Before I begin this series about the two power threads shaping South Carolina, I need to speak from the heart–especially to the thousands of good lawyers who live and work in our state.
I DO NOT dislike the legal profession!
I DO NOT believe lawyers, as a group, are the problem!
South Carolina has about 11,000 attorneys and in my opinion, I believe 95% of them are hardworking, ethical, decent people who show up every day to help others through some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Most lawyers are NOT part of the political power grid I’m going to talk about in the coming days.
They are NOT pulling strings at the State House.
They are NOT trying to influence judges with their positions.
They are NOT part of the “behind-the-scenes system that has dominated our state for generations.
They are practicing law.
They are raising families.
They are going to churches.
They are doing exactly what we hope every professional would do–serving people with integrity.
The series that I will begin today is NOT about those attorneys!
It is about a very small group–maybe 5%–who have chosen to attach themselves to a political power structure that most citizens never see– a structure that influences legislation, judicial appointments, and decisions that shape every part of our life.
