  superior emceeing was truly missed , and this was perhaps the flair that left the concert lacking. I always enjoy her relating the musical history or significance of each piece.

The gym is not an appropriate place for the concert either. It is hot and has very poor seating. The ceilings  are too high to maintain proper echoing techniques needed to really make music swell with excitement and volume. The sound system is inadequate and often has problems.

It is so sad that the county does not support music education more in our schools. We need a theater that could be utilized for plays, concerts, and other events. But all we get is another performance in the lunchroom or the gym.  Or we get the same old song and dance that we have no money.
web posted April 18, 2009

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Editor's post: Let me take this time to say that people who “think” they know who a poster is should refrain from telling others. A recent post by a citizen has been attributed to the Wrestling Coach at STH. I can tell you the coach did not send in the post, nor did he have any influence on its content. Take what is said for what it is, someone’s opinion, nothing more. Only one person knows who the posters are, and I refuse to reveal anyone’s identity, even if they attack me.
web posted April 17, 2009

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I enjoy reading this BS because the idiot will stand up.
Everyday Obama this, Obama that, if you don't like the way President Obama is running the country, go to another country where you think it's being ran better. I didn't see any crap like this while Bush was President. Talking about another subject that's not important at all, if Councilman Dorn is such an idiot or so ignorance, I didn't see anything about his ignorance when he voted along with Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilman Ashcraft sending the budget into a $224,000 deficit, that would have made all three of them idiots, I know you better not say that. The only thing Councilman Dorn has to do (IN YOUR EYES) is shut up and wait for the white man or woman to speak and then say "that,s right captain" and he will no longer be an idiot or ignorance (HE WILL BE A (darn) FOOL) this is America--freedom of speech.

Editor's note: There are none so blind as those who cannot see.
web posted April 17, 2009

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How sad that this Texan had the incroachment on her second amendment rights so graphically illustrated.

I see the dis-honorable senator from New York was getting a little uncomfortable in his chair..

The gun banners are absolutely speechless as this little Texas gal chews them up and spits them out.

She knows what the 2nd amendment is really all about.

Watch it. You will be glad you did.

Here's a video that I guarantee you won't forget anytime soon!!

She didn't cry, although she came close to losing it, and she gave those a reality check they dearly needed..........

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4069761537893819675
web posted April 17, 2009

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It sounds like Mr Singletary is stalking Sheriff Dobby. By his own admission he has visited the Sheriff offices 14 times.  The average citizen would have been able to take out a restraining order by now. I guess MR. Singletary has more rights than the people who protect us from crime.  Mr Singletary must be very special.
web posted April 17, 2009

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Mr. Singletary
Don't wait - go now to France or one of the countries below which do not have extradition treaties before your past catches up with you.
Countries which do not have extradition treaties  but do maintain diplomatic relations with the US are Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia,Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bophuthatswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China (People's Republic of China), Ciskei, The Comors, Cote d' Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Jordan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Maldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Oman, Philippines, Principe and San Tome, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Samoa, Yemen, Zaire, and Zimbabwe.

Countries which have neither diplomatic relations nor extradition treaties with the US are Andorra, Angola, Bantu Homelands, Bhutan, Bosnia, Cambodia, Ciskei, Cuba, Iran, Korea (North), Libya, Maldives, Serbia, Somalia, Taiwan, Transkei, Vanuatu, and Vietnam."

Maybe you can learn a new language and speak it better than you do English. But don't expect any more freedom of speech or anything else.
web posted April 17, 2009

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I just ran across an old post that discussed how evil the “white man” is and what he’d apparently done to this “persons” ancestors. Give me a break! I’m sick of it. No culture or race of people exist in the world that haven’t been persecuted at some point in their history, most often by their own kind. The problems always associated and blamed on “whitey” come from being a human being, not being white, black, etc… If you are homo sapiens you and your ancestors are just as capable and culpable of persecution of other men as any other race or culture.

Take a look around the world today! People are committing mass persecutions of other individuals – today and often they are persecuting people very much like themselves. And guess what?! It’s not a bunch of average white guys from South Carolina that are doing all of the raping, pillaging and murdering!

I am not very proud of some of the things our country has been involved in. I am not very proud of some of the things my own family and friends have done. I am not perfect either. I wish many things could be different about our shared past. But we cannot change those things now and I will not feel guilty because I am white and from the South. But rather, I am proud that I am.
web posted April 17, 2009

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Re: There is something very fishy about this post.  Sounds like someone 'on the inside' with 'inside' information - they know salaries and job responsibilities!?  Perhaps the poster should remember why they have a job, or rather WHO saved their job a few years ago. How could you stab him in the back like this?

This poster does not work for the ECSD. Salaries of school admins are public record if they earn over $50,000. The current Director of the STCC earns close to $100,000 per year. If his TERI is up this year, he'll receive a lump sum of close to $250,000 from the state for the 5 years of service under TERI, if he has not received it already. There will be many shake-ups with persons losing their jobs. Mr. Green (Director for next year) has been effective in handling discipline problems for STHS. Please tell me how many good-paying jobs that those students who went through the STCC curriculum have received once graduating. The STCC has produced some welding jobs for STCC graduates, and maybe a few masonry positions, but please list what other areas STCC grads have received good jobs with benefits. Give me this detailed list and maybe I'll rethink my analysis.
web posted April 17, 2009

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Very important for you to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the House.
This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009.
We just learned yesterday about this on the Peter Boyles radio program.
Even gun shop owners didn't know about this because it is flying under the radar.
To find out about this - go to any government website and type in HR 45 or Google HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009. You will get all the information.


Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless:

...It is registered
.You are fingerprinted
.You supply a current Driver's License
.You supply your Social Security #
.You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing
.Each update - cha nge or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25
- Failure to do so you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.
.There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child under 18.

The Government would have the right to come and inspect that you are storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is punishable for up to 5 yrs. in prison.

If you think this is a joke - go to the website and take your pick of many options to read this..
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/text

It is long and lengthy. But, more and more people are becoming aware of this. Pass the word along.
Any hunters in your family - pass this along.
Peter Boyles is on this and having guests. Listen to him on KHOW 630 a.m. in the morning.
He suggests the best way to fight this is to tell all your friends about it and "spring into action". Also he suggests we all join a pro-gun group like the Colorado Rifle Association, hunting associations, gun clubs and especially the NRA..

This is just a "termite" approach to complete confiscation of guns and disarming of our society to the point we have no defense - chip away a little here and there until the goal i s accomplished before anyone realizes it.
(Did Obama promise transparency? It seems his motives are more and more transparent while his methods are hidden in back rooms.)

This is one to act on whether you own a gun or not.
web posted April 17, 2009

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"You can't make this stuff up.

-Obama's new Homeland Security brainless trust have labeled disgruntled veterans as "right wing exptremists"

I know, Timothy McVeigh was not made up.  You are right.  You can't make this stuff up.

Your link to Malkin's site has this headline....
Confirmed: The Obama DHS hit job on conservatives is real

But the document never says the word "conservative".  So, Malkin DID MAKE THAT UP! 

McVeigh being a disgruntled vet who was a terrorist...not made up.

Malkin's claim that "conservatives" are being targeted....made up.
web posted April 17, 2009

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RE: I was driving home yesterday from work when I almost had a wreck on Hwy 25 south. I past the County Line Fire Department and saw all these vehicles parked at the Fire Department. I thought the Fire Department was closed because I never see anyone there. Were they auctioning the equipment and vehicles off? Was this open to the public?

Maybe they were actually having a face-to-face/hands-on training instead of the on-line training that they seem to be having lately.  I haven’t known that many vehicles to be up there since the “bad apples” left.   You know, come to think of it, I think I saw an Outback catering van in the area on Tuesday night.  Maybe they catered the training?  Interesting huh…
web posted April 17, 2009

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Why doesn’t Mr. Singletary take his Gay self to California where he will be among the midst of his kind. Who is the lawyer for this nut??

Maybe Bettis Rainsford can get into this suit and collect enough to pay for his law suit’s.

It appears the City Council and the County Council, should also be included in this suit. Then we can get “Dorn, Bright, and Kneece” at the same time.
web posted April 17, 2009

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re:  It will save the district $25,000-$35,000 per year. The outgoing director was over payed and his handling...

There is something very fishy about this post.  Sounds like someone 'on the inside' with 'inside' information - they know salaries and job responsibilities!?  Perhaps the poster should remember why they have a job, or rather WHO saved their job a few years ago. How could you stab him in the back like this?

We couldn't ask for a better director!  He is fair to the kids, teachers, and parents.  He has a way of diffusing a situation and no one comes away feeling like they lost.  You question his handling of discipline problems??  Why do you think the high school side saves the thugs on parole matters for him?  Because he has the 'fortitude' to handle them - and best of all, they know it!  Those boys
respect him AND like him.  They know that he is kind and fair, but won't take their crap.   You think the
discipline is slack now?  You just wait till next year - those boys are already making plans!
web posted April 16, 2009

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You can't make this stuff up.

-Obama's new Homeland Security brainless trust have labeled disgruntled veterans as "right wing exptremists"

-Today his newly appointed "border czar" has advocated removing US troops from the Mexican border to ease that country's drug wars! Tomorrow, look for Obama to propose removing the ban on total freedom of movement for Mexican trucks in the US.

Meanwhile Obama is silent on the North Koreans launching missiles over our allies' airspace, silent on Iran's bagging about their plutonium production, vocal about helping the economy of communist 
cuba and Bowing down to the king of Saudi Arabia - "defender of the holy shrines of Islam".

His bad guys are America's good guys and vice versa. Obama: the last president.
web posted April 16, 2009

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Some options in Johnston for the wrestling team are the armory as mentioned, the Johnston Elementary gym or possibly part of the old warehouse downtown. I wish these kids luck as we should all support our youth.
web posted April 16, 2009

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All of the Athletes and coach's feel your pain as far as "Practice Area" is concerned. Imagine being a member of our State ranked and recently state runner up Track Team …….. Yet we have no Track. We were to get a grant a year or so ago that would allow us to build a fieldhouse that would hold all of the coach's offices, Players locker facilities, Weight room, ect. And the coach's REALLY wanted this. The Old locker facility and area was to be renovated to accomadate Wrestling. In addition to that, Other very positive changes and renovations would be made to our Modest facilities but that grant was taken away and used in other, more urgent " Areas of need ". I think it will happen, hopefully sooner than later and hopefully you can be part of something we will all be proud to support. Hang in there, Wrestling was a blast this year and were looking forward to the future. Go Rebels
web posted April 16, 2009

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Obama and crew are reaffirming every fear we had of their agenda. The most liberal, leftist senator in Congress is now the most liberal, leftist President of the U. S. As the editor said, it is chilling to see this attack on our rights. It was good to see that Lou Dobbs on CNN covered the story about Homeland Security and the memo given them about the threat of right wing extremists last night on his program. I know Fox News will cover it but sometimes they are preaching to the choir. People need to wake up to what these leftist people are doing. "Dictator Obama" is what he is becoming  They play on people's fears and they single out and distort facts to make their points. To say that our returning vets could be a threat is ludicrous, but they say that is what happened in Oklahoma City. To say that people who support second ammendment rights could be like the guy in Penn. that shot the policemen is ludicrous. The sad thing is that if some people hear enough distorted junk, they start to believe it Pray for this country!!!!!!! Oh dear, I must be an extremist if I think prayer is a good thing.
web posted April 16, 2009

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I was driving home yesterday from work when I almost had a wreck on Hwy 25 south. I past the County Line Fire Department and saw all these vehicles parked at the Fire Department. I thought the Fire Department was closed because I never see anyone there. Were they auctioning the equipment and vehicles off? Was this open to the public?

Editor's note: Tuesday nights are the general night set for training of local fire departments.
web posted April 16, 2009

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Why is it that the police in our area , don"t enforce the handicapped parking laws.  It seems like everyone is allowed to park there.  Even in front of the courthouse.  For people that are truly handicapped, this is a big problem.  Also, when you see a teenager jumping out of a car with a handicapped emblem, you wonder first, whose car is it?  Then you wonder why this is also not enforcible.  The handicapped would love to be able to walk from one end of the parking lot to the other, if they would like to trade places.  Thanks for listening.
web posted April 16, 2009

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re: First of all if a 4 or 5 year old can not go the the restroom alone,then those children should be sent back home for more potty training.
 
Are you kidding me??  How stupid are you????  You are so clueless about education!!  I'll pay you 100$ to come to my classroom for ONE day and see how you fare.  They would eat your ignorant, self righteous butt alive!!  I am the teacher who offered to be the first jackass to work for free; did that make you ingrates happy?  No, you find something else to whine about.   Get off your sorry butt and contribute to the lives of our children instead of cutting teachers our down!  
web posted April 15, 2009

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re: I am the owner of the horse that died. 

I am familiar with the examination and treatment for impaction colic.  The discomfort associated with both (horse should have been heavily medicated by the vet at the time) were NOTHING compared to the pain your horse endured laying in a field with a twisted stomach.  Even a couple of hours was too long.   

Unless you were ALSO starving the dogs they would have been okay while you tended to the mare first.  

There's no excuse or justification for your actions.  You couldn't tell the officers who you called for assistance and the article reads like you didn't phone the vet on your own for advice or to come put the horse down and you stopped the feeding plan because of expense.  I'd say you did very little for her other than kill her. 

Thank you for setting the record straight though.  Your post was insightful into the kind of person you are.  You don't seem to show the least bit of remorse for the outcome.  Instead of correcting what you feel are false statements maybe you should be expressing sadness or accountability
web posted April 15, 2009

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Re response to need for teacher assistants in classroom
 
You state that a teacher should never leave children unattended in the classroom for any reason.  What is the teacher supposed to do - wear Depends?
web posted April 15, 2009

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I am a county employee who also pays taxes in this county and I want to know how can the county vote to make me pay for benifits they promised me when I was hired so they can give MY money to someone else?  It may not matter to most people but to me it is double taxes. Not only do I pay taxes, but my salary is going to someone that doesnt work for the county so they can lollygag around and pretend to be important!

Count me (as one) that is looking for another job!!!!!!!!!
web posted April 15, 2009

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FYI - There will be two "Town Hall" meetings about the ECSD budget woes. The first is at JET middle school on April 20 from 6 -7. The second is at Merriwether Middle School on April 23 from 6 -7. Has the school district advertised this yet? I had not heard about it until today. Maybe they hope to have a meeting free from public input. I encourage all to come give ideas on how to save the district money without cutting so many teachers. By the way, the information (possible budget cuts from board retreat) that was posted on this site last week was full of WRONG information!! Whoever compiled that data for the board should be fired for gross incompetency!! Just talk with your local principal to know how wrong the data is. If we cut teachers and staff based on this information, we will NOT have enough classrooms for the students in the fall!!

Editor's note: A Public Notice has been placed by the School District about the meetings today.
web posted April 15, 2009

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Quite honestly, I don't understand why you openly give the impression that Councilman Dorn bothers you by what he says.  You say that it does not bother you but It certainly appears otherwise by your comments and writing. If it did not bother you there would not be a reaction...What a waste of time and energy. Yes, it is an embarrassment to the County and I'm sure the other members of the Council that Councilman Dorn verbally attacks citizens at the Council meetings when he is supposed to be a representative leader of our county.. And what an awkward position this must put Councilwoman Blackwell in during the meetings.  Quite honestly, it's not productive...and no one cares.  Rise above giving in to the petty nasty remarks by Councilman Dorn. You are better than that - cover news and county happenings that matter. Continue to make a difference in our county and county goverment by sticking with the items and issues that really matter.

Editor's note: I will stand to defend myself when attacked. County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece, preventing a citizen's right to defend one's self against such attacks clearly shows that he, and therefore the county, supports the attacks.

If it takes a court action to stop the ignorance of Councilman Norman Dorn, so be it.
web posted April 15, 2009

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In June, there will be a large number of Edgefield County School District employees who no longer have a job.  The trickle-down effect on the local economy will certainly be felt by everyone.  Additionally, many of these people started working in the field of education in their very early 20s and are now just in their fifties.  They have children at home or in college or they are raising grandchildren.  The thought occurred to me that there may be employees in the county who would be willing to offer part-time, temporary, or full-time employment to these people who are educated and have a proven work ethic.

(EdgefieldDaily.com has) a wide readership.  Hopefully, local businesses will respond and help some of these people, and in doing so, boost the county's economy.
web posted April 15, 2009

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People who have not taught lately or spent a lot of time in a public school classroom, have no idea what teachers deal with on a daily basis. If teachers were allowed to actually use most of their time to teach it would be wonderful. Instead, a lot of teachers are also social workers, psychologists, and parents to a lot of the children. You have no idea of the needs of some of the children that are in our classrooms today.  Between the lack of discipline at home, children with emotional and or physical problems, attitudes of entitlement, hunger, difficult and demanding parents, paperwork,  etc, etc., teachers have their hands full. There is not a lot of time in the day left to actually teach. A little extra aide time in the classroom might free the teachers up to teach.  It is easy to sit back and criticize the teachers but unless you have walked in their shoes, you don't understand. Some are not good, but most would not be there unless they cared about kids. It is one of the hardest jobs out there. I get weary with critics who think they know it all.
web posted April 15, 2009

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Please do not encourage Norman Dorn to write anything to be published in this or any other paper!  Our schoolchildren may read it and think that he is using proper English since he is a public official.

Editor's note: I'm not worried, suggesting such would assume that Norman Dorn could compile a cognitive thought and place it in the English language in print, which will never happen.
web posted April 14, 2009

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I am the owner of the horse that died. I don’t know where whoever wrote this got their information but I noticed the horse was down on the way to get dog food that morning.  I tried to get her up and gave her water then on the way to get dog food made phone calls to try and decide what might be wrong with her and had decided I needed to call somebody to have her put down. The first neighbor that called to tell me the horse was down was when I was within a mile of getting back home. I am sure that my neighbors would have called me if the horse needed attention. This was a 24 year old mare who cribbed that I got a little over a year ago from a pasture with several other horses. They were not getting anything but grass and I was hoping I could nurse her back to health. If anything was cruel it was the examination the vet gave her and the treatment thereafter that I will not describe.

Editor's note: If the sender of this comment is the owner of the horse in question (and the name matches incident reports) I have to ask, if you were rescuing the horse from a situation that the horse was getting only "grass" and you were "hoping I could nurse her back to health", why did you stop the feeding program the vet prescribed and feed it only "hay and water" because the feed was to expensive, as police reports indicate?
web posted April 14, 2009

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I am hoping that you can help out the Strom Thurmond Wrestling team by helping us find a place to practice. They have been practicing in the lunch room at JET. Everyday they have to move all of the lunch tables, put out the wrestling mats, practice, put the mats back up and the return the lunch tables. This has greatly reduced their practicing time.But that is not the worst part they will not be able to use the lunch room during the summer. This being our first year having a wrestling team we did fairly well but we have to continue to practice to even get close to the talent of the other teams they face. The Edgefield Gym could not help, the Mayor of Trenton refused to help "public schools" by letting us use their gym. We have a request in to the Mayor of Johnston about the Johnston Armory but have not received an answer yet. So we are requesting your help in finding anyone who has a building or room big enough to store the mats and to practice in several days a week. You can word the posting for a search however you deem fit. We are at our wits end and are looking for any help we can get. We have 23 boys and one girl on our team. It is a shame that it is so hard to get any help for such a good program!
Thanks for your help and all you do!

Editor's note: This is what the Wandering Minds is designed to help, those seeking their issues being brought before the general public. I personally do not understand why this program is not covered under the school's sports program and why it cannot be housed at the school.
web posted April 14, 2009

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A friend of mine has been diagnosed with a brain cyst that is blocking fluid in the brain. He will be having surgery at some point this week. Please pray that all goes well.
web posted April 14, 2009

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RE the response to the need for teachers assistants
 
First of all if a 4 or 5 year old can not go the the restroom alone,then those children should be sent back home for more potty training.Second, a teacher should never leave any children unattended ever for any reason.And again I will repeat myself, if you need an assistant to teach, you should not teach!!!!And as for your "intelligent thinkers" comment, let me just say that I am "intelligent" enough to have my child potty trained before he/she enters school!!Now I must stop typing because all of this "intelligent" thinking has given me a headache!!
web posted April 14, 2009

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Don't forget the tax day tea parties taking place Wednesday April 15th - Columbia at 12:30 and Augusta at 5:00.  Check out the website:  http://www.taxdayteaparty.com for details.  We the people, the silent majority are taking back America.
web posted April 14, 2009

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Re: So Crenshaw and the Board take the cowardly way out, have a retreat and name administrators, send everyone off on spring break and expect everyone to get over it. Fat Chance! This means JET will have a new principal and assistant principal. And what does Mr. Green know about the career center? And the new AP at STHS, if she is so good why hasn't Aiken promoted her? And just what did the retreat cost? Did the Board members get paid? Please find out.

Mr. Green replacing the current STCC director is a good choice. It will save the district $25,000-$35,000 per year. The outgoing director was overpayed and his handling of discipline matters was highly questionable. You really do not have to know that much about the STCC to do a good job. The greatest challenge was checking the correct boxes on reports due to the SC DOE. The retreat took place at the District Office. The only pay that ECSD BOE members should receive is reimbursement for mileage to and from the ECSD District office, in my opinion.
web posted April 14, 2009

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Adding a tax to your retirement is simply another way of saying to the American people, you're so darn stupid that we're going to keep doing this until we drain every cent from you. That's what the Speaker of the House is saying. Read below...............

 Nancy Pelosi wants a Windfall Tax on Retirement Income.  In other words tax what you have made by investing toward your retirement. This woman is a nut case! You aren't going to believe this.

 Madam speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to put a Windfall Tax on all stock market profits (including Retirement fund, 401K and Mutual Funds! Alas , it is true - all to help the 12 Million Illegal Immigrants and other unemp loyed Minorities!

This woman is frightening.
 She quotes...' We need to work toward the goal of equalizing income, (didn't Marx say something like this?), in our country and at the same time limiting the amount the rich can invest.'  (I am not rich, are you?)

When asked how these new tax dollars would be spent, she replied:
'We need to raise the standard of living of our poor, unemployed and minorities. For example, we have an estimated 12 million illegalimmigrants in our countrywho need our help along with millions of unemployed minorities. Stock market windfall profits taxes could go a long way to guarantee these people the standard of living they would like to have as 'Americans'.'  (Read that quote again and again and let it sink in.  'Lower your retirement, give it to others who have not worked as you have for it'.  


Editor's note: Welcome to "Change you can believe in."
web posted April 14, 2009

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Editor's post: To the many who have written in concerning our daughter and grand-daughter: Mom, Dad, and baby are all doing well. Thank you for your kind words, letters, and prayers.

The Wandering Minds for March has been Archived and placed in the Archive listing above. Several of the March posts have been deleted to make the page load faster for dial-up internet users.
web posted April 13, 2009

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The editor is always crying when someone says something about him and his leftsided/prejudice paper, but he thinks it's alright when he talks about the voters and taxpayers of Edgefield County. You,re not the only one who has a Lawyer, your vicious, slanderous, demeaning, and libelous attacks of citizens of Edgefield MUST STOP NOW. If you can't handle Mr. Dorn, that's your problem, leave the taxpayers alone.

Editor's note: Wow, now I am a "Leftsided" commentator in opinion columns of County Councilman Dorn's attacks on private citizens. (I thought I was called "right of Rush Limbaugh"). Do I comment on Councilman Dorn's actions? Absolutely, he placed himself in an elected position and is therefore fair game. If Mr. Dorn wants to send in opinion columns or Letters to the Editor to EdgefieldDaily.com I welcome them. He is welcome to voice his "personal opinions" in an opinion in print. It is a far different matter to do it under the color of the county government and during a county meeting, while he is speaking for "the county".
web posted April 13, 2009

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I think is was prettty crappy of how the employees of Edgefield County Schools had to read of days being cut from contracts next school year instead of administrators and supervisors having the (fortitude) to tell us firsthand.
web posted April 13, 2009

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A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.- Thomas Jefferson

Editor's note: Amen!
web posted April 13, 2009

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It is my understanding that the horse that was put down last week was down for several days prior to animal control getting involved.  It is disturbing that anyone could allow a horse in such tremendous pain to lay there and suffer for days without intervention.  Cheaper than a vet yes, but the cost in loss of integrity and character is high.

Shame on this owner! 

The general perception in the local equine community is that nothing will be done to her, just as there were no consequences for the man on Country way or the owner of the gray mare (both reported about here).  That fact makes me sick to my stomach.  Why even call in an investigator if he doesn't have the proper anatomy to file charges against the person in question? 

Until someone in law enforcement or the prosecutors office steps up and makes an example of these folks, this will continue. 

I've only owned horses for a couple of years but one thing I've learned quickly is that those in the equine community TALK.  They talk about you when you are foolish, stupid or abusive.  When you get the reputation for mistreating or neglecting a horse, it follows you forever.

I think I should send a link of this story and her name to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.  If the extremists get involved maybe these pieces of garbage would get what they deserve.  Personally, I'm angry and I'd like to see this woman suffer as much as her horse did.

Editor's note: It is my understanding that charges will be filed in this case. I have not released the name of the owner until such a charge is filed and an arrest made.
web posted April 13, 2009

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I listened to the tape of (County Councilman) Norman Dorn several times. It is very hard to understand what he is saying. I can understand everyone else in the tape but Mr. Dorn sounds like a dumb (donkey).  Mr. Bright sounds just as dumb when he says he wouldn't nominate "rev" Hooper but he would vote for him? i wonder if Mr. Dorn and Mr. Bright would be so forgiving if one of the WHITE people appointed (was accused of raping) a black woman? Can you find out if (Councilman) Dorn is behind Singletary's lawsuit? That sounds just like Norman (Dorn)

Editor's note: I have no information implying County Councilman Dorn is working with Mr. Singletary on his lawsuit.
web posted April 13, 2009

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I can't believe you didn't pick up on this! Obama's brother accused of UK sex assault. LOL His whole family is from Kenya but he aint. Riiiiiiight............!!!!!

Editor's note: Maybe Norman Dorn can appoint him to the Edgefield County Tax Appeals Board to replace Rev. Hooper.
web posted April 13, 2009

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Every time I look at the school district’s home page I question why there is one of those expensive, interactive white boards in a conference room at the district office.  Wouldn’t it be fair to say that a board like that could be put to better use in an actual classroom where actual children would benefit from its use? 
web posted April 13, 2009

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So why didn't I "get off my butt and go get some water". I could, and did my complaint was that it was a problem not caused by a natural disaster in which many families were involved, it was one house, that was affected and the problem with with a county line, caused by a county problem and was an overnight issue that they did not know how long it would last. I felt as though it would have been common courtesy for them to supply me with at least enough water to flush my toilet- or at least offer to get it for me- as I am disabled- since it was a problem caused by them and in their line. if it were in my line then I would have no argument but it wasn't. Why is it that we shouldn't every expect any service from our county taxes?  I guess I will "get off my butt" next time the road ices and de-ice the road in front of my house too, heaven forbid I expect roads and maintenance to do it.
web posted April 13, 2009

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Dr. Crenshaw makes over 130k a year.  Check the budget on the districts web site.
web posted April 13, 2009

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Why didn't (EdgefieldDaily.com) do the Masters winner contest this year? That was always fun!

Editor's note: Prize funds are being directed towards local charities that were cut from the Edgefield County Council's budget due to limited funds. So far $225 in additional funding has been allocated to the Fishing Rodeo and other non-profits are being considered for additional funding.
web posted April 13, 2009

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Just wanted to let everyone know that the new"Obama Administration" dollar coins have hit the banks and stores! These coins are the first to be minted ever, without the words"In God We Trust"on them, in the United States. We all need to tell banks and store clerks we want paper dollar bills! Let our so called president keep all of these sacreligious coins! I don't want any of them and no true Christian should. If enough people refuse them in favor of paper dollar bills, it will make a huge statement to this man and his Muslim cohorts! God Bless America and In GodWe Trust!!!

Editor's note: I can find nothing to suggest that an official Obama Presidential coin is offered by the Franklin Mint. So far only the first four presidents have been coined.
web posted April 13, 2009

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I don't understand, you pay for service. you expect the people you pay ,to know their job and provide the services you work to pay for, but your not allowed to complain? get over it, and do it yourself? this is not new orleans, the only disaster is edgefield county water. again you know not what you speak, (removed),but you wouldn't know that because you assume to know her situation. Edgefield should have worked until they had the water back on. the story told that they had to wait for the co-op to mark the underground utilities is a excuse for not working. I work for someone who runs a water company in the CSRA. I can assure you,they have that information. Other water companies would have been out there until the job was finished even if it meant 3 am. Our president of the water co has been out in the ditches until 2 or 3 am helping get the job done. he does this almost everyday. Does that happen in Edgefield? no. again Edgefield workers are lazy.  They did not even give her a courtesy acknowledgment of the problem and showed a complete lack of concern to get the water back on.  When you pay for a basic service needed to survive you expect them to do their job. its called customer service, something severely lacking in this department. Yes she had every right to complain,I too would be livid had this occurred to my mother.
web posted April 13, 2009

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It was disturbing to read about the Thompkins Libary building project. It just reinforces this attitude among some in Edgefield that they are above the law. We see it in all the craziness at Mt. Vintage etc. They have just gotten by with these kinds of actions or, at least in the case of Mt. Vintage, there is always a bullying kind of behavior to get their way or protect their wrong doings.   Seems like that is the case in our country leadership too. It isn't  even important to follow the Constitution or do things like pay your taxes. If this new administration is questioned in any way, it is because the questioner is racist. That is ridiculous. Policies should be questioned when they are leading us into trouble. It is a smokescreen to call criticism racist and it incites bad feelings on both sides.  We do not have absolutes in much of anything anymore. I do not know how this can be remedied other that making people accountable. The trouble is that a lot of the folks that would have to enforce things are guilty of the same things. I am glad we have some fresh air on the county council and at least two people who seem to want to make things better. I think they are doing a great job.  I agree that we need to elect people who really want to represent the people and do the best for this county. We need to get rid of some of these people who just support all things because they always have or they are afraid not to. The behavior of Mr. Dorn is deplorable and the lack of discipline by Mr. Kneece is embarrasing to a government body. By condoning that behavior, Mr. Kneece is agreeing with it and endorsing it.
web posted April 13, 2009

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So Crenshaw and the Board take the cowardly way out, have a retreat and name administrators, send everyone off on spring break and expect everyone to get over it. Fat Chance! This means JET will have a new principal and assistant principal. And what does Mr. Green know about the career center? And the new AP at STHS, if she is so good why hasn't Aiken promoted her? And just what did the retreat cost? Did the Board members get paid? Please find out.
web posted April 13, 2009

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Why is the ECSD Advertising for a media specialist when Dr. Crenshaw could just move someone in from one of the school? We do have people certified, and that may save one teacher's job rather than bringing in someone new!

Editor's note: All positions must be advertised to the general public.
web posted April 13, 2009

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Editor's post: I hope everyone takes the time to remember what Easter is all about. We are because He lives.

On another note, to those who block responding emails, and then want to raise you know what because their comments are not listed, read the rules. (Posts submitted in all capital letters will not be placed.) If you can't learn to type without the "Caps Lock" on, your comments will not be posted.
web posted April 11, 2009

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As I grow older and the naivety of youth fades, the truly disappointing reality has become that our social, political and judicial systems are morally and ethically broke. I often wonder what would former President Jefferson and other founding fathers would think of us now. Not only does a large part of the world hold us in contempt, but a growing number of citizens are holding their own country and their national and local leaders in contempt, often for very legitimate reasons. For all of the positive things our nation has done for the world, there is an equal amount of things we should be ashamed of. For all of the potential we have for further greatness, we continue to squander our strengths and position of leadership in the world.

What got me thinking of these things lately? Not global or national politics. Our own County Council. (I truly believe our whole political system needs overhaul but that’s a whole other letter.)

Once I believed that every vote counted. Now for the most part that vote serves many only to fuel someone’s desire for their own advancement, rank, status and power by obtaining a position in an office. We elect individuals to office to represent us, only to have them vote and serve as they see fit, when they see fit regardless of the good of their constituents. Representing constituents was meant to be a position of service, not a self serving career! Unfortunately so many individuals are so sensitive about their skin color or their political party and caught up in race baiting and partisan politics they overlook the big picture, which is working for the betterment of our citizens and our communities. Very few of those elected truly represent we constituents. Why can’t voters vote with integrity? When we have a bum in office lets kick him out! Who cares if one person is white or black, Republican or Democrat? There is enough dirt, corruption and incompetence to go around for everyone.

Come on County Council – do the right thing! Represent your constituents, not your ego!

And voters – do the right thing as well! Vote with integrity. Is it really that important to keep a black/ white person in office regardless of how poorly they represent us on council? We need some change in my district!
web posted April 11, 2009

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i can't blame you for being (not happy) with Norman Dorn. he's an idiot. why do you let him get under your skin?

Editor's note: Norman Dorn is an insignificant gnat. My problem lies with Chairman Monroe Kneece who continues to allow this moron to attack private citizens during county meetings.
web posted April 11, 2009

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about obama bowing to saudi arabian king...
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/33289_Bush_Bowed_Too

bush did the same thing and no one said anything about it

Editor's note: Nice try, but President Bush lowered his head (not a bow at the waist) to have a medal placed on his neck. Obama, bowed to show he was subservient to a "king", a Muslim" king at that. In addition he went around the world telling people how sorry he was for America being a great nation. Obama broke protocol with the queen of England (which was taken as a snub of arrogance) but couldn't wait to bow before his fellow Muslim kings, who he said in his own book, he would protect if America turned against them. Not fiction, just facts. Forget what he says, read what he writes.
web posted April 11, 2009

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To the person who is complaining about someone not bringing them water when the water line was being worked on....where you from New Orleans? Why didn't you get off your butt and get some yourself? I live in the country...I have had frozen water lines for days. I didn't expect someone to bring me water. Sometimes you do what you got to do in order to survive. You ought to be thankful they were able to fix the water line so quickly. Don't depend on others to make your life easier!
web posted April 11, 2009

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The discipline at Merriwether Middle School has gotten totally out of hand. We have two very ineffective administrations. One wants to counsel everybody and the other is a hothead. Parents, line up and let's go to the board about these two!
web posted April 11, 2009

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Regarding the Edgefield County School District budget, what are we paying the public information director for? That is not instructional and can be eliminated rather than cutting more teachers and putting more kids in class. And what is the salary and fringes/perks for Dr. Crenshaw? I bet the public would be amazed! She is the most ineffective leader I have ever known and the only way she is getting away with it is by hiding behind these state budget cuts.
web posted April 11, 2009

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There is something funny about Mr. Singletary and his "Filthy Million" dollar lawsuit.
 
He sits up at the Edgefield County library looking at (questionable material) and then demands that the library staff provide him with all sorts of legal materials to assist him in his $150,000,000 lawsuit. (And yes I have seen this first-hand)
 
He yells and is obnoxious toward the library staff.
 
Then he has the nerve to sue the Sheriff of Edgefield County?????
 
I have known Chris Wash for years and I would bet another 150 million dollars that he never said anything even close to what Mr. Singletary is accusing him of. (deleted)
 
Sheriff Dobey and Captain Wash have to put up with alot of junk from irate lunatics like Mr. Singletary, and its a miracle that they are still serving the good citizens of Edgefield County.
 
You would have to pay me "Filthy Million" dollars to put up with that kind of nonsense!
 
Why can't a judge simply throw this worthless court case out???  This is ridiculous!
 
And Edgefield County has to pay money so Mr. Singletary can (access files and) file endless bogus lawsuits against the very same county???? Outrageous!
web posted April 10, 2009

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Reagrding Mr. Scott (principal at JET) going to be Assistant Principal and AD at STHS - What will his salary be? Did that save the county money with this move? What about the salary of Mr. Green, who knows nothing about vocational education? How is this salary compared to the salary of Dr. Wates who Crenshaw let go and who is well respected and knows career education through and through? Are we sacrificing knowledge and progress for a few measley bucks, or did we save at all?
web posted April 10, 2009

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Mister Singletary  your spoken word is very confusing.  What does the following mean ?"she was disrespecting me" "don't you have enough going on in Edgefield to becoming to Augusta" "the male officer beats me up", "I had just went to get something to eat. It just kills me."

hint-if you want to be taken seriously speak properly then maybe people will respond to you.

The NAACP and some of the school board members are good friends in this county, they are already getting our money why would they get it into your mess?
web posted April 10, 2009

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Our natural, inalienable rights are now considered to be a dispensation from government, and freedom has never been so fragile, so close to slipping from our grasp as it is at this moment. Reagan's
words certainly apply today.
web posted April 10, 2009

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It seems someone working across the street from my house caused a break in the main water main- going to my house. I have not had water since sometime yesterday afternoon. They did not work on it last night due to having to wait on the electric company to come mark lines and poor visibility. They have been working on it since about am this morning - its a mess but so far I still have no running water,- and NO, no one has even asked if they could get some for us  ay water to drink or to flush the toilet. No one has come to the door and talked to us, if not for my father in law being nosey, we would have no idea what was going on. It's pitiful.

11:40 water was restored. I STILL say, I should have been brought some water to take care of necessities- like flushing the toilet, I had frozen bottles of water to thaw to drink and brush our teeth with, but when you dont know how long the repair is going to take AND it's an overnight job-you give someone a 5 gallon bucket of water. or is that common sense which is not common, or common courtesy which is also not common.
web posted April 10, 2009

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Re: "How is calling America a nation of Christrians, Jews, Hindu's etc.....speak negatively about anyone?  Who are the "us" you feel is being negatively talked about?"
 
Yes, several of the original colonies were founded on the principle of religious freedom, and the First Amendment denied the central government any power to enact any law respecting either an establishment of religion, or prohibiting its free exercise.  I, too, support religious freedom, as well as freedom of speech.  However, it bothers me to hear President Obama talk in half-truths in order to say what his audience wishes to hear, as he did when announcing that the US is not a Christian nation.  The largest religion in the US is Christianity, practiced by 76% of the population in 2008. (American religious Identification Survey (ARIS) 2008) It bothers me when he calls the citizens (us- including you and me) of America "arrogant".  It concerns me that he doesn't follow protocol (as in bowing).  His policy of selecting crooks and cheats to fill his cabinet also perturbs me.  I disagree with his spending, as in the stimulus package and many of the unnecessary items that were earmarked, such as the swine odor research and the marsh mouse.  None of these things have anything to do with the color of his skin!!  They concern his policies.
web posted April 10, 2009

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I have a suggestion as to how to balance the school district budget. Close Fox Creek and save millions. We don't need two high schools anyway.
web posted April 10, 2009

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In the April 9,2009 edition of the Augusta Chronicle,an article pointed out that thirteen Richmond County employees receive pay in excess of $125,000. I noticed most of them worked for the school district. With all the cutbacks proposed for Edgefield County, I am curious, what county employees receive over $100,000.

Editor's note: I am unaware of anyone being paid over $100,000 a year at the county of School District level.
web posted April 10, 2009

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Based on the lack of knowledge, lack of being engaged in issues, etc...I would submit that County Atty Byrd retired several years ago.  He just didn't tell anyone until now.
web posted April 10, 2009

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This country was founded on Christian principles whether people want to believe that or not. Our founders and the framers of the Constitution were for the most part Christians and they used Christian principles to set this government up. Our laws, our constitutional rights and our whole system is set up very consciously and that is why you have things like freedom of speech etc. You may forget that the original pilgrims came here to escape religious persecution and to be able to worship God they way they wanted to.  It is good that this is a country where we have the right to worship God any way we chose, but that is because this has always been a country based on Christian principles. We don't seem to have a problem referring to countries in the Middle East as Muslim countries. They hold Muslim values as the core of their systems. The odd thing now is that somehow Christians, or the term Christian is a negative in this country. It is OK for Muslims, Jews, Hindus etc .to demand equal time or consideration for their beliefs, but Christians are condemned for standing up for their beliefs.  Why are people afraid to say this was a Christian nation? Why are they afraid to look at the history of this great country and recognize what originally made this country what it was? There have been many problems in this country but the core was there. It is no longer a Christian nation. There are many, many Christians in this country that sincerely pray for this country everyday, but the leadership and the direction this country had taken is anything but Christian. I fear we are on a slippery slope and will not be much of a county in the near future. Our strength and standing in the world has dimished in the last three months-especially in the past week.  If we disarm we are sitting ducks. We do not need to be apologizing to anyone in the world, especially Europe. If it weren't for us, they would all be speaking German. My father fought in the war in Europe, as did so many. I am glad he is no longer living to see what this country has become.

The reason we have so many religions present in the U. S. A. is because this has always been an open nation.  We have always had the freedom to worship God the way we chose. That was the reason this country started and our founders were very conscious to protect that.  The whole debate of separation of church and state was not initially to protect  the state, it was to protect the church. If you honestly go back and look at that issue you will see that it has been conveniently misinterpreted. The The Muslim countries, for example, do not tolerate other religions. In some of the Muslim countries, for example, Christians are killed.  Let's not adopt their philosophies and make this a nation where Christians cannot speak out without being criticized or condemned. Christianity seems to be the one religion that is not free in this country.
web posted April 10, 2009

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I suppose in all things you need to look for the positive.  Now about the bowing to King "Al Kaboom".  We should all be  thankful it was not a curtsy as practiced in San Fransissyco, California.

A gesture of respect or reverence made chiefly by women by bending the knees with one foot forward and lowering the body.
web posted April 10, 2009

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Editor's post: The liberal media is so funny. Here are two stories of many out there. President Obama bows to a Muslim "king", on film, reported the world over as a no-no, and then his administration denies it was a bow, Obama was just leaning down because he was taller than the Muslim king. Funny, Obama is taller than the Queen of England but he did not bow to her. Not only that, but it is against protocol for a US President to bow to anyone.

Oh, I forgot, this is Obama. The leftist messiah.
web posted April 9, 2009

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Let's talk about Bobby Hickson who was arrested on 3 counts of crime.  What is wrong with the law makers in edgefield county? Where  did they go to school and get that law degree. If you could find out about Bobby Hickson court date

Editor's note: The next term of General Sessions Court begins May 25 and runs through June 5. Though Hickson will be on the docket, I doubt the case will be called. I do not expect to see the case in court this year. I could be wrong. The victims could put the pressure on the Solicitor's Office, but they already have a backlog of others doing the same thing.

Edgefield County needs to hold General Sessions Court a minimum of every other month to clear the backlog.
web posted April 9, 2009

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I saw you favorite former Edgefield County Administrator on WIS-TV tonight. Wayne (Adams) has aged a bit.
 
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10154704
web posted April 9, 2009

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Editor's note: National Columnist submits the following. President Obama: What Is It That You Do Not Understand?
web posted April 9, 2009

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It is great that the city of Edgefield got a tax cut., but why do those of us who live in the county have to take up the slack and get charged a higher tax rate?
Thank you,
Concerned Merriwether Citizen

Editor's note: If County Council members Ashcraft and Blackwell have their way, there will be no tax increase, county employees will not have to pay for insurance, and there may be a little left over for a raise. If not, we will give money away, pay for fun and games, and possibly lose employees.

You just have to wonder where the priorities lie with the 20-year veteran majority.
web posted April 9, 2009

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How does Norman Dorn get to run roughshod over everyone? He's obnocious, rude, and racist. How the (heck) does this jackass get elected?

Editor's note: I can only assume that those who support him vote for him. The sad part is, they must feel he is smarter than they are, and they are probably right. That would place the majority of voters in his district having an IQ of a pile of dung.
web posted April 9, 2009

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Does Mr. Singletary not realize that when he says he is going to sue "Edgefield County" ... he is really suing US, the citizens of Edgefield County who pay the taxes in this county.  How can he walk around town bragging about this to all of US, the tax paying citizens of this county!?!?!  He should be ashamed to show his face in this town!
web posted April 9, 2009

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"Interesting that you, as a loyal supporter, want to pray to God and seek His guidance, though President Obama doesn't see us as a Christian nation.  It truly isn't a matter of color, but of policy.  How can we become a stronger, more united country when our own leader speaks negatively about us?"

How does calling the USA a Christian Nation unite Christian and non-Christian Americans?

How is calling America a nation of Christrians, Jews, Hindu's etc.....speak negatively about anyone?  Who are the "us" you feel is being negatively talked about?   

Why would anyone call America a Christian Nation and believe in the first Amendment of our Constitution?  If America is a Christian Nation, why didn't the Constitution establish that fact? 

I love religious freedom.  I just don't think America is a Christian nation anymore than it is a non-Christian nation.  We have plenty of both and that is a good thing.
web posted April 9, 2009

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To the individual desiring information on Boy Scouts of America:  I typed Boy Scouts of America into Google, then clicked on the first link listed which led me directly to www.scouting.org.  A click or two later and I came across our local Georgia/Carolina Council information center:  http://www.gacacouncil.org/

Hopefully this is the information you were looking for. You didn't say exactly where you hailed from, but this chapter covers the Edgefield area, and if nothing else this will get you a lot of info to work with, along with a bunch of helpful people.  Scouting does indeed help grow good citizens and productive leaders. 
web posted April 9, 2009

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RE: Do we really need to pay football and other school sports coaches huge salaries to watch kids lift weights all day and plan stratagies for games?

The Head Football coach is the only one who receives a HUGE salary. However, Lee Sawyer does not earn as much as some coaches across the state in similar situations. But, Sawyer should teach a full schedule like other teachers. At this time, he is finished at 11:30 for the day as far as teaching is concerned. For fiscal reasons, he should teach 3 blocks a day like all other teachers, even during football season. And when football season is over he should be filling in as a SUB for teachers who may have to leave after lunch for emergencies. Also, it is time to get rid of the Intervention Program at STHS. It is a big drain on resources and nothing is accomplished. The only purpose it serves is to provide the participants with free meals. There is NO, I repeat NO learning, teaching, or educating taking place in the Intervention Program at STHS. The district could save as much as $100,000 by eliminating the Intervention Program. This could save 2 classroom  teachers from being dismissed
web posted April 9, 2009

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Norman Dorn the more your rant the dumber you look and sound.

Willie Bright and  Norman Dorn are a  couple of sick bums, keeping creeps like  J. R. Hooper in office makes me wonder what they have kept hidden under the carpet. What was Hooper doing for them, that Dorn and Bright wanted him kept in place.
They can rant and rave all they want but a Grand Jury indicted Hooper.
 I hope those of you who have mothers,wives, daughters and sisters keep in mind the only way to stop sexual assault is to put the criminals in jail no matter what the title they carry.
I have come to the conclusion in this town the title "REV" is self appointed, not academically earned.

Good Job Edgefield Daily .com for the truth.
web posted April 9, 2009

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I have a couple of comments re e-mails on the school system.  First of all, we hired a principal for STHS from out of the county when there were excellent candidates for the job here. Now we have hired an assistant for STHS from out of the county and it seems she has no experience in administration.  Again, Board, were there no local candidates?
What a slap in the face of Edgefield Countians!
Second, to the person who thinks no teacher needs an assistant.  Can you imagine a classroom of 4 and 5 year olds with only one teacher.  (Some of these kids can't even go to the bathroom alone, or what if the teacher must leave the room for a minute.) Oh that's ok.....just leave these "little ones" alone.  I'm sure they'll be ok.   Wow we have some real intelligent thinkers out there. Hope your daughter will soon be well.  Our prayers are with you all.

Editor's note: Thank you for your prayers.
web posted April 9, 2009

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God Bless your daughter and your family.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Editor's note: Thank you.
web posted April 9, 2009

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Everyone is invited to attend the non partisan tea party protest at the State house in Columbia April 15th (Tax Day) 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.    Tea Party events are being held across our Nation.  The silent majority is speaking out loud and clear.  Check out the website: http://www.taxdayteaparty.com  click on South Carolina to get the full details.  Show your support for the citizens.
web posted April 9, 2009

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Editor's post: To those who want to rail against comments in the Wandering Minds with letters in ALL CAPS, your post will not be considered for publication. If' you can't read the rules for posting and take the time to write your comments accordingly, do not fuss at me because you are not able to follow simple rules. You may have been passed along in public schools regardless of your ability to adhere to rules, but that will not allow you to rant in the Wandering Minds. Political correctness does not apply here. There will be no exceptions regardless of which side of the political spectrum you may favor.
web posted April 8, 2009

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This to the poster wanting to know about the difference in the Fargo ND "Katrina and the New Orleans "Katrina...People in Fargo ND didn't set on the behinds screaming for a free handout. They worked because that's what you do. Those are the kind of people that have made this country great. New Orleans has some hard working people there too but they are out numbered by those that have grown up thinking the only work they need to do is walk to the mail box and get a check every month. We are the only country on earth that have fat poor people.
If you had to relocate somewhere- stay away from New Orleans. Trash stinks.
web posted April 8, 2009

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Re:  I am so tired of some people writting about our president of the United States. that includes the Editor and anyone else that is not satisfied with President Obama's nomination.

Interesting that you, as a loyal supporter, want to pray to God and seek His guidance, though President Obama doesn't see us as a Christian nation.  It truly isn't a matter of color, but of policy.  How can we become a stronger, more united country when our own leader speaks negatively about us?
web posted April 8, 2009

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The numbers are growing as groups are getting together heading to Columbia April 15th 12:30 - 2:30 at the Statehouse.
 
The teaparty in Augusta is April 15th  5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre.  All indications are that there will be a good showing. 
 
Considering the times for these we could attend both.
 
Check out the website:  http://www.taxdayteaparty.com choose a state (SC or Ga) to get updated information.
 
These are non partisan protests.  Check out the website and if you agree show your support by attending one of these and e-mailing the organizers.  Anybody got a bus?  We could probably fill one up.
web posted April 8, 2009

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I would like to know where I can sign my 12 and 14 yr. old sons up for boy scouts?  I would really like them to get involved.  Anyone who can answer my question will be greatly appreciated.
web posted April 7, 2009

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If Mr. Singletary is so unhappy in Edgefield, why doesn’t he move? He sounds pretty ignorant to me… oops now he may want to file a law suit against me for calling him ignorant. I’m sure he will make that raciest
web posted April 8, 2009

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Editor's note: That would be fine and dandy if the Feds actually worked off of a balanced budget. Which they don't. So your numbers are fantasy. Care to include the trillion dollars the Feds printed for the "stimulus" that lowered the value of the dollar by 50%

Editor,
   It's hard to hit a moving target.  You asked for reasons to raise the tobacco tax, I gave them to you.  You then asked me to give you an example of any gov't taking in less tax revenue.  I gave that to you.  Now you talk about balanced budgets.  Do you always move your target? 

   Bill Clinton was the last person in the White House to produce a balanced budget.  He also increased the top individual income tax rates from 35% to 39.6%.  W lowered them, you supported that, and now complain that W didn't have a balanced budget.  You crack me up.

Editor's note: I am happy that I can provide you with some form of levity in such a dire circumstance.
web posted April 8, 2009

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 To the poster that responded
 
"If you are so worried about your child going hungry, maybe you should cancel your internet subscription and sell you computer to pay for your child's food.  Don't you realize that this is the attitude that has gotten us into this economic mess in the first place?  Get your hands out of my pockets and make some real sacrifices before whining about what you (or your children) don't have."
 
First of all, are you just stupid or did government education make you that way? You say that this attitude is what got us into this economic mess? exactly how did a single, working tax paying citizen providing money OUT OF HER POCKET for tuition and meals at a STATE public college causing the government to overspend, make bad loans to risky borrowers, cause the fall of wall street and the US automakers to go bankrupt? wow, all because a citizen of the State of SC, that pays tuition to a state barely supported college expects her money that she sent it for meals to actually be used for meals.  She was complaining that once again the fools running the asylum make cuts at the bottom, to the people most affected instead of in administration. I'm sure the General doesn't go without a meal nor his staff, but they expect the cadets to go without, even though money was already paid to The Citadel to provide 3 meals a day, period, Its not like Clemson where you can go get a burger from Mac's Drive In.  Besides, you have no idea what this person has sacrificed for her kids, I bet far more than you would. But you are petty and selfish, really, sell a computer to provide meals, so when you go out to eat do you pay for your meal twice? That's what you are telling her to do. Instead why don't you sell your computer and get rid of your internet so we dont' have to waste brain cells reading your ignorant ramblings.
web posted April 8, 2009

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Please dont apologize for putting family first. Especially when conerning the complication of the baby or mother.  We appreciate everything you do.  My prayers are with you.

Editor's note: Thank you for your concern.
web posted April 8, 2009

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Re:  Teacher Cuts
 
     These individuals on the school board must have no idea what really needs to be done in a classroom.  They want to increase class sizes, and then they want test scores to increase too.  Do they not understand that if you have thirty in a classroom that there will be little, if any, individual instruction with students who are struggling?  It's like saying to heck with the ones who aren't getting it; keep up or fail.  Not only that, but if they think teacher morale is bad now, just wait.  You can't overload the teachers and expect them to do a first-rate job.  Then, there's all those extra duties:  lunch duty, recess duty, bus duty, morning duty, and all the evening and afterschool extracurriculars.  Who is going to want to do those?  NOBODY!  Then, there's discipline.  I'll save that for another post.
     Most of these board members have no idea of how a classroom really operates and what these children need on a day-to-day basis in order to be successful.  Board members, YOU ARE FAILING OUR CHILDREN.  You can't just go on a retreat and make these decisions without coming into the classrooms and spending time in them. That's irresponsible.  Most of you do not have the knowledge or experience to make these decisions anyway, much less without showing up in our schools.  I just have one question:  How dare you?
web posted April 8, 2009

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One way the S. C.. government can save money is to quit buying breakfast and lunches for these poor folks going to school.  Sure some of them need the extra nourishment in order to grow up and play football.  This would also save enough money to give the deserving teachers a raise.  Not all teachers, because some can’t even spell their name. 

What in the hell is our Secretary of Defense cutting our air superiority, why not just surrender to Islam and we can all walk around in robes and head-bands.

You “people” that voted for Obama, will soon find out the direction this country is going.  Remember, it was the white people that died and freed the slaves. There is no country in the world, that “blacks” have not disrupted everything in society.  This country with the blacks in control will definitely destroy what Americans have died for.
web posted April 8, 2009

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Enough already with all of the complaining of "teachers loosing their jobs due to budget cuts."This could be the good thing that comes from this rotten economy.This would be a great opportunity to cleanse the Edgefield County School Sysytem of bad teachers.There are so many bad teachers that need to be sent packing in Edgefield County schools(as I am quite sure there are everywhere).We should seize this opportunity to make our schools better!A small increase in class size is a small price to pay for a better education for our children.I also think that the budget could be cut by also eliminating other positions that are eating up the budget.Do we really need a school nurse?I never attended a school with a nurse and I can not recall ever needing a nurse while at school.Do we really need to pay football and other school sports coaches huge salaries to watch kids lift weights all day and plan stratagies for games?Does any teacher (with the exception of special needs teachers)really need an assistant?If you need an assistant to teach, then purhaps you should not teach.
web posted April 8, 2009

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RE: It seems the budget cuts from columbia have now hit the kids stomachs.  At The Citadel...
To the parent of the child at The Citadel:  If you are so worried about your child going hungry, maybe you should cancel your internet subscription and sell you computer to pay for your child's food.  Don't you realize that this is the attitude that has gotten us into this economic mess in the first place?  Get your hands out of my pockets and make some real sacrifices before whining about what you (or your children) don't have.
web posted April 7, 2009

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We were sorry to hear that your daughter is having complications. We are praying for her and hope she feels better very soon.

Editor's note: Thank you.
web posted April 7, 2009

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I am so tired of some people writting about our president of the United States. that includes the Editor and anyone else that is not satisfied with President Obama's nomination.
 
1. The real reason is the color of his skin. (Don't judge).
2. Use patience, because the system can't be changed in 4 months. (Bush put us here with his greed , and now look who is suffering we are).
3. Do you think Bush Cares ? ( No ) .
4. Tell me what a black man can't do, that a white man can ?
5. We all need to pray, because with all the jobs, homes and lives lost this is just the tip of the iceberg.
6.Learn to pray and seek Gods guidance, and he will carry you through.
7. Never put your trust in any man, because man will lie, lie , and lie.
8. Put all your trust in God, and this is the man that you should be trusting.

Editor's note: Answers to point 1, Who cares what color Obama's skin is, it is his socialist agenda that everyone is addressing. 2) define "greed" and how President Bush promoted "said greed".
As to #7 (Never put your trust in any man, because man will lie, lie , and lie.) I agree, Obama is a liar.

It is nice to know we are on the same page. But you want to ignore that fact.
web posted April 7, 2009

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"Please give me one example of the federal or state government ever doing with less money than the year before."

Here is your example you asked for.

Federal revenue from 1999 to 2005:

Year    GDP-US    Total Revenue-total    Total Revenue-fed
1999    9268.4    3168.45    1827.64
2000    9817    3457.77    2025.46
2001    10128    3756.33    1991.43
2002    10469.6    3388.04    1853.40
2003    10960.8    3671.43    1782.53
2004    11685.9    3594.74    1880.28
2005    12421.9    4017.01    2153.86

It went down from 2000 to 2001. 
Down further in 2002 than in 2001.
Down more in 2003 than in 2002.
Back up in 2004, but still less than in 2001.
2005 is the first year of more federal revenue than 2000.
Source:

Editor's note: That would be fine and dandy if the Feds actually worked off of a balanced budget. Which they don't. So your numbers are fantasy. Care to include the trillion dollars the Feds printed for the "stimulus" that lowered the value of the dollar by 50%
web posted April 7, 2009

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Re:     It seems the budget cuts from columbia have now hit the kids stomachs.  At The Citadel...
To the parent of the child at The Citadel:  If you are so worried about your child going hungry, maybe you should cancel your internet subscription and sell you computer to pay for your child's food.  Don't you realize that this is the attitude that has gotten us into this economic mess in the first place?  Get your hands out of my pockets and make some real sacrifices before whining about what you (or your children) don't have.
web posted April 7, 2009

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In regard to the comment that the editor "is playing fast and loose with the facts", all I can say is wake up. How else will the county generate funds other than raising taxes?  He is reporting the facts as far as the giving away of our money to these entities-the facts are recorded from the council meetings. In this economy everyone is having to sacrifice and it is not going to get better. These little pet projects need to be taking care of themselves at this point. People seem to think that things will just go on as they always have. Whoa! Things are changing and we better be wise an honest in how we use our money. Again, how else is this county going to raise revenue other than raising taxes? What a dilemma. People will lose their jobs and then get hit with more taxes. Boy, that is a good plan. That makes me want to support things like Thompkins with my tax money. How about you?

The poster who suggested bringing business to Egefield is right on. What a novel idea-bring in business that will bring money into the county. If we could get off living in the past and think about the future, maybe this county could actually be something positive. Nothing is wrong with celebrating your past but it is becoming more of a luxury and not a necessity. Do that on your own dime.  If these supporters of the give aways were facing job loss or not being able to provide for their families, maybe they would sing a different tune.

The only concern I have about trying to bring business to Edgefield is who would be in charge of that. So far the man who seems to be the most active in that has not been very successful. Maybe we need some new blood and new vision for this county.
web posted April 7, 2009

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Editor's post: I am one that believes words have meaning. As such, let us look at the words of President Obama over the last few days:

Showing that he wants a world government after N. Korea's missle launch: "North Korea must know that the path to security and respect will never come through threats and illegal weapons," Obama said. "And all nations must come together to build a stronger, global regime." He also said America should "lead the way" by being the first to disarm itself of nuclear weapons (make us vulnerable for attack, just as in banning guns for private citizens, just on a grander scale).

Then this weekend he said, over the drooling leftist media, that he was not really the most popular political figure in the world saying that title belonged to Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "This is my man, right here. I love this guy," Obama said.

Of course, just days earlier, Lula made the world wide announcement that white people were the cause of the world's economic problems.

Excuse me if I doubt Obama's claims that he wasn't paying attention at "Rev" Wright's racist church sermons for 20+ years. Words have meaning and actions speak louder than words.

Just observing the facts.

I guess it is worth mentioning that Obama, the "great unifier", has the most divisive poll numbers in recent history.  Of course his promise of a squeaky clean team with "no lobbyists" in his cabinet promise is also out the window. While he rails against millions paid to bank executives, he employs those who received millions from the very same banks. Ignore that man behind the curtain, the great and powerful Oz is speaking

Obama Obama Obama
web posted April 6, 2009

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crenshaw said she will not use the stimulous $ to pay salaries.  what will she use it for???

STATE LEACODE LEA NAME IDEA, PART Bb
Source: CRS analysis, February 13, 2009.

a. IDEA: H.R. 1 provides an appropriation of $11.3 billion for sec. 611 in addition to amounts that would be provided under a separate FY2009 appropriations measure. For these estimates, it is assumed that amounts reserved for state administration and state-level activities; and amounts requird for LEA base payments come from the amount separately appropriated for FY2009. It is also assumed that no LEAs would be subject to allocations below the amounts they received for FY2008. Estimated grants were prepared using LEA population and poverty data used to calculate FY2008 Title I-A grants as a proxy for population and poverty data specified in sec. 611(f).

Actual data used to subgrant funds to LEAs will differ.

Estimated additional allocations to LEAs for IDEA, Part B, sec. 611 according to the H.R. 1 Conference Agreement Notes: These are estimated grants only. These estimates are provided solely to assist in comparisons of the relative impact of alternative formulas and funding levels in the legislative process. It is ultimately the responsibility of the Department of Education and states to subgrant funds to LEAs. These estimates are not intended to predict specific amounts LEAs will receive. Details may not add to totals due to rounding.

South Carolina 4502070 EDGEFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT $ 980,000
web posted April 6, 2009

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Read the letter in the paper Raymond Timmerman wrote and the post by a wandering mind regarding him.  I agree with the wandering mind poster about the parking but lets take it one step further to show this crowds true colors.  What about the lady that works there with the purple/red/burgundy or whatever color it is hair.  She not only takes up a parking spot, she lays claim to the spot when she leaves by putting an orange cone in it.  She doesn't even live in Edgefield County.  How's that for saying "take that Edgefield County citizens, I'm somebody special!"  Seems to me the whole group has done a little too much dipping into the past and they need to be jerked awake to where the world and the economy is right now.  It's just like any business, if your customers don't sustain you then it's bye bye business.  Just tell them to start a donation drive and whatever they collect from all those genuine researchers the county will match, but that's all they'll get.

Editor's note: The county doesn't have the funds to provide any funds, matching or otherwise, to NGO's
web posted April 6, 2009

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Where's the beef?
web posted April 6, 2009

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Looks like (County Council Chairman) Monroe (Kneece) has been drinking the KoolAid with Norman Dorn and Willie Bright.
web posted April 6, 2009

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Since when does the President of the United States have the right to stand up and apologize in public for the way American people live. We have a great country with good hard working people and we have nothing to apologize for. I for one do not care if they like us or not
My father fought and suffered during WWII to give these foreign nations freedom and security, to live in safety and raise their families in a free society. Now he has the nerve to stand there and apologize for our country and our way of life. To the nations of the world I'd say. " I' tired of everyone blaming the USA for everything that goes wrong in this world, and if you don't like it stand up yourselves and do something about it.
If you think you can do better have at it. We give you food and money and when your in trouble were always there to help you out. Without the good hard working people of the USA, you would have fallen flat on your faces. Be thankful for what we have done for you.
Like I said " We have nothing to apologize for" and our president did not speak for me.
web posted April 6, 2009

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It seems the budget cuts from columbia have now hit the kids stomachs. At The Citadel ( a PUBLIC college) they have cut out the evening meal on  certain Wednesdays. If the Citadel has a baseball game in Chas on Wed. they are REQUIRED to eat at  the baseball game at their own expense. The Citadel DOES NOT offer an everning meal to its cadets on those days at ALL.  OF course they did manage to see the Citadel defeat the University of South Carolina one of those Wednesdays so at least they have seen a good game  during this time, but thats not the point.Yes, I realize this equates to only a few times throughout the semester, but we pay a great amount of money for them to provide 3 meals a day.  I had no idea actually providing food for the students was an OPTION. Thanks Gov Sanford, I appreciate my child going without food for your pride and stubborness.
web posted April 6, 2009

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I just wanted to say that I support the Tompkins Library and the OEDGS but I don't support raising taxes to give them money if that is what the county is really planning to do. I don't think we're getting the whole truth here. I think the editor is playing fast and loose with the facts.

Editor's note: The facts are not in dispute, they are facts. I am just presenting them as they are presented in public records. How that is playing "fast and loose" is beyond me.
web posted April 6, 2009

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An Israeli doctor says 'Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can take a kidney out of one man, put it in another, and have him looking for work in six weeks.'

A German doctor says 'That is nothing; we can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks.'

A Russian doctor says 'In my country, medicine is so advanced that we can take half a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks.'

The ILLINOIS doctor, not to be outdone, says 'You guys are way behind, we recently took a man with no brain out of ILLINOIS, put him in the White House for TWO MONTHS, and now half the WORLD is looking for work.'
web posted April 6, 2009

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Did you ever find out the express accounts of individual School District Board members, or are they all lumped together and hidden to protect Crenshaw and the MOTOWN FO?

Editor's note: I am waiting until the end of the Fiscal Year (June 30) for a full report.
web posted April 4, 2009

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I just have a hard time believing that they (Edgefield County Council) are considering raising taxes to give money away. Is that an April Fool's thing?

Editor's note: No, I can't make that kind of thing up, only government can.
web posted April 4, 2009

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What ever happened to the big story you said would be breaking? Did this go away, get stifled, or what? I'm sure you have the scoop if anyone does.

Editor's note: The comment was that I was "biting my tongue". For now I still am, but not for long. There is an old saying, when people want to make complete fools of themselves, get out of the way. That's what I'm doing for now.
web posted April 4, 2009

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I have read the letters of support for Tompkins Library and while I have an interest in researching my heritage, if we don't have funds for basic services, we can't afford the extras.  I noticed that the people writing in letters of support do not live here, do not pay taxes here and only stay for a few days every year or so.  While I think that we need to bring in visitors for the economy, we have to pay the bills first.
web posted April 4, 2009

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Re: Editor's note: I'm going to have to chime in here because words have meaning. Quote: "Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes."

I have to agree with the poster, a smoker is part of "no family" in the US. Just because you may not care for smokers, they pay a heck of a lot more taxes than you, if you are a non-smoker. Not only that, but studies show that the largest number of smokers are the poor. So not only is Obama breaking his promises (what's new) but he is hitting the people who cannot afford to pay the taxes the most.

So, using class envy to raise taxes on the poor is a good thing how?

To answer your question directly....an increase in tobacco tax creates a decrease in smokers.  This is a good thing for our society and for individuals who no longer smoke or live with a smoker.  Do poor people smoke?  Yes.  Do poor people generally have health insurance....probably not.  Do poor people without health insurance have Medicaid...generally yes.  Do taxpayers pay for the Medicaid.  Yes.  Is fewer poor people smoking, fewer poor people using Medicaid a good thing...Yes.  So, raising the tobacco tax reduces the number of smokers and reduces the taxpayers health care burden to care for smokers on Medicaid.  Two fine reasons to raise the tobacco tax. 

Why is smoking cigarettes a good thing for an individual, family or society? 

Besides, the votes in the house and senate were above 2/3 majorities and were veto proof. 

This is still a pitiful point, but I am not surprised to see the editor join in making it. 

Now, tell us why smoking is a good thing.   I've answer your question. 

Editor's note: The billions of dollars to be collected in the tax goes into the general fund (meaning it gets spent as they see fit - just like the Tobacco settlement money). If people quit smoking, the tax dollars go away. Please give me one example of the federal or state government ever doing with less money than the year before. If the smokers quit smoking, maybe they'll place a $500 a year tax on bicycles.
web posted April 4, 2009

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I read with interest Mr. Timmermans letter concerning the use of the Tompkins Library.   This must be why he parks in front so those trying to use not only Tompkins but also the ABBE,  regional have no place to park. Just in case he can't find a spot he can always pull out the old handy dandy handicap sticker thus taking up a spot from someone who truly needs it.    Way to go Mr. Timmerman for doing your part.
web posted April 4, 2009

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Response to” I for the life of me cannot understand the mentality that is shown by some of your writers concerning President Barack Obama running of the nation”.

President Bush served most of his eight years, after the September 11th attacks, keeping our country safe from further attacks from abroad. This can’t be done without cost. While in office President Clinton drastically cut the military budget. In 1993 the first attack on the World Trade Center was unsuccessful in bringing the towers down as planned, and our president Mr. Clinton did little or nothing to prevent further attacks on our soil from abroad. So in October 2000 again the US was attacked when terrorist attacked the USS Cole killing American service men, and again nothing from President Clinton. These are only two examples. After the September 11th attacks President Bush made many decisions based on keeping our country safe. How many terrorist attacks since September 11th?

Now let’s see what President Obama is doing to help. The Pentagon’s senior judge overseeing terror trials at Guantanamo Bay dropped charges Thursday against an al-Qaida suspect in the 2000 USS Cole bombing, upholding President Barack Obama’s order to freeze military tribunals there. The charges against suspected al-Qaida bomber Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri marked the last active Guantanamo war crimes case. What a CHANGE not CHANGE I can believe in but CHANGE none the less.

Am I to assume with your comment about living eight years with a president that “lied and covered up all his actions” that we are to believe that Mr. Obama has been honest? Let’s see what we have after less than one hundred days in office 1. An aunt, referred to as "Aunti Zeituni" in Obama's memoir, living in the US illegally, living in government housing, and also donated to Mr. Obama’s campaign was ordered by the court to be deported four years ago.Mr. Obama claimed no knowledge of her legal status.2. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius another appointee with tax problems. 3. The bank and creditors? It was democrats that pushed for lower standards for qualifying for a home mortgage all while Fannie Mae CEO Franklin Raines said our finances are in good shape let’s keep lending to people who have never paid anyone back. Now Mr. Obama wants to use tax payer dollars to bail them out. What a concept lets reward liars and cheats again by modifying the mortgage they should have never gotten in the first place. How did the banks fool anyone into purchasing a home? Why is it no one wants to take responsibility for the decisions they make?

These are only three examples of many dishonest acts or lies from our current president after less than 100 days in office. There are many more but I will save some for later. I am sure he will deliver many more as they seem to come to him so easily.
web posted April 4, 2009

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Editor's post: Vice president Biden was in Pikeville, NC touting how Obama's "stimulus bill" (grow government spending bill) was doing great things for rural areas like the new fire station there. The only problem, the money funding the fire station came from the Bush administration. Biden is (a) an idiot (b) dishonest (c) thinking the people are stupid and will believe anything he says or (d) all of the above.
web posted April 3, 2009

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Well the school district is bad financial shape according to meetings being held across the county between Dr. Crenshaw and the Principals and between the Principals and individual school staff.  Classroom sizes will increase next year with as many as 28 in a class for grades 4 through 8.  Lower grades will have at least 21 per class.  What this amounts to is less classrooms and therefore less teachers.  Many teachers will be lost.  Losing the retirees will lessen some of the burden, but there seems to be no other way to reduce the number of classrooms than to let other teachers go as well. 

Most people would ask themselves, what other areas can be cut other than having to fire teachers and stuff 28 kids in a small room and expect them to learn?  Well lets start with the district office.  Hmmmmm, we certainly aren't going to be hiring anyone, so why not cut out the HR person.  They have gone without an HR person before, why not now?  And what is this athletic director position that is posted on the school district webpage.  Why does Edgefield county need a full time AD?  Seems like we have gotten along fine so far.  How about school board pay and travel?  Cut their pay down to a reasonable level.  Mr. Kemp did a nice bit of research before he spoke at the board meeting earlier this year showing how out of balance the school board pay in Edgefield is for a district it's size in South Carolina. 

And let's not forget about Crenshaw herself.  The board hired her at a ridiculously high salary and now the students and teachers will pay the price.  She has to go.  For that reason and many others.  I would think that the Assistant Superintendent could run the district until her TERI time is up and maybe by then we would be in a better financial situation.

I'm no accountant, but when you look at just those examples, you could probably keep eight teachers from losing their job for next year by trimming the fat off the top-heavy district.
web posted April 3, 2009

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I have to say I do not agree with Mayor Durham's take on purchasing the Calliham Building.  He talks about inconvenience.  Well, how about the county constructing a new building to house non judicial offices and leave the courthouse for judicial offices only.  That way I wouldn't have to go through that security thing to pay my taxes, or register to vote.  It's not that I have anything to hide, simply that it's an inconvenience.  I think the bigger issue must be that Edgefield Construction somehow sees renovating the Calliham building a bigger money maker than building a new building.  I personally like the view where the old building burned much better than the view of the busted out windows in the broken down old hotel.
web posted April 3, 2009

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In reference to the article on, “Your taxes at work: ……………”

I usually don’t bother wasting valuable time responding to some of the ignorant comments made under Wandering Minds.  However, I would like to respond to the statement that Piedmont Tech funding should be cut out completely.  If it were not for county funding, which  helps lower tuition costs for our community’s citizens, the dream of attending college would not be possible for many of our residents. In addition, for those of you who do not see where the SC lottery does any good for community.  Look again,  lottery assistance kicks in and helps pay more than  half of our student’s tuition cost.  In addition, if it were not for Piedmont Tech establishing an off-campus center in Edgefield, many of our students would not have transportation to attend college anywhere else. In regards to your statement that PTC, has never reduced tuition, try comparing tuition costs at other colleges in our state and around the world.  The fact of the matter is PTC, calculates tuition based on county funding.  Abbeville, Edgefield, and Laurens tuition is $137.00 per credit hour.  Greenwood, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda tuition is $124.00 per credit hour base on their county’s funding contributions. If you think the county council handing out ( I believe your terminology was)”free money to Piedmont Tech on “recreation” to entertain someone else’s children, then you are the one that has the midget mentality.  This money is spent on educating our children and community, who are tomorrow’s future!  I suggest you get your facts straight before opening mouth and inserting foot. What is asinine is your mentality thinking education funding is for  fun and games!  I am sure all of the hard working students here would beg to differ with you! You should be thanking PTC for giving us the privilege of having a two-year community college located in our county!

Editor's note: PTC is not a function of county government. The county does not have enough money to fund basic operations but for some reason everyone who has had their hands out for years (Edgefield County has long passed their agreed funding promises to PCT years ago) seem to think that regardless of how hard the taxpayers are hit, and county employees, the free money should just keep flowing.

If you are so educated you should understand that if I have $100 to pay my bills totaling $125, I do not have money to give you any for any reason. Is that such a hard concept for people to understand? Obvioulsy so.
web posted April 3, 2009

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Is it legal for the county to raise taxes to get money they want to give away?

Editor's note: If they pass a budget giving away money when there is none to give away, we will find out as I can guarantee a lawsuit challenging the move will be filed. Not to mention that all sources in Columbia tell me that the decrease in the LGF (state funding) will probably leave the county having to cut another $100,000 to $200,000 from the current budget.
web posted April 3, 2009

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Just curious, but who owns the buildings that the Tompkins Library and Piedmont Tech are housed.  I suspect that the $17,500 is going to pay the rent (disguised as other expenses) and the same for Piedmont Tech's lease on the building.  I also suspect that both of these properties can be tied back to Mr. Ransford.  If this is true, the the county is supplementing his income to the tune of $60,000 a year!   How interesting this would be.  So in this case, who would be helping out who?  Mr. Ransford helping the county or the county providing "welfare" to Mr. Ransford.  We should really see where the tax dollars are going!!!! 

Editor's note: I believe the buildings occupied by the Civic League (AKA Tompkins Library, AKA Edgefield Welcome Center, AKA Edgefield County Welcome Center, AKA a few more names) was left to them from an estate. I have not pulled the deeds to verify this, however. Likewise on the PTC buildings. It is unknown if they were given or rented by Bettis Rainsford.
web posted April 3, 2009

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In honor of our 44th President, Barack Hussein Obama, Baskins Robins has created a new ice cream flavor, to replicate him....Barocky Road. 

Barocky Road is a blend of half vanilla, half chocolate, and surrounded by nuts and flakes. The vanilla portion of the mix is not openly advertised and usually denied as an ingredient.  The nuts and flakes are all very bitter and hard to swallow.The cost is $100.00 per scoop.
 
When purchased it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone, but then the ice cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you. Thus you are left with an empty wallet, no change, holding an empty cone, with no hope of getting any ice cream.
Are you feeling stimulated? If not, just wait until you get a taste of...Barocky Road!
web posted April 3, 2009

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RE: "Looky Looky!!!!!!! Obama is a (darn) LIAR!!!!!!!
 "I can make a firm pledge," he said in Dover, N.H., on Sept. 12. "Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes."

Then he signed a bill to raise taxes on us!!!!!. "Read my tele-prompter-NO NEW TAXES" Will somebody call this LIAR a LIAR?
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D979POSG0&show_article=1"

I make under $250K and this didn't raise my taxes.  Won't raise yours either as long as you don't buy cigarettes or tobacco.

This isn't difficult to understand.  But if one is dumb enough to use tobacco, I can understand how easy things like this are difficult for one to get. 

Pitiful point you are making.

Editor's note: I'm going to have to chime in here because words have meaning. Quote: "Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes."

I have to agree with the poster, a smoker is part of "no family" in the US. Just because you may not care for smokers, they pay a heck of a lot more taxes than you, if you are a non-smoker. Not only that, but studies show that the largest number of smokers are the poor. So not only is Obama breaking his promises (what's new) but he is hitting the people who cannot afford to pay the taxes the most.

So, using class envy to raise taxes on the poor is a good thing how?
web posted April 3, 2009

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Re: Service?
I became confused when I heard the word 'service' used with these agencies;
1) Internal Revenue 'Service'
2) U.S. Postal 'Service'
3) Telephone 'Service'
4) Cable TV 'Service' 
5) County  'Service
6) Public 'Service'
7) Customer 'Service'

Reply:

1) IRS: I file federal taxes electronically every year (1st week of Feb) and I always receive my refund back in 7-8 days, direct deposited to my checking account, and I don't even have to leave my home. That's pretty good service to me.
2) US Postal Service: I put a $0.42 (soon to be $0.44) on an envelope, walk to my mailbox and insert the envelope, and it gets mailed to the address on the front. I also receive mail in my mailbox and all I have to do is walk to my mailbox. I have done this well over 3,000 times and only two times have I received notice the mail was not delivered. That's pretty good service to me.
3) Telephone service: With the usage of cell phones as the primary telephone increasing, my landline telephone company has offered reduced price packages. I have reduced my monthly phone bill by over $25 per month by being an proactive consumer. That's pretty good service to me.
4) Cable TV service: My cable goes out occasionally due to bad weather (5 times in the last 10 years), but three years ago, on the Saturday of the Final Four NCAA tournament, I was planting some shrubs and accidentally cut my cable line in the yard. I called the cable company and had someone to fix the line within 3 hours so I was able to watch the games. That's pretty good service to me.
5) County service: The editor is always touting the county workers and their service, so I'll take his word on it. That's pretty good service to me.
6) Public service: One should try to offer public service to those in need when they have the opportunity. That's pretty good service to me.
7) Customer service: This one is diminishing somewhat, but there are still many companies that offer good customer service. That's pretty good service to me.

Maybe you should shed a more positive light on those services around you that are good and you would have a more positive outlook on life.
web posted April 3, 2009

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Edgefield Daily Editor

South Carolina's governor and key lawmakers are fighting about the federal stimulus money.
Many insist the bailout money is essential for public schools, others are no so sure

One group of lawmakers has taken a third path: use school choice to save money for public schools.

"Senators: School Choice a cash-windfall for public schools"
web posted April 3, 2009

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They want to raise my taxes to give my money to people I don't even know? (What the heck) is up with that? How stupid is that? I say its time for a revolt!!! If we all refuse to pay the tax what can they do to us?

Editor's note: They can sell your property. The best thing to do is to show up at the County Council meeting on April 7 at 6 pm and demand accountability from our representatives.
web posted April 2, 2009

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I am appalled by the accusations made against the editor of Edgefield Daily in regard to the Thompkins Library. First of all, you don't need to use the kind of language you use to make a point. This section of the paper is there so that people can share their opinions on topics. From what I have read, any racist comments are not coming from the editor, but from writers like the "woman from Boston" and her defenders. The racist comments in general come from Obama supporters and the like that think race is the only issue in this country. Policies are the issue folks. Why is the library becoming a racial issue?  Good grief-move on. I understand the need to know your history but there is an awful lot of bitterness and hatred in the  comments from people like the woman from Boston.I f Edgefield has a good achieve department why is the library such an important part of that? Why do there need to be the two entities? I think a library is important for learning, for children and for growing more intelligent, but I am not excited to be spending my tax dollars on something that appears to be there for other reasons. There are other libraries around if you are willing to get out of Edgefield and look around.  I AM FURIOUS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAYING HIGHER TAXES for this nonsense. Quit blaming the editor of this paper for things that are not true. You are trying to see things that are not there. Read closer. Move on.
web posted April 2, 2009

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Will you whinny Tomkin's trouble makers just go away. It is time to put up or shut up. Open up your financial records and show every one how you are helping the county? Who else is donating to you so called charity?     Our County employees need health insurance, our teachers need teaching supplies, our law enforcement needs our support. 
We don't need YOU !
We have a real Library, the ABBE Regional Library System. It serves Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell and Edgefiled Counties. They put on wonderful programs for people of all ages and interests, they need our support. If you need a book or  DVD they can get for from a large resource places including the State library.
Our Children can learn about the past, present and future at the ABBE Regional Library System
web posted April 2, 2009

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You will not believe what I saw yesterday!  With my own eyes I saw Hoke, driving Ms. Daisy and right there in the back seat with her was Ms. Tulip and Ms. Petunia.  Yes sir, poor Hoke must have been just prayin for some relief sitting there at Willowbrook Cemetery.  My heart went out to him.  That poor man.  Only thing I can figure is Ms. Rose must have been left behind to run things in the office.  Don't fret Hoke, God has a special place for faithful chauffeurs.
web posted April 2, 2009

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Mr. Editor, In answer to several queries in your paper, the two buildings that the Tompkins Library use are owned by the Edgefield County Civic League.  It is the Civic League, not the Tompkins Library that receive the County funds.  Also, for interest sake, the Tompkins Library is about the only facility in town that has toilets available to the public - they are especially needed when large tours come through Edgefield.  Their facilities are also available on  weekends when special events are taking place on the Square.

Editor's note: Bathrooms are available at the Pool Room, the Courthouse, Park Row Market, the Ten Governor's Cafe, the Edgefield County Library, Edgefield Fuel, and the County Administration Building. Excuse me if I don't see the need to fund a bathroom at $17,500 a year where people have to sign their names to use tha bathroom.
web posted April 2, 2009

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Thank you for showing what the leaches at the Tompkins library are like. i say let the nasty people fund their own club. How (darn) arrogant can you be?!!
web posted April 2, 2009

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Looky Looky!!!!!!! Obama is a (darn) LIAR!!!!!!!
 "I can make a firm pledge," he said in Dover, N.H., on Sept. 12. "Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes."

Then he signed a bill to raise taxes on us!!!!!. "Read my tele-prompter-NO NEW TAXES" Will somebody call this LIAR a LIAR?
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D979POSG0&show_article=1
web posted April 2, 2009

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All in favor of NOT funding the Tompkins Library with tax dollars and instead giving this money to the county employees say AYE. All opposed say, “I will be glad to donate my personal money to help fund the Library”…. What, I can’t hear you!!!
web posted April 2, 2009

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The question is short, the answer may not be short. Can anyone explain the difference between the way the people of Fargo N.D. handled their ‘Katrina’ and the way the people of New Orleans handled their Katrina?
web posted April 2, 2009

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This is in regards to Gov Sanford refusing to accept Federal Stimulus [aid] dollars.  Since I’m not a native South Carolinian, but am from the mid-west, I take note that South Carolina fired the first shot of the Civil War (a fact I believe most South Carolinians take great pride in…laughs).  Please bare with my analogy,  in my school in the mid-west, I was taught the Civil War was about slavery.  Most Carolinians will say it was about state’s rights.  Now all one has to do is look at “No Child Left Behind”, and ask any teacher if that abhorrent program (my wife is a teacher) has Federal “strings” attached.  Look at Federal Highway funding and welfare funding….all of the aforementioned are state programs, but the Feds gain control of these autonomous state programs through funding grants.  If Gov Sanford refuses the Federal dollars (because of the South Carolina's right to determine its most pressing needs), I don’t care if “our” money goes to another state; in 3 years when the Federal Funding goes away, South Carolina will be left with the legacy cost and either a large budget deficit or increase taxes…when have you ever heard of a government program going away?  Principle and Core Value should always supersede convenience and expediency; that is character.

            For the life of me, I cannot fathom how such a proud state such as South Carolina, who vociferously and historically supports “state’s rights” is not hoisting Governor Sanford on their shoulders in support.  As a transplanted South Carolinian, who probably would not have supported firing on Fort Sumter in 1861, today, if Fort Sumter represents Federal overspending and encroachment upon South Carolina's rights, not only would I be the one with the Zippo lighter, but I’d be beggin’ for “one itsy bitsy practice shot!”
web posted April 2, 2009

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I didn't know if this post would be allowed or not, but I'm sending it anyway.

Technical, professional, administrative and engineering positions will be available in the near future at Savannah River Site.  If you are interested in being considered for any of these positions, please email your resume to resumes@tfeinc.net
web posted April 2, 2009

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The decision was made to leave an Edgefield County Activity Bus at the site of Satcher's Packing Shed to save the tax payers $200 in wrecker fees, because the part to fix the bus was not avalible until late Tuesday afternoon. Thank you for your concern
web posted April 2, 2009

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I would love to see the day when the whole Miss Peach Blossom Festival Pageant could be solely produced for the young ladies of Edgefield County. We have many beautiful ladies who could wear these crowns with pride. I realize that the pageant is a fund raiser for missions, but we need to have more events solely for our residents. And yes, I know that Anisley Ellis is a local, and we are proud of her. But several of the winners are not local.  

We also need to have the original Miss Ridge Peach done the old way where local farmers and businesses chose the young lady to represent them. It was always a very festive occasion. It was a great way to begin the festival. It’s hard when times change so much.
web posted April 2, 2009

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Service?
I became confused when I heard the word 'service' used with these agencies;

Internal Revenue 'Service'
U.S. Postal 'Service'
Telephone 'Service'
Cable TV 'Service'
Civil 'Service'
State, City, County & Public 'Service'
Customer 'Service'

This is not what I thought 'service' meant. But today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them said he had hired a bull to 'service' a few cows. BAM!!! It all came into focus. Now I understand what all those agencies are doing to us. Now you are as enlightened as I am.
web posted April 2, 2009

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WARNING: The post below is just one of several others that were not allowed from supporters of the Tompkins Library. But to let you see how "nice" these people are, I allowed this one unedited (it was the "cleanest" of them for today).  The language is offensive. If you are easily offended, please skip this post.

To the editor: You’re a racist bastard - that’s not an opinion that is a fact.
The lady from Boston was downloading your ass not President Obama (so why would you bring him into this conversation)?
He has said nothing about you; don’t know anything about you, hell unless he reads this crap of a newspaper he doesn’t even know you exist.) So flip off- the lady from Boston embarrassed your ass. Did she hit a nerve?  She said she was reaching her family history and in doing so she said white man (one person) you’re the one that brought in white people (more than one) she was only talking about the one that her family was concerned with.
Also she never asked anything about your family (you brought that up), she was researching her ties not yours. But one thing you said in this comment that was very true: you agreed with her dad – you are a fool.
You go girl….three cheers for the women from Boston  
From a well deserved person in Edgefield

Editor's note: I thought it was worth letting people know how the wonderful people at the Tompkins Library talk about those who are paying for their existence.
web posted April 1, 2009

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Thank you, editor, for your common sense comments about the library. I was surprised to read that the library had been involved in an election in 2006. That is a concern. I also agree with the idea that these out of county people are so concerned about losing their access to information. Yes, let them pay for what they get. I am tired of these selfish attitudes that say "don't do anything that will hurt me". They can pull their own weight. Fund raisers are a good thing to think about. Other libraries in the area do that. Maybe Edgefield needs to focus a little more on the future and not live so much in the past. The history is important but let's move on a little. We seem to be stuck in the past and forget what is going on right now.  We are living now and a lot of people who could lose salaries need to be able to live now. In these financial times, the county needs to be a little wiser and have more common sense. Maybe that money could be better used somewhere else. I also agree with the person who had the idea of the owner of the building maybe lowering the rent a little. If the history is so dang important to him, put his money where his mouth is. It is probably the same person who collected money for the theater a few years ago and now people are wondering where the money is. Good luck ever seeing any of that!!!!
web posted April 1, 2009

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The Department Of Defense briefed the president this morning.  They told OBAMA that 2 Brazilian soldiers were killed in Iraq .  To everyone's surprise, all the color drained from Obama's face.

Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands, visibly shaken, almost in tears.

Finally, he composed himself and asked, 'Just how many is a brazilian?'

This is especially funny since he obviously has no understanding of a billion or trillion either.

Editor's note: Careful, if you mention Obama you are going to get called a racist. (See above)
web posted April 1, 2009

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RE: Yes, there is a Melanie from Alaska that has visited Edgefield and the Tompkins Library at least once that I know of.

Isn't that special you have pen pals, but the fact is they do not live in this county and pay taxes. We do not need pay for both the County Archives and the Tompkins Library. If the Tompkins Library is a charitable institution, let them find some one else to back them. How much money have they brought into the county? My guess would be very little to none. 
We need to get rid of the pork put on the county budget by past councilmen.
web posted April 1, 2009

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What is up with the Edgefield County School Activity bus parked at the old packing shed on the four lane in johnston across from hatcher plumbing?

Editor's note: Maybe they are trying to hide the hideous huge concrete slab behind it?
web posted April 1, 2009

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Re: Birthday wishes
Mr. Editor, I can't believe that you would put such an evil comment on the web saying such nasty things about such a nice lady. Ithought your rules said people who were not in the "public"  couldn't be used. Shame on you.

Editor's note: If someone places signs on the side of the roads for all to see, the public is free to comment on them. Personally I never saw a sign so I have no idea who the poster is referring to and with the important matters facing our county I really don't care.
web posted April 1, 2009

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RE: Lordy, Lordy.......... I agree with you 125% or more. The birthday girl needs a new attitude adjustment, personality update and a friendly face. Rude, obnixous, and thinks she own the school. Now I really do know that a smiling face, common sense and being friendly  is what it takes when you greet the public. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you .
web posted April 1, 2009

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Has anyone thought about the children, your future??? Education is not free. There are a number, a large number, of children who enjoy the books and need the encouragement of the library. I agree that there is wasteful spending going on, however,Books are important. Reading and encouraging reading is so important. Please do not discourage the inkling of not reading or wanting our county's children to read.
web posted April 1, 2009

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This is to everyone that is being so mean to the editor. Do you know what he does for this county? I doubt it!! I happen to know that he gives a lot of money to local charities and never says a word about it. He buys steaks every year for everyone at the sheriff’s office, the jail, and dispatchers that works on Christmas. He is a very kind and generous man and I have a lot of respect for him because he seems to be the only person that is sticking up for the county employees. Not only that but he brings us the news that you can’t and wont read in the papers because they are too scared to print the truth and does it for FREE!!! To the editor, thank you for everything you do.

Editor's note: Thank you for your kind words and for reading.
web posted April 1, 2009

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