Frustrated with image Bryant projects
I have come to a stark conclusion: Gov. Phil Bryant is preventing our state from progressing and moving forward.
It’s the governor’s job to tell the story of Mississippi while leading the state forward to create progress and opportunity for its citizens. To do this, it is important that our state develop a positive aura, a confident and constructive outlook and a polished image that says to the rest of the country and the world that Mississippi is open for business and respects the fact that your company embraces diversity.
Gov. Bryant has utterly failed to shed a positive light on the state. Instead, he has almost become the walking stereotype of every negative stigma associated with Mississippi.
In 2015, after Dylann Roof posed with Confederate flags and then proceeded to murder innocent people inside a black church in South Carolina, then-Gov. Nikki Haley used that instance as a teachable moment to tell the residents of her state that it was time to let go of the racism of the past and move forward.
Haley led at the forefront of the movement for change, which was a shining example to the rest of the world that yes, America has dark spots in our history, but we are willing to shine the light and erase the darkness of our past in exchange for the bright future of tomorrow. This was an epic period in American history and helped bring some healing to our nation. I respect her for what she did in South Carolina.
Because South Carolina welcomed positive change, the state has been rewarded many times over. Corporations that previously refused to do business in the state have now dropped their embargo and have moved into South Carolina, providing jobs for many of its citizens. Why couldn’t Mississippi follow suit?
Mississippi has the unfortunate distinction of being the poorest state in America. We cannot afford to drive business away. We must make our state as hospitable as possible for corporations and companies to bring jobs here. The Delta is in dire need of employers! Perhaps then we wouldn’t have to shower the few that come here with massive tax cuts while our roads and bridges fall apart. Yes, the Governor recently closed many state bridges that were in disrepair.
It has been well-documented that the Confederate symbol has been used as a banner for bigots, racists and murderers.
It’s almost as if Bryant wants to be seen as a caricature of Mississippi. It seems that he goes out of his way to present himself as the down south “good ole boy” who is most happy in a racist culture, regardless of the criticism from his fellow Americans. This is unfortunate and needs to change.
If he were a private citizen, he would have the right to proudly display the Confederate symbol. As an American, he would be entitled to make decisions based on his personal opinions. But he is not a private citizen. He is the governor of a diverse population, at least 37 percent of which is the African American community that has suffered under the banner of the Confederate flag.
I implore him to listen to his conscience, to put his constituents above himself, and to consider the effect he is having on the people he represents.
The governor is an elected official, and it is his duty to bring progress to our state. If he does not, then it is our duty to make our voices heard and demand our seat at the table. We should all take heed and make sure we vote in state elections!
Hopefully moving forward from this governor we will make the correct decision and elect someone more fitting to emit a more progressive image of our state!
Jerry Fortenberry
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.