My Two Cents welcomes anonymous commentary from readers. Mean-spirited observations rarely make it into print or onto the website. Constructive criticism with ideas for improvement is greatly preferred. Submissions are reviewed before publication. They should be less than 100 words and will be edited for clarity. One or two comments are published in weekday papers and a compilation of comments over two or three weeks are published on the website periodically, where they are found under the Opinion tab.
BLAME THE KILLER, NOT THE WEAPON
I am pleased to see the Dr. Bill Tucker Scholarship and memorial run planned. However, trying to place blame for his killing on “gun violence” angers me. It was an intentional act of violent murder that occurred in his own home during a home invasion that killed our friend and colleague, not just generic “gun violence.” A specific, individual person killed Dr. Bill Tucker. Blame the killer, not the method he used.
THOSE REPORT CARD ADJUSTMENTS
Concerning the school report card articles, your column Saturday stated there was a “one-year adjustment to the accountability system.” I was just wondering if that is another term for flim-flam or hanky-panky? If there was an across-the-board adjustment, and a school maintained the same letter grade, did it actually decline?
AS THE POLICE CHIEF TURNS
As former law enforcement, it is unheard of to be out of weapons. That is crazy. That belongs squarely at the feet of the chief. I’ve seen their uniforms now, so I know they are saving money other places. How quickly the people that ran for office forget. You are elected because people want better and you said you could accomplish that. Stop reacting with emotion and get the job done.
THE FLEXIBLE HOURS DEBATE
City of McComb, here we go discussing flexible work hours, but the water bills have not been mailed by the fifth of the month. Mr. Myers, get people to do their jobs instead of trying to be everyone’s friend. Mayor Lockley is correct — this is a business and you all are here for the citizens. Grow up and hold people accountable.
STREET REPAIRS
When are we going to hear from the city board about fixing the city streets? No one seems to want to bring up the topic for discussion. The people have a right to know.
SOLID WASTE OFFICE STAFFING
Do supervisors ever go check the requests for budget items or part-time workers? Why is the county hiring another part-time person for solid waste? If they went in the office, they would see usually just one or two people paying their bill. Since bills can be paid online or mailed in, the office has fewer customers to deal with. They should need less employees, not more.
SEA LEVELS ON THE OPINION PAGE
Please don’t ever get rid of syndicated columnist Eugene Robinson. He is like an extra cartoon. Fact: Sea levels have risen 9 inches in the last 142 years. Robinson says it is going to rise twice that much in the next 28 years. Does he get all his information from John Kerry? Some people just don’t realize who is in charge of the climate.
ETHANOL AND GASOLINE
I have inquired from several sources if ethanol can be left out of gasoline to lower the price. Nobody wants to answer my question. I doubt someone is supplying the ethanol for free. The only conclusion I can come to is, someone is making substantial money selling ethanol. I guess the consumer can’t get fair treatment. Would you be interested in doing a story?
INSENSITIVE ABOUT DEMENTIA
On Aug. 12, a columnist described dementia as “that embarrassing mental condition” and added, “the lights are on but no one is at home.” Those are cruel, insensitive statements. Should a family be embarrassed if a member has heart disease, cancer or any other life-threatening illness?
IN OTHER WORDS, FOOTBALL SEASON
It’s time to say again that the reputation of prestigious academic institutions is based on the success of a bunch of hired ruffians violently fighting over the temporary possession of a piece of swine epidermis.
