Daily Archives: 06/08/2016
Bring Mexican political ethics to South Carolina
Now the most reasonable response to this headline is “Are you nuts? Isn’t Mexican politics riddled with corruption? What could we possibly learn from them?
The answers to these three questions are — “no,” “yes” and “a lot.”
I suppose that there are some who would argue that the answer to the first question is “yes,” but I haven’t been locked up yet, so give me the benefit of the doubt on this one and let’s skip to the more important questions.
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Yes, Mexican politics is shot through with corruption at most every level. The ethical history of politics in this country is not something that the League of Women Voters would want us to emulate but it has only been with the recent flood of drug money that politics has gone from shady to utterly corrupt.
How bad is it? Really bad.
There is a popular saying that most folks take as an article of faith that says: ‘’He who doesn’t cheat does not get ahead.” (I’ve heard the same sentiment expressed around the Statehouse in Columbia.)
What has happened in Mexico is that the corruption in government has now spilled over into violence and dirty tricks that would make even George Wallace and Richard Nixon recoil. The whole political system is in the process of breaking down.
So, you might ask, what does this have to do with South Carolina and why would we possibly want to import any of this to our state?
Well, the answer is that we would certainly not want to import any of this political disease, but we might want to consider importing some of the political cure that is starting to bubble up from the grass roots.
Let me explain. In the midst of all this corruption, something happened — the people began to take matters into their own hands. Mexican law requires that if enough citizens sign on to a legislative petition, the National Congress has to take up the measure. The law requires 120,000 signatures and to date over 630,000 citizens have signed on to a measure that would make lawmakers report their personal finances.
The initiative is called ‘3 out of 3’ and it requires government officials to 1) reveal all of their financial assets, 2) report any conflicts of interest and 3) prove they are paying their taxes.
As would be expected in a system as adverse to ethics reform as is Mexico the legislation is stalled and going no place. (Sound familiar?)
But, as a result of this citizens’ initiative something has happened in Mexico that would go a long way toward providing ethics reform in South Carolina — some Mexican politicians have begun to voluntarily divulge their financial information even before any legislation is passed requiring them to do so.
Thus far, 560 public servants have disclosed this information including 13 percent of the national Senate and 21 percent of the Chamber of Deputies (like our House of Representatives), 12 state governors and one member of the President’s cabinet.
So now let’s get back to ethics reform in South Carolina. For the third year in a row, the legislature has refused to pass any meaningful ethics reform. (And even the measures they are considering are really ‘Swiss cheese reform’ — more holes than cheese.)
We have seen lots of self-righteous posturing and speeches by Governor Haley and some statehouse politicians about the need for ethics reform — they always blame someone else for the failure of reform efforts to pass.
So, I’d say to these S.C. politicians, follow the Mexican example and voluntarily disclose — 1) your income and assets — how much and from whom, 2) conflicts of interest — what deals are you and your family in, and 3) release your state and federal income taxes — for all the years you are in office.
By percentage, if our Legislature were as ethical as Mexico’s, then six S.C. Senators, 25 members of the House and one member of Gov. Haley’s cabinet would have disclosed this information.
The people of South Carolina should say to the Statehouse politicians: don’t talk about ethics reform — just do it.
The politicians talk the talk, but won’t walk the walk. There is a one word description for this — hypocrite.
A growing number of Mexican politicians have passed the test. To date, best I know, the current number of S.C. politicians who have voluntarily disclosed such complete information is zero.
Yes indeed, let’s bring Mexican political ethics to South Carolina.
Phil Noble is a businessman in Charleston and President of the S.C. New Democrats, an independent reform group started by former Gov. Richard Riley to bring change and reform. He can be reached at phil@philnoble.com.
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Courier Letters to the Editor 6-8-16
Playing the judgment card
Dear Editor,
When someone is told the truth about something they are guilty of, they sometimes will counter with, “Don’t judge me!”
I call this playing the judgment card. All that has been done is the truth has been shared with them, and obviously they can’t face it. Telling the truth is not passing judgment.
Passing judgment to my understanding would be something like oh, say, a ragged man walked in and you say, “look at that bum.” For all you know, he could be a millionaire. That’s passing judgment, because you are giving a personal opinion not the truth.
The truth will stand when the world is on fire. In other words, should the world come to an end or the universe as well, still the truth would remain for all of eternity. Truth is reality, unlike a lie, which is something that never has or ever will be.
The truth isn’t called bitter or said to hurt for nothing, while a lie is called sweet.
When faced with the truth, own up to it or not, the truth won’t change even if stood up at the gates of Hell. Don’t be playing the judgment card — you’ll lose every time.
Eddie Boggs
Westminster
County plans 2 recreational parks on Twelve Mile River
PICKENS — Pickens County will develop two recreational parks on Norris Highway and Madden Bridge Road.
One part of the property will be used as a put-in spot for kayaking through the Twelve Mile River Gorge, with a take-out spot five miles downstream.
In addition to the kayaking access points, plans call for picnic facilities, a lake boating and fishing access, possible outdoor recreation stores and walking trails between the two different locations.
The entire project is estimated to cost $1.9 million and will be mostly funded by Lake Hartwell Natural Resource Damages Settlement, which compensates for contamination of chemicals called PCBs that were dumped into the river by a manufacturing plant in Pickens years ago. This should cover nearly $1.5 million of the project, leaving roughly $400,000 in uncovered expenses. Pickens County is seeking the remaining $400,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Pickens County Council chairman Jennifer H. Willis and councilmembers Neil Smith and Trey Whitehurst have worked diligently from the beginning of the process. The park will be open and free to the public once construction is completed.
“”I am excited for the people of Cateechee who were affected by the PCBs,” Whitehurst said. “It is good that cleanup funds from the Lake Hartwell Natural Resources Damages Settlement will bring this project to the Cateechee area.”
Pickens County obtained a portion of the proposed park property through eminent domain after the owner failed to honor a signed contract for purchase between the parties. The county’s ownership became final when the property owner failed to file a legal challenge within the time period mandated by state law. The proper compensation to the property owner is still to be determined, but the county has maintained throughout that it would honor the written contract.
Pickens schedules football camps
PICKENS — A series of summer football camps at Pickens High School will kick off next week.
Flight School, a speed and agility camp, will be held June 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 8-9 a.m. The camp, which is for high school players only, will cost $10 per session, or $35 if all four weeks are paid in full by June 8.
The NFL Flag League and Youth Flight School is scheduled for June 8, 15 and 22. The event will run from 9 a.m.-noon each of those days, with Youth Flight School from 9-9:45 a.m., mini-camp from 9:45-10:15 a.m. and flag football games from 10:15 a.m.-noon. The $90 cost for the camp will include lunch, a free youth day camp on June 29, Youth Flight School and an NFL flag jersey.
The Blue Flame Youth Day Camp for all skills is set for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 29. The camp will cost $30, which will cover lunch, a snack and Youth Flight School for the day.
Checks should be made payable to the Pickens TD Club, and payments should be brought on the first day of camp.
For more information, contact Pickens High School football coach John Boggs at johnboggs@pickens.k12.sc.us or (864) 985-3104.
Courier Obituaries 6-8-16
EARLE L. YOUNGBLOOD
PICKENS — Earle L. Youngblood, 87, of Pickens, passed away on June 1, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital-Downtown.
Born in Pickens County on Dec. 9, 1928, he was the youngest and last surviving child of the late John and Maude Kelley Youngblood and a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
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A retiree of the Pickens County Treasurer’s Office, Mr. Youngblood was the founder of Youngblood Real Estate and was the owner of State Farm Insurance Agency of Pickens since 1950. He was a board member of Pickens Savings and Loan, an active member of the community and an avid golfer. Mr. Youngblood was a U.S. Navy veteran.
Surviving are his wife, Martha Elizabeth “Betty” Youngblood; a son, Daniel E. Youngblood (Lynn) of Easley; a daughter, Pam Youngblood Martin of Pickens; seven grandchildren, George A. Martin Jr. (Lan), Jason E. Martin, Justin B. Martin, Lia Youngblood Ownbey; Daniel E. Youngblood Jr., J. Tyler Youngblood and Sarah Grace Youngblood; and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Youngblood was predeceased by seven siblings and his son-in-law, George A. “Bubba” Martin.
Services were held June 3 at Grace United Methodist Church. Entombment will be private.
Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church Endowment, 309 E. Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC 29671. A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com
CLARA A. KOPP
LIBERTY — Clara A. Coffee Kopp, 78, of 9 Pinewood Drive died Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at Baptist Easley Hospital in Easley.
Born in St. Petersburg, Fla., she was the wife of William H. Kopp Jr. and a daughter of the late Hal C. and Clara N. Garlington Coffee. She was a homemaker who dearly loved her grandchildren. She was a member of Fellowship Community Church.
Surviving in addition to her husband are her three daughters, Deborah Reinhold of Largo, Fla., Sandi Hoots (Ruess) of Liberty and Patricia Boccabello of Liberty; two sons, Robert J. Sherman (Sarah) of Liberty and William H. Kopp of St. Petersburg; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by one sister; and one brother.
Funeral services will be held at a later date in St. Petersburg. Burial will be at Royal Palm Cemetery in St. Petersburg.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements locally.
JACK MONROE ASHMORE
PICKENS — Jack Monroe Ashmore passed from this life to be with His Lord on Tuesday, May 24, 2016.
He was born on May 13, 1940, the son of Ida Lee Ashmore and William Ashmore, who predeceased him.
His survivors include his loving wife, Cheryl Ashmore; a brother, Riley Ashmore of Conestee; a sister, Mary Butler of Pickens; two nephews, Tony Butler and Tim Butler; and a niece, Jane Redden of Anderson.
The funeral Mass was held June 3 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens, celebrated by Rev. James Dubrouillet, followed with burial at Antioch Christian Church cemetery, Greenville.
ROBERT GARNER
EASLEY — Robert Clayton Garner, 78, formerly of Easley, died Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, N.C.
Born in Anderson, he was the widower of Debra Stewart Garner, and a son of the late Andrew and Myrtle Anthony Garner.
He retired from Robinson Funeral Home where he worked in maintenance for over 40 years, and was a member of Dacusville Church of God of Prophecy.
Surviving are three sons, Scott, Tony and Andy Garner; two sisters, Sarah Rice (Malcolm) and Ruth Mosley; a sister in law, Doris Garner; and a special niece, Rita Burgess (Greg). In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Tommy and Arthur Garner.
Funeral services to honor Robert’s life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the mortuary.
The family will be at their respective homes. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
KENNETH M. GILSTRAP
EASLEY — Kenneth Michael Gilstrap, 67, passed from this life on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Kenneth was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Glenn and Edna Gilstrap. He was retired from the City of Pickens Water Department and he was a Baptist.
Survivors include a daughter, Crystal Ledford (Gary Neal) of Inman; a son, Rev. Stan Crowe (Darla) of Six Mile; seven grandchildren; and brothers, Wayne Gilstrap of Dacusville and Donnie Gilstrap and David Gilstrap, both of Pickens.
Services were held June 5 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
CHRISTINE MANN HOOPER
EASLEY — Mrs. Christine Mann Hooper, 89, wife of the late Tilmon Perry Hooper, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016, at her home.
Born in White County, Ga., the daughter of the late Olivia Sheriff Greene, Mrs. Hooper was a homemaker and a member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church.
Surviving are a son, Kenny Perry Hooper of Pickens; five daughters, Linda Marchbanks, Eleanor Sanders (Jerry), Cathy Phillips (Ronnie), Patsy Medlin (William), all of Easley, and Martha Holliday (Larry) of Six Mile; a son-in-law, Bobby Mauldin (Jolyn) of Easley; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and mother, Mrs. Hooper was predeceased by a son, Eugene Hooper; a daughter, Shirley Mauldin; a son-in-law, Ronny Marchbanks; a daughter-in-law, Annette Hooper; and a grandson, Scott Medlin.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Jones Avenue Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615. The family is at the home.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
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DAR recognizes outstanding students
UPSTATE — The Fort Prince George Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held its annual Awards Day.
Awards recognize outstanding students from local middle and high schools in the categories of American history, JROTC and Good Citizen.
Nominated by teachers and counselors, each student receives a certificate of excellence, a lapel pin or medal and a gift card. Students and teachers are invited to attend a DAR meeting to be introduced as friends and family join in to congratulate them. Anne Kilpatrick, Regent, noted that “many students are excited to receive the award because their mother or grandparent had won it in the past.”
The awards are all part of the DAR’s commitment to the mission of encouraging education, historic preservation and patriotism.
This year’s winners are:
American History — Carolyn Nations, American History Committee Chairman
Easley Middle School — Olivia Durham
Liberty Middle School — Nora Whelchel
Pickens Middle School — Bryce Pope
JROTC — Karen Garrett, National Defense Committee Chairman
Liberty High School — Daniela Vallecillo
Pickens High School — Cadet Major Carole Thomas
DAR Good Citizen — Julie Thompson, DAR Good Citizen Committee Chairman, Carolyn Nations, Presenter
Easley High School — Reilly Gray Kelley
Liberty High School — Courtney Bryant
Pickens High School — Riley Nicholson