Judy Carberry, Charleston: “Why not have the people vote on the bike lane in lieu of having the council decide everyone’s wishes? The entire time that lane was shut down, there were precious few people riding bikes, especially during the rush hour. I saw the picture of three bikes and how many cars? I would be interested to know how many days someone had to wait to even get a picture of the three riders. “
By Dimitri Cherny, special to Charleston Currents | What one or two things could the federal government do to make your life better?
That’s the question I’ve been asking everyone I meet on my www.BIKINGtheLowcountry.us adventure. I’ve now traveled, by bike or canoe, more than 550 miles over 47 days and asked hundreds of people that question. We’re a very diverse group here in the Lowcountry — racially, ethnically, religiously, politically, ideologically, economically, educationally, and of all ages. But after asking this question of hundreds of people, we ALL seem to agree on five things.
1. Universal single-payer healthcare.
2. Quality debt-free public education.
3. Strengthening Social security.
4. Improving the veteran’s support system,
5. Getting money out of politics.
Staff reports | Gumby the Hound is a one-of-a-kind dog who has won the hearts of Charleston Animal Society staff – and will soon appear in its 2017 Firefighter Calendar! On 11 occasions, families tried to adopt this sweet, loving hound, but 11 times, he would hop a fence, open a latch, and, somehow, run back to Charleston Animal Society.
Our friend Fred Sales of James Island sent along this blue oval as a mystery photo. Is the blue orb an alien spaceship? Nah. But what is it and where? No hints this week … send your best guess to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com — and make sure to include the name of the town in which you live.
By Alissa C. Lietzow, Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services | Most people know that when you are charged with a crime, you are guaranteed legal representation if you do not have the financial means to pay for it yourself.
In fact, many of you can probably recite the Miranda rights from having watched Law & Order:
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.”
Staff reports | With more than 40 boards and commissions, the city of Charleston has long encouraged independent citizen oversight and participation in local government—at least in theory, according to a press release last week.
But with the debut of Boards+, a new city website that allows citizens to view the members, duties and actions of city boards, committees and commissions and to apply for open positions as they become available, that theory is now becoming a reality for residents throughout the Charleston area.
Ahead on the calendar: Back to school, A Chorus Line, Godspell, Lowcountry Jazz Festival, Hairspray, Charleston Restaurant Week and SCELP’s Wild Side fundraiser.
Kay Chandler, Mount Pleasant on a hero: “His name is Joe Elmore of the Charleston Animal Society. His article on the carriage trade industry told in depth of the serious and sad conditions the animals face daily. I was born in Charleston and grew up downtown where we would see a real carriage with a few tourists or a bride and groom riding around the Battery.”
Special to Charleston Currents
Australian photojournalist Bill Hawker, who offered pictures of Charleston and London earlier this year, sent along some snaps of a summer project in which he is documenting the beauty of continental Europe for the summer.
You’ll find photos of everything from bikers in the Tour de France in the French Alps to enjoying bikes and canals in Amsterdam and seeing the scenes in Prague.
Enjoy!
Brother’s Mess of Crosses
Converted at 16, when the dummy train
derailed to tip across his pregnant wife.
A holy roller, a Carolina spinner,
a brush arbor caller, an off-key gospel singer.
He took scarlet paint to moonshine jars, boulders,
pine trees, fences, and the neighbor’s pig.
His front plot, he planted a mess of crosses
and built his own monolith with river rocks.
He didn’t pay no mind to section leaders,
howled his only boss was the man in heaven.
He sent 10,000 message bottles down the Reedy
River, dreamed of taking Jesus to Mars and Jupiter.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina! (2019) by editor and publisher Andy Brack offers incisive commentaries on the American South, politics, the common good and interesting South Carolina leaders. Available exclusively for Kindle for $7.99. A paperback version will be ready soon. Learn more.
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