Reader hopes man hurling harsh words at protesters redirects passion to gun control

Redirect the passion

As I listened to the horrific news of another school shooting – this time in Texas – I was reminded of the young man in the pickup truck who screamed “baby killers” at a large group of us gathered peacefully in front of Beaufort City Hall a few weeks ago. We had assembled to protest the many recent assaults on our reproductive rights.

I can only hope that the driver who attacked us with his words will decide to use his passion and energy to protest the sale of weapons of mass destruction which are being used to murder our babies far too often.

According to NPR, we have already had over 200 mass shootings in the United States this year and 27 of them were in schools. Italy, Spain and the Netherlands have had none.

Caren Ross, Beaufort

Support Maness

The Republican Party has certified six candidates to run for state superintendent of education. Yet at least two of those candidates do not meet the qualifications set out in state law [SC Code 59-3-10] which requires a master’s degree.

The candidates who didn’t meet this criterion have pledged to get their degrees. How can this happen? Most educators and other professionals work on their advanced degrees online, or by attending classes in the afternoons, evenings, and summers, sacrificing time, energy, and money.

Also, neither of these candidates has provided evidence of any experience as a teacher or administrator in the public schools.

How could the Republican Party certify candidates who clearly do not meet the criteria at the time of their filings.

I believe Kathy Maness is the best qualified candidate. Because of her teaching experience, her credentials, her leadership of the largest professional association for educators in the state, and her service as a 17-year member of Lexington Town Council, she is the best candidate for state superintendent of education.

Elizabeth Gressette, Cayce

Change for Horry Council

I am proud to be one of many folks in Horry County District 1 who knows, trusts and supports Jenna Dukes for Horry County Council. Jenna has been my pharmacist since we moved to Cherry Grove. I trust her to make decisions that affect my health, my loved ones’ health and even the health of my pets.

Jenna is a political outsider, making her a fresh face and a fresh voice for our district.

For years our area has been represented by elected officials who do not represent us or our values. Our current councilman consistently votes against funding public safety, law enforcement and road improvements that are much needed.

Recently I have seen accusations hurled at Jenna for being funded by “millionaire developers.” I can assure you, I am not a developer and I am certainly not a millionaire. I am a regular citizen who is eager for change and representation that we can trust. We are ready for leadership in District 1 to answer the hard questions that Jenna is asking.

I highly encourage you to join me on June 14 in voting for Jenna Dukes, the “prescription for success” in Horry County.

Kimberly Brisson, North Myrtle Beach

Ways to save gas

Wow! Today I paid $4.19 a gallon for gas.

Surprisingly, my neighbors who have worked from home during the pandemic, say that they are being asked to go back to the office. I can’t believe that during this gas price crisis, some companies are requesting this. During the pandemic many of their employees adapted to and enjoyed working from home.

We can only imagine the tremendous number of gallons of gas needed for employees to go back to work. Continuing to work from home could be a solution to saving funds on gas for many households.

Another solution to gas savings is for all of us to schedule our trips to the store more effectively.

Sometimes the solution to a problem does not depend on our government but rather on ourselves.

James Muldrow, Columbia