Evette: The leader SC needs

Dear Editor,

After years of serving in the South Carolina House, I’ve been blessed to work alongside many leaders and true public servants. Few bring the same level of bold, business-minded leadership as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

As I prepare to retire from public service, I’ve spent time reflecting on what matters most for the future of our state: strong families, a thriving business climate, and a government that works efficiently for the people, not against them.

That’s a mission Pamela Evette and I have long shared.

She understands that South Carolina’s success depends on keeping our economy competitive. Her push to eliminate the state income tax would put more money back into the pockets of hardworking families and make our state even more attractive for businesses looking to grow and invest.

At the same time, she has been a strong advocate for cutting red tape that burdens small businesses and entrepreneurs.

As someone who has worked closely with job creators across South Carolina, I know how important it is to remove unnecessary barriers so they can succeed.

Pamela also recognizes government must live within its means. Her commitment to cutting wasteful spending and focusing on core responsibilities ensures that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and effectively.

Perhaps most importantly, she has championed meaningful reforms to make state government more efficient, accountable, and responsive. That kind of leadership improves policies and people’s lives.

Together, these efforts help create an environment where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and future generations choose to stay right here in South Carolina because it remains a great place to live, work, and play.

Pamela Evette is a bold conservative leader with a clear vision for our future. That’s why I’m proud to support her as our next governor.

Rep. Davey Hiott

Pickens

Where will you draw the line?

Dear Editor,

On Easter Sunday, as Christians around the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F—kin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

On Monday, Donald Trump posted a picture of himself AS Jesus Christ dressed in a white robe with a red sash — the symbol of blood and atonement. As he lays hands on a dying man, a holy light radiates from his palms. Men and women gaze up at Trump in wonder and amazement as he performs this holy miracle.

If Joe Biden had done this, you would have rightly thought he was mentally impaired. If Barack Obama had done this, many of you would have pointed to Matthew 24:24: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

When will you let yourself realize who Donald Trump really is? Where will you draw the line?

Beth Mauldin

Six Mile

Do you remember?

Dear Editor,

There are things we used to have that were common back in the day. What ever happened to the soft drink vending machines? Last I remember was in the ‘90s. They would be on the sidewalk a lot of times outside of the store, and sometimes inside. Remember the old red Coke machines that had a small door that you pushed up and the drinks were in front of you horizontally? You pulled the glass bottles out after putting a dime in the pay slot. There would be a 2-cent charge if you carried the bottle, or you could bring a bottle and leave it beside the machine in a bottle rack. Glass was replaced by tin cans, then plastic bottles. The machines were modified to dispense these when they went to that form. I remember back then only beer came in tin cans, and my brother-in-law saying that he better be careful drinking from the can, because someone might think that he was drinking a beer.

Do you remember a vehicle called the station wagon? The station wagon was kind of a car and truck combination. You could carry your entire family around in one or let the back seats down and use the flat space left by doing so to carry items bought that would not fit in a car. Couches, component stereos, televisions or other good-sized items. Some had extra facing seats in the very back. You could carry up to eight people!

Phone booths — now there is an item gone like the dinosaurs, never to return. Most of you remember the pay phones on a metal square pole with a compartment you stood in and used the phone to call home or whatever. However, I can remember phone booths being a shed-like structure that you stepped in and closed the door, and an overhead light came on. It had a metal seat in the corner for you to sit on while calling. The walls were clear glass, and it only cost a dime to make a call. If you can’t find a number, simply dial 0. Remember who that got you? She was called the operator and could help you out. Do operators still work for the phone company? I haven’t asked for service in years, which is why I asked.

Cigarette vending machines were once as common as anything. A child could get a pack of cigarettes and a complementary pack of matches for a mere 35 cents! No way they will be coming back!

Drive-in theaters — now that’s one long gone. First started in the 1930s. Last I heard of, around here at least, was I think in the ‘90s. Outdoor movies — just drive in and sit in your car. Two problems — rain or fog! Remember that, anyone? Probably won’t be coming back anytime soon. I’ve heard of one still in Clayton, Ga., but not sure if it’s still operating.

Just going back in the memories of us old people and giving the younger ones an idea what we once had that they will probably never have. Things come and go, except for memories, which last forever. Thank God for memories.

Eddie Boggs

Westminster