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Natchez needs a motto ... come and see
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Hello, it’s me again. While lots of things are happening, sometimes we ignore those things that give unique flavor to our remarkable place in the big picture.
Yes, we are part of the globe, more specifically we have been significant in globalization of this planet from an economic, social, religious, financial, cultural, educational, artistic, culinary and literary basis since the French ascended the river in 1700 looking for a place to establish a colony. Even our predecessors, the native “Natchez” were influential in the Western Hemisphere. Look at this site. We are on an ancient trail from Nova Scotia to Chile.
It is no wonder it was selected as the starting place for the new world, on the Father of Waters, the then highway for most of this continent.
Each day we can observe barge tours transporting coal, lumber, wheat and other grains headed out to help feed the rest of the world and power their factories that compete with ours. We even process soybeans to make diesel fuel that gets shipped overseas to seek the higher priced markets.
Our sons and daughters are in every part of the world competing, protecting, learning, teaching, earning, serving, preaching, helping and enjoying. Truly Natchez is everywhere. In history we rank with London, Rome, Athens, Jerusalem, Bombay, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
In 1956, 120 miles north of Calcutta when asked “Where do you live in America?” upon answering “Mississippi,” I was asked if I had ever been to Natchez. My response was “How do you know about Natchez?”
I was promptly informed “We read the National Geographic too.”
I might add they spoke better English than I.
Natchez has been described as a place that you have to be going there as a destination because it isn’t on a road to anywhere else. That is the beauty of it. It is a destination worthy of the whole trip and again and again. So what is missing?
We don’t have a motto!
“Where the Old South still lives” has been outlived. “Where the Old South meets the new,” is obsolete. “It’s like coming home” is a good one for Mississippi.
I submit this one as a candidate for Natchez. It is global in scope, true and enhances curiosity. Let me know what you think.
Here it is — “Niagra has its falls, Agra has its Taj Mahal, Egypt has its pyramids, but Natchez has its ... come and see.”
How about it folks? Let’s put this on a 40-foot billboard in Atlanta and more
Erle Drane is a Natchez resident.
Comments
Posted by pbnj (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A motto huh? You've set yourself up for this one. Let the comments begin.
Posted by silly_willy_24_7 (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
it already has the only one it wants:
"natchez, a certified retirement community!"
Posted by linenbreeze (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
New York City has it's high rises, Florida has it's beautiful beaches, Beverly Hills has it's movie stars, England has it's royalty, all Natchez has it's continuous unsightly construstion & detouting.
Instead of like the Vidalia sign "City on the Move" There should be one in Natchez that reads. "City on the move, all you lazy dope heads pick up a shovel or hoe and make history, make yourself proud the be a Natchezian, by being a part of the NEW Natchez!"
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Erle, you said it best in your article
"Natchez, on the Road to Nowhere!""
Posted by 77shovel (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For redusmfan, what are you personally doing to make it better? What ideas do you have to make Natchez the kind of place that would make you proud? Probably easier to move away but stay obsessed with the town.
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
natchez needs a motto probably but right now we need to quit fighting and work to keep the lights on we have so many new things coming lets talk positive we really know we have good police sheriff and fire protection, lets support these men and women and back our leaders after all we elected them or appointed them to serve lets let them serve
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
some remarks last week in the blogs like give blacks guns we know better lets do better everyone
Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez, Where history is alive!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez-- Where Racism is alive and well.
Now that's an accurate motto.
Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you can say that about any place notfromnatchez
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember when it used to be Natchez: Where the Old South Still Lives. I hated that one.
Posted by motown (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NATCHEZ, AT LEAST ITS NOT VIDIALA
Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez, an oasis in the hell that is Mississippi.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You all are crazy! LOL!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez--Where the women are men and the sheep are nervous.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez - where everybody keeps getting older but everything stays the same.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez - not as good as Vidalia!
Posted by motown (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VIDIALA- THANK GOD FOR NATCHEZ OT WE WOULDN'T BE HERE
Posted by motown (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VIDIALA - WEVE GOT A GREAT LEVEE...
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez--We wish we were Vidalia.
Posted by free_radical (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez and Vidalia are about as alike as night and day.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All that Natchez-Vidalia bickering reminds me of two kids in the same family! LOL
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez -- One foot in the grave!
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez -- Literacy ain't everything.
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez -- Gateway to Vidalia!
Posted by pbnj (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NATCHEZ-------Where's That?
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez---If you've seen one old house, you've seen them all
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 5:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez---Looking down on Vidalia
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez---We're not dead yet!
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez -- The new Fayette!
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad Vidalia is spacing itself further from the slime called Natchez across the river. Vidalia has it own Wal-mart now, O' Riely's is coming, and many other small businesses are coming. Ive heard a reliable rumor that Raising Canes are eye balling Vidalia! It's a good thing Vidalia is living up to its motto "city on the move" because in 15 years time Natchez will crumble to the ground! Natchez has been pathetic and will always be pathetic. Natchez..."the bowels of the Earth"
Posted by wjreed1 (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about, "Come, see,enjoy!"
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Elviss for Mayor of Natchez, where literacy ain't everything!!!!!
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Elvis,
Clarksdale is called the Armpit of Mississippi, I guess that would make Natchez the Foot Fungus of Mississippi....lol...
Just kidding around people. Have a great day.
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
[1]great place to retire![2]feed the poor![3]no jobs,go to next town![4]we care about tourism,not the people![5]move to natchez an starve![6]10 historic homes,15 gas stations,1 wal-mart and a gambling boat,come see natchez![7]dont look for a deserted town,here we are![8]be smart,dont move here![9]
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey trucker, is your caps lock button broke today? Glad to see you back. Have a great day dude.
Posted by motown (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG VIDIALA HAS A WALMART AND MAYBE EVEN RAISING CANES IS COMING TOO!! YALL ARE RIGHT VIDIALA IS BOOMING!!...
Posted by grrbrts (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Natchez, where all things began."
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
freedom42
It reminds me of when we were growing up in the 50's & 60's & it was Natchez vs. Vidalia & yes we were yourg whipper snappers then & now we're grown & still at it.
We all need to stop & think that if it wern't for the river we may be one big happy city. Did I say happy? That's next to impossibilty these days.
Posted by Hardcorps (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez- We're on the hind ^^^^^^^^ but we keep on sucking.
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez -- For sale!
Posted by josey (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If everyone hates Natchez so much why do ya'll stay? This is not a motto just a question.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez - Where even the Antique Stores are Antique!
Contributed by my son.
Josey - I agree with you 100%
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez--Where everyone is deaf, because Sayitloud is always shouting!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Elvisss--How much would you pay for Natchez?
Posted by skippydammit (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A motto for Natchez ?
Really ?
hmmm.....
How about one (or more) of these below?
(And before anyone starts WHINING,
please note that I live here and pay taxes.
These are supposed to be FUNNY.
'Nuff said ! )
1.) Natchez rhymes with "matches". Feel the burn !
2.) Floyd the PinK of Mayberry Says : We don' need no education !
3.) Natchez: Not Kid Friendly ! Not At All !
4.) Natchez: Time to Weed the Garden Clubbers !
5.) Natchez: Business Friendly ?
Just Ask for Fat Mama
6.) Steel Traps Have Nothing On Our Minds !
7.) Natchez: We Mattered !
( 150 Years Ago )
8.) Live on the Edge: Natchez !
9.) Natchez = Where Our 'Tooth to Tattoo Ratio'
Is only in Decimal Points.
(Come on...think about it. Do the math !
Lol...it will come to you...:)
10.) Natchez: Meet Our Public Officials as the Bailiff
Says, "Will the Defendant Please Rise?"
11.) Natchez: A High Blood Alcohol Count Makes This
Place Barely Tolerable.
12.) Natchez: Churches, Bars, & Casino(s)...Oh My !
13.) Natchez: The Original Gossip Factory
14.) Natchez: Pecandominiums Coming Soon ?
15.) Natchez: Just LIke A Progressive Town, but Different
16.) Natchez: Drugs and Alcohol Are Not Necessary
But They Help A Lot
17.) Natchez: Mississippi Churning
18.) Natchez In A Nutshell: Rotten
19.) Natchez: Where Masochists Come For Vacation
20.) Natchez: Believe in Ghosts? This Town Does (Is).
21.) Natchez: Round Up The Garden Club
And Let's Have A Weenie Roast
( think about it....lol...:)
22.) Natchez: Two Menus: Regular and Tourist
23.) Natchez: Somewhere Has To Be Below Average
Why Not Us?
24.) Natchez: Truth Is Definitely Stranger Than Fiction
25.) Natchez: Five Airports and Growing !
( Alexandria, Monroe, Baton Rouge, New Orleans & Jackson)
26.) Natchez: ALL Roads Lead Out !
27.) Natchez: Substituting Activity For Progress For Decades !
28.) Natchez: Almost Had Progress!
Missed It By "This Much"
29.) Natchez: If It Weren't For The Carriage Rides
We Would Not Qualify As Even A One Horse Town.
30.) Natchez: Set Your Watches Back 150 Years.
:)
Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Skippy...that was hilarious!
Posted by lowrider (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez the only place the planning commission and garden club run the show!!!
Posted by lowrider (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SKIPPY, BRAVO!!!
Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez...where ignorance meets bliss
Posted by motown (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NATCHEZ, WHERE WE HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO BUT POST ON HERE
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez -- we live here because we don't know any better!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez--Looks Great in the Rear View Mirror.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez - City of Dreams (of one kind or another)
Natchez - Love it or leave it
Natchez - We live here cause it's home, you don't have to
Natchez - Ya'll come down and bring your money
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez--We're better than you...or so we think.
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez -- not that there's anything wrong with it!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
skippydammit those were to funny...
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on July 18, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
haahah! This has been halarious!
Natchez - where all the crapis!
Posted by cleaninglady (anonymous) on July 18, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez-the city of brotherly love - everyone there loves to mind his brother's bidness!
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