There has been a lot of national and local discussion lately about "jobs".

We all know the facts – 9.1% nationwide unemployment, and higher in South Carolina. It is higher – much higher – among minorities, especially African Americans (16% nationally, up to 40% for young African American males). Even with SPAWAR, Boeing and the tourist industry, unemployment has hit hard here in Dorchester County.

There has been a lot of controversy over Gov. Nikki Haley’s trip to France. Did it show leadership, or was it a boondoggle? I believe at a minimum it showed political inexperience by flying first class, staying at five-star hotels, and bringing a (too?) large entourage with her.

The real issue revolves around the role of government in doing something about unemployment in the state and Dorchester County.

It would seem that even Ronald Reagan would be in disfavor with the radical right of the Republican Party, as he believed the best way to lower the budget deficit is to put people back to work. Even George W. Bush believed this, as his last budget (the great recession was just starting in 2008) included a $400+ Billion stimulus package, and it was Bush who started the bail out of the finance giants, and American auto industry (GM and Chrysler) – which Barack Obama continued the next year.

These actions obviously kept us from a depression, but for some reason Sen. Jim DeMint and Haley were against these actions by Bush and Obama — did they really want a depression in the United States and South Carolina, and 20-25% unemployment?

Democrats, like me,  believe there is a place for government at the national level to improve the unemployment situation. I strongly support President Obama’s jobs bill, and hope the Republicans in the House will work to put something in place soon to help put Americans back to work. 

So what should be done at the state and local level? In reality Haley has done little — mainly because her libertarian views support doing nothing, and want the free market have its way. She has mentioned eliminating the minimum wage – I guess so working folks can receive an unliveable wage of $4 an hour vs. $9 an hour.

What Democrats support is strong action at the local level. How? Well, if you talk to business leaders — a new-fangled approach — they will tell you what they need from state and local governments are 1) strong public schools, and 2) good infrastructure. 

So what has Gov.  Haley and our Republican leaders done to support this? Reduction in school budgets! Reduction in infrastructure budgets!

We should increase our school budgets and infrastructure budgets, and pay for it by either redoing our antiquated tax structure, and/or eliminating the $2 billion-a-year in tax relief for special interests. Both of these ideas are not new, and have bipartisan support. Better schools and better infrastructure (roads, power lines, sewer, water, and school buildings) is what will draw more and better paying jobs to Dorchester County.

I would like to see some leadership from Haley on these initiatives to bring real jobs to Dorchester County — though I admit I am not holding my breath.