Did this regular customer provide any proof to you of his assertion? 

And let me add one more thing: no one is boycotting your restaurant.  The discussion of the Thames trio being at your restaurant on the evening of March 5 was about them, and about the news coming on while they were there, and students' reactions--your restaurant was only mentioned as the place where this occurred.

And everyone is well aware that faculty and students go to the Hog for drinks after work. 

quote:

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Originally posted by: Googler
"I believe Clint Taylor wrote a pro-Thames letter to the Hattiesburg American that resulted in some folks boycotting his restaurants and bar."

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If that is so, I don't think it was mentioned on this website, was it?

Please show me a link--I'd like to see that.

quote:

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Originally posted by: Flash Gordon
"Sir, I admire your courage, and my family and I used to be a very regular customer at your fine restaurant. That stopped for me and many others when one of the partners wrote a letter to the editor bashing the USM faculty. People make choices. You have made yours, and I have made mine. Until I see an unambivalent retraction in print, you will not see me, my family, or my friends in your excellent establishment. You could start with the sign in front of the 'hog. Something like we support the USM faculty would be a nice start."

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Wow, the truth comes out.  Thanks for enlightening me, Flash.

Frankly, I like 206 better anyway.  Drinks are cheaper and the food's good.

i mentioned today on the board about not eating at Cresent City in a previous thread (way off topic: quick dinner)...i hope that didn't prompt this thread. i haven't seen anyone make any posts about that resturant for well over a month

quote:

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Originally posted by: Googler
"I don't think it was ever mentioned on this website. It ran in the Hattiesburg American some time ago. I know other people saw it and interpreted it as taking a pro-Thames stance. I don't know if there's any way to link to it now. Maybe Clint would be willing to share it with FS readers and explain what he meant. "

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by:
"March 10, 2004 How did paper measure morale? LETTERS A recent editorial in the Opinion section leads with the statement, "Morale on USM campus hits new low." I must admit, I'm a bit perplexed as to exactly how "morale" was measured among such a large and diverse group on campus for the purpose of this editorial. Has the Hattiesburg American developed some new scientific device to tap into the level of psychological well-being of an entire student body and faculty at a university? Morale at an all-time low?! USM has been around since 1910. How does the current "morale level" rate when compared with Dec. 7, 1941, or maybe Nov. 22, 1963, immediately after the Kennedy assassination? Finally, how can I get one of those morale-sensors? I think it would be an excellent tool for the personnel managers at my company. In the meantime, please support such sensational statements with a fact or two. Clint Taylor, Hattiesburg "

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by:
"March 10, 2004 How did paper measure morale? LETTERS A recent editorial in the Opinion section leads with the statement, "Morale on USM campus hits new low." I must admit, I'm a bit perplexed as to exactly how "morale" was measured among such a large and diverse group on campus for the purpose of this editorial. Has the Hattiesburg American developed some new scientific device to tap into the level of psychological well-being of an entire student body and faculty at a university? Morale at an all-time low?! USM has been around since 1910. How does the current "morale level" rate when compared with Dec. 7, 1941, or maybe Nov. 22, 1963, immediately after the Kennedy assassination? Finally, how can I get one of those morale-sensors? I think it would be an excellent tool for the personnel managers at my company. In the meantime, please support such sensational statements with a fact or two. Clint Taylor, Hattiesburg "

---

See, Clint, you kind of ridiculed faculty assertions that morale is low in this letter.  That's ok--that's your right.

And it is my right to spend my money where I want.

You made a public statement; I will make the personal decision to eat and drink where I like.  And I will advise my friends of this, too.

Perhaps you didn't know the extent of faculty ire and resolve when you submitted your letter.  Had you been aware of the two no-confidence votes, you might have seen things differently.

But you submitted a letter in which you ridiculed faculty, and now that I have been made aware of your comments, I have made the decision to dine elsewhere.

Best wishes,

Fire Shelby

quote:

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Originally posted by:
"March 10, 2004 How did paper measure morale? Clint Taylor, Hattiesburg "

---

Thank you for posting my letter to the Hattiesburg American, early in March.   A couple of friends (USM faculty) approached me, stating that they were disappointed in my letter to the editor.  I encouraged them to re-read my letter to the editor, and they accepted my explanation.   I thought that was the end of that.

I encourage you to read the letter now.  You'll see that I was simply pointing out what I perceived to be shoddy journalism.  Nowhere, in the letter, was I disrespectful to anyone at USM...faculty, students, or administration.

One member of the USM faculty (and a great friend of the restaurant) forwarded me a letter, stating his concern over my original letter to the editor.  I replied, in an attempt to explain the intent of my letter to the editor.  I have copied my response to this professor below...I've omitted the professor's name, with regard to condidentiality.

I should also note that I wrote my letter to the editor on a Sunday evening, after reading the sensationalized OP-ED headline in Sunday's paper.  Myl letter was printed 3 days later, on Wednesday,and seems to have been taken in context to the Thames/faculty issue. 

The following is my original explanation of the letter, in its entirety to a friend on campus:

I was made to understand by a mutual friend that you were greatly offended by my letter-to-the-editor appearing in Wednesday's Hattiesburg American.  As I've long considered you to be a friend, both personally and of my company here in Hattiesburg, I would like an opportunity to explain my intent in writing the letter.  In writing to you regarding this matter, I hope to dispel what I believe to be an incorrect and certainly unintended perception of my letter.

First of all, let me say that my letter-to-the-editor was intended as just that - a letter directed at the editorial board of the Hattiesburg American, to satirize what I thought (and still think) was "shoddy" journalism.  I must admit that it was naive on my part, not to think that my letter might be interpreted with respect to the current sentiment on campus, or to other op-ed pieces appearing in the Hattiesburg American on the same day. 

Specifically, I found it ridiculous that the Hattiesburg American led an opinion article with the headline, "Morale at USM Reaches New Low".  Upon reading the article, I was further disappointed that the editors did not support this rather sensational claim with any facts.  My letter was intended as a tongue-in-cheek dramatization of the data-gathering methods supposedly employed by the writers of the "Morale" article.  I even went so far as to speculate that the Hattiesburg American reporters might have some hi-tech device used to detect low morale in a student or faculty member.

Since my letter was printed, I've been told by several friends that I should expect some amount of backlash from USM faculty members, based on a perception that it was my intent to "side with USM administration" on the current issue of faculty suspensions at USM.  Let me say that it never entered my mind that my letter would be perceived in such a way.  I did not at the time of writing the letter-to-the-editor, nor do I currently have an opinion or position with regard to the USM faculty issue.  To be perfectly frank, I have no insight on the matter which would merit any importance, to share in confidence, let alone in a regional newpaper.  In retrospect, I would never have sent such a letter, given the current emotional climate in Hattiesburg, with regard to USM.

As a former student at USM, I have only the best wishes with regard to the university.  I am an avid supporter of USM academics and athletics.  When asked to speak in Hospitality Management or Marketing classes, I eagerly participate.  My company contributes annual scholarships, and allocates a percentage of gross sales to the USM Foundation (I encourage other business operators to do likewise). Over the years, I have cultivated many long-term friendships with faculty members, as well as the administration, both past and present.  Incidentally, I have a close family member who is a professor at USM.

While I stand by my opinion that the editorial board at the Hattiesburg American exhibited a bit of bush-league journalism in the original Op-Ed article, I certainly regret that my letter-to-the-editor has been associated with the much larger issue of USM faculty-administration relations.  I trust that my friends will, upon reading my letter-to-the-editor, take it at face value, and not as an attempt stir controversy or create ill will. Further, I sincerely hope any USM faculty members, students, or administration will base any opinions of me, on my continuing record of support for the University of Southern Mississippi.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the issue further, should it help to dissolve any misconceptions.  I can easily be reached by phone or in person at my restaurant, or via e-mail.

I am at your service,

Clint

quote:

---

Originally posted by: Clint Taylor
"Thank you for posting my letter to the Hattiesburg American, early in March.   A couple of friends (USM faculty) approached me, stating that they were disappointed in my letter to the editor.  I encouraged them to re-read my letter to the editor, and they accepted my explanation.   I thought that was the end of that. I encourage you to read the letter now.  You'll see that I was simply pointing out what I perceived to be shoddy journalism.  Nowhere, in the letter, was I disrespectful to anyone at USM...faculty, students, or administration. One member of the USM faculty (and a great friend of the restaurant) forwarded me a letter, stating his concern over my original letter to the editor.  I replied, in an attempt to explain the intent of my letter to the editor.  I have copied my response to this professor below...I've omitted the professor's name, with regard to condidentiality. I should also note that I wrote my letter to the editor on a Sunday evening, after reading the sensationalized OP-ED headline in Sunday's paper.  Myl letter was printed 3 days later, on Wednesday,and seems to have been taken in context to the Thames/faculty issue.  The following is my original explanation of the letter, in its entirety to a friend on campus:     I was made to understand by a mutual friend that you were greatly offended by my letter-to-the-editor appearing in Wednesday's Hattiesburg American.  As I've long considered you to be a friend, both personally and of my company here in Hattiesburg, I would like an opportunity to explain my intent in writing the letter.  In writing to you regarding this matter, I hope to dispel what I believe to be an incorrect and certainly unintended perception of my letter.   First of all, let me say that my letter-to-the-editor was intended as just that - a letter directed at the editorial board of the Hattiesburg American, to satirize what I thought (and still think) was "shoddy" journalism.  I must admit that it was naive on my part, not to think that my letter might be interpreted with respect to the current sentiment on campus, or to other op-ed pieces appearing in the Hattiesburg American on the same day.    Specifically, I found it ridiculous that the Hattiesburg American led an opinion article with the headline, "Morale at USM Reaches New Low".  Upon reading the article, I was further disappointed that the editors did not support this rather sensational claim with any facts.  My letter was intended as a tongue-in-cheek dramatization of the data-gathering methods supposedly employed by the writers of the "Morale" article.  I even went so far as to speculate that the Hattiesburg American reporters might have some hi-tech device used to detect low morale in a student or faculty member.   Since my letter was printed, I've been told by several friends that I should expect some amount of backlash from USM faculty members, based on a perception that it was my intent to "side with USM administration" on the current issue of faculty suspensions at USM.  Let me say that it never entered my mind that my letter would be perceived in such a way.  I did not at the time of writing the letter-to-the-editor, nor do I currently have an opinion or position with regard to the USM faculty issue.  To be perfectly frank, I have no insight on the matter which would merit any importance, to share in confidence, let alone in a regional newpaper.  In retrospect, I would never have sent such a letter, given the current emotional climate in Hattiesburg, with regard to USM.   As a former student at USM, I have only the best wishes with regard to the university.  I am an avid supporter of USM academics and athletics.  When asked to speak in Hospitality Management or Marketing classes, I eagerly participate.  My company contributes annual scholarships, and allocates a percentage of gross sales to the USM Foundation (I encourage other business operators to do likewise). Over the years, I have cultivated many long-term friendships with faculty members, as well as the administration, both past and present.  Incidentally, I have a close family member who is a professor at USM.   While I stand by my opinion that the editorial board at the Hattiesburg American exhibited a bit of bush-league journalism in the original Op-Ed article, I certainly regret that my letter-to-the-editor has been associated with the much larger issue of USM faculty-administration relations.  I trust that my friends will, upon reading my letter-to-the-editor, take it at face value, and not as an attempt stir controversy or create ill will. Further, I sincerely hope any USM faculty members, students, or administration will base any opinions of me, on my continuing record of support for the University of Southern Mississippi.   I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the issue further, should it help to dissolve any misconceptions.  I can easily be reached by phone or in person at my restaurant, or via e-mail.   I am at your service,   Clint      "

---

Wow, you have a history of being misled by your friends.

So, in the interest of clearing this up, when will you be writing another letter to the Hattiesburg American admitting your folly?

I'll be watching.

Warmest regards,

Fire Shelby

quote:

---

Originally posted by: Clint Taylor
"
I should also note that I wrote my letter to the editor on a Sunday evening, after reading the sensationalized OP-ED headline in Sunday's paper.
 "

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by:
"March 10, 2004 How did paper measure morale? LETTERS A recent editorial in the Opinion section leads with the statement, "Morale on USM campus hits new low." I must admit, I'm a bit perplexed as to exactly how "morale" was measured among such a large and diverse group on campus for the purpose of this editorial. Has the Hattiesburg American developed some new scientific device to tap into the level of psychological well-being of an entire student body and faculty at a university? Morale at an all-time low?! USM has been around since 1910. How does the current "morale level" rate when compared with Dec. 7, 1941, or maybe Nov. 22, 1963, immediately after the Kennedy assassination? Finally, how can I get one of those morale-sensors? I think it would be an excellent tool for the personnel managers at my company. In the meantime, please support such sensational statements with a fact or two. Clint Taylor, Hattiesburg "

---

Ah, Clint. I seem to have missed this letter.

Well, so there you go I guess. You are talking to the proof you were looking for. And please remember: there are at least 430 of us.

I understand that to a businessman this may simply sound like whining. But you care about the quality of your vegetables, fruit and meat right?  Anything -- or anyone -- that adversely affects the quality of your supplies affects your business.

If you had a manager and he/she treated your employees like they weren't workers whose work was worth respecting, if that manager kept telling your customers that the wait staff was lousy and the cooks incompetent you'd probably see a drop in morale right?

That's us. We are the wait staff and cooks who hear from our own President's PR machine that we are lazy and undisciplined and damn lucky to have a job because who else would have us. The discussions we have, the classes we teach, the research we produce -- the discourse of an academic community that is about knowlege -- this is the raw material of what we serve to our students and to the people who read our work and see and hear the culture we produce. We don't just buy that material -- we grow it and harvest it. And that discourse which represents growth can only produce the best product when it grows in an atmosphere of trust, often of confidentiality; and of respect for the work that is done in different fields of study all over the campus.

These requirements -- so necessary to the growth of our product -- no longer exist in many parts of this university. Not only can't we do our best work -- we can no longer really work at all. 

If I can't sit down at my computer and converse in confidence with faculty and students; if I can't do my work without fear that I am being surveilled; if I can't disagree with my administration about matters of academic policy without fearing for my job, then I really can't do my work. At a university -- words, ideas, discussions . . . . these are basic and fundamental (the "fruit and vegetables" so to speak) to any of the work we do  whether that work is in literature or in polymer science.

It probably doesn't explain everything, and maybe it isn't a prcise analogy, but perhaps it might help you a little understand why this is not a good time for the university.

I've always enjoyed going to CC Grill , the Bar and (when I can afford it, the PP. We usually take candidates there during interviews.  

But . . . . well, I am sure you can understand that it is disappointing to discover that the President's view of us seems to be the view that prevails with you. Perhaps that is mistaken -- it would be nice to know that that is true.

Best wishes.

quote:

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Originally posted by: Greedy
"Mr. CLINT, you were disrepectful sir, with all due respect to your "love" of USM.  . . . That is very cowardly. You have no idea of the pain and hurt your insensitivity at the worst possible time has had and now will have on your cash register. "

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Clint:

I suspect that you can see from many of the entries that there is quite a lot of anger from folks on this board.

I'm angry -- but I also hope that perhaps your remarks might have come about because you might not have a good understanding of what motivates professors, nor the kind of environment that is required for a university to function.

That is forgivable --

I don't really understand the restaurant business and would hardly presume to tell you how to run it. I know when I go to eat if I am treated well, and if the food is good.

We know the food we serve our students. We know the service that we provide them.  We know it far better than the administration does because we are the ones who prepare it and serve it and watch how it nourishes and satisfies. We do it every day. Therefore, when decisions are made that adversely affect our relationship  with our students and we are told in essence to shut up it doesn't sit well.

Unfortunately most of us long ago accustomed ourselves to the realization that nothing we did with our students will guarantee that each and every single student will turn out to be brilliant and good and successful. There is a certain guilt in that -- the lurking feeling that if I only tried harder, if I only stayed later, if I only read one more paper before going to bed -- that somehow we could solve it all. Most of us learn to live with the guilt of failure.  A good manager will understand that a sense of failure coexists with feelings of success. A good manager understands it -- but doesn't try to take advantage of it in order to extract more with less under the mistaken assumption that there is always more to give.   

So it isn't exactly a welcome thing when someone who doesn't know our business feels capable of taking sides in what is really an internal disagreement over how a university should be run.

We appreciate that you and the citizens of the city have an interest in how that dispute is settled. I think we resent the automatic assumption that those who manage the university know more about how to make it work than those who work in it. It is difficult to rerad the letters from people who talk about professors who make $78,000 and only teach one class and that is what Shelby has come to fix without a sense of anger because not only do very few such creatures exist -- but the question that asks why such creatures should exist in the university is never asked. It is always assumed that this represents a picture of an underworked and overpaid faculty member. And this administration has played on that perception and misunderstanding to its shame. In doing so it has intentionally widened the division between the public and the faculty. No matter what you hear from the administration, it is the faculty which begins every discussion of change with "how will this affect the students?" Contrary to what you have heard, the administration often only asks this question when it is a matter of whether the students will be affected to the point of not plopping their tuition money on the counter.

 The analogy that works in business (management knows how to manage and workers know how to work) doesn't quite translate here.

It is extremely late and I should have been home long ago.I am beginning to become incoherent even to myself.

quote:

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Originally posted by:
"And let me add one more thing: no one is boycotting your restaurant.  The discussion of the Thames trio being at your restaurant on the evening of March 5 was about them, and about the news coming on while they were there, and students' reactions--your restaurant was only mentioned as the place where this occurred. And everyone is well aware that faculty and students go to the Hog for drinks after work.   "

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by:
""

---

I'm pretty sure that Clint wishes he had remembered the adage, "let sleeping dogs lie." 

However, I'm going to irk most of you who have responded on this thread by asking that we  remember that most people outside the University have only recently begun to understand the degree of turmoil and animosity that exists at USM (oops, Southern Miss).  Moreover, many of the issues  we care so much about (freedom of expression, shared governance, etc.) are just not on the radar screen of most of the public.  Therefore, when I originally read the letter I thought to myself that Clint would never have written it if he had any idea of what was going on on campus.   In all my associations with Clint, I have always found him to be a sensitive, courteous individual.

I am a long-time and regular customer at PP/CC and do not believe that Clint and Robert are anti-faculty.  Clint is correct that both have been loyal friends to USM  going back many years prior to the present administration.  I hope that decades of loyalty to our institution will allow us to forgive some initial insensitivity to the current situation.

On that basis, I am willing to accept Clint's apology and move on.  The partners are decent, hard-working individuals.  I believe that it would be unfortunate if campus strife spills over  in a way that damages the Clints and Roberts of our community.  These guys just don't deserve it.

quote:

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Originally posted by: webster
"I haven't eaten at CC in quite a while myself, and don't intend to.  Congrats for that Clint!  Great business plan to criticize your (former) customers in a public forum. Oh, BTW, you will be making the glossary!  Good job!  Your entry will reside near the many "Thames" entries (location of distinction I suspect in your mind)."

---

I eat with Robert and Clint often and plan to continue to do so.  Both have been and continue to be loyal supporters of USM.  I totally agree with former professor on this one.  I hope to be at Mohagony tonight discusing with friends how we can get rid of Shelby and the rest of the cabal.  People outside the University do not understand the situation and  it is our responsibility to educate them.  The hearings were a good start.  My friends who are proshelby were suprised he had so little of importance to justify his decision.

So give Clint a break and us get on with getting rid of Shelby, Divoraks(2), Mater, Hanberry, Hudson? and ?

quote:

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Originally posted by: Greedy
Fine food is one thing but our "souls" Mr. St. John are quite another. 

Robert and Clint are very active in the community and most llikely have known Shelby socially for many years.  In Robert's case probable all of his life.  I too have socialize with Shelby and find him to be engaging.  I now work for him at the University and what I see I do  not like.  So, give these guys a break both of them will join the faculties efforts as more information comes to light.  The whole community will also join in the fight to get rid of Shelby.  We need to have a big tent. 

This will be an unpopular opinion, so I am ready for your harsh words and backlash from what i am about to say.

When I first started to coming to this board, I was one of those people who felt out of the loop and not sure who to believe. You all made me change my mind and showed the Thames Administration in a new light to someone who mostly just supports athletics and the alumni associations of the fraternity and sorority of which my husband and I were affiliated. You all made me see just how important this fight was, and that you were right. You all continue to be right in that respect.

I would ask you, repsectfully, to carefully consider your "boycott" of ccg/mb/pp. This establishment supports, in my mind, the most important people on campus, the students. I will bet if you went to dinner there and took a poll, you would find a VERY high percentage of the waiters, waitresses, bus-boys and bartenders are USM students. You in fact, are not only hurting Mr. St John and Mr. Taylor, but those very students that you are claiming to want to protect from the brutality of the Thames Administration.

Clint Taylor admits that he had not known of this board before. Therefore, he may have been totally in the dark about the underhandedness (sp?) and the back door politics surrounding this administration as I was. I had NO idea until I came here and was "enlightened."  I would have never known who to believe had it not been for all of you, and because I starting coming here daily to read, and tell my friends to do the same, you got a few more people on your side. I felt as though I was one of you the day of the hearing as I hit refresh on my computer what seemed like a million times to read how everything was unfolding.

I will also have you recall another thread about the petition in which someone asked why more people from Hattiesburg are not signing. At last glance the other night, (yes i signed) I did not see one resturant owners name on it.(I grew up in Hattiesburg, went to Southern Miss, and lived there until i got married) I also did not see one high profile name of a lawyer, doctor, or other business owner. Not one of the construction company owners, not one of the city council members, no preachers, no retail store owners, no one who is considered of "status" in Hattiesburg if you will.  Perhaps all of these people are just not in a position to take sides. They get backlash either way. You are going to starve if you start assuming that those of you who are not for you are against you. I commend Richlain Robinson for signing, but unless he can cook as well as he takes a portrait we are in trouble.

Robert St. John is VERY highly respected in Hattiesburg and the entire southeast.  Clint Taylor is nice man who probably should have not used his sarcastic humor at time when emotions were running so high. I highly doubt Clint is anti-faculty, and he may not be anti-Thames, but he, and Robert are definately Pro-USM. Just ask the students that work for them.

On another note, I read in the Clarion Ledger where the IHL meeting is today at 1. I will be here at work as usual hitting my refresh button so please keep me informed! I am a Baptist, so as hokey as you may think it is I will be praying for gary, frank, and all of you who have worked so hard to keep us all so well informed. I am sure our side will prevail. I only wish I didnt live in Florida so that I could be at the party outside the dome. I love USM, and hope this comes to an end swifty and more importantly for the right side!

I forgot to add my sarcastic emoticon to my previous post.

quote:

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Originally posted by: Greedy
"Observer, YOu have that right. I know them. They are not inherently bad people, though Clint obviously had some contempt when he wrote that ill advised letter. But they are pro Shelby Thames and they will continue to support his efforts. If they would denounce SFT publically, then I will sit down with them and spend my money there. But now, I feel queesy. I cannot enjoy a meal or friends when queesy. Did I spell that correctly? This is not anti-Clint or anti-Robert. It is pro-USM and pro-academic freedom. Perhaps they really don't know that man at all. I saw one of these gentlemen gladhanding Hanbury one night and it made me wonder. "

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Grateful, I am glad you see value in this message board. I hope you continue to post here.

But I would like to respectfully disagree with you on this point.  You said, "You in fact, are not only hurting Mr. St John and Mr. Taylor, but those very students that you are claiming to want to protect from the brutality of the Thames Administration."

I don't agree.  Mr. Taylor and his partner are the ones who are hurting their employees.  He should have considered the costs of his letter, the consequences of his satire.  If Mr. Taylor had been concerned about his USM student-employees, he would not have jeopardized their income.

He has had almost two months to publicly apologize--all it would take is a very brief letter to the editor.  Perhaps he will consider the impact his "joke" has had on his students and will begin writing.

FS, you are right on that point. Perhaps, the "big bucks" come in from Shelby supporters so they cant come out either way? Dont know just throwing that out. He could still write a letter to apologize (sp?) to faculty and staff, and make it clear he isn't on one side or the other. 

Please forgive my spelling errors. I am lost with spell-check

quote:

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Originally posted by: grateful
"FS, you are right on that point. Perhaps, the "big bucks" come in from Shelby supporters so they cant come out either way? Dont know just throwing that out. He could still write a letter to apologize (sp?) to faculty and staff, and make it clear he isn't on one side or the other.  Please forgive my spelling errors. I am lost with spell-check"

---

I used to be an excellent speller until the advent of spell-check.  Now I find myself questioning the spelling of monosyllabic words!

I am glad I didn't anger you with my comments...and I am not trying to convince you to see it my way.

In the current climate, when any of us speak out, we consider the risks prior to doing so.  Maybe Taylor didn't do that.  I hope he will reconsider his satire.

while I have nothing against these two men personally, I do have a consumer choice here to make.

Upon re reading Mr. Clint's letter, I feel differently toward patronizing the Purple Parrot/MB/CCG.

Yes, students work there and yes the owners are community involved.  But what community? For what reasons?

It is sad such a fine business had to lie down with fleas.

quote:

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Originally posted by: grateful
"I am not offended by differing comments. We all have them because we all have a different perspective. Me being a Hattiesburg native, and all of my friends and family being there, gives me a much different perspective than someone who is a student from another state who has only lived there a few years. We may all have differing opinions, or differing perspectives, but ultimately we share one common goal, and that my friend, is the ball we need to keep our eye on."

---

There was a time when one could be supportive of USM without having to declare a 'side' to be supportive of. (Forgive the preposition at the end but I once went to Texas A&M.)

I don't think Mr. Taylor meant to side with anyone other than possibly the university over the media in his letters. The fact that it appeared during the same time frame as Bud Holmes', Billy Hewes' and R. Scott Farris's comments sure made it easy to lump it into a category though, not that the timing was his fault.

Rather than dwell on the negative connotations one could infer from what might have been an innocent act of intended support why can't we just all  try to get along (went to L.A. once too!)and  look forward to and begin to prepare for a time when we can once again be a real university with differing but respected opinions instead of different  sides? This assumes of course that MAJOR changes in  administrative personnel  are around the corner.

Several replies have indicated that Mr. Taylor should take a side and put an "oath of loyalty" to the faculty on his marquee. Do we really need that at this time?

Here is an Idea to ponder but first a little history: (I probably shouldn't put the words  little and history in the same sentence considering the coureageous colleagues we have in our own history dept!)

In a time which seems far away, we had a little Club close to campus where associates of the University (staff, faculty, friends, even (& a few odd) administrators would gather usually on Thursday or Friday afternoons. People would have a few AFFORDABLE drinks, some hors d'oeurves, and begin to talk about things which led to inter-disciplinary projects both creative AND research in nature. Administraors, faculty, and staff mingled, ideas were born, and steam was vented without fallout or meltdown. When someone spoke of paint it might even have had to do with an art exhibit, wow!

In February of 1945, almost half a year before the end of WWII, the allies met in Yalta to make plans for a UN, the disassembly of Hitler's regime etc. The point is that the war wasn't over but plans were being made for healing. So what the heck does this all have to do with Mr Taylor's letters and this thread?

I propose that at sometime in the not too distant future he could help re-establish something close to the spirit of the old University Club to support his university

 The first step, and here's the history link, would be to have a "Yall'ta" conference. You know, we want to invite Yall'ta come to plan and celebrate. Again, this should happen after it's clear there is something to celebrate on both fronts, 1) reinstatement and 2) regime change. 

Tripping back to Yalta, I know it kinda started the cold war too but maybe we can learn from history and not repeat it. (Help us again Andy!).

Gosh, I'm hungry and one of those low crab diet dinners from CC sounds good. Does anyone know why not eating crab makes you lose weight? Maybe I'm just lesdixic from hunger :)

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Originally posted by: Cossack
"Sinners usually get forgiven when they renounce their sinning ways and are redeemed. If the CCG and PP owners/managers wish to be forgiven, it is simple. Abandon your position backing SFT and back the faculty. Write another letter to the HA and renounce your previous position and embrace faculty, and follow it up with a rounding cheer of FIRE SHELBY AND THE REST OF HIS CREW. Otherwise, I think you are in for some tough times at the cash register. It is your choice."

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What you ask he can not do!!  Clint will be in Hattiesburg after Shelby is gone.  He will be going to Zeus parties with supporters of Thames.  Why put him in the position of making a choice?  You and I can write as we wish under a false name.  I would be reluctant to state my position with my name attached as my roots are long and deep in the community.  Why don't we try to educate him?  It is kind of like insisting on a gay person coming out of the closet.  It is really about choice.  Please show some kindness, Shelby can't but we are better, aren't we?

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Originally posted by: observer
" What you ask he can not do!!  Clint will be in Hattiesburg after Shelby is gone.  He will be going to Zeus parties with supporters of Thames.  Why put him in the position of making a choice?  You and I can write as we wish under a false name.  I would be reluctant to state my position with my name attached as my roots are long and deep in the community.  Why don't we try to educate him?  It is kind of like insisting on a gay person coming out of the closet.  It is really about choice.  Please show some kindness, Shelby can't but we are better, aren't we?"

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I'd agree completely if he hadn't already stated an opnion. You act as though he is neutral. There are many businesse men who have not said anything either way. That is fine. But Clint did say something. It is a free country -- and that gives some of the right to say "no thanks."

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Originally posted by: Clint Taylor
"My name is Clint Taylor, and I am the Managing Partner at Crescent City Grill, Mahogany Bar, and Purple Parrot Cafe in Hattiesburg.  Today, a regular customer, who is also a USM faculty member referred me to this website.  He explained to me that our restaurants were being cast in an unfavorable light on this message board. To say the least, I am concerned about this, as my partner and I have worked hard over the years, to be supportive of USM academic programs, as well as USM athletics.  I have cultivated many long-time friendships among students and faculty at USM.  Also, I have a close family member who is a professor at USM. I must admit that I've never posted to a message board before, and I'm not sure exactly how this works.  But I would welcome any response which might confirm or dispel any negative rumours about our restaurants.  At Crescent City, we're certainly not above a little constructive criticism.  If you'd like, please feel free to contact me personally via e-mail at clint@nsrg.com.  I assure you any e-mailed responses will be kept in confidence.  Thanks, in advance to any respondents. At your service, Clint Taylor Purple Parrot Company, Inc., Managing Partner      "

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Clint,

Help USM faculty celebrate the termination outcome by giving drinks today to anyone with a USM faculty I.D.--an easy way to begin to get back into the good graces of the faculty.