Edent Brent: A Jewel in our Crown!

Okay, some news is worth "stealing". Thanks to the Delta Democrat Times and Logan Mosby for this great article on one of the Delta's most incredible treasures! If you haven't heard Eden Brent play and sign... you haven't been treated to one of the greatest talents in the South. Thanks Eden for proving you don't have to be black... to sing the blues!

You can purchase Eden's DVD at several locations around town or at http://www.amazon.com/. You can even download it right onto your computer!

‘Mississippi No. 1' earns Brent blues nods By LOGAN MOSBY loganmosby@ddtonline.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 1:32 PM CST

Greenville blue artist Eden Brent has been nominated for four of the Blues Foundation's Blues Music Awards, including one for her new album, “Mississippi Number 1.” The ceremony will be in May in Memphis.

A Port City blues artist is making her way in the world and is picking up nominations left and right along the way.Most folks around these parts already had a head's up on Greenville native Eden Brent's talent, and now, with the release of her latest CD, “Mississippi Number One,” the rest of the world has been let in on the secret.

And it looks like the world, as well as the music industry, is standing up and taking notice. Tuesday, the Blues Foundation announced the nominees for the 2009 Blues Music Awards, and Brent has been tapped in four categories - Acoustic Album of the Year, Acoustic Artist of the Year, Best New Artist Debut and Pinetop Perkins Piano Player. “I feel so honored,”

Brent said Wednesday after learning of the nominations. “I've looked at the list of other nominees and to be recognized with the likes of B.B. King, it's just amazing.

“It is so nice to be mentioned among so many of my friends, as well as stellar artists that I have looked up to for so long. It was a wonderful surprise.”

Brent's love of music began at home with her family, and continued through high school, where she played flute in the marching band, all the way to the University of North Texas, where she earned a bachelor's degree in music.

But it wasn't until she began studying under the late, great Greenville bluesman Boogaloo Ames that Brent really found her musical footing. Brent spent 16 years learning the art form from Ames, earning the nickname, “Little Boogaloo.”

Since launching her solo career, she was named a 2004 inductee into the Greenville Blues Walk, the 2006 winner of the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge, and has headlined venues across the world, including the Kennedy Center, the British Embassy, and tours in South Africa and Norway. Brent has taken her success in stride, and this week's nominations have only reaffirmed her dedication to the blues and the Delta.

“I'm happy that I've been recognized with this album, ‘Mississippi Number One,' because it really is a tribute to Mississippi, and in particular, this area,” Brent said. “The Delta can really share in this recognition, because were it not for the people here, and the experiences I've had here, I wouldn't have anything to write about.”

Brent says that no matter where her career and success may lead her, Greenville and the Delta will always be her home.“I'm a Mississippi Delta gal, and I always will be,” she said. “I belong here, this place belongs to me.” The Blues Music Awards will be held May 7, 2009, at Cook Convention Center, in Memphis.

Get Eden's DVD... you won't be disappointed!

Forthright

Council Flubs it!

City leaders waste tax dollars:

The council will continue to use Mississippi Municipal Liability for liability insurance that covers the city and the airport, despite Bill Andrews Agency's attempt to convince the council to use its services. “The MML plan required no deductibles from the city, whereas the Andrews plan required a $10,000 deductible per occurrence for both police and public officials,” said the mayor.

Council members Carl McGee, Lee Owen and Betty Watkins voted in favor of staying with MML, while council members Ann Hollowell, Errick Simmons and Kenneth Gines voted in favor of switching to Andrews, a Greenville-based agency founded in 1925. Hudson broke the tie by voting in favor of MML, which the city has used for the past four years.

But Bill Andrews, president of the Andrews agency, said his company's plan's premium was $53,037 lower per year than MML's. And because the city has had only two liability claims over the past five years, Andrews believes the council would have saved money by picking his plan over MML's.**

Seems to me a GUARANTEED savings of $53,037. as opposed to a potential $10 grand deductible would be worth the overall savings when considering there have only been two liability claims in five years. According to that, if we were insured through Bill Andrews in the past five years, we would have saved $265,185 and spent $20 grand for the two claims...let's see that comes to $245,185.00 in savings....that is a lot of mula!!! What are they thinking???? That is enough money to fund salaries for several employees or repair and improve at least a few streets!

Typical Greenville leadership strikes again!

Nothing new about this headline! Given the city's current fiscal shape, the council would be hard pressed to come up with $10,000 in any emergency, so they simply go with the higher price... after all, it is just taxpayer's money and it can be allocated each month!

This is the same mentality of the person who buys a new TV from the Rent-to-Own Center. At the end of the 2 year lease for a $300 TV, he has now spent over $1,200 for this same TV... but the payments were "so cheap", only $50 a month. Wow, what a buy!

The city is willing to "roll the dice" that Greenville will have five major claims in 2009. It is only a $53,000 wager (with an easy payment plan using our money). If there are no claims for the year, the council will all pat themselves on the back and attribute it to innovative safety measures on their part.

On the other hand, the city may be doing the right thing in forecasting a massive monetary exposure for 2009. If something isn't done about the basic infrastructure of Greenville, we will soon be losing entire automobiles into the vast sink-holes that are so prevalent on our roads. If everyone filed a claim against the city for the cost of car repairs caused by the city's irresponsibility and negligence, $50,000 would look like "chump-change".

Forthright

P.S. Not to be outdone by Alaska, Greenville will soon have it's own "road to nowhere" (Washington Avenue). It is truly impressive to stand at the old train depot and have a clear and unobstructed view of the boarded up and crumbling buildings that line both sides of the street. The new straight-a-way design will also assist the police in high-speed car chases of drug dealers and thieves.

So, just as soon as they can get those tacky 200 year old bricks covered with some fresh black asphalt, we can hold a "grand opening" celebration and, hand in hand, march down the freshly paved "road to nowhere".

Mall: The Story of Retail To Ruin

Get a Grip said...

But.....didn't the decline of Greenville visibly begin with the arrival of the mall? (Or two malls, as the Mainstream Mall was the first to arrive.) OK, the wheat embargo's effect on the towboat industry had an impact, as well. But the timing of both was in the mid-70's. Do Indianola and Cleveland and Greenwood have "malls?" NO! And look at their successful efforts to promote their downtown areas!

Look at Jackson, Ridgeland, Flowood, Madison, etc. Those malls come and go. Jackson Mall---no one under 40 remembers it. Metrocenter? I'm old enough to remember when its opening was a Major Deal, and wise enough to realize that it's since become an unsafe place to shop. Northpark? Buh-bye.

The glorified strip mall has made a comeback. And no sooner did Dogwood Festival Market open then its eventual replacement showed up in Ridgeland at Colony Park. The Mall has seen its season. It's time for something new. Mom and Pop stores, maybe? A Fred Carl-type investor? (Curse you, Jay Stein.) But wallowing in our own mire won't accomplish anything but get us even deeper in the mud.

Anonymous said...

Oh, no!! if the mall closes, where would I buy my Sponge Bob leather jacket or my confederate flag cell phone cover? Where will Belk dump all the garbage they don't sell in other stores?Please!!! That mall's demise is very close.


Anonymous said...

Just read about Office Depot closing 112 stores nationwide. Any news about our local store?

It is true that the arrival of "malls" was pretty much a death sentence to small downtown communities. Almost all Greenville merchants immediately abandoned the downtown area to move to the "Mainstream" or Greenville Mall in the early 1970's.

Obviously, Greenville could not support two malls opening within 6 months of each other. Subsequently, the Mainstream Mall lasted less than 3 years before it closed. Mall space is not cheap and the mall concept is that smaller merchants will profit from having a couple of "big" merchants draw all of the traffic.

That was the "theory" of mall merchandising that existed in the 70's and 80's. Then came Wal-Mart! Just as the malls killed our downtown merchants, Wal-Mart has killed the malls. Sam Walton took the convenience of malls one step further and put everything a human could possibly want or need under ONE roof... at cheaper prices. Is this really progress?

I know two types of people: those who think that Wal-Mart is the greatest thing since indoor plumbing; and those who consider "suicide" preferable to enduring the local experience! I fall just short of the latter. Greenville, and those communities who chose malls in the early 70's are suffering the most. Cities like Cleveland have maintained the ambiance of their quaint downtown shopping district, while enduring one of the largest Wal-Marts in the state.

2009 is not going to be a good year for Greenville merchants. I predict that we will see more store closings and perhaps the mall as well. This recession is not going to magically disappear by having a Democrat in office. The greed and corruption within our political system can not all be blamed on George W; nor will it disappear under Obama's reign.

Forthright

Mr. Lowe... Keeping it Real!

James Lowe reports:

I was very pleased and elated for those individuals who are to receive the three new homes, and/or repairs to those homes that Leland’s Mayor Barbra Brooks and Board has secured. However, I am equally disappointed with the small number of homes being repaired, especially after the alleged illegal repairs made to the Mayors, Mothers home where she and her daughter Alderwoman Marla Brooks reside.

I was under the impression that these programs was for those individuals whose income was below the poverty level, not for those who falsify income documents to get relatives qualified to receive those services. There are others who answer questions truthfully and need the services the most are disqualified for lack of funds or reasons mentioned above. This is not only wrong and unfair, but against the law.

By doing this it eliminates those individuals who really need their homes repaired or replaced. I would like to emphasize to those greedy officials who are guilty of these atrocities that those programs are for the needy, not the greedy. It amazes me how little credit some of these so called leaders give us. They spend their entire term doing nothing, and when election nears they come out of the woodwork with tokens, and trinkets.

What I say to all of us, it’s time to let them know that we are much more sophisticated than they give us credit for. We have to remind the Mayor that we haven’t forgot the extreme electric bills, the deplorable street conditions, bad cable service, unauthorized check writing, bickering, and not managing city business.

We haven’t forgotten the Police Chief incident with the Mayor, and her daughter, nor the fact that they continue to brag about the wrong things that they do and get away with it, how they refusing to repair the roof of the old Western Auto building allowing it to leak on computers, and other equipment forcing the Christian United organization out of the building.

I wonder if this building owned by the city will be condemned since it is not usable and there are no set guidelines for condemnation. It is unfair that buildings are being condemned and demolished indiscriminately. Good try, but I say way too little to late.

James W. Lowe, Sr.

Like him or loathe him, you have to admit that Mr. James Lowe keeps it real. He is a prime example of how one person's voice can be translated into action by a community who shares his views, but has no "spokesperson". The recent changes in the Leland School District are prime examples of how one voice can become a "choir" for positive change!

Local politicians and appointed leaders have become corrupt and greedy. It takes someone like Mr. Lowe to step up to the podium and speak for the many who can or will not. The issues he brings to the table will not be read about in the DDT, nor reported on the local TV news. He plants the "seeds" of change that must be nurtured by all.

I commend Mr. Lowe for his willingness to put forth his views and for his works to improve the community in which he lives. In an era in which apathy is killing the Delta, it is refreshing to know that at least one man will speak his mind... and sign his name to it.

Forthright

No Bail-Out for Local Companies

No bail out said...

News Flash! Rexel (Southern Electric) closed their doors last week and now England Motor Company today.

It does appear that these rumors are true. If you have been following the news, you probably know that the big "three" US auto makers have proposed closing scores of auto plants as well as hundreds of dealerships in return for a bail-out from Uncle Sam. The CEO's of the big three even offered to work for $1.00 per year as their personal "sacrifice"... (I could probably do the same if I had netted $40 million in salary last year.)

The reality is that it is bad now and it is going to get worse. One out of every six jobs in this country are directly or indirectly tied to auto manufacturing. Auto dealerships, parts manufacturers and sales, insurance companies will all suffer major job losses as a result of this plan.

My prediction is that we will see more closures of auto dealerships or at least major consolidation. Honda is too good of a product for someone not to pick up that line, but the days of Ford are probably numbered. The financial impact that these closures will have, both locally and nationally, will be devastating as the unemployment lines grow.

Uncle Sam announced this week that we are officially in a recession (and have been since last December). Wow, what a revelation! How will those poor auto-moguls ever survive on $1.00 a year?

Forthright

I am Back!

I am sorry for my rather sudden disappearance. My sister in California suddenly became very ill and I went to to assist her and her family. She is better now and I am back in the Delta. My sister is probably the only person in California who does not own a computer and my laptop was on the blink... so I have really been out of touch with the local "goings-on."

It appears that DRMC has now rated its own blog. I will have to catch up on that one as well. I also noticed that some readers had speculated whether or not I may have been in DRMC... thankfully not; however, while in California, I did visit two acute care centers with my sister and the difference was like night and day.

The staff was friendly and competent, the doctors took time to visit with family members and answer questions. Both hospitals were immaculate inside and out. The one time I did voice a concern over an issue, the CEO himself came to my sister's room to discuss the matter which was promptly resolved. Actually, I do recall a time when DRMC provided the same level of care and consideration for patients and family members... of course that was many years ago during a pre-Ray administration. Oh, well...

Anyway, it will take me a while to catch up on the local scene... schools, mayor, politics, etc. Thanks for your patience and support.

Forthright

Lessons We Should Learn

RHS Parent Responds:

To: high school fights are not abnormal said....

Ok, first let me correct you. This was no typical high school fight. There were three adult outsiders arrested on Riverside campus who were involved in a fight inside our school with students. Why were they there? Who was not doing there job for morning duty? We instituted uniforms for this very reason. Now, suppose those outsiders had decided it would be a good idea to bring a weapon to campus. It sounds as if no one would have noticed until it was too late.

Also, this fight was not just a hormonal spur of the moment outburst -- this was a pre-meditated and well discussed plan which had been brought to the attention of our fine Milton Gaston, Sheriff of Washington county as well as RHS officials. Now, both dropped the ball. They all better be thanking their lucky stars that weapons were not involved. Otherwise, CNN and FOX news would be asking why did county and school officials allow this to happen. Those who are trying to downplay this need to wake up. It is serious.

There is no room for violence in our schools and it certainly sounds as if some are trying to make it all ok. ITS NOT. The students involved should be expelled PERMANENTLY. If you choose violence and endanger others you lose your right to a public education. Parents who raise their children to not participate in such are sick of this and want something positive to come from this.

Sign me -- A RHS PARENT

The Riverside "fight" has many disturbing elements, but the breach of security is probably the most alarming. As the RHS parent notes, if weapons had been involved, we would probably be the latest of school tragedies reported on FOX news. We need to learn from this incident and take actions to prevent similar events from occurring.

It is very disturbing that AFTER someone is killed, the cost of increased security is no longer a cost that "we can not afford". What a shame that we can not be more proactive in the Delta!

The Glen Allan busing issue is generally to blame for most all problems at RHS. The truth is that these kids deserve the same quality education as those who live in the RHS district; however, their numbers no longer warrant a separate facility that is fiscally responsible.

When the Glen Allan high school was open, teachers at Riverside and O'Bannon would gripe about Glen Allen teachers making the same salary to teach 8 kids in a class, as opposed to 30. There is no simple solution to the waining numbers of students who inhabit our rural communities, but public education is still a privilege that should be afforded to all.

Lets all get beyond the "blame game" and work together for solutions... to keep us off of FOX News!

Forthright

Desperate People

Ex-cop said...

Most of the police are on the take as well. You can bet that money changes hands to keep certain club members out of jail. Sure the police know about the crack houses and prostitution, but with a salary of $30K, you have to supplement your income somewhere.

When they seize all of those drugs and money on the TV raids, how much of it goes right into their pockets before an "official" count is made? Drug money is supposed to go back to the public, so they are just making sure they get theirs right off the top!

Everyone in our city and county government is on the take. How do you think Ray Humphreys and the county supervisors have stayed in power for so long?

It is sad that our police force is only one step away from the thugs and criminals that they "choose" to arrest, but it is true.

Park in any convenience store parking lot along 82 after 7 pm. If you don't see a drug deal openly go down within 15 minutes, you must have blinders on. They don't even try to hide it, because they know that the Greenville mafia will protect (and support) them.

It is sad, but the reality is that they now own and run Greenville! The only escape is to get out of the Delta... quickly!

Although"Ex-cop" provides some disturbing information, I must say that much of it is true. In the past year, I have personally witnessed more than 10 different drug deals "go down" at various convenience stores and on the streets of Greenville. Some were so brazen that I had to honk my horn for them to move. It was obvious what was going on AND that they were oblivious to anyone around them... drugs and money passed hands and they were off to the next deal.

Of course the cops know this is going on... and I must agree with much of what "Ex-cop" alleges. The issue goes back to an earlier post which exposes parents as teachers of crime. Sure, put the 15 year old on the front line. If caught, he will be back on the streets in three days, if killed, he will be martyred for eternity!

The truth is that "desperate people" will take desperate measures to overcome their situation... whether it be drug addiction, unemployment or poverty. We can not apply our common "reason" to their deeds... these are acts of desperation... nothing to lose, because they have nothing!

We have met the enemy... and he is us!

Forthright

Halloween... We Should All be Scared!

Anonymous said...

This happened in Greenwood Walmart: Sunday afternoon I thought I would check out the Halloween outfits for the grand kids. I was deciding between two shirts when two black boys came beside me. One stayed behind and the other walked past talking about not knowing what size shoes his baby wore and having to call and find out. When he came back by, he grabbed my wallet from the crook of my arm and took off running. I took off after them hollering to the top of my lungs. I knew they were probably headed to the exit, but I did lose them when I got to the front entrance.

I was on the pay phone outside talking to the police when the one who actually took my wallet came out looking for his car. I told the dispatcher 'He just came out, and I going after him!'someone heard me hollering again in the parking lot and spotted the boy getting into a car. He stood by the car until I got there. There were 3 boys, the boy's mother and some other girl in the car. Of course, they denied taking the wallet, but I knew it was the one in the orange shirt. That same boy threatened to shoot the person if he didn't move. They all got out of the car and by then Walmart's management was there. They told them to just stay put because the police were on their way.

They began to walk back to the store, and we heard one of them say 'It's gone, just get in the car.' They jumped back into the car and sped off about the time the police came up.In the meantime, another associate found my wallet among some clothes. The little over $40 I had in cash was all that was missing.

When the police brought the carload of thugs back, the mother kept wanting to just give me the missing money and let her baby go, that he was sorry. I told her to forget it.

At the police station I found out he is a 15 year old Indianola resident, father of one, and an alternative school student. Sounds like he's on the road to being a model citizen.

He will have to face Kevin Adams, the new Youth Court Judge who I understand doesn't play.

Anonymous said...

They will slap him on the hand and send him on his way. Let us know what happens to him. Criminal parents should be first arrested!

Him?? How about Mom and the others involved? Sounds like the pack was traveling together on their crime spree and Mom was driving the get-a-way car. I call that aiding, abetting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, as well as accessory! She most of all should have been arrested!With the cops giving her chase, seems like that alone should have gotten her some time in the jail!!!So where did this ball get dropped? The police or the laws? Either way, sounds like the kid and others may have to wait to do a bigger job, get caught and learn the hard lesson that crime does not pay....till then...it does.

Oh, but crime does pay! It pays big in the Mississippi Delta, because we allow "youth offenders" to go free. Criminals have wised up as to how to avoid jail... just get some 15 year old to do the actual crime because if they get caught, we rationalize that "they" are only "children"! They are back on the streets the next week pulling the same scams and stealing from all of our "remaining" merchants.

Ask our Chamber why retail merchants leave Greenville. Most will tell you because of theft... employee theft to be exact. Sears has spent millions of dollars in store surveillance equipment and Greenville continues to be among the highest ranking stores for employee theft. Some are so bold that they are stealing appliances right off the delivery trucks, so they never make it to the store.

How do they get away with this you ask? Because "they" are in charge! They are members of the "entitlement club" which is a pseudonym for the Delta Mafia. As long as you don't blow the whistle on club members, you are allowed to share in the bounty.

Example: What happened to the missing $7 million dollars from the County Tax Collector's office? Anyone been prosecuted or answered for the missing funds? No, because they are club members and have protection from prosecution... as "silent" members in good standing.

The crime in Greenville is completely out of control. Cops are being arrested for domestic violence and DUI, violent crime is on the increase and our local "government" has decided to go "part-time". Wow, it just makes my head spin!

So, what's the answer? The answer is to get rid of all of the "club members" who view stealing and violence as acts of reparation from 100 years ago; to rid our community of those who who'd teach their children to steal to avoid prosecution themselves; to empower our community to stand up for what is right, rather than merely accept what Greenville has become!

The election is upon us, but regardless of whom we elect as President, we will still face the same local challenges and problems for the next 4 years. Neither McCain nor Obama can save the Delta... it is up to us!

Forthright

Garbage or Gaming?

Let's seqway these politics to local. How about this? (copy and paste)http://www.ddtonline.com/articles/2008/09/25/news/news2.txtclipped from today's online DDT paper:

**The city council reaffirmed its commitment to the Delta Blues Casino and convention center on Tuesday, agreeing to take on $4 million of debt from the developers, after the downtown project is completed.****

Greenville faces a $700,000 budget shortfall going into the new fiscal year, which begins on Oct 1. The city has taken out a short-term loan to cover expenses until it can account for the deficit.**

Apparently our Diva Mayor and her Council, all but for Carl McGee and absent Eric Simmons, have found a pot of gold somewhere! 4 MILLION DOLLAR DEBT???? We are $700GRAND plus in the red, as I type and out making a loan that we can not pay back to go with the other bonds (loans)already active thanks to the Mayor's so called election proclamations of "getting Greenville out of the red...yeah right!!!!

"We are losing services, city workers and budget cuts right and left.....yet??? Our city leaders deem that we can afford to take on this kind of mega debt??? Do none of them own a TV or radio, subscribe to the paper, hear word of mouth to know what is happening in the financial world today? Have they lost their minds?

McGee says there will be no income from the property and is against the mega debt commitment....at least ONE is using his head....what are they thinking?? The next election there needs to be some major house cleaning on the Council and of the Mayor, this is outrageous! For now, if we as a city do not rise up and be heard about this, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. I am totally flabbergasted at the "leaders" and their thinking. There must be something in the city hall water that is affecting their brains!

We can not afford a second pick up for garbage or city improvements to buildings, parks or streets, but by golly, we can take on a $4 million dollar debt??????.....unbelievable!!!!

She can't even get FEMA money here for the flooded homes, how does she figure the city can find money later for this mega debt???? I am just stunned and floored!

"We" may not be profiting from this 4 million dollar fiasco, but you can be assured that someone will. Casinos are notorious for "greasing the shoots" through which local politicians have to slide. A million dollars in local "pay-offs" is chump change to these New York moguls!

Question... why do we need another casino? We have two that are dying in the wake of the newest one, which is reported to be in financial trouble already. Why do we keep making the same mistakes and expecting different outcomes?

The only locals who have made money from casinos are those who sold them lake front property or property on Walnut Street. What improvements have we seen as a result of casinos? Have they improved our roads, tourism or added restaurants and quality entertainment? No, they have simply sucked the life out of our impoverished city by draining the pockets of those who can least afford it.

The "welfare capital of our state" does not need another excuse to waste money. Mayor Hudson and all of her cronies need to be impeached and removed from office.

The next time you are cramming your garbage into your already overflowing container... think about it!

Forthright

Another DRMC Departure

Anonymous said...

I can't believe no one has commented yet on the fact that Florence Jones is leaving DRMC soon for a job in Memphis. What's up?
1:39 PM

Anonymous said...

Hmmm. We at DRMC have not been told this. How do you know?
5:04 PM

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm not surprised. We all knew after her demotion that the KD stint was a mercy job to allow her time to find other employment. At any rate, no love lost with her departure either. Now, if we can just get rid of a couple of others we can throw a REAL party!

It looks as if the old guard is gradually losing its power. Perhaps 2009 will be the year we regain OUR hospital.

Forthright

Mr. Lowe Speaks Up!

Leland's James Lowe, Sr. responds:

After reading the lengthy article in Sundays August 24th Delta Democrat Times, and reading the response editorial by our Mayor, Barbara Brooks pushed my level of intolerance into high gear response mode. It would not be feasible, or realistic to comment on all charges that were leveled in this medium, however it is clear to me that something serious is going on in Leland that does not meet the eye, such as playing the race card to justify bad behavior, and wrongdoings which are not in the best interest of Leland, or its citizens.

Leland is no different from any other small town in the nation with blighted communities that are in much need of repair, and improvements. The things that concern me most is individuals trying to destabilize established communities by shelving unwanted actions down their throats, and somehow trying to legitimatize it by playing the race card.

The Bible says that the poor will be among us all ways, and there is nothing wrong with helping those among us that are economically challenged, especially if one empowers those individuals to become self sufficient in the process, and also take care of those who are physically, or mentally challenged, and unable to fend for themselves. It is our responsibility at that point to take the role as our brother’s keeper, however in most instances it seems as though we are taking care of the greedy instead of the needy. It seems to me that the logical, or common sense approach would be to go into those challenged communities fix them up so that they would appeal to any person and make them want to live there.

It only boils down to doing the right thing, and having good common sense which somehow seem to elude some of our elected officials. Where people have developed safe neighborhoods with peace, and tranquility leave them alone, and concentrate on those challenged communities that are trying to reach the same objectives. It is high time that we concentrate on fixing up this side of the track instead of trying to move to the others side every time a house becomes vacant.

James W. Lowe, Sr.

In a second letter submitted by Mr. Lowe, he offers this:

I was shocked, and appalled after hearing of the incident concerning the teacher at Leland’s School District who was hospitalized with a concussion, after being struck in the head with a golf ball thrown by unruly disruptive students, also stuck with a tack, and a razorblade placed upright in her desk chair which caused her injury as she sat. The most hideous part of this situation is the fact that the administration swept it under the rug. Let me make this very clear, this was not, and I emphasize NOT done under Dr. Cartlidge’s administration, but under Dr. Richards, and her cronies administration.

This is so sadistic and reprehensible until every citizen in the county should be outraged over this barbaric act. I am appalled, and I promise to see this situation to the end. I say to you the parent of Leland , Mississippi , were you aware that these kinds of atrocities had taken place here in Leland in your schools, and you sat idly by, did nothing, or said nothing.

I have no children in the public schools, however all children of this community are mine, because I am from the old school, and during that time every adult in the community was your parent when your biological parent were not around, and if you was caught acting up, or being unruly you was in serious trouble, however I realize that those gentle times has passed us by now, and I must say that we as citizens of this city must slow down, take a look around, observe, and take notice as to what’s happening to us, and our children.

It seems as if those of us who need societies help the most are the ones who’s kids raise the most havoc in the community, and this by no means mean all of them, there are exceptions to the rule, however we as parent must take control, and see to it that our children are not the ones that you call my little angels when you, and every one around you know that they are hellions. We live in a society now where things are so crucial and dangerous; that it is incumbent upon each of us to look out for each other regardless of the side of track that you live on.

James W Lowe, Sr.

"Make-overs" in the Delta

Welcome Scoop Fans! The Delta Scoop is getting a "make-over". You will notice a new look to the "Scoop" with many new and enhanced features to come. Please be patient while the site is under construction.

In the interim, you can still submit letters and comments as ususal.

This past Friday, DRMC hosted a grand opening for their new expanded ER, heart center, and neo-natal unit (they have dropped the NICU label as a result of no qualified staff). Although, the new units are impressive, where is the staff... nurses and physicians?

Same old same old said...

I have to admit, as I said, it was faster to get out of there than my past experiences. The prior time that I was there with my poor Alzheimer's diseased relative, who had to wait on a hard gurney for 8 hours before finally being admitted to a room for a severe UTI, trapped in a cubicle with another dementia patient....I thought I would have to admit myself at the end of that day. Now that was bad!

This time, even last time, the staff were doing the best that they could do. I am not knocking the staff, I am knocking the fact of their limitations. One clerk??? Yes, that was my main point.As for the others, yes, I do believe we were taken first due to the severity of my family member's injury. Thank goodness there is a protocol for urgency.

My second point is that there is now a free clinic and these potential patients without insurance should be made aware of this alternative, rather than creating bills that they will not be able to pay and becoming a financial burden on the DRMC. I am not saying that DRMC should turn anyone away without insurance, not at all, I am just saying the free clinic should be more publicized, to prevent the ER becoming a health clinic for those who have no other choices, the free clinic gives them a choice and most likely a shorter waiting period to endure.

And 3 hours is a long time to be sitting and waiting in a 5 X 6 cubicle/room for attention or test results, in comparison to my last 8 though, it was an improvement. There just were not enough physicians on staff to be able to get it covered any faster. At one point, we actually had been forgotten. I suspected so and went to investigate. The nurse was startled to see that we were still there and finally went to get the physician with the results! I hate sitting in those rooms with the door closed just for that reason, out of sight and out of mind is very true.

Even in an efficiently run ER, wait times do frequently seem excessive... from the patients' perspective anyway.

DRMC's inefficiency has to do with staffing. On any given day, even if everyone who is scheduled shows up for work (no call-ins), all units are grossly understaffed. There are both fiscal and political reasons for this lack of staff; all of which have been frequently addressed on the Scoop.

"Same old" does however, touch upon a problem that plagues every hospital in the Delta, which is that hospital ERs are being used as free clinics! This is a problem created by our current system of health care.

While no one can legally be denied services based on their ability to pay, the majority of patients seen in Delta ERs are Medicaid or "self-pay", meaning they have no insurance and the hospital will most likely collect nothing for their services.

Sure, these under-insured patients could go to a free clinic... but why?

Their ER visit will cost them only $3.00 (Medicaid) or nothing if they have no insurance at all. They will see an MD instead of a nurse practitioner and if they need lab, radiology, or additional tests, they get it all done in one stop... for one price.

The bottom line is that the only patients who are dissuaded from going to the ER are the insured. They face an immediate co-payment of from $75 to $150 dollars... and they get the exact same treatment and level of care as those who pay either $3.00... or nothing!

Yes, our health care system in this country is in serious trouble! Regardless of who checks in the White House in January, health care needs to be our number one concern.

As I have often stated, change will not happen until taxpaying citizens demand it.

Forthright

Palin... A Credit to McCain

Subject: An Assessment of Sarah Palin-from Alaskan-Chuck Bowman

I met and spoke with Sarah Palin about two years ago at our downtown Park Strip. It is a place for walking, carnivals, political outdoor things and such. She was cooking hotdogs at a fund raiser and introducing herself to the public as a Governor hopeful.

She came by and said the usual "Hi, I'm Sarah Palin and I am running for Governor"...and I expected her to keep on to the next person but she asked me who I was and what I did in Alaska and we ended up talking for 15 minutes about me, Air America (she was all agog!) and my career in the Army and AAM. She is a pilot (Super Cub) I'm told although all she told me about that was that she loved flying.

As I watched her over the next six months as she successfully ran for Governor I was really impressed. I was impressed greatly even before that after she resigned a good position (Alaska Gas and Oil Regulatory Commission) because a fellow Commission member (Chair of the Alaska Republican Party) misused their office and position. He was using the FAX, computers, printing room and all to promote the Republican endeavors while in a State job. That is a huge no-no in any government employment position.

She resigned and made her point and within weeks Randy Ruderich (the above bad guy) found his ass out on the street and a subsequent investigation found him guilty and he was fined $12,000. Small change actually but a giant point was made.Next she went after our most horrible Governor ever, Governor Murkowski, and damned if she didn't beat him! All of us here in Alaska , except the Democrats, are sick of our State's corruption. That fact was shouted to the heavens after she was elected with an overwhelming point spread.

After she got into office she started after corrupt legislators and with the FBI's help we've put four of them in prison, indicted six more and the "Corrupt Bastard's Club" as they arrogantly called themselves (even had hats made with CBC on the front!) suddenly found it no fun anymore. Club membership is now in the toilet!!

The current flap which has cost her a ten point loss of popularity (she's still 82%!) was over firing a popular Commissioner of Public Safety who is responsible for our Alaska State Troopers. She fired him for no STATED reason which was her prerogative as the Gov. He served entirely at her option. She and her whole family had a bad, bad experience with a rogue Trooper who was married to Sarah's sister. His name is Trooper Wooten. This dimwit Trooper had threatened Sarah's father (death threat!), threatened Sarah ("I'll get you too"), tasered his 12 year old stepson, drove drunk in his AST cruiser, got a pass by a fellow Trooper who stopped him for erratic driving a second time while in civvies and just a host of other things not yet released to the public. He got away with it and got another pass by the Commissioner's appointed AST Trooper Internal Affairs investigator with a tiny slap on the wrist. Five days off without pay to be exact!!This maverick Trooper is still on the payroll but only just. The Union intervening saved his malcontent ass. He'll yet get his I'm sure. Incredible heat is being heaped on the Troopers. Public heat, not the Governors office.

The Democrats had the audacity to appoint a obviously biased investigator, Rep. "Gunny" French (so called because he lied about being in the USMC while running for the Legislature) is a staunch liberal and under the orders of Senate President Lyda Green who hates Sarah. She hates Sarah because after being elected Governor Sarah told the whole Legislature in one of her first meetings with them that, quote; "All of you here need some Adult Supervision!!!". Sarah was seriously pissed and not afraid of anyone there. That played wonderfully well with Alaskan's after all of our corruption and after all of her successful battles against a seriously entrenched corrupt government here in Alaska . It pissed off the whole Legislature though! They have stayed pissed but also afraid of her because of her popularity.

She reminds me personally of our Alaska wolverine which will fight anything in it's path if it sees fit to do so. No respect at all for size or position. Wife Cindy is in this category too. Unfortunately.

In closing I must tell you that she is the best, most moral and most focused leader I've seen since President Reagan. I feel, really strongly, that like Alaska the rest of our country will love her within a few weeks. Put simply, she represents middle America like NO leader we've ever had. I think McCain made a totally brilliant move in choosing her. She's a maverick who is probably tougher and more focused than McCain himself....and she won't be a total "Yes Man" or more appropriately, woman. McCain will love her.

In 2012 she will be President.

Well, you have to admit that Sarah hit one out of the ball park on Wednesday! She is a fresh face among a long list of Bush "look-alikes", but behind the face, there is a brain! If Hillary had the oratory gifts of Sarah Palin, she would be her challenger in this election.

If you are looking for answers to our modern day plights, you should turn off your TV. None of the candidates have the answers, but ask us to support their "best efforts". Obama's theme is "change" but with little explanation of what the word means for most Americans. McCain's message is "experience", without any substantive resolutions to our current maladies.

Perhaps the brightest figures in this election are the VP candidates. I, like most, was unfamiliar with Sarah Palin prior to last week; however, she has become a formidable candidate with her speech, her voracity for speaking her convictions and for bringing no "Washington" baggage to the political arena.

Democrat or Republican, you have to admit that this woman publicly stated what we all wanted to hear! Maybe a breast-feeding, soccer mom is what the oval office needs. We have had much worse!

Forthright

"Serious" Recycling!

Raise Cain said...

Okay it was on the news, here is their wonderful plan. We lose one of our pick ups a week, the city will sell a second garbage can per household for an EXTRA $7.00 a month ($84 per year). So that means now, if you have an average or above average amount of garbage from your home, you now have to deal with TWO ugly cans to fill and deal with in your driveway, on your property and pay dearly for the second one to be emptied.

So I guess you have to accumulate for your pick up or hold back to get your money's worth???...heck none of that makes any sense!!! Wouldn't it have been simpler to have an across the board rate increase of a dollar or two a month per every household than deal with this nonsense?? It is supposedly due to fuel costs, everyone can understand that, if so, raise the rates a dollar or two and WHEN the rates go down and they are already falling, reduce it!

You know the old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"? The City Council apparently has nothing else to do than deal with garbage. Not only are we getting the shaft, but this action caused job losses or cut backs to the businesses who were dealing with the city. Soooo, landfill rates will go up in retaliation, wait and see!

Our leaders just started a snow ball affect that will be far reaching across the city.Didn't we go through this a few years back, not long after the Mayor took office for the first time and she and the council came up the the "dumpsters from hell around town" plan???? Oh yeah, what a genius idea that was, garbage was flying out of dumpsters in the streets, county and city folks were dumping mattresses, washing machines, old TVs, it was horrific and a giant mess! It did not take long for the City leaders to figure that out, once folks started raising cain.

Do we have to wait to raise cain this time to see the garbage on the highways and streets again??? I say NO...start now!

As "be heard" said: Go to the Greenville website: http://www.greenville.ms.us/ward1.html
Locate your City Council person's e-mail accordingly and while there, include the Mayor's - hhudson@www.greenville.ms.us or call City Hall! 662-378-1501.

"Raise Cain" is right. We have all been down this road before. What will be different this time about once a week garbage pick-up? We certainly don't produce any less garbage and recycling has been a dismal failure in Greenville. So who profits from this change? Certainly not the taxpayers!

Recycling is big business in most major cities these days and much of the responsibility is placed on the citizens themselves. In some northeastern states, recycling is mandatory or punishable by fine... and by "recycling", I'm not talking about collecting aluminum cans on the side of the road for money, but SERIOUS recycling.

Two years ago, I rented a private vacation home in New York State. When I arrived at the house, I noted a row of 10 brightly colored "storage" containers lined against the rear of the house. After unpacking and getting settled in, I found a brochure on the kitchen counter entitled "Recycling Instructions". I opened a bottle of wine, poured a drink and sat down and began to read it. By the time I had finished (both the brochure and the wine), I was ready to jump the next plane back to the Delta.

The brochure explained that the ten brightly colored "storage" containers were recycling bins and were labeled:

• Clear Glass
• Green Glass
• Brown Glass
• Blue Glass
• Aluminum
• Paper
• Plastic
• Styrofoam
• Organic Waste
• Inorganic Waste

Not only did you have to sort all of your "garbage" into these 10 categories, but you then had to drive the garbage to various local recycling centers and dispose of it. It went on to say that home pick-up was possible for an additional charge of $150 per month and that violations of the recycling laws were punishable by a $500 fine and/or imprisonment.

At this point, my ten day vacation on Long Island seemed to be rapidly "shrinking". I picked up the empty bottle of wine, the aluminum wrapping, the cork and a paper towel with which I had used to dry my hands and slowly proceeded out the back door to the "bins".

A simple drink of wine had rendered 4 waste products, none of which could touch each other in their afterlife. Okay, no problem; I am an educated adult... green wine bottle in the "green glass", paper towel goes to "paper", aluminum bottle wrapping to "aluminum" and the cork goes to........??? I paused and examined the cork. Was it real cork or one of those plastic imitations they use these days? If it is cork, would that be organic or inorganic? If it was plastic, should it go in "plastics" or maybe... "Styrofoam"???

Perhaps it was the wine, but I was a bit dizzy at this point. Rather than risk an environmental disaster, punishable by fine and/or imprisonment, I put the cork in my pocket and went back in the house to ponder dinner.

I had passed a fresh seafood market just down the road and thought it would be great to cook a simple seafood dinner. Done. I reached in my pocket for my car keys and pulled out the cork. As I looked at it, I pondered... how many different waste products would be generated by my "simple" seafood dinner? I then put the cork back in my pocket, found my car keys and drove straight to the nearest restaurant for dinner.

Yes, we in the Delta are spoiled! To this day, whenever I head to the "garbage can", I reflect on my Long Island vacation and think... our day is coming.

Forthright

The Right to "Question"

Anonymous offers...

Here is a new topic. I was shocked to see in the DDT today pictures of the Greenville Public School teachers and right up in the middle of them is the teacher who was accused in Leland of touching a female student.

This is the teacher Dr. Richards with all her wisdom let resign instead of call in the authorities like she is legally supposed to do. So now he can do the same thing to some poor Greenville children because Dr. Richards is smarter and above the law.

Some day I hope she and this man get their just rewards. She wouldn't be so flip if that had been one of her grandchildren!

Although everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, if this alleged incident was never reported to authorities or covered up by school district personnel, there is a serious problem with this educator... and Dr. Richards.

There is a great shortage of teachers in our state and certain "standards" have been lowered to help fill vacancies, but allowing even the perception of impropriety with regard to our children's' safety and welfare is inconceivable! Teachers, like the rest of mainstream American employees, should be subject to random drug screens and background checks to insure their "accountability".

Okay Greenville parents, it looks like you just inherited a potential problem. What say you?

Forthright

Changing the Subject...

Alrighty, how about the Mayor of Greenville going part time? Mayor Hudson has opened her own law practice in her dad's old location. She will be working half days as Mayor and the other as an attorney.....questions to be answered...how does this affect Greenville? what about the bodyguards, are they to be paid City tax dollars, while she is at her law practice??

How much of her law office expenses and business traveling will end up being covered by the City???....As full time Mayor she was/is pretty awful, part time????? Well that might be an improvement in the long run! LOL

Let Councilmen Gines or McGee take the second shift, we might have a chance with her out of pocket!

Interesting! Who among us would not like to be paid the same salary for half the work? Of course the Mayor's salary will not make anyone rich, but any attorney worth their salts could make three times as much, particularly in Daddy's law firm.

The questions posed by this author are quite valid. Will the Mayor only be reimbursed for a one-way ticket to Europe? Will she be reduced to only two bodyguards? Will ribbon-cuttings and civic appearances now have to be planned around her court docket?

All interesting questions which I am sure will be played out in the near future. Perhaps she should contact Kim Dowdy and see if she is still interested in the job on a "part-time" basis. Job sharing seems to be all the rage these days!

Forthright

A Silver Lining...

Thank God that there is a silver lining in most dark clouds. Most of us strive to improve our communities in some way for the present, and future generations, while others do nothing but, criticize, lie, and down those that do.

First, let me commend the three new School Board Members, Evelyn Gordon Murray, Board President, George R. Walker, and Lester Walker who has demonstrated that they have the, ambition, ability, and courage to deal with today’s complex problems that our schools face. To those members who are still part of this board who consistently made poor decisions in the past, turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the dangers, and problems that consistently plagued our schools I, respectfully suggest to you that you find the same courage that you did in the past years in making poor decisions that you somehow find the same courage to follow in the same foot steps as the superintendent.

Again, I commend the new members of the Leland School Board who seems to be headed in the right direction. Gods speed.

James W. Lowe, Sr.

Just got back from vacation and it seems that much has transpired in my absence. Congratulations to the people of Leland who obviously rallied together to seek a positive change for their children's education. Good job!

Having been out of the loop for a while, I am not sure what is going on at Bolivar Medical Center. I had heard about the CEO's resignation, but nothing about others being "let go". Personnel issues are generally kept confidential.


As for DRMC, 15 RFIs is not good and I believe that may place them on "conditional accreditation". The Joint Commission has really gotten more strict over the past five years and it is no longer a mere "paper survey"... which is a good thing for all of us. No, the doors won't close and DRMC will be given an opportunity to correct many of the problems that were identified.

Bamboo? There is an interesting idea. While on vacation on the west coast, I noticed that bamboo has become quite trendy among homeowners. I visited friends who are Realtors and they shared stories of the growing popularity of this once considered "nuisance crop". The wood derived from bamboo is quite beautiful as a floor product; however, the down side is that no one is allowed to walk on it (with shoes, that is).

Anyway, it is good to be back in the Delta. Sorry, for disappearing, but we all need a vacation from time to time. It seems that readers have kept the Scoop very much alive!

Forthright

Blind Faith... and Promises

"Keeping the Faith" offers this:

My oh my. Ray Humphreys reminds me of a chameleon. He can change his story at the drop of a hat depending on who he is addressing.

It seems that on Friday of last week there was a leadership meeting at which he announced that employees would not be receiving any raises for a year, a hiring freeze is on with no vacancies filled at present, and physicians employed by the hospital are being reviewed at present to make sure they are productive and those who are not will be "let go".

Additionally, that hour of PLT employees lost and were promised to be awarded back have now gone to never never land and will be lost eternally. Ray will also now be reviewing and approving any and all orders including office supplies to make sure he deems that necessary. Also, the employee's insurance coverage/costs will be changing.

He delivered this good news by explaining that he needed only the "team players" around and those who were unhappy should move on down the road. One department director even reported that he suggested that things like employees bringing their own supplies would help to decrease hospital costs and help DRMC stay afloat. I'm sure that sits well with employees as they drive around town and see the exorbitant amount of monies spent needlessly on the lame marketing campaign.

Now, how is that NICU coming, Ray? Booming business there? No, ok, well, then, how about the heart hospital? Hmmm, the new ER looks great, but the wait times are still looming aren't they? Atta boy : )

I have an idea for Ray Humphreys (I know he checks this blog atleast three times daily) ---- RESIGN!

You are the cause of the mess DRMC is in. You took a perfectly stable hospital and ran it in the ground just like Hattiesburg. The only people who are still on Ray's side are his team of administrators who make big bucks by always saying "yes sir, Mr. Humphreys." Not only are the hospital employees fed up, but so are the citizens. Dr. Richards is out of our LSD and now make it a home run by Ray's resignation.

Keeping the Faith

Just wait until next week when Haley slashes 30% from the Hospital Medicaid revenues. Ray will jump on that and spin it to look like DRMC's fiscal woes started August 1, 2008!

True, Medicaid cuts will negatively impact every health care provider in the state, but Ray has only himself to blame for the current state of DRMC. Ray tried to "spend" his way out of debt with frivolous $4 million dollar ad campaigns and and foolish new service lines which turned out to be total fiascoes!

A "chameleon" is not exactly the reptile to which I would most liken Ray, but you are in the right genus. Surely, all of Ray's highly paid physicians will rally to his cries and begin admitting everything from "hang-nails to hemorrhoids" to save his floundering career... a bit too little, too late, I'm afraid.

It appears that the "dog-days of Summer" are upon DRMC. On a positive note... hang in there DRMC employees! You will still all have jobs and stable careers once Ray (and his cronies) have "exited the building".

Forthright

"Yes, We Can"...

Relieved Parent says...

Thank you Delta Scoop! I heard today that Dr. Richards has resigned her position as Leland School District superintendent. It seems that the board and certain citizens started looking into several of the allegations against her and she became quite defensive and uncooperative.

When her usual tantrums didn't work to distract the board's interests, she resigned rather than be exposed. I have children in the LSD and first heard about her "unprofessional ism" on the Delta Scoop. With help from several other parents, we all called board members and insisted that these issues be addressed. It took a while, but we didn't give up.

If we had not been informed about her outrageous behavior, nothing would have been done. Don't just complain about what needs to be done. Get involved and make change happen.

Relieved Parent

Work up a CARAVAN!!! said...

I hope Dr. Richards will take Ray Humphreys with her to resignation land! There is another to add to this list of travelers....Please reserve a seat for the traveling Greenville Mayor, she loves to travel. Perfect timing! This time we all hope she keeps on "moving down that road!

"Great job Leland parents!

Anonymous said...

For those in Leland:

"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty We are free at last!"

Anonymous said...

Or Ding Dong the witch is dead!

It seems that "individual" voices can still be heard when they sing in a "choir". Elected or appointed officials are still accountable to the public to whom they serve. Dr. Richards' resignation is a triumph for all parents who place trust in our public education system. Health care and education are two issues on which we should never compromise.

Good job Leland residents! YOUR voices have been heard.

Forthright

Holy Bat-Mobile!

Anonymous states:

LOL I loved the comment about Ray Ray. Most people who know him, despise him and would laugh at the comment just as I did. And, as far as my contribution to healthcare in the Delta, I do that all day long.

So, I think I deserve a funny at the end of the day. Yeah, who is that masked man driving around in the black hummer with DRMC signs on the side? Oh, and, by the way...did anyone else receive a color, slick-paged report in the mail about DRMC's finances in the mail?

Well, it looks as if the entire picture painted is hunky dorey. I know the financial reports change often depending on who they are intended for. Ray sure sounded like DRMC was in a financial bind in Jackson, didn't he?

Hmmmm, two, three, four sets of books? I guess Woody White did know what he was talking about!! If Ray Humphreys is out of town interviewing for another job, THANK GOODNESS!!! He will not be missed!

Ahhh, yes, Ray's annual work of fiction... with a $4 million dollar "polish" job! This year's "novel" is a rather understated publication in which you almost have to hunt for the deception. The front page is a series of run-on lies which are touted as accomplishments. Anyone with any first hand knowledge of DRMC won't get past the first 20 without breaking into laughter. I am sure that Dr. Frothingham is duly impressed that he remains a jewel in DRMC's crown, even though he was fired by Ray earlier in the year!

As always, the annual statistics on the back page are the best laugh of all. My personal favorite is the "nursing shortage" of only 3%. The problem with this statistic is that if you removed all of the contract, agency, and travel nurses from DRMC, the vacancy rate would be more like 85%. This is just another one of the gross misrepresentations presented by Alphe Wells to mask his incompetence.

While on the subject of "masks", let us consider that it could be Alphe in the black Hummer. He and L. Ray are tight and "umbically" linked via Blackberry at all times of the day and night. With Alyson's recent departure and the demotion of of Flo Jones, Ray has but one loyal "spy" left in his network... and what better Gothem City "bat-mobile" could one imagine? Just throw a magnetic DRMC sign on the side and PRESTO... it's tax deductible!

Yes, Woody White saw the writing on the wall. Courtney Phillips should be as wise. Ray has no intention of going down alone on this ship. Word on the street is that major lay-offs are coming in August... count the lifeboats... then do the math!

Forthright

United We Stand...

I think Jesse's comments were ugly and certainly changes my over all opinion of him, but any relevance is lost when introducing it with this seething letter.

As has already been evidenced on this board, African-Americans have many opinions on many things and it doesn't make sense to stereotype. You suggest that their community blindly takes care of their own. The first question that comes to mind is "how do you think the rest of the world feels about All US citizens?" It is pretty easy to pick on or be picked on, depending on how tightly a cropped view you bring in for discussion.

Why not just face issues as issues and invite everyone to the table to look for answers? Is the African American community dealing with too many employment problems? Negative media? Negative role models? Ok, how can we ALL work to change that?

The letter propels a totally useless and damaging us-them mentality that suggest they are off in their own little world still supporting OJ. Why not go visit your neighbors and learn what they are really thinking about. You may find you have a lot more civic issues in common than you thought.

Okay, the "OJ" comment was a bit racist. It scares me to think that our criminal justice system has become a sports arena in which judicial decisions are swayed by the "underdog" theory. Guilty or not, OJ's trial taught us all a great deal about our society and our legal system.

The "us-them" mentality is precisely the problem in most politically charged issues that face us as voters. We all expect everyone to see the world through our "whatever colored" shades... and it just isn't so. Our beliefs and values are a product of our individual past experiences and "prejudices".

As long as our community remains devided along racial lines, we will not progress! I totally agree with this author that we should all go visit our neighbors and put aside our preconceived notions and stereotypes. You will most likely find that we all want the same things for ourselves, our children and our community... and that by reaching out to one another through simple communication... we just might discover the solutions.

Forthright

Oh Jesse, Oh Jesse...

Anonymous offers....

The Delta Scoop is a nice place to vent. However it is in vain to think it might change the rapidly declining City. If this sounds a bit racist than so be it, but the majority of the population is not prepared to deal with reality. That being the case they will continue to vote with their heart rather than their brain. It is understandable that their hearts are filled with hate and now feel vengeance is what they want.

If you look at the Black leaders in this country and the Delta, they are masters of reminding “their own” how bad it used to be, and without them to lead it will get bad again. Nothing in our or our children’s lifetime will change this. Why is it that an immigrant from Vietnam or India or wherever, can come here without a penny and end up owning a business and have their children be first in their class?

It is because they work hard, learn the system, discipline their children, and don’t look for handouts or someone to look after them.

It is sad that the minority majority in Greenville is being lead to slaughter by the Pied Pipers in charge. And don’t dare be critical of those in charge or the decisions they make, Oh MY God! You are a racist! Never mind that they may be wrong or a little shady in their dealings.

And never ever tell them you think O.J. was guilty, they don’t care, they just care that they won that one. Yes, Whitey did some pretty bad stuff in the past, but so did the Romans, the Huns, the Zulu’s etc., etc.

So it is too bad they just can’t get over it!

And no, Reverend Jackson, we do NOT accept your apology! Your vulgar comment is the sort of talk we'd expect from a lynch mob, not a civil rights leader who does not seem to realize that the times have passed him by. Even his son and namesake, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., agrees that his dad is doing more harm these days than good. Pronouncing himself outraged and disappointed by his father's ugly words about Obama, Jackson Jr. issued a statement that, in effect, ordered dear old dad to "keep hope alive" and shut up.

Excellent advice to both Jesse and all other "spiritual leaders". If Obama loses this election, he will have only his own race to thank. Between the three black "racist reverends" and the white "priest" who appeared to be auditioning for a Las Vegas show, Barack would fair much better to declare himself an atheist!

It is unfortunate that black Americans have elevated these bible-thumping buffoons to the position of "political leaders" in that they only perpetuate the stereotypical image of black ignorance and gullibility. If Obama is elected, it will be in spite of these "spiritual leaders" who are fighting diligently NOT to have him share the spotlight!

Forthright

Rascals and "Road-Kill"

Anonymous said...

To former employee...I, too, am a former employee and while I don't think all of DRMC's problems are to be blamed on administration; I do believe the current administration has made numerous terrible decisions which has resulted in the lowest morale I have ever seen. I'm not sure how long you were around, but count me in for 20+ years. I still am abreast on the happenings I have many friends who are employed there still.


Now, I can tell you that I LOVED my job. I loved the hospital and my co-workers. However, over the last 7 years since Ray Humphreys took over, the place has become "a whole new world". (Were you around for his let's have fun at work campaign a few years ago when we all had to watch videos of folks throwing fish and he posted signs all around that said its a whole new world?? ).

Well, i can tell you former employee..by golly, it IS a whole new world. However, 99% of staff, both clinical and non -clinical will tell you that his new world is no happy place. Yes, hospitals including DRMC have always and will continue to suffer thru nursing shortages and other problems inherent to healthcare. However, there is no damn way you can ever convince me and most of the other staff that your idyllic opinion of the Camelot administration you describe is the truth. Dream on, former. I have seen this evil administration treat people who have dedicated their entire careers to healthcare in Greenville like trash.

Ray and his "team" have no concern for anything except power and money. They could care less about indigent healthcare, services the Delta need (the Burn Center comes to mind), or even personal lives who are destroyed by their actions. Ray can't have it both ways. He has been bragging about how DRMC is in the black and now he announces to our state that the medicaid tax bill will drive DRMC further in the red? I remember that Ray Humphreys made a comment that our former director of nurses had been there so long that she may have lost her "effectiveness".

Well, I say Ray has lost his. Get him the hell outta here. It is time to re-build our healthcare system and hope its not too late.So, Former, I do appreciate your opinion, but trust me, the majority of us do not feel the same way. And, based on past postings, I do believe that Forthright is a very smart person who has an incredible knowledge of healthcare and the dynamics of the Delta (something tells me this ain't Forthright's first rodeo) ; )Keep telling the truth, Forthright.

There are many of us who applaud you everyday. Give em hell!!

Anonymous said...

Why in the world would Ray Humphreys be the Representative on such a matter ? This totally confuses me.

He is the laughing stock among so many in the medical field as it is and i am not talking just about in Greenville and DRMC. I had to recently go to Jackson to see a Ear Nose Throat specialist because we do not have one in Greenville and during a conversation about Gville and our medical community i am convinced that without new administration we will not recruit qualified physicians to Greenville. I do not care to elaborate but Ray Humphreys was not well thought of.

Makes me wonder what in the world is our Hospital Board waiting on because this goes a lot farther beyond a few disgruntled employees.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I too, went out of town for a surgical opinion. I was surprised to hear the comments made about Ray Humphreys and the mess he has DRMC in these days. It seems that we are well known throughout our state for our medical community, but not for anything we should be proud of!

Also, is anyone else sick of seeing "We're growing too" in crop fields?? If we are so concerned about finances at the hospital, what genius decided we needed to post signs in our fields?

Brilliant, I say, just brilliant!!!!!


Well, Mr. Munford, what say you? It seems that Ray's reputation has spread throughout the state! I suppose that the "Delta Scoop" is to be blamed for this as well...

The truth is that Ray is politically dead. No slight of hand or magical wizardry can revive this man's shattered career or rejuvenate his lost trust by the public... and he has no one to blame, but himself. The Medicaid debacle provides a convenient door through which Ray can exit quitely, blaming the state for his downfall.

As he waivers on the fence between health care and big tobacco, he has the audacity to serve as the self-appointed "spokesperson" for our medical community. What a joke!

Ray is political "road-kill" and those who support his tyranny are destined to be the same. As was once said of Richard Nixon by a White House press-team member, "Dick Nixon knew that he was a crook, but he also knew that his survival depended on convincing the public that he was not." "His ultimate downfall was going before the public and telling that one last lie."

Forthright

Ray Speaks, Forthright Comments (in Red)

In the DDT today said...

Humphreys addresses House panel By ELEANOR BARKHORN eleanorbarkhorn@ddtonline.com Thursday, June 26, 2008 3:54 PM CDTJACKSON —

Delta Regional Medical Center faces a $3 million loss this fiscal year and may default on bond payments for its purchase of The King’s Daughters Hospital, CEO Ray Humphreys told the House Medicaid Committee this morning. A $3 million dollar loss would be about average if we were provided a true and accurate accounting of DRMC's annual P&L statements.

And if the House approves the governor’s proposed hospital tax to fund the $90 million Medicaid deficit, DRMC’s problems will only worsen, said Humphreys. "Problems"... in Mississippi's "next great hospital"? In a presentation delivered just hours before the House reconvenes to vote on the governor’s plan, Humphreys confirmed that the hospital tax will result in $1.7 million in additional annual losses for DRMC. "Additional annual losses"? ... I thought Ray told us they were in the black?

And if the hospital has to make budget cuts, doctors and other staff will be the first to go. Makes sense... cut health care at the bedside rather than the board room... who needs nurses when you have have multiple layers of management who need jobs?

Humphreys did not denounce the governor’s plan, nor did he endorse the Medicaid funding solution promoted by House leaders — a higher cigarette tax. Ray, like Haley, probably has money in big tobacco as well. But when Committee Vice Chair Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, asked Humphreys if the hospital tax would force him to cut personnel, Humphreys responded, “That’s the situation we’re facing now.” Or they could cut 2 layers of management and save twice the money...

Humphreys’ presentation highlighted the problems DRMC has suffered recently, including a loss of 29 doctors in the past four years and the closure of the state burn center. All of which are directly related to Ray's administration's ineptitude and malfeasance.

He also emphasized DRMC’s role as a “safety net hospital” for the Delta. DRMC is the Delta’s only full-service hospital, supporting the region’s only Level II trauma center, total misrepresentation of accurate trauma level, open-heart surgery program, Joke, and neonatal intensive care unit. Unopened to date because of lack of medical and nursing staff.

He also said that DRMC employs the Delta’s only infectious disease, endocrinology, rheumatology, and pulmonology specialists. All inherited from plundering KDH who had previously recruited these specialists. “DRMC is extremely critical and valuable to the Delta population,” Humphreys said, asking the committee to find a way to fund Medicaid that does not compromise the hospital’s ability to provide essential services.

Johnson said that Humphreys' presentation, which was followed by one from Gulfport Memorial Hospital, confirmed concerns he already had about the governor’s plan.“Hospitals in areas with the highest need will suffer most under this plan,” said Johnson.

The House will make one final push for the cigarette tax solution when it holds a last-minute press conference to trumpet a new poll showing Mississippians’ support of a higher tobacco tax. Communities for a Clean Bill of Health, the organization that sponsored the poll, said it will not release the poll numbers until 1:30 today—just one half hour before the House reconvenes.

Nevertheless, the Jackson Free Press reported on Monday that, according to “sources,” the poll found 80 percent of Mississippians in support of the tax.“That number is pretty good,” said CCBH spokesman Jarvis Dortch on Wednesday.

For once, Ray "seems" to be on the right side, but you have to consider that he has not openly supported the tobacco tax. He seems to be sitting on the fence, willing to support whatever his political puppeteers tell him to do.

The most telling issue in this article is that Ray has admitted that DRMC is in trouble... something employees and taxpayers have known for over three years. Taxing hospitals over tobacco is blatantly wrong and if big tobacco wins this fight, it only goes to show that the "good ole boys" are still very much in power.

If you value the "pleasure" of smoking over the value of extending your life by 20 years, sit back and do nothing. If you value health care in Mississippi, get on your email and make your voice heard. Big bucks politicians wait for no one!

Forthright