Henry Brown wasting your money yet again

Congressman Henry Brown is at it again. In an attempt to thwart any momentum being gained on health care reform, Brown has sent out a colorful tri-fold brochure, with a miniature health care survey attached. And, as always, it is sent with your tax dollars fitting the bill, along with paying for the preparation and publishing.

Brown is known for spending absurd amounts of your money on mailings.

In the brochure, he uses scare tactics to confuse and blind people from the real truth of health care reform. Specifically, a chart describing "the future of your health coverage" is one page by itself, with it being cited to Joint Economic Committee, Republican Staff - Congressman Kevin Brady, Ranking House Republican Member.

Now, you tell me if this clear enough for senior citizens. Brown does a great job using a chart that jumbles everything up in order to make it look like a hassle - so, it must be hassle to have health reform.

One survey question asks whether or not you "believe the government should provide tax-payer funded abortions," including an "unsure" box just for safe measure.

If I were you, I would contact Brown and tell him to quit wasting our money on stuff that simply gets recycled and use it to benefit the millions of people who need drastic health care reform. People who actually need coverage.

Think about it Henry... How many people could you have bought and paid insurance for - at a year's coverage. One is a start, and a great one at that.

Better yet, why not open up your coffers and purchase health care for someone in your district who needs it. Just like the proposal your selling in this brochure, it's an illusion to think of such.

Don't worry, you'll get my survey back. You might not like the answers, however.

Democratic city candidates offered to share vision

I e-mailed our Democratic candidates soon after the forum that was held Monday, September 28, and encouraged them to write up a introduction to the readers and share their visions for the City of Georgetown.

I have yet to hear from any of them.

So, I am writing this in hopes they see this and understand this request to have them share their goals is serious.

Looking forward to who'll be the first...

Mayor

Jack Scoville, Democrat

Citywide council seats (three open seats)

Jeanette Ard, Democrat

Brendon Barber, Democrat (i)

Dedric Bonds, Democrat

They've had their turn, now it's ours

In the first real fight for the public option, Democratic (and I use that word lightly) members of the Senate Finance Committee decided to become a death panel itself, disregard public opinion favoring public opinion and kill two amendments providing for such.

Senator Rockefeller's amendment was voted down 15 to 8, with Democrats Max Baucus of Montana, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Bill Nelson of Florida and Tom Carper of Delaware joining Republicans to kill it.

However, Nelson and Carper did support Senator Schumer's public option amendment. While that amendment still lost 10 to 13, these two Senators have never stated public support for any version of a public option before.

Now what really gets me is the fact that Baucus could care less about what the public wants. If I am correct, I believe we elect these people to do our bidding. We voted for drastic change in 2008. Having no public option only allows insurance companies to get fatter with profits while providing no check and balance nor a more affordable system for millions who do not have coverage.

I suppose the money to his coffers is far more satisfying.



It's time to stand up against these so-called Democratic leaders we elected. They have obviously catered to big business and corporations over the common good of the people. So, why support them again? It's time to find progressive candidates to run against them. We need to enact real reform. What these current "blue dogs" want is status quo.

Enough is enough. This morning's Washington Journal on C-SPAN had callers showing overwhelming support for the public option, even a few Republicans saw where it was needed - specifically in poor areas of the country. I was shocked that those few Republicans were brave enough to share their names, speak in defense of the public option and be compassionate enough to do so.

There it is. The public against private interest. The first salvo was fired and our own party has members who threw us under the bus yesterday.

Are you going to continue to support Democrats because they use the word? Or, are you going to support real Democratic candidates who push progressive ideas - liberal ideas - that coincide with the American people's values. I prefer the latter, friends.

They've had their turn. It's ours now. It's time to send a clear message to these lawmakers who continue to shaft us in favor of contributions from the companies they protect.

Is their job more important than our lives?

You decide...

A Message from Vincent Sheheen

Each year as Fall begins, I look forward to the change of the seasons, high school football games, and the cooler temperatures.

Today, I’d like to take a moment to share some personal thoughts on the last few months. I’m so hopeful about what I’ve seen and learned as I’ve traveled our great state getting ready to kick off my campaign for governor.

Of course, I’ve spoken with many people who feel embarrassed by some of our elected officials. South Carolinians are weary of the gridlock, the wasted time, and the tired and false notion that government can't work.

But I’ve also seen something else: an unwavering belief that we can get our state moving again.

I’ve seen it here in my hometown of Camden, where old friends and neighbors have volunteered their afternoons to stamp envelopes in the storefront I use for a campaign office.

I’ve seen it in Greenwood, Aiken, and Manning where new friends have stopped me on the street and reached out with warm hearts and kind words in support of my effort to bring a new vision to our state.

I’ve seen it in Charleston, Georgetown, and Rock Hill where I’ve been touched by hundreds of South Carolinians who share my belief that we have a unique opportunity to renew our pursuit of prosperity in the next election.

Every day, I meet new friends and supporters who reject the low expectations that have plagued our state … people who know and expect that with real leadership our state can work for us again.

I hope that you will join us in this effort by contributing to my campaign. Our goal is to raise over $700,000 by the end of this fundraising quarter, which ends in less than 36 hours.

We are very close to reaching this milestone, and with your contribution we can take our message to every family in South Carolina.

Amy, Austin, Joseph, Anthony and I hope this Fall is a blessed one for you and your family. I hope to see you as I travel to your town, and I hope to hear your ideas about restoring positive leadership to our state.


Very truly,

Vincent Sheheen

Politics causing wasteful spending on alternate F35 engine?

As Republicans in this state keep preaching against wasteful spending and 99.9 percent of what President Obama wants to do for the country to stabilize it, I decided to find an issue that will determine who is exactly for wasteful spending.

With all the talk of funding F-22s being at the forefront of political issues, one jet is not. The F35.

The F35 is a more capable, up-to-date aircraft that benefits our military forces well. However, there are two engines vying for the spotlight to power the jet.

The approved engine is the F135 and the alternate engine is the F136. Now, we all know that "esteemed" Senator Jim DeMint doesn't support earmarks. What will be interesting is to see how the rest of the S.C. delegation comes out on this issue.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told Congress that "further expenditures on a secondary engine are unnecessary and will likely impede the progress of the F-35 program." President Obama even opposes the alternate engine funding and has stated he would veto any bill that includes it. There is a statement from the White House stating their nonsupport of the alternate engine.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program: The Administration strongly objects to the addition of $603 million for development and procurement of the alternative engine program, and the requirement for the Department to fund the alternative engine program in future budget requests to the President.

These changes will delay the fielding of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) capability and capacity, adversely impacting the Department's overall strike fighter inventory. In addition, the Administration objects to provisions of the bill that mandate an alternative engine program for the JSF. The current engine is performing well with more than 11,000 test hours. Expenditures on a second engine are unnecessary and impede the progress of the overall JSF program. Alleged risks of a fleet-wide grounding due to a single engine are exaggerated.

The Air Force currently has several fleets that operate on a single-engine source. The Administration also objects to the limit on the obligation of overall JSF development funding to 75% of the amount authorized until Department of Defense (DOD) has obligated all funds provided in FY 2010 for the alternative engine program. If the final bill presented to the President would seriously disrupt the F-35 program, the President's senior advisors would recommend a veto.

And this isn't a partisan issue. The F135 is supported by Republicans.

Lindsey Graham's best friend and U.S. Senator John McCain opposes the alternate engine as well.

Alternate engine proponents have raised the possibility of fleet wide groundings to plead their case. There have been no such groundings in the last 30 years, and the chance of one are remote at best.

Defense appropriations are coming up in the U.S. House, where the alternate engine gets funding. The Senate version does not include funding. It's going to be interesting to see what comes out of committee.

If the program continues, about $5.2 billion could be wasted. New F35s (about 80) could be cut back from our own bases in S.C. - Sumter and Beaufort specifically - if funding goes to the alternate engine.

I urge you to contact Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint and remind them to support the senate version of the defense spending. In the mean time, you can contact Henry Brown and Jim Clyburn and ask them to not support any defense bill that allows for wasteful spending on an engine not approved for the F35.

MegaVote for S.C.'s 1st Congressional District - 9/28/09

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 House: Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 House: Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 House: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Recent Senate Votes

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (77-21, 1 Not Voting) The Senate approved this $32.1 billion bill funding the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency and related programs for the next fiscal year. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (331-83, 18 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would extend by 13 weeks unemployment benefits in states with a jobless rate over 8.5%. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (217-190, 25 Not Voting) The House approved this $4.66 billion bill that funds the legislative branch for Fiscal Year 2010. The bill also includes a continuing resolution to fund government operations after the current fiscal year ends on September 30, as this is the only one of the 12 annual appropriations bills to have been completed. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 - H.R.3326 The Senate is scheduled to work on this $636 billion bill funding the Department of Defense for the next fiscal year. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - H.R.3183 The House is expected to vote on the conference report of this $34 billion bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs.

Rough night for Georgetown Time's live feed

Brief images were all that were available from the Georgetown Times tonight as they ventured into bringing city residents a mayor/city council candidate forum. All candidates were in attendance except for write-in candidate (Republican) Kizzie Lawson.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown Times tried throughout the evening to establish connection, but was unable to. This is from their Web site:

Our apologies for the technical problem that has made it impossible for the live webcast. It was a computer glitch that we have been unable to repair.

I commend the commitment to trying to work the issue out and this in no way should be held against the Georgetown Times. Thanks for trying to serve us better.

S.C. Superintendent of Education: Frank Holleman

In continuation with introducing you to candidates, I present recently announced Democratic candidate Frank Holleman. He is running for South Carolina's Superintendent of Education post. Current SoE Jim Rex has announced he'll seek the Democratic nomination for S.C.'s governorship instead of running for reelection. Readers, here's Holleman's views and goals for education in S.C.


Education is the future of South Carolina and the people who live here. The deep economic recession has underscored what we already knew: Our State and working South Carolinians are competing in a tough global economy. The challenges will become only greater for our children as they enter the workforce in coming years. South Carolina and our children will succeed only if we provide all South Carolinians a high quality education.

That’s one of the reasons why I decided to run for South Carolina Superintendent of Education. Public education has been and continues to be the means by which we open up opportunities for all children and all adults. Education is our most important economic development strategy and our most important tool for improving the lives of all South Carolinians.

As a first step, look at my qualifications. Former S.C. Governor Dick Riley chose me to be his Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Education and then to be the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education. As Deputy Secretary, I was the Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department and Secretary Riley’s principal advisor on policy, programs, and budget. Among other things, we successfully fought for parental, community, and business involvement in education; smaller classes; afterschool programs; reading initiatives; connecting middle school children with college; college scholarships; cheaper student loans; work study so students could work their way through college; technology for schools; support for teachers and principals; reading and math mentoring programs; early childhood education; and standards and accountability.

Also at the national level, after I served as Deputy Secretary, the U.S. Comptroller General asked me to serve on his advisory committee for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and on the GAO’s Expert Panel for K-12 Education. I was also a member of the federal Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance that advises Congress and the Education Secretary on policies that relate to college student aid.

Here in South Carolina, I was the founding Vice Chair of South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness. I was also Chair of Gov. Hodges’s education transition subcommittee. I have been the Chair of Success by Six, the United Way’s early childhood initiative, and Chair of the Alliance for Quality Education, a nonprofit community and business effort to improve the quality of public education. I am the founding Chair of Graduate Greenville, a partnership of the public schools, the United Way, and the Alliance to increase the high school graduation rate and to help challenged students graduate from high school. I served as a Trustee of Voorhees College, a historically black college in Denmark, S.C., and as Chair of the Board of Visitors of the University Center, a collaboration of Clemson, the University of South Carolina, S.C. State, the University of South Carolina Upstate, Furman University, Lander, and Greenville Tech. At my alma mater, Furman, I helped start the Riley Institute.

In summary, I have experience in government with Dick Riley; in establishing a state-wide education initiative; in early childhood education, K-12 public education, and higher education; and in building community support for improving the quality of education. And let me emphasize, too, that my wife and I are graduates of the public schools of Oconee County, and that all three of our children have attended public schools (two have graduated, and one is a senior in high school).

Over the next year, I will be meeting with and listening to citizens, students, educators, parents, and businesspeople across South Carolina to get their ideas for improving the quality of education in South Carolina. Let me set out some initial points:

1. We have to put aside the debate over vouchers and tax credits. I am opposed to any form of vouchers and tax credits for private schools. These proposals take funds away from our community public schools and set back our effort to improve public education. But perhaps more importantly, they are a political diversion from the critical and challenging work we must do to improve public education and to guarantee every child an excellent education.

2. We have to build a community consensus that quality education is our number one priority, and that it is an urgent priority. This great recession may give us an opportunity to make that point. Recently, it was reported that new comers to South Carolina have significantly greater incomes than people who were born here. That gap is related directly to differences in education and skills. We have to focus all the energies of our State – those of businesses, private groups, colleges, and individual families and citizens, as well as the public schools themselves – on the goal of an excellent education for every South Carolinian. South Carolina must have a culture of education.

3. High quality early childhood education is a key to our future. We receive tremendous financial, human, and educational returns from investments in early childhood education that works. Our youngest kids are indeed our future, and we need to be sure they arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.

4. Reading must be a priority. While we have made progress in math when compared with national averages, we have not made equivalent progress in reading. If a child cannot read well, he or she cannot flourish in school. We have to push ahead in math as well, but we must change outcomes in reading.

5. We must engage our young adults through a variety of learning approaches to ensure that they stay in school, graduate, and go on to higher education or a skilled job. Too many young South Carolinians languish in middle school and high school; the large high school experience does not work for a multitude of students, whether they are struggling academically, just getting by, or scoring well. We have to give students a variety of opportunities to learn what they need to know in high school to succeed in the next step of their work or educational careers.

6. We have to do more to connect public education with higher education. We need to think of learning as a lifetime’s endeavor and to think of pre-K through 12 public education and higher education as part of an unbroken chain. Our colleges and universities can do a great deal to improve our public schools, and young students need to think of themselves early on as lifelong learners destined for continued education and training after high school. The Education and Economic Development Act is an important step toward this goal; we need to build on that Act and other initiatives around South Carolina.

7. We have to support and value our teachers, principals, and superintendents. Each of us owes a great deal to the educators who made a difference in our lives, and our schools will excel only if they are made up of quality teachers and leaders.

8. In all areas, we have to look for ways to innovate and do things differently. Many kids need new approaches; schools need to change and rethink their current ways of working with young people. Across South Carolina, important change is taking place. But we have to accelerate the pace of change and also look for new ways to improve learning for all kids. Technology, after school and other learning opportunities, community schools, and smaller learning groups can all be important tools. Students must leave school not only with knowledge in key areas, but also with the skills they need to compete successfully in the 21^st Century world economy.

These are just a few points. There are many, many aspects of a quality education, and I can’t cover them all here. We have much to do. In the coming year, I hope we can join together to make South Carolina’s future a great one for all our kids.

Obama calls for more time in classroom, I say improve quality - not quantity

President Obama wants the people of the U.S. to realize that in order to get ahead in the world's economy you must have more schooling.

"Now, I know longer school days and school years are not wildly popular ideas," the president said earlier this year. "Not with Malia and Sasha, not in my family, and probably not in yours. But the challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom."

The president, who has a sixth-grader and a third-grader, wants schools to add time to classes, to stay open late and to let kids in on weekends so they have a safe place to go.

"Our school calendar is based upon the agrarian economy and not too many of our kids are working the fields today," Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a recent interview with The Associated Press.

Both Obama and Duncan are right, to a degree. The last comment Duncan makes hits a nerve with me. States in the South, Sec. Duncan, would love to have kids "working the fields" now. If you look at the way states fund public schools, you'd see it.

"Young people in other countries are going to school 25, 30 percent longer than our students here," Duncan told the AP. "I want to just level the playing field."

While it is true that kids in many other countries have more school days, it's not true they all spend more time in school.

Kids in the U.S. spend more hours in school (1,146 instructional hours per year) than do kids in the Asian countries that persistently outscore the U.S. on math and science tests - Singapore (903), Taiwan (1,050), Japan (1,005) and Hong Kong (1,013). That is despite the fact that Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong have longer school years (190 to 201 days) than does the U.S. (180 days).

I find it convenient for the AP writer to not cite the source of this information above. I'll tell you why.

According to the Education for All: Global Monitoring Report 2008, countries using double- or triple-shift days reduce the yearly instructional time, so numbers may look lesser than what is actually there. Also, according to data in this same report, instructional time increases with grade level. It states that students are to receive about 4,600 instructional hours in grades 1 through 6.

While I agree schools should be open on the weekend, more options available in a summer-school format and have an education system up to date, our focus needs to be directed towards the states who hold down public education's quality. You can have as many hours as you want, but without quality they mean nothing.

South Carolina is a prime example. Our state constitution is written to only provide a minimally adequate education to all of its people. This was done in spite of desegregation - to say that we'll open the doors to all races, but provide a minimal education.

There is a push to replace that language in the state with "high-quality" education for all.

By signing the petition, you can join other South Carolinians in support of establishing “a high quality education, allowing every student to reach their highest potential” as our state standard for public education in our state constitution. Legislation to change the state constitution must be passed by a 2/3rds vote of the Senate and House of Representatives in order to put the amendment on the general election ballot for public vote in November, 2010.

And one of my good friends, Clay Middleton, makes fine points in relation to this:

While money should not be thrown at our educational system without concrete objectives and goals, accountability, and measured results, adequately funded public education is the oxygen needed for our children to live. Words have the power to influence one's thoughts and thus one's actions. If the language changes in our state constitution, our children, parents, and teachers will know that this state supports public education and is serious about fundamentally making a long-term commitment to improving it.

Imagine a state where we spend more to educate a child than we do to house an inmate. Imagine a state where elected officials are focused more on having a vision and providing a better future for its citizens than on the next election and their personal agendas. Imagine South Carolina being among the top tier in the country in education rather than at the bottom. I believe this can happen with the right leadership at each level of government and with the public being informed and empowered.

President Obama, telling us we need more class hours is one thing. But, telling the states they have a responsibility in educating our children - states shoulder more of the burden - and urge them to provide a high-quality education that will meet or surpass any demand this world will present is a move in a far better direction.

Furthermore, it's essential that we set the tone with all states that this country does support public education to the fullest. There should be more of an effort to take data from each state, see where we are failing and improve the quality - not quantity - of the system.

I am on board for seeing more time in school, but it has to be more quality time... Otherwise, it's time lost forever.

For more on improving our state's educational system, you can visit here. For more on what is actually at stake in S.C., you can read a article by Ron Aiken here.

I urge you to act and help us improve our state's public education by electing leaders who support high quality education.

City candidates will speak at forum September 28th

Republican, Democratic and other city council and mayoral candidates will speak at a forum in the city of Georgetown on September 28, 2009.

A surprise, of sorts, has been thrown into the mix. Current Republican Georgetown County Councilman Ron Charlton has announced he'll seek the mayor's position via write-in. I wonder why he didn't run under his party's colors?

Vikky Ferris, president of the GOP Patriot’s Club, said that organization decided to sponsor a forum for all the candidates so residents can “hear the contrasting views” as they try to decide how they will vote.

There are three city council seats up for grabs.

Incumbent Democrat Brendon Barber and Democrat newcomers Jeanette Ard and Dedric Bonds -- will face Republicans Paige Sawyer, an incumbent, and newcomers Bruce Yablin and Jim Moody.

"This is the greatest opportunity for a candidate to really shine. It is also the time for the City voters to really distinguish between how candidates will approach solving the city's problems and how they will lead," said Ferris.

The forum, moderated by Georgetown Times Executive Editor Bob Piazza, will be held Monday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., at the Maryville Social Hall.

I am really surprised that the city GOP has taken enough initiative to be the first to sponsor a forum. I was hoping to see the Democratic party be the leader on this, but hopefully something will be provided for our candidates later.

Critic lays out personal challenge to me

In the Georgetown Times today, the print edition has a letter from my routine critic Tom Slagsvol. Only this time he lays out a challenge to me personally.

Tell you what I'll do, I will donate $1,000 to Sanderson's favorite charity if he can show me where I can go to read President Obama's health care plan; otherwise Sanderson, you owe the readers an apology.

What I do not like is that if this is not a serious challenge, the people I would like to see helped only get played because of petty ranting.

So, hoping he's legit and seeing that I can show him, here it is. And here it is again. Plainly stated.

Now, Tom... I support Every Child Matters. I am sure they would appreciate the donation. As for my readers, I ask that you all contact the Georgetown Times and make sure this rebuttal gets through and urge Slagsvol honor his end of the deal. You can visit their Web site as well to contact them.

New banner

Today, I have uploaded a new banner for the blog. And, I have Brian Barrie to thank for it. Brian runs theDiscust. I have to hand it to him. It's a great place to visit.

Brian will also be contributing to Blue State South Carolina, my extension into having progressive, liberal people voice out in S.C.

So, keep your eyes peeled, and enjoy the new banner. I love it.

"More of the Same" is not Good Enough!

I was disappointed that yesterday all five Republican candidates for governor said they support the private school voucher agenda pushed for years by Mark Sanford and financed by anti-public education ideologues who see our state as a stepping stone for their national voucher scheme.

Enough is enough.

For too long, we have stood by while out of state extremists have steered the debate about our public schools by funneling huge campaign contributions to politicians who will support vouchers.

For too long, potential economic prospects have watched this strange anti-public school ideology take a stranglehold on our state leaders, deflecting needed improvements in our public schools.

For too long, politicians have caved to this effort to siphon funding and support from our schools, so that they can receive massive out of state campaign contributions.

Now, we learn what the other candidates for governor are promising … more of the same.

I have earned the endorsements of parents, teachers, principals, and school board members from around our state for one simple reason: I believe in public education.

Through proven reforms such as smaller class sizes, better teacher pay, and removing the yoke of “teaching to the test,” I know we can improve South Carolina’s schools and help ensure prosperity and opportunity for the next generation of South Carolinians.

As the son of a schoolteacher and the parent of three children in our schools, I am passionate about these reforms.

In the upcoming election, we have a clear choice. Our state can continue flirting with unaccountable private school voucher schemes aimed at draining resources from our schools, or we can restore our shared value of strong public education to the governor’s office.

I know where I stand. Will you stand with me?

Thank you,

Vincent Sheheen

MegaVote for S.C.'s 1st Congressional District - 9/22/09

In this MegaVote for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 House: Raising a question of the privileges of the House House: Advanced Vehicle Technology Act House: Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 House: Continuing Resolution House: Unemployment Compensation Extension Act

Recent Senate Votes

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (73-25, 1 Not Voting) The Senate approved this $122 billion bill funding transportation and housing programs for the next fiscal year. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Raising a question of the privileges of the House - Vote Passed (240-179, 5 Present, 10 Not Voting) The House rebuked Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie" during President Obama's healthcare address to a joint session of Congress. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Advanced Vehicle Technology Act - Vote Passed (312-114, 7 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would permit the Energy Department to spend $200 million per year more than it currently spends on programs for the research, development, demonstration and commercial application of new vehicle technologies. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (253-171, 10 Not Voting) This House bill would terminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program and replace it with the Education Department's Direct Lending program, as well as increase funding of Pell Grants and increase the annual grant maximum to $5500 in 2010. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - H.R.2996 The Senate is scheduled to continue work on this $32.1 billion bill funding the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency and related programs for the next fiscal year. Continuing Resolution - H.J.Res. The House is scheduled to vote on this continuing resolution to fund government operations after the current fiscal year ends on September 30. None of the 12 annual appropriations bills have been completed. Unemployment Compensation Extension Act - H.R.3548 This bill would extend by 13 weeks unemployment benefits in states with jobless rates over 8.5%.

We paid for this, you're being rude... What about the people at town halls?

This shows the hypocrisy of these "values voters" at their Values Voters Summit in Washington, D.C.

The very same people at the town hall meetings felt it was O.K. to disrupt, call down, yell and sometimes threaten others. How pathetic. They thought it was great to rip signs away from people. They thought it was fun to carry guns to events.

This is strictly a "conservative" event, but where are they morals and values they thump? Please. Seems to me they don't want people to know what they are really discussing.

They could care less about others who wanted real information on health care reform, but ALL people should bow to these people.

Rachel Maddow on South Carolina's Health Care

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

I also have to tell you about State of Denial - a film by Bud Ferillo. It hits on these points!

The War Against Unions - TRNN

Important Message From Obama State Director Trav Robertson

Just last year it was my honor to serve as the State Director for President Obama’s campaign in South Carolina. Together, we helped change our country. Today, I am asking you to join me in helping change our state by supporting Vincent Sheheen for Governor. It was Vincent Sheheen who sponsored the bill which ultimately forced Mark Sanford to take the stimulus money.

It was my privilege to work with each of you to elect a transformational President who is working to create jobs, improve education and fight for those who have no voice. Now, I’ve joined Vincent Sheheen’s campaign because of his record on many of those same issues. As a state Senator, Vincent has been a leading voice for bringing new and better jobs to South Carolina, and creating an education system that serves all of our citizens. The fight is not over! Just as we brought real change to the entire country last year, now is the time to bring real change to our state.

Working together in 2008, we increased voter turnout in South Carolina by record numbers and garnered more votes than any Democratic presidential candidate in almost 20 years! I know we can do it again for Vincent Sheheen if you join our campaign.

I am writing today to ask you to join me in this new fight and lend your support to Vincent Sheheen. Please take a moment to visit his website or join Fifteen for Sheheen.

It’s time to work together to create a state that works for everyone.

Trav Robertson, Jr.
Former Obama for America State Director

Frank Schaeffer on Rachel Maddow last night

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Paige Sawyer's 'family values' not attractive to city's residents

This didn't surprise me. Even with the personal touch - handwritten addressed to my family - it didn't sway me. This postcard isn't nothing more than a ill-mannered attempt to sell a candidate as one thing when the person is actually far from it. The candidate is Paige Sawyer. Here's the image of the post card below.



Neat, isn't it. If you had your own photo studio, you could make one just like it, I guess. However, mine would speak more to the issues at hand in the city rather than GOP rhetoric. I am not going to run his family down. But, I am going to expose Sawyer for what he is - and it's not pro-family.

This postcard mentions nothing on what he'd do for the city if elected again. Instead, we're told about being part of the "Georgetown Family" and how he "values" our friendship. Maybe he should have read my blog because he could have saved the money and used it on someone who actually is a friend of his, not me.

Saywer says he appreciates our "trust" in him. I don't trust him. And, he asks for our "vote" and "confidence" again. He never had my confidence or my vote, so here he is wasting his money on me for nothing. Makes you think what he does with our money.

Do you like your trash pick-up twice a week? Well, if you vote for this guy you can kiss it goodbye. Instead of taking in money to fund programs and necessities for the city, he'd rather put it in debt by going to a one-day trash pick up.

What we have now is an unfair system to our residents that recycle and only need once a week pick-up. They're paying the same monthly rate as someone who doesn't recycle and needs twice a week pick up. Why not reward citizens who recycle with a lower fee and stop having them subsidize the wasteful habits of those who don't recycle and require twice a week pick up.

I recycle. I have two bins. I also have a trash can full twice a week. Reality, Sawyer. Do you enjoy dipping into reserves to pay for things the city needs?

Sawyer doesn't care about families. He's anti-industry in the city. He specific on what he wants removed - the steel mill. He even boasted to the paper and to council about having the mill's land tested - even with the fact it hadn't been sold or the mill hadn't been dismantled. No, he wanted to go ahead and spend our money on a test(s) so he could have talking points for bringing in condos to finally replace the "eyesore" in the middle of the city.

"I have requested the city contact DHEC and ask that soil samples in the mill be taken in case there is something detrimental to the environment the current owners will be responsible," Sawyer said.

What's funny is he hasn't even barked towards International Paper and its situation. Mums the word for him. Gee, I wonder why. Personal interest?

Civic Involvement: Member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, Gideons International, Citizens Advisory Committee for Judicial Selection Commission, International Paper Georgetown Community Advisory Committee, American Legion Post 114, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6444, Battery White Sons of Confederate Veterans, General William Moultrie Sons of the American Revolution, Georgetown Historical Society and Beach Music Association board member.

So, it's plain to see who he has it in for. Furthermore, he could care less about the families that would be displaced by the loss of the steel mill. He only cares about seeing the city turn into a real ghost town with false hopes and dreams of a New Jersey shoreline.

What Sawyer doesn't understand is the city's business owners need to change their attitude towards the locals and cater more so to them. Tourists are nice to have, but is called a season for a reason. It doesn't last forever.

Your local base hasn't been catered to. Nothing has been done to reach out to the West end. The people of Front Street would rather live in their own world. Mind you, there are a few who do not live this way, but the majority do.

And then we have Sawyer. With his postcards and his billboard touting "family values" with no incentive on change or progress. No, he wants all the people to know he's 100 percent GOP.

And the last time I looked, I don't see where that's gotten us very far as of late. What's he going to do, dress like this when he doesn't get his way (he's the one in the glasses) and pour tea on city hall? Give me a break.

And if city-residing employees of the steel mill vote for this guy I want you to know that you'll be selling yourselves down the pipe. This is from his web site. HE'S ANTI-STEEL MILL.

I personally don't think the steel mill has much more of a future in our city. Georgetown needs to be ready with a plan for this property that will benefit not only our existing businesses and residents but also a plan that includes future developments that will make our city more attractive for new businesses, prospective homeowners and visitors.

Yeah, he's a clear choice. A clear choice of what we DON'T need in this city anymore. If family values mean stomping out other families for your gain, then you can keep them. I would much rather have a city council member look out for ALL the people and businesses in the city.

Shame

Representative Joe Wilsons disrespectful and rude outburst aimed at the President before a joint session of Congress last week is just the latest example of his shameful behavior.

Brown decries government spending now, not in the past

South Carolina's 1st Congressional District's Henry Brown says he can't stand behind this "unprecedented path" of government spending, and calls President Obama's stimulus efforts a failure.

Everyone agrees that the American economy is in bad shape. The President's "stimulus" package has failed to produce jobs while hundreds of billions of dollars from the package have gone unspent. Unemployment has risen dramatically, and each advance in the stock market is followed by a precipitous decline.

That's why it is so important that the federal government gets its spending under control.

President Obama recently announced his revised deficit forecast, which will put our nation an additional two trillion dollars in the hole over the next ten years. And that is based on spending plans he and the Democrat-led Congress have already enacted. They will only climb higher if the President is successful in his efforts to provide universal health care and tax carbon emissions.

Not a single one of my Republican colleagues supported this unprecedented path of spending, one that created the largest budget deficit in American history. But Republicans believed then and now that we can and must do better to protect our children and our grandchildren from overwhelming future debt.

Well, Henry. Isn't that a mouthful.

The stimulus package has produced jobs, sir. Maybe if you'd read some of the newspapers around the state, you'd see that. Here's an example of what I found below.

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced Tuesday that the Savannah River Site (SRS) will receive $1.615 billion in stimulus funds to accelerate decommissioning work and create as many as 3,000 jobs.

Around the country, we have seen adverse effect in the positive, even allowing Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernake to state the recession is over.

That's because Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has apparently seen enough economic data to say that the worst recession since the Great Depression seems done. His comments came on a day when markets saw several reports that further buttress the view that overall economic output is again expanding.

But to Henry Brown, truth doesn't matter. Only ideology.

There is going to be a slow turnaround. But that's where we are because of the stimulus package. If it hadn't passed, we'd be in a full-out depression.

But Henry, I must ask why you don't include your support for TARP funds to bail out the banks in any of your letters? Instead of worrying about the deficit then, you simply allowed CEOs to pocket huge bonuses - using our money to enjoy the high life. I guess the debt on us from that pales in comparison to the donations you receive from your finance friends.

Brown voted for the Fall 2008 Bank Bailout and Tarp program, without using his power in Congress to see that this Bush Administration effort included accountability, transparency and limits on bonuses. Billions of dollars in tax money has been paid out in bonuses by an economic sector where Henry Brown accepted more contributions than others during his career in Congress -- $470,805 from the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate industries, according to OpenSecrets.org.

And what really gets me is the last comment you make in regards to looking out for our families. Henry, you've done no such thing. Under eight years of Bush control, you rubber stamped his policies, passed his agenda and ballooned the debt without paying for a single thing. That, sir, is what is effecting our country and families now.

Not a single one of my Republican colleagues supported this unprecedented path of spending, one that created the largest budget deficit in American history. But Republicans believed then and now that we can and must do better to protect our children and our grandchildren from overwhelming future debt.

What IS in bad shape is your party's unwillingness to stand behind something. As you boldly point out in acceptance, I urge you to reconsider following the partisan line in favor of standing with the American people. Stand with the state of South Carolina and forgo ideology. Use your so-called power to help out the citizens of the district you were elected from.

We cannot pass along this crushing debt to our children and grandchildren.

Sir, you have already done so - and with nothing to show for it. The former president thanks you, too.

Friends, we do not need this type of representation. I urge you all to do whatever is needed to help put Brown out of office and put the "workhorse" out to pasture.

Important Message from a South Carolina Teacher of the Year

Recently, I joined education leaders from around the state to announce my support for Vincent Sheheen’s campaign to get South Carolina moving again. Today, I’m proud to announce that even more school leaders have come forward to support our efforts.

Vincent Sheheen knows that our local schools and their students depend on dedicated parents, hardworking classroom teachers and support staff, accountable school board members, and visionary principals and administrators to be successful.

He knows this because he grew up as a public school student, whose mom was a fifth grade teacher. She later became a school principal for 14 years. Of course, she also excelled at her most important role: that of a parent.

And today, Vincent sends his boys to the same public schools his mother sent him, and where I first met him, over two decades ago.

As governor, Vincent Sheheen will give educators the tools they need to be successful, because he knows quality schools are essential to economic prosperity. This means common-sense reforms such as smaller class sizes, higher teacher pay, equity funding, earlier childhood initiatives, and letting teachers teach to the children rather than teaching to the test.

Please join me, and the other education leaders below, in our effort to restore this vision and leadership to our Governor’s Office.

You can help by contributing to Vincent’s campaign. By making a donation of $15, you can help ensure Vincent is able to reach every single South Carolinian with his vision for the future.

Will you donate Fifteen for Sheheen today?

Thank you,

Mary Ann Blaskowitz
South Carolina Teacher of the Year (1982)

New Education Leaders Supporting Vincent Sheheen
Thurmond Becote, Vice Chair, Florence One School District Board
Dr. Herbert M. Berg, Superintendent, Lexington/Richland School District Five
Al Bradley, Director, Florence School District One Career Center
Connell Delaine, Chair, Darlington County School Board
Pat Gibson-Hye, Florence One School District Board
Charles Govan, Darlington County School Board member
Tim Hopkins, Director for Elementary Education, Kershaw County Schools
Charlene McGriff, Chair, Lancaster County School Board
Alexis Pipkins, Florence County School District One School Board
Berty Riley, Jasper County School Board Member
Michael Toms, Vice Chair, Marlboro County School Board.
Patricia Walls, Jasper County School Board
Dr. John Williams, Superintendent, Chesterfield County School District

Prior Education Endorsements
Melinda Anderson, Chair, Richland School District Two School Board
Mary Ann Blaskowitz, South Carolina Teacher of the Year (1982)
Toya Green, Chair, Charleston County School Board
Mary Lostetter, South Carolina Teacher of the Year (2000)
Dr. James Ann Lynch, Elementary School Principal
Dr. Darryl F. Owings, Superintendent, Spartanburg County
Dr. Jasper Salmond, Vice Chairman, Richland School District One School Board
Ann Marie Taylor, South Carolina Teacher of the Year (2008)

"I am supporting Vincent Sheheen for Governor because he understands the importance of early childhood education and parental involvement, and he has a record of working to improve the quality of education in this state which will ensure that the next generation will be able to compete in an ever changing global society."

-Alexis D. Pipkins, Sr.
Florence County School District One School Board
Executive Director, First Steps of Lee County