We the People are still in charge!

After everything I've seen in Columbia, the backroom deals, the insider contracts, the caucus incumbent protection rules, and the arrogance of people who think they own the system; I've come to one truth: We the People are still the real power. We just need to start believing it and acting like it again.

We have trusted the people in suits with titles and "R's" by their names. They've told us, "Don't worry, we've got this." But they have said one thing on the campaign trail and used their power, state government contracts, and influence to help themselves, their friends, and their family members at our expense.

We dodge potholes on crumbling roads, see our kids and grandkids educated in second class schools, and keep our mouths shut as our state budget doubles in 10 years.

I am a Republican. I am a Constitutional conservative. I believe in the foundational principles that made American the greatest country in history. Those principles--faith, freedom and personal responsibility need to be revered and reestablished by our elected leaders, not just talked about while campaigning. I believe our party has drifted from its moral compass into unknown and dangerous waters.

It seems that we have traded courage for comfort and let convenience replace conviction.

The Bible says, "The Truth shall make you free." That is not just spiritual truth, it is also civic truth. Perhaps the truths that I have expressed over the past six days have annoyed you. So be it! The people cannot be free if they are lied to, silenced, or shut out of their own government.

We hear a lot about draining the swamp in Washington.

I was one of those screaming about D.C. four years ago. But I can tell you now, Columbia has its own swamp. It may be smaller, slicker, and more polite. It may wear a flag pin and say y'all instead of Youse guys, but it's the same dark spirit of power protecting itself from citizen oversight.

The Columbia swamp will not reform itself. Power never gives up power voluntarily. It yields only if "We the People" demand it.

That's why you must get involved in the determined fight to return power to us--the people. This is not about left versus right. It's about right versus wrong. It's about demanding those who we elect understand they are servants, not lords.

I've been through a lot in the past three years, overcoming esophageal cancer, having a challenger funded by the Republican caucus and other special interests in the Republican primary, being maligned by dark money mailers, but you know what? As I approach my 80th birthday celebration in December, I am not discouraged. In fact, I am more determined than ever!

I have seen what happens when just a few good people start asking hard questions. When citizens show up, speak out, and refuse to be silenced or ignored, even the most entrenched political machine begins to tremble.

South Carolina's future does not belong to a few insiders whose money props up career politicians. It belongs to us, the citizens who believe that character counts, that truth matters, and that freedom is worth fighting for.

Since you are reading this, you are already part of the fight. You don't have to run for office (though I hope some of you do), just don't look away. Share what you know. Hold all your elected officials accountable. Demand openness and transparency, not talking points.

Never forget this: in our Democratic Republic, the people are not the subject of the government, government is subject to its people.

South Carolina was born in revolution and revival. It can be reborn if enough of us are willing to stand up and say, "No more!"

Share this with your friends and neighbors. Remind them that the power still rests in the hands of "We the People." When the people finally stand up, the walls of corruption will crumble.

Truth is stronger than perceived power!

Light always drives out darkness!

Share this with your friends and neighbors. It's time! to bring sunlight back to Columbia.