Advent Offers Hope; Opportunities to Serve Community

 Today is the first day of a new season, the season of Advent. It is a season of expectation, the hope for the arrival of something new, something better. It started 2,000 years ago with the birth of Jesus, with a quiet and inconspicuous arrival that, to paraphrase one of the great English reformers, "lit a fire that could never be put out." 

It is easy to forget the night of the first advent of hope went largely unnoticed in most of that ancient world. Nobody even took a Christmas holiday to celebrate the incarnation of their creator. Most of the world just knew nothing of it, and even in the years that followed large parts of the planet were oblivious to the hope of nations that was growing up a carpenter's son in a small country whose citizens were living under the boot of Roman occupation. Thieves still took things that did not belong to them, killers killed, liars lied, armies waged war and folks pretty much went on much as they had before. 

Even though we now know how that first Advent played out - and have the witness of history as to how it fundamentally changed the planet - things really aren't that much different today. And perhaps saddest of all, from Anderson to Amsterdam to Afghanistan we have come to expect little else in or from each other or the world we live in.  

Then advent season arrives, opening up at least the idea that there is something more going on than the sabre-rattling madness of the nations constantly inviting us to circle our wagons in a state of anxious panic. It brings the arrival of a different invitation, one which can only come from inside of each of us. An invitation to a place of peace. 

I was talking to former S.C. Gov. David Beasley Thursday afternoon about his diplomatic work all over the world, and was interested to hear his conclusion: "I've both learned and come to see politics can't change the world," Beasley said. "It's people; it's us as individuals working together who have to be the ones to change things." 

He's right. It is unlikely anyone reading this editorial can do anything which will cause or prevent North Korea from starting a war. Or Muslim extremists from blowing up another group or tourists or mosque. We can't even get TSA agents to be polite when they pat us down at the airport.

But we can volunteer to cover routes for Meals on Wheels when they need a substitute driver. We can help clean up after lunch at the Anderson Soup Kitchen. We can help the Haven of Rest get enough hams for Christmas, and then serve them to those who need a hot meal for the holiday. If none of these appeal to you, write a check to Shalom Recovery Center in Belton to help women and their families break the brutal cycle of addiction. Or just call your church or call Anderson Interfaith Ministries and I can say with confidence they will help direct your desire to do something to change things in this community for the better. 

Throughout history, Advent has been  marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing for a better world. Here are some numbers to help you share in that experience of hope during the season:

Anderson Interfaith Ministries   226-2273

Anderson Soup Kitchen              224-4763

Haven of Rest                              226-6193

Meals on Wheels                         225-6800

Shalom Recover Center              238-9875

Salvation Army                            225-7381

Anderson County Leadership in Information Praiseworthy

By Greg Wilson

Editor/Publisher, Anderson Observer

Media outlets across the country are currently marking National Sunshine Week, a national initiative to open a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include print, broadcast and online news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know.

The rights of citizens to access of public information is crucial to effective government and sustained community growth. The days have past when citizens are willing to accept the paternalist notion that our elected officials “know best” about what information the public should or should not be allowed to access.

Anderson County government has come a long way in this process. Back in the 1980s when I covered the county as editorial page editor of the Anderson Independent, it more often than not took repeated requests, costly fees and even legal representation to obtain documents which they were clearly required to provide by law under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Even then the information provided was often delayed until it was no longer relevant or edited beyond reason.

Fast forward 20 years. Last week the county was recognized as one of only 39 in the nation to receive a perfect score from the Sunshine Week group for their initiatives in openess and transparency in government. (Details here) The county took it a step forward by holding a public meeting Friday night asking for suggestions of what else can be done to make all county information more accessible to individuals and the media. Several suggestions were made and there were promises to act on those suggestions.  

Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns, Public Information Officer and Web Manager Angie Stringer, and members of County Council deserve credit for their efforts to make the county a model of transparent government.

There is still much to be done. The public needs to understand their civic duty to be vigilant along with the media to make sure the county continues to stay on the bleeding edge of this issue. County officials need to be given refresher courses every year on the mandates of the S.C. Freedom of Information Act, and what it requires. Executive sessions in particular, need to be examined more closely in the bright light of that legislation.

Meanwhile, the county is holding an open public session at 2 p.m. Wednesday for municipalities, counties, school districts, etc., to demonstrate the steps taken to make county date available online and to offer assistance to any government/school entity.  The county is also offering to host web sites for local municipalities wishing to post their financial  or other information. The session will be held at the historic courthouse.

I hope these groups will take advantage of this session.

Honor

It is highly unlikely that anyone reading this editorial today does not have a family member or close friend who took up arms for this country. Some of them did not return home, but more than 20 million did. All of us owe them a debt we cannot repay, which is why we take one day a year to remind these courageous men and women that we appreciate them.

Of the 25 million veterans:

1.7 million The number of veterans who are women.

9.5 million The number of veterans who are age 65 or older.

2.3 million The number of black veterans. Additionally, 1.1 million veterans are Hispanic; 276,000 are Asian; 185,000 are American Indian or Alaska native; and 25,000 are native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander.

8.2 million The number of Vietnam-era veterans. More than 30 percent of all veterans served in Vietnam, the largest share of any period of service. The next largest share of wartime veterans, 3.9 million or fewer than 20 percent, served during World War II.

16% Percentage of Persian Gulf War veterans who are women. In contrast, women account for 5 percent of World War II vets, 3 percent of Vietnam vets and 2 percent of Korean War vets.

32,000 The number of veterans who served during both the Vietnam era and in the Gulf War.

In addition,

383,000 veterans served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict.

107,000 served during three periods: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict.

376,000 served in World War II and the Korean War.

6The number of states with 1 million or more veterans. These states are California (2.3 million), Florida (1.8 million), Texas (1.7 million), New York (1.2 million), Pennsylvania (1.1 million) and Ohio (1.1 million).

$22.4 billion Aggregate amount of money received annually by the 2.6 million veterans receiving compensation for service-connected disabilities.

$59.6 billion Total amount of federal government spending for veterans benefits programs in fiscal year 2004.

Today is the day to thank those veterans for keeping us free and safe. So make that call, take a veteran to lunch and if you see a man or woman in uniform, say thank you.

Gun Ordinance Fired Blanks

Tuesday night Anderson County Council rightly disarmed a proposed ordinance which would have made it illegal to shoot any firearm within 300 yards of a residence or business in unincorporated areas of the county. Though County Councilman Tom Allen likely had the best of intentions in presenting the ordinance, even he had to know the chances of such a law passing in a county where the majority of folks are gun owners was less than slim.

No question the combination of growth and the lack of countywide zoning has created some strange population densities across the county. There are numerous places in incorporated areas where subdivisions back up to farm land and other open acreage creating the potential for problems during hunting season or other times when someone may be target shooting on their property. Anderson County Sherfiff John Skipper reported to council that 982 shots fired incidences were called in during the past year, with only 276 leading to further investigation. But just because no serious injuries or deaths have been reported, council was also correct to aks for further study on thei issue, particularly in relation to those areas of dense population growth.

Meanwhile laws are already in place to take care of those who are reckless, careless or malevolent with firearms in Anderson County. Aggressive inforcement of such laws is a far more reasonable approach to the problem than infringing on the rights of the overwhelming number of our neighbors who who are responsible gun owners and do not deserve such restrictions on their own property.

President No Match for Teachers

By Greg Wilson

Editor/Publisher, Anderson Observer

    I watched the president's address yesterday with a bunch of third graders. Lights down, television on one of those raised brackets up in one corner. In the dim room, the volume was just right, the kids quiet and well-behaved.
    At the end of the speech, the teacher asked if there were any questions. There were three:
What is our math homework again?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Is it time to go?
    At least one boy finished his math homework during the short address, safe since all eyes were on the screen.
    I asked one girl, who appeared totally tuned in to the president's entire talk, what she thought of what he said and she replied: "I got kind of sleepy when they turned out the lights."
    Recognizing there is place for debate in all that is politics, and the right of parents to choose - and at least in this county, all parents were allowed to opt their youngsters out of viewing the speech - I walked away with a renewed belief that not much has changed since I sat in an old wooden desk in Mrs. Medlock's room back in the mid-sixties.
    We still had prayer in school back then, at least at my school. But the most passionate displays of prayer were those silent ones before math tests. So not much has changed there. My teacher worked hard to engage the classroom, much as the third grade teacher I witnessed yesterday, and we paid attention - to her. When anyone else, a substitute, the principal, a parent, anybody else talked, our eyes glazed over pretty fast. We didn't have television in the schools in those days, but we had film strip projectors, which more often than not would overheat and burn a spot on the film. When the lights went down and the scratchy record on the old hi-fi was synced to filmstrip, they all seemed to be about Bolivia in my memory for some reason, we got drowsy and our attention drifted to recess and lunch and going home to get out and play.
    I saw that same look in the eyes of those third graders yesterday. Which is why we need to worry more about making sure our teachers have the time they need to engage their students rather than getting a little too worked up about guest speakers in the classroom, whatever their political stripe.
    After the speech, I witnessed a teacher who had the captive attention of her classroom, a teaching assistant who they actually paid attention to, as if a brain switch had clicked "on" after the television was turned off.
    I can't help but wish the president had a video of that to show folks next time, one which shows how education is supposed to work.

Across the Board Cuts Reflect Poor Leadership

The South Carolina Budget and Control Board's decision to cut all state agency budgets by 4 percent is yet another example of government of expediency.

Hard to imagine any thoughtful process which would have led to the conclusion that all state agencies provide comparably essential services. Take a look at the list for yourself and decide http://sc.gov/Portal/OrgList.aspx

Some, such as the Board of Cosemtology, were scheduled to sunseted in the 1980s, but remain due to bobtailing legislation and special considerations. Meanwhile other agencies, such as the state Fire Academy receives the same level of reduction in budget. The cut will also cut another $85 million from the state's public schools.

The cuts also mean more problems for colleges, health care and prisons. In a little more than a year, more than $1.3 billion has been slashed from spending as the recession pounded tax collections.

The Board is made up of the Governor, the Treasurer, the Comptroller General, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.

These members of the budget and control board have had months to consider which agency budgets to trim and by how much. To make across the board cuts reflects a lack of wisdom and leadership at a time we so badly need direction.

If you are one to express your opinion and agree we expect better from this board, let them know. Here is there contact information:

SC Budget and Control Board
Box 12444 · Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 734-2320 | FAX:(803) 734-2117

Sullivan's More than Great Food

By Greg Wilson

Editor/Publisher, Anderson Observer

        They had not been opened very long, when I first took my wife Deborah to Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill for an anniversary dinner. I had not been in the Sullivan building since the days of high shelves full of tools and screws and piles of all manner of hardware treasures stacked loose in open boxes.
        But new owner Bill Nikas somehow figured out how to keep the recognizable elements of an old hardware store while creating a downright elegant dining experience in downtown Anderson. I remember the El Dorado Steakhouse being elegant for the day, but this was something a notch up. This was the kind of restaurant hometown folks were accustomed to driving to maybe Vince Perone's in Greenville for, or even someplace toney in Atlanta.
        Sullivan's was fine dining, right here at home. Amazing creations in the kitchen from appetizer to dessert. Beautiful tables, courteous staff and owner, very fancy all around but not one highfalutin person or thing in the building.
        That night we had the stuffed pork chops and finished with coconut cream pie (something that became a Sullivan's siren call for me after that). Later the the lamb became my favorite dish, and I don't think I was ever in a conversation about food in this town where debates over the best food at Sullivan's did not play a major role. (Grouper, had the most fans).
        But serving as the place for special occasions was not all there was to Sullivan's. The owner, Bill Nikas, quietly supported community causes in a number of ways over the years, providing food and a place for local charitable organizations to meet, including Newspring church as its planned its first campus, other donations and an under-the-radar approach to community service which will be difficult to replace.
        Thanks, Bill, you are a great neighbor and friend to Anderson. I look forward to seeing what you will do next. In the meantime, know that those of us in Anderson appreciate what you and your family have given us and pray for you all as you plan your next adventure.
        Finally, I hope everyone who reads this will visit Sullivan's in the next week and savor one more glorious meal. And while you are there, thank Bill and the staff for all their amazing work bringing something truly special to this town.

Pedal Into Labor Day and Support CAA

This Labor Day weekend kicks off with a new event, one which we hope becomes our annual activity to say goodbye to Summer.

On Saturday, the "Tour De La France" will offer a 13.74-mile Bicycle trek, which begins at 8 a.m. at La France Elementary School, and a mini-ride of 1.8 miles for beginners and chidren, which begins at the Great Escape and ends at the Anderson County Farmer's Market. Electric City Transit will provide transportation back to the school or the Great Escape.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cancer Association of Anderson. So dust off your old bike and go register today.

Best of Clunkers Could Have Been Useful

More than a few of the cars and trucks traded in at Anderson Dealerships as part of the "Cash for Clunkers" government program, are no where near deserving of their title or the junk heap. More than a few low mileage cars less than 10 years old dot the parking lots of dealerships awaiting their day of destruction. Certainly the goals of increasing fuel efficent cars on the highway and jumpstarting new car sales had merit. But many of the vehicles which will end up scrapped by government edict could have been used by local charities to provide reliable, and in many cases stylish transportation.

With a simple addendum to the program, the government could have allowed deals to designate the most desirable "clunkers" to be given to non-profit organizations who could have put them into service improving our community.

In an article at japolnik.com, says the "clunkers" are of very little use to recyclers and points out: "points out the current scrap value is $140 a ton, which means a two-ton vehicle is only worth $280 as scrap. Subtract out the estimated cost of $200 to detox the vehicle as required by law and the total value is only $80 per car if nothing can be sold on it."

Read the entire article here.

The $3 billion program helped sell 625,000 new vehicles and certainly took some older less envirnomentally friendly cars and trucks off the road. But better planning could have led to benefits which don't show up ledgers.

Kicking Off Fall

The students are back at school and the days are growing shorter. It all adds up to the most wonderful time of the year: football season.

Friday night high school football teams snap on their helmets and look to make somebody pay for long two-a-day practices in the summer heat. Marching bands, sweat out the late August night in their uniforms, while the booster clubs crank up concessions stands in support.

Forget the calendar, football is the official kick off to autumn. It is a reminder that before the schedules reach there mid-point, the nights will require light jackets and Denver Downs will have their corn maze ready, fields full of pumpkins.

Hanna is at Westide, Palmetto and Wren are playing at home, BHP is at Laurens, so get out and celebrate the the season. And buy something at the concessions stand.