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

Sound Off

Sound Off: March 5, 2026

President Donald Trump at the 2026 State of the Union addressGetty
President Donald Trump at the 2026 State of the Union addressGetty

Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

State of the Union

I wanted to share a few thoughts following the recent State of the Union address. The atmosphere felt less like a unifying national event and more like a campaign rally, which left me feeling embarrassed and disappointed. What troubles me most is the noticeable absence of decorum and civility that ought to define our federal government. The State of the Union is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and a commitment to the common good, not just to energize political bases. I can’t help but wonder how this spectacle is perceived by the rest of the world. Rather than seeing us as the leader of the free world, one might think we’re a source of amusement. My disappointment isn’t limited to just the President; it extends across all branches of government and political parties. I find myself longing for the days when our leaders acted with respect for the office and for each other — when public service was marked by dignity and a sense of shared purpose.

Incredible

Wow. I saw the Sound Off about 23-year-old Thomas Fugate heading up an anti-terrorism office, couldn’t believe it, and googled him. Do a little research on this guy if you want to see how far being a Trump sycophant will get you.

Traffic quagmire

As someone who strongly supports development in our area, I was genuinely excited to see the new 7 BREW open in the parking lot of Rouse’s Market on Pass Road in Biloxi. The addition brings fresh energy and business to our community, which I truly appreciate. However, I wanted to raise a concern regarding the entry and exit flow of traffic at this location. The current setup has created quite a traffic quagmire, making it not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike. I find myself wondering who designed and approved the traffic plan, as it seems to have overlooked some important safety and efficiency considerations. Surely, there must be a better plan that could help alleviate these issues and make the area safer for everyone.

Weather Channel

I sure enjoy all the weather reports from the rest of the country, but it would be nice if we still were getting all the weather reports that we used to get before the “expensive” Weather Channel was taken away. Not sure who made that decision, but I am sure they did not have a clue about how much the local people rely on it.

Housing gouging

I’m looking to downsize, and I am appalled at the asking prices for housing in Gulfport! Some of the house looked like trailers and one was torn up on the inside. Both were asking for well over $100,000. What is going on?

Private school debt

I didn’t know private school loan debt was a thing. Why go into debt to go to a private school when there are free public schools? And it’s not because it’s a better education because data does not support that.

Supporting our leader

We should all support President Trump and our attack on a country that has chanted “Death to America” for decades.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.

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