By Joshua Finn, Clemson University engineering student

What, you thought that the GOP represented your values and standards? Not in South Carolina.

As we stand now long overdue for a high level disciplinary action on State Sen. Jake Knotts for his racism and bigotry, the Republican Party wants us to exercise church-like conduct and move on. As such, perhaps the only thing more disturbing than the SCGOP’s complete refusal to discipline Sen. Knotts during their executive committee meeting is the fact that they went the route of twisting God’s Word in order to do so.

York County Executive Committeeman Glenn McCall gave us a unity speech quoting from the Bible and asking that we “put away malice and strife,” using his skin color in an attempt to persuade the party to his side. Karen Floyd backed him up with similar comments, and no one took any action to address Knotts’ unapologetic misbehavior.

What can we do? First, we need to notify our county GOP leadership. Second, we can let Karen Floyd know of our dissatisfaction over her establishment pandering. Lastly, perhaps it is time for some of us to seek positions within the GOP so that we can have trustworthy leadership who are concerned with promoting righteousness rather than enjoying the benefits of power.

The Upcountry Coalition of Conservative Organizations (including local tea parties, RINO HUNT groups, 9/12 groups, ABATE, Americans for Prosperity, and others) held a press conference at Tommy’s Ham House in Greenville, SC at 11AM on 2/12/2010. The press conference was held to dispel misunderstandings regarding the relationship of the SCGOP and local tea party groups.

These misunderstandings arose following two interviews SCGOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd had on national television. To see the interviews, visit http://andersonteaparty.com/blog/342

Harry Kibler of RINO HUNT clarifies the agreement between the SCGOP and local “tea party” groups:

SCGOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd speaks regarding her statements to the national media on the agreement between the SCGOP and local “tea party” groups:

Q&A:

In case you missed it Wednesday afternoon on Fox News, SC GOP Chair Karen Floyd was interviewed by Eric Bolling (filling in for Neil Cavuto):

And again Thursday morning on “Morning Joe”:

Notice what Mrs. Floyd actually said, vs what the news anchors said. Had she been more emphatic about the fact that the SCGOP is not taking over the tea party coalition, etc, it might have helped quell the misinformation flying around out there.