Reader wants to see S.C. lead the way in getting the ERA ratified in remaining states

S.C. could lead

In 1923, Alice Paul, a warrior in the fight for women’s rights, proposed amending the Constitution to add “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

Currently, the only constitutional right guaranteed to women, who form the majority of citizens in our country, is the right to vote.

When it comes to legal rights in America, the Constitution is the gold standard. If a right is not stated specifically in the Constitution, it is held to a lesser standard. With one sentence, women would be guaranteed equal rights under the Constitution.

In 1972, the S.C.House of Representatives voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA); however, it was never signed into law.

This past week, we celebrated Virginia as the 38th state to ratify the ERA, but due to a deadline set for ratification, the amendment still has not been added to the Constitution.

South Carolina is one of only 12 states who have not yet ratified.

A recent poll shows that three out of four Americans support the ERA.

South Carolina can lead the way for the remaining states and become the 39th state to ratify the ERA.

Florence Barba, Myrtle Beach

Thank you, Stephanie

With all the stories these days about how Americans are turning against each other, there are still good people left in this world. I was fortunate to meet a caring and compassionate human being last week. Her name is Stephanie Bernique.

Stephanie works for the Postal Service delivering mail, and had it not been for her stopping her route to pick up my dog who was heading up my street right into traffic on heavily travelled Pinebelt Road, our dog could have been run over.

Stephanie drove up to our dog (Cassie) and put her in the truck with her as I was frantically yelling for her.

Next thing I know, here comes Stephanie down the circle with the dog in her arms in her truck.

Thank you Stephanie. You delivered the best piece of mail I ever received.

Pat Clark, Columbia

Get with the program

It is a joy living in Columbia. I have lived here 34 years, but I would like the capital city to light up the highways, I-77, I-26 and I-20, for at least a 10-mile radius. It would aid in seeing at night and decrease crime and traffic violations, and would make it far more inviting for those approaching the capital.

The city is too dark and needs activities to draw people here.

If you take away the zoo and local college games, there is nothing here to entice people to visit.

We have USC, Allen, Benedict and Columbia College from which to pool a rich resource of young thinkers who can offer suggestions.

Get busy. Think fun. Spend some money and get with the program

Pennye Hamilton, Columbia

Carbon reduction support

South Carolina farmers need all the support they can get, particularly after the past couple years of a turbulent economy, shifting consumer demand, and uncertainty in the marketplace. That is why I am grateful that we have leaders like Representative Joe Wilson and Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott representing us in Washington.

All three have signed on in support of the Growing Climate Solutions Act. This bipartisan bill would help farmers here in South Carolina and across the country adopt carbon-reducing agricultural techniques and streamline the process of participating in carbon credit markets.

By providing a market-based incentive for farmers to incorporate climate-friendly farming practices into their daily operations, this bill empowers them to be part of the fight against climate change while providing a stable source of revenue.

Moreover, many of these practices — like growing cover crops to capture carbon — will help improve the quality of the soil, providing additional benefits.

The Growing Climate Solutions Act is a smart, pro-growth solution that protects our environment and strengthens rural economies.

I am thankful that Senators Graham and Scott and Representative Wilson are working to get this bill across the finish line.

Mike Green, West Columbia