Jackson Free Press

Long Live THE QUEENS!!!!!!!! Welcome to Jackson and cngratulations to the very talented Jill and members of her team. Thanks for helping to make Jackson a great place to visit and live.

Snce I'm always one of the first to complain about MS being the last in everything GOOD and the FRST in everything BAD, I wanted to be FIRST in congratulating Dr. Gay and her medical intervention that has given hope for a MS child to live a life without HIV/AIDS.

I saw the intrview on national news (CNN) this am. We must still promote the practice of safe sex to counter our high numbers (third in the nation) for diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS.

The plan by Gov. Phil Bryant to establish a scholarship fund for public-school students to go to private schools is really a plan to privatize by the establishment of Charter Schools. This bill, if passed, will only further cripple existing public schools. Each time a child leaves a public school, their tax dollars that support their education will leave a deep financial hole.

Why not invest in upgrading our public schools by hiring competent teachers and administrators and by upgrading salaries to attract the brighest and best: This would lead to teacher retention and the best possible chance for positive student academic achievement.

This can be done. This State has produced many outstanding students in the past who were able to compete with individuals from all parts of the country. Many of our schools had far less and yet we were able to produce so much and with an appreciable number of socially, emotionally and academically prepared students. So, the queston is: WHAT HAS HAPPENED? LET'S IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSES. Let us focus on what we can add: Taking away only weakens.

Think about it!

Congratulations to Mayor Johnson and others who made this long awaited move a reality!

Just leave it to Mississippi to continue its race to the bottom. Did anyone see this kid lying on his desk, with the appearance of being asleep, before taking this picture? He needs to know that MS lawmakers are wide awake and plotting on his inability to find a job in this ever changing economy.

Mr. Jonathan Lee drives a car that has a Rankin County Tag on it. The tag also has the Mississippi State University signature on the tag which almost covers the Rankin Co. sign. If Mr. Lee plans to run for Mayor, doesn't it make sense for him to drive a car that is registered in his county of residence? I'm sure that tags are cheaper in Rankin County; however, this is one of the problems faced by the City of Jackson with far too many residents carrying there tax tag dollars to other manicipalities. This practice is WRONG and certainly for one who says so many negatives things about Jackson, yet, says he wants to be Mayor.

Congratulations to our First Lady, Kathy Johnson, for being honored among Jackson's outstanding Hometown Hero Awards. It is frequently said that "behind every successful man is a STRONG woman." Kathy is definitely deserving of this award and she makes up proud!