Smith Hangs With “It” Kids
We’ve never cared much for Rep. James Smith’s politics and have said so on multiple occasions.
In fact, the last time he got ideologically crossways with us, we used terms like “ignorant subservience” and “enabler of failure” to describe his allegiance to our state’s antiquated, monopolistic and hopelessly failed status quo.
Then we said “nanny nanny boo boo” to him, and told him he was a “bird brain stinky head.”
Having said all that, though, James Smith is a friend of FITS.
He’s also a guy who spent fifteen months away from his wife and kids dodging bullets and RPG’s in Afghanistan as a Captain with the Army Rangers.
So he may not agree with what we’ve got to say, but he’s got our backs when it comes to saying it – which we appreciate.
And unlike dozens of “Republicans In Name Only” who campaign one way and vote another, Smith at least comes by his status quo subservience honestly.
Which means he’s not faking what he believes just to get elected.
All of this, of course, is by way of telling you that Smith has followed House Speaker Bobby Harrell, Attorney General Henry McMaster, Comptroller Richard Eckstrom, Superintendent of Education Jim Rex and many other political luminaries in paying a visit to the current issues class of Ms. Kelly Payne, a.k.a. the “It audience.”
Smith met with Payne’s kids at Dutch Fork High School this week, and after giving them a slide show from his time in Afghanistan he stuck around for awhile and answered questions.
One student wanted to know why Smith – who many believed was the frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nod – decided not to run.
Smith told students he did want to run one day, but the timing wasn’t right in 2010 given the many months he spent away from his family.
Also interesting?
Smith was asked who his favorite politicians were and he answered Bob Sheheen (former S.C. Speaker), Dick Riley (former governor) and … wait for it … Lindsey Graham.
Berry, berry interesting.
Anyway, props again to Ms. Payne!
Comments
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on March 5th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
How good of him to visit a public school, since this Democrat sends his brood to exclusive Heathwood Hall.
By medstudent on March 5th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
What’s your point? As opposed to many Republicans, I bet he’s not in favor of taking your tax dollars to help him send his brood to exclusive & private Heathwood Hall.
By Current Issues Observer on March 5th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Representative Smith is hero in our books for fighting for our freedoms in this country. Heathwood Hall is an academically excellent school and if that is the educational route that he chooses for his own children, good for him! Why is it that when you have money people automatically find things to say that are negative about you? He works hard to send his kids to that school and isn’t taking “free” handouts from the government. Isn’t that what America is all about? And BTW- Ms.Payne’s classes match and may even exceed a Heathwood Hall education.
By Rebecca on March 5th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Thank you Mr. James Smith for visiting our Current Issues Class. I enjoyed your powerpoint that you showed us, along with the stories you told us. You taught our class so much about Afghanistan’s culture and showed us what its really like to be there for 15 months. I thank you again, Sir, for the time you spent talking to our class and the time you spent in Afghanistan.
By Sarah Payne on March 5th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Mr. James,
Thank-you for coming and speaking to our class. Like Rebecca I appreciated your PowerPoint very much. All the pictures were so real and made you seem really down to earth. What has made this speaker much different from the others that I have enjoyed is that he talked about his army life more so than his political. His kids seem very important to him too which was very touching… Thank-you again.
By MLKjr.... on March 5th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I am a student of the Current Issues class at Dutch Fork High School. We’ve had a lot of visitors but the one that interested me the most was Henry McMaster. He spoke about things that I would like to hear. Some of the other speakers were not as interesting to me. James Smith is a good guy. He actually bonded with the people in Afghanistan. For that he’s okay in my book.
By CoCo on March 5th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I really admire the work that James Smith has done in just a short amount of time that he has been home from Iraq. I learned various things from Mr. Smith the most important being that even if you are a solider in the armed forces there is no reason why you can not become a politician. I had a connection with him because my father is also in the army and served in Afghanistan working with the weapons of mass destruction. When he came home for good after 18 months in Iraq he told of all of his experiences. He too ran over a bomb in his tank but luckily he was not injured just as Mr. Smith had done. James Smith is a pioneer for any solider that is now, or has already served in the war over seas that you can do anything that you want after you get out of the war.
By Hunter P on March 5th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
As a student in Ms. Payne’s class I will be thanking Rep. Smith for visiting us. I appreciate his service to our country. The power point was very informative and helped us to better understand what it is like in Afghanistan. I thought it was very interesting that the children were always honest about where the Taliban was and that the elders were not. The thing that has most impacted me was the first day that I walked into class and the Attorney General Henry McMaster was there about to talk to us. That was a great experience for me and one that I will never forget.
By Meheret on March 5th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Thanks Rep. James Smith for coming to our school! We really appreciate you and all the speakers that have taken the time to come and speak with us. In hearing your story I was really surprised to hear that you had made friends with the Afghan people, because they are not always portrayed in the nicest ways, but I guess people never know the truth unless they have actually experienced it for themselves; and I think that is what I have really gained from being in Ms. Payne’s class; that it is all about experiences and if you want to do something go out and put yourself out there. You should experience things and the rewards will come with those experiences.
By brent on March 5th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I appreciate Mr. Smith for coming to our school. It was nice of him to take time out of his life to come speak to us. I want to thank him for serving in the army and defending us. I liked his stories about Afghanistan. The story about the Afghan people calling him was cool. It’s good that he became friends with them. His stories about Afghanistan helped us understand their poverty more. Thank you again Representative Smith for coming to our class and talking to us.
By alex on March 5th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I think that it’s cool that he’s going to spend time with his family and then some day he will run for Governor, I also thought his choice of favorite politicians were interesting because they are diametrically opposed politicians. James Smith would have to be the speaker that most impacted me or interested me because I can relate with my dad being a former Marine and being away for years at time from my family as well. I think I could consider him a hero of mine, and appreciate what he has done.
By Kip Poynter on March 5th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
My friends have been discussing Rep. Smith and all the other
Political powers who have come to our class. He was a big hit among our class because I have heard my peers agree he was a great speaker. I have learned that one person can make a difference, and Mr. Smith is one of those people.
By Tony on March 5th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Mr. Smith is a true hero. I have a great amount of respect for anybody who fights for our freedom in the military. Representative Smith is serving our country in two different ways, overseas, and on the political home front.
I think it is a true privilege to be in a class that has so many politicians/public servants take time out of their day to come and speak with us.
By Matthew P on March 5th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Representative Smith was a great hit among the people in my class. I think that it is pretty cool that he was in Afghanistan for so long and is a Representative in our State. You don’t find too many true public servants. I think that it was cool that he brought a power point of his experiences in Afghanistan and in my perspective it was an eye opening experience for all of the students who saw it.
All of these visitors to Ms. Payne’s class have been an eye opener on how our State works. I think it is a once in a lifetime experience to meet all these politicians because I don’t think that any other classes in our state have had this opportunity.
By Miguel on March 5th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I think that people who risk their life to defend our rights are awesome and brave. Representative James Smith is one of those people. I admire his devotion and dedication.
I think it is amazing and awesome that important politicians take time from their busy agendas, and come talk to some high school kids. I am one of them. I have never heard of something like this ever happening anywhere else.
By Daniel on March 5th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Mr. Smith has served our country overseas, and making a difference directly in the U.S. I respect anyone who is overseas serving our country. I think that it is cool that I’m in a class that has so many politicians go out of their way to come to our class. To have them come from different backgrounds and political ideologies is cool too, because we get to see different perspectives, and form our own opinions on issues.
By Adam on March 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I find it extremely admirable that James Smith is not only a veteran of the United States military, but also a guy who knows how to set his priorities straight. Representative Smith’s decision to delay running in the 2010 gubernatorial race in order to spend more time with his wife and children shows true dedication and responsibility. I only wish that more of South Carolina’s politicians would follow his actions and become real and honest public servants instead of self absorbed isolationists. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my enrolment in Current Issues is that a politician should not be judged solely on their political positions, but their character.
By katie on March 5th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Out of all the people who have visited our class Rep. Mr. James Smith was probably the most inspirational. I mean being in the military in general takes bravery and intelligence; and being away from your family for along time in Afghanistan takes even more bravery! His story was very inspirational for all who where there, and even to those who weren’t. I just wanted to say thank you to Mr. Smith for speaking to our class.
By Crispy on March 5th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I appreciate what Representative Mr. Smith is doing for our country. The power point was very interesting and very informative. I am very glad that he was able to talk to us about all of the interesting things that he did while he was fighting for our country. I learned a lot about how the Afghanistan children would always tell the truth about the Talibans and it is very appreciative. He was very good at teaching us about what his 15 months were like in Afghanistan. In current issues class I have been learning all kinds of things about the government and it impacted me in a way that I cannot explain.
By Avan on March 5th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I think it’s great that Rep. James Smith has served in Afghanistan and he talked more about his life in Afghanistan than his political life. Ms. Payne’s class is interesting and exciting because we get to hear from all the big names in politics, and I hope we will be able to continue to meet more people.
By Lil' Kicker on March 5th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I think it is great what Representative Smith is doing for or country. He is protecting our country politically and physically. Being over in Afghanistan while in the military must be hard. One of my friends is over in Afghanistan and he has told me about near death experiences about him and his team. He is coming back in June and then he would have served his 18 months, I’m just glad he is coming home. So I believe that Representative Smith has been through a lot to just come back to America and carry on with a balanced normal life. I appreciate the fact that out of everything he has been through he came to visit us and talk to us about his experiences. Plus he got some political points across while he was here. I have learned a lot from my current issues class. I am more aware of what is going on in our state and in the country that I had no idea was happening.
By ErikaS. on March 5th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I appreciated Mr. Smith for taking time off and coming to visit Mrs. Payne’s class. His power point was enjoyed and everyone liked listening to his stories and learning culture about Afghanistan.
We’ve had many other visitors come and talk to our class. I personally enjoyed it a lot. It gives our class a view on what is going on in our state and allows us to understand how difficult their occupations are. Current issues is my favorite class and I’m so thankful we’ve been given the opportunity to interact with all these guest speakers.
By nightHAWK on March 5th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
He had some cool stories to tell the class about his time in Afghanistan.
We have had a lot of big name speakers to our class and I have learned a lot. One thing the speakers have all shared in common is how the state is struggling financially. When I go home I tell my mom about the speaker we had and she’s amazed that they take time to visit our school. These experiences will impact me the rest of my life!
By Samantha on March 5th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Rep James is a hero. I think war, being in the army, or even just seeing the poverty and problems in a third world country would be an amazing experience. You can tell in his words how much of an impact it had on his life, and to leave his family for such a long period of time is a sacrifice he was willing to make to serve our country. Thank you Mr. James Smith!
When Dr. Randy Thomas came to speak to our class he spoke of something I would never imagine happening – elder neglect/abuse. Hearing about how an elderly person was neglected by their own child is sad and many people don’t even know that it happens. He made me realize that I’m not aware of so many things in the world, and that I have a long time to learn about it all.
By Maranda on March 5th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
When Rep. James came to our school and visited Mrs. Payne’s class I really appreciated his visit and I am thankful that he served our country. He is TOTALLY our hero in my eyes. What has made this speaker much different from the others that I have enjoyed is that he talked about his army life more and that’s what made him stand out more than the others. They all seemed to talk about the negative things going on in the state. And something that I learned after his visit that I didn’t agree with is the fact that he has his children in a private school when he supports the public school system. Like Henry McMaster was talking about the prison system and how it was bad but I know for a fact that he hasn’t been in the system before. And I don’t think that he has the right to talk about something that he hasn’t experience. And from experience it is a bad place but it helps people change their way of life. But I liked his speech.
By Mary on March 5th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I appreciate the time James Smith took to come and talk to Ms. Payne’s class. I find it admirable that he’s taking time to spend with his family before running for the Governor. I also think that it’s cool that his choices of politicians represent different parties. He really told us what it was like in Afghanistan. A speaker that has impacted me the most would have to be Henry McMaster. He told us about the illegal dog fighting going on in the state and that really hit home with me. I hope that we can eventually solve this problem.
By Dillon! on March 5th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I appreciate Rep. Smith coming and visiting our class. He is really a true hero and I think him for protecting our country I respect him even though he said some things that I don’t totally agree on, however, he gave me another way to look at things.
One thing that I really learned from having all these great people is more on elder abuse. I want to think Dr. Randy Thomas. He taught me a lot when he came in to speak to us He is a consultant for the Justice Department and testifies to Congress on Elder Abuse. I really didn’t know that people would do that to their parents. I hope we can put a stop to it. But keep doing what you’re doing. Thanks.
By Furman on March 5th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
i unfortunatly couldnt attend this but i wish i could of though ms. paynes class got me into pollitics now when i see things on the news i understand them more than i used too and i know about the inner workings of south carolina politics
By Deana on March 5th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Ms. Payne has influenced me throughout High School by showing me leadership through the Interact club, and within the classroom. She does a lot of work with students, long hours afterschool and events during the weekends. She is the true public servant!
By Taylor on March 5th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Since 9th grade, Ms. Payne has been the best influence to everyone @ Dutch Fork High School. She has done a lot with Interact Club and with Alive @ 25. In addition, she has added Project Ready to her list. With all of these activities, she has been a good icon to the youth @ Dutch Fork High School.
-Taylor Ammermann
By Benton on March 5th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
although i didn’t have Ms. Payne as a teacher she has influenced me since 9th grade from interact club and alive at 25.
By An Ardent Admirer of Ms. Payne on March 5th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Wow. Yet again public education has been raised to another level by Ms. Payne. I know that the students appreciate the speakers who visit her class, even the not-so-notable ones who have just as much to share as the notable speakers. I think that I can now see a way for public education to be rescued in South Carolina. Clone Ms. Payne…..
By Michael on March 5th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Sic–so I guess your website traffic gets jacked up with all these high school kis coming to it—does Kelly Payne like require them to leave comments on your site as homework???
By Rebecca on March 5th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Michael,
This is our way of showing appreciation to the speakers who take the time to come to speak to us. It’s our choice to blog here. its called free-agency.
By BIN News Editorial Staff on March 5th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Another republicrat/demopublican showing “combat action” slides.
Yawn. Guys, pick one. Fight; or collect amazing pics and war stories to impress us here at home. Our BIN News funding editor has experience.
In Boston! She started out working in the “Combat Zone” as wait staff. She was so busy with her “action” that she did not have time to write a book or develop slide shows. Real soldiers are the same way.
Seriously, politicians who come home with slide shows were not really in combat. Real combat soldiers don’t have time to take pictures.
Real combat soldiers are too busy. Just like our funding editor in Boston.
By Boonehead on March 6th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Wow! I would like to thank him for visting our class that day. It was amazing to see him. He showed pictures and videos that most of the people who came did not. He made it really clear to us what was going over there in the middle east. He was honest and truthful to us. Now me being the student wish he would have talked more about the attacks they performed on the others. I enjoyed the visit hope you come back!
By Todd on March 6th, 2009 at 10:34 am
James Smith is a great guy. Period. Probably too nice of a guy to be in politics. BIN, just go away.
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on March 6th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
My point, med, is that he’s a snob who doesn’t want his precious lily-white children to go to school with commoners. Since he barely practices law, its obvious he funds his childrens’ elite schooling with family money and doesn’t need a voucher. And yet he would deprive others who are so well-heeled the same opportunity at an elite education by fighting vouchers, tax credits, and other mechanisms to put an elite private school within their grasp. I’m sure he’d be worried of the sorts that would drag Heathwood down if the schools’ doors were opened to the less fortunate.
By A Friend of a Friend on March 8th, 2009 at 8:51 am
This guy continuously impressed me with his positive attitude. I realize that it takes a lot of strength to survive through war, and that is not limited to the bloody aspects. This guy has seen people and circumstances that he will never witness in his life in America or will never forget for as long as he should live. It takes someone who has ACTUALLY been to war to validly have the credibility to talk about war from a personal standard. Also, each person’s views will be different. This is to be expected as each soldier will be stationed in a different place with different assignments. Therefore, BIN, you have absolutely no right to say who is a real combat soldier and who has not. Forget people you know or work with for a minute. Have YOU ever been to war? Do you know what it’s like? I didn’t think so. Go Rep. Smith and thank you for coming in to speak to our class!
By Dom on March 16th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
It is good to see as a former member of the interact club that both sides of the political parties are coming to share wit Ms. Payne’s classes. It is an opportunity to get involved and be able to voice there opinions.. Great job Ms. Payne and i love u
Dominique
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