A small hooded gull pauses on a lone perch among the Cooper River marsh grass. Taking a break in its morning search for food, this gull unknowingly poses in the foreground of the longest cable-stayed bridge in the western hemisphere.
     The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge was opened July, 2005, in grand style, featuring fireworks, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and a black tie event held between its exquisite diamond shaped towers. The eight lane bridge, one of the highest in the world, connects Mount Pleasant with Charleston. The 1,546 foot main span allows modern ships to enter the nation's fourth largest container port, a boost to South Carolina's economy.
     Long over due, the new bridge has replaced the Grace Bridge, owing to the efforts of Senator Arthur Ravenel. The Ravenel name is not without controversy. As one of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Ravenel supported display of the Confederate flag and referred to the NAACP as the National Association for Retarded People. Ravenel's disrespect and total disregard for today's politically correct atmosphere prompted South Carolinians to demand the Cooper River Bridge renamed.