Law that denies food stamps to drug felons who have paid their debt needs revision
.jpg "In this photo taken Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, a sign announcing the acceptance of electronic Benefit Transfer cards is seen at a farmers market in Roseville, Calif. Currently food stamp recipients have had problems purchasing food at farmer’s markets because many of them do not accept the EBT cards that food stamp recipients use to buy groceries. A bill currently in the legislature would change that by helping farmers markets overcome bureaucratic hurdles to obtain the equipment needed to read the benefit cards.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)")
Allow food stamp help
South Carolina is the only state that denies people with a felony drug conviction from ever receiving help from food stamps.
I am not condoning the use of illegal drugs or any criminal act; however, people are human and humans make bad choices sometimes, especially during the younger years of life.
A felony drug charge can be for as little as $70 worth of cocaine or a just over an ounce of weed.
The governor wants to endorse programs such as Turn 90 (formerly Turning Leaf) and allows inmates to earn degrees while in prison.
These programs are great and aimed to prevent people from returning to jail, but these people need help with food and housing upon release.
Perry Hozey, Calhoun Falls
Metal detectors needed
It is time for politicians and administrators charged with educating and protecting our children to begin to effectively protect them at school.
There is no logical reason why metal detectors aren’t used daily at all schools at all points of entry. The saving of the life of one child would far outweigh the logistics and the cost of the implementation of metal detectors in schools.
Just as metal detectors at airports became an extremely effective solution in preventing hijackings aboard airplanes, metal detectors can also become an extremely effective solution for preventing school shootings.
Places such as courthouses, federal buildings, airports and large sporting stadiums use metal detectors.
Now is the time for politicians and education administrators to become “proactive,” and not just “reactive” because innocent children’s lives are at risk.
Alvin Staley, Orangeburg
Increase letters
While newspapers are experiencing reduced readership, diminishing advertising and heavy competition from other sources, one component that makes this form of media unique is the publishing of letters to the editor.
As local news reporting dwindles, letters to the editor are a critical section to expand.
The voice of the people needs an outlet and newspapers have the best potential to provide it. Numerous local and state issues benefit from perspectives offered by readers.
Readers should be encouraged to write letters. Topics that could provide valued dialogue include the perspectives on open carry, COVID issues, the impact of immigration in the Lowcountry, affordable housing, availability of health services, etc.
This is a public service which is a hallmark of local newspapers.
Let’s get back on track publishing letters daily.
Richard Hammes, Hilton Head
Rest in peace
As we said good-bye to one of the 20th century’s most honorable patriots and public servants, Bob Dole, I want to share my personal experience with his wonderful sense of humor.
I don’t remember why or when we Republicans were meeting in Atlanta in the early 90’s, but Senator Dole dropped in on a social gathering of our South Carolina group.
He took the mike to briefly address us and said, I paraphrase: “I love your Strom Thurmond. He’s my mentor. I watch every move he makes. If he eats a banana, I eat a banana.”
Well, it must have worked because both he and Senator Thurmond enjoyed long, productive lives. Rest in peace, Senator Dole.
Edie Rodgers, Beaufort