Monday letters: Nikki Haley could end up as one of best SC governors

These pages have been kind and unkind to Nikki Haley; that is as it should be. But whatever else transpires in her term in office, her actions in the past month have been remarkable, even breathtaking.

It is clear that the massacre of the Charleston nine triggered an epiphany in the governor. Attendance at one of those funerals had to be heartbreaking; Nikki Haley attended all of them. She sensed what the great majority of South Carolinians wanted done, and quickly amassed former governors, members of Congress and legislators. She said the Confederate battle flag had to come down. Her remarks were conciliatory to those on both sides of the issue.

When duty called, she answered. When uncommon courage was needed, she had it. Speaking without notes, her remarks hit the right tone every time. After Charleston, great leadership was required, and she displayed it.

Soon we will return to the untidiness of politics in South Carolina. We have just witnessed the governor and legislators on both sides of the aisle coming together to get things done for the betterment of this state. Can compromise now attend the tough issues of education and repairing our roads? Can petty politics be banished? South Carolinians want that.

Given the leadership qualities she has so recently displayed, Gov. Haley has an enormous opportunity to finish her term as one of South Carolina’s finest governors. Let’s hope she seizes it.