Well done, good and faithful servant

It seems the older I’ve grown, the more fragile my emotions have become. News of Sen. McCain’s death was not a surprise, but I spent much of the next day with glistening eyes watching the tributes and commentary about his life well-lived. If our democracy survives this terrifying time we’re experiencing, we’ll all owe John McCain’s courage and decency a never-ending debt of gratitude.

There have been few public figures whose death has seemed like such a personal loss, and I felt a compelling need to do something. All I could think of was go to get my American flag and fly it at half-staff in the front yard. That helped, a little.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

McMaster shouldn’t dehumanize SC citizens

How stunningly disappointing it was that Gov. Henry McMaster recently described Democrats as “dogs” who “in a pack are dangerous.” How can he provide leadership to all South Carolinians – Republicans and Democrats – if this is his stance?

It’s interesting to compare his inflammatory rhetoric with words from the late Sen. John McCain, who spoke so eloquently about the how we must all work together: “… We have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times. We will come through them stronger than before. We always do.” (Taken from McCain’s farewell letter to the nation).

Real leaders care about all citizens. They don’t marginalize them – or worse – dehumanize them. How embarrassing it is for our state that our current governor hopes to stay in office by treating a large segment of the electorate in such an insulting and degrading manner.

We deserve better than this from you, Governor. You should know that.

Tri-Country has hard workers, board reaps reward

In 2004, Calhoun County was hit with a devastating ice storm.

I was at the end of the line so I didn’t get power for several days. Trees had fallen on everything, and I was amazed how hard the linemen of Tri-County Electric and other teams from out of the state worked. They worked into the night in freezing temperatures. When they reached my place, they were carrying large chainsaws and walked for miles clearing lines.

I thanked them for their efforts. But I’m also amazed at how a bunch of board members can sit at a table and pay themselves so much luxury at the customers’ expense.

Man; I wish my job paid that well with all those benefits for doing nothing. What goes around comes around.

Incarceration for mass murderers costs

Todd Kohlhepp is the classic example of why mass murderers should not be allowed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty.

He literally is incarcerated in protective custody for which the cost is exorbitant. He orchestrates the expenditure of significant tax dollars by alleging to having committed other murders requiring law enforcement to go hunting and expend resources.

His notoriety grows, and he expands his legion of misfits. The man could easily live another 40 years with the excellent health care and nutrition he is receiving. Imagine the monetary costs and the long-term harm to the victims families who continually relive this nightmare.

Destroying public property should be punished

I was just wondering why the police cannot arrest someone when that person is destroying public property.

Just today there was a picture on TV showing a young man destroying a statue. At the same time, a police officer was standing there and let him do it.

Can any one answer this question? What are we paying the police officers to do? The destruction of public property is a crime. Some one should have to pay the price.

The State publishes a cross section of the letters we receive from South Carolinians in order to provide a forum for our community and also to allow our community to get a good look at itself, for good or bad. The letters represent the views of the letter writers, not necessarily of The State.

This story was originally published September 3, 2018 at 2:38 PM with the headline "Well done, good and faithful servant."