Sunday, June 23, 2002

By Staff
Seeks response from legislator
To the editor:
I would like to know where my representative stands on several issues concerning the Meridian area. This area is the only area in the state that has been overlooked for economic progress. Each region has received more than its share of help from Jackson. Casinos on the coast and the Mississippi River region, furniture in the northeast region. I need not mention all the help the central region has received. But nothing in the Meridian area. Why is that, Mr. (Tommy) Horne?
The tort reform issue is another matter. I understand you will be an important player in this issue. I also understand you will be aligned with the trial lawyers when this bill possibly reaches the floor.
We all realize this is a tough issue, but do you understand that nurses also lose their jobs when doctors leave our area? The largest, high-paying employer in the Meridian area is the health care industry. Hospitals lose money when they have to send patients to Jackson for care that only a year ago would have been standard care for the Meridian area. That means there will be no need for all those staff positions (more lost jobs).
The most important thing, however, is the loss of quality health care. Readers should be aware that, at present, if a person has a head injury they most likely will be sent to Jackson for treatment. That fact affects every citizen in this area.
I have tried to reach Mr. Horne via e-mail, telephone and through other legislators. He will not return my call. He is the only legislator in this area who could not be reached. Why is that, Mr. Horne?
Reasonable people may disagree on such important issues; however, you do have to explain these issues to your constituents. I'm waiting for your call.
David McGrew, M.D.
Meridian
Cross removed
To the editor:
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to the person(s) who removed the wooden cross on Highway 45 at the intersection of Clarkdale that was placed in memorial to my precious daughter, Alex.
This cross was placed there by loving family members who lost a dear child in a car accident that occurred at this intersection on June 15, 2000. I think it is quite ironic that the cross was taken almost two years from that anniversary date. What kind of person does something like this? Do you not have any respect for other people's grief and longing to show remembrance to an innocent child who was taken from this world by another?
Ever since I saw that the cross was gone, I've asked myself these questions over and over again. Just like I ask myself, what causes a person to commit such a negligent act as running a stop sign and driving into oncoming traffic and killing two and injuring another person (myself)? I'm sure those family members who have lost loved ones at this same location ask themselves that same question.
Two years ago whenever I would see a cross placed along the side of a highway, I never once imagined why it was there or thought about who might have placed it there. Now, though, I have a different feeling. I grieve for those families just like I grieve for mine whenever I see one. I would like to ask you, what if you awoke one morning, went about your everyday business, got into your car to go shopping and BAM! your life as you know it is over, changed. How would you react?
Respect a person's right to show tribute to someone beloved that they will never see again on this earth. Think about it!
Kim Reeves
Quitman
America'
To the editor:
This is a poem written by my son, Billy O. Wingo.
Mrs. Nettie Wingo
Meridian
How can we not sing of thee
You opened your arms to all the world
Giving people a chance to be free
From our fields of corn and wheat
Our bounty is shipped to foreign shores
So the hungry of the world can eat
And cold clear mountain streams
People have room to move and grow
And seek their personal dreams
Where the people work and play
This America, the Beautiful
As all the poets would say
What is this land we hold so dear
An idea of a few great minds
They pledged their lives and honor
The dream of freedom to find
From Bunker Hill to Vietnam
From jungles to the sea
Remember the Maine, The Alamo
We've fought to keep her free
From Kitty Hawk to Voyager II
And a man who walked on the moon
We are always reaching further
And you know we will be there soon
It is America, the Beautiful
It's the people who walk this land
For when there's time of trouble
We always lend a hand.