Today is the day for Primary Election in New Hampshire. I think we all know something is going on in the Northern Lands. However, if you are a politico who attempts to follow all media sources, it appears all eyes have already started focusing on The First In The South  Primary.

Candidates are already zig-zagging across South Carolina. County GOP activist are just as busy as candidate staffs trying to schedule events, finding locations in their communities that will accommodate the numbers of citizens looking for that little bit of clarification to support their voting decision.

As one Florence,  SC citizen told me just yesterday, ” I am leaning toward Santorum, but I really like Gngrich. I need them to knock me off my fence.”

Yesterday, while attending a political event in Conway, I was asked, “Uncle Bill, who are you supporting? I am confused and need some help deciding.”

This morning I have received several text/facebook messages and emails from people (thinking I have the answer) wanting my opinion of the “debate”.

The South Carolina Primary comes only eleven days after the New Hampshire Romney-Fest. Romney should have a cakewalk in New Hampshire. The big question, who will come in second and third? Santorum, Gingrich or Paul will fill follow Romney. It’s for this reason the candidates have all but forfeited their campaigns in the North.

Despite what they say, the candidates are watching the polls. They realize the importance of South Carolina. In my humble opinion, if your candidate leaves South Carolina with less than 15% of the vote, he should pack his bags and go home. Take the high road and let those candidates who are truly in the running take care of the business at hand.  If you are hoping for a miracle, the bucket of miracles is almost empty. If you, as a candidate, disagree with this suggestion, go on to Florida and let the Gatorland voters eat you alive. Then bail!

Before the SC Primary, comes the SCGOP Experience in Myrtle Beach. This coming weekend, January 14-17, 2012, there will be activities day and night. The two big events will be the first candidate forum for those seeking to be the the first Congressman to represent the NEW 7th Congressional District and the Myrtle Beach GOP Debate.

After this weekend, you have only 4 days to make your choice for before going into the voting booth. I’ll be honest and say, while I am pretty sure who I will be giving my vote, I am part of the 42-48% group who will make the decision in the booth.

I do know one thing for certain. I will be pulling out my BS Strainer and looking at the issues. I will be analyzing  how the candidates addressed questions and issues. The person’s religion, past marital issues, whether he’s the best debater, whether  he’s an insider or an outsider is not a concern. If the man speaks Chinese or Texican, if he is older than dirt, wears V-neck sleeveless sweaters, cowboy boots,  uses Vitalis or styling gel in his hair will not be a qualifier for my vote.

The person who receives my vote will be the one who gives me a clear stand on issues, offers some ideas on how to get out of our current mess and who I truly believe can beat the character currently occupying the White House.

Sounds simple doesn’t it. Oh, take this into consideration. It may be late in the game; however, it’s still possible another person or two could throw his/her hat in the ring. Lord, help us!

My commentary today is in response to the shocking “Opinion” of Thom Anderson in the Morning News (Florence, SC).  The title of this opinion is Second Amendment to gun nuts like booze to alcholics .

Shame on you Mr. Anderson! Of all people who should hold the Constitution of the United States of America in sacred awe, it should be a former newspaper editor. Throughout your career in the newspaper business, how many times have you seen Freedom of speech and the press attacked. I would hope you defended those First Amendment rights. I hope you did not go along with those who said the free press is one reason our country is violent, disenchanted, angry and commit crimes of hate because of articles and opinions that were, and still are, written in newspapers and magazines across the country. I hope you don’t believe a muzzle should be put over the mouth of all reporters and commentators on the radio and television programs. I certainly hope you don’t want to control the voice of people speaking out on blogs and other avenues on the internet.

The same principles and freedoms are provided by the Second Amendment for those of us who believe the only way to make sure our country remains free is to believe in all of our rights as vested in the Constitution.

Yes, there are those who exploit and abuse all laws and rights. Just like the alcoholic abuses alcohol there are those who use firearms for no good. How about the millions of people who own and use firearms with respect and responsibly?

History has shown those who want to take over governments must first control the people. Throughout history dictators, tyrants, Facists and socialists have first, gained control of the free press, second, enacted laws to limit or take away the rights of the people to bear arms, then take control of major industry, oil companies and financial entities.

Doesn’t all of this sound familiar?

In reference to what the founding fathers intended, they intended for the people to have control over the government, not the other way around.

Turning your statement around just a bit, I say,

If the Founders now can look down on earth and watch early 21st Century America, they must wonder if the people of this country have the stamina and strenghth of charactor to hold against those “liberals” who would throw in the towel and let this country of liberty be given to those who want to rule instead of serve the people.

I agree there are those who rant and rave spewing words of hate. There always have been and will be forever. That’s why the rest of us must be protective of our rights and use a little common sense and restraint to make sure we can hold things together.

If you believe in the Constitution, you must believe it is your duty to protect it.

I hope everyone will continue to pray for all of the victims of the horrible tragedy in Tucson.

In the aftermath of the event I was very pleased to see that most of my “blogger commentator” comrades refrained from making wild, inflammatory and uninformed postings.

I am greatly disappointed with the mainstream media outlets, such as CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and all of the networks, for the way they are covering this event.

I am even more disappointed in the way some politicians and activists jumped in within minutes of the shooting and started casting blame on everyone except the “mentally disturbed shooter”.

Sarah Palin and her targeted map did not cause this incident. Rush Limbaugh did not give the shooter reloads after he emptied his first magazine. The entertainer, Glenn Beck, did not take this man to the gun shop to purchase the weapon. The focal Tea Party activists did not drive this man to the store and say go shoot someone.

Likewise, no one on the left side of the isle did anything to encourage or cause this event to take place.

Although I don’t necessarily agree with all of these people’s over the top presentations and acting, they are not  the guilty parties.

As I was thinking about this terrible event, I remembered just last week I made a comment about not approaching the next elections with a shotgun approach. I stated we must take laser sharp aim at particular districts and seats to make sure the right candidates get elected. I certainly don’t believe I contributed to this massacre.

The blame for this tragedy lies with one man. The one who pulled the trigger!

For the next few weeks, or until the media has another tragedy to cover, this event will be the only “major” news of the day. There will be so much analysis from so many experts we may all go crazy.

We will start hearing about the need for gun control. There will be a call to sacrifice the Constitution so the bad guys can’t legally obtain a gun.

Folks, as bad as this may sound, this catastrophe has happened before and it will happen again. You can not stop the crazies and criminals from doing anything if they want to do it bad enough. However, we can not join the ranks of the extremists who want to exploit things like this shooting.

We must learn from the event.

We must mourn for the victims and their families.

We must move forward.

Republicans are cheering tonight ‘s announcement of compromise by President Obama. The most liberal Democrats are jeering the President for caving in. Most American citizens are probably somewhat pleased.

I am happy to announce that I will be joining Alvin Greene in his effort to take the Oval Office. After a sleepless night worrying if Alvin could win without a strong second fiddle, I decided  a Greene-Pickle ticket could win the White House.

It is with great humility that I encourage Alvin to take the #1 spot as Greene-Pickle sounds better than Pickle-Greene. Seriously, Greene-Pickle kind of sings to you. It’s like Provo’s Privy in the movie Green Beret.

You may ask how  we plan to win the big enchilada?

Alvin Greene - For President

(Uncle) Bill Pickle - For Vice-President

Look at the facts:

• The 2000 Census shows there are more people with Green(e) in their name than those with Pickle. Just having these people voting for us we would garner approximately 800,000 votes.
• Both Alvin and I are veterans. We thank all veterans in advance for your vote.
• The Race Card will not hurt us. We would automatically get the Pepper and Salt vote.
• Think of the free media exposure! Two years of 24 hour coverage of the Greene-Pickle team. Be honest. Does’t the thought make goosebumps pop up on your arms and a chill down spine.
• We are going to be a bi-partisan ticket. Alvin gets the straight democratic vote. I get the straight Republican vote.
• Alvin gets the sophisticated voters. I get the Rednecks.
• Alvin will get the middle to far left vote. I will bring in the middle to far right vote.
• Both Alvin and I have traveled overseas. We know where to find England, Italy, Egypt, Belgium, Switzerland, France and Russia. If we get lost, never fear. We have GPS on our cellphones.
• Alvin will bring in the young people. I will bring in the old farts.
• Foremost, what you see is what you get.

Our only promise, things definitely will be different in Washington.

The Kentucky Derby can only dream of having a more exciting race. With only thirty-one (31) days until voters make the final results known, this race is neck and neck.

Get ready everyone. You are about to face a stampede of mass mailings, social media and TV ads. You have already seen propaganda from both candidates and from the State party organizations. You have received mailers from other groups such as the 60 Plus Association and you can expect more. Whatever the source, most of messages will start turning negative. These by-products of politics are inevitable in a close and heated race. I personally don’t care who fires the first shot or who retaliates.

What matters to me is that everyone in the district will take time to sift through the “stuff” and look at the records and facts. What matters to me is that the winning candidate will work for me, the betterment of South Carolina and the United States of America. What matters to me is that the winner will seriously work to make our government a functional  entity that will save this country.
I believe the conservative candidate, State Senator Mick Mulvaney (R) has the stronger message. Mulvaney is telling everyone, in various open forums, what he wants to do when he gets to Washington, DC. Mulvaney talks on the record and in public. Mick Mulvaney is talking about the future, not the past.

Jim Spratt is in trouble because he is campaigning on long past accomplishments. Unlike Mulvaney,  Spratt does not understand the basic concept, whether in business or politics, “It’s not what you did for me yesterday. It’s what you are doing for me today and will be doing for me tomorrow that counts.”  I might point out it says “for me, not to me”.

Spratt has contributed while in office. I would hope so. Spratt has been in Washington for 28 years; that being one of the problems. Since being in Washington, Spratt has mellowed. He no longer challenges the status quo; he has become part of the system and a puppet for the Obama/Pelosi regime. If you don’t believe that is possible, just consider his recent record.

Jim Spratt voted for the current Health Program and continues to defend his vote. The Congressional Record shows Jim Spratt as Co-Sponsor of the $787 billion bailout and records his vote for the bill. There are just too many instances of Jim Spratt’s increasingly far left-wing politics to list. You can find all you can stand by surfing the web, including the fact that Spratt has voted and supported the regime on 98% of their programs.

Don’t waste time asking Spratt about his record or future plans. Spratt has made it quite clear he will not talk in public where his comments can be recorded or put on video.

Folks, the race is in the last lap. Do your homework. Look at the facts. Look at reality.

Get out and vote on November 2nd. Don’t forget you can vote early or absentee.

Getting  the official announcement that the “Great Recession” is over, I thought one would hear the popping of champange corks all across South Carolina and the rest of America. Well, I’m still listening? I don’t hear anything?

As if someone was yelling, “Hold your horses. Are you sure the recession is over!” the latest South Carolina unemployment figures have given us a wake up slap. Statewide numbers show unemployment went up .3% to 11%. Marion County comes in with a solid lead of 19.8% unemployment (don’t count on any celebrating in Marion). Counties in the Pee Dee area actually hold 7 of the top 20 spots with the highest unemployment rates.

There should be no surprise that the Pee Dee is the hardest hit area in South Carolina. Contributing to our problems are a weak manufacturing base, crime rates that are causing J. Edgar Hoover to roll over in his grave, a large  uneducated workforce, and two sitting Congressmen who have totally forgotten  this part of their districts (I am sure they will think about us during the next few weeks. They’ll be asking for votes).

As bad as it may seem, there is hope.

On the political front we have several big races that could  reinvigorate the area. Ken Ard, running for Lt. Governor, is a successful and savvy businessman who will be a huge asset in Columbia. Jim Pratt is giving his all to oust Jim Clyburn  and Mick Mulvaney is taking it to Jim Spratt. Florence and Marion Counties are poised to have a new Solicitor in Rose Mary Parham (I can see Rose Mary wearing a ten gallon hat, riding into town on her stallion to clean up the territory). I look for Phillip Lowe and Kris Crawford to return to Columbia. Last and certainly not least, Mick Zais is working to be the new SC Superintendent of Education. Bring it on, Nick. We need your help.

On the local front we have City Councils, County Councils, Chambers of Commerce, various associations and school districts who want change and are working hard for change. We have land for development and a transportation system of highways, railroad and nearby shipping to accommodate any type of manufacturer. We have a healthcare system that is second to none.

We have hope. We have desire. We have a future.

So, put the champagne back on ice and we will celebrate a new beginning on November 2. Or, if you insist, I’ll come over tonight and we’ll celebrate the fact there is hope on the horizon.

There’s an old saying  that says, “There’s no game like politics.”

Who, but Charlie Rangel (D) could have a successful career and  be loved and admired by thousands in the 15th Congressional District in Harlem. Rangel has accomplished all of this while at the same time facing 13 ethics charges, some that really could be prosecuted in civil or criminal court. Who else could sit in Washington throwing stones in a glass house and not have one piece of glass break and cut him? Charlie Rangel. Who will  be going back to Washington ,”a stronger man”, after crushing five other primary candidates? Charlie Rangel.

Charlie Rangel has been in the House of Representatives since Methuselah was an infant (1971). Odds are Charlie Rangel will be in office at the Second Coming.

Was it important to the Obama/Pelosi plan for Charlie Rangel to win this primary? Just as important as it is for a table to have four legs. With Rangel still in the House, we have the “new gang of 4″,  Obama, Pelosi, plus South Carolina’s own Jim Clyburn and  Jim Spratt.

Now, that’s a gang.

South Carolina, what are you going to do?

The Rev. Terry Jones is ready to light the match and burn copies of the Quran on Sept 11. Rev. Jones says this act is an effort to eliminate the the “religion of the devil”. He says the Muslim religion is a religion of hate, intolerance and extremist. Rev. Jones says he has “the constitutional right” to proceed with this religious protest.

I may catch the wrath of some of my fellow conservatives, but I don’t see how anything good can come out of this planned, media hyped up charade.

I remember very distinctly being told that this country was founded on the principles of freedom of religion, the tolerance of other people’s faith and the right to practice that religion openly without fear of persecution and physical harm. I am pretty sure that this subject is well documented in a piece of parchment called The Constitution of the United States of America, the same document that Rev. Jones says protects his rights.

So, what’s the upside of this protest?

Well, this little church in Gainesville, Florida is now world renown. They are about to become a part of American and Muslim history. This little church is about to exhibit America’s tolerance for diversity of beliefs. We are about to see how some Christians (the religion of love, peace, and forgiveness) practice their beliefs.

The downside to this burning includes all of those listed benefits (sarcasm) in the proceeding paragraph. In addition, these actions are only throwing fuel on the fire of hate and fear that has risen in this country since that terrible day in the City of New York. What would these same people, who plan on burning Quran, say if some “extremist religious group” amassed a pile of the King James Version of the Holy Bible and set a torch to them? What a silly question, we know what they would say.

Last, and certainly not the least of the cons to the burning, is the propaganda benefits that the radical extremists will have to perpetuate their “Holy War” against the west…primarily America. Have we not learned anything? Must we keep giving the true radical extremists more reasons to kill the soldiers and other citizens of America and her allies?

Rev. Jones, go ahead an burn the Quran. But remember this, there may be hell to pay.