Ten Pennies for Your Thoughts...

Well, thank you Forthrigth for telling us how you really feel. Us dumb, backwards, redneck, gossiping, peckerwood dumbasses have seen the holy ghost in the light now.

#1 - Don't ever refer to yourself as "us Delta folk" until your family has lived here at least 3 generations. You just demeaned my parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of more family who spent their lives pulling themselves up from poverty, working to the bone to make life better for themselves and their families. My father retired as a manager of a major, local coop and when he finished his job there, he had more than quadrupled the yearly gross for that company. He was the son of a poor dirt farmer that gave him $5 to go to college on. My father ground out the rest with hard work and gave his family a future. My mother, sister and many aunts are accomplished teachers in many school systems with many awards.

#2 - Next time you go to a party, make sure it's not packed with your health services people that you so lovingly give priority to in this blog. Let me know where the party is so I can send some cheese to go with the whine.


There are a lot of other issues besides DRMC and Leland schools to go around.#3 - "catfish, fried chicken and grits". Don't you just love stereo-typing folks? Until today, I had some respect for you. But that letter takes the cake. You are nothing but a snotty pissant.


Take the next bus back to your northern Shangrila.


"one pissed ten cent"

Anonymous responds to "ten cent"

Dime, you just proved his point.

Small minds discuss other people; average minds discuss things and events. Great minds discuss ideas. Think about it, and move on from there.

My spouse's family is scattered all over the continent, coast to coast. I'd never had much contact with folks outside the Delta until I married. As I spent more and more time with the in-laws and extended family, I realized that as much as I loved the Delta, there was so much more of life to be experienced. I don't feel disloyal to my heritage or to my family when I say this, but we DO tend to talk about Uncle Bubba's thyroid too much; we make the neighbors' business our business too often.

And yes, we are as guilty of stereotyping people as anybody else, so pardon the reference to fried chicken and grits---you know you love 'em. I sure do.

I do believe that the Delta will not be reborn until we shed the mantle of past mistakes. Let's join the 21st century and broaden our thinking to include friends from the North and elsewhere. And for the record, I truly enjoy the few occasions that I have to leave the state and visit other areas. But I'm always so glad to get back home. Coming back into the Delta via Yazoo City, Vicksburg,or Winona at sunset offers a view that would put a lump in the throat of the most backward and hardened "redneck." Try it, and tell me if I'm wrong.

For the record, my family goes back 6 generations in Mississippi, so I do believe that entitles me to be a "Deltan".

My commentary was in no way intended to offend us Southerners; merely to point out some very noticeable differences between two subcultures within our country.

The beauty of this blog is that two people can read the same article and have totally different responses... as in the case of the anonymous writer who follows you, "ten cent".

You took my comments as a personal attack on the heritage of our forefathers, while the second author gleaned from the article its very basic message and put it quite succinctly:

"Small minds discuss other people, average minds discuss things and events, great minds discuss ideas".

Forthright... the "snotty pissant"

PS... Ten cent, please share with us the topics that you would like see discussed on the Scoop. Sure, there are many other issues up for discussion in our community and I am always open to all. Thanks

Looking Into The Circle...

I took some time off at Christmas to visit relatives on the east coast. As always, it is refreshing to get out of the south to regain a true perspective of how others work, live and play. The most astounding difference that I noted was that most people in big cities are not consumed by their job. Sure, they care about what they do, but more importantly, they focus on the "quality" of life that their job affords them and their families. They focus on play.

Almost all social discussions in which I took part revolved around new and exciting restaurants, books, movies, plays or vacation spots. They talked about where they had been recently, what they had done and what they plan to do in the future. It then dawned on me the primary difference between these "northerners" and us Delta folk is that they have their eyes firmly planted on the future, while we are looking over our shoulder at the past.

True, things move at a bit faster pace in the north, but they face the same social and economic problems that we do; they simply don't permit complacency and apathy to rule their lives.

There is another primary difference in northern conversation. In all of the social situations that I attended, I never heard one word that sounded like gossip... not to say they don't gossip, but that it was not the primary topic at social occasions.

I thought back to a pre-Christmas party that I had attended in Greenville. As I moved from "circle" to "circle", every topic of conversation revolved around local gossip of one sort or another...no discussions of books, movies, vacations, or fun... simply gossip.

I love the south which is why I continue to live here, but it is always good to "step out of the circle" and look in for a while. What you see are alternative ways of living, with different perspectives on what we truly value in life.

Hopefully, 2008 will be the year we bury the past and start looking at how we as individuals can improve our lives. And... if you haven't been out of the Delta in a while, you need to do so. It will give you a renewed hope for what can be, as well as deeper appreciation of the good things we share... like catfish, fried chicken and grits; none of which I have tasted in over ten days.

I shall dine well tonight!

Forthright

Cronies, Crooks and Criminals...

Anonymous writes...

Forthright, someone had inquired in a former blog about just who are DRMC's CEO's cronies. Here is a quick rundown if you could be so gracious to post so that our community is aware of the ridiculous state of affairs of our hospital.

Ray's cronies, .. there is an army of them. You have the top layer of administration:

1) Cheif Executive Officer
2) Chief Financial Officer
3) Chief Operating Officer
4) Chief Nursing Officer
5) Chief Human Resource officer
6) Chief Medical Officer
7) Chief Clinical Officer.

I would hate to see what their salaries totaled. http://www.deltaregional.com/about-us/leadership/ If you check out that website, you'll see that the three folks just under Ray in the photo have all worked with him in the past. He hand picked them to "assist" him in the demise of DRMC which mirrors the horror story at Hattiesburg. And, might I add, Ray successfully rid the organization of decent, qualified folks with years of experience so that he could replace them with his "picks". He is intimated by people who aren't "yes, Mr. Humphreys" kinda folks.

Then, after the top layer of high dollar cronies, you have a middle management team:

I believe there are THREE assistant nursing directors at present, an assistant HR director, a barrage of clinical directors (some of which don't have any clinical experience at all), assistant clinical directors, education directors, asst. education directors, team leaders, an entire department to "market" the place which leaves not too many Indians to do the real hands on patient care that the folks walking around sipping diet coke in street clothes are too cool to do.

Additional cronies include those one person departments who also hold the title of DIRECTOR on their badge. Does a one person department really warrant a director?

Ask any physician and they will tell you the priorities are all wrong there. There will be lots of celebration when Mr. Ray Humphreys is gone. Let's just hope that his right hand men/women, and the board will go too. I hear HUD is less than pleased with all of them!

It looks as if the tax collector and her cronies are finally being held accountable for mismanagement. Let's see more good prevail in 2008 and get our community on a better road by showing Ray the highway. His way has proven to be a catastrophe.

Yes, DRMC has far too many "chiefs" and all in the 6-figure salary range. It pays to be in the Ray's club. Every one of them needs to go! I truly believe that we will witness the end of Ray's empire in 2008. He has few supporters left, others than those on the payroll, and they will turn on him like vultures at the first sight of blood.

There is no loyalty among thieves!

Forthright

The House of Cards

Anonymous writes...

How ironic that Greenville citizens awoke to news spots featuring Ray Humphreys as part of the economic development board this morning. He was deceitfully making some lame comments about jobs for Greenville and Washington county. What a joke!!

He has destroyed enough jobs at the hospital, PLEASE, we don't need his input for our city or county. And who knows if the county helps to fund DRMC or not. Why does it matter? Has anyone looked at Ray's salary? How about his "dream team" of cronies? They are breaking the place.

And even with Medicaid/Medicare issues, it still does not excuse the board and DRMC administration from accountability of gross mismanagement of hospital funds. This entire 43 million dollar crisis is a result of long term abuse of power, terrible judgement calls, and a horrific disregard for the quality of healthcare. Instead of laying hometown folks off who are here forever, get rid of him!

Somebody better wake up quick. The ship is sinking...FAST. Ray, you are done for - and take all of your hand picked cronies with you to the next unfortunate community you infest.

There is no faster road to financial ruin than for a hospital to purchase clinics and physician's practices. It compromises quality patient care from two perspectives. First, the physician gets a large guaranteed salary whether he/she sees two patients or twenty in a day (golf is pretty much a year-round sport in the Delta... so, you do the math).

Second, it creates an "unwritten" agreement that these same employed physicians will admit a certain number of patients to the hospital; thus, generating revenue... in return for their large salaries.

It is similar to taking your car to a mechanic whose brother owns an auto parts store. You can pretty much bet that your total bill will include more than just "labor".

The DRMC empire is more than just a hospital. It is a conglomeration of several different corporations including physician practices, home health, hospice and several clinics... all of which are presumably separate fiscal entities. Here is where Ray is the master illusionist!

Question... have you ever been drowning in debt and so desperate to stay afloat that you decided to pay off your "Mastercard" with a loan from "VISA"? Well, that's pretty much the scenario at DRMC. The problem is, like in the credit card analogy, you have not reduced your debt, simply shifted it with additional interest.

Ray has pretty much pushed the envelope as far as it will go. Houses of cards tumble when the top gets too heavy... and the top is extremely heavy! I hope that 2008 will be the year of revelation for Greenville about the status of our current health care system.

As in the recent election, if you don't vote, don't complain about politics; and if you never plan to be sick, don't worry about heath care.

Forthright

Ray...Back in the Saddle

Whats going on at DRMC? I was there two weeks ago and it looked like they were making a movie. There were lights and wires all over the place. I had to be careful not to trip over the cords running up and down the hall. I asked a nurse what was going on and she said they were making a new comercial. When I was leaving, I saw two huge 18 wheelers in the parking lot with the name of some production company on the side.

I use to work at a TV station and it didn't take all of that to make a 30 second TV spot. My niece works at DRMC and she said they are going to lay off over 60 jobs in January. Why are we spending money on TV ads when people are losing jobs! Why don't the supervisor and board look into this. Jobs are the most important thing Greenville needs.

PeeOed

Anonymous said...

It is painfully apparent that the current DRMC administration is more focused on high dollar marketing spots rather than providing quality care. I hardly believe that our local hospital is truly in need of such extravagant (and just plain stupid) advertising. Couldn't we just skip the hype and glamour and do what's right? The layoffs have already begun - my friend is an RN and a nurse practitioner and she got axed. A nursing shortage and they are laying off nurses with master's degrees and experience??? Go figure. Ray at his best!

It seems that her colleagues are all anxiously awaiting their D-Day. I visited the facility a few weeks ago and you can't pass an employee in the hall without noting "director", "team leader" or "manager" on a badge. Multiple layers of non productive "administrators" are quickly assisting in the crumbling of this delusional empire. And, as far as Ray worrying about keeping jobs in Greenville; don't think for a minute that is any priority for the hospital, the board or administration.

They are out to save their own tails.

I would venture to guess that the staged production at DRMC is all a part of Ray's 4 million dollar ad campaign previously discussed. I have received several reports of this extravagant production from both physicians and patients who happened to be "on the set" during filming.

It boggles my mind why we continue to allow this megalomaniac to waste millions of our tax payers' dollars to protect HIS job and a failing hospital. Sure there have been layoffs at DRMC and they will continue as long as Ray and the "horsemen" are allowed to reign supreme.

Now that the mayoral election is over, we need to turn our attention to the real problems that plague our city. If we are serious about improving Greenville's image, we have to start with the basics... jobs, education and health care.

Here's a challenge to Mayor Hudson in her second term... if you really want to make a difference, start by exposing the corruption, graft and dishonesty in our county board of supervisors... those who keep Ray and his cronies in power. Then, rid Greenville of Ray Humphreys and his entire lot of administrative buffoons and you will forever be recorded in history as a harbinger of salvation and hope for Greenville.

Forthright

A Good Race!

Pathetic numbers said...

Population (year 2000): 41,633.

Estimated population in July 2006: 37,801 (-9.2% change) -3,832 less from 2000-2006 average of 638.66 lost population per year

Males: 19,177, Females: 22,456----Black (69.6%) White, Non-Hispanic (28.7%), Hispanic (0.7%)

7,066 out of 37,801 voted (counted so far, not allowing for misplaced or lost votes) today.

5.34 per cent of population voted.

So does that mean we have 30,735 population under the age of 18 to be a registered voter????? I doubt that! Just a large amount of non-registered or non voting individuals holding the rest of the city back. No wonder we are in the state of condition in our city.

Apathy is rampant! I was told by a friend that she went to three different polls trying to determine where to vote. Finally, her and her husband were found listed at Ward Center. She said she saw many leave in disgust of the long lines and few voting machines. We sure needed those votes! Why are so many people willing to walk away?? What are they thinking? How lazy is that? Terrible! Our freedom is being fought for as we speak and these people can not stand in line for a few more minutes than normal?? Pathetic! Again, I repeat, no wonder indeed of why we, the city of Greenville, are where we are today!

Copied from today's elections results in the DDT: " Lurann Thomas, a city election commissioner, said the 2007 city elections went well despite some concerns about the voter rolls.“The turnout was good,” Thomas said. “We are thankful that 7,000 plus people came out to vote. However, we encourage all 21,388 registered voters to exercise their right to vote.”

So there it is, my question is answered. Greenville has 21,388 registered voters, yet only 7,000 plus voted. That says it all!!!!!

Congratulation to Mayor Hudson! I hope that the next four years afford you the opportunity to prove that we can take a united stand against poverty, ignorance and racism. Greenville is at a very ominous cross-road in history and it is time for us to let go of the past.

Kim Dowdy was indeed a formidable opponent! I doubt that any other candidate could have mustered more support and backing in running against our incumbent mayor. The good news is that Kim will still be a very active and visible supporter of Greenville... and for that, we are all winners.

As "pathetic" as the overall voting totals were in this election, it was actually a "good" turnout for the Delta. A 60%-40% split at least proves that no one can go unchallenged and that we still have a voice through our vote. The "losers" in this election are the 14,000+ registered voters who believed that "their" vote wouldn't make a difference.

Let's move into 2008 with renewed hope for Greenville, our children and our future.

Forthright

Please Vote

Forthright

Hudson or Dowdy...Please Vote!

"Be counted! Vote Monday!" said...

From what I have seen and know, the main complaints about Mayor Hudson are: she is spoiled and demanding (rich kid), can be very intimidating, if allowed, her employees do not respect her but; fear her wrath and temper tantrums. The biggest complaint from the departments is: she is a micro-manager. She so desperately wants to take credit for EVERYTHING good that happens in Greenville, that she holds back her staff and Department heads in their decision process, until she gives the final say so. No matter how small or "not her call" matter, that it might be, she makes it her call or sure tries. Thereby, holding up progress or usurping the proper management authority. Which might explain the high turnover, especially in the police department.

Also, I agree and have seen, there is a special priviledged few in her ranks, who seem to have no boundaries. I guess that is the case in most political arenas, in any office of power. I do know it causes resentments and ill will from the other co-workers, especially when it is so apparent in the partiality. She is not a team player or leader, she is a bully and totally inflexible!

How convenient was it that she had a recent threat, here right before election, while the last time any was heard of, was after she came into office. Twice in four years requires SEVEN bodyguards on the city payroll paid better than the average cop?? Someone ask how many bodyguards Paul Artman ever had?? ZERO!! Frank Self?? ZERO!! Burnley?? Zero!!...what is she doing or saying that is motivating the calls? Even if they had received a threat, and who knows, maybe they did. Apparently it was never known about, if there were and at most, any guarding would have been on a temporary "til the dust settled basis" or an all out campaign would have taken place to apprehend the culprit(s).

From what I have seen and know of Mayor Hudson, she is not a frail, fragile, vulnerable or helpless woman! I doubt that she is afraid of much. Take a self defense class if needed, be cautious like the rest of us and aware of our surroundings; but no Delta City Mayor should require that much protection for four years, every day, every where she goes, even out of town! Good grief what that must cost!

Reading her publicity, she takes full credit for all that is right with Greenville. She says she has us out of debt now...funny, all that data about bonds received by Greenville??? Correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I know, BOND means LOAN!!!! She basically postponed the debts or borrowed from Peter to pay Paul. There will be a day of reckoning for the bonds one day in the future, if not sooner....then what? More bonds????

We need industry, better education, better training facilities, more police power, crime prevention actions, enforcemnt of the laws, city ordinances and better streets all over, not just downtown! Ride just about any neighborhood in the city and you will see the neglect throughout the entire city, auto alignment mechanics must love this city!

We need City and County (black and white)leaders to work together as a team for common goals of the betterment of Greenville and Washington county. Leaders who can plan for the future, not just bandaid issues with a temporary solution! Grants are great and we should go after all that we can and that we can afford. Some grants have to be met dollar for dollar in investments by both parties. Without industry and commercial businesses to restore Greenville, we will sink into oblivion of debt, negativity, higher crime rates, unemployment, even more citizen apathy and flight.

The grapevine says, she at first did not plan to run again, she planned to move on to Jackson and Daddy's firm. Daddy turned her down (due to her financial problems of personal bankruptcy, her husband's business shut down by IRS for neglect of not taking out SS/WH taxes on employees and some personal issues) and told her to stay put...so now she wants to keep her job! Aren't we lucky?

I have heard it said, she is preparing for a higher office in the future, she hopes to move on to a State position, based on her infamy as the "first everything" Mayor. Can we help and motivate her to try sooner, by relieving her of her office Monday??? :>)..that action should prevent any further political actions on her part. Having her in a State position would not be good for Mississippi either!

I think the body-guard issue is a bit over the top. If we hired body guards for every public official that was ever threatened, we would be a military state. I suppose we should just chalk this up as another "first" on Mayor Hudson's growing list.

One would hope that Mayor Hudson has greater aspirations than being a "foot-note" in history as Greenville's youngest, black, female mayor who required body guards. Now that she has a political foot in the door, she will most likely move on to seek greater notoriety. She is an intelligent woman who will most likely prosper in her legal and/or political career.

As I review all of the postings on this mayoral debate, I see one consistent theme about Kim Dowdy... that she will give 110% to the job of being mayor if elected. Is she an attorney or seasoned politician? No, but if you have ever had a conversation with this self-proclaimed "Yankee", you know of her total dedication and drive to make Greenville a better place for everyone. That has to be worth something.

Yes, we all need to get out and vote on Monday... and on Tuesday, we all need to rally our support behind whomever WE elect on Monday. Neither Hudson nor Dowdy will have an easy job as mayor and neither will be successful unless we put racial and partisan beliefs aside and work together to rebuild Greenville.

Forthright

If You Don't Vote, They Can't Win

I am greatly disturbed by some attitudes when it comes to choosing a mayoral candidate. I keep hearing, "I like Kim Dowdy, but I'm not voting for her because she can't win."

If our founding fathers had this same mentality, on June 7, 1776, when Richard Henry Lee's resolution was received by Congress urging them to declare independence from the British Empire, it would have been voted down "because we can't win". Never before, in the known history of the world, had this radical idea been successful. If it weren't for those brave men who adopted the idea and acted upon this no-win idea, we would not be the country we are today.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that some are so concerned about being with the winner that they will put aside their basic beliefs to simply be on the winning side. After all, back in 1776 they had a term for the people who were determined to be on the winning side: they were called turncoats.

All elections are important, especially this mayoral election. To sacrifice what you think is right simply to cast your vote for the candidate that others say will win, regardless of your beliefs, is a complete waste of your vote. When you enter that voting booth next week, vote for the candidate of your choosing because if you don't vote for her, she can't win.

A Black Republican

"BR" makes a valid point. Voting for a candidate just to be on the winning side is a total waste of time and a great injustice to the candidate that you "assume" can not win. There is a great deal more to the act of voting than simply choosing a "winner".

Candidates invest a lot of time and money in a campaign. Even in defeat, a close vote may encourage candidates to try again in the next election or for another position. Political upsets are fairly common in our history so don't be to quick to prejudge the outcome of this election. Get out and vote for YOUR candidate and urge everyone you know to do the same.

If you don't vote, don't complain if your candidate doesn't win!

Forthright

"Yanking Our Chain..."

fedupwithprejudice said...

Oh my, look what I found, worth going to the offending web site and clicking the flag at the top of the site to notify Google! Hit the flag folks, send this person into cyber oblivion!

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=42517 What is the "Flag" button? This feature is called "Flag As Objectionable" and it's accessible via the Blogger Navbar. The "Flag?" button allows the blogging community to easily note questionable content, which in turn helps us take action when needed.

So we're relying on you, the users, to be our eyes on the web, and to let us know of potential issues that are important to you. Here's How It Works When a person visiting a blog clicks the "Flag?" button in the Blogger Navbar, it means they believe the content of the blog may be potentially offensive or illegal. We track the number of times a blog has been flagged as objectionable and use this information to determine what action is needed. This feature allows the blogging community as a whole to identify content they deem objectionable.

Have you read The Wisdom of Crowds? It's sort of like that. Special Case for Hate Speech. When the community has voted and hate speech is identified on Blog*Spot, Google may exercise its right to place a Content Warning page in front of the blog and set it to "unlisted." Note: users may click the "Unflag" button if they change their mind.

This is an excellent suggestion by "Fed up". We should all flag Big Mama's sick blog-site as "objectionable." Here's my take on "Big Mama", (henceforth referred to as "BM" which I deem most appropriate)... First, I would bet that "she" is a white male. In this day of You-Tube, one can create a totally fictitious identity, complete with photos, friends and all other aspects of a completely fictional identity.

Teacher? NO, but to develop a blog and operate it requires a certain degree of intelligence and skill. I am betting that "BM" is college educated and probably revels in our outrage with his/her cronies who are equally amused by such distasteful, sick humor.

Basically, BM is simply "yanking our chain" to see who will bite. Our best hope is that this moron has now achieved his "15 minutes of fame" and will cease spewing his venom to intelligent blog readers. I suggest that after we all flag BM's blog as objectionable, we turn a deaf ear to any further drivel offered by this racist and return to adult conversation.

Forthright

We Are Not Amused!

Thank you "Big Mama" for reminding us all that ignorance is not limited to the uneducated! Your pathetic attempt at dialectical humor is surpassed only by your total disrespect for all people both black and white. You are the perfect example of why Mississippians are still regarded as racist imbeciles by the rest of modern civilization.

I hope that promoting your infantile blog-site is your primary motivation for your participation in "Delta Scoop". If not, I pray that you refrain from sharing your sick humor on a blog that solicits intelligent debates on local issues. I offer your blog-site address below solely in hopes that you and your kind can "bond" in your common bigotry and insensitivity and will refrain from conversing with intelligent readers. I urge everyone to visit "Big Mama's" blog-site. It is the most convincing evidence ever presented that evolution is an unfinished process!

My apology to Jennifer Jones for having to endure the racist diatribe inflicted by "Big Mama".

http://gvillemsbigmamas.blogspot.com/

Forthright

The Speed of "Progress"

Jennifer Jones writes:

After reading the comments, I have information I would like to share, as well.

First, no doubt the power of the vote is enormous. Hopefully, everyone will push those who are not registered to vote, to get registered, if it is not too late for the upcoming city election. Then, push to get registered voters to get off their butts and VOTE! The last number counts for the recent past elections was pathetic. I believe the total number of votes for the last State election was something like 4,000 voters. Though our population has dropped, that is still less than 1/8 of the total population voting. Given the portion to children under age to vote, it is still a pretty pathetic percentage of total voters!

That said, let me say, it does not stop there. The next step to changing Greenville is to get involved in whatever cause you choose fits, there are so many!

This summer, I chose a cause, much to many citizens dismay. I chose to save the City Pool. Many told me I was wasting my time, nothing would ever change. The pool was to be lost just as the other four were lost over the years. Others told me, "the whites won't come!", I don't believe that either. If that were true, then the pool at the Lake Chicot, Arkansas State park would have had no white children or adults in it this summer, but there were and there were blacks. Guess what, no one cared or gave it a thought! We all enjoyed the pool together! If that were true, the waterparks in the South would fail financially, but they don't because all races of all colors pay to play there. I believe the reason that whites do not participate is old myths of the present middle aged generations. At one time those myths were in fact true, the pool was not the best place to be. There was no control of the pool patrons. Kids were not supervised. The entire enviroment was not inviting. None of that is true today, on any given day this past summer, at most, a head count might come up from 15-20 kids. Certainly not enough of a number to say that it was taken over! The pool is an OUR pool. Those who have chosen to NOT use it, have no one to blame but themselves. The present staff and pool director are doing an excellent job with the pool. They are friendly, well trained, courteous and conscientious to the safety of the pool patrons.

Another reason that the pool has been ignored by the general public is the state of condition of the bath house and the pool. Few tax dollars available and pure neglect have detracted, this one time long ago, gem to our city.

This pool will be saved. With my pool campaign this summer in pushing the city leaders, we now have a City Grant writer seeking funds for many of the city needs, including this pool. There is no shame in seeking grant money! We unfortunately qualify for most any Grant program these days, until we regain jobs and industry or should I say, if ever we regain these crucial components then we can use more tax dollars. Grants keep from over taxing, an already depleted tax budget.

Believe me, until things change, if we do not take advantage of grants available to salvage what we can, improve what we can and bring more in than we have, we will never get ahead.

In order to attract industry to Greenville, not only do we need improved training and education (Principal Charles Brady is turning GHS around!!), we need to improve the entire infrastructure to Greenville, which includes this pool, the city parks, the streets and the overall appearance of our city. Anyone considering moving to Greenville will definitely be researching what recreational facilities or programs we can offer and our own city pride.

This summer at my request to the Park Commission Board members, I became the official Bobby Henry Memorial Pool Restoration Chairman. The day of this meeting, I could tell that these people doubted that I would get very far in my goals to update, restore and enhance this pool. Now less than four months later, with myself and my committees' work, the Grant writer's work and the promotion by MS Representative for our district, Linda Whittington, we have been chosen by MSU-Carl Small Town Center as their "studio project" for their 4th year architecture students to do what we requested: restoration plans for the Buster Brown Community Center, redesign, add enhancements and outline steps for these improvements needed to bring this pool into the millenium for today's and the future generations of Greenville.

Our plans are to bring the pool and bath house up to speed in restorations, bring in water slides and a toddler wading pool with fountains. We intend to have programs for the young and old. Swimming lessons, lifeguard training, lap lanes, water aerobics, etc. and pool event days, for the kids and all, to bring attention to the pool.

Our long term goal is to dome the pool for year round use and enjoyment by the citizens and student swim team members. Now they have to drive all winter long to DSU to practice. How great would it be for them to save that time, gas money and to keep them safe, at home, off the long dark winter highway to Cleveland?

Amazing how one person can make such a big difference, to the dismay of so many nay sayers. Think what could happen, if many chose one cause and made the efforts to make a difference in Greenville! The way I look at it, since I am not going anywhere, I might as well make the best of it and try to do something constructive to make my hometown a better place.

For all who live Greenville and "complain" here, I challenge you to do the same. To those who have already moved on to greener pastures, good luck and Godspeed, but be careful saying you will NEVER return...many have said the same and are back home, today.

When all is said and done, Greenville still has a lot to offer, we have good people, a long standing rich history and deep roots that will pull you to come back home too.

This Spring, the MSU students will be introduced to our city. I am going to do all I can do to make sure the red carpet is rolled out for their arrival. I hope those who can help this cause, will do the same. It will be an exciting time for the City, spread the news!!

We will need the support of the community in all ways, but most importantly in positive ways. Whether it be volunteering to help work on the pool, bath house, landscape needs or just in positive support to this or any other positive events around the City.

I hope I can count on everyone to help make this new, improved Pool a reality and find their own causes to make a difference too.

Ten Cent!!! Come to the pool this upcoming summer and I promise, you will be glad you did! BYOB of sun tan lotion! :>)

Meanwhile, stay tuned, stay strong and stay positive Greenvillians!!!! We are all still here, let's make it a better place to be!!!

The city pool used to be the epicenter of youthful activity during the long, hot Delta summers. It provided a healthy form of recreation and exercise to young and old alike. Not even the polio scare of the '50's thwarted the public's desire to swim and play in the only "blue" water ever seen in the Delta.

So, what happened? The sixties and seventies brought great changes to the way we all lived and played. Technological wonders made us question whether our simple pleasures and past-times were enough. Those who remember early video games such as "Pong" and "Pac-Man" can no doubt recall the alluring nature of these innocent games, which by today's standards would be considered "mindless".

In essence, the world is turning too fast! Each generation grows further apart from those that precede. We have become a "virtual" society that would rather text the word "hello" rather than speak it. The good news is that simple pleasures never die, but they sometimes have to be "re-packaged". Thus is the case with the city pool and one of the most enjoyable human experiences... swimming.

Jennifer Jones should be a mentor for every Greenville citizen. Whatever your "cause" is, get involved and make a difference. Pity parties about what "was" are a waste of time. The beautiful Hershell Carousel would still be rotting in Fairyland Park if a group of concerned citizens had not taken on the cause of saving this treasured landmark.

Regardless of whom is elected mayor in December, we all need to rally around this person and seek positive change for Greenville! There is much worth saving for both our future and our past, but as a famous military general once noted...

"We have seen the enemy... and he is us."

Forthright

Twist and Shout

After attending the regular monthly City of Leland ’s board meeting for October. I discovered that the Mayor had refused to place my name on the agenda after requesting to be placed on the agenda over a month in advance. Alderman Thomas made the motion that I be placed on the agenda, and be allowed to speak. It was voted on, and passed unanimously.

After asking a few questions one would have thought that the Mayor, Board, and their Representative was on American Bandstand by the way they danced, and waltzed around questions regarding the high electric rates, they were also asked about the secret utility list of those individuals who paid little or no utility bills at all, that really raised the temperature, that’s when the twist, and shouting began.

I had already been informed by several individuals that the list did exist including several Board members, and others who would know, however the Mayor, and her entourage denied that there was such a list, and that the list did not exist. It is not only a disgrace when elected, and appointed officials steal, or misappropriate funds, it is also a criminal offense, and what’s worst is the majority of the citizens sat on the side waiting for others to admonish the Board, and do what all citizens should be up in arms about.

I think that it is appropriate at this time to thank those individuals who participated, and took a stand in picketing the city, for your courageous convictions, and belief in fairness, and honesty. It is individuals like you who at the end of the day really make the difference. Again, thanks, and continue to do the things that you know is right.

James W Lowe, Sr.

Again, I commend Mr. Lowe for exercising his right to be heard. If we silently allow board members and elected officials to reign unchecked, we are holding the door open for abuse of power.

Forthright

"Know Thy Neighbors"

"Lady Dragoness" offer the following:

The United States Post Office seems to hire only those who disregard the need to deliver mail undamaged. Today is not the first time that I received a piece of mail which has been damaged beyond usability; nor,unfortunately do I expect it be the last. Fortunately, I didn't pay anything for this piece or I'd really be screaming my head off, but what could have been a useful gift from one of the companies I do surveys for has been turned into so much garbage by the United States Postal Service - or probably more likely, the carrier who delivers my mail.

Mail carriers, use your brain! When a piece of mail is obviously too large for the box to which it is supposed to be delivered, leave a note! Do not fold, spindle and mutilate the piece until it fits in the box.This piece was packaged in a padded envelope - which is not stiff enough to provide the needed protection for the sort of item the package contained - but at least a thoughtful person would have recognized that the padded envelope meant the item warranted better handling than so much garbage.

At apartment complexes such as the one where I live, mail carriers seem to have no problem leaving other mail (sometimes valuable packages) at my manager's office, where I might not be able to take possession of my items for a couple of days or longer when this happens on Friday or Saturday.

I would prefer such pieces were brought to my door, which happens only rarely, yet I am almost always home when the mail is delivered. Either option could have kept this piece of mail from being irreparably damaged... but no, damaging potentially useful items seems to be the postal carrier's way these days. I find it pitifully sad that so many postal carriers have no pride in doing a job well... and they don't do so well in delivering my mail either. Aside from magazines, catalogs and other mail being damaged in transit or delivery, I often find mail in my box that has no business being there at all... mail belonging to other tenants in this apartment complex. Each time I see something in my box that doesn't belong, I wonder how much of my mail has been delivered to someone else!

Lady Dragoness

The "Lady" makes a valid point about the general lack of pride many civil servants demonstrate in the performance of their jobs. Time was that you knew your mail carrier by name and actually developed a relationship with him or her. Now, it pays to "know thy neighbors" because chances are, you will get at least one piece of their mail each week.

In my case, I generally get all of my neighbor's mail in one delivery... which means that I have to figure out which of my neighbors received mine. I hope that they are as diligent regarding this post-delivery sorting. Sometimes I get mail with the correct street number, but the wrong street name and God forbid that you live on a street that has both a "North" and "South" street address.

Recently, I stayed home from work waiting for a repairman. Since the weather was nice, I sat on my front porch. I saw the mail truck approach from down the street. As I watched the young man walk from house to house, I noted that he seemed to be talking to himself and at times even laughing. When he finally approached my porch, the mystery was solved.... Blue-Tooth!

As he arrived on my porch and handed me my mail, I rhetorically asked, "how are you?", to which he nodded and never missed a beat of his phone conversation. I sorted through the mail, saving mine and making another stack for "re-delivery". Question... is he illiterate, ignorant or just doesn't care? My bet is on the latter.

Cell phones are a pet peeve of mine and I am confident that they shall play a major role in the downfall of modern civilization as we know it. Endless "yammering" about absolutely nothing for the sake of "companionship"... Oh, don't get me started!

The lack of pride in one's job is directly related to one's "expendability"... meaning, how likely one is to be fired if they don't produce quality work. Here's where the civil servant jobs fail the public. Unless you are convicted of a major felony, a civil servant job is yours for life.... quality be damned!

Unfortunately, this same philosophy has spread to our health care and educational systems. If anyone is "qualified" for the job, give it to them... and let the attorneys and forensic pathologists sort out the rest.

Forthright

Get a "Handle"

I wish that I could tell one 'anonymous' reader from another. So, I will respond to ALL. Folks that have left Greenville; best of luck in your new communities. And I wish that someone would explain 'old money' to me. I see families that have 'earned' money over many generations. Why should they be belittled for the work done by the present or past generations? The 'old money' debtors sound like they are still in the old plantation ideology.

Current Greenville residents; I still urge you to get out and vote. You have a voice. Let it be heard regardless of what the nay-sayers shout. Whatever the outcome, you will have had your day at the polling booth. It is your right and responsibility.

tencent

"Tencent" brings up a good point about the Identity of those who submit comments on the Delta Scoop. Aside from Mr. Lowe, who willingly offered his identity, it is often hard to respond to a specific comment when they are all signed "Anonymous". My suggestion? Choose a blogger name such as "tencent" or "Delta Watcher". You are still completely anonymous to me and all other viewers, but you allow others to address your comments specifically. It allows for a more meaningful "give and take" for both authors and readers.

As for being "trapped" in Greenville, there is an element of truth to that comment. Many are trapped by simply having a job here. The days of choosing the place you want to live and simply moving there and finding another job are pretty much over. The other limiting factor is real estate. If you have tried to sell your home in the last 5 years, you have probably been unsuccessful, or have taken a large loss. Neither of these problems is specific to Greenville, but both are extremely limiting factors to our modern mobility.

What Greenville needs is industry and jobs... real jobs that produce rather than just sustain. I am somewhat amused by the buzz over Harlow's Casino and the jobs that it will create. Did anyone notice that as soon as Harlow's began hiring, the other two casinos started advertising for every single position? They also revived a feeble attempt at "live" entertainment and even reopened their pathetic "eateries".

If Harlow's is successful, that will be great, but in terms of net jobs produced, here's my prediction. In early 2008, one or both of our existing casinos will close and Greenville's new entertainment district will have simply shifted 12 miles to the west. The New York owners of our current casinos will write them off as a huge tax loss, Greenville will lose the local tax revenue they generate (which currently seems invisible to most of us) and our lakefront will be regained by local anglers.

Forthright

James Lowe: Hope for the Future

The feud at Leland Public School District has been going on for years. Why? Because the Board of Trustees felt that Dr. Ilean Richards, and her staff were doing a superb job, and her son’s inappropriate behavior was fine. I think those issues are justification for concern. But their cry to be heard apparently fell on deaf ears repeatedly, because Dr. Richards gets reappointed as Superintendent year after year.

Dr. Richards has been Superintendent, consultant, and held various other titles over the years Yet, the problems of old that plagued the Leland School District still run rampant. Citizens continue to bring charges against Dr. Richards who is perceived to be incompetent, lacking in compassion, poor people skills, and, insultingly, charges continue to be downplayed—if not ignored—by both the Board President, and the Trustees.

When the Trustee Board fails to do what is necessary to assure that only the most capable trained, compassionate leaders are assigned to the district, insurrection is the result.And insurrection—in the way of sexual misconduct, disrespect of faculty, and staff, and cussing and fussing of every stripe—will continue to be the sad legacy of the Leland Public School District, until the Board of Trustees exercise the courage to do the things that's right consistently---- they will never be able to do what is right—not what is convenient or popular, until they allow their decisions to be controlled by the indwelling of clean minds, and spirit--- instead of by whatever external influences currently render them impotent to do the will of the citizens.

Let us pray that the new members of the Board of Trustees will do their work and make the tough choices that will ensure that, someday, The Leland School District will be in good, competent, compassionate hands, and move our school to the head of the pact in all areas, where it belong.

James Lowe

Thank you Mr. Lowe for your diligence and concern for the students of Leland Public Schools. We share your hopes for a brighter future for our public schools!

Forthright

Don't Dilly with Dowdy!

Anonymous offers rebuttal to "Delta Watcher's" views:

I want to address Delta Watcher's rant paragraph by paragraph and clear up the absolute pile of crap laid out before us! What may be considered "wrath" by Delta Watcher is just Yankee honesty. Dowdy speaks clearly and gets to the point. Maybe Delta Watcher doesn't understand what it means to be honest?

Hand select group for boards: Dowdy has been around Greenville for a long time and I think she probably knows by now who will pull their weight on a board and actually do what they are supposed to and not just take the position to fluff their resume. Delta Watcher did you get your feelings hurt perhaps you weren't asked to be on one of the boards you mentioned?

Chamber $5k membership drive: During Dowdy's reign as president was not the first time the chamber has done this. First of all, this was not a decision she could have made alone and second of all - it worked. Call the chamber at 378-3141 and ask for details after all it is your chamber of commerce.

Leadership Washington County class members as board members: Well duhhhhh! If you're trying to build and nurture the future leaders of Greenville then you're going to give them some responsibility and kick their tail and see what they're made of. I just keep getting a weird feeling that Delta Watcher may feel passed over....

Don't mess with Iris and Jewel: Anyone who has lived in Greenville for any length of time knows Jewel Lockhart and what an incredible man he is. Nuff said. Same goes for Iris Stacker except she is an incredible woman! Delta Watcher - you're just misinformed or just missing... I don't know yet which you are.

Dowdy's campaign team: Her choice and who cares what color they are. What matters is what they bring to her campaign: friendship, support, ideas, etc... I am comforted by the fact that Dowdy has friends because I am beginning to think our current mayor only hangs out with her boy toys. I never see her in what I would call a friendly moment. Friends keep people grounded, accountable and humble.

WCCCVB & Bill: Poor Bill, he just could not get out of Greenville quick enough and of course we all miss him, but Bill left on his own steam for many reasons besides a board and staff that he could never get to agree on anything. Bill did a wonderful job and Dowdy had nothing to do with his departure.

The Center: Don't know enough about this to really comment, so please someone else jump in here and help.

Betty Lynn Cameron: When Betty Lynn was out for her first surgery, Dick Clark, Chamber president at the time, basically worked at the Chamber every day. While there, Dick cleaned the books up and got the GACC back in the black. Dowdy followed Clark's lead and kept the place running for 18 months! No hit list, but the community does recognize it is time for new leadership in the area of economic development.

Clarke Reed is a Republican, Republican, Republican, Republican, Republican! Duhhhh - who do you think he will vote for???? His brain simply can't comprehend voting for a Democrat! But, he is also savvy enough to say what he needs to get what he wants - he ain't the grand daddy of the Southern Republican Party for nuthin'...

Chuck Jordan - just change his diaper and let's move on. He will do whatever Clarke tells him to.

If you really want to get the truth, call Dowdy yourself and ask her! Ask her what she believes in! Hell, call the mayor and ask her what she believes in, but I will guarantee you this - you'll get Dowdy on the phone faster than you will the mayor! You'll be the luckiest person in Washington County if the mayor even bothers to return your call.


"Tencent" adds the following:

I just came from a "meet and greet" with Kim Dowdy. I was fairly impressed with what she had to say. What I liked most is that she will not 'micro-manage' the city departments. Those managers must produce or get out.

And she feels no need for a staff of body guards who are getting more pay on overtime than the chief gets in regular salary. There is a big waste of tax money. Safety, jobs, education, city image.. these are things that are on her agenda. And they need to be on all of our agendas.

One person cannot turn this town around. It will take ALL of us. And it will not happen overnight. But, it must start with a spark. I met one man at the meeting tonight who has not voted in years. He is registering tomorrow because he now believes that his ONE vote can make a difference. The turnout I saw in the State/County elections looked like more people are getting involved.

Let's keep that enthusiasm going into the city elections. Greenville needs to get off of this grant system where we go begging for money to even improve our streets. If the tax revenue of the town can be built back up, we will not be looking for handouts anymore. Let's build our education system back up so we can show potential companies we have useful, educated people to hold jobs.

And I don't mean the department store types. We need more technical skills in this area. I can say first hand that we are poorly lacking in that area. Thank you, Kim, for coming by and talking with us. And, the skeeters were not all that bad. :)

Through all of our "rants and raves", we are at least speaking up about important issues in our community.

Only yesterday, I was speaking to couple from Virginia who were considering moving to the Delta. They noted that the people here were very friendly, but everyone seemed so negative about the community as a whole. They asked me if there were some "deep, dark secret" about the Delta that no one would tell them about.

I replied that Greenville could be likened to an Alzheimer's patient. Over time, we have forgotten our rich heritage steeped in the arts, music, literature and southern pride and have become engrossed with the maladies of the here and now. In essence, Greenville is a city which suffers from very poor self-esteem.

The "cure" for Greenville's depression is quite simple: open and honest discussion of real issues. Thank you to all of the Scoop readers and contributors who have an opinion and are willing to share it.

One voice...one vote...can make a difference!

Forthright

Dowdy Supporters Speak Out!

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to take seriously any attacks such as this, without sufficient (or in this case, any) sourcing. This seems extraordinarily personal in nature which, I assume, is why it has been posted here as opposed to a newspaper or any other media that would require substantiation on the writer's part. Personal attacks are easy, particularly now that we have the Internet.

I would think that if candidate Dowdy had participated in even a fraction of the scenarios presented here, at least ONE media type would have loved to expose them. Perhaps this lengthy personal attack is the product of the above referenced Republican power structure to secure the airport grant. Now that seems plausible to me, considering that politics be it local or national, is generally a putrid soup of conniving jealousy, greed and selfishness. Now that part of the diatribe seems plausible, however, without adequate sourcing, I suspect we'll never know. This, sadly, is what all politics be they local, state or national have become. It's unfortunate for America.

Anonymous said...

As far as Dowdy goes with surrounding herself with friends...who wouldn't? She should be surrounded with people she can trust and lean on during the campaign. I have to agree with with another reply to this diatribe that the author is someone who themselves is vindictive and perhaps a bit jealous because they don't have the kahunas to step up and be willing to sacrifice their self like Dowdy and Hudson has.

There are plenty of wanna be's in this town and none of Dowdy's team are. Those mentioned like Lane, McKnight and Ford are all doers and not takers. All generous with their time, financial resources and collective brain power along with Dowdy have been working for years already to make Greenville a better place and I would imagine continue to do so with Dowdy in office or not.

It is going to take a team effort regardless of who holds the office of mayor and my money is on Dowdy because she has proven ever since she has lived here that she cares about what goes on here. I personally take offense at calling Iris Stacker and Jewel Lockhart token chamber board members! Delta Watcher obviously does not not know dip about either one of them or else DW would know better to spew such racist nonsense.

Let's get race out of this mayor's race and look at who will be the best mayor. Each of you have to make that decision. But don't let an over zealous wanna be with what appears to be a complete lack of self control and what my aunt used to call diarrhea of the mouth lend any credibility to the mayor's race. Honestly, if the argument that Dowdy and Hudson are clothes horses and that is what were supposed to base an intelligent decision on - Delta Watcher should refrain from posting to this blog.

I was somewhat hesitant to bring "Delta Watcher's" letter to the front page because of the numerous indictments that it contained; however, I suspected that it would extend an invitation to writers who may be more "in the know" to substantiate or refute the allegations set forth about Mrs. Dowdy. It seems to have worked.

I can only agree with the writers who find it sad that Americans have allowed elections to be swayed by race, gender and even the clothes that we wear. What are the issues in this race? Could we not have a public debate where we get to judge for ourselves the merits of these candidates?

Although I have met both candidates on numerous occasions, I know very little about their plans for Greenville's future. I would suspect that I am not alone. Deltan's have a very distinctive habit of talking a great deal and saying very little.

As Mark Twain once noted: "The quickest way to get to the truth, is to tell a lie in public. The righteous shall come forth in public indignation, while the liar's only defense is disguise."

Forthright

Down on Dowdy...and Hudson

"Delta Watcher" is Dubious of Dowdy:

There is another side to Ms. Dowdy that many in the city don't know about. While many comment that she would be better than Mayor Hudson, be advised that there is a whole group of people out there who have felt the wrath of Ms. Dowdy because they had the audacity to question her, challenge her or take a position opposite of what she supports.

One could recite her experiences with groups like the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mississippi Delta Advertising Federation, Washington County Republican Women, the Mississippi Delta Air & Balloon Festival among others where she literally took control and then put in her hand selected group of friends on those boards. And without exception, membership and participation in those groups dropped off while she was president.

The only exception was the Chamber because the Chamber paid $5,000 while she was president to have a lady come in from Texas and run a boiler room operation to get new Chamber members so Ms. Dowdy's looks good while she's president. While president of the Chamber of Commerce, all one had to do was look at the executive board and see who was who and how they got on said executive board. She picked her friends from her Leadership Washington County class like Ross Reily with the DDT, Darren Lehrmann with WXVT, David Bush with Planters Bank (all vice presidents on the executive board and all in the Leadsership Washington County class.)

Oh you could also through in Darrell Annis, formerly with AmSouth Bank whom she had selected as president to succeed her but he took another position in Arkansas with Regions Bank. Well he was in the Leadership Washington County group, too. Now let's not forget that she also had appointed to the Chamber board other Leadership class members like Wendy Nicholson with Lamar Advertising, Ronnie Taylor with MasterFoods USA, Whitney Dinkins now with some Christian group, Philip Doiron with the YMCA and Iris Stacker with DRMC and Jewell Lockhart (token black representation on the Chamber board).

So while some of you say that she will be fair and work with all segments of the community and is color blind, you just don't know the real Ms. Dowdy. She will people her administration with her friends and supporters (almost all white). In fact, a look at her campaign committee led by another friend, former boss at Kings Daughter's Hospital and another Chamber board member Beth McKnight as well as Beverly Ford with Shamoon Advertising.

Now if that isn't enough, she had a direct hand in the departure of Bill Seratt with the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. When two openings became available on that board, she had the two Chamber positions on the WCCVB given to Benjy Nelken and Brad Hathaway (also a friend of her's with the county Republican Party) who both just happened to dislike Seratt and wanted him out. Those were the two votes the board needed to make life difficult for Seratt who finally said I'm out of here. Now we have Tommy Hart with the Industrial Foundation.


Now Tommy may not be the sharpest guy in town but Ms. Dowdy also wanted him out, too, because he has the audacity to challenge her in several confidential meetings with the Chamber and the Foundation. She told her executive board in a executive board meeting earlier this year that Tommy had to go because he was hurting economic development in the county. Well he's out as the director of the Foundation. Now third on Ms. Dowdy's "hit list" is Betty Lynn Cameron, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Now when Ms. Cameron was off work due to her arthritis condition, Ms. Dowdy and then Chamber president Dick Clark were over heard several times over lunch at the Greenville Country Club and at Sherman's basically plotting to change the Chamber operation to better suit them and what they wanted to do. Before running for mayor, Ms. Dowdy had told her confidential friend Terri Lane with Delta Regional and Lynda Edwards with the American Heart Association and Ms. McKnight that she wanted to be the Chamber director after the merger was completed and a new executive was hired.

She is just as conniving and back-handed as our current mayor. Now all this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ms. Dowdy.Just how the whole Chamber and Foundation merger came about is an even more enlightening story - especially for the black community. You think she is color blind - you ain't heard nothing yet. She's as racist as they come. The black power structure and many black business people have seen through her charade.

One final point with this posting, is that she was told by Mr. Republican Clarke Reed and Planters Bank President Chuck Jordan not to run for mayor. Now I don't agree that someone should try and prevent someone else from running for public office, but when the Republican power structure in the city and county strike a deal with Mayor Hudson that they will not support Ms. Dowdy if the Mayor does a quid pro quo on an airport grant, that should tell everyone something. Ms. Dowdy is also aware that she doesn't have their support.

Both candidates are sad, vindictive, power hungry, media hounds and insecure when it comes to operating without their select group of friends behind them (notice didn't say at her side because few if any will ever be at their side because there is simply not enough room.) And just wait till you hear about Ms. Dowdy's cozy relationship with the DDT like Ross Reily and Publisher John Clark for media coverage and the suppression of negative news while she was Chamber president. That information comes from inside sources at the DDT and the Chamber.

Let's not just blindly think Ms. Dowdy is so cute and hard working that she'll make a good mayor. We will only swap one tyrant for another. Both are fashion horses who buy their clothes and shoes outside of Greenville. Gosh, I thought we were supposed to "Buy Here!" Hmmm!

More on all this later. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Hold on to your hats - especially Ms. Dowdy supporters. Hillary Clinton would be a choir girl compared to what Ms. Dowdy's been up to but more on that later.

Wow! This reads like a "who's -who?" of Greenville. To characterize this writer's opinion of Mrs. Dowdy is that she is "self-confident, opinionated, net-works effectively with friends and is a strong proponent for change". Are these her worst political traits or perhaps her strongest?

"Delta Watcher" is obviously not a fan of either mayoral candidate, describing them both as vindictive, power-hungry, media-hounds who rely on their friends and supporters for strength. Again, I have to ask... for political candidates, are these traits a "slam" or a "slam-dunk"?

Regardless of who wins the mayor's race in December, Greenville has a very long way to go. With Mayor Hudson's election 4 years ago, we have now effectively demonstrated that age, gender and race are not significant characteristics of political success. We need to get beyond these petty physical traits and focus on the common problems that plague everyone in the Delta... crime, drugs, unemployment and a shrinking tax base.

No one person can turn Greenville around. It will take everyone of all ages, races and socio-economic levels to simply quit accepting "the way it has always been" and collectively unite for positive change.

Forthright

PS... As for both candidates being "fashion horses", I don't believe I will be betting in that race!

Critics Pan Ray's Ad Campaign

Anonymous said...
Fly is incorrect on the amount. Try 4.2 million for Medicaid. Even if it is a state wide hospital problem, this is one that this particular hospital can't afford. And Forthright IS right - coupled with the ludicrous spending habits of the administrative team, it might just be the nail in the coffin for the big boys (and girls) wearing suits all day and sipping diet coke in between meetings. I left after a long employment with drmc. Best move I EVER made. Other facilities actually appreciate hard work, loyalty and good care! Once again, my career is very rewarding and satisfying. Get out while you can.

Anonymous said...
I have heard today from That Mr Ray also had a good time at the hospital he ran before he came to DRMC. The source told me Ray was run off from the from the Hattiesburg hospital for the same reason. And almost caused the hospital to fold. Did DRMC not do there homework before hiring this guy??


Anonymous said...
Bingo~~~ I went to a job interview in Hattiesburg about 8 months ago. Although I don't work in healthcare; you speak Ray Humphreys name around the business community in that area and they will tell you quickly what he did to their hospital. His name is MUD there.

I guess who ever did background checks before hiring this CEO did NOT do their homework. Was it the Board of Trustees? Did they just assume he was "ok" and on the "up and up"? Why did no one find out about Hattiesburg until after the fact? Another thing. I found out he has worked in the past with most of his administrative team; handpicked by the master of the plantation himself. When will it end?

Anonymous said...
Just happened to catch Good Morning Mississippi on tv this morning and was amazed that they were at DRMC. I became suddenly ill watching the bald-faced lies that were being spouted by the employees that were interviewed about how good things were at this facility. Too bad that these comments could not be beeped out. Signed Sick in the Delta

Anonymous said...
The Good Morning MS/DRMC show this morning made me sick also. Does DRMC really need a DIRECTOR of Marketing or whatever Ms. Pieralisi's title is? Do they need a DIRECTOR of credentialing? A one person department? Please. Learned a long time ago, director on your badge there means higher pay and no 'hands on' patient care. Like they have money to waste? Lots of lies were told and my wife and I quickly changed the tv to WXVT. How do those folks telling all the lies to the public sleep at night?

It appears that Ray's new multi-million dollar ad campaign has begun and the initial reviews are less than stellar! Actually, the only things new about the ad campaign are a new logo, a new website with new colors (quite unattractive), a new marketing group from New Orleans and a new scheme to save Ray's job.

Other than that, we hear the same tired rhetoric that Ray has been spewing for years... "the best hospital in the state"... "only level II trauma center in the Delta"... "state of the art facility providing top quality health care". Go to DRMC's website and read this stuff for yourself. Does Ray honestly believe this putrid propaganda will change the public's opinion of health care in the Delta?

All of the marketing moguls on Wall Street, with all of their catchy logos, colors and "real life" testimonials can't change what is wrong at DRMC. Good health care is about positive "outcomes" not positive "spin". At the end of this multi-million dollar "blitzkrieg", Ray will have sold us his same old brand of snake-oil, with a new label.

Think what $4 million dollars worth of medicine and direct patient care could have provided our family and friends. As many before have asked, "when will all this insanity end?"

"A dead fish rots from the head, down."

Forthright

"We" Hold the Keys... Please VOTE!

"Fly" hopes for change:

Thanks for clearing up the Medicaid situation. I had no idea it was affecting hospitals state-wide. It sounds like a feeble and crooked attempt to bail bureaucrats out of a financial crisis. Hopefully, healthcare will win this one. I, too, believe you are correct that the final blow will not be too far in the distant future for the administration at DRMC. We can only hope that change will come quickly and positive outcomes will prevail.

As far as the LSD, I hope it will also see a change in leadership. No one should be allowed the power these so called leaders have abused (and dysfunctionally enjoyed).

For the anonymous blogger who suggests the manifesto and call for putting our money where our mouth is ...I am all for standing up for what is right. However, until you have worked in the facility and been a part of the "leadership team", you have no idea at all the consequences of such actions. We have families to support and most of us put our families and their well-being first. Many employees hope that soon our Board of Trustees and Supervisors will wake up and notice the wrong-doings.

For most health care professionals, speaking out openly would mean being forced to move out of Greenville to seek employment. Many of us love our community and believe that we will outlast this dark era. So, I for one, choose to go to work and take good care of my patients and attempt to offer much needed support to my co-workers.

I did want to say, Forthright, that I am most impressed by your knowledge, fairness, and concern for the community. Thanks to you for giving all of us a forum to express our opinions without being punished. I realize that this is a time consuming and sometimes a painful chore to keep up this website.

"Just a Fly on the Wall"

You are one among many victims of the DRMC and LSD "hostage" situations. It is difficult to believe that in 2007, we are still subject to this gross form of "indentured servitude", where voicing your opinion could cost you your job and a great deal more. This is exactly why these "power-mongers" need to go.

Thank you for your support. I inherited this blog from the former blog-master, "Local Reflector", who did an excellent job in developing this forum and attracting a loyal following. When I heard that LR was about to permanently retire the "Scoop", I decided to give it a try and took the reins. I have truly enjoyed hosting this blog and seeing how its readership has grown and expanded.

While "only a blog", I feel this forum has the potential to bring us together to make needed changes in our communities. To make these changes, we must have all of the facts; not just those which are deemed "suitable for the press" by editors and advertisers. I hope to continue the "Scoop" as long as readers and contributors enjoy it.

Forthright

P.S. Please get out and vote on Tuesday, November 6th!

Medicaid Mayhem!

"Fly" offers this...

Well, just when ya thought it couldn't get any worse for the Ray/Allyson show at our only hospital in town! Now, DRMC is in hot water with Medicaid. I've heard different amounts quoted, but the lowest is 2 million dollars. Yes, that's right.

Let's see -- if you couple that with the 4 million dollars wasted on a hair-brained scheme to market nothing, it all adds up to 6 MILLION DOLLARS OF OUR TAX MONEY!! The word (spoken by DRMC officials) is that DRMC was "erroneously overpaid" by Medicaid and they are wanting their moola back now. Anyone have any reasons as to how this screw up occurred? And... more importantly, who can put an end to this gross and nauseating mismanagement of our county's monies and our healthcare???

-- A Fly On The Wall

Actually, the Medicaid "overpayment" issue is one that is hitting all hospitals throughout the state. Medicaid is in a bigger financial mess than DRMC, and is asserting that "over-payments of funds" have been made to hospitals for the past few years.

Mississippi Hospital Association is fighting very hard to contest these alleged over-payments which will essentially bankrupt some of our smaller hospitals who are already struggling. The jury is still out as to if and when these funds shall have to be repaid, but I can assure you that if Medicaid wins, health care around the state will suffer.

This is one issue which can not be blamed on Ray Humphreys and his administration. It may be the death blow to Ray's empire which is obviously "down for the count", but at the end of the day, Medicaid is simply wrong on this issue. Access to health care will ultimately suffer for all citizens.

It is easier for this faltering state agency to go after the hospitals for their survival, than it is to clean up the massive corruption and abuse for which Medicaid is noted. We shall see how this all plays out for 2007.

Forthright

Anonymous said...

Why don't all you disgruntled and pissed off DRMC employees get together and write a manifesto of all your complaints. Offer solutions for each complaint and present a copy to each board member, county supervisors and distribute to area media.

Quit all your bitching and do something productive instead of blowing massive amounts of steam on a blog that is just making the top dawg resemble a puff adder. I know he's an idiot, you know he's an idiot - get off your duffs and put your money where your mouth is!

Actually, this is a rather good suggestion. However, just as in the Leland School District matter, DRMC employees are afraid to "speak up" for fear that they will lose their job, or otherwise be retaliated against. Have good people lost jobs for telling the truth or expressing an opinion that differs with the "powers that be"? Yes, they certainly have.

But when people band together in a common quest for fairness and equity, is when our meager voices become "mighty". Both nurses and teachers are rare and very valuable commodities in the Delta. Collectively united, both of these groups hold a great deal of power to demand and implement change.

If 25 teachers collectively approached Dr. Richards or the school board with a list of concerns about the welfare of our children, do you think she or the board would have them all summarily fired?

I don't think so.... nor would Ray chance the headline of the DDT reading, "Humphreys Fires 15 Nurses over Blog Debate!" Banning this blog is ludicrous, but there are four very distinct commonalities between the DRMC and LSD issues:

1. The "leaders" in both of these institutions are obviously aware of the issues discussed on the "Delta Scoop".

2. The "leaders" in both of these institutions are obviously afraid of public disclosure in that they remain silent except for veiled threats and personal intimidation.

3. The "leaders" of both of these institutions are "public servants" who ultimately should be accountable to the will of the citizens that they serve.

4. Nothing will change in either of these institutions until citizens unite in a collective voice that demands accountability, fairness and change.

Forthright

Heil Humphreys!

Anonymous reader offers this:

Ray has up'ed the ante... now not only are DRMC employees not allowed to cruise to the Delta Scoop website, but now "immediate termination" will occur if you:

a) discuss Delta Scoop at work
b) print Delta Scoop and bring it to work
c) contribute to Delta Scoop.

AND...how about that new marketing campaign? We were told that the "drops" of blood couldn't be red as Mr. Humphreys is NOT an Ole Miss fan. Therefore, orange had to be used instead. I just wonder with all the financial distress and cutbacks, how much did THAT cost????

How in the world has our community ended up in this shape with the Humphreys and Richards of the world in power?? It is a very sad state of affairs when we sit by and watch these events unfold. There are very real patients with very real needs as well as children who desperately need an education. Yet, these things that should be most important are not. They are being overshadowed by the political power hungry tyrants.

PLEASE let's wake up and vote for a change. It is past time.

Should we fear that book burnings and ethnic purification are next on Ray's "to-do" list? This is just further evidence of this man's paranoiac obsession with power. When does an employer dictate what we as citizens believe, read and discuss?

Rather than close his correspondence and memos with Bible verses, I would suggest that Ray brush up on the first through fifth amendments of the United States Constitution. Unless recently nullified by his board of trustees, I am pretty sure that they still apply to DRMC employees as well.

Forthright


A "Concerned Resident" inquires, "For Whom the Bell Tolls":

Having lived in the Delta for a number of years, it is disturbing to see and hear the conditions of the medical community in this area. It has become apparent that the “village idiots” run DRMC. There is no excuse for the deplorable health care that this facility gives this community. These “idiots” have destroyed the morale of its employees and the confidence of the regions.

I have often heard of DRMC referred to as the “slaughter pen”. Having read of the recent firings of the NP and other staff at this facility, there is no wonder how this reputation has been earned. I know people that have checked out AMA because the facility is understaffed and they cannot get the services required. A business is as only as good as its employees.

It is incomprehensible that this facility that does not do everything possible to promote the loyalty and well-being of its employees. The aforementioned employee has done everything asked of her to serve the facility. The only conclusion that can be drawn from this and other terminations is that they occurred to cover the cost of the “village idiot’s” ego. They have purchased numerous properties in the area and have no way to pay for them other than the dismissal of loyal employees.

Even more disturbing is while these employees were dismissed due to cost cutting, DRMC was advertising for positions on various employment finding agencies and web sites. Sadly, DRMC is not the only institution in our area with this same problem. There is a facility west of Itta-Bena and east of Indianola that has these same issues. Their employee’s morale is at an all time low. They are scared to speak up for fear of retribution.

As with the case of DRMC, this condition exists because of the egos of its leaders. You may ask for whom does the bell toll? Sadly, it tolls for the residents of the Delta unless our leaders realize that the “Village Idiots” need replacing. This is a prime example of the level of incompetence that people can attain.

Signed "A Concerned Resident of the Delta"

The "cost cutting layoffs" are all a piece of a much larger puzzle... and one that Ray himself can no longer control. Taking on HUD as a "silent partner" has not bode well for Ray and the "horsemen". Government agencies have a nasty habit of wanting to know how their money is spent and holding people accountable.

Uhmmm, seems that the construction at DRMC has suddenly halted... or should we "notice" that?

As for DRMC's new marketing campaign, it will reportedly cost the taxpayers another $4 million dollars. It is hard to imagine what they have left to market... no nurses, fewer doctors, a failed "heart center" program and a "Doc-in-the-Box" ER with 8 hour wait times. Coupled with a corrupt and incompetent administration, I can hardly wait for the unveiling of what shall surely be recorded in history as "Ray's last Hoo-rah!"

Forthright