Letters to the Editor – September 28, 2016
Local fan finds Lake City to not be handicap-friendly
Why do some individuals take handicapped people for granted?
I was guilty of it growing up, but now that I am permanently disabled it has hit really close to home.
I traveled to Lake City two weeks ago to watch our beloved Darlington Falcons football team take on the Panthers in one of my traditional out of town trips that I try and take every year. I used to go to all the games, but once my condition of Becker Muscular Dystrophy has set it, it’s hard for me to do it now.
A friend and I arrived in Lake City around 7 p.m., and pulled up to the stadium, with handicap placard and all, only to realize there was no designated handicap parking. I drove up as close as I could get, but areas were roped off and there was no possible place for me to park. So of course, the first thing that hits me is “where am I going to park?” and “I hope that I can safely make it up to the stadium.”
After finding a space that I had to walk a distance from, I got to the ticket window and mentioned to them that there was no handicap parking; the gentleman brushed it off, and acted as if it were not an issue. We walked into the stadium, went around to the visitors side, and I was greeted with a set of steps with very little room to maneuver. I have lots of difficulty climbing, so I instantly stared to worry. My next thought was, “how in the world am I going to be able to get into the stands?” With the help of my friend, I managed to slowly make my way up the steps. Where was a handicap entrance on the visitor’s side? I saw a handicap ramp on the home side, but I am supporting the visiting team, and did not want to sit with the home fans. What if I had been in a wheelchair? And what if I had been alone that night; it would have caused me lots of trouble. Then the worry starts in my mind, of how I’m going to be able to get down from the stands, and trying to be safe without falling on the long walk back to my vehicle.
I have been to numerous stadiums and gyms throughout South Carolina and never had to worry about this issue. I commend Darlington High School and the other three public schools in our county for following the rules and making sure that handicap individuals are taken care of when it comes to attending events.
I don’t want this to happen to another person who attends a game in Lake City, and I hope that they will get the problems resolved!
Will Isgett
Darlington, SC
The League of Women Voters and a First Female Presidential Candidate
In response to the question of whether the League of Women Voters has any comment on Secretary Hillary Clinton securing the Democratic Presidential nomination, the following reflects our national League of Women Voters’ view:
• The League, along with all of our fellow Americans, must celebrate this historic event of a woman receiving the Presidential nomination of a major political party. It has always been a goal of the League to enable women to have an equal role in our nation’s political processes. It may have taken nearly 100 years since the first step of women receiving the right to vote, but that can’t diminish the historic significance of this moment and this achievement.
• We fundamentally believe that our democracy works best when all Americans, of all backgrounds, have the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of our national political processes. This important moment sends the message that in this democracy, women finally are full participants in all aspects of the democratic processes. We are thrilled that so many voters, especially millions of first-time voters, were engaged in the primary process this year. We’ll be doing everything we can to make sure they cast a vote in November.
• The League was founded on a belief in the power of women and the equality of their political voice. Achieving the Presidential nomination of a major political party is another important milestone in that journey to full democratic equality. The League has always regarded informed participation of all people in our democracy includes not only voting but also becoming candidates for public office.
The League is the only living legacy organization from our nation’s fight to ensure that all Americans, men and women, can vote. This achievement of a presidential candidacy is an important historical moment in American democracy. So our entire nation, of all genders, ethnicities, races and political opinions, should celebrate and embrace what has happened. It is a reflection of the fact that our country, the world’s greatest democracy, has realized a momentous goal of which we all can be proud.
The county League of Women Voters has created its regular monthly public meeting schedule of an hour each month with suggested activities for the year. Check your community newspaper calendar or the local website darlington.SC.lwvnet.org for details. Membership is for citizens 16 years and older with free student memberships this year. Adult dues including local, state, and national are $50.
Contact Darlington County League of Women Voters President Sheila Haney, 843-332-6468 with questions.
Signed:
Darlington County
League of Women Voters
The Indispensible Man
He is the indispensible man of our tiny community. Last year, he lost his job of 21 years at the largest industry in town when it closed the doors.
I’m sure he thought that it was not a good thing. But, as it turned out, he became a man with a mission. God had other plans for my friend Ed. He finds joy in doing tasks for people who are unable to perform chores of everyday living.
He can fix your TV, or your phone. HE can tend flowers and shrubs. He can care for your dogs or cats. He understands dogs. He is also an expert at floor cleaning. He carries your trash away. And, if you lose something, he can find it! If you’ve ever had an “episode” and need the comfort of an understanding companion, Ed is your man.
He loves his neighbors as himself. He is always cheerful, thoughtful, and honest. And, oh, don’t think I am the only recipient in town. I pray God to bless him, but I already observe God’s blessings in his life.
He is the indispensible man of Society Hill. He is Eddie Reynolds, my neighbor, and my dear friend.
Ann Morgan
Society Hill, S.C.