Art Kaldas, an enthusiastic blogger on the Anderson Independent’s Cocklebur blog, sums up this weeks town hall meetings quite well. You may visit Art’s section of the Cocklebur here

On Monday, July 21, 2008, 7:00 pm, Senator Kevin Bryant conducted a town meeting at Hopewell Fire Department. Approximately 70 residents were in attendance. Among the attendees were County officials, County Council members, elected and reelected, and some of Dr. Marshall Meadors supporters. Some of the Senator’s replies to questions were the following:

• All State agencies should respect the fact that English should be our only official language. I do appreciate all our legal immigrants, not the illegal ones. However, it is not practical or wise to use any other language for State business.

• The picture of Osama and Obama, which I have on my blog, is used as satire. I definitely do not believe that Senator Obama is a partner of Osama bin Laden. Furthermore, if too many people are offended by this picture, I will take it off the blog.

• I have fought very hard against dual water rates in Anderson. Residents outside the City do not have any say in these rates. Consequently, a municipality can raise the rate to $8,000 if they wanted to. There has to be an oversight to protect residents outside the City.

• I have succeeded in passing a State law to allow Capital Punishment for Child Rapists. But the Supreme Court, to my astonishment, decided that this law is unconstitutional.

• Parents who have children in a failing public school should have options. I do believe in giving parents tax credits, so they can exercise their options.

• I abstained from the vote to increase cigarette tax because of conflict of interest, since I am a pharmacist who would benefit from an expansion in Medical Aid. However, if I chose to vote, I would have voted to increase the tax, as long as the revenues are used to support a “health saving account”, to assist citizens in purchasing their own health care plans.

• At the beginning, I did not support building the East/West Connector, which is to connect Clemson Boulevard and Highway 81. At the present time, I simply have mixed emotions on the project.

• Pay Day Lenders should be allowed to practice, but only if they have a clear process to explain the terms of their loans to borrowers. The practice simply has to be well regulated.

• Dr. Marshall Meadors, my opponent, is a great “old fashioned” medical doctor. He is loved by all his patients. However, he and I have sharp political differences. I look forward to our political debates.

On Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 7:00 pm, at Anderson City Hall, Senator Kevin Bryant conducted his second town-hall meeting. Over 100 attended the meeting, which included many supporters and some highly charged opposition.

Although Senator Bryant attempted to stay on message, the meeting was full of spectacular fireworks. Obama/ Osama image on the Senator’s blog attracted most of the debate, with some in audience asking him to apologize for his poor taste in implying that Senator Obama is a terrorist. However, Senator Bryant refused to apologize, which drew cheers and applause from his supporters. He explained that although he does not believe that Senator Obama is a terrorist, he strongly opposes his views on foreign policies and his friendly attitude toward nations that support terrorism.

A member in audience suggested that in order to curb the dropout rate in schools, permanent drivers licenses should be given only to high-school graduates, while others should be given drivers licenses with restrictions. Senator Bryant thought that the idea is worth consideration. In addition, he emphasized that school choice also curbs the dropout rate.

Senator Bryant message can be summarized in the following points:

• Smaller government

• Less regulations

• Greater transparency and accountability in local governments

After the meeting, both supporters and critics of Senator Bryant agreed that he is a very experienced public official, who is willing to face his opponents directly, rather than hide in corners

I have been very impressed with the reaction to my blog post on Barack Obama. I originally posted the photo without commentary to stimulate an examination of Sen. Barack Obama’s foreign policy. I remain certain that his foreign policy ideas pose a great threat to American security no less than those of Al Gore or John Kerry might have. I believe that America has avoided another terrorist attack precisely because President Bush has been office for the past 8 years. I’m convinced that an Obama presidency will plunge us back into the failed foreign policies of the Clinton administration and put us in great danger.

For example, General Colin Powell said of the enemy during the first Gulf War that, “First we’re going to cut it off, then we’re going to kill it.”  On September 19, 2001, Sen. Obama said of our enemy that, “We will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe.” I am extremely disturbed by Sen. Obama’s solution for the war on terror, and hopefully, you will consider this too.
            The posting, not surprisingly, only drew out the virulent and vulgar members of the liberal left whose immediate reaction to any criticism of their candidate includes charges of ignorance and bigotry. This reminds us of their criticism of those who cling to our guns and religion and strikes me only as par for the course.

           I have no regrets from this picture, however, I’m sure that a further examination of Obama’s foreign (and domestic) policies must occur in order that voters might truly understand the vast, vast differences between him and Sen. John McCain. I refuse to cower to the cultural police who evermore seek to censor our political discussion. You may view the picture with this link if you wish to see what all the hubbub is all about.

ANDERSON COUNTY — South Carolina State Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, is to be the host of two town hall meetings to update Anderson residents on the recently completed legislative session and hear from constituents.

The meetings are scheduled to start at
7 p.m. July 21 at Hopewell Fire Department, 2850 Concord Road
7 p.m. July 23 at Anderson City Council chamber, 401 S. Main St

Got a call from a constituent that was told that Ann and I receive government assistance for home schooling our children. Here’s the answer:

Thank you so much for allowing me to clarify information that you have received. We do not receive any funds for homeschooling our children. Ann and I have three children that have been home schooled in the past. Next year we plan to combine classes at New Covenant School and homeschooling to meet our children’s needs. We do, however, pay our fair share of Federal, State, and local taxes, yet our children do not receive any benefit.

I did cast a related vote in the Senate in 2007 that would give parents with children trapped in failing schools more options. The amendment applied to children this situation: The child must attend a failing school and a neighboring passing school did not have room for the child. In this circumstance, the child would be eligible for a voucher to attend a private school. Unfortunately, this amendment did not pass and our children attending failing schools have no option but to stay in this school.

I would like to give you my general views on education issues. I firmly believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, and government should help, not hinder, parents from fulfilling their role. Unfortunately, most parents do not have the ability to make the most important decision regarding their child’s education—the decision of where their child attends school.

Parents are aware of the educational needs of their children more than anyone else, and I am committed to working in the S.C. Senate to give parents more education options, including the ability to decide whether their child attends a public, public charter, private or home school. Giving parents a full range of school options will not only help their children, it will also create greater competition in the education marketplace, thus improving all the schools in the area.

I am also committed to release teachers from overly burdensome regulations in our education system. Teachers also deserve the freedom to teach in a disciplined classroom. Reducing regulation and administration costs will free up funds and get them where they are needed—the classroom. Late in the session of 2008, we were successful in eliminating the PACT, overly burdensome testing that serve little purpose for our teachers and students.

Thank you for your interest in the picure recently posted on this site. As this picture has gotten plenty of attention, I would rather change the focus of this discussion to Sen. Obama’s record on National Security. Please see the post above.

A memo from Susan Aiken (Anderson County Member of the SCGOP State Executive Committee)
As promised, an Anderson County Republican Party Headquarters has been secured.    If you want to ride by and take a look at the building it is across from the Anderson Recreation Center on Murray and was formerly a dance studio.    It has ample space for parking and for us to use for projects, meetings, phone banks and of course a Victory Party in November!!!
Chairman Rogers is in the process of finalizing all of the details so we will have more details later this month.
Below you will see a list of items we will need.  If you have anything you can donate to the cause please let us know.
Also please start thinking about when you will be available to help staff the office.  It will take a group effort to make work properly.
Thank you for all you do. 

Desk and Chair
Computer
Small Refrigerator
Folding Chairs
Card Tables and Folding Tables
Coffee Pot and supplies including coffee, cups, napkins, sugar and creamer
Cleaning supplies - including a broom and mop
General offices supplies - including copier paper, stapler and pens
Televison
Radio

By Aaron Klein © 2008 WorldNetDaily
…Ali Abunimah, a Chicago-based Palestinian-American activist and co-founder of Electronic Intifada, a pro-Palestinian online publication, recalls introducing Obama at one such event, a 1999 fundraiser for the Deheisha Palestinian camp in the West Bank.

Abunimah is also a harsh critic of Israel and has protested outside pro-Israel events in the Chicago area.

“I knew Barack Obama for many years as my state senator – when he used to attend events in the Palestinian community in Chicago all the time,” stated Abuminah during an interview last month with Democracy Now!, a nationally syndicated radio and television political program.

“I remember personally introducing [Obama] onstage in 1999, when we had a major community fundraiser for the community center in Deheisha refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. And that’s just one example of how Barack Obama used to be very comfortable speaking up for and being associated with Palestinian rights and opposing the Israeli occupation,” Abunimah said…continue

Is Jim DeMint the next Jesse Helms? The State

Three reasons the South Carolina senator could be on track to become — as Helms was famously known — the most conservative member of the U.S. Senate.

1.HE’S IDEOLOGICALLY RIGID - DeMint, like Helms, is an ideological purist who holds fast to conservative principles such as low spending, low taxes, deregulation and strong national defense.
         
DeMint also, like Helms, doesn’t mind antagonizing fellow Republicans who drift leftward on those core principles. DeMint emerged as a leader in the Senate during his fight to sink illegal immigration reform, splitting with much of the Republican Party to kill a plan designed by President Bush.
          
“I spent a number of years as a team player, trying to work with our leadership, only to find that our leadership was taking us in the wrong direction,” DeMint said earlier this month about his willingness to take on his party.
          
2.HE’S A CONTRARIAN — AND HE LIKES IT - DeMint, like Helms, doesn’t mind being a lone voice and using Senate rules to block legislation he doesn’t agree with.
            
Last week, DeMint blocked a bill that would provide assistance to lending institutions to help homeowners facing foreclosure. The bill eventually passed the Senate on Friday.
         
“Ninety-nine senators like (the bill), and DeMint’s holding it up,” said Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, in The Washington Times. “I question the entire Republican caucus for not doing something about (DeMint). I think it’s wrong.”

3.HE’S SPEAKING UP FOR CONSERVATIVES - DeMint, like Helms, wants to be the national voice of conservatism.
     
DeMint:
• Set up the Senate Conservatives Fund PAC to raise money for Senate candidates who pass his ideological litmus test of opposing wasteful government spending, standing strong on national security issues and supporting traditional family values. He said he could see a day where he would use the money to challenge Republican incumbents.
• Penned a recent book, “Why We Whisper,” that says conservatives are too silent about their beliefs and values. The book prescribes more aggressive advocacy of conservative causes.
• DeMint is raising his national profile by aggressively using the Internet to blog and post videos of himself speaking on an array of social-networking and conservative Web sites.

There are many things John McCain needs in a vice presidential candidate. The most obvious is a running mate who must be prepared to lead should the president be unable to. Other characteristics? Conservative. Youthful. Diverse. There is one name among those Mr. McCain is interviewing this weekend that fits the bill: Bobby Jindal.
              
The newly elected Louisiana governor is an exciting breath of fresh air to the national ranks of the Republican Party. At age 36, Mr. Jindal is our youngest governor and the first person of color to serve as Louisiana governor since Reconstruction. A first-generation American (his parents are Indian immigrants), Mr. Jindal successfully won over Louisiana on a platform of change and ethics reform in the midst of Louisiana’s notorious reputation of corruption.
                      
Among his first acts as governor, Mr. Jindal issued an executive order on Transparency and Ethical Standards, and in less than three months he was able to pass a sweeping comprehensive ethics reform package in a special session. Mr. Jindal calls it “the first bold step toward a new Louisiana.” Impressive. And among the many reasons that make this young conservative an attractive (and necessary) addition to the McCain ticket.
             
A staunchly pro-life Roman Catholic, Mr. Jindal has the voting record to match his socially and fiscally conservative rhetoric.
              
During his tenure as a congressman for Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District (2004-07), Mr. Jindal voted in favor of energy reforms to address increasing gas prices, including a measure to crack down on oil company cartels engaged in price-fixing and making allowances for offshore drilling.
                 
Mr. Jindal has been an outspoken advocate (sometimes in contrast to the Bush administration) for more recovery and rebuilding funding for the Gulf Coast region after Hurricane Katrina. He has voted for legislation that would restrict independent PACs, require lobbyist disclosures of bundled donations and protect whistle blowers. His goals to reign in government spending mimic those of Mr. McCain, and Mr. Jindal supported making the Bush tax cuts permanent. Mr. Jindal also favors tough immigration reform — having voted for building a fence along the Mexican border (a position that helps to solidify Mr. McCain’s flip-flop on the issue). continue

Death penalty isn’t too severe for child rapists (Greenville News)
By Sen. Kevin Bryant • July 12, 2008

The United States Supreme Court ruled recently that the imposition of the death penalty upon individuals who rape children is “cruel and unusual punishment.” The ruling, a 5-4 decision, initially stuns regular folks who cannot understand why the death penalty would apply to someone who shoots a person versus someone who uses an innocent child for sexual prey.

In 2006, the South Carolina General Assembly stood up for children when it passed legislation providing for the death penalty in cases where someone rapes a child. I led the fight for the inclusion of the death penalty sentencing in South Carolina’s version of Jessica’s Law, then making its way through the General Assembly.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, the author of the United States Supreme Court opinion, rationalizes the rape of a child as a lesser offense by saying that, “in terms of moral depravity and of the injury to the person and to the public,” they cannot compare to murder in their “severity and irrevocability…” Kennedy’s definitions of “severe” and “irrevocable” apparently do not apply to the rape of a child.

Kennedy frets in his decision over the inability to assign aggravating factors to individual cases so that someone who rapes a child might be spared the death penalty. This reflects the height of arrogance, as Kennedy actually tells us that certain rapists of children are better than others. Only in the chambers of the elite wise men could those who brutalize children have some redeeming qualities.

Some argue that capital punishment must be reserved only for instances when a life is taken. Consider this argument for a moment. Imagine what is taken from the heart and soul of a child who has been a victim of the horrific crimes. I and my colleagues agree that their life is taken away, if not in its physical sense then to a great degree in its spiritual and emotional sense. Indeed, over 10 percent of all rape victims eventually attempt suicide.

Kennedy then repeats the old saw of death penalty opponents: “… punishment by death may not result in more deterrence or more effective enforcement.” Law school apparently failed to teach Mr. Kennedy that death is 100 percent effective in deterring the rapist of a child from raping again.

Justice Samuel Alito, a George W. Bush appointee, wrote the dissent, which was co-signed by Justices Roberts, Scalia and Thomas. The rejoinder to Kennedy clearly illustrates not only the illogic but also the true aim of the majority.

Alito notes that, “A major theme of the Court’s opinion is that permitting the death penalty in child-rape cases is not in the best interests of the victims of these crimes and society at large.” He continues that, “These policy arguments … are simply not pertinent to the question whether the death penalty is “cruel and unusual” punishment. The Court’s policy arguments concern matters that legislators should — and presumably do — take into account … but these arguments are irrelevant to the question that is before us in this case. Our (precedents) have cautioned against using ‘the aegis of the Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clause’ to cut off the normal democratic processes, but the Court forgets that warning here.”

Alito tells us here what many already know. Kennedy and his liberal brethren are legislating from the bench. The policy preferences of Kennedy and his four allies simply trump the will of citizens acting democratically through their state legislatures.

The key in this case remains that Kennedy and his liberal colleagues agree that the death penalty is constitutional but that they disapprove of the way we in South Carolina use it. Five unelected judges have usurped the will of the voters of South Carolina. They now serve as our Legislature.

Thomas Jefferson warned us of this when he noted that, “The germ of destruction is in the power of the judiciary, an irresponsible body … advancing its noiseless step like a thief over the field of jurisdiction, until all shall render powerless the checks of one branch over the other and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated.”

I did not seek office to take orders from unelected men and women who offer their prescriptions for society from behind a black robe, and I think that the vast majority of my constituents elected me to represent them, not do the bidding of the judiciary.

Our only protection against an encroaching judiciary lies in our ability to select the president who appoints its members. Please remember that in November.

Here’s a video of 2 of my friends and supporters. SC GOP Chairman Katon Dawson and I go back to grass roots work in the Republican Party. He’s done a great job with the party as all except one of our statewide elected positions are Republican. During Katon’s tenure we’ve seen increases in the Republican majority grown in the legislature even though we’ve taken a hit nationally.

The other gentleman in the video is Howard Rich. He’s, New York businessman who I visited with a while back when our family was in the Big Apple. He gave us a few tips on navigating the town and finding good eats. Howie’s a self described “city slicker” who’s wife, Andrea is from Tennessee. Andrea enjoys grits as we sent them a bag from Timm’s Mill, Pendleton’s grist mill in my district.

The Palmetto Scoop has learned that the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism — a state agency overseen by the Gov. Mark Sanford’s office — is spending an undisclosed amount of its nearly $14 million advertising budget to take part in the “So Gay” campaign, an effort launched in London, England, by the gay marketing agency “Out Now” to lure homosexual tourists to South Carolina and five U.S. cities.

Out Now is dubbing it “the gayest ever mainstream media advertising campaign” in London.

“South Carolinians will be irate when they learn their hard earned tax dollars are being spent to advertise our state as ’so gay,’” Sen. David Thomas (R-Greenville) told The Palmetto Scoop.  “South Carolina is a wonderful, family friendly destination not a Southern version of San Francisco. This campaign goes against our core values.”

Thomas said he would be calling for a comprehensive audit of PRT, an agency in the governor’s cabinet.

State Rep. Greg Delleney (R-York), echoed Thomas’ concerns, citing questions over “whether or not the governor or anyone in charge at PRT authorized this expenditure.”

“It’s simply unbelievable that PRT would be using our tax money to promote the homosexual lifestyle,” said Delleney.

Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer could not be reached for comment.

But Kirsty Dillury, a spokesperson for South Carolina Tourism, called the “So Gay” campaign an important one.

“South Carolina has a lot to offer gay travelers, and we think that people may be surprised to see our destination reaching out to the gay market,” Dillury said in aJune 27 press release. “We are delighted to be involved with the ‘So Gay’ campaign in particular as it sends a powerful positive message to everyone that there is nothing wrong at all with a destination being described as ’so gay.’”

Dillury continued, “For our gay visitors it is actually quite wonderful for them to discover just how much South Carolina has to offer — from stunning plantation homes to miles of wide sandy beaches.” […]

Read the Palmetto Scoop article

See SC Gay Poster

UPDATE (07.11.08):
‘S.C. is so gay’? State says no way
Officials pull overseas ad campaign to lure homosexual tourists
By JOHN O’CONNOR - joconnor@thestate.com
South Carolina is so gay poster
South Carolina’s top tourism agency has canceled an overseas advertising campaign targeting gay tourists.
The campaign, tied to gay pride week celebrations in London, included ads that proclaimed “South Carolina is so gay.” A handful of other U.S. destinations joined the campaign, including Atlanta, Boston and New Orleans.  Read the State Article

ANDERSON COUNTY — South Carolina State Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, is to be the host of two town hall meetings to update Anderson residents on the recently completed legislative session and hear from constituents.

The meetings are scheduled to start at
7 p.m. July 21 at Hopewell Fire Department, 2850 Concord Road
7 p.m. July 23 at Anderson City Council chamber, 401 S. Main St

Death penalty ruling turns court into legislature

By KEVIN L. BRYANT

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 25 that the imposition of the death penalty upon individuals who rape children is “cruel and unusual punishment.” The 5-4 decision initially stuns regular folks who cannot understand why the death penalty would apply to someone who shoots a person versus someone who uses an innocent child for sexual prey.

In 2006, the S.C. General Assembly stood up for children when it passed legislation providing for the death penalty in cases where someone rapes a child. I lead the fight to include the death penalty in South Carolina’s version of Jessica’s Law, then making its way through the General Assembly. I view no moment of my service in Columbia with more significance than the day we won that vote.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, the author of the latest opinion, rationalizes the rape of a child as a lesser offense by saying that, “‘in terms of moral depravity and of the injury to the person and to the public,’ they cannot compare to murder in their ‘severity and irrevocability.’”

Read More…

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford won’t be chilling the speculation about his vice presidential prospects by heading to a John McCain event next month in Colorado.

Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer confirmed Thursday the governor plans to attend the Aug. 14-15 event in Aspen recognizing donors to the Arizona senator’s presidential campaign. McCain’s campaign did not immediately respond to questions about the event.

The GOP national convention starts two weeks later in St. Paul, Minn., and any McCain contact with people mentioned as attractive running mates sparks chatter. There are plenty of those names out there, including former opponents Mitt Romney, Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee and Govs. Charlie Crist of Florida, Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.

Sanford may not seem like much of a fit with McCain’s high-dollar donors and supporters.

Although Sanford was McCain’s 2000 campaign co-chairman in South Carolina, he didn’t endorse the Arizona senator until after South Carolina’s January primary.

Federal campaign finance records show he’s not given to McCain’s bid - or any other candidate for that matter. His last federal donations were in 1998 and 1999 - a total of $7,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

But Sanford has a knack for prying others’ wallets wide.

Sanford’s last South Carolina campaign finance report in April showed he had $1.7 million left over from his 2006 re-election campaign although he can’t run for a third term.

I watched the flag pass by one day, it fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then he stood at ease
I looked at Him in uniform so young, so tall, so proud
with hair cut square and eyes alert He’d stand out in any crowd
I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign Soil How many mothers’ tears?
How many pilots’ planes shot down? How many died at sea
how many foxholes were soldiers’ Graves? No, freedom isn’t free
I heard the sound of Taps one night, when everything was still
I listened to the bugler Play and felt a sudden chill
I wondered just how many times That Taps had meant “Amen,”
When a flag had draped a Coffin. Of a brother or a friend
I thought of all the Children, of the mothers and the wives
of fathers, sons and Husbands With interrupted lives
I thought about a graveyard at the bottom of the sea
of unmarked graves in Arlington. No, freedom isn’t free

I never thought I’d enjoy a love story between 2 robots, but Ann, the kids & i really enjoyed wall-e the other day.

news

cocklebur blog

Let me begin by acknowledging that this email will not be addressed to one specific person, because the problem at hand is not a problem with a person but rather the problem is with the system. I have already spoken personally to —– and voiced my disapproval over a recent occurrence involving 2 girls in our care at —-.

Several weeks ago we were informed that our two girls, 15 years old and the other 12 years old, would be attending an independent living conference in Columbia with their caseworker, which they did. Upon returning from the conference, our 12 year old brought to our attention a book that she had been given at the conference entitled, 100 Questions You’d Never Ask Your Parents, written by Elisabeth Henderson and Dr. Nancy Armstrong.

Let me give you a sampling of some of the chapters in “this generation’s must read book about teen issues.” 1. What Does an Orgasm Feel Like? 2. What’s the Difference Between Orgasm and Ejaculation? 3. How Much Semen is there When a Guy Cums. 4. How Will I Know When I am Ready to Have Sex? To which this writer instructs, “Everybody is different and knowing when is right for you is an individual decision. There is no set age or time that defines it.” 5.How Do I Put a Condom On? 6. What Is the G-Spot? 7. Do I Have to Swallow? (Use your imagination) 8. What Is Anal Sex? 9. What Does Popping The Cherry Mean? 10. Where Can I Get Free Birth Control? 11. How Can I Prevent Pre-mature Ejaculation? 12. How Do I Tell My Mom That I’m Ready To Have Sex? – “Be straightforward about your thoughts, feelings and actions…Hit on the big points…that you are smart enough to use protection every time you have sex and that you have thought through the consequences.” These are merely a few of the 100 questions addressed and discussed in this most informative little book! And one more ironic question which is presented, “What Do I Do Now – I’m Pregnant!” That’s the best one of all and the answer will be, “Call DSS. They’ll take your baby!!!!”

Foster Care Review Board Members sit month after month and we wonder what in the world is going on that we should see such an abandonment of what is right and rational? Those who would instruct and inform our 12 year olds on the content above are doing nothing but perpetuating the insanity!! They are insuring that DSS will NEVER go out of business. We are fooling ourselves if we think that we are helping these children or our society by condoning such a blatant disregard of self-control and respect. We are, however, creating a generation of animals who operate off of instinct much like dogs in heat.  Most of you reading this would bust a vein if your child’s school gave out this book to your child. Why then would we place it in the hands of our foster children and then punish them when they get caught having sex in the bathroom stalls at school? Is it because they are wards of the state and we are so concerned about political correctness? 

The two girls who attended this conference from — who have been in our care for over 3 years. In that time we have poured our lives into theirs and sought to break the destructive cycles that so many are the products of, while teaching them what it really means to be self-controlled, honorable, respectable ladies who will give back to the world they live in rather than milking it like leaches. This resource flies in the face of everything —  believes and seeks to instill into our children.

Without question, these kids need the right information about the facts of life, which I realize not all of our foster parents are equipped to handle. But a conference and a book is also not the way to educate our children about such sensitive content. If this is how the great state of South Carolina chooses to inform our foster children, we have no room to complain when we get stuck with the consequences. Teaching and granting license are two different things entirely and it appears we don’t know the difference.