“DON’T SPEAK …”
Members of the S.C. House of Representatives say they want real “ethics reform” this year.
We’ll believe that when we see it …
South Carolina is home to the least ethical state government in America, people … and under the “Republican” rule of Gov. Nikki Haley, House Speaker Bobby Harrell and S.C. Senate finance chairman Hugh Leatherman things have gotten worse, not better.
Don’t believe us? Click HERE, HERE and HERE to learn a little more about those three ethically challenged “leaders.”
And we’re supposed to believe these people are going to start effectively policing themselves?
Yeah … as if.
Anyway, as part of the House’s big “ethics reform” push this year, members are trying to sneak in a provision that would ban certain types of political speech – including legitimate criticism of their self-serving corruption. Specifically, they are hoping to force independent expenditure groups to disclose their donors – while broadly expanding the definition of “political speech” itself.
According to one section of the proposed ethics law, “any person making an electioneering communication within (thirty) days before an election must file a report detailing the communication with the State Ethics Commission within (forty-eight) hours.”
Huh?
“Any person?”
The new law would seek to define “electioneering communication” as any sort of “mass communication.” It specifically references television commercials or postal mailings as examples – but clearly the term “mass communication” is open to interpretation. Maybe a mass email fits the bill? Maybe a guy standing on a street corner with a megaphone?
Bottom line is it’s up to them to decide if your views should be regulated …
We object to this deliberately vague language – which is clearly more about shielding elected officials from criticism than it is promoting “transparency” in politics.
18 comments
Aw, Howie Rich has got his panties in a wad! Billy Folks needs to wipe his mouth after he services Howie and the Koch boys. Full disclosure is the best disinfectant for these plutocrats!
I agree, so tell us your name.
My last political contribution was to Jim Harrison. My name, address, and occupation were all listed publicly. Unlike y’alls, asshats. And unlike Howie Rich or the Kochs who try to hide their identity from the public using shell LLCs and astroturf front groups.
Great! Tell us your name.
It’s all there, asshat #1. Check out Jim Harrison’s campaign contributions list and you’ll find my name, address, and occupation. Your occupation, obviously, is internet troll, and defender of the 1% who wish to hide their contributions.
Yep. It is true. I have to put my name on any donation I make. While end runs around the rules are common with big business. Money is power, and power corrupts when unrestrained.
a shadow will appear out of no where when you least expect it, and punch you in the face. And you deserve it, you pussy ass punk bitch coward.
Not good to make threats like a twelve-year-old.
Walk the talk, numbnuts. Disclose your real name.
If you believe they want real ethics, I have a very nice bridge between Columbia and West Columbia for sale. It would be a great investment and I will entertain any offer!
Gestapo Tactics!
Attempts?
Can anyone say anything about political corruption and get traction in South Carolina?
I see they have also raised their salaries, in the State budget!
None should get reelected.
A part time, 3 day a week, 6 months out of the year!
In County expenses? They know when they run!n If they are not happy with it QUIT running for the office! Don’t ask for more of my tax dollars for your idiocy!!!!!!!!!!!
It would also help, if the corruption laws were few, easily understood, and universally applicable.
You’ll have better luck hoping that Jesus makes his return in the next few years.
Mr. Samuel Clemens wrote, “Blessed is he who expecteth nothing, for he shall enjoy everything.”
We won’t have ethics reform until legiislators’ actions are reviewed by non-legislators-as is done in nearly all other staes. Some claim this is impossible in South Carolina because it would require a change in the state constitution. Yet Bobby Harrell got over 80 signitures on a bill to change the constitution to protect HIM
from ethics scrutiny. True ethics reform can be done. It must be done. Period.
How about when corruption is suspected, a legitimate investigation takes place and if corruption is proven then the corrupt is immediately dismissed from all duties. Do not pass go, do not collect a handsome exit package, JUST GO AWAY.