Senior in Need angel trees

The  2011 Senior in Need Angel Trees were once again a huge success with an abundance of gifts distributed to seniors in the Pawleys Island area. This was the 13th year that I have coordinated this effort and our community continues to awe me with their generosity and unselfishness.

The reality is that we are experiencing an extremely difficult economic time but during this holiday season, our seniors in need were shown a great deal of thoughtfulness, generosity and joy through the gifts chosen by the many “angels” throughout the Pawleys Island/Litchfield communities. We could not do this without these “earth angels”. A heartfelt thank you to those special angels who made monetary donations. Those gifts proved beneficial curtailing any shortcomings we may have faced in these financially difficult times.

The continued support of Electronics, Inc. and  Applewood House of Pancakes is invaluable to the success of this endeavor. Each year they are the hosts of the trees and angels as well as the drop-off locations for the gifts. They graciously welcome us back into their businesses each year and they will never understand how grateful I am for all their kindness.

Once again, a special thank you to all of our seniors — you allow us to be who we are and to share this joy with you. On behalf of everyone who participated, we are very happy to have been part of your holidays.

All of the gifts were distributed to the seniors through the Pawleys Island Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and St. Elizabeth Place. My deepest appreciation to everyone who was involved with the distribution of the gifts.

Thank you never seems enough to say for all that has been done to make this the success that it is but those simple words come from deep in my heart and with a great deal of joy. I have said this previously and would like to mention it again …

Sharing always pays huge dividends — may each of you be rewarded many times and in many ways throughout the New Year!

Sheila F. Cook, Coordinator

Senior in Need trees

Hagley Estates, Pawleys Island

The Federal government got it wrong on Voter ID

I totally and completely renounce the U.S. Justice Department's recent opinion that a new South Carolina law requiring voters to show photo identification is in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The law, passed by the South Carolina General Assembly earlier in 2011, would simply require voters to show a drivers license, or other approved form of photo ID before being allowed to cast a ballot.

Citizens of our country have the privilege to be able to vote and elect their leaders. Even though many do not exercise that privilege, nonetheless it exists. It is an important part of our democracy. Not having to show a simple document that proves we are who we say we are is absurd.

If you want to rent a video, take out a library book, or even buy a cup of coffee, chances are you will be asked to present photo identification. We make students carry their ID when they attend their own school. As Lt. Governor, I even had to carry a picture ID while on statehouse grounds. But when it comes to voting, our state makes no attempt to verify a person’s identity at the polling place. The law passed by South Carolina's General Assembly was a common sense move in the right direction. However, in their recent ruling, Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department just plain got it wrong.

South Carolina and several other southern states are still required to seek approval from the U.S. Justice Department on any changes to voting laws or procedures under the 1964 Voting Rights Act. In issuing its opinion the Justice Department expressed concerns that the law would prevent some minorities from casting ballots, although specific provisions have been made to make sure all South Carolinians are able to obtain proper photo ID free of charge.

Americans have fought and died in wars here at home and overseas to protect the fundamental underpinning to our democracy, the ability and privilege to vote in free and fair elections. Apparently, the Justice Department doesn't think that's very important.

The timing of the decision will have an immediate impact as the state approaches the January 21st Republican Presidential Primary. The Justice Department's opinion means the voter ID law is currently not in effect, and also means it is unlikely voters will be required to present identification before casting a ballot in the important “First in the South" Primary.

This is just one more example of the Federal government overstepping its authority. This is a matter that should be left up to the states. It seems that common sense is increasingly becoming uncommon when it relates to our Federal government.

André Bauer

Myrtle Beach

André Bauer served two terms as South Carolina's Republican Lt. Governor and also in the South Carolina House of Representatives and the State Senate. He is currently a businessman living in Myrtle Beach and a candidate for Congress in South Carolina's new 7th District.