Letters to the Editor
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Husband’s loss helped put things in perspective
Dear Editor,
There was so much that should have been added to my husband Richard Bennett Jr's obituary so everyone would know what type of person he had become prior to his death.
He was not only the love of my life, he was also my best friend. He was a Christian and was focused totally on helping me and his children, John Austin Bennett and Savannah Bennett. He was the most unselfish person I have ever known.
Some will remember him because of the mistakes he made in his past, but I want people to know that he was the most loving, giving, and selfless person I have ever known. I was everything to him.
Each day he professed his love for me to anyone who would listen and even to those who didn't want to hear it. You see, I too have made mistakes in my past. I would like everyone to know that I am thankful to each and everyone of them for the help they give me by helping mine and Richard's children. Richard's final wish was for us to be together as a family and that we all move forward, doing the next right thing and keeping God first.
I don't want his death to have been in vain. Anyone who has lost a loved one should realize that God does not promise us tomorrow. Don't put off making amends with those you have anger towards. Resentments and hatred are not of God. I lost the love of my life just when our love for each other and for God had led us to a point of knowing the importance of forgiveness and putting the past behind us.
Please everyone who reads this – don't judge people because of their past. Don't hurt people out of vengeance. Make sure each of your decisions line up with the Word of God.
Richard is watching us from heaven, smiling down at me, his children and his siblings and knowing that we can be closer and kinder to one another. He was a precious good man and for those in Yazoo who didn't know him well, just know this - he would give of his last to help his fellow man. Rest in Peace my love!!
Your Forever Wife, Soul Mate and Best Friend - We will be together again one day. I love you!
Amy Lynn Bennett
Dear Editor,
The decision by the present school board not to renew the teaching and coaching contract of Mr. Archie Carlyle was a planned and calculated act of politics. This kind of thing has been happening for years.
They didn’t follow policies or procedures in this matter. The state’s report on the district asked the board to stop interfering in this kind of situation, but it seems they didn’t get the memo.
My mother always put her 11 children first in making decisions for their futures. It is clear this board did not do that.
Mr. Carlyle’s only crime was putting his students first. I feel like Jesus, when he told the people at the well, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”
I and the 800 people who have signed the petition calling for Carlyle’s return can find no fault in his dedication to our community. We are being laughed at across the state, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Our community is losing faith in our ability to work in a productive and successful district. The Yazoo Herald’s sports editor called it a “travesty.” I ask the question, where are all those Christian folks, his co-workers, his pastor and his fellow church members?
Where are the athletes, past and present, and most of all where are the parents? He has mothered and fathered when you were unable to make it to a game or on the road, giving your children heart-to-heart talks of motivation and encouragement both in the halls of our schools and on the streets of this community. Now he deserves your support in this critical matter.
This affects us all, black and white, because the future of our community is at stake. I am asking everyone to show as much concern about this matter as they do during election time.
Mr. Clifton Jones, I sat on the school board when you and your wife in a 3 to 2 vote were denied what you rightfully deserved. When you first ran for alderman you were the only politician I ever spent an entire day with, walking the streets because I believed in you. When I ran for mayor as an independent, I endorsed McArthur Straughter in the primary. Many people thought I was crazy, but I was exercising my rights.
Mr. Aubry Brent Jr., I followed you from Vicksburg to Belzoni and saw people commit perjury to defeat you. When citizens support a candidate, they want something in return. As a citizen with the 800 petitioners, we are calling in our wager. Just get the record of the board of that decision, which is public record. Check the timeline of the action, and you will be amazed. Next month you will appoint or reappoint a board member, but before you do we deserve answers.
If you find me wrong I will come back and sit before you and the school board and give a public apology. Everyone deserves their day in court, and Mr. Carlyle certainly does.
What you do or don’t do will determine the caliber of teachers and coaches willing to come into our community and work with our children.
Johnny Staples
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