OPINIONS

MDOT’s reach goes beyond roads

Posted 4/1/2010 in Local Columns

In thanking the Mississippi Department of Transportation during a Wednesday press conference for recent road funding, Columbus Lowndes Development Link executive director Joe Higgins pointed out that rural Mississippi’s road needs were once “farm-to-market” roads — something good enough for farmers to take their goods to town to sell.

Steve Mullen: A pop quiz for the first quarter: The answers

Posted 3/31/2010 in Local Columns

If this column seems more incoherent than usual, the you probably missed last week’s questions about the top local news stories of the first three months of 2010.

Ask Rufus: Streetcars in Columbus

Posted 3/27/2010 in Local Columns

A reader asked about the streetcars or electric trolley line that once served Columbus. For an answer, I called on Columbus architect and historian Sam Kaye, who knows more about the old trolley lines than anyone else.

Roses and thorns 3-28-2010

Posted 3/27/2010 in Roses & Thorns

A rose to the Mississippi State women’s basketball team for earning the program’s first trip to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

Birney Imes: Abolitionists in Caledonia

Posted 3/27/2010 in Local Columns

Mike Murphy attributes his love of history to television and playing with toy soldiers as a kid.

Garthia Elena Burnett: Five men, one mission

Posted 3/26/2010 in Local Columns

I don’t know four people who I get along with a hundred percent of the time.

Supports Nunnelee

Posted 3/26/2010 in Letters to the Editor (voice@cdispatch.com)

The health care bill that President Obama just signed into law is a monstrosity that raises taxes, increases government spending at times when we are already deep in debt, and mandates unprecedented government intrusion into our lives. The new law is nothing short of a complete government takeover of our health care system, which comprises nearly one sixth of our economy.

Understanding hospice

Posted 3/26/2010 in Letters to the Editor (voice@cdispatch.com)

I just want to address some of the misconceptions about hospice care.

Steve Mullen: A pop quiz for the first quarter

Posted 3/24/2010 in Local Columns

We’re at the end of the first quarter of 2010, so we’re having a little pop quiz to see if you’ve been paying attention.

Byrne’s legacy still being written

Posted 3/23/2010 in Dispatch Editorials

It’s hard to hang on to the good ones. Monday’s news of the departure of Mississippi State University Athletic Director Greg Byrne proved that axiom. Anyone who spent time with Byrne, or heard him speak, knew instantly that he is an up-and-comer destined for great things.

Alarmed and angry

Posted 3/23/2010 in Letters to the Editor (voice@cdispatch.com)

The Democratic Congressional leadership and the president have just adopted legislation against the will of the majority of the American people that will increase an already hemorrhaging budget deficit and will amount to the beginning of socialized medicine in America. President Obama had repeatedly made campaign promises that he would change the political climate and that it would not be “politics as usual” in Washington. He has made good on his promises. His politics are much worse.

Roses and thorns 3-21-10

Posted 3/20/2010 in Roses & Thorns

Army National Guard Alpha Battery 2-114 Strike Battalion; Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman; Leslie Frazier; organizers and visitors for the Mississippi Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship’s 16th Annual State Conference; and city leaders

Birney Imes: Surviving with grace

Posted 3/20/2010 in Local Columns

After her Friday morning workout at the Fitness Factor, Pat Wayman came home, put on her work clothes and spent the next five hours clearing underbrush in the woods bordering her backyard. Around 4:30 a friend came over and the two of them went through her beehives.

Bert Montgomery: The double-wide gospel

Posted 3/19/2010 in Local Columns

Roger Miller sings about trailers, be they for sale or rent. Kid Rock reminds us that unlike Ice Cube, he ain't outta Compton but straight outta trailer. And Jimmy Buffet, the son of a son of a sailor, is just glad he doesn't live in a trailer.

Three ways to improve health care

Posted 3/19/2010 in Letters to the Editor (voice@cdispatch.com)

The health care reform debate has gripped the public's attention. Some people like the reform, others dislike it because it either does too much or not enough. In my opinion, this reform is way too broad and sweeping to really do what people expect or want it to do. Instead of a massive bill, I have a simple, three step plan to correct health care in the United States.

Domtar closing: Sad and painful news

Posted 3/18/2010 in Dispatch Editorials

The Domtar Columbus paper mill closing is tragic and a blow to the local economy. The facility, forever known by many as simply “Weyerhaeuser,” has for decades been an economic cornerstone of Lowndes County, and its employees have played a significant role in the civic life of this community. This is sad news, indeed.

Lost jobs and the federal government

Posted 3/18/2010 in Letters to the Editor (voice@cdispatch.com)

Mr. James Hunt seems to have done some cogitating on the job situation at The W and elsewhere. Years ago, when NAFTA was proposed and became law, I (and probably hundreds of others) saw jobs moving overseas/out of the country. The only end result could be people out of work which leads to a recession, or depression if you are one of those out of work.