Charleston's Mayor, Joe Riley, being verbally crucified by rabid right wingers

[lapauvre]

Just returned to Charleston after 27 year absence. I make note that Mayor Joe Riley, who was everybody's hero during the visit from Hurricane Hugo in 1989. is now being accused of so many evil deeds, he would have to have been cloned more than once.

Being homeless in Charleston is no fun. Having only the radio (battery operated) for news, I am listening to the most incredible stream of hate speech regarding the President, anything and anyone Democratic Party affiliated, on a par with a constant stream of hate speech directed at anything Middle Eastern, other than Israel, of course.

If you substituted the word "Republican" instead of "Democratic" in the use of hate speech, I think it would be recognized for what it is. But, apparently, the local citizenry are supporting the right wing hate mongers because they are the only thing on talk radio. I can imagine anyone, in any place in the USA, ever using the vile, hateful description of the Jewish or Christian faiths without being arrested and/or fined.

Have all Democrats abandoned Charleston, SC? Is there no one who remembers the Mayor Joe Riley of 1989? Is there no one who remembers the 100 mile march, led by Mayor Joe Riley in 2000 or 2001 that assisted in finally getting that Confederate flag removed from its place immediately next to the US Flag on the grounds of the State Capitol in Columbia, SC.

Joe Riley hasn't remained mayor of Charleston for this long by doing evil things. How much frothing at the mouth hatred can be heaped upon a man who did all the right things at the approach of Hugo, and has put his physical actions in accord with his stated principles.

Where are you Charlestonians?

[StandingInLeftField]

1. I'm here.....reluctantly.

Originally from Georgia, but have lived up and down the East Coast. Married a lovely woman from Mt. Pleasant and decided to settle here.

The Krazy is strong in South Carolina. I would move in an instant, but financial constraints and my wife's family obligations prohibit it. I would consider Asheville, but I understand that even that formerly quasi-progressive bastion is succumbing to the Krazy. In fact, I'm not sure exactly where in the US in NOT becoming infected.

Mayor Riley did wonderful things for Charleston. Lately, though, his bid to make Charleston the must-see destination for the world's tourists - along with below-average prices for super-luxurious historic and new homes - has put tremendous pressure on the existing ecosystem and infrastructure. I don't mean this to disparage Uncle Joe. His legacy will outlive him, but infectious Krazy continues to erode his many accomplishments.

I am not optimistic......