Julie Smith’s “Smith Says” last week generated lots of comments. Most applauded her way with words. When we asked one letter-writer if we could publish her comments about Julie Smith, she said “Oh you sure can. She’s pure genius.”
On the other side, one writer indicated Ms. Smith could leave the state.
Here you have the responses, both the fan mail and the lone negative reaction:

Julie...I enjoy reading your articles, but today’s (He threw it all away) was the best ever.  I also read on page 5B a student received the Governor's Citizenship Award for “outstanding character, service, leadership, responsibility and discipline,” all of the things our governor seems to be lacking. Keep telling it like it is!  
-- Dave Keeler, Summerville
 
Julie,
Thank you for your wonderful column on our pathetic Governor, which my wife and I just read in this week’s Gazette. We too have adopted SC as our home and are tired of being a laughingstock. Your column was perhaps the best we've read since this whole affair began.
-- Marty Solomon, Goose Creek

Julie,
I am from Moncks Corner, but have just moved back home after working at USC, with a degree in art, after 3O years. Unfortunately, I happened upon your “Rantings” in the Independent. I think that your writings are begging for us the public to “NOTICE” you as a serious writer. I have to say that it cries of unresolved bitterness at being a writer for a small town newspaper.  
Your vile words are worse than anything I have ever read. I was totally shocked at the gutter talk that came spewing from your mouth. It shows how underpaid and overworked you must be. I am sorry for you and for our newspaper, our community and our state.
BTW, The road leads back to where you came from.  I am not sure that you could find a job “Ranting” there either. Maybe that is why you are here!!!
-- Cathryne “Trina” Brooks, Moncks Corner

Julie,
My boss just walked in with your column on Sanford and handed it to me because I have been walking around the office RANTING things similar (though not nearly as well worded) to your article all week. All I can say is THANK YOU! You give me hope that I’m NOT going crazy and that there really are people feeling the same as I am.  I hear all these people on the news and in opinion pieces and in government STICKING UP FOR HIM, saying he should not go and I feel as if I must be on some strange planet where nothing makes sense, THANK YOU!
-- Lori Wind, Charleston


Julie,
Of course, you’re missing the point: Sanford was sent by God to South Carolina’s newspapers to save their industry.
--Barry Waldman, Charleston
Julie,
Wow, I love your column on a regular basis, but this one has me thinking I haven't moved to the land of Oz after all. When you said you were tired of "hailing from a laughing-stock" it struck a note with me. My husband and I moved to Florida when we retired and were there for the infamous election. And our governor there certainly had a lot to do with that train wreck. Talk about laughing-stock! Then, after my parents passed away it was our turn to move near our daughter here in South Carolina. We love being near them. However, when our governor here started his “I won't accept that stimulus money unless I can use a percentage of it to pay off our state debt” I began to look around me with horror thinking maybe the curse had followed us here. What part of “Stimulus Package” didn't he understand?  Our sons in New Jersey and North Carolina weren't particularly happy that we might be using Federal Funds to pay off our State debt. I thought immediately that the man had done something wrong and was trying to cover it up. It never occurred to me that he had used state money to finance an affair and certainly didn't want the Federal Government nosing around. 
Well, your column was spot on. I was laughing all through it because your thoughts were exactly what I was thinking and it was a good feeling to find someone who “put it out there.” If you want to spearhead a “Get rid of the sniveling, self-indulgent whiner” campaign, I’m available to help. Keep up the good work – I turn to your column first to help keep my sanity and get a few chuckles. You must be a really great gal.
Regards,
-- Pat Parrish

Dear Mrs. Smith,
I just read your wonderful article in the Journal Scene, “He threw it all away,” this morning. Absolutely fantastic! You definitely have a way with words, and have learned your craft well. I agree with every point and opinion you made in your article, and I sincerely appreciate you for expressing those thoughts and opinions for those of us that lack your talent of expression.   
I am originally from Kansas City, but I have called Summerville my home for many years now. This state is my adopted state, as well, but I do not forgive our tactless Governor. Our state continues to rank at the bottom [or near bottom] of most important “good” lists, and near the top of most “bad” lists. It is my opinion that the “Good ole boy" system is still prevalent and fermenting strongly in SC, perpetuated by these worthless individuals who continually bring us down, and they do not perform the job they are getting paid to do. They owe us more than that! They get away with it, over and over again, and our state remains behind, in almost every “good” category. And, life goes on. “He’s a good ol’e boy, he cudn’t hep himself!” No, I do not forgive him, not one little bit. [I am stepping down from my soap box now]
The original purpose of this letter was simply to praise you for your wonderful words.  As I was writing the first paragraph, with CNN playing on the TV, they began talking about our Governor. Well, obviously, I went from praising you, to voicing my own opinion, as well. Sorry about that! I will end with more praise for you, if you will forgive me for digressing. I appreciate your humorous way with words. I appreciate your ability to make your point in such an excellent manner.  
I will look forward to reading your words every Wednesday in the Journal Scene.  Good luck to you in the future.
-- Mike Mapes, Summerville

Julie,
Love, love, love the article on the Lovenator. You placed into words, everything I’ve been thinking…thank you thank you! With best regards,
-- Leslie Walls, Summerville
Julie,
Great, Great column yesterday.  It may be one of your best ever.
Thanks,
-- Don Nye, Summerville