My question is still on the table, "Once our public school are facing even bigger financial problems when vouchers are filled by our tax dollars, what is your plan B.?" I hope that George Flaggs, a Representative from Vicksburg, has some answers once he retires and continue with his plan to run for Mayor of that city. I will certainly be one to let the community know that he has subscribed to Republican ideation and does not seem to care about poor children or poor communities - black or white.

This matter will not be a "runaway train" if it is carried to the people. It seems so unfair that public tax payer funds can be given to private businesses.

Until you can adequately fund public education, it sounds dumb and stupid that you will start stealing from funds that tax payers have not authorized.

The historical statistical account of the low performance of Charter Schools throughout the country should give Mississippi politicians reason for pause. My question is still on the table, "Why can't we use tax dollars to efficiently support and upgrade our public schools?" It seems as if this is another example of this state's rush to give private entities our tax dollars. This is insane; however, since most of the children in public schools are black, I guess that it just doesn't matter.

Just remember that as our dollars for education go, so will we see further deterioration of our communities. With more school drop-outs, crime will surely increase. We must STOP this unfair attempt to take away public school dollars.

Cngratulations!

I saw your Mom on MSNBC this evening with Rev. Al Sharpton. She was so expressive and evoked memories of seeing her in Vicksburg, MS. Does Mrs. Merlie Polk ring a bell?

I look forward to seeing her in DC for the Invocation at President Obama's Inauguration. I am impressed with the wonderful work you do that keeps your father's legacy alive and promotes your mother's continued struggle to preserve their historical contributions to Civil Rights.

I guess the moral of this story is: Tate Reeves and others can find money to put guards in our schools, but, have taken money away that could be used for teacher raises, books, supplies and facility up-grades.

Their latest scare is a plan to support Charter Schools by giving tax payer dollars. Please don't forget their intent to privatize jails.

It is often said and with evidence that Mississippi is at the top of everything BAD and the BOTTOM of everything GOOD. When will we break this cycle?

Great article Ladd. Yes, Reeves, Bryant and a host of others are again operating on a fear based tactic by pretending that "OBAMA" is trying to take away even the guns that are used for hunting and protecting your family: They know better; however, they preach a sermon to low informational, ignorant, the mentally challenged and a long list of the evil and hate-filled.

Rep. Benny Thompson was named as the second in line appointed to the President's comission on gun control. I was shocked to hear him (Thompson) address issues that are not a part of VP Biden or President Obama's list of ideas to consider. Far too many of our politicians are bought and paid for; even at the expense of our prescious little children who continue to lose their lives so that WalMart and gun show dealers,etc.. can profit. It's all about MONEY!

Their messages are soooo irresponsible! There are a lot of sick people in the world: Some are talking about a revolution and here in the South, some say they are ready to kill. It is my understanding that Pres. Obama, the President who has been given the most threats of any other President, is expericing an even greater number of threats to include his family.

We must stand with those who recognize and understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to gun control, i.e., mentally challenged, the mean and hateful and politicians who are paid to promote weapons that can cause mass destruction.

We should be ready for the revolution of voting them out of office!

Robbier,
The only change that will be brought to our public schools is devastation. Do you realize that when a child leves a public school and enters a charter school, the cost of their education goes with them,every single dollar. In other words, it is akin to a boat with a slow leak; eventually, the boat sinks.

You stated that you are "a parent in a consistently failing school district". What has your parent group done to improve your district.? Are you aware that many classes are over-crowded, lacks instructional materials and many teachers spend their personal money to buy supplies i.e., paper.

I'm sure that you are aware of the negative consequences of neigborhoods with dying schools: Eventually, the community dies!

This is a sad day for parents who send their children to public schools. Again I say, if our schools are failing, let's fix the problem(s). To date, there has not been a ligitamate argument for giving private owned and operated schools our public dollars.

Where is the Black Caucus on this issue? This question seems relevant based on the fact that so many children in our public schools are African-American: These communities will be devastated!

It is interesting to read that Rep. Mary Coleman, an African-American Democrat, spoke to the issue of PERS: Just remember that these folks (House & Senate) receive retirement from PERS.

Where is public outrage?

I have attended several events over the years where Lumumba (?sp) said that he does not a will not say "The Pledge of Allegiance", wear an American flag pin or participate in the singing of the National Anthem. Please ask him, " why".

So they are "thinking about privatizing jails". Republicans are trying to privatize public schools. What's next? Perhaps we should be looking closely at the people we elect/hire to manage these entities. Could it be that we are focusing on symptoms and not root problems and causes?

Just asking!

Donna, thanks for this article. You are sooooo right. Voters in this state and especially women, should be very concerned about the Nov. 6, election. Romney and Ryan are dead set on overturning Roe v. Wade. They have also said that they would de-fund Planned Parenthood. These folks are out of touch with reality! To say that he continues to support the Indiana nutt who says that rape of a woman/girl/boy is the "willing of God" is over the top!

I hope that Mississippians will put aside all racial aspects of this election an look at the policies that are in keeping with the needs of the poor, the middle class and a woman's right to chose and to be protected from the physical, psychological and emotional trauma of having a child that is the product of rape or incest.

It would be a hallelujah time for MS if we shifted to the "blue column". This would send a message to the world that we are evolving into a state where people can see more than color: we can now focus on the real issues that unite us.