Severing ties with librarian association ‘misguided’ choice that diminishes education | Opinion

Librarians are educational asset

Once again, the S.C. Dept. of Education (DOE) has demonstrated how to alienate those frontline hardworking educators – in this case qualified school librarians. (“SC school chief Ellen Weaver ends ties with librarians’ group over ‘book ban’ stance,” Sept. 6).

The recent unfounded decision to cease its relationship with the S.C. Association of School Librarians (SCASL) is misguided at best.

The decision demonstrates the ignorance on the part of the leadership at the DOE on the critical role media specialists play in literacy as well as selecting material for their collections and assisting in the academic achievement of their schools.

Decisions like these are why many educators will certainly leave their positions, rather than fight poor leadership.

Frank Baker, Columbia

Opposed to putting abortion issue on ballot

A recent article about the push by State Senators Margie Bright Matthews (D-Colleton) and Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington) reported on the effort to put the question of abortion legality in the Palmetto State on the ballot.

As the president of Democrats For Life of South Carolina, an organization for pro-life Democrats, I am strongly opposed to the idea of putting abortion on the ballot.

We should not be putting human rights — especially the right to life — up for a vote.

Abortion is never the solution to financial struggles and other problems people may face.

Abortion is not a human right because it kills a human being.

Popular or not, abortion, and the killing of human beings more broadly, outside of self defense, is wrong.

As Albert Einstein said, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.”

Hayden Laye, Walhalla

Solar power shines light on new energy pathway

Note: The writer works with EDP Renewables NA’s solar parks in South Carolina.

South Carolina’s sunshine is one of the largest draws of our beautiful state.

I work on the Hampton, Estill and Cameron Solar Parks, where we produce a total of 60 megawatts of clean solar electricity for residents – enough to fuel 6,000 average South Carolina homes.

Most people recognize the importance of diversified energy, but may not be aware of the economic benefits of renewable energy. Clean power creates jobs, fosters economic investment and provides landowners with stable income.

Taxes from solar farms contribute to the funding of our emergency services and school systems. Construction jobs provide employment opportunities.

As a clean energy worker, I am proud to go to work every day in service to my home state.

As we chart the course for the next chapter of South Carolina’s rich history, I hope we consider more solar energy installations as a path towards prosperity.

Charlie Denny, Orangeburg

What will your legacy be?

Are you and I going to be proud of the legacy we leave behind?

There are several descriptions for what a legacy is, including inheritances, bequests, endowments, assets and gifts. In other words, money or the material things in life.

Others use the term in their business such as Legacy Lookout in Okatie or Legacy Leadership on Hilton Head.

Used as a noun, legacy is described as the longest-lasting impact of events and actions that take place in a person’s life.

For purposes here, a more significant definition of legacy is that it reflects one’s character, reputation and the life you lead, setting an example for others, helping to guide the future in a productive and positive way.

Using this description, what do you believe your legacy will be?

Will you be proud of it? Will you try to leave the world a little better than you found it? Will you be proud of your effort?

It’s not too late. We are writing our legacy as we interact with each other and society.

Lowcountry neighbors, it’s in our hands.

How do we want to be remembered? What will your legacy be?

Earle Everett, HHI

Stick to job of legislating

Don’t the U.S. House Republicans have anything better to do than waste taxpayer money with all these unfounded investigations? I don’t know, like legislating?

Do your jobs and do something that actually benefits the American people.

The GOP is no longer the party of Lincoln or Reagan. It is a cult lead by one man who is a dictator-wannabe.

Ronald Andersen, Winnsboro