By Staff
Keeping an open mind on Col. Rebel
To the editor:
I am trying to keep an open mind about the debate raging over the Colonel Rebel issue. If Ole Miss elects to change the mascot, I will support the decision.
If the university elects to settle the issue by not having a mascot, I am OK with that, too. The decision to begin the process of change was definitely a difficult one for the university. I understand both sides of the issue. I only hope the end result will strengthen Ole Miss and not cause lasting division.
I also understand how passionate one can get when many traditional things become extinct. I came to love the Ole Miss tradition I experienced as a student in the early '70s. If you haven't lived this, your qualifications to criticize are nil. The last thing we need are more sarcastic people pouring fuel on the fire.
This is why I do not appreciate the tripe Geoff Calkins provided in Monday's Sport Section of The Meridian Star. What did Calkins' assessment accomplish? Civilized debate or more division? If he agrees with the move to eliminate the present mascot, express it without the trash talk. The challenge here is to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Scott Cassel
Union
Trashy mess: Who's responsible?
To the editor:
Who can I give credit to for trashing the parking lot in front of Eckerd's in North Hills? Happy meals and beer. This is what is left. It looks awful. I see the Eckerd's manager cleaning it up. I am glad it is not a gateway entry to Meridian from the Interstate. I wouldn't stop. I can't wait to see who it is blamed on.
Debbie May
Meridian
Abandoned animals at the dump
To the editor:
I'm writing this on behalf of all the cruel people who poison, shoot and leave the poor unwanted animals at the dump.
On Skyland Drive across from Evangel Temple you can find baby kittens and dogs almost every day at the dump. I can't believe some people could be so cruel to the animals. Why don't they just take them to the animal shelter? Someone might adopt them. Or, better yet, have them fixed.
This concerns me very much. I hope someone else takes notice.
Shirley Warren
Meridian
Summer suggestions for teenagers
To the editor:
A couple of months ago, as summer was approaching, a friend of mine (who lives out of town) remarked that she was somewhat dreading the summer because her three children, all teenagers, did nothing but watch TV when they were not participating in a sport or other activity outside the house.
She made the comment, "I just don't know any good suggestions to help them find something to do, so they watch a lot of TV."
It really struck me as sad and I wondered if there are others out there in this same predicament. I just had to write and offer a few suggestions.
For teenagers, why not a summer job? Other ideas: Get a pen pal, read some fun books, find a neighbor who could use your help (a mom with young children or an elderly person?) and offer to hang out with them and help them. They just might make an unlikely friendship and have fun.
Parents, teach your kids how to cook, clean, do yard work. Not only will they make a great family contribution, their self-esteem will grow too. Have your teenager plan some family outings (and actually do them). Rearrange furniture, clean out a closet, have a garage sale, plant a garden.
For elementary kids, some of the above could apply, along with these: Have a lemonade stand, put together some photo albums, draw pictures or do other art projects, read together, play outside with the neighbors, pet sit, make up a play, do face painting, build a pillow and blanket fort, bake cookies.
For young children, let them help you with whatever you are doing, set up a small pool or sprinkler, get out some finger paint, play games, dress up.
What if all else fails and they still say, "But I'm bored! I don't want to do any of those things!" Here's an idea: Set a TV limit and then let them figure out something to do. Kids are smart and creative. If left to themselves, they often can come up with some pretty interesting ideas.
Give your kids a gift this summer limit television (and video games) and watch their attitudes and relationships improve. You'll be glad you did.
Susan Marshall
Meridian
Missing the Days at WMDN-TV
To the editor:
Over the years, I have enjoyed watching and listening to WMDN TV-24 News at 6 and 10 p.m., every night. That was, however, before the dismissal of Bill and Deanna Day. Bill and Deanna brought happiness and joy into our home and had a great influence on the lives of many.
They also were a great Christian couple and will be missed by many as well. Bill and Deanna were very kind whenever they got out to meet the public. I especially liked "Keep the Faith" at the end of their news programs. I don't watch or listen to WMDN-TV 24 any more since Bill and Deanna are gone. I have boycotted that news and have gone to another news channel.
Bill and Deanna Day, you are both missed and I know that many will agree.
Thomas Cooper
Quitman
Century-old cemetery gets improvements
To the editor:
A party was held on a farm Saturday, June 21, 2003, to raise money and socialize to improve the cemetery near Lauderdale. The cemetery has been active for 110 years.
The families came locally and in some cases from far away states to socialize and contribute sums of money to improve the cemetery. The sum was $954.
It was a beautiful sunny day as parents and children enjoyed every minute.
Jim Pack Cemetery
Katheryne Schons
Meridian
Reader applauds column on education
To the editor:
Buddy Bynum's column ("Making headway in public education," The Meridian Star, June 22, 2003) was "good news." We need strong support for public education. It is the key factor in determining our future. If our area is to realize a positive future, our children in public schools must be successful.
George Thomas
Meridian