Home Base: Mississippi’s ‘DEI Scare’ champion has lost his sense of decency
As a U.S. senator, Joseph McCarthy made a name for himself during the “Red Scare” by claiming communists abounded in the State Department, Hollywood, labor unions and universities.
Thom Caraccio: ‘Trainwreck’ Ray
My childhood friend Raymond was – and may still be – a walking tragic-comedy.
Ask Rufus: Mushulatubbee and the Choctaws
Last week I was invited to speak to the Daughters of the American Revolution in Starkville about the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
Sid Salter: Civil rights pioneer Les McLemore shares his truth 60 years after Freedom Summer
Think about a powerful public speaker with the clarity and power of a Barack Obama. Then think about a distinguished educator who can capitative and motivate his students.
Slimantics: Young people today: The Duck Lips of the Apocalypse
There are, generally, three groups of people who are more interested in the past than they are the future: Historians, memoirists and bores.
Possumhaw: Bald eagle or turkey
Back at the porch in the somewhat early morning. It was still a bit cool even with the humidity hanging in the air. Oh, how hot it’s been for so long.
Ask Rufus: Chasing a killdee
After a meeting at the Mississippi University For Women Plymouth Bluff Center last week, the subject of killdees came up. We were pondering on how we don’t seem to see as many of them as we once did.
Thom Caraccio: The United States of me, me, me
America is experiencing a real pandemic. Not the one with a 99.99% recovery rate that occasionally kills a sick 80-year-old and used to be called the flu.
Sid Salter: Presidential, Senate elections will significantly impact the state’s shipbuilding industries
As noted in prior writings on this topic, only Walmart employs more Mississippians than what Mississippians have since 1938 known as Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula (now formally Huntington Ingalls Industries) – but the pay and benefits for shipbuilding are far better for those 11,000 Mississippi employees than at the big box store.
Possumhaw: Flower power
I’m willing to bet most folks are ready for fall to come and for the hot days of summer to leave. For weeks now, maybe months we’ve been watering grass, raised beds, flower beds, flowerpots, hanging pots both morning and evening.
Ask Rufus: Dinosaurs in the park
Last Monday I was in Jackson visiting with George Phillips, the curator of paleontology at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. While I was there, he showed me the huge mammoth tusk that recently made the news when it was found in Madison County. It was an impressive sight. However, it was the fossil bones of Mississippi dinosaurs that got my attention.
Thom Caraccio: ‘Thom is here’
More stories from the film set.
Jiben Roy: Humanitarian USA
What a humane country I have been living in since 2001! So diverse, so peaceful, so much freedom, no discrimination and above all, no issue of being a minority.
Sid Salter: Will state legislative leaders join growing national trend toward property tax limits
As Mississippi legislative leaders contemplate additional tax reforms in the coming 2025 regular session of the Mississippi Legislature, the spotlight has been on additional state income tax cuts and yet another examination of reducing the state’s highest-in-the-nation 7% grocery tax.
Slimantics: If it can happen in Moss Point…
As many readers know, I’ve spent the last three years working for The Dispatch remotely. And I do mean remotely, 246 miles remote, according to my GPS.
Possumhaw: The wind blows, sun rises
The fisherman leaves before daylight. I awaken later with the morning sun rising slowly. The air is cooler than it has been in months.
Thom Caraccio: I’m a miner of humor
People often ask me why I don’t write politics. Here’s my list:
Ask Rufus: On Aug 21, 1820
I have written articles in the past about how Columbus was founded and recognized in 1819 by the Alabama Legislature as the Town of Columbus, Alabama.
Sid Salter: The next president will face a $35 trillion national debt impacted by both Trump and Biden
Six months ago, the gross national debt of the United States exceeded $35 trillion. That total includes money the federal government owes itself, so many in government and finance rely on the lower net national debt number of about $27 trillion if that makes anyone feel one iota better.
Possumhaw: Oh, the places you may go
Tracking said my order was on the way; I could hardly wait. I love getting packages, especially when I’ve ordered something for myself or a friend or family member.
Jelly Roll to perform at Jeffery Simmons Community Fun Day
July 3, 2025
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