The Natchez Democrat front page on Thursday, April 26, shows a motley crew of four county supervisors who seemingly had a hand in trashing the First Amendment rights of the complacent majority that did not vote against the prison — who; as usual were satisfied to let George do it.

The major discussion and debating — were as usual, behind closed doors! I feel that it is my inherited duty to speak out. The overriding issue was not as implied — for or against an issue — but the impingement of the public referendum — the railroad — or ramrod effort of this usurped authority should be immediately recalled to a public. Open door election!

Money moves — and in this case millions! The tawdry manner in which the closed-door action took place should cast a serious doubt upon the action!

The gauntlet has been cast! The voters of Adams County should pick it up!

Only the “tip of the iceberg” is exposed to date! The future holds many “hot potatoes” growing out the latest — prison issue — i.e. headlines in The Democrat read; Prison needs (Believe it or not!) four million dollars) it is logical to expect the many, many future headlines will ready — The Prison Needs Etc. This need is for sewage and water.

A $4 million shocker! This issue was easily swept under the rug by stating — that when the prison comes online the amount will easily be covered by the prison’s projected tax base, hog wash.

That takes care of that hot potato! The only catch to that is this: if all goes according to past actions, i.e. Armstrong, the prison, in all probability, will be granted a “X million dollar tax exemption for X number of years.” That covers that. There will be no taxes paid until this abatement is satisfied! Hot potatoes, it seems, as though someone will have to “take a cold tater and wait.”

Someone please enlighten me: If a prison is private — not federally funded — then how are the expenses met? By tax dollars camouflage as grants! Or maybe a bed and breakfast operation!

One can fool all of the people some of the time; and some of the people all of the time — but one cannot fool all of the people all of the time!

In my opinion, now is the prudent time for the average citizen to become aware of the fact that there is no such thing as a half-truth — simply put a half-truth is a lie!

Thomas E. Young

Natchez resident