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.
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Wondering about those who refuse to say “Merry Christmas” and instead say “Happy Holidays.” What holidays are they happy about? If someone wants to be politically woke, then work Christmas Day and allow Christians off to worship the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ.
TWO CHRISTMAS PARADE REVIEWS
This year, the McComb Christmas Parade was a disappointment in my eyes. Where were all the marching bands from the high schools and the community college? Only McComb’s band marched, and as they passed me they were only playing the drums. Only black organizations decorated cars and trucks. How come the white people don’t participate like they used to? We need all the races to work together and participate together to make the Christmas parade a reflection of the whole city and Pike County.
Just returned from the Summit Christmas Parade, what fun! Great parade, lots of happy paradegoers, the floats and bands just really great. For this 67-year-old, brought me back to being a kid again. Who would have thought small town Summit could have such a big time parade. Merry Christmas!
EASE UP, DRIVERS
Folks, can we just slow down on our roadways? People drive like they are running for the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. Ever hear of defensive driving?
MAJORITY RULES
If the school board can fire the superintendent, hire staff and spend millions of dollars with a majority vote, why should it take a unanimous vote to name a building?
IT’S NOT THE GUN LAWS
Chief Cloy is quick to blame Mississippi’s gun laws for the moral decay of a corrupt culture. There are multiple thousands of guns just in Pike County that have never been fired in anger at another human being nor been used to commit a crime. Blaming an inanimate object to be the cause of a shooting is delusional. The pursuit of “restorative justice” in lieu of holding criminals accountable is failing.
A DISAPPOINTED CITIZEN
The mayor’s and city administrator’s handpicked police chief has not reduced nor solved any more shootings than previous chiefs. Chief Cloy has tried appeasement through parties in the park, community get-togethers and speeches about how criminals “only steal to get money.” His detectives cannot detect sufficient evidence for prosecutors to convict. Judges release shooters and accused murderers out on bonds. Parents make excuses for their children’s crimes. No one in city government, elected or appointed, ever mentions that crime continues to threaten all citizens in McComb.
SELF-DEFENSE QUESTIONED
I can’t believe that two of the people in the shootout in Burglund were not charged. Self defense? What about discharging a firearm within the city limits?
LOCAL CRIME DATA
Thanks for pushing forward with providing consistent law enforcement data on local crimes. Facebook should not tell the story of what is happening in our community, and law enforcement should want accurate information being disseminated. McComb’s police chief came from the Jackson area, and I'm sure problems plaguing this area were discussed during the interview process. Yes, parents should do more, but they are not, so what’s next?
A CRIME-REDUCTION PROPOSAL
I know how to reduce violent crimes. Apply the death sentence where indicated. Make prisons and local jails work centers instead of areas of relaxation. Reinstate the draft and military service, which would take many would-be offenders off the streets and teach skills.
KEEP ASKING
Thanks, Selectman McKenzie. Keep asking those questions. I am so grateful that he is asking the tough questions. I wish he wasn’t alone in seeking the truth.
DROPOUTS AND FREE TUITION
I read all of Linda Miller’s columns, enjoy them, and usually agree with her views. However, regarding her column on tuition-free community college, dropouts don’t drop out so they will have more time to search for free college tuition.
WHEN THE MELTING POT COOLS
Most of the United States’ population is descended from immigrant groups. Almost everyone can trace their heritage back to some other country. America has enjoyed human ingredients from all over the earth. This cultural melting pot has produced a thriving, strong, and successful America. Using any other nationality before “American” fractures and divides. When citizens use “hyphenate-Americans,” the melting pot cools and the recipe becomes bitter.
PRISON POPULATION REBUTTAL
Regarding the Dec. 7 editorial, The Sentencing Project numbers paint a too-often one-sided story. How about including the increase in all crimes since 2012? Then add criminals with rap sheets of 20 arrests and no prison time. If we want a true picture just ask the victims. They would say, “If you do the crime, do the time,” or build more prisons. And remember, every time someone mentions a halfway house the answer is, “Not in my neighborhood.”
BLAME THE GUY BEFORE ME
Biden claims all his problems — the economy, border and all others — were caused by Trump and his administration. And now we are told that the Whitney Rawlings administration, five years ago, has caused financial problems for the city of McComb. Have you noticed that no politician takes responsibility for their mistakes?
PROVE IT, MR. PRESIDENT
Biden can prove he’s not Obama’s puppet by not running for president in 2024.
SIX DECADES OF DECLINE
The United States has been in decline ever since John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
