OUTRAGED!

Anonymous writer vents:

There should be a public outrage for the mayor and 3 council members voting to hire an engineering firm from JACKSON! It appears that a fee of $513,000 will be leaving Greenville!!!!!!!

We have 2 very competent Engineering Firms with deep family roots in Greenville. The Burles & Hookers both have contributed to the local community in many ways. Both have properties here and pay a huge tax bill every year! What a slap in the face!!

I am totally disgusted that my tax money is leaving Greenville!!!!

We should all be outraged! Not just because local engineering firms didn’t win the bid, but because the city failed to even advertise that they were taking bids for this project. The local engineers never got a chance to submit a bid.

By law, city and county governments are required to follow a very strict and well defined bid letting procedure. (Any competent attorney would know this.) The purpose of this law is to ensure that all bidders (particularly minorities) have a fair chance at submitting the lowest bid, thus winning the contract.

By allowing the city to circumvent this law, the mayor is promoting this illegal practice. So, the questions arise…

Who selected this Jackson based firm and on what basis?

How do we know that nepotism or some other form of “quid pro quo” is not steering the council’s decision?

We don’t... because the law that prevents this type of illegal activity has been ignored. Apparently, our Mayor and City Council don't "Believe in Greenville", nor do they have any respect for the laws that govern their authority as elected public servants. This is just another example of the "abuse of power" that has characterized Ms. Hudson's first term in office.

Yes, we should all be outraged and we should make our voices heard by calling the mayor and our council members to express our wishes to have this illegal decision overturned. As for our economic development council's efforts to sell Greenville with slogans like "Buy Here" and "Keep your money in the Delta", I would say that we've all been sold down the river.

Forthright

Pride and Potholes

"Local Reflector" comments:

"I hate to see such a nasty tumble in price on an "expensive" property, but while I was in G'ville, I never understood how the tax collectors could justify valuing properties upward in price when it was obvious that over 400 hundred people (not including deaths which took people way) were leaving the area."

"There's no "new" money coming into the Delta, so expecting to turn properties might be difficult. I used to write about the shrinking middle class and how outward migration trends with this demographic aren't getting attention."

"Nice work on the blog, Fortright. I hope Delta Scoop catches back on with a couple hundred readers and a dozen regular contributors. "

Thanks, LR. I share your lament of the "down-sizing" of Greenville. The early 1980's gave us a population just under 50,000. Today, it is closer to 37,000, and shrinking. In the Delta a loss of 13,000 taxpayers should be triggering the panic button for our newly established economic development council. Instead, they ask us to focus on the "positives" of our city.

• Is it positive that my children had to attend a private school in order to achieve a basic education?
• Is it positive that my 2 year old car just had its suspension realigned due to the bottomless potholes on our streets?
• Is is positive that my home has been on the market over three years without a bid even close to the appraisal?
• Is it positive that I took my child to DRMC's emergency room and waited 5 hours before being seen?
• Is it positive that we can't keep any type of revenue generating shows or festivals in Greenville? We have tried horse shows, dog shows, balloon fests, literary fests, and car shows. None have been sustained.
• Is it positive that approximately 32% of Greenville residents drive over 30 miles a day in order to maintain employment? (Gas at $3.00 per gallon, you do the math.)

At the risk of sounding like Andy Rooney, "I just don't get it." I suppose we should be thankful for the handful of runners who jogged through our streets last weekend, bringing with them some revenue. However, I am more thankful that one of them didn't disappear into a pothole on Washington Avenue and that Mike Wallace won't be hosting"60 Minutes" next Sunday from our "entertainment district."

Perhaps we need to focus less on the "positives" of Greenville and more on its "opportunities for improvement." We are like beggars who are thankful for every crumb that is tossed our way. Until we get actively involved in promoting Greenville, in new and innovative ways, we will continue to wither on the vine.

Forthright

Defaults: Marriages, Loans and Auctions

Anonymous said...

"I saw in the legal section of the DDT the other day that our Mayor & Husband (or ex) have defaulted on house payments! Maybe she needs a raise!"

Could be, but I doubt it. Mayor Hudson (and/ or Ex) probably suffer from the same plight as hundreds of Greenville residents... a dismal real estate market in which you literally have to "give away" property in order to move.

The recent auction of "Somoa" is a telling tale. After the owners defaulted on the mortgage, it was put up for auction by the lender. Opening bid was a mere $50,000 and the final bid brought $183,000. (Note: This is a home that once appraised for over $600,000.)

So, do we have a very happy new owner of this icon of Greenville real estate?

Well, no. It seems that the high bidder could not secure financing... even at 1/3 the appraised value. So, if you are among those property owners who still believe that they will profit, or even recoup their investment in Greenville real estate, I wish you well!

Even the pair of whales heading up river could see the end in sight... and fled back to open sea.

Forthright

Copper Capers Continue...

The following are anonymous comments from various readers...

The newspaper didn't report the burglary of at least 7 vehicles last week in the old Bowmanor neighborhood, although the police took a report. This is the MAYOR'S own neighborhood! One occurrence was two doors down from Mrs. Hudson's home.

I for one think it is just a travesty that incidents like these are not reported to the public. Where is our media coverage? More importantly, where are our men in blue? If the police are in fact out patrolling as they should be why are they not making it known? And why does their presence seem obsolete?

You can't convince me that the police aren't part of the problem. Their leadership turns a blind eye to the problem.

There is very little true police work going on here. The officers just shrug their shoulders. The detectives never follow up. The leadership disrespects and turns a blind eye to complaints. Try to get a incident report and it's a nightmare.

I read in the DDT today that they finally made some arrest involving the copper thievery! well there is no way that only three people are responsible for all the damage and theft. I wonder how long before they are back out on the streets.

Who wants to bet me that Mayor Hudson will be unopposed in her re-election?

Forthright

More "Untold" Stories

Anonymous said...

"Extra- Extra read all about this here because you will not see this in our local media. Automatic gunfire erupts Saturday 05/12/07 at V.F.W. Almost 30 rounds filled the night air as gunfire erupted at The V. early Saturday morning. Two people have said to be injured. The Assistant Chief left the "Entertainment District" in a reactive move to make Greenville safe. "

Another writer offers:

"I heard that the Hebrew Temple suffered a big loss to copper thieves. This brings to almost thirty downtown businesses that have been hit. Estimated combined loss of almost a quarter of a million dollars."

It appears that much "news" gets missed by our local media. Unfortunately, I have no way of substantiating whether all or any of the stories are true; however, both sound quite plausible.

Copper is a hot commodity right now. Thieves recently stripped the abandoned Hollandale Hospital of much of the copper and sold it for thousands. As for the automatic gunfire, that is a common sound which can be heard throughout the city on any given night.

Let's not forget the rash of arson fires which occur almost nightly. City officials attribute them to teenagers who are "bored" and have nothing better to do. (I don't recall ever being that bored as a teenager.)

Thursday's news tells us of 15 car break-ins in the Country Club Estates area. This suggests that our thieves do not restrict their activities to the older sections of town. It also suggests that our men in blue need to get out of the "entertainment district" and into the residential neighborhoods.

What say you, Mayor Hudson?

Forthright

Our Men in Blue Causing the "Blues"

Regarding Greenville's Finest...

"I'm not sure exactly how many crimes took place over the weekend, but I do know that at least six officers entered one of the bars downtown waving flashlights for no reason on more than one occasion. It does seem that the police force would rather push their weight around in a safe bar that already has security than go out and do some actual police work, and why not???"

"We are merely all bowing down to them giving them all the power in the world to abuse however they see fit. How many murders happened here last year, and how many were solved? What about all the other crimes that take place on a day to day basis? It would be interesting to see just how many crimes take place between the hours of 10:00 pm and 2:00 am when they seem to be "working so diligently". I personally DO NOT feel very safe at all knowing this is the bunch that is supposedly "protecting" me and my family."

Another disgruntled patron adds:

"I also agree. I was told to get my f..king ass off the side walk or go to jail just for wanting to smoke outside one of the clubs. No one deserves this kind of disrespect from the Assistant Chief. To me it sets a bad example for the other guys on the force."

L.R. adds the following..

"It's always been that way regarding the police and nightclub and bar security. It's easier to patrol to "easily patrolable" not to mention it's 1/4 block from the police station. If nothing's happening inside the bar, then nothing will happen except you'll see cops waving flashlights. That said, having that "safe" feeling downtown is another matter."

When was the last time you read the headline: "Man Robbed at Gunpoint in Crowded Bar"? I would suspect that most fleeing criminals don't seek shelter in our downtown "entertainment district."

As for profanity from public servants, it should not be tolerated. The above "smoker" should have immediately called the GPD and lodged a formal complaint against this officer. Because they represent the law does not mean that they are above it!

Police officers have a difficult and often dangerous job. For the most part, they are underpaid for their often "thankless" jobs; however, they too, must play by the rules. Abuse of power at any level is unacceptable, but it will "always be that way" as long as we permit it. Everyone has a boss, whether appointed or elected. However low on the food-chain voters have become, we still have a voice.

Complacency is the fodder of tyrants!

Forthright

Things You Won't Read in the DDT...

Below are several anonymous comments from readers...

"I have waited all week to see if anyone reported the melee that broke out at the carnival last Saturday night 5/5/07. Imagine taking you kids out for a night of fun at the carnival and instead thugs fighting and shooting randomly, so much that people were running and ducking in the mall, under tables at Garfield's anywhere they could hide. Shots fired in the mall and surrounding area but no report makes it to our local media."

"Well, I for one can understand how this can happen. Greenville finest are to busy hassling the Restaurant and Nightclub owners around town. I personally saw the Ass. Chief six times Wednesday night, four times Friday night and several times Saturday night policing the "Entertainment District" Why????? Because it is easier and safer than doing real police work. He walks around cursing people and acting arrogant while Greenville literally burns on his shift. Wise up city leaders. Put someone in charge that really wants to take a bite out of crime instead of a pompous ass with a chip on his shoulder. To get respect you must be willing to give it!!"

"Thugs ruined the multi-million dollar car show. What do you expect? I'll tell you what we need...LEADERSHIP."

News by the Pound

Anonymous said...

"I watched the city council meeting a few weeks ago. The police report for the month of March said there was only 750+ calls. I don't remember how many arrests but i think that # was well over 500. "

"With that kind of crime and arrest the paper would have to have another section. That could be the crime report section."

Yes, and if the DDT added sections on real estate for sale and delinquent property taxes, each edition would have the weight of a Sunday "New York Times."

Forthright

Delayed Crime "Stats"

Anonymous said...

I think The Delta Democrat Times is doing a great disservice by printing crime stats that are two months behind. How can Greenvillians keep up with current crime trends. Look at online editions of the Greenwood Commonwealth and The Natchez Democrat. All Crimes and Fire calls are reported the next day. I'm sure this helps parents identify bad people that their children are exposed to. Plus it may help the community identify vulnerabilities that may exist in their neighborhoods.

The writer makes a good point: news is "news" when it happens. After two months, it becomes history. A more alarming statistic which has been told to me by more than one law enforcement officer, is that the DDT reports only about 1/3 of the crime that really occurs in Greenville. That IS scary!

Obviously, our local paper wants to put a positive spin on Greenville whenever possible. I am afraid that if the DDT printed 100% of all 911 and fire calls every day, they would have to add another section.

Forthright

"Pranks" and Prejudice

A semi-regular reader offers...

"I read in Monday's paper that a woman who publicly spews racist comments to her neighbors is now the victim of "pranks" like setting her garbage can on fire (maybe, that could be interpreted as a prank or harassment) and a Molotov cocktail which was thrown at her house and burned up her A.C. unit. Indianola police say...well, buy the paper or read it online."

"Now, THERE'S a debate on what are "appropriate responses" to racially tense communication."

"By the way, the double standards DO exist. I saw a guy on ESPN (Yes, ESPN) who offered a good analysis of the Imus firing. Rap artists and comedians can say what they say with no regard to advertisers and they make money doing it. Is it right? Probably not, but I'll err on the side of free speech. "

"Michael Richards didn't have to apologize, but there was market pressure on his career that required it. The "market" handles these things best and not more gov't intervention over the #1 protection in the Bill of Rights - Free Speech. Don Imus was losing most every major sponsor except Bigelow Tea, which offered public support. "

"The firing was premature and wimpy, but the marketplace spoke on the Imus situation in certain terms that get networks' attention. That said, I believe Imus could return to the airwaves within months and his old stations will resume his broadcasts over any replacement morning show offered through CBS or Westwood One Radio Network. The market spoke and it's given Don Imus new and nationally-based attention. "

"A great conversation would be to discuss the likely political proposals which could come forth in the wake of the Imus firing. I guarantee you that ALL of them will suggest restrictions on everyone's speech as a result. "

Given America's propensity to turn "heels" into "heroes", it would not surprise me to see Don Imus go on to even greater fame and wealth. I can envision a Hollywood Movie deal with countless TV talk show appearances in his future.

Lest we forget, it was less than two years ago that our media mercenaries entertained the thought of publishing O.J.'s "near tell-all novel", entitled, "How I Would Have Killed Them, if I Had".

Forthright

Is Santa Claus Racist?

Anonymous readers said...

"Two words... "Double Standards"

Another added...

"Look for yourself..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q8LxO4wnCQ

NOTE: This video clip is from Chris Rock's actual live performance and contains graphic racial and sexual content.

A third writer offer...

"Aw----you gotta see the Dave Chappelle skit where he's a blind black man who's in a white supremacist group---every other word is the N-word. "

"It's OK if you're black and make black jokes, and you can even make fun of white folks.....but just let a white man make one wrong move and BAM---he's out! And yes, Imus is a pig, and no, he won't be missed by people with high standards, but do you realize that he didn't even use the N-word?"

"The term "ho" is one from the ghetto culture, not a term that Imus or the white man originated. "

Well, like him or not, it seems that the Imus affair confirms what George Orwell once wrote... "All men are created equal, however, some men are more equal than others."

Forthright

Ho, Ho, Ho...

CBS fired Don Imus from his radio program Thursday, the finale to a stunning fall for one of the nation’s most prominent broadcasters.

Imus initially was given a two-week suspension for calling the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos” on the air last week, but outrage continued to grow and advertisers bolted from his CBS radio show and its MSNBC simulcast, which was canceled Wednesday.

“There has been much discussion of the effect language like this has on our young people, particularly young women of color trying to make their way in this society,” CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves said in announcing the decision. “That consideration has weighed most heavily on our minds as we made our decision.”

The cantankerous Imus, once named one of the 25 Most Influential People in America by Time magazine and a member of the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame, issued repeated apologies as protests intensified. But it wasn’t enough as everyone from Barack Obama to Oprah Winfrey joined the criticism.

The Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson met with Moonves on Thursday to demand Imus’ removal, promising a rally outside CBS headquarters Saturday and an effort to persuade more advertisers to defect. Jackson called the firing “a victory for public decency. No one should use the public airwaves to transmit racial or sexual degradation.”

Said Sharpton: “He says he wants to be forgiven. I hope he continues in that process. But we cannot afford a precedent established that the airways can commercialize and mainstream sexism and racism.”

Okay, I am not a fan of Don Imus. To me, he captured his "spotlight" by being cynical and overly critical of all who attain their "15 minutes of fame". I agree that what Imus said on public airways was reprehensible and in very poor taste, but does the punishment fit the crime?

If Jackson and Sharpton are so adamant about freeing the "public airwaves from racial and sexual degradation", why don't they consider these sources:

• Gangster Rap Music
• BET Music Videos
• Black comedians... Chris Rock comes to mind
• Saturday Night Live "spoofs"
• Black TV comedies

Compared to the racial, sexual and violent language that we permit on these sources of "public airwaves", Don Imus looks like a choir boy. Sure, what he said was in bad taste, but "bad taste" entertainment seems to be the trend of the 21st century. Most of popular TV and movies are in bad taste. Much of what we consider "funny" is degrading to someone or some group.

Chris Rock currently has a 30 minute stand-up comedy routine on video in which he rants and raves about every stereotypical "black" trait ever conceived. In the course of this "routine", he uses the "N" word 96 times! This live performance was videoed in front of a majority black audience, who not only paid money to see his performance, but appeared quite amused and entertained.

So, have we lost a great talent with the firing of Don Imus? No.

Has his firing made a significant improvement in race relations in the U.S. No.

Are we a bit hypocritical as a society in our interpretation of free speech? Yes.

If Don Imus had made the same derogatory comments on a stage in Las Vegas, would he have been banned from the "airwaves" or been promoted to the status of star performer? The "line" at which Mr. Imus crossed over seems movable at best and one that appears drawn by promoters, sponsors and politicians!

Forthright

Address Change...

Most of you will recall that the former Blog-master, "Local Reflector", purchased the . com name "Delta Scoop". It is up for renewal, but takes time to transfer. Meanwhile, you can still keep up with the Scoop through its generic site name: www.deltascoop.blogspot.com

Once the name is transferred, you will be able to use either address to access the Scoop. Please pass the new address on to your friends who enjoy the Delta Scoop. Thanks for your interest and participation.

Forthright

Ray in the "Rose-Colored" Garden

Anonymous writer comments...

"Many nurses have left DRMC, not just the ones from KDH. The reasons the nurses are leaving are bad management, poor treatment, and unrealistic expectations. The problems started when dear Ray came and brought his little group with him, and until they leave, don't expect to see any of these nurses return."

'As most of you have noticed, the nurses that have left have been your seasoned, experienced nurses. These are nurses who know when their hard earned license is being put on the line. Most of the ones who have left had been at DRMC anywhere from 5 years to 25+ years. DRMC is one of the only places I've seen that punishes employees for loyalty. "

"Most of the nurses at DRMC now are contract nurses and travel nurses, and the majority of those wont renew their contracts because of the same reasons the other nurses have left.
It's time for the board to open their eyes and take off their rose-colored glasses. Ray-Ray needs to go. "

"I just truly hope that no person I care about has to be hospitalized at DRMC any time in the near future. Heck, I don't even want any enemies to have to go there!"

"There are some very good doctors there, but they can't do everything by themselves. No hospital can function without good nursing staff, and at this time, that is just not available at DRMC."

Seems like all fingers point to Ray! Mr. Humphreys is either the victim of a wide-spread "smear" campaign or our county leaders need to get out of the "rose" garden!

For all of my solicitations, I have yet to receive a comment in support of Mr. Humphreys and his current administration at DRMC. Surely, someone supports this man and his efforts?

Obviously, there are many disgruntled employees who have left DRMC. This writer suggests that the quality of care has been jeopardized as a result of this exodus and that is certainly a valid concern.

Dedicated physicians are vital to quality health care; however; trained nurses are essential. In the current arena of health care, there is too much competition for nurses to be expected to compromise their ethical standards for job security and political maneuvers. If DRMC is losing nurses as the writer suggests, there is a definite problem that should concern us all.

If health care is not on your top 10 list of concerns now, I can assure you it will be in the near future. As the writer suggests, we should not wait until we are being rolled through the doors of the emergency room to question the motives of those who control our health care system, or of those who may, or may not, be responsible for saving our lives.

Forthright

"Special" Education

The following is from an article in the Greenwood Commonwealth:

"The Greenwood City Council has given final approval for New Delta Preparatory School's groundbreaking. The school, sponsored by the Viking Foundation, will be built on 8 acres of land off Sgt. John A. Pittman Drive. It will offer courses for seventh- through 12th-grade students, said Bill Crump, Viking Range Corp.'s director of governmental affairs.

Crump said the school will appeal to students "who aspire to academic excellence and community leadership."We'll have a very rigorous specialized curriculum, which will include community service projects," he said. "The students will be encouraged to attain the highest academic and professional success that they can." Accreditation will come through New Summit School.

Dr. Nancy Boyll, the executive director of New Summit School, will serve as administrator at New Delta. Crump said it will aim to "serve a more racially diverse population than the public schools and the academy schools in the Leflore County area. The racial makeup, we anticipate, will be reflective of the racial makeup of the community."New Delta will offer honors as well as advanced placement courses. Scholarships to the school, both full and partial, will be made available based upon a student's need, Crump said.

Initially, 10 to 15 teachers will work at the school. The initial student population has been set at between 100 and 150, he said. The school will offer specialized courses, including satellite courses from various colleges and universities, Crump said. The school shouldn't diminish other schools in the community, Crump said. Rather, "this will provide another alternative for people living in our community or coming into our community," he said.

The school will interview both parents and students to determine if the proper attitude exists in the home."Parents have to push that child and encourage that child. It's very important for the parents to be on board," he said.

The council unanimously approved the special exception for development of the school. Crump said preliminary work at the site will begin this week."

Anonymous writer questions...

"The whole idea of a new private school in the area is puzzling, especially considering that Greenwood's Pillow Academy is an above-average school and has the local private market cornered, with no parochial high school in sight."

"What is troubling is the new school's "accreditation" coming from the New Summit School in the Jackson area. A quick look at that school's webpage (http://www.newsummitschool.homestead.com/) states the following, in only the second paragraph on the home page:

"New Summit School also qualifies as a special purpose school; and in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health is certified to offer counseling services to students, and licensed to operate a Day Treatment Program."

Excuse me? The Department of Mental Health? Let's all RUSH to enroll our young college preppers there! (I don't think so.) Mr. Carl's money is misdirected this time.

The unfortunate truth is that since the passage of Public Law 94-142 in the early '70's, there is nothing "special" about special education. All children could benefit from smaller classes, individualized instruction, and yes, even counseling to deal with the pressures of today's world.

The true "disability" that students face these days is the disability of their teachers to meet their individual educational needs. Let face facts, not everyone's mother looked like June Cleaver!

Children enter school with a myriad of social problems ranging from drug addition and sexual abuse to emotional neglect and abandonment.

As a medical professional, if I had to align education with any one other public entity it would definitely be a mental health organization. Today's teachers can't teach because of all the emotional "baggage" that kids bring with them into the classroom.

Maybe Mr. Carl is breaking ground on an educational frontier in which all children have a true opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Forthright

Private School Woes

An anonymous writer offers the following...

"That great sucking sound you hear is the last morsel of Greenville "Christian" School as it swirls down the drain! The declining local economy (read: white/professional flight) cannot support three tuition-based high schools. Four, if you count Deer Creek".

"The better question is: what's up with Fred Carl and Viking Range? How is it that they figure Greenwood needs another private school?"

Sacred Secrets?

New topic... Thank God!

"Does anyone know what is going on with the Emanuel Baptist Church and Greenville Christian School? Rumor is that the pastor of the church is not answering questions, acting like he has a big secret. Rumor also is that the school will close if the church does not step in. Comments, please, if you have any information".

I will have to defer this one to those more in the know... Come on Greenville, let's hear from you. The Scoop counter says you are reading the Scoop... just not offering your thoughts and opinions, which we all have. Speak up!

Forthright

"Jackpot" or "Jeopardy"?

Anonymous writer offers...

"Looks like Ray hit the jackpot. People on the gulf coast are still living in tent homes, but HUD just pumped millions into a failing public hospital.

How can he use the burn center? I thought they were separate. There is some real problems at Delta Regional. We need to wake up."

Yes, Ray has pulled another one out of his hat; although, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul has never been considered a long term solution. A HUD loan is like borrowing money from your local "Cash for Title" establishment. It is a last ditch effort to prevent the inevitable, and the odds are always in THEIR favor.

Tax payers would have better odds if Ray took a million in cash down to the Jubilee Casino and put in all on red... or perhaps black would be a more appropriate bet.

As for HUD's responsible appropriation of funds, I think Katrina speaks volumes. After all, it is a government program... mistakes will be made... pockets will be lined.

DRMC graciously donated the space for the burn center and thus welcomes it back in its attempts to become the "Cardiovascular Center of the Delta".

Pouring millions of dollars into DRMC with its current administration is like siphoning the Titanic with a bucket... it may buy you a little time, but the ultimate outcome will still be the same.

Forthright

"Trust" and "Trustees"...

Anonymous said...

"I don't necessarily disagree with the sentiments expressed by this writer (although I question whether all of the listed physicians were "run off" -- I know that several of them simply left for greener pastures)."

"One caveat however. The City government -- while probably/certainly wishing the hospital well -- has absolutely no control over, responsibility for, or even any influence in the operations at DRMC. Efforts at change should be directed at the hospital's Trustees and the Board of Supervisors. Those are the only entities that can accomplish anything in that regard. "

This writer is correct, the city does not control DRMC. The county Board of Supervisors and the hospital's appointed Trustees are the public officials who ultimately should be held responsible for DRMC's current plight.

The hospital's financial woes did not begin with the purchase of KDH. It is hard to believe that our county supervisors and the hospital's trustees continue to turn a "blind eye" to the spiraling decline that DRMC has experienced during the Humphreys' administration.

At the end of the day, whether elected or appointed, these are the individuals who have knowingly allowed the current administration to ruin a once respected and progressive health care system. We shall all pay a hefty price for our misplaced trust.

Forthright...

PS... Correction in a previous post: Dr. Margaret Cassada is still very much a valued member of our medical community. Perhaps the writer was thinking of her father, Dr. Ogden, who has indeed moved on to "greener" pastures, a true loss for Greenville and the medical community.

What's Up, Docs?

An Ex-Greenvillian Comments:

I think it’s time for Ray Humphreys and his team players to go, so that the city of Greenville can have a better health care system available for the public. DRMC has caused so many good doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to leave its community. Why can’t the public see what is actually going on?

We need new board members who are actually going to keep their eyes on Ray Humphreys and what his team players are doing. We need younger people with fresh new ideas that are not part of the GOOD OLD BOY’S GROUP.

You know once they get together and want you out you are gone for sure. I’ve never seen a community that just sits and let things happen like they have in the DELTA. I know people who work over there at that hospital and they tell me how horrible it is there, but believe me no one will go on record and admit to it. Why? Because if they do they are subject to losing their job and where else do they have to go when GREENVILE, Board of Supervisors and Board of Trustees have allowed DRMC to buy up just about every medical facility in Greenville.

Do they not know how MONOPLY is played? I knew as a child when I played Monopoly that you buy all that you can buy so you can control everything. I guess the next thing Ray will do is rename Greenville to Rayville.

What about what he did to that other hospital he came from? No one bothered to check his references??? Or were they so desperate they just settled for anything. This community deserves better and we could if we could get these quacks out the hospital. There are so many doctors in Greenville that should not be practicing and the community doesn’t have an idea because everything is covered up. I’ve heard so many horror stories of patients dying on ventilators and at the hands of doctors that have no idea of what they are doing.

I was told that they have not had pulmonologist on staff for the past 8 months, and as of today there are about 4 more doctors that they are running off and will be gone in the next 4 months. Guess what? If a patient has a stroke in Greenville they are straight out of luck, because they no longer have a Neurologist on staff. God help our families for they have created a monster at DRMC.

Here is a list my friends have gathered for me of some of the doctors they have got together and run off in less than 2 years:

1. Dr. S. Sathanandan MD (Neurology)

2. Dr. E. Muller (psychiatrist)

3. Dr. M. Cassada (psychiatrist)

4. Dr. N. Viyouh (OB/GYN)

5. Dr. S. Dyer (anesthesiologist)

6. Dr. E. Egger (ophthalmologist)

7. Dr. T. Firozi (Gastroenterologist)

8. Dr. M. Kurdi (pulmonologist)

9. Dr. J. Perkins (OB/GYN)

10. Dr. J. Taylor (Cardiologist)

11. Dr. J. Almond (Orthopedics)

12. Dr. Swong (ENT)

13. Dr. M. Atubra (Pediatrics)

14. Dr. A. Tatum (Internal Med)

15. Dr. A. Martin (Pathologist)

16. Dr. F. Hadidi (Neurology)

17. Dr. A. Yates (Radiology)

18. Dr. A. Diamond (Cardiovascular Surgery)

19. There are too many nurses, and other medical staff to name.

20. The Burn Center is gone. That was the main objective when Ray took office as CEO.

21. KDH is gone too. What’s going to happen when they can’t pay the loan back to the banks when they acquired KDH?

Think about it. This city will have to pay it and your taxes will increase because it is a county hospital. This community needs to wake up and smell the coffee or they will get burned!!!

Sincerely,

A former Greenvillian that will never be a "Rayvillian"

Well, well... another dissatisfied customer! I can't add much to this commentary, but the writer poses a very valid question: If we are "Better Together" (as the billboards tout), then why are doctors and nurses fleeing Greenville in mass?

Talk to your friends who work at DRMC. Talk to the physicians who are on staff at DRMC. Talk to the patients who have sought treatment at DRMC... and then pick up the phone and talk to your city and county officials. Greenville deserves quality medical care, but we will never get that until YOUR voice is heard!

Forthright

Where have all the Nurses Gone?

A local reader ponders...

I've read the interesting comments re: DMRC, the Burn Center's loss, and the poor state of affairs in Greenville. At such a sorry state it seems all we can do now is to improve all the problems--could it get worse?

Maybe, but someone would certainly have to go to jail in that case. One alarming fact I haven't heard much about is the small number of KDH staff that were absorbed by DRMC and I'm not referring to their part-time staff that worked at both hospitals. So far, I've counted only six staff--RN, LPN and clerical staff members.

What happened to the others? Why did DRMC have to hire 50 new Filipino nurses if there were RN's already on hand at KDH? I know most of the answers but want input from the blog.

Billw_willy

That is an excellent question and one that was recently answered for me when I ran into a local physician who also practices in Cleveland. He told me that his practice in Cleveland was booming and that walking into Bolivar Medical Center was like walking into King's Daughters Hospital.

When I asked what he meant, he stated that almost every employee from King's Daughters was now working at Bolivar Medical Center. He went on to say that it was not just the nursing staff, but ancillary and clerical staff as well.

I knew that their Chief Nursing Officer was a previous KDH employee who was well respected in the medical community, but still found it odd that so many Greenville residents would choose to drive 80 miles a day if they had secure jobs at DRMC.

Personally, I have never heard much good about Bolivar Medical Center and I expressed this to my physician friend. He agreed that in the past it was not a top-notch medical facility, but that under its new corporate ownership, it had made great strides and had employed some of the best clinical staff in the Delta.

As for DRMC's Filipino nurses, I have heard that rumor as well. It would seem that DRMC is in very sad shape if local nurses opt to drive to another city rather than work at our local hospital. From the little I know of current immigration laws, I would be dubious of 50 Filipinos being ushered into Greenville any time soon.

It is no revelation that I am not a fan of DRMC and its current administration. It is truly a shame that the once noted medical center has fallen victim to power-mongers who have little regard for the quality of medical care in Greenville.

In parting with my friend, I asked him what he thought about the destiny of DRMC. He simply smiled at me and said, "that chapter is being written as we speak."

So...... at least we know where our nurses are.

P.S. I would love to hear from someone who works at DRMC. Surely, someone must support our local medical facility. I will print any and all opposing or supporting views. Let's hear from you Delta.

Forthright

A "Bumpy" Ride

"Local Reflector" replies:

No one can argue greed, ego, ignorance or apathy are critical ingredients of your argument and the fact of the situation. I must say that I believe DRMC was profitable earlier this decade and that it held a nine-figure savings account.

Something led the local lenders to "invest" in the county hospital. Now, using the words "investing" alongside "county-run hospital" is another tangent altogether. I can't speak for "nervous" local lenders but conclude that HUD's loan interest rates would be a better choice of leveraging the hospital's debt. At least, that's a correct move.

But Medicaid reimbursement cutbacks will really choke DRMC. It paid (when I was in the area) high salaries to recruit doctors - some of whom only scheduled a handful of procedures a year. So, the old financial albatross returns to the nest.

You really can't debate the facts...you really can't. At best, you can interpret the landscape and see where the economy and society are taking us and assess whether you really want to be along for the ride.

No, debating the facts would be pointless and yes, it does come down to a question of who wants to be along for the "ride".

From the looks of the local real estate guide, it appears that a great majority of our residents are responding "Not me". Greenville taxpayers are tired of the empty promises of local officials who boast of "significant progress" while on their watch. (Mayor Hudson's state of the city address in Sunday's DDT)

Downtown resembles a post-war third world country, the schools are deplorable, roads impassable, health care in shambles and property values at an all time low. All the "spin" we can muster doesn't negate the fact that Greenville is in a spiraling decline!

Can it be saved? Perhaps, but not as long as we continue to believe in the Svengalis who led us into this political and racial quagmire. Quit believing in Greenville.. and start believing in (and being a part of) what Greenville COULD be!

Forthright

Greenville gets "Burned"

An "Old Friend" writes:

Forthright,

There may be some ego play in the closure of the Burn Center, but financial concerns must be the number 1 priority.

The Burn Center leaked money and its primary fundraising arm was, in my opinion, forever tainted by the long-time embezzlement by a long-time official. Top it off with locals "going to bat" as character witnesses for the convicted and you've cemented a measure of distrust for a non-profit fundraiser.

Next, review the local political leadership response to the official fundraisers. The car show was considered "dangerous" despite the fact that locals caused the trouble. Shame on the media for not making that more clear. Shootings are more damaging than excessive or underage beer drinking in hotel rooms. The concentration of the car show patrons on one boulevard made them easy to police - if there were adequate policing strategy (for that, I don't know and never inquired).

Other fundraisers either failed or "only a portion" of proceeds were directed towards the Burn Center - an unknown, non-public portion not obtainable by the general public. Granted, the Burn Center, as a state facility, should've been funded by state dollars and NOT solely been a center funded through donations and, more importantly and primarily, Washington County tax dollars. The local tax base cannot support losing millions per year in the name of preserving civic pride.

This isn't a defense of the King's Daughters purchase. It's separate. The burn center, if it's separate, should've been financed separately. The "regular" DRMC facilities should absorb the conquest of the competition. That said, one hospital had to go - the community couldn't maintain it. With KDH failing in overtaking DRMC, we'll never know IF it could've performed better and become a destination hospital for local patients despite having to absorb the indigent patients that seemed to come to DRMC over KDH.

Armchair quarterbacking is great spectator sport. But, the facts are that the Burn Center received those patients who often couldn't pay or were subsidized at levels below what could keep a Burn Center operating. With it in Jackson, we all should hope the state funds it. The next question, if state funds flow forth in generosity, is why Greenville wasn't deserving in the eyes of Legislative leaders and the "rank and file." And, don't accept the pass the buck excuses from locally elected state leaders. After all, they jump through hoops for likely to be sparsely attended "community centers" and museums.

Thanks old friend, but I think we are missing one salient point in this debate. If we accept the premise that every business or public service that is "losing money" should be shut down, then DRMC should have been pad-locked five years ago!

And then there are Medicaid and Welfare... both of which are well into the "red", so should we shut the doors on those programs as well?

At the end of the day, there are valid reasons why all of these "businesses" don't operate in the black; most of which stem from gross mismanagement, corruption malfeasance and greed. The common elements that sustain these entities are ignorance and apathy from citizens who would rather "settle" for the status quo than strive for something better.

We turn on the news and see Ray Humphreys touting that he has secured HUD money to pay off the hospital's debt and enhance services. Duh? HUD money is a low interest ferderal LOAN program... not a grant. In essence, he has borrowed millions of federal dollars to pay off "nervous" local lenders who were duped into fronting him the money for the KDH debacle.

DRMC is still drowning in debt with little hope for the future. The only difference is that now Ray won't have to look the local lenders in the eye at Rotary Club or the First Baptist Church.

Praise be to Ray!

Forthright

"Smoke" and Mirrors

Anonymous said...

"From what I understand the burn center is just not a money making venture. It ties up resources that could be better used. I hate the Humphrey's administration, but must be on the side of logic.

Quit whining and think of a better use. Maybe an expensive rehab center for all the spoiled rich kids from this area.

P.S. Didn't Someone high up get convicted for embezzlement of money from the burn center. I can see them laughing at us in Jackson right now."

You're right... no burn center is ever going to be a money making venture. The cost of care is extremely high and will likely go much higher. Greenville's burn center was not established for the purpose of financial gain (at least not by its founders). It began in response to a very critical medical need in a very under-served portion of our state.

Throughout its existence, it saved the lives of countless individuals in Mississippi as well as in neighboring states, and it was an exemplary point of pride for our citizens. Greenville offered a unique and specialized medical service for which it was often recognized and greatly appreciated.

Greenville's burn center didn't close because its services were no longer needed or utilized. It didn't close because of the high cost of burn care or the departure of Dr. Rob Love, III. It didn't close because of lack of funding or insolvency.

It closed because Ray Humphreys couldn't completely control it and because he needed a "red herring" to divert the public's attention from the fiscal nightmare of purchasing King's Daughters Hospital.

Greenville's civic priorities seem a bit askew. We almost declare a civil war over the possibility of losing a federal building to Cleveland, but in the wake of losing a vital medical facility that saved countless lives, we rationalize, "well, it wasn't making money."

Go check the batteries in your smoke detectors and pray your family will never need our lost burn center.... Jackson is still two hours away!

Forthright

Burn Center Debacle

Where were burn center advocates?
It has become increasingly frustrating to see and hear continued coverage of the pushing forward with a plan to create what would be the state's only burn unit, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.To this day, no one has explained to us why Greenville isn't fighting to restart the Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn Center, which closed in 2005 after 33 years in operation.

It's like no one in Mississippi really fought to keep the Greenville burn center open when it had problems, and now that it is closed, it somehow should be reopened in Jackson. Sure we've heard the stories of how Jackson is a more central location, how there's better transportation in and out of Jackson and how it's easier to attract doctors to Jackson.Those are all cop outs and Greenville should be ashamed for not doing more to help bring back the burn center.Last we checked, there are four-lane highways going in and out of Greenville, and getting to Greenville from other places in the state isn't like it was 33 years ago. It's amazingly easy to travel through Mississippi today compared to just 10 years ago, whether someone is traveling to Tupelo, Meridian, Natchez, Greenville or the Coast.Plus, many burn victims are transported by helicopter, which has nothing to do with interstate highways.As for it being easier to lure doctors to Jackson, then we need to do a better job of luring doctors and giving people like that a reason to come and stay in Greenville.

If education is the key, then Jackson isn't the right place. Last time we checked, people of means living in Jackson are still sending their children to private schools.The worst part for us is there wasn't enough money to help fund a burn center in Greenville and now suddenly, the House approved a bill Tuesday would give UMC $10 million to finish a floor of the critical care unit to be used for burn treatment. The bill also would give UMC money each year to run the center, which likely would treat large numbers of uninsured patients. The proposal still must clear both chambers of the Legislature and signed into law by the governor.That kind of money and commitment, however, would have saved the burn center in Greenville.Instead, we have another case of the Mississippi Delta getting the shaft from those outside the Delta, like Rep. Steve Holland, who could care less about our little part of Mississippi.

And let's not forget the financial and hard-working efforts of the Mississippi firefighters some 35 years ago that helped bring a burn center to Greenville in the first place. Somewhere lost in all of this is waste they must feel for everything they have done through the years only to have it thrown down the toilet.For those who haven't and won't fight to bring back the burn center, please stop complaining about what needs to be done to improve the quality of life in Greenville and the Mississippi Delta, because it's those people who are part of the problem and not the solution.

Here's the truth about the Burn Center...

The burn center is just another of the many victims of Ray Humphrey's fiscal irresponsibility. He purchased a hospital (King's Daughters) out of a personal vendetta against a for-profit healthcare system with which he could not compete. In the wake of his apparent folly, our burn center became the sacrificial lamb which he could no longer staff with physicians or nurses.

Rob Love, III, read the writing on the wall and fled Greenville. To save face, Ray needed a offset to his irresponsible spending... the likely candidate, the burn center.

He could now blame the rest of the state for not supporting it (not true), and Ray remains in power! No one was notified in advance, including the politicians and supporters of this long standing "gift" to Greenville.

...Just one more jewel in Ray's Crown... and the band plays on!

Forthright

DRMC Ousts Azomani

Colleague supports fellow physician...

Dr. Hosan Azomani is one of the finest Pediatricians that Greenville has ever known. Tonight's news that he has been denied privileges at DRMC is just more evidence of the corrupt politics by Ray Humphreys and his current administration.

As a fellow physician, I know the circumstances leading to this event. It has nothing to do with quality patient care or concern for the countless patients who depend upon this dedicated physician's skills.

It is purely a political act of retaliation and exposes the pettiness of DRMC's administration as well as their total disregard for health care in our community.

Greenville and the Delta should be outraged! Why do we continue to allow this self-serving group of administrators to run off qualified physicians? Ray Humphreys needs to go... not our dedicated physicians!

S.A.

Consolidate and Save?

Another writer poses this question...

Hmmmm....with all the consolidation moves going on (Arts Council + Bass Foundation, Industrial Foundation + Chamber of Commerce, etc.), I would think that someone might think to merge the WCCVB and Main Street programs. Why DO we have all of these paid positions? Are they paid through grant monies? Could their efforts be better spent working on a concerted effort? HELL-O??? Or are we presently throwing money at an issue that has not yet been defined?

The "Tourism" Tax?

Anonymous writer offers:

As you may or may not know: Washington County collects an additional 1 percent tax on all hotel rooms rented, all restaurant meals and Nightclub revenues. This tax is called a Tourism tax. The money is used to fund the Washington County Convention and Tourism Center and employees.

But the way I see it is: I have yet to see a tourist much less a convention that has been attracted by the million or so dollars collected. This money should be directed towards economic development NOW.

I would like to know how much money is collected and just where the money is going? The CVB has a glossy web site but that's about it. They also have a new HQ which would have made a better community center with indoor basketball courts and all.

I say, Take this money and direct it toward attracting business and jobs. Tourism might come when we have something to offer.

Ahhh yes, the tourism tax... just another by-product of our beautiful casinos where we tax the poor to pay the rich! I, too, would like to know where these tax dollars are spent. How much do we pay to maintain the "Welcome Center" which appears to be more of a trucker's rest stop than an information center.

I walked in there one day to see how we welcome visitors. There were two employees there: one was giggling on a cell phone and the other was eating. Neither one ever spoke a word to me as I perused the various literature and brochures.... so much for southern hospitality!

The last time I encountered a "tourist" in Greenville was at the Conoco by the mall. A couple from Ohio was on a tour of the historic south and asked if I could tell them how to get to Vicksburg. Thank God for gas stations!

Forthright

Real Estate Blues!

Happy 2007!

Okay, holidays are over and time to get back to the Scoop. Several hot issues seem to have been carried over into the new year, including the new federal building, the start of a new casino, the fate of downtown Washington Avenue and DRMC's continuing efforts to survive. (Come on Deltans... speak up and let's get a discussion going!)

Like most, I spent the holidays both visiting and hosting friends and relatives. Many were ex-Deltans who had fled the area long ago to seek greener pastures. Many had not been to Greenville since the late '70s and were anxious to see what had become of our fair city. As we toured the downtown area, I tried to explain our city's numerous plans to revitalize and save the once thriving area. Most accepted my explanation in doubious silence, until one member of the tour asked, "What is there to save among these ruins?" "Why can't Greenville just accept the reality that this area is dead and move forward?"

Well, there is some merit to these questions. If we can not develop the downtown area, why not turn our civic efforts toward trying to attract or keep taxpaying residents? Let's face reality. Greenville is never going to attract "tourists" and their dollars for the simple reason that there is nothing for tourists to do or see here. Forget about tourists! The most pressing problem facing Greenville is its shrinking population and tax base.

People are leaving Greenville in droves for five basic reasons:

1. No Jobs
2. Poor quality public education
3. Poor quality health care
4. Crime & Drugs
5. Rapidly declining real estate values!
   
   The first 4 reasons have been around for 30 years have been discussed in numerous forums at length; however, number 5 is a more recent phenomena that foretells a very bleak future for Greenville. A home is said to be one of the largest investments a person makes in his/her life. Most assume that over time, the home's value will appreciate or at least remain stable over the course of ownership. Not so in Greenville. Residents are currently fleeing neighborhoods once considered "prestigious" in order to reduce the financial loss they will incur from selling their home.
   
   A neighbor of mine purchased his home just 8 years ago and paid $320,000. He made significant improvement throughout the years which increased his total investment by $85,000, assuming that they would "pay off" if, and when he sold. Over a year ago, his company transferred him and the house went on the market. It appraised for $362,000 which was well below what he had invested, but he was at least confident that he would get back his original investment.
   
   Fast forward 19 months later. After listing the house with 3 different Realtors and getting a total of 4 offers, my neighbor could no longer afford two mortgages and sold the home for the highest bid of $225,000... a net loss of $180,000 from what he had invested. Exception to the rule? Not in Greenville. I know people who are selling their homes and moving into apartments, just to mitigate the spiraling loss they will take as property values decline.
   
   One of the most telling predictors of an area's economic future is its real estate values. I have friends across the country who have purchased modest homes in mid-sized communities and have tripled or even quadrupled their investment when sold.

So, as a long time resident and home owner in Greenville, I am having a bit of trouble "Believing in Greenville", when my investment of both time and money into this community seem to be reaping a "negative" benefit.

Do I still love Greenville for what it was and what it could have become... Yes! Is my home of 20 years for sale at well below appraised value? Yes it is.

Forthright

DDT Editorial on Racial Profiling

Excerpt from DDT Editorial...

"As a matter of editorial policy, we do not identify suspects or victims by race. When a suspect is in custody or has been charged, a description is generally unnecessary. Absent other details, such as age, clothing, scars, tattoos, hair styles, approximate height and weight, facial hair or lack thereof, and complexion, identifying a suspect by race serves no purpose.

Yet our editors must be on constant guard to make sure the words “black male” don't get into print.

While we in the news media have a responsibility to not contribute to negative perceptions, we believe the law enforcement agencies whose reports are the basis for most crime stories also have a responsibility. They must end the casual practice of identifying criminal suspects by those words.

Given that the majority of law officers in Washington County are black, we doubt racism is a factor. Still, if we fail to edit comments such as, “She said she was awakened by a black male,” many of our African-American readers would complain that we're creating or adding to the perception of black men as criminals.

They might be correct. Just because the police say it doesn't mean we have to repeat it. Do victims see armed thugs or do they see black males? To read a typical police report, one would believe the latter. Examples: “The victim said four black males entered the store and demanded money.” “She said she was awakened by a black male.” Enough already."

Right... Enough already!

God forbid that we describe a suspected criminal by their race! Age, weight, height, clothing and gender are fair game, but let's not play the race card... unless of course you happen to be "law-makers", musicians, or members of civic organizations... then it is okay to use the term "black"!

This editorial only reinforces my earlier comments... our "color-blind" society sees clearly in black and white.

Forthright

100 White Men?

An anonymous writer brings it home...

To clarify a point for readers---and Sis from Seattle: The newspaper did not label the lawmakers as "black." This is the label of their own choosing. Not all segregation begins and ends with the white man.

Imagine a headline that read "White Lawmakers Convene." Or Hispanic Lawmakers or Asian Lawmakers, etc. How would that make sense?

100 Black Men. Miss Black America. BTV. As long as black Americans want to be considered ONLY black as a priority over their status as Americans, then they will always seem to be struggling for acceptance. My ancestry is Scotch-Irish. Yet I do not label myself as such, nor do I feel the need to make the constant reference to my "homeland."

I am an American.

This writer drives the point home! How long would a group named "100 White Men" survive in the Mississippi Delta?

Question... can white females join "100 Black Men", and if not, how would they refuse them? "I'm sorry Ma'am, but we only allow black men in our club"? Any employer who made such a statement to a job applicant would spend the rest of his/her natural life in court.

So, why is it that the only color we are allowed to "discriminate" is black? Sociologists maintain that the "pendulum of life" has to swing just as far to the left as it does to the right in order to maintain balance. I don't disagree with this theory, but I think in 2006, the Delta should be getting pretty darn near close to plumb!

Forthright

Color-Blind

As my Sunday ritual dictates, I arose to seek fresh coffee and the local Sunday newspaper. The only difference being that today, I had to share my DDT (and coffee of course) with my sister who was visiting me from Seattle, WA.

Being a gentleman, I offered my sister the front page of the Delta Democrat Times, (hoping that it would not offer some horrid tale of child abduction or a "Conoco caper"). She silently perused the front page for a few minutes and then quietly asked, "What are black lawmakers?" She paused and went on to read me the headline, "Mississippi hosts conference of black lawmakers".

Being from the Delta, the headline didn't seem unusual or ambiguous to me... at least until I tried to answer her question. Before I could utter a reply, my sister sharply inquired, "Should I assume that black lawmakers are those who make black laws?" I had to smile a bit at this, knowing where this conversation was probably going.

All I could get out was "Well, no...", before she folded the paper, removed her eyeglasses, glanced up at me and proclaimed, "It appears that Mississippi has made little progress over the past 100 years. Why is it that everything has to be labeled 'black' in the south?" A bit dumbfounded at first, I quickly realized where Sis was going with this debate... the problem was, I couldn't answer her question.

Several hours later, after my sister had departed for the airport, I had time to reflect on the essence of our conversation. It dawned on me that she was actually appalled at the term "black" lawmakers!

I picked up the DDT and stared at the headline and a question came to me. How would replacing the word "black" in this headline with any other adjective (such as white, Hispanic, gay/lesbian, Catholic, agnostic or HIV+) affect its newsworthiness? Better yet, why not leave out all racial, ethnic and cultural descriptors and simply boast that Mississippi will host national lawmakers?

Why? Because we are still a very segregated society for all of our strides toward equality. I think that my sister's indignity was that we still use labels, such as "black" to differentiate each other. Are the political issues of health care and housing restricted to "black" Americans? Are the plagues of poverty and inflation exclusive to the "black" population in our country?

Here's the real issue. By distinguishing "black" lawmakers, we imply that they are in some way "different". Isn't that what we implied in the 1950's with the designations of "White" and "Colored" restrooms, water fountains, schools, building entrances and restaurants?

At this moment, my sister's indignity hit me square in the face. As long as we label groups by their racial, cultural or spiritual beliefs, we are asserting some inequality... otherwise there would be no reason to differentiate. So why, in 2006, do we still see black and white?

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I got to see one of my favorite classic movies, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". In it, the gifted actor Sidney Poitier angrily addresses his father over personal views stating, "that the difference between you and me Dad, is that you see yourself as a black man; I see myself as a man".

Before the movie's end, even Spencer Tracey, a die-hard liberal of the printed word, nods to himself in acceptance of true racial equality in our society, and quietly mutters, "I'll be a son-of-a-bitch!"

Well, Sis... I guess I will be too!

Forthright

Just a Dog Catcher...

Almost every job that you apply for these days involves some type of criminal background check. Health care leads the industry by actually fingerprinting all applicants. In our high-tech world in which a person's actual identity can be stolen, I think knowing if you are hiring a convicted felon is relevant information... particularly if you working for state or local government.

I am a bit peeved at Mayor Hudson's recent defense of the city employee whose criminal past was exposed. She actually defended the city's policy of not screening applicant's criminal histories, stating that, "everyone deserves a second chance." Okay, I can agree with that, but what about the hundreds of law abiding citizens who are seeking jobs in Greenville that haven't had the first chance, let alone served time?

I think that the mayor's "head in the sand" approach to this issue is dangerous. Any employer who requires drug screens and criminal histories knows that there is a large population of undesirables in our fair city. For our city leaders to ignore this fact puts us all at great risk.

I once asked the leader of one of the biggest employers in Greenville why his organization did not conduct random drugs screens on employees. His response was that he would probably lose a third of his current staff. Duhhhh?

Should convicted criminals be given a "second chance"? Sure, right after all non-criminals have been eliminated as viable candidates for those jobs. I think you went a little too far left on this one, Heather.

Forthright

The "Color" of Money

"Local Reflector" writes:

The water issue doesn't necessarily involve those who've lived in Greenville and understand what the tint is all about - prehistoric sediment. The issue is about recruiting all those businesses and industry and getting some jobs in the area.

Every recruiting effort conducted by industrial recruiters or companies interviewing for out-of-town employees isn't concluded without checking out the place. If, in the hotel, the water is obviously brown, these short term visitors don't have the luxury of a full explanation of the water; they chalk it up as dirty water and return home to tell everyone.

Yes, it seems trivial on some levels but I dealt with the same problem with my out-of-town guests. In this day and age, clear water is an expectation so I cannot understand how some can feel they're losing a cultural contribution by ridding the municipal water supply of a brown tint. By the way, very few other cities would accept such regardless of explanations or excuses.

Good Job Greenville Leaders!

I have to agree with LR on this one. Most people interpret "brown" as dirty and I am sure the majority of visitors to Greenville are not reassured by the "rotting leaves" fable, however prehistoric.

Clearing the water would do a great deal to make Greenville more marketable to industry as well as to instill a bit of pride in those of us who choose to remain in the Delta. I say "Go for it, Greenville!" We have nothing to lose but the stains of our past.

Forthright

In Favor of Local Flavor

Anonymous writes:

I told one of my (grown) children yesterday that the city was looking into removing the color from our water. His response was, "I hope it will still taste as good." My family would rather drink Greenville water than any beverage on this earth.

Actually, I know of an ex-Greenvillian who requests family and friends to bring gallon jugs of our brown water when visiting. He claims that it makes the best iced tea in the world.

Perhaps we could capitalize on our murky water. NYC tap water is actually bottled and sold in stores for $3.50 per bottle. In Rome, you can purchase "holy water" for $12.00 per ounce. Surely, we could get a couple of bucks for "Blues Water".

Forthright

Mystique of the Delta

Could clear water be the key to Greenville's economic future? According to some, it could have a significant impact. Imagine drawing a glass of tap water and being able to see through the glass, or sitting in a bathtub and being able to see your legs!

As native Deltan's, we have become acustomed to our ice water resembling weak tea, but some visitors are simply appalled by our "local color". One of the first questions visitors ask me is, "What is wrong with the water?" I politely explain that our brown water is the result of "prehistoric biological sediments that have seeped into our wellspring feeders".... at least that's the rhetoric that I was raised on. Most simply shake their head and express their relief that we don't simply pump it directly out of the river.

In my travels, I find that Greenville is almost world renowned for two very memorable experiences. One is a eating a steak at Doe's Eat Place and the other... bathing in brown water! The latter is certainly not a drawing card, but quite memorable none the less.

So, is our water safe? We are told that it is, but who among us does not use water filers and/or bottled water... just to be sure. The Delta is well known for its filtering of all things obscure... its water included.

Perhaps the mystique and uniqueness of the Delta lies in its murky water. Cleansing ourselves of our "prehistoric sediments" may be a major step toward our economic progress as a community and may even land us squarely in the middle of the 21st century!

Forthright

Halloween Present

Ahhh, it's Halloween eve. As a child, I remember the excitement that this evening brought. Everyone in the neighborhood would carve jack-o-lanterns and decorate their doors and yards. Some houses would have fortune tellers or witches who could cast "spells". Parents and children would get really creative with costumes... none of the tacky store-bought stuff would do. It was a time of fun with a hint of the macabre. It was magic.

This evening, I came home to the same neighborhood in which I have lived for 25 years. It looked particularly dark and uninviting. Porch lights which are usually on... were now off. The street seemed particularly deserted this night. No one seemed to be home. It appeared that the magic of Halloween has disappeared.

Perhaps my neighborhood, like myself, have grown older. Perhaps the "treat" of opening your front door to tiny goblins and fairies screaming "trick or treat" has given way to the "trick" of teenagers disguised as gang members shoving Kroger bags in your face as they silently admire your home. Perhaps, Halloween as we knew it, is dead.

As a child, Halloween was one of the most exciting times of the year for parents and children alike. The season had changed, children were back to school and it was a time when being scared was "fun". I look back to this time with fond memories... as I sit in my dark house, porch lights off... hoping to be spared being visited by the spirits of "Halloween present".

Forthright

"Sub"terfuge?

An anonymous writer asks:

"What is going on at Lenny's Sub Shop? A friend at work told me that she heard that federal agents came in and shut the store down. Any scoop on this or is it just more of greenvilles rumor mill."

I have not heard such a rumor; however, I did read in the DDT that the Lenny's shop in Greenville was closing, while the one in Cleveland would remain open. The story seems a bit far-fetched to me... not that another business in Greenville is closing, but that Federal Agents were involved. I would suspect that this is a "creative" story, born of idle minds. I welcome comments from readers who are perhaps more "in the know".

Forthright

L.R. on Throwing "Bones"

The billboard campaign is solely designed to stick a thumb in Cleveland's eye and not to promote Greenville as the superior location for a new federal building. After all, it's Greenville which must tell itself that "it believes in Greenville." Cleveland couldn't care less.

This issue, to me, reflects other concerns than a federal building because I see it as a test for the Greenville community leaders who profess to have the contacts and means to influence higher elected officials. It also reflects Washington County's influence on the greater political sphere.

The maverick political attitude (refusing the state flag, for instance) and the "My highway or the highway" notions regarding political dissent and challenge will be sorely tested. Alliances with Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be tested as an outreach for a better Greenville or outreach for a better political career for personal gain.

Where's Congressman Thompson? Will he enter a fight within the boundaries of his own 2nd Congressional District? It's easy to pick fights on national issues; now a local issue starts festering.The state representatives are there to a degree but they're confined to regional influence. Give them credit for their attempts at influence.At the day's end, consider the Good Ole Boy factor in making this federal building issues such a nasty exercise in the "We're a better choice" debate.

Washington County voters have selected - with about 70% support - to try to elect the team that isn't in power given prior election trends.Governor Barbour offered an economic trojan horse in Textron upon his election; it was a one-sided deal and a tease for people needing permanent employment. Throwing those kinds of "bones" doesn't help and reveals that if you don't help the powerful, they'll not help you in substantive ways. It's the way of the political world.

Given the track record, there's no reason to expect the backroom assistance at this point from the leadership despite public lip service.Public pressure is the best medicine and it shouldn't abate until someone stirs.By the way, John Clark wrote a good piece in Sunday's DDT on the "blame game."

I know there's a sentiment that the paper, somehow, gave Cleveland leaders a great idea by writing that Cleveland might be another option for a federal building, but his opinion makes sense. He's been in Greenville three years (he writes), and I'm seeing the customary track of the good-intentioned journalist play out to course.

The first year, one believes he/she can make a difference. "Year Two" is spent defending or refusing the gut feeling that something's not quite right with leaders' thoughts. "Year Three" - you determine that it's time to begin saying things you should've said after "Year One," when you knew better but couldn't believe what you were learning.

Oh Mr. Clark - your subscribers will bloom if you follow the course of dosing the bitter pills with the sweet elixer of community news coverage.

Chamber's Action Defended

An anonymous writer fires back at "chamber member"

Chamber Member:

The Chamber of Commerce is trying to SAVE the locally owned businesses. Or what's left of them. I am aghast that our friends in Cleveland would stoop to such a low tactic, but I am not so lily-livered that I am ready to hand them the keys to MY city.

I will boycott the retailers in Cleveland, their restaurants, their University with the performing arts venue....and I recommend that you do the same. Greenville has everything that I want or need.

Wow! This "courthouse" issue seems more heated than any of late. It is refreshing to know that there are still some staunch supporters of Greenville and that they are willing to speak up; however, I am not sure that boycotting retailers or universities is the solution.

I prefer to view the Delta as family of cities and small communities that share a unique culture as well as difficult economic challenges. The Delta has lost many major industries (jobs) over the past decade, so what makes this issue different?

I see it as a sense of betrayal... by a family member!

We can understand when industries relocate to Mexico or the mid-west for well established economic and business reasons, but to lose an icon of federal notoriety to a "family member" 40 miles away... well, it just hurts. It also scares us a bit to know that we (Deltans) have begun competing internally over scarce jobs and public facilities.

Let us not forget that in the early 1900's, the founding fathers of Greenville turned down the offer to have a "Teacher's College" built here for fear of an influx of radical and liberal thinkers who might disrupt our southern way of living. Cleveland seized upon that opportunity and I believe that the entire "Delta" has prospered as a result.

Unfortunately, the ultimate decision to keep or relocate the Federal Building is not one that we Deltans will make. It will be made by politicians whose daily lives will remain untouched by their final decision.

And at the end of the day, we shall all still live, eat and shop in the Delta.

Forthright

Chamber Member Speaks Up

I personally do not want any part of my Chamber Membership dues going to pay for a billboard in CLEVELAND!!

Some Advice for the Chamber: Promote the locally owned businesses that we have now!

Billboard Fuels the Fire!

An anonymous writer comments...

Whats with the "I believe in Greenville" billboard in Cleveland? Is this more of that stupid courthouse issue? Who cares where a federal building is? Why dont we work on improving our city and our streets instead of fighting over stupid buildings. The politicians are going to put it where they want to anyway and nobody else matters.

I did hear on the local news that such a billboard would be posted in Cleveland. And yes, I do believe that its impetus is the Federal Courthouse issue; however, I am less sure of its strategic outcome.

It appears to me that this billboard is more antagonistic than competitive. The federal building's location is hardly the issue. It's the jobs that follow the building that are at the heart of this debate. This billboard is little more than "gang graffiti" intended to raise the ire of the challenger... and it has obviously done that! We all await the final outcome.

Forthright

More on "Haley-Care"...

Forty-three Mississippi hospitals, in conjunction with the Mississippi Hospital Association, today filed a lawsuit in Hinds County Chancery Court against the Office of The Governor and the Division of Medicaid, requesting injunctive relief and asking the court to declare unconstitutional a tax on hospital gross revenues levied by Governor Haley Barbour.

A fundamental principle of the Mississippi Constitution is that only the legislative branch of government can levy taxes. Barbour’s levying of the tax oversteps the constitutional authority of the executive branch. The lawsuit was filed after over four months of lengthy negotiations regarding the many alternatives the state has to fund the program.

The tax, if allowed to go forward, will impose an extreme burden on many Mississippi hospitals. In some instances, the tax will be greater than the total annual operating margin of the hospitals. The Governor’s tax plan allows Medicaid to levy up to a 1% tax on the gross revenue of our state’s hospitals. This represents more than $90 million in additional costs imposed on hospitals. The additional tax burden will require many hospitals to lay off employees and cut valuable services.

"This lawsuit was necessary not only to protect the constitutional rights of Mississippi hospitals, but also to protect the financial integrity of our state’s health care system,” said Sam W. Cameron, President/CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association.

If you think health care costs are soaring now, just let this legislation pass! This will close the doors on many smaller rural hospitals that are barely surviving now. Hospitals don't get rich serving Medicaid and indigent patients in the Mississippi Delta.

Both public and private hospitals donate hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in "free care" to patients that have no payor source. That debt goes right to their bottom line. So Haley's solution to cover the ever-growing Medicaid debt is to simply tax our hospitals to death... literally.

As stated above, the Governor is not granted the power to levy taxes under our state constitution. It is a sad state of affairs when our own health care facilities have to bring suit against the Governor of our state to prevent his wanton misuse of power.

The solution to this problem is not to throw good money after bad, but to seek legitimate reform of the gross waste and corruption that exists in our current Medicaid system. If you feel strongly about this issue, please let your senators and representatives know that "Haley-Care" is not the answer!

Forthright

Rude Deltans

An Anonymous observer writes...

Why are people so rude in Greenville? It is like it hurts them to smile at you when they wait on you. I am from the coast and I can see why our state has a bad rep. It seems like everyone is mad in this town. I don't understand why.

Not everyone is Greenville is rude; however, "customer service" is a concept that is not widely embraced in the Delta.

Minimum wage workers have the entitlement mentality... i.e., I can make just as much not working as I can on this job... and I don't have to smile! Please don't judge Greenville by its service workers. Greenville does have a rich heritage of southern charm... you just won't find it behind the counter of McDonalds.

Forthright

Conspiracy Exposed?

An anonymous writer suspects collusion...

"And how about our neighbors in Cleveland going to our neighbors in Indianola and asking them to gang up on Greenville? What mean-spirited sumbitch came up with that plan? As of today, I am personally boycotting all Cleveland restaurants and retail establishments until this federal building matter is resolved. My money stays in Greenville."

"Local Reflector" challenges this theory...

The courthouse issue is interesting, as is Forthright's comments on socialized Mississippi medical care. I think the blog can handle two lines of thought.

To Anonymous: Would you consider a guest commentary on the issue which builds upon the comments you've posted above? I see nothing wrong with the political maneuvering of Bolivar County to prove it's "hungry" for a new federal courthouse. The building is up for grabs, so why shouldn't there be competition?

If Greenville sits back and "fights" instead of showing why the federal courthouse should remain there, then it deserves its fate. One strategy is proactive, the other is reactive. Proactive strategies lay out the reasons why a federal courthouse is necessary for the Port House - whatever those reasons may be.

And, don't give me the whole angle that it should stay because it's historically been here. That's not a good reason. Reactive strategies suggest whining by local politicians but no real movement or even clout to influence the decision-makers on higher political levels. It's simple, isn't it?Greenville leaders possess an uncanny ability to cry that nothing's "their fault" - that somehow or some way, their victims of phantom recessions and "bad luck." Better yet, unflattering news breaks and they scatter to get away from addressing the issue...

A. Look at the Burn Center closure

B. Look at repeated complaints on street repair

C. Look at brown water

Hinging your political fortunes on one, lower-level, U.S. Representative can open a county or city to be ignored when events happen beyond one person's control.

Greenville's influence problem is showing. Do they still have that lobbyist on a retainer? Also, "law and order" hasn't been the rule, but the exception, in the Port City in a good number of years.

But, Cleveland....at least it appears it's trying.

NOTE: I'm not trying to provoke anger, but the conversation is interesting because I'd like to know why Greenville is superior to Cleveland for a federal courthouse and vice versa.

Forthright: Okay, anonymous... the ball's in your court!

"Haley-Care"

It is certainly not news that Mississippi's Medicaid program is in trouble. Actually, officials predict a $360 million shortfall in state funding for this program alone. The cost of Medicaid has grown dramatically over the past 5 years, as jobs are lost and more families find themselves without basic medical coverage.

So what is the solution to the state's woes? Should we dip into the scared "tobacco trust fund"? The money would be at least be used for health care and it is a safe bet the many of the health problems treated with Medicaid dollars are directly or indirectly linked to tobacco use.

What happened to the gaming panacea that was promised? The only roads that have been improved seem to lead to casinos, and as for education, unless you live in Tunica County, you probably haven't seen any impact.

So, how will we deal with this growing Medicaid debt? The state of Mississippi has come up with a novel solution. It is essentially a Robin Hood approach which promotes taxing the successful health care providers and giving it to the unsuccessful providers... a simple redistribution of wealth proposal, with a hint of socialism.

Mississippi Hospital Association opposes "taxing the rich to pay for the poor" since all hospitals, both public and private would be impacted. However, our Governor, Mr. Barbour, has proposed an alternate plan which would simply tax the private hospitals (these are the one's who currently pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in local property taxes, sales tax, state and federal taxes, etc.) and give it to the publicly owned facilities (like DRMC, which pays NO property taxes, NO sales tax and NO state and federal tax).

Wow, Haley! What a great idea. Let's penalize those hospitals which are fiscally sound, run efficiently, and make a profit for their investors, and funnel their tax dollars into our failing county owned hospitals! That way we can level the quality of care for all Mississippi residents and make sure that "Medicaid" is the standard of care for everyone!

And we wonder why businesses and industry do not want to relocate to Mississippi? If socialized health care is what we aspire to, then let's just do it. At least everyone knows what they have (or don't have) and can then work together toward improving it.

Ray Humphrys, wading through red ink up to his knees, obviously supports the Governor's plan, under which he (DRMC) would profit. I shall not elaborate further on that unholy alliance.

Suffice to say, that Haley Barbour's political grandstanding to get re-elected falls short of representing Mississippi's best interests for health care.

Forthright

Git 'er Dun?

An anonymous contributor asks...

WHY was Washington Avenue destroyed MONTHS AGO, with no further progress made since? Nor any word of such progress published in the local news outlets?

WTF??? Is someone deliberately trying to destroy Greenville? It's been my experience that local leaders have always stepped forward when times were tough. We have plenty of those here. Of the nationally-known variety.

Ambassador Retzer? Sons of Senator Dyer? Chairman Reed? Mr. Cox? Mr. Alexander? Mr. Hafter? BILLY PERCY????? Many others......you have the influence to affect changes in your hometown. PLEASE HELP US NOW.

I am here for the duration. I have no choice. The above-mentioned gentlemen differ in religion and political party affiliation, yet they all call Greenville HOME. DO SOMETHING.QUICK.

"Ambassador"... "Senator"... "Chairman"... but, not "Mayor". I am afraid we have seen a major power shift in the last two decades. I liken it to selling tickets for the Titanic 100 years after it sunk.

Forthright

Blues Quarter or Courthouse?

According to today's editorial in the DDT, it has been 18 months since the announcement of the "Blues Quarter" project and we still don't know much more today, than we did then. We do know that several downtown property owners are adamantly opposed to the eminent domain issue. We also know that several other Delta towns are rapidly competing to "cash in" on the Blues.

I hardly think that the straightening of Washington Avenue is going to have any significant impact of the worth of downtown properties. It seems a rather large waste of taxpayers dollars, albeit, not the first for Greenville.

With the old Stein Mart gone, we have cleared the way for one of two building projects to begin. The Blues Quarter project indicates that this lot will be the hub of the new entertainment district. On the other hand, this same site is reportedly the location of the proposed new Federal Building.

Now, I believe in diversity of interests, but I fail to see the logic behind building a Federal Courthouse in the heart of an entertainment district. Someone needs to choose. Obviously, there is no shortage of property for sale in Greenville, so lack of availability should not be a problem.

I would like to hear from someone in the "know" about both the viability and potential for conflict that these two projects pose. Surely someone knows what is going on in our city hall... and is willing to share with the rest of us.

Forthright