Lately, I haven't said much on the national election. Truthfully, with my graduate course load, I haven't said much of anything. Still, after Barack Obama's comments today about Sarah Palin - I can't help but respond with a few thoughts.
Obama owes Sarah Palin an immediate apology for his comment: "You can put lipstick on a pig . . . It's still a pig." The tactless statement was undoubtedly in response to Palin's lipstick line from the Republican National Convention. I'm quite sure the Senator will attempt to smooth over his error as some sort of joke, or perhaps, claim he was in no way speaking about Palin. Some of Obama's supporters have already suggested the Senator was not referring to Palin, but I just don't buy it.
Obama's comments drew an ovation from his Virginia audience. This applause was promptly followed by a chorus of jeers at the mere mention of Palin's name. What Obama meant and his audience's response are clear.
For someone who claims to be progressive on gender equality and women's rights, Obama's comments have taken his campaign back to cave-dwelling and knuckle-dragging. This sort of name calling is exactly what's wrong with politics, and Obama's willingness to engage in such behavior only proves that he is not the fresh voice that he claims to be. Moreover, it's downright disrespectful and ungentlemanly. Bottom line - the Senator should set a better example.
Obama's comments demonstrate his resentment for Palin's popularity as a set back to his campaign and their ongoing struggle to reclaim their rock-star status. If Obama is elected, I hope he is able to employ more "developed" approaches to national set backs than insensitivity and namecalling. As far as the election . . . this mistake will undoubtedly backfire with voters, particularly women, unless he offers a sincere apology - now.
He called someone a pig . . . and ended up in the slop.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
More Berkeley Republican Division???
Recent articles in both the Goose Creek Gazette and Berkeley Independent indicate that Berkeley County Republican Party Chairman Wade Arnette has cut through the forest of red tape to create a republican breakfast. It's really a great idea, but there's just one problem - the idea isn't all that original. In fact, it is divisive - and not the type of leadership that forward-minded leadership should offer.
Berkeley County already has a Republican Breakfast. By most accounts, a pretty good breakfast, at that. Who can argue with grits, eggs, and conservative camaraderie? You might remember that the existing breakfast was the subject of a failed "take-over" attempt last spring. At the time, you guessed it, the same county chairman attempted to seize control of the monthly gathering. The failed take over was also covered well by Earl Capps' Blogland.
Now, the Berkeley Chairman's new strategy is clearly nothing more than sour grapes and selfishness. What does a seperate gathering do to promote party unity? So what if the current breakfast isn't organized by the official party leadership? All this new move does is create more division. Furthermore, the poor publicity from local party leadership sets an undesirable example and does little to make new folks want to involve themselves in the process.
Yes, we're talking about grits and eggs, but I've said it before regarding the school board, and I'll say it again here - we need leadership at all levels that is willing to advocate their positions while setting a positive example of civility and selflessness.
Berkeley County already has a Republican Breakfast. By most accounts, a pretty good breakfast, at that. Who can argue with grits, eggs, and conservative camaraderie? You might remember that the existing breakfast was the subject of a failed "take-over" attempt last spring. At the time, you guessed it, the same county chairman attempted to seize control of the monthly gathering. The failed take over was also covered well by Earl Capps' Blogland.
Now, the Berkeley Chairman's new strategy is clearly nothing more than sour grapes and selfishness. What does a seperate gathering do to promote party unity? So what if the current breakfast isn't organized by the official party leadership? All this new move does is create more division. Furthermore, the poor publicity from local party leadership sets an undesirable example and does little to make new folks want to involve themselves in the process.
Yes, we're talking about grits and eggs, but I've said it before regarding the school board, and I'll say it again here - we need leadership at all levels that is willing to advocate their positions while setting a positive example of civility and selflessness.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Berkeley Superintendent Floyd To Retire
The Post and Courier reports at last night'sBerkeley County School Board meeting, Dr. Chester Floyd announced that he plans to retire. Floyd hinted at the possibility of his departure last year in a newspaper interview. In my opinion, the nature of Floyd's leadership was a relentless commitment to improving classroom conditions for the children under his care. Such commitment has drawn praise and controversy. Yet, Floyd's pure motives and unwavering fight for the cause of the classroom are beyond question. He leaves big shoes to fill.
Floyd's lasting legacy as superintendent in Berkeley County will undoubtedly be the passage of a remarkable $192 Million Bond Referendum. Some might argue that building quality has little effect on instruction. I'm qualified to disagree. In 2001 I graduated from a dilapidated Berkeley High School - the same building where my father studied over 40 years before. Through Floyd's leadership, the bond brought greatness back to Berkeley High School. Students no longer suffer in mold infested classrooms or use outdated science labs. The quality of these and other improvements is immeasureable. That bond, approved by voters, either replaced or seriously repaired no less than 17 schools across the district - an impact that will be felt for years to come.
Floyd's retirement leaves incredibly big shoes to fill. Floyd has been named Superintendent of the Year no less than four times. And Floyd carries a resume with over 42 years of educational experience - you simply can't replace that kind of experience with a vote of the school board.
Whatever choice the Berkeley County School Board makes, I hope they first all put their own politics aside and appropriately thank Chester Floyd for his leadership. Then, as they search for a new superintendent, I would encourage the board to seek out a candidate with the same commitments to students and staff. A superitendent that further improves performance and opportunties for students - while fostering leadership and morale among a highly qualified and professional staff.
Floyd's lasting legacy as superintendent in Berkeley County will undoubtedly be the passage of a remarkable $192 Million Bond Referendum. Some might argue that building quality has little effect on instruction. I'm qualified to disagree. In 2001 I graduated from a dilapidated Berkeley High School - the same building where my father studied over 40 years before. Through Floyd's leadership, the bond brought greatness back to Berkeley High School. Students no longer suffer in mold infested classrooms or use outdated science labs. The quality of these and other improvements is immeasureable. That bond, approved by voters, either replaced or seriously repaired no less than 17 schools across the district - an impact that will be felt for years to come.
Floyd's retirement leaves incredibly big shoes to fill. Floyd has been named Superintendent of the Year no less than four times. And Floyd carries a resume with over 42 years of educational experience - you simply can't replace that kind of experience with a vote of the school board.
Whatever choice the Berkeley County School Board makes, I hope they first all put their own politics aside and appropriately thank Chester Floyd for his leadership. Then, as they search for a new superintendent, I would encourage the board to seek out a candidate with the same commitments to students and staff. A superitendent that further improves performance and opportunties for students - while fostering leadership and morale among a highly qualified and professional staff.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Talk With Candidates for SC House 92
Recently, I had a chance to submit a few questions to Joe Daning and Jimmy Hinson - both candidates for the South Carolina House of Representatives - Seat 92. Both were very gracious to take time to interview, and offered candid responses to some critical issues that face Berkeley County and South Carolina.
A third candidate, Ellen Cook, is also in the election. Several attempts to contact Ms. Cook were unsuccessful.
The election will be held February 5th.
Click Here for Joe Daning's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
Click Here for Jimmy Hinson's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
A third candidate, Ellen Cook, is also in the election. Several attempts to contact Ms. Cook were unsuccessful.
The election will be held February 5th.
Click Here for Joe Daning's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
Click Here for Jimmy Hinson's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
Joe Daning, Candidate for SC House Seat 92
Joe Daning, 65, has called the Charleston area his home since 1962. He and his wife, Brenda, have been married for 43 years. They have two sons, Michael and Timothy, their wives Arlette and Marina and grandchildren, Madison, Dylan, Carolyn and Jonathan. Daning proudly pointed out that all of his family live, work or attend school in Goose Creek.Daning came to the Charleston Air Force Base after a tour in Japan and Korea. He retired from the Charleston Naval Shipyard after 29 years of service. Starting out as an apprentice welder, he eventually became Superintendent Welder, and ultimately the Director of Education – a position that provided retraining for employees as the shipyard closed. For the last 14 years, Daning has been the Director of Enrollment at Trident Technical College. He earned an associate degree in business from Trident Technical College, a BS in Adult Education from Southern Illinois University and a MS in Management and Business from Webster University.
Daning’s community envolvement includes work on the Goose Creek City Council. He currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem. Daning noted that during his tenure with the City of Goose Creek, they have not raised ad valorum taxes for 28 years. He currently represents the City on the Goose Creek Economic Development Advisory Board. He serves on the Charleston Area Transportation Study Commuter Rail Subcommittee. Daning is the President of the Low Country Educational Admissions and Registrar’s Network (LEARN). LEARN is a consortium of 18 colleges that provide post-secondary educational opportunities for adults. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Council on Military Educators of South Carolina.
Recently, I had a chance to ask Mr. Daning where he stood on the issues:
Question: If elected, the SC House of Representatives will have already been in session for over a month when you take your seat. Committee assignments have already been made and other important decision processes have been put into motion. Essentially, when elected, you'll hit the ground running. How will you be prepared to catch up with fellow representatives and what immediate steps will you take to begin constituent service?
I will be spending the days leading up to the election knocking on doors and meeting voters across our district so that I will be better equipped to represent my constituents on the issues that matter most. I have also made myself available to anyone needing help with matters involving state or local government during this time between now and the election as I will as your new representative. Many of the issues that I have worked on at the local level are also issues being worked on currently in the legislature. Some of those issues are holding down taxes, congested roadways, economic development and education.
Question: It's no secret that recent relations between the General Assembly and Governor Sanford have been shaky. Last year, Sanford's 243 budget vetoes and the assembly's subsequent 228 overrides suggested that checks and balances had neared a point of dysfunction. Already this session, the wrangling has reappeared. How do you believe that relations between Mark Sanford and the General Assembly could improve for the good of South Carolina?
I believe that the vast majority of the South Carolinians who serve us in state government put the best interests of all South Carolinians at the forefront everyday. And as your new representative I pledge to always have an open door, to listen to the views of my constituents, and to seek their input on the finding solutions to the challenges we face as a state.
Question: Protecting Santee Cooper as a publicly owned utility is an important concern for many residents of Berkeley County. Still, at times, some have suggested that the public would be better served if Santee Cooper was privatized. What are your thoughts on the power company - and how will those thoughts be reflected in your term as a legislator?
In recent years the cost and availability of energy resources has come to the forefront, and as our state continues to grow and attract new residents and industry, plentiful and affordable power is essential. Our state has been and continues to be well served in its partnership with Santee Cooper and it should stay that way in the years to come.
Question: School vouchers are a controversial subject. Some advocates believe that vouchers task our public school systems to provide results. Still, opponents contend that vouchers take money out of public schools that desperately need the funds. In the House, what questions will you raise about school vouchers and the state of public education in South Carolina?
I am willing to consider any proposal that will help improve our education system and give future generations the tools they need to become successful adults. Some simple common sense measures such as restoring discipline to the classroom will go a long way to help increase our graduation rates, and ensure that our children will be able to compete in tomorrow's global economy.
Question: I recently asked candidates for the Berkeley County School Board this question, and now I'll ask you: What do you believe will be the greatest challenge for your constituents and South Carolina during your term - and how will you be ready meet that challenge?
Question: If elected, the SC House of Representatives will have already been in session for over a month when you take your seat. Committee assignments have already been made and other important decision processes have been put into motion. Essentially, when elected, you'll hit the ground running. How will you be prepared to catch up with fellow representatives and what immediate steps will you take to begin constituent service?
I will be spending the days leading up to the election knocking on doors and meeting voters across our district so that I will be better equipped to represent my constituents on the issues that matter most. I have also made myself available to anyone needing help with matters involving state or local government during this time between now and the election as I will as your new representative. Many of the issues that I have worked on at the local level are also issues being worked on currently in the legislature. Some of those issues are holding down taxes, congested roadways, economic development and education.
Question: It's no secret that recent relations between the General Assembly and Governor Sanford have been shaky. Last year, Sanford's 243 budget vetoes and the assembly's subsequent 228 overrides suggested that checks and balances had neared a point of dysfunction. Already this session, the wrangling has reappeared. How do you believe that relations between Mark Sanford and the General Assembly could improve for the good of South Carolina?
I believe that the vast majority of the South Carolinians who serve us in state government put the best interests of all South Carolinians at the forefront everyday. And as your new representative I pledge to always have an open door, to listen to the views of my constituents, and to seek their input on the finding solutions to the challenges we face as a state.
Question: Protecting Santee Cooper as a publicly owned utility is an important concern for many residents of Berkeley County. Still, at times, some have suggested that the public would be better served if Santee Cooper was privatized. What are your thoughts on the power company - and how will those thoughts be reflected in your term as a legislator?
In recent years the cost and availability of energy resources has come to the forefront, and as our state continues to grow and attract new residents and industry, plentiful and affordable power is essential. Our state has been and continues to be well served in its partnership with Santee Cooper and it should stay that way in the years to come.
Question: School vouchers are a controversial subject. Some advocates believe that vouchers task our public school systems to provide results. Still, opponents contend that vouchers take money out of public schools that desperately need the funds. In the House, what questions will you raise about school vouchers and the state of public education in South Carolina?
I am willing to consider any proposal that will help improve our education system and give future generations the tools they need to become successful adults. Some simple common sense measures such as restoring discipline to the classroom will go a long way to help increase our graduation rates, and ensure that our children will be able to compete in tomorrow's global economy.
Question: I recently asked candidates for the Berkeley County School Board this question, and now I'll ask you: What do you believe will be the greatest challenge for your constituents and South Carolina during your term - and how will you be ready meet that challenge?
I think the issues that affect the most vulnerable among us need to be addressed in the coming years. Improving education for our children so our state can compete in the ever-changing economy of the future and finding ways to provide accessible and affordable health care especially for our senior citizens who live on fixed incomes.
Links:
Jimmy Hinson, Candidate for SC House Seat 92
Jimmy Hinson, 61, of Summerville is running for SC House Seat 92. The Charleston/Berkeley County area has been his lifelong home. He graduated from Hanahan High School. Hinson has also earned degrees from Charleston Southern University, The Citadel, and SC State College. Hinson holds a doctorate degree in education.Hinson was previously married to former legislator Shirley Hinson for 30 years. The have one son, Trey, who currently works for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Columbia.
Hinson currently serves as the District Four Representative on the Berkeley County School Board. He has been active in political campaigns since 1988 and previously ran for this House seat in 2000.
Recently, I had a chance to ask Mr. Hinson where he stood on the issues:
Question: If elected, the SC House of Representatives will have already been in session for over a month when you take your seat. Committee assignments have already been made and other important decision processes have been put into motion. Essentially, when elected, you'll hit the ground running. How will you be prepared to catch up with fellow representatives and what immediate steps will you take to begin constituent service?
The session is underway and I am staying closely tuned to all issues discussed in Columbia by the Legislature. With my door-to-door campaign, I know that I am hearing what is truly on the minds of the constituents in the district. Therefore, I will hit the ground running if elected to serve as the Representative on February 5, 2008. After all, constituent service is what my campaign is all about. I will always be available to listen to the people who elect me and never forget that the voters expect me to be their voice in Columbia.
Question: It's no secret that recent relations between the General Assembly and Governor Sanford have been shaky. Last year, Sanford's 243 budget vetoes and the assembly's subsequent 228 overrides suggested that checks and balances had neared a point of dysfunction. Already this session, the wrangling has reappeared. How do you believe that relations between Mark Sanford and the General Assembly could improve for the good of South Carolina?
Relationships between the General Assembly and the Governor have never been great. What a shame when Republicans are in control that more cannot be accomplished to improve the quality of life for citizens of our state. In my opinion, I believe some common ground should be established and everybody should work to accomplish specific goals. At the end of that time, legislators and the Governor should take the credit together to show a united front.
Question: Protecting Santee Cooper as a publicly owned utility is an important concern for many residents of Berkeley County. Still, at times, some have suggested that the public would be better served if Santee Cooper was privatized. What are your thoughts on the power company - and how will those thoughts be reflected in your term as a legislator?
Santee Cooper is always a subject that is on the minds of many legislators in Columbia. My position is that Santee Cooper should remain a quasi state status. The entire state benefits from the low cost of energy and the co-ops (Berkeley Electric Cooperative) across the state are able to pass this savings along to their customers.
The legislature took steps recently to expand the makeup of the Board of Directors. Overall, this was a good move that benefits everyone. We should be pleased to have Santee Cooper in Berkeley County and I would support their efforts as they move forward to provide the energy required so that we do not experience black-outs. I also support their effort along with SCANA to explore the nuclear source of energy.
Question: School vouchers are a controversial subject. Some advocates believe that vouchers task our public school systems to provide results. Still, opponents contend that vouchers take money out of public schools that desperately need the funds. In the House, what questions will you raise about school vouchers and the state of public education in South Carolina?
On the issue of school vouchers, I will be listening to learn all that I can. I will use my years of experience in the area of education to support the position that expands educational opportunities to all students. I realize that one size does not fit all and I see this everyday in the classroom. While I am a product of the public school system and an advocate of public education, I will also explore other opportunities for students that are left behind or fall through the cracks. After all, our drop out rate is embarrassing in S.C. and I am the first to admit that sad statistic is something that must be addressed sooner than later. I would never vote to do anything that will hurt our public school system, but I will do everything that I can to do more for our children that we are doing at the present. If that means supporting a tax credit for parents to select the school of their choice for their children or more provide more support for charter schools---then I will support tax credits and charter schools. After all, a decision to move a student to another failing school within the district is not a choice that I would ever make as a parent.
Question: I recently asked candidates for the Berkeley County School Board this question, and now I'll ask you: What do you believe will be the greatest challenge for your constituents and South Carolina during your term - and how will you be ready meet that challenge?
The greatest challenge for my constituents during my term in office relates to the economy and that is directly related to education. The two cannot be separated. We must grow our economy so that our people have jobs that can support families and educate children. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. It is incumbent upon us to attract business and industry to SC that will provide necessary jobs and offer good salaries. In order to do that, we have to guarantee an educated workforce. That means legislators have a big job ahead and the future of our state is at stake.
Some might agree that immigration is the biggest challenge and I agree that we have a big problem with illegal immigrants. However, I do not believe they are taking jobs away that we need to grow. They are taking money from taxpayers in the form of healthcare, welfare and they are contributing to crime and therefore affecting our prison system.
Links:
Palmetto Ramblings also talks with Candidate Joe Daning
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Interviews With Berkeley School Board Candidates
Recently, I had a chance to submit a few questions to Doug Cooper and Karen Smith - both candidates for the Berkeley County School Board Distict 2 Seat. The two links below will take you to their individual interviews. Both had some very informed responses to some serious questions that face the school district.
The District 2 seat was recently vacated by Dan Kingsbury. The district covers Daniel Island, Hanahan, Cainhoy, and a small portion of Goose Creek.
The election will be held February 5th.
Click Here for Doug Cooper's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
Click Here for Karen Smith's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
The District 2 seat was recently vacated by Dan Kingsbury. The district covers Daniel Island, Hanahan, Cainhoy, and a small portion of Goose Creek.
The election will be held February 5th.
Click Here for Doug Cooper's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
Click Here for Karen Smith's Interview with Palmetto Ramblings
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