Charleston Currents #13.24 | April 26, 2021
TAKE A WALK through a maritime forest and you’ll find an abundance of nature’s diversity. Check out the photo essay in this issue by Karen and Rob Byko to see what a now-threatened maritime forest looks like on Sullivan’s Island. See something you think our readers would enjoy? Snap a shot and send it along to editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
FOCUS: A walk through a maritime forest
COMMENTARY, Brack: On the dumbing down of American political discourse
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Charleston RiverDogs
NEWS BRIEFS: Chamber recognizes community champions of 2020
FEEDBACK: Open carry of guns isn’t in S.C.’s best interest
MYSTERY PHOTO: Looking up
CALENDAR: Johns Island concert series to open May 1
A walk through a maritime forest
Staff reports | With a flash point of the May 4 election on Sullivan’s Island being the future of a maritime forest, here’s a look at nature’s diversity that can be found, day in, day out. (More: 4/19: Maritime forest looms large over Sullivan’s Island election.)
“People think of the maritime forest as being just the tall trees, but maritime forests are successional, starting with sea oats and flowers and then shrub thickets, filled with myrtles, which lay down soil and protect tree saplings,” said Karen Byko, a resident fighting to protect the forest. “The last part of the forest to evolve are stands of tall trees. Throughout, the Sullivan’s Island Maritime Forest is filled with wetlands.”
Enjoy these photos by Byko and her husband, Realtor Rob Byko, who serves as our contributing photographer.
- Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
On the dumbing down of American political discourse
By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | Maybe it’s smartphones. Or television and the 10-second soundbite. Maybe it’s all of that instant access to information.
But any way you look at it, the people who get microphones stuck in front of their faces these days just don’t seem as smart or pithy as they did a few decades — or centuries — ago.
This conclusion grew after I read something current British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in 2004: “My chances of being PM are about as good as the chances of finding Elvis on Mars, or my being reincarnated as an olive.”
Why don’t our leaders talk like that — or talk in ways that truly inspire? American political speak has become mostly boring, often being little more than a race to nastiness. It’s less inspirational than pure vanilla, fraught with buzzwords, poll-tested stock phrases and blather.
These days, when are you really knocked out of your socks with words like Franklin Roosevelt’s “The only thing to fear is fear itself,” or Ronald Reagan’s “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” or John F. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you,” or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream?
Instead we get (or, at least, used to get) nasty tweets or insults or dull sobriquets that dumbed down America. Where are the modern Mark Twains, Winston Churchills or Oscar Wildes? What about the Eleanor Roosevelts or Vince Lombardis or, even, Yogi Berras?
None of this is to suggest there aren’t a few inspirational leaders and speakers these days. Think of former President Barack Obama or prison reformer Bryan Stevenson. But on balance, they’re the exception in these days of instant information and reaction, not the rule.
“Two of our last three president cared nothing about the English language,” said Indiana University journalism professor Chris Lamb, author of The Art of the Political Putdown: The Greatest Comebacks, Riposts, and Retorts in History.
“The exception was, of course, Obama, who used the English language like a Wynton Marsalis plays the trumpet, which is ironic, if you believe the right wing, because Obama was of course born in Kenya. Obama really understands words. Bush and Trump treated words like they were unwanted bugs.”
Politicians, in particular, may not be less smart than they were a generation or five ago, but there is something weird going on in the verbal ether.
“I think they’re lazier and too many of them don’t give a damn about words,” said Lamb, who once taught at the College of Charleston. “When you listen to NPR or PBS, everyone being interviewed sounds really smart, except (Ohio Congressman) Jim Jordan, but he’s not interviewed very much. When you watch Fox News, so many people being interviewed – and everyone doing the interviews – sound like morons. See Jim Jordan.”
In his 2020 collection of putdowns, Lamb pointed to how former President Donald Trump used words by responding “with the finesse of a knee to the groin. His comebacks are more like something you would hear on an elementary school playground.”
Cases in point — the demeaning nicknames he gave GOP and Democratic opponents, from “Lyin’ Ted” Cruz and “Little Marco” Rubio to “Crooked Hillary” Clinton and “Sleepy Joe” Biden.
In 2018, for example, Trump blasted French President Emmanuel Macron in a series of tweets about NATO and how European armies shouldn’t rely so much on U.S. support.
But Macron may have gotten the better of him when he told a French journalist, “I do not do policy or diplomacy by tweets.”
Smart political talk is the exception, not the rule. But since Trump left office, the level of debate seems to have improved, albeit slightly. Let’s hope our leaders can have more civilized discussions and fewer putdowns, although we don’t want to put Chris Lamb out of a job!
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Charleston Currents, and publisher of the Charleston City Paper. Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Charleston RiverDogs
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring Charleston Currents to you at no cost. This issue’s featured underwriter is the Charleston RiverDogs.
The Lowcountry’s leader in sports entertainment, Charleston RiverDogs baseball is an attractive, affordable medium for your group or business. The RiverDogs, now affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays, offer one of the finest ballparks in Minor League Baseball — Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
Three short words sum up the everyday approach taken by the Charleston RiverDogs front office. The brainchild of club President Emeritus Mike Veeck, the nine-letter phrase “Fun Is Good” is meant to be a guideline and daily reminder of how employees should approach their jobs and in turn capture the imagination of the fans to turn them into repeat customers.
- Visit the ‘Dogs online at: RiverDogs.com
- To meet all of our underwriters, click here.
Chamber recognizes community champions of 2020
Staff reports | Navigating the economic challenges of 2020 were tough, but some individuals and businesses learned ways to make it through and make big local differences in the area.
Firefly Distillery in North Charleston was recognized by the chamber for its leadership. Photo via Charleston City Paper.
“Amongst the difficulties, there were many silver linings and champions that emerged,” said Bryan Derreberry, president and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber. “We want to honor and recognize those individuals and businesses that met obstacles face on, found success and lent a helping hand to those in need.”
Those honored during an April 22 social through the chamber’s Community Champions Awards included:
- The Rising Champion: Jaymes McCloud, CEO of J.H.W. Enterprises. According to the chamber, McCloud “is focused on not only growing his business but helping others in our community, which is evident through his J.H.W. Cares initiative and his support of individuals who were struggling to pay rent during the pandemic.”
- The Champion Innovator: Firefly Distillery. “Firefly Distillery quickly pivoted during the pandemic to produce hand sanitizer, providing it to medical offices and first responders, along with selling it to consumers who couldn’t find it in stores. They also put their new space to work, creating an opportunity for people to get out of their homes and safely have fun through the Safe Sounds series.
- “The Diversity Champion: Blackbaud, whose “vision to power an Ecosystem of Good that builds a better world demonstrates their commitment to continually evolve and grow to create both an inclusive workplace and equitable communities.”
- The Community Impact Champion: Parker’s Kitchen, which “created a $20 million community fund to support charitable causes across coastal Georgia and South Carolina. They plan to grow that fund to $100 million over the next 10 years.”
- The Small Business Champion: Hamby Catering, which “provided a convenient way to feed families with the expansion of The Market at Hamby and raised nearly $6,000 for our frontline healthcare workers through their partnership with Feeding Our Heroes SC.
In other recent news:
Clock winds down on legislature. Time is running out for lawmakers who are trying to get pet issues finished before the regular legislative session ends in less than three weeks. With the state Senate next week debating its plan to spend $11.4 billion in state revenues — an all-time high — time will be more precious for those pushing legalization of medical marijuana, an open carry gun law and punishment for hate crimes. Meanwhile, the House continues to work on election reform and other issues, but those aren’t expected to come up until next year due to procedural rules. Read more from the story from sister publication Statehouse Report.
Senate vote gives Santee Cooper room to breathe. South Carolina senators voted 44-1 Thursday to reform, not sell, Santee Cooper, the state’s utility. Its plan contrasts with a House proposal to set up a panel to consider selling all or part of the generator, which has been mired in controversy since the $9 billion debacle in 2017 of a project to build nuclear reactors in Fairfield County. Read more.
Moore introduces 911-abuse bill. Hanahan Democratic Rep. J.A. Moore has introduced a bill named the “Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies” act — or the CAREN Act. It seeks to curb racially motivated calls to 911. The bill seems to be a reference to the internet meme of being a “Karen,” a fictional woman who, among other things, calls the police on Black people who are simply doing human things. More: Charleston City Paper
S.C. Senate OKs raises for teachers, state workers. The Senate Finance Committee set aside money for a 2 percent raise for state employees and a $1,000 raise for all teachers after a budget draft found the economic downturn in the wake of the pandemic was not as bad as feared. More: AP News
Scott to deliver GOP rebuttal to Biden address. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, will deliver Republicans’ rebuttal to President Joe Biden’s joint address to Congress next week. More: AP News
Cunningham eyes governor’s seat. Former Democratic Congressman Joe Cunningham of Charleston upset the Republican grip on a congressional seat for only one term. Now, he’s looking at another Republican stronghold in the state: governor. He is expected to announce his bid today. He filed preliminary paperwork for a run recently. More: The Charlotte Observer
Open carry of guns isn’t in S.C.’s best interest
To the editor:
If the bill on open carry of guns with restrictions is so very good, why not let people carry guns in the Statehouse and legislators’ home offices? I was a senator for three decades and never felt so special that I couldn’t live with the laws everyone had to.
One Representative said “a concealed weapon doesn’t comfortably work with certain outfits.” It’s just silly pandering to a very small group.bIf this idea is so popular, put it on a referendum in 2022 and identify the sponsors running for re-election.
Will our Supreme Court have to determine the difference between brandishing a gun versus simply making a fashion statement? Is wielding OK if brandishing isn’t?
California previously allowed open carry. In 1968, the Black Panthers, armed to the teeth, “stormed” the California statehouse demanding respect.
What they got was a Republican bill banning open carry which was signed by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan in less than a week!
Michigan uncovered a plot to kidnap and kill the governor which was preceded by a heavily armed band entering their statehouse demanding changes in the law. Then President Trump suggested the governor negotiate with the armed protestors! Republicans took no action.
Law enforcement is opposed to open carry. Governor Henry McMaster was the chief prosecutor for federal and state governments here. Governor, stand up. Show leadership. Simply say open carry of guns is not in the interest of the common good of South Carolinians. Say you are opposed to open carry.
— Phil Leventis, Sumter
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Looking up
What and where is this building? Send your best guess to editor@charlestoncurrents.com. And don’t forget to include your name and the town in which you live.
Our previous Mystery Photo
Last week’s mystery, “Not the Citadel,” shows what’s known as the Beaufort Arsenal, which is the current location of the Beaufort History Museum.
Congratulations to these eagle-eyed readers who correctly identified the building: Jay Altman of Columbia; Chris Brooks and David Lupo, both of Mount Pleasant; George Graf of Palmyra, Va.; Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas; Herman Blake of Johns Island; Terri Errico Griffis of West Ashley; and Paulie Sure.
Graf provided some more context: “The Beaufort Arsenal Museum opens a fascinating window on the past. It offers insight into the rich history of the Lowcountry. Historic artifacts on display represent Native American settlements, the earliest 16th-century Spanish settlement, Union occupation during the Civil War and 20th-century phosphate mining, truck farming, fishing, shrimping and oystering industries. Construction of the Beaufort Arsenal started in 1795 and ended by 1799. The building had deteriorated substantially by 1852, when the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery Company rebuilt the complex.”
Send us a mystery: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send it along to editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Johns Island concert series to open May 1
“Through the Escape Hatch” is a mixed-media work by Johns Island artist Christine Bush Roman, who has a show now in Park Circle. More info below. Image provided by City of North Charleston.
Staff reports | Bring your chairs or blanket and your love of music with the opening of the new Johns Island Concert Series on May 1 at Johns Island County Park.
The May 1 concert will feature the shag and beach music of Vinyl Daze , followed by the reggae sounds of Mystic Vibrations on June 5 and the Motown sounds of The Legacy on June 10. For each show, gates open at 6 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. Shows end by 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are available for $60 per 10×10 square, not per person. Squares are limited to four people max. Guests must arrive together, as each vehicle must have a ticket for entry. Squares will be available on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival.
Each show will also offer food vendors; no outside food, alcohol or coolers will be permitted. Alcohol will be available for purchase. Food vendors include:
- May 1: Madrigals Tacos, Wally Gyros, Lola’s Lumpia, Miss Katie’s Sweets, T&T Kettle Korn
- June 5: Charleston Festival Foods, Charleston Caribbean Creole, Happy Thai, Holy City Homemade Italian Ice, T&T Kettle Korn
- July 10: Tamashii, Chucktown Mobile Seafood, Street Bird, Holy Rolly, T&T Kettle Korn
Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, tables, etc. to be used at their space. Please be prepared to carry all items to your square from your parking spot. Masks are required, except when eating.
Also on the calendar:
Artist exhibition in Park Circle: Through May 28, Park Circle Gallery, North Charleston. More than a dozen new mixed media works will be on display by Johns Island-based artist Christine Bush Roman, winner of the 2020/21 North Charleston Arts Fest Poster Design Competition. Her winning design, Oak Circus, will be featured in the exhibition, which is presented as a component of the annual North Charleston Arts Fest. A free public reception will be held at the gallery in conjunction with the North Charleston Arts Fest Arty Block Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 30.
Safe Sounds: Firefly Distillery, North Charleston. Here are some coming shows: April 29, Sam Bush; and May 1, On the Border – “The ultimate Eagles tribute Band.” Head over to citypapertickets.com to secure a spot. Tickets are available now. (Editor’s note: City Paper Tickets, which is run by sister publication Charleston City Paper, is operating ticketing for Safe Sounds.)
The Lawn Party exhibition: Opens May 8 and through Sept. 19, Charleston Museum, Meeting Street, Charleston. The Charleston Museum is pleased to present The Lawn Party: From Satin to Seersucker, the latest offering in its Historic Textiles Gallery. In an “unprecedented” era when large gatherings have been discouraged and fashion has trended towards leisurewear, this exhibition is a celebration of getting dressed up for an outdoor party. Bringing a hint of glamour to a trying time, the garments on display were selected with the grand idea of “after” in mind. This is a perfect opportunity to come see what to wear for your next outdoor event as we head toward the new “normal.”
Ongoing
Holy City Farmers Market: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Wednesday, Holy City Brewing, North Charleston. Vendors rotate weekly to provide shoppers with a tiny but mighty shopping experience. Vendors will be selling a range of products from specialty foods, home and body care to arts and crafts. More info.
Birds of Prey flight demonstrations: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, Center for Birds of Prey, 4719 Highway 17. Awendaw. The center has reopened its doors to visitors after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, inviting people to once again come and explore the world of raptors through an outdoor program and flight demonstration. Tickets: . $20/adult; $15/children age 3-17.
Like A Girl: Dare to Dream: Through May 2, City Gallery, Prioleau St., Charleston. Featuring portraits of more than 35 South Carolinian women, Like a Girl is a new exhibition by artist Fer Caggiano that brings attention to women who have excelled, each with unique and inspiring stories. In them, girls and other women will see on canvas their potential: they can be strong, smart and beautiful, and ready to make their mark on the world. Learn more.
Quiet Edge: Through May 22, Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St., Charleston. This new show brings together the works of two artists who address rectangular forms that ebb and flow between depiction and abstraction: Suzanne Dittenber of Ashevlle, N.C., with the form of the book and Benny Fountain of Waco, Texas, with the window and room. Hours are Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday Brunch Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday, Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, James Island. While the market is discouraging people from spending too much time hanging out during the market, everyone is invited to shop their local vendors.
Bird-watching at Caw Caw. Every Wednesday and Saturday — particularly through the end of February — you can see a plethora of birds at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel as they make their way through the Lowcountry. The two-hour regular walks, which start at 8:30 a.m., are through distinct habitats that allow participants to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. Registration is not required. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Max. 10 participants. Fee: $9; free for Gold Pass holders. Open to all ages. More: Caw Caw Interpretive Center.
- If you have any online events, drop us a line (editor@charlestoncurrents.com) and make sure to put “Online event” in the subject line. Similarly, if you’ve got cool ideas for stuff to do while in isolation at home, send them our way.
- ORDER NOW: Copies of our new book, 350 Facts About Charleston, are in Lowcountry-area bookstores now, but if you can’t swing by, you can order a copy online today.
As more people stay home to deal with the coronavirus crisis, people are looking for things to do. You can find some fun things to do online in our calendar section below, but let us also encourage you to FORWARD your issue of Charleston Currents to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. It’s got a great price, as you know: Free! We hope they’ll enjoy our coverage.
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