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.
Last week we found out that Port Royal’s largest apartment development, The Preserve, will no longer pay local taxes. That’s right. Thanks to a glaring loophole in a state law, Beaufort County is now out roughly $260,000 in tax revenue; Beaufort County School District is out roughly $726,000, and the Town of Port Royal is out around $350,000, about 6% of its total tax collections. It cannot be overstated: this is a huge deal.
Bad neighbors not welcome Read More »
As residents of the Lowcountry, we all understand that growth is coming. The question is not whether we improve S.C. 170, but how we do so responsibly.
Consequences to expanding SC 170 Read More »
Well folks it’s official. Jasper County is — as reported by the Charleston Post and Courier — the fastest growing county in the United States of America.
Runaway growth is dangerous but may be inevitable Read More »
The closest I have ever come to a book review was back in my teaching days. I participated in curriculum meetings where we determined what kids would read, Grades 9 through 12. This was at a time when teachers held sway, and parents didn’t become hysterical about banning books. But, I digress (early, I know).
A book review … with a mix of serendipity Read More »
My next five articles on veterans’ benefits will cover VA health care, vet centers, priority groups, VA copay rates, Medal of Honor recipients, registry health exams, service-connected disabled veterans, veterans’ income levels, other special eligibility factors for veterans, and how these affect VA healthcare.
How does the VA determine whether a veteran is eligible for free VA Health Care? Read More »
The stage is set, at least for now. Last week’s filing deadline for the June 9 Republican and Democratic primaries produced a flurry of individuals interested in serving the voters, … some surprises, some not so surprising.
Lowcountry Lowdown: Primary filing deadline draws flurry of candidates Read More »
Public service is a responsibility. It requires not only strength, but also humility and a willingness to engage with differing perspectives. I believe I am prepared to meet that responsibility.
Am I tough enough? Read More »
On Saturday, the people of this country rose up in vast numbers to protest. Some 3,300 events (and an early estimate of 8 million people) protested the current administration and all it is doing to bring down our democracy. Make no mistake, the world watched, and some even contributed.
Democracy doesn’t fear protest … dictators do Read More »
Whether or not Iran has enough weapons-grade uranium to imminently attack is not the question. Is a small cancer tumor an imminent threat to a person’s health, or should the medical team wait until it is big enough to actually kill the patient? As it has proven for almost half a century, the Iranian regime is a cancer on the world, and the United States finally has a President with the resolve to excise it.
Iran’s “Great Satan” strikes back Read More »
