Is ‘budgeting’ not a word in Washington?
You have to live within a budget. Schools have to go by a budget. Cities and counties have budgets. But what about Congress? So wonder Editor Don Whitten as he writes about the lack of budgeting talks and progress in Washington, D.C. (February 21, 2013, Page 4)
2013 Oxford Film Fest offers lots for locals
The 2013 Oxford Film Festival set for this weekend will offers all types of films, but two areas – music and local films – will probably be of special interest to many of those attending the festival screenings. Editor Don Whitten takes a closer look at some of the offerings, including this year’s community film project. (February 20, 2013, Page 4)
Would you prefer more money or more time off?
Perks and benefits are often the reasons we take, and keep, some of the jobs we have. Editor Don Whitten poses a thought-provoking question in relation to benefits: would you rather have a pay raise or more paid leave? (February 18, 2013, Page 4)
Wage hikes and recessions – related or not?
Editor Don Whitten’s research shows that, since the mid-1970s, most mandatory federal minimum wage increases came before, during or right after recessions in the United States, and he wonders what, if any, relation there might be between the two in light of President Obama’s call to raise the minimum wage to $9 per hour by 2015. (February 15, 2013, Page 4A)
Looking at speeding cops, lawmakers and taxes
Editor Don Whitten offers some answers and opinions about recent questions he’s received, touching on subjects such as why cops seem to speed a lot, why so many laws are introduced but not passed each year, how taxes are collected on lotteries and Ole Miss football recruiting. (February 11, 2013, Page 4)
Empty mailbox on Saturday – what will we do?
Barring a possible backlash from Congress, it appears Saturday home delivery of mail will end this summer. Editor Don Whitten looks at the joys of Saturday trips to the mail box and wonders if we can come up with a way to keep it going. (February 8, 2013, Page 4A)
Local pastor pens minister-activist’s memoir
When you mention civil rights and activists, most people think of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, James Meredith, et cetera. Editor Don Whitten writes about a book by local pastor Chet Bush that brings us one more man – a Mississippian, Dr. Charles Johnson – we should know about. (February 6, 2013, Page 4)
Watching the Super Bowl – the ads and the game
Sunday’s Super Bowl in New Orleans will have lots of great storylines – former Ole Miss standouts on both teams, brothers coaching against one another, Ray Lewis retiring, et cetera. But don’t forget about the ads. Editor Don Whitten takes a look at what has become an integral part of watching the big game. (February 1, 2013, Page 4A)
Options to consider to solving gridlock
Editor Don Whitten offers a few options to break the gridlock and stalemate common in Congress and often in state and local bodies. One was something one of his junior high coaches did – put the combatants against each other with 16-ounce boxing gloves on. (January 30, 2013, Page 4)
Payday lender approval needs to keep time limit
Have you ever taken out a payday loan? It’s something lots of people do every day, Editor Don Whitten writes, and it’s an industry he feels needs to be regulated and not given an open-ended approval to operate by the state Legislature. (January 28, 2013, Page 4)
