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Lake Murray should be cherished

Lake Murray is many things to many people. To those who lost their ancestral homes and lands, it is a sore reminder of eminent domain. To those whose homes and businesses received electricity it is a blessing. To those who have lived most of their lives or built homes on its shores, it is a peaceful retreat and a reward for their labors. To those who enjoy watersports and fishing, it is a place for recreation; its original charter required public access points and additionally some 50 or so private boat landings or campgrounds have been developed over the years.

To others it is an opportunity for profit or personal aggrandizement. That garish sign at the north end of the dam is the banner of these people. The preposterously out-of-character proposal to incorporate this beautiful place of peace into the Town of Lexington and pack hundreds of homes onto its shores as a crowning achievement of a politician caused sensible people to rise up and defeat it. To paraphrase Patrick Henry: “The price of things you cherish is eternal vigilance.” 

Lake Murray is a thing to be cherished, not sold on the street.  

Van Price, Columbia

Praising Anheuser-Busch's 'Folds of Honor'

I’ve been a resident of the Midlands my entire life and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. I’m proud to be a part of a community that supports the men and women who serve our country, and it’s the longstanding partnerships among local businesses and organizations rallying for a cause that makes this community feel like home. 

Recently, Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with “Folds of Honor” brought their iconic Clydesdales through South Carolina, reminding our community – especially those of us who have served – of their continued support for our military families. This 13-year partnership with the “Folds of Honor” program has helped deliver 44,000 scholarships to the spouses and children of military servicemembers and first responders, many of them, right here in South Carolina. As the program’s longest-serving partner organization, Anheuser-Busch, along with its wholesaler partners, has donated nearly $22 million to ensure that thousands of these scholarship opportunities are awarded to families just like mine.

I’m grateful for the recognition and support our veterans – and in particular the families of fallen soldiers – receive here in the Palmetto State. Partnerships like these continue to set a positive example of what it looks like to enact meaningful change in the lives and homes of American families. 

Nelson Taylor, Lexington