Character Does Matter
- By Franklin D. Raddish
The Bible says in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (King James Bible) The Word of God consistently teaches us to have godly character. There are too many politicians who have the testimony of do as I say, but they do the opposite of what they say. Also, we have too many preachers with a double standard testimony. In both cases, this shows a lack of godly character. The problem is there is a lack of commitment to do right. Evangelist Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., said, “Do right till the stars fall.” We must purpose in our hearts beforehand what we will or will not do. The Bible says in Daniel 1:8, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (King James Bible) Character cannot be bought or inherited; it must be earned by the earnest desire to do right. There is no greater compliment to an individual than for someone to tell him that he is a man of character. For many people, character is subject to change by the amount of money involved. Character is the sacrificial lamb upon the altar when it comes to fame, fortune, and power. A person of character can eat, sleep, and work well because of the peace in his heart that he is doing right. The number one enemy of character is the philosophy of situation ethics. The devil is the author of this philosophy.
The Taking of Healthcare 1 2 3
- By Tony Beam
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, the movie version of the novel by John Godey is currently enjoying a cinematic revival at the American Box Office. Modern moviegoers are once again thrilling to the story of armed men who hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for ransom. The original film premiered in November of 1974 with Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw in the starring roles. The present incarnation of the film features John Travolta as the just-released-from-prison, mastermind felon named Ryder, who engineers the hijacking. Denzel Washington plays the part of Walter Garber, an everyday dispatcher who is drawn into the drama by chance and is forced by Ryder to play a pivotal role in the chaos.
Now And Going Forward
- By SC Gov. Mark Sanford
I have struggled with how best to convey my regret in letting so many down, and in that regard I realize this op-ed does not do justice to the process of saying “I am sorry.” A handwritten note or phone call would ultimately be more appropriate, but given the number of people I need to apologize to I write this to begin the journey of trying to get things more right with you and others.
It is true that I did wrong and failed at the largest of levels, but equally true is the fact that God can make good of our respective wrongs in life. In this vein, while none of us has the chance to attend our own funeral, in many ways I feel like I was at my own in the past weeks, and surprisingly I am thankful for the perspective it has afforded.
Taylor Defines ‘Conservative’ for Greenville County Lawmakers
- By Bob Dill
White Requests Resolution Protecting Religious Freedom
Robert G. “Butch” Taylor defined “conservative” for members of the Greenville County Legislative Delegation during their
meeting in Greenville, Monday evening. Taylor is president of the Greenville County Taxpayers Association, an active advocate for good government and an outspoken critic of unconstitutional legislation and corrupt government officials.
While many elected officials in South Carolina describe themselves as “conservative,” some would not measure up to the definition and tests described by Butch Taylor and shared by many informed voters. Recent disturbing events are expected to cause voters to more closely examine the voting records, morals and ethics of candidates for public office prior to future elections.
Gowdy Candidacy Gets Boost from Smart
- By Bob Dill
Spartanburg Solicitor has Record, Name Recognition
The Fourth Congressional District candidacy of Republican Harold W. “Trey” Gowdy got a boost, at least in Greenville County, from the withdrawal from the race and strong endorsement by Andrew Smart. Smart was one of four individuals who had announced their intentions of challenging incumbent Congressman Bob Inglis in the 2010 Fourth Congressional District Republican Primary prior to the entry of Gowdy. The remaining announced Republican challengers are Mauldin business owner Jim Lee, Spartanburg professor Christine Jeffrey and State Senator David Thomas who represents senate District 8 in Greenville County. Attorney and former Greenville County Republican Party Chairman Stephen Brown, who considered entering the race, will likely stand down now that Gowdy has tossed his hat in the race.
Dr. David Woodard to Address Republican Women
- By Bob Dill
Subject to be ‘Hope in Time of Despair’
Dr. David Woodard will be the guest speaker at the Greenville County Republican Women’s luncheon at the Poinsett Club, Thursday, July 23rd at Noon.
Dr. Woodard will be speaking on the timely topic: “Hope in the Time of Despair”
Dr. Woodard holds the Strom Thurmond Chair of Government at Clemson University, where he has taught political science since 1983. He is the author or co-author of several books, including The Conservative Tradition in America (2003), The New Southern Politics (2006), and The America That Reagan Built (2006), His latest book is Why We Whisper: Losing Our Right to Say it’s Wrong, published in 2008. He co-authored this book with Sen. Jim DeMint. He currently is completing a book titled, The Rise of Morality Politics in the United States, to be published by University of Toronto Press.
Aeronautics During the War for Southern Independence
- By Holly Sheen
On June 25 my husband, Ray Sheen, gave a presentation to the 16th South Carolina Volunteers, SCV Camp 36, entitled Aeronautics During the War for Southern Independence. Ray cataloged the progress of ballooning as a military technology during the war era.
One of the most famous balloonists prior to the war was Thaddeus Lowe who had done a number of experiments with balloons. Lowe had a theory that there was a strong prevailing east wind at higher altitudes above the ground-level westerly currents. He decided to try his theory out by riding his balloon from Cincinnati, Ohio, to wherever the balloon might take him. He left Cincinnati at 3:30 a.m. one morning and landed at Pea Ridge, South Carolina, only 9 hours later!
Sen. DeMint Autographs Books at Crossway Christian Supply
- By Bob Dill
Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America’s Slide into Socialism
U. S. Senator Jim DeMint Autographed a large number of books at Crossway Christian Supply in Greenville, Saturday.
DeMint is one of the few Republican Senators who has the courage and self-confidence to take a public stand in favor of preserving the freedom generations of Americans have fought and died to earn and preserve.
At a time when many Americans are discouraged and seeing little hope for future generations, Sen. DeMint is providing a new Declaration of Independence and calling on the American People to reclaim America.
Understanding ‘Obamaism’
- By Bob Dill
Strategy for Destroying Free Enterprise through Orchestrated Crisis (First in a Series)
Have you ever heard of the “Cloward-Piven Strategy”? Most Americans not committed to destroying the free enterprise system in our constitutional republic in order to “redistribute wealth” had never heard of it until recently. Now we are learning that the Cloward-Piven Strategy is the Obama Administration strategy for “change.”
More and more people are finally waking-up to the fact that the man who was elected president of the United States last fall has not kept his promises of reducing taxes and providing and saving jobs. In fact, the results of the first six months of his administration have produced the opposite of what was promised.
Violating Marriage Vows, Constitution
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Who Should Apologize and Resign?
Letters, email messages and telephoned opinions to talk radio programs continue to call for the resignation of Governor Mark Sanford. The Governor has apologized to virtually everyone, including the “other woman,” for his marital indiscretion. Both he and Mrs. Sanford wish to reconcile for the sake of their four young sons. The Governor is apparently determined to remain in office and do his job while attempting to “put his family back together.” Whether he is able to succeed is a family matter, despite the fact that he is a public official.
Senate Slavery Apology
- By Walter Williams
Last month, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 26 "Apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans." The resolution ends with: "Disclaimer. -- Nothing in this resolution (a) authorizes or supports any claim against the United States; or (b) serves as a settlement of any claim against the United States." That means Congress apologizes but is not going to pay reparations, as least for now.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have expressed concerns about the disclaimer, thinking that it's an attempt to stave off reparations claims from the descendants of slaves. Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee, D-Calif., said her organization is studying the language of the resolution and Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss, said "putting in a disclaimer takes away from the meaning of an apology. A number of us are prepared to vote against it in its present form. There are several members of the Progressive Caucus who feel the same way."
The Age Of Despotism
- By Chuck Baldwin
This past Independence Day weekend, my friend, LCDR (Retired) Guy Cunningham, delivered an outstanding address here in Pensacola, Florida, in which he said that America is now in "The Age of Perfidy." He went on to say that our country is soon to enter "The Age of Despotism." I candidly confess that I believe the retired Naval officer could be more right than we might want to admit.
Commander Cunningham is no slouch. He was a Green Beret (who served in the same Special Forces company alongside his father and two brothers), an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division, Navy pilot, mission commander and analyst. He is also the author of the now-famous 29 Palms Survey. His military credentials are unassailable. When Commander Cunningham speaks, people should listen.
What Does Independence Day Mean?
- By Franklin D. Raddish
Our Founding Fathers forged this nation with blood, sweat, and tears. Many of them gave the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives. The founding of this nation was not for the faint of heart. Our Founding Fathers did not found this country because of the desire for greed and power, as the leftists say, but they founded this nation for the cause to live, work, and die as free Americans. They wanted to be free from the oppressive hand of Mother England. England was smothering the colonies both spiritually and physically. There was a great deal of debate and soul-searching before our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Josiah Quincy, who was a great American orator for freedom during this time, said, “Blandishments will not fascinate us, nor will threats of a ‘halter’ intimidate. For, under God, we are determined that wheresoever, whensoever, or howsoever, we shall be called to make our exit, we will die as free men.”
Obama Dictates Construction Freeze
- By Dr. Al Snyder
Last week President Barack Obama exercized his audacity again, declaring that Israel has the green light from the US to go ahead and complete construction on housing units in the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria that were already begun. But he added that after those projects were completed, he was demanding "a full construction freeze" in all the communities "across the disputed territories." And he added that he expected Israel "to fully comply with its demands."
I don't recall that it was Barack Obama who won the last election for Prime Minister of Israel. Do you? Yet it seems as if he thinks he holds the office of Super Prime Minister, or is it Dictator? How does he think he has the authority to make such dictatorial demands on Israel? How can he ignore that Israel is a viable and successful independent sovereign state? Does he consider Israel to be just another US state, or a colony of the US under his empirical administation?
Honduras Outraged By Obama-Chavez Alliance
- By Cliff Kincaid
I continue to receive messages from Honduran citizens upset at the international media for their distorted coverage of the situation in the Central American country. The people support the ouster of Manuel “Mel” Zelaya, who is considered a puppet of Venezuelan Communist ruler Hugo Chavez. They are mystified that an American president would want to return this Chavez puppet to power in Honduras.
One Honduran wrote: “The recent action taken by our Congress is highly supported by several organizations in support of peace and democracy: the State General Attorney, the Supreme Court, the Armed Forces, the private organizations and especially many young people. Mr. Zelaya broke the law on several occasions even after the Supreme Court stated that it was illegal. He had no respect for our laws and our Constitution.
Hunley Chapter Enjoys July 4th
- By Holly Sheen
Members of the Hunley Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, attended a wonderful 4th of July celebration at Heritage Park in Simpsonville. Heritage Park has a beautiful, grassy outdoor amphitheater, complete with a high-tech stage. On stage the Greenville Symphony put on a first-class concert of patriotic music for all to enjoy and the highlight was the 1812 Overture—of course! Near the end of the Overture cannons are called for and, indeed, cannons were supplied! Thirteen guns of varying sizes were present to provide the thunderous accompaniment right on cue.
Palin’s Attorney Warns Media on Defamation
- By Bob Dill
FBI Spokesman Says Rumors of Investigation Untrue
Governor Sarah Palin’s announcement that she is stepping down as Governor of Alaska on July 26 has produced a firestorm of rumors generated by friend and foe.
Former Arkansas Gov. and Republican presidential candidate turned TV talk show host Mike Huckabee who claims to be a supporter of Palin called her decision to step down as Governor a “risky strategy.” Huckabee said on Fox News Sunday that resigning as governor will not stop the attacks on Palin. “That’s not going to stop if she continues in politics,” he concluded.
Water Park in Works for Northside
- By Bob Dill
Set to Open Summer of 2010
Ground was broken Wednesday, July 1st by the Greenville County Recreation District for the Otter Creek Water Park at Northside Park on Darby Road off State Park Road in northern Greenville County. The $3 million family water park is one of 17 projects made possible by a Hospitality Tax instituted by Greenville County Council in April of 2007. The park is scheduled to open in the summer of 2010.
Senator Phillip Shoopman Appointed To Port Advisory Committee
- By Press Release
Senator Will Represent Upstate, Oversee Vital Economic Engine
Columbia, SC – July 6, 2009 – South Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell announced today that he has appointed State Senator Phillip Shoopman (R-Greenville) to the South Carolina Port Advisory Committee. The port is one of our state’s most vital economic engines and Senator Shoopman’s appointment ensures Upstate representation on port matters.
South Carolina’s economic growth is directly linked to the success of our state’s ports. Unfortunately, while its competitors have seen consistent growth over the past several years, container traffic through the Port of Charleston has dropped precipitously. Once the largest port on the east coast, the Charleston port has dropped to the fourth ranking.
Collins Named American Legion Auxiliary SC Department President
- By Press Release
Brenda Collins was elected to the office of South Carolina Department President for the American Legion Auxiliary at their 89th annual Convention in Columbia, SC on Saturday, June 27th.
Her eligibility comes through her husband, John Collins, who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era. John is now serving a third year as Commander of Post #3 in Greenville.
She is currently serving as treasurer of Unit #3. She has served as president, secretary, Chaplain, Constitution and By-laws Chairman, Public Relations Chairman and Girls State Chairman in the unit.
SLED Clears Governor of Financial Problems
- By Bob Dill
Sanford Back to Work after Spending Holiday with Family
Governor Mark Sanford welcomed Attorney General McMaster’s call for a SLED investigation.
“We are pleased that SLED will look into this matter,” Gov. Sanford said. “There’s been a lot of speculation and innuendo on whether or not public moneys were used to advance my admitted unfaithfulness. To be very clear: no public money was ever used in connection with this. We believe the best way to put those questions to rest once and for all is for SLED to ask these questions, and we plan on cooperating fully.”
Sled reported that their review revealed no financial problems.
Joel Sawyer, the Governor’s spokesman commented following the SLED report:
What the South Has Lost
- By Frank Conner
From the Book: The South under Siege, 1830-2000, Chapter 24, By Frank Conner
This book has described the ideological war that the Northern secular humanists have been waging against the conservative Christian South from the 1830s until now (June 2000); and we have catalogued many of the social, political, and economic losses suffered by the South as the result of losing that war. But in discussing the wrenching changes that have been forced upon the Southern society – especially during the last half century, we have not yet talked about the consequent loss of the traditional Christian values which shaped the society of the Old South and made it unique in the world.
Let us talk about that now. If we could resurrect the best values of the Old South, modified only slightly for today’s conditions, what type of society would we likely end up with? Would it be worth all the effort?
‘All Things For Good: The Steadfast Fidelity of Stonewall Jackson’
- By J. Steven Wilkins
(Passages from the book by J. Steven Wilkins)
Fredericksburg: Page 212
During the (Union) assault, Lee turned to Longstreet and said with a mixture of satisfaction and sadness, “It is well that war is so terrible! We should grow too fond of it!”
The battle of Fredericksburg was actually two battles fought three miles apart: one in Jackson’s sector, and the other in Longstreet’s. Both battles proved disastrous for the Federals. Union Capt. Abner Small conceded, “There had been two battles, and we knew that both had been lost.”
Liberals Piling on Palin
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Governor Induced Fear and Trembling
Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska announced Friday that she would be stepping down as Governor at the end of July. She cited the influx of political troublemakers flooding into her state since she was asked to become the Republican vice Presidential candidate last fall. She noted that her family had incurred half a million dollars in legal bills fighting unfounded ethics complaints and some two million dollars that such unwarranted political attacks had cost the citizens of Alaska.
She and her family, including minor children, have been the recipients of the blunt of unprovoked attacks and ridicule by media personalities ranging from degenerate late-night sit-down comedians to network news anchors.
There is No Constitution!
- By John H. Utz - Greenville, SC
We have no Constitution! Let me repeat that: WE HAVE NO CONSTITUTION. And, we have NO Rule of Law. There are no formal checks and balances. There IS NO Justice. There is only POWER! And arrogance. And, the Big Lie! And totally uninhibited special interests, bureaucrats, representatives, legislators, school boards, County Councils, planners, Advisors, and, yes, Presidents.
The Dollar is worthless, except for the fact that countries all around the globe have so many in their accounts that they all (have to) participate in the illusion of value lest it implode!
Let Us Go In Peace
- By Tom McClain - Cameron, SC
In 1860 these were the last words Senator Jefferson Davis told the congress of the United States when he gave his parting address as he referred to letting the South secede from a voluntary union of states. Alas, President Abe Lincoln would not let the 13 southern states secede in peace; because of loss of power and money the U.S. could not afford to let the south go. These are people and states Abe had control over and as an attorney and recently elected president of the Union, he invaded the South and slaughtered thousands of people for power and money.
Hands Off Honduras!
- By Pat Buchanan
Last Saturday, Honduran soldiers marched into the presidential palace, bundled up President Manuel Zelaya and put him on a plane for Costa Rica.
The ouster had been ordered by the Supreme Court and approved by the Congress, as Zelaya was attempting an illegal referendum to change the Honduran constitution so he could run for another term.
Will someone please explain why this bloodless transfer of power to the civilian legislator first in line for the presidency, in a sovereign nation, is any business of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, Hugo Chavez, the Castro brothers or Barack Obama? For all have denounced the "coup" and demanded Zelaya's immediate return.
Welcome to Obamacare Theater
- By Michell Malkin
The White House sure likes to put on a show. Fresh off its joint stage production with ABC News, the Obama administration broadcast another health-care propaganda play this week under the guise of a citizen "town hall."
Chicago consigliere and senior adviser Valerie Jarrett managed the floor and human props for Obama. In a telling moment as the event kicked off, she protested a wee bit much: "I want to emphasize that the president has not seen the questions ahead of time." The audience responded with polite laughter.
Independence Now And Forever
- By Chuck Baldwin
As we approach Independence Day, it behooves us to recall the principles of America's founding, especially in light of the ongoing attempt by today's political and commercial leaders to merge the United States into a hemispheric government. In fact, the clarion call for independence is just as fundamental, just as revolutionary as it was 233 years ago.
Regarding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams said, "[Independence Day] will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."
Biblical Significance of Modern Israel
- By Dr. Al Snyder
Evangelical Christians from many countries of the world comprise the majority of foreign tourists visiting Israel each year. Most of them are going to Israel for the first time, and what they primarily want to see are the ancient Biblical sites. They have read about Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, and other places in their Bibles. So they arrive with excitement and anticipation in the Holy Land, anxious to see these ancient Biblical places.
The fact that these ancient sites are still in existence for tourists to visit is what we might call, "Biblically significant." They were places of importance in Israel centuries ago during Biblical history. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived there. David and Solomon reigned there. Jesus and His disciples ministered there. And amazingly, two or three thousand years later, these ancient Biblical places are still real, existing and thriving places.
Americans Have Freedom In Their DNA
- By Tony Beam
Americans love liberty. Dissect the heart of a patriot and you will find the DNA of freedom. Listen closely to a patriot as he or she reveals the musings of their mind and you will hear a fixation on personal liberty. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, so a true American patriot abhors the thought of chains.
That is why tears well up in our eyes when we see the image and hear the voice of Ronald Reagan standing at the Berlin Wall telling Mr. Gobachev to tear it down. It is why we resonate with the words of Thomas Jefferson who said, “Liberty is to the collective body what health is to every individual body. Without health, no pleasure can be tasted by man; without liberty, no happiness can be enjoyed by society.”
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