Mark Brian

Yesterday, I did what I hope most of us did. I stood in line for what seemed to be an extremely long time. And I am sure the thought about how inconvenient it was popped into my head, and probably into yours. But we all know how important this election was.

And before you or anyone else complains about the results or how long it took at the polls to finally get to vote, listen to this. I was almost at the voting machine when the elderly man beside me collapsed. I was not able to catch him before he went to his knees but helped him back up. His wife explained he has severe back pain and is not supposed to be waking or standing for extended periods of time.

You could see how much physical pain the man was in, the beads of sweat running down his forehead. But it was not going to stop him from voting! If every American realized what a privilege it is to vote and would go thru what this man did, how many of us would do it? I am sure he could have voted absentee, but maybe he felt his vote would mean more if he actually stood and endured the pain. I have had severe back problems years ago and know how bad it is. This man is an example to us all. Proudly wearing his USA flag shirt and looking like Santa's twin, he was not going to let anything stop him from his duty and privilege as an American. A True American! I don't know, or care if he was this party or that party and it should not matter to you either!

Maybe the election didn't turn out how you wanted or you are overjoyed by the outcome. But was this year the first time you finally got off your butt and made a stand for what you believe? Maybe in the future, we will all become more politically active, more vocal to our elected officials that we are sick and tired of the way Washington has been run in the past. This is America! By the People and for the People! No more red state or blue state but a RED WHITE AND BLUE UNITED STATES!

Please do not the months go by and start to forget to continue to be involved and letting everybody know how you feel on the issues! Even if you are part of the majority, but the majority remains silent, then we all lose! Remain active, and if possible become more active. Everyday ask yourself about what you saw on the news and how America should respond. How is America going to regain her reputation, her stature and our economic strength if the average American is more concerned about who wins American Idol than the most recent law passed?

The days of sitting back, and letting the politicians run America is over. We let them run us into the ground, we let the average American have to worry about paying the bills, about having a job, about their children's future. Enough is enough. Be proud of being an American, ignore the slander and media hype and get the facts on issues and let your elected politicians know how you feel and that you are watching how they vote!

That older gentleman with the bad back had me humming the national anthem as I left the polls. I expected Lee Greenwood to step out from another voting machine and start singing "Proud to Be an American"! I could not be more proud of the turnout, of the response America had to this election. But do not let it subside! Remain active and aware of the problems facing America and let your voice be heard!

I had the opportunity to stop by Big Dave's BBQ Restuarant in Clemson today after showing some property in Walhalla. I always try to stop by Big Dave's if I am in Clemson. If you like BBQ, be sure to stop by. Big Dave uses only hogs raised at Clemsons Agriculture Department. And Big Dave has feed the like of the Dallas Cowboys, the Carolina Panthers, & of course the Clemson Tigers. I am a big guy but one pork sandwich will fill me up, but if really hungry I try to get the plate because the side dishes are just as good as the BBQ. He is located right on the main drag at 1060 Tiger Blvd in a very convenient location. He even will cater. My mouth is starting to water just remembering todays delicious lunch. So please stop by and check out Big Dave's, you will not be dissapointed!

Anderson County

Single Family Homes

August 2008

126 Homes sold with an average of 122 Days on Market at 95% of Original Price

August 2007

210 Homes sold with an Average of 144 Days on Market at 96% of Original Price

What Does This Mean?

40% Less Homes Sold in 2008 Than During the Same Time Period as 2007!

And Homes Sold 16% Quicker in 2008!

BUT for 1% LESS of Original Price than in 2007!

Anderson residents were startled by the sound of the first wave of the evil alien invasion on Friday!

Didn't have time to get my shotgun but was able to send out these pictures to warn the world before hiding in my basement!

I think this one is a communication ship, see the antennas on the side!