Thursday, September 25, 2008
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Thursday, September 25, 2008 |
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Community | Obits | Editorial & Columnists | Society | Sports | Education | Classified Ads | Calendar of Events | Features | Newsbriefs | Legals | Archives | Subscriptions | Photo Gallery |
| Close to Nowhere The great debate Here at the newspaper, we have been inundated with calls, emails, faxes, etc., about the presidential debate at Ole Miss Friday. You’d think there had never been a presidential debate around here before... (that’s a joke!) The closest thing to seeing a president that I’ve actually come, is when Lyndon B. Johnson came through Memphis, Tenn., on a train. I was around 15ish and, along with several friends, we were downtown near the railroad tracks and Confederate Park on the river. The only memorable impression I have of that day is that Susan slid off the stone fence and tore her red plaid, pleated, skirt on one of the railings. Back to this debate — Monday, I talked to “Sharon” who was calling for her boss, Dr. Jones (no relation). Sharon wanted us to know that Dr. Jones was going to be available for comments — even though the debate is on foreign policy, Dr. Jones’ topic is chronic disease in Mississippi. One of the best emails I’ve gotten about the debate is actually a website — the Mississippi Development Authority has put up a site for journalists, etc., attending the debate about the State of Mississippi — if you go to www.msdebate08.org you’ll find out the most amazing stuff about Mississippi — Gov. Haley Barbour has an opening video discussing the many industries here from aeorospace to shipbuilding to auto makers — he also talks about our beautiful golf courses. The video that runs alongside Barbour’s discourse on the beautiful state of Mississippi is also beautiful — shots of huge ships being built, fiery furnaces in factories, rocket launches and some spectacular shots of waterways and birds and flora and fauna, etc. I hope a lot of the 3,000 or so expected journalists who are coming to the debate visit the website and take away some of the positive vibes it’s giving off! I won’t be at the debate, nor will anyone else here. I don’t think very many Oxfordions will be there either. I watched some of the drawing for student tickets Monday night on national television! National! If you’re a student whose name is drawn and you actually get a ticket to get in, first you have to be investigated by the Secret Service to make sure you’re not going to try anything funny. I don’t know if I’d hold up under a Secret Service investigation. To the best of my knowledge, once I was out of school, my “permanent” record has been pretty clean and boring. I just don’t think my nerves could take it though. Really. What if my memory had been erased and I was actually someone else and the KGB from Russia was looking for me as I had some secret, terrible knowledge? Maybe I read too many spy books? I still wish I could go to the debate — history is in the making in Mississippi right now! |
      
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