Nero Watches While Rome Burns: A Commentary on South Carolina lawmakers
The more I look at the landscape of South Carolina politics, the more I feel like I am watching a History Channel special on Nero observing Rome burn to the ground. The state lawmakers, especially the Republicans, are watching from the second floor of the capitol enjoying and taking part in the show. There are some serious problems in South Carolina right now. The double digit unemployment rate is bad. The ballooning size of the federal government is worse. Tremendous challenges exist in South Carolina education. Is there no one to give attention to these issues or is there focus going to remain on political war?
Being a South Carolina lawmaker comes with a South Carolina responsibility. These are big shoes that have to be filled. For instance, John C. Calhoun once fought the federal government over unconstitutional laws in his Nullification Debate. I can look at the entire legislature and tell you, there is not one John C. Calhoun present.
However, that may be a result of still having the voice voting system in the Senate. We may be surprised who will pop up when transparent voting takes place there. Instead of fighting the biggest problem this generation will ever face, state lawmakers find Mark Sanford to be a much more viable target.
This is the type of Political cleansing done by the Republican Party elite. This is the type of cleansing that makes me ashamed to associate with some members of the Republican Party. Is it a social club or is it a group dedicated to serving the interests of the people? When a Governor makes a point to bring pigs in the statehouse, utilizes a horse and buggy, plays the hard line with stimulus funding, and does not bow to the pressure of other Republicans, he marks himself in the eyes of Republican leaders like Glenn McConnell, Bobby Harrell, and even Jakie Knotts. Our lawmakers are merely sparring and bottom feeding on their own like a bunch of aggressive Beta fish. Is there no clear voice to lead us towards a better South Carolina?
Lawmakers, including a majority of Republicans, try to impeach Gov. Sanford because he got caught sinning. I ask these men and women, are you without sin? If this is about sin, let’s impeach every single lawmaker in the state and federal government. Since when was being without sin a qualification to be a lawmaker or even Governor? This isn’t even a qualification to be a priest.
I guarantee you none of them are perfect. If there was one perfect man, he would have all of the solutions and be able to pass them to fix our decaying state. This is about far more than Sanford’s affair with “beautiful Maria.” This is about his hard-line stances and his true Conservatism.
I find it to be a rarity for any lawmaker to stand up for the best interests of South Carolinians. Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst doesn’t count. Mark Sanford, truth be told, knows that limited government is the best form and was willing to make it as limited as possible before his affair. Don’t crucify the man for obeying the true meaning of our Constitution. Also, don’t make a legislative session out of a sin many consistently commit and many lawmakers have committed. There has been a target on his back for years.
The only reason his indiscretion is brought up is because he got caught and that is a convenient target for his opponents. There are much bigger problems to worry about than Sanford’s indiscretions and possible “Ethics” concerns.
This debate goes much further than just Mark Sanford. Senator Glenn McConnell has made it his prerogative to ruin the career of a noble jurist, family court judge Charlie Segars-Andrews. Since her votes may not have always gone to elect McConnell and his friends, it appears they believe she does not understand the laws enough to be a Judge anymore after 16 years on the bench. Therefore, she is being cleansed by South Carolina politicians, notably Republicans, because she isn’t in the good ole boy system. This is a South Carolina tragedy and just another example of how our leaders do not lead.
These personal attacks have gone far enough. Many South Carolina lawmakers are more concerned with personal problems than the dire problems our state faces. Who are they going to attack when our state is succumbed by the Federal government? I would like to see them try and remove Hillary Clinton when her ideology doesn’t mesh well in the future North American union. That is a Jihad in itself.
If these personal attacks are going to continue, why not take them to those that are not serving South Carolina’s best interest? I know beyond any doubt Gov. Sanford and Judge Andrews are not the real problem. Rep. Jim Clyburn and Rep. John Spratt are two of the enormous problems. Why don’t they get any criticism? They consistently vote to increase our national debt by funding extraneous programs like bridges to nowhere, socialism in America, and vote against the sovereignty of our state. Governor Sanford stood up for sovereignty and responsible spending at one time. Look where it got him!
Then there is Rep Bob Inglis who couldn’t be more out of touch with what his constituents actually want him to do. He even voted against a Congressman who embarrassed the state but still should be commended for taking a stand. Go after those that are truly hurting the state not those that do not mesh well with the GOP establishment. Unfortunately, this will not happen because our lawmakers act out of revenge for hurt feelings and hypocrisy rather than integrity and principle.
South Carolina is burning to the ground and one would think it is because of the unemployment rate and because of the growing federal government’s hand squeezing our necks. However, the match that lit the torch was done by the GOP establishment sitting in the halls of our capitol. Political cleansing has hurt our state’s potential. We have succumbed to politics instead of truly making a difference and taking a stand with principle. The people of South Carolina are tired of it. Where is a true leader at?
Why can’t our state begin standing up against the Socialist Obama Administration? Where are the John C. Calhouns when we need them? What we have is a mob of Romans plotting against each other and several Neros fiddling as they watch our “state burns” to lower levels of mediocrity. How much further will this go before a true leader stands up and says ENOUGH?
Help save South Carolina from Partisan politics. Sign the petition to help save Judge Andrews:
You could not be more wrong in your assessment of the Andrews situation. This is a long-overdue cleansing of extreme corruption, not some sort of “purity test” as you allege. I truly mean this kindly: you either know absolutely nothing of the situation, past and present, or you are a relative of one of the guilty. Please do not slag off McConnell; he’s one of the heroes. And please do not defend this woman or anyone associated with her.
12/03/2009 at 2:32 am
Before you presumptuously assert your opinion that Mr. Baroody is wrong in his assessment, maybe you should know the facts. The system is long overdue for a cleansing of extreme corruption, but know who the corrupt party is first. Judge Segars-Andrews has served on the bench for over 16 years and is a well-respected member of her community, known specifically for her ethical integrity and her charitable work in the Juvenile Justice department. She has dedicated her life to helping others, especially the youth of the Charleston community. If you don’t believe me, look at her record. She was the first judge in South Carolina to start a Juvenile Drug Court, aimed at helping struggling teens and their parents to get back on track and rekindle healthy relationships. Today, Juvenile Drug Courts are being run all over the state and Judge Segars-Andrews met just two weeks ago with judges from the United Kingdom who are planning to implement similar programs modeled on hers. This program has helped thousands to kids get off drugs and get back on track–kids who would have otherwise been lost in the system if it weren’t for Judge Andrews. In addition to the Juvenile Drug Court program, she has also started programs such as the Attendance Accountability Court, the Second Chance Program, the Changing Families Program, the Mediation Program for Abuse and Neglect Cases, and the Auxiliary Probation Officer Program. I will not go into what each program does, but note that these programs were all started and implemented by Judge Segars-Andrews in an effort to use her position to perform altruistic acts and help the families of her community. They are far beyond and above her job requirements, done simply because she has a genuine desire to make a difference.
Up until now Judge Segars-Andrews has never had until now any ethical complaints or issues raised concerning her judicial behavior. She is in fact the Vice-chair of the Judicial Conduct Committee because of her respected integrity and ethical conduct. As she is up for re-election this coming June, Judge Segars-Andrews appeared before the SC Legislative Judicial Screening Committee in what should have been a routine procedure to recertify her as eligible to maintain her position as a Circuit Court Judge. The only issue raised concerning Judge Segars-Andrews’s qualifications revolved around a grievance complaint filed against her by Mr. Simpson, a disgruntled litigant who appeared before the Judge three years ago. However, prior to the hearing, the Committee’s attorney contacted her, informing Judge Segars-Andrew that she did not need to bring an attorney or any evidence related to the Simpson matter to the hearing. Judge Segars-Andrews appeared before the Committee on November 7th, as she was told, without an attorney, without friends and family to support her, and without evidence. The Committee battered her with detailed questions about ONE case she had tried over three years ago, while Mr. Simpson was given the floor to essentially wine, complain, and moan about the outcome of his divorce. Judge Segars-Andrews attempted, thereafter, to explain to the committee why and how she reached her decision. She was not given time by the Committee to collect supporting evidence, and was left with no choice but to attempt to explain to laypeople who have no experience in family court matters, why her decision was fair and ethical. She also explained that the Court of Appeals, the higher court to which Mr. Simpson appealed after receiving Judge Segars-Andrews’s verdict, affirmed her decision, agreeing that she had followed the law correctly in the matter and that Simpson had indeed gotten a fair trial. In addition, a highly respected ethics professor from the Charleston School of law, wrote in a memorandum during the time of trial advising Judge Segars-Andrews that it completely ethical for her to hear the case and she had a duty as judge to rule.
Nevertheless, Judge Segars-Andrews received a call by the Committee’s attorney the next day, informing her that she had 30 minutes to resign or the Committee would vote her unqualified. Knowing that this was not only wrong and an injustice but also the result of a complete abuse of legislative power, Judge Segars-Andrews refused to resign. As a result, the Committee voted her unqualified.
Since then there has been a tremendous outpouring of support for Judge Segars-Andrews from all over the State. Friends, family, attorneys, and even litigants that have appeared before her are rallying around her and protesting the Committee’s decision. Hundreds of affidavits have been written in support for Judge Segars-Andrews, attesting to her dedication, ethical integrity, and tremendous devotion to helping her community.
Even more, the decision to unseat Judge Segars-Andrews based on the testimony of one angry litigant, reflects major problems in the system and judges around the state are getting scared. If a judge as dedicated, ethical, and well-respected as Judge Segars-Andrews can be taken off the bench based on such flimsy and bogus charges, they are wondering whose next? Why would a committee destroy a judge’s reputation and career based on one case and the testimony of one disgruntled litigant when judges hear and rule on thousands of cases every year? Why does a legislative committee believe it is competent to vote on a judge’s legal ethics when none of the members practice family court law and the majority of members do not even have a law degree? Even if Judge Segars-Andrews had made an error in judgment in her decision not to rescue herself from hearing Simpson’s case, does one error in sixteen years justify the Committee’s decision of effectively firing her and taking away her livelihood? I think not. In addition, why, when the entire South Carolina Legislature holds the power to elect judges, does a single committee of 10 hold the power to fire them, without giving them recourse to appeal?
What is happening now in South Carolina is the deterioration of judicial independence. If judges become afraid of ruffling feathers, upsetting legislators, and potentially losing their jobs, how can we expect them to rule by the law alone, unencumbered by political motivations or influence? This is exactly why US Supreme Court judges hold life tenures and why their salaries cannot be reduced below the amount they were paid when first assuming the bench. It is all in an effort to increase and maintain judicial insulation and independence and prevent partisan influence over judicial decisions! Senator Glenn McConnell, the Chairperson of the committee, and his Judicial Screening Committee are wearing away judicial independence in an effort to seat their own preferable candidates. They have done this to judges before, though Judge Segars-Andrews is the first to actually take a stand and fight. Mr. Simpson, whose case against Judge Segars-Andrews bears no merit when one looks at the facts, is simply a smoke-screen. This Committee, by filtering out undesirable judges by voting them unqualified, and pushing in their own preferred candidates, essentially control who gets on the bench and who goes off the bench. From a superficial standpoint, it may look as if Glenn McConnell is the “knight in shining armor,” wielding a fight against corrupt judges in an effort of judicial cleansing and reform, but do not be fooled. Look at the facts. Senator Glenn McConnell is the corrupt one, who is using the committee to further his own political goals and aims. He controls the votes of the other committee members because he was the one who appointed them in the first place. Do not degrade Judge Segars-Andrews out of spite, hatred, or disappointment in the judicial system. She has been made an easy target by this committee and has been left vulnerable to the biting, hurtful, and degrading remarks by those unhappy with the system who have now found an outlet on which to vent their rage.
12/03/2009 at 5:40 pm
Elizabeth and Chelsie, I appreciate your comments. Elizabeth, just speaking on the record of Judge Andrews, she has done some pretty impressive things. If it were not for Judge Andrews, many lives would not have been touched. Many people would not have been given a second chance to show they aren’t evil, they can be productive. Many would not have been rehabilitated from their criminal past. Many children would still be scarred from divorce. Many would still be suffering from abuse and neglect. Finally, many young people would still have the same drug problems that caused them to get in trouble to start with. Because of Judge Andrews’ heroism, these problems have been fixed and lives have been changed for the good.
I was able to obtain a pamphlet that she wrote some time ago. This outlines the incredible success she has had as a Judge:
PROGRAMS STARTED IN FAMILY COURT with MY HELP
AUXILIARY PROBATION OFFICER PROGRAM:
Juvenile probation officers should have a case load of 25 to 35 children. Approximately ten years ago Charleston County’s officers had to oversee over 100 juveniles each. At that time Dianna Vaughn, the Charleston County Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and I started the APO program . We found ten people who agreed to be the first volunteers. We were the first county in the state to start the program. We all went through about 10 nights of training and Tony Skatell became the first APO to receive a juvenile. We had over 40 volunteers when the Department gave up the program. I was instrumental in recruiting volunteers. After a number of years the program stopped because the employee who directed the volunteers could not bill Medicaid. Someone decided to have a probation officer who could bill so the program was over.
JUVENILE DRUG COURT:
After learning of the drug court model and visiting a program in Florida, the Charleston Center and I started the first JDC in SC in 1997. Charleston County got a federal grant to start the program. I have been the judge to preside over the program since it started. The children and their parent or guardian appear before me every Monday afternoon to see that they have clean drug screens, attended counseling, listened to their parents, attended school each and every school day with no tardies, unexcused absences, nor behavior problems. Each Monday we have the counselors, school representatives and positive peer group leaders appear and report on each juvenile in drug court. If they are following all the rules, they are rewarded (may only be a round of applause). If they fail to follow all the rules they are punished each week (may be a short time in detention, writing a paper or doing community service). Through this program I have seen children turn their lives around and parent/child relationships heal. After the children meet all the requirements of the program we have a formal graduation where they are honored.
We have worked with the Medical University of South Carolina in research projects to determine the best kind of counseling to help these children and their families. MUSC has been awarded several federal grants to facilitate helping these children because of JDC. I have presented at trainings across the country with MUSC training providers and judges. Last week I have a group of 6 counselors from the UK come to talk to me about the program.
ATTENDANCE ACCOUNTABLITY COURT:
I have partnered with the Charleston County School District and the Department of Juvenile Justice in trying to see that children stay in school. This program is run similar to a drug court. Truants are ordered into the program. They are required to attend life skills counseling and their parents are required to attend a parenting program akin to a BACK IN CONTROL PROGRAM. The children and their parents appear in Court once a month to check on compliance with the rules, similar to a drug court. If they have had problems, they may have to spend 24 hours in detention or do community service. As with Drug Court I am the only judge involved with this program.
SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM:
The Fatherhood Initiative in South Carolina started about ten years ago. This is an initiative to get “problem” fathers involved in their children’s lives and to financially support them. Since they wanted their numbers to look good they would not accept any participant that had a drug or alcohol problem. A priest from St. Andrews Church, Alan Kilpatrick, and I started a program for the fathers with addiction problems. We got volunteers to go into the jail to do a program for 30 days about life skills and substance abuse.
The participants are conditionally released from incarceration under the following conditions: 1. They must begin paying their child support and 20% towards their arrearage each month; 2. They must attend weekly meetings at the Dream Center; 3. They must contact their mentor once a week; 4. They are subject to random drug screens; 5. They come before me in court once a month to prove that they are following the rules also similar to a drug court. I am the only judge that presides over this program.
Father Kilpatrick had to return to the United Kingdom and is no longer involved with the program. Mt. Moriah Church and Seacoast Church now have taken over the program. This is a volunteer program and costs no money.
MEDIATION PROGRAM FOR ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES:
The family court in Horry County started a pilot program where all Department of Social Services abuse and neglect cases are mediated. This is an effort to save court time and to help meet the guidelines required by the federal government to have these abuse cases heard timely. Their program gives the mediators Rule 608 credit. I asked Court administration to allow me to start the program in Charleston. They would not allow me to give the mediators credit since that would require a rule change. However, they did not have a problem if I did it with volunteers.
DSS attorney, Bonnie Brisbane; paralegal, Henry; family court mediator, Mark Andrews (my husband); and I went to Horry County to talk to Judge Kinon and the DSS attorneys about how they run their program. I contacted about 30 trained family court mediators who were willing to give their time. We had a short training about 1 year ago and mediations have been taking place in the court house every week on Fridays and during chambers weeks. There are 5 to 9 mediations taking place on each mediation date. The success of this undertaking has been phenomenal. It has freed up substantial court time in Charleston. I have been the judge to set up and oversee the mediations since the beginning of the program in Charleston.
CHANGING FAMILIES PROGRAM
This is a program that Tom and Helen Wheeler started at St. Andrews Church. It is a program that teaches parents the damage they do to their children when they put their children in the middle of a divorce or separation. Years ago they asked me to speak at the program. After learning about the program, I asked them to develop a similar program (not faith based) that the judges could order divorcing parents into. The judges in Charleston now send litigants to get help through this program with very little cost to the litigants. This program has had a big impact in the lives of the litigants and their children in Charleston County and they have been asked to speak at seminars all over the country to help others replicate the program.
12/03/2009 at 9:47 pm