To reader’s dismay, local lawmakers figure prominently in new permitless carry bill

Know reps’ role

From 2010-2021, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, there were more than 1,500 firearms-related charges in Beaufort County with 155 weapons violations alone in 2022.

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.

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 Beaufort County 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

Where are the sidewalks?

Several years ago, the voters approved an additional one-cent sales tax to fund infrastructure improvements in Beaufort County.

The tax was collected, the requested funds were raised, and the temporary tax was rescinded.

One of the promised improvements was a sidewalk along Salem Road, which has yet to be built. Nor is there any sign that construction will commence anytime soon.

With the ongoing construction of more than 300 new homes and a large apartment complex along Salem Road, traffic has increased significantly and will only get worse.

Salem Road has always been a hazard for pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists. Now it has become downright dangerous.

Do we have to wait until someone is killed before the county will fulfill its promise?

James Pickard, Beaufort

Disappointed reader

I have always found Rabbi Brad Bloom’s commentary pieces thoughtful and compassionate. So I was dismayed to read his recent travel column about the state of Israel.

Yes, Rabbi, politics in Israel are, as you note, “complicated.” But I do not believe Israel is a happy place that “handles its diversity” well.

Your commentary does not mention Palestinians except by reference to an “Israeli Arab” who killed three people after running into a bus stand, and an “Arab Muslim family” who have kept the keys to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for generations.

That is a terrible distortion.

In fact, the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living under occupation would surely not find your notion of “rough and tumble politics” an apt characterization of their dire situation.

Shame on you, Rabbi. A “Jewish state” cannot, by definition, be truly democratic, any more than a “Christian state” can.

Democracy requires equal rights for all, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Palmira Brummett, Beaufort

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