Columns

It’s probably fair to say that a lot of people in our society feel a healthy dose of skepticism toward many politicians.
It’s not unreasonable to feel that way, either.
After all, if you read the paper or watch the news, it’s not very hard to find reasons to raise your eyebrows, or even your voice, over decisions they make about spending your money.

There’s no question that people like having options. It’s simple, but true. In everything from smart phones to shoes, people take for granted the ability to choose products that fit their needs and personality.
That same desire for choices applies to larger, more vital goods and services.

We’ve heard the excuses about why South Carolina schools are so far behind others in the nation.
And, to be honest, many of the excuses are valid.
But that doesn’t take the sting out of the recent report that shows, despite all the effort and goal-setting to make South Carolina’s schools more accountable, we still are lagging way behind.
The S.C. Education Oversight Committee reported that goals established for the year 2020 may not be met unless there are drastic changes in the way we educate our students.

It has been almost three years since 19-year-old Siobhan Russell was found brutally stabbed to death by her 17-year-old boyfriend in Oak Hill, Va.
In 2010, Siobhan’s abuser was arrested and sentenced to 40 years in prison. After living through this horrific event, Siobhan’s mother was determined to do all that she could to prevent other acts of abuse and violence. She now runs an organization to raise awareness about teen dating violence, where she speaks to communities about the warning signs of dating violence. She is an example for us all.