Cayce News and Views, a social media site, is facing a harsh backlash from readers for its negativity and attacks against Cayce City Councilman Hunter Sox and the Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Sox, who represents Dist. 3, is running for reelection on Nov. 4.
The Facebook site, self-described, professes to be “a place to share your news or express your views about a matter affecting some or all neighborhoods in Cayce.” The page claims to be an outlet to “unite us, not divide us,” not polarizing, but respectfully, kindly, and courteously engaging.
But members of the page said the fairness claims are false. The site is accused of being polarizing, one-sided, partisan and mean-spirited.
Cayce City Councilman Hunter Sox said he does not think the content on the page is fair. “The few posts I have been sent are very disgusting, divisive, and defamatory,” Sox said. “Folks need to get off social media and go outside, spend time with family, etc. We cannot let echo chambers divide our city nor diminish daily life. There is a lot more to life than social media and city politics.”
Page Member Wanda Kinsey Lorick posted It is extremely apparent that the Cayce SC News & Views page does not follow their own guidelines. Bill Lorick posted our Hunter Sox Cayce City Council signs that are in front of our home and business to this page and it was deleted in a matter of minutes….She also said” I have certainly witnessed some very negative things on that page”….and: “it’s only for those that share the administors views.”
Page Members Anna-Claire Lester and Ian Steube said comments have been deleted because they do not conform to the administrator’s partisan dictates.
The page has attacked Hunter Sox and his “loyalists.” There are rants on the page calling Sox’s votes despicable, along with the votes of three other councilmen. The site has at times bashed Council Members Tim James, Byron Thomas and Phil Carter.
Cayce News and Views also has targeted the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, posting negative news articles insinuating the Chamber has not properly filed required spending records.
When a report from TERC, the state review committee, exonerated the Chamber after a thorough investigation, a link to an article reporting the positive finding in the Chamber’s were deleted over and over from the Cayce News and Views page.
The Chamber’s exoneration did not escape the notice of Wanda Kinsey Lorick. She said: ” I guess the Cayce SC News & Views needs to move on and find something & someone else to bash!!!!! This is fabulous news and I had no doubt in our Chamber members’ credibility.
In addition to attacking political candidates and the Chamber, copyrighted content and photos have been used without permission, which is not only unethical, but legal action can be taken against the violator. Facebook has investigated and removed a post after a Copyright infringement complaint.
You must be logged in to post a comment.