Today, I commented on Facebook, regarding Governor Bryant's broadcast interview during an education forum in Washington DC.
After reviewing the videos of the interview again this evening and after re-reading the media coverage of this event, I feel that I need to clarify my point.
Governor Bryant seems to be the type of leader for Mississippi, who sincerely desires the BEST for families. I've not personally met Governor Bryant, but what I read and hear from him seems to suggest that he has deeply rooted faith in God, in the core values of family and community, and in conservative morality.
That said, I stand by my belief that the culture of our 'deep South', and specifically the attitudes of Southern Conservative leaders -- no matter their role or industry -- suggests that there remains an alarming divide between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' in our fair State. Obviously, we all would want to agree that those who work hard, live productively, and 'do good' deserve the best of what life offers. Right?
Well, most of us even here in the good ole USA realize that life does not always 'produce' the best for those who work hard, produce, and 'do good'. Sadly, many in Mississippi are still living in great poverty and strife. And, this breaks the hearts of those of us who are driven to compassion and dignity by our faith.
My sweet wife works in our fine city's public school system as an assistant teacher. The student registry at her campus represents pretty accurately the diversity of race, economics, and culture of our city and region. Her co-workers will attest that the children who attend our public schools are among the finest, most well-educated and well-behaved you can find in Mississippi. We work very hard to encourage, inspire, and train our children well here.
We certainly don't suffer from extreme poverty in our fine city, but it exists nearby. Homeless people walk our streets and invade private properties in our city. Some of our children do in fact grow up to become 'career' criminals -- but that number is quite minimal.
Many precious children in our city go to bed hungry every night. Most of those children live in homes where there exist tremendous emotional, financial, and yes -- moral dilemmas. Single moms and dads work longer and longer work weeks, sometimes three jobs at once, just to keep the bills paid and the hungry mouths fed. And, yes ... it is 2013 in America. Shame on us for allowing these dreadful conditions to exist, if there is truly help wanted and needed in these homes.
I pray that Governor Bryant and all our Mississippi legislators and leaders are able to help us to become better at the task of educating our children, creating opportunities for success, and breeding an atmosphere in Mississippi which is conducive for such success.
There are many wonderful opportunities to succeed in Mississippi, despite the stereotypes from the turbulent 60s or the mocking and jeers of the pundits.
I was born and 'reared' in South Mississippi. Much of my childhood experiences included living, working, and playing the 'Huck Finn' life on my grandfathers' farms. I will be 50 years old this year, and have lived through some of Mississippi's worst history; but, I've also seen great progress and advancement in our great Magnolia State.
I love Mississippi and the 'working Moms' who made this a wonderful place to grow up, learn the truths of God's Holy Word, sing the songs of the South, and develop self-discipline and the good old Southern hospitality that people from all over the world have come to love about our little corner of the globe.
God's blessings on you Governor Bryant. And on all Mississippians who desire to see our children grow up to be the greatest leaders in the world as we know it.
