To reader’s dismay, coastal lawmakers play major role in new permitless carry bill

Know reps’ role

In South Carolina, on average, 964 people die and 2,358 are wounded by guns each year.

But this week in Columbia, the House passed a bill that would allow for permitless carry for gun owners in our state. H-3594 now goes to the Senate for further debate.

One of the more concerning pieces of permitless carry, is that there is no training required for those who purchase a firearm.

Last year, our General Assembly expanded gun access to make South Carolina an open-carry state, despite testimony from law enforcement leaders stating this would make their jobs more difficult and their communities less safe.

Nearby Beaufort County’s legislative delegation has had a major hand in progressing this unpopular bill. H-3594 is co-sponsored by Beaufort’s Republican Representatives Weston Newton and Bill Herbkersman. Common-sense gun owners and concerned citizens deserve to know how their representatives are leading this charge and should be empowered to use their voice in urging them to change their minds, or their future votes in replacing them.

Emily Mayer, Bluffton

Support equine act

For more than 20 years, horse-related businesses have helped South Carolina grow and conserve culturally significant land. The equine industry remains an important part of agribusiness to this day. Currently, there are 73,000+ horses stabled in South Carolina, creating an annual economic impact of $1.9 billion.

Thanks to our equine community, ideal climate, and booming economy, horse enthusiasts and businesses want to be here. However, many are forced to locate in neighboring states because of outdated laws in the Palmetto State that makes us a less competitive option.

To protect equine jobs and to preserve our horse culture for future generations, I am asking state lawmakers to support the S.C. Equine Advancement Act. This legislation would legalize Advance Deposit Wagering on equine events being held across the U.S., generating new revenue from licensing.

Please consider joining me in helping to keep our centuries-old equine industry alive by notifying your legislators of your support for the S.C. Equine Advancement Act.

Ned Towell, Camden

Licenses needed

Can you believe some folks at the State House want to do away with the licenses that are required for some very important professions? Professions where a client would want to know the practitioner was qualified?

Some of our legislators want to take us back over a century to the time when snake oil salesmen were free to sell their wares.

Wanna be a psychologist? Sure, just go hang out a sign.

Wanna be a dietician? Just say you’re one after you’ve read a book or two or watched some infomercials.

Those licenses are there to reassure those of us who go to these professionals that they have had the proper training for their jobs.

Requiring additional training every so many years keeps these folks up-to-date.

The marketplace already decides which practitioners are the best. But at least for now, our choices are among qualified, licensed professionals.

Let’s keep it that way.

Elizabeth Russell, Columbia

Attitude says it all

It has been said a good attitude is a virtue.

Just what is “attitude”? Webster’s defines attitude as “a manner of acting, thinking or feeling that shows one’s disposition, opinion or mental set.” Taking it a step further, then, a good attitude means possessing a positive way of thinking and perceiving situations.

Further, a positive attitude means being optimistic about issues, about interactions with others and about yourself, while remaining hopeful, seeing the best even in difficult times and generally having an encouraging effect upon those around you.

A positive attitude is a desirable personality trait.

Here are a few not so obvious suggestions that can contribute to being positive: avoid gossip, be more friendly and humorous, take real breaks from serious situations, focus on long-term vs. short- term solutions, listen to relaxing music and love one another.

Lowcountry neighbors, if desired, in just a minute, you can change your attitude, your entire day [life] as well as that of others for the better. It’s your call.

Earle Everett, Hilton Head