Senator’s comments illustrate state’s sad history as it relates to racial awareness
Words hurt
Being a proud native of South Carolina, I was appalled after reading the recent article about S.C. Senator Sandy Senn, R-Charleston, who sent an email to 46 other senators regarding Stephen Swails, the first black president pro tempore of the S.C. Senate. “That sure is the whitest looking black guy I’ve ever seen,’‘ the email stated.
Stephen Swails, a man who made numerous contributions to this state, deserves better. He was a businessman, lawyer, newspaper editor and served in the S.C. Senate from 1868-1878.
I think we should all step back and realize the harm words can do. We can do a lot more for this state united than we can divided and Senator Senn’s words will only serve to divide us. Let us be proud of the contributions to this state and country ALL people make regardless of skin color.
Priscilla Fuller, Conway
Fix existing roads
Last week, Horry County Council rejected a funding proposal to allocate $4.2 million in hospitality fees over 30 years toward building a portion of Interstate 73 in Horry. I want to thank the council for voting down such an irresponsible proposal and recognizing that there are more pressing needs than a brand new nearly $2 billion interstate.
The council also supported a resolution to dedicate the remainder of RIDE II toward improvements on S.C. Highway 90. While I appreciate the attention on the issue, just budgeting unclear amounts of money so they can continue with business as usual is not a solution. We must address the flooding, road widening, excessive wear from heavy trucks, and lack of public transportation to begin to meet the community’s needs.
We are wounded on SC-90, in Bucksport, in the rural parts of Horry, and everywhere else struggling to deal with flooding and rampant development. Rather than funding a new interstate, I hope Horry County will put money toward improving existing infrastructure, preserving our natural infrastructure, and ensuring we’re growing responsibly and sustainably.
Amelia Wood, Conway
Preserve marshes
Over the top coastal development was wanted by many who failed to appreciate nature’s gifts of our salt marshes in spite of the public outcry to protect wetlands and wildlife. Today failing the coastal zone is met with rising seas. The loss potential is devastating.
In 1993, Myrtle Beach hosted a symposium on Sustainable Development in the Southeastern Coastal Zone and science pointed to the needs of natural systems spelling out that environmental considerations should not be left out in development planning. The best science at the time recognizing the value of sustainable development of our coast wasn’t enough to move us toward sustainability measures.
The fact remains that salt marshes sustain estuary life and without them ecosystem collapse is our future. How we have managed these irreplaceable systems in the past is not going to cut it in the hands of the same decision makers, land planners and developers who thus far have counted on profits without due consideration for the resources under their charge.
Can we learn from past mistakes and preserve what is left of our salt marsh or do we sacrifice it all?
Sandra Bundy, Murrells Inlet
Thank you
In a time lacking care for our neighbors, we are very lucky to have more than 60 volunteers who pick litter in the area once a month, every month in the name of Beautify Carolina Forest.
Special thanks to them and to companies that help with both median projects and financing.
Thank you so much for caring about Carolina Forest and helping to make a difference in its care. We couldn’t do this without your help.
We welcome new volunteers to join us.
Visit our website (https://beautifycf.wixsite.com/beautifycf) if you wish to volunteer or donate to our nonprofit.
Betsy Fay, President Beautify Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach