To those individuals who oppose the Vicksburg city workers unionizing, I would like to suggest that they take their heads out of the sand for a minute and listen to some of the problems that our taxpaying city workers face. Their problems are not abstract social theories. They are real, and they are a way of daily life that needs positive change and that time for change is now.

The city cannot continue upon the path of the last 30 years — a path of divisiveness, social decay and disrespect for city employees. It must recognize the daily contribution of its workers as they work tirelessly to serve the citizens of Vicksburg.

The majority of the Vicksburg workers garnered nearly 70 percent support for union recognition and it is essential that the elected mayor and at least one alderman support their desire. While I realize that the Tea Party and some of the other elite groups consist of only a few wealthy individuals, it is the mobilization of the masses that elects city officials.

With city elections looming, now is the time for the city leaders to come to the aid of their workers and families. After all, some may choose the Tea Party and other organizations for membership; these workers likewise have decided what organization they want to belong to.

Brenda Rice-Scott

MASE/CWA President

Tough discipline

I read in The Vicksburg Post that a school teacher was placed on paid leave the first of the year for the rest of the school year. No reason was given — just come to work, do nothing all day.

Now, this makes no sense at all. It makes you wonder why the children are fussing and fighting all the time? This is the kind of punishment they see daily. I wonder, is this overplayed or just a little out of control?

Lo-and-behold, wouldn’t you know I read in the Vicksburg paper last week another teacher was placed on paid leave for three days. Now, I have heard lots more flak and complaints from the teachers.

This time, their main complaint is there should be no three days’ paid leave. It should be a minimum of five days paid leave. The reason being you cannot plan for a trip or anything without having to rush back in time to get to work by Thursday of that week.

Is this the guidance and leadership the children of Vicksburg and Warren County will look up to? I guess paying for the three- or four-page ads in the paper, they like this kind of discipline.

Makes you wonder.

Johnny Griffin

Redwood

Recess is for children

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives continue to get re-elected in spite of their inability to resolve our $15 trillion national debt — which they created. Yet Congress is taking a two-week recess! And when they get back in session, they will spend much of their time and energy preparing for the next election.

Why do we continue to give jobs to these inept people? We need serious, responsible adults who will spend their time and energy on the real problems our country faces. Recess is for children.

Here is what you can take to improve the quality of representatives:

• Do not vote for the incumbent. This is a simple way to enforce term limits.

2. Support any candidates who are selected by the GOOOH process — www.goooh.com. These candidates will agree to term limits and are not associated with any political party.

Serving in Congress should be an honor, not a career.

Billy D. Clifford

Austin, Texas