As 2013 comes to a close, we at the South Carolina Policy Council want to thank you for reading The Nerve and staying engaged. I know it’s tiring sometimes to keep up the belief that it’s possible to change a state that has been for so long ruled by a few that we have forgotten it isn’t supposed to be that way. It often feels that no one cares enough, and that if you are “the only one” then it hardly seems worth the time to forward an article to a friend, much less make a phone call to a politician.
But over the past six years this state has truly changed. While pundits clamor for politicians to “work together,” South Carolina citizens have defied the odds, crossed philosophical lines and joined forces to push for real change in our own backyard. Every year, we are told that our cause is weak and has no support and that change isn’t possible. But every year – even when it doesn’t seem we can move an inch – we move miles closer to restoring our freedom.
That is quite a miracle, and a testament to the Divine wiring of human nature that makes us crave freedom. “We are not weak,” Patrick Henry rightly said, “if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.”
South Carolina’s motto is “Dum Spiro Spero” – While I breathe, I hope. This is the season of hope, and an opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we all are to be Americans. We are uniquely blessed with the promise of liberty – indeed, that was the purpose creating our nation. We are responsible for protecting and preserving that gift, and we have only to look to our men and women in uniform to know that Americans are – and ever have been – up to the challenge.
South Carolinians have always stood up to protect American freedom. And today, more of us than ever are standing together to do that in our state. More citizens are awake and aware than I’ve ever seen them. I have stood next to Tea Party activists, civil rights leaders, environmentalists and watchdogs on both sides of the political aisle — not once, but many times — to speak with one voice and demand that politicians restore power to citizens.
That is truly an American message of hope, and a cause for celebration and resolve. It is possible to make South Carolina the freest state in America, and to make America great again. Indeed, we are already on the path to doing so. It will require increased vigilance and fortitude, but I’ve never been more certain that it can be done.
Thanks to all of you who have supported us this year – without you, nothing could possibly change. On behalf of the Board and staff of the South Carolina Policy Council and The Nerve, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
—Ashley Landess