Editorial: Freedom Caucus Actions Could Threaten Local Government

Editorial Board, Anderson Observer

With all the discussion of local government knowing what is best for its citizens, a disturbing trend is emerging in South Carolina.

Ours is already among the most conservative states in the nation, with a two-thirds representation from a single party in both the house and senate, giving Republicans and unprecedented opportunity to pass legislation they deem most important.  

And there are many good and decent people representing the Upstate who are both conservative and Republican and embrace more traditional conservative values which include: freedom of individuals from government interference in their lives; limited government that does not allow government to interfere in personal matters (such as how we worship); the belief that the government should be most effective at the most local level possible, not federal or state down governing; strong national defense and intelligent investment in the military; limited taxes and balanced budgets, with sufficient taxes to fund those things government decides are most important; encouraging capitalism, protecting fair competition and encouraging free trade and minimal but responsible regulations to protect a strong economy; providing a quality public education, a core value at the establishment of the Republican Party to provide common understanding and common values to prepare good citizens of all classes. 

But another, more radical group of Republicans has emerged in recent years with agendas that are at odds with their party’s historic understanding of the role of government.  

Those occupying such extreme political positions are no longer simply lone rangers reading their opinions into the public record. Led by former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and supported by former Sen, Jim DeMint, R-S.C., and his Conservative Partnership Institute – whose institute staff includes Cleta Mitchell, who worked to help former President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election results - the new State Freedom Caucus Network is looking to set agendas in states across the country. 

South Carolina is already an affiliate of the network, with 20 S.C. House members listed as supporters on the organization’s website (with the notation that there may be others who wish to remain anonymous). Two of those, Rep. Thomas Beach, Rep. – Dist. 10, and Rep. April Cromer, Rep. – Dist. 6. 

They hope to influence state legislatures with national leadership in the driver’s seat., with a Its stated purpose of organizing “principled, America-First conservatives” to focus on “election integrity, critical race theory, school choice, vaccine mandates, and police reform,” issues where “our nation’s most important battles are taking place in state legislatures.” 

Their unstated purpose is to encourage such disrupting tactics as legislative hostage-taking, disruption of routine governing practices, and shakedowns of the “Republican establishment,” while serving as outposts for Trump’s efforts return to the White House. 

And it obviously aims to move the focus from local to national governmental policy, something South Carolina has rejected fiercely throughout its history. 

This agitation is worrisome among fellow Republicans who are more focused on what is best for their district and the state as a whole. These men and women are being put in a difficult position and few are willing to go on the record calling out the tactics of these followers of the national agenda. 

But Republican Rep. Neal Collins of Pickens County is among the voices expressing concern over the Freedom Caucus agenda and tactics.

On Friday Collins posted the following on his Facebook page, a solid summary of what our elected officials who are trying to service their constituents with integrity:

“I’ve stayed out of the internal drama with the so-called Freedom Caucus. Frankly, I don’t care what caucus people join. But this past week has shown how amateur & immature they are. 

Last week, the Freedom Caucus sued me as an Ethics Committee member because they want to raise out-of-state money. Instead of introducing a bill, the Freedom Caucus decided to sue me and others. Yes, conservatism to them apparently means suing in federal court in hopes an activist judge will strike down a state law instead of legislating a change to state law. So much for conservatism being for state’s rights & against activist judges.  

It didn’t stop with the lawsuit. From the opening bell this week, on a harmless bill to recognize women in hunting & fishing, Freedom Caucus members tried to insert a definition of a woman. The amendment practically meant what other than to divide? That no one but a biologically born female could celebrate? What penalties would exist if other people celebrated the day? The questions are as absurd as the attempt to blow some culture-war dog whistle.  

The “seriousness” didn’t stop at suing & dog whistling. Freedom Caucus members then tried to put restrictions on private businesses in a workforce development bill. Yep, you read that right. “Freedom” is freedom until a private business does something that offends their religious or culture viewpoint. At that point, apparently modern conservatism means the government can dictate to private businesses.

We then took up the hate crimes bill - a bill that would allow prosecutors to add an additional charge of hate on violent crimes if the prosecutor believes he/she could prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that hate of a protected class (race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability) was the intent.

A Freedom Caucus member admitted an amendment was “humorous.” He wanted to protect hair color as a class of people. He had other ideas of protecting left-handed people, coinage, landowners, etc. It is this lack of seriousness on the House floor that is abrasive to those of us who work seriously.  

Finally, many of them voted against the largest economic development project in the state. So much for pro-business.

Hypocritically, despite voting against economic development & against the budget, they are the first ones to cry if it’s suggested that their districts shouldn’t benefit because of their member’s “principled” stand.  

Politics is supposed to be about solutions, principles, compromise, and policies. Good ideas are supposed to be implemented by the persistent power of persuasion - typically it takes years. Politics has become more performance art than persuasion. The Freedom Caucus is not looking to persuade. Their motive to make every issue - even an innocuous women’s hunting & fishing day bill - an opportunity to fight “wokeness” is only known to each individual member. I don’t know what’s worse - seriously believing the stances or not believing but politically benefiting. Regardless, it undermines the sanctity of the institution of the House - something they may understand if they serve longer. 

We have a solemn obligation to 5+ million residents & nearly 250 years of history in the House.

Suing fellow members, making innocuous bills divisive, wasting precious time with “humorous” amendments, cowardly running away from questions in debate, creating gotcha votes, & hypocritically voting against budget bills but wanting the benefits … that’s the Freedom Caucus.

I’m hoping they, or at least some, will change to realize we’re elected to govern.

Branding the behavior of Freedom Caucus member in South Carolina as both “amateur and immature” is both a perfect and scalding indictment of how the shift is politics threatens the good of South Carolina citizens. 

Elected officials are not in office to provide proxy votes for any constituency (and especially not any political machine) but are instead stewards the public trust to do what is best for South Carolinians. This sometimes requires voting for measures that are unpopular and difficult.

It also requires an informed electorate who not only votes, but follows up with those they help elect to make sure they are acting in an effective manner for the best interest of Anderson County, the Upstate and South Carolina.

And never miss an opportunity to vote. To register or find who your representatives are visit SCVotes.