I drove up on a pair of Mississippi Highway Patrolmen checking licenses last week on Hwy. 3, just north of the Hwy. 4 intersection.
I rolled down my window as I pulled out my license and had both hands - and my license - at the top of the steering wheel when it was my turn. I handed the trooper my license.
He looked at the date, he looked at me and he looked at his partner who was at the back of my little white truck checking my tag.
“Thank you, sir,” was my sign to head on the down the road.
Law
The headlines have been full of war, riots, protests and we even have a story on Page One about an arrest on weapon charges that netted a man prison time.
We are a nation of laws and when they are broken there is a price the must be paid. The slow and partial dispensation of true justice weakens our country and community.
I own a semi-automatic rifle and hunt with it. My wife owns a pistol for protection and to keep me the proper and faithful man she married.
I’m big on Second Amendment rights because they protect all other rights in The U.S. Constitution. But abuse of that privilege lands you in court.
I’m also a big supporter of the First Amendment.
Not only does it protect my business from government, it allow you to protest when you feel government has stepped on your rights. But throwing rocks and punches at police officers is asking for trouble.
My father once told me, “Obey the command of a properly sworn law officer. He will whip your butt if you don’t!”
And that situation usually lands you in jail and court.
Order
Every parent knows keeping their house in order is one of the secrets to a happy home.
Every homeowner knows keeping order in the streets protects that home, their family and their going to and fro.
Every businessman knows keeping the books in order allows them to see their strengths and faults.
Every teacher knows without order the classroom suffers and learning doesn’t happen.
I was raised in the South where we are taught to be polite, open doors for others and to mind our manners when we are slightly, slighted.
And the world calls us backward.
As I look around our community, nation and world, I’m thankful for those who say “thank you, sir” and keep things in order.
Floyd Ingram is the Editor of your Tate Record. He encourages you to call him at 662-562-4414 anytime you see thing getting out of order.
-30-
