Category Archives: Opinions
Simple, easy and wrong answers
For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong.” — H. L. Mencken
The South Carolina Legislature seems to live by this. We have some very big and 
complex problems in this state, and our legislators are masters at coming up with clear, simple and wrong answers. Three stories in the news last week are a perfect illustration of this.
Many would argue that the two most basic core functions of our state government are to 1) educate our children and 2) keep us safe … and dealing with the related issue of
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Letters to the Editor
Long-term housing solution
Dear Editor,
I read the story about the proposed subdivision of 250 homes below Glassy Mountain. This subdivision is too high of an impact for that area, and I oppose it. I’m disappointed the county government has given the project the green light to go forward. A lot was said, but the discussion didn’t touch on the underlying problem
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It’s just a truck?
Saturday is a day I like to think of as a free day. Occasionally a plan will evolve to do something fun on Saturday, as opposed to work in the yard, in the house or on the computer. This Saturday was wide open for recreational opportunities, so I was ripe for some fun.
At first, I thought it would be fun to go see Wonder Woman. But after striking out on getting someone to go with me, I switched to another plan. I decided to go kayaking on Jocassee with friends.
First, I’d have to see if I could get the farm truck. It’s large enough to carry three kayaks. Fowler said he didn’t need it, as he planned to plow Saturday, so he filled it up and helped me load my kayak and paddle.
The plan was to meet at the friend’s house, then go to Panera Bread for lunch with a
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Finding good respite care
The most difficult thing for many people is to give themselves rest and relaxation when they are caring for a loved one with dementia. Women are programmed to be caregivers to babies, family members and loved ones. Many men take on this role 
very effectively. As a result, we, as family caregivers, exhaust ourselves. Here are some tips that might be helpful:
First and foremost, ask family, church family, neighbors and friends for their help. Often, they are willing to help if suggesting a task they feel comfortable doing. I have found people like making meals, driving your loved one to hair and other appointments, visiting, and helping with tasks around the
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Listen up, younger vets
I’m writing here to the younger generations of veterans: When is the last time you went to a meeting of the American Legion? Probably never, right? Or maybe you went once.
Yeah, I know … lots of the posts are filled with really old guys, and you think you don’t have anything in common. That’s partly true. Here
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Courier Letters to the Editor 6-17-17
Thank you to school employees
Dear Editor,
Thank you to the faculty and staff of the Pickens County schools!
Matthew 18:5 says “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” From the administrators wading through paperwork to the cafeteria
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Working for the county’s future
My parents told me before I left home for college to find my passion for what I love and then spend my time and talents on those things.
First — I love my relationship with God, I love my family and for the past 30 years I can say “I love where I live — Liberty (Pickens County), South Carolina.” So when several people suggested I run for a public office because of my passion for my community and desire to serve, I said “yes” and was blessed to be elected to county council. As I approach 150 days
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Time waits for no man
We all have the same amount of time in a day. We may not think we do, but it’s true. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel that way. Remember that old TV ad for doughnuts? The baker left for work and returned each day until one day, after he repeated the 
phrase, “Time to make the doughnuts,” he met himself coming in as he was coming out.
That makes an impression.
Humans tend to underestimate how long it will take to do something and then schedule too many things in a day to possibly complete.
Just getting out of the house can be time-consuming.
I’ve noticed a correlation between rushing and losing time.
Maybe I think I’m ready to leave. I may even make it to the car. Or even get in and
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Online scammers are targeting you
Growing up in a trusting world. Diminished capacity. Being new to technology. There are all kinds of reasons why seniors are targets of scams. If you have a new computer, 
tablet or cellphone, you need to arm yourself with information to be safe from scammers.
The scams nowadays are nearly brilliant in their execution and often are difficult to identify as scam attempts. Ask your local senior center to bring in experts for talks
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Letters to the Editor
A Memorial Day tribute
Dear Editor,
We’ve just celebrated another Memorial Day weekend. Very few people really appreciate the holiday. In 1989, my father-in-law, Vernon Trotter, passed away from cancer. He was in the midst of some of the worst fighting in WWII. I was sitting with
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