Thank goodness we have this most unusual election behind us and we now hope everyone can put away the vitriol and often untrue accusations, return to the rule of law to maintain our democracy, and work for our country. We’d all do well to follow the wisdom of this little statement I found while cleaning out my files.
“We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty, and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.” (Author unknown)
— Edie Rodgers, Beaufort
Wait … don’t jump!
OK … Carol Lucas, Terry Manning and all assorted Liberal Op-Ed writers for The Island News … take a deep breadth … put away all your unfounded accusations, unnecessary fear mongering and phony, holier than thou sermons. Because, despite your warnings, what you have feared most has actually happened … the “bogeyman” MAGA … 73 million-plus Americans … has prevailed and your new President will be Donald J. Trump.
But don’t despair. It may not be as bleak as you think. If you can take your heads out of the sand and take a look around for just a moment you might just be surprised.
We MAGA folks are not racists, misogynists or any of the things by inference you accuse us of being. Nor are we extremists. Our desire for secure borders, a strong economy with jobs for all those willing to work, common sense social policies, peace through strength (rather than appeasement), limited role of government, personal accountability and unfettered free speech are foundational blocks of our country to be revered, not tinkered with, or worse, scoffed at as if no one will notice or care.
We are patriots proud of our country and those who have served in its defense and proud of those values that inspire millions of immigrants every year in their legal journey. We are caring and giving people who reach out to our fellow Americans not only in times of need but whenever we can help someone improve themselves and their families.
We support our local police with respect and resources because to do otherwise creates chaos and hurts those in communities already most negatively impacted by crime.
There is more but hopefully this primer inspires you to open you minds.
So before you write your next columns take a deep breadth … lift your head up and take a peek. We are everywhere, a good spirited and welcoming lot … as many of the folks formerly in your party apparently found out and displayed on Nov. 5.
— Frank Wainwright, St. Helena Island
Give electric school buses a try
As a member of the Clean Energy Community, I’m concerned about the harmful effects diesel fumes have on our community. Studies show that diesel exhaust:
● It can be 4-12 times more polluting than ambient air.
● Worsens or leads to asthma, heart and lung diseases, and even cancer.
● Impacts students’ cognitive abilities and performance in school tests.
● Pollutes our environment and worsens air quality.
Electric school buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, improve air quality for children and drivers, and save school districts money on fueling and maintenance costs. Other school districts in South Carolina have found them to perform well in various conditions, better than diesel.
To date, the Environmental Protection Agency has awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 bus replacements at more than 1,000 school districts. With up to $965 million in rebates available under this new round of CSBP funding, now is the time to learn more.
The EPA Clean School Bus Program is a 5-year, $5 billion program established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2021. The program provides funding for public school districts, Tribal school districts, manufacturers, dealers, private fleets, and other eligible applicants to replace aging diesel buses with electric school buses and propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses. The application window for its 2024 Rebates closes on Jan. 9, 2025. If you’re interested in exploring this exciting opportunity, please check out EPA’s comprehensive website at https://bit.ly/3Z0DQlT.
I urge you to apply for EPA funding and bring electric school buses to Beaufort County School District.
— Mike Bogle, Beaufort. Bogle has lived in Beaufort since 2018 and is currently the Beaufort Chapter Lead for Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
