Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sales tax revenues fell $61,473, or 13.19 percent, in August compared to the same month a year ago, Holloway said. The city collected $404,601 in August 2009, down from $466,074 in August 2008.

Posted by fed_up (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 4:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tourism alone just can't support this area. We've already lost lots of good working class people when we lost companies like I.P. Working people are leaving here to find jobs. And what are we left with? The people we read about in the paper that's robbing and shooting at each other. Something has got to change. If we keep doing what we've been doing, we're going to keep getting what we've been getting. I don't think we need anymore of that.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Every town that Mr. Braswell uses as an example has most of their white children in public schools and not in academies. Natchez killed off its own economy when it created the academies. Why do you think most of the delta from here to Memphis looks like its stuck in a time warp? Very little has changed since 1969 in most of these towns. Anyone who thinks Natchez will be able to land a large industrial company is not in touch with the real world. The factories are not coming back. They are gone with the wind.......

Greg didn't mislead anyone.

Posted by Crakalakin (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD - "Every town that Mr. Braswell uses as an example has most of their white children in public schools and not in academies."

Then there must be very few white children in those towns. Brookhaven High is almost 70% black. Vicksburg High is over 70% black with Warren Central at about 50%. McComb High School is over 80% black. Research, sir. ;)

Dumbing down white kids by forcing them into the horrible public schools of this area is no way to bring jobs to the area. People will move away first, as many have already done.

Personally, I take offense at the notion it is somehow the fault of productive white people who produce enough to be able to afford to send their kids to private school.

Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm with you "crackalakin". Along with your other stats, Natchez High is around 98% black. While my wife and I were able to send our child to private school for 12 years, we did without a LOT of things to do so. But it was worth it. End result, Masters Degree from Ole Miss, now a teacher. I don't think he would have accomplished this if we had put him in public school where he would have been "dumbed down" so the slackers could pass. And, I certainly don't think we "killed of the economy" by supporting private schools.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Crakalakin, I didn't say "majority white". I said "most of their white children" in public schools. Big difference.

Concerning --> "Dumbing down white kids by forcing them into the horrible public schools"

Other areas chose to fight for better schools. Not to abandon them.

Concerning --> "take offense at the notion it is somehow the fault of productive white people who produce enough to be able to afford to send their kids to private school"

Sorry if you take offense. But I'm talking simple economics. If it helps your feelings, I graduated from an academy and my kids did too.

I don't know that Greg addressed the academy issue. And he probably will not. I don't expect things to change anyway. But I'm not expecting new factories either.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOVESNATCHEZ, concerning --> "we did without a LOT of things to do so"

Yes we all did without a lot of things. And the parents of many of us also. And in doing without, it was our economy that was "dumbed down". And most of the delta (not all) from here to Memphis has been in a 40 year depression.

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on October 18, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In addition to the many excellent points Greg made in his comments, he is especially right on about one thing--manufacturing and the jobs that accompany it are gone forever around here--UNLESS--we citizens of Natchez become willing to reenroll our children in our public schools, and doggedly persist until our public schools are nothing short of excellent. I can promise you that NO corporate employers will remotely consider us with our de facto system of segregated schools. We already pay taxes to support our public school system--why not enroll our kids in them and initiate the change ourselves. There it is--bifurcated school system = no hope of attracting new companies and industries = terminal economic stagnation.

It is probably too much to expect to expect public middle and high schools to "reintegrate" right away. Many of the kids of that age have already been hopelessly infected with the bacillus of racism by their parents. If white kids were enrolled in public kindergarten and elementary school in substantial numbers, and began learning and playing together with black kids from the inception of their school careers, I think the results might surprise us. It could take a decade or longer, but you can't undo fifty years of community self-segregation overnight.

Thinking as I write, possibly funded in part by increased revenues from a new rec center, perhaps a tax credit for families who enroll their kids in public schools might be an incentive. Perhaps our state representatives could introduce a bill in the legislature to make state funds available for this. Our schools are the linchpin of our future, or our lack of a future.

Posted by Crakalakin (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it always whitey's fault, Tom? You think white parents send their kids to private school because of white racism?

Allow me to inform you. Black ghetto culture is a killer. It is a killer of minds, it is a killer of values and it is a killer of morals and often a killer of people. You can blame race but the fact is the dominant black culture is completely amoral and corrupt and I WILL NOT expose my kids to in all day every day. Generally, I could care less what color someone is, however, in the real world race and culture are very closely tied.

Look around this country Tom. Point to me the predominantly black areas that are doing well or that have ever done well. No, it's the same everywhere, Baltimore, Detroit, Atlanta, New Orleans, Oakland, LA,St. Louis, etc. All crime ridden, all public school educational disasters.

I don't live in a fantasy PC world where all you have to do is wish for other people to change and they do. Life doesn't work that way. You are willing to offer tax incentives for whites to change their "negative" behavior of putting their kids in decent schools. However, I saw no mention of changing the culture that runs white people right out of public schools.

Regardless of the PC nonsense you've been spoon-fed for the last 40 years, people are not all the same. Cultures are not all the same and they are certainly not morally or ethically equivalent. You seek to change the successful culture and not the failing one. Sorry, no way in hell I'd go with your idea, with all due respect. I will not sell out my kids future for a few dollars in tax credits. That's what certain other cultures do.

Posted by unclered (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Braswell has made a good point about the focusing on the tourism industry to the exclusion of others. A tourism based economy will not bring the good paying jobs with health and retirement benefits that industries such as Armstrong once provided. Is anyone concerned about the plight of blue collar families in Adams County and by extension, Concordia Parish? In the tourism based economy we presently have, blue collar workers must rely on jobs in the service industry.

We should continue to develop the city's tourism economy, but also manufacturing jobs. A good first step would be for the Federal Government to abolish NAFTA and CAFTA so American companies can compete in that economic sector.

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on October 18, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Crakalakin--Where did I say it was "all whitey's fault"? Both races partake all too freely of this toxic brew--and it is killing us. As I've said elsewhere, we live in the poorest corner of the poorest state in the union--how's that worked out for us so far? If it is PC to confront the problem squarely, and to be willing to chart a new course because the present one is not working--then, hell, I'm as PC as they come.

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Folks--- we will be having this same debate next week, next month, next year, next decade.... I've lived here for years, and things NEVER change... The only thing that has changed is all of our blue collar jobs flew the coop, and they are not coming back to Natchez! Face reality! The probability that a new large factory is coming to this area are slim and none, and the chances of meteorite striking Natchez are much higher.... We are not the only town in America with a deplorable school system, and we have battled that topic for years to, only to see it continue to get worse.... The brain drain continues to esculate, with our youngest and brightest leaving for college and to never return------ Maybe when they are 70+ and can afford to retire back to our sleepy little hamlet, they then can come back home.... Greg hit the nail on the head, and it might hurt for some of us to have to face reality. We are on a downward spiral, and have been for many years. I'm willing to bet that the 2010 census will show further decreases in our population. We can sit here and point fingers till we are blue in the face, and continue living in a fantasy world that IP and Armstrong are coming back.... It just isn't going to happen... Everything has gone to China or Mexico. Our lousy schools will continue to turn out kids that will sooner or later end up on some form of welfare, and the educated ones will continue to move on with their lives and relocate to areas where they have opportunities and make decent salaries. We will continue to decline and sail adrift as long as our public schools are the pits, and the race card is continued to be played... Mr. Braswell, you are the one, my friend, living in a "fictional world"--- one in which Natchez is dominated by "smoke stacks".... I'm not a gambling man, but I would bet all my money on this one... Tourism, with all of it's low paying jobs as some might say, is our bread and butter---- like it or not.... We either cultivate what we have to work with, and do a MUCH better job at doing it, or Natchez is going to go the way of Rodney, MS. (near Alcorn) and just disappear.....

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd love for someone to produce a list of the "phantom factories" that are waiting to come Natchez. Where are they? Who are they? If they truly exist, let's ask them what they require in a community and then we'll be able to determine if we can fit the bill.

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

getalifenatchez You are correct! Greg Iles was just pointing out the obvious and trying to suggest what we could do with what we have. I would prefer people stop dreaming about possibilities and rather look at the reality of Natchez. Tourism is what this town has so everyone should try to build on it. The pay may not be the greatest but at least it's a job. Better than the current options the town has.

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on October 18, 2009 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As for the public schools here is a past ND article: http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2007...

Posted by thinkforyourself (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There has been a constant put down of public schools in Natchez, and true they are in deplorable condition at this time. However, the schools were not always this bad, just as the city of Natchez was not in such deplorable condition. Good leadership will always breed good things. Having moved away from Natchez, being able to be a part of a positive community has helped me understand how negative minds can kill schools and town. Maybe I and thousands of others were wrong for leaving, instead of staying and fighting for better schools and towns. Realizing if half of the bright young minds Natchez public schools have produced had returned, just maybe we would not be in this predicament. In 2009,if you'all don't see the value of a public education, no matter what race attends in the majority, you are going to eventually see tourism dry up as well. Most of your tourists that appreciated "where the south still lives" are dead and gone.
Recreation is important. But when you sit in judgment of 98% of your black parents whose children attend public schools, and continue to put them down as thugs, dead beats, illeterate, etc. but on election day you want them to support you and your ideas, you might need to stop thinking aloud. You need those 98% parents to elect a new sheriff, and you need them to help get the rec complex. Those that can't afford private school are just as important, and they are the majority. Wake up 98% and let your voice be heard.

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on October 18, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

Fitch Elementary School in Centerville has recently gotten some high accolades.

For their high performance on the Mississippi Curriculum Test the state has been classified as a ranked a Level 5 school, the highest state ranking.

The state issued rankings are essentially meant to gauge how well a school’s curriculum complies with the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act.

The school’s Principal Willie McCray says the exceptionally high ranking is no fluke.

McCray, who has a mathematics background, has been analyzing the school’s shortcomings and addressing them directly.

As a result of his studies, in 2005 Centerville was recognized by the state for “significantly closing the achievement gap,” McCray said.

Basically Centerville’s 310 students were quickly moving in on a Level 5 ranking.

For their 2005 achievement the school received a $5,000 award to spend on school improvements.

First McCray used some of the money to purchase educational materials to bolster areas students fell short on in previous tests.

Then McCray took the kids to a water park as a reward for their hard work.

And in 2007 McCray’s hard work paid off.

Students at Centerville scored well above average.

According to McCray, 100 percent of one fifth grade class scored proficient or advanced, and 99 percent of a second and third class scored above bar. Less than 10 percent of students scored below average and less than one percent of were rated at minimum.

McCray was ecstatic.

“I was as happy as a fox in a rabbit patch,” McCray said.

But while McCray is still basking in his school’s accomplishments he was quick to share the credit with his devout staff.

McCray stressed that the schools Level 5 ranking could not have been achieved with out the school’s teachers.

“You need a staff that is all moving in the same direction,” he said.

McCray said after some minor restructuring he had a finely tuned, well-trained staff.

After cultivating an ideal staff McCray began to educate them on his analytical studies showing them the areas of weakness students were facing.

From then on McCray said things fell into place.

He said he knew that the school would always achieve a Level 5 ranking, it was only a matter of when.

McCray said for a school with Centerville’s demographics such a ranking is rare.

McCray said 100 percent of his students are on free and reduced lunch, and there is little opportunity for student activity outside of school.

And the rarity of his achievement has been noticed.

Next week McCray will meet with officials from the Hattiesburg School District. McCray said they want to know how he was able to raise student’s performance so quickly.

Posted by DeanWormer (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tom, you must not have children.....

Posted by frostyw47 (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did anyone think that our public schools might be different, if our parents had taken care of the school and run it the way it should be run, instead of Hey, you will not tell or make us go to schools with people that we don't want too. Instead get with everybody and say ok we are all going to be in the same school system, same school for our area, let's make it the best we can do for all children. But no back in the 50 and 60's. we will have to start private schools. And not worry about what happens to the public school. Guess what that is what happened and not taking care of one hugh school system, and teach the kids the best that they could. We started Public and Private. So Private makes sure that they get the "best" and rest get what is left. And they are all good teachers, but they can not teach their best, because the rest really don't care about the public school system. And there are teachers out there that are great teachers, but can't teach the way they would like because they can't.

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on October 18, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DeanWormer--Do you have a better idea? If so, let's hear it. All I'm saying is if we continue to self-segregate in our schools, we will continue to wither. Self-desegregation can begin with the youngest of our children. It would be a process, not an event. It can also begin, as Kevin Cooper so eloquently described, by doing away with color-coded little leagues. Get the kids playing together and learning together. At that age, they don't care what color their classmates and teammates are.

There will be many disappointments and setbacks. Among both races there will be those, like Crakalakin, who are beyond redemption and will hang onto their hatred. The temptation will be to throw up our hands at the first sign of failure and say, "see, I knew this couldn't work." It HAS to work. Natchez is out of other options.

Consider the possibilities if we as a community committed ourselves to making this happen. Our schools would improve--incrementally at first, and then more rapidly. Racial antagonism would diminish considerably over time--it will never go away completely until the haters of both races move on to the next realm. But, with a real commitment from black and white parents to instill tolerance and acceptance in their kids, racial antagonism can be diluted and ultimately suffocated. As our schools and our racial climate improve, companies will begin giving us a second look, and then serious consideration. Eventually, a few may decide to open shop here. With jobs comes revenue and an expanded tax base. Tourism and the EDA are now working symbiotically to attract more visitors, and new employers. Over a generation, there are actually job opportunities that make it possible for our young people to stay in, or return to Natchez to work and live.

A pipe dream? Perhaps. But is it stands now, we are fashioning our own noose. Change, or die.

Posted by DeanWormer (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes Tom, I have a better idea. How about the public school parents do their job and raise their children worth a damn. How about public school teachers do their job and quit passing these students who fail. How about a school board with a backbone. How about you quit bitching about everything. All you do is complain. If you have children, then you would KNOW what it is like to send your children to a public school in Adams County. Did you complain this much in California, a state that is a complete diaster.

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on October 18, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dean-- Certainly those things you suggest are essential elements of change. Parents do need to hold themselves to a higher standard, as do teachers and school administrators. We all can do better. But I stand by my belief that the economic salvation of Natchez begins and ends with all of our schools, but especially our public schools. Unlike Mr. Iles who believes that tourism is the only economic option for Natchez, I do believe it is necessary, and possible, to attract corporate investment in our community. But until we desegregate and elevate our public schools, we will continue to be avoided by employers offering the kinds of jobs we want and need. That's the bottom line.

Sorry you think all I do is complain. If I am critical of what I see, I do try to offer constructive suggestions. To answer your question, I do have stepkids in California, and they did attend public school. It wasn't easy for them, and they were confronted daily by ethnic tension between Anglo and Latino students. I got very frustrated at times. I understand the implications of what I am suggesting.

By the way, I appreciate that you are willing to post using your real name. I wish more folks would do so.

Posted by grungebob (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think people miss the point on tourism.
I said decreasing sales tax revenues may result in higher property taxes to make up the short fall.

Conversely, more tourist generated sales tax revenue might allow for a reduction in property taxes.

Lower property taxes might attract more people and business.

More sales tax revenue could be invested in improving public education, among other things, and replace our present work farce with a legitamate work force that might lure more businesses offering better paying jobs.

Ya gotta start with what ya got and build on that.

Posted by Continental_Line (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dean,

Is Bluto still on double secret probation ?

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on October 18, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dean Wormer--Animal House--yeah, now it registers.

For a minute I thought you weren't another one of those cranks that snipes behind the safety of their anonymity. Guess I was wrong.

Posted by Continental_Line (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well Idefinitelymight - ( Tom Scarborough ) ,

I was just attempting to add a little humor to this discussion.

However, while we all wish for the same thing, ( The Future of Natchez ) .

I'm proud to be "one of those cranks" that completely agrees with

DeanWormer.

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on October 18, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Continental--I wasn't addressing my remark to you--it was addressed to Dean. But I appreciate your effort to add levity. Humor is in much too short supply around here.

Posted by Continental_Line (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank's Idefinitelymight , ( Tom Scarborough )

Sorry if my last comment seemed out of line.

I Know what you're saying.

I ment no harm in my reply.

I'm conservative & you may be liberal....

Humor is the one thing we all seem to have in common.

We all have the same objective, ... what's best for NATCHEZ !

While we all have different ideas, there is no excuse not to have civil discussions.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Y'all are too funny today.

:)

Dean Wormer in action......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1hnwvWhb...

Tom, I appreciate your input, but I have no confidence that our local schools will be doing any serious changing anytime soon. It would be for the greater economic good, but that was true in 1969 also. So, factories are out. And that leaves only tourism. And out town has a long long way to go to be called a "tourist town". First, we need some traveled and educated elected officials. We'll call them "leaders" once they demonstrate that quality.

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not only do we need traveled and educated elected officials, we need our citizens to be the same---and from the way things looks--- whewwww, we have our work cut out for us.... People in charge of things tourist related around here think they wrote the book on tourism....Au Contraire! We are fooling ourselves if that is the case.... Natchez could be another Williamsburg, Charleston, Savanah---but our lack of vision and poorly educated populace is whats killing us who have no idea what a REAL tourist town is like..... It starts with the cashier @ the gas station that can't tell you what road you are on, the waiter / waitress @ the local restaurant that doesn't have a clue about the menu, and doesn't even greet you, the lack of signs to direct you around the city, The white brick 2 story structure on a main throughfare that should have been condemed years ago and torn down, but is left standing, with a gaping hole in its side and a balcony ready to plummet and injure/ destroy an innocent bystander/ vehicle... Stores in the downtown district closed on Sundays (So much for that long weekend in Natchez and hoping to catch up on some Christmas shopping).... The streets roll up @ dusk.... and God forbid if you come into town late @ night and are hungry for something other than fast food.... No IHOP, No waffle House, etc... SO, If we want to come across as a tourist town, we have A LOT of work to DO!!!! Yes tourism is going to be our main source of income if we play our cards right.... What else do we have???? I love Natchez, and see what it could be---- but it's citizens don't have a clue, and it reminds me of a dog chasing it's tail.... We keep doing the same ole song and dance, and where does it get us????

Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The white brick 2 story structure on a main throughfare that should have been condemed years ago and torn down, but is left standing, with a gaping hole in its side and a balcony ready to plummet and injure/ destroy an innocent bystander/ vehicle...

ok, I give, where is this structure?

Unless you are talking Arlington? Give me a break. Hardly a main throughfare, and definitely far enough off said road as to pose no threat to people unless they are where they should not be. Sounds like you have your own little axe to grind here.

Posted by danielsbasketry (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 2:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Frog, they could be meaning the old building near the Duncan park intersection with Homochitto, but I do not remember a balcony.

Getalife, I find your name very interesting. I had a shop downtown, and to get a life, I made the decision to not open on Sunday except when there were special events that needed support. I had long advocated advertising Natchez as a "rejuvenation destination". Have the tourists participate in late night shopping on Saturday (shop til you drop day) and a special recouping on Sunday, with a light breakfast, a visit to one of our local churches, a sack lunch either on the bluff or in some-one's front porch rocker just chilling to get ready for the return to the hectic life. Running full force seven days a week is a sure cure for longevity. People need a time and a place to help them slow down. Natchez, as that place, could be vastly different than all the other tourist towns.

I never regretted the decision to close on Sundays, and devote that day to the Lord and my family. I had no idea what the future had in store for us, but I look back on each of those days as rays of sunshine.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, the building being described is on Homochitto. Many pass it coming into town or while driving out. There are many others that need to come down also. The old Ritz on Commerce is in the "center" of Natchez and except for the facade front it is nothing but a huge pile of rubble. It is, I believe, owned by the Historic Foundation. I can't fathom how this garbage remains in the heart of our downtown and yet some people want to focus on Arlington. My guess is the owner of Arlington only needs to take some local photographs in order to bolster his case in court.

About 2 doors south of the Ritz is another shell of a building. It's brick facade was very obviously leaning and dangerous and yet it was allowed to remain until it came crashing down and ruining the sidewalk. Now these 2 properties are fronted with plywood while the rubble remains. And I can only think that if Arlington had been fronted with some plywood and the grass allowed to grow and hide the structure then the city would have simply forgotten it.

No person or organization should be given a free pass on delapidated structures.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 5:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

danielsbasketry, Its not necessary to open downtown stores for empty streets. When this town gets its tourist act together, then we will have enough folks on the streets to warrant stores staying open. We have folks driving by on our "by-pass" everyday who are never even aware that Natchez has a Historic Business District. Why should you remain open on Sunday for the 2-3 "lookers" that might wander in. I am convinced that out downtown stores will be staying open on Sundays when the business is here walking our streets.

Now - Why does every other town with historic buildings have signs pointing to their "Historic Business District" EXCEPT Natchez? Its stuff like this that makes me laugh when people (the untravelled?) call us a "tourist town".

Posted by grungebob (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And Santa, we want an international airport, high speed rail, a cruise ship terminal, an interstate hwy right down Main (with exits at every corner, of course) that connects to the bridge via Canal and some of those quaint little English phone boxes that are really time machnes.

As stocking stuffers, how about a Nieman Marcus of Natchez and a Maxim's of the Miss Lou?

Once we have these things the tourists will flock here in droves.

Then we can afford to build some really cool stuff.

Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't really understand why so many people in my country are hell bent on the idea that if they don't have a manufacturing job with pension and job security that someone is not doing their job in getting them one.

I think that sort of sentiment is just one click above a welfare recipient wanting a handout.

I have never had trouble finding something to do. Natchez, when it missed getting an interstate, was doomed to what it presently has. Just like Mr. Iles has learned to make real money writing about fiction others might accept the challenge and figure how they might do that too. Instead of whining about someone else not getting them a good job.

IMHO of course...

Posted by grungebob (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny how demolition by neglect is both a crime and a legal means of removing dilapidated buildings - it just depends on whether you are the owner or the city.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tom, here's an idea. How about Tax Credits for people who send their kids to PRIVATE SCHOOLS. The private schools are BETTER otherwise they wouldn't exist. Basically I'm paying for school twice, once in taxes for the public system and second in fees for the private institution. Race has NOTHING to do with it, the quality of the education and what the kids are being exposed to do. Also, by giving tax credits, this might afford a less fortunate family to send their kids to private schools. I hate the fact that our public school system is horrible but it's a fact. That's not to say that there aren't some really good teachers there, there is and I know them. It's not the teachers that worry me though.

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1--- I know what you're trying to say, but...Racism may have nothing to do with it, but Race has everything to do with it...........the reason your children go to private school!

I, like you, want what's best for my kid, right? And I, unlike you brave parents and super brave kids, that took the first steps to intergrating Natchez Public Schools back in the '60s... I'm not that brave. I don't want my daughter to be the only white girl in her class. I don't want her to be a pioneer. I don't want her to be afraid...a person can't learn when they are afraid..even if it's an all white school where the bullies and the spoiled, rich kids make everyone else's life miserable.

But that's life, huh?

It is the teachers that bother me as much as anything else...

--mojo

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, Mojo. You gotta be careful. Those teachers might teach your kids to sing love chants to Obama.

:)

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD--it's not what they might teach her ... it's that they aren't teaching......

--mojo

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mojo, I don't know what your experience is, but I think most of 'em (teachers) are pretty good. I've heard of some real bad apples, but they were few. And the local public schools (I'm assuming you are talking public) have always been sluggish and top heavy with administrative make-work do-nothings. But the rank and file teachers tend to be competent to good.

Just my little ole opinion, of course.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Old Grand Dad

On the signage front I have finally decided that Natchez is just way ahead of the curve - it is going to be the first city to ban all road signs - who needs them in this day of GPS?

I think one day we will all rely on our little talking friends that signs will be removed so we won't have all that clutter.

Our GPS will tell us where to eat where to visit and what to do ---- what fun

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"If it is PC to confront the problem squarely..."

the root problem is

real young grandmothers = lousy schools = no good jobs coming your way.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 6:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

natchez1, I've got one of those little things that the kids gave us for Christmas. Its awful handy. But I normally will only plug it in when we are looking for a particular street. Otherwise, its hard to drive while I'm reading that thing with my reading glasses on.

I saw Clinton (MS) has new signs up. They direct folks to their Historic District and also to their municipal buildings and such. When I work in my front yard I have to give directions to our City Hall and Courthouse all day long. Maybe I'll start giving more specific directions that send them right into the Mayor's office.

Speaking of sign clutter, we could do away with the one-way street signs since half the tourists never see them. And once an out-of-towner gets to going the wrong direction there is no stopping them - they go wrong directions for blocks. I suggest large painted arrows on the pavement. But not in front of my own house, of course.

:)

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD--I hope you're right......I have only experience from which to speak .........and that was down-right scary, and a tragedy for the kids who didn't seem to realize what they were missing...

--mojo

Posted by iamamean1 (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Give me a refund for the money spend-not by choice on the pathetic NASD! I would not send my black lab there to learn. That is the main problem in this area.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

old grand dad -- I know part of the problem with tourists and one way streets -- they don't have GPS - or if they do - it was based on the map the city gives away in the official guide - all the one way streets across Franklin and Main are shown as one way the wrong way --- Truely brilliant - had tourists in the shop complaining about the map - and it was totally wrong!

Also during Pillgrimage at least one blue pilgrimage sign pointed the wrong way down a street.

My GPS prediction was intended to be a little tongue in cheek ----

I have tried for years for better signage for Natchez - asked Butch Brown, lobbied Mayors served on committees to no avail ---- I have said it before in Natchez we can't do the simple things right - maybe if we tried to fix the easy things people would start to build faith when our city's leaders tried to do more complicated things

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1, concerning --> " in Natchez we can't do the simple things right - maybe if we tried to fix the easy things people would start to build faith when our city's leaders tried to do more complicated things"

Amen. I can only wonder why the simple things (like certain signs) that all other towns have always seem to be so extremely difficult to do in Natchez. And yes, it makes me seriously question their abilities and motives when they want extra from the citizens with the recreational complex being a perfect example.

Concerning mayors and committees, have you ever noticed that "Natchez" always has an excuse why things that work for every other place will not work for us?

Thanks for info on the maps and pilgrimage sign directions. For some reason it reminds me of the year ACCS did a fund raiser by selling cups/mugs that said "Quality Education in a Christian Atmosphere". Only Atmosphere was spelled wrong on the cups. "Atomosphere" was the spelling, I believe. I really wish that I had bought one.

:)

Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Because of the high rate of divorce and the number of children born to the same mother with different fathers the chance of siblings marring each other is extremely high. In breeding elpains why the south has the lowest test scores and some of the most untrainable people imagineable. You see the same thing in other areas where outsiders never bring in new gene pools and all the inhabitants begin to look alike and suffer abnormalities.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good thoughts Mr. Braswell

OGD- every town and city from New Orleans to Memphis (and further North, and from coast to coast for that matter) have private academies, and they were there before desegregation as well. I can't see that as a valid reason for economic decline...

I would say that high taxes- local, state, and fed - poor roads, high minimum wages, untrainable local workforce, unions, government regulations, and OTHER opportunities elsewhere have led industry and business elsewhere

folks we have working here can't even get a burger right much less acquire an actual skill, it's pitiful,

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers, some of the academies have been around a long time. But most of them are known as "segregation academies" because of the circumstances of their origins. I don't think that any of them have any racial exclusions nowadays.

Segregation Academies
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segregation...

They suck up an incredible amount of disposable income from the areas they serve. That is money that would otherwise have been used for larger houses, newer vehicles, small business startups, etc.

The idea for tax credits to those folks with kids in academies has been around for quite a few years. I always thought it was a good idea since it would help the economy.

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD---my favorite part of the wiki-article is under MS-AR, where it tells how the once all non-white private schools have become very moderately intergrated in the past decade...........they, like Bear Bryant and Adolph Rupp, wanted to start winning some football and basketball games......

And I disagree with tax credits for those who choose to send their children to private academies...it IS their choice.

Mine is in Cathedral...I'm Catholilc, and CHOOSE to have my daughter learn religion along with her other studies. Another BIG plus here, Cathedral is the most racially intergrated of the schools in this area. And better than that...their are no scholarships for football or basketball players at Cathedral. Most of the children attending Cathedral are there to learn, not just there to escape intergration or so the alumni can bring home an athletic winner....

What I'm most proud of about our school is that while we don't always win the game, we always bring home a winner...Good Administration + Good Teachers + a Well Rounded Curriculum that includes God + Hard Work = A Grrrrr-eat Education.

--mojo

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on October 23, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Last time I checked, Cathedral was, and has been, integrated for decades. Even Trinity, my alma mater and originally created solely for the use of whites, is integrated...though Mojo has a point about the athletic scholarships.

What do all of you public school supporters say about black parents that send their children to Cathedral or Trinity? You've had plenty to say about the white parents...

Posted by MsM (anonymous) on October 24, 2009 at 4:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

God help the people of Natchez who continue to have tunnel vision and also continue to not face reality. Mr. Iles was NOT saying that we should only focus on or only promote tourism. He clearly stated that as of now Natchez doesn't have ANYTHING ELSE to offer but tourism. All he was saying was... stop dreaming and work with what we do have...for now. This really isn't rocket science people...most of you who post here complain about the poor schools. You complain about the casinos. You complain about the high crime rate. You complain about government officials. You complain about dilapidated buildings but yet, don't want them torn down. You complain about your tax dollars being spent on recreation. You complain, complain, complain and absolutely do not offer any new solutions. What industry in its right mind would want to move here?! You want to continue to degrade the AA community and pretend that ALL things "bad" are a product of the AA community. Until you accept the fact that AA's are an integral part of this community just as White people are; AA's bring positives to "the table" just as White people do; AA's history in Natchez (the truth) need to be told just as White people's history has ALWAYS been told...until Natchez changes her ways no one, no tourist, no business, no industry is going to do business with her! You, absolutely, can not continue to do things the way that you've always done things and expect a different result! (I promise you this IS NOT rocket science...I promise you!) If you've been listening to the news then, you would know that in the next decade or so the white race will no longer be the majority in this country... which means that people are coming together, mingling, meshing, getting along, tolerating each other ALL OVER THE USA with the exception of the South. If we don't change our ways here in Mississippi, especially in Natchez, we will continue to get left out and left behind. I feel sorry for some of you...those who refuse to believe or listen to one of your own (Mr. Iles)... someone who has traveled this country and the world I suppose, and is literally reporting back to you the problems that he sees with Natchez; how this town is literally fading away...and you still don't believe. God help us all! Also, in case some of you don't realize, the internet is a powerful, powerful tool and people all over the world read your comments and remarks. There are people of all races in key positions within major corporations. Ask yourselves this...what is Natchez offering that would make a company want to relocate here? If Natchez can't be hospitable to almost 50% of its own people (the AA community) what would make anyone else believe that she would be hospitable to outsiders?!...Change starts with the man in the mirror!

Posted by MsM (anonymous) on October 24, 2009 at 4:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

...and without change there will be no progress and we shall remain stagnant.