SC

Thomas Ravenel To Tea Party: DC Needs “Systemic Change”

CANDIDATE ADVANCES ISSUES, ADDRESSES HIS PAST IN GREENVILLE TEA PARTY APPEARANCE Lowcountry businessman and independent U.S. Senate candidate Thomas Ravenel took his message of fiscal conservatism and social libertarianism to the heart of South Carolina’s Upstate this week. “Government is trying to do everything for everybody,” Ravenel told an overflow crowd…

CANDIDATE ADVANCES ISSUES, ADDRESSES HIS PAST IN GREENVILLE TEA PARTY APPEARANCE

Lowcountry businessman and independent U.S. Senate candidate Thomas Ravenel took his message of fiscal conservatism and social libertarianism to the heart of South Carolina’s Upstate this week.

“Government is trying to do everything for everybody,” Ravenel told an overflow crowd of nearly 150 at a meeting of the Greenville, S.C. Tea Party. “It needs systemic, structural change and I would submit to you that the current occupant of the office isn’t getting it done.”

Ravenel singled out incumbent “Republican” Lindsey Graham for his support of new energy taxes, income taxes, payroll taxes and internet taxes.  He also blasted Graham for not keeping his promise to oppose tax hikes.

Of interest to social conservatives, Ravenel publicly addressed his occasionally chaotic personal life – including the 2007 drug conviction that cost him the State Treasurer’s office.

“My personal life is my problem,” he said. “Lindsey Graham’s public life is your problem — it’s everybody’s problem.”

Ravenel has walked a fine line in addressing his 2007 conviction – apologizing for exercising poor judgment as an elected official but also arguing that government should not criminalize adults for decisions they make on their own time in the privacy of their own homes.

Ravenel has also pointed out he never sold drugs – only shared them, adding “I’m the only person ever to go to federal prison for sharing.”

Upstate Republican activist Kaaren Mann attended the Tea Party event and said Ravenel was well-received.  According to Mann, Ravenel’s willingness to take questions on a variety of social issues won him points – along with his assertion that unlike Graham he was “not going to come in and tell them what they wanted to hear.”

Another Upstate Republican activist – Chris Lawton – told FITS Ravenel did “extremely well,” and that several attendees came up to him after the event to say how impressed they were with his performance.

“He took a bunch of questions,” Lawton told FITS, adding that Ravenel’s depth of knowledge appealed to those who attended the event.

“How many Senate candidates discuss the Federalist papers?” Lawton observed.

Ravenel qualified for the ballot earlier this month, meaning his name will appear alongside Graham, Democratic nominee Brad Hutto and Libertarian nominee Victor Kocher when voters go to the polls November 4.

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73 comments

sparklecity August 15, 2014 at 10:21 am

What a combination=====A scheming felon and right-wing nuts who can’t deal with reality…….. It can’t possibly get more weird than that
Oh shit, I forgot about Mark “Shirker” Sanfraud!!!!!!!

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Sandi Morals August 15, 2014 at 10:48 am

How about the reality of a racist+++++++pResident and DOJ race baiting and turning on the police, finding out today that that ‘innocent’ 6’4″ 290 POS teenager had commited a strong armed robbery moments before he was stopped for the crime? sparklecity, you sure hang around losers.

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Smirks August 15, 2014 at 11:31 am

sparklecity, you sure hang around losers.

It isn’t a choice. You won’t go away. Well, not until November anyways.

Please insert dollar for anti-Ervin post.

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GrandTango August 15, 2014 at 2:30 pm

We have a good piece on it, over as SC Political Digest, Sandi. FITS will not broach anything that exposed democrats for what they are.

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Tunes'n'News August 15, 2014 at 10:26 am

“an overflow crowd of nearly 150”

Well, he’ll definitely win. Was the TV show there filming too?

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sparklecity August 15, 2014 at 11:08 am

150 souls in a Waffle House for a Tea Party meeting IS overflowing

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The Colonel August 15, 2014 at 2:04 pm

They were in a convention style place called Zen that has movable walls – the story is that he was in the smallest of the spaces.

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K.Mann August 15, 2014 at 4:24 pm

There was about the same size crowd at this Tea Party meeting as when Rep. Jeff Duncan and Sen. Tim Scott came… same venue btw.

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Clarendonian August 15, 2014 at 10:29 am

Such a narcissistic, self-indulging, turd:

1) “I’m the only person ever to go to federal prison for sharing.” That would be a bold face lie or a self-serving shading of the truth. How many young black men or hispanics are in prison today for possession in excess of statutary limits for personal use or prohibited use?

2) “My personal life is my problem,”. No, as a public official, it is our problem. We have the right to judge leaders by our own personal standards and that of a civil and responsible society.

3) “How many Senate candidates discuss the Federalist papers?” LOL! How many voters do?!

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GrandTango August 15, 2014 at 10:48 am

I love it: A liberal playing the Race-Card on the Libaral-Tarains – as if to say, my felons are worse off than yours…

What a Freakin’ Freak show of idiots….Cannibalism of the dumbest…LMAO…isn’t there a certain sense of justice in that???..Hahahahaa…

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sparklecity August 15, 2014 at 11:05 am

“Such a narcissistic, self-indulging turd” =Tom Ravenel & Mark “Shirker” Sanfraud!!!!
Two peas in a pod if there ever was one!!!
Must be something in that “Low -Country” water that has an effect on priveledged white males over 40!!!!!

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GrandTango August 15, 2014 at 10:37 am

Has he proposed selling drugs to increase government revenues yet?

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CNSYD August 15, 2014 at 10:50 am

Chis Lawton or Chip Lawton? If the latter, which I suspect it is, then he was a flake when I knew him in college in the 60s.

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southmauldin August 15, 2014 at 10:53 am

Hello, Cato Institute? It’s T-Rav. I need some more of those foreign policy tapes so I can listen to them in my Range Rover. OK, thanks. Gotta go – I need to call Rick Perry and find out where he got those glasses. If they make him look smart, I’ll look like Einstein with a pair.

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aikencounty August 15, 2014 at 12:26 pm

I believe he got the glasses from Buddy Holly.

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gregorybgeddings August 15, 2014 at 10:55 am

Is that Fits on the other end of the phone call wanting to know if the check is in the mail?

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Smirks August 15, 2014 at 11:32 am

Only until the direct deposit kicks in.

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What's work? August 15, 2014 at 3:03 pm

You jealous boo?

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gregorybgeddings August 15, 2014 at 3:38 pm

Yeah, I have always been envious of those amongst us who don’t possess a conscience…

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anon. August 15, 2014 at 11:03 am

Ravenel has also pointed out he never sold drugs – only shared them, adding “I’m the only person ever to go to federal prison for sharing.”
HE’S A SOCIALIST!

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HAHAHAHA August 15, 2014 at 12:57 pm

That’s what the feds uncovered … he never sold, just shared at a party. It is in documents.

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anon. II August 15, 2014 at 3:01 pm

He’s not a socialist, he just likes to share without being forced to do so at the barrel of a gun/law.

Here’s an example of socialism:

http://s1.hubimg.com/u/2935398_f260.jpg

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Your Candidate is honest August 15, 2014 at 11:19 am

That’s right. As a candidate for the US Senate I fully understand that those drugs that I was sharing made a long journey to the US. Hell, unlike good French wine, that cocaine probably got a few farmers killed, one or two honest Colombian policemen and quite certainly at least one journalist. That’s right. Those cartels, they have got it together brother. They are wiping out entire towns in Mexico to get us honest concerned political boys our fine party coke. No weed for me baby. I like the hard stuff. I can taste the blood in the powder.

Now, who wants to discuss Social Security or maybe the military industrial complex?

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Smirks August 15, 2014 at 11:48 am

“My personal life is my problem.”

Here we were able to place a habitual, raging alcoholic driving the seniors’ bus at the old folks home. Over here, you can see we got this stoner a job at the warehouse operating a forklift. This person right here? Addicted to PCP like there’s no tomorrow, but we got her a job at a call center doing customer service. Right now we’re trying to get this guy who abuses bath salts a job as a personal masseuse.

What do you mean you don’t think these are good ideas? Their personal life isn’t your problem!

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Pickens August 16, 2014 at 7:48 am

When’s he gonna marry the little redhead? When Marko marries the little Spanish fly? Pussy ‘n coke are the only things Rav thinks of.

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Centrist View August 15, 2014 at 12:28 pm Reply
TSIB August 15, 2014 at 12:52 pm

He’s not the man to bring it. He’d go up there and get buried in blow. Fuck him.

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TSIB August 15, 2014 at 12:53 pm

“Ravenel has also pointed out he never sold drugs – only shared them, adding “I’m the only person ever to go to federal prison for sharing.”

What a fucking dumb-ass.

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Smirks August 15, 2014 at 1:24 pm

“I’m not drunk driving, officer! I’m just taking those empty beer cans in the back seat to the recycling center!”

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 16, 2014 at 9:07 pm

“If it doesn’t foam…
you gotst to let me go home!”

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Bye Bye Graham. Bye Bye August 15, 2014 at 12:56 pm

Over 70% if of the citizens of the United States HATE Lindsey Graham. Need I say why?
Graham is f-ked up. And you want him back, you are more f-ked up than he is.

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CNSYD August 15, 2014 at 1:36 pm

Please post a copy of the survey that was conducted that proves 70% of US citizens hate Graham.

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Clarendonian August 15, 2014 at 2:31 pm

How many of them vote in SC?

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RogueElephant August 17, 2014 at 7:59 am

Not enough.

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Bye Bye Graham. Bye Bye August 15, 2014 at 12:59 pm

US Senator Thomas Ravenel <<< Get use to it, fools.
Ravenel has 2 dozen silver bullets to use on Graham. You will see (echo echo echo) ….. hahahahaahahahahahaaaaaaaaa!!!!

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CNSYD August 15, 2014 at 1:35 pm

Thanks for the info Sic Willie. What else you got?

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Chas Naval Gravy Yard August 15, 2014 at 2:19 pm

Sic laughs at delusional alcoholics, like you. And rightfully so.
You are so fooking clueless, I am shaking my head and rolling my eyes.
Maybe if you had programs, you could see what we see?

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CNSYD August 15, 2014 at 2:33 pm

Sic laughs? Are you present when he does…or could you be Sic? Programs? What programs?

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We Trace, Track, & Background. August 15, 2014 at 1:01 pm

Lets all hear about the time the Colonel cheated on his federal taxes.

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bogart August 15, 2014 at 1:11 pm

” Low country businessman and independent US Senate candidate”……I’m confused,doesn’t Fits usually include “reality TV STAR”? Is he no longer a TV STAR?………..” Gov’t should not criminalize adults for decisions they make on their own time in the privacy of their own home”…..pretty big rabbit hole wouldn’t you say.

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Geech August 15, 2014 at 1:57 pm

The uber-wealthy, not-man-of-the-people Thomas reminds me of his cousin of the same stripe, Charles D. “Pug” Ravenel, who ran as the Democratic candidate for governor
in the ’70s and who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank
fraud and went to federal prison.

The Harvard-educated Pug, was a Charleston investment banker and local real-estate mogul who leveraged his properties and secured new, larger loans with fraudulent property appraisals mailed to his banks (thus the bank fraud).

Pug relied on the good name and property owned by his good friend Bobby Knoth, who also went to prison, and who Pug “threw under the bus.”

Different from Bobby Knoth, who was impoverished by his crime, Pug was still wealthy enough to make contributions to the campaign of President Clinton, who … surprise, surprise … pardoned Pug on his last day in office.

A free man with a clean criminal record, Pug then divorced his wife Molly and married a woman much younger, making a clean sweep — a new life for himself. Sweet.

The Ravenel family fairly oozes dishonesty.

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Ernie August 15, 2014 at 6:44 pm

Pugs a senile old man who doesn’t gave a pot to piss in and never did.

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visitor August 16, 2014 at 7:13 pm

pug got kicked off the ballot the last minute because he didn’t meet the s.c. residency requirement – he went on to make a fortune with opm – other people’s money – and cleaned their clocks including bobby’s – in my opinion he’s a two-timing con artist who belongs in JAIL – and yeah he looks like he’s eighty now

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The Colonel August 15, 2014 at 2:02 pm

“…I’m the only person ever to go to federal prison for sharing…”
What a narcissistic, non-repentant, out of touch with reality assertion.

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CNSYD August 15, 2014 at 2:38 pm

Colonel, how could he beat out of touch with reality? Sic Willie tells us over and over that T-Rav is a reality star.

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The Colonel August 15, 2014 at 3:54 pm

I think Will means that he’s a “reality” TV star…

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Philip Branton August 15, 2014 at 2:11 pm

****….Meanwhile …in a Kiev coffee shop….*****

John McCain: ” I don’t care what you think…..these Ukrainians know how to fight..”

Exxon Sahara region geo-tectonic engineer: “Well, they sure do know how to keep the oil pipelines protected. Not one has been attacked yet……”

Lindsey Graham: “…and that’s the way its gonna be. I have an election coming up and all we need is for some Chechen loony to get itchy on some Ukrainian pipelines. They can blow up all the pipes they want too in Syria; but I have too much campaign cash coming from Middle East interests that needs to stay clear of “dust”…”

Exxon Sahara Region Geo-tectonic engineer: ” Maybe if got “Southern Charm” episodes to run in Nigeria, the Boko Haram “dust” could be kept down til November too..”

John McCain: “Hmm……sounds exactly like a job for “Voice of America” broadcasts…”

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Coward Graham. August 15, 2014 at 2:22 pm

Senator Graham has announced no in-person townhall events during this August recess

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CNSYD August 15, 2014 at 2:36 pm

I guess you missed the economic development meeting he spoke at in the upstate yesterday.

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Coward Graham. August 15, 2014 at 2:25 pm

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott Outperformed RINO Lindsey …

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Coward Graham. August 15, 2014 at 2:28 pm

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott Outperformed RINO Lindsey Graham by 90,000 Votes and Won With almost 90%…

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Coward Graham. August 15, 2014 at 2:29 pm

Tim Scout refuses to endorse Graham because he knows Graham is a douche?

Lindsey Graham got 172,765 votes (56%) of support in his race. However, Tim Scott garnered 265,586 votes and won with (89% of electorate) in his.

The same voters holding the same ballot gave Tim Scott more than 90,000 votes more than Lindsey Graham.

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CNSYD August 15, 2014 at 2:34 pm

Graham is running against Scott? If not, what does it matter?

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The Colonel August 15, 2014 at 4:06 pm

Really, do the math – there were 300,000 votes cast in Graham’s runoff with 6 other niche candidates in the race. Scott faced one completely unknown challenger for the same 300,000 votes. The niche candidates are no longer an issue (with the exception of Wills ne’er do well T-Rav and the third loser Kocher (who ever he is)). Hutto gets hurt by T-rav.
In this off year election, Graham and Scott with both draw something north of 55% of the votes cast, Scott might run in the 60s.

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yep, yep August 15, 2014 at 8:03 pm

By that logic Obama out performed them both – this is such a moot/pointless false comparison. And I can’t stand Graham.

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Bite Me August 15, 2014 at 2:49 pm

Harry Reid Urges GOP To Go Full RINO: “We Need More Republicans Who Are Lindsey Grahams”…

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RogueElephant August 15, 2014 at 8:56 pm

If anyone should know Graham for what he really is , it would be Harry Reid.

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 16, 2014 at 9:09 pm

If anyone should know Graham for what he really is , it would be Harry Reid.

…or Larry Craig…

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Cecil August 15, 2014 at 3:41 pm

Tea Party opposes tax hikes for the billionaire 1%, but could care less about the rest of us.

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The Colonel August 15, 2014 at 4:09 pm

The TEA party opposes tax hikes of any kind: TEA = Taxed Enough Already.
If they really have a platform, the first plank is worded something like this:

1. Eliminate Excessive Taxes – Excessively high taxes are a burden for those exercising their personal liberty to work hard and prosper as afforded by the Constitution. A fiscally responsible government protects the freedom of its citizens to enjoy the fruits of their own labor without interference from a government that has exceeded its necessary size, scope and reach into the lives of its citizens.

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welp August 15, 2014 at 8:00 pm

The parties – each – keep voting for more spending and further tax breaks. It’s like working fewer hours or cutting your income, and upping your spending. The real fix would be to up taxes, and cut spending. Our financial house is so out of order. We’ve been focusing on ruining it – both ways – less revenue and more spending, borrowing against our grand kids. Who aren’t here and can’t vote, so politically it’s wildly popular, fiscally its totally untenable and were reaching a day of reckoning.

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SCBlues August 15, 2014 at 8:29 pm

“The TEA party opposes tax hikes of any kind: TEA = Taxed Enough Already. ”
If I get stuck behind another one of those idiots with one of those “Don’t Tread on Me” stickers on their car I think I’m gonna scream – what is it with Tea Baggers that they cannot drive? Used to be every time some fool did something stupid on the road it was guaranteed that they had one of those “W ’04” stickers on their car – now it’s the damn Tea Baggers! I promise I won’t tread on you if you’ll just get out of the effin way – the light is green, damn it!

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The Colonel August 15, 2014 at 8:38 pm

On the TEA party sticker crowd SC, I think we agree most of them are geriatric to start with although I think the Obamanistas driving Priuses in the fast lane going 85 with their smug “my car in more fuel efficient than your car” looks are equally annoying as are the “comfortable shoe” crowd in their Honda Elements with the “coexist” and “rainbow flag” stickers taking forever to pull out into traffic.

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The Colonel August 15, 2014 at 9:12 pm

On the TEA party sticker thing we agree SC. It seems like most of the cars with TEA Party stickers are driven by the geriatric set. The “coexist” and “rainbow flag”, “comfortable shoe” crowd are equally annoying in their Honda Elements taking forever to merge or pull out into traffic. In fact, I studiously avoid drivers with any bumper stickers on their cars.

My father had a friend who borrowed a car from another friend, all the way home people honked at him. Growing tired of the honking, he began flipping the honkers off. Arriving at his hotel, he happened to walk behind the car to discover a “honk if you love Jesus bumper sticker.”..

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SCBlues August 16, 2014 at 7:07 am

“The “coexist” and “rainbow flag”, “comfortable shoe” crowd are equally annoying in their Honda Elements taking forever to merge or pull out into traffic.”
Well, well, well – we’ve finally found some common ground! I’m guessing we’d do well on a road trip together – as long as we did not talk! :)
And loved the “honk” story – priceless! LOL

Squishy123 August 15, 2014 at 5:54 pm

Brought to you by the only media site that gives a shit about T-Rav.

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truthmonger August 15, 2014 at 7:23 pm

MOAR COCAINE!!!!!!

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Mike at the Beach August 16, 2014 at 12:38 am

“I’m the only person ever to go to federal prison for sharing.”

Hundreds of folks have worn the tan jumpsuit after “sharing” illegal dope (and in many
cases were arrested and successfully prosecuted without a single ounce ever
being seized, by the way).

Being this misinformed about the administration of our federal drug enforcement apparatus (especially when one is so thoroughly and intimately familiar with it) should be grounds in and of itself to ignore this clown.

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agreed mike ATB August 16, 2014 at 1:05 am

I read that and thought – “how out of touch can one coke head be?” I honestly think this was a one liner; the sharing thing; that had a lot of joke appeal at his dillitante rich-bitch high dollar wednesday after noon drunk social hours. it probably helped segue off of his jail time in awkward small talk with other Southern charm wanna be’s. What I can’t get over is that he’s so detached from the common man, who he wants to represent, that he believes this is ‘logic’ that will make people think “hey, yeah, right. those assholes arrested him for just sharing, total bullshit. go t-rav!”

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Driving that train August 17, 2014 at 3:15 pm

Any pun intended with the words “one liner”?

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Mguzman August 16, 2014 at 7:35 am

Did he decide not to continue his role in Southern Charm? He can’t act either so just needs to stay at home raising that baby…..did he marry his baby mama yet????

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SCMan August 18, 2014 at 10:00 am

Some guy getting chased by the cops from East Bay Street this morning after a routine traffic stop jumped off the Ravenel Bridge. He drove a Range Rover! Hope it was not Ravenel, That would be a shame.

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Lordchamp September 4, 2014 at 1:44 pm

I would vote for satan himself before I would vote for graham. At least with satan you know what to expect and exactly where you stand.

So, vote for graham who sells us conservatives out every chance he gets. Has nothing on his mind but getting us into another war so he can support taking more of our freedom. Has never had a thought that mccain didn’t give him. Is almost a good of a republican as harry reid.

So would I consider Ravenel? Over graham? In a heartbeat.

It’s either that or not cast a vote. At this point, I almost wouldn’t care if the democrat won. To me, graham is the evidence of what is wrong with America and politics in general.

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