THEIR VIEWS

There is no way

we can repay them

There will be a time for answers to the questions about the cause of the most heartrending tragedy in the city of Charleston's long firefighting history. But this is the time for mourning the deaths of nine brave men who, combined, had more than 100 years of service in their life-saving profession. This state and this nation have joined our citizens in their grief. ...

There is no doubt that the manner of their deaths and the cause of the fire that became such a roaring inferno will receive the fullest scrutiny. Indeed, that investigation already has begun.

But in the fire's aftermath, the sense in this saddened community is one of irreparable loss. Their sacrifice is a painful reminder of the risks that firefighters face on any given day, at any moment, when they are called to respond to an emergency. There is no way those they serve can repay the debt owed to these courageous men who died bravely doing their duty.

The (Charleston) Post and Courier

Failing to punish

one of their own

Don't you just love how the politicians weasel out of punishing one of their own when he does something monstrous? Last week, a Columbia municipal judge convicted South Carolina Rep. Thad Viers and fined him $500 for threatening James Ziegler, who was dating his estranged wife, with violence and sexual assault. ...

But despite the vile nature of the calls, House Speaker Bobby Harrell said last week that he sees no need for the General Assembly to punish Viers for his conviction for unlawful communication, a misdemeanor. The court's decision, said Harrell, stands as punishment enough. ...

Now only the voters of District 68 in Myrtle Beach stand between the young gentleman and vindication. And maybe the voters in Harrell's District 114 will have an opinion on the matter, too. It could happen.

Gov. Mark Sanford rightly refuses to adhere to the ancient South Carolina tradition that governors should butt out of legislative matters. Last week, after Viers' conviction for unlawful communication, Sanford said that public officials have special responsibility to comport themselves in exemplary fashion. ...

We applaud Sanford for refusing to play the classic South Carolina ''speak no evil'' game. It is a profound relief that somebody on the inside of South Carolina government refuses to pretend that this was an ordinary misdemeanor.

The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News

Veto of Chandler's Law

a disservice to kids

Gov. Mark Sanford's veto of ''Chandler's Law'' may reinforce his libertarian leanings but the action again means another year without regulations on children's use of all-terrain vehicles.

For the third year, Sanford has vetoed legislation that would require children to wear protective gear when operating ATVs. For the third year, lawmakers have failed to override the rejection. ...

Sanford contends the bill imposes a hidden tax on ATV owners by requiring them to have their children take an ATV safety course. While those courses are free to people who purchase a new ATV, people who buy used ones would have to pay for them, he said. ...

Government has a role to play in protecting children at home and this legislation is consistent with that mission. It is not unlike requiring the use of car seats and seat belts. For the legislation to have any meaning, it must address use of the vehicles on private property, where most ATV accidents involving children occur.

As Sen. Brad Hutto told The Times and Democrat: ''A lot of things we as lawmakers don't leave up to parents, like whether they go to school, can buy cigarettes and alcohol. In the interest of society, we pass rules regarding children. I don't understand why this is any different.''

The (Orangeburg) Times and Democrat