A definition of insanity is doing the same thing in the same way over and over again and expecting a different outcome. Sort of like incessantly dropping a golf ball and expecting that one of these times, it will float. Another example of insanity is continuing to build low-income housing in Natchez. Haven’t we learned our lessons yet on this subject?

Typically a group of entrepreneurs come into town, build housing out of shabby materials, do little or no maintenance, suck the money out for a few years and skip town leaving useless dilapidated housing behind for the city (taxpayers) to deal with. I read in the newspaper that another Mecca for poor people is being planned in Natchez. There will be a meeting at 4 p.m. Aug. 28 in the Natchez Council Chambers.

Northern politicians have said on numerous occasions that they want to build the infrastructure in the South so that the impoverished, uneducated, non-working welfare recipients remain in the South. This is substantiated by the fact that the money to fund these projects comes mostly from federal government grants (HUD). Remember the adage, “The end result of government participation is always strife”? Knowing this, why do we continue on our path of self-destruction by building more government funded low-income housing?

Any policeman will tell you, crime increases proportionately as you approach public housing. Noticed an increase in crime lately in Natchez? It would be interesting to know how many of the apprehended criminals came from public housing. Lord knows, we have enough Section 8 housing in Natchez to house all of Parchman Penitentiary.

Our public schools are in shambles. They are on the low end of academic ranking in the state, not to mention the nation. Ninety-one percent of the student body is on free or reduced lunches. Who checks the financial status of free-meal student parents?

I think we have finally elected a mayor with proven leadership abilities who will keep his flock working as a team with a common objective in mind. We have good people working in both public and private organizations to promote Natchez, attract industry, save our railroad, improve our port, etc. Let’s try building housing for working professionals and educated people who will be an asset to all of us.

Constructing a transit system to carry people from Natchez to the mall in McComb or the doctor in Brookhaven is just another example of detrimental action forced upon us by government grants. This is just another example of the same old insanity. We will eventually end up with a collection of old trashed, rusted, busses parked along our streets.

Wake up Natchez and participate! I’m going to the housing meeting on Aug. 28 — are you?

 

Ed Field

Natchez resident