There are bills, and then there are bills. Once in awhile a piece of legislation passes that serves as a guidepost to our nation's progeny. After its passage we feel a stir which sublimates our differences in a common body politic.
Such moments command an admiration for the timeless purity of our Constitution, an allegiance to our state, a feeling that everything will be all right because we really are sensible after all.
This year, the South Carolina House passed a provision for Golf Week. The language of the bill is straightforward, indicating a sense of urgency: Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina: Golf Week
"The last week in April in each year is designated as Golf Week' in South Carolina. The Governor shall issue appropriate proclamations to commemorate Golf Week' which must be observed throughout South Carolina with appropriate ceremonies and events to recognize the
In an effort to place this legislation in a larger historical context, POINT called the bill's sponsor, Rep. Douglas Smith (R-Spartanburg).
POINT: What exactly is the importance of turf-grass research?
SMITH: For the golf-industry and related industries.
POINT: Rep. Smith, I know very little about turf-grass research. I was hoping that you could tell me something more about it.
SMITH: What exactly are you getting at? If there's something you want to know, I'll tell you. Quite frankly, I'm skeptical of POINT.
POINT: All right. Is the provision for Golf Week based solely on economics?
If, for example, other sports brought in significant amounts of revenue, would they be honored with their own week as well?
SMITH: The golf industry is the second-largest industry in the state. If there's any other sport that has an economic impact equal to golf, they can also have their own week.
We also called a co-sponsor of this legislation, Rep. Bradley D. Cain (R-Oconee).
POINT: Do you think the provision for Golf Week was based solely on economics?
CAIN: That as well as the social aspects. People getting together
POINT: A couple of nights ago, I was in one of Columbia's night spots, Pavlov's. Perhaps you've been there?
CAIN: No.
POINT: I was speaking with a number of people about billiards, and they expressed the sentiment that it would be wonderful to have a week devoted to billiards, or even foozball. People are spending enormous amounts of money on these games and it's not just college kids.
What would you think about a legislative provision for one of these sports?
CAIN: I would say it would be good. That would be something to think about.
POINT: Would you be interested in sponsoring such a bill?
CAIN: I would consider it. I haven't really thought about it much. Is there a billiard association or anything?
POINT: I don't know.
CAIN: If you can do a little more research on it, I'd be glad to talk to you about it some more. I think you're exactly right. Billiards has gained in popularity over the last few years. It's no longer just "pool."
March for Jesus
Another springtime festivity we can look forward to from now on is the newly proclaimed March For Jesus Day.
Just when you thought the crusaders had disappeared with their clanging armor into the twilight of medieval history, Gov. David Beasley signed the proclamation this year making the March For Jesus Day official.
POINT attended the first official annual March for Jesus Day at the State House on May 27 and, while impressed by the diversity of the crowd, were somewhat disappointed that it wasn't really a march; people mostly stood around holding banners and signs for Jesus. Who knows what the Lord thought about it?
Next year, maybe we'll march somewhere fun. With that many people, we could accomplish great things. Perhaps the governor could proclaim a March on Charleston for Jesus Day. We could sack the city, loot the Omni and come back with booty. For Jesus, of course.
© Copyright by POINT, 1995
Last modified 7/9/95
