TheTandD.com | Officials blast NBC coverage of Orangeburg

Officials blast NBC coverage of Orangeburg

By TUCKER LYON, T&D Government Writer Wednesday, May 02, 2007

NBC television coverage of "the biggest event to ever hit Orangeburg" was criticized Tuesday by two local officials, disappointed that the city's strengths weren't played up for the national audience.

Orangeburg City Councilman Charles "Buddy" Barnwell raised the issue of coverage of the historic April 26 presidential debate of Democratic candidates at South Carolina State University.

Although council had no control, he said, "I was disappointed NBC didn't see fit to give the city of Orangeburg, (particularly Edisto Memorial Gardens and the downtown redevelopment) some publicity. Otherwise, it was a great event."

David Coleman, executive director of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, who was on the agenda to discuss the upcoming Festival of Roses, said he also wanted to "address the comments by Mr. Barnwell."

"The morning before the debate I went online and saw film clips by NBC. One was a business that was out of business across the street from the hospital and (Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College) and car dealerships. They showed a tractor out in a field and a road -- it was paved -- with no center line and nothing on it," said Coleman, joking that he told people the photos were taken in another more rural county. "I really think they had to look hard to find those things. They wrote the article before they came to town."

Coleman also said he objected to the use of such terms as "tiny" and "middle of nowhere" to describe the community.

"That article was written before they got here," he repeated.

The NBC coverage, Coleman said, contrasted with statewide coverage of the event.

"I made a special effort to look at what the media was doing," he said. "Around the state, I was pleased; several articles talked about that Orangeburg was ready and up to the challenge."

Coleman noted that a Greenville television station had a positive interview with NBC news anchor Brian Williams.

"He talked about that it was a good idea to have the debate in a city the size of Orangeburg," Coleman said. "He said when he rode in he saw middle-class homes and at the airport he saw a lot of planes and rental cars around South Carolina State. He said it's time to share the wealth."

Coleman, like Mayor Paul Miller, also pointed out that the big event was successful because of the tremendous local effort.

"Despite all of the obvious tension of pulling it off," Miller said he noticed "how courteous and gracious everyone was. Even NBC at times was gracious."

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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67 comment(s)

The following comments are reader submitted. They do not represent the views of The T&D or Lee Enterprises.

kevin wrote on May 21, 2007 1:25 PM:

" To the person who's Grandfather was hurt during the Orangeburg Massacre I am sorry. As african American originally from Orangeburg, one problem still exist...we still can't stand and walk on our own. We look for so much sympathy from places who just don like nor care about us ok! Get over it! The Debate was for exposure to a rebuilding university thats trying. It was not about Edisto Gardens, Downtown, Claflin or any other landmark. It wasn't even about Orangeburg. When do we understand that until we forgive and move on we will continue to revisit these issues over and over. Again they don't like us nor care to. We have to educate ourselves on wealth and good living. We didn't need them then and we surely don't need them now. Good Job SCSU and Congressman Clyburn. "

Kevin wrote on May 21, 2007 1:12 PM:

" Chucktown obviously someone from Oburg took your candy or your bike because you sound like a jealous fool because it was an event held in Oburg. Sounds like more than the politicians need cheese! "

typical wrote on May 21, 2007 9:56 AM:

" The T&D mixes it up again. Can someone over there get something right! Does anyone over there have an education? I mean past elementary school. There are two sets of comments below, one pertaining to the debate article and one pertaining to the Orangeburg Massacre article. OOOOOPPPSSS! Maybe this town would get more respect if everyone tried a little harder to do their jobs. Council members, mayor, T&D editors. "

Man Please wrote on May 18, 2007 5:48 PM:

" Who gives a turkey .... "

ann wrote on May 17, 2007 9:41 AM:

" Thank you chucktown. Like the gentleman that wrote into the editorials Monday, "THE SUN DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND ORANGEBURG and the debate was not about Orangeburg. It's about a bunch of liberals coming to town to get the black votes. They and noone else watching across the country was not least bit interested in this town or the people for god sake. It was a democratic presidential debate and that's all. So Barnwell and Coleman, get over it because all of your whining is not going to change a thing except make you look like whining children. Grow up and move on. I for one am tired of reading about it. "

confisus sum wrote on May 16, 2007 11:18 AM:

" The illustration that I was soliciting was an attempt to have CLAFLIN show their interpretation of how detrimental the past was to these two races. While no one can condone or promote slavery, or mass relocation of native peoples, the facts are that in the end they have fared better than their modern day counterparts. The tribes of the Amazon, as well as the violent ethnic conflicts in the African continent, are comparable to the ancestors of those making up our minority populations today. Yet, today these groups are afforded opportunities that are unheard of in their native lands. All races' ancestors have paid heavily for the opportunities of thier future generations. If the past is used as an excuse, then it soils the memory of those that sacrificed so much. "

Chucktown wrote on May 15, 2007 11:00 PM:

" Are you people STILL arguing about an two-hour event, that occured three weeks ago? Move on. That's part of the problem with people from Orangeburg. No one ever moves away or travels anywhere. It's that big fish in a small bowl mentality. You really have no idea that the rest of the country hasn't thought about any of this since the eleven o'clock news came on after the debate. Get over it. "

Concerned wrote on May 15, 2007 5:19 PM:

" Also Confisus sum, maybe you can tell us all what the current conditions would be. It may shed some light on things for some of us. Thanks. "

Concerned wrote on May 15, 2007 5:16 PM:

" _ This article started out about blasting the NBC coverage of the debate and then the subject changed to the Orangeburg Massacre. My grandfather was in the National Guard during the Orangeburg Massacre and he states that there was shots from boths sides. Maybe not the exact students that ended up being killed that day but some of those students had guns too. Either way it is a tragedy that this community has been through. The bowling alley that wouldn't allow black people inside at the time was PRIVATELY OWNED. It was the choice of the owner not the ORANGEBURG COMMUNITY's decision to not let this people in. My aunt's car was actually shot at as she passed by from work in front of the college and it wasn't done by the police. Anyways, I personally think it was all a total tragedy. I am actually ashamed that it turned into a massacre and a book. I think it was all wrong. Anytime you protest anything, there is a chance of something bad happening if it is not done in a peaceful manner as Martin Luther King Jr. so adamantly expressed in his speeches. Someone is bound to be hurt and it's usually the innocent. Unfortunately, blaming each side will not help anything. And yes, unfortuantely the students were killed during this terrible event but the white people of Orangeburg can't help that equal amount of white police were not killed. This was not a balanced thing that was to be fair in anyway. The students should have protested in a more peaceful manner about the bowling alley. But no instead they let their emotions get in the way and that was the worst thing they could have done. It solved nothing. In fact, listen to all of you now. It sounds like in some ways things have gotten worse. No one is going to change now what they believe about that terrible day in our history no matter what the facts prove. I was a white teenage girl during that time period and I thought it was very wrong that the owner of the bowling alley would not open his doors to everyone then. Because of his racial stupidity and ignorance look what happened. I myself have tried to learn from it even though I wasn't involved. Please let's all try to learn from the wrong of it and not carry so much hatred towards each other from different races. There was a lot of mistakes made that fateful day by a lot of people. Come on Orangeburg, move forward together in peace. Maybe the next generation in our community will make this a much better place. "

confisus sum wrote on May 15, 2007 11:49 AM:

" While the online editor may censure this post, once again I submit that "Claflin" should produce their representation of what the current condition of native americans would be, as well as africans, if history had not unfolded as it did. "

orangeburg native wrote on May 14, 2007 5:20 PM:

" 'republican' i could go back and forth with you, but i choose not to dignify your comments with a proper response. all i will say, is that it's obvious who should have been better taught. be blessed my fellow citizen. "

QUE DAWG 4 LIFE wrote on May 14, 2007 3:47 PM:

" WE AS A COMMUNITY HAVE NOT PROGRESSED OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS. IT'S A SHAME THAT OUR COMMUNITY IS STILL DIVIDED MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. IN ORDER FOR THIS COMMUNITY TO UNITE, WE MUST FORGIVE THE OPPRESSORS OF THAT ERA; BUT THE OPPRESSORS MUST FIRST TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR WRONG DOING. I CAN'T ACCURATELY STATE DETAIL FOR DETAIL WHAT OCCURRED THAT DAY, BUT I DO KNOW THE END RESULT OF THAT DAY. AT THE END OF THAT TRAGIC DAY THERE WERE 3 DEAD STUDENTS, AND 27 STUDENTS THAT WERE SHOT. THIS IS WHAT THE BLACK COMMUNITY HAD TO DEAL WITH. ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE WERE SOME WHITE COPS THAT WERE POSSIBLY HIT WITH ROCKS AND/OR OTHER FLYING DEBRIS. AFTER LOOKING AT THE END RESULT, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE BLACK COMMUNITY MAY HAVE TAKEN THE BIGGER LOST!!!EVERY OFFICER THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THAT TRAGIC DAY, LIVED TO SEE ANOTHER DAY AND THEIR FAMILIES. HOWEVER, THE BLACK COMMUNITY HAD TO BURY 3 OF THEIR OWN. SOMEONE LOST A SON, A BROTHER, AN UNCLE, AND ETC.. WE CAN'T CHANGE HISTORY,BUT THE OPPRESSORS OF THAT ERA, OR THEIR CHILDREN CAN BEGIN THE HEALING PROCESS, BY TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THEIR WRONG DOING AND SHOWING SOME REMORSE. "

Claflin wrote on May 14, 2007 11:02 AM:

" Republican then maybe you need to go back to Great Britain and give back the land you stole from the Indians. This country was built on slavery so why should blacks leave. Maybe you should leave. Its a fact...read your History b/c Africans and Native Americans were here long before you were.Its easy to tell blacks to leave after the hard has been done. I guess you know that Columbus didn't discover America. "

Another Republican wrote on May 11, 2007 9:42 PM:

" You can't believe everything you read - or hear. So unless you were there YOURSELF, native, you can believe what you want, just like I can. I believe my family. It's people who don't know the truth who will never let racism die, who thinks the world owes them something, and will continue to ruin our town. Perhaps if the students had been taught better and how to follow authority, they wouldn't have hit an officer with a banister. If they weren't doing anything wrong, why did students hit officers? Because the world will always owe something to the blacks who were sold by their own into slavery. Like the other Republican said - if blacks (or anyone else for that matter) do not like it here, they can all go back to their native land and see if living conditions are better there! "

orangeburg native wrote on May 11, 2007 2:59 PM:

" please read 'another republican' and anyone else who chooses to become educated on "the facts"! i now digress. The Orangeburg Massacre It was February 8, 1968 and Orangeburg, South Carolina was a night filled with anger and frustration. Patrolmen randomly fired on a crowd of student demonstrators. 27 students were shot and 3 young men died from the incident only in a matter of seconds. Henry Smith, a family oriented 20-year old college student at South Carolina State was shot in the side and back five times; Delano Middleton, a 17-year old high school student was shot in the hip, the thigh, the side of his chest, his heart and three times in the forearm; and Samuel Hammond, a promising 19-year-old high school student who attended a newly integrated school was killed by one shot in the back. What led to the massacre was a demonstration at a bowling alley that did not admit Blacks. 200 students gathered around a bonfire built on a campus street, only to find it to be smothered by the police. Some students retaliated by throwing rocks and bottles at the officers. The students eventually built another bonfire when the patrolmen left and that was when the trouble started. Police returned to the scene to put the fire out, only this time, someone hit a patrolman with a banister post and more objects were thrown. Fires rang and that was when the true chaos began. After the slaughter, news spread of a gun battle between the Black students and officers. The officers, with the support of the government blamed the students for what occurred yet it was later found out that none of the students held firearms and that not one of the patrolmen followed correct riot procedures. A number of those shot wounded were shot in the feet while laying on the ground. Though the patrolmen used unacceptable means to control the demonstration, they were eventually pardoned. This is a typical story of many challenges Blacks had to face in 1968 America. It was a cry for Civil Rights. "

Another Republican wrote on May 11, 2007 11:42 AM:

" MY GRANDFATHER WAS ONE OF THE OFFICERS BEING ATTACKED BY THE STUDENTS AND THEIR BOMBS. THAT IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE FOR ME! "

orangeburg native wrote on May 11, 2007 9:25 AM:

" unless you can provide some evidence or details to corroborate your claim that these parcticular students were armed i suggest you digress. PLEASE FOLKS, READ YOUR HISTORY! the evidence to support this claim was ruled as inconclusive. i mean really, shouldn't there have been some empty shells or shrapnel from these so-called homemade bombs that were hurled at the police. this was a lame concoction after the fact to justify the actions of the police. let's be honest with ourselves. the actions of those police officers were totally unjustified. its as simple as that. furthermore, i do agree with you that we have to move on an work together at building a better community whereby we are able to log much more positive events in our town's history (ie. the 2007 democratic debate hosted at scsu). "

MilitaryGirl wrote on May 10, 2007 3:27 PM:

" I think that all of this is crazy. I do agree with most of you Orangeburg is maybe not the biggest most eye catching place in SC or the US. But that doesn't mean it can't be one day. Maybe if all of you that are just sitting up criicizing should get up and actually do something like fund raise, partion or something creative to help the cause. Lets not keep going back and forth about what happened with this debate. Lets focus on the future. Would we want Orangeburg to be in the same shape if the debate was to come back in the future? No, so lets get up and do something about it. You could believe it or not but I believe down south people to be the best at fighting for common causes. And yes I am from SC. Denmark, SC to be exact and if someone should be ashamed of what there hometown looks like and don't have its me. But I'm not because I'm proud of my heritage. Its not about where you're at, Its about what you do with it. And being a native of SC now residing in MT I was very proud watching the debate being broadcast from SCSU. I say to SCSU keep making us proud and lets get it back in the future. "

Another Republican wrote on May 10, 2007 3:02 PM:

" UNARMED students??? You are highly mistaken. They had homemade bombs. They were throwning them at the police officers that did not have their guns drawn. They had guns too. See, you have only heard ONE side of the story. The officials have another side. They hid behind fire trucks and vehicles and buildings to not get wounded themselves, and it wasn't because cops were firing on other cops. This was over 40 years ago, yet some people think this has shaped and molded Orangeburg. It has only molded those who have to have some reason to think everyone is against them. It's time to get over it - get over yourselves - if you want people to treat you fairly, give others a fair shot too. If you are still dwelling on 40 years ago, you are continuing to add to the negative racism that is always going to exist because people cannot let it go! "

Another comment wrote on May 10, 2007 8:33 AM:

" I'm a Democrat, but someone posted something that does bear correcting: **************************** Johnathan wrote on May 5, 2007 1:21 PM: " Darn IT! I read 10-15 responses before I was able to understand the Republicans viewpoint: The Republicans wanted to recognized, and in CHARGE. No, that day in Orangeburg is gone forever. You were in charge when over 75 students were shot and 3 were killed in Orangeburg. *************************************** Let's not rewrite history. South Carolina was controlled totally by the Democratic party in those days. Republicans had nothing to do with the Orangeburg Massacre. Unfortunately a fondness for the Jim Crow era does still exist. Let's hope those in Orangeburg who prefer the "good old days" can move beyond that shameful chapter one day. "

Atlanta, Ga wrote on May 8, 2007 4:37 PM:

" You all are crazy.. How dare you try to take something so positve and turn it into something negative. Great Job SCSU, great job Orangeburg. "

orangeburg native wrote on May 8, 2007 2:43 PM:

" good point junebug, truthfully there's no need to trivialize the deaths of the three SCSU students Smith, Hammond, and Middleton, but one should also consider the term massacre can also be used to describe the killings due to their political significance. "Police officers" engaged a crowd of unarmed students with gunfire that resulted in three deaths actually does constitute as a massacre due to the nature of the violence as opposed to the number of victims. The Boston Massacre included 5 deaths. Consider this excerpt from wikipedia: [At the same time, the term "massacre" is used more widely to refer to individual, civil, or military mass killings on smaller scales, but having distinct political significance in shaping subsequent events, such as the Boston Massacre.] Each one, teach one. "

what wrote on May 7, 2007 3:46 PM:

" Noonie are you sure you are in college? You seen very lost. And if you enjoy Orangeburg so much why haven't you heard of the Orangeburg Massacre, this was not a little event for Orangeburg or the state of South Carolina. Please go study.....doesn't matter what....just anything!!! "

Concerned wrote on May 7, 2007 1:55 PM:

" To the Clemson Grad, thanks. I understand your statement. I know Orangeburg would survive without the colleges but it would definitely enhance our community for the surrounding businesses to support the local colleges. I used Clemson as an example because it gets alot of support. Whether the city is built around the college or not. To Noonie, thanks also. The colleges here are SCSU, Claflin, O-C Technical College and Southern Methodist College. "

Anonymous wrote on May 7, 2007 10:59 AM:

" You are the anon. The current black population which is 67% of the city is not educated. You do your research, most of the blacks that live in the county that surrounds Orangeburg are college graduates and high school grads. The blacks that live in the older part of the city are elderly and do not vote. You are the perfect example of what of those idiots that I am so glad did not get on TV. The annexation laws in S.C. are so out of line and the do more harm than good. Ex. Augusta, GA. comes in at 195,000 for its city population out pacing such cities in S.C. like Charleston and Greenville only because there annexation laws are more relaxed. As long as there are quote anon's like you around businesses will continue to go elsewhere and young people will continue to leave. You have a great anchor in SCSU and Claflin use it to your advantage and progress this region and this state. Do not contine to let quote anon's like these hateful republicans continue to hold our state down. Annex Orangeburg and you will see your choices of retail stores, restaurants,jobs and schools will become more attractive and you will see Orangeburg grow beyond believe. "

Noonie wrote on May 6, 2007 10:14 AM:

" Concerned thanks for the great post. Omega you hit the nail on the head. My question is what is it going to take for Orangeburg to move into a more progressive state of mind. I was doing some research and was able to get some very good information. I've heard about the massacres at Kent State,the sit-ins at A&T, and recently the V-tech massacre. I'm asking why are we just hearing about the Orangeburg Massacre. Concerned you made some great points. You go to Clemson and all the local buisnesses are very supportive of the surrounding institutions. I go to RockHill and the community is behind Winthrop 100%. You go to Orangeburg and you dont see any type of support for Claflin,S.C State, OC-Tech. Is everyone that divided in the burg. Can someone give me the economic impact of these surrounding colleges. Also whats the name of the other college in Orangeburg that I left. I'm sorry if I ask alot of questions but I'm not from Orangeburg but I enjoy it here. "

junebug wrote on May 6, 2007 7:24 AM:

" My first reaction to the story was that the officials were poorly informed as to what this debate was ABOUT. It was about one thing and one thing only - making money for MSNBC. Politics and televison coverage are both about one thing - Money. Second reaction: Some say that the only Orangeburg-related talk was of the tragedy at SCSU in the late 60's. Now that we have witnessed what a true "massacre" is at Va. Tech, we need to get the word "massacre" out of Orangeburg language and begin to refer to the events of 1969 as a tragedy - NOT A MASSACRE. "

Johnathan wrote on May 5, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Darn IT! I read 10-15 responses before I was able to understand the Republicans viewpoint: The Republicans wanted to recognized, and in CHARGE. No, that day in Orangeburg is gone forever. You were in charge when over 75 students were shot and 3 were killed in Orangeburg. SCSU will forever be in charge in Orangeburg because the trooper's DEADLY FORCE HAS CAST A SHADOW OVER ORANGEBURG FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS. The hierarchy should be repaying SCSU for the injustice done, but you won't. So, SCSU family know you won't and DON'T YOU REPAIR DAMAGE BECAUSE JUST AT YOU OR THE REPUBLICAS SAY, "THEY DON'T WANT TO." "

FanofOrangeburg wrote on May 5, 2007 9:17 AM:

" I compliment the efforts and results produced by Congressman Clyburn and SCSU in bringing such a highly visable event to our community. I think and am pleased that SCSU was shown in a very positive light. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for our wonderful community. While the media has been blasted for how they portrayed Orangeburg, I think in fairness, they portrayed it in the light it was presented to them. "

Willie D wrote on May 4, 2007 4:41 PM:

" To the anon that made the comment we are scared to annex because we will have a black mayor. 67% of our current city is black. Most of the areas that may be annexed are majority white areas. Please do your research before you shout things like that. Also the constitution of south carolina says an area cannot be annexed if it will significantly alter the ethnic make up of the city. So in other words the city will have to allow in areas of white and black people in order for annexation to take place without the courts blocking it. "

UGO222 wrote on May 4, 2007 4:33 PM:

" The focus was on the candidates, not Orangeburg or SCSU. We should just be grateful for the exposure Orangeburg received and not fuss over what NBC didn't do. "

Clemson Grad wrote on May 4, 2007 2:49 PM:

" The town of Clemson was built around the college - without the University, there would be no City of Clemson. The stores would not thrive without patronage from the students. Orangeburg would and could still exist without State or Claflin. "

Republican wrote on May 4, 2007 2:11 PM:

" Omega, honey, dear - what kind of POSITIVE exposure was given to Orangeburg? All the news media talked about was one view of "the massacre" and talked to people who didn't care to talk about the goodness of Orangeburg, but instead talked about segregation 40 years ago. It was all about how bad blacks have been treated. I thought there was more to Orangeburg than racism, but that is all the media chose to cover. That, regardless of what you think, is NEGATIVE publicity of our town. "

Concerned wrote on May 4, 2007 12:10 PM:

" Re: ClaflinBro... I have lived here all my life and have wondered the same thing. I am a big Clemson fan and I had the opportunity to attend only one of their home games 2 years ago, and I was very impressed with not only their college campus but the city surrounding the college. They totally support their local colleges. You can see it everywhere. Signs on their business windows, etc. College logo items are available at not just one or two business but many. It made me wonder why Orangeburg hasn't done more of that. I think Orangeburg merchants and business could improve in showing more visable support for all our local colleges. It wouldn't hurt and might actually help to bring some of us closer together as a community. And when I say support I mean all races. I do agree that Orangeburg needs to be cleaned up more. Even the businesses around the college need a facelift. They look so run down and have been that way for so long. If I had the money myself I would help to remodel them. We also could use more businesses for the students to shop or patronize. Such as a new movie theater, maybe putt-putt minature golf, etc. Things for young people to do here. I am in my forties and when I was a child here we actually had a putt-putt on John C. Calhoun Drive about where the Burger King is now and we had a A&W Rootbeer Drive In and 3 theaters. All of this of course changed but it should have gotten better but it didn't. It will take everyone working together to achieve it. "

Omega Dear wrote on May 4, 2007 9:30 AM:

" NBC WAS IN ORANGEBURG TO COVER THE DEBATE. THEY WERE NOT HERE TO HIGHLIGHT ORANGEBURG. THE FACT THAT ORANGEBURG RECEIVED SOME EXPOSURE SHOULD HAVE PLEASED THOSE HATERS. CLYBURN AND SCSU BROUGHT NATIONAL EXPOSURE TO THE CITY AND PUMPED IN A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF REVENUE IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND THESE TWO OFFICIALS HAVE THE AUDACITY CRITICIZE THE MEDIA COVERSGE OF ORANGEBURG. DO THEY KNOW HOW MANY OTHER CITIES WOULD HAVE BENT OVER BACKWARDS TO HAVE, HAD THE DEBATE HELD IN THEIR CITY. HAVING THE DEBATE IN ORANGEBURG, WAS LIKE ORANGEBURG WINNING THE LOTTERY. THEY COULD HAVE WENT TO ANY OTHER STATE FIRST OF ALL. SECONDLY, AFTER CHOOSING S.C., THEY COULD HAVE WENT TO COLUMBIA, CHARLESTON, GREENVILLE OR SPARTANBURG; BUT THEY CAME TO ORANGEBURG. IT JUST SHOWS YOU, THAT NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT SATISFIED!!! NO MATTER WHAT THEY BELIEVE, "ORANGEBURG AND SCSU" WERE THE BIG WINNERS OF THE DEBATE. THE CITY WASN'T THE PRIMARY FOCUS, THE DEBATE WAS; BUT THE CITY STILL BENEFITED GREATLY FROM THE COVERAGE OF THE DEBATE. IF YOU DON'T THINK SO, ASK THE LOCAL MERCHANTS WHO SAW A SPIKE IN THEIR SALES THAT WEEK. "

Dem/Calhoun wrote on May 3, 2007 11:24 PM:

" You idiot. Would you rather see folks continue to get on that railroad or fight hard to get in re-routed around the city,tunneled or bridged over. Ray Charles can see that it is an eyesore. Again, you need leaders that have a vision and yours is a very narrow vision. Stop holding the city down step aside and let the city grow. I'd rather spend money on eliminating the problem than residents continue to get killed and bands contine to be in horror of the railroad tracks. Idiot what would have happened if those band students were hit by the train. A lot of money would have spent out and no one would want to participate. You sir or madam should leave and let the people that truly has the future of the city take charge. Your planning is narrow and borrowing. Step aside and leave so that the city can reach its full potential. Think before you speak "

Claflinbro wrote on May 3, 2007 9:48 PM:

" Can someone please explain why the city looks so bad. I'm not from Orangeburg so can someone use a little intellect without getting so worked up. You have 4 colleges that generate so much money for the city. What is the city doing with the revenue. These great schools are pumping millions into the economy. One lady told me that if it wasn't for the universities that she would be out of business. Is it b/c we are losing jobs. This city has so much potential. I really think this could be another Rockhill or Greenville if everyone came together. "

Noonie wrote on May 3, 2007 9:37 PM:

" Thanks James Clyburn,SCSU,and also the city of Orangeburg for the great exposure. I would also like to think Claflin for getting Hillary to speak at commencement. Keep it up then everyone will know about the city of Orangeburg. Also to the young lady(concerned) you made alot of sense. I didn't agee with everything but its okay. God Bless the burg. "

Proud to live in Orangeburg County wrote on May 3, 2007 1:21 PM:

" When it comes to times like these, we all should be proud that we live in a County that was selected to headline such a big event. STOP with all the BLACK AND WHITE MESS AND GET OVER IT. Those of you had who had a problem with it could have done like probably millions of people did, TURN THE TV ON SOMETHING ELSE. "

Republican wrote on May 3, 2007 11:41 AM:

" Like I said previously - if you don't like Orangeburg the way it is, LEAVE! If you are implying that Orangeburg doesn't have money to make improvements, how on earth could they MOVE the railroad? Do YOU have any idea how expensive that is? What would you do, re-route it around Orangeburg? THINK people before you post. Get a better idea. Or get involved in the community to make it a better place instead of sitting on your rear end complaining about the current state of Orangeburg. I'm an involved citizen and I know how hard Orangeburg is working to make improvements and I don't think this is a bad place to live or work! AGAIN, IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT HERE - LEAVE! "

Concerned wrote on May 3, 2007 10:57 AM:

" I was very proud of the fact that the debate came to my hometown. I want to thank SCSU, Mr. James Clyburn, City of O'burg, and the County of O'burg for making this happen. I agree that the focus should have been on the candidates and the debate. I also understand what Mr.Barnwell and Mr. Coleman mean about how Orangeburg was portrayed through the media's reporting. Most all of America was watching and it was an opportunity to show the positive things about our community and not always the negatives. This would have benefited Orangeburg as a whole, SCSU, the city, county, Claflin, businesses, citizens etc. Maybe to encourage others to come to our town, to go to college here, live here , work here, or shop and vacation here, etc. What is the harm in wanting that for your hometown? That is all they basically was saying. Not criticizing SCSU. I think this has been blown out of proportion. Also, I want to say, not everyone from Orangeburg is narrow minded. Just maybe a lot of the ones that you hear from the most. I am also of the caucasian race but it doesn't make me feel any anomosity towards SCSU or anyone from the African-American race just because I live in Orangeburg. In fact, I feel that living in the South has helped me to see things first hand, learn from it and to grow. Maybe even to teach my child to be even more open minded than myself. I hope that Orangeburg continues to grow and prosper for the better and also wish that for SCSU, Claflin, and the African-American community as well as the caucasians. Meaning everyone here!!! Have a blessed day Orangeburg!! "

Anonymous wrote on May 3, 2007 9:36 AM:

" It is great that the debate came to Orangeburg. The city should look at ways to improve. Number 1 is annexation, like it was stated if the city annex the city would have more than 55,000 residents qualifying it as a metropolitan area and more business would move to the area. You are living in the 1950's because you have not annexed any areas in over 30 years which is ludicrous. You have a great anchor with SCSU and Claflin, but again you have the unsightly railroad corner that makes the city looks like it is in the middle of nowhere. Let's not forget that a train almost ran over a band a couple of homecomings ago and all of the people that have gotten killed on the tracks. The railroad corner is an eyesore and the tracks should be removed. What everyone is scared of is that if you annex the city, it definitely will have a black mayor. Orangeburg should be one of the top 5 largest cities in the state. It has the area it has the universities it has the interstates it does not have a vision however to be better and maximize on what they have. Edisto Gardens is alright but it should be expanded to a riverfront park with paths, swimming pools and full recreation activities. The Edisto river should be widened and cleared out to make the city a true vacation destination. But, you all don't think like that you rather but a backyard tent in the middle of town and celebrate confederate day. Orangeburg could be great but under the current leadership we have the vision is not there. "

Claflinbro wrote on May 3, 2007 9:34 AM:

" The visiting media wasn't suppose to highlight Orangeburg. The media was hear for the Democratic presidential hopefuls. The city benefited from all the exposure. Thanks to people like Clyburn and SCSU. Dont hate just congratulate. "

Rey wrote on May 2, 2007 8:40 PM:

" The debate seems to have aroused some civic pride and even some indignation. I think it is all good and maybe some people who have been on the sidelines will come together to try and plan a better community. I am not from Orangeburg, but my mother grew up in town so I have visited many times over my 54 years. This town has a lot of potential that has not been realized. Citizens need to get involved and demand more from leadership. "

Republican wrote on May 2, 2007 7:33 PM:

" Well next time - if it ever happens again - something big happens at SCSU, the city and the county and the community can just let the little dot of SCSU handle it and not worry about the rest of Orangeburg. IF the visiting media was supposed to highlight ORANGEBURG, it did an awful job. It was only great for SCSU. "

Claflinbro wrote on May 2, 2007 6:09 PM:

" Who cares what they think. The debate was a huge success. Hillary will be speaking at Claflin for graduation. I guess officials will be made about that as well. "

Noonie wrote on May 2, 2007 6:06 PM:

" The debate was about the canidates. This huge debate happened to take place at SCSU. James Clyburn was one of the very reasons why this historical event took place. If anything the city needs to thank Clyburn and the SCSU family for generating funds for the city. I was told that once this event had taken place that its just a matter of time before the negativity would rear its ugly head. Thanks SCSU and James Clyburn for doing a trememdous job with the debate. Also people let this go.....this is just a ploy to generate some publicity. This wasn't even worth responding to. I would also like to thank the city of orangeburg. I'm sure from talking to some officials that they were happy that this debate took place in Orangeburg. "

Visitor in Orangeburg wrote on May 2, 2007 6:02 PM:

" I personally felt that the debate went great, and that SCSU did a MARVELOUS JOB. I am so happy that no one really knows much about Orangeburg because I find that a great deal of the people here are narrow minded when it comes to certain topics. I am a person of the caucasian race and I felt that South Carolina State University did an EXCELLENT JOB hosting the debate at their fine and beautiful campus. "

N Murali wrote on May 2, 2007 3:16 PM:

" Why should it take a political convention for our leaders to wake up and clean our city? The city needs to be citizen-friendly. This means walking and bicycling paths all over the town, clean roads, and trees on sidewalks. Even the newly widened roads like the St. Matthews road have narrow footpath and no biking path. I wish our city planners went to places like Phoenix / Scottsdale Arizona to learn something about city and road planning. Even around the garden area there are no decent biking paths. The city does a lousy job of cleaning the sidewalks, picking trash or keeping the grass cut. The local county and city taxes are about the highest in the state, higher than even Charleston and Greenville! The taxpayers need to demand accountability! "

Administrator (Deron Dantzler) wrote on May 2, 2007 2:40 PM:

" Story comments that are opinions are posted. When the comments verbally attack a person or imply guilt, we avoid posting them. Also, if a post uses foul language, it is not approved. If a comment is "constructive criticism," it is generally posted provided it does not violate any of the above restraints. Occassionally as a result of high comment volume, it may take some time for your posts to be reviewed before they are posted to the site. This seems to cause some contributors to believe that their comment was denied, however this is often not the case. We are in the process of implementing a registration system which will provide a form of accountability for the comments, and with that system we hope that we'll eventually be able to remove the approval system all together. That move depends upon the behavior that is observed following the launch of the registration system. "

Republican wrote on May 2, 2007 1:32 PM:

" Since the T&D thinks that the Democratic Debate was the biggest and best event ever on the planet, I am shocked they even printed a few comments that didn't praise every single thing about the debate. All the visiting media said about Orangeburg pertained to "the massacre" and about segregation 40 years ago. I forgot Orangeburg was the only town that was segregated in the history of the USA. But it's typical - bring democrats and liberals into this town and you're only going to hear about the negative - just what happened last week. To all the folks that gripe about Orangeburg now and for the past 40+ years, LEAVE!!!! Coleman and Barnwell - good for you men! Lots of people agree with you! "

Pro-Orangeburg wrote on May 2, 2007 12:52 PM:

" It seems the T&D favors negative coverage as opposed to a positive outlook for Orangeburg. The headline “blast” is totally out of context with what two officials said. Nothing negative was said about SCSU and rightfully so. It was a democratic debate and SCSU, along with the County and City, did an excellent job of putting it on with no repercussions. However, I do agree that when the national news network comes to a city, certainly, it should portray the positive aspects that the City and County has worked very hard to accomplish. A lot of money has been spent in the Edisto Memorial Gardens, which is known nationwide and a lot of money, through grants, etc., have enabled Orangeburg to revitalize and improve downtown Orangeburg to a pleasing eye. Orangeburg is not all about SCSU, but both colleges are integral parts and a plus for the City, but there are also other pluses for Orangeburg that certainly any true supporter of Orangeburg would want to portray. I was appalled at the T&D headline, for Mr. Coleman and Mr. Barnwell, if you read the article, in no way “blasted” NBC. This is an example of unprofessional journalism "

LJ wrote on May 2, 2007 12:27 PM:

" To Pam and wiseone - if the focus was SCSU, then why show any other areas of Orangeburg at all? I thought the focus was suppose to be on the candidates and what they had to say anyway. To Bickle - do you really want to bring up the crime rate? If so, then why is it high? And if unemployment is high could it be because businesses don't want to locate here because of that crime? There is good and bad in almost everything. Even these posts are good for venting but bad for the already tense relations in this "tiny" town. "

S.C. Native wrote on May 2, 2007 11:58 AM:

" Yeah, "Bickle" is right! Let's not try to make Orangeburg out to be more than it is!! Jesus! Why in the world would they have been doing a profile on the freaking Edisto Gardens when they came to town for the debate?! You guys should clean Orangburg up in general...not because some big shots are coming. Besides, they found the tractor in the field BECAUSE IT'S THERE! It wasn't some hologram. If you want to live in a big city, move! Oh, and with Maurice Bessenger still waving that Confederate Flag high and proud, you should be glad they didn't mention that! "

agree wrote on May 2, 2007 10:30 AM:

" "RSW" you are soooo right. I have left many post that never make it on the comment boards. "

Bickle wrote on May 2, 2007 9:34 AM:

" LJ - Open your eyes. Orangeburg IS a little town. Who cares if they portrayed it the way that it is? This story reminds me of the pre-debate story that ran about showing Orangeburg in a positive light, which detailed the scramble to clean up the town for the debate. Let's not make Orangeburg into something it's not. Let's not facade the issues. Orangeburg has one of the highest crime rates and highest unemployment rates in the state. Commercial venues are limited. I'm just glad that the debate came here to begin with! "

beth1964 wrote on May 2, 2007 9:27 AM:

" I am from Orangeburg but have lived in two of the largest cities in America. The reference of "in the middle of no where" is correct. Unless you have had some type of dealing wih one of the HBCU's in Orangburg for the majority ,no one has ever heard of Orangeburg. Orangeburg should be happy for the this opportunity. Compared to other small towns in america where I travel often as well as come back to my hometown of Orangeburg we have far to go and grow. The colleges are good anchors for the city. However when it comes to retail why do I have to still go to Columbia to find decent shops. Why have we not anchored major retail shops in the Prince of Orange Mall to make us competitive with other local markets especially clothing stores. I love my hometown but we still have a lot of growning to do. "

Albany, Ga WRD wrote on May 2, 2007 9:23 AM:

" It is a shame that much of the criticisms about the debate having come to the city is being placed on South Carolina State University, and the attention it recieved...They had no control over the coverage of the city and all it had to offer. I was sadden that much coverage of the historical city was not seen; but we must understand that the media is the one that chose what they wanted to show. I hope in the future that my hometown does get the positve media coverage that it deserves; I think that it was time for this HBCU to recieve the positive coverage that was destined for it....Appreciate it for what it was worth, much more attention was brought to the city than you think, and it can be viewed later as a mixed blessing. More people have asked me about my hometown than any other time....Be glad that they didn't give attention to the captial city, and totally neglect Orangeburg all together. "

Wiseone wrote on May 2, 2007 9:18 AM:

" Since the Rose Festival will be held at Edisto Memorial Gardens this weekend will any emphasis be given to SCSU or Claflin?? I think not. The Debate was to showcase SCSU and NOT showcase Edisto Memorial Gardens "

LJ wrote on May 2, 2007 8:29 AM:

" While I agree "Blast" may be a little exaggerated, I strongly agree with the officials (isn't Council an "official" body too RSW?). I, too disliked the "tiny town in the middle of nowhere" image. They even said something to the effect that residents here would say that. I have lived here all of my 50 years and have never thought of Orangeburg that way. Perhaps residents moving from larger areas may. I thought at the time that video of the gardens would have been much better than the field and railroad tracks. And if that wasn't negative enough, they had to bring up the Orangeburg Massacre again. They could have at least added some more positive info about Orangeburg, such as the beautiful gardens and streetscape. But I guess the negative makes for better "news". At least they commented on how "polite" the people were. "

Buck wrote on May 2, 2007 8:29 AM:

" As a former South Carolinian who lived close to Orangeburg, I am saddened by these comments. I am not sure what these gentlemen are complaining about. The coverage of SC State was exceptional. One must consider that to the Washington DC beltway crowd, Orangeburg is indeed a tiny out of the way community. There's a certain myopia that seems to infect people who live in small commuunites; they tend to see where they live as the center of the universe. I think Orangeburg is fortunate that the news coverage didn't focus on the areas of the city run by some of the slumlords in town. "

pam wrote on May 2, 2007 8:27 AM:

" The story was a waste of time. The focus was SCSU because that's where the debate was held, not the Edisto Gardens. The debate went well State did a wonderful job. So let it go, it's over! "

Noonie wrote on May 2, 2007 8:22 AM:

" Somebody sounds desperate for a story..It was a great event..Thanks everyone. "

captivated wrote on May 2, 2007 8:03 AM:

" Sounds to me like a couple of officials were left out of the "LOOP" and are smarting about it. They may not have had any control over the arrangements, but they are both in influential positions to have some affects on the offerings by the T&D,at least. I'm sure that, were he doing his job, Mr. Coleman could have easily found a way to make sure the event included some of the more interesting and picturesque sights in Orangeburg. Maybe they should "BLAST" themselves for not being more involved. "

QuiK ?? wrote on May 2, 2007 6:39 AM:

" I am soooo happy and was very much delighted that the debate took place at my Alma-Mata!! GO SCSU!! Now what was the point of this article?? This is soooo funny to me b/c every since the Miss Black Orangeburg pageant, there's been sooo much controversy!! Any whoo, having this debate on the grounds of SCSU really put us on the map. I was soooo excited to here the news from friends and family!! It was quite funny to me b/c three days prior to the debate.....this WHITE RACIST co-worker of mine laughed when I told him that I went to an HBCU. He said...."must be a southern thing"...b/c he never heard of those. And that it probly wouldnt be a good idea to go there b/c "its not all about US". I wanted to slap him sooooo bad. Now that this debate has taken place at my school...I feel sooo proud to see that this important debate took place at an "HBCU" that I graduated from!! AGAIN, GO BULLDAWGS!!! P.S. We all know the real reason why they had a problem with it being at SCSU....come on.....it dont take a rocket scientist to figure this out!! "EDISTO GARDENS"????? they just wanted to talk about the old ROSE FESTIVAL......and you know where I'm going with that one... ;-) "

Bickle wrote on May 2, 2007 12:43 AM:

" "Blast" seems a little exagerated. "

RSW wrote on May 2, 2007 12:11 AM:

" What was the point of this article. The headline and the body contrast in meaning. "Officials" imply representatives like Clyburn or Graham had something to say. How long are ya'll going to write stories about this event? Something of interest had to of happened yesterday, just as something is going to happen today. As the local news, that should be your focus. Hopefully the writer and the editor read this, because it is my experience that when constructive criticism is left on this board it mysteriously does not get posted. "

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Officials blast NBC coverage of Orangeburg

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