SC

“Crazy” Gas Tax Hike Supporters Are Struggling …

 … TO MAKE SENSE It’s been awhile since we’ve read anything published by columnist Cindi Ross Scoppe of The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper, the chief opinion writer for the Palmetto State’s top liberal mouthpiece.  There’s only so much status quo drivel we can stomach … only so much pro-government hand-wringing…

 … TO MAKE SENSE

It’s been awhile since we’ve read anything published by columnist Cindi Ross Scoppe of The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper, the chief opinion writer for the Palmetto State’s top liberal mouthpiece.  There’s only so much status quo drivel we can stomach … only so much pro-government hand-wringing we can endure.

Scoppe has never met a tax hike she didn’t like … including the demonstrably unnecessary gas tax hike currently being pushed by self-serving politicians and corrupt bureaucrats at the S.C. State House.

This proposed tax hike was ridiculous when first introduced last year … and is now even more ridiculous in light of the $1.2 billion influx of new taxpayer money projected to flow into state coffers this year.

Not to mention all the totally unnecessary projects lawmakers want to spend that new revenue on …

Seriously, South Carolina’s Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has seen its base, recurring budget nearly double over the last six years – yet the Palmetto State’s roads and bridges remain woefully under-maintained.

What gives?  Well … our state’s leaders have been blowing hundreds of millions of dollars on “interchanges to nowhere,” on projects for crony capitalist corporations … or on politically motivated projects intended to benefit themselves.

And covering up their messes every step of the way

Crazy, right?  Right … unless you are an insider like Scoppe.  In her world, the elected officials in Columbia, S.C. who are fighting this insanity are the crazy ones.  In fact she refers to them as the “Crazy Caucus” in her latest column.

Hmmm …

Bizarrely, though, Scoppe quickly acknowledges that these “crazy” lawmakers are … wait for it … correct.

“The Senate’s no-compromise libertarians are absolutely right when they argue that we don’t need to build new roads,” she wrote.  “We need to fix the ones we have, and expand them where capacity is a problem.”

Okay … we would argue there are certain instances in which new construction is warranted, but generally we agree with that statement.

The only difference?  Unlike Scoppe, we believe this core government function can be performed without raising taxes.  In fact we don’t think, we know.

This “no new taxes” position has been consistently articulated by S.C. Senator Tom Davis, who waged an impassioned filibuster against the proposed gas tax increase during last year’s legislative session.

“I am not going to stand here and throw $700 million into a system that has proven it cannot do the job,” Davis said during his filibuster.  “That is irresponsible.”

Indeed it is.

According to Scoppe, though, Davis’ anti-tax stance is “saying we need to pay for road repairs by stealing the money that is intended for educating children and protecting them from abusive parents and patrolling our highways and investigating crimes and locking away dangerous criminals and enforcing restaurant-sanitation laws and performing all of those other duties that maintain a civilized society.”

LOL … restaurant sanitization?

Again, we hate to break it to Scoppe but no one is “stealing” anything.  The state budget in South Carolina – already bloated with dozens of duplicative bureaucracies and innumerable unnecessary functions – has grown by an average of $1 billion a year over the last seven consecutive years.

Also, the last time we checked, government throwing more money into “educating children” had proven every bit as fruitless as throwing money into “fixing our roads.”  Even the uber-liberal S.C. Supreme Court has said as much.

Astoundingly, Scoppe still wants to throw more money at SCDOT – even as she admits “the new tax money would go to the gang that can’t budget straight.”

What the hell? 

We know Scoppe is supposed to be brilliant, but come on: It takes some pretty convoluted (contradictory) logic to acknowledge tax hike opponents are “absolutely correct” in opposing unnecessary projects – and acknowledge tax hike supporters “can’t budget straight” – yet still come out in support of raising taxes.

That is “crazy.”

Oh well.  Props to Davis for continuing his courageous stand against this unnecessary tax hike.  And props to other lawmakers – including S.C. Senate “majority” leader Harvey Peeler – for finally recognizing that wasteful and unnecessary projects (like Interstate 73) aren’t part of a “shortfall” (and thus shouldn’t be funded at the expense of real infrastructure needs).

Truth be told, Interstate 73 shouldn’t be funded at all.

Let’s hope sanity prevails this year …

***

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171 comments

SC, The Pothole Mecca January 4, 2016 at 12:23 pm

I know how to fix this: Keep electing Republicans! Eventually the roads will degrade into dirt paths and we won’t have to worry about paving them anymore!

Reply
Halfvast Conspirator January 4, 2016 at 12:25 pm

Dems are no different once they get their hands on more tax money, they are all corrupt, Rs, Ds, and Rinocrats, all the same.

Reply
Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:26 pm

California has some nice roads. Way better than SC’s.

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TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 12:27 pm

California has way more debt, to the degree it’s a crisis, as well.

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The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 12:28 pm

…and their roads suck as well.

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 12:35 pm

When it takes 3 hours to go 30 miles how much damage can you do?

Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:38 pm

When everybody wants to live in your state, you get traffic. Do you know what that even is?

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 1:11 pm

Not everybody, the traffic and people are the reason I don’t live there.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:16 pm

I spent much of my youth in SoCal, I went back for my brother’s wedding in Santa Monica a few years ago and I’m glad I’m not there anymore.

He now lives in San Clemente, which while nice…is god awful expensive.

He’s got a shitty $750,000 house. (which is though of as “nice” by most people)

When I went back to my old stomping grounds in Redlands, CA I was saddened to see how the area around it became a shithole while the price of everything went nuts.

In terms of quality of life, SoCal is not what it used to be.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:29 pm

Yeah, the population is A LOT healthier and better educated. I imagine you were very uncomfortable there.

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 1:47 pm

I was educated in the midwest a long time ago. I had a couple of classmates move to CA and they were about a year ahead of you CA folks, nice try.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:53 pm

They were ahead? So they had to move to California. Makes sense, smart people tend to gravitate to California. The not so smart tend to head to the South East.

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 1:56 pm

Jump one trick pony, jump.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:37 pm

California is the seventh largest economy in the WORLD. You want to compare it to tiny, inconsequential South Carolina? You guys are cute ;-)

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 12:39 pm

What does their size matter? Even accounting on a ratio basis shows the level of disaster in comparing the two states.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:41 pm

California could exist on it’s own. How about SC? SC can’t even exist without all the money it gets from the Feds. How much does California contribute in Federal tax dollars compared to SC? California is far from an economic distaster.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 12:45 pm

LMAO!!!!

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council names California number 50 on its index ranking the States on Policy measures and costs impacting small business and Entrepreneurship.

If we are going to issue the most debt, why not kill small businesses so we can’t pay off the debt?
California ranked dead last, by a large margin, in this ranking by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. This index uses tax, regulatory and government spending measures to rank states on their “friendliness” (or ease of doing business) to small businesses.

The Council summarized California’s ranking by saying “Small businesses in California face a formidable array of policy (and regulatory) costs, the highest personal income and individual capital gains taxes, high corporate income and capital gains taxes, the highest gas tax, high electricity and workers compensation costs”.

Or more simply, as I reported in “We’re number one”, California has the highest failure rate for small businesses in the country.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:54 pm

Bless your dumb little heart. You definitely provide a fine example of SC’s famously poor educational system.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:23 pm

You are the one throwing your family under the bus and calling them stupid.

What happened-they didn’t pay for dinner last night?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:27 pm

California has a lot of queers and AIDS became an epidemic in the San Francisco brothels.

That and having no water while hiding illegal terrorists in sanctuary cities is all anybody knows about California anymore.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:46 pm

That’s just not giving SC due credit – we lead the nation in STDs. I got mine from you.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:03 pm

That’s why Yahoo is HQ’d in West Columbia.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:06 pm

Yahoo has 12,000 employees in California-Wal-Mart has 20,000 employees in SC.

Checkmate.

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 1:29 pm

Wal Mart has 90,000 employees in California – what’s your point?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:33 pm

To solicit a dumb ass ‘apples and oranges’ comment from Col.Flagg (D).

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:39 pm

This just in – Cayce to vote on water bonds on Tuesday.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:38 pm

Nice reply. Well done sir.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:38 pm

Wow!!! And you think Wal-Mart where you go grocery shopping pays as well as Yahoo in California? Who adds more value to the world? Hing – it’s not Wal Mart.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:39 pm

Yahoo adds what value to the world-besides a liberal website?

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

Yahoo is a website? Man, you’re truly dumber than a Swamp Fox.

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 10:59 pm

By the way, Wal-Mart says they have thirty one thousand employees in South Carolina. http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/locations/united-states#/united-states/south-carolina

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 12:46 pm

Legislature passes 23 new laws negatively affecting businesses in 2014.

In a race to the bottom of hostility toward business, the State, noted the California Chamber of Commerce, passed more than 23 new laws that businesses must comply with starting in 2014. These laws deal with the new, higher minimum wage, meals and rest periods, extension of prevailing wage laws, and penalties, a redefinition of sexual harassment, whistleblower protections, restrictions and penalties for reporting immigration status, more time off for family leave, and prohibitions against requiring potential employees to list criminal backgrounds. For context, read Small business ranking above and refer to ObamaCare regulations going into effect on January 1.

Why would you own a business in California?

Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:52 pm

Yeah, there are no sussessful businesses based in California or even moving there. I guess all the tech industry that helps drive the world doesn’t count….or the energy industries….or the entertainment capital of the world….or TV and media…or the poor Universities….or the agricultural industry…or all the medical and scientific research….or the industries built around the outdoors. Yep, California is a disaster for business. Could you guys maybe send some jobs from your biggest private employer, Walmart? Like I said, you guys are just too cute! How do you say……Bless your hearts!

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Green energy is three to five times the cost of energy produced by oil, nuclear, coal, and natural gas.

However, the State is requiring that one-third of our energy must be produced by green energy sources by the end of this decade. The problem? These sources of energy are also highly unreliable. The solution? The California PUC has called for utilities and private companies to install approximately $5 billion worth of batteries and other forms of energy storage to help the State’s power grid cope with the erratic nature of green power.

The implication of both actions? Expect to see continuing prices increases for energy and the products produced, shipped, and sold within California with this energy into the foreseeable future.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 12:48 pm

Since the recession ended in 2009, food stamp usage has increased in California by 55%, with 4.1 million Californians using SNAP (food stamps). The Federal government, using a new index that takes cost of living into account, has named California the State with the highest poverty rate, 23%.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:55 pm

If I gave a shit, I could look into SC’s numbers and stats. But we all know how that would turn out.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:00 pm

I think we can agree that the illegal immigrants are taking California down and the black Democrat Party voters on welfare are taking South Carolina down.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:42 pm

No, in California we know immigrants are an essential part of the economy. I’ll take a hard working Latino or Asian over an undereducated, ignorant fat ass from the South, any day.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:15 pm

Democrats are about twice as likely as Republicans to have received food stamps at some point in their lives.

Pew Research

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:18 pm

From Pew research: pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/0…
Whites 15%, Blacks 31%, Hispanics 22%.
Blacks are about twice as likely as whites to have used this benefit during their lives (31% vs. 15%). Among Hispanics, about 22% say they have collected food stamps.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:21 pm

I’m sorry you were ‘educated’ in SC and basic concepts are alien to you, but 15% of Whites makes up a larger number of people than 31% Blacks.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:00 pm

“California could exist on it’s own. How about SC? SC can’t even exist without all the money it gets from the Feds.”

What?! That’s a ridiculous statement, provide a link.

“How much does California contribute in Federal tax dollars compared to SC? California is far from an economic distaster.”

With all due respect, you just proved yourself an economic ignorant.

There was a point in time GM was the largest auto manufacturer(and might still be) in terms of dollars/sales. Did that make them successful as they were filing bankruptcy? (or even the years before they did)

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

Why should I provide you a link? Try using a wonderful product from a company based in California. It’s called Google. Has that technology made it to SC yet?

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:10 pm

Oh, you’re just silly now.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:16 pm

Not as silly as you. Anyways, comparing California to SC is ridiculous. Seriously, I have friends who don’t even really know where SC is, out of indifference. They just know it’s that backwards, racist place somewhere near Atlanta. Hell, I wouldn’t know anything about SC if my in-laws didn’t retire there. At least you have Charleston. It’s a decent place to wander around and have some drinks and food. This has been an enlightening conversation. You guys definitely have that clueless, stubborn confederate attitude. There are stereotypes for a reason, I suppose.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:17 pm

lol…you’re a pretty good troll even if you do have stupid friends.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:19 pm

They aren’t stupid enough to call SC home, so I’ll keep them.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:19 pm

Don’t forget your in-laws too.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:25 pm

We always joke about where they live. They’re always talking about how dumb the average person is there. Plus, nearly everybody is fat as hell! They can’t get over how overweight the population is. You know you’ve entered the South when you get off the plane. The airport is suddenly full of fat asses who can barely speak English! But, it’s cheap. I’d be surprised if they stay there for too long.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:27 pm

Well by your metric, they are stupid enough to have moved/live here- so I hope they get well soon and move out for the sake of their IQ.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:31 pm

Yeah, me too. Visiting them isn’t very exciting of fun. Like I said, I think they’ll regain their sanity and relocate.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:31 pm

So what city did they move to?

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:33 pm

City? That’s a good one.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:33 pm

Oh come on now, don’t be so difficult. If “town” suits you better, so be it. I’m curious where they chose to live.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:38 pm

Pawelys Island. I think my father-n-law had too much golf on the brain. It’s a cute, boring little place. Too bad it’s not a fraction as great as the locals like to pretend it is. Man, it’s funny listening to them go on about a place with TWO Dollar Generals and a couple of decent places to eat. I don’t golf so I can’t comment on that.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:41 pm

Well, for old farts looking to slow down Pawely’s Island isn’t too bad. You should cut your in-laws some slack. You’re just in a different stage of life.

Plus it’s not good to go around bad mouthing SC as filled with stupid people with your in-laws now living here because people will make assumptions about your family.

Not only that, there’s plenty to do around SC, you just haven’t been exposed properly.

Get off the high horse. You can find happiness almost anyplace if you have the right attitude.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:45 pm

My in-laws share my views and add to my assumptions. I rag them all the time. Of course SC isn’t that bad. It’s just too easy to rag on people from there when they try and diss California. Really, really fucking easy.

TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 1:52 pm

Look-

You can find things to “diss” about California JUST like SC-

This isn’t a “who’s better” thing- but the fact remains that the California state government has serious debt issues.

That is a “diss”, but it’s also a fact. You are right in talking about the state of education here in SC, but there are also wide swaths of uneducated people in California, just buried in places you don’t go. (like East LA, etc.)

But this is a discussion on SC road taxes, how it got to a “who’s better” argument I have no idea.

What do you care about how roads in SC are funded anyway given that you live in California? Don’t you have better things to do?

The Buzzman January 4, 2016 at 1:52 pm

lol

FUCK California!

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:54 pm

We do a lot of fucking over here. No doubt.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:07 pm

Holy shit! Check out Boz in his/her favorite dress?You two get a room.

https://myspace.com/ballyhooburlesque

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:54 pm

LMAO!! The Buzzman woke up from his Campbell’s Soup induced coma to take your sorry ass to the woodshed!

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:56 pm

You guys are beyond cute. Like sea monkeys, only less aware.

tomstickler January 4, 2016 at 1:55 pm

If it was not for some of us idiots who chose to live in Pawleys Island, people would still think that I-73 is a good idea, and drilling for oil off our coast would improve our lives.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:09 pm

Careful of tomstickler.He raids the Planned Parenthood trash cans for fetus parts before family cook outs!

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:36 pm

You have to excuse them, they get their news from Fox, and travel no further than Athens – Georgia.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 1:01 pm

Right on Dude South Carolina gets $8.00 back from Washington for every $1.00. That is what keeps this state going.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:02 pm

Black Democrat Party voters riding the perpetual welfare train drain ‘red’ states.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:07 pm

Most people on welfare are white and live in red states. Try again. Man, people in SC really are dumb as hell. WTF?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

Blacks in ‘red’ states-especially in the south-drain the state riding the perpetual welfare train.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:11 pm

Except that a majority of those on welfare are white people living in red states. Probably like you.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:35 pm

Well they attend under performing colleges in the Pee Dee.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:47 pm

I don’t know what that means, but it sounds really stupid.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 12:28 pm

Oh man, I-5 from San Diego up to Orange County. 101 up through Santa Barbara.

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idcydm January 4, 2016 at 12:31 pm

Not to mention California’s high gas prices.

Reply
Dude January 4, 2016 at 12:35 pm

You get what you pay for….explains that dump you call home.
I guess those prices are expensive for you…

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

I owned property in La Mesa and made a pretty good chunk of change because some Dude was dumb enough to buy it. Made over a quarter mil off that two bedroom dump.

Enjoy your expensive life style, you all deserve each other out there .

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:27 pm

Couldn’t hack it out West? You wouldn’t be the first. You appear to be exactly where you belong. It’s easier to settle for SC.

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 1:42 pm

I have property in two states son. Maybe one of these days you will gain enough wisdom to do the same. I’ll tell you one thing, keep trolling the internet and you’ll never make it past your keyboard.

Life is good if you make it so, no matter what state you live in, I just chose not to live in California.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 1:51 pm

Son? Oh yeah, that what goobers say when they are trying to be condescending. Anyways, it’s best for you types to be around people who are more your ‘speed’. I imagine Trump is very popular there.

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 1:53 pm

Well son, you are the easiest one trick pony I’ve ever made jump.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 2:00 pm

I don’t want to imagine the ‘tricks’ you like to do with ponies. We get news reports of the stuff you guys like to do to animals from time to time. No wonder California wasn’t place for you, the animals have too many rights.

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 2:06 pm

This is getting boring, at least you’re getting a lot clicks for Will.

Have a good day Dude, if even know what that is.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 2:11 pm

Good bye. It was fun owning your bumbkin ass. Now run along with your ponies!

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 2:12 pm

Made you jump again. :-)

Dude January 4, 2016 at 2:17 pm

Am I the one doing the jumping?
Anyways, you have obviouly run out of things to say (not surprising) so now to save face, you will play to ‘made you respond’ game. Every dimwitted, unsuccessful troll does it.
You definitely belong in SC. Cali must have been incredibly fustrating for you.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:21 pm

‘fustrating for you.

California public schools, Jethroe?

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 2:26 pm

Give a troll enough rope and he always hangs himself.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:28 pm

I always got your back.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 3:08 pm

Awww, how sweet. Birds of a feather…

CorruptionInColumbia January 4, 2016 at 2:51 pm

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for life.”

“Give a troll a big enough dick and he’ll fuck himself in the ass forever.”

idcydm January 4, 2016 at 3:06 pm

Yep this guy was a real genius, I said I had owned property in La Mesa, I didn’t say I ever lived there. I enjoy giving them a little information, set back and watch them shit all over themselves. This guy probable isn’t from CA to begin with, the people I know out there are much smarter and friendlier.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 3:10 pm

Of course you never lived in California. Silly me.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 3:07 pm

Small phone, large fingers. Maybe one day you’ll be lucky enough to own a smartphone. You just won’t be bright enough to use it.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:52 pm

Iowa doesn’t count. :)

CorruptionInColumbia January 4, 2016 at 1:44 pm

I guess that is fine if you’re a rich liberal movie star or producer with more money than sense. Working people don’t have money to give corrupt government functionaries to just piss away.

Dude January 4, 2016 at 2:01 pm

Is that what ignorant goobers think California is like? Interesting.

Tazmaniac January 4, 2016 at 2:33 pm

Are you referring to that almost bankrupt state of fruits and nuts? They are going to need nice roads to leave in search of water and sanity.

Reply
idcydm January 4, 2016 at 2:38 pm

The cereal state…fruits, flakes and nuts.

Smart People January 4, 2016 at 12:25 pm

People of SC, please do something about your roads! The faster and smoother I can get through that dump the better.

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The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 12:27 pm

Feel free to drive around

Reply
idcydm January 4, 2016 at 12:29 pm

Not smart enough, their GPS won’t let them.

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Smart People January 4, 2016 at 12:33 pm

What’s around isn’t much better. It’s smart to tackle the shit head on and get it over with as fast as possible, instead of setting up camp in the shit and calling it home.

Reply
fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 1:12 pm

Hey colonel I see you have a new handle. My god you are really old. No wonder you spend all of your time on piece of crap post. You rednecks are all a bunch yahoos with little minds and for some reason BIG EGOS. You must sucked off the NG and Reserves for a hell of a long time. You represent the problem with today’s military. To much brass doing absolutely nothing. Read somewhere that the army has over 10,000 guys/colonels in it’s ranks. WHY?

Reply
The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 1:27 pm

Don’t know where you read the “10,000 colonels” thing – last I looked, there were right at 4,000 Colonels and 9,000 Lieutenant Colonels in the Army – that amounts to about 2.7% of the force (475,000 active) Total active force officer strength is right at 77,000 and amounts to 16% of the force which is a little high in my opinion – largely owing to a glut of Captains and Majors. (10% of the force (44,000) are either CPTs or MAJs). That number will be reduced pretty significantly over the next two years.

But you weren’t really interested in the facts were you?

As for my “sucking off the NG or Reserve for a long time” – yeah, 32 years was a long time. You have no idea what I represent. One of the reasons I retired is that I grew tired of fighting the “do nothing status quo”.

I do notice you tend to show up here a good bit Fred.

Reply
Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:44 pm

Ignore him, just a local weekly media non-celebrity.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 1:53 pm

Excuse me, isn’t a light colonel a colonel? I get my facts from legimate sources, not from some old washed up guy with an incredible big ego. Are we supposed to be impressed with your 30 something year career pushing papers, contributing nothing and playing with numbers. Regarding what you represent don’t care and old fred is on this blog for entertainment chuckle and laugh at guys like you and the other ass-hole erneba. Another fact you may find interesting, colonel, is your illustrious military has not a war/military campaign since WW2. So what’s going?

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:55 pm

Yes Tango / Flip you are supposed to be impressed with someone who actually sacrifices time and effort for their country, their community and their fellow citizens. You should try it some time.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:59 pm

I do respect the Colonel for his stand on life issues.I have no respect for your sorry ass,taxpayer cheating persona.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:03 pm

Better be careful – I know more about you than you would like. CNI baby. CNI!!!

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:06 pm

lol…you are a full BORE pussy that plays on the internet all day while your wife has to change jobs to support the family.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:06 pm

I bet you’ve changed jobs way more than anyone in our household. Probably like every two years. Am I right? Ami I right?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:10 pm

Only had two jobs in my adult life.Teaching/coaching and my own business.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:19 pm

Yeah, sure. And you live in Ohio – right!!!!

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:24 pm

I live ‘everywhere’.

DSS January 4, 2016 at 3:17 pm

You’re allowed around children? What in the hell could your dumbass teach? Oh yeah, this is South Carolina.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:29 pm

Hit a nerve?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:29 pm

I did.You just posted a couple of weeks ago your old lady had to change jobs.

Rocky Flippy January 4, 2016 at 4:40 pm

She got a new job, big deal. In this good economy, it’s often done.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:30 pm

Odd you have to attack people’s wives. I don’t recall attacking yours. I bet she’s a great person, does lots of good, helps people.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:31 pm

lol…you spent the morning calling my mother a whore.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:32 pm

I didn’t call her a whore. I said we talked about whores.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:32 pm

It’s war Rocky.Bring it on. :)

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:33 pm

Whatever. Get back to work.

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 1:55 pm

Yes Fred a “light colonel” is a colonel but you ignored the facts as I suspected you would. Thanks for playing.

I come here for the same reasons you do, a little information and a little entertainment.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 2:12 pm

Oh your ego, “Thanks for playing.” Come now colonel you are just to obvious, it’s that 30 something years in the military. Speaking of ignoring facts, I gave you a nice soft one right up the middle, but you didn’t swing? Your military, 70 years of nothing and with so many toys to play with. But you did make me smile. Thanks and thanks for playing.

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 2:18 pm

Yeah 70 years of nothing – no Soviet Union, no world wars, China has invaded no one, North Korea minded their ps and qs… In the 1,000 years prior to the end of World War II, there was seldom a minute of peace globally: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lists_of_wars_by_date

The real beauty of having a powerful armed force is that you don’t have to use it very often – the danger is that when you do feel obliged to use it you don’t think the whole thing through first.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 2:51 pm

Well my friend I’m not talking military power ( defense), but when we use it (offense) it’s not working. COME SENSE. I question the education of our officer cadre and tactics they are being taught. Are they getting the right/correct education at our military academies? Is the army general staff servants of the military industrial complex, which by the way was a concern of Eisenhower. What where the military results in Korea, Vietnam and what is happening in the Middle East? Look I am no way anti military and I do have a concern for our people serving. What I am saying the leadership in the army is not up to snuff.

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 2:58 pm

If your question is are we getting the right tackle training to the answer is probably yes. We don’t generally loose at a tactical level. Officer on education has undergone a Renaissance and the last 4-5 years with more focus on world experience for cadets and junior officers. At the strategic level it’s a different situation, our senior civilian leadership has little or no tactical training and can apparently learn nothing from history. Their heavy-handed attempts to win wars without killing people and breaking things are doomed to failure – don’t blame the officer corps for that. Many of us have railed against those foolhardy guidelines for years.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 3:40 pm

We can continue to dance. You bring up an interesting point, our senior civilian leadership has no little or no tactical training and can apparently learn nothing from history etc., etc. This is history and what makes our country great. Checks and balances. Has the military learned from history? Why are we in the Middle East, if you talk about history? Why are many retired “officers” become consultants, lobbyists and oh my favorite “talking heads” on television?

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 4:45 pm

Reason you see so many become talking heads is because our population is so far distance from any military experience that someone has to explain even the most basic things to do. This is unique in our history, when we had a draft everyone had some knowledge what the military was all about.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 8:32 pm

Please I don’t need to be lectured to as I am quite familiar with the history of WW2. Your comment “our population is so far distant from any military experience” is utter nonsense. Don’t sell short the people of our country. It’s typical of you and your ilk to make statements without any backup or reference. The idea of your inane statement “during WW2 civilians thought nothing of firebombing Dresden or Tokyo” is another insult to Americans particularly back during that period. Tokyo was necessary in order to save a projected number of some 250,000 casualties if an invasion took place. Yes this courageous but horrific act by President Truman was supported by the people at the time. Dresden is another story. If you read history books, you would know that Dresden was a not a major manufacturing center, but was reported to be a communication center and the allied command wanted to disrupt Russia’s advance. Therefore the bombing, which is that some 100,000 to 200,000 civilians perished. Oh before I forget thank you for informing me how to blow someone to oblivion-killing them, their families anyone who supports them. I assume you are referring to Dresden, but what about the Nazis that were in Dresden? If fact they were in Dresden. Don’t you think, my dear colonel, that your compatriots are talking heads, lobbyist and consultants for their ego and MONEY. Why don’t they like good soldiers just fade away?

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 8:59 pm

You know so much that you immediately identified Tokyo as one of the cities we dropped atomic weapons on! We of course didn’t but we did firebomb it. Dresden was so hot that it created an artificial wind. The firebombing of Dresden is one of the most debated moral issues at higher level officer ethics training – yeah you really know your issues.

The estimated numbers of casualties for a Japanese home island invasion were actually in the half a million to four million range for allied forces alone. Your own mis-assessment proves my point that the American people accepted the civilian casualties as being the cost of war. “…Tokyo was necessary in order to save a projected number of some 250,000 casualties if an invasion took place. Yes this courageous but horrific act by President Truman was…”

Are the “talking heads” “talking heads” because they’re getting paid? Absolutely, and they’re in such demand is because the media needs them to explain all the stuff they (and obviously you) don’t understand.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 9:29 pm

You are one pompous asshole. With your attitude and outlook you could have never make it in the real world. Thank goodness you found your niche by being a pencil pusher the Guard. It must be better playing on this blog than playing with yourself. Poor old man you must have worn out military.com and wikipedia.

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 9:32 pm

Wrong again dipstick, I was in the guard for about a year, about thirty years ago.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 9:45 pm

WALMART? Good night asshole.

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 9:51 pm

Blue Cross, my own construction company, the Chicken Coop… I’ve had a lot of fun since I left active duty back in the nineties.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:57 pm

Americans at large must arrive at – and then feel comfortable articulating – the truth that liberal policies are manifestly evil. Presented to us in an attractive altruistic, compassionate wrapper, they were in fact poisonous fare, formulated by the worst among us. Such people have raised the lie to a high art, that they might cheat Americans of their birthright, steal the fruits of our labor and even kill, as evidenced by their conspicuous lack of value for life.

You sir, are the definition of evil.

tomstickler January 4, 2016 at 2:03 pm

You sir, cut and pasted this drivel from World Net Daily from 7 March 2012.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:04 pm

Yeah? So.

Things that go boom in the nig January 4, 2016 at 8:40 pm

FYI…..you don’t achieve the rank of Colonel by sitting on your ass or shuffling papers. An individual with this rank has proven to be aa true leader of men and women and possesses the utmostutmost personal and professional integrity and moral fiber.

I was proud to wear the uniform (Army – Retired Major, ADA) and I congratulate and thank the Colonel for his 32 years of outstanding service and sacrifice for his country.

While it is your right to disagree on thoughts, opinions, etc., it is wholly inappropriate and highly disrespectful to denigrate those who serve so that you can express your opinions in a forum such as this blog.

fred farkel January 4, 2016 at 9:19 pm

Please our military system is not perfect and there are people that get promoted who are not qualified. I assume that it is not inappropriate and highly disrespectful to denigrate President Obama. Just read the garbage that is spewed on this blog about our President and your Commander -in- Chief if in fact you claim to be what you are. That brings up another point,do you know in fact if this clown who calls himself “colonel” is in fact one or has ever been in the military. Come now grow up and get a life.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 12:28 pm

Have a long day on I-95 this weekend? I heard it was horrible.

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Smart People January 4, 2016 at 12:33 pm

It’s usually horrible, except for that cheap gas.

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Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:04 pm

Flip / Tango gets his cheap gas from low quality Mexican restaurants on US 1.

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Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:11 pm

All Mexican restaurants are low quality with low quality people working in them.

I stay out of the shit holes-even Chipolte.Illegals are bringing all kinds of diseases into this country.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:43 pm

Doesn’t SC lead the nation in diseases?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:46 pm

The hordes of illegal immigrant minors entering the U.S. are bringing serious diseases—including swine flu, dengue fever, possibly Ebola virus and tuberculosis—that present a danger to the American public as well as the Border Patrol agents forced to care for the kids.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:47 pm

You could probably use a touch of the Dengue – it helps you lose weight.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 1:51 pm

Worked for that skank wife of yours,huh?

The Buzzman January 4, 2016 at 1:56 pm

Yours still on rollers, pogo?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:03 pm

You still have that xxxxxxxxL smock you wore to city hall that day when you demanded the mayor resign and you shit your pants on the floor?

They called Haz Mat didn’t they?

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:05 pm

Thing about the media, they sit on the sidelines and never participate in any meaningful way.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:27 pm

Thanks for asking Boz.Was just in MB and the Low Country before hitting Florida and some sunny days on Lake Worth Beach.

South Carolina,Florida in Feb and Texas/Phoenix in March.

Rocky Flippy January 4, 2016 at 4:42 pm

Sure you are. More like beach at Lake Murray.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:56 pm

She’s always been a single digit size. What size sweater vest you wear – XXL? Didn’t you say you weighed like 245?

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:01 pm

6’5″ 235 lbs and fit to whip all takers.

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:04 pm

235? Dang, your chol must be like 310.

Rocky Verdunce January 4, 2016 at 2:06 pm

Low baby!

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 1:49 pm

Liar, you love carne asada tacos.

CorruptionInColumbia January 4, 2016 at 2:12 pm

Hi Rocky! Which ones along US 1 would you say are “low quality”? I’m being serious as you may know which are good and not so good. I have eaten at the one by the funeral home and found the food and service was always excellent. I don’t recall the name right now, but I believe it is the one that at one time paid Jimmy Metts’ second (or was it first) income.
Please, no Soylent Green, jokes. :-)

A couple of weeks before Christmas, a friend snd I were going to try 7 Mares in Mills Corner as she had heard good things about it. We waited in line for about 20 minutes with only two parties in front of us. No one acknowleged our presence at any time. A group of people came in behind us and was seated ahead of us by the old fat anglo-looking guy who was doing a half-assed job of seating people, and still no acknowlegement or anything. We said the hell with that place and went to the one by the funeral home and had a great meal.

The one by the funeral home on Augusta Rd is definitely good. Are there others out this way?

Rocky Verdad January 4, 2016 at 2:20 pm

I was trolling Flip Tango – I don’t travel up to midlands, so I don’t know which ones are good. General rule, if they serve goat, they’re probably the real deal. ALso, I find here on the East Coast we generally get eastern Mexican dishes, but in SoCal it’s more Guadalajara dishes. I prefer those, but they get a little heavy on the Guac.

CorruptionInColumbia January 4, 2016 at 2:42 pm

Ok. I thought you were in this area.
Thanks forbyhe info!

The Colonel (R) January 4, 2016 at 12:27 pm

Wow, just wow – Scoppe says “…Let’s pretend we believe him. Let’s pretend we don’t believe that — given the pie-in-the-sky ideas he has for funding — the commission is setting us up for a bait-and-switch, getting the project just far enough along to be tantalizing and then taking over the funding…”

So her idea must be that if we just think good thoughts and pretend to believe everything will be alright! Sam Elliot had a few words to say about that:
http://s1.postimg.org/l7slqmpmn/sam_elliot.jpg

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TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 12:35 pm

“a civilized society”

lol….the ole “civilization” argument. It never gets worn out.

“Who would build the roads!?!?!?!”

Answer: The same people who build them now, minus Leatherman and a few other cronies that do shitty work for too much money.

“Who will protect the children!?!?!?!?”

Children aren’t being protected very well right now by the State. If more relatives of abused children had more money in their pockets it might save some of them.

“Restaurant Saffffffety!!!!!”

Despite the effort of DHEC a few incompetent restaurant owners manage to poison their customers anyway.

Was their an epidemic of food poisoning from eating in restaurants prior to DHEC’s founding in 1953?

Of course not.

It’s all so predictable…”roads, children, & food poisoning”.

All they have is fear- don’t get me wrong, it’s effective, but it’s all they have.

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Soft Sigh from Hell January 4, 2016 at 8:26 pm

There has been a state heath department since the mid-1800s.

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TroubleBaby January 4, 2016 at 9:45 pm

Checking on restaurants and enforcing codes?

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Slartibartfast January 6, 2016 at 3:03 pm

Our Public Health Department basically was a LATE 19th Century creation to warn about the newly discovered concept of germs. South Carolina has always been on the forefront of science championed by private sources. Unfortunately, the state’s government excels in taking individuals freedoms from them, if it serves the wives of the preponderance of the powerful. Now, get back in that pit and Sell, Sell Selllllllllllllllllllllllllllll !! Feeling GOOD, Billy Ray!

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome January 4, 2016 at 8:23 pm

“Restaurant Sanitation?”……perhaps you should Google ” Chipolte” and “e-coli”, you uniformed, wanna be journalist hack.

Of course, according to your warped libertarian thinking, ensuring restaurant safety and cleanliness is not a core function of government because the owners of such establishments can be trusted to adhere to all applicable health codes regarding food preparation and storage.

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Bubbax January 6, 2016 at 1:01 am

They need to repaint the lines on every road in South Carolina. What is holding up? Road markings are so worn as to be invisible almost everywhere! Get on the stick sc!

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Positivedifference54 January 7, 2016 at 8:41 pm

They can’t paint when the temperature drops below a certain degree. I think it’s 50 or 55 degrees.

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