By Staff
Columnist taken to task
To the Editor:
I am writing in regards to Jim Cegielski's column in The Meridian Star (Nov. 27). As we all know, an opinion is like a nose we all have one. I respect Cegielski's right to express his opinion.
However, in my opinion, his article was the most racist, contumacious, separatism words I have read in the history of The Meridian Star.
Speaking of dividing the country, bombing the half that disagrees with your beliefs, not urging people to vote, sounds downright un-American, in my opinion.
People are encouraged, through advertising and other means, to do all manner of things. But we are not to urge people to vote, after so many have been jailed or killed to ensure this right? Were the "dumb votes" referred to in your article the "black votes?" It seemed that way, in my opinion.
Whoever that nice Republican lady was that threatened to slap you upside your head should do so without delay, in my opinion.
Gwendolyn Miller
Meridian
Turned off by West Wing'
To the Editor:
On a recent episode of the television program "West Wing," the character of Josh Lyman made the following statement: "You don't hear Mississippians complaining about being second class citizens."
NBC has finally come out and said how they feel about Mississippi and its good citizens. I suggest that we as Mississippians let NBC know how we feel about them turn off NBC.
As an added incentive, we should write NBC, its local affiliates and its sponsors to let them know we don't need them, their views or their products. Maybe if enough viewers from Mississippi spoke out we might get an apology, but don't hold your breath.
Sponsors for the program that night were Victoria's Secret, Mars Candy Company, Fuji, Mitsubishi, Taco Bell, eToys, Phillips, Eureka Company, Subway Sandwich, Schwab, Quick &Reilly, Ace Hardware, Talbot's, Brinker, DeBeers, Mattel, Hewlett Packard, Kodak, Bissell, Gillette, Target, IBM, Philip Morris, Toys R Us, Volkswagen and Home Depot.
Sign me turned off by NBC.
Bob Glazar
Meridian
Put the flag question to a vote
To the Editor:
I am a fifth generation Mississippian on both sides of my family and just as proud of these past generations and what they stood for as I can possibly be.
My grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Crook, was an officer in the Eighth Mississippi Regiment, CSA. I make no apology for this fact, nor the fact that I am Caucasian and a product of the culture that came to this country in the 1700s from Scotland and Ireland. I fully recognize that others are just as proud of their heritage, and they should be.
All Mississippians should visit the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson and see the distinguished flag of the 49th Mississippi Regiment on display in the Civil War and Reconstruction Room on the first floor.
In the Old Senate Chamber on the second floor is found the present 106-year-old flag which participated in 10 or more U.S. Marine Corps combat invasions in the Pacific in World War II and was flown on the battleship Mississippi at the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay in 1945.
I consider these flags my history and heritage, These flags deserve great honor and respect from all Mississippi citizens.
I am very concerned about continuing efforts to downgrade, belittle and distort Mississippi history. I view Gov. Musgrove's Flag Commission with great foreboding as a first step to remove from public memory Civil War memorials, statues and other symbols that honor deceased Mississippians because some want to change history more to their liking.
There have been over 110 Mississippi Legislative Sessions and 27 governors since 1894. I really think Gov. Musgrove and the Flag Commission should not believe past governors and legislators were wrong in supporting the present flag.
A very smart man stated a long time ago, "When a person loses part of his heritage, he loses part of his life." It would be prudent and reasonable for the governor, the Legislature and the Flag Commission to submit this matter to the people of Mississippi and let the people vote on it.
I will abide by the results, and so should every Mississippian.
Robert L. Crook
Ruleville
Mississippi State Senator (1964-92)
Giving gifts to Jesus
To the Editor:
Since Christmas is the birthday of Jesus, I wondered if we ever think of what we could give him.
To see what gifts might be appropriate, I went to the Bible and the Lord's teachings.
1. We could give the gift of being salt as he instructed us to be, which means a good influence in our society. He cautions us not to backslide. Salt that is not salty is good for nothing but to throw out.
2. Jesus said we are the light of the world and as such we give to him the gift of a life of light, which means our good works bring glory to God.
3. There's a gift of forgiveness for someone who has wronged you. This is so necessary because Jesus said if you forgive men their trespasses your Heavenly Father will forgive you.
4. The gift of ministering to the least of these. Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of these you do to me." These would include prisoners, nursing home residents, children in need of food and clothing. The gift of meeting the needs of others has great reward.
5. The greatest gift we could give is to tell others of Him, why he came and of the great love of the Father for his creation. He came to die for our sins.
6. It's must easier to get the gifts for Jesus. No frustrations, no hassles, no long lines and no return after the holidays, Just marvelous peace and contentment.
I highly recommend it.
Mrs. Mildred Smith
Quitman
Holiday season a special time
To the Editor:
The holiday season is upon us. It is a special time for sharing with our families, spending time with friends and exchanging gifts. However, for some it is a time for abuse, terror and for fleeing from an unsafe home.
Care Lodge Domestic Violence Center provides safe shelter, services and assistance for victims of family violence. Care Lodge will be there for those families that can not be safe in their own homes and want a calm and peaceful environment.
There are those in need, not only this holiday season but every day, for the things that some of us take for granted. Ours is a wonderful and caring community. As you take a moment to reflect on your blessings, please remember those individuals who may not be home for the holidays, Domestic violence affects one in four families. If you think domestic violence does not affect you,please think of your sister, your best friend, neighbor or co-worker. It affects one of them.
Leslie Payne
Executive Director Care Lodge
Meridian