9/11: Reflection and Call to Action
By Clay N. Middleton The nation, and many in the world, will pause on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 to reflect on what occurred on that horrific day. Many will engage in some type of service activity or memorial, a powerful sign of strength and unity that will demonstrate to those that want to test the will of the United States that we will not be broken or beaten down. This sign of resiliency should send shock waves through the mind, body, and spirit of America’s enemies. I hope that the unity that will be demonstrated on the...
read moreSacrifice and Service
Since declaring our independence from Great Britain 235 years ago, we continue to strive in advancing in every field of human endeavor, remain a super power, be the beacon of light and source of opportunities for the entire world. Getting to this point wasn’t easy and, as we seek to improve ourselves as a people and as a country, we must keep the spirit of our ancestors that made the thought of the United States of America into a reality, deeply rooted within our way of life. This starts with a belief that our better days are ahead. To...
read moreIn Good Health
Is a reasonable health insurance exchange possible for S.C.? by Clay N. Middleton As published in the Charleston City Paper June 22, 2011 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed last year by Congress requires all states to set up a health insurance exchange program. While South Carolina is one of 26 states to sue the federal government over this law, it does not prevent these states from working toward such an insurance exchange program. All states are required to have a health insurance exchange program by the end of...
read moreMemorial Day: Honoring those who gave lives for freedom
By CLAY N. MIDDLETON Special to Charleston Currents MAY 30, 2011 — I, like many others, am relieved that Osama bin Laden is dead. As a company commander in the South Carolina Army National Guard, I know that our mission is nowhere near being completed, and we remain at a high level of readiness and awareness. And as an Iraq War veteran, I rejoiced with others when Saddam Hussein was brought to justice. Emotions are high since the Al-Qaeda leader is no longer on this earth, and Americans are impatient as a result and want all service...
read moreThe Need to Join Forces
As published on whitehouse.gov For the past 10 years, our nation has been at war. As the members of our Armed Services deploy, it is critical that they need to know that their family has the support it needs. Those that have volunteered to serve in the military must have the peace of mind of knowing that when their deployment and service is over, they will have a sustained support system. To help mobilize this support for military families and veterans, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have started the Joining Forces...
read moreIn Rare Form
A Few School Board Members Are Not Acting In The Best Interest Of Our Students by Clay N. Middleton As published in the Charleston City Paper on April 20, 2011 In the daily battle of politics, it can be enlightening to attend a different public or political meeting just to observe, have a good laugh, and see that someone else has it worse than you. At a recent Charleston County School Board meeting, I experienced all three. I respect the members of the board due to the elected position they hold, and I know they have no easy task. However,...
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