Mississippi is in the headlines again. This time due to MS being the last state in the country that has the Confederate battle flag in its state flag.
There is a growing push to change the flag to something that is more representative of MS today, as opposed to the late 1800s.
As usual, there are loud voices pro and con for any change.
However, there are meek voices in between. Our most prominent elected officials are not stating their view, but instead are saying let the people vote. This is not leadership.
We the people elected these persons as our representatives. Their job is to represent the will of the people and do what is best for MS.
While I am supportive of a change in the flag, I understand that others are not, however the task for elected officials is to do and promote what is best for all of Mississippi.
I have yet to have any answer to the question on “why keeping the current flag is best for MS?”
I’ve heard heritage vs. hate arguments. I’ve heard we already voted arguments. I’ve heard the slippery slope arguments of what’s next if it is changed, but what is deafening is any cogent, reasonable reason to maintain the current, indisputably divisive flag.
Leadership is the action of leading. It is time for our Leaders to have an opinion, back it up and do what they believe is best for all of Mississippi. Take a stand.
Matthew Thompson is a civil lawyer in Mississippi and expects elected officials to lead.
For the first time in 15 years I will not be attending the annual Mississippi Lawyer’s meeting in San Destin, FL.
https://www.msbar.org/news/bar-convention-in-florida-canceled/
This convention is one of the highlights of lawyering. It’s a week of seeing your judges not in their robes and with their hair down, so to speak.
It’s an opportunity to see lawyers from all over the state in a friendly atmosphere that sometimes the Courtroom does not provide.
The Bar Convention allows attorneys to earn their annual CLE requirements, meet new lawyers, judges and their families, and to unwind.
A virtual Bar will takes its place. I will attend; COVID-19 be damned.
Matthew Thompson is a civil litigation attorney in Mississippi and can answer your questions at (691)850-8000.
“I’d rather have him watch classic Godzilla movies and play in the yard and pretend to be a Jedi rather than figure out basic math.”
A Boston, MA parent is tired of homeschooling his kindergartener.
“Amid the barrage of learning apps, video meet-ups and e-mailed assignments that pass as pandemic home school, some frustrated and exhausted parents are choosing to disconnect entirely for the rest of the academic year.“Id.
Respect and admiration for teachers are growing as the pandemic-forced school closures continue.
As a parent, your job is to do what is best for your child, even during a pandemic.
Matthew Thompson is a child custody lawyer and enjoys his share of Godzilla and Jedi movies, but reminds parents that rearing your child continues to be a top priority.
Cheaper is NOT always better. 
Everyone wants a good deal, myself included. However, often in life you get what you pay for!
We’ve all seen the advertisement for the $500 divorce. That could be a really good deal if everything is agreed, it’s just drafting papers and sending for entry.
But, is it a good deal when it doesn’t work? Is it a good deal when it does work, but you weren’t advised of your rights. You did not know about all of the financial and equitable relief you could have gotten.
I’ve seen agreements where the parties agreed to maintain a million dollar whole life insurance policies. They had no idea what that meant or what expense that really involved.
I’ve seen agreements that have not included the correct child support and included terms so onerous a Court would never order it otherwise.
My advice is this, if you spent more than $500 to get married, plan on spending more than $500 to get divorced.
Matthew Thompson is a civil litigation attorney in Mississippi.
Mississippi making national news is usually a very, very bad thing.
However, UMMC pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Charles Robertson has Mississippi in the spotlight for all of the right reasons.
Dr. Robertson spearheaded an effort to create the “absolute simplest ventilator we can build with parts available in any city, you don’t need specials tools to put together and can be done quickly as the need arises.” Clarion Ledger.
The “Robertson Ventilator” is made from a section of garden hose, lamp timer, electronic valve and various couplings. Each can be made for around $50.00 in parts and in 20-30 mintues.
While these are true emergency, last resort machines, with the COVID-19 pandemic and a potential shortage of ventilators, these could literally be life saving devices.
Dr. Robertson was featured on WLBT-3 with a live unveiling and demonstration of the Robertson Ventilator in action. Since the debut this device has been publicized by every major news service in the state, numerous out-of-state publications, and nationwide entities, including the USA Today and the CATO institute .
Dr. Robertson was also quick to point out that he did not build the current stock of approximately 170 units by himself. He had assistance from his colleagues, co-workers and others, pitching in as they were able to procure, prepare and produce the Robertson Ventilators.
Mississippi is actually world renowned for its medicinal pioneering. Dr. Robertson is the next in line following the Hippocratic Oath and serving the residents of the State of Mississippi.
While we are operating under a Shelter-in-Place Order, some of us are deemed essential and are still carrying on. Below is a cut and paste job of Mississippi’s listing of “Essential” businesses and personnel.
Essential Travel includes, “Travel required by…court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement.
We are operating in uncharted waters as far as what to do and when to do it regarding getting out of the house. However, generally speaking the Court expects you to abide by its Order unless it is unsafe to so do. The Court then expects parents to act reasonably, communicate and make reasonable accommodations.
COVID-19 is NOT an excuse to be a terrible parent.
There are a lot of ways to interact safely; in-person, ( so long as it is safe to do so), Facetime, Zoom, telephone, email, text, video and other electronic means.
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer and encourages parents to be reasonable and not try to take advantage of these circumstances. Do what you believe is in the best interests of your child.
(601) 850-8000 - - BowTieLawyer.MS 