Raids a bad look, Biggs contradicts, climate change resource | Letters
Immigration raids look bad
I am very concerned to see the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is now engaging in immigration enforcement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as occurred in Ladson recently. I have some questions:
• Was this plan approved by the Charleston County Council?
• What rules allow the sheriff to spend taxpayer dollars to enforce federal immigration laws?
• How much is it going to cost taxpayers going forward? And what budget areas (county or sheriff’s office) will be diminished without a tax increase?
• Does the County Council have any concerns about the sheriff’s office engaging in federal immigration enforcement? Who is going to train the deputies? How much will it cost, and how long will it take?
I think the recent operation in Ladson is a bad look for our county and the region as a whole. Highly publicized, military-style raids conducted by masked law enforcement on nightclubs stoke fear across the community, and surely will affect our tourist industry. I think these strategies can easily be a slippery slope and will quickly convey a message contrary to the welcoming message Charleston is known for.
County Council needs to look into how the sheriff’s office is spending our money and resources. Is it going to fight local crime or help the federal government deport our local workforce?
GUY VITETTA
Charleston
Biggs contradicts
U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs has advocated for lowering taxes. So, why did she recently essentially vote to raise them?
Her vote for the so-called Big Beautiful Bill includes a $250 annual fee on electric vehicle owners. Each year, gas-powered vehicle owners pay roughly $101 per year in gas taxes, based on the current annual average usage of 550 gallons of gasoline per vehicle.
Why should electric car owners pay twice as much as other vehicle owners? Biggs must remember that all drivers are her constituents.
Her vote also undermines South Carolina’s path toward energy independence. Solar and wind are now the cheapest ways to generate electricity. Repealing the energy tax credits makes it harder for South Carolinians to generate their own power. Biggs’ vote raises taxes, makes energy more expensive and takes away future jobs and manufacturing for South Carolina. For example, a battery plant outside of Florence, AESC, recently announced it is pausing construction due to “policy and market uncertainty.”
I hope U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott will be able to take care of us and keep the energy tax credits that help create affordable local energy and jobs — and not raise our taxes. We need our senators and representatives to think for themselves, not just bow to the choices of the current administration.
EUNICE LEHMACHER
Clemson
Climate change resource
I know that there are many skeptics when it comes to climate change. I believe this is partially due to the experts’ and scientists’ inability to present these very complex issues in terms that a layman can easily understand.
While I was watching the EarthX network not long ago, I discovered a new four-part series specifically made to overcome this problem. I watched the first two parts and they were amazing. I learned about many new climate issues and some innovative steps that are being taken to mitigate them.
The rapid onset of extreme weather and fires we are experiencing will worsen at a faster pace if nothing is done. These documentaries have been placed on YouTube and can be found if you search for “The Climate Restorers.” Please take the time to view them; it will be time well spent.
KENNETH GEORGE
Seneca
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