It's Scoville's city now

Today, Mayor-elect Jack Scoville became mayor of the City of Georgetown.

With that, he inherits some of the worst days seen in this community. Unemployment has risen. People question the spending of city government. Others want more jobs. Even more want to see the city become more than what it is now.

Scoville has been asked some tough questions here by me. Now, it's time for action. Along with Jeanette Ard, maybe the so-called Democratic city council members can engage with the mayor and help get some meaningful items accomplished.

The city and its people surely need it.

Ard plans to hold regular forums, involving the city residents as a way to communicate what it happening on the city government level to the people it affects. Let's hope this lasts. Best wishes with the first on January 25.

Scoville has a healthy platform that will be tested. This is his city now. He now assumes all the responsibility in regards to steering the ship out of the fog.

Four years is a long time to some. It'll fly by in no time on the political level. Let's hope city council and its new mayor get going immediately.

McGowan Calls on DeMint to Stop Putting Politics Ahead of Our Safety

First we found out that Senator Jim DeMint is the sole reason America had no one in charge of air security when Al Qaeda terrorists tried to blow up an airliner over Detroit last week.

DeMint's been blocking Erroll Southers' Senate confirmation as Director of the Transportation Security Administration, in spite of his qualifications for the job and bi-partisan support.

Now, we find out that putting politics ahead of our families' safety is a pattern with Senator DeMint.

In 2007, DeMint was one of only 8 Senators who voted against explosives detection equipment and training for the TSA. You read that right. DeMint was one of only 8 Senators who voted against the Improving America's Security Act of 2007, an act that, among other anti-terrorism measures, authorized $250 Million for explosives detection equipment and training for the TSA.

"Jim DeMint has a long history of putting his political agenda ahead of our safety," said US Senate candidate Chad McGowan. "It's not just one time. DeMint plays politics with our safety over and over again. That's not what South Carolina needs and it's certainly not what America deserves, especially now."

McGowan repeated his call for DeMint to stop blocking the confirmation of America's TSA Director.

"DeMint needs to stop playing his political games and start worrying about our safety. He says he wants a vote on the nominee. So let's have a vote, up or down. Right now."

Jim DeMint is a poor excuse for a senator

With our teabagger senator from South Carolina making a big fuss about unions while holding up a nomination for TSA's head post, I thought I would spell out just how much of a poor excuse Jim DeMint is as a representative of the people.

Our junior senator took office in 2005, replacing Democratic lawmaker Fritz Hollings. This was also during former president George W. Bush's second term. Let's look at how dismal it got.

DeMint voted largely against any Democrat who offered amendments up to bills. It was no use to try and help the people that were going to be screwed by this administration because the rank-and-file republicans like DeMint were prepared to shoot anything and everything down.

However, it can be noted that DeMint cares more about selling out the workers of the United States in favor of the corporations who would benefit from low regulated free trade, starting with his yea vote on S. 1307 in the 109th Congress.

In 2006, it seems he had a problem helping the people of this country by voting no on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act. This bill had the following attached:

Appropriates $29.39 billion for hurricane relief and recovery efforts, including $10.78 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency; $5.2 billion for the Community Development Fund; $4.2 billion for flood control projects of the Civil Corps of Engineers; $1.49 billion for the Department of Transportation; $1.4 billion for the Department of Defense hurricane relief related activities; $1.25 billion for the Small Business Administration's Disaster Loans Program Account; $1.13 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and $997.27 million for the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

He was among 21 republicans who decided helping Americans wasn't really important.

Helping farmers in 2007 was a no-no to DeMint as well. Hoping people who farm in South Carolina get the message: JIM DEMINT VOTES AGAINST YOU!

He voted against the Energy Act, SCHIP, Bridge Repair Funding, Appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies and so on.

People just didn't matter to DeMint. Then and now. And in his words. For more on DeMint and his pathetic record, visit here and here.

DeMint favors rewarding wealth. He punishes people who work. His stances favor and protect products of investment and inheritance while putting more responsibility on those who earn an income by working.

In layman's terms, DeMint and all the others like him want to eliminate taxes on the wealthy. The drones who protest at tea parties follow blindly. They also want to eliminate taxes on corporations and shift the burden more and more households.

We need leaders in this state and country who do not reduce tax revenue in favor of running up huge deficits to starve the "beast" as they say. The problems in this country didn't happen overnight and they surely didn't begin when Obama took office. Recently, state senator Glenn McConnell was heard on television saying republican legislators know the burden they face - they caused it - but will not raise taxes. Their answer? Cut government. And they are succeeding while hundreds of thousands in the state suffer.

I ask that people in South Carolina take a long, hard look at this person who calls himself a senator. In my book, he is far from it.

I also ask that people get involved in their state politics and help prevent something far worse than they've ever seen. More republican domination is not the answer.

Seasonally adjusted initial UI claims down in S.C.

In a report released today, The U.S. Department of Labor says seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims have dropped compared to last week.

In the week ending Dec. 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 432,000, a decrease of 22,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 454,000. The 4-week moving average was 460,250, a decrease of 5,500 from the previous week's revised average of 465,750.

It's interesting to see what was noted for South Carolina...

The state has a decrease in initial claims of 1,740. What has helped with this decrease?

SC

-1,740

Fewer layoffs in the manufacturing industry.

McGowan Calls on DeMint to Stop Blocking a vote on TSA Director

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Chad McGowan today called on Senator Jim DeMint to stop blocking the confirmation of a proven counter-terrorism expert for Director of the Transportation Security Administration.

"Jim DeMint is putting his partisan agenda ahead of our safety," McGowan said. "This is not the time to have nobody in charge of America's air security. Terrorists don't care if we're republicans or democrats-they only care that we're Americans. Senator Demint needs to understand that."

Erroll Southers was nominated for the TSA directorship in September, four months ago. In spite of massive bi-partisan support, Southers' nomination has been held up since then due to a procedural hold by Senator DeMint.

"DeMint needs to stop playing Washington politics and let this nomination come to a vote, now, today. We should never place a political agenda over our families' safety. That's just irresponsible-and dangerous. " McGowan said.

Southers is a former FBI special agent and is currently assistant chief for homeland security and intelligence at the Los Angeles Airport. He also is the associate director of the University of Southern California's Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events, and he served as a deputy director of homeland security for California's Republican Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

MegaVote for S.C.'s 1st Congressional District - 12/29/09

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Senate: To permit continued financing of Government operations Editor's Note: Congress is currently in recess. The House is expected to reconvene on January 12, and the Senate will likely return on January 20.

Recent Senate Votes

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Vote Passed (60-39, 1 Not Voting) The Senate passed this $871 billion health care bill. The House and Senate must now work out the differences between their versions of the bill in conference. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio To permit continued financing of Government operations - Vote Passed (60-39, 1 Not Voting) The Senate passed this legislation to raise the federal debt limit to $12.39 trillion. The bill has been sent to the President. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Help Chad Show Strength

We've got a very important New Years resolution this year - defeat Jim DeMint and bring fair and efficient leadership back to South Carolina.

We are going to have to keeping working hard on the campaign trail, but we have something Jim DeMint doesn't: your loyal support and dedication. New polls are out and his favorability is slipping. His seat is more vulnerable now than ever before.

Our first important FEC deadline is quickly approaching and this is our chance to show the political pundits and voters that we're building the resources we'll need for a 2010 victory.

Your support today is the only way we can get there. We need to get 250 donors by December 31. As little as $5 will help. Can I count on you to be one of those donors?

Click here to make an immediate contribution of $5 or more to help us meet our crucial fundraising goal.

Jim DeMint is notoriously tied to special interests. Washington is debating major, life-altering legislation and we need someone who is in tune with the people of South Carolina, not the lobbyists. Jim DeMint has proven to us that he is not the leader we need him to be.

This is our chance. The polls are turning, our momentum is strong, and we have a platform of ideas to make life better in South Carolina.

Click here to make an immediate contribution of $5 or more and help us get 250 donors before our FEC filing deadline.

Thanks,

Chad McGowan

My heartfelt condolences to Vida Miller

J.D. Miller always had a smile on his face when I would see him during the campaign season or when I would venture into Pawleys Island for a Waccamaw Neck Democratic Club meeting.

It is with the deepest sympathies that I say that smile has faded.

J.D. lost his battle to pancreatic cancer earlier today. He was the husband of State Representative Vida Miller.

With the utmost respect, I say J.D. has made his way home this Christmas. He was called to heaven on such a gracious day. A day where we celebrate the coming of Christ.

Vida, if you are reading this, I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to you. I am very sorry for your loss and it pains me to even have to write this.

May God bless and watch over you during this tragic time.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, at First Baptist Church in Georgetown. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Ted A. Sherrill.

The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Monday evening, December 28, from five until seven.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, S. C. 29605 or Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, S. C. 29440. The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Holding Henry Brown accountable with Georgetown port

In March 2008, U.S. Congressman Henry Brown visited Georgetown in support of an announcement of "some $300 million coming to the area, and the port would be used to export the manufactured goods" and did so during an election. Here's the full story. What's funny is it's promoted on his campaign site.

The notice makes mention of goods being exported - steel from Nucor. Sounds to me they may be referencing Charleston's port, not Georgetown's. The only steel I've seen on the port grounds has been imported - cheap, foreign-made steel.

So, where's the money for Georgetown? Here it is... The end of 2009 and we haven't any such usage or flow of money designated for the port since it was made public.

More so, not one media outlet has held Brown accountable for this proclamation.

I guess Brown sums it up best.

"It's been a pet project of mine for a long, long time."

Yep. You got that right. Only useful during elections, then shelved for every two years.

Dobbs: This bill is nothing but a load of crap!

Congressional candidate Robert Dobbs (SC-1, D) is responding to the latest on the Democratic Senate Health Care Bill. His birthday wish would be for this bill to stop and start over.

Dobbs stated, “This bill is nothing but a load of crap! We see the State of South Carolina and other States will have to pay for Medicare and Medicaid in other States because certain Senators were paid off to vote for the bill. This is immoral and wrong. Senator Harry Reid, President Obama, any who support this in the Senate need to start from scratch and come up with a proposal that doesn’t, once again, fleece the taxpayers and subsidize the health care corporations with taxpayer dollars. Mr. President, Senator Reid, and fellow Democrats you promised changed, but now a cow tailing to the special interests over the health and welfare of Americans!”

Top Reasons to Kill Senate Health Care Bill:

• $476 billion in new public funds for premium subsidies would go to insurance firms.

• Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations, without giving you any option of.

• If you refuse to buy the insurance, you will be penalized of up to 2% of your annual income to the IRS.

• You will be forced to buy poor-quality insurance, at the determination of the health care corporations, with $11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums.

• Paid for by taxes on the middle class insurance plan you have right now through your employer, causing them to cut back benefits and increase co-pays.

• You have to pay the taxes for the bill now, but you won’t see any benefits until 2014 when the program begins.

• Allows insurance companies to discriminate against people who are older and charge them 300% more than others.

• Grants monopolies to drug companies that will keep generic versions of expensive biotech drugs from ever coming to market.

• No re-importation of prescription drugs (ie Canada), which would save consumers $100 billion over 10 years.

• The cost of medical care will continue to rise, and insurance premiums for a family of four will rise an average of $1,000 a year — meaning in 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now.

• 23 million people will remain uninsured when the plan finally takes effect.

• The Bill will cut $43 billion in Medicare payments to safety-net hospitals.

• No public option.

Robert Dobbs further stated, “Progressives, Conservatives, and everyday Americans all agree this bill is not what America needs. This needs to stop now and the process needs to begin again with what America needs and really wants. Why do we need to pass a lousy bill now that doesn’t take effect until 2014, why don’t we move slower and get this right! We already have lousy health care and having Autistic children, my wife and I fully know how the health care industry wasn’t there for us and this bill is no better, if not worse!”

Robert Dobbs, a veteran of the U.S. Army, is running for Congress in South Carolina’s First District.

Phil Noble: Not in South Carolina... Why?

If you were watching the national news late last week, you may have heard the encouraging news that US unemployment dropped by 0.2% in November. The vast majority of states saw drops in their jobless rates also. But not in South Carolina.

For the fourth month in a row, South Carolina, along with just 6 other states, saw it's unemployment rate rise, this time to a record 12.3%, giving our state the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation.

That's right, unemployment is dropping across the country, but in South Carolina, our jobless rate continues to rise. And even though a new legislative session starts in just weeks, we have yet to see any big ideas from the politicians in Columbia--Republicans or Democrats.

Families from Pickens to Port Royal are waiting and hoping for our elected officials to wake up and start taking action on the real issues.

The effects of this inaction are all too familiar. Whether it's choosing between a toy on their child's Christmas list and paying a bill, these are real people who have been hit hard by unemployment--our friends and neighbors, the folks we see at the store everyday--yet despite dropping unemployment across the country, SC has had four consecutive months of rising unemployment.

They deserve better than what our elected officials are giving them. We all deserve better.

If our lawmakers can't do better in the upcoming legislative session, then I'm sure we can find a few people who can. After the New Year, we're ramping up our efforts to pressure our SC lawmakers to step up to the plate. We hope you'll join us.

A safe and special holiday to you and yours,

Phil Noble
President, SC New Democrats

To the 'Christian friend' in the community

Today, I checked my mail as usual - barefoot. I received three Christmas cards from relatives and friends.

But one stood out.

There was a Christmas card with no return address on it. It was the first I opened. To my surprise, I found a gift card with a gracious amount on it from a "Christian friend" in our community.

My family would like to say thank you so much to that Christian friend. The gift card will come in very handy towards groceries. Thanks again, and I hope that we can all live up to your standards.

Merry Christmas.

Comparing status quo, Senate and House health care

The PICO Network, or People Improving Communities through Organizing, has put together a nice graph comparing the status quo of health care in this country with the House and Senate versions of health care reform.

We've had a lot of questions about what is in the Senate and House bills. Click here for a chart that compares the current status quo on health care with the Senate and House legislation. The chart focuses on aspects of health reform that most people would experience in one way or another.

Holleman: To a Better New Year!

Anne, Frank IV, Libby, Anna, and I all wish you and your family a merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a better new year. This has been a year of challenges for our state, for our schools, and for South Carolina's children. In the coming year, we must continue the hard work of providing our children the best education we can, of looking for new and different ways to further their learning, and of making them and South Carolina successful in a fiercely competitive global economy. We hope you and your family are blessed by the joys of the holidays and that we get a chance to visit with you in 2010. If you are looking for a last minute gift, consider making a contribution in honor of the recipient to your local education foundation, PTA, or School Improvement Council. In a year of budget cuts, these contributions can make a real difference for your neighborhood schools. Sincerely, Frank Holleman

Sheheen: Seasons Greetings

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Vincent, Amy, Austin, Joseph, and Anthony Sheheen

Householder discusses chemical safety

Joe Householder - Executive Director of the Coalition for Chemical Safety - discusses modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act with talk radio host Jimmy Barrett in Richmond, Va on 12/16/2009

MegaVote for S.C.'s 1st Congressional District - 12/21/09

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 Senate: Cloture Motion; Reid Amdt. to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act House: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 House: Jobs for Main Street Act Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Recent Senate Votes

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Agreed to (88-10, 2 Not Voting) The Senate gave final approval to this bill funding the Department of Defense through September 2010. The bill now goes to the President. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Cloture Motion; Reid Amdt. to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Vote Agreed to (60-40) The Senate agreed to this motion to invoke cloture on an amendment making changes to the $871 billion health care bill. The vote allows debate to proceed and prevents a filibuster. 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

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (395-34, 5 Not Voting) The House approved this defense spending bill, sending it to the Senate for final passage. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Jobs for Main Street Act - Vote Passed (217-212, 6 Not Voting) The House passed this $154 billion jobs bill which is partially paid for by unspent money from last year's Troubled Asset Relief Program. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - H.R.3590 The Senate is expected to continue working on this health care reform legislation.

South Carolina jobless rates climbs, national rate drops

This week, we found out that our state's jobless rate rose from 12 percent in October to 12.3 percent. Locally, Georgetown reached 14 percent. Add the underemployed and you could see a figure of about 17-19 percent statewide. However, the jobless rate fell to 10 percent nationally - meaning other states are increasing jobs. Thirty-six states showed decreases exactly.

South Carolina’s unemployment rate rose sharply in November to 12.3%, from a revised October rate of 12.0 %, the State Employment Security Commission reported today. November’s jobless figures set a record high for the state. Estimates produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the state’s labor force at 2,173,054 in November, an increase of 2,079. The number of unemployed increased 5,896 to 266,330. The national unemployment rate was 10.0% in November, down from 10.2% in October.

Because unemployment affects states on two levels — through dropping tax revenue and increased demands for assistance — states measure recessions and recoveries by changes in their work forces.

But what do republicans have to offer? Nothing. Let's take a look at a response from the state's most valued teabagger, Senator Jim DeMint.

"It’s becoming clearer every day that Washington’s high debt and spending haven’t improved our economy, it has made things worse," said Senator DeMint. "The President told South Carolinians that his trillion-dollar spending bill would create thousands of jobs in our state, but instead his policies have simply piled up a mountain of debt for our children and grandchildren. Washington cannot centrally manage our economy, by picking winners and losers with bailouts, takeovers, and pork-barrel spending."

Could we please tell the truth? This state has been run, dominated and destroyed by republican rule for decades. Their free-market, no-regulation rhetoric has pretty much erased all high-paying, long-termed jobs and replaced them with the facade of superb tourism jobs - which are seasonal, part-time and low-benefit oriented.

The state’s job count decreased by 1,500 in November, with most of the decreases occurring in Construction (-1,700), and Leisure and Hospitality (-6,600). Partially offsetting the losses were gains in Government (+1,900), Retail Trade (+1,100), Professional & Business Services (+2,600), and Manufacturing (+600). Of note, gains in Manufacturing were observed for the first time since May of 2008. The state’s overall job count was 50,800 below the year-ago level and nearly 95,200 below the December 2007 level when the recession began.

Leisure and hospitality... Those are tourist jobs. Think what this would mean if this state solely relied on this as a economic pump for the state. Might as well close the borders during this time of year because we couldn't afford to keep the lights on. More than 6,000 jobs ended. That's pure numbers which tell you this state is not serious about keeping PERMANENT JOBS.

But alas - gains in manufacturing were noted. Those type of jobs are what this state sorely needs. But until you change the focus and delusional dreams republicans have, we'll be stuck in the past socially and in a dream world economically.

Professional and business services came in with a huge increase as well. These jobs include bookkeeping, payroll and training.

The problem with republicans these days is they do not want to acknowledge anything positive. Not one ounce of sunlight. It's all doom and gloom with them.

Sadly, they run this state. They ruined the budget - and the people's needs - with their absurd tax cuts. Even some blue dog democrats here joined them.

It would be nice to see such a magnificent turnout in 2010 that actually cared enough to change their state government.

States get paid bonuses for insuring children

South Carolina take note.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the award of more than $72 million to nine states for making significant progress in enrolling children in health coverage through Medicaid and improving access to children’s coverage through Medicaid and the state children’s health insurance program.

“Today, we’re happy to reward states that have taken important steps to help insure more children and made a real difference in the lives of families across the country,” said Secretary Sebelius. “These awards will provide crucial support and help states continue to serve children and families.”

Here's more right here. Here's the official letter on the CHIPRA payments.

State award amounts today are:

Alabama	$39.1 million
Alaska	$789,000
Illinois	$9.1 million
Louisiana	$1.5 million
Michigan	$3.7 million
New Jersey	$4.2 million
New Mexico	$5.1 million
Oregon	$1.6 million
Washington	$7.5 million
Total: $72.6 million

Thad Viers pokes his nose in Georgetown's school distirct

I am sure you are aware of the Georgetown County School Board's decision to pass an ordinance not allowing concealed weapons on school property.

Well, this week we had a opinion shot down to Georgetown from the attorney general's office. The opinion says the ordinance supersedes state law, passed in June, to allow for such weapons on school property.

Guess who requested the opinion. Statehouse Rep. Thad Viers... Of Horry County.

The legal opinion was requested by Rep. Thad Viers, R-Horry County, who was concerned about the district's policy and possible second amendment rights violations after reading an article in The Sun News.

Wow. Instead of worrying about his district - and the fact a school shooting involving the death of a child at Carolina Forest was all over The Sun News - he decides to poke his nose in another county's business.

That's just like cowardly republicans. Viers doesn't live here. So, he doesn't have to face any commentary from the public who actually support the measure.

This is anything new for Viers. He pulled a similar, cowardly act involving Henry Brown's reelection bid in 2008.

"I feel voters need to know where she stands on some issues that to a lot of them are completely abhorrent," Viers said after the rally. "She is not just out of the mainstream, she is out of the fringe. Her values better represent San Francisco, California - not God-fearing South Carolina."

Viers cited a number of other issues, such as her opposition to the death penalty, but many of his concerns noted activism related to her sexuality: her past leadership of the S.C. Gay and Lesbian Alliance; or her campaign against the gay-marriage amendment. He read from an opinion piece she wrote for the Q-Notes, an online news site for the Carolinas' gay community, in which she discussed her faith in God and her frustration with Christians who demonize gays.

Surprisingly, Rep. Viers said he planned and executed his press conference without the knowledge or encouragment of Ms. Ketner's opponent, incumbent Rep. Henry Brown (R-SC).

I do hope the school board fights this because giving in to a state representative who doesn't represent the area and cares nothing about our children should not win out just because he requested an opinion.

Viers is a poor excuse of a leader and if we bend to this person, we'll bend to any person against the protection of children.

Nancy Morgan is full of GOP hot air

In a recent Georgetown Times column, blogger and writer Nancy Morgan - who trumpets the GOP rhetoric - could have used this installment to fly a hot-air balloon.

Making the rounds of conservative talk shows lately is the question, "What has Obama accomplished so far?" The question is asked of of Obama supporters and the answers range from 'abolishing lobbyists' to 'securing world peace' to 'lowering taxes.'

One thing all answers have in common: They are all grounded in perception as opposed to reality.

Nancy, you must be kidding. I'll provide you answers you've never heard before because, frankly, you're choosing not to see them.

My friend Sam Stein will even help me.

1. Health Care: The Obama White House cleared an important hurdle in the health care reform debate when it appropriated $19 billion in the stimulus package to help implement an electronic medical record system. The money is paltry compared to the hundreds of billions set aside for an overhaul of the health care system in the budget. But officials inside and out of the White House say its significance is hard to overstate.

"We need to have health IT so we have a better idea both of what works but also... so people can share information," Zeke Emanuel, Obama's health care adviser told the Huffington Post in mid-March. "We are on our way in a way that we have never committed ourselves before."

2. Communications: A presidential campaign built on innovative messaging and advanced technology has, naturally, become a White House defined by similar characteristics. As such, the reach of the administration's new media efforts - from hosting online question-and-answer sessions with the president to publishing the first White House blog - has been as expected as appreciated. It's unfortunate, said one tech savvy Democrat, because the new policies have had tangible impacts. "The White House streams every event with the president on its website, even press events," he said. "It's remarkable because, this Sunday they held a swine flu press conference that ordinary people [including many who may have been personally nervous about the topic] were able to watch online... Before you had to wait for a readout or hope that CSPAN would cover it. This is one of those things that people don't quite understand the significance of."

3. Transportation: Since the passage of the economic stimulus package in mid-February, the Obama Department of Transportation has approved 2,500 highway projects. The movement of stimulus money out the door has been as swift as it has been effective: $9.3 billion has been spent in all 50 states. Touting its impact, DOT officials say 260,000 jobs are expected from this investment. And with competition for contracts fierce, the department is set to approve even more projects than previously envisioned. "There will be more money for additional transportation projects," said the official.

4. Education: Maligned for its handling of the financial and banking crises, the Obama Treasury Department has nevertheless implemented policies with real qualitative and quantitative impact on debt-burdened families. Chief among those was a $2,500 tax credit to help offset the cost of tuition (among other expenses) for those seeking a college education. Nearly five million families are expected to save $9 billion, according to Treasury officials.

5. Cars: The automobile industry at the White House and Congress's behest has undergone seismic structural changes, managerial reorganization, and massive cuts in employment. But for all the tough love, the president has put in place the framework for an industry recovery. Perhaps the most significant of steps was to allocate $2 billion in stimulus cash for advanced batteries systems. One high-ranking Hill aide called battery technology "the next big frontier" in the automotive world, adding that if the U.S. could dominate this market it would reclaim its perch as the world's premier car manufacturer.

That's five... For five more, Nancy... Visit here.

Dobbs Calls Out Henry Brown by Voting for Wall Street Over Main Street

Congressional candidate Robert Dobbs (SC-1, D) calls out Representative Henry Brown for the campaign cash he received from Wall Street financial firms for opposing the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 (H.R. 4173).

Robert Dobbs stated, “Henry Brown definitely knows who butters his bread. His vote against H.R. 4173 put the interests of those same firms, who put the U.S. financial system into a mess, over the interests of the citizens of the 1^st District. While citizens in the 1^st District worry about jobs, foreclosures, and just being able to live; Henry Brown worried about how much the Financial Industry was going to give him in order to vote against protecting the 1^st District from these same firms.”

A Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows these industries, which aggressively fought to water down Democrats’ plans for new regulations and oversight, have donated more to lawmakers who voted against the bill. Representative Henry Brown, according to this analysis, took $876,161 from various sectors in the Finance and Credit Industries, from 2000 to 2009.

Henry Brown voted against protecting Americans from unfair and abusive financial products and services,

Henry Brown voted against creating an oversight council that will identify and regulate financial firms that are so large, interconnected, or risky that their collapse would put the entire financial system at risk,

Henry Brown voted against giving shareholders a “say on pay” – an advisory vote on pay practices including executive compensation and golden parachutes,

Henry Brown voted against strengthening the SEC’s powers so that it can better protect investors and regulate the nation’s securities markets,

Henry Brown voted against mortgage reform and anti-predatory lending.

Dobbs states, “The old workhorse clearly has shown who he really works for. I guess we can’t expect someone who takes money from the financial industry to actually support legislation that would rein them in and stop the pilfering they have done to the American people. It is bad enough some firms have totally abused TARP money in order to build their own business to become larger and pay more in bonuses and pay, but now the very Representative sent to Washington to stand up for the 1^st District has chosen money over the safety of his constituency.”

Robert Dobbs, a veteran of the U.S. Army, is running for Congress in South Carolina’s First District.

Modernizing TSCA will be a winning proposal for us all

Thirty-three years ago, Gerald Ford was in the final year of his presidency, a brand new company called Apple was beginning production on the first personal computers, you could buy a cup of coffee for 26 cents and Congress passed a major new law called the Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA.

Every single one of those things has changed since 1976. That is, every single one but TSCA.

It is time that we modernize our country’s chemical safety laws so that we can better protect our citizens, our environment, and our industries. An updated TSCA should take into account the significant advances that have been made in the detection and understanding of toxic chemicals in a manner that prioritizes safety, innovation, and jobs.

The beauty of chemical safety reform is that a practical solution will fulfill all three of these priorities—and meet the needs of consumer, labor, environmental, and industry groups alike.

Modernizing TSCA will be a winning proposal for us all.

While public safety must always be the top priority as we facilitate safe chemical production and use, we can also use these vital reforms to create further innovation and family-wage jobs.

Across the country, the chemical industry employs 850,000 people, 21,400 of whom work in the great state of South Carolina. The industry also supports downstream jobs in other industries for millions more workers and injects $700 billion a year into our national economy.

In these difficult economic times, we can use reform to encourage greater innovation that will support and grow tens of thousands of high-paying American jobs—all while updating our chemical safety laws to protect public health and preserve the environmental health of our planet.

As our scientific community begins to recognize the risk that certain chemicals pose to human and environmental health, the chemical industry is already taking proactive measures to create the next generation of safe and environmentally-sensitive materials. These “green chemistry” products will be able to replace their less-green counterparts, spurring jobs and innovation.

The growth of green chemistry will inevitably be associated with new opportunities in research and development and manufacturing, which will also extend to numerous associated industries. The agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries’ reliance on chemical products means that they, too, will feel a job boon as these new green chemistry products move through the supply chain.

By applying heightened uniform safety standards across the country and compelling companies to innovate with new, modern products, we will see environmentally-sensitive chemicals propelling the industry forward. Already, chemical products help to power solar cell operations, to fuel the batteries that will replace gas tanks in our cars, and to produce highly desirable new technologies like wind power blades and compact fluorescent lights. The possibilities are endless as innovation and job growth continues.

This opportunity for job creation, however, is only possible with a comprehensive and balanced approach to chemical safety reform.

This sensible approach will allow us to modernize our chemical safety laws in a way that supports consumers, workers, and business.

This sensible approach will protect workers, help businesses control costs, and maintain American competitiveness.

Congress must be careful not too impose so many restrictions on chemical production and distribution that it sends companies fleeing to China, where safety restrictions are lax and tainted chemical materials can be shipped to the U.S. and put American citizens at risk.

The Coalition for Chemical Safety, composed of consumer, labor, and industry groups, understands that only a balanced approach to chemical safety can achieve safety, jobs, and innovation.

Unfortunately, TSCA as we know it accomplishes none of these goals.

While the music of Elton John and Paul Simon may be timeless, the chemical regulations of 1976 certainly are not.

Jim DeMint wants senators to read bill, but has he?

U.S. Senator - teabagger - Jim DeMint wants senators to "read every page of the health care bill" in order to "everything we can to stop the bill" while millions of people wonder this Christmas how they'll be taken care of.

Very nice Christmas present, DeMint.

The senator sent out an e-mail to supporters asking for this bill-kill measure in a time where people are pondering health care coverage or just the simple need of shelter.

Scrooge DeMint. Instead of offering something new - besides his voucher scheme - he'd rather destroy all efforts to help Americans.

We can send a message that we will use every tool we have to stop this bill!

It has finally come to this. Harry Reid and President Obama have their hearts set on a government takeover of health care. They are willing to go to any length to pass this bill before Christmas.

Robert Dobbs scolds Henry Brown's Vote Against The Tax Extenders Act of 2009

Congressional candidate Robert Dobbs (SC-1, D) calls out Representative Henry Brown, who claims to be the “workhorse” of the 1^st Congressional District, for not supporting several key measures to spur economic development, support military families, and create jobs for the 1^st District of South Carolina.

Dobbs stated, “This bill includes several key, targeted tax measures that will help individuals, businesses, and farmers of the 1^st District. The bill extends the deductibility of state and local sales taxes and property tax relief, as well as the college tuition deduction and the deduction for teachers’ classroom expenses. For businesses in the 1^st District, this bill strengthens investment in alternative fuels, extends tax credits for farmers, and extends research and development tax credits for business.”

Below is an outline of some of the provisions in the bill:

• Extension of the State and Local General Taxes Deduction. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the election to take an itemized deduction for State and local general sales taxes in lieu of the itemized deduction permitted for State and local income taxes.

• Extension of the Deductions for College Tuition. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the above-the-line tax deduction for qualified education expenses.

• Extension of the Deduction for Classroom Expenses for Teachers. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the $250 above-the-line tax deduction for teachers and other school professionals for expenses paid or incurred for books, supplies (other than non-athletic supplies for courses of instruction in health or physical education), computer equipment (including related software and service), other equipment, and supplementary materials used by the educator in the classroom.

• Extension of the Research and Development Credit for Business. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the research credit.

• Extension of Depreciation for Farming Business Machinery and Equipment. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the provision that provides a five-year recovery period for certain machinery and equipment which is used in a farming business.

• Extension of Tax Incentives for Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the $1.00 per gallon production tax credit for biodiesel and the small agri-biodiesel producer credit of 10 cents per gallon. The bill would also extend for one year (through 2010) the $1.00 per gallon production tax credit for diesel fuel created from biomass.

• Extension of Tax Incentives for Natural Gas and Propane used as a Fuel in Transportation Vehicles. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the $0.50 per gallon production tax credit for natural gas and propane used as a transportation fuel.

• Extension of Employer Wage Credit for Activated Military Reservists. The bill would extend for one year (through 2010) the provision that provides eligible small business employers with a credit against the taxpayer’s income tax liability for a taxable year in an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the sum of differential wage payments to activated military reservists.

Robert Dobbs further stated:

“Without the extensions, these provisions would expire at the end of the year. The Tax Extenders Act of 2009 provides up to 30 million homeowners with property tax relief and assists 4.5 million families better afford college with the tuition deduction.

Henry Brown also did not support the members of the military because this bill makes sure that activated military reservists do not suffer a pay cut by providing a tax credit for small businesses that continue to pay their National Guard and Reserve employees when they are called up to serve. Military families have sacrificed enough and with the implementation of 30,000 more troops in Afghanistan, this provision is essential to the financial stability of our military families.

In this difficult economic time, Congress must continue successful initiatives that lessen the tax burdens for American families and businesses.”

Robert Dobbs, a veteran of the U.S. Army, is running for Congress in South Carolina’s First District.

http://www.electdobbs.com

Join the Coalition for Chemical Safety

The Coalition for Chemical Safety is a not-for- profit partnership of consumer, business, environmental and labor organizations working together to promote sensible modernization of our nation’s 30-year old chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). While our individual viewpoints may differ, the members of the Chemical Safety Coalition agree that our chemical regulatory system should reflect current scientific capabilities and understanding.

As Congress moves to reform the nation’s chemical safety regulatory system, our goal is to ensure that the law: a) protects the public health and the environment, b) supports our nation’s ability to continue leading the world in developing the innovative new products that benefit us all; and c) preserves the high-quality, high-paying American jobs that are created when American companies invent, manufacture and sell American products all over the world.

After more than 30 years, TSCA reform is inevitable and necessary. The Coalition for Chemical Safety is being formed to advocate for a balanced reform of the act – pushing back against both those who would advocate for the status quo and those who would demand reforms so strict that it would send American innovation and American jobs to nations like China, where the rules are lax. Furthermore, due to a long recognized need for reform many states are already enacting their own – leading to a situation where the citizens of some states are benefiting from strong new laws while citizens of others are left with less protection. We need a strong federal statute that protects all Americans while encouraging industry to develop the next generation of materials, including what is often referred to as “green chemistry."

For more information, please visit the web site.

Henry Brown voted against tax cuts

The Tax Extenders Act of 2009, or H.R. 4213, would extend "certain" expiring provisions - or tax cuts. But did the "Republican Workhorse" Henry Brown vote against extending tax cuts?

Yes, he did.

The bill passed 241-181. So, it seemed Democrats approved an extension of tax cuts. More so, there could be people out there who think the Dems supported the extension of Bush's tax cuts.

Not so.

Leave it to me to hold Henry accountable. I did some digging on exactly what provisions were being extended.

What Democratic legislators supported were tax breaks for individual taxpayers. You know, those same people who think they are paying too much because the Democrats are now in power and they are raising everything. It must be true. The teabaggers say so.

Well, Henry... After people in your district get finished reading what you voted against, they are going ask the simple question: What are you exactly doing for the people of South Carolina.

Specifically, why would you vote against the tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel, but write an op-ed in favor of such usage and research? We all know you love the oil money.

Here are the provisions Democrats voted to extend:

Official Summary --

12/7/2009--Introduced.Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 certain expiring provisions for individual taxpayers, including:
(1) the taxpayer election to deduct state and local general sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes;
(2) the standard tax deduction for state and local real property taxes;
(3) the tax deduction from gross income for qualified tuition and related expenses; and
(4) the tax deduction from gross income for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers. Extends through 2010 expiring provisions for business taxpayers, including:
(1) the tax credit for increasing research activities;
(2) tax treatment of certain items affecting U.S. shareholders of controlled foreign corporation;
(3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold, restaurant, and retail property, for motorsports entertainment complexes, and for farming business machinery and equipment;
(4) the tax credit for railroad track maintenance expenditures;
(5) the enhanced expensing allowance for certain film and television production costs;
(6) expensing of environmental remediation costs;
(7) the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses;
(8) the taxpayer election to expense advanced mine safety equipment expenditures;
(9) the tax credit for differential wages payments to employees who are active duty members of the Uniformed Services;
(10) tax rules relating to regulated investment companies (RICs); and
(11) the suspension of the taxable income limitation on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties. Extends through 2010 expiring provisions relating to charitable organizations and contributions, including:
(1) the tax deduction for charitable contributions of capital gain real property by individual taxpayers and certain corporate farmers and ranchers for conservation purposes;
(2) the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory and book inventories to public schools and for corporate contributions of computer technology and equipment for educational purposes;
(3) penalty-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and
(4) special tax rules for payments to controlling exempt organizations, exclusion of gain or loss from unrelated business taxable income from the sale or exchange of certain brownfield sites, and basis adjustment to stock of S corporations making charitable contributions. Extends through 2010:
(1) the tax credit for employment of members of Indian tribes;
(2) accelerated depreciation of property used for business purposes on an Indian reservation;
(3) extension of the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities to such activities in Puerto Rico;
(4) the limitation on the amount of distilled spirits tax covered (paid over) into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and
(5) the tax credit for American Samoa economic development expenditures.Extends through 2010 certain provisions relating to community development and assistance, including:
(1) tax incentives in empowerment zones and renewal communities;
(2) the new markets tax credit;
(3) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia, the New York Liberty Zone, the Gulf Opportunity Zone, and low-income housing. Extends through 2010 tax-related disaster relief provisions, including:
(1) the tax deduction for personal casualty losses attributable to federally-declared disasters;
(2) expensing allowance for cleanup and other expenditures in disaster areas;
(3) the five-year extended carryover period for net operating losses incurred in a disaster area;
(4) waiver of mortgage revenue bond requirements for refinancing residences damaged or destroyed in a disaster area; and
(5) expensing and accelerated depreciation of certain disaster assistance property. Extends through 2010 energy conservation and production provisions, including:
(1) the tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel;
(2) the alternative motor vehicle tax credit for large hybrid vehicles;
(3) the alternative fuel excise tax credit for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas; and
(4) tax rules relating to sales required to implement federal and state restructuring policy for qualified electric utilities. Revises and adds reporting and other requirements relating to income from assets held abroad, including by:
(1) requiring foreign financial and nonfinancial institutions to withhold 30% of payments made to such institutions by U.S. individuals unless such institutions agree to disclose the identity of such individuals and report on their bank transactions;
(2) denying a tax deduction for interest on non-registered bonds issued outside the United States;
(3) requiring any individual who holds more than $50,000 in a depository or custodial account maintained by a foreign financial institution to report on such accounts;
(4) imposing an enhanced tax penalty for underpayments attributable to undisclosed foreign financial assets;
(5) extending the limitation period for assessment of underpayments with respect to assets held outside the United States;
(6) requiring shareholders of a passive foreign investment company to file informational returns;
(7) enhancing tax rules and penalties relating to foreign trusts with U.S. beneficiaries; and
(8) requiring withholding of tax on dividend equivalent payments received by foreign individuals. Sets forth tax rules relating to partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services. Increases by an additional 26.5% the required estimated tax payments for certain large corporations in the third quarter of 2014. Requires the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation to submit to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee a report on each tax expenditure extended by this Act.

MegaVote for S.C.'s 1st Congressional District - 12/14/09

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Motion to Table Nelson Amdt.; Abortion Funding Senate: FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill House: Tax Extenders Act of 2009 House: FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill House: The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act House: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, FY2010

Recent Senate Votes

Motion to Table Nelson Amdt.; Abortion Funding - Vote Agreed to (54-45, 1 Not Voting) During debate of the health care reform bill, the Senate rejected this amendment that would have prohibited federal funding of abortion coverage. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill - Vote Agreed to (57-35, 8 Not Voting) The Senate gave final approval to this $446.8 billion bill that combines 6 unfinished 2010 fiscal year spending bills. The bills included are Transportation/HUD; Military Construction/Veterans Affairs; Labor/HHS; State/Foreign Operations; Commerce/Justice/Science; and Financial Services. The bill now goes to the President. 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

Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (241-181, 12 Not Voting) The House voted to extend a number of expiring tax cuts. The bill now awaits Senate action. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill - Vote Passed (221-202, 1 Present, 10 Not Voting) The House passed this $446.8 billion bill that combines 6 unfinished 2010 fiscal year spending bills. The bills included are Transportation/HUD; Military Construction/Veterans Affairs; Labor/HHS; State/Foreign Operations; Commerce/Justice/Science; and Financial Services. The Senate gave final approval to the bill on Sunday. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (223-202, 9 Not Voting) This House bill would overhaul financial services regulations and place new controls on institutions deemed to pose a risk to the entire financial system. The bill now awaits Senate action. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - H.R.3590 The Senate is expected to continue working on this health care reform legislation. Department of Defense Appropriations Act, FY2010 - H.R.3326 Both chambers may complete action on the conference report funding the Department of Defense for the 2010 fiscal year.

Local labor leader reaches out for help with port

Dear Elected leaders of Georgetown County:

The time has come for all good men and women to come to the aid of their Country and the Georgetown Port. I have sent an email to Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Jim Demint, and US Congressman Henry Brown requesting their assistance in getting our port dredged. I know that Mayor elect Jack Scoville has already started discussing the needs of our port. Jack Scoville served on the SPA for approximately 4 years and has contacts within the State Ports Authority. Georgetown County currently has a member on the SPA Board Harry Butler. City Council Members, Brendon Barber and Clarence Smalls once worked on the Georgetown docks and should understand the importance of having an active Port and the impact it has on our economy. Newly elected City Council member Jeanette Ard has already started doing everything that she can addressing the economic conditions facing Georgetown. We thank you City Council elect Jeanette Ard. In my opinion, leaders should lead in an effort to address the problems that their constituency is facing. Do any of you disagree with our Port being a vital recruitment tool in order to attract business in Georgetown? If you agree then please do something meaningful that our State and Federal Elected leaders will see as a positive sign about the Port. It was a slap in the face for the citizens of Georgetown when our Honorable Governor Mark Sanford visited Georgetown and commented that he supports the Georgetown Port and recommended that we make noise. Our elected leaders should have already been making noise. What is the problem that prevents our elected leaders from getting together and discussing our Port? Some of us in the Labor Movement interpret our elected leader’s lack of action for the Port of Georgetown as a sign of non-support. How else can you describe the pitiful condition our port is in? Our port has been abandoned by our elected leaders. It’s a shame that we have to bring to the attention of our elected leaders what they should already know. Maybe, just maybe there will be a meeting between the City Council, County Council, State Delegation, Business &Labor leaders, Harry Butler and the economic development commission to discuss and develop a plan to move the Port of Georgetown forward. I ask all of you to MAKE NOISE so you can be heard in Washington loud and clear.

My Christmas wish is for the elected leaders of South Carolina announce that once a year an economic summit will be held to discuss the needs for the State of South Carolina. The Governor and the Two US Senators, Six US Congressmen along with the County Council Chairpersons and City Mayors will start working as team instead of everyone for themselves. Just imagined what could happen to the State of South Carolina if all of our elected leaders promoted working together as Team. We would make a lot of progress in the areas that need addressing in this State.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

In Solidarity,

James E. Sanderson Jr. President

United Steelworkers Local 7898

843-655-1130

Could 22 million e-mails mean disaster for Bush?

Disaster. For George W. Bush?

Maybe, if the 22 million e-mails found by White House computer techs prove to be more than e-mail cards.

Computer technicians have found 22 million missing White House e-mails from the administration of President George W. Bush and the Obama administration is searching for dozens more days' worth of potentially lost e-mail from the Bush years, according to two groups that filed suit over the failure by the Bush White House to install an electronic record keeping system.

The two private groups - Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and the National Security Archive - said Monday they were settling the lawsuits they filed against the Executive Office of the President in 2007.

However, it will be a long time before we Americans find out...

It will be years before the public sees any of the recovered e-mails because they will now go through the National Archives' process for releasing presidential and agency records. Presidential records of the Bush administration won't be available until 2014 at the earliest.

More wait in store for us.