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. Contributions are reviewed before publication.
10/23 WHERE SHOULD THE HOMELESS LIVE?
I keep hearing city board members talk about destroying “homeless camps.” One suggested cutting trees down that provide a covering. I’d like to know exactly where they think “homeless” people should live. Because we’re comfortable in our fine homes, don’t we think homeless people would like to live in a nice house too? “Homeless” people live wherever they can. Where is our compassion?
10/16 INVESTIGATE THE GANGS
Violence has become a part of the history of Pike County. People are worried about their safety. There are so many issues to be explored. Who are the young and older gang members? How are they organized? Who is promoting the gangs? Are our students safe in the schools? If not, why not? Where are the parents, elected officials and other leaders?
10/3 A SLAP ON THE WRIST
These judges give too many suspended sentences, then don’t understand why gun violence and crime aren’t under control. The criminals get slaps on the wrist for whatever they are jailed for. It doesn’t matter what crime they are convicted of, they end up with suspended sentences, or if they go to jail it isn’t long enough, because they get out and do the same thing or worse.
10/11 REPEAT OFFENDERS NEED TO BE LOCKED UP
Enjoyed the Two Cents letter in the Oct. 3 paper regarding suspended sentences that lawbreakers are receiving. It is so true that when they are suspended and they commit another offense, then they shouldn’t get out again. You do the crime, you do the time.
9/27 THE RESULT OF IDLE MINDS
What are the youth to do? Bad actors are ruining sports and support for the kids. When youth are not provided with positive outlets, you have nothing but drugs and violence. We are not this slow, people — idle minds have been and always will be the devil’s domain.
9/24 NOT REALLY 30 YEARS
The headline in the Sept. 17 paper said a man got 30 years for a drive-by shooting. That looks good, but we know he will be out in less than five years. If they want to stop gun violence, give them 30 years without parole. Judges should stop suspending sentences, too.
10/22 A FINE YOUNG SHERIFF
Having been an Army sergeant and a police supervisor, I have worked with some of the best and some of the worst in both worlds. Sheriff Wally Jones is one of the finest young officers I have seen in a long time. People of Pike County, give him and his staff your support. They will make you proud.
10/15 PLEASE RETURN PHONE CALLS
Let me get this straight. The McComb school board is saying, reach out to the superintendent or administrative staff. OK, McComb school board, please ask that staff to return phone calls. I’ve left messages with no return call, and to clarify, it had nothing to do with tailgating but a school matter of extreme importance.
10/10 SUPPORTED TAILGATER CANCELLATION
I would like to show my support and appreciation for Dr. Tiffany Hicks of the McComb School District. I applaud her decision to cancel the tailgating event. The actions of a lot of the children do not affect the parents. The tailgating event is mainly for the parents. Now that their children’s events have affected them, they will take action to correct these behaviors.
10/8 REDEFINING PRIVILEGE
The word “privilege” is used as an attack word when discussing why some people fail and some succeed. Our current culture must challenge the conventional misunderstanding of privilege. The only true privilege stems from being born into a stable, two-parent household where education and moral values are prioritized. This privilege transcends religious preference, economic status, racial background and cultural boundaries. If this strong family exists, it is the most significant determinant of success in life.
9/26 A USED CAR WOULD BE JUST FINE
Compromise is a part of politics. The McComb Library asked for an increase for their budget. My suggestion is give the library $10,000 more, and decrease the allotment for the mayor’s new car. Anyone can check the internet and see there are plenty of nice reliable, used vehicles that will deliver a lot of bang for your buck in the $25,000 range.
10/24 TOO MANY HOLIDAYS
Well, here we are again this week at another “holiday,” Columbus Day, where bank and government employees are paid for not working. There seems to be too many of these holidays. Other than the major traditional holidays, there should be only one other holiday. Let’s call it Presidents, Heroes and Martyrs Day, and each of us can celebrate or mourn the one of our choice.
10/17 GARBAGE PICKUP PHILOSOPHY
How many men or women, old age or not, gonna get up at 4:30 a.m., rain, shine, snow, sleet or storms, gonna go out and pick up garbage off the ground around the old way when the boxes were in the county?
10/4 AN ANTIDOTE TO ANGER
Right smack dab in the midst of our angry society appears a picture, on the Sept. 27 Religion page, of little kindergarten students, pledging allegiance to our flag and the Bible. Thanks Enterprise-Journal and South McComb Baptist Kindergarten — your little people blessed our day!
9/27 A MUST-SEE MOVIE
I saw the movie “Reagan.” Wow! Everyone should see this movie before the November election.
