Comments on: Say what you mean, mean what you say

By: Tom Chumbley

Tom Chumbley — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:13:06 +0000

You keep it up Mr. Ballentine. Over time those who hold to the old ways will be out of office and those that embrace what being a representative is about will be vindicated.

All the best,

Tom

By: Priority One: Education : Nathan Ballentine

Priority One: Education : Nathan Ballentine — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:49:03 +0000

[...] I know first-hand how hard our teachers work to help prepare our leaders of tomorrow. While I was recently punished and stripped of my seat on the House Education and Public Works Committee, it does not mean I won’t be involved in [...]

By: Frank Eargle

Frank Eargle — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:12:14 +0000

With school enrollment going down and Lex/Richland 5 (how did that ever happen) wasting 1/4 billon dollars, it is nice to see someone fighting for us, the tax payers.

So why are we talking of cutting out the stipend for national board certification? Yes money is tight. Do we just want to admit that we are not interested in national standards? Isn’t that how we got the PACT test to begin with? We are last in the nation so we’ll create our own test that we’ll do better on each year. Never mind the tests that the other 49 states use.

Yes Nathan, I for one am very proud to be a supporter of yours. Every election I generally vote against incumbents. In your case I proudly asked you to serve another year.

Instead of holding up your hand for a roll call, why not have ETV stream the statehouse? It would be great experience for our colleges and universities to produce live television. And all it would cost is a couple cameras and existing bandwidth. Of course the antics that go on inside the building might not make for such good TV!

Again, keep up the good work. Just reading these pages shows how hard you work for us!

By: Ron Conner

Ron Conner — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:27:23 +0000

Nathan;

I’m not in your district,therefore,you do not represent me.I read your blog and was very impressed with what you said.The principles that you stated also apply in the everyday life of the common person.Self preservation and looking out for your own hide and not for the common good,exist in the work force everywhere.My family and I are praying for you,and i’m proud to call you cousin.Happy Birthday!!

By: HP -- Lexington, SC

HP -- Lexington, SC — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:20:27 +0000

You got that right, Danny. Truth in politics is indeed a gift.

…

Listen to this quote:

“Reforms and revolutions create leaders who articulate common grievances and shared ideals and enter the fray personally in an exemplary way. Although such men and women stand out in history as individuals, their successes rarely come from having discovered something previously unknown to their contemporaries. It lies rather in their ability — often in spite of themselves — to speak for many.

…In the public mind, they come to epitomize a cause much larger than themselves… ”

Steven Ozment, Professor of History, Harvard University
in “Protestants: The Birth of a Revolution” (publ: Doubleday, 1992)

…

Representatives Ballentine and Haley are to be commended. And we do!

By: danny lynch

danny lynch — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:50:47 +0000

Nathan,

I agree with “say what you mean and mean what you say”! As you well know “My wife” went through this same type deal with the Lex/Rich 5 School Board and the former Superintendant last year! They too instead of doing the right things played politics/games and were more concerned with their own agendas instead of our students/principles needs/request.
It appears that those same “games” are still gonig on both in Lex/Rich County School Dist. and at the SC State House (since our school enrollment is actually going down/the truth comes out after the vote were cast and now good SC House Reps are not getting “THE” positions they deserve because they are not playing in the political big boys games!.
Thank you for being mine and my families truth in politics representative!

May God continue to bless you and your family.

Thanks,,

Danny Lynch

By: J. Branham

J. Branham — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:07:55 +0000

Nathan,
Keep your chin up. You’re right about the average constituent not caring about the posturing and antics. However, I do believe the average constituent appreciates your efforts to advocate for accountability and transparency on meaningful votes in the House. Ride out this storm, hold on to your principles and I believe you’ll find yourself (and your constituents) better off in the long run!

By: Make Ken Kennedy Speaker

Make Ken Kennedy Speaker — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:06:33 +0000

There’s no education in the second kick of a mule.

By: Mom

Mom — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 17:25:39 +0000

So glad to see the Hansons respond–tell them your mother said hello. Also, Berry Ponder who responded as well, is Randy and Betty Vaughn’s son-in-law.

By: Jim & Jewel Hanson (Two Precious Stones)

Jim & Jewel Hanson (Two Precious Stones) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:54:19 +0000

Hang in and keep on fighting. Nathan, you are the only politician we ever trusted. The day we met when you were campaining for the position you have now, we liked you and voted for you. We have been to lots of places in this world. Happy to live in your area. Hello to all at your house. Loved the Cristmas Card and picture. Just yell if you need our help!
“Two Precious Stones” who read your blogs daily!