Happy talk: SC Gov orders ‘great day’ phone answer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s governor is ordering state workers to cheerfully answer phones with the phrase “It’s a great day in South Carolina.” Never mind the state’s 11.1 percent jobless rate and the fact that one in five residents are on Medicaid.

Republican Nikki Haley issued the order at a Cabinet meeting today, saying the phrase will put workers in a better mood and remind them that they work for the public. She also says the public will feel better, too.

While Haley wants South Carolina residents feeling upbeat, there’s no word yet whether workers who refuse to use the greeting will suffer any consequences.

Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian called the greeting juvenile and, in many cases, inappropriate.