Memorial Day weekend is upon us!    For decades, that's meant families would be making their way to the beach to spend some time in the sun and sand, spending lots of money in the process.     Of course, it also means that the Atlantic Beach Bikefest will be underway, with thousands in town to celebrate that gathering.   Since the participants are mainly black, it's not a stretch to say that racial tensions usually run a little bit higher during this holiday weekend.      People who normally consider themselves to be accepting and laid-back may start grumbling under their breath and it's not unusual to hear some racial slurs being thrown around.     I'm not saying that right or a good thing...I'm just saying it happens.     On the other side of the fence, many of the bikers who come to town think that the increased police presence is a sign of racial profiling and that they're being hassled just because of the color of their skin.     That's not the case either.     We bring in extra police presence for the Harley rally as well to make sure everybody follows the rules.       So...both sides need to remember a couple things.   Locals: we live a tourist town and as such, we welcome all comers.    Bikers: You're welcome here this weekend and any other time you want to come, but if you break laws, you'll be treated just like any white person who breaks the law.        It's NOT a racial thing.   You can have fun and still be legal....Myrtle Beach has thousands of ways to do it.     

Left-wing comedian and author Lizz Winstead - one of the co-creators of "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" - took some heat yesterday for tweeting jokes about the tornado in Oklahoma. She said, quote, "This tornado is in Oklahoma, so clearly it has been ordered to only target conservatives." She also joked that the tornado bumped her from MSNBC, and asked, quote, "How long has Obama known about this Tornado?" Only after her followers started turning on her did Lizz issue an apology, quote, "Made a political joke, Twas before devastation revealed. In hindsight, had I understood, I would have refrained. Beyond sorry. #LetMeHaveIt." Meanwhile, conservative pundit Erick Erickson Tweeted that he wonders "when President Obama will find out about Oklahoma." He's been getting a lot of hate, too, but he's not apologizing.

I hate reading about these "political jokes" - this is not a political matter - party lines are irrelevant in this case. Let's come together and support those who are hurting and need our love, prayers and help during this time.

Our deepest condolences to the family of Horry County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Causey, the officer who lost his battle with illnesses that he fell victim to after his work as a first responder to the Windsor Green fire in March. He passed away this past weekend at  MUSC after a nearly two-month battle. Causey spent the first three nights after the fire patrolling the area, making sure that all was well. We can only hope and pray that his family and associates will remember taht he ultimately lost his life trying to make sure that others remained safe. Noble, indeed. Only the good die young. He was oneof the best. Rest I Peace, Tim.