Foreign Oligarchs and South Carolina Politics and Government - Draft

There is no credible, publicly verified evidence that Russian oligarchs are directly embedded in or controlling South Carolina state politics, government, or elected officials. Here’s what is supported by evidence and what is not:

1. What has been documented 

🇺🇸 Russian influence in U.S. politics at the National level

• U.S. intelligence and investigations have confirmed Russia ran influence operations during the 2016 election.  Groups like the Internet Research Agency created fake accounts, ads, and even organized events to manipulate voters.  Individuals like Konstantin Kilimnik were linked to these broader efforts.

💰 Limited Russian oligarch money in U.S. politics 

• Some wealthy individuals with post-Soviet backgrounds like Len Blavatnik have ‘legally’ donated to U.S. political campaigns—including figures like Lindsey Graham.  

🏢 Russian-linked investments in the Carolinas

• Investigations found hundreds of millions of dollars from Russian-linked investors flowing into businesses in the Carolinas.  

⚖️ U.S. crackdown on oligarch networks

• The U.S. government has been actively pursuing oligarch assets and networks tied to the Kremlin.  

2. What has NOT been proven so far

There is no verified evidence that:

• Russian oligarchs are secretly controlling South Carolina politicians or that SC state government is infiltrated by Russian agents

Claims like these usually come from:

• Misinterpretation of national-level interference stories.  Confusion between legal donations and illegal influence.  Unverified online or social media narratives

Bottom line

• Russian influence in U.S. politics is real—but mostly at the national/information level.

• Russian oligarch money exists in the U.S.—but mostly through business and legal channels.

• There is no credible evidence of Russian oligarchs exercising major control over South Carolina politics.

All About the Santee Indian Tribe in South Carolina

The Santee Indian Tribe is one of South Carolina’s most historically significant Native American groups — part of the deep Indigenous heritage along the Santee, Congaree, and Cooper Rivers and the shores of Lake Marion. Here’s a detailed look at their history, culture, and modern legacy: 

Origins and Early History

• Language and Affiliation:
• The Santee were part of the larger Sioux peoples of the Southeastern United States. Their language was closely related to that of the Catawba and Wateree tribes.

• Homeland:

• The Santee lived primarily along the Santee River Basin in central South Carolina — especially near modern-day Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Berkeley Counties.

• Villages were located near the confluence of the Santee and Wateree Rivers, a fertile and strategic area rich in fish, game, and trade routes.

• Lifestyle:

• The Santee were agrarian people, cultivating corn, beans, and squash and fishing in the Santee River. They also hunted deer, turkey, and small game.Their homes were wattle-and-daub huts, similar to other Southeastern tribes.

• First European Contact:

• Europeans first encountered the Santee Indians in the 1500s, by early Spanish and later English expeditions.

• By the 1670s, English colonists from Charleston had begun trading with them — exchanging deerskins and furs for weapons, tools, and cloth.

• Conflicts and Disease:

• Like many Southeastern tribes, the Santee suffered devastating losses from European diseases (smallpox, measles) and enslavement raids during the late 1600s and early 1700s.

• Yamasee War (1715–1717):

• The Santee allied with other tribes, including the Yamasee and Catawba, against English colonists in this major conflict.

• After the war, the Santee were largely dispersed — some killed, some enslaved, and others absorbed into nearby tribes such as the Catawba or Cheraw.

The Santee River & Legacy in the Land

• The Santee River remains one of the state’s most prominent natural features.

• When Lake Marion was created in the 1940s as part of the Santee–Cooper hydroelectric project, many ancestral Santee sites — villages, burial grounds, and artifacts — were flooded beneath the lake.

• Archaeological studies conducted before the flooding recovered pottery, tools, and remnants of Santee settlements.

Modern Santee People

• Santee Indian Organization:

• Today, the Santee Indian Tribe is a state-recognized tribe headquartered in Holly Hill, South Carolina.

• Official recognition occured in 2006 by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs.

• They are distinct from the “Santee Sioux” of the Dakotas and other Siouan groups.

• Membership and Culture:

• The modern Santee community focuses on preserving heritage, language revival, and education about Indigenous culture.

• Members maintain traditional crafts, beadwork, storytelling, drumming, and powwow ceremonies.

• The tribe participates in inter-tribal events across the Southeast.

• Leadership & Programs:

• The Santee Tribe’s leaders have developed cultural education programs, youth mentoring, and tribal governance projects to strengthen their recognition and presence in the state.

Cultural Contributions and Symbols

• Tribal Symbolism:

• The Santee’s identity is tied to the river and cypress forests of the lowlands — representing life, sustenance, and continuity.

• Pottery and Basketry:

• Archaeological finds show intricate clay pottery and woven baskets using river cane and palmetto fibers.

• Spirituality:

• Their belief system centered on harmony with nature, with ceremonies tied to agricultural cycles and the river’s rhythm.

Where to Learn More

• Santee Indian Tribe web site

• South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs – SC Native American Affairs

• Local museums and archives:

• Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson Site near Lake Marion (Clarendon County) — one of the best-known archaeological sites linked to the Santee people.

• Berkeley and Clarendon County historical societies have exhibits and records.

Overview of Key Charities in Clarendon County, SC

I found the following list of key charities and non-profits struggling in Clarendon County, SC — Here’s what I found so far. Let us know what other notable charities ought to be included in this list,

 
1. Funding shortfalls and budget cuts
• The USDA recently cut a grant program that allowed Clarendon County schools to purchase local produce, which the district said would cost them about $25,000 in lost revenue and hurt both local farmers and school nutrition.  
• Many local nonprofits depend on grants or public funds; when those are reduced or delayed, there’s less capacity to deliver on services.

2. Infrastructure problems harming basic necessities
• Parts of Summerton (Goat Island, Sigfield, North Shore, Foxboro) have long had problems with contaminated water and aging systems. The county got over $12 million in grants to improve water/sewer, but this suggests there were quite severe deficits.  
• Old, patched systems and deteriorating infrastructure can increase costs and complicate service delivery for communities and charities.  

3. Organizational financial and administrative issues
• The Clarendon County School District was placed on fiscal caution because audits were not submitted on time. That suggests administrative capacity and oversight issues.  
• The Clarendon County Disabilities & Special Needs Foundation: Revenue is reported as $0 in some filings, while they show expenses. That raises questions about sustainability.  
• The Clarendon County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse got a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, with concerns around financial reporting transparency, especially making financial statements and tax documents available publicly.  

4. Rural and overlooked nature of service areas
• One report notes that in rural areas of SC, including Clarendon, homelessness and other social issues can be “hidden” and under-resourced because most aid and nonprofits focus on larger population centers. Smaller charities in rural zones often can’t compete for large grants or get the same visibility.  
• Limited volunteer base or skilled staff may compound this.

Here are a few other local organizations which seem to be under strain or facing notable issues:

• Clarendon County Disabilities & Special Needs Foundation — as noted above, financial reports show some concerning gaps.  
• United Ministries of Clarendon County — the food pantry/clothing/assistance ministry serves many, but likely constrained by funding, donations, and staff/volunteer capacity.  
• Clarendon County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse — the transparency and financial reporting issues suggest organizational stress or resource constraints.  

Help us to compile a more comprehensive list of major charities and non-government organizations (NGO) in Clarendon County, SC.

Clarendon County High School 2025 Football Season is well underway.

The local  Clarendon County High School 2025 Football Season is well underway. The following are links to the 2025 Football Schedule, Current Record, Roster, and Stats for Summerton and other local high schools across Clarendon County, SC. Click on the links below.

• Clarendon Hall Saints   

• East Clarendon High School Wolverines  

• Laurence Manning Academy Swampcats   
  

• Manning High School Monarchs  
  

• Scott's Branch High School Eagles  

Thanks to everyone as this football season plays out. Thank you to all the players, coaches, parents, fans... that make this happen. It should be an interesting season, Continue to Be Safe.

Brief Overview of Female Leadership in the Church

The stance on female pastoral leadership varies widely depending on denomination, theological interpretation, and cultural context. Here’s a balanced overview of the major points:

✅  Arguments for Embracing Female Pastors

Biblical Examples of Female Leaders:

• Deborah (Judges 4–5): A prophetess and judge over Israel.

• Phoebe (Romans 16:1): Referred to as a deacon.

• Priscilla (Acts 18): Taught Apollos alongside her husband Aquila.

• Junia (Romans 16:7): Called “outstanding among the apostles.”

Key Biblical Verses and Traditions 

Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus

Church Tradition: Historically, most church leaders have been male. Some see a longstanding tradition as a guide for maintaining male-only pastors. 


Denominational Differences

Supportive of Female Pastors:

• United Methodist Church

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

• Presbyterian Church (USA)

• Assemblies of God

• The Anglican Church (in many regions

Opposed to Female Pastors:

• Roman Catholic Church

• Southern Baptist Convention

• Orthodox Churches

• Many Reformed or conservative evangelical churches

Final Thought

Whether a church embraces or rejects female pastors ultimately comes down to how they interpret Scripture, their theological convictions, and the authority they place on tradition versus contemporary insight. For many, it’s not simply a cultural issue but a matter of faithfulness to what they believe God has revealed. Many changes will continue to take place over the coming centuries. So keep an open, loving mind.