A rose to all Americans this Independence Day weekend. As we celebrate our nation’s 246th birthday, we recognize that our nation is bitterly divided. In one respect, that adds resonance to our Independence Day observances as we reflect on our history. The momentous decision to declare independence was fraught with danger, especially for the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Had the outcome of the ensuring war turned out differently, those signatures would have been a confession of treason. We like to imagine that the founders were in complete agreement and quickly resolved differences amicably in making so bold a decision. In truth, there was substantial disagreement among our Founding Fathers. It took two Continental Congresses to agree on the path forward. Some wanted to remain as British colonies. Others wanted to form their own country. You can’t get more divided than that. Yet, through good-faith, hard-fought negotiation based on hours of serious debate, our Founding Fathers were able to work together and find the common ground necessary to reach a world-altering conclusion. Today, many despair that our nation has lost the capacity to find common ground. We look to our Founding Fathers for affirmation that, even in perilous times, we still find a path forward as a United States of America. Happy Independence Day!
A thorn to Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors President Bricklee Miller for her unsuccessful attempt to change a board order related to the Oktibbeha County Lake dam without the consent of the board. As president, Miller is responsible for signing orders approved by the board. When signing board orders from the June 6 meeting, she questioned one related to a board vote to request proposals to decommission the dam. The board voted 4-1 to seek those proposals while also allowing Mississippi Engineering Group to continue design work for fixing the dam. Miller attempted to amend the board order to exclude MEG, parent company of Pickering Engineering, from receiving a request for proposals for decommissioning work. Miller’s actions were clearly not the will of the board. District 3 supervisor Marvell Howard called for Bricklee to resign as board president, but the board took no action. We hope, at the very least, Miller will consider this a lesson learned. County business should never be made by a single entity. That’s why we have five board members.
A rose to the Columbus-Lowndes Port Authority for securing grants that make rail a more efficient way to move material, thus reducing the number of trucks going to and from the port. It’s a win-win. Industries like Steel Dynamics now have a more efficient means of moving materials. For the general public, it means a safer roadway. We commend the Port Authority for acquiring this MDOT grant, one that serves the public interest while supporting local industry.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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