"WHAT THE HELL" were three words that repeatedly sprouted forth from my mouth last Monday. Let me explain the reason. I am a guy that likes to know about the world around him. Therefore, I make it a habit to view some sort of media on a daily basis. I usually like to tune into CNN because it continues to reign as king of the "liberal media" and pisses off staunch conservatives that are forced to retreat to their beloved Fox News. However, the reason that I could only muster the phrase "WHAT THE HELL" was not because of something covered on CNN, Fox News or MSNBC. They were probably too busy deciding on which one would be the next to get Geraldo Rivera. I received some unfortunate news from my hometown paper, "The Greenville News." The headline read, "Colleges face cuts instead of rewards promised by state." The Greenville News reported that all of South Carolina's 33 colleges and universities are on track to meet or exceed state standards, but the state will break its promise to increase funding as a reward. I also learned that there were five schools to significantly exceed standards. They are the University of South Carolina, Clemson University (yeah, I was shocked too), Greenville Technical College, Tri-County Technical College and the Medical University of South Carolina. I also learned that colleges and universities can expect to begin this fiscal year with $70.8 million less than last year. USC alone was hit with an $18 million cut. USC officials reported that they are cutting back everywhere possible. The USC spokesman added, "The departments and colleges have taken substantial cuts over the past couple years. A cut of this magnitude will put tremendous pressure on us for a sizable tuition increase." Yep, that South Carolina General Assembly sure knows how to reward dem' der' colleges and universities. I keep asking myself, do South Carolina elected officials and candidates really care about improving education? Are they only concerned about making themselves look good so that they can receive more votes? They repeatedly say that they care about education in their commercials and websites but it seems that their actions do not match their words. The legislators' responses to the issue are disappointing as well. They felt satisfied in supporting higher education because colleges and universities did not suffer the same devastating cuts that other state agencies are dealing with. Is that the best answer that they can come up with? Who elects these people? No wonder the state budget is in such a mess. I noticed that both the House and Senate were quick to overturn Governor Jim Hodges' veto last week when their own budgets were in question. Did they take a drastic budget cut like other state departments and agencies when it came to their salaries and benefits? I am not concerned with placing the blame for the budget mess, at least not in this column, but I expect better from our state leaders. It is time for the General Assembly to stop making promises that it can not keep and start doing what is best for the state. Perhaps you will be able to keep your promise the next time.
The Daily Gamecock > Viewpoints
Promises, Promises, Promises South Carolina Can't Keep
Published: Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Updated: Sunday, September 6, 2009
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Special to The Gamecock
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