Chairman’s Message . . . James Layden

While we have many people in our ranks working behind the scenes for independence, we have others out front and in the face of our enemies. This message will provide some insight into the visible activities of the SCLoS.

In the past, we have picketed and flagged political candidates, the SPLC, and the NAACP. These activities have been directed at our enemies because we are not taking it any more. We flagged former Governor David Beasley many times throughout the state because he tried to remove our flag from the State House dome. He was defeated in his bid for a U.S. senate seat and credited the SCLoS for his loss. We flagged Inez Tennenbaum, and she stopped fund-raising to run for governor. We understand she did not want to expose her contributors to the spectacle of pickets. During the last two years, we picketed the NAACP at the State House during the Martin Luther King Day celebration in response to their illegal secondary boycott of South Carolina. We also flagged them at their state convention last fall in Augusta.

Others write and publish books, have articles printed, submit letters to editors, fill speaking engagements, speak at State House hearings, meet politicians and community leaders, promote legislation, hold and attend chapter meetings, manage Southern Patriot Shops, promote the development of Secession Hill, organise musicals, publish newsletters, build and update websites, mail letters, send e-mails, answer correspondence, communicate with members, and on and on. It seems ad infinitum.

The SCLoS has passed another milestone by having our first Red Shirt rally for the “Commemoration of the Burning of Columbia” in February 2006. This event was orchestrated to remind our citizens of the invading United States troops, under the command of General William T. Sherman, which destroyed our capitol city. We hope that this becomes an annual event. We are bringing our message to the general public and are making a case for a free and independent South Carolina. Rallies are staged as media events to educate the public and entertain the participants. We expect to improve this rally each year and expand our reach by holding other events around the state.

During the past three years, the SCLoS has been in contact with tens of thousands of South Carolinians. They shop at our stores, read our literature, browse our websites, order merchandise on-line, attend meetings, participate in events, and provide encouragement. Many out-of-state individuals subscribe to our goals and support our agenda. Those who become members of 1^st South Carolina Rangers, Red Shirts, and friends are constantly informed of our activities by e-mail and letters. Many accept responsible leadership positions and make an impact by getting our message to the general public. Through this slow and meticulous process, we are finding and building a cadre of highly dedicated patriots who sincerely want independence.

While we use many volunteers, we have simply outgrown the reach of a purely all-volunteer organisation. We have grown from a few people a short time ago to a sizable number who believe in our cause. With the help and support of our members, Rangers, Red Shirts, and friends, we are moving to a sustainable cadre of paid staff members. Our cadre is presently comprised of two full time and two part time employees. The full time employees are Jim Hanks: Director SCLoS, Robert Hayes: Director Southern Cultural Centre, and two part time Southern Patriot Shop employees. Even though the pay for both full and part time employees is minuscule, the effort they expend is spectacular. Our goal is to expand this staff and have a preponderance of the cost borne by the general public.

All members and other appointed officers are not paid or reimbursed in any way. They believe in our organisation and contribute both time and resources. God willing, we will be free.