- Timmons Expresses Support for DEI’s Doppelganger for Hiring Practices in Washington
- Should the US Rethink Its Mid-East Policies?
- Is Another Child Tax Credit Expansion Really the Best Way To Help Families?
- The Two-State Solution for Israel is No Solution at All
- A New Fiscal Commission Must Heed the Lesson of '97
- Biden's Corporate Tax Hike: Populism Versus Economic Literacy
- The Evils of Socialism
- Why is Greenville County Council Pickpocketing Us Again?
- The Morgan and Timmons Firey Faceoff in SC’s 4th Congressional District Race
- Advertising Rates and Specifications
- Danger: The Proposed South Carolina "Health Czar" Legislation will be Hazardous to Your FREEDOM!
- Adam Morgan Pledges to Support Term Limits on Congress
- The Tucker Carlson Interview of Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Belgrade, NATO Expansion, Color Revolutions
- Insights into the Russian View of Russian History
None Dare Call It Tyranny
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
As the Obama Administration chooses what laws they will enforce or comply with, the United States is moving closer and closer to despotism and tyranny. The alleged abuses by the Administration mirror some of those enumerated against the King of England in the Declaration of Independence. As a remedy for such abuses, the writers of the Declaration conclude: But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evidences a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is the right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
As American citizens become more and more oppressed and aware of government abuses, they will attempt to make changes at the polls. Should they become convinced that there is widespread fraud in conduct of elections, such as allowing millions of illegal aliens to vote, and refusing to prosecute election fraud and other abuses, some may attempt to achieve redress through public protest and civil disobedience. This raises the question many are asking: Will members of the Armed Forces of the United States use violence against their fellow citizens if ordered to do so?
“Double Whammy” for Greenville County Taxpayers
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
School Board and County Council Scheduled Conflict to Raise Taxes
Greenville County Council and the Greenville County School Board were obsessed with raising taxes at their Tuesday, June 3 meetings. Could it have been a coincidence that the School Board scheduled their special called-meeting to raise taxes again at the exact same time that the County Council was holding a public hearing and vote on the largest proposed tax increase in county history?
The School board voted 9 to 2 to raise property taxes by 4.9 mills for operating expenses. The board has raised taxes 21.8 mills in only 5 years with all incumbent board members being returned to office.
Roger Meek, one of the trustees voting for the tax increase and up for election this year, said the increase is necessary just to maintain the same level of education for children.
Superintendent Burke Royster said all district employees would get at least a 2 percent pay increase this year. The teacher raise is funded by the State. Royster said the millage increase would only cost the owner of the average car no more than an additional 84 cents on their tax bill. The average car used as the basis for that estimate was an eleven -year-old Ford or Honda. Owners of newer cars, boats, rental property and small businesses will take the hardest hit from the school tax increase.
Camp 36 JROTC Essay Contest for Scholarship to Sam Davis Youth Camp
- By Rollis Smith
Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 36, 16th Regiment South Carolina Volunteers inaugurated an Essay Contest this year open to Cadets chosen by their Instructors to receive the H. L. Hunley Medal. Cadet Detron Burdine, Southside High School Air Force JROTC, won this year’s scholarship. Cadet Burdine’s entry is a credit to himself, his school, and his JROTC unit. It also reflects highly on his JROTC Instructors, Major Joseph E. Windley, USAF (Ret), Senior Master Sergeant Kathleen Hodge, USAF (Ret), and Master Sergeant Kenneth Gause, USAF (Ret) whose countless hours make these programs possible. Their hard work has instilled in the Cadets an eagerness to learn, and venture where most others would not.
Big Creek Cemetery Restoration effort
- By Julia Barnes
On Monday, May 19, 2014, Michael and Julia Barnes met with Jack Dalton at Big Creek Baptist Church between Belton & Williamston, SC, to give consultant services for gravestone cleaning. After checking the cemetery, which is one of the most historic in Anderson County, the decision was made to clean the gravestone of Confederate veteran George Richardson, who died in 1879, as the demonstration subject. Dr. Julia Barnes is a member of Winnie Davis chapter, UDC, and Hudson Berry DAR. Mike Barnes is a member of Palmetto Sharpshooters, Sons of Confederate Veterans. The Richardson gravestone was covered with black algae and other growths. The cleaner recommended by Dr. Barnes is D/2, a biocide that is recommended by the National Park Service and others because it is so safe to use on historic stones. After the application of D/2 solution, the stone was left for about 15 minutes to allow the solution time to take effect. During this time, Mr. Dalton discussed plans for the cemetery restoration and other work done in the area.
Don Gordon Speaks to 16th Regiment SCV in Greenville
- By Press Release
Don Gordon of Columbia, South Carolina was the guest speaker at the March meeting of the Sixteenth Regiment, S.C.V. in Greenville. Mr. Gordon used his unique presentation style to create a map of the battlefield out of the meeting room itself before walking out the movements of the contesting forces as he gave his vivid account of General Grant's Overland Campaign of 1864. At the conclusion of his presentation Mr. Gordon quoted from memory a lengthy portion of a stirring speech given by Wade Hampton in Walhalla, S.C. on September 22, 1866 at the formation of the Soldiers' Association. Quoting from Hampton "Pickens gave to me besides Calhoun's brave men and volunteers in that noble battery of Germans of Bachman one whole Company in the gallant 1st South Carolina Cavalry which formed so important a part in my old and beloved Brigade, a Brigade which though it fought on a hundred fields never knew defeat." The Presentation drew an enthusiastic standing ovation from the packed banquet room at the Phoenix Inn.
Memorial Service for Oconee County
- By Julia Barnes
Piedmont District Recording Secretary Regina Orzechowski of Williamston and Joseph Norton chapter member Cleta Bryson of Seneca attended Confederate Memorial Day in Seneca, SC, on May 10, 2014. Mrs. Cleta Bryson, member of Joseph Norton UDC chapter, was the speaker for Confederate Memorial Day service for Oconee County. Miss Orzechowski is also the 1st VP of Robert E. Lee UDC in Anderson.
Filing for School Board only Weeks Away
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Running for School Board In Greenville County Provides opportunities of a Lifetime with no Filing Fee
The Greenville County School Board is composed of twelve members, each serving a voting District containing several schools. Board members serve a four year term and there are no term limits. Except for special events, the board generally meets twice a month at the district administration building on Camperdown Way in Greenville.
Filing to seek a position on the School Board in Greenville County opens July 15 at Noon and closes August 15 at noon. Candidates file with the Election Commission at Greenville County Square.
The elections are non-partisan and no political parties are involved, hence there are no primaries or runoffs. The candidate in each district with the most votes in the November General Election wins a four year paid position on the school board.
VA Scandal – a Battlefield of Deceit, Delays and Death for Veterans
- By Elizabeth Lee Vilet, M.D.
The VA has many truly dedicated doctors, nurses, and health professionals who do their best to genuinely serve America’s veterans. I salute their conscientious work and commitment under difficult conditions, often in a culture of fear and intimidation if they identify problems.
News headlines since the Phoenix scandal first broke in late April, however, clearly show a dark underbelly in the VA that is the antithesis of dedication to patients. It speaks of a “Code of Corruption,” not the Military’s Code of Honor that America’s veterans have upheld.
The U.S. military has an admirable code of ethics: duty, honor, and sacrifice. Their Code is to protect the vulnerable, shield civilians when possible, watch their fellow soldier’s back, and leave no one behind in combat. Our soldiers, holding themselves to these standards, trusted that the country they served would also honor its commitment to them for medical care when needed.
The Fundamental Transformation of America
- By Magda Aguila
Every day we see how things are deteriorating in our country. Every day there is a new “issue” going on. As a Cuban American, I have no choice but to concentrate on the underlying disease in this nation. The United States of America and its Citizens are in a quick downward spiral towards the total loss of the Freedom our Founding Fathers fought for. At no time since the inception of this country have Franklin’s words to Mrs. Powell been more relevant: “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
No one would argue that Cuba and its citizens enjoyed the same level of Freedom as Americans historically have had. Even though many of Cuba’s “democratically elected” Presidents ended up grabbing power and few left office after their “constitutional” terms expired, Cubans still enjoyed a certain level of freedom and economic benefits. So how did Cuba become a communist country in such a short period of time turning one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America into what we would now label a “Banana Republic”?
The change was subtle at times, and harsh at others and they are the same changes I am seeing in the United States now.
Ultimate Test of Open Primary
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
The ten June primary in South Carolina will be the ultimate test of the effectiveness of open primaries on Republican nominations. The contest between incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham and six opponents in the Republican Primary will be the most interesting race in South Carolina and one of the most interesting in the nation this primary season.
The Greenville County Republican Party has an active lawsuit in Federal Court challenging the South Carolina Election Commission and the state legislature on the constitutionality of the open primary system.
Most readers of this column know that any registered voter can vote to select the Republican nominee in a so-called Republican Primary in South Carolina. This is a political scam on the voters of South Carolina that allows liberal Democrats to be elected and serve as Republicans while voting against legitimate conservative Republicans and Republican-sponsored legislation in the South Carolina House and Senate or the US Congress.
Greenville GOP Removed 14 Executive Committeemen
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Committee Members Allegedly Violated Meeting Attendance Rules
Following lengthy, and sometimes emotional debate and several preliminary votes, the Greenville County Republican Party Executive Committee voted to remove fourteen of their members from the position they were elected to by their precinct organization.
The charge was that the committeemen failed to attend three or more meetings in violation of Party rules that prescribe removal if three meetings are missed by an Executive Committeeman who is the voting member representing the precinct organization.
The committee voted to delete two men from the expulsion list who were present and presented compelling justification for their actions. Most of those affected were not present.
GOP Executive Committee Opposes Tax Hike Referendum
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Six Republican Councilmen Ignore Grass Roots Leaders, Vote with Democrats for Tax Hike Resolution
The Greenville County Republican Party Executive Committee overwhelmingly passed a strongly worded resolution Tuesday night, May 27th, “opposing the tax hike referendum and the tax hike itself.” They “implored the Republican majority on County Council to reject the referendum,” and “called upon the Greenville County Council to abandon the first and second readings which were done without representation of the Citizens of District 26.”
It was clear that minds were made up before the special called meeting. Only four committeemen spoke to the resolution before the question was called and discussion was ended by a majority vote.
Doug Wavle, Dean Allen and Karen Mims spoke in favor of the resolution opposing the tax hike referendum.
Sixteenth Regiment Presented Awards at State Convention
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Greenville’s Sixteenth Regiment, SCV, was presented two important awards at the South Carolina Division Convention in Florence.
State Commander Mark Simpson presented the Division Recruitment Award to the Sixteenth Regiment. Former Commander David Wright accepted the award for the organization.
State Commander Mark Simpson presented the attendance award to Sixteenth Regiment Commander Doug Langley at the State Convention in Florence.
Is Lindsey Graham a Conservative?
- By Mike Scruggs
Then Why Are Liberal PACs Spending Millions to Elect Him?
I am a North Carolinian, but I live 10 miles as the crow flies from the South Carolina border and 18 miles by road. My great grandfather and his father were born near Fountain Inn, South Carolina. I have family in South Carolina who vote. My wife and I frequently shop in South Carolina, and our favorite vacation spot is Charleston. Hence I have an interest in South Carolina politics.
For many weeks now I have heard radio advertisement after advertisement claiming that Lindsey Graham is a conservative. My brother in Myrtle Beach, who spent most of his working career as a marketing research consultant, counted Graham ads approximately every ten minutes on Fox Cable News and about one every 30 minutes on a radio talk station. Senator Graham’s advertising saturates the airways so thoroughly that it raises an important question: Who is pouring so much money into re-electing Graham to the U.S. Senate and why?
Significance of the VA Scandal
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Recent alarming scandals, exposed by whistle blowing employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, have forced the Obama Administration to once again “circle the wagons” and as they have dozens of times in the past, follow their “surprise, deny, express anger and blame Bush action plan” script.
The most alarming allegations are that in order to make statistics look good for the Administration, a la Obamacare implementation, records have been falsified and veterans have been needlessly allowed to die without adequate and timely medical care. Lying to defend the regime agenda is acceptable and frequently results in promotion to senior positions.
Reponse to Dr. Mick Zais
- By Sheri Few - Republican Candidate, SC Superintendent of Education
Four years ago, Dr. Mick Zais was elected Education Superintendent on an anti-Common Core platform. Now, he’s supporting his deputy, Charmeka Childs, to succeed him after serving only one term. His letter last week in this newspaper is a lame attempt to rewrite history by blaming others for the failure of the Zais-Childs Team to stop Common Core.
It’s a failure that has driven my candidacy.
Dr. Zais and Mrs. Childs both claim they oppose Common Core, but actions speak louder than words because the two people most responsible for Common Core’s implementation in our state are Mick Zais and Charmeka Childs.
Greenville County Tax and Spend Lobby Wins First Round
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
A voting majority of Greenville County Council has made it clear that they will vote June 3, 2014, to place a $678 million sales tax increase referendum on the ballot in November. Council voted seven to three in favor of the referendum on 2nd reading. There is no reason to believe the vote will change.
Advocates of the sales tax increase have developed their strategy over many months. They are well-organized, well-financed and have hired professionals to market the plan to voters. The promoters have earned the unenviable label “sales tax pimps” from tax increase opponents who resent the methods being used to redistribute wealth from taxpayers to special interest projects, using as an excuse a need to repair state highways rather than insisting that the state use road tax money to repair their highways.
School Board Considering More Tax Increases
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Six Trustees in Even Number Districts up For Reelection
The Greenville County School Board will hold a public hearing on the 2014-2015 General Fund Budget at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd.
At 6:30 following the 30-minute public hearing, the 12-member board will vote on the budget that may contain a tax increase. The Board has raised property taxes in five of the past six years. Citizens will be allowed three minutes each to comment on the budget, during the public hearing.
The Greenville County School Board is the 2nd largest employer in the County. They hire employees and set salaries for all teachers and administrators.
Six of the twelve board members in even numbered districts are up for reelection in November 2014.
Impeachment Efforts Gaining Strength
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Recent events have pushed the nation closer to the possible impeachment of President Barack Obama. It appears that public pressure has finally forced House Speaker John Boehner to appoint a select House committee to investigate the Benghazi scandal and cover-up. An email obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by Judicial Watch has linked the Benghazi cover-up to the White House. This raises and helps to answer the question: “What did the President know, and when did he know it?”
Readers familiar with Watergate will recall that President Nixon had nothing to do with the Watergate break-in. In fact, he knew nothing about it before it took place. He was forced to resign because he allegedly participated in a cover-up following the incident.
President Obama may have been a participant in the act as well as the alleged cover-up.
Straw Poll: 64 of 80 Forum Attendees Oppose Sales Tax Increase
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Panel Consisted of two Council Members and one Advocate and one Opponent – No Women on Panel
Chad Groover, Chairman of the Greenville County Republican Party Executive Committee, hosted and moderated a forum to discuss the pros and cons of the proposed sales tax referendum to be voted on the next day.
Councilman Fred Payne and Greenville Chamber of Commerce political consultant who has apparently been hired to lobby for the referendum and one cent sales tax increase.
Councilman Joe Dill and Seth Powell of the Greenville CountyTaxpayers Association pointed to shortcomings in the arguments for a rush to approving a referendum for the November 2014 election.
Reviving the Black Robe Regiment
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
“If we lose Freedom Here, We have no place to go”
Pastor Rafael Cruz, father of United States Senator Ted Cruz attended the American Renewal Project at the Greenville Hilton as guest speaker Friday. The purpose of the conference was to encourage pastors to stand up! return to their church and mobilize their people in the pews to register, to vote and to take their Christian convictions with them to the voting booth.
Pastor Cruz placed the blame for our current problems squarely on the men who have been hiding behind their pulpits. “When Bibles and prayer was removed from schools, they did nothing. When the Supreme Court allowed killing of millions of babies in the womb, they did nothing. When the Ten Commandments were removed from the public square, they did nothing. Tyranny prevails when good men do nothing.”
What’s Happening at the VA?
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
The Veteran’s Administration, now called the Department of Veterans Affairs headed by a cabinet level political appointee, has existed for decades. It is the best example we have of where so-called Obama Care is headed and what patients can expect when government bureaucrats control healthcare.
Only rarely does the public get a glimpse of what is going on in this huge government-run organization called the VA. Recently there have been media reports, apparently based on whistleblower information, that a VA Hospital in Arizona has been manipulating reports, and allegedly delayed treatment for hundreds of veterans. Someone reportedly allowed 10 veterans to die without adequate care.
Just as taxpayers fear the IRS and parents fear public school administrators, veterans fear the VA. They are fearful that if they complain, they will experience retaliation that could impact adversely the medical care they have earned and been promised by their government.
Senator Tim Scott Speaks at Bob Jones University
- By Press Release
Over 1,000 people gathered in Bob Jones University’s Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium on Tues., April 22, to hear U.S. Senator Tim Scott as part of BJU’s Presidential Leadership Series.
His speech, “Unleashing Your Potential and Changing the World,” challenged students and members of the community to make a difference in the lives of others as he spoke about how his mother’s love and the help of a godly mentor set him on the right path.
About 200 Attend Pickens Tea Party Rally Saturday
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Sparks Fly Between Superintendent of Education Candidates Sheri Few and Charmeka Childs
The Pickens County Tea Party held a Rally and celebration of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, Saturday morning, April 26, 2014, at Legacy Square on East Main Street.
An estimated 200 people attended the rally on a sunny but pleasant morning perfect for listening to political candidates.
The Magnuson Family musicians and singers provided patriotic music for the event.
Gowdy Dismayed by Erosion of Rule of Law
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Duncan Working to Develop South Carolina's Offshore Energy
Congressmen Jeff Duncan and Trey Gowdy were guest Speakers at the April 24 luncheon of the Greenville County Republican Women’s Club. The Third and Fourth District Congressmen share Greenville County since redistricting. Gowdy has northern Greenville County and Duncan has the southern half.
The Congressmen picked their topics and Duncan addressed a favorite topic pertaining to the challenges and benefits of developing South Carolina’s off-shore energy reserves.
Gowdy addressed his passionate concern for the erosion of the rule of law in the United States at the federal level.
Honor Flight Adds Korean War Veterans for First Flight
- By Paul Howell
Last week, April 22, a group of 45 WWII veterans departed from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport to Washington, D.C., on the twelfth Honor Flight from Upstate South Carolina. For the first time in Upstate SC, a group of 45 Korean War Veterans joined WWII veterans to be honored for their heroic actions in the Korean War. A total of 90 veterans were honored. Hundreds of Korean War applicants have now applied for Honor Flight as they begin to be honored alongside WWII veterans on all future flights. Both WWII and Korean War veterans who have not been on Honor Flight, are encouraged to visit www.honorflightupstate
sc.com to download an application. Veterans are offered flights on a first-come, first-served basis.
Three New Members Join the Winnie Davis 442 UDC
- By Pam Durham
Winnie Davis Chapter 442, United Daughters of the Confederacy, met on Monday, April 7, 2014, at the Museum and Library of Confederate History, 15 Boyce Avenue, Greenville, SC. The hostess for the meeting was Karen Kenyon.
Membership certificates were presented to three new members. Michelle Huddle joined under her Great-great-great-Grandfather Giles Webb who served in Co G, 54th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, Kimberly Huddle also joined under Giles Webb her Great-great-great-great-Grandfather, and Patricia Daniels joined under her Great-great-great-Grandfather Thomas Herrington who served in Co K, 4th Clinch’s Regiment, Georgia Cavalry.
Living Dangerously
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Never has our country had more enemies and been in more danger, and never have the American People been more complacent. It may be accurate to say also that never before have we had more incompetent people in leadership positions at the national level. Finally, not since before World War II have we intentionally planned to disarm to dangerous levels. That all adds up to “living dangerously.”
We have all heard the cliché: “Ignorance is bliss.” Ignorance is also dangerous. I’m afraid more Americans are ignorant than in any period during my lifetime. That is one reason why they are complacent. You don’t worry about what you don’t know about.
For three years during the Johnson Administration, I was in an assignment involving command and control of nuclear weapons in the Pacific Command. There was no discussion of work outside the organization due to security measures. I recall a discussion with one of my colleagues when we agreed we would sleep better at night if we didn’t know some of the things we were allowed to access.
- God Is NOT Dead!
- That Does It!
- Charlie Porter, Where Is He Now? - Part 2
- Who is Qualified to be Superintendent of South Caraolina?
- Mayor Elected to 3rd Term
- Americans for Prosperity's Greenville Office Grand Opening
- Snow Campaign Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, holds Awards Ceremony
- Charlie Porter, Where Is He Now? - Part 1
- Snow Campaign Chapter, DAR Good Citizen Award to Zachary Parke Girvin
- The “Civil War” Continues
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