Mark Sanford says “It was a bad week.” By what standard?

In this game we call politics, I guess it would be fair to say Congressional candidate Mark Sanford had what he has called “A bad week.”

Well, just how bad was it?

First, Sanford finds out his competitor in the Congressional race, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, is receiving help from none other than Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi’s help is coming in the form of interviews, ads and cash.

Second, the Associated Press (AP) releases information a charge for trespassing was filed against the ex-Governor by his ex-wife, Jenny Sanford. I still find it amazing that the AP just had this vision and decided to search public records. And what a coincidence there was a charge pending which was filed in February 2013.

Third, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, smelling blood, has joined in supporting the “moderate Democratic”, Elizabeth Colbert Busch.

Fourth, the noble and grand Republican National Congressional Committee says in essence, “Hey, we can’t be associated with a man who continues to shoot himself in the foot”. So, they yank their financial support for one of the most conservative politicians on the face of the Earth. No matter Sanford is opposing a liberal Obama and Pelosi lover.

      

Fifth, to make things worse, his poll numbers flip from being a few points ahead of his Demo competitor to being 9 points behind in just one week!

Yes, you just might have to agree, Sanford had a bad week.

But on what standards are we comparing bad weeks?

Where does Sanford’s week compare to the victims killed in the Boston Marathon bombing? 

How does Sanford’s week match those persons who lost a foot, a leg or both legs?

How does Sanford’s week compare to the individuals whose bodies were used as pincushions for nails, ball-bearings and other flying objects? How painful are Sanford’s burns?

How does Sanford’s week compare to the workers and first res-ponders in the small town of West, Texas? I believe the citizens of West, Texas considers their week as not being one of their better experiences.

Bringing our thoughts back to Darlington County, South Carolina; 

I can not imagine what the four small children were thinking as they faced death from smoke inhalation while huddled in a bedroom closet? Whose bodies were burned beyond recognition?

                      

I can’t help but think that four-year-old Delonta Dixon, two-year-old Camaron Mason, and twin 10-month-old girls My'asia and Ky'nasia Hawkins would be high on our list as contenders for the worst week.

I believe Hope Hawkins, the mother of these children, would say being charged with four counts of homicide by child abuse is having a bad week (maybe not as bad as she deserves if found guilty of the charges).

                         

I could list many other local and regional incidents of people having a bad week; however, I think everyone gets the point.

Overall, I think most of us, including Mark Sanford, had a pretty good week. 

Jump "In The Pickle Barrel" on the Pee Dee's best place for talk, Newstalk 970 WJMX and 97.9FM every weekday from  7AM-9AM and  www.newstalk970online.com. Join me as we discuss issues that matter to you: Local, Regional and State politics South Carolina Style.

Alison Weir visits South Carolina

I wanted to share the remarks from a gentleman, Stuart Kaufman, who I met about two years ago. Originally from one of those foreign places, New York, New Jersey or one of those other places; His family now lives in South Carolina. Stuart is of the Jewish faith. A frequent visitor to Israel,  has invited my wife and I to visit Israel with him on numerous occasions. Hopefully, some day soon, we will be able to take that trip. About a week ago I received the following from Stuart. I thought I would share his message with you.

___________________________________________________________________________                                        

I am terribly disappointed. 

On Friday evening, Alison Weir, a vicious anti-Semite, spoke at the College of Charleston. 

Just to put it in context, she is as vile as it gets. 

Some of us put out the word that people should be there who could challenge her lies. I did not call for a demonstration, but it is my belief, based on the lessons of history (as well as recent political campaigns) that no lie should be permitted to go unanswered. 

However, to my dismay, certain elements in the community counseled against going there. They said that she should just be ignored. 

That is a Diaspora mentality: Keep your head down, and avoid making trouble. This is the attitude so current in contemporary America, that it has become a truism. 

It is WRONG! 

We should have learned by now that if someone attacks you, he should immediately be punched in the face. Then, that person should be put on the ground, kicked in the head, and not be allowed to rise again. If the attack is with words, then the counter should also be verbal, but it should be ceaseless and effective. 

It is my opinion that the Israeli combat discipline, krav maga, is the appropriate concept. It is street fighting. The objective is complete victory. 

You may think that I am being dramatic. After all, Trying to apply that concept to such lowlifes as Alison Weir seems a bit too overwrought. IT ISN'T. 

These people are invited onto college campuses by useful idiots, and are permitted to spread their poison. Meanwhile, the Jewish establishment (and, unfortunately, some of our Christian friends) counsel putting our heads in the sand. That is what happened on Friday night.

It was more of the same. It was the same attitude that was adopted by Jewish "leaders" in, among too many others, Spain, Germany, and now the US.

THIS MUST STOP!

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?" /Rabbi Hillel - Scholar and theologian (30 B.C.E. - 9 C.E.)

Stuart Kaufman

___________________________________________________________________________                                        

Stuart's efforts to have his brethren stand up and oppose the actions and words of those attacking his faith and homeland of his heritage was in vane.  It appears Americans are not the only ones who have difficulty standing up and speaking out to protect their heritage and country. 

Thank you for jumping "In the Pickle Barrel".

Bill

  

Jump "In The Pickle Barrel" on the Pee Dee's best place for talk, Newstalk 970 WJMX or 97.9FM every weekday from  7AM-9AM. You can also join us at www.newstalk970online.com. Join me as we discuss issues that matter to you: Local, Regional and State politics South Carolina Style. Share your comments and opinions on air by calling 843-317-1483.

Prom Night: A evening of joy or death?

I wanted to share the remarks from a gentleman who was listened to my program on Newstalk 970 WJMX and 97.9 FM. I was so moved by his words of truth and wisdom. I contacted him to get his approval to share his comments (unedited) as a guest contributor. The topic is serious. Parents, grandparents and other concerned people need to help spread the word to teens everywhere. Prom Night celebrations should be a night of happy memories; not an evening of serious injury or loss of life.

April 11, 2013 

Bill Pickle: “In the Pickle Barrel” / WJMX 970 AM

I am a steady listener.  You have a great show.  You discuss timely subjects . . . local, state and national.  You show great respect to your guest callers.

   

      This particular morning (April 11), you discussed – fairly and thoroughly and [obviously] sincerely “from the heart” – the grave concerns about “drunk driving” mishaps (particularly on “prom night”) and other “driver distraction” issues. 

      I agree with you . . . that “drunk driving” mishaps are indeed NOT accidents.  [“TRUE”] ACCIDENTS ARE GENERALLY NOT PREVENTABLE.  DRUNK DRIVING MISHAPS ARE  ALMOST ALWAYS PREVENTABLE.  THEY WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED BUT FOR THE INCAPACITY OF THE DRIVER AS A RESULT OF ALCOHOL.   

      Nonetheless, society continues to label these tragic happenings as “drunk driving accidents” because of their own naivety, ignorance, or calloused disregard. 

        

      It saddens me greatly to realize that our country seems ready to “accept” 25,000 to 30,000 drunk driving fatalities EACH YEAR (and who knows HOW MANY “life changing” injuries), just for the right to drink alcohol.  

   

     The “alcohol lobby” in this nation is so very strong, and alcoholic beverages are such a part of all levels of society . . . every party, every athletic contest, every high school and college reunion, every political and social event.  Alcohol “destroys” lives . . . yet, we “glorify” it. 

   

      It takes great fortitude and self-control to discuss your personal loss on the airways.  You are, indeed, a rare person. 

      Your “message” this morning should be “aired” ON THE HOUR / EVERY HOUR / EVERY DAY / IN EVERY CLASSROOM particularly during prom season . . . and the “summer” vacation.  

      For a variety of reasons, many parents fail to take the necessary responsibility instructing their children in the dangers of “alcohol and driving.”   Unfortunately, we live in a society where the “federal government takes care of everybody” [or at least that is what some people want] and NOBODY IS RESPONSIBLE ANY MORE FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL ACTIONS / FAILURES.  

      Remember:  Hillary Clinton wrote:  “It takes a village (to raise a child).”  With a profound liberal attitude and philosophy like that, how will we ever again be able to get people to accept personal responsibility for themselves or their children? 

  

      Thank you for explaining the circumstances of your tragic personal loss.  There are lawyers “out there” who will continue to try to “get drunk drivers OFF,” saying that that is their duty  to their client, and seeking to prove that “alcohol was not the cause of the accident.”  Justice does not always prevail in injuries and death due to drunk driving.  Hopefully, the legal system will shift in time more closely to the legal and economic plights of those who are injured or their survivors. 

      This nation continues to have a great and grave problem with “DUI.”  Various aspects of society, irresponsible advertising in the media, defense lawyers (“just doing their job”), the “alcohol” lobby in Congress and the all-too complacent populace continue to sweep this problem under the rug . . . UNTIL IT HITS HOME . . . and then it is most tragic.

Keep up the good work on your talk show !!!!! 

Thank you.

Elwood Owens, MD, JD

Florence, South Carolina

Jump "In The Pickle Barrel" on the Pee Dee's best place for talk, Newstalk 970 WJMX every weekday from  7AM-9AM or www.newstalk970online.com. Join me as we discuss issues that matter to you: Local, Regional and State politics South Carolina Style.

Earl Capps seeks Lancaster County GOP post

Long time "politico", blogger and activist, Earl Capps, has decided it is time to get back into the mix as an elected member of the Lancaster County GOP. Capps is seeking to become the State Executive Committeeman (State EC) representing Lancaster County. While I long suspected Earl would throw his hat in the ring. I am somewhat surprised he actually did.
                                                                                     
A native of the Low-Country, the best way to calculate how long he has been involved in politics is to measure the length of his pony tail. Well, maybe not. Rumor has it he took the tail off the donkey. I mean his head. No pun intended on the use of the word "donkey, because there are some who believe he really is a member of that species.

Capps is somewhat like two sides of a silver dollar.

Heads is politics.  He can be a vicious bulldog. Capps has no mercy when he smells blood. He will go in for the kill! He can and will use everything he knows to bring you down. Then he may take the time to ask a few more questions.

Capps takes politics seriously. He enjoys the game. He has the contacts. He is good at it.

 To learn more about Earl Capps

On the other side of the coin he is one of the most amiable persons I know. If you stay around Capps long enough you will find that under that crocodile facade Earl Capps is really just an ordinary guy. His friends say he is as loyal as man's best friend.  I have seen Capps in social gatherings and I can vouch for the fact he does know how to have fun and enjoys being around people.

I believe ( hope) his recent marriage may have caused him to mellow just a bit.

In this game we call politics, it is an absolute must you have the abilities of a chameleon, the toughness of a piece of jerky, the tenderness of  marsh-mellow and the heart  of the nun Sister Maria. It also helps if you have the knowledge of the Library of Congress and a contact list as long as that held by Deborah Jeane Palfrey.

Now, without the cliche's. Will Earl Capps make a good Executive Committeeman for Lancaster County?

Earl Capps can make a very good State EC.

Would I vote for Capps?

I always vote for who I think is the best person for the job; even if it is the lead Horseman.

The only concern, and it is a big one, is will Capps be able to separate his personal feelings from his politics. This can be tough for the most experienced and professional politico.

Between now and the convention it is very likely people will come after Capps. Will he be able to maintain his cool, keep the pit bull chained and his writings civil?

For his sake, as well as, the Lancaster County GOP, I hope so. I know he can, if he will.


Until next time, thanks for visiting me "In the Pickle Barrel"
Jump "In The Pickle Barrel" on the Pee Dee's best place for talk, Newstalk 970 WJMX every weekday from  7AM-9AM or www.newstalk970online.com. Join me as we discuss issues that matter to you: Local, Regional and State politics South Carolina Style.

The 2nd Amendment must be protected!

Recently, visions of the OK Corral, High Noon and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre have been dancing around in my head. 

I know it sounds crazy, but I blame my visions on all the hype from the liberal politicians, liberal media and gun haters who are using hysteria, fear tactics and hate in their attempt to dilute the Constitution of the United States.

Every day legal gun owners are being verbally attacked by those who feel the Second Amendment is archaic and should be diluted or repealed.

How many times do we have to hear:  “Well, just how many guns does a person need?” or “How many rounds of ammunition, or high capacity magazines, do you need to protect yourself and your family?”

Oh, this sweet little sentiment really makes me cringe: “Your gun makes me feel uncomfortable. My comfort is more important than your right to bear arms.”

In answer to the first two questions, I do not know how many guns, ammunition or clips anyone needs on any given day. Most days no one needs a gun or ammo.

As for your comfort, too bad!

People who carry legal guns and those who have Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) are not worried about your comfort. They are worried about their comfort and security and that of their family. They could also be concerned with the security of their business, employees and customers. 

Many times when people talk about gun rights they say something like, “The only gun anyone needs is a hunting rifle or shotgun. That is what the Second Amendment is saying.”

Wrong! 

That is not stated or implied in the Second Amendment. Sense it is obvious these people have not read the Constitution of the United States of America, the entire Second Amendment is as follows.

The Second Amendment says: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” (Emphasis is mine)

I hope it never happens, but someday, every freedom loving American (including gun haters and liberals) may be glad some of us are fighting to protect keep the Second Amendment as is. Someday, hopefully no time soon, the same people will understand why the Constitution of the United States of America must be defended and kept intact.

We should say "May God bless you!" to the citizen patriots and our State and National for officials for taking a stand of support on this very important issue.

We should say "Thank you to our Forefathers for having the insight (and the foresight for need)  to protect the future generations of citizens of these United States of America.

"In a real emergency, which would you prefer?"

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

       

                                       

 The choice should be yours.                       

Until next time, thanks for visiting me "In the Pickle Barrel".

Two actions: one right, one wrong. Two different events.

As a conservative, I have to admit I enjoy the “pomp and circumstance” we experience during the first event, the Presidential Inauguration. I know it takes a lot of money to put on such a show; however,   in my opinion it is worth it.

Crowd on the Mall

© Getty Images

As mandated by the Constitution of the United States we have a Presidential election every four years. This is not by chance. It is by design.

Every four years we have the opportunity to have a change in the leadership of this great land. Sometimes there is actual change in the form of a different person. Sometimes the same person gets to continue doing a good job. Other times, like this year, the existing POTUS (President of the United States) is given another chance.

Politics aside, I like Presidential Inaugurations events because they show me the system still works!

No military coops. No soldiers standing around ballot boxes with real “assault weapons” to make sure you vote the right way. No bodies littering the streets or blown up buildings.

Whether you like the President Whoever, or you get sick just mentioning his name, what we witness during the Presidential Inauguration is a peaceful transfer in leadership of the greatest country this world has ever seen, the United States of America.

What I did not like about this year’s events is the so called Inaugural Address. It was wrong.

President Obama’s speech was the most liberal, agitating and ridiculous “campaign speech” I have ever heard. Obama virtually declared war on the Constitution, conservatives (took dead aim at Republicans) and made it quite clear he believes himself to be Emperor of America.

The second event took place this past Wednesday with the extension of the “debt ceiling”. Under the circumstances, I think it was the right thing to do.

Scott Eells/Bloomberg News

I believe the extension was inevitable. POTUS Obama has yet to see a budget. Newborns have come into this world and have entered pre-school during the time the United States of America, the “Financial Capital of the World” has seen its’ last budget!

Wednesday, before the vote by Congress, I spent some time with Congressman Tom Rice talking about this issue.

During our conversation, the Congressman indicated the South Carolina Delegation was considering the debt ceiling extension if the POTUS and Senate would agree to certain items:

1)      The Senate would present a legitimate budget to the House within the 90 day extension period

2)      The Administration would use its influence to encourage such a budget and be willing to look at real cuts

3)      The salaries of all Congressman and Senators would be put in escrow until such time a budget is present and passed if the ninety-day extension passes without action.

I am also giving this event a wrong because everyone has been given way too much time to get the budget issue and the debt ceiling resolved.  I do admit, even though I think it was wrong, it was the right thing to do under the circumstances.

Now, if the Senate and the POTUS fail to honor their agreements, “Katy bar the door!” If in ninety days we remain having our nose pushed against this brick wall we call a stalemate, we will be in for a real political battle.

I pray we get the issue resolved.

Horror in Connecticut!

Perhaps one of the most horrendous shootings is history took place this morning at Sandy Hook Elementary School  in Newton, Connecticut. According to officials, the shooting at the elementary school left as many as 26 people dead, including 18 children.

Under the same cloak of anonymity since the investigation is still under way,  another official, commented the gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary was killed. Initially, there were reports there may have been more than one shooter since two different weapons were found. According to the official, it is now believed there was only one shooter who had at least two guns.

In this photo provided by the Newtown Bee, Connecticut State Police lead children from the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., following a reported shooting there Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Newtown Bee, Shannon Hicks) MANDATORY CREDIT

The Hartford Courant reports that there are at least 20 shooting victims. Fox News is reporting that one official stated one entire (kindergarten) classroom is unaccounted for.

Adding even more horror to this even, the apparent shooter was the father of one of the children in the school and his mother was the teacher in the classroom. Officials have reported he was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unclear if his death was from self-inflicted actions or if he was brought down by law enforcement officers.

It is with great dismay I tell you this could very well be the worst mass shootings in our country's history. It certainly is in the history of Connecticut.
This event will surely add fuel to the long running debate on "gun rights" and types of guns permissible for individual ownership.  Additional debate will take place as to security at public schools.

I will save these debates for a later time. 

Now is the time for us to say a prayer for all of the children and adults involved in this massacre. Now is the time to give your children a hug. 

Now is the time to give thanks to the school's staff members who took action to protect the other children.

May God bless and give comfort to everyone involved.

DeMint to resign from US Senate

South Carolina's own Senator Jim DeMint has decided to throw in the towel as one of our two U.S. Senator's to take the head position at the Heritage Foundation.




Well, I wish I could say I am surprised, but I'm not. 

DeMint has long said he would not run for re-election for the seat. I just wish he would have completed his obligation to finish the term for which the people of South Carolina elected him. 

Without trying to sound bitter, I guess the opportunity to move into such a "responsible" role as the head of the Heritage Foundation is more important than the tasks of being our Senator.


For some reason, I have been thinking our country is facing some pretty serious issues. I am thinking that a strong conservative voice in the US Senate was pretty important.

 In a statement, DeMint said: “It's been an honor to serve the people of South Carolina in United States Senate for the past eight years, but now it's time for me to pass the torch to someone else and take on a new role in the fight for America's future."

“I'm leaving the Senate now, but I'm not leaving the fight. I've decided to join The Heritage Foundation at a time when the conservative movement needs strong leadership in the battle of ideas. No organization is better equipped to lead this fight and I believe my experience in public office as well as in the private sector as a business owner will help Heritage become even more effective in the years to come.

“I’m humbled to follow in the footsteps of (retiring Heritage president) Ed Faulkner, who built the most important conservative institution in the nation. He has been a friend and mentor for years and I am honored to carry on his legacy of fighting for freedom.

“My constituents know that being a senator was never going to be my career. I came to Congress as a citizen legislator and I've always been determined to leave it as citizen legislator. South Carolina has a deep bench of conservative leaders and I know Governor Haley will select a great replacement.

“One of the most rewarding things I've done in the Senate is work with the grassroots to help elect a new generation of leaders who have the courage to fight for the principles of freedom that make this country so great. I'm confident these senators will continue the legacy of conservative leaders before them.”

Well, bully for Jim DeMint.

Yes, I agree the position he is undertaking is important. I'm also sure his salary will be just a tad larger that that of a "public servant".

I just have this thing about about people leaving a job that was entrusted to them by the electorate. These folks put their faith and trust in someone who asked them to do just that. I can say with some certainty that DeMint did not say, "I want to be your Senator until another opportunity comes my way."

All this said, I know Jim DeMint. He is an intelligent man and will probably do an excellent job with the Heritage Foundation. DeMint is a staunch conservative. He's been a champion for conservatism, the Tea Party and other conservative groups.

I wish Jim success and thank him for his service. 

Now, what will happen to his seat in the Senate? 

This should be interesting.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/12/06/2546583/report-jim-demint-resigning-to.html#.UMDE9OSzg8A#storylink=cpy

Florence County to make Smith new Administrator

November 15, 2012 will bring Florence County a new County Administrator by the name of K.G. "Rusty" Smith, Jr.

That's right. Not even a week after the termination, I mean resignation, of  Thomas Robinson the new, I mean past, administrator who served for less than a year, the cat with nine lives will take the reigns as the day-to-day leader of Florence County.

Now the hiring is not "official". The vote has not been taken. But, you can take it to the the bank...Rusty Smith will be the next Florence County Administrator.

I know it's a little confusing so I will share an abbreviated historical rendition of the events. Shut your eyes and go back to the good old days of 2010. Richard Stark was the County Administrator. After decades of service to the county, Stark decided to enjoy the rest of his life in blissful retirement.

At that particular time many people believed Rusty Smith would seek the position; however, Smith wanted to keep the drama down and held off making a public offering of his services. As they say, the job was posted and qualified candidates were courted to fill the position. After several months Smith officially threw his hat into the ring and submitted his resume' for consideration.

While many in the community felt Smith was out of place for going after the position, there was a small group of citizen's that actively tried to block County Council Chairman Rusty Smith from being considered for the job. There were a few days of picketing, a law suit and a handful of letters to the editor of the local paper.

One individual requested an opinion from the SC Attorney General whether Rusty's should be considered for the Administrator job.

Assistant Attorney General Dana E. Hofferber issued the opinion for the state:

Hofferber concluded that "At a minimum, South Carolina law requires that Chairman Smith remove himself from any influence over the process of selecting the new administrator. Moreover, while it does not appear the Ethics Act requires Chairman Smith to resign from his seat on council during his candidacy, section 4-9-100 of the South Carolina code might make Chairman Smith ineligible for appointment at this time. Finally, it is the opinion of this office that it would be contrary to the public policy of this state for a county council to appoint its own member as administrator."

The full context of the AG's Opinion can be reviewed at http://www.scag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/fowler-d-jr-os-9324-9-12-11-county-council-chairman-seeking-selection-as-co.-administrator.pdf.  

Based on the opinion it sounds possible the council's action could be stopped by going to court. However, if someone has the notion to file suit to stop this action he/she would need to do so immediately. Also, we all know filing a suit is not free.

So, due to all of the controversy in the original hiring round and in dramatic form, Rusty pulled his name from consideration the night the decision was to be made. Some say it was to prevent further issues. Others say he did not have the vote locked in and therefore did not want the embarrassment of being rejected. Whatever, the reason, I think it was the right thing to do.

I personally do not have any problems with Smith. He has served the community for many years as did his father before him. He is part of the good old boy families that exist in every community. Truth be known in many cases it is these families that have ruined and saved many a small town.

Whether I like it, or not, is a moot point. It's a done deal. Look at the make up of the council and this point is clear.

Timing is everything. The current council is pro-Rusty. There are only two councilman who would possibly vote against the hiring of Smith. If the council would wait and let the two new councilman take their seats the hiring could be blocked. Also, the expediting of this action by the council pretty well nips the court idea in the bud prior to them making the move. These items are what consitutes the true urgency that faces the council. Strike while they can!

Is Rusty Smith the right man for the job?

On paper there are probably better prospective applicants out there if the council would take the time to search. But, they will not do that.

Smith can do the job.  He knows the area as no newcomer would know it. He has local, regional and State connections. Rusty is a smart man. In other words, he'll do.

With this change comes some financial issues. One, there was probably a buyout to get Robinson out of the way. The county will have to conduct a special election to fill Smith's seat.

Speaking of costs, Smith will be giving up his upper $teenK salary as County Chairman and will be forced to accept an increase in pay to the tune of  probably $175K-$190K per year (I have not seen the numbers. This is my guess).

Here is the big thorn in my side. I believe Smith will be eligible for retirement in in just three years. If this is true he will be retiring at a rate based on the highest salary held at time of retirement. Not a bad deal for a three year employee of the County. Frankly, smooth move!

Another change will be a new County Chairman will be elected by the council members. This could be an interesting situation. Rumors abound about issues that may be haunting some of the current members. Rumors they would just as soon keep silent. Some are probably a little concerned about the publicity and appearance of all the activities in the chain of events.

The smart move would be to elect one of the "opposition" councilmen for the chairman seat. That would be the smart thing to do politically. It would be the smart thing to do to mend some fences. I think it would be the smart thing for peace and ultimately the citizens of Florence County.

However, the council has not set any precedent in doing the smart thing in regards to this issue.

Guys, at least make one smart move, okay?

Tinubu stumbling block to GOP takeover of Congress

In this very long and really weird political season there is no race getting more attention that the 7^th Congressional District race between Tom Rice (R) and Gloria Bromell Tinubu (D).  Not only are the people of the Great Pee Dee Region (which includes the Pee Dee and the Grand Strand), the entire State of South Carolina and Washington, DC are keeping a close eye on this race.

Less than a year ago this area was blessed by the Department of Justice and the courts to become the newest Congressional District in South Carolina. With this honor comes the responsibility to elect a new Congressman to represent the Greater Pee Dee Region and South Carolina in Washington, DC.  This is so important because the GOP is trying very hard to take over Congress and this district is important in making that goal achievable.

After four decades, this part South Carolina has a chance to turn “Red”.

Well, there is one stumbling block standing in the way. Although a small block, I have seen people trip and fall on smaller obstacles. This particular obstacle is Gloria Bromell Tinubu.

                                                      (AP Photo/Bruce Smith).

Political pundits would have you think this “prodigal daughter” would not have a chance to win the 7^th seat.  I would normally agree with this line of thinking, but this has been a very unusual nightmare of a political season.  

Some history: Bromell Tinubu was born and raised in the Georgetown area, received a very admiral education at the University of Carolina, Clemson and other educational entities.  According to her Curriculum Vitae written in December 2011, her educational endeavors sum up her career.

She also has played the political game for a number of years in her “adult place of residence” of Georgia.

Bromell Tinubu served on the City Council from 1994 to 1998 representing District 12, according to city records.

Bromell Tinubu unsuccessfully ran for Mayor of Atlanta in 1997 and 2001.  In 1997, she came in third among eleven candidates, behind now-former Mayor Bill Campbell and Marvin Arrington.

In 2001, she ran against Shirley Franklin, Robb Pitts, Gram Bilobi Osborne, and Trudy Kitchin.

According to recent website posting, the South Carolina Republican Party is making an issue out of Bromell Tinubu’s Mayoral campaigns, arguing that she was “too liberal for Atlanta.”  

Folks, that is pretty darn liberal!

Here’s what the SCGOP had to say, “We already know that Gloria Bromell Tinubu, the South Carolina Democratic Party’s nominee in the new 7th Congressional District, is a Radical Union Organizer and Big Labor’s Best Friend.  What else does Gloria Bromell Tinubu have to hide?  Could it be her  ties to the Green Party – a party so radical and far left of the Democratic Party that it makes most Democrats seem conservative?” the SCGOP writes.

To be sure, the Green Party of Georgia endorsed Bromell Tinubu in 2001 over now-former Mayor Shirley Franklin.

“The Georgia Green Party’s 2001 Platform shows exactly how radical the party and ‘Green’ Gloria Bromell Tinubu truly are.  Their leftist policy goals include declaring ‘peace’ in the war on drugs, opposing faith-based initiatives, shutting down nuclear power plants and replacing them with solar plants, opposing JROTC programs in schools, abolishing the CIA, creating a ‘peace force’ and a ‘peace tax’ fund, closing the School of the Americas (which the Greens call the ‘School of Assassins’), cutting 50% or more of the U.S. military’s budget, and eliminating the sales tax and implementing a ‘progressive’ tax policy,” the SCGOP writes.  [Many of these policies--such as abolishing nuclear power, ending the war on drugs, and progressive tax policies--are progressive and are consistent with the Editorial position of APN.]

“We intend to bring the momentum of the (Ralph) Nader campaign into our work to elect Gloria the next Mayor of Atlanta,” Hugh Esco, the Georgia Green Party Secretary, said in 2001.

In 2004, Bromell Tinubu moved to North Carolina, where she became President of Barber-Scotia College.  One week after starting her term, Barber-Scotia College lost its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS); Bromell Tinubu quit shortly thereafter.

In 2010, when then-State Rep. Georganna Sinkfield (D-Atlanta), the long-time State Representative decided to run for Secretary of State of Georgia [winning the Democratic nomination but ultimately losing the General Election to Brian Kemp], she entered the race at the last minute, giving no indication that she would not run for reelection.  

Bromell Tinubu was the only person to qualify at the last minute for Sinkfield’s seat which lead at least one other legislator at the time to tell Atlanta Progressive News that they believed Sinkfield had hand-picked Bromell Tinubu for the seat.

During her time in the legislature, Bromell Tinubu criticized SACS, after it put the Atlanta Public Schools system on accreditation probation for Board governance issues.  Bromell Tinubu had already been familiar with SACS because of her brief term at Barber-Scotia College.

Then, late last year, Bromell Tinubu announced that she was resigning, after not even serving one complete term, in order to run for US Congress in South Carolina.”

Tom Rice and Gloria Bromell Tinubu debate in Conway, SC

Other inquiries show Bromell Tinubu came back to South Carolina to visit her old homestead in July 2011. Bromell Tinubu “was going there to restore her family home and was planning on staying in the General Assembly.  She took a “part-time teaching position” at Coastal Carolina University.

“Then the District map came out, and she saw an opportunity to serve her community.  After the maps came out, she resigned,” from the Georgia legislature, Shipp told Atlanta Progressive News.”

I find it absolutely shameful Bromell Tinubu let her fellow Georgians find out about her planned resignation from the Blog for Democracy on December 14, 2011.

As for as Bromell Tinubu’s claims of “Economic Development Experience”, where did this take place?  What has she accomplished in real economic development?

I don’t mean on scholastic papers and theories.  Show me brick and mortar! Show me pay checks!

I have read the bullet points and heard the news conferences and debates. I want to see the economic accomplishments! I want to see the records that show people have jobs due to her economic development experience! I want to see new businesses and new neighborhoods.

Just as important as the evidence of her economic accomplishments, I want to know where she intends to find the MUCHO DOLLARS that will be needed to accomplish all of the gibberish spouted out at the last debate at Coastal Carolina University.

Folks, I can go on and on a dispelling Bromell Tinubu’s political and economic development accomplishments and the pie in the sky ideas she will use to support Obama’s “Hope and Change” and her leftist agenda.

For me, if I am going to eat pie, I don’t want (as Biden would call it) malarkey pie. I want some good homemade pecan pie with a scoop of ice cream. 

Until next time, thanks for visiting me In the Pickle Barrel.