I’m so fed up. As a citizen of Sunflower County, I’ve witnessed and felt the devastating effects of violence from Indianola. This county seat, with a population of just under 10,000, has become a hotspot for shootings and killings that have devastated our community. It’s time to ask a hard question: Do our elected and hired local, county, and state leaders even care about the violence that is tearing us apart?
Every day, we hear about another tragic incident in Indianola—a life lost, families shattered, and citizens living in fear.
While crime can happen anywhere, the alarming frequency of these shootings raises serious questions about the effectiveness of our law enforcement and government response. It often feels as though our leaders are indifferent to the suffering of their constituents.
After each violent incident, we hear the same fake responses and hollow reassurances from officials. (BLAH, BLAH, BLAH).
As they say in Texas, "All hat and no cattle."
They promise investigations, support and strategies to combat the rising crime rate. Yet, when the dust settles, little to nothing is done or changed. The lack of visible action leaves us wondering if our lives and safety truly matter to those in power.
Our community deserves better. It’s past time for leaders to be seriously held accountable for their inaction. Lead, follow, or get out of the way. If your supporters ever needed you, they need you now—not just for a fish plate. We need intelligent, dedicated, effective and consistent policing, community outreach programs starting at the church house and real resources dedicated to preventing violence before it happens and escalates.
And don’t give that ignored response that you can’t stop someone from committing a crime. While that may be true, if you implement preventive measures—like increased policing, educating young people about the dangers and harms of violence, and raising awareness of the negative effects it has on their families—you can deter crime and help decrease it. I mean, let’s try something. The curfew was a start, but the problem is much deeper than just going to bed early. Our leaders must prioritize the safety and well-being of their constituents.
We must unite as a community to make our voices heard. Community meetings, rallies, and social media campaigns can help amplify our concerns and demand accountability. We need to insist that our leaders take concrete steps to address the violence that threatens our lives and neighborhoods.
As residents of Sunflower County, we have the right to feel safe in our homes. It’s time to ask the tough questions: Do our leaders care about our community? Are they willing to take real action against the violence that surrounds us?
We must stand together and demand change, making it clear that we will no longer accept empty promises and inaction.
Our lives depend on it.
