My Two Cents
My Two Cents
“My two cents” is an American idiomatic expression, taken from the original British idiom expression: to put in “my two pennies worth”. It is used to preface the stating of one’s opinion. By deprecating the opinion to follow — suggesting its value is only two cents, a very small amount — the user of the phrase hopes to lessen the impact of a possibly contentious statement, showing politeness and humility. However, it is also sometimes used with irony when expressing a strongly felt opinion.
Herald readers are invited to submit their two cents on-line on stories which have appeared in the newspaper and on our website at www.yalnews.com. Below are some of the best taken from recent submissions.
On the story about the June 3 Water Valley city board meeting:
Concerned had this to say regarding the tax exemption request by the city’s two largest employers – What would happen if BorgWarner pulled up stakes and left. If taxes has gone up 340% over a 6 year span I believe I’d be doing something creative to help this company out. If you wake up one morning and find out they’re gone, the $129,000 mentioned earlier is a thing of the past. I don’t confess to be a financial wizard but you better make sure you take care of your existing businesses you already have in Water Valley. Without them you have nothing. Come on city leaders, think outside the box and you might be surprised what you can come up with.
Slightly Critical had this comment on the zoning and flood plain administrator / building inspector job description that was approved during the meeting. – I was wondering why the heck you posted this. But, I went back to the city board story and see that they voted on the qualifications for this job. They haven’t decided if it is a part time or full time job and they don’t know what it will pay or if they even have the money for it. Great. I don’t think they will be able to fill this $30,000 to $40,000 job for the $7 an hour they pay. Who came up with this?
Fresh Air commented on the lack of movement on the proposed ordinance restricting smoking – What about the smoking ban? Why is the City dragging its feet on this important matter. Just copy one of the dozens of other city ordinances already being used.
On the topic of smoking and the July 1 smoking ban at the Yalobusha General Hospital and Nursing Home:
A reader had this to say about the ban – I applaud Mr. Varner and the doctors for making the hospital smoke free and for offering assistance to their employees who smoke. A smoke free environment at a health care facility is a wise choice.
Regarding the story about 40 BorgWarner employees being laid off:
WV needs more industry had this to say – Back in 1982 I was laid off from Colt Ind. I went back to college, graduated and vowed to never work in the auto industry again. I wish everyone luck and hope it all goes well at Borg. The auto industry has always been volatile. Water Valley just cannot seem to get industry for some reason. I think getting industry to come to Water Valley should be a top priority, but it is not. If Borg was to leave I believe there would be a domino effect. Higher taxes followed by lower population.
And finally, Herald readers came through and identified the insect pictured on last week’s back page:
T. Latham was among those who recognized the little fellow as a click beetle and had this to say – When we were kids, we called this a snapping bug. If you put light pressure on his back, he feels threatened, stiffens up, and in a couple of seconds would snap his body and bounce 12 or more inches into the air.