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.
A RADICAL SOLUTION
Parents (whether living together or not) should both be charged with the same crime as their child under the age of 18. This should apply to guardians, as both parents and guardians are responsible for the actions and behavior of the child they supervise. Put the pinch on the parent! Radical? Yes. But this situation in Pike County needs a radical solution now.
WHAT ABOUT THE ADULTS?
Maybe a new tool to stop the shootings has presented itself. The parents of the Oxford, Michigan school shooter, a minor, are being tried on several offenses that will carry long jail sentences if convicted. McComb just had a 15-year-old shooter. This 15-year-old lived someplace with adults. They should be held accountable for neglect, if not at least contributing to the delinquency of a minor. This would be the perfect case to charge the adults.
KIDS AND GUNS
A group of juveniles brandishing assorted weapons within sight of the McComb Police Station predicts the future. Chief Cloy’s approach to protecting the residents of this neighborhood appears to be just a bit soft. Were the criminals arrested and jailed? Were the parents required to put up bail? Did the criminals have to appear in court? Were the weapons confiscated? None of these things were reported to have happened because the chief said he gave them a “talking to.”
PRAISE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Eric Spurlock, the McComb Public Works director, worked diligently while suffering from flu-like symptoms to find the cause of the city’s loss of water pressure. After concluding that there was no major water leak, Eric had long days and sleepless nights trying to figure out the cause. On Saturday, Jan. 20, while working alone at the water plant and troubleshooting possible causes, the solution was found and the water tanks began to fill. Thanks to Eric Spurlock for staying the course and not giving up.
PIKE COUNTY’S TRAILER DEBATE
An old trailer might be an eyesore to one person, but to another person it’s their home, and likely it’s the best they can afford or they would already be somewhere better. The supervisors should remember that poor folks who own and live in these old trailers vote, and there are a lot of them.
AN UNSAFE CHECKPOINT
One recent Friday night I went through a “safety checkpoint” by the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. While I applaud them being active in catching criminals, I don’t agree with their method. There were four units parked at the intersection of Summit-Holmesville Road and Cole Thomas Road. The patrol cars had no lights on. They simply had two officers with flashlights and a few flashing red reflectors on the road. The safety checkpoints should be conducted in a safer manner.
LITTERERS SHOULD BE FINED
Thanks for the recent column regarding litter. Folks drop food and containers all the time near my front door. The second article should be regarding fines against those that destroy property. No one cares! I do remember former Mayor Patterson, he worked hard to improve Summit Street, removing abandoned vehicles from properties. Nothing since then. The city needs to start issuing fines.
CLEAN UP I-55
The editorial about industry coming to Southwest Mississippi was accurate. But who is going to ride down I-55 and think, “Oh, this is a beautiful place! It would be a perfect place for a new business?” No one!! It looks like a Third World country and no one cares!
THESE PATCHES DIDN’T HOLD
I invite any one to come out and view Shell Oil Road. Less than 90 days after a few feet of patches were put down, there are holes large enough to actually flip vehicles.The holes are so deep I have split 4 tires and now have to trade my BMW in for a Jeep. The road is totally impassable in a traditional vehicle.This is totally unacceptable.
REPAIRS NEEDED ON HIGHWAY 51
Our local officials should be ashamed of themselves. Highway 51 south of Walmart has a section that is badly in need of repair before someone has an accident, because traffic has to slow down to almost a full stop. There is a section on Wall Street in McComb that is even worse. And all of them made campaign promises. That’s why people don’t vote.
THE NEW CAR TAGS
Maybe some people are happy since In God We Trust has been taken off our Mississippi car tags. I guess we don’t need God any more! How sad.
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES
I am writing this in regard to handicapped parking spots at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. Some employees are parking in these spaces without a handicap placard or car tag. This is not fair to other employees. This needs to be addressed.
FROM DECLINE TO DESTRUCTION
Most of us church-going folks believe those old Bible stories that when a nation turned from God, it went into decline and destruction. But somehow we don’t believe it can happen to us in this day and age. Our country has turned away from God and is in decline. When will we wake up? Where are our religious leaders? I am fearful that if we don’t change direction, our decline will turn into destruction.
CHURCH ADVICE
People! If you could see yourselves chewing gum, especially in church, you would not do it.
POLITICAL BITS AND PIECES
Most people are not voting for Trump. They are voting against Biden. ... Most people wouldn’t vote for Trump for dog catcher if it wasn’t for Biden. ... The Democratic National Committee is abandoning Biden. Get ready for Michelle Obama. ... The Republicans will not be successful until they get rid of Mitch McConnell.
A VOTING ANALYSIS
People who vote Republican are not necessarily voting for Trump but against Biden.
