ON POSSIBLE IMPEACHMENT RESOLUTION

Gov. Mark Sanford is providing the South Carolina House of Representatives with a copy of the State Ethics Commission investigative report about his travels and campaign expenditures. ...

Even as a House panel, to be armed with new information, is scheduled to consider an impeachment resolution, a first priority should be the pending Ethics Commission hearing at which time Sanford will have the opportunity to defend himself against allegations that surfaced in the wake of his absence from the state for a trip to Argentina in June. The hearing is not likely until early 2010. ...

Providing the Ethics Commission report to these lawmakers gives them a complete picture. That could work in Sanford’s favor if impeachment is a moot issue when the full Legislature returns. ...

How the Ethics Commission proceedings surrounding charges stemming from the commission’s probe ultimately play out should be crucial to any decision to proceed with impeachment.

Considering the impeachment resolution in committee may be appropriate procedure, but for the House to push forward with the resolution in early January before the Ethics Commission process is complete is akin to the old adage of putting the cart before the horse.

The (Orangeburg) Times and Democrat

ON ENDING COCKFIGHTING

An ongoing cockfighting investigation in South Carolina so far has charged 21 people with violations of federal law, each facing potential penalties of five years and fines of $25,000. Comparable offenses under state law carry penalties of a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. The disparity is obvious, and indicates the need for a tougher state response to the blood sport.

So far, the state Legislature has been reluctant to put cockfighting in the same category as dogfighting, which is a felony. The extent to which cockfighting is an established commercial enterprise says that lawmakers need to take another look. The state can’t depend on federal law enforcement to eliminate cockfighting in South Carolina.

The 13-month investigation involves the U.S. Attorney, the state Attorney General, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But the essential undercover work has been done by officers with the state Department of Natural Resources. The investigation has focused on cockfighting operations in Williamsburg and Lexington counties. ...

“Cockfighting is a crime that leaves an ugly scar on our community,” Attorney General Henry McMaster said. “The criminal underworld surrounding it is a haven for drugs, violence, and gambling.” ...

Mr. McMaster sought to have cockfighting designated as a felony in 2005, along with dogfighting, but failed to get the necessary legislative support. Penalties were increased, but cockfighting remains a misdemeanor.

This case underscores the extent to which cockfighting remains a viable, established enterprise in South Carolina. It’s time for the Legislature to recognize that fact and take the steps necessary for its eradication.

The (Charleston) Post and Courier

ON FEEDING THE HUNGRY

We’re entering the time of year when food banks and food pantries are at their busiest. This year, with unemployment at quarter-century highs and expected to continue rising, the need is greater than ever.

According to a recent report in The New York Times , the number of Americans who are “food insecure” is at a 14-year-high. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, 49 million Americans last year lacked consistent access to adequate food. That number is 13 million greater than the year before. ...

In a Nov. 16 story in The Greenville News , the staff at Daily Bread Ministries in Greer said they’re seeing greater need and are struggling to keep up. Helping Hands Ministries, which provides food to families in need, has seen its demand double this year, according to a report earlier this month in The News. ...

The reason for the need is easy to see: Nationally, the unemployment rate is 10.2 percent; in South Carolina it just hit a record 12.1 percent. More people are losing jobs every day.

Still, many people have good jobs and are able to put plenty of food on the table. Especially at this time of year, those of us who are fortunate enough to not worry about what we’ll eat or when we’ll eat it need to reach out and help those who don’t know where the next meal will come from. ...

Although this is the busiest time of year for food banks and food pantries, the need doesn’t go away after the holidays. In fact, people who are hungry now will be hungry in January, and the danger is that donations will drop off as the holiday season fades. If we have enough, we should strive to keep that from happening and make giving a year-round habit.

The Greenville News