Content about Government

Voters may soon  be required to present a photo ID before casting their ballot.

Initiative 27 was approved Tuesday with 63 percent to 37 percent statewide vote.

“It just makes me feel more confident that all the people voting are registered and have a right to be there voting,” said David Allen, an Oxford resident and nurse. “It feels safe, like along the same lines of when you charge for something on credit card and they ask for your ID.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, we each have an opportunity to exercise our right to vote in a state-wide general election. 

I believe this is one of the most basic rights our generation has, and yet it is the one we take for granted the most. 

In a state like Mississippi, that is a shame, and exercising that right can be a reminder to the government that we have a voice and are willing to use it. 

From one liberal to the United States: Repeal Obamacare.
In the U.S., our health care system is broken. Simply tweaking the current system will do nothing to fix this. The largest problems facing our health care system are the sheer number of people living without health insurance, most of whom simply cannot afford it, and the quickly rising costs of medical treatment.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has made creating a healthier lifestyle in Mississippi one of his main goals in an effort to raise awareness of better health.

“I believe every country has certain obligations to its citizens, and I think that means you need to set up priorities,” said Boll Stroud, a retired Oxford local.

“I think the health care of the citizens, which means life and death, is one of the highest priorities you can set as to what you are going to spend government money on.”

Imagine this situation: Instead of government sponsored Medicare, the United States offers vouchers to citizens so that they can purchase private health plans. Seems like an ideal situation right? Too bad it will never actually be tried, right?

Yet, if you look back to the past 15 years, a similar approach was attempted once. Then it was overhauled eight years ago. And guess what? It has been a colossal failure.  A money sink for Medicare.

Mississippi will host its second gubernatorial candidate today when Dave Dennis visits the Ole Miss campus.  

Dennis will be on campus for a governor meet-and-greet. This event is scheduled for 6 p.m. in room 134 of Brevard Hall, formerly known as the Old Chemistry Building.

Dennis, a republican primary candidate, is running for governor in 2011.

He will be discussing his campaign along with his thoughts on the need for private sector business experience for Mississippi’s next chief executive.

Dear Editor,

I believe that democracy cannot function without an informed and engaged citizenry. Within such a system, the media has a vital responsibility to distill and disseminate information of public importance.

The most prominent political issue currently under debate in Washington is our nation’s debt burden, so naturally I was very pleased to see that the DM allotted two front-page articles this week to “how the debt affects Mississippi residents and students”... that is, until I read them.

As of yesterday afternoon, the U.S. national debt has risen to more than $14 trillion and is rising over $20,000 every second.

Two weeks ago, the Young Americans for Liberty posted a 40-foot long national debt clock outside of the Student Union for five days.

Editor,
Commenting on Sarah Harden’s article Voting May Become Tougher in Some States.

Voting will not become tougher in some states.

Students are not going to be denied their right to vote, but they may be required to vote where their official residents are.

OFFICIAL is the key word here. If the University considers you a non-resident of the state of Mississippi, then you are not officially a resident of Oxford.

A warrant has been issued for University of Mississippi cheerleader Johnny Beasley, who has been charged with a misdemeanor, Oxford Police Chief Mike Martin said.

The simple-assault charge against Beasley was filed by former Ole Miss baseball player Taylor Hashman.

This occurs after the Lafayette County grand jury decided not to indict Beasley for assault-related felony charges on February 18, 2011.  

Sunday alcohol sales in Oxford have been officially approved by the state.

The Mississippi Department of Revenue has approved restaurant sales of wine and liquor on Mother’s Day (May 8), Father’s Day (June 19) and the Sundays following University of Mississippi football games. It includes sales on Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve when they fall on a Sunday.