Opinions
Grey Today: And then there were 9 or 7 or…
Grey Today
And then there were
9 or 7 or…
by Grey Brendle
With apologizes to Agatha Christie, would that were true of the Beaufort County Council. For a county that has about 160,000 residents, eleven council members is just untenable. How can anything ever get done with this many “cooks” in our kitchen? The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy says, “When too many people work together on a project, the result is inferior.” [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: Rednecks, jerks and brain-dead teens don’t mix
Bridges of Beaufort County
Rednecks, jerks and brain-dead teens don’t mix
by Glenn D. Bridges
What do you get when you cross a couple of rednecks with a jerk? I would imagine all sorts of scenarios come to mind, but this happens to be a true story. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: Black Cat or Black Tuesday
Grey Today
Black Cat or
Black Tuesday
by Grey Brendle
It is probably a universal truism to say we all have superstitions, or, at least one. Even for people who say they do not, there is something they do routinely to help the outcome of an action along. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: “Stick a fork in it”
Letter to the editor
“Stick a fork in it”
Recently I heard analyst Ann Coulter pose the question, “When people look at Newt and Callista Gingrich, do you think they picture this couple as the American President and First Lady?” Ms. Coulter pointed out that Callista is the same age as one of Newt’s daughters, ever reminding us of his recurring adulterous past. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: No real winners in the SC Republican primary
Bridges of Beaufort County
No real winners in the SC Republican primary
by Glenn D. Bridges
There’s a humorous anecdote circulating the Internet about a preacher who decided to test his son to determine what type of career characteristics he possessed. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: Venture Capitalists: Walk Don’t Run
Grey Today
Venture Capitalists:
Walk Don’t Run
by Grey Brendle
Creating a metaphor, albeit mixed, by commingling the Ventures big 1960 hit and today’s news that, from some quarters, tries to make the buying and selling of companies a crime, morally. The opponents of Mitt Romney are running, not walking, to all microphones available to try to make something unseemly out of his venture capital business experience. [ read article ... ]
Our national columnist: Mitt Romney and the Palmetto decider by Dr. Robert H. Moore
Our national columnist: Dr. Robert H. Moore
Mitt Romney and the Palmetto decider
During one of the most bizarre primary seasons on record, South Carolina has been thrust into the role of the Republican presidential nomination “decider.” If Mitt Romney cannot be defeated in the Palmetto State, he appears all but certain to be the nominee. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: I almost bet this is a scam within a scam
Bridges of Beaufort County
I almost bet this is a scam within a scam
by Glenn D. Bridges
I’m not an advocate of gambling – never have been, never will be. That includes the South Carolina “Education” Lottery. If all the money being thrown into that bottomless pit was donated directly to the public school system, our institutions would have more than enough money to operate. Lottery organizers would have to find a different way to get rich. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: It’s on the house
Grey Today
It’s on the house
by Grey Brendle
Well, Newt and Freddie are keeping the housing crisis in the news. If you were to add Bernanke and Frank there would be enough for a four-handed poker game. “I’ll see your split-level and raise you my bungalow with a two-car garage.” [ read article ... ]
Other voices: The crises in America
Other voices
The crises in America
China’s expansion into the South China Sea and Iran’s threats over the Strait of Hormuz, are the beginnings of new crises to be used by Iran and China to help keep Obama in office. Not surprisingly, Obama also sees these activities as beneficial; because they also represent useful emergencies to rally voters, if his 2012 re-election campaign is not going well. [ read article ... ]
Mayor Billy Keyserling speaks out: “Let’s take off the blinders about Beaufort County schools”
Mayor Billy Keyserling speaks out
“Let’s take off the blinders about Beaufort County schools”
The following is a public statement released today, Monday, January 9, by Billy Keyserling, mayor of the City of Beaufort.
As we turn the page to a New Year, perhaps it is time to take off the blinders, look at good things happening in Beaufort County Schools and roll up our sleeves to lend a HELPING Hand! [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: It’s hard to be nostalgic when you can’t remember anything
Bridges of Beaufort County
It’s hard to be nostalgic when you can’t remember anything
by Glenn D. Bridges
There are very few hobbies I’ve maintained over a long period of time, but one has a theme I’ve lived by for many years now: “It’s hard to be nostalgic when you can’t remember anything.” [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: Voting for a thorn
Grey Today
Voting for a thorn
by Grey Brendle
As you read this the Iowa caucus voting is behind us. This brings to mind, there are two things in our primaries that need to be changed. Actually, one, if you consider it could be either, or. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: 2012, The Year That Wuz?
Grey Today
2012, The Year That Wuz?
by Grey Brendle
The media goes to great lengths to make year-end lists. The best this, the worst that. Boring! Here’s a flash for you year-end listers, we lived it. We’ve all been there, done that. Following our tradition we make our year-end list at the start of the year. 2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon. There are 12 animals that make up their calendar, they each come around every 12 years. The last dragon year was 2000. Before that 1988 and so forth. Wonder what would happen if we threw in a “bakers dozen?” Sorry! [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: Bringing in the New Year with an elephant
Bridges of Beaufort County
Bringing in the New Year with an elephant
by Glenn D. Bridges
There’s a joke about a teen walking into town and passing an elderly man leaning against a telephone pole snapping his fingers. The teen thought it was a bit peculiar, but figured the old man was senile, so he continued on his way. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: Governor Haley, meet Bill Gates
Grey Today
Governor Haley,
meet Bill Gates
by Grey Brendle
Outlook Express was born in 1996 to William Henry “Bill” Gates III. Its original name was Microsoft Internet Mail and was “freeware.” Version 1.0 was included in Internet Explorer 3. In 1997, the program’s name changed to Outlook Express as it was bundled with Internet explorer 4. You know, birth announcements can be boring. In this one there is not a pantry door tall enough to record its height, if you use Bills ego as a yardstick. The weight is another matter entire. (Channeling a little Goober there) With the usual behind slap, it took on the weight of the world, in communication. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: There’s no such thing as peace on earth
Bridges of Beaufort County
There’s no such thing as peace on earth
by Glenn D. Bridges
Peace on earth…goodwill toward men.
Does anyone know what that feels like? It hasn’t happened in my lifetime or in previous generations that I am aware of. And it doesn’t look too promising for the future, either. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Each student unique, special
Other voices
Each student unique, special
by Randy Page
“Everyone is unique and that makes each of us special.”
That’s not just a sappy greeting card line; it’s a fundamental truth of education. Each person has a unique way of learning, applying and retaining information. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: American judicial system not working
Bridges of Beaufort County
American judicial system not working
by Glenn D. Bridges
The economy is bad, unemployment is high and people are desperate. As a result, a growing number of otherwise law-abiding citizens are making poor decisions that lead to a life of crime. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: A Mirror for Christmas by Grey Brendle
Grey Today
A Mirror for Christmas
by Grey Brendle
Ronnie was a happy little reindeer. Every day was pretty much the same, but good. His Mom and Dad played with him all the time. His brother and sister did too. They loved him so much and hugged him all the time. They lived in a separate house from his, but his house was great. His Dad installed a television, and played it when he was in his workshop. Which, by the way, was in Ronnie’s house. There was a short fence between Ronnie’s part and the place Dad worked on wood projects, so they both could see the TV. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: Time in a Bottle
Grey Today
Time in a Bottle
by Grey Brendle
Many people complain the Christmas season begins to soon. That stores barrage us with their offerings before the last Captain America, the most popular adult Halloween costume for 2011, has been placed in the orange plastic tub in the attic. By the way, Angry Birds was 7th in the adult category. Maybe I missed that. Not one Angry Bird grown man did I see this year, at least dressed like a bird. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Why such grand spending on not-so-grand events?
Letter to the editor
Why such grand spending on not-so-grand events?
Anonymous letter to the editor of The Beaufort Tribune:
Many Beaufort County employees are furious about the recent expenses that the Engineering Department generated with the groundbreaking ceremony for the St. Helena Island Library at Penn Center. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: Earth-shattering news: Owens has a pulled groin muscle!
Bridges of Beaufort County
Earth-shattering news: Owens has a pulled groin muscle!
by Glenn D. Bridges
Imagine you’re all alone in your back yard lifting weights or shooting a few hoops of basketball when suddenly a throng of reporters and photographers swamp your property and bombard you with questions while taking photos. What’s more, helicopters are hovering over your house. [ read article ... ]
Our national columnist: And then there was Newt by Dr. Robert H. Moore
Our national columnist: Dr. Robert H. Moore
And then there was Newt
Newt Gingrich (source: Wikipedia)
Grey Today: This Old Northwest Quadrant
Grey Today
This Old Northwest Quadrant
by Grey Brendle
The latest project house by the famous PBS program This Old House is in Bedford, Massachusetts. It was built circa 1720. The current owners want to retain the historic character, while making it livable with some modern amenities. That is a proper approach to renovating history. Not to be confused with the history revising that goes on in both our political parties. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: A game that will live in football infamy
Bridges of Beaufort County
A game that will live in football infamy
by Glenn D. Bridges
For years, I’ve heard sports fans reference the most lopsided college football game in history – Georgia Tech’s 222-0 victory over Cumberland College. Yet no one seems to know anything else about it. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: I’ll see your First Amendment and raise you mine
Grey Today
I’ll see your First Amendment and raise you mine
By Grey Brendle
Doesn’t it seem we often get into a poker game on who has the prevailing “protected” speech? It’s as if “my views are valuable, yours are worthless.” If it wahttp://beauforttribune.com/wp-admin/edit.phps like Texas Hold’m, where play continues until there is a decided tournament winner, there might be time to spar. The problem is we often only get one hand to play. [ read article ... ]
Grey Today: “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” Truly, what else?
Grey Today
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” Truly, what else?
By Grey Brendle
I’m Thankful for . . . Christmas Music!
For me the fall holiday season is the best time of the year. There is a little trepidation with the stores filling the aisles with “boughs of holly” before Halloween. But, not much. Seems we all like the Holiday melodies. Better said, the same melodies. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: Black Friday has more sinister, double meaning these days
Bridges of Beaufort County
Black Friday has more sinister, double meaning these days
by Glenn D. Bridges
For quite some time, the day after Thanksgiving has been known as “Black Friday.” It’s the turning point for most retailers because they finally stop operating “in the red” and become profitable thanks to the crush of thousands of Americans kicking off their Christmas shopping. [ read article ... ]
Bridges of Beaufort County: Thank God I’m not a vegetarian
Bridges of Beaufort County
Thank God I’m not a vegetarian
by Glenn D. Bridges
There is an old saying that back in the days of the Pilgrims if you called yourself a “vegetarian” it actually meant you were a lousy hunter. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Living with Romney, by Dr. Robert H. Moore
Other voices: Dr. Robert H. Moore
Living with Romney
The October 18 Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas concluded a string of eight nationally televised debates. Five of these have occurred since early September and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is widely considered to have “won” all eight debates. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: American discovers beauty of rural Uganda
Other voices
American discovers beauty of rural Uganda
Barbara Wybar, head of Baduda Learning Center, with vocational students learning bricklaying skills
In this age of diminishing expectations by Americans in the USA, some Americans are discovering in rural Africa that less really is more. Here’s a description of rural Uganda by Julie Wang. She has just arrived as a volunteer at Bududa Learning Center, a three-part project in Uganda headed by Barbara Wybar and funded by donations from Americans and Canadians: [ read article ... ]
Other voices: USA Today says SC lawmakers rip off taxpayers
Other voices
USA Today says SC lawmakers rip off taxpayers
USA Today recently published a lengthy article saying lawmakers in South Carolina and other states rip off taxpayers by giving themselves cushy pensions, far greater than anything in the private sector. [ read article ... ]
Other Voices: What’s the story on Rick Perry?
Other Voices
What’s the story on Rick Perry?
By Robert H. Moore
Earlier this month, Democrats and Republicans offered America a rare distillation of contrasting visions. Our politicians typically finesse substantive matters and obscure policy details or their ramifications. [ read article ... ]
Victor Davis Hanson: “We watch their legacies erode and crumble”
Victor Davis Hanson
“We watch their legacies erode and crumble“
The articulate Victor Davis Hanson comments this week on the state of the nation and the plundering of the doers. [ read article ... ]
Maureen Dowd in The New York Times: “The One is dancing on the edge of one term”
Maureen Dowd in The New York Times
“The One is dancing on the edge of one term”
Maureen Dowd, The New York Times’ columnist matroness, socked one on her One today.
Click here to read what Ms. Dowd had to say.
London Daily Telegraph: Obama is “is like a rabbit caught in the headlights”
London Daily Telegraph
Obama “is like a rabbit caught in the headlights”
Toby Harnden, the London Daily Telegraph’s US editor in Washington DC, writes that Barack Obama “is like a rabbit caught in the headlights”. [ read article ... ]
Note to drivers who stop for stopped school buses on four-lane highways
Note to drivers who stop for stopped school buses on four-lane highways
I travel from Shell Point to the MCAS to work and so often it is during the time the school buses are picking up students for school. So many times, cars stop on this four-lane road for stopped oncoming buses. [ read article ... ]
Der Spiegel: “Obama suddenly seems old and worn out”
Other voices
“Obama suddenly seems old and worn out”
Commentators in the foreign press have a more detached view of the United States of America than do pundits who live here. They can see us without the emotional baggage and political affiliations that US journalists bring to the fore. Today we bring to our pages an excellent commentary on President Obama, written by Marc Hujer in Der Spiegel, the German weekly news magazine published in Hamburg. [ read article ... ]
Norman Podhoretz says: “Still the same anti-American leftist he was before becoming our president”
Other voices
“Still the same anti-American leftist he was before becoming our president”
Here’s commentary by Norman Podhoretz, former editor of Commentary magazine, that will get your blood boiling, no matter which end of the political spectrum you’re on. [ read article ... ]
New York Post: “Irresponsible parents and their ignorant, slovenly and undisciplined kids”
Other voices
“Irresponsible parents and their ignorant, slovenly and undisciplined kids”
The mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, last week gave a sermon from the pulpit of Mount Carmel Baptist Church that has garnered nationwide attention for its no-holds-barred challenge to “irresponsible parents and their ignorant, slovenly and undisciplined kids”. [ read article ... ]
Reader comment of the day: “It all starts at home”
Reader comment of the day
“It all starts at home”
bikeseller says:
The Mayor makes VERY valid points in the fact that it is the responsibility of the PARENTS to raise the children, not the community, nor our prison system (as seems to be the case a lot of the time). It takes two parents to raise a family, and even at that there does not seem to be enough time with all the soccer, baseball, dance etc. The greatest thing you can give your children are your time and attention. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: More thanks
Letter to editor: More thanks
Thank you so much for providing local obits.
You guys are doing a great job! [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thanks
Letter to editor: Thanks
Thank you for your great newspaper. Now that The Beaufort Gazette is no longer a Beaufort paper, it is refreshing to have the ability to read real local news daily. [ read article ... ]
Sequel #1 to Beaufort homeowner shouts VIOLATED!
Sequel #1 to Beaufort homeowner shouts VIOLATED!
According to an officer who called me yesterday, a “suspect” in another home robbery was picked up yesterday. The ipod he had on him at the time of his arrest matched the serial # of the one I reported stolen, so the officer thinks he’s my perp. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: “The whole rotten stinking school system is systemically corrupt from the superintendent down”
Other voices: “The whole rotten stinking school system is systemically corrupt from the superintendent down”
Here’s a vitriolic commentary by Mark Steyn on the whole rotten system of government irresponsibility and unaccountability which the American people continue to tolerate: [ read article ... ]
Robert H. Moore: Power in the Republican base
Robert H. Moore
Power in the Republican base
As the American economy slogs along, Republican Presidential candidates are emerging from all factions of the Party. President Obama appears vulnerable to a Republican nominee who could command the respect and allegiance of moderate, independent-minded, middle class voters. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Frank Weil promotes the new paradigm, Collaborative Governance
Other voices: Frank Weil promotes the new paradigm, Collaborative Governance
Last week The Beaufort Tribune published for the edification of our readers a link to a thoughtful Wall Street Journal article by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch that says government as we know it is on the way out. We titled our posting “Other voices: Traditional government monopolies and duopolies going the way of the Dodo bird”.
Now comes Frank Weil, a former head of the International Trade Administration of the United States Department of Commerce and a friend of the editor/publisher of The Beaufort Tribune, who has taken thoughts in the Gillespie/Welch article to a higher level. Weil argues for a new paradigm to fix what is broken in our current method of governance. He calls the new paradigm Collaborative Governance and points to charter schools as an example. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: The failed President
Other voices: The failed President
Source: Newsmax.com
Here’s a timely article about the current state of the incumbent President of the United States of America: [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Traditional government monopolies and duopolies going the way of the Dodo bird
Other voices: Traditional government monopolies and duopolies going the way of the Dodo bird
Local examples of government monopolies
Here is a thoughtful article from The Wall Street Journal that says government as we know it is on the way out: [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Investor Jim Rogers says U.S. headed for major financial crisis
Other voices
Investor Jim Rogers says U.S. headed for major financial crisis
Letter to editor: We should withhold our support as we insist on higher standards of behavior and performance
Letter to editor
We should withhold our support as we insist on higher standards of behavior and performance
In his remarkable commencement address to the U.S. Naval Academy on May 27, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates demonstrated once again why he is widely regarded as one of the most important American patriots in recent decades. The Beaufort Tribune performed a great service in making his comments readily available in its May 30 edition. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Kubic, Newton & Tanner are aware subordinates illegally destroy public records
Letter to editor
Administrator Kubic, Chairman Newton & Sheriff Tanner are aware subordinates illegally destroy public records
Dear Editor,
This is in response to your “Freedom of Information” editorial. The failure to release public records in the Brian Lanese EMS case is only the tip of the iceberg. Public records are required to be maintained and required to be made available to any citizen pursuant to Title 30 of the S.C. Code of Laws. These are our public records! They do not belong to the county or to any official or employee. Our public records are to be lawfully maintained and made available when we ask for them! [ read article ... ]
Editorial, second edition: “Freedom of Information” means “Incinerate the information” in Beaufort County government
Ladson Howell, Beaufort County Attorney
Editorial, second edition
“Freedom of information” means “Incinerate the information” in Beaufort County government
The Beaufort Gazette, the printed daily newspaper in our area, has done our community a great service by exposing the county attorney, Ladson Howell, as the perpetrator of a great abuse on the citizenry. [ read article ... ]
Editorial: “Freedom of information” is an oxymoron in the lexicon of Beaufort County government
Ladson Howell, Beaufort County Attorney
Editorial
“Freedom of information” is an oxymoron in the lexicon of Beaufort County government
The Beaufort Gazette, the printed daily newspaper in our area, has today done our community a great service by exposing the county attorney, Ladson Howell, as the perpetrator of a great abuse on the citizenry. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: The two faces of Memorial Day
Other voices
The two faces of Memorial Day
Here is a superb commentary on the meaning of Memorial Day: [ read article ... ]
Other voices: The unzippered princeling and the serving wench
Other voices
Mark Steyn: The unzippered princeling and the serving wench
Mark Steyn skewers members of the ruling class in this well-written satire on their attitude toward the extreme transgressions of one of their own. [ read article ... ]
View at Bay and Carteret Streets: Big Brother is watching you
Editor’s comment: View at Bay and Carteret Streets
Big Brother is watching you
Big Brother is watching. In case you haven’t noticed as you drive into downtown Beaufort over the bridge from Lady’s Island, a big video camera eye now stares straight at you at the new stoplight arm. This metal cyclops appeared suddenly without notice, and it looks threatening. [ read article ... ]
Reply to letters to the editor: Why is the new section of Lady’s Island Drive not opened?
Reply to letters to the editor
Why is the new section of Lady’s Island Drive not opened?
The Beaufort Tribune has received a few questions from our readers regarding opening the new widened portions of Lady’s Island Drive to the existing McTeer Bridge and the new span. Following is what we found. [ read article ... ]
Dr. Robert H. Moore: America’s struggle with complexity and uncertainty
America’s struggle with complexity and uncertainty
By: Dr. Robert H. Moore
World-renowned geneticist, Dr. Svante Paabo, and his colleagues at Germany’s Max Planck Institute, recently concluded that we and our Neanderthal kin descended from common ancestors who inhabited the Earth 600,000 years ago. [ read article ... ]
Guest editorial: Fuzzy math muddles school choice debate
Guest editorial
Fuzzy math muddles school choice debate
In every profession there are certain tools. No one would tolerate a dentist who scraped plaque with wire strippers or an auto mechanic reaching for a scroll saw rather than a wrench to tighten belts. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: California on the edge
Other voices: Victor Davis Hanson
California on the razor’s edge
Source: Wikipedia
When one compares South Carolina to California, South Carolina comes out on top. That’s the underlying message to us from Victor Davis Hanson in his descriptive article about current conditions in California, titled “The Razor’s Edge”. That’s also the name of a book written right here in Beaufort county in 1944 by
W. Somerset Maugham. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: We need a culture of government cost reduction
Letter to editor
We need a culture of government cost reduction
Last week I took notice of the Tribune’s citation of the Wall Street Journal’s article on the increased number of government employees in the United States. Most government managers reading this probably believe the staffing levels are necessary and don’t believe it can be improved because they’ve never seen costs truly reduced in a positive manner. [ read article ... ]
Editorial: Laura Von Harten says “Usually I’m one to spend as much money as we can”
Editorial
Laura Von Harten says “Usually I’m one to spend as much money as we can”
Beaufort County’s tax and spend crowd got a new poster girl this week when Beaufort County Councilperson Laura Von Harten bragged at a council meeting that “Usually I’m one to spend as much money as we can”. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Too much government, too little production
Other voices
Too much government, too little production
Some time ago The Beaufort Tribune reported that the economy in Beaufort county is almost totally dependent on federal, state and local government spending. Now comes an article in The Wall Street Journal showing this situation exists almost everywhere in the USA today. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: President Hamlet
Other voices: The Weekly Standard
President Hamlet
Editor’s note: Based on attention the Tribune has been getting about recent commentary equating Barack Obama with Hamlet, we have become intrigued with this matter. Knowing our readers include the intelligentsia of various political stripes, we have gone hunting for other Obama=Hamlet articles to entertain and titillate. Here’s one that was published in The Weekly Standard two years ago when Obama gave his first speech to the U.S. Congress: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Better education at lower cost
Letter to editor
Better education at lower cost
Beaufort County’s public schools are in trouble. As the school budget soars, student performance struggles just to stay mediocre. Facing a shortfall of $4 million+, the budget is already 35 percent higher than the state average. High school graduation rates are falling. Businesses considering a location in Beaufort County cite the poor education system as a reason for going elsewhere in the state. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Mark W. Kimble and Robert H. Moore say Hanson errs with “President Hamlet”
Other voices: Mark W. Kimble and Robert H. Moore
Hanson errs with “President Hamlet”
Victor Davis Hanson has now established beyond any reasonable doubt his antipathy to all things Obama.
In his “President Hamlet,” (Beaufort Tribune 3/17/11) Hanson adopts a scattergun attack randomly aimed at snippets of Obama administration policy. As a backdrop, he links the President to an ill-conceived caricature of Hamlet. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Obama as Hamlet
“The time is out of joint, O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right”
Other voices: Obama as Hamlet
Barack Hussein Obama is Hamlet, says Victor Davis Hanson in an article in National Review Online. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Wall Street’s irresponsible behavior
Other voices
Wall Street’s irresponsible behavior
Wall Street moguls are as irresponsible as the politicians in bringing our economy to its knees says Tom Bevan in this article published today. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Hope and Change vs. the Constitution
Other voices
Hope and Change vs. the Constitution
Here’s a commentary by W. James Antle III in The American Spectator that makes some cogent observations about our government. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: “People abandoned the idea that self-control was the standard by which life should be led”
Other voices
“People abandoned the idea that self-control was the standard by which life should be led”
Here’s a thoughtful article that explains the 1960s and its aftermath, from which the nation is still suffering, better than almost any other: [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Washington DC is another planet
Other voices
Washington DC is another planet
Here’s a commentary by Jonah Greenberg that tells it like it is: Washington DC is another planet. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Recycle often, correctly … help environment, save tax dollars
Letter to the editor
Recycle often, help environment, save taxes
Dear Editor,
Sure, recycling is good for the environment! It reduces the amount of material taken to the landfill. It saves energy. And, for most recycled materials, it costs less to recycle than to landfill. Thus, it saves us tax dollars! But, we could all do more. [ read article ... ]
Does new U.S. 17 intersection actually reduce death trap?
Editorial Perspective:
Does new intersection reduce death trap?
After the widening of U.S. 17 at Gardens Corner as part of a $100-million improvement project, this store and patrons getting into and out of their vehicles are up against southbound traffic. A side road past the store accesses U.S. 17 just before the new U.S. 17/U.S. 21 round-about connector, prompting concern that drivers have to enter the highway from a nearly blind standstill and encounter traffic possibly traveling as fast as 55-60 mph in spite of a new speed limit of 35 mph in that vicinity.
Even before the ribbon had been snipped at Thursday’s (Feb. 10) ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the long-anticipated U.S. 17/ACE Basin Parkway, there were those who say it only worsens an already existing death trap. [ read article ... ]
An open letter to the Beaufort County Council
Local citizen speaks out
Open letter to Beaufort County Council
When attention is directed to Valentine’s Day, Beaufort County Council will propose final reading to purchase the Beaufort Commerce Park (BCP) for $2.5 million from the Lowcountry Economic Network (LEN), a public-private partnership. I have problems with this plan. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: “Return to our old American creed”
Other voices: “Wealth is created only with hard work and delayed gratification”
“Return to our old American creed”
Here’s a description of America the way was — free, optimistic, united. Read on to see what happened to destroy the American dream, and be angry and sad and defiant. Let’s fix it.
Other voices: “Nobody gets married any more, Mister”
Other voices
“Nobody gets married any more, Mister”
Editor’s comment: Concern over the state of our county’s schools, especially at the high school level, is expressed often in our readers’ comments. Most point blame at school administrators. But what about the students themselves and their parents? Are they not responsible for their moral values, their behavior and their educational outcomes? [ read article ... ]
Robert Moore commentary: What Pres. Obama needs to know
Robert Moore commentary
What Pres. Obama needs to know
Recent controversies over White House staffing decisions have led me to reflect on my tenure with five CEOs of a global company. Each had his own temperament, intellect and personality. But, like President Obama, my bosses were individuals of considerable ability who wanted to lead effectively for the common good. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: What happened to the Beaufort Museum?
Letter to the editor
What happened to the Beaufort Museum?
We are celebrating 300 years of Beautiful Beaufort By The Sea. What ever happened to The Beaufort Museum? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Death on The Point
Letter to editor
December 23rd I found a dead juvenile Ibis that had been shot on the Green on The Point. Who would do this? I want to wish them a Merry Christmas and a more compassionate (and legal) appreciation of wildlife for the New Year.
Ellen Osmanski
Beaufort SC
Mortimer Zuckerman: “We must confront our dysfunctional and profligate government”
Mortimer Zuckerman
“We must confront our dysfunctional and profligate government”
In an article titled “The Danger of a Global Double Dip Recession Is Real: The deficits we face are a dagger pointing at the heart of the American economy” the editor-in-chief of US News & World Report, Mortimer Zuckerman, says “We must confront our dysfunctional and profligate government.” [ read article ... ]
Other voices: A cautionary tale from Ireland
Other voices
A cautionary tale from Irelend
The New York Times today carried a cautionary op-ed column today by Ross Douthat about how the recent boom and bust destroyed traditional culture in Ireland and left nothing behind. [ read article ... ]
Editorial observation: Commentary reveals basic national concerns
Editorial observation
Commentary reveals basic national concerns
Recent commentary around the country reveals a consistent thread of fundamental concern about the direction of our nation. Aside from the results of the recent elections and ever-present polling, which reduce everything to percentages and numbers, these commentaries are a verbal expression of deep, heartfelt concern that the United States of America has gone offtrack. Here are some examples:
Letter to editor: Closing Shell Point Elementary makes no sense
Letter to editor
Closing Shell Point Elementary makes no sense
Recent article in Beaufort Gazette states the school board is looking at possible school closings. One of these schools is Shell Point Elementary which makes no sense. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Deer killing update
Letter to editor
This letter is an update to the op-ed: “Gruesome slaying: An appalling waste with no respect for wildlife and property” published on October 18, 2010 in the Beaufort Tribune http://beauforttribune.com/archives/47369. [ read article ... ]
Guest editorial: Private schools serve public good
Guest editorial
Private schools serve public good
“Public Education” and “public schools” are not one and the same.
“Public Education” is an educated public. It is a public commitment to education, the public support of education and the public benefits derived from education. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Proponent says “Rumors are wrong, F-35B right for Beaufort”
Letter to editor
Proponent says:
“Rumors are wrong, F-35B right for Beaufort”
The Final F-35B East Coast Basing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published on October 22, 2010. The public is invited to provide comments between now and November 22, 2010, most easily using this website (www.usmcJSFeast.com). [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: County Treasurer Joy Logan gives congratulations and thanks
Letter to editor
County Treasurer Joy Logan gives congratulations and thanks
Because of the lateness of the election returns, I wasn’t able properly to thank the thousands of voters who took time to participate in our democracy. The turnout was amazing for a mid-term and speaks well for Beaufort County. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Opponent of F-35Bs warns of “Final notice”
Letter to editor
Opponent of F-35Bs warns of “Final notice”
Those words are rarely associated with goodness of any kind. Usually they signal some kind of loss, even if only a loss of options. As any tactician (or business owner) will tell you, options are good to keep open. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Opponent of F-35Bs says “8,860 citizens thrown under the bus”
Letter to editor
Opponent of F-35Bs says “8,860 citizens thrown under the bus”
Beaufort’s total environment is on the line. The small historic city that tourists love to visit and retirees think of moving to will be displaced by 106,030 flight operations per year if the US Navy, the Marines, the mayor, the Chamber of Commerce, the Beaufort County Council, the Superintendent of Schools, Shannon Erickson, Tom Davis, Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Joe Wilson have their way. A formidable force. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: The age of the dollar is coming to a close
Other voices
The age of the dollar is drawing to a close
The almighty dollar is headed not just for another fall but for ceasing to be the world’s reserve currency, says an observer from Great Britain, the country that managed the world’s currency system before the U.S. took over. [ read article ... ]
Midterm elections 2010: “Prepare for a new American revolution”, British press says
Midterm elections 2010
“Prepare for a new American revolution”, British press says
Our British cousins, against whom we Americans rebelled in 1776, are beginning to see that the modern-day Tea Partiers are bringing on a new American revolution. [ read article ... ]
Editor’s comment: Chicago newspaper tells it like it is
Editor’s comment
Chicago newspaper tells it like it is
Chicago and Illinois, the places from which the folks running the White House came, are in a heap of financial trouble, just like the entire U.S.A. for the same reason–out-of-control government spending decided upon by political incumbents. [ read article ... ]
One graph tells it all: U.S. going bankrupt because of three expenses: Health, Social Security & Defense
One graph tells it all
U.S. going bankrupt because of three expenses: Health, Social Security & Defense
Robert Moore commentary: Barack Obama and the perils of presidency
Robert Moore commentary
Barack Obama and the perils of presidency
Tsunamis are not predictable days in advance, but the political one heading for President Obama and the Democrats on November 2nd seems as certain as certain can be. As Democratic pollster Peter Hart says, “There’s a hurricane coming for the Democrats,” but the unknown “is whether it’s going to be a category 3 or a category 5.” [ read article ... ]
Op-Ed: Gruesome slaying “An appalling waste with no respect for wildlife and property”
Op-Ed: Gruesome slaying
“An appalling waste with no respect for wildlife and property””
A murder was committed on Lady’s Island in Pleasant Point Plantation (PPP). Early Saturday morning my husband and I were greeted by the slaughter of this magnificent young buck with its head hacked off, a gruesome slaying on our property.
Letter to editor: City council member thanks donors and volunteers
Letter to editor: More than $100,000 raised for veterans
City council member thanks donors and volunteers
Letter to editor: Local volunteers say “Thank You Beaufort”
Letter to editor
Local volunteers say “Thank You Beaufort”
Other voices, other thoughts: October 7, 2010
Other voices, other thoughts: October 7, 2010
[ read article ... ]
Other voices, other thoughts: October 4,2010
October 4, 2010
Links to commentary on current issues in other online journals
Other voices, other thoughts: October 3, 2010
October 3, 2010
Links to commentary on current issues in other online journals
Guest commentary: What’s in a name? The tail shouldn’t wag the dog
Guest commentary
What’s in a name? The tail shouldn’t wag the dog
Shannon Erickson recently penned her view on why it was folly or not prudent to even consider a name change for USCB. However, there are multiple reasons to consider name changes or rebranding a product or institution. [ read article ... ]
Other voices, other thoughts: October 2, 2010
October 2, 2010
Links to commentary on current issues in other online journals
Other voices, other thoughts: October 1, 2010
October 1, 2010
Other voices, other thoughts: September 30, 2010
September 30, 2010
Other voices: “Reading, writing, speaking and reasoning are the most important skills to teach”
Other voices: The New York Times
“Reading, writing, speaking and reasoning are the most important skills to teach”
[ read article ... ]
Other voices: “Government needs to be cleaned out”
Other voices: The Daily Beast
“Government needs to be cleaned out”
[ read article ... ]
Guest Editorial – John Rosenberg: A call for rationality about F-35B situation
Guest Editorial: John Rosenberg
A call for rationality about F-35B situation
Northern Beaufort County has many blessings and challenges, and presents numerous faces to its myriad residents and visitors. On the one hand, the nature, tranquility, and rich history and culture of the region is hard to beat anywhere at any price. On the other hand, we are challenged on many critical fronts, such as education, unemployment, and poverty. One overriding concept should be in the minds of everyone here, however. We are one community with intertwined lives, and with generally similar goals and expectations for enjoying our time here. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: The big government crowd (right here in little old Beaufort)
Other voices
The big government crowd (right here in little old Beaufort)
Some months ago we pointed out that government is the major employer in our county and that government is strangling the private economy. [ read article ... ]
Readers ask: When are the school board and Valerie Truesdale going to answer Mike Sanz’s questions?
Readers ask:
When are school board & Truesdale going to answer Sanz’s questions?
Numerous comments in recent days by readers of The Beaufort Tribune to questions raised by Michael Sanz, the Beaufort County public school teacher who has publicized failings in our county’s school system, indicate a high level of citizen concern that deserves immediate, forthright answers from public officials. [ read article ... ]
Guest editorial comment: A teacher’s call to innovate
Guest editorial comment
Across South Carolina, parents, students and teachers are back to school, several weeks into the new school year. For many, the beginning of a new school year marks new opportunities, another chance to prepare for a promising future. But all teachers know that the hopes of success for some children will be short lived. [ read article ... ]
Shannon Erickson opposes changing USCB name
Shannon Erickson opposes changing USCB name
I was troubled to read the recent article in which Beaufort’s Mayor Billy Keyserling announced his support for changing the name of the University of South Carolina Beaufort. It seems that the mayor has been engaged in conversations with USCB Chancellor Jane Upshaw and others concerning whether the institution should sport a new name that would better reflect its identity and aspirations. A name change is not in the best interests of the University of South Carolina Beaufort, and I cannot support this proposal. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: F-35Bs will be more than twice as loud
Letter to editor
F-35Bs will be more than twice as loud
In the May 2010 draft EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) for the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, the key and crucial noise data for the F-35B was omitted in the 487 pages, substituting instead data assumptions based on the lighter, quieter Air Force F-35A: The Navy wanted the public to comment on the alternative proposals without this major environmental component. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Roy Flannagan rebuts former Chief Jeff Dowling
Letter to editor
Roy Flannagan rebuts former Chief Jeff Dowling
Since my testimony has been impeached by former Chief Dowling, I need to defend my reporting. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Former Beaufort police chief challenges downtown crime concerns
Letter to editor
Former Beaufort chief challenges downtown crime concerns
I take issue with comments such as Roy Flannagan’s concerning the police being in “collusion” with drug dealers. To make a statement such as this without coming forward to report the officers that he thinks are in “collusion” indicates a fabricated story. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Does Billy K’s re-branding of USCB make sense?
Letter to editor
Does Billy K’s USCB re-branding make sense?
The mayor of Beaufort seemingly dropped a bombshell when he suggested that The University of South Carolina eliminate “Beaufort” from its designation of the two campuses in Beaufort County. Since he asked for input and feedback here goes: [ read article ... ]
Roy Flannagan writes about local crime: Problems of petty theft, grand larceny and muggings
Roy Flannagan writes about local crime:
Problems of petty theft, grand larceny and muggings
Picture this: not long ago, an elderly man in the Northwest Quadrant saw an adolescent take a bike from his front porch and start peddling down the street. The elderly gent, quite fit, gave chase. The kid on the bike had some trouble with the drive chain on the bike and had to stop to fix it. Meanwhile, three or four other kids came out of their houses to make fun of the spectacle of the older man running towards the thief as the thief tried to fix the chain. The thief gave up and started pushing the bike down the street under his own power. The other kids remained, mocking the older man chasing their friend. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Underneath beautiful facade Beaufort is full of crime, mayor promotes appearance over safety
Letter to editor
Underneath beautiful facade Beaufort is full of crime, mayor promotes appearance over safety
I have made Beaufort my home for more than 35 years now. As a matter of fact it has been 38. I was born and raised here as the first child born in Beaufort in 1972. Over the years I have been more than proud to show off the town I call home. Much of this is due in part to the fact that for more than three decades Beaufort has been a serene, peaceful town on the beautiful Beaufort River. [ read article ... ]
Police Chief Matthew Clancy responds: Start a crime watch group
Police Chief Matthew Clancy responds
While I disagree with Alton Aimar’s recollection of our meeting and the facts shared with him, I do applaud his interest in maintaining Beaufort’s tranquility. Having been a victim of property crimes myself in the past, I can empathize with the sting that he feels from having his car broken into. [ read article ... ]
Alton Aimar says: A pattern of increasing criminal activity downtown
Alton Aimar says
A pattern of increasing criminal activity downtown
On Tuesday, July 27, 2010, I met with Mayor Keyserling and Police Chief Matt Clancy at Police Headquarters. We met to discuss the increased criminal activity occurring in the Core Commercial/Waterfront Park/Marina area in downtown Beaufort. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Frank Weil’s economic analysis is on the mark
Letter to editor
Frank Weil’s economic analysis is on the mark
I do not know Frank Weil, the author of “A Two Track Global Economy” which appeared on August 16 nor have I ever read any of his previous work. However, I want to commend you for publishing his even-handed and thoughtful commentary on how the “the economic world is behaving.” This is a sanity inducing piece at a time when our public discourse has become increasingly crazed and irresponsible. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Why are downtown crimes not being reported by local press?
Letter to editor
Why are downtown crimes not being reported by local press?
Dear Editor,
I am trying to discover why the public is not more aware of the escalating crime occurring in downtown Beaufort.
Over the last several months we have seen an increase in not only the number of incidents occurring but also in the type of criminal activity occurring in the core commercial district, waterfront park and city marina. [ read article ... ]
Rash of muggings and a robbery in Bay Street commercial area of downtown Beaufort
Rash of muggings and a robbery in Bay Street commercial area of downtown Beaufort
Responding to an inquiry today, August 17, by The Beaufort Tribune, Chief Matthew Clancy of the Beaufort Police Department has disclosed that three nighttime muggings and a robbery have recently taken place in the Bay Street commercial area of downtown Beaufort. All four of these reported crimes have occurred in the 800 and 900 blocks of Bay Street, location of downtown bars and restaurants, the downtown marina, and the downtown waterfront park. [ read article ... ]
Op Ed by Frank Weil: A two track global economy
Op Ed by Frank Weil
Terms like single scoop and double dip are normally only heard in ice cream shops. But, at the moment the economic and financial pages of news organizations the world over are using these types of terms to try to predict and explain what is going on “out there”. Indeed what is going on is unusual and defies categorization in conventional ways. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Support Air Station Alternative 3
Letter to editor
Support Air Station Alternative 3
The mayor, city council, politicians and chamber of commerce leadership in particular are taking a passive role in accepting and supporting the Navy’s recommendation of Alternative 1 for the Air Station expansion. [ read article ... ]
Editorial comment: Is another Great Depression just around the corner?
Editorial comment
Is another Great Depression just around the corner?
Not too long ago the thought the world might have another Great Depression was almost unthinkable. The only kind of depression anybody under the age of 65 knew anything about was the kind cured by Prozac. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Reader hopes Democrat pollsters & advisers continue to misread electorate
Letter to editor
Reader hopes Democrat pollsters & advisers continue to misread electorate
Thank you for sharing the column by Pat Caddell on the recent South Carolina primary elections. Unfortunately, he misses the mark widely on the three elections he focused on. [ read article ... ]
Beaufort County’s Manatron tax software system wreaks havoc in Minnesota counties too
Gary Kubic vs. Joy Logan
Beaufort County’s Manatron tax software system wreaks havoc in Minnesota counties too [ read article ... ]
Editor’s comment: Of guns and graduates
Editor’s comment
Two articles in The Beaufort Tribune today epitomize the chasm that separates civilized man from savage man in contemporary American society, indeed in contemporary Beaufort society. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Trailer thefts continue on St. Helena Island
Letter to editor:
Trailer thefts continue on St. Helena Island [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: F-35B puts out too much noise
Letter to editor: F-35B puts out too much noise [ read article ... ]
Parent: Beaufort High School is in crisis
Parent says:
Beaufort High School in crisis.
Editor’s comment: Rush to judgment on County Treasurer Joy Logan is unseemly and unfair
Editor’s comment:
Rush to judgment on Joy Logan unseemly & unfair [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: It’s about time someone had the guts to speak up about our failed schools
Letter to editor:
It’s about time someone had the guts to speak up about our failed schools
It’s about time someone had the guts to speak up about the way our schools have been allowed to decay throughout the years. Our future community leaders deserve better than we are giving them. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: School board members should be removed for malfeasance
Letter to editor:
School board members should be removed for malfeasance
I live in Beaufort only part of the year and have no children. I am glad to pay school taxes because really, a community is only as good as its schools. Beaufort, a town I love, is failing in that regard. [ read article ... ]
Editor’s comment: School board “hearing” on “proposed budget” failed to show budget and was not a hearing
Editor’s comment:
School board “hearing” on “proposed budget” failed to show budget and was not a hearing
On Thursday evening, May 6, the Beaufort County Board of Education held the second of its “public hearings” on its “proposed” FY 2010-1011 Beaufort County School District budget. The meeting was held at Robert Smalls Middle School in a room that the citizens had trouble finding due to absence of signage at the school’s front door directing the public to the meeting. No budget document was presented at the meeting. The chairman admitted in answer to a question that the school board had already passed the budget, meaning that this was not a proposed budget but an adopted budget as far as the school board is concerned and was not a hearing but a window dressing. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Beaufort County education system is a shame bordering on gross negligence
Letter to editor:
Our education system is a shame bordering on gross negligence
The education system in Beaufort County (and probably state wide) is a shame bordering on gross negligence. The “powers that be” solution is to throw money (taxpayer’s money) at the problem, usually by increasing their own compensation. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: School board throws good money after bad
Letter to editor:
School board throws good money after bad
I am writing in support of Mike Sanz’s letter to the School Establishment. As the parent of a Beaufort County Public School child, I hear what goes on in the schools and am in utter amazement. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Students not only ones to blame for weakened school discipline
Letter to editor:
Students not only ones to blame for weakened school discipline
When I taught in Beaufort County schools the one point that central administration was missing is the number of tries a student needs to graduate. Just because it takes 24 credits does not mean the student needs teachers for 24 classes. [ read article ... ]
Beaufort County public school teacher Mike Sanz says quality education is falling apart in Beaufort County
Beaufort County public school teacher Mike Sanz says:
Quality education is falling apart here [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Let’s improve buffers along our waterways
Letter to editor: Let’s improve buffers along our waterways
I hope developers, lawn care companies, new home owners, etc., have stopped the practice of clearing away brush at a waterway’s edge. It is artificial looking and eliminates natural habitat for painted buntings and other wildlife. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Parking meter for boat stuck in mud
Letter to editor: Parking meter for boat stuck in mud
Regarding the photo of the boat in the mud, either the tide went out and the boat got stuck or it was cheaper to park in the mud instead of at the downtown marina. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: South Carolinians need school choice
Other voices: South Carolinians need school choice
The report card issued late last week by the South Carolina Department of Education that Beaufort County’s public schools are below average and have fallen further behind begs for a solution to the problem of poor education in our county. Here is one proposal that is gaining increasing attention statewide– school choice–in an editorial by Philip Bowers, a member of the South Carolina Board of Education. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Rash of utility trailer thefts on St. Helena Island
Letter to editor: Rash of utility trailer thefts on St. Helena Island
I live on Eddings Point Road on St. Helena Island. I have had two utility trailers stolen out of my front yard in the last two weeks. Deputy sheriffs have come to my house to investigate the crimes, but there has been no luck locating my belongings. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Thank you all
Letter to the editor: Thank you all
Editor’s note: The following is a letter from our staff reporter, Susan Woods, following her miraculous escape relatively unharmed last Thursday from her automobile, which overturned end over end on a rural road near her home in Hampton county while she was driving to work. We are happy to report she is back at work.
Dear Editor,
My family and I would like to thank all of the readers who wished me well during the days I was recuperating from a very wild ride. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Local Tea Parties are alive and well
Letter to editor: Local Tea Parties are alive and well [ read article ... ]
Editorial cartoon: What the heck could possibly go wrong?
Editorial cartoon: What the heck could possibly go wrong?
Let me get this straight … we have a health care law written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn’t understand it, passed by a Congress that hasn’t read it but exempts themselves from it, signed by a president that also hasn’t read it and who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn’t pay his taxes, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that’s broke? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Businesses are closing all over Beaufort
Letter to editor: Businesses are closing all over Beaufort
Dear Editor,
It amazes me how many small businesses have closed around Beaufort in the last year. It happens one shop at a time, little by little, such that it garners little attention, not to mention the fact if it’s not on Bay Street nobody pays any attention except the employers, the employees and their customers. [ read article ... ]
Robert Moore: Free press patriots are getting at the essence
Robert Moore: Free press patriots are getting at the essence
Even as most of America’s urban print newspapers spiral into economic distress, some big paper columnists are writing better than ever. In journalism, as in many endeavors, difficult times can focus the mind and produce incisive, probing commentary. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: “The only way to restore trust is from the local community on up”
Other voices: “The only way to restore trust is from the local community on up”
Editor’s comment: David Brooks of The New York Times has some good things to say. He said one such good thing yesterday: “The only way to restore trust is from the local community on up.” [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Is affirmative inaction the policy for school violence when race is involved?
Other voices: Is affirmative inaction the policy for school violence when race is involved? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Parking garage needed
Letter to editor: Parking garage needed
This is in regards to the proposed increased fees for parking in downtown Beaufort and the process by which to pay for them. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: If the City keeps on, downtown’s going to be broken
Letter to editor: If the City keeps on, downtown’s going to be broken
I do not believe downtown is broken. Mr. Keyserling writes it “…is a little broken.” Why? Stores, shops, restaurants and other businesses are very active on Bay Street. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Downtown parking increase is the last straw
Letter to editor: Downtown parking increase is the last straw
I do not live within the city limits of Beaufort, but I do consider the city my hometown. I think everyone north of the Broad does. [ read article ... ]
Brits claim Americans gave Obama “an idiotic level of idolatry” and are regretting it
Brit claims Americans gave Obama “an idiotic level of idolatry” and are regretting it
Here’s a look at the current U.S president from the point of view of a Brit: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Beaufort Symphony Orchestra is great
Letter to editor: Beaufort Symphony Orchestra is great, needs support
WOW! How does a town of 17,000 people and surrounding communities deserve a performing arts enterprise the quality of the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra? This week’s sold out symphony performance with guest violinist Tamas Koecsis playing Brahms Violin Concerto in D Major, was simply outstanding. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Obama’s problem is Obama
Other voices: Obama’s problem is Obama
Here’s the link to an article by Jack Kelly that points the finger at Barack Obama for the president’s current problems at governing: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: School board members need close voter scrutiny
Reader: School board members need close voter scrutiny
Dear Editor,
It appears to me that all of us, with or without children in school, should be paying much closer attention to who is being elected to the Beaufort County Board of Education. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: Greece today, America tomorrow
Greece today, America tomorrow
Greece has reached almost the end of the road of welfare statism, according to the ineluctable laws of economics. Read on to see what’s in store for us in America as the same ineluctable laws play out here. [ read article ... ]
Riverview parents: We want an independent investigation of the school district
Riverview parents: We want an independent investigation of the school district
The Beaufort Tribune has obtained the following letter, which is being distributed by Riverview Charter School supporters to all Riverview parents to obtain their signatures on the attached letter to the school board:
Dear Riverview Parents:
Please take a moment to review the attached letter to the Beaufort County Board of Education. As we are now well-aware, there are serious questions surrounding the data released by the District to Riverview and the Office of Civil Rights regarding the actual diversity numbers of children in the County. [ read article ... ]
Reader: An open letter to the voters, hold school board members accountable
Reader: An open letter to the voters, hold school board members accountable
To the voters of Beaufort County:
With the current turmoil regarding the Beaufort County School District’s Board of Education and Riverview Charter School, it is relevant to point out 2010 is an election year where voters have the opportunity to hold particular board members accountable. [ read article ... ]
Editorial cartoon: Riverview outsmarts them
Letter to editor: New downtown parking plan is excellent
Reader: New downtown parking plan is excellent [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: We’ve moved to Beaufort and love our new hometown
Reader: We’ve moved to Beaufort and love our new hometown
Dear Editor,
Four months ago, I wrote to you to tell you that we would be moving to Beautiful Beaufort By The Sea in the new year. We are here now in our new home and loving every minute. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Sunrise photos make us want to retire in Beaufort
Reader: Sunrise photos make us want to retire in Beaufort
Dear Editor,
Just wanted to say that Mr. Howison’s photos make it to me all the way to Augusta, GA via email. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: I am the Tea Party
Reader: I am the Tea Party
Dear Editor,
This is my response to the Guardian editorial by Joe Queenan “Democrats better reply with a coffee claque,and soon” that was recently linked by The Beaufort Tribune. [ read article ... ]
Other voices: America’s paid elite must tighten their belts
Other voices: America’s paid elite must tighten their belts
Here’s another of our continuing series of links to serious thought about what ails America. It’s a commentary on the too high pay of America’s paid elite: government employees, union members, school and university teachers and administrators, and yes, dear readers, recipients of social security and medicare: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: City parking proposal ignores shoppers’ needs
Reader: City parking proposal ignores shoppers’ needs
Dear Editor
I’m very concerned about the plan for parking downtown. What are they thinking? I’m not sure if free parking is the answer but it’s sure a lot closer to the marketing success ideas than extending meter time to 9 p.m. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Changes in parking go in wrong direction
Reader: Changes in parking go in wrong direction
Dear Editor,
Beaufort needs free parking to help tourism and downtown businesses, not increased fees. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Metered parking until 9 p.m. is ridiculous
Reader: Metered parking until 9 p.m. is ridiculous
Dear Editor,
Having read the proposed Comprehensive Parking Plan for Beaufort, I have the following comment: [ read article ... ]
Manchester Guardian commentator explains the Tea Party Movement
Manchester Guardian commentator explains Tea Party Movement
That liberal media icon of the formerly great Britain, The Manchester Guardian, published yesterday a most interesting op-ed piece by a man in New York named Joe Queenan. He explains the Tea Party Movement in the increasingly less great United States much better than most members of the main stream media in our country can explain. [ read article ... ]
Editorial comment: Folks over 65 are bankrupting the USA
Editorial comment: Folks over 65 are bankrupting the USA
A frank article by Robert J. Samuelson titled Big Government’s Big Shortfall tells us what the politicians won’t tell us, and what we don’t want to hear: Folks over 65 years of age are bankrupting the USA. If you don’t believe it, read on. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thank you for the sunrises
Reader says thank you for the sunrises
Dear Editor,
I just want to say how much I enjoy the sunrise photos that Jack Howison submits. It’s wonderful for those of us who don’t want to get outside that early to see the beauty of the sunrise. They are beautiful. Please keep it up Mr Howison, and “Thank You”. [ read article ... ]
An open letter to Interim Fire Chief Sammy Negron
An open letter to Interim Fire Chief Sammy Negron
Dear Chief Negron,
As a resident of Beaufort for almost 70 years, I am but one of almost 12,000 Beaufort citizens who put our confidence in your department not only to provide a cost-effective and courteous service with professionalism and integrity, but also to deal with the public as public servants. [ read article ... ]
Beaufort Interim Fire Chief Sammy Negron responds
Beaufort Interim Fire Chief Sammy Negron responds
The Beaufort Tribune received the following letter by email from Beaufort Interim Fire Chief Sammy Negron on Sunday evening, January 17: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor from Burton fire chief: I work for you
Burton fire chief:
I work for you
Dear Editor,
I want to start by saying that I am a HUGE fan of The Beaufort Tribune. I check it daily and have found it to be informative and entertaining. Thank you for your service. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thank you, Tribune, and here’s a sunrise in the West Indies
Reader thanks Tribune and sends sunrise photo
Dear Editor,
I enjoy your publication very much. It enables me to keep up with Beaufort activities when we are in New Hampshire during the summer. Thanks very much. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: I don’t drive county’s school bus to gym and firemen shouldn’t drive the fire trucks there
Reader says she doesn’t drive county school bus to gym
Dear Editor,
Hey, I am all for the good folks who put out our fires and help us in our times of need. Public servants get so little credit for the great job they do. But, like them, I am a public servant. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Local citizens really are slaves of the privileged class
Reader says local citizens really are slaves of the privileged class
Dear Editor,
Real facts are pointing out that average citizens really are “slaves of the privileged class” in the Beaufort area. [ read article ... ]
Editorial cartoon: Fire marshal responds to criticism
Letters to the editor: Thank you for exposing local government actions
Letters to the editor: Thank you for exposing local government actions
Dear Editor,
You must be doing something right to elicit such a response from “Dan Byrne the fire marshall for the City of Beaufort”. As the old saying goes, “A hit dog will always holler”. [ read article ... ]
Letters to the editor: City needs to communicate about fire department
Letters to the editor: City needs to communicate about fire department
Dear Editor,
I teach in Port Royal and drive passed the Y on my way to school. There were many times I thought that there must have been an emergency due to seeing these young firefighters getting out of their trucks while in uniform. [ read article ... ]
Letters to the editor: How dare anyone inquire about the firefighters!
Letters to the editor: How dare anyone inquire about the firefighters!
Dear Editor,
Whoever the guy is that wrote the letter about the fire department working out does not have any common sense. I used to work at the city fire department. They have a one hour window in the morning for physical training. I am sure the “concerned citizen” has never fought a structure fire because if he had he would know it is physically exhausting. [ read article ... ]
Wife of city fire marshal threatens to sue the Tribune for defamation
Wife of city fire marshal threatens to sue the Tribune for defamation
The following is a letter to the editor that The Beaufort Tribune received late Friday afternoon. The writer, Christina Byrne, is the wife of the City of Beaufort fire marshal, Daniel Byrne. Our response to you, Ms. Byrne, is that we double dare you to sue us. [ read article ... ]
Beaufort City fire marshal threatens the Tribune
City fire marshal threatens the Tribune
This is the photograph that infuriated the fire marshal. It shows two City of Beaufort fire trucks parked at a local shopping center while firemen are taking exercise at the gymnasium there, according to a letter to the editor of The Beaufort Tribune.
The City of Beaufort fire marshal threatened The Beaufort Tribune Friday afternoon in a telephone call following our publication of a letter to the editor claiming that city firemen are using city fire trucks to drive to a local gymnasium for exercise. Continue below to listen to the voicemail message of what he said. [ read article ... ]
City of Beaufort fire department’s web site states mission
“It is the mission of the City of Beaufort Fire Department to respond to calls for service from the community with the goals of saving lives, property as well as the environment. We will provide a cost-effective and courteous service with professionalism and integrity.”
Letter to editor: Local firemen go to exercise class in fire trucks
Local firemen go to exercise class in fire trucks
Dear Editor,
After reading your editorial comment titled “We’re slaves of the privileged class”, I thought I’d share this photograph with the Tribune’s readers. I ask only that you not post my name with this letter because retribution is sometimes the modus of government. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: I am insulted Tribune revealed public sector dominates local economy
Reader insulted Tribune revealed public sector dominates economy
Dear Editor,
Regarding your article about the public sector dominating the local economy, we can safely assume, then, that the author is in favor of: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Beaufort County steals personal liberty
Reader says Beaufort County steals personal liberty
Dear Editor,
On three separate occasions an officer of the Beaufort County codes enforcement department has visited my office threatening fines of $1200 a day. Her claim is that the five employees that I have hired to stand on the public sidewalk in costume and wave at oncoming traffic are not humans at all but instead they are moving signs in violation of the Beaufort County codes. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Beaufort Lacrosse Club needs your help
Letter to editor: Beaufort Lacrosse Club needs your help
Beaufort Lacrosse Club needs your help. We have a group of great kids who really want to play lacrosse. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Commercial longline boats will ruin fishery
Reader: Do not allow commercial longline fishing boats
Our fishery does not need to be ruined by these commercial boats. The bycatch of the commercial shrimpers is bad enough already. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Encouraging commercial longline fishing here is madness
Reader: Encouraging commercial longline fishing here is madness
It is amazing that anyone living in a coastal town that is so dependent on tourism and the recreational fishing industry could be so short sighted as the town manager of Port Royal. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Longlining is devastating to a fishery
Reader: What in the world is Van Willis thinking?
In response to the article on commercial sword fishing, it is clear that Town Manager Van Willis does not know what he is doing when it comes to running a commercial dock. Case in point–a dock at Port Royal Landing Marina costs $300 for a pleasure boat 45 feet long and $200 a month for a 28-foot boat. Willis is renting dockage for commercial boats in excess of 100 feet for only $300? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thank you, Mack Cook, for helping to make a better Beaufort
Dear Editor,
You wouldn’t guess that the man happily hauling old tires out of vacant, overgrown downtown city lots has a desk job with the City of Beaufort. Or that this same man who is gathering rusty cans of paint in the back of a city pick-up truck early on Saturday mornings in November is in charge of managing the city’s finances. [ read article ... ]
The Beaufort Tribune chooses Robert Moore as national political columnist
Tribune chooses Robert Moore as national political columnist
The Beaufort Tribune is pleased to announce that we have chosen Dr. Robert H. Moore as our national political columnist. A resident of the Washington DC area, Robert Moore is a writer of thoughtful, insightful commentary on the national and world scene, widely published in print and online. He has gained increasing prominence in recent years as a political commentator without an axe to grind, someone who tells it like it is without trying to twist the reader into an ideological viewpoint. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thanks for sun and moon
Reader: Sunrise photographs are favorites
Dear Editor,
Thanks to Jack Howison and The Beaufort Tribune for bringing the sun and the moon.They’ve been two of my very favorite things about 2009. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Concealed weapon advice right on the mark
Reader: Concealed weapon advice right on the mark
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the excellent letter from Kelly McGowan on carrying concealed weapons with tips and info especially geared towards women. I am not a huge proponent of carrying guns myself, but her information was right on the mark. [ read article ... ]
Poem: A ship in Pearl
Poem: A ship in Pearl
Remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day yesterday prompted Michael Benton to write and send the following poem: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Get a concealed weapons permit
Glock 9 mm self defense weapon
Reader: Protect yourself against criminals
Dear Editor,
Crime is rampant here as evidenced by the Tribune’s informative jailhouse report & mugshots daily. Some people only 21 years old have been arrested nine times, older ones up to 83 times. It’s a revolving door, and convicted, hardened criminals are frequently let out on the streets. In just the past 30 days almost 500 people have been arrested and jailed on various charges in little old Beaufort county alone. What’s a law abiding resident supposed do? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Be careful about no kill shelters
Reader: Be careful about no kill shelters
Dear Editor:
To those who propose following Nathan Winograd’s advice on no kill shelters, I suggest they do a bit more research on the long-term outcome of the shelter he once ran and those who have attempted to implement his program. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: It’s time for no kill animal shelter
Reader: Stop killing animals at “shelter”
We share our homes with cats and dogs. We are a nation of people who care about animals. That perspective is incongruent with any animal shelter that kills animals. The Beaufort County Animal Shelter kills 4,000 animals a year, representing 70% of the animals brought into the “shelter”. The numbers are staggering and unnecessary. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Door-to-door solicitations under false pretenses
Reader: Door-to-door solicitations under false pretenses
Dear Editor,
A young woman knocked on my door yesterday saying she was with Atlantic Circulations. She said she was selling a magazine for St. Jude Hospital and others along with the fighting troops overseas. Long story even longer, I asked for her ID, and it was an ID, not a drivers license, from Oregon. She said she was living with her grandmother nearby McDonald’s. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thanks for space shuttle video
Reader saw shuttle launch up close
Dear Editor
Thanks for including the video on the launch of STS-129. We often forget the complexity and danger involved in these missions because the crews and support engineers have been so successful in the past. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: No one held accountable for crimes
Reader: No one held accountable for crimes
Dear Editor,
First of all I would like to commend The Beaufort Tribune for providing us with actual news in Beaufort, especially the mug shot pages. I believe it is time for our judges to be held accountable for or answer questions about some of the decisions they make. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Healthcare proposal stinks
Reader: Healthcare proposal stinks
Dear Editor,
Mr. Benton’s premise [in his op-ed piece yesterday] that government-run healthcare is like our current flood insurance program, as far as it being socialist and government run, is basically true. However, he fails in his analysis to adequately consider at least three major areas that ameliorate his conclusion that the current healthcare reform bill (single payer system) is benign and should raise no concern. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Closing island roads for Heritage Day is dangerous
Reader: Closing island roads for Heritage Day is dangerous
Dear Editor,
I’m trying to figure this out. Heritage Day at Penn Center on St Helena Island is Saturday. They are closing MLK Drive for vehicles from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. And they are closing Highway 21 for vehicles from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. for the parade. No one can leave Fripp, Harbor Island, or St Helena during the parade. How do they do that? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: What is a “detention center”?
Reader: What is a “detention center”?
Dear Editor,
I get a chuckle on your description “The Beaufort County Detention Center, also known as the county jail” every day, but isn’t that a bit redundant? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thanks for accurate Tea Party report
Reader: Thanks for accurate Tea Party report
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your objective report on the Tea Party that was held at the Henry Chambers Waterfront Park on Tuesday. I was there and your report was very accurate. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: County detention center is a “hotel”
Reader: County detention center is a “hotel”
Dear Editor,
Based on the Beaufort County Detention Center’s daily list of “guests”, the facility looks more like a rotating door to the Hilton Hotel, and it’s often for free loaders who have already been convicted of lots of crimes. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Sentence jailhouse residents to work
Reader: Sentence jailhouse residents to work
Dear Editor,
The people who are constantly arrested and jailed, as I see it, are using the local jail like some of us working people use the mountains or shore as a short get-away. They are housed and fed good meals and kept safe from the outside world for a few days. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Beaufort is most beautiful place in the world
Reader: Beaufort is most beautiful place in the world
Dear Editor,
As a displaced Beaufortonian, I would like to thank Jack Howison for his incredible series of photos in Sunday’s Beaufort Tribune, which depicted an “autumn morn in the SC sea islands”. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Here’s what we can do to stop revolving door of crime
Here’s what we can do to stop revolving door of crime
Dear Editor,
In your editorial comment on November 8 you offered the query “what can we as society do?” In response I submit the following: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Sunrise photos are uplifting and positive
Reader: Sunrise photos are uplifting
Dear Editor,
Many thanks to Jack Howison for his wonderful photographs of daily sunrises. I look forward to seeing them every day, even when the skies are cloudy. [ read article ... ]
Four letters to the editor: Thank you for Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan article
Thank you for Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan article
The Beaufort Tribune received four very nice letters yesterday following our front page article about the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan church service and march through the streets of downtown Beaufort Sunday morning. Here are the letters: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Why are repeat offenders continually released from jail?
Reader: Why are repeat offenders continually released from jail?
Dear Editor,
I appreciate The Beaufort Tribune posting the jailhouse reports of recent arrests in our community. What amazes me is the fact many of these individuals are repeat offenders. Those listed in the Sunday jailhouse report included 6 times, 7 times, 12 times, and one individual arrested 64 times. Why the heck is he still on our streets? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Appreciation for Beaufort through sunrise photos
Reader appreciates Beaufort more because of sunrise photos
Dear Editor,
Please let Mr. Howison know how much I enjoy his sunrise pictures every day. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thanks for publicity for Beaufort Symphony Orchestra
Reader: Thanks for BSO publicity
Thank you for your articles on the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra and Daniel Adni. It is a real highlight to have someone of Daniel Adni”s stature to play with our orchestra and a tribute to our musicians who gave an outstanding concert. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thank you for garden club articles
Reader: Thank you for garden club articles
Thank you very much for the articles about The Beaufort Garden Club and our 75th anniversary. We appreciate The Beaufort Tribune. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Now is the time to adopt a dog
Reader: It’s a great time to get a shelter dog
Thanks for the article about Adopt-A-Dog month in Tuesday’s issue. I thought your readers would like to know that, in cooperation with the Humane Association of the Lowcountry (HAL), Beaufort Animal Shelter is offering free microchipping for any dog adopted at the shelter during the month of October, or you may take home two dogs or a dog and a cat for only $100 for the pair. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Andre Bauer is worse than Mark Sanford
Reader: Andre Bauer is worse than Mark Sanford
In response to Catherine Ceips desire to see Mark Sanford removed from office:
Good grief, woman, look at the alternative. You would get ” good old boy” Andre Bauer, which would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Likes what we’re doing for local news
Reader: Thanks for The Beaufort Tribune
We just found The Beaufort Tribune online and love what you’re doing for local news. Many thanks to all of you. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: We need answers from our school officials
Reader: We need answers from our school officials
Atta boy, Trib. Good work, Keep the school board/district’s feet to the fire. Beaufort pays more for each student than any other county in the state, has for a long while, but yet we still have some of the poorest score results in the state. Makes you wonder, where is all of our money going? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Editor is nudging readers to pay attention
Reader: Pay attention, attend local government meetings
I am very enthusiastic about the recent editorials in The Beaufort Tribune with the information about the city council, county council and board of education. There is certainly no stone left unturned about what we, the voters and taxpayers, should be thinking about and what questions we should be asking. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: The times were much more simple in the 1950s
Reader: The times were much more simple in the 1950s
The photo of the shrimp boats at the waterfront brought back memories of my childhood. At that time in the 1950s there were docks where the waterfront park is now. Each evening the shrimp boats would come into those docks. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Justice will be served one way or another
Reader: What has this country come to?
I worked in corrections for 25 years in Alabama and I know this man did the killing of Mario Morgan. It is a shame when we let criminals out of jail like this. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Justice was not served to Melvin Holmes, Jr.
Reader: I am the cousin of Mario Morgan
I am the cousin of Mario Morgan. Justice was not served to Melvin Holmes, Jr. I am outraged about the outcome of this trial. I cannot comprehend how it could have happened. What went wrong? Why was Melvin Holmes, Jr., set free? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: How could accused murderer of Mario Morgan be found not guilty?
Reader: Mario Morgan died protecting others
Thank you for your thorough reporting of the verdict in the murder trial of the man accused in the unfortunate and senseless shooting death of Mario Morgan. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: There is no place like Beaufort
Reader misses Beaufort area
I enjoy your online news very much. It is the first thing I open in my incoming e-mails each day. I especially enjoy the sunrise pictures and the articles by Charley Webb. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Send Beaufort’s repeat offenders to jail in Mexico
Reader: Send Beaufort’s repeat offenders to jail in Mexico
I have a suggestion for Beaufort County government. Mexico is building several new jails. Let’s send these repeat offenders down there for rehab. It probably will not cost as much to house them, and when they are released it is a long way from home. I am sure they will get back to the USA, but maybe not all the way back to Beaufort.
Jeremy Wilson
Columbia SC
Letter to editor: Money can’t fix what’s broken in Beaufort’s public schools
Reader: Money can’t fix what’s broken in Beaufort’s public schools
Why are the citizen taxpayers of Beaufort allowing the Board of Education and ultimately County Council to continue to increase taxes to then continue to do a “below average” job at educating our children and grandchildren? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Playing the race card against Joe Wilson is racist
Reader says he has no respect for president
I support with my vote, with donations and with work as a volunteer, if desired, Joe Wilson and his future of representation of this district in the US Congress. [ read article ... ]
Letters to editor continue with vigorous support for Joe Wilson and free speech
Readers send letters of support for Joe Wilson & free speech
Letters to the editor continue to flow to The Beaufort Tribune via email messages. The latest ones all express vigorous support for Rep. Joe Wilson and the values of free speech, and one writer sent a photograph from her weekend trip to Washington DC for the national TEA Party protest (see above). Here are the letters: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Shannon Erickson’s position on Gov. Mark Sanford’s situation is thoughtful and correct
Reader: Erickson’s got it right on Sanford
That was a very thoughtful response by Rep. Shannon Erickson. She again proves she possesses all the judgment and critical thinking ability we need in that position. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Where has my country gone?
Reader wants her country back
I want my country back. When I was a child, our lessons stopped and we all watched TV when the president made a speech. My parents did not agree with all the policies or decisions of Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan, but I was taught to be respectful when the leader of the free world was talking. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: 2d Congressional District received a wake-up call
Reader: Wilson “misguided, uninformed, and shrill”
Well, here’s an in-state, Beaufort resident email agreeing with all those out-of-staters when I say that Joe Wilson showed himself to be the misguided, uninformed, and shrill Congressman he truly is Wednesday evening. [ read article ... ]
Local and out-of-state readers come to defense of Rep. Joe Wilson in emails to The Beaufort Tribune
Locals and out-of-staters defend Joe Wilson
The Beaufort Tribune also received Thursday a number of emails defending Rep. Joe Wilson. Here they are: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Port Royal resident says Rep. Joe Wilson deserves a court martial
Local reader: Joe Wilson deserves a court martial
I am a voting resident of Port Royal. Last night The Honorable Joe Wilson embarrassed the 2nd District of South Carolina. Please note that I addressed him as The Honorable. This is the proper title of respect for a member of the Congress of the United States. [ read article ... ]
Out-of-state emails to The Beaufort Tribune attacking US Rep. Joe Wilson continue
Out-of-state emails attacking Joe Wilson continue
Emails addressed to The Beaufort Tribune from out-of-state people continued Thursday, expressing disgust with Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of the US 2d Congressional District, in which Beaufort county is located. The number of hits on the Trib’s article about Wilson’s Town Meeting in Beaufort on August 23 also spiked with many hits being referred by The Huffington Post, an overtly anti-Republican and anti-conservative web site. Here are the emails: [ read article ... ]
Tribune flooded with out-of-state anti-Joe Wilson emails
Tribune flooded with out-of-state anti-Joe Wilson emails
An unprecedented number of emails were sent to The Beaufort Tribune in the four hours between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. last night. All of the emails came from out-of-state people, following what has been reported in the national media as an “outburst” by U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson on the House floor at last night’s joint session of Congress. Some of the emails cast disparagement on the citizens and the state of South Carolina. Here are the messages: [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Remaking society into a “paradise on earth” leads to chaos, disorder, oppression and misery
Reader: Too much government is dangerous
I’ll be attending the 912 Rally on September 12 at the Waterfront Park in Beaufort starting at 9:30 a.m. I’ll share my thoughts about an issue I believe is important, the attempt to use government to create a paradise on earth. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: What about the public schools?
Reader wants more news about public schools
Beaufort Academy is a private school with good people. But what about the public schools? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Charley Webb doesn’t know how to spell bateau
Reader thinks Charley Webb doesn’t know French, editor knows otherwise
This is for Charley Webb, whom I enjoy reading. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: The Washington Times cannot be considered “open minded”
Reader says contrary ideas are not “open minded”
I must say I was surprised this morning when I read the description of The Washington Times as “the open-minded person’s alternative to The Washington Post.” While it does give a conservative view that balances the Washington Post, with its history, it can hardly be used in the same sentence with open-minded. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Floridian plans move to Beaufort
Reader looks forward to moving to Beaufort
Letter to editor: Sunrise photos are wonderful
Reader loves to call Beaufort home
Letter to editor: Let’s leave mudslinging and hate outside the door
Another reader supports health care reform, challenges name calling
I am amazed that when someone hasn’t a reasonable argument, she stoops to name calling. When all else fails, hurl insults. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: No place for shouting or shoving at Town Hall meetings
Reader supports health care reform
Regarding Teabagger Jani Ubelis’s comments on the federal health care proposal, I would like to see him provide in depth thoughts on the continued enrichment of insurance companies and their executives if we leave things as they are. I also have to wonder if he has ever experienced what it is like to be unable to afford medical care even when one is supposedly covered. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thanks for gift of sunrise pictures
Reader: Beaufort sunrises make day better everywhere [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Where do local Episcopal churches stand on adultery?
Reader questions Episcopalians about adultery [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Thanks to Beaufort firefighters and police
City council member: Our firefighters and police are great [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Daybreak pictures are gorgeous
Reader: Beaufort a wonderful slice of world [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Come to next Beaufort Tea Party on September 12
Retired NY police officer invites public to Beaufort Tea Party 9/12
The date of September 12 has a varied meaning to many of us. To many it is the day after we memorialize 9/11/2001. To me, it has a deep and special significance that goes back to a snowy morning in the winter of 1993. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Sunrise photos are beautiful, please continue them
Reader: Please continue sunrise photos
The sunrise photograph series is just gorgeous. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: “Keep up the good work!”
Beaufortonian in Europe likes Trib
Letter to editor: “I love your newspaper”
Reader says Trib is “real Beaufort”
Letter to editor: I’m just gonna’ wallow in Pat Conroy’s purple prose
Reader from Georgia praises Pat Conroy to level of Abraham Lincoln
When I read about Newsweek magazine’s pan of Pat Conroy’s South of Broad, the first thing to pop into my mind was the Chicago Times’ critique of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address as “silly, flat and dishwatery”. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Let’s not pick on poor old Charleston again
Reader wants more criticism of literary giant, less criticism of Charleston
Regarding Pat Conroy and his new novel, it’s a shame to see a talented writer, regardless of who he is, pick on poor old Charleston again. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Let’s not criticize Pat Conroy, one of our own
Reader wants more criticism of elected officials, less criticism of literary giant
My morning cup of coffee was not quite so enjoyable this day. It was disheartening to read such an uncomplimentary article about Pat Conroy’s new book. I understand authors open themselves to this kind of criticism and that this is the critic’s job. However, maybe the article went too far in bringing up his last book. He is, after all, one of our own. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Camping on Goat Island brings back memories
Adams Run reader loves Charley Webb’s Goat Island article
I love Charley Webb’s recount of camping on Goat Island. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Helpless animals poisoned, dumped
Reader laments inhumane treatment of wildlife in downtown Beaufort
Recently the Bay Street pigeons were intentionally poisoned. Was the Humane Society consulted on the best way to handle the problem if it really was a problem? [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Let’s not start busing students again
Reader says Riverview racial decision opens “can of worms”
Unfortunately, the issue regarding Riverview Charter School has opened up a “can of worms” for Beaufort County with regard to racial percentages per school. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Are forced school transfers next?
Reader focuses on racial imbalance at Battery Creek High School
After seeing the racial imbalance of Battery Creek High School, I’d like for Dr. Truesdale to show an interest in balancing the racial makeup there. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Elizabeth Smith news is “very depressing”
Reader reacts to court embezzlement charge
How very depressing to hear on the news and read in the newspaper of the clerk of court, Elizabeth Smith, charged with embezzlement. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: “Just enjoy reading your paper”
Reader enjoys the Trib with coffee
Each morning I get my cup of coffee and come to my computer and just enjoy reading your paper. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Fairness for all is not good enough for some
After the Beaufort County School District and Beaufort County Board of Education conducted a blind drawing in a state-supervised lottery to establish a balanced racial profile for the new Riverview Charter School, they agreed with the U.S. Office for Civil Rights that this wasn’t fair enough. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor in the form of a poem: The Dog Days and the Lemonade Stand
While I found the tongue-in-check nature of Ms. Sprenger’s letter amusing and on point, I think she leaves out on very important item. Rather than explain it, I put it to verse: [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Lowcountry entrepreneurs need help
With regard to your article about the Lowcountry entrepreneurs [click here for article], I predict this business will be bankrupt by mid August.
It’s obvious too much has been spent on new construction, a mistake that topples many companies. Then there is the low-budget marketing, not enough signage, no neon, no discount offers.
If financial ruin doesn’t happen, surely the business will be closed down by government due to a multitude of code violations. [ read article ... ]
Letter to editor: Hold Beaufort County Board of Education’s feet to fire
Good work Trib! Hold the Beaufort County Board of Education’s feet to the fire.
Local taxpayers are forced to send an inordinate amount money to the schools every year. The board spends our money on pet projects like the north county high school, which will require them to bus children into because the Seabrook area does not have enough children to populate it. [ read article ... ]
Reader sends recipe: Beaufort breakfast casserole
On Tuesday a reader of The Beaufort Tribune in California, Karen Sprenger, got so hungry for a Beaufort dish that she wrote a letter to the editor. An alert Beaufort resident, Beverly Whitaker, stepped up to the plate and sent the following recipe. It’s a dish you make in the afternoon or evening, put in the refrigerator overnight, and enjoy at breakfast tomorrow morning. Thanks Beverly, and good eating, Karen! [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: The Beaufort Tribune a fun way to let people know about Beaufort
I am so enthralled with The Beaufort Tribune that I sent your link to a friend of mine in California, who now informs me she reads the Trib on-line every day with her morning coffee. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Californian asks for Beaufort breakfast recipe
While traveling in your area some years ago, my husband enjoyed a delicious breakfast concoction at a restaurant. He describes it as a mixture of breakfast meats–sausage, ham, bacon, etc.–served as a side dish. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Open trash burning a residential problem
More than three years ago we moved down to beautiful Beaufort from…you guessed it…up North. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Where is school board’s support for Riverview Charter School?
County bureaucracy is once again causing concern and consternation over a very real and logical problem–education. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Obstructing Riverview Charter School with the race bugbear is sad
The history of attempts to establish charter schools in Beaufort county has been one of obstruction. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Shades of RoboCop!
In the movie, the Corporation is the Government and it is everywhere. It’s happening to us today and it’s not a movie. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Why I support the July 4 Tea Party for Beaufort SC
I am a citizen of Beaufort and I am helping to organize a political rally, called a Tea Party, to be held on July 4, 2009, in Beaufort on the steps of the Federal District Courthouse. [ read article ... ]
Op-Ed: The laws of stupidity
Helmets vs. seat belts, what’s the difference?
With the South Carolina Supreme Court hearing the case of Myrtle Beach’s helmet law, it might be a good time to really look at just why things are the way they are. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Tea Party will host a July 4 tea party
Local group invites citizens to rally for freedom from government tyranny
We are having a tea party at noon on July 4, Federal Courthouse, Bay Street. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: local reader heaps praise on The Beaufort Tribune
Beaufort, Friday, June 5, 2009. I just wanted to let The Beaufort Tribune, its editor and staff know what an enjoyable and insightful publication you have provided the people and friends of Beaufort. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor about Carteret/Craven Street intersection
Beaufort, Tuesday, June 2, 2009. The powers that be have followed one of my recommendations published in the Tribune to improve the Carteret and Craven intersection. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor from a reader in the great state of Maine
Mainers read the Trib too
Castine, Maine, Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Those pictures are wonderful. Jack Howison is mighty talented. I loved the foggy one for yesterday. The stories are wonderful too, of course. [ read article ... ]
Reader sends his political cartoon: Smoggy night
Beaufort, Saturday, May 23, 2009. Michael H. Benton of Beaufort drew this cartoon and sent it to us as a statement of his view about so-called “clean coal.” [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor
Reader is “hooked” on the Trib
Beaufort, Friday, May 22, 2009. I really enjoy the Tribune. I am a newspaper guy from way back and thought an on-line paper would not work for me. Was I wrong! Your paper is interesting, about Beaufort and the pictures are superb. I am hooked.
Bill Culp
Beaufort SC
Letter to the editor
Thanks for replacement to newspaper that has “gone south”
Beaufort, Friday, May 22, 2009. Thanks for a much needed Beaufort newspaper now that the Gazette has “gone south”, literally.
John Wright
Beaufort SC
Another letter of thanks
Lifelong Beaufortonian likes Trib
Beaufort, Saturday, May 16, 2009. The Gazette left Beaufort. It is no longer for Beaufort folks.I really love the Trib. We need a paper like this. [ read article ... ]
Local reader suggests community reporters
Letters to the editor keep pouring in
Beaufort, Friday, May 15, 2009. It greatly pleases me to see more choice in local news offering, and more than simply pulling items off the wire service at that. While I can appreciate a local newspaper including a world view, it should not be its bread and butter. [ read article ... ]
Reader welcomes the Trib
The Trib much needed, reader says
Beaufort, Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Your publication is a much needed and very welcomed addition to Beaufort since the Gazette decided to go to Hilton Head Island.
Jack Howison
Beaufort SC
Hospital CEO thanks community in letter to editor
Beaufort, Monday, May 11, 2009. What a wonderful event we had in Beaufort with the Beaufort Memorial Cycling Classic! Seeing people of all ages out watching the professional cyclists zoom around the course was exhilarating. The hospital is proud to be the sponsor of this outstanding event. [ read article ... ]
“Nothing better to do?” asks supporter of Rhyan Williamson
Reader says Williamson case
should be “number one priority”
Beaufort, Saturday, May 9, 2009. I cannot believe what two of the recent women have written. Do they have nothing better to do than sit around and write rude letters about the case? [ read article ... ]
Aiken resident responds to Ms. Guise about Williamson case
Letter to editor sparks reader retort
Aiken SC, Saturday, May 9, 2009. I’m glad Ms. Guise thinks she can solve the Williamson case. The police department certainly needs her help. [ read article ... ]
Reader asks probing questions about Rhyan Williamson story, editor responds
Reader asks what is the role
of a newspaper?
Beaufort, May 8, 2009. I thought the idea of a newspaper was to report the news, not the opinion of the editor. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion and that doesn’t seem to be the case when it comes to the Rhyan Williamson story. [ read article ... ]
Reader does not like our continuing coverage about attack on Rhyan Williamson, editor responds
“Enough, already,” she says
in letter to editor
Beaufort, May 6, 2009. I really enjoy your paper and feel you give much better coverage to local stories than The Beaufort Gazette, but enough already with the Rhyan Williamson story. [ read article ... ]
Rhyan Mazur’s father, Jim Mazur, writes a letter
Rhyan’s father gives thanks
Jacksonville FL, May 5, 2009. I would like to thank all the people who have given such amazing support to my daughter, Rhyan.
My ordeal started about 5:30 a.m. on April 18, when Rhyan’s mother called to say Rhyan had been beaten and possibly raped and was in the hospital. When my wife and I arrived there, we saw my beautiful daughter lying in bed with IV tubes connected to her. Her nose and face were caked with blood. It was more than a parent should witness. [ read article ... ]
Betsy Hammet likes the ACE basin
Beaufort, May 5, 2009. Great ACE basin coverage. Thanks. [ read article ... ]
Ed Hardee likes The Beaufort Tribune
Beaufort, May 5, 2009. I like the Tribune. It’s informative. [ read article ... ]
Margaret Evans welcomes The Beaufort Tribune to town
Beaufort, May 4, 2009. Congratulations on the growing success of The Beaufort Tribune. It’s a great addition to Beaufort’s publishing scene. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor: Consternation, confusion and chaos at Carteret and Craven
Beaufort, April 28, 2009. The west-bound Carteret/Craven Street intersection in downtown Beaufort has been a longstanding blunder. With the repaving and marking of parking spaces it has become even worse. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor from Ridgeway SC about assault evidence
Ridgeway SC, April 27, 2009. Thank you, The Beaufort Tribune, for doing a good job. The activity taking place on Sunday, April 26, should have been the scene on Saturday, April 18, when the horrible assault on Rhyan Mazur-Williamson took place. It took another couple staying in the same suite #17 to find simple evidence that the police should have found more than a week ago. [ read article ... ]
Letter to the editor from Karen Harvey
Reader takes paper to task
Beaufort, April 24, 2009. What began as a fantastic alternative to the sinking Beaufort Gazette has turned into a “one hit wonder.” You might as well have renamed the paper The Bride Beating Times. Get other news in there or your (and our) great hope will become just another tabloid. [ read article ... ]
An open letter from Rhyan Mazur-Williamson
Rhyan tells why she allowed her battered photo to be published
Rhyan Mazur and Michael Williamson, before the events of this past weekend
St. Helena Island SC, April 21, 2009
Dear Mr. Kerchner,
This is Rhyan. I saw the letter you sent to the editor of The Beaufort Tribune. I want to start out by saying thank you very much for your kind words and well wishes that we have received.
I also appreciate your concern about the picture that is displayed in the Tribune. [ read article ... ]
Letter from Steven & Andrea Selman asking why has the police department not kept the public informed
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael and Rhyan for their terrible tragedy. Kudos to The Beaufort Tribune for your professional and timely coverage of this crime against Rhyan. [ read article ... ]
Letter from Steve Kerchner asking why was Rhyan Mazur’s photo published
I think your use of the photo of the attack victim was wrong, wrong, wrong. Ask yourself this; If she were your daughter would you want to see her in such a photo in any newspaper, print or online? [ read article ... ]
Letter of support for Michael & Rhyan Williamson from DJ & Liz Jumper
We are friends of Mike and Rhyan and are extremely saddened by their tragedy. Our hearts go out to them. [ read article ... ]
Letter from Melissa & Chris Jumper urging Beaufort residents to be watchful
We would like to thank The Beaufort Tribune for bringing this story to the public’s attention. This horrible incident could have possibly happened to anyone who was staying in the Beaufort area in the early morning hours of April 18, 2009. [ read article ... ]
Letter of praise from Bill Darby
Your on-line newspaper is awesome. [ read article ... ]
Letter from Sanford Dinkins about Rhyan & Michael Williamson
My dear friends Rhyan and Michael have shown unparalleled strength in dealing with this tragedy [ read article ... ]
Letter from Deborah Martin about attack on Rhyan Mazur-Williamson
My family are friends with Rhyan Mazur-Williamson and her family. Your timely coverage of the events surrounding the horrific attack [ read article ... ]
Letter of thanks to the editor from Michael Pearson
Thank you for doing such a great job. As president of the Beaufort Art Association and a resident, I appreciate your coverage of our home area.
Michael B. Pearson
Beaufort, SC
April 20, 2009
Letter of thanks from Charlotte Grimes
Just when I was feeling so discouraged about trying to keep up with my hometown newspaper, I found The Beaufort Tribune. The layout is easy to manipulate and the stories are about Beaufort—not Hilton Head. Many thanks.
Charlotte Grimes
Conway, SC
April 20, 2009
Letter from Lindsay Roberg about her friend Rhyan Mazur
I cannot believe what occurred to a dear friend of mine early Saturday morning. [ read article ... ]
Letter from Rhyan Mazur Williamson with plea to public
I would like to thank The Beaufort Tribune for publishing this news about the attack on me. [ read article ... ]
Letter from Eric Doss about attack on bride downtown
Regarding the horrible attack on Ryhan Mazur inside her hotel room in downtown Beaufort early Saturday morning, [ read article ... ]
Letter of thanks to the editor from Joyce Merrill
I like it!!!!
Joyce Merrill
Beaufort, SC
April 18, 2009
Letter of thanks from Dr. Joan Arrowsmith
Yesterday I received an email from a friend here at Newpoint sharing a new discovery–The Beaufort Tribune newspaper on the Internet. As were her comments, I can only say “Where have I been?” because I did not know about your publication until now. [ read article ... ]
Letter from Fred Strong
Just today, April 15, The Beaufort Gazette published my letter bemoaning the difficulty of finding Beaufort news in the “new” Beaufort Gazette format. Looks like The Beaufort Tribune has answered my complaints beautifully!
Fred Strong
Beaufort SC
April 15, 2009
Editor’s note: Mr. Strong is a computer-savvy 95-year-old Beaufort resident.
Letter from Jim Kinghorn
Congratulations on your new online newspaper. May this endeavor be successful to the benefit of you, your staff and the community.
Jim Kinghorn
Buxton, NC
April 13, 2009.
Editor’s note: Mr. Kinghorn, a Beaufort native, is executive vice president and general manager of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative serving the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Our first letter to the editor: Congratulations from Jim Kinghorn
Beaufort, April 13, 2009. The Beaufort Tribune is pleased to announce receipt of our first letter to the editor, which comes on the first day of our announcement that we are open for business. [ read article ... ]
