Idiocy Knows No Borders: South Carolina Takes the Initiative On Two Key Issues

 

I am advised by a highly reliable source that I have my facts wrong.  That this law was passed in 1951 or thereabouts.  And that actually it has re-emerged because once again the SCL is attempting to repeal it.

The original erroneous post is being left here as

1. a public service to readers to remember not to believe everything you read
2. a personal lesson in humility to AA
3. an apology to the SCL

BTW I understand there is a Supreme Court Decision which effectively overturns this law:  Yates v United States (1957).

As many of you out there know, these are both dangerous and financially challenging times.

Two of the key issues that the United States of America faces are:

1. International and domestic terrorism
2. Budgetary shortfalls particularly at the state and local level.

Finding a solution to one of these would be quite an accomplishment.

Finding a solution to both of these really remarkable.

Finding a single solution to both - that would apparently be genius.

In another demonstration of unbounded innovation and competence. the Legislature and Executive of the Great State of South Carolina have stepped up with just such a solution in the form of Chapter 29 "The Subversive Activities Registration Act"  to Title 23 "Law Enforcement and Public Safety" of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

This clever piece of legislation requires that every subversive organization (and that would include not just terrorists by the way) must register with the Secretary of State of South Carolina  (Section 23-29-50.)  Failure to do so results in penalties of a fine of not more than US$25,000 and up to ten year's imprisonment (Section 23-29-90).

With penalties like these, it's pretty clear that subversive organizations in the Great State of South Carolina have a strong incentive to register.  And judging by the South Carolina Legislature's focus on this issue, you know it's got to be a serious problem in their state.  Once subversives are registered, of course, it will be very easy to keep track of them.  And, if necessary, to arrest them.  And since they've filled out a form stating that they are subversives bent on the violent overthrow of the Government of the United States and perhaps even more importantly that of the Great State of South Carolina, judicial proceedings should be facilitated.

But there's more to the genius behind this bill.  It has a revenue enhancement aspect.  When registering with the Secretary of State, each subversive agent will pay a US$5.00 fee.   I'm guessing that this initiative might well mean that South Carolina won't need any stimulus money from the US Federal Government.  After all, one would certainly not imagine that the solons of South Carolina would waste time if this weren't a serious problem.

If you are a subversive residing in the State of South Carolina or have a loved one, friend or acquaintance who is, please urge them to register.  They have only 30 days "after coming into existence in South Carolina" to do so.  

As a public service, here is a copy of the official form for registration.