It’s important for residents to talk about the issues that matter to them. Oftentimes, however, they don’t have a forum. Their voices seem lost, or they just don’t know where to bring their concerns to be heard.
James Burgess, president of the Madison County NAACP, has a radio show on WHBU and, on Monday, he took it to the streets. The Herald Bulletin is partnering with the radio station on getting the word of concerned citizens out on the air and in the newspaper.
The show, called “Taking It to the Street Beat,” visited a longtime Anderson establishment, The Style House Barber Shop, 1521 Madison Ave., where Charles Peters has been a barber for 55 years.
The radio show is based on the movie “Barbershop,” where men gather and espouse their thoughts on any number of topics. Here, however, the thoughts are going out over the airwaves and into the pages of The Herald Bulletin.
Burgess wants to make this a monthly get-together, the third Monday at 7 p.m. of each month. On Feb. 19, he wants to take the program to a styling salon for women.
Topics Monday night included everything from changing hairstyles to school uniforms. People had all kinds of opinions, from the mundane to the provocative. This is what keeps a community fresh.
Politicians have long known the benefits of town hall meetings, where citizens gather to discuss issues near and dear to them. They get a dialogue going that can provoke social changes.
There are no politicians, though they are more than welcome. It’s Burgess’ aim to provide a voice for the west side of Anderson. There are other avenues to get the word out, but the media is the quickest.
There were just a few people at Monday’s gathering, and we hope that changes in coming meetings. On Feb. 21, the show will air live at Salon II, 1601 Arrow Ave., at 7 p.m. There will be a chance for people to talk about their concerns on the air, and The Herald Bulletin will carry an account in the next day’s paper.
It’s important for diverse views to be heard in a diverse population. We think this is a good start for a sustained dialogue. Who knows, maybe some politicians will show up and see what people are thinking. And the voice of the people will be heard.
Opinion
Keep the dialogue coming
- Opinion
-
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
To save America some money — by acclimation of course — let’s not have a presidential election in 2012. We already have a good president who will do his best to kill all Republican bills (DOA) and, consequently, create more good-paying jobs in the $30 per hour range.
-
Letter: Gingrich cashes in on political amnesia
Rasmussen says that Romney has flattened nationally. Why?
Two reasons seem to tell the tale. Gingrich has shown that he will fight, and Romney is a Mormon, believed to be a “cult” by a majority of evangelicals. -
Letter: Hiring Winkler not wise spending
As a taxpayer I want to know that my taxes are being spent wisely. Hiring Greg Winkler at a salary of $126,000 is not wise spending.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Letter: Bill of Rights being nullified by new law
President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act on New Year’s Eve. I doubt many Americans noticed its implications because they do not yet comprehend the big picture. This law, coupled with the Patriot Act, is paving the way for America’s direction toward tyranny.
-
Letter: $14 trillion debt started by previous president
I’m a proud atheist who’s lucky enough to know the difference between fact and fantasy.
-
Letter: Economy putting people in the gutters
We are now getting the results of putting people in the gutters. We need to take a second look at our government and its policies. It’s not working.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
