Ellington

The Jackson City Council shirked its duties—and certain council members betrayed their oath of office—Tuesday when a majority decided against investigating whether Mayor Frank Melton took the JPD Mobile Command Center and a group of young men to Ridgeway Street and proceeded to destroy half of a duplex, as neighbors and the house's owner have attested. The story, first reported on the Jackson Free Press Web site Friday, has set off a media frenzy.

Council's abdication of responsibility shows what many people have long suspected: Four members of City Council are afraid of the mayor. We reach this conclusion believing they cannot simply be afraid of political fall-out from their constituents. As the mayor allegedly leads and condones increasingly more violent and unconstitutional actions against anyone who he proclaims to be menace, his public support is eroding. On Saturday, Sept. 2, he received more boos than applause from the crowd at a Jackson State football game.

People are sick of his antics.

Worse, Mr. Melton's alleged actions are now impossible to justify. He told the media that he doesn't regret the destruction of a house that he claims was a drug den. Melton has presented no evidence to back up such a charge. Given Mr. Melton's increasingly long list of publicly refuted lies, there is no reason to believe this is true. It is unclear why Mr. Melton targeted Evans Welch, who is held on a misdemeanor traffic violation, marijuana and "paraphernalia" charges, and as we go to press it is unknown why Welch is being held without bond and cannot see his parents.

Even if the Welch home is the most nefarious hub of narcotics trafficking in the history of the Deep South, the destruction of the house is a clear violation of any sort of constitutional due process of law. For that reason alone, Melton's actions should be investigated thoroughly. And if he committed a crime, or directed a group of children to commit a crime, he should be charged, arrested and tried, just like any other citizen should be. If he committed such crimes against the U.S. Constitution in the course of his duties as mayor, then he's unfit for the position.

This is the United States of America—tolerating such abuse of power is not an option. It is high time that public officials show the people of Jackson that they give a damn about them and their rights; in fact, it's their sworn duty. Every member of the City Council took an oath to uphold the laws of the state of Mississippi and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Were Mr. Bluntson, Mr. Tillman, Mr. Allen and Mr. Stokes lying with their right hands raised?

It is clear to us that Mr. Melton has many members of City Council on a short leash. It is no surprise that Frank Bluntson would not challenge Mr. Melton. Bluntson and Melton go way, way back and have been embroiled in controversy together in the past. They are in lockstep.

As far as we can tell, the same goes for Charles Tillman. He does not come to council with Bluntson's baggage, but he seems to warm his chair fully on Melton's behalf.

The real tragedies are Ben Allen of Ward 1 and Kenneth Stokes of Ward 3—two men who in the past were the polar opposites of each other, both inciting racial and ideological controversy, both too quick to use the other as a way to get publicity. Suddenly, though, they are buddies—at least when it comes to their unwillingness to hold Melton accountable for his actions.

Since Allen—the most avowedly conservative council member—became the surprise "compromise" choice for council president, we have seen him trying to unite rather than divide. We know he works diligently behind the scenes to clean up some of the mayor's messes, and we appreciate that. We know he is in a tough position. However, we believe that Mr. Allen's penchant for compromise has gone too far at this juncture. There has to be a line drawn in the sand—a line that if any public servant crosses, they are held accountable. It's a line that isn't hard to find—it's 220 years old, written into something called the Bill of Rights by revered men we call our Founders.

The message must be sent that this mayor is not above the law, and that Mississippi doesn't tolerate a tinhorn Bull Connor—with a Cracker Jack badge and keys to the JPD Winnebago—who bullies individuals and communities in poor neighborhoods where they're afraid to fight back. If Allen wants to serve Jackson, right now is the time to stand up and serve.

The principles at stake are high, and Mr. Allen's duty is clear.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment is Kenneth Stokes. Melton's worst transgressions target his ward. We understand that Stokes has a fierce loyalty to Melton, for reasons probably only they know. But again, this is line-in-the-sand time. Mr. Melton is targeting the very people that Stokes has stood up for so unswervingly in the past—a fact that forced us to respect Stokes' loyalty even in the midst of his worst antics. But right now, Mr. Stokes needs to make the right choice—and that choice is to support and protect the people of his ward against an out-of-control mayor who does not understand limits, legal or otherwise.

We applaud Margaret Barrett-Simon, Marshand Crisler and Leslie McLemore for repeatedly taking principled stands, even when they are unpopular. But we stop short of offering superlatives above "job well done." It is, after all, their job, duty and the right thing to do. We call on other members of the Jackson City Council to put aside their devotion, their fear or their misgivings and follow their lead. For a public servant, this is one of those times when you stand up to be counted.

Previous Comments

ID

73433

Comment

The silver lining in the big, dark cloud that is this fiasco is the awesome reporting, editorializing and blogging from the JFP.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-06T12:33:37-06:00

ID

73434

Comment

Great column! And I'm worried nothing will be enough to make the infamous four see the light. That is, nothing short of the polls.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-06T12:35:39-06:00

ID

73435

Comment

You know, if Ben would just flip--and I'm completely blown away by the fact that he hasn't--then you have a 4-3 City Council majority doing their job. I don't expect much from Bluntson and Tillman--they were elected as yes-men to Melton, so I'd be a fool to expect any different from them--and Stokes has already demonstrated that he has completely sold out. But where's Ben Allen? Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-06T12:41:52-06:00

ID

73436

Comment

Just in case anyone out there is confused about what City Council's actual responsibility is here, I'm re-pasting Chimneyville's post from another thread about this: The idea that the legislative branch of government must vigigantly serve as a watchdog over the executive branch is expressly recognized in mississippi municipal government.section21-8-13(4) of the mississippi code states that "the council,in addition to such other powers and duties that may be conferred upon it...may require any municipal officer,in its discretion,to prepare and submit sworn staements regarding his official duties,and otherwise to investigate the conduct of any department,office or agency of the municipal government." additionally,section 21-8- 27 states that "the council shall have the powr to investigate any part of the municipal government and for that purpose to compel the attendance of witnesses and the productionof documents and other evidence." the legislative branch of government nationally has been a bullwork against tyranny and abuse by presidents and their underlings. Posted by: chimneyville on Sep 06, 06 | 9:46 am I mean, what fool would argue that Council should NOT step into a situation where the executive is accused of wreaking havoc on the city!?! The law certainly doesn't back them up.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-06T13:23:58-06:00

ID

73437

Comment

It is unclear why Mr. Melton targeted Evans Welch, who is held on a misdemeanor traffic violation, marijuana and “paraphernalia” charges, and as we go to press it is unknown why Welch is being held without bond and cannot see his parents. They are probably keeping him hidden until the whelps and bruises are gone. (i'm not trying to be funny either) I sure hope not because then the Sheriff is letting the public down too! Also, I wonder which Municipal Judge denied him bond? Was it Judge Priester, whose wife represented Melton when that girl drowned at the YMCA, and both of them donated to Melton's campaign? Judge Priester was Melton's first appointee to the bench. Just wondering?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T13:35:55-06:00

ID

73438

Comment

Pikersam you have a very good point. A good look at Melton's contributor's report would answer a lot of questions. It's public record and I think everyone should take a gander at it. You'd be surprised who supported him at the time. I wonder if you asked those contributors now, who would they support. Remember a long time ago, and I may be aging myself, there a TV show that started CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU? I would like to change that up a little bit and say HARVEY JOHNSON WHERE ARE YOU????? We sure do need an honest man like him now.

Author

Constituent

Date

2006-09-06T14:57:52-06:00

ID

73439

Comment

I think where the council failed, at least 4 of them, is not necessarily that they voted to not investigate, it is not doing anything! Just think if they could have stepped out of City Hall, and held a press conference. Where they announce that they have taken the keys to the MCC and grounded Melton. That they have asked for the names of the children on the van so they can contact DHS to better insure these children are in proper care. They could have announced their commitment to Chief Anderson and the police; but, want to see sweeping changes in enforcement. They could have said that the citizens will have better access to City Hall and public records. They could have apologized for allowing Melton to tarnish the image of the City and that they will take steps to improve that image. Then they could have said they still supported Melton and wanted the city council and the mayor to work as one heartbeat or something cheesy like that. Those are the most concerning things to the general public. Many of us recognize that Melton has probably broken the law, and needs to be punished. Thank god for those that do! But, the most chatter around town about Melton involves the MCC, the kids in his house, and the image of the city. To have seen an effort by you guys to address, even, one of these issues (the MCC for sure) would have helped. Now you risk losing the support you once had with some of the people, and losing the mayor you dearly love. For what? But, nope. We got nothing but defensive crap from Blunston, Stokes and Allen. Come on! Anything, but the way y'all acted yesterday could have thrown up a better smokescreen for Melton than what got into the press. Even if he balked at all of them, at least you did SOMETHING. But, nope! And Melton may prevail; but, the stink of this one will linger with those who are the closest.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T20:16:36-06:00

ID

73440

Comment

It seems Ben was misinformed when he declared "we aren't an investigative body!" this morning on television. Poor Guy.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-09-06T20:22:00-06:00

ID

73441

Comment

The saddest thing of all is that just about everyone in an official position is treating all these young people like throwaways. Do Councilmembers really not give a damn that Mr. Melton may well be turning them into criminals -- under the guise of, er, fighting crime. Learning that the answer to crime is going outside the law and destroying personal property and terrorizing neighborhoods is kinda Gestapo tactics. Someone should tell Mr. Allen. While you're at it, point out that it's not Council that is asking to be the Gestapo; a Council that stands aside and says, "it's not our problem!" aren't the Gestapo; they're more like the "good" people who stood by and allowed the Gestapo to terrorize people. Or, closer the home, the upstanding White Citizen Councilors that allowed Klan violence to terrorize this state. As we say above, there comes a point when a man (or a woman) has to stand up for what's right. We're past that point here, and four members of Council have, thus far, failed the test.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-06T20:32:14-06:00

ID

73442

Comment

... or like the "good" citizens of Birmingham who did nothing to stop Bull Connor. Thanks so much, y'all, for showing the world how much Mississippi has changed. Yes, we've changed. Now, it's blacks and whites together who are terrorizing African Americans. Ooooo, what progress. Seems I may have just found my editor's note for next week. Stay tuned.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-06T20:34:35-06:00

ID

73443

Comment

And for anyone who says that the Council has no established responsibility here, I feel the need to repeat Constituent's question from earlier today: Would we even be having this discussion if Melton's victim was an upper-class white in Eastover? No. The Council would have been on it right away. Hell, Melton would have been indicted by now. In some ways, Melton may actually turn out to be good for this city. He has revealed the race-class double standard with such overwhelming clarity that nobody, now, can legitimately deny that it exists. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-06T20:47:58-06:00

ID

73444

Comment

If he had gone into Eastover and started in on a building, you certainly could be sure there'd be a Civil lawsuit against the city already filed. Money means power, after all. Not even Old Dale could get him out of that. As for the whole "He wouldn't do this to White People" idea... let's wait and see. The problem with Melton is we don't know what he'd do. Frank frequently doesn't know.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-09-06T22:15:28-06:00

ID

73445

Comment

Oh, I'm not saying he wouldn't do this to white people. Just that if he did, he wouldn't get the free ride from the Council and the state attorney general that he's getting right now. This goes beyond Frank Melton for me. This has opened my eyes to how Jackson and Mississippi still operate, and in some ways I think we owe Melton our thanks for that. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-06T23:10:43-06:00

ID

73446

Comment

Well, I wouldn't say any white person. I'm sure if it was some wrong-side of the tracks, meth-head they would have as much apathy. I'll at least give Melton and his "click" that much credit. I didn't see any of these guys helping out with Mary's House. They may have behind the scenes, through donations or similar; but, publicly she was left out to dry.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T23:57:13-06:00

ID

73447

Comment

The Clarion Ledger has now joined the chase and from my vantage point that is a good thing. Guess its just wistful thinking but it would be nice if they could do some self assessment and see their huge part in getting some of these men elected. Many others in influental positions need to do likewise. But, the press has an obligation to investigate, investigate, investigate and then report their findings. Opinions belong on the opinion page. Manipulation of the news should be a forbidden exercise and one that is not tolerated by an ethical press. My hat is off to the Jackson Free Press and their dogged pursuit of the truth. Now there is so much more to investigate, like: Where's the money?

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-09-07T08:33:39-06:00

ID

73448

Comment

Tom sees race, and that's fine, but I see class prejudice. Melton wouldn't have pulled that stunt on the nice homes in predominently black Woodlea subdivision either, because he knows there are enough middle and upper income black professionals there to retaliate against that kind of bullying. So again, he goes after the poor and least among us because they are unable to fight back as effectively. He screwed Mary, a poor white woman, because he figured she didn't have the resources to bring his lies into public view.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-07T09:28:13-06:00

ID

73449

Comment

I don't see it so much as class or race 'prejudice.' To me, it looks like a batshit crazy mayor drunk on power, abusing those weaker than he is. Which is what makes the whole thing so revolting, and why it feels like such a betrayal of the whole political process.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-07T09:36:32-06:00

ID

73450

Comment

ejeff, Is it possible that he sees us all as having just a "three day memory" and seizes headlines betting we won't remember what is going on? Like Mary's house: it made great headlines to begin with and then we were just supposed to move onto another headline and erase our memory.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-09-07T09:37:03-06:00

ID

73451

Comment

Margaret for Mayor!

Author

golden eagle

Date

2006-09-07T09:50:51-06:00

ID

73452

Comment

Chris, that is pretty typical of how politicians see us PERIOD. They count on voters being able to barely remember every freaking detail of the stories that get reported in municipal, state, or federal government. Without watchdog publications like the JFP, or media outlets like talk radio and the internet, many of the sins of politicians would be forgotten. To his detriment, FM does so much outrageous stuff on an almost weekly basis that its difficult for the average Jacksonian to forget how useless he is as a mayor and a person.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-07T09:52:35-06:00

ID

73453

Comment

Amen, Kate. Frank is the Action-In-Jackson. Incidentally, I was at Bully's Restaurant yesterday and started to talking about Frank in my usual bad way. Black folks looked at me like something was wong with me. Now, I'm wondering if the majority of black folks really know the man is crazy. I realize I was in the company of only a small group of people.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-07T10:29:17-06:00

ID

73454

Comment

ejeff writes: Tom sees race, and that's fine, but I see class prejudice. Melton wouldn't have pulled that stunt on the nice homes in predominently black Woodlea subdivision either, because he knows there are enough middle and upper income black professionals there to retaliate against that kind of bullying. I think both race and class play a role (it's impossible to cleanly separate the two in a city like Jackson), but if the person actually renting the house was white, I'm sure the Council and state attorney general would have reacted. My race concern has more to do with the lack of action on the part of the Council/AG than with Melton's motivations per se. I don't even pretend to understand Melton, because he's not even acting out of his own self-interest. The motives of the Council and AG are a little more transparent. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-07T11:29:38-06:00

ID

73455

Comment

Yeah, I never understand people who think that issues are about EITHER race OR class. So often, they're about both, or the two reinforce each other in some way. The truth is, Mr. Melton might do these same things in poor (or rich) white neighborhoods -- but he knows he couldn't get away with it because of racist double standards. Thus, he doesn't. There is simply no denying the role of race here. He is targeting black neighborhoods. People who should be outraged are not because he is targeting black neighborhoods. Not wanting that to be true does not make it untrue. And don't forget how willing Mr. Melton is to play the race card both directions—to make fun of people concerned about racism to white folks, and to play the black victim to black folks. His use of race comes squarely down to convenience, and it is convenient for him to play out his fantasies in poor black neighborhoods because so few will then give a damn.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-07T14:31:51-06:00

ID

73456

Comment

Agreed. The only part of this that confuses me is that so many folks who have been concerned about civil rights for a long time--Kenneth Stokes belongs at or near the top of the list, as do the editors of the Jackson Advocate--seem to have put their convictions aside for Melton. I don't understand. Does this represent a national trend that conservatives can exploit--where they know they can get away with racial profiling and so forth if the official dealing it out happens to be a black Democrat? What's the deal here? This is one more case, BTW, where I'm glad that we have such a strong NAACP chapter. Derrick Johnson is nothing short of amazing. I don't know what we'd do if we had an NAACP leadership that was also drinking the Kool-Aid. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-07T14:42:58-06:00

ID

73457

Comment

I wish the Jackson Advocate were playing a more active role in this issue. Since this is truly a black issue, then the state's oldest black newspaper has more of a role in exposing Melton's antics than the JFP or the Clarion Ledger, especially since Mr. Tisdale has been fighting against police brutality and oppression against black people for nearly all of his life. And yet I rarely see a headline that mentions the mayor, let alone any of the controversy. Kind of sad to see.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-07T15:31:51-06:00

ID

73458

Comment

Here is a very fitting quote from THOUGHT OF THE DAY: "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress." - John Adams

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-07T15:42:21-06:00

ID

73459

Comment

I read the Jackson Advocate every week. I don't recall ever seeing anything about Melton. I know for sure I haven't seen anything negative about him. A striking contrast to articles and criticisms of Johnson, Foster, McLemore, Crisler , Dagner-Cook, Brown and many more. I can't understand it. Frank must be doing lots of wonderful things in the black community and overall Jackson that we're too far removed to know about.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-07T16:10:27-06:00

ID

73460

Comment

No, the Advocate is a huge advocate of Mr. Melton. I personally think it's ironic that he has not popped up in their "brown society," considering his strong relationship with white folks they love to hate. It's funny to hear them on the radio going on and on about Ben Allen, even as Allen is in their camp these days. And Kenneth Stokes has done some sort of dance. It may just be that Mr. Melton has all of 'em fooled. Bizarre times, these.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-07T16:15:02-06:00

ID

73461

Comment

Nall, Stokes, Alice, and Mr. Tisdale are too smart to be fooled repeatedly for this long. It's something deeper than that. I sho' would like to know what it is? I feel confident that I have figured out the link with Kenneth and the mayor, and it's not because Frank has something on him. Kenneth is loyal to people who are loyal and good to him and his family. Not unlike most people. He will have to see something truly wrong and awful to sway him against the mayor.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-07T16:41:28-06:00

ID

73462

Comment

WTF? Order a gang to tear down the front of a man's house with a sledgehammer with no warrant or probable cause to enter the property isn't *wrong* enough for K. I. Stokes? Then what the hell is wrong enough for him? I agree Tisdale has a limit to which he will forgive the mayor's actions. I listen to his radio show almost every week, and there have been a couple of times that he came close to coming out against Melton when prompted by a caller. Not surprisingly, one of those instances was when there was a story that Melton was considering hiring Jim Black as a JPD consultant. No way was Tisdale going to let that one go by unchallenged. And that may be another part of the reason Tisdale and Co. go limp in dealing with the Mayor...access. Tisdale was out of favor with Johnson and he knew it. Melton seems to still be providing some access for the Tisdale crew, as demonstrated by having Stephanie Parker-Weaver on his staff. But I'm waiting for the day that even Mr. T will have had enough and will join our side of the bandwagon. I still believe that day is coming soon.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-07T17:02:41-06:00

ID

73463

Comment

Ejeff, didn't he say "get the drug out by any means necessary." He doesn't consider that truly wrong or awful enough to take counter actions. The other matters involved exceed the wrongdoing of this act. Believe me, I'm not trying to make an excuse for him. I'm simply stating what I believe is the case with him. I have said earlier I disagree with him on his position on this matter. I don't expect anyone to find this explanation or position acceptable or merotorious. It is what it is.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-07T17:13:07-06:00

ID

73464

Comment

As to what is enough? I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that yet. I'm just as bewildered.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-07T17:22:58-06:00

ID

73465

Comment

Ray, I respect you trying to explain his position. You and I are in agreement about the Mayor's actions, but I have to say that I am profoundly disappointed by Stokes' decision to go along with the program. While I have disagreements with him on political ideology, I always respected him for trying to remain a man of the people and a voice for the disenfranchised. But not being man enough to acknowledge that the Mayor is breaking the law and actually hurting his community is alarming, and speaks to a side of his character that I never thought I'd see. If Melton was truly committed to ridding the city of drugs "by any means necessary" he wouldn't have abandoned community policing, hired a weak police chief, or developed such a contentious relationship with the DA and the Sheriff's Dept. For Stokes to support a man who is clearly more interested in being a "thug" mayor than trying to continue Johnson's plan for inner-city economic investment is betraying everything I thought he stood for, and makes him look a lot dumber than I know him to be.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-07T17:28:11-06:00

ID

73466

Comment

Quote of the day from Kim Wade to Larry, Alan Lange (both of whom wre way out of line this morning on the radio) and others like them that support Melton: The gleen in their voices (about Melton's antics) is like the gleen in the eyes of those who watched the lynching of blacks in the photos I've seen. Wow!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-07T17:42:08-06:00

ID

73467

Comment

I agree with you, Ejeff. I'm surprised too, to put it lightly, to see what we're seeing in Kenny. But unstated or secretive personal reasons for supporting someone often trump everything known to us. I suspect he's in a tight spot. Maybe a no win situation. I'm hopeful he'll figure out how to handle his dilemma, and once again be the man we've seen him be in the past. How do you account for all the support Frank still apparently has in the black community beyond Kenny and the Jackson Advocate. While I haven't seen Kenny or the Advocate criticizing Frank's job performance, I haven't seen them praising or lionizing him either. In other words, as far as I can see, they're not encouraging others to support him in the black community or elsewhere.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-07T17:43:37-06:00

ID

73468

Comment

I used to go to church with Alan Lange. I have a hard time making myself believe he's sunk that far into the muck, but then I have a hard time believing that he's done things I've seen him do, too. He's an enigma. Wilson Carroll is the same way. Both incredibly slick, gracious people when you sit down and talk to them, and then they'll do and say things that make your head spin. And not in a good way. I reckon the Citizen's Council people were probably the same way, in their day. They wouldn't have been able to infiltrate government very well if they'd been wild-eyed Beckwiths or Killens, who were both seen as "white trash" pariahs in their communities because they had gone a step beyond the murder by omission that the Citizen's Council advocated and into the murder by comission that could get a fella locked up. Anyone ever seen The Manchurian Candidate? I think institutional racism is a lot like that. These guys can seem completely sane 99% of the time, but they have their trigger, and when it's activated, they play into a very old role from way back, the role they've been brainwashed to play. The harder I think and the more I read, the harder I find it to believe in free will. I think there are evil actions, and I think people are programmed one way or the other to commit them, in ways that they can't really control. Because there are basically two elements to a person, science tells us--the organic element and conditioning--and we don't choose either of them. It's one of the reasons why my support for the death penalty has waned. So I don't know about Alan Lange, but I think Kim Wade was absolutely right and I'm very saddened by that. I also wonder, sometimes, if I've ever gotten that gleam in my own eyes. I'm sure I have. I'm sure I can again. And that terrifies me. I've said it before and I'll say it again, folks: Institutional racism is a disease, all whites suffer from it, and the best we can do is treat the symptoms--but we can't treat the infection. Ever. And even treating the symptoms requires something we'd colloquially refer to as an act of will, whatever the hell that means. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-07T17:54:51-06:00

ID

73469

Comment

Gleen - glean! Thanks Tom! Yeah, for them to joke about having signed sledgehammers to give away to callers is horrible! That only the half of it. Maybe they could forward a tape over!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-07T18:02:00-06:00

ID

73470

Comment

I used to go to church with Alan Lange. Note that his proper name vis-a-vis the other blog is "FPOS Alan."

Author

Lazarus

Date

2006-09-07T18:46:18-06:00

ID

73471

Comment

I heard that Larry and Alan made utter a$$es of themselves this a.m. on air. Which as everyone knows would be something new and different.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-07T20:46:45-06:00

ID

73472

Comment

And, indeed, the Citizens' Council operated very similarly. They were the, er, upstanding types who complained a whole lot about crime by black folks and used it to justify any illegal treatment of them. Sound familiar?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-07T20:47:36-06:00

ID

73473

Comment

I asked a rhetorical question in the other thread that tells me we had exactly the same thought about all this. :P And yes. I just read this headline and am thinking about blogging it on my civil liberties site as a great example of what we're talking about. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-07T22:27:02-06:00

ID

73474

Comment

Investigate Now, if our Council cannot ask Melton who was on the MCC that night or any night, if they cannot say to the Chief "take the keys from Melton to the MCC," if they cannot ask if he was at Ridgeway and if he did what is alleged, if they cannot ask how much it is costing us to run his "clique" around town, if they cannot ask if Melton had a restraining order, if they cannot ask if Melton beat that man at the club, if they cannot ask if was drinking... THEN THEY ARE FAILING US! Meltonites shouldn't get stuck on stupid with the word "investigate." In the councils capacity, an "investigation," can mean a "detailed inquiry" on behalf of the citizens of Jackson. With the budget coming up, are our Council members not allowed to ask questions why a department needs x,y,z? Don't believe them when they say they couldn't do anything - couldn't investigate!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-08T08:08:03-06:00

ID

73475

Comment

Tom, I really don't buy your "brainwashing" theory, at all. We do have free will, we do have BRAINS and we do have our own eyes and ears and hearts. Alan is responsible for what Alan does. Period, end of story. Just because he's presentable in polite society doesn't make him somehow 'brainwashed.' This is the same point I've been arguing with Kamikaze on another thread - look at what people do, not at what they say and how they say it. The C-L article this morning cracked me up. "Evers said his first recommendation was for Melton to 'shut up'." Thank you, Mr. Evers! And, kudos to Sherriff McMillan for jumping into the fray: "Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson and Sherriff Macolm McMillan said the are investigating...". Those are 2 people I definitely wouldn't want joining forces to investigate me.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-08T08:15:06-06:00

ID

73476

Comment

Way too go Ben!!!! Council President to disscuss violations by Melton at 2:00 pm!!! http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060908/NEWS/60908009

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-09-08T11:11:15-06:00

ID

73477

Comment

I can't wait to hear this. He better not be bullshooting either.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-08T11:18:06-06:00

ID

73478

Comment

its been a toughweek for ben and we need to help him find his way through this.perhaps it means changing the terminology, away from the term "investigation" which seems to connote law enforcement work for him and instead have the council "meet" with the police chief to examine police department policies such as use of equipment and personnel and expenditures relating to such. perhaps "meet" with the chief at the next council meeting and bring the "policy" issues up as a discussion item . did anyone notice that melton said he would not be coming to council meetings any more??sam

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-09-08T11:30:18-06:00

ID

73479

Comment

Well, Ben would vote the same today as he did Tuesday. Sigh. We must back his ("all of our") Mayor for the next 2 yrs. 10 mos. Oh, Well, great leadership is not often displayed, I guess.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-09-08T15:15:05-06:00

ID

73480

Comment

How do you account for all the support Frank still apparently has in the black community beyond Kenny and the Jackson Advocate. While I haven't seen Kenny or the Advocate criticizing Frank's job performance, I haven't seen them praising or lionizing him either. In other words, as far as I can see, they're not encouraging others to support him in the black community or elsewhere. - Ray Carter. Then you should have listened to Tisdale's show tonight. They virtually endorsed the Mayor, and pretty much demonized anyone who opposes him as not caring about getting dope out of the black community. There were a couple of callers who took shots at them for being blind Meltonites, but Kenny and Co. pretty much dismissed them without comment. Kenny just kept repeating his mantra about getting the dope out "By any means necessary". And he and Tisdale asserted now that we finally have a mayor who is bringing attention to the dope in his ward, even while using extraordinary means, we are going to let the white folks try to put him in jail. Breathtaking. I hope this attitude is in the minority, but it is really hard to determine.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-08T21:20:28-06:00

ID

73481

Comment

ejeff, money is a bad drug!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-08T22:32:29-06:00

ID

73482

Comment

I talk to a lot of AA people in this city. They are overwhelmed at the antics of this man. Let's be honest most want speak up because "speaking against another black in public is not what we do, that would be playing into the hands of the white man". We let a lot of stuff slide by because we don't want to be labled a sell out or some other negative. If you think Tisdale and group are powerful what happened to that big march and rally they had several weeks ago? Nothing came of it. We may not speak out but we so stay at home when somethings are purposed. So don't panick we will correct things at the polls. That is the best we can do given the circumstances we are in.

Author

jada

Date

2006-09-09T00:37:10-06:00

ID

73483

Comment

Jada, why is it "we" will speak out about Johnson, Crisler, McLemore or other blacks who are actually working to move the city forward, labeling them "Uncle Toms" or sellouts, but then go dead silent in opposing blacks like Melton who are clearly leading us backwards? Isn't that double standard just as destructive? And we can't always wait until election time to make changes in our leadership (we may have to in this case, but I hope not) sometimes this stuff needs to be confronted publicly regardless of how white people perceive the issue. "WE" run this city, and its up to us to keep this government in check and remind them that they are public servants, not tyrants.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-09T17:24:51-06:00

ID

73484

Comment

ejeff I don't recall Johnspn. Mac or Crisler ever doing somethng so stupid as to come under the medias scrutinylike this man has done. People like the Jackson Advocate build their sales OMHO on saying negetive things about those AA who really are trying to make a difference. I don't believe any of them give money to that paper so of course they are "uncle Toms". Everytime I try to read it it is so full of hate speach and more news about Africa that our community. Stop I am not against Africa but we need a paper who will focus on our community. IF you don't like someone it is hard to be unbiased and willing to name call seems to feed into his Tisdale's followers. if you listen the same people call in who have been calling for years. He want even let those who doen't follow his line of thinking speak.Yes "WE" run the city but you know there are those who still cater to the rich and powerful regardless of color. Money has trumped everything else.

Author

jada

Date

2006-09-09T23:37:06-06:00

ID

73485

Comment

ejeff I don't recall Johnspn. Mac or Crisler ever doing somethng so stupid as to come under the medias scrutinylike this man has done. Agreed. They certainly made policies or actions that I might have disagreed with, but they generally were statemanlike in their roles. Certainly they never engage in the kind of lies and deceitfulness that Melton displays People like the Jackson Advocate build their sales OMHO on saying negetive things about those AA who really are trying to make a difference. I don't believe any of them give money to that paper so of course they are "uncle Toms". Everytime I try to read it it is so full of hate speach and more news about Africa that our community. Stop I am not against Africa but we need a paper who will focus on our community. IF you don't like someone it is hard to be unbiased and willing to name call seems to feed into his Tisdale's followers. if you listen the same people call in who have been calling for years. He want even let those who doen't follow his line of thinking speak. I support black media for its role in reporting news not covered by the msm regarding our community, but I won't spend a dime supporting a publication that won't report the actions of this administration simply because they *like* him more than the last guy (that includes the C-L). I also recognize the same voices calling Tisdale's and Ever's show every week, that's pretty typical of local talk radio. The same thing happens on WJNT. But I still think its a barometer about how much support there still is or isn't for Melton in the inner city. I think Stokes and his followers became so disenchanted with the government bureaucracy in addressing their concerns that they made a "deal with the devil" as a quick start to solving the drug problem in the inner city, and now they can't admit to themselves or their constituents that they were wrong. Yes "WE" run the city but you know there are those who still cater to the rich and powerful regardless of color. Money has trumped everything else. Depends. Jackson is at a disadvantage economically because so much of the wealth has moved to the suburbs, leaving the City in the position of having to provide the same services with less revenue. The City has to find a way to draw some of that wealth back into the city limits, and sometimes that requires making business deals that some people will see as "selling out". It is about money, but I don't see us as having much of a choice.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-10T13:22:34-06:00

ID

73486

Comment

People who put their business here and live somewhere else are a least trying to help the city while they get more money. That is the nature of business make profits. I am not mad at those people who move for personal reasons but I do get mad when they tell us who we should support. FM is not for me never will be. He had to much garbage in his bag when he ran for me to support I just wish others had paid attention. The hand writing was on the wall and look who is profiting. Those supporters stories are going to come out just like his has and we can see just how he got elected.

Author

jada

Date

2006-09-10T20:47:58-06:00