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.
2/27 IT’S A JAIL, NOT A RESORT HOTEL
I think being punished means less than pleasing conditions. If you don’t like the conditions in jail, don’t break the law. But I guess that breaking the law and going to jail with three meals a day and crying that the conditions aren’t good is better than working and paying taxes. Maybe I should’ve tried that instead of working and budgeting my whole life.
3/19 JAIL RESPONSIBILITY
In response to Cynthia McGhee’s letter regarding responsibility for the jail, I would direct her to Mississippi Code 19-25-63, which states: “It shall be the duty of every sheriff to keep a record, to be called the jail docket, in which he shall note each warrant or mittimus by which any person shall be received into or placed in the jail of his county,” and “how long the prisoner was so imprisoned.”
2/29 JAILS AND PRISONERS
I believe in fair and timely access to a trial. Inmates should not be held without a trial. What I do have a problem with is releasing people charged with possession of child pornography back into our community. These should be top priority cases, right under murder.
3/8 STRAIGHT OUT OF RUSSIA
What I read about the Pike County jail seemed like something in Russia. The supervisors and the grand jury tour the jail. Why wasn’t something done?
3/7 COMPLIMENTS TO THE SHERIFF
I have noticed since the beginning of the year that our new Sheriff Wally Jones has been very active in policing the streets. I have seen Sheriff Jones on the streets apprehending criminals in chases, pulling cars over for traffic violations, responding to fires in the county and responding to vehicle accidents. It is so refreshing to have a true leader working side by side with his team vs. a boss behind a desk. Pike County needs this leadership.
3/12 SHRINKFLATION IN ACTION
I watched the State of the Union speech and I’m confused. The president said the inflation rate is 9%. Three years ago, my favorite breakfast cereal was $2.89. Now it’s $4,89. That seems like more than 9%. My orange juice was 64 oz. and now is 52 oz. and the price went up. Product packages have shrunk and prices have gone up. The only thing that got larger is the size of the hole in the toilet tissue roller.
3/22 AN OVERLOOKED STREET AND BRIDGE NAME
I find it ironic that we fight so hard to name a street Black Lives Matter Avenue in East McComb (which I was in support of), yet this is the area that the majority of black-on-black murders are happening monthly. This is a community problem that we need parents and leaders to step up and help correct.
3/21 ANOTHER SOCIAL SECURITY IDEA
Since Mr Ryan’s sole focus of the March 19 editorial was on President Trump’s shortcomings of handling Social Security, maybe his follow-up would explain what President Biden has done? Here’s a solution: Receive what you contributed. No contribution, no entitlement.
3/20 IGNORANCE AND VIOLENCE
Ignorance is a culturally transmitted state of mind and not related to class or economic level. These people glorify violence and cruelty and brag about their ignorance. People are what they do, not what they say, not what they think, not what they pretend to be — just what they do. Communities, churches, and pastors must do some serious soul searching to find and implement solutions.
3/15 21ST CENTURY PHONE BOOTHS
Many antique collectors were concerned about the disappearance of phone booths. There are two or three generations who have never seen one nor had a chance to cram five or more people into one and close the door. Have no fear, because a “new phone booth” has appeared. These are wherever cell phone users wish to stop, block other shoppers and carry on a loud, intimate, profanity-laced conversation in the aisles where other people are attempting to shop.
3/14 CHANGES IN COLLEGE SPORTS
The iconic phrase “win one for the Gipper” no longer reflects college sports. The transfer portal and NIL replaced being loyal with playing for the most money. Since some athletes are making millions in college, maybe the college should be reimbursed for its scholarship expenses? Also, what percentage of these athletic-gladiators actually graduate? What oversight do college administrators have in protect academic integrity? This issue involves taxpayers’ money.
3/8 WICKER’S VOTING RECORD
Roger Wicker is known to vote with Democrats occasionally. How do you spell RINO?
3/6 MORE OF THE SAME
The McComb city board, be they majority Republican or Democrat, simply can’t seem to break out of old patterns. Again we have a minority seeking to limit the responsibilities of the mayor’s role in the city. Once again we have board members meddling in daily affairs of departments. We once again have a city administrator who can’t seem to catch coding errors from his subordinates. This all sounds painfully familiar. Is it 2018 or 2024?
3/5 THE VALUE OF BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES
True and strong words in the letter from Mrs. Cynthia McGhee about biblical principles. No truer words can be spoken. God-fearing hard work and responsibility will lead to success. Problem with too many today is to believe the government owes you. It’s a great time to review Dr. Martin Luther King’s teachings.
3/1 THE BUCK STOPS HERE
The McComb mayor says the multi-million-dollar error in bank deposits of utility payments wasn’t the city clerk’s fault. No one said it was the city clerk’s fault. How do you go three years without realizing you are spending $3.6 million that is supposed to be in a different account? Mr. Mayor, the buck stops at your chair.
2/29 UNIMPRESSIVE CHOICES FOR THE W
First of all, I didn't go to “The W.” That being said, the name choices have been unappealing! Might as well call it MUP: Mississippi University of People.
2/28 WE ALL ANSWER TO GOD
I appreciate the letter regarding removing “In God We Trust” from our car tags. Sad that we don’t want to be open about our trust in God. There will come a day when we will all answer to God. Also, the letter regarding litter in our county was so true. Sad we don’t know what a garbage can is.
2/28 ABOUT THAT BATTERY PLANT
They can’t sell electric vehicles and Gov. Reeves brags about a battery plant in Marshall County. The battery plant is being put in a suburb of Tennessee.
