Welcometo Palmetto Opinion
Dear Reader:
What’s there to say about South Carolina?
What’s there to say about a state that routinely scores too low in education rankings but, by most measures, has a growing economy? One that plays a pivotal role in choosing presidents but has a state government that too often fails to deliver what’s best for its people? A state whose history includes the dark days of slavery and racism, yet inspired the nation with its response to the horrific killings of nine black parishioners?
South Carolinians have much to celebrate. But we also need to talk more about how to make our lives — and those of our neighbors — better.
We believe the opinion sections of South Carolina newspaper companies play a key role in moving the state forward. Our sections offer commentary that fosters debate. From those debates come solutions.
To strengthen that effort, the opinion sections of five S.C. newspaper companies are combining forces. Beginning today, we are co-publishing a weekly section called Palmetto Opinion. The section, to be published each Tuesday in print and on our digital products, offers commentary on issues of statewide importance and interest.
Palmetto Opinion will be printed in The Beaufort Gazette, The Island Packet of Hilton Head, The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, The Herald in Rock Hill and The State of Columbia. All five newspapers are owned by The McClatchy Company.
The section will feature commentary by Cindi Ross Scoppe, associate editor of The State. Ms. Scoppe is the most authoritative journalist about South Carolina public policy. For years, she has held our state leaders accountable for their actions — or inaction.
Palmetto Opinion also will feature opinions of other news media in the state as well as commentary from key South Carolinians. To submit a commentary, send an email to stateeditor@thestate.com.
The five newspapers are proud to be part of South Carolina. We believe there’s a lot to say about our state. To be sure, there’s a lot that needs to be said. By working together, we intend to ensure strong debate leads to a better Palmetto State.
This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Welcometo Palmetto Opinion."