Voices

Opinion pieces, commentary, editorials, and columns that reflect community perspectives from Beaufort’s writers, thought leaders, and residents. This category provides a platform for voices shaping local discussion on issues, values, culture, civic life, and public debate in Beaufort and the broader Lowcountry.

Vaccines keep our children safe

Voices /

When those of us who can be vaccinated choose to do so, we create a shield that protects the most vulnerable. We reduce the chances that a preventable disease becomes a crisis. We preserve the progress that generations before us worked hard to achieve, and we keep kids out of hospitals and in the community where they can thrive, grow, play, and learn. This measles outbreak in S.C. has reminded us how quickly that progress can be tested.

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It takes a real king to educate a wannabe

Carol Lucas, Voices /

It was Brian Cobb who wrote this: “King Charles delivered a well-crafted diplomatic speech, appealing to the ideals of Democracy, the Constitution, Pluralism, Human Rights and the ties of our shared histories. He did not insult our intelligence; he did not deprecate or threaten anyone based on gender, race, party or ideology. Charles spoke the truth. He did not lie. I repeat, he did not lie.”

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Elegy for the trees

Louise Mathews, Voices /

I know developers replant trees, but many years must pass before a tree provides the benefits of “air quality, stormwater management, wind buffers, increased property values, and cooling effects to our homes and communities …” as the Port Royal Tree Ordinance states. To paraphrase the poet, Joyce Kilmer, “Essays are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.”

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Pope v. President

Louise Mathews, Voices /

Mr. Trump must recognize the utility of peace with the Pope if he plans to retain Catholic voter support in November 2026. Apologizing would go a long way to rehabilitating his image. No one is asking him to kneel on the church steps in Canossa and ask the Pope for forgiveness as Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV did in 1077. A simple expression of regret and sorrow would do.

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