|
The story that filled more page one space in The Times Examiner during 2007 pertained to the influx of presidential candidates that campaigned in Upstate South Carolina during the year. We were able to photograph or interview most of them at least once and some of them numerous times.
The first Republican candidates to be interviewed by this writer were John Cox, Chicago business executive who has faded from the scene after several televised debates, and Congressman Tom Tancredo, who withdrew only last week and endorsed Mitt Romney. Tancredo, more than any other individual is responsible for elevating the crucial immigration scandal to the prominence it has currently.
Congressman Duncan Hunter drew a large crowd for breakfast in Spartanburg on his first visit. He was impressive and had several members of his family traveling with him including a son who has served two tours in Iraq with the US Marines. Hunter may be the best all-round conservative candidate; however, he has had a weak campaign organization and has given the same speech locally several times. His heavy congressional duties as the ranking GOP member of the House Committee on Armed Services during wartime has not allowed much time for campaigning.
Republicans Romney, McCain, Giuliani, Thompson and Huckabee, as well as Hunter have all been here and covered by our staff. We have also covered Clinton, Obama, and Biden on the Democrat side.
The second topic in importance would be the failure of the SC Legislature to pass legislation governing illegal aliens and the political upheaval generated by Sen. Lindsey Graham’s support of “amnesty” legislation and failure of the US Senate to pass the legislation due to overwhelming opposition.
The top story in Greenville County has been the mischief created by the coalition of Democrats and “Progressive” RINO Republicans on Greenville County Council who have taken control of the independent planning commission, put a leading environmental activist in charge and are in the process of imposing a dictatorial socialist “tree ordinance” on county property owners.
The Times Examiner devotes very little space to covering criminal activity except when it involves government agencies and public service. Two major stories involving alleged criminal activity by government officials are still ongoing.
The arrest of Wade Cleveland, the Greenville County School District attorney on child pornography charges stunned our readers. The case has yet to go to trial and there is speculation that it never will.
Then there is the story of Councilman Tony Trout, who was steeped in controversy before he sought public office and has been the source of controversy both during and following his election. Trout has accused numerous public officials of wrongdoing without providing proof. He is now being investigated by SLED for possible violations resulting from numerous conversations with a grand jury foreman.
Controversies resulting from Greenville County Council manipulation of the Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse has resulted in the resignation of two executive directors of the Phoenix Center and numerous other key employees and merited several page one stories.
Three positive events round out the top stories for 2007. WGGS Television has gone digital and launched two new television programming channels. The Upstate Freedom Conference featuring Chuck Baldwin was a popular success that should be repeated.
Finally, the groundbreaking for the Beyond Recovery project in Northern Greenville County has the potential for being the greatest benefit to local society in more than a decade.
|
