In Support of “Sanfordville”
Apr 10th, 2009 by Cathy Jo Nelson
A tent in support of "Sanfordville"
Many teachers across my state (South Carolina) are in danger of losing their jobs. Why? Not because they are bad teachers, but because our governor. Again, posturing for his future political interests, he is making nationwide news–refusing to use stimulus money to save teachers and police officers jobs. There have been protests at the state house, and recently a town of tents was erected and aptly named “Sanfordville” as another move to show how disillusioned educators are with our state leader. I would not be so upset, but it is hitting a little close to home. I have personal friends and relatives whose jobs are on the chopping block. It’s scary.
Following the news I have read and watched with interest the development of “Sanfordville.” Teachers have been taking up residence near the state house in tents to maintain their stance that our governor is wrong. See some of those news clips here and here. There is even a Sanfordville Twitter identity to follow!
Here are some great quotes from congressmen and politicians who ARE listening to their constituents:
“This is just sort of a microcosm of what I hear in my district, is that people don’t understand. They don’t understand how this money that we’re going to have to pay back anyway, it’s available to us and he’s saying he’s not going to take that money. It’s just not making sense to people,” said Hutto. (Brad Hutto, Orangeburg)
“That $700 million is there to keep kids in school, keep teachers employed and cops on the street. Those are all critical functions of South Carolina,” said former Gov. Jim Hodges.
So I put up my virtual tent in support of Sanfordville! Was it a success? Still debating. But it DID garner good publicity. Here is another blogger’s take on it’s impact.
