(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Opinion
Let’s start off by reminding people this is qualifying week and we will get a chance to see who is running for what and where.
The school board has several seats that will be on the ballot in that of Districts 2, 3, 6, 7, and 9. District 6 will be the only race that does not have a sitting incumbent.
People proved much chattier this past weekend regarding those potentially running for the school board. From everything I have gathered in the community, all the fore-mentioned races will have a number of possible contenders vying for the seats.
Of course, all the incumbents were named as possible candidates. Others were being mentioned as possible challengers include Dr. Lori Myles, Robert Cook, Ben Hasan (who was mentioned before) and Jo’Rae Jenkins. Some are called serial candidates for office. We will just have to wait and see what shakes out and who will actually sign their names to the dotted line when it’s time.
The tax commissioner’s race will also appear on the ballot with a gauntlet-style race. This means that anyone — any party — can run, and if anyone gets 50%+1 of the vote they will be declared the winner. If not, the top two will have to go into a runoff with a date to be determined. So far, there are only three truly declared candidates that I know of, but there could be some late surprises to shake it up.
Now let’s address the broad daylight shooting on Tobacco Road and how this should concern many of us.
We can point fingers at police, and say they are not doing enough to protect people. We can point fingers at lawmakers, and say not enough is being done about gun control. We can also attempt to point fingers at communities and say people are not holding others accountable or are raising thugs.
However, a serous issue that has to be address is mental illness.
Early reports state that the suspected gunman has a history of mental health issues. People in the community have told me that on numerous occasions, the suspect would act out at community events; would cuss people out who had different political views. One person commented under a story about this situation that this same guy would come into his store and yell out at workers. There have been numerous complaints placed against this same individual.
He was arrested just earlier this year for his actions at such an event.
From that online report, the suspect, Donald Gross, was charged with obstruction. Many on the scene have told me that Gross was loud and verbally aggressive to many there—which seems to be his M.O.
Be that as it may, this latest incident by all accounts, was just another episode of someone who has a history of being mentally unstable causing harm to another human being.
The details of this recent incident are still unraveling. However, a question that should be on everyone’s minds is how and why does a person who has a history of mental illness even have a weapon?
This same scenario has reared it’s ugly head in several situations around the United States of late. However, let’s just talk about home and what’s in place to help those that suffer with mental health issues. NOTHING!
We have to work on a plan to address mental illness nationwide.
We have a court system whose hands seem to be tied when dealing with those that suffer with mental health issues. So that puts our local law enforcement into a no win predicament of trying to handle issues on the street and trying to determine if it’s even worth the time it will take to book them in jail, only for them to be right back out.
Jails can’t handle them because they are understaffed. Hospitals have no place for them to go because they’re not equipped. Then the families don’t want most of them around because they are a burden.
So what do we do? How do we help?
I do believe that we need gun laws to specifically address mental illness and the ability or not for someone to be able to purchase guns.I know you will say “then they will just buy them illegally.” That may be true, but at least they won’t be able to just walk into a Walmart and purchase them.
We will continue to talk about this mental health issue as the weeks go on. I would love to hear what some of you think about this issue.
Let me ask the readers a questions … What is “Affordable Housing”?
This question has reared its head again as the community is buzzing about the talk of new “Tiny Homes.”
The “buzz” has been on all sides, and I believe that once all the correct information is put out, everyone will truly feel good about it. There are a lot of questions, and I would like to assure everyone that Commissioner Jordan Johnson is working hard to make sure the right message is going to be put out.
I can tell you this: after reading some information in reference to the plans for Tiny House Augusta, local officials are not expecting the homeless to purchase them for those prices.
Actually, I don’t believe the intent was for any person to buy them. I believe they are expecting entities to purchase them and let them be used by people who couldn’t afford to be anywhere else. There will be a section where people would be able to construct their tiny own homes for more modest living.
In addition, I think we will need an ordinance to describe what a tiny home is; like I believe we need an ordinance to determine was is actually affordable housing.
Maybe this tiny home thing will really work. Maybe this is what affordable housing looks like. I’m sure Housing and Community Development could have been able to provide major input if they were actually invited to the…here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Here’s an excerpt from my sermon Sunday. Hope you enjoy it.
Some years ago at a family function, one of the family members was asked to recite a poem that he knew.
He said, “I don’t mind,” and he asked if there was anything special that his family would like to hear.
Nobody said a word, but after a moment’s pause, an old preacher said, “Could you, sir, recite to us the Twenty-third Psalm?”
A strange look passed over the family member’s face. He paused for a moment, and then said, “I can, and I will, upon one condition. That is, after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same.”
“I?” The old preacher said, in surprise. “But I am not an elocutionist like you are. My speech is not as clear as yours. However, if you wish it, I will do so.”
Impressively, the man began the Psalm. His voice and his intonation were perfect. He held the family spellbound; and as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from everyone.
Then, as the applause died down, the old preacher arose to his feet and began the Psalm. His voice was not so remarkable; his tone was not good at all.
And when he had finished, no sound of applause broke out. There was complete silence in the house. But one thing was apparent about the family: not a dry eye in the room, and many heads were bowed.
Then, the young man rose to his feet again. His voice was all shook up and his head was bowed down. He placed his hand upon the shoulder of the old preacher and said to the crowd, “I reached your eyes, and I reached you ears, but he reached your hearts. The difference is just this: I know the Twenty-third Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd.”
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
