Sunday, August 02, 2009

Educational "Reparations"

GREENVILLE — Have you ever wanted to receive credit for a school course that you failed? At a July 28 meeting of the Greenville Public School District Board of Trustees, a new program, known as the credit recovery policy, was discussed.

The policy would allow students to earn credit for courses they previously failed. Each student is given a preliminary assessment of his or her strengths and weaknesses before mastering the weaker course objectives. After mastery, the student receives credit for the course.

According to the School Board, the credit recovery program can be an effective way of helping students get back on track toward graduation and hopefully encourage students to stay in school.

Dr. Leeson Taylor, deputy superintendent, said the program has been in the works for about seven months. He said he hopes the program prevents kids from being discouraged after failing a course.

“We can’t have kids fall through the cracks,” Taylor said. “We want kids to have every opportunity to be successful. ”

The program comes with specific rules and regulations. Admission to the program requires parental consent and a committee review determining a student’s motivation, aptitude, reading level and need. The program cannot be used to improve GPA. Students cannot be in the program for more than one year and cannot have a grade lower than 50.

Students must complete the program with 80 percent mastery. The credit recovery grade is factored with the original failing grade to obtain the new final grade.

The program is computer based, with content help from trained certified teachers and facilitation provided through non-certified staff.

Thus far, the board has only given the policy a first reading. However, board President Henri Tillmon said the program can be approved after the start of the school year.

Great... another "give-away" program for the ignorant. Is this really an effort to "make our kids successful" or is it just another ruse to divert attention from the the deplorable conditions of our public schools?

Today, education has been watered down so much that basic literacy is no longer a criterion for graduation. And it doesn't stop at high schools. We are cranking out college graduates with Bachelor's and Master's degrees who can barely read, let alone speak in coherent sentences.

In our eternal effort to provide "equality for all", certain educational institutions are now giving away degrees to anyone whose check clears the bank. This kind of travesty makes college degrees all but meaningless in our competitive job market... they are just another "entitlement"... signifying nothing!

Instead of holding public school students accountable for their education, we just keep lowering the bar!

Forthright

160 comments:

Anonymous said...

You get what you pay for.

Anonymous said...

Todays college degree is nothing but a peice of paper. Get out of high school and go to work for a company and work your way up the ranks. I've seen this work many, many times. While some go to college and waste four years and get so far in debt on student loans they never will dig their way out. I started at the bottom out of high school and by the time those that went to college graduated I was way ahead of them in salary and with no debt. For example a teacher goes 4 years to college spends or borrows 40 ,50, even 60 thousand dollars to get her degree and starts her job making only 24 thousand dollars . While I started working right out of high school and worked my way up with a good company those four years and make over 50,000 dollars and no debt. So which would you rather do? Heck even a truck driver makes 60,000 dollars a year and only goes to a class for 2 weeks to get his cdl license.

pointy head said...

Give them all "A"'s and be done with it. Most of the high school grad applications for a job I see are a joke. They are like a comedy skit....

Anonymous said...

I agree, high school educaton is too watered down. Students should be required to meet a specific standard. They either meet it or they don't. Stop giving them extra chances to complete something that the vast majority completes at one time. If they want another chance at it go to summer school or repeat the class/grade again.

Anonymous said...

This is relavant to this topic:

Why our for fathers & mothers only went to the 8th grade

AND NOW WE KNOW !!

1895: The 8th Grade FINAL EXAM

What it took to get an 8th grade education in 1895...

Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895?

This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina , Kansas , USA . It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina , and reprinted by the Salina Journal.
8th Grade Final Exam: Salina , KS - 1895
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
3.. Define verse, stanza and paragraph
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of 'lie,''play,' and 'run..'
5.. Define case; illustrate each case.
6 What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

Arithmetic Time,1 hour 15 minutes)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. Wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs. For tare?
4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs.. Coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent..
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. Long at $20 per metre?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt

Anonymous said...

U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)

1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided

2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus

3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.

4. Show the territorial growth of the United States

5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas

6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.

7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?

8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865

Orthography (Time, one hour)
[Do we even know what this is??]

1. What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication

2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?

3. What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals

4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u.' (HUH?)

5.. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.

6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling.

Illustrate each.

7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis-mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.

8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.

9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane , vain, vein, raze, raise, rays...

10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use ofdiacritical marks and by syllabication.

Geography (Time, one hour)

1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?

2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas ?

3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?

4. Describe the mountains of North America

5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia , Odessa , Denver , Manitoba , Hecla , Yukon , St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco


6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.


8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?

9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.

10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.

Notice that the exam took ONLY FIVE HOURS to complete.

Gives the saying
'he only had an 8th grade education' a whole new meaning, doesn't it?!
Also shows you how poor our education system has become and,
...AND, NO,...
I don't have all the answers!

Anonymous said...

I disagree with the 8:40AM post completely. People with college education start with higher salaries and make more money in their lifetime.

Historian said...

Karl Marx predicted: "A true democracy will never survive, because it will feed upon itself until totally consumed."

I think we are close!

Anonymous said...

Last week or so there was an article in the Cleveland paper talking about changing the grading system to a 10 point scale, so that now an A would be 90 to 100. This would trickle down and now an "F" would be under 65.

Sure, let's not teach our kids how to get an A, lets just lower the bar. That speaks volumes about the education system in Mississippi Delta. That is why my kids will NEVER go to public school in this area.

Anonymous said...

I wish I could have sent my two kids to public schools locally. I wish my kids would have had the opportunity to experience what I grew up with in public education, when graduating from Greenville High school was equivalent to completing the first or second year of a college.

Private school is not the end all be all in comparison.

Not having the tax dollars to draw on, the private school sector can not offer what public schools can and should be offering.

Not having tax dollars, private schools can not always afford to have the best certified teachers, the best facilities, the best equipment, the best curriculum...but what they offered to myself and my children that public schools could not then offer, or even today, was safety and security. In private schools, parents have voice and are more involved for the investment that they are having to make for their children. There is more one on one with the school, teachers, parents and children.

Other than a manintenance employee, the coaches and the staff, normally no security guards are required in most private schools and if they do have the guards it is to protect the children and staff within from those on the outside coming in, not so much about protecting the children from each other or protecting the staff from the children.

That is why I paid thousands for years for my two children to attend school in safety. Did my kids miss out on being able to take advantage of tax dollars, YES! Did my family have to do without other "extras" for the cost of their tuition, oh heck yes....would I do it again?? Living here in Greenville, it is not an option.

Anonymous said...

I disagree with 5:42 p.m. I also went straight to work out of high school. Didn't waste my time or spend thousands of dollars to get a piece of paper from college. After working my way up the ladder for those four years I would have wasted in college the ones that graduated were working for me. You can't learn things I know in a book. Therefore they had to start at the bottom and learn the way it is in the real world.

Anonymous said...

All that is true, on the job experience is valuable, but my husband has done that and still feels that if he had the diploma to go with his experience, the climb would have been easier and faster. There is still a lot of weight given to have that 4 year degree, no matter what.

Food for thought said...

I believe that the answer to substandard education education is educational vouchers. Let parents make the decision where they want to spend THEIR tax dollars, rather than the government. If you think public schools are good, put your money in them. If not, why should you pay taxes plus private school tuition?

Competetion is what this country is founded on, so maybe the freedom to choose how your child is educated will be a positive move. If public schools can't tow the mark, they should fail. The problem is that as government run facilities, we just keep lowering the bar to make it look like they are doing a good job... to simply mislead the public.

Before we all get gung-ho about government run healthcare, let's step back and look at the state of government run education!

Sure, everyone will have access to basic healthcare, just like we now pay taxes for a basic education. But, if your doctor lowers the bar to accept a BP of 160/90 as acceptable, wouldn't you be looking for another doctor?

The government has never run anything effectively or efficiently... look at the milatary!

Obamacare will be just like public education. It will offer something to everyone at an affordable price... but what is worth?

Anonymous said...

It sure is weight. About 50,000 dollars in debt weight. Just to get a piece of paper.

Anonymous said...

TO 12:15 AND 7:21PM:

Average Annual Earnings—Different Levels of Education.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Surveys, March 1998, 1999, and 2000.


Professional Degree $109,600
Doctoral Degree $89,400
Master's Degree $62,300
Bachelor's Degree $52,200
Associate's Degree $38,200
Some College $36,800
High School Graduate $30,400
Some High School $23,400

THANKS,
5:42PM

Anonymous said...

Like I said I didn't waste my time by going into debt getting a piece of paper. I went straight to work out of high school with no debt and worked my way up and now make over these degrees after 5 or 6 years. I got trained over the years by the company at their expense. With bonus and salary now I am close to 3 figure income.
Doctoral Degree $89,400
Master's Degree $62,300
Bachelor's Degree $52,200
Associate's Degree $38,200
Some College $36,800
High School Graduate $30,400
Some High School $23,400
THANKS

Anonymous said...

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 12:53 PM CDT

GREENVILLE - A company looking to hire between 25 and 30 full-time employees held a job fair Monday, but few job applicants showed.


Looks like no one wants to work in G'ville. A company is looking for workers and none show up. Whats up with that? I guess most of G'ville makes more money by staying at home than working for a living. When a company is begging for employees and no one shows up ,thats a good sign for others to not to bother even coming here. They say they are offering wages 10 to 14 dollars a hour. Thats not to bad for around here . A 40 hour week at 14 dollars an hour is pretty good. Thats 560 dollars a week. Throw in a little overtime and that,s a good check.Hard to believe no one showed up for that kinda money. ONLY IN G'VILLE would this happen!

Anonymous said...

Perhaps if Mr. self made above had gone to college, he would have made a "six figure" income instead of three.

Get real said...

$560 a week is nothing compared to what some people make on welfare. With food stamps, unemployment, medicaid and a phoney disabiltiy claim, you can take in twice that amount and it's all tax free!

In Greenville, you can get a disability claim for a three-legged dog if you know what "doctor" to go to.

Every other car in Greenville has a "handicapped" tag and Wal-Mart is starting to look like "scooter derby."

So who is going to turn out for a job fair? Most couldn't pass the drug screen or background check. Besides, they would have to get out of bed and go to work rather than "lay" around all day...making more checks!

Anonymous said...

RE: College Education

Perhaps the poster's point was that TODAY a college education doesn't fetch the premium it used to. This is because even college educations are watered down compared to what they used to be worth. More people graduate and go (higher supply) and thus price goes down. Today costs are bloated in higher education (Dr.'s not teaching class, but doing research, etc.) and therefore this is passed on as tuition. If you are not an "underprivileged" student nor are you the top of your class, your investment over 4 years is very high. Now....if you're bright and take initiative, take the present value of that money and buy a business. Are you further ahead. Some folks perhaps are. Now, if you want to work for someone else and have lots of options--then by all means get your degree to open those doors.

But let's not confuse a college education with success. Success is a result of one's skill, ability and resolve to achieve it. Just ask Bill Gates or Michael Dell about how they had to get their college degree to succeed. A college degree may opens doors, but the person holding it has to have ability to walk through towards success.

Anonymous said...

Mr. self made meant a 6 figure income. I think he was going for 100,000 dollars and hit the wrong key. But I agree with the person above . It is what you do personally that opens the door. There are more ways to being sucessful than a piece of paper from a over priced school. Just last night on TVLAND there were people like the guys who came up with those ugly teeth you put in your mouth for halloween. They made close to 50 million a year. Or the guy who came up with the blanket you can slide your arms thru so you can use your hands. No degrees for them.

Anonymous said...

Yes, let's aspire to be like them.

Please! What happened to a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work? Where is our thirst for knowledge? I've never heard of a society where people tried to campaign AGAINST more education. You people are idiots and deserve the life of menial labor that you have asked for.

Anonymous said...

My Grandfather had "a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work". Never graduated from high school.

You're elitist viewpoint blinds you from your very definition of success.

I'm not campaigning against education. Education is important, but is only a contributing factor to "success". I know plenty of "educated" people who had nobody show up at their funeral....

Anonymous said...

Amen 10:42. That idiot 8:16 just doesn't get it. I know people with p.h.d.'s that can't drive or even open a door. Give me a well rounded person with lots of common sense any day.

Anonymous said...

Hello. This is 8:16. You people and your ilk are committing Greenville to an early grave. Yes, we need ditch diggers and sanitation workers---college degrees are not required. But we need educated minds to infuse this town with energy and enlightenment. We need educated men and women to lead us out of the quagmire that we are currently festering in. And we need leaders who agree that a quality education is the only ticket out of poverty and a cure to the entitlement mentality.

Anonymous said...

8:16....this is 10:42. I have two bachelor degrees and a year towards an MBA. Graduated top of my class in everything. I'm very educated and would put my brain power against you and "ilk" any day of the week.

What I don't have is your elitist attitude that makes you think that because you have a sheep skin hanging on the wall that you are somehow better (or will somehow succeed more) than "uneducated minds". You sir/madam are not; honesty, integrity and hardwork should never be looked down upon.

I agree with you that the entitlement mentality is a problem, but we've talked education to death in this town for years and nothing changes. Do you think that perhaps the problem is something deeper than education....say character? Lessons that are taught by good parents....not by schools.

The "leaders" we have today "agree" that a quality education is needed, but it's not getting fixed. That tells me we don't really have "leaders" in charge right now, or we would have already been led out of these problems.

What we need is a new way of approaching the problem. But when the school district dismantles the only working program in the school system (Carrie Stern), are we to follow these leaders who know so much about education??

da balley said...

How many of the posters here have a degree from MS Valley State University ("the valley of scholars")? I know an instructor there who says she doesn't even have to hold classes. She just gives reading assignments and two tests a semester. So where is the education? THIS is the problem in today's education. The schools don't care about quality any more than the students. They are just degree mills for minorities. All they do is perpetuate ignorance!!!

Anonymous said...

What is really sad, is how the city of Greenville was shammed by our own council. The Council "conveniently" denied advertising that their positions were up for re-election in time enough for opponents to file. Now, they are ALL a shoe in with no opponents, for another freaking 4 years!!!!

Let's NOT let this happen with the Mayor! If it does, we might as well shut the doors and turn off the lights. We are done!

Anonymous said...

If somebody is running for city council because they saw an advertisement in the paper for a due date....are they really that interested in the position? I would suggest not.

Anonymous said...

I agree! Advertising for politicians is like hand-grabbing catfish. If they are bottom feeders when you find them, they are not likely to seek the light!

Anonymous said...

When is the Mayor election?? Is any one going to run against Heather?

Anonymous said...

FYI- Phil Vazzana's house downtown behind the post office burned down tonight!

Anonymous said...

Hope he was not injured..

Anonymous said...

Reading all this I can honestly say thank you God and Lord Jesus that me and my family were able to get out of the hell hole that is the delta. Our kids are finally in great public schools, there is no "bs" phony society stuff going on with the white people and no "in your face" hate racism coming at you from the black people. There IS life outside the delta and it is so much better me and my husband cannot believe it. Praise God we are free at last!

Anonymous said...

WABG-News
HOUSE WENT UP IN FLAMES 08-11-2009

SMOKE COULD BE SEEN FOR MILES AS THE POPLAR STREET HOME OF GREENVILLE ARCHITECT PHIL VAZZANNA WENT UP IN FLAMES TUESDAY EVENING. WITNESSES SAY JUST AFTER 7 P.M. THURSDAY HIS HOUSE WAS ON FIRE. THE INTENSE HEAT AND DANGER OF AMMUNITION EXPLODING FORCED POLICE TO MOVE A GROWING CROWD FURTHER AND FURTHER BACK. THE ENERGY COMPANY WAS EVEN CALLED OUT DUE TO THE HOME BEING CLOSE TO POWER LINES. FLAMES WERE SEEN OVER 10 FEET HIGH BURSTING THROUGH THE ROOF OF THE STRUCTURE. AT LEAST THREE FIRE ENGINES WERE CALLED TO THE FIRE SCENE INCLUDING THE LADDER TRUCK USED TO SHOOT WATER FROM AN AERIAL POSITION OVER THE FLAMES. A PERIMETER WAS SET UP TO PROTECT THOSE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. IT WAS EXPECTED THE FIRE WOULD BURN WELL INTO THE NIGHT. IT IS STILL UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME HOW THE FIRE STARTED.

Phil is fine and got out in time. His home is a total loss. Years of collections and memorabilia lost. His home was over 100 years old.

Anonymous said...

I pray someone of quailty and strength runs again Mayor Hudson, if not we are surely doomed to have her for a third term!

Anonymous said...

http://www.wxvt.com/
Video of Phil Vazzana's house burning yesterday and into the night.

Anonymous said...

Dear 9:43 PM,

I was wondering why things were getting better--obviously one less negative voice to get in our way of improving. It is so much better now that you're gone! One less bitcher. Now, please stay away from this message board and get on with your wonderful life. We'll be just fine without you! :))

Anonymous said...

How much is Mayor Heather Hudson’s life worth?

By ERRICK D. SIMMONS - For the Delta Democrat Times
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 2:04 PM CDT

I wish we lived in a world where threats were only mean-spirited words never acted upon or actualized.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our violent past could some how have no impact, on the present?

I’m an optimist and believe, God willing, that time will come. But it’s not here yet when we know that our mayor, Heather Hudson, has received threats since she took office.

I know it’s not here because I too received such mean-spirited words targeted at me three weeks ago. I know it’s not here when only a few short weeks ago racial bigots painted the words, “(racial slur) Go Home” on our public streets. I am involved in a hostile work environment case on the Gulf Coast where racist graffiti reads, “(racial slur) Go Back to Africa” and “Kill All (racial slur).” Yes, my friends, in 2009.

It is obvious that Mayor Hudson needs security. While she is greatly loved and highly respected by most, we know that it only takes one lone wolf, set on undoing the progress we (both black and white) have made, to act in a way that would devastate our community.

Anonymous said...

continued:

This is the unthinkable. And yet we must think about it.

Our police chief, Charles Patterson, evaluated the threats to the mayor and made the decision that she needed protection. Unlike, Mr. Nichols and others, Chief Patterson, a longtime law enforcement professional, recognized the seriousness of the threats, and assigned officers to protect her. We cannot afford to take an ostrich mentality about something so important.

DDT publisher Ed Nichols’ disturbing editorial suggesting that we are spending too much on Mayor Hudson’s security has, in my opinion, a subtext that is purely political. What Nichols is really saying is that Greenville can’t afford an African-American mayor. What he’s really saying, in my opinion, is, “Elect a white mayor, and you won’t have to pay for security.” In my opinion, what he is saying to black folk is, “if you win a public office and someone persistently threatens to kill you or rape you — tough.”

While I appreciate a good debate about our budget and how the taxpayer’s money is spent, Nichols and the DDT need to do so in a more forthright way. This discussion of the mayor’s security detail and the comparison to other cities and mayors is nothing more than a veiled effort to politically undermine and intimidate Mayor Hudson and other African-Americans who dare to seek and win public office.

This strategy doesn’t work. It only serves to remind us of a racial divide that the mayor and other progressive community leaders (both black and white) are seeking to bridge.

All too often the price of progress in our state and nation has been paid in blood. That is our reality — particularly in the Mississippi Delta.

No leader, black or white, should serve the public trust while law enforcement officials ignore known threats to their safety. Years ago, when white judges were threatened with threats of harm and lawlessness, state and federal officials quietly assigned them the protection of bailiffs, sheriff’s deputies and U.S. marshals in courtrooms across the country. That protection continues to this day at a cost of millions of dollars.

I do not recall a single instance where Mr. Nichols or the Delta Democrat Times protested those vast expenditures. In fact, I don’t recall a single instance where Mr. Nichols or the Delta Democrat Times demanded to know how much was spent to protect any local, state or federal official other than the first woman and African-American elected mayor of our town.

Experts in law enforcement know that threats are not just mean-spirited words. They are words designed to intimidate, to slap and slander. They are aimed at the soul and seek to damage the psyche and to implant fear. They are only threats because they haven’t been backed up with actions. The very discussion of them gives them a power they don’t deserve. And inaction in the face of those threats is a unique white Southern response to threats of racial violence against black folk

“It couldn’t happen here,” some folk say. It could. Those claims ring hollow to anyone who recalls that this year someone people painted “(racial slur) Go Home” on a street in a Greenville neighborhood. Black folk are home in Greenville, Miss., and we aren’t going anywhere.

Instead of questioning the cost of Mayor Hudson’s police protection, the DDT should become the progressive voice and join with the mayor as she seeks our city’s share of federal stimulus funds to be spent on infrastructure and projects that will build us up.

This security debate adversely affects the reputation of Greenville. It portrays our dirty secret and confirms to some that the bad ole days are still here — alive and well in the hearts of some citizens that long for another South long dead in the minds of most Mississippians.

It discourages businesses and tourists from visiting our region. It tears us apart and tears us down. That is the reason why most city editors are smart enough not to publicize the issue.

Anonymous said...

continurd-
So what is the price of respect for the life of a mayor, Mr. Nichols? Every day, Heather Hudson and other black officials pay the price of suffering threats just to serve their communities. What price would you be willing to pay to assure their right to service free from such racial intimidation?

Will you ever allow law enforcement professionals like Chief Patterson to decide how to protect our mayor from known threats?

Would you have the courage to use this paper to take a stand against those unnamed persons, who like the Klan and the White Citizens Council of the past, today use threats and intimidation to undermine the very foundation of our liberty? Or is freedom just too costly?

So just how much protection is the mayor’s life worth, Mr. Nichols? Just how much is her life worth?

Errick D. Simmons is a Greenville lawyer and city councilman

Anonymous said...

Last night, I went downtown to check on my friend and his burning home. Once I got there, I was disturbed to see the street gutters filled with water, due to leaking joints on the fire hoses.

How does this loss of water affect the water pressure needed to save a home or a life? A lot! Gallons were wasted on the street that should have been making it to the fire to put it out that much faster. Who or what is to blame? City budget, set by our Mayor and Council! It is obvious that new hoses are needed. How much money is it worth to replace these hoses that can save lives? Think of the hoses, other equipments and employed personnel for our safety that could be acquired for what it costs in security for the Mayor.At $250,000 a year, the list is limitless!

If the Mayor is that frightened, she needs to ask herself what she has done to raise the ire of threats first and then take correct actions, next she needs to ask herself if it is worth it to her own well being, if she has to live in fear. If she can not take the heat she needs to get out of the kitchen and let someone else of ANY color, and better qualified, take the job and show her how it is done. The Mayor of Washington DC does not have security as our Mayor, most likely not Memphis, Atlanta or even any where else. Is she the only black female Mayor in the south or anywhere???NOOOOO, of course not! She is our DIVA and that is why we waste our funds on her ego and her spoiled ways.

I know for a fact, that she may have guards, but their job entails more servant/service work than guard/protection work. I have seen them in action as her "play companions", her "gophers", her "assistants", etc. Enough! She has to go, time for a "change"!

Anonymous said...

Oh and I almost forgot the most important part! Thanks to her finding a loop hole in the job description of duties of the City Mayor, she is a part time Mayor with full time salary, benefits and bodyguards. Why are we paying for full time anything?? If she can work in her attorney office just down the street in her spare time, great ...pay her accordingly and no benefits (no other part time city employess gets the same treatment) and then let her pay for attorney part-time hour guards on her own!!!

Anonymous said...

Well Mr Simmons has demonstrated his racial feelings for all to see.
I am actually very disappointed with the article because i really thought better of Mr Simmons.
The days of the Klan are gone Mr Simmons and i dare you to insinuate that a white person made the threat without proof of such. This article came from someone who had actually demonstrated a personality of quality and caring without racial predjudice. I am very disappointed to say the least.

Anonymous said...

I don't believe he wrote it. It smells of "Daddy" tio Hudson, Victor McTeer, who writes often in the DDT and works with Simmons in McTeer Law office or did a while back.

I smell a rat!

Anonymous said...

http://www.greenville.ms.us/2009%20Schedule%20for%20website.pdf

Election and what districts are having elections soon. See above.

2009 Municipal Election Schedule
Primary Election

Ward 3 Covenant Presbyterian Church (formerly Christ Wesleyan Church)
1865 S Main St. (corner of Main and Wildwood Streets)

Ward 3 Candidates
Anita Bell-Miller – Democrat Lee Owen – Republican
Louis Martin – Democrat Carolyn Ingram Weathers – Republican

Ward 4 Senior Citizen’s Building
142 N Shelby St

Ward 4 Candidates

Carzell Brown Akon – Democrat Betty Watkins – Democrat

A 24” X 36” street map is available for each Ward at a cost of $4.00 per map.

Anonymous said...

The threats are most likely from the women friends of Abe or maybe men friends!;.)

Anonymous said...

Not threats....but, simply a case of "planted" evidence.

Anonymous said...

If Daddy can pay for her to win the election(s), then why can't he pay for her security guard(s)?

She can "use" her family, instead of "using" the city of Greenville.

The police dept. protects her while she does whatever, whenever, or to whomever. A "built in" bully
system for intimidation.

Anonymous said...

Depends on what college you get a degree from

Anonymous said...

I am going to pose two questions to all citizens of the United States of America.
#1 Have any of you read Obama's heathcare plan in full when you formed your opinion about it?
#2 What makes anyone think our government can run this healthcare program when it cannot even run Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, Social Security programs without fraud?

Anonymous said...

DDT -What’s mayor’s life worth? The same as everyone else’s

Saturday, August 15, 2009 11:48 PM CDT
To the editor:

Mr. Errick Simmons’ opinion column in the DDT on Friday, Aug. 7, attempted to justify the exorbitant amount of money being spent to ensure Mayor Heather Hudson’s safety after an article and editorial appeared questioning the need for the mayor’s bodyguard detail.

I don’t think Mr. Simmons succeeded.

How much is Mayor Heather Hudson’s life worth?

I have the answer for Mr. Simmons. Heather Hudson’s life is no more or less valuable than the other taxpayers residing in Greenville. Why in the world would anyone imply her safety is more important than yours or mine?

Mr. Simmons made reference to an incident occurring in a Greenville neighborhood several weeks ago.

The incident he refers to happened to involve a close friend of mine. This person’s property was vandalized with someone spray-painting racial slurs on her home and property.

This person was devastated that someone had targeted her home. She was heartbroken, scared and felt violated. Certainly this person, a taxpayer, could have benefited from a one on one police presence like the one enjoyed by Mayor Hudson until her sense of security was restored.

This was a very real, tangible threat. This threat was discussed at length in public.

Mr. Simmons states, “Experts in law enforcement know that threats are not just mean-spirited words.” He further states, “And inaction in the face of those threats is a unique white Southern response to threats of racial violence against black folk.”

The victim in the incident I made reference to above is a white person. Is her safety less of an issue because of this?

Did Mr. Simmons look at that incident as a threat against Mayor Hudson?

Anonymous said...

Continued -
Are these the threats against the first African-American mayor to which he makes reference?

Is everything about Heather Hudson?

Mr. Simmons, nobody has a corner on discrimination.

When my father was new to this country and spoke only Italian, his schoolteacher slapped him across the face because he answered a question in Italian.

A local resident, a very sweet Italian Catholic gentleman, once told me of coming home from serving in World War II and not being allowed to attend a welcoming home ceremony at the country club because of his religious affiliation.

The last presidential race had Americans asking if a Mormon could be elected to the White House.

Prejudice hurts the person at whom it is directed. I think we can all agree to that.

Mr. Simmons then goes on to imply the DDT’s questioning how the taxpayer’s money is being spent is “nothing more than a veiled effort to politically undermine and intimidate Mayor Hudson and other African-Americans who dare to seek and win public office.”

Really! Imagine taxpayers having the nerve to question these things!

And, of course, the old argument, that by questioning or demanding to know how taxpayer money is being spent is somehow harming our city’s reputation. Simmons says, “That is the reason why most city editors are smart enough not to publicize the issue.”

Incredible! Who has the ostrich mentality in that statement? Thankfully, the DDT has the guts to ask.

Speaking of harming our city’s image — How does it look to a business looking to locate in Greenville when the mayor has to have a team of bodyguards? The mayor promotes the city as a safe place but she can’t seem to make a move without her executive protection team.

Do you think someone might believe Greenville has a high crime rate because of this?

I think it shows the mayor wants the taxpayers to be satisfied with what they have and if they have to wait a few more minutes for police response, well, tough. She’s got hers.

Mr. Simmons stretches reality when he reaches the conclusion that the DDT editor is saying, “Greenville can’t afford an African-American mayor” or “elect a white mayor and you won’t have to pay for security.” From some of the intimidation tactics I’ve experienced and have heard about from people who disagree with Mayor Hudson, I think there may be some non fans of Heather that need protection.

Mr. Simmons states, “Years ago, when white judges were threatened with threats of harm and lawlessness, state and federal officials quietly assigned them the protection of bailiffs, sheriff’s deputies and U.S. marshals … That protection continues to this day at a cost of millions of dollars.”

That statement seems to imply that only white judges receive protection.

I am sure this was an oversight on Mr. Simmons part and that everyone realizes that we not only have many African-American state and federal judges but that they all receive protection (Although, I’m not sure to the degree Mayor Hudson does).

Mr. Simmons states he doesn’t recall the DDT ever commenting on the cost of those “vast expenditures.” I think comparing a state or federal judge to a small-town mayor would be stretching it in too many ways to go into here. I also don’t think Greenville could afford to support security for state and federal judges and that is why we don’t.

I think the DDT has never commented on in excess of $250,000 being spent on the mayor of Greenville because it hasn’t happened before. It is happening now and it is newsworthy, especially in these tough economic times.

Anonymous said...

Let’s get back to how much Heather Hudson’s life is worth.

Is it worth more than the homeowner who comes home from work to find his house is burglarized and the perpetrator is still there? The wait for the police to respond must seem like eons in such a situation.

Is Mayor Hudson’s life worth more than the elderly, retired schoolteacher who won’t go outside because she’s afraid of the thugs that have taken over her once nice neighborhood? A person such as this would surely benefit from a big strong police officer parked directly in front of her house, don’t you think?

How about the victim of domestic violence whose partner has threatened to kill her if she leaves. I’m sure supper time at that house would be much better for the victim if a police officer were there for a little one-on-one chat with her better half.

Unfortunately these people must share a limited number of officers with thousands of other taxpayers. They aren’t special enough for one-on-one police protection at the taxpayers’ expense. I guess they have to win public office to qualify for special treatment.

I honestly wonder whether the city will still provide special police protection for Heather Hudson when she leaves office, like that afforded former presidents. Will we one day see that an ambulance and fire truck have been added to the detail, you know, just in case?

It is also truly laughable to know that a Greenville police officer follows Mayor Hudson when she goes outside the country. Is it really necessary to send an officer to Germany, where, to say the least, he has no enforcement powers? Or should we not ask that question?

Mr. Simmons states Mayor Hudson’s security was enacted by Chief Patterson, a longtime law enforcement professional who recognized the seriousness of the threats and assigned officers to protect Hudson.

The mayors’ security detail was in place shortly after she became mayor and at her request. This was long before Chief Patterson entered the picture.

Ultimately the expense of this security detail can be laid at the feet of the City Council. Aren’t they the ones that must approve an expenditure of this magnitude? Is there any other city employee costing the city more than a quarter of a million dollars a year?

In the past year the city has had to cut back on garbage collections.

Anonymous said...

continued -
The city swimming pool was not opened because of lack of funds.

Our city parks, with the tall grass and dilapidated buildings, are a disgrace. Yet Mr. Simmons thinks the DDT editorial was out of line in questioning the outrageous cost of one city employee.

Well, I think he’s wrong. It is the taxpayers’ duty to make sure our elected officials are accountable to the public they are supposed to serve. I also think any serious media outlet would do the same.

In addition, Greenville has a weak mayor-strong council form of government, meaning that the true power rests with the council. It would seem that the ones really making the decisions would be more of a target for threats and intimidation. Amazingly, it has only been the mayor.

I’m tired of people who need entourages to make themselves look more important than the rest of us poor saps — err, taxpayers.

I am suspicious when elected official use their position for special privileges.

Here in Greenville, we have had a council member receive a full — blown police escort to ensure their presence at a council meeting where an “important” vote was scheduled. Couldn’t get there in time? Call the police. They exist to satisfy the whims of elected officials.

Here in Greenville, we have had a council member use the Police Department to get his personal vehicle towed free of charge after the vehicle had been vandalized while he was parked on Nelson Street.

I’m tired of elected officials’ first course of action upon taking office being “what’s in it for me?”

I believe we certainly have some dedicated public officials. Like everything else, however, the few ruin it for the others. Especially one who tries to justify the unjustifiable for any elected official.

My only complaint about the DDT article is it didn’t ask enough questions.

For example, what is the ratio of officers to citizens in Greenville? When was the last time officers received a pay raise, even a cost of living raise? What other benefits, such as educational attainment incentives, have been cut from officers’ pay and are benefits distributed uniformly or are they only given to certain employees?

Certainly the DDT knows that under federal law, police officers are entitled to overtime after a certain number of hours are worked. I wonder how much overtime was spent on officers assigned to the regular citizens (you know — taxpayers) in comparison to the officers assigned to the mayor’s detail.

Of course, these questions will not be answered by the city under the guise of personnel and security concerns. I’m suspicious whenever I hear that excuse, too.

Thank you for indulging me.

Susan Graziosi

Greenville

Anonymous said...

I was told this Susan Graziosi is an officer on the GPD. If that is true, this took guts to write, because Hudson will be after her now. I am grateful for her letter and the community needs to say it outloud also, and show support for her letter with follow ups or calls to the council in agreement.

Thanks Susan...excellent letter!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Susan!

Another question: Will the city pay for anger management training and/or classes for Heather & Eric?

Or could "the" law firm and/or Daddy absorb these costs?

And, perhaps, testing for behavior and social challenges?

Anonymous said...

Why would our mayor spend our tax dollars to visit the second most corrupt country in the world? (Nigeria) Does anyone have the answer?

Anonymous said...

If our mayor were "purple" and used our tax dollars to visit a
"purple" country....then ALL citizens of Greenville(white, black,red, green and yellow) would
feel upset and slighted.

She was 'supposedly" elected to represent ALL of Greenville.

Isn't there something in the constitution about "for the people...by the people...and we the people of the United States"?

She might be college educated, but she certainly does not have the experience of working "with" the public or "for" the public.

And public means ALL of Greenville.

Anonymous said...

I agree, I have a real problem with the fact that she is a member and now President of the Black Mayor's Council but does not attend or take part in the National Mayor's Council.

I think if any candidate chooses to join a race specific organization at least our tax dollars should not be paying for it or for any expenses such as travel related to it.

Either she is a non-racial mayor or not. So far, if it has the word black in it, she is in it; if not she could care less.

Anonymous said...

And if Greenville had a white mayor and he (or she) was a member & President of the White Mayor's Council and also a member of the 100 White Men (or Ladies) organization, she and her Daddy and Eric and ALL of their "lawyer" friends would put a letter in the newspaper, claiming that it was an unjustice.

If a person is in an elected public position/office, then their
memberships to community & professional organizations should be limited to those organizations which welcome ALL members of the public to also join.

It always looks good on a resume to include your membership of community & professional organizatons.....but, if they are
"inclusive" organizations...then there goes the chance for governor!

She has "book" sense, but no "common" sense.

Don't they teach "work ethics" in law school?

Anonymous said...

And while we are on the subject, I must add that some...not ALL, but some...(former deputy supt., principals, & fed. prog. director) of the administrators for the Greenville Public School system have attended a conference for minority leaders in the past.

I don't think that "local" funds
were used, but perhaps, state or federal funds paid for their trips--oops! I mean their conference.

The current deputy supt. went to Florida every year & took the whole family with him.

They were state employees.

Perhaps, the newspaper could do some research about travel funds
for city and state employees.

Just, make sure the newspaper writer/reporter is not Patrick Ervin. When he worked for the school system, he was told what to
& what not to write about the school system in the newspaper. He was "used" as an "in-house" PR person for the Greenville Public School system.

Anonymous said...

Good Idea!

But,it might be hard to follow the
paper trail because THAT school administrator is on her third bookkeepper!

She fires any one that questions her and her authority!

I guess that's what THEY are teaching at those conferences.

Anonymous said...

Listen. Don't you hear Mrs. Mac
stuttering?

Anonymous said...

Yes, stuttering and speed dialing
her preacher/lawyer in Cleveland.

But, he can't help her this time.

The last superintendent (supposedly a man of God himself) was invited to her preacher/lawyer's church here in Greenville to give a speech on MLK's birthday/holiday but, the NEW superintendent doesn't play those games.

She and the preacher/lawyer can't
seem to get the NEW superintendent in their back pockets!

Anonymous said...

What? I just find it hard to believe that THREE bookkeepers were wrong. Something smells fishy.
And they had all worked for the system for many, many years.

Anonymous said...

Yes, she's on her THIRD bookkeeper and one school year she was "out of the office" due to travel/trips for a total of about six weeks or more.

At some schools (in other systems)
six weeks is a whole grading period!

Talk about tripping!

But, this was AFTER the former Special Education Director became the curriculum coordinator for the district.

Anonymous said...

Now I understand. You can be absent or "out of the office" if you're the boss.

And no one can disagree with you or ask you questions if you're the boss.

And if one of the ones that you boss is the leader of the teachers' union for this northern regional district of the state.

Excited said...

From last week's article about the Parks and Recreation dept. it seems that Mayor Hudson is making them a sacrificial lamb to cover her own inactions.

All of this concern for our parks NOW? She has been in office for nearly 8 years, where has she been?? The budgets are cut so tight there has been no money for the parks and recreation dept. to spare. You can bet the reason that the director did not ask for more is because the Mayor had already warned ALL departments not to ask for more.

If the Mayor cared so much as she says she does for this "emergency" situation at the city pool...where wss her concern last year, when the pump finally died and all the years before that??? This pool did not go down in a matter of months, it has been neglected for years by her and previous Mayors and Council members.

She proclaims that she has been swimming there for years, during her office tenure. Well?? Where were her eyes? Where was her heart? Could she not see what was in front of her? Was it acceptable then when it is not now? Why? She had to have noticed the lack of maintenance and the physical needs of the building and pool, but she did not care, because as long as it is that way, she could use it as her personal country club. No one else was interested in participating in the ocndition it was in then or now. If she cared then, why didn't she take action to provide a better pool facility in her first year, in her first term??? Because she did not care then andymore than now. Today she is just trying to cover her A** for letting the pool get so far down as to shut down and cheat our community of its services, most especially our kids.

I am not buying what she is selling. Our Council needs to wake up, she is telling lies to cover her own inactions and laziness. Wait and see, the medias and the people are onto her now and if all goes well...the Sh** is about to hit the fam! I can't wait!

Anonymous said...

She is not concerned about anything that involves children because, she, herself, does not have any children.

And because she does not have children, she can not comprehend, nor understand, the wants and needs of parents.

But, she wants to be the governor!

True, she does pretend to "show an interest" in the children's education, but, like I said, it's only for "show".

And the only reason that she pretends to "show" an interest is because her in-laws (both) are retired from the school system and her mother had a privately-run(but accepted government funds for tuition) pre-school/day care center.

The pretended "show" was/is all about getting votes. The Greenville Public School system has more than 6,000 employees.

Yes, she "used" her in-laws to get the Greenville Public School employees votes.

And, yes, she "used" her church also. The preacher is a retired school principal.

Anonymous said...

The female attorney that works at
Daddy's law firm has a mother that works for the G'ville Public Schools in the Special Education Dept.

She works every day, but, for some reason, has a disability car tag.

If you can work every day, are you disabled?

She has never used a wheelchair, crutches, or leg braces.

Surely, she's not getting a disability check AND a check from the school every month?

Anonymous said...

The former Special Education director told EVERYONE that she had taught both Heather & Abe in high school.

Shortly afterward, she was no longer the Special Education director and was sent to one of the
elementary schools as a principal.

Anonymous said...

I was recently in G'ville for a high school reunion. I was shocked to see the condition of the roads and downtown area. Most of us that have not been back to G'ville in several years wondered how this could have happened so fast. The ones that were at the reunion that still lived in G'ville seemed to not even notice or were in denial or something. They seemed almost offended that those of us that were no longer living in G'ville asked what the heck happened? As we bounced and dodged potholes everywhere we went I came more and more frustrated. I counted at least 15 homes along washington ave. for sale. At night during the middle of the week I saw dozens of people just standing around street corners and even blocking the street sometimes as we went to Does or Yacht club to celebrate our reunion. Shouldn't these people be at home in bed to go to work the next day? Those of us that no longer live in G'ville are still wondering how this happened because the locals seemed to be oblivious and offended that we asked so we finally gave up trying to find the answer. I'm sorry to say this is not what I expected from my home town and I doubt the next reunion in 5 years will be held in G'ville. I only hope for the best for G'ville in the future but I don't see any hope. Wake up G'ville, you are better than what I saw.

Anonymous said...

Greenville can not afford to repair roads, nor parks, because ALL of the money was/is being spent on Heather & her flock of
"paid" friends.

"Daddy" needs to buy her a house on Queen City Lane and be done with it!

It's time for her to "grow up" and
realize the truth.

And the truth being that in the
"real" world, no one will ever love
a person (whomever they may be)as much as their own family does.

Wake up folks said...

When in the hell are you folks going to get it? She represents no one but herself!

Anonymous said...

Correction: You meant to say:

She represents no one but herself..

AND DADDY'S MONEY!

Anonymous said...

Those that are born with "sterling silver spoons in their mouths" and act as such...
eventually learn...when they enter
HELL....that there are NO STERLING
SILVER SPOONS!

Science has completed many years of
research and has proven that for some strange reason....the heat intensity from the flames & fire just simply melts the sterling silver spoons!

And, please do not ask me to explain how it works because I'm
just a normal, average, good-hearted person who does not know everything, but who will one day end up in heaven!

Anonymous said...

I have lost count on her foreclosure notices. Daddy McTeer saved the house she is in and she lost the other. She has faced bankruptcy court as well. So how does someone who has no clue in taking care of her own finances, take care of the city's. Well look around Greenville...she doesn't, I rest my case!

And don't get me started on the scandals and rumors. It is just too outrageous!

Anonymous said...

A few key words...Greenville City Cemetery, a truck and lots of action in the bed of the truck.

Noise and 911 call to her home on McClain...assault and battery, no charges made...Abe - a knot on his head and an injured arm...Police stifled.

Anonymous said...

1. When?

2. Who called 911?

3. Was Abe assaulted?

4. By whom?

5. Was a third party at the home?

6. Was is domestic violence?

7. Are police required by law to..?

Anonymous said...

a few months back

the neighbors

yes

an estranged husband

She was there

Yes

Not around here!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

What kind of truck?

1. SUV?

2. Pick-up?

3. Delivery?

4. Utility?

5. Flat-bed?

6. King cab?

7. 18 wheeler with sleeper cab?

Anonymous said...

Cemetery?

1. Mr.?

or

2. Mrs.?

Anonymous said...

yep

pick up with a flat bed

Mrs.

and a friend!LOL
early morning hours at the cemetery

Weird I know!LOL

Anonymous said...

All of that will come out again, especially when she tries to run for Governor...what fantasy land does she live in? If the state of Mississippi were to elect her, we might as well all move...possibly out of the freaking country!LOL

Anonymous said...

is it normal for the school children to be picked up by the bus at 7:56 or later? shouldn't they be sitting at their desks at that time?

Anonymous said...

And breakfast AFTER they get there.

Anonymous said...

One time a parent got very upset because his pregnant jr. high school aged daughter did NOT have a free lunch application.

But, he seemingly, was NOT upset that his daughter, still in jr. high school, was pregnant.

Anonymous said...

One year, they had a day-care center at Coleman...for the students' children!

Anonymous said...

Questions:

1. How many years did the deputy supt. serve as a classroom teacher?

2. How many years did the deputy supt. serve as an assistant principal?

3. How many years did the deputy supt. serve as a principal?

4. When did the deputy supt. receive the doctorate degree?

5. How many years did Dr. Dean serve as a classroom teacher?

6. How many years did Dr. Dean serve as an assistant principal?

7. How many years did Dr. Dean serve as a principal?

8. When did Dr. Dean receive the
doctorate degree?

9. Did Dr. Dean ever interview for the deputy supt. position?

10. Did Dr. Dean ever interview for
the supt. position?

10. Why did Dr. Dean retire?

Anonymous said...

How many of the elementary schools have counselors and/or social workers?

Which ones?

And the employees' names?

And salaries?

Funding?

Anonymous said...

The last two posts might be good fodder for a new topic. NEW TOPIC, PLEASE!

Anonymous said...

Someone wants the subject "off" of the mayor.

To get ahead in this city, you have to be in a certain "click".

It's not WHAT you know.

It's WHO you know.

Same in the city.

Same in the school.

Anonymous said...

I just really do not know what happened or how it happened.

The grant money was spent on after-school tutorial programs to improve the students' tests scores.

A lot of money was spent on snacks
& playground equipment.

And the scores are no higher!

What happened?

And Mr. Buck came to teach them how to play tennis, after cooking all day.

And still...no higher scores.

Anonymous said...

Social workers/counselors:


Wife of high ranking policeman


Wife of high ranking school admin.

Anonymous said...

97

Anonymous said...

98

Anonymous said...

99

Anonymous said...

Yea we broke the 100 mark!!!!

Anonymous said...

You can't count!

G'ville Public Schools?

:)

Anonymous said...

Cemetery friend?

Bodyguard?

Same person?

Anonymous said...

Good grief, 6:09....wanting a new topic does equal support for the mayor. (And it's "clique," not "click.") Let's move on to a subject that does not lend itself so easily to gossip and innuendo.

Anonymous said...

Regardless (or in this case, reguardless!)to how it's spelled or
misspelled....
it's still the same.

And everyone understood.

And everyone comprehended.

Maybe, that's what the problem is..
and not actually a misspelled word.

Anonymous said...

I do know the cemetery one was not her husband

Anonymous said...

Questions?

1. Where does Kenny Gines' wife work?

2. And Carl McGee's wife?

Anonymous said...

Was there a 3rd. party @cemetery?

Anonymous said...

Who is going to Bennie's Town Hall Meeting on the 25th?

Anonymous said...

3rd party was the police

Anonymous said...

3rd party was or still is police?

Anonymous said...

Answers:

1. Works for THE school

2. Also, works for THE school

Anonymous said...

There was no third party at the cemetary. Only the mayor and a male
person in the bed of the pick-up truck. The police were summoned
to the area for suspicious activity. The mayor claimed they were reading!

Anonymous said...

OMG!

You are telling me that...

in Greenville, Mississippi,......

a person has to hide to read!

Then, why do we have a library?

Anonymous said...

Let's move on, Wally.

Anonymous said...

The teachers do not respect ....

the fact that the deputy supt...

was only "in" the classroom for....

less than 10 yrs.

Anonymous said...

Did anybody attend the Bennie Thompson meeting? If so--can you give a report. You would think there would be something in the paper...

Anonymous said...

"Let's move on, Wally."

Wasn't that a famous quote from the T.V. show, "Leave It To Beaver"?

Anonymous said...

The teachers have learned...over the years...and I guess, have also, accepted the fact.. that "they" can advance their careers and eventually, reach the status of assistant principal or even a principal.

But, that's as far as they go.

Traditionally, the top two positions of the school district are reserved for someone who meets "certain" criteria:


1. Must be from out-of-town

and/or

2. Must have been a former athletic coach

Anonymous said...

Does G'ville Public Schools still have the Teach for America Program where college graduates are given a temp. teaching certificate, even though they did not major in educational courses?

If so, how many?

What percentage of staff?

Which schools?

What subjects?

What subjects are on state tests?

Anonymous said...

Hey, what happened to Rick's chicken place? It's closed and I heard that he was being sued by KFC or something due to him using kfc recipe and menus?? Is this true? I liked having another option on the Southside.

Anonymous said...

Teach for America is a national program, and not one that is facilitated by GPSD. However, the school district has used TFA's availibility to great advantage. It's true that the majority of the participants did not major in education, but IF ONLY the majority of the GPSD's faculty were so well educated or prepared.

Anonymous said...

Please explain.

".....not one that is facilitated by GPSD."

Does the GPSD have Teach for America teachers in the system this school year or not?

They (GPSD) have had them (TFA) in previous years.

Anonymous said...

According to "T.V. land", ....
the kfc recipe is heavily guarded and locked securely in a vault. Only family members (and possibly the guards)have access to the recipe.

I don't think that little 'ole Rick from G'ville stole THAT recipe.

He was probably "closed" by the owner/boss due to the economy & the owner/boss wanting more income for himself, in another location.

Cutting or eliminating the workers' salaries from the budget, would be a way to increase the budget. And then the owner/boss could increase his/her salary.

Has the owner's/boss's salary increased recently, since the closing?

Anonymous said...

Rick is the owner. It probably shut down because the patronage was not there. We went once and that was enough. The flies were awful and the food was just fair.

Anonymous said...

I will tell you why I only went there once!! The prices was wh\ay to high!!!! 22dollars for a box of chicken!! I went to walmart and got it for 8.

Anonymous said...

The chicken wasn't even that good,, I would have paid a higher price for the chicken but it would of had to been good.. I talked to many other people and they complained about the price also...

If he would have been smart, He would have got the place going with really good prices and the slowly went up..
That ok,, The building is there and its for sell, Something good will be back there soon!!

I am hoping for another fish place.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH!!

Anonymous said...

What we need in south G'ville is a good steak and seafood place. I would open up a nice steak and seafood restaurant if I thought the people of G'ville would support it. How about it? Would you support a really good steak and seafood restaurant in south G'ville?

Anonymous said...

I am allergic to shellfish so can't help you... steak would be nice tho but there are several places already that sell it...don't know what would work in Rick's building, seems like we have everything on this end except MacDonald's...

Anonymous said...

Its a little to small of a place for a quality restaurant. But it would be nice to have an Olive Garden. Garfields Has gotten so Bad, Its almost scary to go in it. The Mexican restaurants seams to be filling the bill for now. Is there no such thing as fast food BBQ. Maybe Tabb should look into that!!

Anonymous said...

How about a good Chinese food to go place. I miss How Joy's so much. The Wongs had the best Chinese food in the region and I trusted the "ingredients" if you know what I mean. I have heard rumors of Cathy Wong reopening a place, this would be a great place for dining in or drive in/take out.

Anonymous said...

Oh and that place near Kroger...chinese take out...uhhh it is ok, but nothing to say Yumm about!

Anonymous said...

Well from what I hear: Rick has a K.F.C. franchise in Indianola.
He was using K.F.C's stuff here in Greenville against franchise rules.It was only a matter of time.
Rick is like that. Anything right or wrong to make a buck.

Anonymous said...

It didn't taste like KFC to me... Just tasted like fried chicken that anyone who knew how to cook chicken could cook.. Nothing special

Anonymous said...

Thats what I thought about G'ville. I guess I will take my Red Lobster and Outback Steakhouse to Cleveland. After years of securing the franchise of both I was still hesitant to open them up in G'ville. Thanks for the input.

Anonymous said...

Cleveland is a "college" town.

And to some businesses, that might be considered a advantage.

However, the majority of college students do not have the available budget to dine out regularly at the Red Lobsster or Outback Steakhouse.

But, that's just an opinion.

A hamburger joint or a sandwich shop would do much better in a "college" town.

Anonymous said...

Sure, open Outback and Red Lobster in the great college city of Cleveland, MS. Good luck with that. Why not Morton's and Smith & Wolenski too???

Anonymous said...

Washington Post- Greenville's Brown water - Mayor Hudson and Obamanitis! Copy and paste below link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/23/AR2009082302548.html?sid=ST2009082302630

Anonymous said...

The water article mainly shows the frustration of Mayor Hudson. She actually believed when Obama came here, when she attended the "special official" meetings that she might get herself and her wish list, priority treatment. Most Divas and Obamanites believe this. After these several months of waiting, she has finally had to come to a rude awakening. She is not so special after all!LOL

Anonymous said...

The most successful careers are of those that have
"worked themselves up from the bottom"....
not of those of.. proclaimed DIVAS.

This usually holds true for all careers, including politicians.

Even the best (or worst!) politicians start out small, working (and volunteering!) in their community and eventually, chairing local organizations and clubs.

I think that the reasoning behind this strategy is to not only gain experience, but wisdom in the "dealings with the public".

The "so called" local, community minded politician, then "steps up"... to city government politics.

Eventually, the local politician, earns respect and then seeks mayorship of his/her community.

It's similar to the old saying,...
"One must crawl before they can walk".

Anonymous said...

I think Cleveland would be a great place to open up either a Red Lobster or an Outback steakhouse. With all the visitors and teams that come there during football, baseball, basketball and many other concerts that they have there people would love to have one of those places to eat. Neither one of those places are expensive. Plus the college is always having parents day, graduations, valentines day, birthdays, people always want a good place to celebrate. Plus there would be the students to work there that would really need the money for school. There are way to many sandwich shops or greasy spoons there already. I recently ate at the outback in Jackson and they have very good prices on their menu. My husband and I both had their special which was their famous outback steak(12 oz. new york strip) for 9.99. You get a salad and their good bread with that. Both of us ate for just under 25 dollars. Now I have made myself hungry just thinking about it.

Anonymous said...

Maybe you're right.

The "parents" of the college students could "foot the bill" for "special" dining out dinners.

Anonymous said...

Myself ,wife and daughter ate at the Outback in Jackson a while ago. We all ate there for around 35 dollars. I had chargrilled 14 0z.
ribeye, my wife had some kind of chargrilled chicken salad and my daughter had the small 8 0z. filet. Each of us had either a baked potato or fries and they have their loaf of bread served on a wooden block for you to slice with butter. It was very good. I would drive to cleveland to eat there on special occasions or while in town to watch a football or basketball game. They have very good prices. You can spend whatever you want to. But for a family of 4 could get by under 50 dollars.

Anonymous said...

Franchises generally require a minimum amount of traffic via interstate or major highway. Neither Cleveland nor Greenville brings in the volume of drive-through traffic desired.

Anonymous said...

Good point about the traffic.

Another idea to consider:

BEFORE, going to all of the trouble, worry, headache & heartache of securing funds (loans and/or investors, )for an eatery, it might be a good idea to already have the location secured.

And I think that I might consider having a professional to draw up some sort of data of suggested areas....such as population,income & demographics. (And traffic flow)

I certainly would not let my selection process be based entirely on opinions & messages on a blog.

Sorry, I hope that I have not offended anyone.....but, supposedly someone is talking about
TWO franchises & is seeking input from us.

Don't know about you, but to me that's a WHOLE LOTTA' MONEY.

And I am not a business major.

Anonymous said...

Hwy. 61 goes thru Cleveland. I know I always go that way to Memphis. It seems to be a whole lot of traffic on that road if you ask me. I know many more that travel that way to Memphis to shop also. He may have hit on a goldmine. Count me in on stopping to eat there if it happens. Sometimes towns unlike G'ville work with new business's to get them interested. Maybe he has or will work with Cleveland Chamber of Commerce to secure a place for nearly nothing.

Anonymous said...

I went and looked up Outback Steakhouse. I've heard of it but have never eaten there.I saw where it is rated the best steakhouse in the u.s. as far as family and prices were a concern. After reading about it , I would hope they would reconsider G'ville. Zagnat.com rated them number one also. I love steak but spending close to 100 dollars for a family of 4 is way out of my family's budget. And around here thats just for 2 at does or shermans.

Anonymous said...

Universal healthcare will ruin the health system. Obama is is trying to kill the middle class buy taxing us to death. His healthcare is designed for those lazy, bottom feeding scum suckers that want everything given to them. While us hard working, God fearing,patriotic americans foot the bill once again. Wake up you idiots and look around. If you think it's bad now wait till you pay 60% of you check each week to pay for all his outragous policies he wants. Economists have done the math and thats what we all will pay if he gets his way. I don't know about you but 60% of my paycheck for his socialist ways will kill my dreams and my childrens. Healthcare is not a right but a privilege for those who work and pay for it themselves.

Anonymous said...

11:07, I hope for your sake that you never lose your job. Insurance companies have ruined the health care system. There is a lot of abuse by the "bottom feeding scum suckers", yes, but that is what Medicaid is currently covering, it has nothing to do with the plan that is at hand right now. There are plenty of people who work very hard at good jobs that may be for smaller companies that don't provide insurance, or don't provide good insurance.

Anonymous said...

So you're for giving up 60% of your paycheck for his health plan. I'm not ready to eat dog food so others can sit at home and get everything for free.

Anonymous said...

For everyone's info Red Lobster does not franchise! They are all company owned! I am not sure about Outback. We have looked into many franchies before, be prepared to have $1,000,000 available by the time you select site, build, equipment, furniture, etc...

Just ask Rick! Or just call his number listed on the for sale sign on their building!

Anonymous said...

Anyone have a lead on a historical house that needs to be moved?? I am looking for one to restore and live in.

Anonymous said...

There's one at 137 Poplar st. No wait the city DEMOLISHED IT!!! Way to go G'ville.

Anonymous said...

Citizens for a Better Greenville?

What is this organization?

How is it funded?

How are funds used?

Are funds used to provide a director's salary?

Anonymous said...

The City of Greenville OWNS the building that 'houses' Brent Day Care Center.

And the roof needs to be repaired.

Does Brent Day Care Center pay a monthly fee for lease/rent?

What is the amount?

What are the taxes on this property?

And insurance for this building?

I feel that as a taxpayer, I (and everyone else) should have these questions answered.

Could not the "rent money" be used to repair the roof, instead of 'dipping" into the general funds?

Are there "other" properties that the city OWNS & leases/rents?

Anonymous said...

You are not going to get those questions answered on this blog.

Anonymous said...

Why not?

Isn't it "public" information?

Anonymous said...

Yes, ALL of the City of Greenville's budget should be public information..unless there is something to hide?

Anonymous said...

Well, a city councilman is the one that first approached the subject of Brent Day Care Center in a
DDT newspaper article, concerning the city's budget.

I guess the councilmen can openly discuss the city's budget in a newspaper article, but the public can not ask questions.

Anonymous said...

True:"These are children we are talking about."

Also, true:Brent Day Care Center is a business.

A business that profits from children & child care.

All businesses must pay "overhead"
expenses before seeing a profit ,including Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse & daycare centers.

Anonymous said...

Does she go to the black mayors conference and the "other mayors conference". Doesn't seem she needs to participate in both, and she needs a body guard for NEITHER!!

Anonymous said...

Lol. After reading the comments on these issues/people, I find myself astounded that Greenville still exists at all. Alot of your are slandering peoples names by throwing out rumors and trying to drag people through the mud. It calls to mind the quote, "Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, and great minds talk about ideas". What habve you been talking about? Verify facts before you start slinging mud because what you sow, you shall reap. If things in Greenville are so delporable, what are YOU doing to correct the situation? Either you are part of the solution or part of the problem. I am a product of Greenville Public Schools and graduated from the high school when the current deputy was the principal there. If teachers didn't respect him, we didn't see it. He was in our classrooms and they did what he asked them to do. Was it the best, may be not. But they tried. 95% of what he told us that college was like was right on point. We just didn't realize it at the time. Did I think that we should have been given more freedom? Yes! But now I realize what I thought were"rights" actually were not and they were benefits that had to be earned. We hated uniforms and now I work a job where I have to wear a uniform. Even MDCC has a dress code. Folks wake up, stop dissing people and let's work on correcting our issues.