Kelly Payne: The Next Generation Is Watching SC Politicians
By Kelly Payne
A hallmark of a healthy system of government is the ability of elected leaders to debate issues without fear of reprisal and to work with those of divergent viewpoints for the greater good.
But recent events at the State House show a body lacking in those attributes.
As a civics teacher at a Midlands high school, I have been following closely the battles involving two reformers in the House — Reps. Nathan Ballentine and Nikki Haley — and the House leadership, particularly the Speaker. We’re at an interesting point in the history of our state government, and it’s made for quite a valuable civics lesson for the students.
Let me state upfront that I strongly support Reps. Haley and Ballentine in their efforts to bring more openness to state government. Ms. Haley’s bill to increase transparency by requiring more votes to be taken on the record is simply common sense. We’re certainly all better off when our elected officials make decisions in the public eye, when there’s a “paper trail” to track who voted for what. At the minimum, her bill is worthy of an honest, civil debate.
Increased transparency, however, does not seem to be a goal shared by much of the political establishment. Perhaps that’s why Ms. Haley and Mr. Ballentine now find themselves the target of what appears to be retribution. According to published reports:
– A proposal offered at a meeting of the House GOP Caucus would have changed the rules for selecting committee chairs, calling for them to be appointed by the Speaker rather than elected by the committee’s members. This was viewed by many as an attempt by the Speaker — or at least forces aligned with the Speaker — to keep Rep. Haley from chairing the influential Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.
– According to published accounts, Rep. Haley was assigned to the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee… but within minutes of leaving the first meeting, she says she was hand-delivered a letter from the Speaker’s chief-of-staff kicking her off the committee, despite her admirable service on it. In a letter to her colleagues that day, Haley said there’s no doubt the move was intended to “embarrass and punish” her.
– Like Rep. Haley, Rep. Ballentine was booted from the House Ethics Committee, a body on which he had served proudly. If you believe Rep. Ballentine — and, in my opinion, there’s no reason NOT to believe him — he was narrowly voted off after House leaders urged members not to vote for him as an act of retaliation. And like Rep. Haley, he was denied a seat on the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and instead relegated to the far less influential Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee.
Sadly, the actions against Reps. Haley and Ballentine have all the markings of retribution and intimidation rather than sound policy.
The people of House District 71, who elected Mr. Ballentine, and the people of House District 87, who elected Ms. Haley, have a right for their only representative in the House to be heard. They have a right for their representative to feel free to introduce legislation and cast votes which are in the best interests of the people — without intimidation or the fear of reprisal.
And the Speaker and his supporters would do well to consider the message their actions send to our young people — the next generation of public servants.
Kelly Payne is a civics teacher at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, S.C. She is also the driving force behind “Alive at 25″ in S.C., a program aimed at teaching driving awareness to teenagers.
Comments
By reggie on January 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
did Ms. Payne write this?!?!?!?!? very nice. way to stick it to the man!
By Gen. Longstreet on January 2nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Good for you, ma’am. Give ‘em hell!
By Ardent admirer of Ms Payne on January 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
With teachers such as Ms. Payne, it is a true mystery as to the State’s bottom dwelling education standing. She has a total grasp of the current political situation and is able to explain it to the next generation of voters.
By r on January 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
she’s got a lot of insight, even for a civics teacher. her students are very fortunate she had the presence of mind to use this episode as a civics lesson.
By Sal on January 2nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Many thanks to Ms. Payne and Rep’s Haley and Ballentine for their efforts to increase “openess” in government… and also to Richard Eckstrom for his similar’s initiative to push for financial transparency.
Though I was not an Obama supporter, his campaign and subsequent election has has energized our young people. With teachers like Ms. Payne, who can find common ground “amongst the parties”, students — our future leaders — can bring about a better, stronger, more unified country.
By Rachel(Ms.Payne's#1fan) on January 2nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Regarding Ms.Payne’s editorial ” House Squabbles Offer Valuable Civics Lesson” I would like to voice my support for her view that a healthy government depends on the ability of elected leaders to debate issues civilly and without threats of retribution. As a student at Dutch Fork High School I too have been following Reps. Ballentine and Haley’s fight to bring transparency to government.I am concerned about how our state government is structured. What has happened to Haley and Ballentine seems to be counter to everything we have learned about the ideals of democracy.
Representatives Haley and Ballentine should be commended for standing up for what is right based on principle. Let’s hope that is the message young people like myself take away from this!
By Robert on January 2nd, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Way to go!!! Your students are fortunate to have a teacher like you!!! Now PLEASE get them to look into how District 5 does its business. They can make a difference!
By sal on January 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Thanks to Ms. Payne and Rep’s Haley and Ballentine for their effort to bring “openness” in government… and also to Richard Eckstrom for his initiative pushing for financial transparency.
I was not an Obama supporter, but his campaign and subsequent election has certainly energized our young people. With teachers like Ms. Payne, who can find common ground “amongst the parties”, students — our future leaders — will bring about a better, stronger, more unified country.
By history buff on January 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
WOW! I see all the impressive attributes of a modern day Maggie Thatcher…intelligence…steely nerve…polish! Keep it up M’am. We need more teachers like you teaching our kids! Keep speaking out.
By James the Foot Soldier on January 2nd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Could Harrell survive the questions that would be hurled his way in a visit to Ms. Payne’s Civics Class? My c-note says he would be “too busy” rather than wither in the line of fire.
General Longstreet, sir, permission to grab Harrell and escort said scoundrel into Lady Payne’s classroom?
Sic, please convey my heart-felt gratitude to Ms. Payne for almost singe-handedly maintaining the value of my home in the DFHS cluster.
By J.P. Sartre on January 2nd, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I don’t feel tardy
By Todd on January 2nd, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Robert: How Lexington District 5 does business? How about Richland Distric 1? And now we have Vince Ford back in as chairman of the Richland 1 board?!?!?!?!
By Seasoned Observer on January 2nd, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Hey history buff,
You must be looking at a different picture than I am. While maybe she’s as polished, Margaret Thatcher wasn’t anywhere near as attractive as this teacher is!!! Visit an eye doctor, dude.
By Lou Heatherman on January 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
An interesting perspective on the Haley-Harrell saga, and very well said. this upstanding young teacher is to be commended for standing up for what is right.
By sad but true on January 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
How come this teacher can get it when politicians can’t???????? She’d get my support if she’d run for office. She’s a breath of fresh air. Congrats to her school.
By an old fan on January 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Ms. Payne, you’re a highly effective writer. Way to nail the good ole boys. Ever considered teaching journalism? Political science?
By Can Dooper on January 3rd, 2009 at 12:42 am
The guys you’re teaching your students about are a bad joke. Many of them remind me of Idi Amin Dada, the pathetic former president of Uganda who ran his country into chaos and poverty. Sound familiar?
Good job of teaching current issues, Mrs. Payne. Insist the morons be held accountable. By making this stuff so relevant for your students it’s no wonder they get so involved. Good job!
By GnuBerry on January 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 am
Lots of comments in rapid succession.
By Richard on January 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 am
I think Ms. Payne and the students at Dutch Fork High get it, as do The State, Post and Courier, Greenville News, Sun News, Island Packet, yada yada. Let’s see who in the legislature gets it when they reconvene in a week or so. The real test is whether Rep Haley’s rule and bill are finally accepted by the battered Speaker or if he is still is too arrogant to accept how wrong he is. Point is everyone else sees it except for Bobby Harrell. Can you look any worse????
By Rico Ekhart on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 am
Ms. Payne:
Your the best teacher I ever had. I’d have quit if you hadn’t encouragd me to do my best. Presdent Obama shoiuld have you work for him at Washinton. then test scores will be better. I wish all the teachers were good like you. Thank you ms. Payne. Sorry i wasn’t better as a student but you got me to try harder.
By Ardent admirer of Ms Payne on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:31 am
http://nathansnews.com/meet-kelly-payne-dutch-fork-high-school.htm
By Ardent admirer of Ms Payne on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:34 am
Kelly Payne: The Next Generation Is Watching SC Politicians
http://schotline.com/
By Ardent admirer of Ms Payne on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 am
http://earlcapps.blogspot.com/
By Ardent admirer of Ms Payne on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:39 am
The Dutch Fork reform team
http://earlcapps.blogspot.com/
By Bill on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 am
Read your item in this morning’s paper….well written and very correct. Unfortunately I doubt that the system will change much but we can hope it will.
By Just the Facts Ma'am on January 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am
This circle of self love is sickening. A series of “me too” comments from one side of a political argument. She’s got a personal interest in this argument and most likely a friendly relationship with the local reps. Let’s have her ask the speaker or one of his “representatives” speak to the same class and see what comes out of that. All of you falling all over yourselves to sound more conservative sounds like a bunch of members of the same club…..do y’all play golf together?
By Spicoli on January 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
In Texas, they are about to turn their House Speaker out on his ears:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6191435.html
By James the Foot Soldier on January 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
Just the Facts Ma’am: Are you taking me up on my $100 bet that Bobby “too busy” Harrell is afraid to slither from under the bushes and show his face?
By It's time for all of us to make a stand on January 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
It is sad we are even having this discussion. We are discussing having our representatives votes recorded so we know where they stand on our issues???
It almost sounds like we got the mafia running our government and most people are afraid to stand up to them .
Way to go Teacher – Start a grassroots fire and send it all across the state .
By Mia on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
great job Ms.Payne
you know how to tell them
i am glad you care so much about your students
and you got me interested in the topic
and more interested in politics
By angelina on January 3rd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Voting on the record is not a “political argument.” The public has a right to know how their legislators vote. Period. That’s Democracy. The “other side” of the argument is the one that gets made behind closed doors, and it goes like this “we don’t want to give our opponents any ammunition to hurt us with, and we don’t want to open up the budget because then we will have to read and understand it, or worse, be accountable for all the stuff we vote for that we can just say we weren’t responsible for, and we couldn’t very well vote against the whole budget, could we?” Yeah, JTF — there’s the other side. Well, that or just make the case that it ought to be up to the legislators to decide when they record their votes. Who do you think will go into Ms. Payne’s class and say that? Instead they will make up a bunch of BS excuses. That is not “the other side.” That is political CYA spin. Be different if you were presenting both sides of a tax issue or an education issue. But there is no “other side” of government transparency.
By Spicoli on January 3rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I think Angelina has, as they say, ‘nailed it.’
:)
By fitsnews on January 3rd, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Yeah … Angelina that’s awesome. Seriously, well done.
P.S. – Sic says he wants to “ruv ru rong time.”
By superbrain1 on January 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Openness in government is great.As for Mr. Eckstrom’s openness concept I hope everyone is ready to openly pay the tax dollars for the systems that will be required to do what he wants. Your government at all levels is open through FOIA. Use it.If people try to over charge you call the attorney general.
As for a civic lesson teach your students to be responsible for their actions. That is the problem in politics now. Nobody wants to take responsibility for their action. The house and senate should have been taking roll call votes and stuck with it from the beginning of time.
Good job Ms. Payne to have the kids thinking. And thank you for teaching.
By Hank Paul's Son on January 4th, 2009 at 12:57 am
If this teacher is typical of SC’s teachers we should celebrate. She seems engaged, willing to buck the political system, and extremely self-reliant. Her students, school and community greatly benefit from having teachers like this one.
By me on January 4th, 2009 at 11:39 am
as a college student i completely understand this bs that our system is. The ONLY politician in this state i can actually get to respond to anything about anything is Sanford. I emailed him and then the next day his special assistant personally called me and talked with me about my concerns and ideas. However my wonderful local rep wasn’t even good enough to send me a email. My wonderful rep to the us congress as well is a complete joke. I was born in this state and so was my family before me, the only politician in this state who isn’t corrupt is Sanford and it will be a sad day when he lose him.
By El Guapo on January 4th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Well done, ma’am.
By Thick Neodore on January 4th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Superbrain, you said:
“As for Mr. Eckstrom’s openness concept I hope everyone is ready to openly pay the tax dollars for the systems that will be required to do what he wants.”
But I think it can be done for next to nothing, maybe even for nothing. State agencies put up that same argument, but now there info is online and didn’t cost a dime.
By BIN News Editorial Staff on January 4th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Come on Ms. Payne.
Don’t you take off points when your students quote material but don’t provide sources? Set a good example for your students. Name your sources!
And in the interest of “flair and balance,” we double-dog-dare you to invite The Speaker to visit and speak to your class. Wonder if The Speaker would play your game? Probably not. He’s too smart.
But see what happens. You can even post your invitation here on sic(k) willie’s little porn site. And if The Speaker does show up you can take some pictures of him in front of your class and post them on this porn site also.
BTW, nice choice on the dress in the picture.
Did sic(k) willie pick that one out? Just wondering.
BIN News
Flair and Balanced
By angelina on January 4th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Thanks Spicoli and Sic One — happy to oblige! BIN. Honey. Let’s stop criticizing a woman’s outfit and go back to what the “other side” is to transparency. Frankly, you and I agree that the Speaker (or perhaps we should call him “the Silencer….” That one is growing on me!) should go in front of a bunch of students and defend his positions. Smart young people have not yet been corrupted by “practical politics” as practiced by Bobby. They undertand democracy in a pure form. They get that once upon a time some very brave men and women of character risked their lives so we could control our own government. Young people are presumably still taught that freedom starts with an informed and engaged public — at least they are in Ms. Payne’s class.
So let’s have Bobby go tell those students why he thinks it is a “waste” of taxpayer’s time and money for the people’s elected officials to vote on the record. Or why they shouldn’t put government spending online. Or why the government ought to run our economy because he knows how to do it better than we do. Let him tell the kids, BIN. Fair enough. See how many converts he gets.
BIN, just out of curiosity, does Bobby still pay you? Does he tell you that the best way to make your arguments is to be racist and sexist, or do you tell him that? Sort of like when Catherine Ceips referred to Sic as a “heroine” user and pornographer. How did that go for her? Oh….wow! Hey BIN! Are you one of the Shealy boys? Man, that took me awhile! Anyone else want to speculate on that?
By A Friend on January 4th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Ms. Payne, a true leader, envisionary and great friend. Proud of you and your willingness to do what’s right.
By i don't even know my real name on January 4th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I think BIN is Brad Warthen or his spawn.
By BIN News Editorial Staff on January 4th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
angelina.
It is reasonable to ask a school teacher to identify her references. Do you think she lets her students quote things without identifying sources?
Just like it is reasonable to ask sic(k) willie to make good on his promise of details on his allegation a Midland elected official has a Strom problem and his wacko claim the gub’ner paid off the family of a “poor little black girl.”
Good teachers do not take political agendas into classrooms, and they do not create political stunts by posting on politically motivated porn sites.
Having elected officials in the classroom is great, until you use it for your political agenda. Then you are using the students and the school.
And we are certain that sic(k) willie picked out the dress. He will stoop to anything, and using bare skin to sell his porn site is nothing new.
BIN News Editorial Staff
Flair and Balanced
P.S. You’re confused about how we get paid. You see Bobby pays the Shealys in gold coins, and Rod launders it into Confederate script before he passes it to the Quinns. Rick buries the Confederate cash in a Mason jar behind a Maurices BBQ, but we never know which one. Every week Rick draws a map on a bar napkin and gives it to a Midlands elected official who has a Strom problem. He hides the napkin in a replica of the Hunley and places it at the base of the Strom statue on the State House grounds. A member of our staff picks up the napkin at dawn every Monday. Tuesday nights at midnight we did up the cash.
By BIN News Editorial Staff on January 4th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
dig
By i don't even know my real name on January 4th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Now you’re talkin’ fluffy / BIN
By Thick Neodore on January 4th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
BIN, I think you’re confused. First of all, civics teachers don’t deduct points for not citing references, language arts teachers do.
Secondly, since when are references needed in opinion-editorials?
When you said “references” did you mean “attribution?” If so, since when is attribution needed in opinion pieces?
Also, each statement appears to be a verifiable statement of fact — such as the statement that Rep. Ballentine was kicked off a committee — or is qualified with phrases such as “according to published accounts” or “said Haley.”
Finally, each bit of information has been published in The State or on the AP wire, with attribution. If there was a piece of information which was suspect or unverifiable, The State would not have chosen it for its Monday editorial last week.
By fits_gals on January 4th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Politically motivated porn site? BIN, have you lost your last marble? Dude, you need to get out more…Sic is a guy’s guy…And lots of guys like to read his posts about sports and celebs in addition to the juicy political stuff…
Maybe a quick trip to the Dominican Republic will do it. but wait, that might be too much porn for you. let me guess you don’t like women breastfeeding in public either, too pornographic I’m sure…
All those who think this is a porn site need to focus on something else in life. Cause’ that argument ain’t cuttin’ it anymore.
xoxo
FITSGals
PS – we still heart you BIN, just find some new stuff to argue with Will about and we’ll cheer you on!
By NOT-A-RINO on January 4th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I think BIN needs a pin up poster of Obama for his bedroom
By Pres on January 4th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
As for threatening Kelly Payne to invite people like the Speaker…She invites all public servants to talk to her classes. That is why a long list of politicians and public servants have talked with her classes. Ballentine has visited more than others because he actually represents the district.
It is the choice of politicians that haven’t spoken to Kelly’s classroom.
By Rhett Butler on January 5th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Typical South Carolina politics. Since BIN has no standing on the issue (I want less transparency and less accountability?) he feels the need to attack the messenger. Stick to the topic at hand. The article was an editorial, therefore it was an opinion. She only spoke about what had been said to her class and did not quote any reference material, because, it was an opinion. just like all of the other stuff on this site, opinions. Just like what you write, BIN, opinions. If you want to discuss why you feel the need to cloud votes and hide budget money by restricting recorded votes, that is welcome. If you want to do is attack a lady of virtue delivering an opinion by questioning her choice of clothing, then you, sir, are an offence to Southern Sensibilities.
By The Next Generation on January 5th, 2009 at 12:40 am
I like good ideas. I don’t care who gets credit for them. At the end of the day this is not a partisan issue or political agenda and to even suggest “silencing” this issue in our classrooms is the sickest form of indoctrination I can see.
By Priceless Principles on January 5th, 2009 at 12:48 am
“It does not take a majority to prevail…but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting
brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.”
Samuel Adams
By Ross Perot on January 5th, 2009 at 12:53 am
“The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.”
By DF Fan on January 5th, 2009 at 12:57 am
“Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.” Continue your fight Ms. Haley and Mr. Ballentine- Don’t let them discourage you!
By Hank Paul's Son on January 5th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Let’s not miss the main point. Here’s a civics teacher who used her commendable brains and courage to publicly state that there ARE things in SC politics that should be changed. And, amazingly, she motivated her students to evaluate and debate contemporary political issues in the process. Can anyone be so blind as to fail to be impressed by teaching skills like hers?
By BIN News Editorial Staff on January 5th, 2009 at 2:20 am
The BIN News Staff feels smothered in love by the flurry of posts from sic(k) willie’s family. But you lost sight of the fact we just asked Ms. Payne to provide her sources and suggested she invite The Speaker to her class.
We also pointed out how inappropriate it is to bring any political agenda into a classroom without balance. And it’s obvious that a school teacher should not post on a porn site. Bare shoulders will get her attention, just like sic(k) willie gets attention with posts like:
http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/01/05/the-fetish-is-back/
sic(k) willie’s chubby fetish is well known, and he has admitted his perverted freckle fetish. As Ms. Payne invites her students to keep up with sic(k) willie’s fetish site, perhaps she will record her classroom explanation when her students ask about his reference to camel toes.
When we think “FITSGals” this photo comes to mind:
http://www.jumbojoke.com/images/seriously.jpg
Actually, we have the perfect woman for sic(k) willie:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/BigIronBarbecue/Ru0z1LLkxdI/AAAAAAAACvo/l0i-2VTUgyw/s400/no+make+over.jpg
BIN News Editorial Staff
Flair and Balanced
By angelina on January 5th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Cute story, RodRossBIN. But back to the point at hand. What does Ms. Payne assert that requires a cite? The specifics she notes have been in the papers. To keep demanding her “sources” is sort of like insisting that someone cite a source for saying that Obama was elected president. Besides, no one is denying that what Ms. Payne says happened did, in fact, happen. The Speaker just keeps denying he did it for the reasons we all know he did it.
Not sure what political agenda you think Ms. Payne is pushing. She wants her students to care about government. It would be one thing if she were forcing liberal or conservatives views on them. But simply asking them to get involved in demanding democratic government practices is hardly partisan brainwashing.
Kelly Payne’s students will ultimately decide for themselves what they believe about the actions of the legislature, or how government should be run. Many of their opinions will differ from those of their teachers and parents, and certainly their elected officials. But those students deserve to know what is happening in the government that they will have to pay for very soon. They can judge for themselves whether they like it or not, but only if they are allowed access to it. I am impressed that so many of them care what happens at the Statehouse. I just hope they will be able to do something about it someday.
By Ebony Lee on January 5th, 2009 at 9:21 am
I am getting ready to graduate this Friday from DFHS. I am going into the Midlands Tech. nursing program. I have known Ms. Payne for 3 years. She has never pushed her political views on me. I had the privilege of voting for the first time this past election and I voted for Barack Obama. Ms. Payne helped me register to vote!! I probably would not have done this at my young age of 19 if it had not been for Ms.Payne. I have learned so much about getting involved in the community from her. From what I understand the issue of “recorded voting” is not a Democrat or Republican thing, it is a people have the right to know thing!!
By Seasoned Observer on January 5th, 2009 at 9:37 am
You make a good point, Angelina. Ms. Payne’s students are a quite impressive bunch. There’s bright hope for the future because they’re our future!
By Sara on January 5th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I am one of Ms.Paynes students at DFHS. She has gotten me so involed in school with Interact Club. I am currently the Media Lesaison. My dad showed me Ms.Payne’s article in The State paper last week, and they agreed with her 100%. My family are big supporters of the Republican party and we supported Mitt Romney. I don’t even know who Ms. Payne voted for. Even though we tried to get her to tell us.
I can’t believe someone would say this is a porn site but this site makes learning the news more intresting because Will’s down to Earth style of writing makes everything so understandable and he is really funny.
Most teenagers are some what concerned with what’s going on in the world, and even something big like the last election, but generally do not have any interest in state or local politics. After taking current issues, more students got interested in what’s going on because they realized this is their own backyard and they can make a difference and see immeadiate results. This happened with Alive at 25 that we brought to our school as well as surrounding schools, and helped initiate a bill.
I’m sure not every kid is going to care about recorded voting, but it is our right to know that it is a current problem in our state. A lot of us white, black, male, female, and of all different financial backgrounds, agree that this needs to be changed. I think it’s cool we’re going to have a chance to do that and make a difference. And I happen to think that Ms. Payne’s Arden B. top was very cute. BTW it was NOT a dress.
By Asheton and Jonathan on January 5th, 2009 at 11:46 am
BIN news, you need to calm down. Don’t try and change the subject on the issues by diverting things to our teacher’s outfit. His comments were very ignorant.
We are not being used; we’re being enlightened and given choices to make our own opinions. Focus less on the picture of our teacher and more on the issues. And what you said about her bringing political agendas into the classroom is wrong because it is very relevant to the curriculum. We also have to hear it from somewhere. She isn’t bias in what she teaches us, she just tells us what is going on and let’s us make our own opinions.
We figured out that the Speaker is clueless on our own. BIN since you mentioned it; we would like Speaker Harrrel to come in and give his side of the argument, and see how many facts he has to back it up and what justifications he can give us for concealing the way our Legislators vote.
By Olivia Alger on January 5th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I am a previous student of Ms. Payne’s Current Issues course, and I have to say that she has never tried to force political opinion on her students. Being in her class, I felt free to listen to her views and form my own political beliefs. She encouraged us to form our own opinion and stick with it. I recall having a debate over political issues ( abbortion, gay rights, ect). She had us present our side of the argument and debate with the rest of the class. In the same way, I believe that we all have the freedom to voice our opinion. Ms. Payne was just bold enough to do it. The fact that anyone would think of silencing this issue is outrageous!
And for the record Ms. Payne, I think that you look adorable!
By Jeremy Wilson on January 5th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
So BIN news, you tell us that we should invite the speaker in. Well I “double dog dare you” to come in and introduce yourself to us, if you are so high and mighty maybe we need to learn from you! … doubt it, but if you’re brave enough I “double dog dare you” to come up with a legit answer to coming in and having this great “BIN news” guy teach us better than ms. payne could… like that’s going to happen..
By Tamara Morris on January 6th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I think that Ms. Payne should be commended on motivating her students to take active rolls in getting involved in State Politics. At least she is not afraid to speak out on issues that she thinks is relevant in our State Political Agenda whether Democrat, Independent or Republican, the issues are one in the same you just never know who has the “slippery soap”. Most people do not want to face up to the different roles and goals each politician fronts. I think she grasps it and indeed she should be admired for taking an active role in the teaching foundations of our current political satire. In reference to the comment, that is ultimately up to the students to choose how they vote, or debate issues, this is a fair statement but ultimately knowledge learned is knowledge gained. So who instills knowledge a teacher, a mentor, without people to motivate and bring lessons to the table it would not be a debatable issue. So kudos for Ms. Payne she gets involved and that is one step farther than most…
By Age+Madi on January 6th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
First of all, I was not aware that the new defintion of porno was wearing a turtle neck with the shoulders cut out. The real focus should be on the article that Ms. Payne wrote. I agree with all of her OPINIONS and views. The only things that we are allowed to read from Fits are stories that have been edited by our teacher if there might have been a bad word. Being that we are high school students and we are keenly aware of immature teenage behavior, especially when it comes to ex’s, we are thinking this “BIN News” person is a jilted ex girlfriend. We hear Will has a very nice and beautiful new wife with a cute step son and a baby on the way. Could this ex be JEALOUS of Mr.Folks??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
By friend of a friend. on January 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I totally and completely agree with Age+Madi. Payne’s views are, or should be, the center of attenion. Maybe this whole “porn” controversy is why there are so many problems? Can we not focus on the main point long enough to get something accomplished?
The picture is not relevent, it’s the text that matters. Everyone who pays tax dollars has a right to know where their money is going and it needs to become well-known that people do NOT know. We as South Carolinians have the right to this information. Payne took a step, as did Reps Haley and Ballentine, in speaking the truth and showing they will rise up in order to do as they see fit. If she is going to be cut down at all, do it in a way that makes sense, BIN. Seriously, trying to convince others that she should be discredeted because of a picture that is too inappropriate for you is rediculous. In case you forgot, the picture is from the SHOULDERS up and obviously clothes are present. And then when you have nothing else to fall back on, remember this is an opinion piece. If you don’t agree, then say so. I ENCOURAGE it. That’s what this is for- to read other people’s opinions and to consider them in order to understand the whole situation better. You missed that bit. If you want to criticize a person speaking politics via an irrevelent picture go somewhere else because you’re influence is not making any progress here.
By Spicoli on January 6th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Well-said friend of a friend, seasoned observer, students and citizens all!
I like to tell people like BIN that they have ‘hit the brick wall of belligerence.’
:)
By Paging BIN News on January 6th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Bobby Harrell is “bringing it on” as he promised on air this afternoon on WVOC when asked by one of Ms. Payne’s students to give “his side of the issue”…Now BIN…. Your turn next!! Show up or shut up!
By MISO HORNY on January 6th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
My friend told me that this was a porn site?? This does not look like it has nekked women on it! Is the woman at the top supposed to be the pornstar or something?
PAT McCROTCH is my hero
By Chode McNuggets on January 6th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Where are the naked asian women I was told about? I dont know about the rest of you guys…but im hurtin for a squirtin
By Chode McNuggets on January 6th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
MISO HORNY told me there was a naked woman on here? Where is she…I thought this was a porn site!?!?!
By BIN's Ex-boyfriend on January 7th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Ms. Paynes people…don’t worry, BIN is mad caused I dumped her!
she is taking it out on you guys to get back at me.
There is no porn site and Ms. Payne is not pushing politics on anyone!
Sorry guys for all the trouble.
By BIN's Ex-boyfriend on January 7th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Has BIN ever seen a porn site before, because Ms.Payne has clothes on, and the purple outfit is not a dress, its a shirt. BTW the picture is taken from the shoulders up.
Really BIN? Really?
Something tells me the only reason why you even put your nose in this site, is so you could advertise “BIN news”… cause I have never heard of them in my life!
By Perezsays? on January 7th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
really though?
you’d think that the teenage boys of paynes class would be the ones focussing on “porn and pictures” but us kids are the ones actually focussing on the issue.. dude thats looks pretty bad. the op’ed was not put up on the site for an argument on an outfit or citing sources but to show ms. paynes OPINION on an issue! its so funny how politicians, and really adults want to talk how kids just dont “understand” and blahh blahh blahh, and yet we’re the ones concerned about our state, and our nation! like, you may think its a joke, but i think its an issue when someone is taking advantage of their position in governtment, and payne, haley, and ballentine have all showed me that its all right to stand up and say it! seriously? grow up, cuz im thinkin that me (as a 16 year old) is catchin up to ya..
By Bethany on January 8th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
HEY BIN stop sippin haterade!
That’s my teacher your talking about.
& By the way, her top is cute.
UNLIKE YOUR FACE :p ha.
By Furman on January 9th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
All of you who are talking trash about my teacher and this news site callin it a porn site, are being entirely ignorant bringing up that porn BS makin all that my class and ms payne has worked for seem like nothing, your demeaning a very smart and determined woman who stands up for what she believes in just like mr. ballentine and mrs. halley. she took time to write this and it actually made several new services and personally i think you all are jealous of what she has accomplished with interact and all.
so before you run yalls mouth off again think about what your sayin.
thats all i got to say
By Dominique Blasingame on April 16th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
As a former member of the interact/rotary club.. Im disappointed in what some of these comments are saying about my mentor and my friend. i THINK that is doing an awesome job and that if you do not think so then I would like for you to walk in her shoes. If you dont have anything nice to say. Then dont say it at all because you are waisting your breath. She is a well respected teacher and friend to many. She also has the brains to get children the exposure to ppl like Rep. Henry McMaster, Rep. Nikki and others. So if you think you can do better please someone know so we can put you right your in your place.