That's America

May 2007

 

"Breaking News"

May 11,2007

Our Mayor has announced her bid for re-election. Is anyone surprised? Not me. The local
paper ran a "Breaking News" story (who do they think they are Fox?) spelling out the details of
this historic event.
The report said she was "flanked by supporters on the steps of city hall" when she announced
her campaign. The Mayor said she was there to "dispel the rumors, smash the myth and basically
set the record straight".
What rumor? Was there a rumor she might run? I guess it was true! There is always a little truth
to every rumor.
What myth? That she may actually be an effective Mayor in her second term? Her 6 points of
city progress don't support that myth.These points were also printed in that same "Breaking News" story.

Point 1
A positive cash flow balance in a ready reserve.
             Although it is good business to maintain a rainy day fund, $2 million seems to be excessive
             considering the many needs of the city. Two million would fill a lot of pot holes, pay
             salaries for more police (at $30,000/year we could add 66 new officers to the streets)
            or just keep light bulbs in those nice street lamps along hwy 82.

Point 2
Reduction in violent crime.
            What a novel idea. Maybe that $2 million would help out. Remember the
             more police suggestion in point 1? Or how about putting these criminals behind bars.
             Not enough jail space? Remember the $2 million?
             What another novel ideal!

Point 3
$10 million  bond issue for street improvements
             Isn't a bond issue the same as debt? So doesn't the city have to pay that back?
             The streets do need repair. I will be the first agree with that. But $10 million in debt for
             a city that is constantly seeing its tax base move out? This seems a little unwise.
             But I would like to see  our streets repaired, so at the very least use the $2 million
             (remember point one above?) and borrow only $8 million. Why borrow money
             you don't need.

Point 4
$5 million in federal grants
            Ohhhhh, you say, finally something good. Where do you think that money comes from?
            Us the tax payers. Where was the money spent? How did we the residents of Greenville
             benefit from this generous federal grant? I know, "if we don't get it some other city will".
             True. But this federal money comes with strings attached and often benefits only a small
             group of people.

Point 5
Increase in tourism
             Greenville has so little to offer I hardly think that a traveler will find our city more than
             a rest stop on the way to something much more interesting. I admit there are a few people
             who come to our city looking for the "blues" or to experience our rich literary history
             and maybe even to take a look at the river or to hunt and fish our abundant wildlife areas,
             but the majority never slow up and most dont even consider this out of the way corner
             of the state. Maybe that $2 million could be used to promote points of interest in the area.
             There is nothing like good tourist dollars to help pay off a bond issue.

Point 6
Work for downtown development.

             "Hudson pledged to see the street program through, continue to develop downtown businesses,
             and work to improve Greenville's water clarity."
             Alright! finally something exciting! Clear water! Like that is going to make a difference in the
             quality of life in the city. The mayor said, "Jesus turned water into wine, we just want ours to be clear."
             Well Madame Mayor, if you are saying it will take a miracle to clear up the water in Greenville,
             you are probaly correct. That $2 million might help. But why bother? What does it matter if our
             water has a slight tint to it if violent crime runs rampant, our streets are full of potholes, we get
             federal grant money for the benefit of a few and the few tourist who do visit our city never return.

Good luck in your bid for a second term Madame Mayor, you will need.

 

            

 

May 4, 2007

Hypocrisy in Action

Taken from The Delta Democrat Times, Greenville, MS

City celebrates Confederate day

To the editor:

I could look up dates and numbers and document all the things that have already been said. However, I do not feel it necessary to prove my point.

When the citizens of Mississippi voted to keep the State Flag, the Washington County Board of Supervisors decided to secede from the State of Mississippi and removed the flag from all county buildings. This is the same type of move that the State of Mississippi made in 1861.

This morning I see a notice that the county will not be in operation on Monday. WHY?

TO OBSERVE CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY!!

Does this make anyone, other than me, say hmmmmmm.

Let's not let principle get in the way of a day off.

Joe A. Gilliam

Wayside

Why is it that a city which will not fly the state flag because the confederate stars and bars within
it remind them of "slave days", is so willing to take a day off to observe "confederate Memorial"?

How do you spell hypocrisy? C i t y  C o u n c i l
An alternate spelling might be, C o u n t y  B o a r d  o f  S u p e r v i s o r s