South Carolina’s legislature could soon enact a new rule that would force USC and other colleges to accept fewer out-of-state students.

It’s a dumb regulation from a legislature that refuses to fund higher education but seems extremely excited to regulate it. Leave higher education alone. Seriously. Or fund it. But that’s a rant for another day.

What’s equally idiotic to the legislature’s actions is the response from USC administrators.

It's easy to be critical of USC's Student Government for its inefficiency. But a new proposal that would provide free taxicab rides to students is brilliant.

If the taxicab proposal is enacted, any student can hail a cab, free of charge. It will go within 5 miles of campus and is paid for by student activity fees. It will effectively replace Cocky's Caravan, the failed bus service.

It's time for pain in South Carolina.

South Carolina legislators are facing a historic budget shortfall of more than $800 million. There is no federal stimulus money in sight. Legislators refuse to raise taxes. It means there will be significant cuts to state agencies and programs that residents critically need.

The politicization of any tragedy is irresponsible at best and stupid at worst. But in the charged atmosphere that is America, even eating lunch can be a political decision. So when a crazed gunman annihilated innocent bystanders at a political rally, there was sure to be an abundance of theories.

But there are a couple of simple lessons we can take from this tragedy.

Let’s quickly examine two key players and the speeches they gave on the same day last week.