The Opinion Blog

Happy 75th, Myrtle Beach

Tuesday’s main editorial offers some words in honor of Myrtle Beach’s 75^th birthday:

Happy Birthday, Myrtle.

The city turns 75 on this morning, an august age for anybody.

Granted, in Conway’s ancient eyes – the river city’s 279 years old this year – Myrtle Beach is likely still an upstart pipsqueak. But 75 is nothing to scoff at. Surfside Beach has another 26 years before it reaches that milestone. North Myrtle Beach is 30 years away. And other fast-growing communities such as Socastee, Little River or Carolina Forest have yet to even become a municipality.

On the Heels of Truth, Don't Flinch

Thursday’s editorial reminds how our reporters – and newspaper reporters across the state – work hard to get the whole truth, even in the face of determined opposition.

People often tell us that they appreciate it when we get “the real story,” when we ask tough questions and force answers from those in the news. Many of those same people don’t appreciate it quite so much when they’re the ones facing the questions.

Being a good reporter can sometimes mean leaving a trail of upset folks or hurt feelings in pursuit of the truth. Nevertheless, our reporters – and those across the nation – trudge on. One of the most important tools in a reporter’s toolbox has always been the willingness to ask the question that others swallow, to wonder aloud what happened to the emperor’s clothes. Sometimes, this means pushing for information even when those in charge don’t want to give it up or are working hard to make it hard.

Grow Up, Governor

Thursday’s first editorial takes the governor to task for her childish refusal to answer a reporter’s question on Wednesday (not for the first time):

Memo to Gov. Nikki Haley: Reporters ask tough questions. It’s part of their job. Governors are elected to answer tough questions. It’s part of their job.

To refuse to answer those questions because of some personal animus or dislike, as you did Wednesday, is not only petty and childish. It displays a frightening disregard and dismissal of the role of an independent, free press in holding our leaders accountable and in distributing researched and balanced news (rather than sound bites) to the public.

23rd Year for The Sun News Educational Foundation Golf

Thursday’s second editorial is a good idea for anybody looking to play a little golf and help out local students at the same time:

The Sun News Educational Foundation has awarded scholarships in excess of $155,000 to college-bound area high school seniors for 28 years and the only fundraiser for the scholarship money has been an annual golf tournament in memory of John Ribar, former long-time golf columnist for the newspaper. Ribar died in 1999.

Putting the News in Context



Sunday’s editorial offers what we hope is a useful reminder of one of the assumptions behind the news each day:

One of the most important tasks we undertake as journalists is putting the news in context for our readers. Numbers or events in a vacuum mean very little. That’s why, for instance, our reporters always try to compare the latest housing sales or jobless numbers to the statistics from last month and last year. A comparison to previous periods helps indicate whether the situation is improving or worsening and aids us in determining how our position compares with past history. We try to do the same with almost everything we report, whether it’s voter turnout, college tuition or local murder rates.

Bad Business at the Post Office



Should the Postal Service favor one giant new customer over hundreds of well-established ones that have been paying the agency for years? We don’t think so:

The woes of the U.S. Postal Service have been well documented. As consumers continue to use the service less and competitors move in on the most profitable sections of its business, the agency faces losses expected to reach $14 billion this year. In response, the agency is casting about for any bucket it can find to help bail out its sinking ship.

Part of that response includes closing the mail processing center in Florence, where our local mail has been handled. One of 232 processing centers across the nation that will be closed over the next three years, the Postal Service expects closing the Florence facility will save it $3.8 million a year. While more than 150 people work at the center, most will be offered jobs elsewhere. Nationwide, 13,000 jobs will be lost in similar facility closures.

Meet the Board



Sunday’s editorial offers some transparency of our own:

Today marks the beginning of Sunshine Week, the annual time when newspapers across the country call for more transparency and openness at all levels of government. While we’re always happy to add our voice to that deserving fight, the occasion is also a good chance to promote our own openness as an editorial board.

In that spirit, we’d like to take the opportunity to introduce ourselves and allow you to meet the people behind the opinions printed in this space each day. If you have opinions of your own, they’re welcome. Our contact information, as always, is on the left of the page. Drop us a line and let us get to know you as well. We’re your neighbors, part of the community, and we’re honored to be a part of your lives each day. Thank you for taking the time to read The Sun News, and don’t be a stranger.

The Black Eye Fades



Thursday’s first editorial:

Forgiveness and grace really do matter. I used to believe that at an intellectual level; now it is at the level of heart. Over my life I have not given enough of either, and yet given all the ways in which my failings have come to light, I write to apologize for, in the most profound of ways, letting you and so many others down. It’s always the people closest to us whom we hurt the most, and given my standing of public trust, I know I’ve hurt many across our state. I apologize for this, and more than anything would ask for your forgiveness going forward.

– Gov. Mark Sanford in July 2009 apology letter to state.

Thanks, All, for Keeping Christmas



Wednesday’s editorial:

Going into Christmas week, the United Way of Horry County 2011-12 fundraising campaign has reached 78 percent of its goal and remains on track to make the target of $1,275,000 for 45 community partners that provide a variety of critical services. As of Monday, the campaign had a little over $990,000 in pledges and contributions, leaving about $285,000 to go.

Marketing and communications coordinator Julie Kopnicky says campaign volunteers are optimistic that pledges coming in this week will move the fundraising campaign to 80 percent of goal, the percentage at Christmastime a year ago. The drive kicked off in September. Several organizations are doing their annual drives later this year, so the difference in the total raised is not a concern.

In It for the Long Haul



Tuesday’s editorial:

As we mark National Newspaper Week this week, it’s tempting to write the industry’s obituary. After all, revenues are down, many publishing companies are stretched thin and one survey released just last week found that 69 percent of people believe the demise of their local newspaper would have no impact or only a minimal impact on their ability to learn about their community. But here at The Sun News we’re not ready to give up the ghost. Not by a long shot.