Thank-you, my good Southern friends.

I hate the fact that the media paints the South one way. I have worked in the media in New York for many years. They just sign off Mississippi. I love the state. It is big and very beautiful.

I love the horse country and driving Interstate 59. I love Natchez. When I go to Vicksburg, I understand things. I saw Johnny Rivers in Biloxi a bunch of years ago. It was fantastic.

Last year, I drove from Jackson to Destin, Fla., and back. I loved that drive. I took back roads. Such a beautiful state.

I met so many gracious people on my stops. I saw manners of the people of Mississippi give new meaning to the best.

The bottom line is I love this state.

Dave Cannon

New York State