Seeding Spartanburg

I haven’t really said anything at all about Mark Sanford publicly…hell, I haven’t said much at all on my blog lately much less something political. I’ve been in one of my ‘not in the mood’ to blog periods for a while now. Blogging politics is stressful y’all and sometimes you gotta step back. So I have until today.

My inbox has been inundated with emails asking me to email someone or another to impeach or encourage Mark Sanford to resign. I replied to a few…with a simple, ‘uhhhhhh, no’ the rest I just deleted.

I’m not going to ask Mark Sanford to resign because I don’t want him to resign.

Now, that said…yeah, me and Mark Sanford can probably agree on the fact we need air to breathe to live and it stops there. I’ve been upset for months that he wrecked Spartanburg’s delegation for his own little political agenda and hurt the growth of our community in the process. I’m upset that he left our state with no one in charge for 5 days to make decisions if we faced a crisis. But, really y’all…hopefully we can take care of ourselves if Mark Sanford isn’t around to tell us how to do it. We are a state that cries for less government. Our systems and those that run them should REALLY be able to cover it. I sure as hell hope we can or we have REAL problems we need to be focusing on. Instead, our state has become a reality TV show and while Mark Sanford is the focus of it…we are the ones choosing to focus on it.

I didn’t think Bill Clinton’s ‘sexual relations’ were my business nor do I think Mark Sanford’s are. I won’t go into great detail on what I think about them other than to say I do admit to being moved by those emails (which were none of our business) and I feel for everyone involved. Relationships are a difficult thing. Very complex. I work hard at my own relationships every day and am in no position to judge another’s efforts. There is obviously something there other than a brief tryst in a show of power. It is a lot for an intellectual person to weigh in a society that says you love the one your with and deal with your other feelings later. Oh, if it were only that easy but it ain’t because life is short and hard and not simple.

Anyhoo, I’d like to ask the Governor to ride it out—the political storm, that is. Let the sensationalism die down before jumping the gun and resigning. Let people like Jake Knotts and Andre Bauer use this as a political opportunity to gain traction for the 2010 election and paint themselves as the kind of people that would do just that. Allow those that see what they are doing to work to spread the word of their intentions. Because we do see it and to manipulate our state and our people in a time when we need cohesion and leadership to boost your own political future is not cool. This is about much more than manipulating the “I Believe” tag to get some religious voters on your side. MUCH more.

Our state will be JUST fine despite the fact you left for a few days or fell in love with someone else. We will suffer if you leave office for those reasons. The people of SC need to grow up and accept that sometimes marriages fail and politicians crack under pressure. They also need to know that people are waiting in the wings to capitialize on these failures for their own political gain.

Oh, Governor. I have never been a fan. That is no secret. You have made decisions that make me cringe and very angry. Over the past few months, you've done yourself NO favors with your political decisions. Personally, you’ve hurt those that are close to you and your life will be miserable for it as you seek to repair those relationships. I wish you luck there. Overall, I think it is safe to say your political career is over.

But, I still don’t want you to simply give this seat to someone who is in NO position to be in it.

I don’t know what you’re going to decide. I just wanted to say my piece in the process.

Yep, me. Saying my piece. Go figure.

t

Spartanburg had our first gay PRIDE march today.  And WOW. Just wow. What a cool day. I just never imagined how great it would be.

I would be lying if I didn’t admit to being nervous about it all because there are some crazy people in this country and we’ve really seen them in the news recently with Dr. Tiller and the Holocaust Museum. Angry people unwilling to see that things are changing so they lash out in ways that most of us can’t comprehend.

But, not so nervous that I wouldn’t go. So we did. Me, the hubby and the kids. We chose to stand today as straight allies for our gay friends because that is the least they deserve from us. As I walked, I admit to getting choked up a couple of times because I realized what I was witnessing. Not only was change coming to Spartanburg for the GLBT community but I was witnessing change coming to Spartanburg period.

It takes a lot…a WHOLE HELLUVA lot to stand up for what you believe in especially in the face of opposition. And they were there today. About 100 of them. Fortunately though, the GLBT community had about 500-600 folks show up in their favor. And we marched through the streets of Spartanburg and it was good. Very good. Everyone was well behaved for the most part. There was no violence. Just America at work.

Standing up is what it is all about and even though I disagree with them, I will give kudos to those old dudes in the suits holding their bibles and ‘anti-sodomy’ signs despite the fact we didn’t a bit more listen to them than the man on the moon. No one wanted to hear their anger or hatred. No thanks. Life is hard enough without it. I don’t know why they are so angry or why they want to spend what little time they have on this earth combating the rights of others. But, to each his own.

It ain’t going to stop me though. I’ve wasted enough of my life arguing over little bible verses or morality or whatever. I don’t care. We don’t agree. Believe what you want. It doesn’t make a hill of beans difference to me. You can worship beans for all I care. When I start caring is when your beliefs infringe on the way I live. I will not merely stand by and allow a guy with a sign that says “It’s-not-a-choice-it’s an-ABOINATION” make decisions for my future much less my children without a fight. I respect his religion and his right to mispell but I want something more for my life. Sorry if that is elitist but as a first generation rural born Spartanburger I’ve worked too damn hard to step back into what I’ve left. I’ll take abomination over “aboination” any day. (He says 'it's not a choice' though, maybe there is hope?)

It’s not about being ‘elitist’ though it is about working for a greater understanding of my fellow man. It’s about being respectful of others. It’s about live and let live and not being so damn angry about things I can’t change. That’s what those protesters today failed to realize. THIS is so much bigger than them or their little church. So much bigger than Spartanburg. They have no say in where this movement is going because what we are doing is the right thing to do. I guess that is what is so hard for them…because maybe they do realize that.

Despite what they don't see, I do see as do many others in my community. So, we stood today for something that will mean a lot to future generations.

I was very proud of Spartanburg. We were definitely ‘seeding Spartanburg.” It was very cool. I’m glad I was a part of it. 

t

P.S. Take the hate elsewhere. Won't be posted here.

PHOTO CREDIT: Thanks George!

Yep. I'm taking on a column somewhere else because I'm doing SUCH a fabulous job keeping up with my own blog. Steve over at Spartanburg Spark invited me to write a column about local/sustainablity issues months ago. I finally did it. Hope you all will give it a gander: Sustain Spartanburg: Takin' Care of the 'Burg Y'all know that's an issue I can't resist to write about.

I've been working on tons of stuff and going to tons of stuff. I love Spring because everything comes back to life or so it seems and I stay busy. Which is good…because I need busy.

I've been working on my own little urban garden. I know some of you are old pros so don't laugh at my attempts.

Man, I hope it works.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying summer.

t

Thanks for this laugh Keith and YES…it would make a great bumper sticker.

"South Carolina is too small to be a republic and too large to be an insane asylum." – James L. Petigru.

And he said that in 1860!

Hope everyone is well. I've been a horrible blogger lately. Busy, busy. Trying to change the world, you know.

t

WHAT: Free Film ("After Innocence") and Panel Discussion
WHEN: Tuesday 6/2, 6:30 pm
WHERE: Spartanburg Public Library (Barrett Room)Spartanburg's ROOT newspaper is proud to kick off its free summer film series with the award-winning documentary AFTER INNOCENCE.

AFTER INNOCENCE tells the dramatic and compelling story of the exonerated — innocent men wrongfully imprisoned for decades and then released after DNA evidence proved their innocence. The film focuses on the gripping story of seven men and their emotional journey back into society and efforts to rebuild their lives. Included are a police officer, an army sergeant and a young father sent to prison (and even death row) for decades for crimes they did not commit.

Support this local effort and share with your friends.

t

Tired of being down and out? Yeah…so are a lot of us. Next Wednesday there will be a community pep rally for Spartanburg. Let's set aside our differences, come out and support our community!

Hope some of you will make an effort to SHOW UP FOR SPARTANBURG!

It can't hurt! And share with your friends!

Hope everyone has a fantastic Memorial Day weekend.

t 

On June 20th Spartanburg’s first gay pride parade will be held.

That’s right. Pick yourself up off the floor. Learn more HERE (I think you have to be a Facebook member to view that). You can read an article with info HERE as well.

Over the past week, I’ve watched the hate unfold on a variety of upstate forums as I knew it would. While the speech I’ve encountered has been incredibly disturbing, it is not surprising, yet it has inspired me even more to stand up for what I believe is right. When I first heard of the march, there was no doubt my family would attend. Even as I read comments that mentioned bringing BB guns and taking shots at the people marching or playing a game of “smear the queer” the thought of not going grew further from my mind. The only reason I briefly thought I might not attend was because I’d already scheduled a haircut for 10am that morning. After reading those messages, I quickly called and rescheduled my appointment.

I cannot understand how people hate the way they do. Growing up in this community and still to this day, people think it is okay to use the N-word. So using the term ‘faggot’ is commonplace even among church going folks. I grew up in a religion that claimed Catholics, Presbyterians, Episcopailians and oh, yeah, of course, Jews would all burn in hell and women were second class citizens so to hear the hate from ‘my people’ isn’t so shocking. It’s when you hear stories of church supper clubs with folks you expected a little more from but soon learn they use ‘faggot’ too, that’s the real shocker. So disappointing when you think you know people and you hear something like that. Not everyone wants to publicize their indifference. I don’t know who is worse though–blasting it on a public forum or whispering about it with your ‘friends.’

Yeah I know…we're all guilty of talking about each other but there is a difference between shallow gossip and hate. There is definitely a difference in making an effort to deny another their rights via the law.

These hate and anger issues are personal. Not something I can fix but we have got to move past them before they consume us and they will. The gay movement will come to fruition. It is growing stronger everyday. States can create unfair laws all they want but they will not hold up. This is America. We have no right to deny another citizen what they are due simply because they are ‘not like me.’

I planned to wait to post on this but I wanted to go ahead and share because I hope people will ‘save the date’ and take the opportunity to stand with the gay community of the Upstate. They need our support now more than ever. I want the gay community to know that just because there are people out there spending all their free time posting hate speech on public forums about them that there are some of us posting positives.

It’s 2009 and there is no reason for Spartanburg to be a dinosaur anymore. People say, don’t you worry what people in the community will say about you if you go to that march? What will they say? I’m horrible because I stood up for what I believe in? I stood up for equality—the same equality that I myself would have been denied if someone had not stood for women? Because I stood up for another human being who was being treated like crap for no good reason?

I’m just one of those who wants to stand up. I don’t know how I ended up so different but I’m glad I did. I’m not an angry person and I’m not doing this for my own agenda. I do it because I feel it is the right thing to do. I don’t want my children growing up conflicted and not understanding why the people around them don’t like blacks or gays or Jews or Presbyterians. They learn that from me and I don’t want to teach hate to them. And I don’t ever want my children to look back on this time and ask ‘why didn’t you stand up’ because there will come a time in our history when we will reflect on the backlash against this movement with shame just like we do every other minority movement in this country and it will feel great to know that I stood for it.

But, that’s why I’m going. I hope you’ll think about why you should or shouldn’t go and make your own choice. Not because of what ‘so-in-so’ might think. Or what your church might think. Find your own reason to go or not to go but make sure it’s your reason. You’re the one that ultimately has to live with your choice and you're the one who will eventually have to look your gay friends and family in the face and know where you stood for them.

I'm hoping you choose to stand.

t

P.S. I will not post hateful comments. So don’t waste your time.

FYI…Spring is here and it's time to get up and get involved. Here's a starting place.  

HUB-BUB and Chapman Cultural Center invite you to support the arts of Spartanburg through a “Friendly Facebook Fundraising Face-off.”  The two organizations are competing to see who can use Facebook to raise the most money.  The competition begins at 9am on May 8^th and ends at 5pm on May 29^th.  If HUB-BUB raises the most, Perry Mixter, President of the Spartanburg Arts Partnership, will write an “Ode To HUB-BUB,” which he will sing live at 6:30pm during the May 29^th Jazz on the Square in downtown Spartanburg. If the Chapman Cultural Center wins, Alix Refshauge, the Director of HUB-BUB’s Artist-in-Residence Program, will write an “Ode to the Chapman Cultural Center,” which she will sing at 6:30 pm during the May 29^th Jazz on the Square.

Every little bit helps, so if you’re interested in supporting the local arts scene (or if you just want to see Perry or Alix sing), sign on to Facebook and make a contribution.  The way it works is that Facebook allows non-profits to create a “cause page” that enables Facebook members to easily donate money to their favorite charities with just the click of a mouse. The Facebook cause page shows members how much the organization has raised and who has donated.  While both organizations have already set up “cause pages,” the “Friendly Facebook Fundraising Face-off” will only count funds raised beginning on May 8^th and ending on May 29^th.  To support HUB-BUB click HERE. To support the Chapman Cultural Center click HERE. 

If you are having trouble donating to HUB-BUB through Facebook, please contact Alix at 864.582.0056 or alix@hub-bub.com.  If you need help joining the Chapman Cultural Center’s cause page please contact Epsie Coleman at 864.278.9690 or ecoleman@spartanarts.org.

“This is going to be great,” Mixter said. “Facebook is a new activity for us here at Chapman, even though I’ve been on it for some time now. But we are certainly up to the challenge. I hope Alix is writing her lyrics because I’m determined to hear her sing just how great Chapman Culture Center is.”  Refshauge responded: “bring it on Cultural Center!  I’ve heard Perry has a really nice singing voice and I’m looking forward to hearing it.”  

t

I attended a Spartanburg Community Indicators meeting today. Are y’all familiar with this project? If not, you should be and I hope you’ll go read all about it. I’ll try to give you a brief synopsis.

The project is a collaboration of the Spartanburg County Foundation, USC Upstate, United Way of the Piedmont and Spartanburg County government. Their goal is to track key issues, monitor them and create meaningful dialogue within the community about them in hopes of affecting the overall quality of life in our County. As of now, there are 10 strategic goals:

1. Our children will excel academically through the provision of quality education.
2. Our citizens will obtain the degrees and training to equip them to compete in a knowledge-based workforce.
3. Our senior population will be able to live independently in so far as possible with necessary support from their communities.
4. Our families will be stable and nurturing.
5. Our citizens will be healthy.
6. Our citizens will have access to living wage jobs.
7. Our communities will be viable.
8. Our communities will be increasingly safe.
9. Our citizens will have opportunities for civic engagement that promotes well-being and higher quality of life.
10. Our citizens will manage our natural resources in a way that will support current and future generations.

Today’s meeting focused on Goal 10—our natural resources. Something, as you all know, is near and dear to my heart and should be to everyone. All of these indicators are important but without the natural resources…we die. Sorry for the honesty but consider it tough love. Being safe and healthy and having viable communities means nothing if we can’t inhabit the earth. OK. Off soapbox.

So what are some of the important issues included in Goal 10? (There is so much about each of these issues. I can’t go into everything in a blog entry. You can go read the FULL REPORT HERE and I hope you will. Please do.)

–Land Use: Including Urban Sprawl, Population Density, Land Use Planning and Farmland/Cropland.

–Vehicle Miles Traveled

–Air Quality: This is a major problem for everyone. This is what will cost us the most if the Obama administration doesn’t act fast. Not just $$ but health-wise as well. Kids in this community are getting sick from poor air quality. 

–Water Quality: Who needs water to survive? Oh, yeah. All of us. Here in Spartanburg we sit at the top of the watershed. We get the good stuff and then we send the rest to Columbia and other places. But we abuse our privilege. We have a responsibility to protect the quality of the water. Oh, and you know what’s one of the biggest contaminates? Fecal coliforms. Yep, a lot of that comes from where people let their pets poop and they leave it and it washes into residential stormwater drains. Thanks y’all. Curb your pets. You’re drinking it too.

–Hazardous Waste Management: Spartanburg just had a program approved to address this. So y’all use it when it gets into place.

–Waste Management/Recycling: Recycle, Reuse, Compost. Be aware of the waste you create. In Spartanburg County our landfill might last another 20 years. When it is full, someone else will have to take our waste. Or it might just go in your backyard because don’t forget…we have no land use planning so who is to say your subdivision can’t have a landfill next door?

–Greenspaces: The national average for park spaces per resident is 6.25 acres. In Spartanburg it is 2.44 acres. Wow, we lose..again.

–Environmental Stewardship: We have awesome organizations working on many of these issues in our County. Please read about them, find your cause and support their efforts—financially or through volunteering or BOTH! SPACE, Upstate Forever, Hub City Farmers Market, Partners for Active Living, et. al.

I know this is a lot of reading and it’s a lot of education for a County with abysmal educational attainment rates, which you can read about HERE. But, the reality is we can’t just assume that someone else will take care of it for us. So we’ve got to read it if we want this place to be better. It’s obviously not “common sense.” It takes education and things won't change until that happens. Either that or new taxes and regulations to force us to do it. Which is fine by me…because I see the problems now and I’m willing to work to fix them and if my fellow citizens aren’t, I hope the government and leadership WILL step up and force everyone else to do the right things.

And think about this…someone tonight said ‘let the professionals we hire do their jobs.’ Think about that. We, as taxpayers, spend a fortune on professional salaries across the land. We hire planners, biologists, engineers, water experts, etc. YET, we make these experts answer to the truck driver/lawyer/real estate agent legislators we elect. What’s wrong with this picture? The professionals take their expertise to them which is then filtered through some special interest group that think$ for them that doesn’t care a hill of beans about me or you or our community and our legislators then decide what is best for us.

It is a broken system that needs to change. And it won’t change until you and I are as educated as we can be and vote for people with the capability to educate themselves accordingly. Our future is worth a little reading on your part so you can then demand more of those we elect.

That's what it's all about.

Happy Friday.

t

Lots of love thrown Spartanburg's way today:

Both, that's right…all TWO of SC's presidential scholars were from Spartanburg High School.

AND, the NuWay's Redneck Cheeseburger was recognized in the Food Network Magazine's piece, 50 States, 50 Burgers, as a must get on your road to eating some red meat. (Now, only eat that in moderation y'all. It is a real treat though).

Regardless, we've got a couple of smart kids and a cheeseburger showing the country that despite a questionable Governor and other electeds we've at least got a little something good going on here.

If only pimento cheese could fix our problems we'd be set.

t