Here I Stand

Here I Stand

Friday, September 9, 2011

Armed Soldier Foils Robbery

Two men convicted Thursday of trying to rob women stranded on Interstate 95 near Walterboro last year got more than they bargained for when one of the women's passengers turned out to be a trained -- and armed -- soldier recently returned from Iraq.

Jurors found Antwan McMillan, 22, and David Jakes, 20, of Smoaks guilty Thursday at the Colleton County Courthouse of three counts of attempted armed robbery, possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime, and three counts of first-degree assault and battery.

Judge Perry M. Buckner sentenced Jakes to 35 years in prison and McMillan to 30 years, according to the 14th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

"I am pleased that both of these brazen, dangerous criminals have had their careers cut short," said assistant solicitor Amanda Haselden, who prosecuted the case. "They thought two stranded women would be an easy mark, but they didn't bargain on a well-trained and legally armed serviceman being just out of sight."

On June 3, 2010, an Army specialist, his wife and mother-in-law were in two vehicles headed south on I-95 when one of the vehicles towing a trailer had mechanical problems. While the soldier tended to the vehicle, three men pulled up in a car, according to a solicitor's office news release.
 

When Jakes pointed a gun at the mother-in-law and demanded cash, the soldier popped up from behind the vehicle with a gun. He ordered the men to leave several times, the release said.

Instead of leaving, Jakes pointed his gun at the soldier. The soldier fired several rounds, striking Jakes three times.

McMillan began firing from inside the car. Jakes crawled back to the car and they sped off, the release said.
The Colleton County Sheriff's Office found Jakes at a local hospital. He was arrested after recovering from his wounds. McMillan and a third suspect, James Davis, 21, were arrested later that week.
The case against Davis is still pending, according to the solicitor's office.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wearing White After Labor Day

Growing up in the south, I was always raised to have a bit of class and sophistication – Think seersucker and mint juleps rather than NASCAR and Budweiser. In this world there were a lot of unspoken rules, certain tenants that one just did not break. Always hand write thank you notes, treat your elders with respect – and yes, this means saying “Sir” and “Ma'am” even when the object of one's politeness insists that it “makes them feel old.” and another of these unalienable maxims: the ubiquitous “never wear white after labor day.”

It is hard to argue with such a tried and true tradition – something that has been handed down, seemingly for generations. My mother, born and raised in Troy, Alabama, would be skeptical at best were she to read this (though she is supportive enough not to be horrified) but this is one of those rules that I might just question. Now before the sartorial traditionalists out there shout “Blasphemy!” I am not advocating donning a bleached linen suit and straw cap for Thanksgiving, or anything of the sort, (though going as Boss Hogg to a Halloween party might be well appreciated) rather, a bending of the rules, or a slight modification to their rigid expectations.

Wearing white after labor day is not an exact science, and depends greatly on the environment where one finds themselves, as well as the occasion, weather, and overall attitude of the situation. Tropical or Mediterranean climates invite white attire well into what would be considered the fall for the rest of the country, but needless to say, there are only very specific areas where this is applicable. South Florida, areas of coastal southern California, and parts of the gulf coast of Texas are about the only places where white chinos with boat shoes can be acceptable in October, and even there, under very specific circumstances.

Something I heard not too long ago that could sum up my opinion is that these days white can be worn for the most part throughout baseball season (and no, not really into the playoffs.) I could mention things like global warming, and how it is making the summers longer and hotter, but the real issue is whether or not lighter colors and whites work in the environment. If there is a drink in your hand and sunglasses on your face, there is a good chance white can work out, even into football season. Any time you can wear shorts, a good pair of khakis won't be wrong, and a white button down with jeans or slacks would not go amiss well into fall – especially if the weather doesn't require a jacket.

If anything should be taken away from this it is that there are no real rules, just a set of guidelines that are very open to interpretation, and completely situationally dependent. If you're lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, then by all means, take advantage.