Response to column in The State's letters to the editor

Shealy hits bottom by mocking disease

It is always sad when political discourse turns to pathetic name-calling. In that vein, Ross Shealy (“On barbecue, politics and what defies parody”) hit a new low Tuesday when he mocked one of our board members’ difficult battle with Lyme disease.

Karen Iacovelli is a well-respected businesswoman in Greenville as well as an experienced and renowned constitutional attorney. She has served our state well as a member of the Education Oversight Committee, until her health deteriorated to a point where she could no longer serve. I hope and pray that when she fully recovers from this awful disease she may be able to resume her excellent service to our state.

While I disagree with many points in his column, the author has proven himself not even worthy of engaging in legitimate debate. To point out (and argue) with points of fact and opinion are one thing; to make jokes about anyone’s life-threatening illness is morally reprehensible and well beyond the bounds of acceptable civil discourse. Surely, The State would not print opinion pieces mocking cancer or AIDS patients; why, then, print this piece?

Shame on Ross Shealy for his cowardly attack on the health of a public servant, and shame on The State for printing it.

JOSHUA GROSS
Executive Director
South Carolina Club For Growth
Lexington