With the recent breakthroughs in treatment and research in HIV, it continues to spread at a staggering national rate of over 40,000 new infections per year. Even more shocking is that South Carolina ranks 9th in the nation in new infectious discoveries. Although there is controversy over the pandemic’s causes, HIV is a multifaceted issue with moral, educational, religious, and behavioral factors. On Tuesday I visited ANMED’s HIV clinic with several social workers, doctors, counselors and patients which gave me a better understanding of the disease. One encouraging statistic is that in 2005 only one child was born with HIV.

I enjoyed a visit to Ms. Jane Allen’s Physics class today at my alma mater T.L. Hanna High School. The lesson and lab on static & kinetic friction was a tad over my head, but I followed anyway. Ms. Allen gave me a clue that may challenge these bright young minds. Does the stretchiness in the fishing line factor in the equation?

This experience was reminiscent of my physics class back in ‘89 with the late Mr. Phaille (the name fits).

Got this e-mail recently from a pastor expressing his support in praying for me.
Dear Senator Bryant, As one of your constituents from the Powdersville area, I pray for you on a regular basis. However, today, God impressed me to let you know that someone was praying for you particularly. I am able to keep up with you on a personal basis through Dr. Steve Ellis who is a part of the church here at GCC where I pastor. We are proud of the effort you invest in our state and community. Thank you for serving us well. In the church, I know that it is very easy to get distracted by good things, as well as the challenges of the day. I pray that God will help you to focus on the best things where He could use you to have the most effective Kingdom impact. May He protect your family and guard your mind. May your grow in favor in His sight and the sight of men. May He give you discernment and courage to stay on the wall for a His great purpose (Nehemiah 6:3).

Art Fulks Pastor - Greenville Community Church

The SC Department of Corrections evidently has a problem with inmates publicly exposing themselves in manners not appropriate. There is a court challenge to the 2 year old policy that punishes these offenders by making them wear pink jump suits. Naturally, a few nuts are clamoring to defend these inmates. I don’t get it. Seems like to me the inmate has a choice. Follow the rules and choose your color.

We all get e-mails of emotionally charged pictures, anecdotes, & reflections. Ann sent me this one today that got me more than usual. The mere fact that we can have this blog forum, an open exchange of ideas, is because of those in our armed forces putting themselves in harm’s way. We have much to be grateful for our soldiers, law enforcement, and especially their families.

I had the pleasure of greeting the students at Riverside Middle School Wednesday morning in Pendleton. I was impressed immediately by the atmosphere of discipline and commitment towards learning. We all know even the best behaved middle school students are full of energy and harnessing this energy towards learning is no small task. Principle Kevin Black and staff apparently have found the necessary innovation to create an impressive learning environment. I’ll be back in October to speak to the students as they recognize Constitution Day. I’d better do my homework because I’m sure these students will be ready with some tough questions.