Don’t be shy about sharing your political opinions; We can learn from each other – The Vicksburg Post

I know there are people out there who just don’t like getting their hands dirty when it comes to talking politics.

I am not. You will often find me scraping the mud from under my fingernails, whether on local, state or national issues.

Admittedly, my assumptions, thoughts or opinions are sometimes distorted and sometimes even wrong, but remaining mute simply seems apathetic.

Of course, engaging in potentially controversial conversations can be risky, but I’m always up for a challenge and, on many occasions, I’ll even learn a few things from the discussion.

So, as I feel undaunted today, I’ll start with what’s happening across the country on college campuses.

To say I’m discouraged would be a gross understatement.

The anti-Semitism that is going on is quite unbelievable to me.

More than six million Jews, including children, were murdered in World War II during the Nazi regime.

And for a long time the US turned a blind eye. Is history repeating itself?

No one denies that war is a horrible event and that, unfortunately, innocent people die. But in my opinion, what is happening to the Palestinians is not due to the Jewish nation. Hamas is the evil one here.

Not only did they kill and kidnap on October 7th, but my suspicion is that this orchestrated attack ended up setting in motion what we are witnessing in our country now – an anti-Semitic and anti-American movement.

Hopefully I will be proven wrong.

As for state policy, Governor Reeves, please expand Medicaid.

Initially, I agreed with the governor’s perspective: people need to work and earn a living to be able to afford health care.

But I was wrong.

I feel that without Medicaid expansion, our state will suffer when it comes to healthcare options.

Others in our community agree. Randy Easterling and Dr. Dan Edney have been advocates in trying to persuade the legislature to expand Medicaid.

Doctors see the writing on the wall. What happens without expansion is putting our State in crisis mode.

And guys, it’s scary. Hospitals are closing everywhere, and with the absence of hospitals, healthcare providers may also decline.

Our own Mike Chaney, who is the state’s Insurance Commissioner, also advocates for Medicaid expansion.

While his advocacy may not be sympathetic to everyone, he is at least offering a pill that the legislature should be able to swallow.

As for our local government, under the leadership of our mayor and council members, Vicksburg has been moving in a positive direction. Port expansion is underway and MCity is putting us front and center when it comes to technology and innovative initiatives. Thinking optimistically, after a new councilman is elected to fill the term of the late Michael Mayfield, Vicksburg will continue on a positive path.

I hope I haven’t angered too many people with my opinions. This column was not made to raise dust; the goal was just to challenge people not to be shy about their views. Right or wrong, we can all learn from each other.

Terri Cowart Frazier writes articles for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.