Thumbs up
Jobless rate. The state’s jobless rate held steady at 6.6 percent, although slightly more people had work overall. Nationally, the rate plunged to a seven-year low of 5.3 percent. More.
Haley. Hats off to Gov. Nikki Haley for ordering a statewide security review of National Guard installations and recruitment centers after another senseless shooting — this one in Chattanooga in which five members of the military died.
Health website. Congratulations to the S.C. Hospital Association, one of our underwriters, for a new website that allows consumers to compare costs for medical services. See SC Price Point.
In the middle
Hate crime. It’s fitting that the federal government should bring federal hate crimes charges against accused Emanuel 9 church shooter Dylann Roof. South Carolina does not have a hate crime law. Maybe it now should. More.
Book fest. We’re saddened to hear the S.C. Book Festival will end after 19 years. More.
Stunt. Trump had a nice, dumb stunt in giving out U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s cell phone number after Graham called him a “jackass.” But Graham had the better gag with a video smashing and chopping his old cell phone. (One suggestion: Keep the golf swing; lose the baseball T-ball swing.) See the video.
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Flag protest. Sad in 2015 to see white supremacists from the KKK protest removal of the Confederate flag at a Saturday rally on the Statehouse grounds. In a lot of ways, it’s just as sad to see all of the venom and poison spewing in the air after they were met by counter-protesters from the New Black Panther Party. Thanks to state law enforcement officers for keeping control of the situation. Best news from the whole mess: a peaceful prayer rally on Sunday.
Heat. High temperatures scorched many in South Carolina throughout the week. Let’s hope for better weather this weekend.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!