Palm Republic – Questions & Answers

What is the Palm Republic?

The Palm Republic is a South Carolina LLC that was established to bring awareness to the violations of our State Constitution by the Governor, State Senators, Secretary of Transportation and the SC Department of Transportation. The Republic came to shake off the shackles of the Tyranny of this South Carolina State Government and reclaim our right to Home Rule through the use of public demonstration and illumination of the wrongs perpetrated on our fellow residents of this Great Island. However, we are also a fun-loving people and include humor and drink in dealing with a very serious violation of our constitutionally guaranteed right to govern our Island.

What is Home Rule?

Home Rule is about the right of our island to self-governance. In 1973, after consideration for over 2 decades, the leaders of our State enacted a Constitutional Amendment to our State Constitution. Article 8 of our State Constitution clearly states that the powers of a municipality “shall be liberally construed in favor of the municipality and the specific mention of particular powers shall not be construed as limiting in any manner the general powers of such municipalities.” The Constitution goes on to state that “No laws for a specific county [or municipality] shall be enacted”. SCDOT actions with the Isle of Palms Connector and our roads specifically violate not only SC Statute 57-5-820, SCDOT has violated the Constitution of SC. A line must be drawn to stand up for and defend the Constitution. To do otherwise relegates our Constitution to nothing more than a meaningless piece of paper. If we do not demand the constitution be followed and enforced against all that violate its rule of law, then what is to stop the Governor or our State Senators from abolishing the Isle of Palms duly elected Council and appointing their own Council to dictate their will. The attack on our island and our State Constitution by SCDOT and the State Legislature cannot be over stated.

Is the Palm Republic a separate country that is separate from the United States or the State of South Carolina?

No, we did not, nor do we advocate seceding from SC or the USA. We are making a public statement to bring awareness to a very serious issue dealing with the eroding of our Constitutionally protected rights.

Can I join the Palm Republic?

Absolutely! We urge all individuals to join us in standing up for the rights of all peoples worldwide! Join us at our annual festivals, get a green card(party visa), or passport.

Is the Palm Republic affiliated with a political party or doctrine?

No, we are a self-funded apolitical group. However, all peoples have the right to self-governance through a democratic process. If that is a political statement, then we are a self-funded political group. If you believe in the democratic process and sending all would be dictators packing, then you are one of us!

Who started the Palm Republic?

Our Grand Potentate and Secretary of State is a former Mayor of the Isle of Palms, Jimmy “White Beard” Carroll. Jimmy, along with our Grand Ruler of all Seas less than one fathom and Attorney General, Blair “Gray Beard” Hahn organized the Palm Republic after it became clear in 2022 that our elected officials needed gentle prodding to stand up to the constitutional abuses of our State government. Since that time, Jimmy and Blair have been joined by many like-minded individuals to protect all peoples from governmental tyranny.

Can I travel on my Palm Republic passport or Green Card?

Seriously?? Put your rhum drink down and think about it.

The Palm Republic motto is “Gravissima Fabula est Negotia”. What does that mean?

It is written in Latin and translates to “Play is Very Serious Business”

Why are yall doing this?

This is all about the rule of law in SC.  We are doing this to hold our elected State Officials accountable to the state constitution and state laws.  

Isn’t this really about the public parking on “your” island?

No!  The Isle of Palms is open to all and our beaches are public!  We have a duly elected City Council that pursuant to state law and the state constitution, makes all decisions about parking, the bridge and our interactions with SCDOT.  We defer to city council on those issues.  

However, currently, our state politicians are ignoring the laws of our state and the constitution they swore to uphold.  Our legislature has attempted to force beach communities to bend to the subjective will of SCDOT leadership with a politically appointed bureaucrat making decisions concerning parking, traffic flow, emergency access and taxes.  We are guaranteed by our constitution the right of Home Rule and we are here to stand up for not only our rights, but the rights of all communities’ state wide. 

What do you mean that SCDOT is making decisions about taxes?

SCDOT and the SC Legislature are attempting to mandate free public parking within the city limits of all beach communities.  While we certainly do not object to public parking on the Isle of Palms, that parking comes at a cost.  Police, Fire and Emergency services must be provided to all that come to the island as well as trash pick-up and maintenance.  Those services are paid for by the Isle of Palms taxpayers.  If SCDOT can mandate “free” parking within any municipality without paying for the accompanying services, they are shifting those expenses onto the backs of the local taxpayers which amounts to an unlawful tax.  To compound the situation, an unelected bureaucrat at SCDOT is levying this tax without authority.  

This looks like nothing more than an excuse to party!

Absolutely not!  True, we all enjoy relaxing on the beach with friends, but this is a serious issue about the eroding Constitutional Rights of all South Carolinians.  What was it that Shakespeare said?  If you want to take over a state you must first “kill all the lawyers” so that you can ignore the rule of law.  

Isn't The Palm Republic an excuse to make money?

Yes, The Palm Republic, LLC is a for profit corporation.  We live in a country that embraces capitalism and believes in fair compensation for those that take risk and create value.  There is nothing wrong with working to make a profit.  

While our republican Senators in SC preach the same thing, their actions tell a different story.  They are supporting the socialist ideal of providing “free” services to all comers in exchange for the public’s vote and loyalty.  We can do better than that.  

At the end of the day, isn’t that the answer to all of this?  Our State Politicians are self-serving individuals that work only for their own reelection.  

WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!!