By Staff
Firefighters need decent place to work
To the editor,
Many years ago I was born and spent my childhood growing up on South Side in Meridian. Because of these roots, I'm very concerned about the future of the No. 2 fire station.
I could not believe my ears when Bunky Partridge made the statement that "he hasn't had time to find a location for a new fire station." I went to South Side School, which has been gone for years, but to my knowledge where this school stood is still city property. What would be the problem with using this property for a fire house? One thing might be, we would have to buy it.
I managed a retail store in Meridian for over 25 years. I quickly realized that the store did not need a manager without a sales force. We wouldn't need a fire chief if we didn't have firemen. So, chief, it's time you started earning some of your big raise, by providing your firemen with an adequate work place, not to mention possibly improving the fire protection for the citizens of Meridian. This seems to be a win, win situation. Our firemen would have a decent place to work, and the citizens of Meridian could have improved fire protection.
I want to thank Barbara Henson for the stand she took when this "discussion" was going on.
Citizens of Meridian, we need to get this problem resolved soon.
D. Bulman
Meridian
Rita Jack appreciates support
To the editor:
Martin and I really appreciate your extended support by writing the editorial supporting my reinstatement. I was disappointed to hear that the city would appeal the Civil Service Commission's decision, but the editorial in The Meridian Star was encouraging. I have always been the type person who would hope for the best but expect the worst. Once again, my family and I really appreciate your open support and the support of others in the community.
Rita Jack
Meridian
This isn't the fashion police'
To the editor:
In regards to the veteran who was asked to turn his
hat around at the mall, I agree with the veteran. What does it hurt to have a hat worn backwards. If the security guard is going to ask all people who have their hats on backwards to turn them around, he should also ask the young boys to pull their pants up and the people who wear stockings on their head to take them off as well.
The security guard should have more important things to do then go around telling one of our brave veteran soldiers to turn his hat around. The man is a security guard, not a member of the fashion police.
Stacy Smith
Quitman
Sick and tired' of tort reform debat
To the editor,
I personally am sick and tired of hearing about the tort reform debate. If you ask me, insurance companies and hospitals are using this issue as a tactic to get out of having to pay claims. Why do we all pay to have insurance in the first place  to cover us when a claim is made against us. Insurance companies and hospitals make more money than they pay out. I'm sure their top executives make a good salary.
As far as doctors go, they are not the only ones that have to pay high premiums. Anyone that has insurance knows that premiums go up every year, it's just a part of life. If a doctor doesn't want to pay premiums like everyone else, then don't have insurance.
And as far as moving from Mississippi due to high premiums, well, that's just a scapegoat if you ask me. Having resided in other states, I would like to know where they get their "supposed facts" about Mississippi having the highest amount of claims and jury verdicts. This is just not true.
I think the whole cap idea on injuries is ludicrous. I would like to see how one of these politicians or doctors would feel if they were seriously injured and had someone tell them their injury was only worth a certain amount, regardless of what they've paid out in medical bills and other costs.
What's next, do away with the jury system? How about they put a cap on what insurance companies and doctors can charge? Granted, there are a lot of frivolous lawsuits filed every day, but not just in Mississippi. I don't know what the answer is to that issue, but people who have legitimate claims should not be punished for those who don't.
J. Stewart
Meridian