When politicians talk of their plebeian roots, they are of course not talking about themselves specifically, it is some long lost relative they refer to. We live in an era when political offices have become the property of the titled, aristocratic, wealthy politicians handed down generation to generation as you would property. Those in the ruling class stooping only every four years to converse with the masses. The working class desires and wishes are ignored – subservient to elected elites political wishes. Elites have demonstrated repeatedly they know what is best for the great unwashed.
Ricky Caldwell is a blue collar conservative. His father and grandfather were barbers. When that did not bring in enough income Ricky’s dad took up heating and air-conditioning installation and repair. Ricky is a great grandson of a sharecropper. Ricky’s grandfather worked as a lineman for a utility company. Hardworking. Blue collar. Practical.
Ricky early on showed a love of the outdoors, which led him to a degree from Mississippi State University in Forestry. As Ricky moved up in his profession, he continued to show a love of the outdoors combining timber as a renewable resource with conservation, replanting and as a light touch on the earth as possible.
Ricky has raised a family and has a grandchild and knows that without sound practical decisions made in Jackson our youth will continue to move away from Mississippi toward better opportunities.
There is no big money backing Ricky Caldwell. No political all stars who grip and grin at the camera with Ricky. No one made sure he had the right job at the right time with the right firm to insure his success. Ricky has made himself a success in life through hard work, giving an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Ricky has a reputation that was built by him day-by-day, deal by deal, sealed by firm handshakes and unbroken promises.
Ricky ventured into politics because he was tired of watching a conservative majority give away power and decision-making to those who not only do not believe in our values but also seek to destroy them. Ricky, like many, sees other states with conservative majorities fighting to restore patriotism, capitalism, free speech and bolster the first and second amendments. Mississippi languishes with false conservatism and politics as usual while thirsting for bold decisive action to retain our state sovereignty.
Ricky stepped into the political ring because if not him, who? If not now, when? A vote for Ricky is a vote for restoration of Mississippi values that all Mississippians regard as necessary for a free and equal society.
by Harold Brummett
Ricky Caldwell is running for Mississippi State Senate – District 9. Visit https://www.rcaldwell4senate.com/ for more information.
