If Not This Plan, Then What?
Jobs, jobs, jobs, and more jobs are what this economy needs to bring unemployment to an acceptable level. A poll is not needed to identify that. Those in the low social economic tier continue to suffer more than anyone else; the middle class is confused about still being classified as middle class, and the wealthy remain on top. With that being said, hope — yes, I said it — hope exists because cities and states across the country are leveraging public resources to attract private sector industry to relocate and grow their businesses....
read moreCompromise is Not a Four-Letter Word
What have we learned from the debt-ceiling debate? As published in the Charleston City Paper August 17, 2011 The debt ceiling debates that have consumed the headlines for weeks once again demonstrated a divided country and a Congress torn between ideologies and putting the long-term interest of the country first. The bipartisan debt deal that was reached could have been agreed upon long before the August 3rd deadline. Republicans argued that the President didn’t provide a framework, the Democratic-controlled Congress of last session...
read moreGovernment Funding: Is a shutdown possible?
Since the last Congress did not pass a federal budget, the country is operating under a continuing resolution. A continuing resolution allows the federal government to operate at current levels until a budget can be approved by Congress and signed by the President. The current continuing resolution ends on March 4th. If the Congress and the White House cannot reach a compromise regarding a budget from now until the end of this fiscal year, the federal government could shut down. The last time this happened was in 1995 for five days and a...
read moreThe Democrats Prepare For Precinct Reorganization
Party Building by Clay N. Middleton As published in the Charleston City Paper on February 15, 2010 Every two years the Democratic Party conducts a meeting to reorganize its precincts. On Feb. 20, every precinct in South Carolina will meet to elect precinct officers, discuss the party’s platform, share ideas, hear from candidates, enjoy fellowship, and, more importantly, gear up for a long election year. In 2008, Charleston County went blue because of the organization of the Obama campaign and the excitement shared by many. In 2010,...
read moreYou Be The Judge
Published in the Charleston City Paper February 9, 2011 Groups Should Disclose Who Pays For All Political Ads You Be the Judge by Clay N. Middleton During this year’s midterm elections, many knew that the Republican Party would gain seats in Congress as well as in statewide races across the country. In response to the large amounts of money spent by corporations in this election cycle, the Democrats are now more determined than ever to address the issues caused by the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Citizens United v. Federal...
read moreWhat’s Your Beef: I’ll try to keep my gripes to a minimum….
As published in the Charleston City Paper on December 29, 2010 A Small Slice of Beef by Clay N. Middleton When I was invited to write for the City Paper two years ago, I knew that I would be subject to criticism and what was printed would be a matter of my public record. In writing for the “What’s Your Beef?” issue, I’m certain the comment section will be filled with criticism and words that will be used against me in the future. So be it. Since there is not enough room to neither bring up every topic nor explain in...
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