Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002

By Staff
Senate Democrats stall Bush agenda
To the editor:
I am disappointed by the Senate Democrat lack of leadership and continued record of inaction. Important bills passed by the House are trapped in the Senate.
First and foremost, the Senate's failure to pass a prescription drug benefit for America's seniors. The president provided a plan for prescription drugs, the Republican-led House worked across party lines to pass a plan, and yet the Senate despite their promises  has been unable to act. It is very disappointing to America's seniors.
My family and I have to establish a budget every month. We understand what that means. Yet Senator Daschle has failed to do this task, that every American family must do, for the first time in over 25 years.
Finally, there's no excuse for the Senate's inability to pass sensible homeland security legislation that helps protect the American people. The president put forward a plan and the House passed the legislation.
On the important issues, the Senate Democratic leadership has promised results while the president and the Republican House have delivered. Even on matters critical to national security and the economy, the Senate has continued to stall. This is not acceptable. The Senate needs to act on these key measures already passed by the House and supported by President Bush.
Gene Bond
Union
Impasse
To the editor:
There was a movie several years ago titled "Malice" in which Alec Baldwin portrayed a surgeon who, on being accused of "playing God," replied, "I AM God."
Having been a medical professional myself (human, also) I realize this arrogance is extreme. We all certainly fall short of perfection.
Any profession has mistakes, and though I don't ordinarily complain about such in the medical field, I recently found myself in a position where I was compelled to express dissatisfaction. This proved to be to my detriment.
And now our doctors are lobbying for tort reform, citing the rising cost of malpractice insurance. There seems to be an impasse here. The doctor's can't afford the insurance; other church mice and I can't afford the doctors.
Brenda Pennington
Meridian
MPD in quick work
To the editor:
In appreciation for a job well done by our Meridian Police Department, our family would like to thank the officers who recently helped us. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, we were notified by repair shop personnel about the theft of our car. A patrolman responded to the call and we were told to follow the detective to the police station to make out a report. Before we had finished giving the necessary data on the car to the detective, a call was received notifying the department that the patrolman had located the car. This teamwork caused this case to be solved in a matter of hours  truly a job well done!
Rush and Ruth Gordon
Meridian
World class service
To the editor:
Recently I took my sound system to Peavey's Service Department on Highway 80. When I arrived, a gentleman named Jimmy McQuaig met me at the door and welcomed me. He helped take the system out of my truck and into the building. Jimmy explained that my system would be ready for pick up within the next week.
Ordinarily, that would have been OK, but I needed the system for the weekend. He assured me that they would try to accommodate my schedule. The next day the system was ready to go, as I had requested, and at a reasonable price.
It was refreshing to be treated with exceptional service and professionalism both times, when I took the system in and when I picked the system up. The young man who helped me load the system into my truck and the two ladies at the checkout were cheerful and accommodating.
It is good to know that we have a worldwide company in Meridian that provides its local customers with excellent service.
Tom Coats
Meridian
Babe Ruth tournament great for the area
To the editor:
The 14-year-old Babe Ruth tournament can be called a great success and great for the city of Meridian. After five long days of hard work and dedication, many people can be thanked for making the tournament go very well.
I had the job of official scorer and public address announcer for the tournament and now that the dust has settled I am very impressed with the quality baseball I have seen.
The one person that needs to be thanked for all of his hard work is Dan Derrington, the tournament director for the event. There was not one minute when Dan was stopping to relax or to watch a game. Dan took his responsibilities well and did a fine job once again and I extend a personal thanks to Dan for such a super job.
The event was not only good for the city of Meridian, but for everyone around this area who loves the game of baseball in general.
Many people approached me during the tournament and said that baseball is so much better when people are playing for the fun of the game instead of the money. This tournament was not only about baseball, but it was about what is important in the world today and that is family. In my opinion everyone was a winner in the tournament and just having the opportunity to step onto Scaggs Field is an honor in itself.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the event and Meridian is a great baseball town and it appreciates the game as well. I hope in the future that events like this will return to the Queen City and make the community support a group of kids that just wants to play a game. We all know that baseball is a game and not a game with a price tag attached.
Robby Atkinson
Enterprise
Beyond the call of duty
To the editor:
I would like to say thank you on behalf of Nederland, Texas. We were in Meridian for the 14 year old regional tournament. The host families went way beyond the call of duty to make our boys feel at home. The facilities for the tournament were exceptional. Microtel, the hotel where the majority of the parents stayed, was first rate on service and the staff was great.
Good luck to your team and best wishes in the world series. We hope to return the favor next year when we are host to the regional tournament in Nederland.
Thanks again, Meridian.
Joyce Robinson
Nederland, Texas
via e-mail