WDAM - Viewpoints

WDAM Viewpoint- Effects of Sequestration

Jim Cameron — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:31:00 EDT

This sequestration business our government has us in is beginning to hit close to home. After 9/11 security was tightened all around the nation at military installations. However, as we reported this week—due

WDAM Viewpoint- D-Day

Jim Cameron — Wed, 5 Jun 2013 22:51:00 EDT

On this day in history 69 years ago, one of the most significant military operations in the history of mankind began. June 6th, 1944 would see 156,000 British, Canadian and American fighting men along with over 5,000 ships cross the English Channel and land on the beaches of Normandy to establish a foothold against the Nazi menace.

WDAM Viewpoint- Vote Tuesday

Jim Cameron — Mon, 3 Jun 2013 18:28:00 EDT

Just a last minute reminder. If you live within the city limits of a municipality in Mississippi most likely you need to vote in tomorrow's general election for mayor, council members, and other city

WDAM Viewpoint- Hurricane tax break

Jim Cameron — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:02:00 EDT

With all the attention turned to tornadoes lately—both at home and in other states including the monster in Oklahoma this week—let's be mindful also that hurricane season officially starts June 1^st.

WDAM Viewpoint- How to help OK tornado victims

Jim Cameron — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:36:00 EDT

The residents of the Pine Belt, having recently had our own encounter with tornados want to know how they can help those in Oklahoma who have suffered through two rounds of what some are calling the most

WDAM Viewpoint- K-9 officers death

Jim Cameron — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:23:00 EDT

The Perry County Sheriff's Department needs to get out front and transparent concerning the details surrounding the death of their only K-9 officer who died in the backseat of the car of the deputy assigned to handling him.

WDAM Viewpoint- Boil water notices outdated

Jim Cameron — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:49:00 EDT

Last Thursday evening when we learned that a strain of E Coli bacteria had been detected in the City of Laurel's water supply our news team took steps to notify the public immediately.

WDAM Viewpoint- Voting Day

Jim Cameron — Wed, 8 May 2013 19:31:00 EDT

Tomorrow begins the election process for over 30 municipalities in our viewing area. Tomorrow will be the first primary for both parties to decide who will be in the 2nd primary runoff for those who have

WDAM Viewpoint- Two Commendable Meals

Jim Cameron — Fri, 3 May 2013 19:36:00 EDT

We would like to commend two events in the Hub City that took place this week. Mayor DuPree's Annual Prayer Breakfast featuring pastor and musician Andre Crouch was held despite protests by an Atheist

WDAM Guest Editorial- United Way

Fri, 3 May 2013 18:47:00 EDT

I'm Dan Kibodeaux, director of United Way of Southeast Mississippi. We've just wrapped up our 2013 fundraising campaign which supports all 21 of our community investment partners and programs that serve people in need here in our community.

WDAM Viewpoint- Prom Safety

Jim Cameron — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:05:00 EDT

Even though the Prom Season is drawing to a close…there are still quite a few to be had. On a recent weekend, my wife and I were leaving an upscale restaurant here in town where a group of formally dressed

WDAM Viewpoint- Dangerous World

Jim Cameron — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:05:00 EDT

The bombing at this weeks Boston Marathon, followed by mail containing ricin—a deadly chemical to Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker and the President… is but yet another reminder that we live in a dangerous

WDAM Viewpoint- I want my ammo

Jim Cameron — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:09:00 EDT

This whole gun control frenzy has gotten out of hand. I've been a gun owner and shooter most of my life and love to get out and plink or target practice for the sport of it.

WDAM Viewpoint- Cruelty on the Internet

Jim Cameron — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:51:00 EDT

Most of you have probably heard about the recent death by suicide of 27 year old Matthew Warren, son of well know pastor and author, Rick Warren. Reverend Warren pastured Saddleback Church…a Southern

WDAM Viewpoint- Welcome Dr. Bennett

Jim Cameron — Mon, 1 Apr 2013 18:36:00 EDT

We'd like to congratulate and wish the very best to Dr. Rodney Bennett as he takes over today as the 10th president of the University of Southern Mississippi. Thanks as well to Interim President Dr. Aubrey

WDAM Viewpoint- USM climbs another rung in the NIT

Jim Cameron — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:21:00 EDT

The Southern Miss. Golden Eagles made it another rung up the NIT ladder last night by beating Louisiana Tech. Tomorrow night at 7 they take on BYU and the winner will go to New York to play in the semi-finals

WDAM Viewpoint- Secularizing Easter

Jim Cameron — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EDT

The secularists have been trying to make Christmas go away…or at least lose all vestiges of its spiritual meaning for years. Now I see they have their sights set on Easter as well. One school or school district

WDAM Viewpoint- A class act

Jim Cameron — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:32:00 EDT

Not only do we congratulate the USM Men's Basketball team for a great season and a great seed in the NIT…we also applaud Head Coach Donnie Tyndall who personally paid for one-thousand student tickets.

Guest Editorial- Executive Director of the Greater Pine Belt Community Foundation

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:23:00 EDT

I am here today to tell you how your LOCAL Community Foundation is a driving charitable force in the Pine Belt region.

WDAM Viewpoint- Prejudice against Mississippi

Jim Cameron — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:54:00 EDT

I was born and raised in Mississippi and have lived here all my life. I've had to opportunity to do a fair amount of travel and am often offended at the reactions I get when I state with pride that I'm

WDAM Viewpoint- What is our government doing?

Jim Cameron — Wed, 6 Mar 2013 19:23:00 EST

I always thought sequester was when you locked a jury down so they couldn't be influenced by other people. Well it seems now that it means having the government act—or not—with little regard for the people.

WDAM Viewpoint- Thank you for giving

Jim Cameron — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:52:00 EST

It is an humbling thing to have the privilege of living among such a generous and giving people who care so very much for their neighbors.

WDAM Viewpoint- Tuesday's Telethon

Jim Cameron — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:01:00 EST

We want to give you another friendly reminder about tomorrow's: "Build This City: Red Cross Tornado Relief Telethon" starting at 5 a.m.

WDAM Viewpoint- Red Cross Tornado recovery Telethon

Jim Cameron — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:28:00 EST

Hopefully, you've already heard that WDAM and the Red Cross have partnered to host a telethon benefiting the four counties affected by the February 10th tornado. Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties

WDAM Viewpoint- Lesson's to be learned from tornado

Jim Cameron — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:02:00 EST

So what are some of the lessons learned from the massive tornado that swept through the Pine Belt just over a week ago. Miraculously no lives were lost…but the damage was extensive. One thing we took away

WDAM Viewpoint- Tornado Teamwork

Jim Cameron — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:24:00 EST

What a week it has been! Beginning late Sunday afternoon a tornado with winds in places of up to 170 miles per hour hit the Pinebelt touching down in various areas and wreaking havoc wherever it did.

WDAM Viewpoint- P.W. Underwood

Jim Cameron — Wed, 6 Feb 2013 23:29:00 EST

"We took it to their butt and we kicked their butts". That's what Sou. Miss. Coach P.W. "Bear" Underwood proclaimed to those of us who met the team bus back in October 1970 upon their return to campus after beating Ole Miss and Archie Manning.

WDAM Viewpoint- Chris Kyle

Jim Cameron — Tue, 5 Feb 2013 15:55:00 EST

I recently read the book "American Sniper" by and about Chris Kyle…dubbed the U.S. Military's most lethal sniper. He earned that designation during four tours in Iraq as a member of Seal Team Three with

WDAM Viewpoint- Right to keep and bear arms

Jim Cameron — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:17:00 EST

After the Colorado theater shooting and shifting into high gear after Newtown, liberal politicians have been pontificating over the Second Amendment, and the role of guns in society.

WDAM Viewpoint- Beyonce lip-sync controversy

Jim Cameron — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:42:00 EST

There has been a lot of debate and discussion over whether or not popular singing star Beyonce was lip syncing the National Anthem at President Obama's inauguration this week. Of course, if she was, she

WDAM Viewpoint- Assault on Bill of Rights

Jim Cameron — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:54:00 EST

As we learned in school, the first ten amendments to our constitution are known as the Bill of Rights.

WDAM Viewpoint- Confession is good for...publicity?

Jim Cameron — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:06:00 EST

Professional bicycling star Lance Armstrong was back on the front pages this week after confessing, sort of, to Oprah Winfrey that he did indeed use performance enhancing drugs to help him win cycling

WDAM Viewpoint- Palazzo reacts...the people speak

Jim Cameron — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:02:00 EST

Our "Viewpoint" on Tuesday was critical of Mississippi congressman, Steven Palazzo for voting against a bill that would have given aid to the people in New Jersey and New York in the wake of Hurricane Sandy…especially

WDAM Viewpoint- Palazzo's a disappointment

Jim Cameron — Tue, 8 Jan 2013 16:27:00 EST

We join with our sister station on the Coast, WLOX, and a lot of other South Mississippians in condemning our Congressman, Steven Palazzo for voting against the hurricane Sandy relief bill which passed the U.S. House.

WDAM Viewpoint- Another fine mess

Jim Cameron — Thu, 3 Jan 2013 18:26:00 EST

If you count all branches of the Federal Government there are 545 people making policy that vitally affects the lives of 311-million Americans.

WDAM Viewpoint- New Years Attitude

Jim Cameron — Tue, 1 Jan 2013 18:51:00 EST

This is the time of year we all make New Year's resolutions…and we have a choice: Faith or Fear. Fear believes in a negative future. Faith believes in a positive future. So we have to make a choice…and

WDAM Viewpoint- Safe, Sober, and Focused New Year

Jim Cameron — Tue, 1 Jan 2013 18:39:00 EST

You have probably seen the Project Roadblock spots on WDAM, as well as other stations…urging you not to drink and drive. This time of year is infamous for people having parties to welcome in the New Year.

WDAM Viewpoint- Be a Santa to a Senior

Jim Cameron — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST

Various programs such as the Angel Tree Project, Christian Services and many others are successful in helping many disadvantaged children who otherwise wouldn't have anything to enjoy a Merry Christmas

WDAM Viewpoint- Pearl Harbor Anniversary

Jim Cameron — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:18:00 EST

It was another perfect day in paradise back in 1941. Some, mostly officers, were enjoying a leisurely game of golf. Others, in their starched uniforms, were singing Christmas hymns at the base chapel.

WDAM Viewpoint- 'Tis the season for giving

Jim Cameron — Tue, 4 Dec 2012 22:42:00 EST

One of my grandkids gave me this the other day. It's filled with popcorn and after you've enjoyed the popcorn, you have a neat coin bank. I got to thinking how neat it would be to put loose change in

WDAM Viewpoint- Academics and Athletics

Jim Cameron — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:20:00 EST

There's been a lot of hub bub concerning the firing of first year Southern Miss Head Football Coach Ellis Johnson.

WDAM Viewpoint- USM needs an image makeover

Jim Cameron — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:17:00 EST

With the announcement of the firing of first year USM head football coach Ellis Johnson after posting a winless 0 and 12 season. It's time for the university community and supporters to come together in

WDAM Viewpoint- Thanksgiving is due

Jim Cameron — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:26:00 EST

If you listen to people talk these days--whether it be the media pundits...friends...family...co-workers--one could easily get so cynical and depressed you could be tempted to cancel thanksgiving altogether.

WDAM Viewpoint- Buy at home

Jim Cameron — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST

There's no doubt, for many people shopping and buying on the Internet takes some of the pain and hassle out of holiday shopping for those who really don't like to shop.

WDAM Viewpoint- Of...For...By the People

Jim Cameron — Tue, 6 Nov 2012 15:22:00 EST

I'm sure you are as ready as I am for this election season to be over…and it is about to be. Today it comes to a close. It seems like it has been going on since the last presidential race…and, in some

WDAM Viewpoint- Nation united when it counts

Jim Cameron — Thu, 1 Nov 2012 18:56:00 EDT

Listening to all the partisan political arguing, fussing and name-calling as we near Election Day one is tempted to say that we are a nation divided.

WDAM Viewpoint- Halloween Safety

Jim Cameron — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:45:00 EDT

Halloween, Fall Festival, regardless of what you choose to call it…there will be a lot of kids on the streets and roads tonight for trick or treat.

WDAM Viewpoint- Mayor and Council work out court troubles

Jim Cameron — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:56:00 EDT

Just a few short weeks ago the Hattiesburg municipal court system had disintegrated into a sad state of affairs.

WDAM Viewpoint- Opinions, Facts, and Fact Checkers

Jim Cameron — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:51:00 EDT

Well the three Presidential debates and one Vice-Presidential debate have been aired. Typically folks tend to feel like their candidate or party won regardless of what any of the pundits say. However,

WDAM Viewpoint- Homecoming: Win or Lose

Jim Cameron — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:33:00 EDT

The Golden Eagles of Southern Miss are struggling during this, their centennial year of fielding a football program.

WDAM Viewpoint- Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Jim Cameron — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:48:00 EDT

Few things strike terror into a human being than to be told that they have Cancer.

WDAM Viewpoint- City Stench Part Two

Jim Cameron — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:34:00 EDT

At the end of each editorial or commentary we invite you to tell us what you think. And you do! Tuesday we did a Viewpoint on the terrible odor that seems to plague downtown Hattiesburg…and has done so for years.

WDAM Viewpoint- Downtown Stench

Jim Cameron — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 17:09:00 EDT

Looking through the archives here at WDAM going back for almost a decade, we have been doing stories about the stench in the downtown area of Hattiesburg. They have been numerous.

WDAM Viewpoint- October is Anti-Bullying Month

Jim Cameron — Thu, 4 Oct 2012 17:10:00 EDT

October has been designated as "Anti-Bullying Month". Sometimes I think we have a month for everything. However, this is one we need. Physical bullying is bad and can leave both emotional as well as

WDAM Viewpoint- Notes on recent community happenings

Jim Cameron — Tue, 2 Oct 2012 18:23:00 EDT

Notes on community happenings: Tuesday, November 6 is Election Day. To vote you have to be registered.

WDAM Guest Editorial- Why the Nissan plant needs a union

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:48:00 EDT

My name is Morris Mock, and I've worked at the Nissan plant in Canton for 10 years, since it first opened. I'm here to explain why I want a union at Nissan. Like all Mississippians, I'm thankful Nissan

WDAM Viewpoint- War on Illiteracy Declared

Jim Cameron — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:29:00 EDT

A number of mayors and officials in Jones County have come together to declare war on illiteracy…and they hope it will catch on around the state.

WDAM Viewpoint- Drug Problem

Jim Cameron — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:32:00 EDT

Here's a commentary contributed by an anonymous viewer: The other day someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse, and he asked me a rhetorical question.

WDAM Viewpoint- Unprofessionalism or Criminality?

Jim Cameron — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:59:00 EDT

Court clerks shredding and hiding documents…as well as taking money or gifts for dubious services…inappropriate contact with Judges in chambers…relationships with known high-ranking gang members….dismissed or lessened charges.

WDAM Viewpoint- Fill to the top

Jim Cameron — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:07:00 EDT

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are asking their fans to fill "The Rock" to the top for their first home game of the season under first year head coach Ellis Johnson this Saturday.

WDAM Viewpoint- Another year since 9/11/01

Jim Cameron — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:44:00 EDT

For most of us the past year has been—well—just another year…filled with the business of living, loving, struggling, triumphs and disappointments. For those who lost family members and loved ones it has

WDAM Viewpoint- What's the point?

Jim Cameron — Fri, 7 Sep 2012 22:05:00 EDT

National political conventions are not what they used to be. No longer are there any smoke-filled rooms where party power brokers meet to pick the next presidential candidate.

WDAM Viewpoint- Precautions against West Nile

Jim Cameron — Thu, 6 Sep 2012 18:53:00 EDT

The American College of Emergency Physicians is concerned about this being the worst outbreak of West Nile Virus in the nation's history.

WDAM Viewpoint- Preparedness pays off

Jim Cameron — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:55:00 EDT

Preparedness pays off. In many ways much of the Pine Belt dodged a bullet with Hurricane Isaac.

WDAM Viewpoint- American still dying in longest war

Jim Cameron — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:31:00 EDT

We tend to forget. Or, perhaps worse still, we take for granted, that American forces are still at war in Afghanistan…the longest war we have ever fought. Then it hits close to home—as it did this week—with

WDAM Viewpoint- No Register...No vote

Jim Cameron — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:50:00 EDT

Could the line in the sand be anymore clearly defined than it is with this November's presidential election? The incumbant—Democrat Barack Obama—and the Republican challenger— Mitt Romney are in the midst

WDAM Viewpoint- School is starting- - Be Safe

Jim Cameron — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:48:00 EDT

With school starting back, we feel it is time for our annual reminder about school bus safety. The yellow buses will hit the roads in many areas starting next week. We all need to pay attention. When

WDAM Viewpoint- UAW wants to ruin Mississippi's progress

Jim Cameron — Thu, 9 Aug 2012 18:48:00 EDT

Mississippi has long vied for the number one or two spot as the poorest state in the union. We've still got a long way to go...but helping lift us out of the pit are the foreign automobile manufacturers

WDAM Viewpoint- Lesson Learned

Jim Cameron — Tue, 7 Aug 2012 19:09:00 EDT

The whole nation has had eyes on Mississippi - particularly on the First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs. Recently the pastor was pressured by a few influential members of the church not to conduct

WDAM Viewpoint- National media blew it on Chick-Fil-A

Jim Cameron — Fri, 3 Aug 2012 16:09:00 EDT

News outlets across the country are rushing to label Chick-fil-a President Dan Cathy as a bigot after comments he made about his company's position on "gay marriage". What Mr. Cathy actually said in an

WDAM Viewpoint- A few shame the many

Jim Cameron — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:13:00 EDT

A few have shamed the many. I'm talking about the few influential members of the predominantly white First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs who pressured the pastor into moving a wedding for a Black couple who had been attending there to a church down the street

WDAM Viewpoint- Tax Holiday

Jim Cameron — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:51:00 EDT

Back to school time means more expense pressure on the household budget for parents. That is especially true during the economic times in which we find ourselves. However, every little bit helps, and

WDAM Viewpoint- Favre back on the gridiron

Jim Cameron — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:03:00 EDT

When he played the game, everyone said that future NFL Hall of Famer, Brett Favre played it like a kid. He had a passion for the game, a drive to win and seemed to thoroughly enjoy playing football.

WDAM Viewpoint- Giant Sucking Sound

Jim Cameron — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:43:00 EDT

As we hear more bad news on the jobless front, one can't help be recall that in the early 90's then-presidential candidate Ross Perot predicted that if NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) passed allowing

WDAM Viewpoint- Scams are abounding

Jim Cameron — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:57:00 EDT

You are a grandmother and your barely grown grandchild calls and says he's overseas. He doesn't quite sound like himself, but says he has a sinus infection or some such. He came over with a friend and

WDAM Viewpoint- Justice finally served

Jim Cameron — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 23:25:00 EDT

When she was barely 21 years old, Lee Stubbs of Collins was sentenced to 44 years in prison along with Tammy Vance for alleged serious bodily harm to Janet Williams. It was a murky case at best played

WDAM Viewpoint- Pants on the ground

Jim Cameron — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:22:00 EDT

I don't like to see people wear saggy pants. I wouldn't hire someone wearing low slung saggy pants and I agree with the song that went viral sometime back that said "looking like a fool with your pants

WDAM Viewpoint- Honor those who protect our freedom

Jim Cameron — Wed, 4 Jul 2012 18:56:00 EDT

As we celebrate our freedoms this 4th of July…it is important to recognize those who sacrifice so much to keep our hard won liberty. I don't recall recommending a book in an editorial, but I just finished

WDAM Viewpoint- Gas Price Drop

Jim Cameron — Wed, 4 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EDT

What a difference a short time can make…especially if you are talking about gasoline prices. Typically this time of year when people are doing a lot of vacation travel prices sky rocket. The oil companies tell

WDAM Viewpoint- What if a representative government is no longer representative?

Jim Cameron — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EDT

We asked you to vote on our website wdam.com today whether or not you agree with the Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Obama's Health Care Bill.

WDAM Viewpoint- Immigration Law Still Fuzzy

Jim Cameron — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:29:00 EDT

Frankly, the Arizona immigration law ruled on this week by the U.S. Supreme Court remains a Rubik's Cube of a puzzle.

WDAM Viewpoint- The Next Big Thing

Jim Cameron — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:17:00 EDT

You have no doubt noticed us talking a lot lately about the "next big thing".

WDAM Viewpoint- USM Athletes Rank High Off The Field

Jim Cameron — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:13:00 EDT

As Seven On Your Side Sports reported, the Academic Progress Rates--or APR--for the 2010-11 academic year were released this Wednesday for all Southern Miss student -athletes by the NCAA.

WDAM Viewpoint- Hurricane Season 2012

Jim Cameron — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EDT

It's been almost 7 years since Hurricane Katrina struck south Mississippi and there are now a lot of new resources available to protect and aid you and your family should another hurricane strike. For

WDAM Viewpoint- Labor Loses in Wisconsin

Jim Cameron — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:56:00 EDT

Like the first shots of the Revolutionary war at Lexington in 1775, the recall election this week in Wisconsin represents the opening skirmish in an ideological struggle that won't be decided until General Election Day in November.

WDAM Viewpoint- Summer Curfews

Jim Cameron — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 19:23:00 EDT

Just a reminder to parents and young people alike. Summer break means that curfews for those under 18 are in effect. For example, in the city of Hattiesburg, the police department informs us that the

WDAM Viewpoint- Bobby Smith

Jim Cameron — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:27:00 EDT

One of WDAM's most iconic figures has passed away after a long illness. Former Chief Engineer, Bobby Smith, of Ellisville, also held the record as the station's longest employee.

WDAM Viewpoint- Memorial Day 2012

Jim Cameron — Mon, 28 May 2012 19:23:00 EDT

Monday is Memorial Day. Many have the day off. Most will spend the time with family and friends cooking out, watching TV, or engaging in whatever their favorite pastimes happen to be.

WDAM Viewpoint - Click it or Ticket

Jim Cameron — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:38:00 EDT

The state of Mississippi has a very good campaign going emphasizing the need for wearing seat belts and informing the public that there is indeed a monetary penalty now in effect for not doing so. Many

WDAM Viewpoint: Homeless in Hattiesburg

Jim Cameron — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EDT

I wonder how many of you knew about the tent cities in forests all around this area inhabited by homeless people? I know I didn't until watching the 4-part series this week by News Seven's Ashlee Surles.

WDAM Viewpoint: Mississippi gets slammed again

Jim Cameron — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:46:00 EDT

Why is it that everyone in the country thinks it is alright to use Mississippi as the derogatory example for what—at least in their opinion—is ignorance and backwardness? A few weeks ago we were defamed

WDAM Viewpoint- Get'Em Delbert

Tue, 8 May 2012 18:40:00 EDT

Hats off to Mississippi Secretary of State, Delbert Hosemann for publicly condemning derogatory comments allegedly made by a Department of Justice Employee.

WDAM Viewpoint- Dr. Aubrey Lucas is back in the saddle again

Jim Cameron — Thu, 3 May 2012 18:44:00 EDT

Someone quipped to me that USM is obviously a strong believer in recycling.

WDAM Viewpoint- One year since we got OBL

Jim Cameron — Tue, 1 May 2012 18:37:00 EDT

It has been one year since Seal Team Six raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan and disposed of the terrorist leader in one of the more daring and successful raids in U. S. Military history.

WDAM Viewpoint- USM not lacking in controversy

Jim Cameron — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:27:00 EDT

It was the best of times and the worst of times. That famous quote could almost be applied to the University of Southern Mississippi as the institution enters its second hundred years.

WDAM Viewpoint- Prom night safety

Jim Cameron — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:44:00 EDT

It's about time for the high school proms to begin. Prom night is a special night and a tradition.

WDAM Viewpoint- Help for Christian Services

Jim Cameron — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:21:00 EDT

If you saw our story earlier on the plight of Christian Services food box program, you know they are in need of help. Headed up by Bill and Cookie Prout, Christian Services has grown tremendously over

WDAM Viewpoint- Laurel Leader Call shuts down

Jim Cameron — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:41:00 EDT

The Laurel Leader-Call newspaper announced that they would stop the presses for good today, after 100 years of service to the people of Jones County.

WDAM Viewpoint- Afghanistan Dilemma

Jim Cameron — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:31:00 EDT

To use a lightly censored version of an old ‘coon hunting saying…it seems like it's about time to put out the fire, call in the dogs and go to the house when it comes to Afghanistan.

WDAM Viewpoint- Congrats to USM Basketball

Jim Cameron — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:04:00 EDT

When Larry Eustachy took over as head basketball coach at Southern Miss 8 seasons ago he was a man who had been to the mountain top of collegiate basketball coaching, but due to some unfortunate choices

WDAM Viewpoint- Court upholds Gov's Pardons

Jim Cameron — Fri, 9 Mar 2012 18:28:00 EST

Just before leaving office, former Governor Haley Barbour granted pardons to 198 convicted felons. Some were violent offenders

WDAM Viewpoint- Gas Prices

Jim Cameron — Thu, 8 Mar 2012 19:49:00 EST

Well, it's that time of year again. The days are getting longer and warmer. Flowers are beginning to bloom and grass is getting green.

WDAM Viewpoint: Words of Wisdom from a Pioneer

Jim Cameron — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:43:00 EST

It's hard to believe it's been so long ago---but the nation celebrated the 50^th anniversary this week of John Glenn's historic flight into orbit.

WDAM Viewpoint- Nuclear Downsizing

Jim Cameron — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:49:00 EST

At the height of the Cold War, the United States had more than 12,000 deployed strategic nuclear weapons.

WDAM Viewpoint- War on Christianity

Jim Cameron — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:11:00 EST

February 14, 2012 The Catholic Church and other denominations are calling the Obama administrations contraception mandates a war on religion. Well, depending on how strictly you view the 1st amendment

WDAM Viewpoint- Keeping it Clean

Jim Cameron — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 22:05:00 EST

It is sad when it is big enough news to draw headlines when a performer doesn't somehow screw-up or denigrate the national anthem at a major sporting event like the Super Bowl. It is equally appalling

WDAM Viewpoint- Electing School Board Members

Jim Cameron — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 22:48:00 EST

Every so often, the subject comes up. Should city school boards in Mississippi be elected as is already the case with county school boards--- or appointed by the mayor of their particular city which is

WDAM Viewpoint- Bryant says 'Bye to Trustees

Jim Cameron — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:18:00 EST

Newly inaugurated Governor Phil Bryant said goodbye yesterday to the last of the trustees to serve at the Mississippi Governor's mansion.

WDAM Viewpoint- Leash laws needed

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:21:00 EST

There have been far too many instances lately of people and animals being badly injured by vicious dogs. This underscores the need for leash laws in the counties as well as the cities. People will complain

WDAM Viewpoint- More on Governor's Pardons

Jim Cameron — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:02:00 EST

Not since Fidel Castro emptied the prisons of violent criminals along with political dissidents in Cuba in 1980 during what has become known as the Mariel boatlift, have so many undesirables been unleashed

WDAM Viewpoint- Out the door pardons

Jim Cameron — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 21:28:00 EST

In most states, Mississippi included, it has been a long standing tradition to have trustees from the state penitentiary work at the governor's mansion.

WDAM Viewpoint- Farewell to Haley

Jim Cameron — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 22:53:00 EST

When Governor Elect Phil Bryant takes the oath of office on January 10th the torch will be passed from 2-term Governor Haley Barbour. We wish our new governor the best as he takes over as the head of

WDAM Viewpoint- Is Iowa a microcosm or a circus?

Jim Cameron — Tue, 3 Jan 2012 18:41:00 EST

It seems all we've heard for months is about how the republican presidential candidates are faring in Iowa.

WDAM Viewpoint- Mississippi Sentencing Laws

Jim Cameron — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:47:00 EST

Whatever happened to the "truth in sentencing" law in Mississippi that was supposed to see to it that criminals served something like 85% of their sentence before they could be considered for release?

WDAM Viewpoint- Tim Tebow

Jim Cameron — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:14:00 EST

December 21, 2011 If you are a football fan you know that Tim Tebow, the unconventional quarter back of the Denver Bronco's, has spent this season not only pulling rabbits out of his hat on the field—but

WDAM Viewpoint- USM and College Bowl System

Jim Cameron — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:08:00 EST

December 19, 2011 This coming Saturday on Christmas Eve the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles will be playing Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu. We wish the team great success and

WDAM Viewpoint- 'Tis the season to give

Jim Cameron — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST

You have often heard us express our pride in the fact that Mississippi—despite being the poorest state in the Union—is always at the top of the list when it comes to charitable giving.

WDAM Viewpoint- USM's Championship Season

Jim Cameron — Mon, 5 Dec 2011 22:35:00 EST

December 5, 2011 2011 was a championship season for Southern Miss…let us count some of the ways. Saturday's dominating win over number six Houston propelled them to the C-USA championship. For the first

WDAM Viewpoint- Pine Belt Football

Jim Cameron — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 22:41:00 EST

12/1/11 Congratulations and best wishes are due for several Pine Belt football teams as they play for some big titles this weekend. Petal will be playing for the Division 6A State Championship, Laurel

WDAM Viewpoint- Spend at home for the holidays

Jim Cameron — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST

Perhaps you saw the story last week on our 6 o-clock news about the initiative started by the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association called "Shift Your Shopping".

WDAM Viewpoint- Thanks for our Military

Jim Cameron — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:21:00 EST

November 18, 2011 As we begin Thanksgiving week, we should be mindful each and every day for all the blessings we have in this great country. as we watch scenes of American troops coming home from our

WDAM Viewpoint- Occupy Wall Street

Jim Cameron — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:54:00 EST

November 15, 2011 So what's the deal with the Occupy Wall Street folks? I mean, what is it going to take for them to go home and take a bath? Frankly, is anybody really sure precisely what the message

WDAM Viewpoint- Good men doing nothing

Jim Cameron — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:38:00 EST

November 10, 2011 As Edmund Burke famously said, "All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing." That is what led to the ouster of legendary Penn

Viewpoint: Veterans and Voting

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 16:16:00 EST

Friday of this week is Veterans Day. It is a time to honor all those who have served our nation wearing the uniform of our Military. Whether in time or war…or while keeping the peace…no nation can survive

WDAM Viewpoint-Voting and Veterans

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 16:07:00 EST

Friday of this week is Veterans Day. It is a time to honor all those who have served our nation wearing the uniform of our Military.

WDAM Viewpoint- Wording of Initiative #26

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:18:00 EDT

WORDING OF INITIATIVE #26 November 3, 2011 As we count down the final days to next Tuesday's election, the discussions, advertising both for and against, and political endorsements both for and against

WDAM Guest Editorial - Proposition 27 (10/27/11)

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:43:00 EDT

This is why I believe the voter's ID should be defeated. There is no documented proof there is any widespread voter fraud taking place in Mississippi at this time. I believe this proposal is orchestrated

Viewpoint: Personhood

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:27:00 EDT

In our last Viewpoint we went over the Initiative on Eminent Domain that will be on the November ballot. There will be two more Initiatives to vote on and this time we will discuss the Personhood Initiative.

WDAM Viewpoint- Eminent Domain-Initiative #31

Jim Cameron — Thu, 6 Oct 2011 18:39:00 EDT

October 6, 2011 There will be three very important Initiatives on the November ballot. While we won't presume to advise you how to vote…we would like to inform you what these initiatives are all about…and

WDAM Viewpoint- George Robert Hall

Jim Cameron — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:49:00 EDT

Something I have observed in life is that if someone sees themselves as a hero…they probably aren't one.

WDAM Viewpoint- WDAM now on DirecTV

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:27:00 EDT

It has taken years…but with yesterday's announcement by DIRECTV that WDAM and WHLT—the two local stations serving Laurel and Hattiesburg—have been added to DIRECTV'S HD lineup

Viewpoint: Hell Visited America

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:33:00 EDT

September 11, 2001…ten years ago this Sunday…the finger of Hell reached out and touched America in the name of radical Islam. In New York, Washington and a quiet pasture in Pennsylvania…3000 innocent men, women and children were killed…incinerated in a most horrible way by a handful of Islamic jihadist. For no reason other than hatred.

WDAM Viewpoint- Hurricane Anniversary

Jim Cameron — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:45:00 EDT

On this day six years ago a storm was brewing out in the Gulf of Mexico. On August 29 in came roaring ashore…hitting the Gulf Coast of Mississippi like it had a bulls eye painted on it.

WDAM Viewpoint- General Election

Jim Cameron — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:39:00 EDT

We'd like to congratulate Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree for winning the nomination as the gubernatorial nominee for the Democrat party.

WDAM Viewpoint- Gordon's Creek Park Project

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:39:00 EDT

August 19, 2011 In this week's "Pride of the Pinebelt" , Colleen Donovan reports on the work by the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association under the leadership of current president Web Heidelberg to

WDAM Viewpoint- Voting Issues

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EDT

August 18, 2011 Here is a reminder that the 2nd primary runoff will be this coming Tuesday August 23rd. There will be both state and local party runoffs in many districts. The general election between

WDAM Viewpoint - Open Primaries

Jim Cameron — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:28:00 EDT

August 12, 2011 Every election cycle it comes up again. And it should. I'm talking about the sentiment held by many voters that Mississippi adopt an open primary system of elections. As it is now,

WDAM Viewpoint- Troubled Times

Jim Cameron — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:36:00 EDT

August 10, 2011 Columbus discovered this part of the Earth a little over 500 years ago. It took us almost 300 years after that to form a sovereign nation, founded on the amazing and revolutionary ideas

WDAM Viewpoint- New GE Aviation Plant for Ellisville

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 23:54:00 EDT

We end this week having gotten some good economic news for a change—at least for the Pine Belt.

WDAM Viewpoint- Governmental Economics

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:02:00 EDT

July 22, 2011 Every new election cycle brings us the same rhetoric as the last. Whether they promise to put people to work, cut taxes, cut spending, work with the other side, or put us on the right path,

WDAM Viewpoint- Free Money

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:18:00 EDT

July 20, 2011 When the curtain finally falls on the political Kabuki Theater that has been the Democratic and Republican debate over raising the debt ceiling one thing will be certain. Nothing will have

WDAM Viewpoint- Summertime Safety

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:44:00 EDT

July 13, 2011 It's summertime in South Mississippi. If you have lived here a while, you know what that means. If you just moved here…you are in the process of finding out. It is hot and it is humid

WDAM Viewpoint- The space era ends

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 21:37:00 EDT

When the space shuttle Atlantis lands 13 days from today it will be the end of an era that began when the folks of my generation were but children. This country began our quest of manned space flight

WDAM Viewpoint- Law enforcement needs your help

Thu, 7 Jul 2011 00:11:00 EDT

July 6, 2011 As Ontario Richardson reports tonight we have a total of five unsolved homicides in our part of the Pine Belt that have occurred within just the past few weeks. One of those was a double

WDAM Viewpoint- We Celebrate July 4th Because of Veterans

Nick Ortego — Fri, 1 Jul 2011 18:55:00 EDT

July 1, 2011 We are about to enter a holiday weekend. We'll be celebrating the Fourth of July, as we commemorate the birth of our nation in 1776. The Declaration of Independence was signed on that date.

WDAM Viewpoint- Know your charities

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:03:00 EDT

June 28, 2011 I have always been proud of the fact that Mississippians rank consistently at—or near—the top every year in charitable giving. Our state is full of people with big hearts and a willingness

WDAM Viewpoint- Home Invasions

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:36:00 EDT

JUNE 17, 2011 Few crimes are more egregious than a homen invasion. We are supposed to feel safe in our own homes. For low life creeps to forcibly enter a home with the occupants inside minding their

WDAM Viewpoint- History deficit in our schools

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:04:00 EDT

June 16, 2011 Last week in a Viewpoint, I mentioned in passing that a public school teacher had recently told me that the teaching of history was being virtually ignored in our school systems, especially

WDAM Viewpoint: Is D-Day Dimming?

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 17:54:00 EDT

This past Monday, June 6th was the 67th anniversary of D-Day. For those woefully ignorant of history this was the culmination of "Operation Overlord" when the allies stormed the beaches of Normandy on

WDAM Viewpoint- An absence of character

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 16:58:00 EDT

A DEFICIT OF CHARACTER June 7, 2011 It's hard to believe that New York Representative Anthony Weiner can salvage his career after admitting that he lied to cover up a lengthy behavior of sending lewd

WDAM Viewpint- Register to Vote

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 19:05:00 EDT

June 3, 2011 This past Tuesday, May 31st, was the final day for those wishing to run for office in this year's election to qualify. The first primary is only 2 months away on August 2nd. If you are

WDAM Viewpoint- Start of Hurricane Season

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 18:50:00 EDT

June 1, 2011 Today marks the beginning of a season that all of us who live near the Southern or Eastern seaboards hate to see arrive. Hurricane season begins today and lasts until the end of November.

WDAM Viewpoint- Memorial Day 2011

Thu, 26 May 2011 19:54:00 EDT

May 27, 2011 The recent discovery and disposal of Osama bin Laden filled most Americans with an even deeper sense of pride and appreciation of our Seals in particular…Special Forces in general and all

WDAM Viewpoint- Stereotypical Misconceptions

Mon, 23 May 2011 22:10:00 EDT

I guess we all are somewhat guilty of stereotypical misconceptions. You know, the assumption that all New Yorkers are rude and uncaring and all Southerners are hospitable.

WDAM Viewpoint- Paul McMullan Tribute

Nick Ortego — Wed, 11 May 2011 22:49:00 EDT

I think it is safe to say that the Hattiesburg of today would not be the place it is had Paul McMullan not moved here in 1965 at the age of 36 to become the CEO of what was then First Mississippi National Bank.

WDAM Viewpoint- Thanks for your help

Nick Ortego — Mon, 9 May 2011 10:47:00 EDT

There are no words to express how proud and thankful we are for the giving spirit of the people of Mississippi.