SC Democratic primary crossover voting uproar is pure hypocrisy | Letters

Well, now. It appears the Democrats are incensed at the idea of Republicans voting in their primary, while they’ve voted in Republican primaries for about 25 years.

The GOP activists saw an opportunity for revenge, suggesting that Republicans let Democrats know how it feels to have imposters trying to select the weakest candidate in your primary, hoping to defeat your candidate.

I didn’t approve of the Republican presidential primary being canceled. However, for the Democrats to act like a cardinal sin has been committed if a Republican votes in their primary is nothing less than pure hypocrisy.

I can assure you, our party has tried for years to get the state legislature to pass registration by party; the Democrats would not cooperate because they selected their candidate behind the scene and seldom had a primary, except for the presidential race. Those who worked the polls saw their Democrat friends voting in the Republican primary. In fact, many Democrat activists have voted in a Republican primary so often they’re listed as “Hard Republican,” while many more are listed as “Weak Republican” – they only vote in our primary about half the time. It’s public record.

The most succinct statement in the firestorm on the editorial page was this: “Now is the time for both parties to unite for a bipartisan state constitutional amendment to close party primaries.”

Edie Rodgers

Beaufort

We had no problem getting REAL ID at Bluffton DMV office

A recent letter writer appropriately brought up the deadline of Oct. 1 for obtaining a REAL ID from the state of South Carolina.

However, I need to take exception with the writer’s characterization of her experience trying to obtain a REAL ID at the Bluffton office of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

I along with my wife and 15-year-old daughter all traveled to the Bluffton DMV in December 2019. We brought the required documents to prove residency: Social Security card and birth certificate. We were greeted warmly by the receptionist, provided with the forms we needed to fill out and before we were even able to complete filling out the required paperwork we were called to a station where a very polite and efficient clerk walked us through the process.

I along with my wife and daughter had the same experience. The process was fast, the DMV staff was polite and efficient, and we were in and out of the Bluffton DMV in less than 40 minutes with our new REAL ID’s in hand.

I have had several other individuals who I have spoken with share a similar pleasant and efficient experience.

We oftentimes take time to point out inefficiencies, especially when it comes to government functions. However, we need to give credit when credit is due. From my experience, my family’s and that of other friends and colleagues I have spoken with, the Bluffton DMV runs an excellent operation.

Peter Kristian

Hilton Head Island

All those new SC and Beaufort County taxes are not helping

I’ve been a taxpaying South Carolina citizen for 39 of my adult years (1963-1986 and 2006-present). Since I’ve been back, I’ve seen:

1) A sales tax increase.

2) A gasoline tax increase.

3) A lottery.

4) A cigarette tax increase.

5) Increases in both my state income and county property taxes, even though I’m retired and living on a fixed income.

6) New bond referenda that will tax us 25 years into the future.

These increases were mostly “justified” for road and school improvements.

What I see is more traffic and congestion, potholes, higher speeds and more accidents, crumbling bridges, and construction workers sticking flags in the ground, only to have them weather away before the next crew of flag-stickers comes around.

Regarding schools, I read of teacher turnover, low scores, crowded classrooms, and board scandals, but all I actually see is a few newer (and faster) school buses.

I’m forced to conclude that money alone does not solve our education and infrastructure problems. When abused, it may actually exacerbate them.

Sid Hatcher

Lady’s Island

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