Dear Friends:
It is no exaggeration – America is under attack! Portland and Seattle are prime examples, but closer to home Charleston city leaders are accused of failing to protect businesses and citizens from rioters while voting to tear down history, the bedrock of Charleston’s tourist economy.
Townhall columnist James Taylor said it best:
“It is a real and very frightening fact. An army – which, at the moment, is small but extremely bold in its tactics – is attempting to take down the U.S. government. Violent leftist radicals attaching themselves to legitimate protests are hijacking the protests. These leftist radicals are threatening Americans’ most basic freedoms and their goal is to destroy the very existence of our democratic republic.” (Townhall column)
Standing Up & Speaking Out in S.C.
When a Hero Speaks – We Need to Listen
I was honored to stand alongside Medal of Honor recipient Major General James E. Livingston, USMC Ret, and others this weekend during a Charleston news conference defending SC’s historical monuments from the anarchists who would tear them down.
Marking the urgency of the situation, Gen. Livingston proclaimed that after 35 years of military service and 25 years of retirement, he is returning to “duty” to defend America from the Marxists who would overthrow it!
Gen. Livingston said, “I’m as mad as Hell.” He cited the desecration of memorials to veterans as the most despicable act. He spoke to military veterans when he said, “We fought for this country overseas. Unfortunately, we must raise our hand again and fight at home.”
He called on SC’s state leaders: “No more promises! Act! Protect our monuments!”
Next Legislative Steps
I announced at the news conference that I have submitted a proviso for the upcoming state budget that would withhold funds from local governments that removed any historical monument until the monument was put back in place. The General Assembly will debate that budget issue when it reconvenes in mid-September.
What Are Other Views?
The American Heritage Association (AHA), a Charleston-based non-profit, hosted the news conference and released results of a statewide poll of likely Republican voters (in a GOP dominated state). Poll highlights:
- 85 percent want state law to protect all historical monuments and memorials
- 84 percent want Attorney General Alan Wilson to vigorously enforce the Heritage Act
- 80 percent want mandatory minimum prison sentences for vandals that damage historical monuments
- 82 percent want historical plaques to present the facts and not include editorial comments
Additionally, AHA officials delivered withering criticism of Charleston city leaders for their failures both during and after the May riot on King Street.
AHA board member, Brett Barry stated, “City leaders failed to protect our business community and are now actively attacking our historical tourism economy.”
The AHA considers historical tourism to be the bedrock of Charleston’s economy. Barry stated, “Millions of tourists come to Charleston because we are the United States’ largest outdoor museum. To tear down our history is to tear down Charleston.”
We All Need to Speak Up
I told reporters and the audience, a war on America’s national memory is being waged.
It’s not just about monuments memorializing Confederate soldiers and leaders. No longer acceptable are Christopher Columbus, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson – none of our Founding Fathers – nor anyone in history who is now judged unacceptable by today’s ‘Cancel Culture’. It’s the Woke Mob – you must abide by their politically accepted group think or be ostracized or destroyed. Anything they want to label racist or unacceptable must go.
When the Woke Mob makes the rules your First Amendment free speech rights quickly become a thing of the past. The ‘speech police’ are out to silence you. Don’t you dare utter words, write a Facebook post, or Tweet anything that offends someone. There will be demands you apologize and even if you do you may likely receive a barrage of public humiliation as well as calls for you to be fired from whatever you do.
Don’t be Silenced! Speak Up!
Tell your legislators you want our SC monuments protected and those who would desecrate them arrested. Remember, taking down monuments is only the first step; their ultimate target is to topple America.
Want to Know More?
There was significant media coverage of this weekend’s Charleston news conference. Here are links to some of the reports: LIVE-5 News Charleston Post & Courier Low Country News.
I’m Available and AT YOUR SERVICE
It is my honor to be of service to you. If you need assistance during these trying times, navigating though the flow of information on COVID-19 or navigating state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to contact me.