Sound Off: March 30, 2026
Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.
Alcohol supply
In the mid-60s, we had to vote 3 times before the state got to control wholesale alcohol. The third time they asked “do you want to be the laughingstock of the nation?” I did not bite on that, but a lot did. They ran a lot of people out of business. Now, they can’t keep up with the demand. Funny.
Dangerous drivers
I have noticed an alarming trend in Harrison County school busses lately. It seems that the drivers don’t understand what posted speed limit signs signify. A bus passed me on Dedeaux Road on Friday. I was driving the posted speed limit of 40 mph. Briefly, I caught up to the bus and matched speed: 55mph. And there were children onboard. I drive Old Hwy 49 frequently, where the posted speed is 35 mph. Most busses are at least 50 mph. They seem to perform rolling stops at stop signs and I’ve seen one run a red light on Highway 49. I understand they are probably under a time constraint, but putting children’s lives at risk is counterproductive. I’ve called several times and have seen no change. I’m not a parent, but it’s my tax dollars at risk from the lawsuits if someone’s child gets hurt, or God forbid, killed due to a speeding bus. I sure hope somebody in the school administration gets this resolved.
Run away
In a moment of bipartisan agreement, the Senate approved a funding bill to pay TSA. Then, it goes to Republican Speaker Mike Johnson who outrageously dismisses it and sends his obstructionist Congress on a two-week break. This is exactly why this inept Congress needs to be replaced with people who represent all citizens, and have common sense.
Kimmels and bits
So called late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel recently criticized the new Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Prior to this appointment, Mullin was the senator from Oklahoma. Kimmel made a not funny, disparaging joke about Mullin because he once worked as a plumber. When Kimmel got blow back over his arrogant, elitist disdain from some quarters, he doubled down on his comment rather than apologize. Kimmel’s arrogance is shameful and apropos of the entire population of leftists in this country, who by dint of their insular and often incestuous, Hollywood or East Coast ivory towers, actually believe their own self-assessment and press.
Merit
Today, I read where Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier is challenging the NFL to abandon the Rooney Rule. The rule requires NFL teams to interview minority candidate for certain positions. According to Uthmeier this is blatant race and sex discrimination and hiring decisions should be based on merit only. I totally agree. So please, let’s get rid of the good old boy system in hiring, being hired for who you know and not what you know, because you attended the same college that your parents donated to for you to get in, or you belong to the same fraternity or country club, and of course let us not forget nepotism or just plain old everyday white privilege. Yes, let’s make all hiring based on merit. The thing that Mr. Uthmeier and those like him can’t bring themselves to admit is that Blacks and other minorities have never been short on merit, just opportunity.
Shock doctrine
Everyone, regardless of political affiliation, should web search “shock doctrine” definition. By doing so you will see exactly what is happening in American politics. In President Trump’s case it is a desperation to win at all costs and by any means.
No choice
Democrats are shutting down the government because we have no other weapon. Otherwise, laws will be made that do not benefit us, but are mandates from President Trump. I am glad Democrats in Congress are standing their ground. ICE needs reforming. Just take off the masks and stop entering private homes without a warrant like regular law enforcers, already.
Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.