TV an influence on violence, too

The recent editorial “Our View: Acknowledging and solving Meridian’s violent crime problem” is the best I have seen regarding the nation’s problem with domestic violence.

The one contributing factor that was missing is the level of violence as currently presented on TV. The mention of the violence in the previews of movies at the current showing of the Star Wars movie is spot on. … but there are many more children being adversely affected by what they see presented on their local channels.

The local stations presenting the re-runs of shows such as Frasier and Little House on the Prairie is certainly a step in the right direction. However, there are new shows presented that tend to present a level of violence that surpasses what was presented in earlier years.

Thank you for your efforts to bring common sense into the efforts to curb the violence in our state and country.

Joseph A. Fox

Should 1905 courthouse be restored?

I would like to see a question in the Readers Poll: “How many Citizens of Meridian and Lauderdale County would like to see the current 1905 courthouse renovated to it’s original glory?”

We have heard a lot of different opinions. But, nothing concerning the percentage of citizens of Lauderdale County that would want it renovated. And, I am not placing “all” the blame at the current county administration’s feet. This did not happen overnight, this happened over several decades by previous Lauderdale County Supervisors, who put it off for the next batch of supervisors. And, the problem was passed down, passed down, passed down and continued to be passed down.

Floyd T. Killebrew Jr.

Meridian

Replacing Obamacare

With the Republican Congress bent on depriving 22 million Americans of medical insurance, this is a great time to provide our own, totally free and totally effective health insurance – a plant-based diet.

A study with 131,000 participants, in last year’s Internal Medicine, found that consumption of animal protein is associated with higher risk of death. A couple dozen other massive studies in the past four decades had similar findings. None reached opposite conclusions.

According to National Institutes of Health, 1.4 million, or 68 percent, of identified U.S. deaths are attributed to heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, linked conclusively with consumption of animal products.

Cost of medical care was estimated by National Institutes of Health at $3 trillion in 2014, or $24,000 per household, and rising at 6.5 percent annually – nearly four times the rate of inflation. Incredibly, this amount rivals our national budget and represents 17.5 percent of our gross domestic product. Even so, it does not include the costs of lost productivity, disability, and premature death.

We have little control over the national cost of medical care. But, each of us has a great deal of control over our household’s $24,000 share every time we visit the grocery store.

Milton Silva

Meridian

President sends an inspirational letter  

One of the greatest aspects of President Barack Obama’s legacy is his humanitarian concern for all citizens. This is illustrated in a letter I was so honored to receive from the president. That this not be soon lost, I would like to share its insight and wisdom with your readers:

“Dear Terry: 

“Thank you for writing, and for your support of our shared values. I understand the feelings of uncertainty many Americans have had lately. But one thing I am certain of is that America remains the greatest nation on earth. What sets us apart is not simply our economic and military power, but the principles upon which our Union was founded: pluralism and openness, the rule of law, civil liberties, and the self evident truth—expanded with each generation—that we are all created equal. One election does not change who we are as a people. The America I know is

“One election does not change who we are as a people. The America I know is clear-eyed and big-hearted — full of courage and ingenuity. Although politics can significantly affect our lives, our success has always been rooted in the willingness of our people to look out for one another and help each other through tough times. More than my Presidency, or any Presidency, it is the optimism and hard work of people like you that have changed our country for the better and that will continue to give us the strength we need to persevere.

“Progress doesn’t come easily, and it hasn’t always followed a straight line, but I firmly believe that history ultimately moves in the direction of justice, prosperity, freedom, and inclusion—not because it is inevitable, but because people like you speak out and hold our country accountable to our highest ideals. That’s why I hope you continue to stay engaged. And I want you to know Michelle and I will be right there with you.

“Again, thank you for writing. Whatever challenges we may face, there is no greater form of patriotism than the belief that America is not yet finished and a brighter future lies ahead.

“Sincerely, Barack Obama”

It is indeed an honor to receive a personal letter from the President of the United States. I wonder if our next president will ever be able to address Americans so eloquently in more than the 140 characters of egotistical, embittered, angry, divisive, and often hateful tweets?

Terry Lynch

Quitman