The Reform Debate Continues

Your Ideas and Comments #3

This is the third in a series of responses to the original New Democrats editorial entitled "What Now for South Carolina Democrats?" written by SC New Democrats Co- chairs Mayors Floyd Nicholson of Greenwood, Bob Coble of Columbia and Phil Noble, Director of the SC New Democrats.

Folks from all across the state have responded to the editorial and sent in their ideas and opinions of what we need to do to reform the party so that we can win again statewide.

From a First Time House Candidate
In the 2006 election cycle, I did something that I believe that everyone should do at least once in their lives... run for public office.

It was one of the most incredible experiences in my life. I have never been more humbled and encouraged by the positive connection that this experience has brought me. I learned so much, I met so many great people and I had the opportunity to share my vision about how we move South Carolina forward into the 21st Century. People responded to that vision in many inspiring ways and they made a decision to lend their support to me.

My campaign took place in House District 79 (Richland and Kershaw Counties). I ran for the South Carolina House of Representatives as a Democrat. I challenged a 12 year Republican incumbent (that has never had serious opposition) in a district that is one of the fastest growing districts in the state of South Carolina over the last 15 years. More

Anton Gunn, Columbia
anton@antongunn.com

Winning – From a Businessman in Charleston
After reading the What's Next for SC Democrats I find it important to send you a thought.

If one wants to win one must first decide that they will not loose. All in this state that claim to be Democrats and have a desire to win should be required to read, " The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. Failure can not be an option. One must plan, execute the plan, follow-up with all involved in the plan, continue to execute, and win. What I see is talk, talk, talk, but leadership is lacking and winning is secondary to talking about winning.

I've worked on two campaigns with Mayor Riley with our group coming in up front with and attitude of failure is never an option. Planning is the entire key with timing running a close second if not first. I look forward to discussions concerning this matter. I'm fed up with the way our country is allowing citizens in our armed forces to be killed and injured for life in the ridiculous wars we are waging.

So many other issues to talk about but the overall battle ground must to waged with clear, concise planning and executed by those that have an attitude of "Failure is never an option."

Gene King, Charleston
gking@seqinv.com

Do We Need a ‘Big Tent’?
We must rethink the idea of the "Big Tent." I thought this meant that all ideas were welcomed and that the party of the "Big Tent" (the Democratic party) does not shy away from debate to come up with solid solutions to the many problems we face in South Carolina. We have allowed the Republican party to become the New Democratic party where everyone is welcomed (including black folks), and take a seat at the table where ideas and debate is welcomed. As an African American with young children, we are more in tuned to politics than ever before.

We are not concerned with bigger government but better government; we don't care about more money in education but better education for all children. i.e. fix the system (and yes we are the ones that have children in this broke system that's not working and our children are suffering), and we don't want to be discussing another 20 years how we are going to create economic development in rural South Carolina but we must devise strategies that recognize South Carolina's competitiveness in the world and whatever strategies we develop must take the global market place into account.

New democrats must be just that..."New Democrats." When the late Senator Isadore Lourie asked me to join the DLC some years before his passing, he said I want you to join because we must have African Americans involved that will think differently for the future and the sustainability of the Democratic Party. We cannot be New Democrats ladies and gentlemen with the same old messages.

Stephen Gilchrist
sgilchrist1@sc.rr.com

Goldwater, Race and Women
It is indeed interesting to read the various opinions expressed by the responders. I was raised to be a Democrat because nobody had ever seen a Republican, which obviates the fact that I am old. I went to college and got educated (in the ways of the world). When Barry Goldwater ran for President, I cast my first vote for him because he was painfully honest and turned out to be right. Therefore, I always consider candidates on my perception of their honesty, more than their issues.

An honest person is more likely to call BS where obvious while a politician will equivocate. Lyndon Johnson was far from honest so I did not vote for him. During this period, segregation had reared its ugly head and many friends and neighbors had a Republican enlightenment... blacks were Democrats, they weren't. There, I almost said it. The South rose again...rebelled...and became real white and real Republican. They also got real religious? I guess they couldn't stand themselves in the dark of night so they called on the LORD to sanction their "beliefs." In the process, both sides of the issue lost their "home training,” thus the current state of public education...missing parentage.

We must educate children as early in life as possible...a child that qualifies for college can get funded. A hungry and unhabilitated 3 year old can't. Lottery money should be totally "EARLY CHILDHOOD FUNDING." Unfortunately, Kerry was right about how one winds up in IRAQ...it ain't Harvard. SO here we are in SC, a third world state with an ethereal Governor. We have no vision in leaders.

As a businessman, I learned to never hire a man to do a job that a women could do. Women get it done while men talk about it (and them Gamecocks). We have the better part of two years to develop the female population of SC into educated voters who will participate in the political process. Once educated, they can not possibly be Republicans, DUH? Electable candidates must be cultivated now. The lights will shine on SC in the presidential primary...let's get ready to rumble.

Don Yonce, Myrtle Beach
Domoyosr@aol.com

From a Transplanted Retiree
Here as in the rest of the world should integrate and promote equal rights to health, quality education (out of state if necessary to bring high school quality up to qualify for out-of-state schools), job opportunities (and, yes, labor unions) and loans for small businesses headed by women and other minorities.

Too many rich white males run things, decide who gets jailed (NOT rich white males) or gets good legal representation, adequate housing, quality transportation allowing holding down full-time jobs and Split-shift or varied-shift jobs and getting to educational opportunities.

I moved here to retire, because of the climate and the strides in integration made so far, but I NEVER would have educated my children here in this bigoted backwater with Dixie League sports and poor public transportation. No one else should have to be forced to put up with inferior resources either.

Jean Affleck, Mount Pleasant
jaffleck@bellsouth.net

This Project and "Three Women From Charleston"
I think what you're doing is great. It's opening up a great dialogue. I was hoping it would continue. I read Connie Green's piece over and over and found it to be both timely (with Hillary's potential Presidential bid hanging in the balance) and also oxymoronic. There may be elements of truth to the idea that women can often be women's own worst enemies, and it intrigued me how she seemed to be outraged by that, yet at the same time criticizing other women for not doing what she'd like to see other women do.

I really would like to see an open dialogue among folks who have run for office before and received little-to-no help from the Dem. Party and hear what they have to say about what they think would have made their campaigns better/what help did they expect and did not get? Things like that.
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Tara McGuinness, Mt. Pleasant
taramcguinness@comcast.net