What We Think
Rant & Rave for Monday, Nov. 9, 2009
With over 1,000 men locked up together 24/7, it is actually kind of ludicrous to think that violence and assaults will not happen. We can’t threaten most of these guys with sanctions and more time. They got too much time already. This happens in every prison in America, every day, not just Valdosta State Prison.
There are several places in the area for men and women to get help for substance abuse. Do a little research before saying something you know nothing about. Anyone can get help if they really want it. You can’t use the excuse there is no place to get help. That is ridiculous.
Concerning Valdosta State Prison. They say that VSP is the worst prison on state because of the types of inmates now housed at the prison. Run-off from Autry, Calhoun, Reidsville and Jackson are now housed at VSP. At last count, there was approximately 1,500 inmates housed at the prison. With furloughs and no pay raises in sight for who knows how long and the pressure of working understaffed with ill-trained officers and supervisors that have forgotten what it is like to be a line officer, I see only a bad day on the horizon for those of us that work at VPS.
Would Lake Park Elementary please do something about the morning car rider line? It is very aggravating to have to pass the school, be stopped by the crossing guard, make a U-turn on a four-lane highway, be stopped by the same crossing guard again before finally having to sit in a long line that snakes through the parking lot and down the four-lane highway. It is a one-way driveway with two lanes. Why can’t both be utilized? Children are tardy, missing class and parents are late for work. Surely there is a better system.
The Georgia Department of Corrections is staffed by outstanding and committed officers and administrators. They are taken for granted, underpaid, and work in a dangerous and unsafe environment. Budget cuts to the DOC have drastically increased the chances of a full-blown riot. I encourage all citizens to demand better pay, more staff, and increased budgets of their elected officials. Pray for the staff as the future will not bode well if more resources are not provided.
I’d be careful about barring that Times staff writer from Cleveland Field. Considering how much attendance is down at VHS games, I don’t think I would want to turn away anyone.
- What We Think
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Football traditions 2010
With the Valdosta State University Blazers returning to the field Saturday, the region’s football season is in full swing. The traditions continue.
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What we think: Preserve our past
Now that the majority of offices and personnel have relocated to the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex, the former courthouse is sitting empty and ready for its next incarnation.
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What We Think: Gubernatorial South Georgia
Both the Democrat and Republican candidates for governor are targeting South Georgia as part of their campaigns.
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Don’t blame the fee
The Lowndes County Trash Permit has only been around for two years, so how is it to blame for all of the illegal dumping that is and has been going on for decades?
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Flatlanders Fall Frolic
It just wouldn’t be Labor Day weekend in South Georgia without Lakeland’s Flatlanders Fall Frolic. And this tradition of great crafts, tasty food, and good music continues this coming weekend.
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Don’t be a drip
We take water for granted. Even during past droughts, water has been plentiful. Homeowners had to curtail lawn watering, but the region still had plenty of water for drinking, showers, and other necessities.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Leisa Marshall for helping area families in need. In the process of improving her own health, the Valdosta State University accounting professor developed a fundraiser to help a student's father, who was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. The inaugural Honor Our Neighbor 5K Run was held on July 10. Future runs will benefit another family battling disease.
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What we think: Hello future Valdosta!
When the time capsule being buried today in Drexel Park is opened in 2060, just think about all of the incredible things that may have happened over the next 50 years.
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What we think: Every day a Day of Caring
Friday’s Day of Caring serves as the kick-off for the Greater Valdosta United Way’s 2010-11 fundraising campaign.
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What We Think: The people you know
From an early age, we are taught to look out for strangers. We should also remember to look out for the people we know.
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Football traditions 2010
