Sound Of for Aug. 26: Free speech and the National Anthem

Don’t make assumptions

Why do you assume the Gautier police officer was sitting in the median to set up what you call a “speed trap?” There are lots of reasons he could have been there. And if you are so worried about the speed issue, obey the laws and stay at the speed limit. It can’t be a trap if no one is breaking the law.

Help needed

I agree completely with the Sound Off regarding speeding in school zones. In Long Beach, I see it daily. The only time I see anyone respect the limit is when there is a policeman at the entrance and exit of the school. Another issue that needs to be addressed is the difficulty getting into and out of the entrance/exit on Commission Road. If police cannot be available for it, it would help to install a light that is working only during the beginning and end of school times and becomes a flashing light for the remainder of the day.

A little confused

So, let me understand this. The right of free speech to protest, which includes NFL players taking a knee, is guaranteed by the first amendment of the Constitution. They are honoring that right, but anyone “dissing” those players has just lost their right of free speech and are therefore “dissing” that same Constitution. Have I got that right?

Standard policy

If any of you knee jerkers out there bothered to check the facts you might realize that ESPN has never televised the national anthem. Not as an attack against our president, just simply because they are running recorded packages and doing the opening of the show at that time. I worked in the announcer booth for years. We never showed it.

Rename the state?

Instead of expanding go-cup zones bigger and bigger, wouldn’t it be easier to just do away with anti-go-cup laws altogether and rename our state Louisiana?

Consider this

Dear journalists: If your goal is to inform, keep up the good work. But if your goal is to influence, your thumb is on the scale.

Real qualifications

Donald Trump says he put people in office because of their loyalty to him. No wonder we have such a big mess in the swamp and people that know nothing about their jobs. The hiring president knows nothing about what is needed in the jobs, only that they are loyal to him.

A lost battle?

It is evident that Mississippi long ago lost the battle against compulsive gambling. What with numerous casinos and now sports betting. It’s only a matter of time before the lottery is legalized. This is sending out a very evil message to our young folks that gambling is a good way to get money when, in reality, winnings are nothing but ill gotten gains, and don’t usually last long.

This story was originally published August 26, 2018 at 5:48 AM.