Welcome to the Ask Gresham Video Blog. Submit a Video Question for Gresham Barrett through the comment section below and see Gresham’s response.
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Gresham,
I’m getting a lot of questions about your position and vote on the bailout. I have every confidence that you have sound reasons for every vote you’ve ever cast. I’m so sorry for some of the attitudes at the Greenville Tea Party. You showed real strength of character that night. Please give me some ammunition regarding the bailout and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you.
Best regards,
Amanda Capps
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Good luck Gresham,
You will make a wonderful governor. I just hate you are not ours here in Mississippi. Best wishes. I knew your family from school in Westminster. I graduated in 1977.
Rhonda Kelly
Why is it that the Westminster speedway has to be out by 11:30 pm and not when it is done. You know that the cars has to heat up good befor the race even starts. I have 2 cousins that race there. One of them works at a FIRE DEPT. He is good at what he dose. So why is it that he can’t have fun on his days off. So come on let the race go as long as it wants to. It is not like the cars are on the road, there on a track……..
G,
I was impressed by what you said in Westminster this morning about bringing SC out of the 18th century in terms of its approach to business. I didn’t get a chance to ask you a follow up question.
Would you settle for just out of the 19th. One liability SC has in recruiting large-scale manufactories is how it taxes industries. The whole fee-in-lieu contortions are designed to offset this, and does, to a degree, but still is somewhat byzantine in application.
The problem is the SC constitution was molded by Tillman et al with a bias against outside industry. Mind, I have nothing against agriculture — still the state’s No. 1 industry– which was favored in the constitution, but the constitutional playing field is hard to level when trying to attract industry in competition with other states.
Will you be so bold as to propose sweeping constitutional changes to make SC more competitive from the standpoint of how it taxes industry?
Ray Chandler
864-324-3455
When are you going to make it to the Pee Dee Region? You will carry the upstate, but you better start working on this region. I would not wait! You will have my vote!
Hi Rob – we’ll be in Florence on Thursday and Sumter on Friday. Today we were on the Tom Kinnard Show in the Pee Dee. Thanks for your support!
Gresham,
I’m going to e-mail out an event schedule to the Greenville County GOP Database (1,500+ people), listing events for Republican elected officials and candidates. My plan is to send this e-mail out a couple of times per month and make sure it’s listed on our Greenville County GOP website. Can you e-mail me or tell me where I can find an up to date list of Congressman Barrett’s public events that you want included? I specifically want the events that are anywhere in the Upstate.
Thanks!
Dan Herren, State Executive Committeeman
Greenville County GOP
Cell: (864)230-5334
E-mail: southcarolinadan@gmail.com
Hi Dan –
Our updated calendar can be found at http://www.GreshamBarrett.com/campaign-calendar/
Can we please continue to move in steps to stop this state from limiting our constitutional right to bear arms? We have made progress, but one key area I have noticed and get aggrevated with is that as a concealed weapons permit holder, I can not carry a concealed weapon into a restaurant that serves alcohol, regardless of whether I’m drinking or not. Many restaurants serve alcohol because it has great margins to support their business, however this law severely limits either my ability to support local restaurants or my right to protect my family. Something needs to change. I would also like a better understanding of your stance on gun control. Thanks
Is there any concern for the poor quality of the latest Defense Travel System release? The user community has been negatively impacted beyond belief and Northrop Grumman was paid a delivery bonus. They will then be paid to correct problems induced by breaking code that worked before the release. The contracting, configuration control, and testing procedures are not adequate to ensure the warfighter receives quality software. The Program Management Office DTS stated that 1 bug induce per 1,000 lines of code is acceptable. Would that be true if one set of body armor per thousand did not stop bullets?
Sir what are your plans to fight and deal with the illegal imergrants coming into SC..
Mr. Gresham,
I am curious about you “throwing out” the tax code. How would you rewrite it? What do you think the tax code should be?
Mason Walsh, age15, Edgefield, SC
I heard you last night on offshore drilling. Why do you think we should drill off SC’s coast?
Mr. Barrett,
I’d like to know if you would vow to stop Obama from sending GITMO terrorists to our state.
- Smith Matthews
Mr. Matthews: The individuals at GITMO have been neither tried nor convicted, and as such, they are ALLEGED terrorists. That is a critical distinction. (In fact, quite a few, such as 4 Chinese Uighers, were recently released after the U.S. admitted they had no ties to terrorism at all…)
There are counties in SC that literally have third-world infant mortality rates (look it up if you don’t belive me). What does this say about our present health care system? How would you fix it?
A few years ago I wrote to the governor regarding implementing a deposit return on bottles and cans to cut down on litter on the roads and in our ever filling landfills in our state. His reply was a “pass the Buck” answer. He suggested I contact the SCDOT Adopt a highway . While I admire the efforts of those who are involved, it is not enough. I feel that the program has failed in many ways . I still see litter and I have rarely ever seen any group walking down the highways and roads picking up trash. It is obvious the program is ineffective. Also ineffective are those cities that handed out recycled bins for curbside pick up, public recycling centers including ones that do pay. The pay out is definitely not worth it. Once my husband collected a whole truck load of cans and was paid only $30.00. He never did it again. I believe people are less likely to throw away money( cans and bottles).especially when it does not take a lot of effort. What are your views regarding a can & deposit bill? Would you be willing to view the facts and myths involving bottle deposits? If North Carolina is campaigning it ,Shouldn’t we?
Congressman Barrett
After the Sanford story, I believe we really need to restructure government so that the Governor and the Lt. Governor are on the same team. What do you think?
The roads in SC are a mess. Just last week an 18 wheeler through a rock up my window and cracked it in half. How can we recruit business here with these kinds of problems.
Now I’m hearing we have some of the deadliest roads in the nation. What’s the deal?
Hey Steve: Too many people moan about high taxes, but then also complain about the crummy state of the roads. Thank you for realizing that they are inextricably tied together.
I’ve heard criticism about the incentives SC gave to Boeing but I think its okay if they’re going to create that many jobs. What’s your opinion on incentives for industry.
With the Federal Gov. taking over every aspect of our lives as Governor how can you protect us from all the mandates there cramming down or throat and how can we protect small business from the onslaught?
Mr, Gresham,
Hey, i was wondering with you think about homeschooling? And rather if Homeschoolers should not have to pay school taxes, EVEN though they DONT go to school. Its not like they can use anything the school has to offer. They dont get to use the gym, labs, or Library, but they have to pay.
I dont want to hear what you think i want to hear. I just want to know what you think. (even if it does not look good.)
Thanks!
If you don’t have a fire at your home, should you have to pay taxes to fund the fire department? Of course you have to, because the collective payment of taxes is required for collective protections and services, including fire, police, and schools, even though some members of the citizenry don’t use them.
Congressman Barrett,
If the current HC reform bill passes and includes a public option, as Governor, if at all posible, will you choose to veto or accept the “public option opt out” that Sen. Harry Reid has been talking about?
THX,
Peter Ruegner
I’m curious as to why we do NOT leverage the Business Faculty from Clemson, USC, and Winthrop to conduct research to improve the State. They make a lot of money ($80k+) and have the trainig to get unemployment under control and underdeveloped counties on track. They should be happy to do the research with our tax money.
Clay
Clay,
As a student at Clemson, I know that there is plenty of research going on here, not just in the traditional agriculture/textiles field but also in areas like business management, economics, and politics. The Clemson College of Business & Behavioral Science just opened a new graduate/research center in Greenville only two months ago, and it has already reached capacity and is looking to purchase more space. I agree with you that people like the professors at South Carolina’s schools have the potential to lead the state out of its current predicament, and wanted to let you know that, at least at Clemson, work is being done to improve our situation.
I am concerned about restructing the whole government of South Carolina. I believe in the cabinet form where a governor can get something accomplished. I am also wanted to see the state institute a form of fair taxation. We need to get rid of excessive property taxes and state income taxes. I am a true believer in the fair tax. It can work if the legislature does not change how it is to be done to meet their whims. This state needs much revamping. I am a native South Carolinan and want my state to be a leading state in change for the better with interest for all. Just think about it. What a wonderful change a cabinet form of government could produce with fair taxation. Boy, would we prosper, Yes, we would. As well get rid of the good old boy system. Lower taxes that is what this country was built on.
I believe you are the best cnadidate for governor. How can I get more involved with your campaign?
Ask Gresham: Getting Involved from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.
Would you support a 24-hour waiting period on abortion?
Ask Gresham: Abortion Waiting Period from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.
Congressman, I read an article that said you missed more votes than any other member of the US house. I’m wondering what you have to say about that.
Ask Gresham: Missed Votes from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.
I beleive our technical colleges can play a stronger role in workforce development. Do you agree?
Gresham on Technical Colleges from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.
Gresham – what can we do to stop the federal government from intruding on our state rights?
Gresham on States’ Rights from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE AREAS YOU PLAN TO WORK ON FOR SOUTH CAROLINA, IF YOU ARE VOTED GROVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA? AND IN WHICH ORDER DO THEY FALL? THANKS, JAMES MANESS
In the past two months, our country has been victim to two terrorist attacks. What do you think should be done at the federal level to address these increasing threats to our safety?
Gresham on Homeland Security from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.
Our natural resource agencies are the top economic drivers in the state but COMBINED they receive less than 1% of the state budget.
A recent DNR study showed that South Carolina’s natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state’s economy but the agency is severely under funded to be such an economic engine.
What would you do to ensure that agencies like DNR, AG, PRT, Conservation Bank and Forestry are fully funded so that they can protect our state’s natural resources so that they may continue to bring revenue and jobs to our state?
There is only one allowable tax, it is a flat tax. We are tired of these ILLEGAL writ’s of attainders. No more politian WELFARE! No money out of the taxes we are illegally forced to pay without the ability to say who gets it! I am old enough to remember when politicians went door to door begging to get paid by the people they represent, it is high time they BEG, not STEAL from we the people!
It is time to fire every politician who violates their oath!
How can you represent someone whom you steal from on a daily basis? There is only one type of tax allowable, a flat tax.
NO MORE ILLEGAL TAXES!
Congressman Barrett,
Recently I talked with a friend of mine in Shawano, WI; a proud veteran, Post Office retiree, who returned to this small town to take care of his aging mother. He drives a 1970’s era truck that is well past being serviceable and exactly the type of vehicle that we want off of the road because of pollution, etc. When the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ came along, he went to a local dealer to do the trade-in, as it would finally allow him to afford newer transportation.
He was quickly informed that his truck was “TOO OLD” to qualify for the CFC campaign. He was told that the antique car associations were actually able to have the law amended to prevent all of the ‘older’ vehicles from being destroyed. That there actually was a “your car is too old” provision.
Please tell me that this was not the case, and that he was misinformed. If not, this is Unconscionable!!!
Thanks for all you have done in Congress, Warren Wolf
Gresham
I never thought it could happen here in Massachusetts but my faith in traditional American values and the will of true Americans as independent thinkers have spoken. What a fantastic campaign Scott Brown ran here. A total grass roots effort in a state where registered republicans constitute 12% of the electorate yet we pulled out 52% of yesterday’s vote in the most liberal state in the land. We have stepped up and refused to let “THE MACHINE” continue to ram this progressive agenda down our throat.
I implore you to continue to fight the good fight in representing the citizens of South Carolina with your conservative message and christrian values. South Carolina needs strong conservative leadership and I believe you have both the message and experience to lead South Carolina as its next governor.
Sir,
I am the Chair of the Palmetto Equine Awareness & Rescue League (PEARL) we organized to bring a much needed rehabilitation facility for large animals to Anderson County and surrounding counties. Anderson County is currently taking a bold step in economic development and had begun the Equine Economic Development Initiative to Anderson County. They are expanding this initiative to include Pickens & Oconee counties. We are seeking to improve our equine industry and existing assets like the T. Ed Garrison Arena at Clemson to bring in larger shows, rated show and tourism dollars. What would you do to assist our county and what do you feel is the appropriate for the state to do to assist counties like our who look outside the box for economic development?
First, as an Army Dad I want to thank you for your service.
In the area of abortion…we’ve killed off 50 million taxpayers! If we are going to save our economy we are going to have to save our posterity.
Our employment issue here in SC is a simple matter of reaping what we have sown. One of the main reasons companies don’t want to move to SC is because of the educational level of our workforce which is not good. My understanding is that our ENTIRE state is being audited by the US Department of Education for non-compliance issues (not following the law especially in the area of special education). The School District of Pickens County just entered into an agreement with the Office of Civil Rights at the US Dept. of Education in order to fix a child’s education they expelled instead of evaluating and placing. The six school board members that will be left (after Larry Martin’s weighted actions to remove the at-large seats) all voted to uphold the expulsion (after being told many times the child should be evaluated first under the law) effectively throwing the law to the wind. In Greenville County there is a principal who sent a letter to a parent where the contents show he doesn’t understand the difference between 504 and IDEA. The school district had to step in to keep the student from being expelled. The students new special education plan still is not being completely followed. Too many schools would rather expel a child instead of excel a child.
So, in a state where school administrations don’t understand the law, local elected officials ignore the law, state elected officials seem to get rid of those who stand up for the law (not to mention our children) and the State Department of Ed doesn’t always comply with the law…how SPECIFICALLY are you going to fix that? I have never seen so much time, money and other resources spent to be at the bottom of the educational heap….
We need to stop bribing companies to come to SC and create the best educated workforce in the country! We are the ‘king with no clothes’ by thinking our schools are creating that already and corporations are not fooled. To me it seems clear this is why they don’t move to SC and our children leave to work in other states.
I look forward to your answer….
Mr. Trouten,
I agree with all you said about education. Anytime there is a budget crisis education is the first on the chopping block. To further your question… Mr. Barrett, how are you going to increase funds for education? And by increasing funds I do not mean funding them off of people’s bad habits…lottery, cigarette tax, etc. We need sound reliable sources of funding so programs do not have to be cut and students do not have to pay large sums of money for extra curricular activities.
You have my support for govenor of SC but you will be missed in the US Congress! In my district we are blessed with two true conservatives in you and Jim DeMint. (I used to work with Jim at DeMint Marketing Mgt.)
Question 1: We on Social Security did not receive a COLA for 2010 due to the rather ambigeous formula used. Do our Democratic friends (if they are friends) not understand we on Social Security will have far less spendable income in 2010? On 17 January, 2009 I was paying $1.569/gal of gas and on 19 January, 2010 I am paying $2.479/gal at the same station. Food prices went up but certainly never came back down. Medication prices and premiums are up in 2010. How do we exist without a COLA increase regardless of “the formula”? The actual price differential from 2009 & 2010 belie “the formula” and we are forced to live on much less! As a senior citizen (66), I am feeling quite expendable!
Question 2: In your telephone town hall meeting on 25 January, 2010, you mentioned immigration as a national problem, which it is! However, can SC, under states rights, not ban illegal immigrants from SC? If not, why not? If every state did this would we not circumvent the feds obvious lack of will to enforce laws passed in 1986 preventing illegal immigration?
COMMENT: Thank you for your conservative support in Congesss and I know you will continue it as our next SC governor! WELL DONE!!
my question is this, if you become governor will you enforce our immigraiton bill know as HR4400 do the fullest extent?
Gresham,
We are supporting you for governor in spite of the way you were treated in Greenville over your tarp vote. We do have a couple of questions, however, that would go a long ways in solidifying our support.
1) What is your position on the 10th amendment and States Rights. Are you willing to push for State Sovereignty legislation with real teeth in it like Ray McBerry want for Georgia. For example, on of his platform statements is that if a federal agent came to Georgia to try to take guns away from GA citizens, they would put that agent in jail and let the feds come rescue him. That’s just one of several. Along that same line, are you willing to push for state nullification of federal legislation that is contrary to or not permitted by the Constitution?
2. ) I am a South Carolina delegate for We the People Foundation. In November, people from 48 states met to craft the “Articles of freedom,” a 60 page document that details Constitutional violations over the last several decades and gives instructions to Congress for correcting those violations. Please read the articles of freedom at http://articlesoffreedom.us. Let me know if you will sign the pledge. We will vote for the best people we can get on the ticket, but we will only send donations to those who sign the articles of freedom pledge.
Schools in Fort Mill will open in the fall with the same funding they had 17 years and 6,000 students ago. The future of our state’s children hang in the balance. We’d like to know what you plan to do about ACT 388, if elected Governor.