July 1, 2021
From the Desk of the Mayor
Fellow Citizens,
Well, it is here, the 4th of July, our largest celebrated secular Holiday! Of course, I do not have to tell anyone who has lived at Folly for longer than a year how large the 4th of July really is. We have all experienced being captives on our island for that time of celebration as thousands of people descend upon the beach to celebrate, whether it is sun-bathing, surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, picnicking with family and friends, or just sitting and relaxing to the sounds of the ocean and seabirds. Everyone loves the beach!
While considering what to write about the 4th, I thought it would be nice to dispense with some of the usual reports of the city and think about how this time came to be. We all know the time-honored history of our Founding Fathers, and Ladies in the back-ground of the time, we know the stories of many great battles fought, won, and lost by those stalwart men of the Continental Army. If not, then I would encourage you to dig into these historical facts a little deeper. I bet you will be astonished to find exactly how much the State of South Carolina, Charleston and our surrounding area was involved in the war of Independence. From Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox, to the last battle fought in this war on James Island! We, South Carolinians answered the call.
While getting ready to write this article I could not help but to think about a couple of my favorite quotes from that time.
First from the Declaration of Independence, “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance.” John Adams
“Equal and exact justice to all men? Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus; and trial by juries impartially selected, these principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us.” Thomas Jefferson
Finally, my favorite quote from a man we all know for many saying and inventions we still use today. That famous Statesman, author, and inventor Benjamin Franklin :
“ We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
I think he sums up the thought behind our great nation, whether it is in the throughts of Independence, a World War, a national election, a state election, or a Folly beach issue or election. At the end of the day, when all discussion and debates are over, we must rally around the decisions made for the good of the Majority. This is not easy sometimes, but as Ben Franklin said, if we don’t hang together to face the problems/opportunities, we will hang (or fall apart) separately.
Off my Soap Box for now! As always if you need to talk or answer a question don’t hesitate to contact me: tgoodtwin@cityoffollbeach.com or 843 7290298
Mayor Tim
