In recent weeks, local news media reported on the illegal removal of a section from the Sullivans Islands marine forest adjacent to Station 26.
WCIV-TV interviewed a neighbor who lives on the front beach. She explained that the water below the beach is like a septic-tank when she walks down the path.
She is correct in stating that this ecologically significant public forest and wetland performs similarly to a septic system. It is therefore essential that we preserve it intact.
The Ecological Health of Kiawah Island’s 2021 annual report notes that maritime forests naturally regulate water supplies and facilitate water and nutrients recycling by slowly introducing water into the ground. This reduces stormwater runoff and improves environmental quality. These forests act as sponges and hold water, treat it, and slowly release it into the surrounding aquatic areas.
We are lucky that the barrier island on Sullivans Island has accreted. This provides us with a natural barrier against storms, a wetland for pollutants and a habitat for migrating birds.
We are also fortunate that the current Town Council is looking at new ways to discourage residents from taking matters into their own hands in future.
CAMMIE CAMP
Sullivans Island
Ukraine: There is hope
Are there others who are frustrated by the unprovoked invasion Ukraine by Russian forces
In the 1980s Russia invaded Afghanistan. They used military helicopters and tanks to attack it. The nation did not have any defense.
The story of Charlie Wilsons War, a Texas congressman, tells how he arranged funding and weapons that allowed Afghanistan to defeat and chase out the Russian forces.
This worked for Afghanistan. Why not Ukraine?
It might be working already.
STEPHEN BRINKMAN
Charleston
Housing dilemma
The Feb. 23 Public Housing Rebuild gets Zoning OK describes my definition of poverty deflation.
Only 12 units of the 85 units planned for the development will be allocated to those with very low incomes and rents subsidized through housing vouchers.
Based on the zoning, other units will be used for workforce housing for those earning 70% to 80% of an area median income of $45,400 per single household.
This is equivalent to $21.82 an hr. At that wage level, there is no moral obligation for government to help with housing needs. This assistance is only available to military personnel.
The article also mentions the need to provide housing and support for dishwashers, as well as other non-salaried workers, who now live on the outskirts Charleston.
The median income for the hospitality workforce, which is large on the peninsula, is much lower than the median. I believe this project is to build housing for them.
This is however a problem.
The 1960s Great Society experiment taught us that government intervention in housing provision is a recipe for failure. Charleston Housing Authority needs to consider this because it wouldn’t fare any better if it continued on that path.
The only way to solve this problem is to look at what other countries have done.
To ensure that neighborhoods are integrated and have a diversity of income levels, municipalities should allocate a proportion of housing in both existing and new developments.
LUIS VEGATORRES
Goose Creek
Practice tolerance
Every day, I read the newspaper, and focus on letters to editors. Most letters are critical.
While criticism is fine, it seems that most people don’t realize that the leaders of nations are dealing with issues they haven’t had to address in over 100 years.
In an effort to help people, many decisions must be made. It’s not an easy job.
Instead of criticizing, readers must understand that all our problems are not easy to solve.
It’s time for people not to criticize but to offer support.
Do what feels right and be open to others who believe differently.
We will overcome this if we look for the good in people rather than at what is wrong.
We must not be critical of the country’s progress.
Although I may be optimistic, I will not fall into the same trap as many others. I believe most people want the right thing. I also believe that most people are not prejudiced. However, being accused of being biased can lead to this.
Unfortunately, humans have not evolved to be tolerant enough. It might be helpful to read Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends & Influence People.
LINDA ROBERTS
Holly Hill
