Sound Off for Dec. 10, 2019

Same

This is to Lynn Johnston who writes the Sunday strip “For Better Or For Worse.” That could have been me saying all those words. I have always griped about re-arranging products on shelves. I am thinking how lucky I am!

Save the trees

The City of Gulfport should prohibit 18-wheelers from driving on Second Street. These tractors with high trailers are just massacring the beautiful oaks. If you want an example, just look at the oak in the 1660 block which has been hit no less than a dozen times in the last year.

Trade off?

It would be nice if Mississippi residents would get discounts at the tourist attractions in our state as they do in Florida. After all, the taxpayers foot the bill for the accommodating infrastructure.

Not just colleges

It’s not just college athletics. I remember well a family friend who was a huge, strapping young man getting all kinds of perks from high schools to play for them. Didn’t matter that they didn’t live in their area, that was taken care of. Grades not what they should be, didn’t matter. The family needed something, that was taken care of. And it happened with several local schools who vied to get the young man. I kept thinking “this can’t be right” but it went on until he got out of high school.

Payton miss

There is an old adage that says a coach should never take points off the board. Coach Payton traded a successful extra point for an unsuccessful 2-point option. The sacrificed point came back to haunt the Saints. That point would have put the game into overtime.

Don’t burn!

I know we all have leaves in our yards (and on our roofs) that need to be managed this time of year. I have too many to mulch, so I bag them. Thankfully, Ocean Springs will pick the bags up curbside. My Sound Off is about the burning of leaves in close proximity to your neighbors. I have lung issues and can’t enjoy my porch or open windows because of the smoke. Please be mindful.

A good cause

What’s wrong with this picture, “Price Comparison?” What’s wrong is that after you use talk-to-text to dictate an email, you must do as the late James Kilpatrick said, “Read your copy. Read your copy. Read your copy.” By the way, Goodwill is simply trying to raise money for needy people from those who have been blessed.

A hero

Joshua Watson, young naval graduate and the officer on deck in Pensacola, warned first responders despite being mortally wounded. I’m crying, but they are proud tears for his heroism. He responded like an officer. We citizens and military members honor him and extend condolences to his family.

To submit a Sound Off email soundoff@sunherald.com

This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 2:34 AM with the headline "Sound Off for Dec. 10, 2019."