By FITSNews || Earlier this month, we editorialized in favor of eliminating funding for Clemson University’s Public Service Activities (PSA) division.
In case you missed that magnificent bit of taxpayer advocacy on our part, click here.
Our rationale for supporting PSA’s elimination is simple – it performs a non-essential function. On top of that, there are numerous other state agencies duplicating PSA’s non-essential “quality of life” research and support for the state’s agriculture industry (which, incidentally, has received more than $1.6 billion in taxpayer-funded subsidies over the past fifteen years).
And yet for some reason taxpayers are shelling out over $60 million a year to support PSA’s “work” – including a $242,732 annual salary for its director, John Kelly, who we’re told has a particularly cozy relationship with the University’s Board of Directors – and an expense account that would make a former Soviet minister blush.
But waste and cozy political relationships don’t stop at the top at PSA …
For starters, there’s Terry Hunter, the husband of powerful S.C. lawmaker Gilda Cobb-Hunter – a former House minority leader. Hunter currently serves as PSA’s program director for FACETS (Fine Arts Cultural Enrichment Teaching Studios) – a job that pays him $93,627 a year.
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably wondering what in the hell “fine arts” has to do with helping farmers.
Of course, you’re probably not wondering why Cobb-Hunter (and by extension the Legislative Black Caucus) has been one of PSA’s most ardent defenders in the S.C. General Assembly.
Anyway, Hunter works at PSA’s Sandhills Research and Education Center in Northeast Columbia, S.C. – a facility that is run by Dr. Paul (Mac) Horton.
How much does Horton make?
We don’t know, because he’s not classified as a full-time employee – and as a result he isn’t listed on the state’s salary database. Horton’s assistant director, however, is listed as a full-time employee with an annual salary of $100,631.
Another example of questionable employment by PSA involves Laurie Lawson, who has no official position at Clemson but has been on the payroll as a “temporary employee” for the last eight years. Hired in January of 2002, his title is Assistant to the Vice President of PSA, for which he receives $50,000 a year.
Sources tell FITS that this money is for undisclosed lobbying activities.
Lawson is the patriarch of Lawson Farms, an enterprise that owns and operates a 2,400-acre farm near Darlington. Lawson was appointed by the Obama administration as the South Carolina state executive director for the Farm Service Agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture last November. He also served as state executive director during the Clinton administration.
Clemson also reportedly pays over $50,000 a year for a full-time lawyer at PSA, even though the University has its own legal staff as part of its ever-expanding bureaucracy. Incidentally, the brother of Clemson’s top lawyer – Clay Steadman – is also said to have a $70,000 a year job with PSA.
Much of this information was provided to the S.C. Legislative Audit Council earlier this year in an effort to have the agency conduct an independent review of PSA’s finances. That didn’t happen, however, as Clemson mounted a furious lobbying effort to block the inquiry.
We obviously support an audit, but let’s be honest – it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what’s going on here.
This is a non-essential government agency paying big bucks to a bunch of career bureaucrats to perform a bunch of non-essential functions.
That’s why it is one of many S.C. government agencies that should get the axe … with the savings rebated to the taxpayers, of course.
WEB EXTRA
Information on PSA Provided To S.C. Legislative Audit Council
By CNSYD July 28, 2010 at 12:11 pm
FITS, are you aware of WHERE PSA’s funding comes from? Have you separated those exapenses and salaries paid by federal funds from those paid by state funds? Again you REFUSE to address the big picture. That is, what federal mandate, i.e. law, REQUIRES land grant schools to perform PSA functions? I know you have a hard time with facts as it messes up your “story” but at least try. I guess this will be your new vendetta as your boy Troutman got his ass handed to him by Judge Perry.
By No Name July 28, 2010 at 2:42 pm
And the Clemson mafia rears it orange and white head.
On another note….these types of exposures and then requisite responces from the vested interests involved or entrapped….are really the key to what is wrong with our country.
The people that orchestrate these grand schemes….. that deliver jobs and security to relatives or friends …..with money they gain from taxing citizens….. do not see this as corrupt thievery.
They see it as enterprise….and exposing it as wrong…..they just do not get it…..they see it as….well a right….a right earned by navigating the political waters of election or appointment.
They see this as reward for hard work.
Real work and real enterprise is hard….not everyone can do it and even doing it well is hard.
It is much easier to be granted access to large sums of deployable tax money …..often directed by folks that themselves are being fed by tax money…. to build larger empires and more insolation for this tax funded way of life.
State College Educrats are prime examples of this Tax funded corrupt crat unionism…Legicrats in return get children in when others can not.
It is as simple as that….exposure threatens a way of life …a livelihood….and the end result of this exposure can be getting thrown back into real life….real work…..and now in the middle of a fucking depression.
So as each exposure of this type of shit sickens you and as you say it has to end…..remember that they are fighting for life itself.
I find some of this kind of creative and remarkably insidious…….Gilda’s old man getting some is a trip and what happens when Nuckie gets in the Mansion…she is a Tiger after all.
Meanwhile….I have this Poison Ivey infestation next to a Japanese Wasp nest that is preventing me from getting to my rain barrel.
By CNSYD July 28, 2010 at 4:32 pm
No Name, I am afraid I don’t know what a “reponce” is. Is that some sort of alternative spelling? How many years has it taken you to come to the realization that who you know in whatever endeavor is the key? This did not just start in the 21st century. Also, Clemson’s PSA may be able to assist you with your rain barrel problem. You just need to explain what you mean by “ivey”.
By Soft Sigh from Hell July 28, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I am astounded that the Sandhills Station even has a director or assistant director any more. That station is doing next to nothing now. I see a few peaches being grown in one corner as continuing research on rootstocks but that is research by professors who work at Clemson proper. Unbelievable.
By CNSYD July 28, 2010 at 6:28 pm
No Name, Don’t forget that Shaheen is a Clemson grad also.
By Quiet Voice of Reason July 28, 2010 at 8:00 pm
If you’ll go into whatever records still exist, you will find that many Clemson employees were moved into PSA early in the Barker administration to hide some of these payoffs for favors. So yes, it is definitely part of the Clemson Mafia at work.
Go a little deeper, though, and you’ll find that many of our state lawmakers enjoy giving money to PSA to fund special projects (oh, like the HUNLEY) to the tune of millions each year. It’s a great place to park a few below the line millions if you have someone who needs a job.
That said, all the manipulation by the senior administration does a serious disservice to the many PSA employees who are dedicated to that long-forgotten phrase of “Public Service” — forgotten since about 2001. There are multiple PSA workers making below $50,000 to make the state a better place. Try not to forget those people.
An audit would be a good thing, but David Wilkins called in lots of favors to get it delayed or perhaps cancelled. Why do you think he was named Chairman of the Board?
By CUPROF July 28, 2010 at 9:23 pm
South Carolina tax payers are getting exactly what they deserve. Gene Troutman attempted to make the public aware of financial waste and salary abuse at Clemson, and he received no support despite producing overwhelming documentation. The apathy of the public is why Barker hired his son, why Joe Swann got his daughter hired, etc. If you choose to turn your back on whistleblowers, you forfeit your right to complain. Period.
By conservative republican July 29, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Will,
This is huge, and you’re hot on the trail friend. Not only are state and federal tax dollars wasted here, but the student tuition, as you well know, has shyrocked at Clemson and across the state. DON’T BACK OFF! KEEP DIGGING!
By the way, where is Gene Troutman?
By CNSYD July 29, 2010 at 5:32 pm
CUPROF, give it up. Judge Perry cut Troutman off at the knees. Oh I am sure Perry was on the take according to you. If there is so much “overwhelming” evidence why hasn’t either the SC Attorney General and/or the Federal DOJ gotten involved? Could it be because there is no evidence much less “overwhelming evidence”? I read where Troutman may now consider a suit against the former Chair of the BoT. I am sure some trial lawyer will be glad to bleed Troutman dry. BTW, the former Chair of the BoT has enough personal money to outspend Troutman without breaking a sweat. Sorry but that is how our legal system works. Money talks and bullshit walks.
By anothersadtiger July 29, 2010 at 5:49 pm
CNSYD – or what ever part of the Barker gang of thieves and molesters of the South Carolina taxpayers you belong to – it’s a shame for people like Barker, Sams, Kelly, Steadman, Helms and the other underhanded blood suckers can just keep on stealing, raping and pillaging the honest taxpayers of South CArolina with their selfish, inbred, stinking robbery w/o a gun. Just killing the honest people with lies,cover ups and now, hiding behind the skirt of the State of South Carolina.
It’s sickening, you are sickening – you are sick – no, you have to be a real contributing part of that bunch of back stabbing bunch that have enough money behind you to beat the system and laugh at the working people who suffer as a result.
By CUPROF July 29, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I will not give it up, you imbecilic clown. I have witnessed the corruption first hand and do not need to convince you of anything. Troutman lost because Perry flipped and decided Clemson was an entity of the state. It had nothing to do with the credibility of the evidence Troutman produced — and hopefully will continue to produce.
By CNSYD July 29, 2010 at 7:11 pm
anothersadtiger, if all that you say was truth in lieu of fable, then march yourself down to the DOJ or OCR or whatever Federal agency is appropriate and give them all your EVIDENCE. You do have verified evidence don’t you? Surely you wouldn’t be just repeating water cooler gossip, complaints of disgruntled employees (past or present), etc. Have you gone to see Bob Arial the Solicitor for the 13th District and presented him with all your evidence of “the Barker gang of thieves and molesters of the South Carolina taxpayers”. You haven’t? Why is that? Is it because you have no evidence?
By anothersadtiger July 29, 2010 at 8:31 pm
CYSND – you are sick and undoubtedly on the take from that nauseous group that you seem to a part of the coverup that they continue to use to hide from the good people of South Carolina. CUPROF is there and on the right side – that is the truth – not some garbage from the smelly side of the ever downward spiralling Adminstration that has taken the heart and soul out of Clemson University as it is very apparent that you are! Do you chase Girls down the halls of PSA with John Kelly’s associates over there? Call, he thinks that’s a legitimate sport at Clemson.
By CNSYD July 29, 2010 at 9:10 pm
anothersadtiger, I wouldn’t know John Kelly if I tripped over him. As being on the “take”, what does that mean? I have never received dollar one from Clemson’s administration or BoT. I just think you are attacking them based on hearsay and NOT from first hand knowledge. That is why you hide on this web site as you don’t want anyone coming after you for libel. Once again, if you have PROOF of your allegations then submit it to judicial authorities. Since you have not done so, then that speaks volumes to the veracity of your allegations.
By CNSYD July 29, 2010 at 9:23 pm
CUPROF, more sound and fury signifying nothing. If you have this alleged first hand knowledge, why have you not been to the appropriate authorities? The only explanation is that you DON’T have it. You also want to hide behind a pen name on a blog. What are you afraid of if your “evidence” is so factual and strong? Troutman can run his mouth all he wants to but it will avail him nothing. However if he is not careful, he will find out that some of the BoT members who he has been slandering have sharp teeth. He has shot himself in the foot. Who the hell does he think would hire him now? So climb back into your ivory tower. You know you can’t play the big boy games in the business world.
By Quiet Voice of Reason July 29, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Thing is — what is illegal? Is it illegal to hire someone’s relative? Is it illegal to give raises to people? Even a legislative audit might only find what I think are called “Accounting irregularities.” It’s amazing how much money one can hide in foundations, institutes, ICAR….. And if you complain, well, you’re just not loyal.
That’s the problem in this state — a complete and total lack of accountability. The Mafia has enough legal counsel to know which line is where in the law books. And who’s going to do it? McConnell is in too deep with Clemson; Harrell in too deep with USC; Leatherman with Francis Marion. Why blow the whistle when your favorite troubled relative may need a job one day? It’s not illegal — just wrong.
By CNSYD July 29, 2010 at 10:16 pm
QVofR, and how is SC different from any other state in the union. Want to compare us to say Illinois, New York, etc. Doesn’t make it “right”, it just means we are not unique.
By CUPROF July 29, 2010 at 10:34 pm
There is certainly an utter lack of accountability in the state. People cannot accept that reality, though, because it treats them as infants in need of adult supervision. Therefore, while many public officials in South Carolina are as corrupt as can be, and many people know this, large numbers of South Carolinians nevertheless shout back, “Well, they’re OUR corrupt politicians, and we think they’re good enough!” The state never grows, and parasitic behavior is tolerated in the name of words like “pride” and “loyalty.” At this point, there is simply not a large enough contingent of people who are willing to kick the corrupt to the curb.
By CNSYD July 30, 2010 at 10:17 am
CUPROF, interesting thoughts from one who feeds at the public trough. However, since it pains you so to be in this state and in particular to be employed at such a corrupt institution, I have a thought for you. LEAVE. Get the hell out, do not pass go and do not collect $200. I doubt you will as you enjoy taxpayer’s money paying you and you not having to show a profit.
By anothersadtiger July 30, 2010 at 10:49 am
Dear CNSYD Steadman-Barker,
Oh, if you aren’t John Kelly, you will recognize him easily from his Mug Shot – looks a little disheveled – bleary eyed – and bloodshot eyes – shortly after being arrested for DUI in a fine automobile that we taxpayers furnished him to drive to parties. Funny, tho’, no penalties for the old boy – at the same time he was dishing out reprimands to employees who had been reported by a concerned citizen because they thought they saw them throw trash out of car into a fast food parking lot. Well, he is a strong disciplinarian isn’t he. For that bit of heroics, he received a substantial raise in pay just a few weeks afterwards?? But, I’m sure you are well aware of all that!! Being a staunch supporter of this fine Adminstration who has berated their employees, threated them with their jobs if they complain, taken young ladies into closed rooms with several “executives” – shouted, cursed and threatened them because they tried to proect themselves from the sexual abuse that has been sanction by the President of the University. Troutman had nerve enough to disclose the truth and stand up – Because the Million Dollars of taxpayer money was dolled out to some high priced lawers and the Administration found their only hiding place – under the skirt of the State immunity to be sued -we know that has only covered the unfair, greedy, self centered, egotistical actions that have been the mainstay of our Clemson Adminstration. Carry on CNSYD – we are all sure that you are in line for a Dori Helms type reward and perhaps a large bonus for being a loyal subject.
By CUPROF July 30, 2010 at 11:07 am
CNSYD, You sound like a man who missed his favorite Civil War Re-enactment. Take it easy. There will be another one next year.
By anothersadtiger July 30, 2010 at 11:54 am
CNSYD – Must be nice to be as cute as you and safe in the arms of the Administration securely under the skirt of the State’s self protection laws !! Be careful, self contracted illness is just as contagious as those you accidentally encounter. Hang around a bunch of totally selfish, self absorbed people who prey on the not so well “protected” and, as it is showing, you will become infected with the same case of “whatever it takes to line your pockets”.
By CNSYD July 30, 2010 at 12:05 pm
CUPROF, no I am just concerned for you and all your suffering. I hate to see you saddled to such a hell hole as you paint Clemson to be. So, since Clemson was there long before you and will be there long after you are gone, why don’t you do yourself a favor and leave. What’s that? No one wants you? Imagine that.
By CNSYD July 30, 2010 at 12:22 pm
anothersadtiger, add Steadman and Helms to the list of people I would not know if I tripped over them. You have made, however, a huge discovery. Mug shots are not glamor shots. WOW! that is news. IRT the alleged drunk driving arrest. In what SC county did this occur? I did not find it in the 13th district data base. You have seen these employees you mention personnel files? You can verify that the reprimands were given out and they were for the offense you described? Is that correct? If not, it is just more of your hearsay. IRT whatever pay raise Kelly received, you have also viewed his personnel file and it states a direct linkage to the handing out of reprimands? Is that also correct? Or is it more of your hearsay? IRT your allegations of sexual abuse. You witnessed this, is that correct? You personally heard Barker say that he sanctions that activity. Again is that correct? If not, then you are back with more of your hearsay again. Come back when you have PROOF that will stand up in court. Troutman was/is just a spoiled brat who got on the wrong side of the people who hired him. Namely the BoT. He thought he could just throw out a lot of mud and some would stick and he would get a nice payday. Well he was wrong. Judge Perry showed him he could not blackmail the state of SC. Troutman will slink away into the night. Perhaps you should follow him.
By CNSYD July 30, 2010 at 12:26 pm
anothersadtiger, PLEASE tell me where the bank account is that the administration is using to line my pockets. I can’t seem to locate it. No envelopes with cash have come my way. No checks in the mail. Where is all this money? I have written many checks to Clemson over the last 47 years and they have written exactly zero to me.
By Soft Sigh from Hell July 30, 2010 at 7:13 pm
“There is certainly an utter lack of accountability in the state. . . . The state never grows, and parasitic behavior is tolerated in the name of words like “pride” and “loyalty.” At this point, there is simply not a large enough contingent of people who are willing to kick the corrupt to the curb.”
It’s not just Clemson. It is Clemson acting like a state agency rather than as a university. PSA specifically more or less really is an agency. What you describe is, for instance, DHEC as well, and explains the continuing and covered up pollution by favored entities or at places where DHEC botched it up and wants no attention. The lack of an effective environmental contingent in the state greatly helps to allow this to go on. No one looks for it. It is characteristic of other agencies too, as we have seen in recent news. Social Services and Employment Security for prime examples. If there were groups that really wanted SC to run better and to that end were looking deeper, we would see such problems in many places I suspect. There is not even any place for exasperated dedicated employees to whistleblow though(at bare minimum there should be a net message board for this, but preferably an investigator). As much as I love them I have to admit, taken en masse South Carolinians don’t much care. They don’t care enough to do, or even to demand something. We are not on the bottom by unlucky accident.
By anothersadtiger July 30, 2010 at 7:17 pm
CNSYD Uh Oh – seems I’ve struck a nerve to a button on one of Barker’s boys!! CNSYD, thou protests too much!! Yep, nothing better than have the only truth sayers leave and never be heard from again. That’s what’s kept this Adminstration in Power. You are either paid by them or just too star struck by the smooth talking academia mafia!!
By CNSYD July 30, 2010 at 7:55 pm
anothersadtiger, it is amazing how wrong you are! Is it it a “protest” to ask you to PROVE your shotgun allegations? Since you refuse to do that I am convinced you have none. Why you would continue to put your hand on a hot stove and suffer defies description. That is why I suggest that you two (what a vast majority) of bitchers just take yourself and you unproven allegations to some other locale. You know the old saying, put up or shut up. I am waiting.
By CUPROF July 30, 2010 at 9:40 pm
As you say, there is really no one to blow the whistle to. If no one cares that Clemson administrators spend hundreds of thousands of dollars — even millions — figuring out how far they push the envelope, then they will continue to do so. One of the particularly destructive results is the pervasive presence of “interim” administrators at the college and department levels. The university never really arrives anywhere; it just keeps putting patches over failed hires. Imagine being an accomplished academic and having to work for university administrators who are not qualified to run a high school. People either depart or prepare to depart. I think the university even stopped doing exit interviews, as those exiting ripped into the place at levels that offended the Sikes Hall crowd. Why expose yourself to reality when you can live in a fantasy world?
By anothersadtiger July 30, 2010 at 9:50 pm
CNSYD — Got up on your little high horse, eh?? Or just think that enough of the age old – Show me the blood and fingerprints – and calling everyone that tells the truth about Barker and his partners are “disgruntled” employees. Hey, I’m not am employee but, I’m sure as hell, disgruntled. I disgruntled about all your cousins, daddy, uncles and business partners that are taking Clemson a long road to complete shame. Collectyour money, live high off the working folks of South Carolina and Clemson University! It’ll come out some day – the shame that you and your group brought will blow up in your smug faces – Troutman may continue but, the high paid Clemson hired legal thugs got to Judge Perry – but, there’ll be other brave souls that will continue this fight to restore some respectability to Clemson again.
By CNSYD July 30, 2010 at 10:31 pm
CUPROF, based on your comments it is evident that you place yourself in the “accomplished academic” category. Must be nice to be a legend in your own mind.
By CNSYD July 30, 2010 at 10:46 pm
anothersadtiger, interesting fantasy world you live in. A senior federal judge was “gotten to by hired legal thugs”. I KNOW you must have proof of that or else you are comitting libel. I have already asked you where I am to collect all this money. PLEASE tell me. So far none has come my way. All these “brave souls” you speak of, where are they hiding and why have they not come forth? Could it be that their “bravery” is blunted by their lack of evidence as all they seem to do is repeat water cooler gossip?
By anothersadtiger July 31, 2010 at 10:16 am
CNSYD Sams,
Your public relations campaign for this Administration is way beyond belief. Judge Perry made a tremendous backward flip – somebody, if not the legal thugs, perhaps another facet of the CU Administration Gang had to have influenced this or directed this change. The “brave souls” of whom I speak are employees of Clemson University, those who have been sexually harrassed and suffered severe retalliation after complaining (yes, I have first hand knowledge) tried but were given no support from the HR, Access and Equity, the “terrible misnamed” neutral party who is there to represent no particular interests but, offers advice like “you are getting these people mad, don’t you think it’s best just to quite and go away. There’s nothing to be done about it, you’ll just suffer more and more. Find a job somewhere elese”, those who have not received a merit increase (all of the salaried employees except the favored friends, relatives and political allies of Mr. Barker) in 6 to 10 years (yes, I have first hand knowledge)while Mr. Barkers suckup buddies have been “awarded” hundreds of thousands of dollars in what can only be payment for keeping the cover up alive, thoses who have been bullied by managers, cursed and taunted (yes, I have first hand knowledge) but, have no one to go to – their Boss laughs, HR says ” we can’t do anything about it and they will just make it harder on you if we investigate” – these people have called and written to Mr. Barker – to get NO responce, he hands it off to HR who gives the same “they’ll be even worse to you if we investigate” and copies Mr. Steadman to intimidate further. These people have their livelihood in their job, as bad as it is, they cannot fight the the “take all and give nothing” mentality of Mr. BArker and his close friends. Yes, you can sit comfortably outside, glowing in your self absorbed righteousness, quoting the many other that have done the same thing – why don’t they just go to the EEO, why don’t they go to the Law, why don’t they fight – Mr. Troutman tried to fight, had some resources and a fine attorney – finnally lost to an archaic low that says he can’t sue the State and Clemson chose to bravely hide under the State’s pettycoat – admit there are many unansered questions but, saying we paid Millions of the taxpayer money so we wouldn’t have to answer. As a Clemson alumna, it’s nauseating – as a taxpaying Citizen it’s sickening – But, as long as “they” have ardent, not involved, non vested and either not knowledgeable of the travesty that has been going on at Clemson, are just totally mesmorized by the total falsehoods that Barker and his group hand out constantly or, perhaps, are very vested in the well being of the current state of affairs, are out there, disregarding the mistreatment of employees and abusing the taxpayers of South Carolina, unfortunately, it will continue.
By CNSYD July 31, 2010 at 11:37 am
anothersadtiger, first hand knowledge does not mean you have heard first hand someone bitching. Were you an EYEWITNESS to any or all of the events you have described? If the answer is yes, why have you not gone to Bob Arial, SLED, the Federal OCR, etc.? Why do you think you can make something happen by hiding behind a pen name on a blog that touts itself as unfair, imbalanced, etc? You might as well scribble your complaints on a rest room wall. BTW, who is Sams?
By anothersadtiger July 31, 2010 at 9:29 pm
CNSYD – Oh, I thought you were Sams. Nope, fortunately, I did not eye witness but, my knowledge does not come from someone bitching – well, no that’s not true – my knowledge comes from more than one person, yes they were “bitching” but, not for the hell of it. All, I do know the facts of there harrowing experiences with some of our fine Clemson Execs – they tried in every way to report, plea for help from the the “gentlemen” of the Clemson Administration. I’ve quoted their reponses = Barker did not even give the courtesy of a response with his reponsible open door policy (mostly to anyone who is going to give him a dollar with having to work for it) sloughed it off to a couple of his Henchmen who occupy the Director of Access and equity, the HR and the General Counsel positions, and they threatened, harassed and made life miserable for the employees.
Sport, if you can’t understand that at this point of your life, hang on – you’ll likely have a chance = a sisterm Mom, wife or girlfriend may just be propsitioned, handled/groped, intimidated, bartered with for her career or physically taken advantage of = you may then have to go through trying to get through the Clemson protctive circle and have a chance to fight a losing battle where your friend has to either take it or be out of their job and you can’t do a damn thing about it but, listen to someone named CNSYD and other blind to reality simpletons out there preach the virtues of the Clemson Administration. Or, maybe you are kathy Sams and already make more monet than you should as the mouthpiece for that skanky group.
By CNSYD August 1, 2010 at 8:55 am
anothersadtiger, well now that you have identified who Sams is, I am amazed (not really) at your total lack of understanding of her job. She is no different than Gibbs at the White House or what Sic Willie used to do for Sanfraud. It is their JOB to paint everything in the best light. Were you just born yesterday? I have not given the administration a pass on anything. All I have said is that if there is PROOF, present it to the proper authorities. If a crime was committed then contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. The “victims” could also seek relief in civil court. But they better be prepared to have rock solid proof as the burden of proof will be on them as it is in civil matters. Saying “they are scared” comes across to me as someone who does not have proof on their side. I also believe that if this “mountain of evidence”, if it exists, would not be ignored by the BoT. You can contact any of them directly.
By anothersadtiger August 1, 2010 at 5:50 pm
CNSYD – UH, OH – I’ve gone and got your little tiney brain cell beyond its capacity once again. You and I both know that I know and understand Cathy’s (or perhaps, your) job. If you can’t fight common sense, throw in some diversionary crap. “if you’ve been done wrong, go to the courts, go to the politicians, if you’re in the right, you will prevail”. Well Sport, it doesn’t work that perfectly in most industries and it certainly doesn’t work that way at Clemson. ONe of your phrases is “cut Troutman off at the legs” – while not an accurate statement as the only thing that saved the Administration on that one is unlimited resources, a large suppoly of Clmson University bought legal expertise and cowardly sneaking behind the apron of the the State’s protection. The young, lower level, female Clemson employee does not have the resources or the expertise to fight when the odds are so much against her. The HR, Access and Equity, their Dept Heads turned their back and would only advise to leave or be in big trouble, Even the Ombudsman, a ???? neutral entity, only repeated the advice from the Administration, leave, you’ll be better off, don’t upset them because they will make more trouble for you. Get out and go somewhere else. AS stated, the rich and powerful President didn’t give a courtesy of a response, simply called Clay Steadman and the HR and tell them to make it “go away”.
If you are truly sitting that most idealistic of all places, with the soft light of totally trust shining over the Clemson Administration, but, with full knowledge (or belief) that if you are an employee of our University and, the slight chance that you could molested, intimidated, harassed, sexually abused and humiliated does happen – you would just call the Administration on it or, in that wild thought that they would ignore your pelas for help, you could seek justice elsewhere – you would then have your day in court and live a happy non discriminated, sexually harassed, fair and secure life in a growing career at Clemson – well, jsut can’t say enough words to get you out of your complacency and euphoria. Have peace in your naive world of fantasy.
By CNSYD August 1, 2010 at 6:49 pm
anothersadtiger, speaking of diversions. You are nuts if you don’t think a trial lawyer would salivate at the thought of suing a deep pocket entity or individual for the actions you allege. So why hasn’t it happened? That is the question. Don’t give me the “fear” angle. The only fear they should have is the fear that it would be proven that they are lying. A trial lawyer would just love for the entity and/or individual to take adverse action aginst their client. They would picture nothing but dollar signs. Did big tobacco scare Ron Motley? How about Saudi Arabia? How do you think he bought that huge house on Kiawah? I still maintain that members of the BoT would be interested in FACTUAL information if provided. I have known them to be on issues in the past. Do you think some past Presidents just all of a sudden decided to leave Clemson on their own? Just because the BoT handles things behind closed doors does not mean they don’t take care of REAL problems.
By anothersadtiger August 2, 2010 at 8:32 am
Well CNSYD – I’ll leave you on top your white horse oblivious of the issues of the small folks at Clemson. Thesepeople who get harassed, abused and bullied everyday are clerical, entry level trying to hold on to their jobs to be able to pay thier mortgage and food bills. They have neither the money or the will to go find one of the salivating lawyers. I’m giving you what is fact. I have the mug shots of John Kelly. I know the people personally that have had their early careers ruined by these less that human acts that have been taken against them. You can maintain all you want. You’re either deeply entrenched in it yourself, have a vested interest or just oblivious to the truth. Either way, as I’ve said before, you may be lucky and never have the experience or your Mom, Sister, Wife, Girlfriend or acquaintance could be caught in one of these ugly situations – you will finally comprehend and understand the naive position that you are apparently in – OR, you are so close and so far some Clemson Adminstrators Butt, you don’t want to see the truth – might lose a meal ticket. Either way, it’s a pity that our University is in the hands of this ego, greed driven bunch – We can only hope that some gallant and powerful people will step up, expose and get them out. Have fun in that beautifuly place that you’ve managed to work your way into.
By CNSYD August 2, 2010 at 10:29 am
anothersadtiger, trial lawyers do not charge until they win. So your no money excuse doesn’t cut it. Any trial lawyer will listen to you for free and decide if what you have can be pursued. Since you have implied that there are legions of these abused people. I find it hard to believe that not one of them hasn’t since left university employment and therefore all this “fear” you speak about no longer exists. You never did tell me what SC county that Kelly allegedly committed a crime in as I can’t find him in the 13th district data base. More fantasy? Where is my meal ticket? I am still waiting and it is almost lunch time.
By CRay Mathews January 5, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Happy New Year,
So after reading all of these crazy Clemson University PSA incomes, now it’s got me wondering how much they pay their regular auditors that are there on a full time basis every week …. is it $50k a year with full benefits, $100k with full benefits.?
By CRay Mathews January 6, 2011 at 7:37 pm
….. For example, what does the average ho-hum average CPA make in the accounting department make at Clemson for his 5 days.??
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