Unfair criticism about Bitty and Beau’s franchise being lodged at new Columbia shop | Opinion

Puzzled by critics

Our family is looking forward to the grand opening of Bitty and Bean’s Coffee Shop in Columbia – a unique coffee shop created by the heroic efforts of one family in order to provide a meaningful life for their two Down Syndrome children.

I am the parent of a wonderful son with delays, who excelled at a school specialized for his needs. I also have served on the board of a Midlands service provider for adults with disabilities. Our clients are never happier than when they are employed.

Operating a coffee shop is sufficiently specialized to permit its employees to master the processes involved in making coffee, cleaning the shop and running the cash register. These may be skills that most of us take for granted, but Bitty and Beau’s will ensure that their employees enjoy the dignity of a productive life.

Many people are uncomfortable around people with disabilities and avoid them. Here, these employees will have the opportunity to meet and form friendships with each other and their customers.

It is puzzling that organizations that purport to serve as disability advocates would criticize this opportunity for adults with disabilities to enjoy the same opportunities that these advocates enjoy.

Bitty and Beau’s will offer these young people a work environment where they are accepted, can learn and master transferable skills and feel respected.

Bitty and Beau’s should be given the opportunity to open, employ its staff and elevate those employees with leadership skills.

To suggest that Bitty and Beau’s intends to use these employees as props is simply misguided, especially given its creators.

S. Elliott, Columbia

An orderly House?

As political events grow wilder and stranger in the Capitol, I reflect on the earlier daysSay what you will about Nancy Pelosi. At least she kept her House in order.

E. Jones, Columbia

Haley in for the win

Nikki Haley’s potential as a presidential candidate is grounded in her experience and leadership qualities. As the former governor of South Carolina and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, she has demonstrated her ability to govern effectively and represent American interests.

At the first debate in Milwaukee, many Americans met Nikki Haley for the first time, and it’s clear they liked what they saw. Haley’s momentum is surging. She’s leapfrogging over Ron DeSantis in early state polls. Why? She’s principled, skilled, commanding and substantive on all policy fronts. Further, she has a clear solution to any concern presented to her.

At the second debate in California, the American people got to see Nikki’s passion for saving our country.

If one thing is clear it is that Haley won’t put up with her opponents’ grandstanding and lack of experience.

Not only does Haley have expertise as governor of South Carolina, but she’s stood up to dictators and bullies on the world stage as UN ambassador.

Haley is in this race to save our country, and she is unafraid to call out the fellas who are in it for their own ambitions.

M. Parham, Florence

Standing with DeSantis

Our border crisis, crime rate and steadily climbing inflation are bankrupting our nation.

These issues are systemic and the result of poor and corrupt leadership.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will restore truth and common-sense leadership as president.

Gov. DeSantis is a proven and tested leader whose courage is extraordinary and inspiring.

He is a family man, a man of faith and a man dedicated and devoted to his country.

I stand with Ron DeSantis, and have complete confidence that he will help revitalize our nation as the next president of the United States.

M. Gonzalez, Summerville