CHAIRMAN’S REPORT . . . James Layden

When I review the SCLoS accomplishments in 2004, I am astounded and humbled that so much can be accomplished in such a short period of time. Even though we have a large number of members, Rangers, Red Shirts, and friends, dedicated individuals accomplish the major work. We have, by the grace of God, assembled a highly dedicated cadre who desires freedom. Their desire is the driving force behind these accomplishments and can be described as the result of people wanting independence, self-determination, state sovereignty, or simply to be left alone. The only thing we have to do now to reach our goal is bring more dedicated people into the fray and lead them with a professional staff that has resources and tools to do the job.

The SCLoS is growing in numbers and influence each year. We will continue to form coalitions, add lobbyists, elect politicians, assemble Red Shirt pickets, open Southern Patriot Shops, upgrade websites, and expand the scope and influence of the South Carolina Patriot newsletter. We will assist the CSA Project and the Christian Exodus members as they move to South Carolina to help us gain independence. We are gaining support in South Carolina and other states, but must not allow our quest for freedom to cloud our priorities. The priorities are God, family, church, and then country (South Carolina).

Unless you are involved in at least some of our many activities, you cannot comprehend the planning and organisation that precedes each and every project. For example, when our Red Shirts picketed the NAACP at the State House in Columbia on 17 January 2005, we obtained a demonstration permit, made attendance projections of our pickets, prepared copies of a press release for the media, selected appropriate slogans on professionally prepared signs, selected and packed a large box of flags for our flaggers, arranged to display our well known ”FLUSH THE NAACP” pink commode, asked those in attendance to refer the news media to our designated speaker for the occasion, selected a place to meet and eat after the event, and invited everyone to come to the Cayce Southern Patriot Shop for a flag raising. All this, of course, required planning and coordination.

There were three highlights of the day. The first was the rebel yell that ensued from the Red Shirt pickets when one of the NAACP speakers at the State House referred to flag protesters across the street. He was required to stop talking until the yells subsided. The second highlight involved a sign carried by Larry Salley, a member of the SCLoS Board of Directors. The sign read “NAACP – THE KLAN WITH A TAN” and it even got the attention of the NAACP marchers. Larry held tightly to that sign during each media interview, but as far as I know, the sign was not shown on television or mentioned by any news group. The total absence of any coverage of Red Shirt pickets by The State newspaper speaks volumes. A Red Shirt picketer wanted to carry Larry’s sign, but Larry guarded it to the end. Larry loved that sign and may have captured and imprisoned it in his home for the duration. The third highlight occurred during ceremonies at the Cayce Southern Patriot Shop where our 20 by 30 foot Confederate Battle Flag was raised to the top of our 60 foot pole to commemorate Generals Jackson and Lee’s birthdays. As some 15 to 20 people were raising the flag, a truck horn sounded from the road. The loud noise was an appropriate gesture of approval and was enjoyed and appreciated by all Red Shirts in attendance.

If some of you have not attended a Red Shirt picket, I encourage you to become an activist. It is fun, and you can make lifetime friends of like-minded people. May God favor our cause!