The Gripping Drama of State Politics
In doing a bit of research, I discovered the scstatehouse.net website that lets you search for current SC state legislation by bill number. I typed in random number and found the controversial and dramatic SC Senate Bill #333:
A SENATE RESOLUTIONTO EXPRESS THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MS. ESSIE SHEALY OF COLUMBIA ON THE OCCASION OF HER FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY ON FEBRUARY 5, 2005, AND TO WISH HER MANY MORE YEARS OF HAPPINESS.
Whereas, Ms. Essie Shealy of Columbia was born on February 5, 1955, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and
Whereas, she is the daughter of Janie Merrill of Lexington, SC, has two brothers; Eddie and Ben; and
Whereas, Ms. Shealy attended school at the Babcock Center and graduated from Airport High School in 1976; and
Whereas, for many years she has attended Camp Hope on the campus of Clemson University and looks forward every summer to seeing her many friends there; and
Whereas, Ms. Shealy is an active member of the Special Education Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church in Columbia where she is also a member of the Hand Bell Choir; and
Whereas, known for her dedication to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, she attends almost every women’s basketball and women’s volleyball home games and is well known among the Senate as being the world’s largest Gamecock fan; and
Whereas, Ms. Shealy began work in the South Carolina Senate on January 19, 1985 and for 20 years has been a loyal employee and friend to all, keeping her colleagues up to date on each other’s births, deaths, engagements, and marriages; and
Whereas, Essie’s friendly smile and cheerful personality are things that can always be counted on to brighten our days, and her kindness to everyone should be an example for all; and
Whereas, not only is she a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she is also a exemplary citizen of South Carolina who has been extraordinary in taking on life’s challenges; and
Whereas, the members of the Senate are pleased to pause to recognize Essie Shealy on her fiftieth birthday so that they may express their high regard and deep appreciation for this outstanding public servant. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, express their congratulations to Ms. Essie Shealy on the occasion of her fiftieth birthday on February 5, 2005, and wish her many more years of happiness.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Ms. Essie Shealy.
Well, that was nice of them. How much are we paying these people?
On the other hand, passing resolutions costs no money, while substantial projects cost lots of money. So, more congratulations all around!
January 21st, 2006 at 9:27 am
I still have a framed copy of such a commendation from the House for winning a mock trial contest in high school. As you pointed out, it doesn’t cost much, I doubt it takes much time to write those things (they probably have a template), no doubt some lackey does all the work, and it creates plenty of good-will. Sounds like ideal legislation to me.