Hurrah - REAL-ID is down again!

(from Ilona Blakely)

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to everyone who wrote, called, faxed, emailed the Governor's office to express your sentiments regarding standing firm on the Real ID law he signed into law last year!

Thank You too, to the many who came to the press conference to show support for the NO Real ID!

The Press conference was to be held in the Governor's office. As the numbers increased of those of us who assembled to hear his decision, the Governor changed the venue to hold the press conference in the Capitol rotunda so we could all be present.

It was a great time of reunion and fellowship. Many of us didn't know who would actually come, so every new arrival was a joyous occasion.

When the Governor approached the podium, the room fell silent. He studied the group, and began to speak.

Nearly the first words out of his mouth were, "I've called this conference to inform you I will not be asking for an extension on the Real ID"--or some such words. The crowd cheered, clapped, some cried. What a relief!

Then, in a very calm, respectful, and systematic way, he began to explain the reasons why SC would not file for an extension.

All the reasons were the right reasons, citing loss of privacy, state sovereignty, personal freedoms. Later he enumerated the budget issues.

He repeated himself several times stating we could not participate in the Real ID because we have a LAW against it.

The Governor sounded like Jefferson or Madison when he said, "The greatest security we can have is our Liberties".

10 media outlets were there. Columbia ABC, Upstate Fox and WYFF, ETV, Charleston Post and Courier, Myrtle Beach channel 15, and others I can't remember.

Many media interviews with we activists.

But make no mistake about it, the Governor DID NOT ask for an extension. He said we wanted to be treated just like Montana, New Hampshire, Maine. He was asking for an exemption.

Apparently, the media doesn't know the difference between the words EXEMPTION and exception.

I've asked for a copy of the entire press conference so we can put it up on YouTube for all to see. You will be so grateful for the inspired presentation our Governor gave.

At the end, the Governor thanked us for being there. He acknowledged the sacrifice and courage it took to lobby for this important issue. He was very humble and gracious.

As soon as I get the unedited copy of the press conference, I'll notify you. Again, DO NOT believe he asked for an extension. He specifically said he was not asking for an extension.

Everyone I spoke with after the conference stated it was well worth the trip. Wish you would have been there.

Thanks again for rallying the cause. Your efforts DID pay off.

Today, John Perna said, "5% of the people get things done. 15% of the people watch things get done. 80% don't know it got done." So there you have it.

Attached [in the email] is the letter Governor Sanford sent to "Comrade" Chertoff. Oh, and while you're reading it, see if you can find anything that looks like the Governor's asking for an extension. It's not there. Don't believe the media.

This IS a victorious day in SC!