Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Sound Off

Sound Off: November 5, 2025

Zohran Mamdani rides an A Train at 190th Street after speaking uptown Sept. 29 in Manhattan, New York City.
Zohran Mamdani rides an A Train at 190th Street after speaking uptown Sept. 29 in Manhattan, New York City. New York Daily News/TNS

Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

NYC election

I know there’s many New York transplants here in South Mississippi. How many would or will vote for Mamdani for mayor? How many will move back and enjoy the destruction of New York City? And why?

Socialism that works

Republican politicians keep claiming that socialism hasn’t succeeded anywhere in the world. They are wrong. There are different kinds of socialism. Check out Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. They are healthy, thriving socialist nations; they are repeatedly ranked among the happiest of nations. If we are open-minded and rational, I bet we could learn something from them.

Amazing

It baffles me, with the state of current affairs, that so much debate is giving to daylight saving time. We change clocks twice a year. How hard is that? As someone who went to work early, I was glad to see it start and end so I didn’t have to go to work in the dark in the winter.

The shutdown

Democrats are holding the country, government, military and possibly you hostage. Regardless of the reason, this is ridiculous. As for the taxpayers, we say enough already.

Both responsible

What is wrong with these people who think that the shutdown is simply the Democrats’ fault? The Republicans are keeping the government shut down by refusing to make a concession to the Democrats, as well as vice versa. Just because you like one side better than the other doesn’t mean the other side is the culprit. Both are responsible.

Autopay

Almost everyone uses autopay these days. It’s simple, fast and convenient. Most companies like the fact and offer discounts. Some coast cities charge a fee. Gautier water does. Why be greedy?

Only Jesus

VP Vance made a simple Christian statement based on John 14:6, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Every Christian believes Jesus is the only way to salvation. But! Nobody HAS to choose Jesus. If Usha chooses to be a Hindu, that’s her choice. Still, she’s not going to Heaven unless she chooses Jesus. That’s a simple Christian truth.

SNAP

The comments I read about SNAP recipients were appalling. How uncaring are people? Heaven forbid they should have hair dye so they can feel good about how they look. How petty can people be. And don’’t let a child have a candy bar. Why that child is just taking advantage of us poor picked upon people who have money. I don’t believe at all SNAP recipients have iPhones. They have a phone, yes, but not an iPhone. A phone is a necessity today because all information is given on websites and people should be able to call 911 in an emergency. I’d like to hear from one person who was denied food, hair dye, a candy bar or a phone because of a SNAP recipient. Why does it bother people so much to help those who need assistance?

Interesting visuals

So the president hosted a Great Gatsby-themed party while Americans went hungry? This is the point where I would ask if he read the book, but I’m sure we all know that answer.

SNAP

Kudos to the governor for moving to eliminate sugary foods from the items that can be bought with SNAP. If the point is to feed families in a healthy manner then that assistance should be used on healthy foods.

Vouchers

Private schools want vouchers, our taxpayer’s money, but without oversight. If private schools have to account for their performance and spending, so should private schools.

Oops

Kash Patel in 2023: “I’m just saying Chris Wray doesn’t need a government funded G5 jet to go to vacations. Maybe we ground that plane. $15,000 every time it takes off. Just a thought.” Kash Patel in 2025: Do as I say and not as I do.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.

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