The Opinion Blog

Raid on Tokyo Cheered U.S. Early in WWII

Thursday’s editorial is a little different, a reminder of the feat of bravery and courage that took place 71 years ago today by U.S. bombers in World War II:

The mission was top secret, and during their training in Florida and South Carolina, the Army Air Corps pilots were ordered not even to discuss among themselves their guesses about the mission. Their leader, James H. Doolittle, again told them they could drop out “for whatever reason and nothing would ever be said about it.” No one left.

More Publicity Than Public Concern

 

AP photo

Is there any purpose left to Lindsey Graham’s continued and now-obstructive alarm calls about Benghazi other than energizing his base and raising his profile ahead of next year’s election? We don’t think so:

 

Dead horse, meet S.C. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Clearly, a number of things went horribly wrong at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 11, 2012. Four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were killed in a pair of terrorist attacks on U.S. compounds.

A Good Day to Thank a Vet

On the anniversary of the Iwo Jima invasion, how about thanking a vet?

Sixty-eight years ago today, the first of what would be more than 70,000 Marines poured ashore on Iwo Jima, a Pacific island held by a fortified Japanese force determined to keep it or die trying.

Four days later, already having suffered heavy losses in a battle that would not be over for more than a month, U.S. forces raised the flag on Mount Suribachi in a moment that would capture American grit and become a patriotic icon that still resonates.

Without Great Choice for President, It's Obama

Sunday’s editorial offers the editorial board’s thoughts on the presidential election:

Few things about this presidential election have lent themselves to unambiguous, clear decisions, despite what the campaigns and their diehard supporters might like us to believe. Neither of the major candidates is a miraculous savior or unmitigated fiend. Both stand before U.S. voters with significant high and low points, and nobody has managed to leap to the fore as the obviously better choice.

For proof, you need look no further than the latest polling data. We give our fellow Americans credit for being fairly smart and invested in the future of this nation, and as such, if the decision on picking our next leader were an easy one, we wouldn’t be coming down to the wire with two candidates that are still neck and neck.

Toward a More Refined Society



Thursday’s editorial addresses the state’s controversial new immigration law, which was in court this week, and will be again later this month.

Presented with the task of forging a viable law, U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel has fired up his furnace.

Gergel, who plans to rule by Dec. 31 on South Carolina’s illegal immigration law, is now tasked with refining that law, taking out bits here, perhaps polishing something else there, tweaking it so that it not only fulfills its function but fits in with the rest of our state and our nation’s many rules.

Remember Pearl Harbor



Wednesday’s editorial reminds us of the sacrifice and heroism 70 years ago at Pearl Harbor:

Dick Girocco, 90, a volunteer at the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is often asked by visitors what he remembers about the Japanese attack, 70 years ago today, that thrust the United States into World War II. His response: “The noise. What I remember is the noise.”

Not far from Hangar 79, where Girocco is a volunteer, he saw a bomb drop from an olive-green dive bomber on Dec. 7, 1941. He first thought the planes buzzing Naval Station Ford Island, where he was in a squadron of PBY Catalina flying boats, were U.S. Army planes. He is one of about 3,000 members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Girocco is one of the survivors featured in the current issue of The American Legion Magazine.

A Debt of Gratitude



Thursday’s second editorial thanks our veterans for their service and urges readers to remember their sacrifices today:

 

Ninety-two years ago today, at 11 a.m., the bullets stopped flying in the worst war the world had seen. The treaty to end World War I was still seven months away, but the armistice to end hostilities went into effect Nov. 11, 1918.

Survival Story for All Ages

Wednesday’s editorial describes the value of hearing about the tragedies in the Holocaust (followed by a note of appreciation for this year’s record-setting blood drive).

During the release of several motion pictures about the Holocaust in 2009, film critic A.O. Scott wrote that while some moviegoers might turn away from such stories, there really cannot be too many films on the subject. Holocaust survivor Joe Engel of Charleston adamantly agrees. Here is what he told seventh graders at Waccamaw Middle School the other day: ``A lot of books have been written about it. A lot of movies have been made about it but nothing came close enough. What’s been going on in Auschwitz-Birkenau, it’s impossible to believe it. Whoever was not there cannot imagine. Today we must still witness for them.’’

A Timely Caveat on Giving

Wednesday’s editorial encourages readers to use caution choosing charitable organizations as they donate to relief efforts in Haiti.

Grand Strand residents, like Americans across the country and people around the globe, are responding with compassion and generosity to the heart-tugging situation in Haiti where help is beginning to reach victims of a devastating earthquake. As folks respond, S.C. Secretary of State Mark Hammond offers some timely advice: reach out wisely, especially if an organization new to you asks for money.

Terrific Response in Area

Tuesday’s editorial highlights the work of local groups responding to the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Barefoot Church in North Myrtle Beach and the area chapter of the American Red Cross are seeing the tremendous heart of Grand Strand residents in their response to the calamitous situation in Haiti, where an epic earthquake has left the poor nation in rubble and untold numbers in need of water, food, medicine and shelter.