Aching for Tamir, Fearing for My Life
When the news broke of no indictment against the officer in the Tamir Rice case on Dec. 28, I wasn't shocked or surprised. I was disappointed, I ached for Tamir's family, but mostly, I was afraid for my own.
A Nation ‘Intoxicated with Bad Policing’
Nowadays, everyone is an amateur videographer, and police actions are under more scrutiny than ever. It doesn't mean, though, that there are more incidents of police brutality or over-policing; it means that more people can see the evidence of it now.
Be Careful What You Ask For
Be careful that you are ready to receive what you are asking, whether for a new job or a new mate. Sometimes we don't need what we want, and often we don't know what we need.
Why Our Bond Rating Is Important
While crime, potholes and boiled-water notices get all the headlines and make for easy punchlines, one of the biggest problems facing the capital city is rarely discussed outside of City Hall—Jackson's bond rating.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Thoughtful'
As citizens of Jackson, reading the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman's press release about all the goodies he's bringing back to Mississippi is like reading your parents' will and finding out you got their 1994 Ford Taurus.
Can’t We All Get Along?
Miss Doodle Mae: "Jojo, our fearless leader, continues his 'You Know the Routine' approach to the holidays."
Jedis, Space Mountain and Love
Yes, I'm a serious person, and I care deeply about injustice and hatred. But the reason that I do is because I love so many things and people and cultures and experiences so deeply.
A New State Flag for Mississippi’s Third Century
Mississippi celebrates the bicentennial of its statehood in 2017, marking the anniversary of its admission to the Union as the 20th state on Dec. 10, 1817.
Refugees, School Kids Deserve Human Rights
There's a fine line between Gov. Phil Bryant's tacit assent of Donald Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric and Mississippi's complete abdication of its responsibility to educate its children.
Transparency and Open Government
Transparency is a priority of this administration. We felt it necessary to respond to the Jackson Free Press editorial to ensure the public was aware of the city's process when it comes to contractual projects.
Forgive Us Our Debts
I've never understood people who are incapable of seeing that, to paraphrase President Obama, they—even with their skills, intelligence and persistence—aren't wholly responsible for their destinies.
Of Guns and Rainbow Flags
As conversations around gun control heat up in Washington, D.C., social media and perhaps around our kitchen tables, I hope that we can all have the courage to take a brief stop in each other's worlds and explore things that we might not otherwise consider.
Let’s Get Some Things Done
For Mayor Tony Yarber and the city council, we suggest having a pen and notebook handy to jot some things on their to-do lists and get important deadlines up on the calendar for 2016.
Thankful from Abroad
"Was moechten Sie?" the server asked. I stared at him rather stupidly; I knew that he was asking what kind of turkey I wanted, but he said it in German, and I was expecting English or French.
Why I Stay in Mississippi
While it may seem like Mississippi is backwards in many areas, I believe it excels in creative spirit.
The Music of Immigrants
We're in the century-old Confiteria Ideal listening to the mother of all tangos, "La Cumparsita," and I'm thinking about the somewhat different world into which the tango was born.
End Dangerous Rhetoric That Threatens Lives
The Nov. 27 shooting at a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood is a case study in the anatomy of political rhetoric and the real-life danger of spreading inciteful rhetoric.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Blame'
For Sen. Ted Cruz to deny that the anti-abortion rhetoric is spurred on by the right wing and members of his own party is not only disingenuous; it is extremely dangerous.
Low Prices Matter
Brother Hustle: "Welcome to another Compensatory Investment Request Holiday Season Special Meeting. This time of the year is very crucial for independent vendors."
Donald Trump’s Most Vicious Lie, Yet?
It's a tough contest, but Donald Trump just spread his most poisonous lie yet in his race to become the fuehrer of the 21st century.
WWJD: Many ‘Christian’ Political Leaders Don’t Care
The strategy of exclusivity from political leaders like Gov. Phil Bryant can be described as discriminatory, unrealistic, asinine and very non-Christ-like.
City Must Increase Subcontracting Transparency
Under the City of Jackson's $91-million contract with Siemens for a water-system overhaul and sewer repairs, at least six firms hold subcontracts with Siemens.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Agree'
Isn't it interesting that Bryant chose to follow this law even though he disagrees with it, while he and other GOP leaders wantonly flout other state laws they don't like?
Refugees: What Would Jesus Do?
Where in the teachings of Jesus does it say that it's fine for Christians to turn their backs on people who have been mercilessly driven from their homes and have no food or shelter and ask it of us?
A Girl Strikes Back
I was astounded to read in a recent Associated Press story that Mississippi House of Representatives Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, refers to fellow legislators exclusively as "men."
Seek and Find Your Purpose
Regardless of what religion you've aligned yourself with or what terminology is used, ultimately, wholeness and completion is what we are aiming for, right?
Women Must Have Health, Reproductive Choices
Perhaps Roe v. Wade was ahead of its time, or late in coming. Regardless, abortion has been legal in the U.S. for decades and to reverse it would mean reversing women's rights.
From France, With Love and Pain
If we chose to live in fear and base our decisions on our own safety instead of the needs of others, the terrorists win.
Vote, Shop and Give Thanks ... Locally
Vote with your dollars and your nomination to support local businesses this holiday season.
Remain Calm and Focus
I want to share some thoughts and insights about the concept of assessment and why we should remain calm and focus as we anxiously await the Partnership for Assessment and Readiness for College and Careers to release the results of the most recent administration of statewide tests for students in grades three through 12.