Articles by Scott Colom
Scott Colom: How do you change culture?
A recent news story in the Clarion Ledger caught my attention; it was titled “Culture change in Mississippi urged.” The article focused on a recent presentation given by the state economist, Darrin Webb, at a conference hosted by the Mississippi Economic Policy Center.
Scott Colom: Character best deterrent to crime
Most local media outlets carried the story of the strong-arm house robbery several weeks ago, but for me it was very personal. While not an immediate member of my family, the victim has worked with my father’s law firm for years and is loved by my family as if she were a member.
Scott Colom: Falcons look to defeat South Panola (again)
In 1999, the improbable happened. On a rainy Friday night, the Columbus Falcons beat the South Panola Tigers. At the time, South Panola was the defending 5A state champion, undefeated and building its reputation as a football powerhouse. In comparison, Columbus, which had recently been created by combing Lee High and Caldwell, had never had a winning season. The expectations for defeat were so widespread that classmates joked with CHS players about how badly the team would get beat.
Scott Colom: The police balancing act
The recent outcry over the execution of Troy Davis reminded me of the difficult balancing act for police. On the one hand, with every homicide the police are under tremendous pressure to solve the crime quickly.
Scott Colom: An MUW memory
The Fall looks to be an exciting season for the Mississippi University for Women. Unlike past years, there isn’t much controversy surrounding MUW. The contentious proposals to merge the W with Mississippi State or to change its name are sidelined for now. The epic battle between past president Limbert and the alumni association, which climaxed when Limbert disassociated the university from the alumni association and started a new one, is over. After a herculean effort by Interim President Allegra Brigham, the united Alumni Association appears to be working well and focused on the W’s future.
Scott Colom: My first book
A recent trip to Young’s DayCare brought back memories of my first book. Young’s has a special place in my heart because of my daycare days, so being there always makes me a little nostalgic. What’s more, my father and I were there to volunteer for the local affiliate of “First Books,” a national organization dedicated to improving access to books for low-income children. Accordingly, the nostalgia reminded me of when I didn’t like to read.
Scott Colom: Improving the government maze
Trying to get information from a government agency can feel like being stuck in a maze that doesn’t have an exit. First, there’s the struggle to get someone to answer the phone. Even if the agency is supposed to be open, your call may strangely go unanswered.
Scott Colom: G.I. Wings, the entrepreneurial spirit in action
Tyrold Weston is about business. After more than 18 years of military service, including stints in the Navy and Army and tours in South Korea, Haiti, and Iraq, Tyrold retired from the military and moved home to start his first business: G.I. Hot Wings.
Scott Colom: More voter choice
If you watch politics closely and study the candidates with care, you walk through the entrance to the polling station with eagerness to cast your vote. Yet, even before marking the first ballot, a voter confronts the head-scratching dilemma of deciding which primary ballot to pick up. There are two tables, but you can only go to one.
Scott Colom: The value of self-control
The recent controversy about police chief St. John has awaken the ghosts of April Fool’s Day 2010. On that day, Mayor Smith and Councilman Karriem got into a physical altercation at city hall. Chief St. John is presently accused of missing an administrative hearing because he had been allegedly drinking.
Scott Colom: The hip-hop generation
Over the last 40 years, hip-hop music has been at the center of the debate over the influence of music on society. Critics argue that hip-hop has corroded American culture, that its glorification of misbehavior and female promiscuity promoted perverse morals in young people.
Scott Colom: More women in political leadership
Women are probably the most under-represented demographic of voters in Mississippi. On a state level, Mississippi has never had a female governor, U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator. Hattiesburg’s Evelyn Gandy, who was elected lieutenant governor in 1975 and made two runs for governor, is as close as any women has come to being elected to the state’s top office.
Scott Colom: Make sure whipping comes with a positive message
Nothing will get you laughed out of a barbershop quicker in Columbus than suggesting parents should think twice before beating their children. I discovered this several months ago when I tried this argument with my longtime barber, Bobby Jordan.
Scott Colom: Why anonymous commentators are good for us
The comments after articles on The Commercial Dispatch website sometimes feel like a virtual battlefield. Anonymous commentators hide in the bunkers, waiting to fire bullets about topics like the CVB or the public schools.
Scott Colom: Keep children active during summer months
Scrolling through the homepage for my Facebook account this morning, a post by Judge Nicole Clinkscales caught my attention.
Scott Colom: Drug court helps taxpayers, society
Last week, Circuit Court Judge Lee Howard presented plans for a drug court in Judicial District 16, which includes Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Noxubee and Clay counties. Drug court allows drug addicts and abusers (not dealers) to receive rehabilitative services instead of prison time.
Scott Colom: Redistricting questions still unanswered
After months of endless debate, newspaper stories, partisan bickering and lawsuits, the United States District Courts were suppose to resolve the redistricting battle for the 2011 elections.