Morning News — Thumbs up to McMaster for law support

• By: ASNE staff
• On: 07/08/2008 10:11:23
• In: Shield law editorials

Morning News, Florence, S.C.
July 5, 2008

Thumbs up to S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster for his support of the Free Flow of Information Act (S. 2035), a federal shield law for reporters. Last week McMaster joined 41 other state attorneys general in signing a letter by the National Association of Attorneys General, urging Senate leaders to join the House of Representatives in passing the bill. The Free Flow of Information Act would create a reporter’s privilege at the federal level, bringing federal law in line with the laws of 49 states including South Carolina and the District of Columbia. The proposed legislation passed the House by a vote of 398-21, and in October, cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 15-4. S. 2035, however, has not been brought to the Senate floor for a vote.

Linda Boone-Smith, executive director of the Pee Dee Chapter of the American Red Cross, gives thumbs up to the Fleur de Lis Chamber Music Group, a group of string players under the direction of Drs. Sherry and Benjamin Woods, which performed at Magnolia Mall on June 28 and raised $1,507 for China’s earthquake victims. A member of this group, Melanie Zhao, approached the Pee Dee Chapter of the American Red Cross and, with the help of the Drs. Woods, planned the string concert with proceeds to go to the Pee Dee Chapter and designated for response to the recent earthquake. The American Red Cross has contributed $10 million to assist survivors and, to date, has committed $20 million to the recovery relief. These funds were used to assist the Red Cross Society of China in providing water, shelter and other essential relief supplies; coordinate relief efforts; help prevent diseases and carry out recovery efforts. The Red Cross depends on donations from communities, businesses and individuals to have funds needed to provide its lifesaving work. The Pee Dee Chapter thanks Melanie Zhao and Drs. Woods for their efforts in organizing this fundraiser. “It is wonderful to see young people making an effort to help those in need. Melanie is truly an inspiration,” Boone-Smith wrote.

Thumbs up to the Buffalo Soldiers of South Carolina Motorcycle Club Inc.’s “Mother Chapter” for sponsoring a canned food drive for families in need, plus a community service fundraiser in an effort to help preserve the W.R. Saffold Resource Community Center in Britton’s Neck, in June. The event drew community residents, local motorcycle club members and members of Buffalo Soldiers Chapters from Charleston and Columbia, as well as from Fayetteville and Greensboro, N.C. The Buffalo Soldiers of South Carolina Motorcycle Club Inc. is a nonprofit group whose mission is to give honor to the Buffalo Soldiers and to express pride in the significant contributions they made to American history. The Buffalo Soldiers organization consists of at least 1,600 members with 72 chapters in 34 states and with chapters in several Canadian Provinces. The Buffalo Soldiers of South Carolina has donated more than $5,000 to needy organizations, homes for youths and families in need.