Ellington

April 3, 2007

We're on deadline, but I have to make a couple quick comments on Clarion-Ledger stories today. The first, on Melton's plan to increase the pace of demolitions, is a pretty solid story, with lots of facts and figures.

It does have an intolerably sloppy line at the major transition in the story: "But Melton may have a hard time making his idea a reality." Of course, we all know what they mean, which is something along the lines of "Melton may have a hard time realizing his plans" or "Melton may have a hard time achieving his goals" or something like that. "Making" your "idea" a "reality" is just bad writing, because strictly speaking, all ideas are already real. And bringing an idea "into reality" sounds like some sort of voodoo birthing ritual.

That aside, the real problem is not with Goliath's reporting but with Melton's management:

"We don't have a car for one of our crews. We don't have pencils or cameras or batteries," Lewis said.

"I think it's a lack of passion. There are no rules against working on Saturday and Sunday," he said.

Now, an earlier draft of this story I can't find now made me laugh out loud yesterday, because it said Melton said there was no rule against working on a Sunday. As the son of a Baptist preacher, I wanted to yell at him to read his Bible, because it's clear about not working on the sabbath. Sure, most people ignore the "rule," but it's definitely there.

Rule or no rule, it is asinine to ask city workers to have sufficient "passion" that they work unpaid over the weekends. Maybe you could ask that of emergency workers, and you could expect it of them during crises. But asking demolition crews to work on the weekends unpaid because they have "passion" for their work is simply ridiculous, and it is definitely not going to accelerate the demolition schedule.

The other story that deserves comment was Goliath's story on Melton's Texas lawyers jumping ship and leaving Danks at the helm. There is much of interest to discuss in this development, but as usual, the mayor grabs the spotlight by being aggressively absurd:

Melton said he trusts Danks and his other attorneys and believes the local team is more versed in the local politics he believes are behind the charges against him.

"This is a lot deeper than some house that was allegedly torn up," he said. "We're going to expose some very serious corruption in this city."

Does Melton really have so little understanding of what his trial will entail? Even if Joe Webster is more accomodating than Tomie Green, I cannot see him nodding sympathetically if Melton takes the stand and starts spewing such nonsense.

DA Faye Peterson: "Did you demolish the Ridgeway duplex on August 26?"

Mayor Frank Melton: "Your honor, I object. She's only asking me that because she f*cked Jimmy Jam."

Melton's repeated vows to "investigate" any public body that questions his disregard for due process and the rule of law is an insult to the intelligence of the citizens of Jackson. This is your trial, Melton, for your crimes. You never had the authority to investigate the DA's office in the first place, and you certainly will not do so during your own felony trial.

Previous Comments

ID

172720

Comment

Bump. Melton's really outdoing himself in today's Goliath. I love the smell of executive arrogance in the morning.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-04-03T08:44:17-06:00

ID

172721

Comment

DA Faye Peterson: "Did you demolish the Ridgeway duplex on August 26?" Mayor Frank Melton: "Your honor, I object. She's only asking me that because she f*cked Jimmy Jam." Snirk. I just spewed coffee on my monitor. Thanks, Brian. ;-) Riiiiiggggghhhhttttt. Corruption made him (allegedly) order a bunch of young men to destroy a duplex. Got it.

Author

ladd

Date

2007-04-03T09:35:12-06:00

ID

172722

Comment

Brian's eloquent dialog aside... Does this look and sound like the actions and words of a man who is reformed from his humbling heart surgery and a day in jail? "Some house" and "allegedly torn-up" It was torn up! That is a fact. "Allegedly?" That's not what he said when first interviewed by WAPT.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-03T10:23:59-06:00

ID

172723

Comment

The reason why he can dump his lawyers in TX is because the fix is in! Speaking of which, any word from the MSSC on Greens complaint? 2+ weeks and counting.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-03T10:25:32-06:00

ID

172724

Comment

or now he has to pay that judgement out of his pocket and a lawyer like that cost ALOT of money.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-03T10:27:03-06:00

ID

172725

Comment

None so far, Piker. We'll let you know as soon as we hear.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-04-03T10:28:11-06:00

ID

172726

Comment

What jumped out at me was that if Melton destroys the houses in question, federal funding for the area will be put in serious question. Not that the houses are spectacular- they aren't. Historic districts do, however, have meaning. Melton's disregard for this small truth may well mean the Farish Street will never become the entertainment district many hope it to be. I suppose one of his friends in Texas is building the replacements? I'm not bashing Melton simply for the sake of doing so. I simply don't understand his methods- particularly when buildings are involved.

Author

tombarnes

Date

2007-04-03T12:53:59-06:00

ID

172727

Comment

I simply don't understand his methods- particularly when buildings are involved. I don't understand his methods when ANYTHING is involved. Look up the word "enigma" in the dictionary and his picture should be next to it.

Author

L.W.

Date

2007-04-03T13:06:08-06:00

ID

172728

Comment

Having just seen the video on WLBT, I have to ask whether or not the houses shown are in the historic district. The clip mentions that they are "next to" the historic district. There is a world of difference between the two. As for the replacements Melton proposes, they look suburban and not exactly appropriate for downtown. In any event, the district boundaries are what make the difference here. Does anyone know whether these houses are in or out of the district? If they aren't, I have no particular problem with their removal.

Author

tombarnes

Date

2007-04-03T14:38:10-06:00

ID

172729

Comment

"Not that the houses are spectacular- they aren't. Historic districts do, however, have meaning." tombarnes Some years ago there was an active Farish Street Historical District with a director, etc. The Mississippi Heritage Trust did a tour of the area. It was stated then that next to Harlem in NYC, the Farish Street Historical District was the most significant intact African American district in the US. The State of Mississippi's History & Archives Department had or has some type of control over the area. I thought the Historic District went all the way from Amite to Monument or Fortification St. and from Lamar to Mill Street. It was pointed out that Beale St. in Memphis had leveled all around their site and had destroyed most of the historically significant buildings off Beale. Somewhere I have heard that if you lose a certain percentage of the buildings in a declared Historic District that you lose your designation. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-04-03T15:58:59-06:00

ID

172730

Comment

This is off-topic. I also understand that it's a good cause. Nevertheless, one word: treacle.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-04-04T09:10:12-06:00

ID

172731

Comment

Interesting to me, is that these house were "renovated" in 1999. How much did we spend on that? Now they are too dilapidated to restore again? Or are we giving up? I would like some proof of these investors that want to build townhouses there. I don't believe Melton has them. I think he just wants those houses gone.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-04T09:12:10-06:00

ID

172732

Comment

you mean like Harborwalk?

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-04T09:20:57-06:00

ID

172733

Comment

Whenever frank has his butt in a crack, he comes up with some fantastic, unbelievable story. He claims that he has some investors out of TEXAS, of course, who are ready to build some "high-rise, affordable apartments. I have heard this lie before. When will this guy make good on some of his promises? Those properties are a part of the "Historic Farish St. District" and can not be torn down through the melton demolition strategy - Tear down and ask questions later. There are some people who are waiting on him to make this error. A hint to the wise should be sufficient.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-04T09:52:33-06:00

ID

172734

Comment

Does anyone know the facts surrounding the Texas Team filing a petition to the Courts to be formally removed from frank's case? Why would they leave now with so much heavy stuff (felony charges) yet to come? frank made a sarcastic statement saying, "I get along better with the MS attorneys, anyway." What is this all about? With the ruling for All State in the MBN case, it makes you wonder if frank is trying to do a real financial assessment.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-04T11:08:29-06:00

ID

172735

Comment

Whenever frank has his butt in a crack, he comes up with some fantastic, unbelievable story. He claims that he has some investors out of TEXAS, of course, who are ready to build some "high-rise, affordable apartments. I have heard this lie before. When will this guy make good on some of his promises? Yeah, like that recording studio on Farish Street. Anyone seen it yet? :-P

Author

L.W.

Date

2007-04-04T12:00:38-06:00

ID

172736

Comment

Justjess, Pure speculation on my part... however, I'm betting we are going to see a continuance really really soon ;) And... I will say that the chances of having cameras in the courtroom are going to be very slim this go-around.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-04T12:26:29-06:00

ID

172737

Comment

ladd:"Riiiiiggggghhhhttttt. Corruption made him (allegedly) order a bunch of young men to destroy a duplex. Got it. Whoaa there Donna....let us think this one out. The brainless meltonian supporters don't call lawbreakers young men", remember? So, shouldn't they be calling them "thugs"? Oh wait, if they're frankie boys they get a pass on that one, right? Ya know...they were all out that night a "crime fightin'" and all. "To be, or, not (thugs) to be: that is the question." Sheesh you idiots, make up your minds. I'm sure your two brain cells could get along, if they tried. God, I'd hate to be in such a state of denial. Poor souls.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-04-04T13:02:15-06:00

ID

172738

Comment

MP detonation in 3...2....1......

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-04T13:08:26-06:00

ID

172739

Comment

"justjess:Whenever frank has his butt in a crack, he comes up with some fantastic, unbelievable story. He claims that he has some investors out of TEXAS, of course, who are ready to build some "high-rise, affordable apartments. I have heard this lie before. When will this guy make good on some of his promises?" Yeah, and don't forget the ol', "I talked with Deon Sanders just last week, and he's bringing millions I tell ya, MILLIONS", bullsh!t.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-04-04T13:09:44-06:00

ID

172740

Comment

"Mayor Frank Melton: "Your honor, I object. She's only asking me that because she f*cked Jimmy Jam."" Funny stuff. Freakin' funny as hell. "Melton's repeated vows to "investigate" any public body that questions his disregard for due process and the rule of law is an insult to the intelligence of the citizens of Jackson. This is your trial, Melton, for your crimes. You never had the authority to investigate the DA's office in the first place, and you certainly will not do so during your own felony trial." Nailed it man. Dead on.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-04-04T13:16:58-06:00

ID

172741

Comment

Yeah, its clear now. Ladd is telling you what to write during pillowtalk while the corrupt ones in Jackson pay her off with the grant money they get from Bennie Thompson whiile Faye looks the other way while promising the city council members opposing frank that once they get in, nice favorable federal money obtained by Bennie will flow to them as well while Harvey clandestinely meets with all of these people plotting his return to power. very clear now. maybe Melton is right.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-04T13:22:13-06:00

ID

172742

Comment

You'd think if I was getting all that moola, I'd actually have a car to drive and stop having to bum rides. ;-) Anybody got an extra vehicle you're not using?

Author

ladd

Date

2007-04-04T15:36:51-06:00

ID

172743

Comment

Donna, maybe Mr. "Grace and Benovalence" himself will buy you one.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-04-04T17:15:23-06:00

ID

172744

Comment

Sh!t. Don't give him any ideas. I have no desire to be part of the Frank Melton Scholarship Fund.

Author

ladd

Date

2007-04-04T17:19:56-06:00

ID

172745

Comment

HAhahaha!!! ;-)

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-04-04T17:58:17-06:00

ID

172746

Comment

Look at it this way. you won't have to worry about him being your mentor.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-04T18:19:11-06:00

ID

172747

Comment

I know of a slightly used Mobile Command Unit somewhere in Jackson....

Author

tombarnes

Date

2007-04-04T18:48:27-06:00