WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsConsider This
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| WMBF News will share our views on a specific topic that impacts the Carolinas during weekly Consider This segments.
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Consider This: If you were not already aware, South Carolinians are fortunate to have Graham representing our state in Washington.
Consider This: To reinforce how thankful we should be all you need to do is watch any of the five year anniversary specials detailing the impact of Katrina on the Mississippi Coast and New Orleans area.
Last week we asked for you to share your opinion on the planned mosque construction near Ground Zero and we received a lot of feedback.
Consider This: Councilman Schulz introduced a new ordinance that should help combat the growing problem of abandoned boats along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Consider This: Rather than pontificate on what I think is best, I'm curious to know what you think. We have a lot of people who have relocated from the New York area who may have friends or family who were lost in the tragic 9/11 attack. What's your opinion?
Consider This: There are several issues the Dr. Laura Schlessinger controversy brings to light.
Consider This: Myrtle Beach is considered the golf capital of the world and as disappointing as it is that one of our own did not capture that first major title, the way Dustin Johnson handled the situation shows his true character.
Consider This: The Horry County project is a great opportunity for the community to come together to build a one-of-a-kind, latest, and greatest play area for the kids in our community.
Consider This: The road has been blocked for a very long time and represent a previous mindset when whites and blacks enjoyed the beach in separate areas.
Consider This: With the oil stopped, the coverage of this disaster will quickly fade from the headlines. However, the effects of this tragedy with be felt for years to come, and based on previous disasters, the overall impact may become worse over time.
Consider This: Horry County Councilman Brent Shultz is working with local, state and federal agencies to try to get some help to remove the boats and dispose of the debris.
Consider This: I think it is time for a road trip. City leaders should load up and head south to Charleston to see what we are missing in Myrtle Beach.
Consider This: Is the economy better than last year? A little, but there are still concerns and unemployment numbers remain high.
Consider This: What happened to Shirley Sherrod is a basic case of someone not investigating the whole story. That's what happens with a "fire the person immediately" mentality.
Consider This: North Myrtle Beach officials are close to passing guidelines that will restrict tents from the beach.
Consider This: We've had people ask us why we want to portray the boardwalk in a negative light and the answer is because there's a problem.
Consider This: First, we, the media, love to join in the hype whenever we can, so shame on us. Without the media buzz that accompanied this PR stunt, there would be much less interest in the announcement.
Consider This: How about a common sense approach that could resolve this issue and ongoing concerns with similar filings?
Consider This: Hopefully the boost the region received this past weekend is the beginning of a trend of great things to come the rest of the year.
Consider This: It is pretty exciting that South Carolina had five schools - USC, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, The Citadel and College of Charleston - featured in post-season play.
Consider This: In many areas, the lighting along the roadways is poor at best and street signs are very difficult to see in these areas. The new reflective signage is much easier to see and results in improved safety.
Consider This: Many people probably agree with McChrystal's comments and his comments may reflect the thinking of the vast majority of the military leadership.
Consider This: I'm sure the improving economy played a role in this great news, but there were really two major factors that drove the traffic increase.
Consider This: How would you feel if Congress passes legislation tomorrow that says only 20 percent of Americans can vote?
Consider This: Whether it is Coastal Carolina, Francis Marion, Coker College or any of the higher education facilities in our region, they deserve our support.
Consider This: Having an evacuation plan in place for family is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety.
Consider This: Memorial Day is always observed the last Monday in the month of May and is a day when we honor those Americans who died while defending our nation and its values.
Consider This: It seems Louisiana, unfortunately, has the distinction of serving as ground zero for exposing governmental failures when it comes to major disasters.
Consider This: Last week's grand opening of the boardwalk brought some nice crowds, and the area was bustling with visitors and activities. The majority of businesses showed steady traffic and many of the establishments were packed with customers.
One thing I'm really looking forward to is voting for a new governor and Gov. Mark Sanford finally being out of office.
Consider This: The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is creating serious environmental issues that will be felt for years to come. Unfortunately, it will be months, if not years, before we ultimately find out what really caused this tragic event and what BP, and the other partners, could have done to prevent it.
We received quite a bit of feedback on our special report last week regarding prostitution in the strip clubs that welcome visitors to the Grand Strand, and we thought we would share some of those comments with you.
Consider This: Chris Browning, president of the Darlington Raceway, and his team have done a fantastic job keeping the tradition of this event alive and growing without losing the history and nostalgia of everything that is Darlington.
Consider This: If you're like me, when I travel and see an area for the first time there are two things that really stand out; locations that are extremely well-planned and visually appealing and then the opposite extreme, areas that are blighted, neglected and run-down.
So Consider This question: Why do so many cigarette smokers think it is OK to toss their lit cigarette out of their car window, on the ground as they walk into a building or leave a pile of butts… cigarette butts, that is… in the sand on the beach?
Consider This: In managing the trash disposal in Horry County, the county has enacted rules that require all trash generated in the county to be disposed in the county.
Consider This: If you take a look at the budget for most school districts, including the districts in our viewing area, you'll find the administration at the county level in numerous districts is bloated and many of the salaries are out of line with the job responsibilities.
Consider This: Are you prepared if a wildfire were headed toward the area where you live? The most important thing you can do is have a plan in place to protect yourself and your family.
Consider This: I believe the person who is the most qualified should be the person to receive the job and do not believe in a quota system. However, I do believe diversity is very important for all organizations.
Consider This: Some members of Horry County Council say this is just one of hundreds of options for potential savings.
Consider This: Regardless of when he decided to come back and how he handled the press interviews, many people would criticize his actions.
Consider This: This should be a wakeup call for all students, parents, teachers, school officials and law enforcement. This type of behavior is unacceptable.
But Consider This: Many business and tourism leaders, along with the help of the city of Myrtle Beach, are doing something and we can either continue to complain about the loss of the bikers or get on board with the plans to rebuild May.
Consider This: The U.S. Postal Service is merely a victim of the tremendous growth of electronic delivery of information and the surge of competitors like Fed Ex and UPS.
Consider This: The procedure is really no big deal and it is extremely important that you have the screening, especially if you are over 50 years of age.
Consider This: After the 2007 issues with the airport construction it is nice to see that the county and city are working together to move forward with a new facility.
Consider This: It is often said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. If we intend to keep up with the need for new roadways and evacuation routes, we may have to reconsider the current model.
Consider This: You can help your community by taking 10 minutes to fill out your 2010 Census form and mail it back. The short, 10-question form will help determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed.
Consider This: In recent years, record companies have seen sales fall, as more listeners download music. But that's not radio's fault. In fact, local stations promote music sales by exposing artists to listeners in the first place.
Consider This: How about we make a decision and get the tax in place so we can start receiving the funding? Every area needs the additional revenue and you can make a strong case why one deserves it over the other.
Consider This: According to one national website dealing with the issue, one out of four kids report being bullied at some time during the school year, with almost half taking place in the school bathroom.
Consider This: Since Sheriff Byrd took office he has put a plan into place that has focused on reducing crime in Darlington County and he has been very effective in his efforts.
Consider This: The new rules are good news for consumers and will make it much easier to understand what interest rate you are paying and will apply those payments to the balance with the highest rates.
Let's hope the council members can reach a majority vote on one of the candidates, so we can get past this divisive issue. Our suggestion is to award the position to Weaver.
Consider This: We can only hope the race has not suffered significant damage and will rebound in 2011. Runners are a forgiving group and most will understand that this once-in-a-decade snowstorm was an aberration and they'll likely return.
Consider This: Now in its 13th year, the event has grown significantly since its inaugural run. It is a great boost for area businesses who are gearing up for the approaching spring season as the participants will normally spend more money than the traditional guest.
Consider This: Many experts believe the current deficit is a good thing because it helped to stabilize the economy and saved us from diving into an economic depression. One concern is that when we increase our percent of debt so dramatically, we become less stable financially.
Consider This: It's time Horry County find a way to change the zoning laws so these clubs are removed from US-501 and US-17, the main entrances into the community.
Consider This: When you see the video from those events it is sad to think that these fellow Americans were treated so horrifically because of the color of their skin.
Consider This: The disciplinary action by the city is warranted and that disciplinary action could become more severe if additional information is uncovered as part of the investigation.
May is probably one of the nicest months of the year for our area and this year there will be many new events that have been announced for the upcoming season - like Coastal Uncorked, and many more in the works.
Consider This: Instead of cutting the number of school days, many states have moved to a year-round school calendar with several two- to four-week breaks throughout the year.
Consider This: The overwhelming number of donations and tremendous generosity over the past week shows what America is all about. Maybe that's what the terrorist groups really hate about America. We care. We help. We are there when someone else is in need.
Consider This: From the donations of coats and blankets to the current Extreme Home Makeover project, the people of the Carolinas have proven time and again that we look out for our neighbors.
Consider This: It's apparent that if you're a member of the opposing party - Democrat or Republican - and you make a comment that is somewhat controversial then you will be castigated for those comments. And in today's world, not only will you be criticized, but people will call for you to lose your job.
In fact, Consider This: I'm really OK with profiling if that helps to reduce the chance of someone blowing up the plane. If middle-aged, white, American men from the South are more likely to be terrorists, then pull me out of the line and check to make sure I don't have explosives hidden in my shoes or boxer shorts.
Consider This: The 1st Congressional District currently stretches from Horry County down the coast and includes Charleston. However, with the growth in Horry County and the official population count taking place with the 2010 Census, there is the possibility that South Carolina could pick up a 7th Congressional seat, and that would most likely include Horry County.
As we begin the New Year, consider this: It's a great quote from poet Edith Lovejoy Pierce. "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
Consider This: If only few of these come to fruition, it will be a big boost compared to the year we have recently experienced. We'll keep our fingers crossed!
Consider This: The 28-county Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of approximately 5 million people. With some focused marketing targeting the Atlanta area and this new, affordable air service, the potential for growing our market share is significant.
