The sample ballot for the 2024 November General Election is now available on the Mississippi Secretary of State's website. Note:  The order of the sample ballot was set forth by the State Board of Election Commissioners in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 23-15-367, which provides nominees of political parties shall be listed first and organized alphabetically by candidate last name. After political party nominees, independent candidates are listed alphabetically by candidate last name. Click here to access the sample ballot 2024 Election Dates September 23 - Absentee Ballots Available October 7 - Voter Registration Deadline for the General Election November 2 - In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline November 5 - General Election Day

By: Mika Hartman    October is here. As we commemorate both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), I can reflect on what I have learned on this journey, share some of the hard truths and hope for a better tomorrow for my son.    Hudson is only 6; however, the dreams I have for him should not be limited based on an outdated mindset or the “no longer applicable” laws that still exist. It is time to look at the success stories of our children and raise our expectations. It is beyond time to put back in the hands of people with disabilities what their glass ceiling is and whether or not they can break it; that is up to the individual. The laws, as written today, hold back our buddies and give society the doubt that greatness can be achieved. We currently live in a “prove you can do more” versus a “sky’s the limit” outcome all while holding back the tools needed to achieve the successes our buddy's desire.     Did you know that if two people with Down syndrome want to get married, they will lose their SSI benefits? Why? Because they would become a two-person income family and exceed the dollar amount cap to receive the benefits. All while many states still offer sub   minimum wages to our friends born with an extra chromosome. Many families find themselves fighting against raising wages to not put at risk the benefits that their loved one needs. How backwards is all of this? Penalize an individual who has to work harder at the job they have all while likely not being given the proper training. And let’s not even add in layoffs and who is first to go. And back to the thought of finding love and wanting a commitment in a legal way to be stopped by the government. It’s more than outdated, it’s discrimination.    Last year, I wrote about my hopes for Hudson’s future. I don’t care if he wants to build pizza boxes or run for President of the United States, it is up to me to make sure he is provided with all the tools he needs to be whatever he dreams to be. If he wants to be married, I absolutely want this for him, too. It’s what we should all want for him; to find love, to be loved and to have the choice to give a girl his last name. I more than welcome it, I pray for it.    Two individuals with Down syndrome, that I met years ago, may not have been able to be legally married; however, they did have a commitment ceremony. Heather and Craig Blackburn fight this issue at every turn. They didn’t let the law stop them from being committed in this relationship, but it has stopped them from being able to live together, because they currently live in two different states and moving will change their benefits. Crossing state lines can change so much for our buddies. We are a military family, and I understand this inconvenience all too well. Our families already have enough challenges, it seems like elected officials would help make some things easier on our journey.     Let’s also talk about what SSI provides: it varies per state, but the maximum monthly payment is $943. That is $11 316 per year per person. If a person earns $2 from work, their SSI payment will be reduced by about $1. If a couple gets married, their benefits go to $1 , 371 average per month for two people. Divide that in two, you see they go to $685 per person and that’s only if they don’t have a job, much less both be working. The system is so backwards; punish two people who want to be married and work, but who need the benefits because they have more health concerns and more needs like glasses, hearing aids, thyroid medication, heart issues, transportation worries, accessible living needs and more.     In celebrating NDEAM, my ask is that you get involved. Learn about the laws that need to be revised and be a voice for the needed change. I ask that you see my son and his possibilities, not his disability. Remove the outdated stigmas and do some research to see what all our buddies are accomplishing today. Help them achieve their dreams, don’t be the one stopping them.     My son is EXTRA; if or when he pops the question one day, I hope the worry of this issue is gone and we can focus on celebrating the future Mrs. Hartman and the next chapter of the life we want for our son….    … that is the life he EXTRA wants and EXTRA deserves!

By Bob Garver               In preparation for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” I watched the original film from 1988. I found that I liked “some” things about it, like the set and character designs and much of the humor, but it’s not a film I would recommend overall. The special effects weren’t well-integrated (even for the 80’s), motivations between the warring factions made no sense, and worst of all, the characters just weren’t likeable. I’m not talking about obvious villains like the ruthless profiteers or Michael Keaton’s sleazy trickster-for-hire Betelgeuse (hereafter referred to as “Beetlejuice”). I mean that I couldn’t even root for harmless yuppie couple the Maitlands (you guys are dead, find something to do with your eternal lives and stop bothering the living) or Winona Ryder’s teenage goth icon Lydia Deetz (“’somebody’ wants attention”). The good news is that the new film is better about making its protagonists likeable. The bad news is that, while it addresses one issue, others remain and a few new ones pop up.             The story finds the now-adult Lydia returning to her family’s old home to attend her father’s funeral. In tow are her eccentric artist stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara, reprising her role from the first movie), her manipulative fiancé Rory (Justin Theroux), and her distant daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). Though moody around her family and bullies, Astrid isn’t as standoffish as Lydia was in the original. She even makes friends with local boy Jeremy (Arthur Conti) and the two have a sweet little romance that you know is too wholesome for this movie, so something’s going to have to go wrong.             What isn’t too wholesome is what’s going on in the Netherworld. Ever-scummy bio-exorcist Beetlejuice isn’t having much luck with his favorite pastime of haunting Lydia, appearing to her for only a split-second at a time, which makes her question her sanity. He’s being haunted himself by his ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci). The two have a tumultuous history, having killed one another in their human forms. Now she’s back in his (after)life and she wants… to suck out his soul, I think. Or maybe she wants to remarry him? Or use him for a demonic ritual? Like its predecessor, this movie has a problem establishing motivations. Her inventive introduction in a scene where she fixes her own dismemberment is supposed to compensate for a lack of character development. Also underdeveloped is Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson, an actor who played detectives in his lifetime before transitioning to a career as an actual detective in the afterlife. Sometimes he gets his roles and his job mixed up. Great idea for a character, but the movie never quite knows how to work him into the story.             Twists and turns wind toward a wedding between Lydia and Rory that Beetlejuice wants to crash. Poor Lydia just wants to keep her family alive and Beetlejuice out of her life, but of course things can’t be that simple. She has to go through an ordeal filled with demonic babies, a half-devoured-by-fish ex-husband (not to be confused with her half-devoured-by-fish father), a literal Soul Train, and another forced musical number that wants to outdo the “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” sequence from the original.             Like the original “Beetlejuice,” I like the creativity and humor on display here, but I don’t like that the script is full of holes (and not just of the “afterlife rules are random” variety) and plot threads that go nowhere. What helps is that in this movie, the three generations of women that serve as protagonists are ultimately more loving and supportive than the characters in the original. In fact, it helps so much that, unlike its predecessor, I will recommend this movie. I’ll even look forward to the inevitable third installment, as I seriously doubt that a franchise obsessed with saying a character’s name three times is going to stop at two.   Grade: B-   “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is rated PG-13 for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material and brief drug use. Its running time is 105 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Mississippi Food Network (MFN) is proud to announce its 40th anniversary celebration, featuring the annual Moonlight Market fundraiser. This year's event, themed "Party Like It's 1984," will take place on September 12, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the MFN Distribution Center in Jackson, Mississippi. For four decades, the Mississippi Food Network has been at the forefront of combating hunger in the state. Today, MFN distributes over 1.5 million pounds of food monthly, serving 150,000 people through 430 member agencies across Mississippi. The Moonlight Market is not just a fundraiser; it's a testament to the unwavering support MFN has received over the years and the impact made together with the community. The event promises an evening of nostalgia and community spirit, featuring: Live 1980s cover songs performed by 'The Patrick Harkins Band' Delicious food prepared by local favorites Bulldog Burger, Elvie's, and Iron Horse Grill An opportunity to learn about MFN's impact over the past 40 years Attendees will have the chance to mingle with MFN staff, board members, supporters, and community stakeholders while supporting a crucial cause. The Moonlight Market will be held at the Mississippi Food Network Distribution Center, located at 440 W Beatty St, Jackson, MS. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit  www.msfoodnet.org/moonlightmarket .

Jim sat down at his desk that morning only to be immediately summoned into his supervisor’s office. Where he was assured that while he had been doing good work, he was also told that due to the company’s economic struggles, he was part of the layoffs in one month. That evening still in shock, he slumped into the house, hugged his kids, and went into the kitchen where his wife was cooking dinner for the family. Reluctantly giving her the bad news, he saw her eyes widen in disbelief, and fill with tears. Then he watched as his normally upbeat and optimistic wife limped over to a barstool at the island, and began sobbing. When she finally could speak through her hiccups, Jim learned that the iffy brakes on her car had finally failed at a busy intersection and she had caused a three-vehicle pileup that day. Her own visit to the emergency room had revealed only strained muscles, but the drivers of the other cars weren’t quite as fortunate. Broken limbs and car repair estimates were a part of their own lives for the next few weeks. Then she looked up through red-rimmed eyes and chokingly admitted the rest. Due to their financial difficulties in the last year, their car insurance payment hadn’t been paid for the last three months, so undoubtedly their insurance company would deny coverage of the accident. Jim comforted and reassured Rhonda the best he could and then retreated to their bedroom to begin absorbing everything. And to start trying to wrap his trauma-fogged mind around unpaid bills, updating his resume, and job hunting. No other thoughts penetrated his world at that point. Not until he heard his oldest daughter scream a warning aimed at his six-year-old son. His head jerked up at the frantic sound in her voice, and then the yelp of their little dog. Leaping off the bed, he raced down the hall to the living room, where he was accustomed to seeing his son playing his strictly enforced one hour of computer games. Not today. Today Brian had decided to entertain himself by leaping from the back of the couch to chase their dog through the house. But the little dog had darted left instead of right. Brian had landed squarely onto top of Bama, who now lay moaning painfully on the floor. Their vet gravely pronounced surgery was next on the list for the day. That night his best friend, Brad, came over to the house. He listened to their horror story, then assured Jim and Rhonda of his help through it all. Reminds this writer of another Friend. “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not dismay, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41;10. Horrible times do come, but He has promised His friends that He will be there. To never abandon us.

Atmos Energy is keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Francine as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, bringing with it substantial rain, damaging winds, and the potential for flash flooding. The company is urging customers to be aware of natural gas safety measures that will keep homes, businesses and families prepared for any type of severe weather.  "We are monitoring the storm, and our crews are preparing for the possibility of a hurricane," said Bobby Morgan, Atmos Energy vice president of public affairs. "Recent years have shown that hurricanes of any size can pose a threat to life and property, so we want everyone to remember that the best time to plan is now – before a storm arrives."  As a reminder, after any severe weather event, please do not use natural gas equipment if it is flooded or damaged without first contacting a qualified service professional to have it inspected.  Atmos Energy's highly trained service technicians are emergency responders who maintain the safe operation of our natural gas system. If any customer experiences an interruption in service, our skilled technicians will restore service after local conditions are deemed safe. Whether it is a hurricane, flooding, or other severe weather event, please observe these important safety tips:  If flooding occurs and gas appliances are underwater, do not try to operate the appliances. Instead, contact Atmos Energy or a qualified service professional to conduct a safety inspection. During a natural disaster or severe weather event, DO NOT turn off natural gas at the meter even if evacuations are issued. NEVER try to find the source of a gas leak. DO NOT use a mobile phone or anything that might cause a spark, such as a generator. If a natural gas meter is damaged or a gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area, and call the Atmos Energy 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667. Know where your natural gas meter is located. Make sure it's visible and free of trash and debris. Mechanical equipment used to clean up after a storm may damage the meter if it is hidden. Natural gas distribution pipelines are mostly underground but can be damaged by uprooted trees and shifted foundations. After a storm, call 811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked, as gas service lines could become tangled. Atmos Energy customers experiencing a natural gas outage or service interruption should contact the company's customer service number at 888.286.6700. Service will be restored as quickly as possible once the area is deemed safe, and more information about this process is available on our  Service Restoration  page.  If you think you smell gas, immediately leave the affected area, and from a safe distance call 911 or Atmos Energy's 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667. For more severe weather safety information, please visit  atmosenergy.com/weathersafety .

Having the right information following a disaster makes filing a claim easier and faster. Find your policy information, store it in a safe, waterproof place, and make a digital copy. Create a home inventory so that it's easier to file a claim in the event of a disaster. A free tool to do this is the NAIC Home Inventory App. It can be downloaded from the App Store  and Google Play . "Don't forget to review your insurance coverage and make sure you are familiar with your policies," said Commissioner Chaney. "Flood damage is generally not covered by a standard homeowners or renter's insurance policy. If you don't have flood insurance and are considering purchasing a policy, remember there is a 30-day waiting period if you buy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  You should call your insurance agent to see what your policy covers and what add-on coverage you may need." Pack a "Go Bag" that includes: Important documents like insurance cards and Social Security cards. Keep copies of these documents in a waterproof container or digital image saved online. Cash Medications A battery-powered radio A gallon of drinking water for every family member and pet If you need assistance with an insurance question or claim, call 601-359-3569 or1-800-562-2957, email consumer@mid.ms.gov  or visit www.mid.ms.gov

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, students will participate in a Distance Learning Day. All students will receive assignments to complete at home during this time. These assignments are expected to be submitted to teachers the following day, Thursday, September 12. Parents and students are encouraged to reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns regarding assignments or classwork. This day provides an opportunity for students to practice self-discipline and time management while continuing their education from home. Parents with any specific questions or need further information are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher directly for more details.

By me South Arts recently announced the lineup of twenty-one Screening Partner organizations and thirteen films and filmmaking teams selected for the 2024-2025 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. This long-running South Arts program connects US-based documentary filmmakers with communities throughout the South for screenings and conversations around important stories, topics, and the art of filmmaking. South Arts selected the Mississippi Film Society as one of the partner organizations for the Mississippi/Alabama/Louisiana region. In conversation with other screening partners in the religion, the Mississippi Film Society helped select six films from the thirteen recommendations. You can read more about the films below, which will be screened in September, October, and November of this year and in February, March, and April next year. “The Screening Partner film selections for this season demonstrate the group’s commitment to fostering curious spaces and using film as a conduit for local conversations,” said Jordan Young, Southern Circuit program director. “Directly connecting independent filmmakers with community audiences amplifies the films’ impact while investing in the regional filmmaking infrastructure of the South and engaging local community members in critical conversations.” Each film screening will be accompanied by a post-screening panel discussion and audience Q&A with the filmmakers and subject matter experts. “Narrative and documentary films have the power to shape hearts and minds. When screened in community, this act of watching can spark conversation and action that can lead to real, meaningful connections across difference. This has been a foundational belief of the Mississippi Film Society, which works to entertain, educate, and inspire Mississippians through community,” said Ryan Parker, Executive Director of the Mississippi Film Society. “We are excited to partner with SouthArts, fellow regional screening partners, the Mississippi Humanities Council, the Mississippi Film Office, and a host of other local and regional subject matter experts to bring these screenings to the Jackson Metro area.” Screenings include the following films (please note that times and locations may be subject to change): Family Tree  (screening Thursday, 9/12, at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science at 7 pm):  explores sustainable forestry in North Carolina through the stories of two Black families fighting to preserve their land and generational legacy. Family Tree’s cinema vérité approach reveals the vast task of maintaining the land, while navigating challenging family dynamics, unscrupulous developers, and changing environmental needs. The forest itself and the beauty of its changing seasons become a primary character in this drama about its own survival. Small Town Universe  (screening Friday, 10/11, at Millsaps College at 7 pm): paints an intimate portrait of life in Green Bank, West Virginia, home to the world's most powerful radio telescope and the only U.S. town where Wi-Fi and cell phones are banned. In this uniquely radio-quiet tight-knit community, scientists use the telescope to search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and advance the field of radio astronomy while the residents experience defining moments of life and loss. What unites them is a shared connection to the universe, science, and each other. The World Is Not My Own  (screening Thursday, 2/13, at the Mississippi Museum of Art at 7 pm):  chewing gum sculptures, a wealthy gallerist, a firebrand wrestler, a notorious murder case and the segregated south – it’s all part of Nellie Mae Rowe’s boundless universe. This World is Not My Own reimagines this self-taught artist’s world and her life spanning the 20th century. Where the Butterflies Go  (screening Wednesday, 3/12, at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science at 11:30 a.m.):  in a desperate attempt to host his own children’s nature show, a fumbling filmmaker travels 3,000 miles asking North Americans how to save the endangered monarch butterfly, and ourselves, from extinction. Lift  (screening Thursday, 3/20, at 7 p.m., location TBD):   over a decade in the making, Lift shines a spotlight on the transformative power of dance and the invisible story of homelessness in America through young home-insecure ballet dancers and their mentor who inspires them. Guided by Steven Melendez, who began his dance career in a shelter, these children make this aristocratic art form their own when they step from the shelter to the stage. Kim’s Video  (screening Saturday, 4/12, at 7 p.m., location TBD):   for two decades, New York City cinephiles had access to a treasure trove of rare and esoteric films through Kim's Video. Originally run by the enigmatic Yongman Kim out of his dry-cleaning business, his franchise eventually amassed 55,000 rental titles. In 2008, facing a changing industry, Mr. Kim offered to give away his collection provided that it stay intact and be available to Kim's Video members. In a bid to revitalize tourism, the small Italian village of Salemi, Sicily became home to the archive. But after the initial publicity faded, so too did any sign of the collection. Enter filmmaker David Redmon, who credits Kim's Video for his film education. With the ghosts of cinema past leading his way, Redmon embarks on a seemingly quixotic quest to track down what happened to the legendary collection and to free it from purgatory. For more information on these screenings, please contact Ryan Parker at ryan@msfilmsociety.org  and follow the Mississippi Film Society on Facebook and Instagram at @msfilmsociety.

As Mississippi residents eagerly anticipate the arrival of fall, allergy sufferers should prepare for a challenging fall allergy season. Compared to last year, increased allergens are expected due to rising temperatures and higher rainfall. The combination of warmer temperatures and increased rainfall provides an ideal environment for plants like ragweed to thrive and multiply over longer periods. This results in larger quantities of pollen being released into the air in the fall. This pollen can travel long distances and affect those with asthma and allergies in Mississippi. Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinics across the state are preparing for the season by offering immunotherapy treatments and educating patients on managing their allergy triggers. “While the severe drought in 2023 caused significant problems for many in our state, it did reduce the growth of plants that produce fall pollen,” said Dr. Joshua Fowler, physician at the Starkville location of the Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic . “In contrast, the surplus of rainfall in 2024 is likely to make fall allergies more prevalent this year.” Now with eight locations throughout the state, including two new clinics in McComb and Starkville this year, Mississippi Asthma & Allergy aims to assist all Mississippi residents suffering from asthma and allergies through personalized treatment plans, helping them return to enjoying life without the worry of allergies and asthma. “Our clinics see a significant increase in patients during this time of year,” said Dr. Patricia Stewart, physician at the Jackson location of the Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic . “Ragweed pollen is a major trigger for fall allergies and asthma, and we aim to provide our patients with quality care along with valuable information on associated symptoms and prevention.”  For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the Mississippi Asthma & Allergy website at www.msaac.com and follow them on Facebook (Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic PA) and Twitter (@MSAsthmaAllergy).

“No Matter What” is the title of a popular song released in recent years. The lyrics talk about, “No matter whether we really try to please Him, or if we choose to throw a monstrous bomb into our life and the lives of those around us, He just loves us – no matter what.” Our God just loves us – no matter what. Even though He constantly watches us disappointing Him- over and over again. He has a bird’s eye view of any stealing, lying, cheating and everything else we choose to do. He sees us when we are angry and cold-hearted toward each other. And when we decide that our priorities are more important than anything or anyone else. But that ‘no matter what’ love doesn’t mean that He winks at our bad behavior – letting us live any way we want, with no consequences. He loves us too much for that. That’s when we end up on the receiving end of a well-chosen and perfectly fitted discipline. Because He loves us just like we are, waaayyyy too much to leave us just like we are. Ever put much brain power into trying to live like that in your own earthly relationships? Loving without enabling. Enabling is a trap for you and the one you love. It traps your victim into believing he can’t do things without your help. And it also traps you into always having to help him, every time he fails. And that is a relationship-breaker, if I ever heard of one. Your decision to simply stop enabling would be the very beginning of a better relationship. Sure, it would probably be a rocky start. There would definitely be a lot of push-back. Your victim is used to you rescuing and criticizing. And honestly, so are you. And neither of you will easily give up what feels normal and safe. But just imagine if you were to decide, “From now on, I refuse to be used as a doormat for my little brother. He creates these problems by the way he lives, and then because I love him, I have to find a way to help clean up his mess. But I’ve had enough. Starting now, I’m going to always let him know that I love and accept him. But I will no longer be the one responsible for putting his life back together. He’s on his own – sink or swim.” Do you realize the gift you are giving him? A chance for him to learn to take responsibility for his own life. Remember, it’s not on you if he refuses to take on that responsibility, it lies squarely on his own shoulders. But if he does, it gives him the opportunity to start achieving for himself – and that’s called self-worth. And that self-worth translates into self-confidence. And self-confidence is the main tool to begin accomplishing some goals in life. And lowering your own stress levels.

By: Bob Garver Nobody is going to mistake cut-rate biopic “Reagan” for a great movie. At best, it’s a pretty standard greatest-hits collection of important moments in the former President’s life. At worst, it’s a laughably underfunded production made by people who, for whatever reason, want to sell America on Ronald Reagan in 2024. But the movie is not always at its worst. It’s a subpar movie that I think some critics are mistaking for a terrible movie.             Reagan’s life story is told by former KGB agent Viktor Petrovich (Jon Voight) as he teaches a young Russian politician about the mistakes the Soviet Union made in underestimating Reagan in the 1980’s. Petrovich understands his enemy so well that he can have flashbacks to Reagan’s childhood, where the takeaway is that his faith got him through family drama. Then he became a lifeguard, where he mostly “saved” women who weren’t really drowning, and really saved others before they knew they were drowning. Petrovich observes that Reagan forever remained a lifeguard.             It’s not long before we get to Reagan as an adult, played by Dennis Quaid. Sadly we don’t see much of his acting career (this movie could have really used a monkey), but we do see him as an increasingly-frustrated commercial pitchman as his career fizzles out. We also see his marriage to Jane Wyman (Mena Suvari) fall apart. But things perk up when he becomes vice-president of the Screen Actors Guild. Not only does he meet his wife Nancy (Penelope Ann Miller) through the position, but he learns that political-type leadership might be his strong suit. After that, it’s the California governorship, a failed run at the Republican Presidential nomination in 1976, and then of course, the Presidency in 1980.             As President, Reagan bravely gets the economy back on track, survives an assassination attempt, and negotiates a near-end to the Cold War. And he does it with all the charisma that a talented actor like Dennis Quaid can bring to the role. There is barely any mention of scandals like Iron-Contra or the controversial War on Drugs or Reagan’s reluctance to address AIDS. Yes, this movie is a pro-Reagan puff piece, one whose goal is almost certainly to get Americans excited about a Republican President just a few months before an election. It’s a pretty transparent political tactic, but I’d rather get positive productions like this instead of the ugly documentaries that accompanied the 2012 and 2016 elections.             The movie doesn’t creep into “memorably, hilariously bad” territory as much as some people are saying. The makeup in most scenes is tolerable, except for one in a hospital bed where the poor makeup is clearly struggling with gravity while Quaid is lying down. At that point, his face might as well be one of those creepy puppets from the Genesis “Land of Confusion” music video. Ill-advised cameos from Pat Boone (as a preacher talking to Reagan, next to Chris Massoglia playing a young Boone) and Creed frontman Scott Stapp (as Frank Sinatra, though I thought it was just some gaudy cover artist until the credits) go by too quickly for them to register. In fact, the same can be said for many historical figures in this movie, they’re in and out before their role in the Reagan’s life or administration is clear.             This brings me to the thing I liked most about “Reagan” - the pacing. It’s not “good” pacing in that I won’t argue with critics who say the movie is too rushed and choppy. But at the same time, I’m grateful for the way that the movie skips briskly along, whether it’s appropriate or not. Reagan led an action-packed life, and an aggrandizing biopic like this could have gone three, maybe four hours. I know this is a cold compliment, but the movie will have to settle for it since I don’t have many other nice things say: I left the theater feeling like I’d gotten off easy.   Grade: C   “Reagan” is rated PG-13 for violent content and smoking. Its running time is 135 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .