(A Libertarian Perspective)
An Editorial by Steve Hoffman
Alright, folks, buckle up because we’re diving into the absurdity that is the South Carolina Legislature’s latest session. This isn’t just a recap; it’s a revelation of how our so-called “representatives” have mastered the art of Legal Plunder, trampling on individual and economic freedoms, and expanding the monstrous apparatus of state government. Oh, and guess what? The party pulling these stunts isn’t the Democrats, but the supposed champions of conservatism, the Republican Party.
Legal Plunder: Your Tax Dollars at Work (for Someone Else)
Let’s talk about Legal Plunder – that charming practice where politicians snatch money from one group and hand it to another, all without consent. If private citizens did this, we’d call it theft and toss them in jail. Case in point: H.3811, which funnels taxpayer dollars into risky startup ventures. This is capitalism, not a charity drive. And then there’s S.284, which lets local governments use your tax money to subsidize workforce housing. Last time I checked, the private sector was perfectly capable of handling housing where there’s demand. But no, your tax dollars are being used to reward political cronies.
Trampling Individual & Economic Freedom
The right to property is the bedrock of liberty. But our legislators seem to think it’s their job to infringe on that right. Take H.4364, regulating alcohol delivery and curbside pickup. Or the much-touted H.3594, Constitutional Carry. Sure, they claim it supports the Second Amendment, but it’s riddled with restrictions, fines, and prison sentences. And don’t get me started on H.4527/S.915, which creates a Governor’s Health Czar. Remember Dr. Fauci’s COVID debacles? Yeah, let’s repeat that on a state level. From occupational licensing for genetic counselors (S.241) to hiking insurance rates for businesses selling liquor, the hits just keep coming.
Expanding the Leviathan
Once upon a time, the Republican Party was about small government. Fast forward to today, and they’re busy bloating the state’s bureaucracy. H.5118, the South Carolina 10 Year Energy Transformation Act, is a classic example. S.915 and S.241 also make appearances here, pushing the boundaries of state control. And let’s not forget the 2024-2025 budget proposals (H.5101 and g.5100), which inflate the government with an extra $31.1 million and 500 new employees. Our so-called conservatives are turning South Carolina into a bureaucratic nightmare.
Conclusion: Rethink Your Vote
So, next time you’re at the polls, maybe think twice before you hit that “D” or “R” button. Both major parties have strayed far from the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They no longer champion limited government or the protection of your unalienable rights. There’s only one party still fighting for those values: the Libertarian Party.
Postscript: Dive Deeper
This summary barely scratches the surface of the bills churned out by the 2023-2024 SC Legislature. For a deeper dive, check out Jonathan Hill’s Substack “Bad Bill Sheet,” emails from Talbert Black Jr.’s Palmetto Liberty PAC, and weekly legislative summaries from the South Carolina Policy Council. And, of course, www.scstatehouse.gov has all the legislative nitty-gritty.
So there you have it, folks. The South Carolina Legislature’s latest session, stripped down to its libertarian bones.
Steve Hoffman is a lifelong political activist for Liberty Ideals. Currently serving as the Chairman of Legislative Affairs Committee and a lifetime member of the Libertarian Party. He has also was the Republican Party Liberty Caucus Alternate Director and Vice Chairman. He holds Masters Degrees in Aeronautical Engineering in Aeronautical Science and Business Administration from University of New Hampshire and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He retired as a Lead RAB/QSA Quality Management System Auditor. He currently sits on the Advisory Board of Liberty Crack Media as a Founder.