It sure as shit never did me any good.

And I completely agree that what I think of when I picture Mississippi is totally unfair. When I think more on it, the picture gets better. But the 2 things that immediately spring to mind are white trash rednecks, and the fact that y'all are so bad you even make Alabama look good. Take heart, though, Louisiana serves the same role in helping Mississippi's image.

And yes, I do agree with you that the constant state of aggrievement among Mississippi's minority population is something that is difficult with which to deal. The truly sad thing is that it damages relations between the races and completely holds people back from achieving things they otherwise would. If evil whitey is holding them down, how can they be expected to make anything of themselves? At least, that is an attitude that is pervasive and smothers the aspirations of an entire people. Or, if they're "owed" something, not doing anything until you get it isn't a recipe for success, either. Those attitudes are major pet peeves of two of my favorite men, Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams.