It’s time to stop the chaos and restore law and order on the streets of America
On law and order
Are we becoming a Third World country?
As I watched the recent riots and destruction in both Portland Ore., and Beirut, Lebanon, I quickly realized that I could not tell whether the video footage was depicting the scenes in Portland or in Beirut.
Sadly it is becoming difficult to determine if any given riot is taking place in America or in a Third World country.
Law and order must be restored to U.S. cities.
Ray Collins, Hilton Head Island
On Nancy Mace
I just read state Rep. Nancy Mace’s op-ed about an important issue both in South Carolina and across the nation: the lack of support for our military veterans.
Since Mace is a state representative who is also running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District seat, I assumed that her op-ed would detail a plan or proposal to differentiate her from the incumbent, U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham.
But other than touching on the history of her military family, her upbringing and her role in co-sponsoring one piece of legislation in the state Legislature, Mace’s op-ed offered only vague promises to “solve the problems” veterans face in our country.
Her op-ed was really nothing more than an election-year plea for votes; it offered no solutions or ideas.
I believe that articles like Mace’s recent piece should come with “a free political ad” label, because in reality that’s all that they are.
Richard Dextraze, Hilton Head Island
On ‘plantation’
Recent protests generated a firestorm of name change demands from both residents and nonresidents of Hilton Head Plantation, the clergy and the media. What’s absent from all of the demands is any explanation of how changing the name would ameliorate racism in the Hilton Head area.
There have been many anecdotal comments that “plantation” is an ugly reminder of slavery. But aside from these comments I cannot locate survey research that clearly shows that removing a supposedly racial term like “plantation” will drive attitude changes. Is changing the name going to move the racism needle?
My research tells me that racial attitudes can only be improved by education: Blacks and whites need to make committed efforts to understand each other, the issues and, most importantly, what solutions will make a difference.
I suggest that Hilton Head Plantation residents consider two projects to forge both understanding and relationships with the Native Island community.
First, an HHP Foundation could be established and run by volunteers. The charter could focus on grants to Native Islanders supporting sewer connection fees, educational assistance, legal fees to address land ownership issues and more.
Second, let’s create a consulting firm made up of volunteer HHP residents who can provide pro bono business consulting services in the areas of finance, logistics and strategy. This mechanism could go a long way toward providing value to Native Islander business owners.
I would favor concrete options like these over cosmetic solutions that are less likely to make a difference.
R.J. Dean, Hilton Head Island
On Herman Cain
I never met George Floyd, but what I understand about his life and death is that it was mostly tragic. That’s why a national effort came together more to commemorate his unjust death than to celebrate his life or how he lived it.
I did, however, meet Herman Cain.
It’s not that I knew Cain, but when I briefly met him I sensed all of the attributes of his public persona.
Cain was approachable; no, he was actually downright friendly.
He was funny, self-deprecating and gracious to everyone he met.
He would freely express his love of God, country and his fellow man.
In short Herman Cain gave every impression of being a man who led a great life, if not a perfect one.
Cain took on both risks and responsibilities in building his personal success as a businessman, and he encouraged others to do the same. From humble beginnings to the rarefied air of Fortune 500 membership, Cain wasn’t just an example for his race, sex or religion — he was a role model for all people.
Cain’s life was proof that in America the circumstances of birth do not have to dictate the life we live. If we’re willing to seek opportunities to use our God-given strength and ability for good, as Cain did, the sky is the limit both literally and figuratively.
Cain should be remembered as a great man, and there should be ceremonies across America to celebrate his well-lived life. I for one would travel a great distance to commemorate the life of Herman Cain!
Rhonda Wilson, Bluffton
This story was originally published August 12, 2020 at 12:21 PM.