Addressing ‘The Bard’
I must confess that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Carol Lucas’ Oct. 29 article giving her version of how ‘The Bard’ would view President Donald Trump. At the same time, a rebuttal from a conservative’s view is certainly in order, as her view is decidedly a liberal view. I believe our beloved William Shakespeare would have been a Republican. He just impressed me as a man with common sense who paid attention to what went on around him.
Let’s start with the quote from “Richard III” … “Now is the winter of our discontent.” The fact is that the ultra-liberals have been in a state of discontent, blinded by anger, since 2016 when Donald Trump had the audacity to work hard and defeat the queen of liberal world, Hillary Clinton. Their hatred and outright lawlessness has continued thru many seasons — winter, spring, summer, and fall — for five years now.
I also find it interesting that Ms. Lucas says she has “a great deal of respect for Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney,” both of whom were Republicans at one time and hate our President as she does, but it’s very unladylike language to suggest when writing for public consumption ” that they grow a set and come forward.”
And then there’s the “blinking idiot” quote from “The Merchant of Venice.” I wish Ms. Lucas had spent that large paragraph trying to convince her fellow Trump haters that it’s a lovely phrase and should be used instead of the big “F” word that they throw around so freely, much to the disgust of civilized society. But I DIGRESS!
Yes, Shakespeare had his finger squarely on “the condition of man” and I feel he would not only look around and shake his head, but would shed real crocodile tears for a society that has stooped so low as to defile their fellow man in the manner we’re seeing in this 21st century.
— Edie Rodgers, Beaufort
Appreciation for your support of veterans
I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for The Island News and for columnist Larry Dandridge’s weekly articles on veterans’ benefits. I read these enlightening pieces regularly and share them with other veterans.
These articles provide invaluable guidance in navigating the often-complex VA systems, and they make a real difference for veterans and their families.
Because of this impact, I believe The Island News and Dandridge deserve recognition from the VA, veterans service organizations, South Carolina media organizations, and the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs for their outstanding support of our military members, veterans, and their families.
Thank you for all you do to keep this important information accessible to our community.
— Kenneth Wayne Ackerman
An inconvenience or an opportunity?
Many have voiced dismay about the recent closing off of Bay Street in downtown Beaufort, caused by stormwater street work. I’d like to suggest that this is an opportunity to experience what it would be like if Beaufort turned the two-block downtown area into a pedestrian mall.
I always enjoy the charm of small towns that have chosen to provide a public space without cars and traffic, where locals and tourists can stroll among and between shops and restaurants, particularly in historical downtowns like ours. I imagine there are lots of ways civic groups could contribute some garden and water features, some comfortable seating perhaps. I don’t see the parking “problem” as insurmountable. Beaufort has public parking well within walking distance to Bay Street (the marina and parking lots on Port Republic and Craven), and I imagine it would not be impossible to create more.
Is this an idea that others could support?
— Carol Brown, Beaufort
It is Lowcountry vs. developers
When folks stand adjacent to Beaufort City Hall each Monday protesting the actions of the current administration, some critical issues do not get the attention they deserve. So, forewarned: The EPA and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers have proposed changes to the definition of “Waters of the United States.” Google that!
If the new definitions are put in place, the wetlands and other water resources that protect us will be severely threatened by the already rampant over-development here in the Lowcountry. Permits currently required for many development projects will no longer be required. The language in the new rules ignores the double reality of land subsidence and the inexorable steady rise in sea level here, with no reference whatever to potential changes that might be necessary based on “climate change” — a term nowhere found in these proposed regulations, nor apparently in any current federal agency?
I strongly suggest you seek information, then act, if you care about the assault on our Lowcountry home. The Southern Environmental Law Center (self.org), or the Natural Resources Defense Council (nrdc.org), or the excellent series in the Charleston Post and Courier called “Rising Waters” can enlighten you, among others. Then, once informed, before the comment deadline of Jan. 5, 2026, go to the Federal Register and make a public comment.
Water is the single most critical element in our lives. If you care about its potential pollution by unencumbered development, mining and oil drilling, please say something now. This will be fought in the courts as well, so contributions to the organizations that can act on our behalf are good investments in a better future for us and our kids.
— Timothy Dodds, dweller next to the salt marsh, Lady’s Island
Friends of Beaufort Library grateful for community effort
On behalf of the Friends of the Beaufort Library, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Waterfront Book Sale one of our most successful!
The strength of this event begins long before tables and books show up at the Waterfront Pavilion. It starts with our generous community, whose year-round book donations make the sale possible. It continues with our dedicated volunteers who sort, price, and organize thousands of books throughout the year, and with the many volunteers who give their time and energy during the sale weekend itself. And, of course, the final measure of success comes from the readers, families, and neighbors who come out each year to support the sale by purchasing books.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase new books and support programs at the Beaufort, Lobeco, Port Royal, and St. Helena libraries, helping ensure they remain vibrant resources for everyone in our community.
This event is truly a community effort, and we are especially grateful for the partnership and support of the City of Beaufort, the Beaufort County Library staff, Boy Scout Troop 1, Eventworks, Redcap, and the USMC volunteers. Their commitment and sponsorship help make this beloved tradition possible.
Thank you, Beaufort, for another wonderful year of celebrating books, community, and our public library.
— Annette Jussaume, Waterfront Book Sale Chair, Friends of the Beaufort Library
Trump’s only in it for the ‘Epstein Class’
The “Epstein Class” is a group of ultra-wealthy, predominantly white men who believe they can literally get away with murder, sex trafficking of minors, drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and a host of other criminal activities.
Why did Alex Acosta, Trump’s future Secretary of Labor, give Jeffrey Epstein a sweetheart plea deal in 2008 that shielded him from any federal charges? Why was Ghislaine Maxwell recently transferred to a minimum-security prison where she now receives ‘concierge’ services? (Hints: Who was Epstein’s best buddy for many years? Do you really believe Epstein’s death was a suicide?)
Why did Donald Trump promise to pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras who had been convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking to the U.S.?
Why did Trump pardon Joseph Schwartz, David Gentile, Jason Galanis, and others who have been convicted of fraud? (I guess fraud is no big deal to someone who has been convicted of it himself multiple times.)
The simple truth is that you and I are subject to the law. These ultra-wealthy predators believe they are above the law and they have a champion in the White House, a person who shares their belief. Maybe I’m an optimist, but I believe that Trump’s remaining support (currently at 37% and dropping) will continue to erode as more and more of his supporters realize that he’s only in it for himself and the fellow members of his “Epstein Class.”
— Peter Birschbach, Port Royal
