I know there are folks around who just don’t like to dirty their hands when it comes to talking politics.

Not me. You will often find me scraping the mud from underneath my fingernails, whether it’s local, state, or national affairs.

Admittedly, my assumptions, thoughts or opinions are, at times, skewed and on occasion even wrong, but to stay mute just seems apathetic.

Sure, engaging in potentially controversial conversations can be risky, but I am always up for a challenge and on many occasions will even learn a couple of things from the discussion.

Therefore, since I feel fearless today, I’ll start with what is going on around the country on college campuses.

To say I am disheartened would be a gross understatement.

The antisemitism that is happening is well — quite unbelievable to me.

More than six million Jewish people, including children, were murdered in WWII during the Nazi regime.

And for so long the U.S. turned a blind eye. Is history repeating itself?

No one denies that war is a horrific event and sadly innocent people die. But, in my opinion, what is happening to the Palestinians is not due to the Jewish nation. Hamas is the evil one here.

Not only did they kill and kidnap on Oct. 7, but my suspicion is also this orchestrated attack was ultimately to set in motion what we are witnessing in our country now — an antisemitic and anti-American movement.

Hopefully, I will be proven wrong.

As for state politics, Gov. Reeves, please expand Medicaid.

I initially went along with the governor’s perspective — folks need to work and earn a living so they can pay for healthcare.

But I was wrong.

I feel like without the expansion of Medicaid, our state will suffer when it comes to healthcare options.

Others in our community agree. Dr. Randy Easterling and Dr. Dan Edney have been advocates in trying to persuade the legislature into Medicaid expansion.

Doctors see the writing on the wall. What is happening without expansion is putting our state in crisis mode.

And folks it’s scary. Hospitals are closing all over the place, and with the absence of hospitals healthcare providers could diminish, too.

Our own Mike Chaney, who is the state’s Insurance Commissioner, is also advocating for Medicaid expansion.

While his advocacy may not be lock, stock and barrel with everyone, he is at least offering up a pill that the legislature should be able to swallow.

As for our local government, under the leadership of our mayor and aldermen, Vicksburg has been heading in a positive direction. Expansion of the port is underway and MCity is putting us front and center when it comes to technology and innovative initiatives. Thinking optimistically, after a new alderman is elected to serve out the term of the late Michael Mayfield, Vicksburg will continue on a positive path.

I hope I haven’t ruffled too many feathers with my views. This column was not meant to stir up dust; it was merely aimed at challenging folks to not be timid about their views. Right or wrong, we can all learn from each other.

Terri Cowart Frazier writes features for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.