Jackson Free Press

I have to give the mayor credit for identifying a problem and then attempting to deal with it, even if it is in the mode of Don Quixote slaying windmill dragons. Both he and the judge should know by now that two-week boot camps and truant sweeps waste time and money, accomplishing nothing but media hype.

School dropout street youth have long since lost respect for their parents, teachers and police. Forcing them into two weeks of supposed rehab or back into school only reinforces their world view of authority and aggravates a school system already at the end of their wits. The role models for these youth are the rappers that are leading them toward disrespect for their families, for authority (whether school or the police), for women and ultimately for themselves. Parents can be held accountable, even go to jail, but the truth is, as the mayor well knows, that these parents, especially single mothers, have absolutely no control over their male teenager's behavior.

These young men need strong, sustained, positive male relationships, as the mayor has often demonstrated throughout his career. Such relationships should begin in elementary school and be permanent—not here today, gone tomorrow.

If the mayor, the court and other interested agencies can find a solution that really addresses the problem, we will see a reduction in school dropouts, crime, substance abuse and recidivism across the board, and offer all children an opportunity for a successful future.
Dr. Pat Gregory, Jackson

Turning the Tables
I really appreciated the Jackson Free Press counterpoints in the Nov. 30, 2005, article "Taking on the Times" in response to Eric Lipton's New York Times article ("Storm Hit Little, but Aid Flowed to Inland City"). I think it's awful that Lipton came to Jackson intent on portraying us badly and seemingly with so many deeply ingrained beliefs and hostilities.

I remain angry at people who sought money for things that weren't truly hurricane related, who claimed more than their share, or who claimed money they could've "swallowed" much easier than the families who lost freezers full of summer produce they'd saved for the winter months. I do realize there were a vast number of people who needed and deserved the assistance, but the ones who took unfair advantage of it just make my blood boil and tend to overshadow that. I do resent Lipton's stand more now. It's kind of like they say about family: It's OK for me to say that because I live here; it's not the same for you to say it because you're an outsider and not one of us.

It's interesting, too, that Lipton wouldn't comment for your article, especially since he made such a "lasting" impression on those who tried to show him a bit of hospitality. I hope someone forwarded your article to him, and he's appropriately ashamed. But I doubt he is, any more than those who filed fraudulent or unnecessary claims are.

I think y'all did excellent work of turning the tables on the New York Times.
Dawn Macke, Jackson

Previous Comments

ID

71179

Comment

” The role models for these youth are the rappers that are leading them toward disrespect for their families, for authority (whether school or the police), for women and ultimately for themselves.” I will not attempt to defend rap. I will say that rap is an easy scapegoat. With that said, for me this is mostly an issue about parents, not rappers. For point of reference what I ‘am about to say excludes all of the parents that give it their all, but yet, their child has still managed to go astray. For me, the quote” ignorance begets ignorance” sums up most of the problems regarding troubled Jackson youths. How can we expect most of these kids to go out and be productive young men and women, when in most instances the parents themselves are the pinnacles of ignorance!

Author

K RHODES

Date

2005-12-22T00:12:05-06:00

ID

71180

Comment

Dr. Gregory I do agree with much of what you have stated, however, I don't believe that single mother's cannot control their teenage sons. I have been a single mother since my son was 8 years old. We not only left the state we were living in where I had family, but started over with nothing! My son is now only a few months from 17 and is most definantly under control! The public school system however, does not, in my opinion, give enough authority to the teachers to control their classrooms, and ultimatley this results in unruly and non-respective teens (although this should be taught at home first!) I pulled my child out of public school, changed my work schedule, seriously changed my spending habits and enrolled him in private school. Amazingly, the same child who was flunking public school is an A/B student now! The sacrifices I make are well worth it! He does NOT use drugs, alcohol or smoke, he does not curse and will quickly tell someone who does that it is a sign they do not have proper usage of the English language if those are the only words they can find. He does not run the streets at night or on the weekends, and does his chores at home. I say all of this to actually state, my son will tell you to this day, the only person he is afraid of is his mother. I have never beaten my child, or harmed him in any manner - but I do demand respect! If he cannot follow the rules then he loses privilages, those are: tv, stereo, movies, basketball, bikes, car, etc. And not for a day - a minimum of 2 weeks. If you really want your child to be someone YOU as a mother/father, single or not - make sacrifices and DEMAND respect in your home - consequences follow failure to obey. My son and I have a very good relationship and I am proud of everything that he has accomplished - but if you don't want to have a child who is unruly, disrespectful, or into what is being considered 'normal teen behavior' you realize YOU are the parent not the child and you raise that child, not let the child raise himself! So although I agree with most everything you said - parents & single mothers need to wake up and take back control of their own homes whether their children are male or female.

Author

Katie D

Date

2005-12-23T21:37:16-06:00

ID

71181

Comment

From 9-12th grades I was the commanding officer of 6 JPS schools JROTC programs, including Murrah, Bailey, Alternative, Hardy and Provine. I personally saw a great deal of difference between 14-18 year olds being instructed by ex-military personal who strived to instill some sense of purpose, self-esteem, discipline, and such, versus many of those who did not care whether they went to school or not. I hate the idea of a parent forcing a teen into some jr. military program, but I don't know if some manner of such things does not help some teens. Certainly a set time of hardship only to be thrown back in the pre-hardship circumstance does not curb recidivism. Thats the problem with Jail, bootcamp, etc.... Thats why they combine such things with parole officers, half-way houses, big brother programs and/or other mentor style programs of which you speak. The men that are over the bootcamp programs can play a roll beyond those 2 weeks, if it is supported by the community. It could be like a mini-national guard of community service where teens serve along side mentors to better the community in all kinds of ways. 2 weekends a month, and 2 weeks a year.

Author

herman

Date

2005-12-27T14:30:30-06:00