More Commentary

Thanks to Local Reflector for today's commentary:

There can be little debate that when competition is removed from a market place, it often isn't healthy for the community (no pun intended). But, how can anyone argue that Greenville needs two large hospitals? Kings Daughters was "conquered," its staff was offered job transfer terms they really couldn't accept and maintain current living standards and the reality of locally monopolized medicine arose. Would we get better treatment if roles were reversed? Better question - would you trust KDH over DRMC? Many will say "yes" but still head outta town to see a surgeon.

Also, Mississippi isn't paying what it once was under Medicaid reimbursements. Our local hospitals survive on Medicaid patients....put two and two together and it's easy to see a deficit situation. The middle class isn't supporting local medicine. It has no hope of getting better without new facilities, which, of course, aren't financial feasible. I call it a Catch 22.

On the Washington Avenue rehabilitation, city council didn't give democracy a boost by not discussing the straightening of the serpentine. However, they did avoid another silly round of "let's protect it because it's historical....or at least old." To me, a four lane street won't make much sense when the Blues Quarter calls for certain streets to be closed (or does memory fail me?). City leaders could make downtown attractive by paying attention to appearance standards....spray painted and homemade store signs aren't the sign of prosperity. The $1.5 million grant should help refresh a mile or so of Washington Avenue - from the levee heading south. It's decent money for the area we're discussing and the "status quo" isn't acceptable for downtown G'ville. Neither is saying "It's dead and it should stay that way." But, the property owners should be willing to beautify their properties - but they won't. In many ways, Greenville's "money" community is the source of its largest downfall. Yet, these folks are "Rah-Rah" crowd who tell you that you're being negative.

And, to the subject of maintaining a constant presence to truly discuss local, regional, state and national politics. I've laid out my first round of "concrete ideas" or solutions for righting the ship. It is public education reform. Discussion can always be maintained free of charge if someone wants it. Online dialogue is the future and yet it's the past as well. The American colonies used pamphlets, or anonymous, newsletters to spread political debate and encourage unanimity in purpose or discord against British rule. The writings and political positions were solid...still are. Ben Franklin wrote excellently and anonymously for years. So did others back then and our country wouldn't exist without their "blogging" of sorts. Don't think what we've done here is unique - it's traceable three centuries. Yet, apathy reigns and even the gossip groups on Yahoo limp along or now sit dormant.

My dog isn't in the fight but I've considered the political and philosophical winds at some length regarding the region because it's mentally engaging. Maybe there are SO FEW out there sharing the sentiment. That really wouldn't surprise me and rathers fits the mold that's created national stereotypes of the Mississippi Delta region and its hapless civic cheerleading for goals unobtainable without hard work, spirit and a touch of moral standing.

I really should be doing something more productive, yet I'm not. Forgive me.

Signed,

Local Reflector