Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about you recommend a solution or alternative to these people to provide for themselves? If you have to feed your family and have been failed by a VERY poor educational system (that will only take interest in a child if that are of athletic use)and selling drugs is the only alternatives what do you tell the person to do? Starve? Become a burden to the State of Alabame? Easy for someone who has things granted them based on color or status. I don't excuse bad behavior or the selling of drugs. What it does to family as an institution isn't worth the money. For once I would like to see someone in here post something other than feces.

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

always someone elses fault.....

Posted by Slingblade (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Failed educational system???? These people had/have the same opporunity that everyone else has --- THEY choose not to work for it ---

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps in your world you would think so! I am a native New Yorker and migrated south with my parents. When I registered at CHHS the only thing they were concerned with was the fact I was a great basketball player. Had a science teacher that damn near called me a cheat on my 1st day cause I recieved a 100% on a test to which I had not studied for. It is always someones fault when children fail. Hard to work for something when your teachers treat you as if your a dirty and a liar. Talk to you like your ignorant but, they're your teachers. I can only speak of what I seen and witnessed. Not because I heard it. I was raised to believed that southerners are slow. I learned better. My ex-brother in law played football for CHHS and when it came time for him to graduate he couldn't because apparently he did not have enough credits but, during his time as a football player none of this was mention to none of his parents. This is so damn common in Pike County. I can not believe no has said anything. No kid left behind I think not skip 'em along and don't let 'em graduate. How pathetic is that? So work for what? Ok Wiley Sanders that don't even bother drug testing anymore. The chicken plant? Better have a car! Where is the motivation? Other than a sports scholarship! There are no afterschool(academic) programs. Families can't even send their children to summer school. No money! No recreation center that offers academic help for students in need. So don't, please don't tell me "TEHY" don't work for it! You prove to me that there are programs that help them work for it and I will shut up! Until then come out from under your secured rock and smell what your School systems are cooking! Pike County can get a volunteer quicker for a freaking peanut festival than a child or family in need! And the School budget that was approved where does it go? Maybe it to help "THEY" to whom which we speak not of!! So yes it is someones fault!

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps in your world you would think so! I am a native New Yorker and migrated south with my parents. When I registered at CHHS the only thing they were concerned with was the fact I was a great basketball player. Had a science teacher that damn near called me a cheat on my 1st day cause I recieved a 100% on a test to which I had not studied for. It is always someones fault when children fail. Hard to work for something when your teachers treat you as if your a dirty and a liar. Talk to you like your ignorant but, they're your teachers. I can only speak of what I seen and witnessed. Not because I heard it. I was raised to believed that southerners are slow. I learned better. My ex-brother in law played football for CHHS and when it came time for him to graduate he couldn't because apparently he did not have enough credits but, during his time as a football player none of this was mention to none of his parents. This is so damn common in Pike County. I can not believe no has said anything. No kid left behind I think not skip 'em along and don't let 'em graduate. How pathetic is that? So work for what? Ok Wiley Sanders that don't even bother drug testing anymore. The chicken plant? Better have a car! Where is the motivation? Other than a sports scholarship! There are no afterschool(academic) programs. Families can't even send their children to summer school. No money! No recreation center that offers academic help for students in need. So don't, please don't tell me "THEY" don't work for it! You prove to me that there are programs that help them work for it and I will shut up! Until then come out from under your secured rock and smell what your School systems are cooking! Pike County can get a volunteer quicker for a freaking peanut festival than a child or family in need! And the School budget that was approved where does it go? Maybe it to help "THEY" to whom which we speak not of!! So yes it is someones fault!

Posted by regis (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ms Jones, you said, "selling drugs is the only alternative" and "I don't excuse bad behavior or the selling of drugs"...so which is it?

What poor educational system are you talking about? My daughter went to Troy City schools and she was not an athlete. Yet she just graduated college with honors. We by no means have any "status" (that is really laughable) and have never been "granted" anything.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe you should talk to Dr. Linda Felton-Smith, the superintendent (who was also my daughter's principal at CHHS). She would be the one who could actually get things changed (if they can be). Ranting on a message board is not gonna help anything.

Posted by bobby1jay (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MsJones207 needs to go back to New York

Posted by bamajim (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems that all of you are undr educated. The south may be slow Ms Jones, but by god we are always right. Don't make excueses for these people. All have the same opportunity yto acheive an education. If you choose not to excel in school then that is your fault and no one else's. You earn the grade and the teachers can not take it away from you. Get an edu cation, then get a job, Don't matter what it is. Work. The problem is, there are no moral's left in this country. Get back to the basic's of life. Clean your own poarch, before trying to clean someone else's. thank you and MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Posted by WDM (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bobby1jay you are 100% right,like before sundown!!! Even us old southerner's
know if we have enough credits to graduate.

Posted by Slingblade (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MSJONES207 -- Who said I'm from the South -- I'm from the Northwest--

Posted by PikeCountyGirl (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Granted there are problems with the school systems. There are not enough mentoring programs locally to help young men and women see the possibilities for their future. There may be a very small number of individuals selling drugs to feed their family but the strongest motivation for selling drugs is fast easy money.

Posted by monk_jonas (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MsJones and FoX need to get into white_lightning and drive north........and don't stop until they've crossed the Mason-Dixon Line.

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can name a few millionaires that dropped out of school before or during high school. I can think of other millionaires that just have a Troy High education. Schools don't make people smart they only educate those that have enough sense to pay attention in class. Ms. Jones, if New York schools are so much better, then why is the welfare rate so much higher in NYC than in Troy, AL?

Posted by dragonlady (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It has been my general experience that you get out of life what you put in to it. If you sit around and wait for the world to hand to you what you need, you're in some serious trouble. On the other hand, if you work at your education and treat it seriously then you'll most likely be successful.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well if they lived in New York I'm sure they would have been educated and very well off. Excuse me, I must go wipe the tears out of my eyes. The bad old Troy city school system has let these poor people fall through the crack. If only they had been better athletes. Ms. Jones you need to put that crack pipe down.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One more thing Ms, Jones. If you had not executed that double pump, 360, slam dunk that night to lead Ol Henderson to the title, we may have proved you was cheating. The nerve of you making a hundred on that test and not studying.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Like the saying goes..."you can lead a horse to water but can't make him drink."

Same goes for kids in school.

Parents need to be more involved with their children and their children's education...programs at school...and communication with their kids AND teachers. At home....homework comes first before playing outdoors or video games.

Discipline starts at home. If your kids don't respect you at home...how can they respect a teacher and learn from that teacher? Bad grades deserve immediate attention and a solution.

It's a lot harder to say "no" than it is to say "yes"....but in the long run it pays off in your child's education and their decision making when they get older. Children are a product of their parents too...so showing a good example at home helps them in the real world when making a right choice. Rich or poor it works!

Society is not to blame and I get annoyed when people try to blame everyone else for their own problems and/or their kid's problems.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said dragonlady.

Posted by blue (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why don't the people that worry so much about the children in Troy put their money where their opinions are? Do you seek out ways to help these children? I could name you at least three black teachers that tutor children for free at Troy Elementary School..after school hours. and I can also assure you that these teachers don't teach for money..but for the love of teaching and children.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very commendable for those that tutor without pay.

Perhaps we need to re-educate the parents on child rearing and what it takes to be a successful parent. A successful parent means successful children. That includes self respect. If a child has no self respect....he/she cannot respect others. Respect does not include $300 sneakers....wearing pants that show underwear because the pants are 3 sizes too big.....girls wearing clothes to school that would not even be suitable on a beach and piercings that look like shrapnel.

The IN thing does not always work...and looking like that will not get them a good job in the real world.

Can't tell you how many times I heard "I shot him cuz he dis'd me!!!" ("I shot him because he disrespected me.")

Number one lesson..."give respect to get respect" and stop blaming everyone else for their own problems that they created themselves.

Posted by y2keid (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone makes valid points here as far as education and parents guiding their kids...but this is certainly not the case in this situation. I can only speak on Joe cause I grew up with him.

Joe was far from incompetent in school or outside of school. He finished school around 2003-04 as one of the best athletes on the football team and stayed out of trouble. He's actually a smart guy but those smarts weren't guided into anything productive.. So it's gotta be the parents fault right? The closest thing he had (father) died a long time ago and his mother was m.i.a.

What I'm trying to say is that Joe is far from a thug. His actions might say otherwise but I know this guy. This was all about the money! ...And HIS decision to pursue this "fast living" fad that's polluting our communities got him locked up. It all falls on him and no one else. He knew EXACTLY what he was getting himself into.

However, if there's a need to scapegoat then it has to fall on those who knew this young man's situation...those who would prefer to sentence him rather than provide support.

This is bigger than Joe!

I'm only a year older than Joe, we grew up in the same community and in the same school system so we had the same temptations presented to us. The difference is when i TRIED to get in trouble I had people telling me no! You don't see that anymore! The THUGS told me no because they saw my potential and THEY weren't going to let me ruin my chances of going to college and pursuing a better life. Because I had people looking out for me I went on to receive my Masters this past May.

And I extend that same support to those young men back in Brundidge and Troy that was given to me. I extended it to Joe. There have been plenty of times i talked to him or had his best friend intervene. You don't reach them all but just knowing I put in the effort is satisfying. Rather you buy into it or not, we ARE responsible for each other! Let's stop WATCHING the destruction of our young people!

This is a problem that transcends all racial, educational, and regional boundaries. People of Troy and Brundidge this is OUR problem!

Posted by blue (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While I agree that being our "brother's keeper" means just that..when are we going to hold people to personal responsibility? There is a point in life when you can't blame your parents, your teachers, or your friends for choices you make in life. There are some kids that can be influenced more than others..but sooner or later we have to face the fact that we did not have to go that route...we CHOSE to.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said blue.

Too many excuses for people to take the wrong road in life....and blaming everyone else for their own poor choices....and mistakes.

Posted by y2keid (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hear that about personal responsibility...that's why it was very important to stress that in my opinion. No doubt he CHOSE the direction he wanted to go... first and foremost hold him responsible!... he was a smart dude and knew what he was getting into.

The point was to say unless we are willing to go above and beyond to reach these kids in need then we should be quiet... Personal responsibility is not innate... we have to be taught these things... so it's kind of hard to judge a person that didn't get the lesson (Joe got the lesson!!!).

That's all I"m saying...get the lesson out there! ...and then let them decide. Everyone is going to do what they want whether right or wrong but lets not leave them ANY excuses!

Posted by blue (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thing is..how do you judge when a child is in need and when they are manipulating you? We have some very smart little con artists out there.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I did go back to NY! Thank you very much. It is obvious some of you can care less about a issues that seems to be a problem in your county that effects the young people of Pike County. Simply bgecause it doesn't effect your homes. My writings proved my point. If you think what is going on in Pike County doesn't effect you all then you are delusional. So when that young "THUG" or Future "BABY MOMMA" attacks you or yours because this is all they know don't complain. All the comments I have read did not say what you all should do as a community to STOP the slaughter of the futures of these people. Instead you do what all people that think they can hide behind a computer do, talk a lot of garbage. Where is the love in Pike County? Where are the Parades to stop the violence? Where are the pep rally's to keep children from thinking "thug life" is a respectful lifestyle? Instead of saying "MSJONES207" We as a community have done these things I pretty much proved my point. You all offer just as asinine excuse as the people who claim to not know better. Instead you come on here and act as if you all are helping by ridiculing anyone that blow a hole in you old school ways. The truth does hurt! I am quite sure if every student was made to feel as if their education matter than perhaps it would make a difference. I guess it gives you all something to talk about during your otherwise fruitful lives.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If I thought that Pike County would REALLY help those that needed it I would donate money. It should not take money to get things going! Just someone with a heart. For the record there are more people in NY than Pike County that is why the welfare rate is high DUH! I don't pay attention to the welfare rate in NY because I live in MAINE (207) where I do my best for the children here. I volunteer my time and money to help children in Maine and would have NO PROBLEM doing it in PIKE COUNTY if it HELPS one child! So you show me a foundation or organization that will offer help to those in needs Then I would send my money there instead of here. My family is in Pike County so I have an interest in what goes on there.

Posted by WDM (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MsJones,you can keep your money and your comments in Maine.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ms Jones please come back. We need you here. We need your athletic genetic offspring to produce athletes. Have you not heard, we are 0-2. Don't send money, we need athletes. Maine doesn't know football. We love you.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MsJones......

You cannot help someone who does not want to be helped...and those are usually the kids that do the crimes.

Those same kids had a chance to do the right thing but chose a different path only because they wanted to do that. It's more important to them to be favorable in the eyes of their friends than good family members and good people around them that try to steer them in the right direction.

The wrong path many times leads them to jail or prison....and once they are out and back into society...they are back with the same people that steered them wrong to begin with. But this time a hero for doing "jail/prison time".

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bammabunny I agree but there needs to be a solution. Like I stated I have family and friends in Pike County and something needs to be done.

I won't address the silly hypocrits that had nothing better to write.

GO BLACK BEARS!

Posted by blue (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I raised three kids on very little money and I can tell you the most important thing you can give your child is your time and your love.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yhe black bears were 8 - 5. The best team the played was Cal Poly. Now come on back and we can make up. Go Troans.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you BLUE 100% Most of the children are not recieving that at all. The parents lack parenting skills. Most of the parents were children themselves when they birth their children. I am not on here to pass the blame along. I am here as a mother (teen mother) who had to leave my family to get what I needed for my children. Not everbody have the ability to do what I did. Not being from Troy allowed me to know that there is better outside of the project walls. I didn't want to leave Troy but when it comes to my children there is nothing I wouldn't do. I want to know what needs to be done so the next time I call my friends in Troy I can say something that is beneficial to them. I have been reading the opinions of many on here and have not once read someone, anyone say what needs to be done to better the community as a whole. I am thinking some of the people like to see people struggle just so they can have something to say. Whatever happen to "Love Thy Neighbor"? As a mother, friend, former citizen of Pike County I am ashamed that some of my friends children are looking to spend some time in prison or never know what it feels like to get a pay check because the "dope game" is a easy way to make money. Not caring or even being seen as a martyr for going to jail/prison. It is sad indeed. So once again What can be done to at least spare yourselves from spending more of your taxes on inmates?

You may not be able to help those that don't want help but you can give those that want the help an opportunity. The most I was offered for my bad choice was welfare and a project. I chose not to make that my legacy for my children. But I had people in my life (in Pike County and out of state) that help me get what I needed done. This does not mean I come back to Troy and look at my friends as if they are beneath me cause I make more money than they do or my children finished school and are attending college. I talked to their children but I can talk my face blue if they parent(s) are reinforcing what I am telling them. So as I have been reading these comments I asked "What needs to be done" and have yet recieved and answer. There is no community in Pike County. There is "Them and Us". My oldest son is residing in Troy and is planning to attend Troy State University this January but, who knows what can happen to him between then and now. I want to believe that all my love does not go to waste and I get a call from family cause he made a bad choice. Because he thought he can get over. As a mother I want him to know where opportunities are in Pike County. From experience I can tell you it is easier to find out the best place to buy marijuana than find help.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Before I get comments about the Unemployment office and Vocational Schools. I know of them! In some Sates in order to recieve any type of State assistance you are required to either VOLUNTEER or go to School. I don't know if these programs exist in Pike County. They had not when I recieved assistance for my 2 children. It would be nice if they did. I raised/raising 4 children ( meaning to are on their own and 2 at home) You can love and give a child all the time in the world but ultimately it is their decision what they will do. We as parents hope they learned from what we've done and proceed to do better than we have done.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OLDHOG if you aren't going to offer a solution spare me your lame jokes.

Posted by PikeCountyGirl (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MsJones I am sorry you had such a terrible experience when you liked in Pike County. I have to disagree with your broad statement that there are no programs or individuals willing to help those that are in need, in particular the children of the community. Granted I do not have much experience with the offerings inside the city of Troy. I do know for certain that there are people and groups in Burndidge that do. There are individuals such as the cheif of police Moses Davenport ,the former city councel member Isabel Boyd and the Griffin Family that have programs during the year that are specificly for the children of the community to show them that someone cares about them and that the community of Brundidge belives they can become anything they set there minds to. There are a large number of churchs in Brundidge and most of them have programs for the young people to help guied them in the way they should go. There is also an aftershcool program where they can get help with homework ( I am not sure what the cost is if any). The main point I am making is that there is help out there and it is up to the individual to accept that help. You can have all the money to design all the programs in the world but until you find out why a person doesn't want to inprove themselves you have done anything but spend money. I didn't have a family with money when I grew up. Sometimes all we had to eat was what we grew in the back yard. My father was too proud to accept any type of public assistance. Those times where hard and sometimes I was angry as a teen because I did'nt have the things money could buy. My parents did not have the money to pay for me to go to college so I had to work to do what it took to get a grant and a scolarship so that I could get my dergree. You sound as if you also have worked very hard to get to the point you are today. If we could find out why some young people don't want to have to work hard to become a vital member of the community then maybe we could fix our entire society.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im sorry, I was raised an athlete in the Troy City School system. Please accept my apology as I am high. I do know of an after school program. But it would require parents that care and taking responsability for their children. Not depending on teachers and administrator's to raise their children. Maybe call it "The mom and dad at home after school program." They had this program at one time but that may have been before your time. Why don't we get back to what works.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pikecountygirl. I did not have a harsh time in Pike County. It was an experience that made me the woman I am. I am glad to hear of the programs. If you can offer me contact information I would like to see what I can do to help. I don't live in Alabama and need to know where I can pratice what I preach. Thank you (REALLY) for what you wrote. You are the only person that told of these programs.

"OLDHOG" MAYBE I DID NOT MAKE MYSELF CLEAR SO I WILL CAP THIS ENTIRE MESSAGE. YOU ARE SILLY TO ME! WHAT YOU SAY OFFERS NOONE ABSOLUTELY NO INPUT. NOT ONCE DID I SUGGEST THAT THE TEACHERS OR ADMINSTRATORS DO THE JOB OF THE PARENTS! IF YOU ARE HIGH YOU NEED TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK OR GET HIGH AROUND SMART PEOPLE. I HAVE NO DOUBT IT'S ANOTHER LAME ATTEMPT AT HUMOR OR SOME FORM OF SARCASM. MAYBE YOU SHOULD REASEARCH DON RICKLES TO GET WHAT YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO RIGHT!

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ye Haw Touched a nerve. Thats exactly what you was doing. Blaming a very poor Troy City School system for these people selling drugs. Blaming the system and our school system for only caring about athletes. The fact is we have spent trillions on social programs. So throwing money at after school programs is not the answere. Now get hold of yourself why I go light up another one.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry to inform you that you touched nothing here.Probuly wouldn't know what to do if you did? What trillions? I am glad I struck a nerve for you however!!! If you can tell you struck my nerve by a wriiten message cause I capped it your have upgraded to an idiot. I was making myself clear! Obviously you failed to see that! One more upgrade and you'd be a full grown dumb ass! Keep up the good work!

I never said nor implied that the "very poor Troy City Schools" that spent "Trillions" (unclear on that)fault that some people opted to sell drugs. If I did please copy n paste it. So I can apologize. But I know you won't! Nor did I say anything about spending money on after school programs. WTF are you reading? Maybe you upgrade you drug choice as well or inhale.

Posted by monk_jonas (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oldhog, I do believe you touched a nerve with MsJones. MsJones, 'probably' doesn't have a 'u'. I think Pike County will survive without your help, MsJones. Stay up North there where I'm sure you're needed and appreciated. ;)

Posted by y2keid (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I act as an adviser for The little brothers of Omega Lambda Lambda... which is an organization my cousin started two years ago... have brought in roughly 50-60 members from brundidge and troy! ...and we emphasize education, community service, etc..

We don't need a list of things in the comment section describing who is doing what...

I no longer live in Pike County (in Buffalo, NY) but I'm still involved because I got tired of talking about someone needs to do something for the kids down there. We all should give this topic a rest and go do something about it...

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

monk-jonas your are just as silly as oldhog! If they only thing you find irresitible about what I wrote is mis-spellings than there is greater hope for you and you buddy yet! To strike a nerve one must have something worthy to say. I am quite sure you would love for things to stay they way they are. I am a Yankee till I die get over it. As my daughter says don't hate appreciate! Maybe I struck a nerve with you as well. Which gives me goose pimples and makes me all tingly inside. Glad you are my personal spell check. Seems like a great career choice.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You was blaming others Ms Jones. Thats what losers do. Go back and read your original post. Failed education system. Give me a break, your idea of fixing society through rallies or dumb liberal causes is a joke. You had a hard time making it here and needed assistance. Get over it. Selling drugs is never the only alternative. Getting a job and actually working for a living can. People like you love to play the blame game and thats fine. Show me a state where they don't have a problem. The fact is that Troy Alabama is a great place to raise your children. Your arrogance is something to make fun of, so I will continue to laugh at your post. Humor is the best way to deal with arrogant stupidity.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree Y2keid. Like I told "pikecountygirl" I would like contact information. I have people in Alabama that need this information. Honestly I don't hear the people I know speaking of these programs. Maybe they don't know. I definitely don't read about them in the Messenger!

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like I struck a nerve oldhog!!! I did read my original post as I knew you would too. I don't get how you took my so-called liberal cause and turn it into a BLAME some one else. right.....I am arrogant got a big ego and I did get over it. Do I win money on the blame game cause I am due. Every state has problem but unfortunately darling we are talking about Alabama. I blame myself for not doing more instead I left. I don't know other's so blaming them isn't an option.

I can't believe I have a messenger stalker! WOW!

I stated my meesenger love that "If you have to feed your family and have been failed by a VERY poor educational system (that will only take interest in a child if that are of athletic use)and selling drugs is the only alternatives what do you tell the person to do? Starve? Become a burden to the State of Alabame?"

Perhaps I was wrong but, I'm not! Maybe the words could have been presented better but Oh well! GET OVER IT.

until the next post...... Thank you for making my day go by faster! smoochies

Posted by PikeCountyGirl (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The stories for these programs usually don't make the front page ( which is about all you can find on the internet version of the paper). There was a nice article about a month ago where Mr. Griffin donated a full years worth of school supplies for every student attending PCHS and PCES.

Posted by monk_jonas (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh MsJones, LOL. Master the English language, and then we'll talk.

Posted by monk_jonas (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Reading MsJones posts are like reading Greek. They don't make a whole lot of sense. I don't fault you because you're uneducated, MsJones, but you could find something better to do with your life than sell drugs (you have been talking about yourself, right?). Go back to skool, MsJones and lern how to spel. And stop selling those drugs.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Smoochies ... Ms, Jones got to go to work. Trying to support those less fortunate than myself. Good Luck in Maine.

Posted by monk_jonas (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ewwwwwww, oldhog. I wouldn't want smoochies from MsJones.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It was a kiss on the cheek. She an old Henderson girl that has lost her way and needs to be re-southernised.

Posted by plapatriot (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Troy Chartiy League helps the school age children of Pike Co. They go into every school in Pike Co. and do sight and hearing test on K5, 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders (and any other student that needs it). And if their is a child that needs glasses or hearing aids they will help them. Because if they can not hear or see what they are reading they can not do good in school. They also help buy school supplies and book bags for the kids. They also help buy winter coats for the kids. They will help with school clothes. I could go on and on. The Troy Chartiy League is going on it's 78th year. I do believe that Troy Unv. has college students that help tutor kids for free. They need the hours. All you have to do is ask. We have churches that will help families in need. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters will help. The thing is some people will not ask for help they will just hold out their hands and take.

Posted by dxegrl77 (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is wrong to blame the school system, the community, or parenting for these individuals. They are making their own decisions. We can all find reasons to blame someone else. I came from a single parent household, I had my first child before I graduated, I work full-time and am considering going back to school for my degree. I COULD just sell drugs or do something else illegal and then blame everyone who didn't "take care of me". I agree there should be more programs for children in Pike County, but the same reasons some of these children fall through the cracks are the same reasons they would not be part of these programs. There are some kids whose parents could care less what their kids do. There are some kids whose parents don't have the money or the resources for their children to participate. There are some kids whose parents resent you trying to do for them, that's called pride. I don't know what the answer is, but blaming others when the choice is yours is not the answer. Do you know these people? Would they have been part of any community program if it were available? I know these kind of people, its easier to sell drugs than to take responsibility for their actions or to get up and go to work every morning. And can you blame them, they sell drugs, get fast money, get busted, go to jail and get someone to take care of them, then they get out and it starts all over again. They don't have to worry about the mundane things the rest of us do, like paying bills, buying groceries, etc.

Posted by monk_jonas (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

She really does need to be re-southernized, doesn't she. ;)

Posted by turtle (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Troy Public Library also has tutoring services available. The school systems also have Peer counseling groups where teens can help and encourage one another to make the right choices. AIM is a great program in the schools (Abstinence in Motion). When the Pike County Schools host their annual Parent Expo I encourage everyone to come out, as many organizations set up booths to let people know about their services for the local youth.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Turtle I appreciate the message I recieved. It has been years since I have been in Troy. I apologize for my lack of knowing what is currently going on. I never read the positive things that go on in Troy. I hear what I hear and read what I read. So for the few people that actually provided me with the information I requested. Thank you and to you I apologize.

MsJones207

Posted by White_Lightning1 (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank goodness our precious school children were spared having to watch HypnObama on the magic talking box this morning, casting his hoodoo socialist message of personal responsibility, working hard and staying in school.

Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

alli wanted to contribute to this fascinating convresation is about the 'failed education system is PC'..i graduated from PCHS. i Had wonderful caring teachers. I now have a college degree and have made something good out of myself. I CHOSE to do the right thing.i knew i wanted to be a success. Sometimes its not good to place the blame on parents and teachers..blame the individual who made the decision...

Posted by muledeer (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Troy and Pike County are so bad, and I had moved away, the last thing I would do is open up their newspaper and read about a place I despise so much. In short, there is no excuse for dealing drugs other than some individuals find it to be the easy way out. We should never say it is their only way out of anything.

Posted by White_Lightning1 (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amazing how many folks on here that are preaching that individuals should take more personal responsibility, work hard and stay in school are the same folks who are bashing the president for speaking to our nation's school children this morning, about taking more personal responsibility, working hard and the importance of staying in school. If the hypocrite shoe fits...

Posted by BabyCougars (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At what point is being southern have anything to do with being conservative....When did the constitution say its ok for people not to be tolerant of other peoples views if they live in the South East region....Everyone has a right to an opinion but I don’t think it constitutes them having to move to Maine or New York or where ever the hell it is....Ignorance breeds intolerance of which is mostly spread by people who have followed others with out a original cognitive thought in their heads anyway.....sooo be nice people it is silly and really in poor taste to condemn someone….as far as my opinion legalize it all tax it and use it to fund the failing corporate America…..Spend the ignorant peoples money to pay for the other ignorant Corporations failures. Carpe Diem

Posted by turtle (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not a problem MsJones. I agree with you too Beachgirl, I'm a PCHS grad also and I had some of the best teachers, Mr. McGowin, Mrs. Nellie Sue Helms, Mr. Hudson, the list goes on. There are some awesome teachers there now too. Every school in this country has great teachers in them, that go above and beyond what is required of them and so often don't get the recognition they deserve. But our young people have to be willing to ask for the help, as do the parents. It doesn't just land in your lap. All any of us can do is encourage those youth we are involved in and hope that they make good decisions.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on September 9, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sometimes good parenting and mentoring is not enough. Parents can guide their children so far and the rest of "life" is up to them.

They either stay on the road to success or choose otherwise. If they choose a life of unacceptable behavior or crime...then the must pay the price at the hands of the law.

Posted by YEM (anonymous) on September 9, 2009 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The racism some of the county residents possess is embarrassing.

Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on September 9, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where that come from?.