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Note: Comments posted at the bottom of this page are not submissions for the print version of Tell Willie and are for online readers to discuss today's Tell Willie column in real time. To submit a question or comment to Willie for the print newspaper click here or call 864-882-0903 and leave Willie a message. He checks his voice mail daily.

Willie,

Oconee County Councilmen and the City Council of Seneca should look at federal stimulus money to improve the roadway coming over the Seneca River into Oconee County up to the city limits of Seneca. Oconee County councilmen should request federal stimulus money to plant trees in the center and put sidewalks and bike paths leading back into Clemson and towards the Y Beach or as it is now called Clemson University Beach and Recreation. Beauty and an outdoor lifestyle are among the attractions of a highly educated work force — the kind that Oconee County should attempt to attract and retain. The city of Seneca would benefit by attracting thousands of people who are visiting Clemson to venture over the bridge towards Ram Cat Alley.

Willie says:

Willie agrees that the entrance(s) to Oconee County need to be as attractive as possible. But to get people to want to cross that bridge from Clemson in the first place, they need to have a reason. Our Economic Development Commission, Convention and Visitors Bureau, County Council and city of Seneca need to advertise to the max all the attractions our county has to offer!

Willie,

I just have something I would like to bring to light. One night I happened to pull up at a grocery store. What I saw made my mouth drop to the floorboard. My neighbors went in and purchased a case of beer. They paid for it and walked right out the door and gave it to their sons that had followed them up there in their car. These kids are ages of 16 and 14. The kids took off with the booze and did God knows what. How stupid can people be to do that kind of behavior? I called law officers and gave the kids’ tag number and all their names. I think I did the right thing.

Willie says:

I guess just being a parent doesn’t guarantee that you have a brain.

Willie,

I’m complaining about all these Harleys with straight pipes instead of mufflers. I know for a fact that you can’t run straight pipes in this state. Talk about global warming! Can you imagine what all these things are doing to the environment? Maybe 1 in 20 left the mufflers on. And why doesn’t the law stop them? They are way too loud. I think law enforcement is scared to do anything! Is it just me or is anyone else thinking this?

Willie says:

Well, from a bikers point of view, Willie’s been told “Loud pipes save lives.” Lots of drivers don’t “see” motorcycles coming — they may just “hear” them. But, if it is breaking the law, it needs to be cited by the police the same as any other violation.

Willie,

I just started reading your column and read the complaint about the Farmer’s Market. They should be ashamed to complain about the poor old farmers that get out there, and I know they grow their own vegetables. I’ve been shopping with them for years. I’m 81 years old and never got anything bad. I saw some that did, and they brought it back and it was made good. These people should be ashamed.

Willie says:

Like you just said, if something is bad and the farmer makes it good with a refund or replacement, Willie would be satisfied. Sometimes fresh produce just goes bad.

Willie,

To the man in the white Kia minivan with a handicap tag: Passing another vehicle in a no passing zone on 188 is dangerous and dumb, but your passing two vehicles was more dangerous and even dumber. Is the handicap tag because of a mental impairment?

Willie says:

Makes Willie wonder which one of the two words NO PASSING the guy had trouble understanding.

Willie,

Can you find out for me why a male student in the Oconee County School system who was guilty of physically assaulting a female student was allowed to return to school? When I say physically here, I’m not talking about sexual; I’m talking about beating! Who makes these decisions? Perhaps the people should know who makes these decisions.

Willie says:

“Please contact the school’s principal if you have questions regarding student discipline procedures or policies. Law enforcement should be contacted with questions about the commission or resolution of criminal acts,” according to Kay L. Powell from the Office of School and Community Services of the School District of Oconee County.

Willie,

I am sick to death of people complaining about OMC ER waiting time! I was an ER for a spell. I am now in another profession that does not give me medical. Guess what, I never go to the ER. I get paper cuts, stub my toe, fall and bruise, I get colds, the flu, ear aches, I’ve run high fevers and I don’t tie up the ER. I know folks want sympathy. But they also need to see the other side. People bringing in “sick” children who are running around playing tag in the waiting room. Those that call 911 and take an ambulance for tripping and skinning their knees, the folks complaining of “pain” so they can get drugs, and the list goes on. Many people do not pay their ER bills in my experience. Last year I broke my foot. I am paying $10 a month to OMC, and they are fine with that. Too many users and abusers. I’m not saying everyone is, but you have to see the other side of the spectrum. Hours of treating stuff that would go away on its own and you get in a huge trauma, then people complain that they are waiting for an ear ache while you are trying to save the life of a trauma victim that came in a door the ER waiting room can’t see. Two sides to every tale, and I am sick of people complaining so much. Oh, a few years ago I did a mission trip to Sierra Leone where they have almost no medical care. And we are complaining? In Sierra Leone, you can’t just run around the corner and buy an aspirin or Pepto.

Willie says:

Thanks for speaking with the voice of wisdom.

And …

Willie,

To the person complaining about the ER at OMC, how do you know people were being taken with minor injuries prior to you? Are you a medical professional or a doctor or nurse that can determine that? And secondly, you say the wait is the same every day and every night. How would you know that unless you’re one of the people there almost every day and every night abusing the facility with non-emergency illnesses?

Willie says:

Very good questions to the earlier writer.

Willie,

I’m calling in about the children being in school all day. I think 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. is a good time and if anybody else agrees with me, please call Willie because he will give you the right answer.

Willie says:

From Willie’s experience it would be a mistake to cut back on the amount of “teaching” time our children are receiving. Many countries attend school more days than us, more hours, etc. Our young people need to know more and more — especially technology — to be successful in a global economy. And school isn’t just a place to learn; it’s a place to make friends, learn social skills and learn to get along with others. Willie has lots of fun memories of my school days! So, don’t worry, my friend.

Willie,

Why do people want to be one’s friend only when they want a favor or want them to do something at their expense? Never calls to check on the one who helps when in need. Never mentions to help pay for things one borrows and gets torn up. I thought a friend is one who helps one another when in need of help, someone to hang around at each other’s convenience and not one-sided. A true friend is always beside you no matter what. I have realized in the past few months who my true friends are! Boy, was I ever wrong. But I do still have one (I think) true friend. I guess time will tell that too. I have been told several times I am too good to people to be walked on or get treated like I do.

Willie says:

Friendship should be a two-way street. Give and take. Not just take, take, take. If you have some friends like that: run, run, run.