By Staff
It's time we got the full story
To the Editor:
I was wondering if John Robert Smith will finally tell the truth about Amtrak. He said he was in the know about it. Had to build that train station that is good for not a thing. I feel like it's just something to make him look good. Also, has anyone looked at the new jail. Paint is falling off and I am sure they have other problems with it.
I am tired of someone acting like they will be the only person that can save our town. I think someone needs to check bids on work to be done in the city. Maybe some day things that are really needed for this town will be built. Just think about all things that have been done and tell me what good have they done.
Also thank goodness William Hugh Johnson is still bulldogging the city and county board.
Patsy Covington
Meridian
Another voice for education reform
To the Editor:
Please count me as another voice seeking approval of change in the education system in Meridian. Unfortunately, the citizenry of our community can not support an additional bond issue, so there continues to be a shortfall for our children.
As a father of three sons all currently in the system I certainly can be considered "biased." But the bottom line is that we are not providing what is needed. No matter who is to blame for past practices, it is time to move forward and improve the system.
And I especially want to appeal to those who have no children in the system now. Think of them as one of our most precious groups. Think of them as needing our help to get a good start in life. Think of the impact we are making right now that will last throughout the rest of their lives.
Whether we fund improvements needed through additional bond issues, personal financial assistance or just offering help to individual schools, there needs to be a change.
Scott Vaughn
Meridian
An uneasy feeling
To the Editor:
I am a bit confused. Aren't our policemen supposed to provide us with a feeling of security? A recent encounter I had with an officer has made me doubt.
I was told I ran a stop sign possibly true; however, when I said I thought I had stopped, the officer told me: "If I were to get out and beat you with my flashlight until you said stop, then you'd know what stop' means."
Naturally, I was offended and told him so. Being a black woman, standing alone beside my car in my yard (just getting home from work) with all the immediate neighbors tucked away for the night in their homes, I could only wonder if I was in a "safe situation."
Was I about to encounter some police brutality without one eyewitness? The officer did get out and walked up to me trying now to "smooth over" the uncalled for remark he'd made. I have been a law-abiding citizen for many years. I cannot accept the fact that there are policemen in our community who would rather try to intimidate us because they wear a uniform than cite us properly. I would have much rather been given a ticket than to have a policeman throw words around in the very poorest of taste. I'm sure that, even now, Rodney King still appreciates the fact that there was someone watching when his life was so drastically affected by those sworn to "serve and protect."
Diane Boyd
Meridian
No place like home' for deployed soldiers
To the Editor:
I would like to thank Pastor Nick and Stephanie Holden and members of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church for their support during our deployment. It means so much to us to receive your mail and know that you are thinking about us.
There really is "NO PLACE LIKE HOME." Thank you for your prayers and we hope to visit your church soon. A warm hello to my new friend Christy A.
To The Meridian Star, thanks for being there! You keep us going.
MSgt. Carolyn Scarbrough
186ARW Deployed