Chairman’s Message . . . James E. Layden

A new member recently asked me to describe the SCLoS and explain its relation to the LoS. After reflecting on my response, I thought some of our other members, Rangers, Red Shirts, and friends would be interested in this subject. I also wanted to describe how we are working with other groups while proclaiming our dedication to secure state sovereignty. After all, when we win they win.

 The LoS is the founding group, and the SCLoS is one of many state organisations now in existence. The LoS was founded in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on 25 June 1994. Bylaws for the League of the South, Inc. were adopted 14 July 1994, and revised 2 March 1995, and 28 July 1997. Initially, the LoS president appoints the state board of directors and chairman, but each state is encouraged to incorporate its own constitution and bylaws. All members within a state who join the LoS are automatically members of the state organisation and vice versa. All membership dues are provided to the LoS office, and a portion may be returned to the state with extra funding for special projects.

 The SCLoS is incorporated in the state of South Carolina, and its board of directors elects the chairman. The chairman or any board member may be removed from office by a 2/3 vote of the board. The chairman and board of directors determines the activities to be undertaken in their state.

 The LoS and SCLoS seek to advance the cultural, economic, political well-being and independence of all Southerners and South Carolinians by all honorable means. The overriding feature of this statement is fulfilled as we secure a government by the consent of the governed. That is, freedom.

 The SCLoS is first and foremost a political organisation that remains focused on its agenda. We are not a political party, business concern, financial institution, heritage group, or Christian organisation, but we work in coalitions with all of those and others to advance our agenda. Literally hundreds of single-issue special interest groups representing a broad spectrum of interests are connected by a common thread: opposition to some federal government program or mandate that adversely affects their livelihood and freedom. The challenge is to network with these groups when we can identify one or more concerns that coincide with our core beliefs. We can provide the organisational structure needed to get attention and results in the political arena. Because we are not wedded to one political party, we can meet with all politicians and offer our support when we agree in principle on an agenda. Those who promise to help us but do the opposite when elected quickly learn how we operate. We do not forget or forgive. The political career of former Governor David Beasley is a prime example for other politicians to consider.

 The SCLoS will work with state-wide elected officials and politicians in all levels of government from the community to the state legislature to implement sovereignty caucus groups within their legislative bodies. These groups will implement our core beliefs based on position papers made available to the public. Many of these issues will be controversial because we will take power from big government, big business, and special interest groups and return it to the people. That is called freedom, sovereignty, or independence. We believe in home rule; state laws from Columbia, South Carolina that tell us how we must live are almost as offensive as federal laws from Washington, D.C. Our goals are lofty and the stakes are high, but it can be done. We are serious and dedicated every step of the way. If you are not committed, you cannot know the joy of success. God willing, we will be free.