Charlie Mitchell: Heavenly: State can increase taxes without a tax increase
Close your eyes. Imagine being a politician in a cash-strapped state. Imagine your people — those who voted for you based on your firm stance against tax increases — are going to be hit up for another $100 million every year.
Charlie Mitchell: America was designed to be a work in progress
Did a teacher make you memorize the Declaration of Independence, or at least the first few paragraphs?
Charlie Mitchell: High international intrigue visits Mississippi towns
What do Oxford and Starkville have in common? Both were — or almost were — players in determining the future of the European Union, thereby exerting influence over some of the largest and oldest economies in the world.
Charlie Mitchell: Much more than a cake at stake in court ruling
Some protesting the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission contend the 7-2 decision proved the justices hate gays.
Charlie Mitchell: ‘Inappropriate’ stretches from ill-advised to criminal
Will Morgan Freeman be the person who brings perspective to the conversation? If so, that would be a good thing.
Charlie Mitchell: Thompson, Espy have different approaches to public office
Bennie Thompson and Mike Espy are African-American men. That’s what they have in common. Other than both being members of the Democratic Party, that’s about all they have in common.
Charlie Mitchell: Economy still voters’ major issue on election day
On the day Donald Trump was elected, a 20-gallon tank of gas cost a Mississippi driver $36. Today, The American Automobile Associations says that same 20 gallons costs $52.
Charlie Mitchell: Picture improving for state’s retirement fund
Remember the serious discussion of state pension funds during this year’s legislative session?
Charlie Mitchell: Slot machines, taxes have much in common
Income tax season is over for another year, meaning most people are no longer thinking about how much Mississippi and Uncle Sam claim from their wages — which, of course, is just how Mississippi and Uncle Sam like it.
Charlie Mitchell: MPB radio and TV told to prepare to go it alone
Let’s hope not.
Tucked into Section 12 of House Bill 1593 was a directive to Mississippi Public Broadcasting: “…Initiate a planning process to transition from receiving any state general funds beginning in Fiscal Year 2022.”
Charlie Mitchell: 2018 lawmaking season coasts toward a ho-hum close
No spark. Another session fizzles toward adjournment. No great ideas. No bold initiatives. No coordinated strategies to make Mississippi better.
Charlie Mitchell: Wrist slap for Tate Reeves his biggest setback
On March 1, the state Senate said no to the leadership’s plan to change how state money is distributed to public K-12 schools. Next came the weekend. On March 5, Thad Cochran, Mississippi’s senior and super delegate to the U.S. Senate announced his resignation.
Charlie Mitchell: Cochran’s well-timed exit triggers high drama
The April departure from the U.S. Senate of the man who broke the Democratic Party’s lock on federal offices from Mississippi opens the door to a doozy of a summer and fall.
Charlie Mitchell: Youthful ‘Snowflakes’ are made, not born
Don’t blame the college kids. The snowflakes among them weren’t born to feel privileged, entitled or in need of shelter from diverse ideas and opinions.
Charlie Mitchell: When schools become big business
Lobbyists have been around as long as there have been lawmaking bodies. Once they were seeking favorable rules and regulations for the private economy. Today, more and more, lobbyists are seeking customers.
Charlie Mitchell: When will Trump voters say ‘enough’?
What are you willing to look past to get what you want?
Charlie Mitchell: Starting the new year with a list (of grievances)
Jolly Rancher-flavored Pop Tarts. The very thought is disgusting. Kind of like crushed peppermint on scrambled eggs.
Charlie Mitchell: Mississippi could send a Democrat, too
For the second time, the extreme political right overplayed its hand and delivered a Republican U.S. Senate seat to Democrats.
Charlie Mitchell: Nurturing a desire to learn is the first challenge
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men have had their first meeting. Their challenge is to put the Jackson Public Schools back together again.
Charlie Mitchell: Ideally, words should be precise, not confusing
Imagine a timber crew idling around their pickups in the moist, early-morning silence of a pine forest, waiting for their workday to begin.