The State of South Carolina Politics

South Carolina seems to like to keep the comedians full of jokes these days.  One local radio host says that our politicians are an "economic stimulus plan for talk show hosts." I, unfortunately must agree.

We are home to Congressman Joe Wilson whose outburst, "You Lie!" was the two words heard 'round the world. My family has known Joe and his family since before I was born. When I had a paper due on the Declaration of Independence Joe had his office send me a HUGE box of anything and everything imaginable on the D of I. He is the epitome of decorum. This "situation" he found himself in the middle of is so outside of his personality it is amazing. When I first heard about this, I was sure they must be mistaken. Had Joe simply sat quietly through the speech and then presented his side as the "republican rebuttal" to the reporters after the speech it would have gone over so much better. However, I don't know if it would have received anywhere near the attention. I don't agree with his method, however, I do think he had a point.  I am proud to see he behaved himself last night during the State of the Union. Of course, we all joked and wondered if someone had duct taped him to keep him under control. Don't you know President Obama must have glared towards him a time or two?

Then we have our "Luv Gov" as a friend of mine likes to refer to him. Our Governor Mark Sanford who flew off to Argentina after losing his security detail to spend time with his "soul mate". Thanks to the Governor "hiking on the Appalachian Trail" has taken on a new meaning.  

Of course this leads me to our latest headline grabbing politician. Our illustrious Lt. Governor Andre Baur, who this past week compared welfare recipients to stray animals. And the rest of the country wonders why we did not want to impeach Governor Sanford? I give you exhibit A. Trust me the alternative was much, much worse. If you think we are in the headlines a lot now, you should see what would happen if we had a Governor "do you know who I am" Baur. Baur has had his share of bad publicity, speeding tickets, a plane crash and his latest comments about welfare. 

John Stewart has had a great time with this latest saying:

“It’s not always easy to fill a half hour comedy program with three minutes of comedy, that’s why we are especially grateful to those frequent contributors, those who give more than their fair share,” Stewart said during his show Monday night. “Like the state of South Carolina, whose elected representatives yell ‘you lie!’ at the President, whose governors use taxpayer funds to fly to Argentina to see their mistress and whose ordinary citizens get arrested for having sex with a horse.”

“The same horse … on two separate occasions,” Stewart notes.

If you haven't had a chance to see Stewart's 3 minute video from the Daily Show about South Carolina then you must click here. It is so funny and well worth your three minutes. Seriously take a look...Stewart calls South Carolina politics the gift that keeps on giving. 

While I do love South Carolina, I must admit, we have had more than our fair share of media attention for our elected leaders. If you think these are the only three examples, I invite you to google: Roland Corning (busted for having sex in a cemetery. With an 18 year old exotic dancer), Rusty DePass (my Godfather, actually), Earle Morris, and Charles Sharpe. Of course there was also Operation Lost Trust and I won't even mention that although he serves in NC John Edwards  was actually born in SC. Hmmm, is there something in the water?  I know there is corruption everywhere, we in SC just seem to want to air all our dirty laundry at the same time. 


Hey at least it's giving John Stewart (and the rest of the country) some good laughs!