Recently, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids released a report about funding tobacco prevention programs. It is well established that comprehensive statewide tobacco prevention programs prompt sharp reductions in smoking levels among both adults and kids by increasing the numbers who quit or cutback and reducing the numbers who start or relapse. These programs can reduce smoking, save lives, and save money. (More)

On Veterans Day, following the parade, I was approached by a friendly couple.Wearing my 33-year-old dress blues, I was asked when I had served. They then handed me an envelope that said "Thank you for your service." (More)

I don't know Beaufort County Councilwoman Laura Von Harten, but I think she has been crucified enough in your paper. (More)

It's typical of left-wing, mind-numbed robots like Thomas Friedman to complain about a possible bailout of the American auto industry (GM, Chrysler and Ford) and go on to discuss how much Honda is making in Canada. What Friedman conveniently leaves out is just how uneven the playing field is between the American-produced foreign vehicles and the Big Three. (More)

Although Jeremy Hsieh is no longer at The Beaufort Gazette, I want to thank him for informing our neighbors in Beaufort about the dilemma of the nails on St. Pauls Church Road. (More)

The American public has been duped by Washington. We were told that in order to save our economic and financial system, Congress had to give the Treasury $780 billion, no questions asked. Now the Treasury has changed its mind and says it might not spend any of the money as originally proposed. (More)

This entire community, which we have grown to love even more, has once again shown the extent of its heartfelt generosity and willingness to help a friend truly in need. (More)

The resignation of Jeff Dowling as chief of police is a real loss for the city of Beaufort. Dowling has brought dedicated expertise and real efficiency to the department, as well as a unique love of the community. (More)

I am raising my voice during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. (More)

We are compelled to express our deepest gratitude to all who attended and contributed time and other support to the success of The Society of St. Vincent DePaul luncheon and card party held Oct. 24 at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Lady's Island. (More)

Beaufort's religious range wars didn't start with one local official's remarks. They have been an ongoing Thirty Years War, waged on the pages of this newspaper. (More)

Congratulations and thanks for your recent series concerning the many problems and deficiencies of South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control. (More)

A short line from a regular visitor to Beaufort to say what a great facility the public swimming pool is at the rear of Beaufort High School. (More)

It is amazing to me that approval to build a Family Dollar store on St. Helena Island was granted by a county Planning Commission subcommittee. (More)

There is an old saying: "If you have to ask the price of a yacht, you cannot afford it." (More)

I'm Catholic, and I had the good fortune to live in Beaufort for about four years in the 1970s. I loved every minute of it. I never experienced any indication of anti-Catholicism at any time. (More)

Beaufort County seems to have a growing crime rate for robbery, drugs, murders and attacks on females, let alone the "strong-armed robbery" on the taxpayers of Beaufort County. (More)

Perhaps now that we have had some time to reflect on the automatic responses and defensive reactions that were brought before us over the past week, we can more clearly think about the inappropriate remarks that have been made by many more than just one Beaufort County councilwoman. (More)

I pondered for several days the statements made by Laura Von Harten concerning the zoning request of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. (More)

County Councilwoman Laura Von Harten made a politically incorrect statement given the forum (a rezoning request by a Catholic church). Von Harten gave voice to her thoughts, rather than -- as the Gazette's editorial suggested to me -- keeping quiet and voting "no." I much prefer our council persons to be open and honest rather than covert. (More)

Most of us who live on St. Helena Island have to travel approximately 10 miles to the nearest grocery store. I am amazed that the community would not allow a grocery store, which would make all of our lives easier, but would encourage a Family Dollar store, which would serve limited needs. (More)

I was appalled to read the anti-Catholic comments made byBeaufort County Council member Laura Von Harten in The Beaufort Gazette. (More)

I was glad to see Beaufort County Council Chairman Weston Newton, in addition to Councilman Rick Caporale, take a public position in response to Councilwoman Laura Von Harten's inappropriate and tasteless comments regarding the Catholic Church and its beliefs. (More)

Although I agree with Councilwoman Laura Von Harten's ethical/moral views on the Catholic Church's stance against women's rights, I feel she made a major mistake when she shared those views from her pulpit as agovernment official. (More)

I am not about to enter into any discussion about Beaufort County Council member Laura Von Harten's opinions, feelings or criticism of the Catholic Church. (More)