Ellington

A document (PDF, 40 KB) received via fax by the Jackson Free Press makes it appear that Jackson Mayor Frank Melton is planning a fundraiser at his home for Hinds County Sheriff candidate and city spokesman Tyrone Lewis.

Local businessman James Covington (who publicly supported former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson during the 2005 election) told the Jackson Free Press that he has the printed invitation in his possession.

People listed on the invitation as contacts have denied any knowledge of the fundraiser that, according to the document, is planned for Friday, July 13th.

If true, the invitation would undermine Lewis' claim that Melton has not played a part in backing his campaign.

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin has accused Lewis of running with the support of Melton.

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist--I think Stevie Wonder could see that," McMillin told the JFP in a recent interview, referring to Melton's influence on the race.

"Melton put (Lewis) into the position as public information officer of the city, so that every time the mayor is on television, you see Commander Lewis."

Lewis denied running at the behest of the mayor.

"Just because I'm the city's spokesperson does not mean I'm the mayor's man. I believe I have a strong record, and I stand on my own," Lewis told the JFP.

Both of the individuals listed on the invitation as contacts for the fundraiser deny any knowledge of the document.

Jackie Stubbs, one of the names listed, said: "I have no knowledge. I don't know what you're talking about."

Robert Henderson, who is listed as a contact on the fundraiser, told the the JFP that the fundraiser is "bogus."

Lewis did not return calls for comment. Melton was not immediately available for comment.

Update: Bob Hickingbottom, a contract worker for the city of Jackson, confirmed to the JFP that the invite is geniune and the fundraiser is still on for Friday.

Previous Comments

ID

129198

Comment

The invitation is not bogus. One of Melton's biggest supporters Robert Higginbotham hand delivered an invitation to The Mississippi Link Newspaper today to the attention Of Socrates Garrett...marked "time sensitive." It is no secret that Tyrone is running at the encouragement of Frank Melton. Do we need our sheriff's department fashioned after our police department. I think NOT!

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-11T19:13:31-06:00

ID

129199

Comment

People listed on the invitation as contacts have denied any knowledge of the fundraiser that, according to the document, is planned for Friday, July 13th. I'm not superstitious, but the date of the fundraiser seems somewhat symbolic. Do you think they'll probably change the date and location now?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-11T19:54:06-06:00

ID

129200

Comment

Saw a report on WAPT tonight about this.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-11T22:28:04-06:00

ID

129201

Comment

I got money that says that Lewis/Melton will cancel the fundraiser, say the invite was a hoax and blame McMillian for sending them out to discredit Lewis. This gets better and better!

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-07-12T00:12:38-06:00

ID

129202

Comment

I'd be curious to know where the postage came from?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-12T02:27:43-06:00

ID

129203

Comment

Saw a report on WAPT tonight about this. I saw that too. They received and confirmed it.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-07-12T06:46:52-06:00

ID

129204

Comment

I got money that says that Lewis/Melton will cancel the fundraiser, say the invite was a hoax and blame McMillian for sending them out to discredit Lewis. This gets better and better! I wouldn't be surprised if I saw an ad or flyer from the Lewis camp saying that McMillin sent out the invitations.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-12T07:00:37-06:00

ID

129205

Comment

I, too, was present when Hickingbottom hand-delivered an invitation day before yesterday. It was hand-addressed and marked "time sensitive."

Author

katbird

Date

2007-07-12T07:21:33-06:00

ID

129206

Comment

One question is: Why was Hickingbottom delivering that invite to The Mississippi Link, a paper that hasn't been Melton's biggest friends? What is he up to? Am I the only one who gets tired of all these games in Jackson?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T07:36:21-06:00

ID

129207

Comment

Something doesn't smell right about Hickingbottom delivering an invite to the MS Link. It just might be some kind of set-up.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-07-12T07:48:32-06:00

ID

129208

Comment

If it is a setup by the mayor's folks, then THAT'S the story. Why in hell would they be spending their time printing up fake invitations and distributing them around time? That would be clever. I'm not saying they're doing that, by the way. Or, has Hickingbottom jumped ship? He supposedly did that one time before, but then got back on. Who knows. Adam did leave messages for our friend Hick, though. We'll let you know if he responds.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T07:51:55-06:00

ID

129209

Comment

Based on the things that I witnessed Hickingbottom saying to the person who received the invitation, he has not jumped ship. He made a statement that he had "taken over this thing" and was "running things now." He made these statements regarding city contracts. Consider the source, though...

Author

katbird

Date

2007-07-12T08:08:50-06:00

ID

129210

Comment

Wait, he was there to talk about city contracts and distribute an invitation to a Lewis fund-raiser on the same visit? Are you sure?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T08:12:50-06:00

ID

129211

Comment

Just heard the news that Pat Fordice died early this am. She was diagnosed with cancer some time back. I really liked Pat and she will really be missed. Will log on later to this particular topic.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-12T08:27:07-06:00

ID

129212

Comment

Hickingbottom arrived unannounced in my friend's office, barged in on a conversation we were having. His primary reason for being there was to deliver the invitation. He never said that the event was a fundraiser or to benefit Lewis. He made sure that my friend remembered how to get to Melton's house and then made statements to the effect that he was taking over this thing and going to be running things from now on. He said that he was now "in charge" of "all the contracts." Is he actually a city employee?

Author

katbird

Date

2007-07-12T08:34:57-06:00

ID

129213

Comment

One other thing...he never acknowledge me and only looked at me as he was leaving. I'm sure that he would not have said the things he did if he had recognized me.

Author

katbird

Date

2007-07-12T08:36:14-06:00

ID

129214

Comment

Just heard the news that Pat Fordice died early this am. She was diagnosed with cancer some time back. I really liked Pat and she will really be missed. Will log on later to this particular topic. I started a thread about that here.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-12T08:41:18-06:00

ID

129215

Comment

I think he's a contract employee, but we'll check to be sure what he is now.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T08:41:18-06:00

ID

129216

Comment

melton came into his position at Channel 3, kicking butt and taking names and also getting rid of the union. He is on a path to eliminate anyone who does not amen his B.S. and go along with his program. He once treated Stephanie Parker-Weaver like a dog. Once she learned that all it took was to do what he says, when and how he says it, she was welcomed into his fold. Again I write, melton was at the Black Rodeo with a bull-horn. As people intered the Coliseum, he yelled, "Vote for Tyrone Lewis, Vote for Machelle Purvis or Robert Smith: Jackson needs a change." Why would the mayor of the City get into this level of support. It is usual and customary to wait until his parties' candidate is announced and then throw your support to that person. I forgot, melton said that he ran as a Democrat because he could not win with anyother party connection. A lot of the mistakes and poor displays of political ethics are done by melton because he is just plain and simply IGNORANT. Iganorant is not a bad word: It just means that one does no know. This has been the man's history

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-12T09:14:24-06:00

ID

129217

Comment

Donna, I don't know if its that the paper (The Mississippi LInk) has not been his biggest friend as much as it is..like yours (JFP) they report facts and hold Melton accountable. What is clear to me is that the same people that are in Melton's camp are running Tyrone's and Michele's campaigns. It is such a scary thought to think that should a change occur that Melton would have his hands on every aspect of the justice sytem...we are on our way to the pits of hell if we don't stop and think and take some action against his puppets.....

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-12T10:56:25-06:00

ID

129218

Comment

I saw the fundraiser touted on the local news last night also. This after all the "Frank didn't ask me to run" blather. As my mother once said "I can't abide a bully" which is what Melton is. As for the fundraiser and supporting Lewis I believe a quote from Frank was "I can do whatever I want." I am not deep into politics, but like someone who doesn't know art, but knows what they like, I don't like Frank. I am so tired of him getting away with murder-and that could probably be justified like everything else if it came down to it. I was going to vote McMillin anyway, but now want to show my support. From whence do these yard signs come? I want to put one up and add my own comment "Frank-free". As for the comment by Jess "ignorant isn't a bad word"-maybe not bad, but it is a sad word to have to use about the capitol of your state. And you are being too kind to classify him as ignorant-he has had every opportunity not to be ignorant. He is, as I said before, a bully. A schoolyard bully-unfortunately there isn't anyone willing to give him a time out. On a slightly different note, I was out today during Bush's press conference and heard this comment "Why don't they just leave him alone? I don't want to know what is going on over there. It's his job." Talk about cold chills. "I don't want to know"?.....scary, very scary. No matter who the president is.

Author

patk

Date

2007-07-12T11:31:27-06:00

ID

129219

Comment

Sorry---- I meant the mayor of the capital city of the state. My emotions were typing for me.

Author

patk

Date

2007-07-12T11:33:49-06:00

ID

129220

Comment

Justjess, I really wish someone would video the Mayor when he does these things! It would be great to show him campaigning for these candidates.

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-07-12T12:02:58-06:00

ID

129221

Comment

Frank is beyond ignorant--he's a fool. He knows what what's right but he chooses to ignore it.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-07-12T13:00:06-06:00

ID

129222

Comment

Actually Melton is quoted on WAPT as saying he'd have a fundraiser for Sheriff McMillin at his home too! Please Sheriff take him up on the offer, and then put out an ad with an open invitation to come over to Melton's house to meet you. Make it small dollar so all your supporters can come!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-12T21:52:00-06:00

ID

129223

Comment

Party at the Grove! ;-) Been there, done that.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T21:56:57-06:00

ID

129224

Comment

Melton claimed he didn't organize or know about the two-hour fundraiser being held at his home Friday night. Melton doesn't make a lick of sense in that story! He didn't know about it. Still doesn't? But it's happening? What kind of garbage is this? Talk about a tap dance. A hat tip to Adam for breaking this story. Has the Ledger done anything on it yet, btw?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T22:03:32-06:00

ID

129225

Comment

BTW, this does raise the interesting question that the same person who is organizing fund raisers at Melton's house without his knowledge could be the person(s) asking these candidates to run for D.A. and sheriff, eh?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T22:04:38-06:00

ID

129226

Comment

I doubt the editorial staff would want us to know they are on the invite list!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-12T22:07:07-06:00

ID

129227

Comment

its a shame Melton is such a big liar.....the female listed on the invitation was asked by Melton to help coordinate the event, yet to the public he denies it. The male listed on the invite is supposedly a man of the cloth, a reformed rehabilitated drug addict, yet he says it is not happening...what sense does this make? Support who you will..but stand up and be counted!

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-12T22:12:52-06:00

ID

129228

Comment

BTW, it matters not whether the C-L does anything...the fact of the matter Melton and Tyrone have been exposed.....go get'em ADAM!

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-12T22:18:15-06:00

ID

129229

Comment

It does matter whether the CL covers something this revealing. Their not covering relevant Melton facts is part of how we got to this point. I agree that it is very weird that the people on the invitation deny it. As for your earlier comment about the Link, I agree. I would also say that the JFP hasn't been his biggest friend. ;-) It wasn't a swipe, not coming from me. It was a compliment.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-12T22:26:18-06:00

ID

129230

Comment

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I would rather have Mary Hawkins-Butler as mayor of Jackson than Frank and she makes my skin crawl every time I see her on TV.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-07-12T22:39:55-06:00

ID

129231

Comment

BTW, have WJTV or WLBT reported on the fundraiser? I pretty much watch just WAPT, so I don't know if they did or will report on it.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-07-12T22:41:58-06:00

ID

129232

Comment

Did anyone who's seen the invitation notice that Lewis was wearing his uniform in the photo? Didn't he take a leave of absence while running for office? Does anyone know the "rules" about this?

Author

katbird

Date

2007-07-13T13:13:32-06:00

ID

129233

Comment

I can tell you this Tyrone has not taken a leave of absence, if he has it just happened. I saw the invite, but I can't remember if Tyrone was wearing his uniform. I didn't take it as a swipe, your reference to The Mississippi Link, just as an observation or point of clarity. As it relates to the C-L, perhaps you hold them to a higher standard than they deserve or could ever live up to. That's BIG media... The C-L in my opinion is not why we are here...FRANK is the problem, and yes they may have endorsed him or failed to tell the whole story..but Frank is to blame...no one else...

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-13T15:46:46-06:00

ID

129234

Comment

I don't agree, blkokc. The people who have enabled, supported and covered up for Mr. Melton need to be held accountable as well. If not, they'll do it again.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-13T16:10:04-06:00

ID

129235

Comment

As it relates to the C-L, perhaps you hold them to a higher standard than they deserve or could ever live up to. That's BIG media... The C-L in my opinion is not why we are here...FRANK is the problem, and yes they may have endorsed him or failed to tell the whole story..but Frank is to blame...no one else... You're right when you say Frank is the problem, but that doesn't absolve the C-L's part in it. Sure, they may not be responsible for his actions per se, but during the campaign, they thought he could do no wrong. Anything negative he did or that was questionable, they brushed aside. For them, it was Frank or bust. Now, they're trying to wash their hands clean of it because his administration has become one big circus (and I'm not talking about the Barnum & Bailey circus that's in town this weekend). Give 'em credit for finally starting to see the light, but give 'em hell for leaving all of us in the dark.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-07-13T22:53:06-06:00

ID

129236

Comment

I'm sorry, we can beat a dead horse to DEATH! The C-L did not caste a vote for Frank Melton. The citizens of Jackson did. We can lay blame on them all day and the problem with Frank Melton will still be here. It is obvious to me those here in this forum, do not rely on the C-L for accurate information...so why do you post, what seems like daily, what they (C-L) may or may not be doing. Let's move past that and get with the program of getting rid of Frank. Maybe if we stop saying what the C-L did or didn't do and use that energy to re-elect Faye Perterson and Malcolm McMillin, that will finally send a message to Frank that "Enough really is ENOUGH!"

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-14T15:51:18-06:00

ID

129237

Comment

blkokc, anyone who understands the importance of the media in a community understands that the failure of The Clarion-Ledger, and other media, to give people the information they need to make good decisions is a huge part of the reason we're at this juncture right now. If you're interested in obligations of the media outlets, go read the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, which says explicited that it is a professional journalist's responsibility to expose ethical actions and lapses by other media outlets. We take that responsibility seriously, even if others do not. We are keeping the pressure on the Ledge because the future won't be any better if the media climate doesn't improve. The city will just keep repeating the same cycles. People have to get the information in order to be informed by it when they go to the polls. And for your information, I use my energy in all sorts of ways. It's not like this is either-or game -- either criticize the corporate media OR do ___________ (fill in the blank) for the community. My myriad of personal responsibilities includes encouraging an ethical, active, non-lazy, non-timid Fourth Estate. So please do me the honor of not trying to tell me how to do my job. So you might as quit complaining about it. We're know what we're doing, and why we're doing it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-14T17:19:11-06:00

ID

129238

Comment

WLBT interviewed Melton just before the fund raiser last night: Ballou asks Melton, "Which one would you like to see be sheriff of Hinds County?" Melton said, "I have no comment on that. I can tell you this, Howard, I'm very concerned we had a young man to hang himself three weeks ago. We had another young man whose paralyzed for the rest of his life as a result of a beating he received in Raymond and they're still smoking narcotics there." That allegation about drug activity at the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond, also made in the July 5th press conference, prompted a subpeona from Sheriff McMillin for 17-year-old Michael Taylor to testify before a Hinds County grand jury. Melton said, "We'll go before the grand jury on Monday and we will testify.." Melton has also sent a list of 15 additional names to McMillin and District Attorney Faye Peterson to testify before that grand jury. In the fax dated July 9th, the mayor says the 15 can testify "in reference to an official investigation of a suspected felony being conducted by the state of Mississippi." OK, so Melton is going to host a fund raiser for the man (McMillin) that he is accusing of being responsible for a young man being paralyzed at the jail? Or for allowing them to "smoke narcotics"? Well, it seems that it's now undisputable fact that Melton is behind at least one of the candidates for sheriff. Let's see how it goes from here with the other sheriff's candidate and Ed Peters' two candidates for D.A.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-14T17:27:33-06:00

ID

129241

Comment

I just told you the point. And, yes, you told me how to do my job just above. Read it again. I'm not being defensive; I'm responding to some condescending, dismissive statements about the importance of all of us standing up to the corporate media and demanding better. I'm telling you why I disagree with you completely. Don't dismiss that as defensiveness. That's more condescension, rather than having a conversation about the role of media in a community. That's what I'm doing and challenging others to do as well. You, I'm not sure. My goal is not to "get Frank out" and play petty bullsh!t politics. It is to do everything in my power to help build a strong community, and media climate, so this doesn't happen all over again, once the current situation gets better. (If it does anytime soon, considering how many years it's been building, and not being talked about in the media.) And you really ought to go think about your comparison of my explanation of why media literacy is important to a community to being "eerily similar to Frank Melton's personality." Really, go think about it. Dang, indeed.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-14T21:42:54-06:00

ID

129242

Comment

(This is very weird. The comment I just posted, 11:13 p.m., appeared above the two by blkokc tht I'm responding to. Have no idea why.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-14T21:44:37-06:00

ID

129243

Comment

Happened again, and I'm assuming this comment will appear above the two below as well. Weird-o.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-14T21:45:39-06:00

ID

129239

Comment

Donna, I am neither trying to tell you how to do your job or what to do period...it serves no purpose. I hope you don't think you are some type of ruler and know it all...eeirly similar to Frank Melton's personality...I have my opinions just as you have yours...Say what you will about the C-L...they are our state paper and while I am not defending them...what's the point.....

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-14T21:48:03-06:00

ID

129240

Comment

And donna, as for your involvement in the community, no one has questioned that..u seem extremely defensive...why? we are saying the same thing...Frank is the problem...let's handle him....get him out and move forward....DANG!

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-14T21:51:32-06:00

ID

129244

Comment

I wonder if the same thing will happen to my comment, too. Let me try.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-15T04:11:28-06:00

ID

129245

Comment

Well, mine didn't do that. Maybe it was just a glitch.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-15T04:12:14-06:00

ID

129246

Comment

Yeah, I don't know, L.W. Maybe it has something to do with my being in Chicago, but it's not like I'm even in a different time zone. Oh well. Wikipedia, by the way, has some overview information on the importance of media literacy. However, there is no more compelling argument for it than the mess a compliant and mediocre (and sometimes dishonest) media has helped create in Jackson right now.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-15T09:45:55-06:00

ID

129247

Comment

(Worked right this time. Shrug.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-15T09:46:18-06:00

ID

129251

Comment

I agree, L.W. I'm not arguing that we do one or the other. I argue that we do both. It's kind of like the old argument about whether we look backward or forward on race issues. You do both, and you must do the first to do the second. Same logic.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-15T11:06:08-06:00

ID

129248

Comment

So does anyone know how the fund raiser went? Were there a lot of attendees? contributors? When is Sheriff Mac's scheduled?;)

Author

LKL

Date

2007-07-15T11:17:40-06:00

ID

129249

Comment

Donna, I see your point and blkokc's point. Yes, what's done is done and we need to move forward to fix things, but we should draw attention to what was done to keep it from happening again.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-15T11:22:32-06:00

ID

129250

Comment

So does anyone know how the fund raiser went? Were there a lot of attendees? contributors? Getting that info would probably be like pulling teeth.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-15T11:32:09-06:00

ID

129252

Comment

Thank you L.W. I feel as if I'm being attacked by Donna because I don't entirely agree with her. I never told her how to do her job and if thats the impression I gave I'm sorry. She seems rather harsh when there is a difference of opinion, other than hers. At any rate, I'm not into playing as she says bull sh!t politics, however, I am into getting Frank out of office and building a better, stronger and safer community. I've been doing the latter all of my adult life. I will say this that we have to hold people/businesses accountable, and sometimes Donna comes across as being very petty and whinning when it come to the C-L. But be that as it may, I really think we are all on the same page.

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-15T14:39:45-06:00

ID

129253

Comment

blkokc, the drama isn't necessary. I disagree with Donna and Ray on several issues and I don't feel threatened. :)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-15T15:50:44-06:00

ID

129254

Comment

Don't be silly, blk. I haven't "attacked" you. I responded to what you wrote to and about the way we do our work. I don't know you, and haven't said anything about you personally. It's helpful to learn the difference between attacks and responses. There is nothing about my posts to you that are "whining." They are specific, detailed, explanatory responses about why we will continue to do something that you told me in no uncertain terms to stop doing. Do what you gotta do; I haven't told you what to do, or criticized you. Just responded. Don't be so sensitive.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-15T16:00:10-06:00

ID

129255

Comment

How does one NOT know a fundraising is taking place in his or her home?? haha He said he wasn't aware of it. I sure as hell know what's going on in my house and I would sure hope that someone such as a Mayor would know what's going on in his house. durrrrrrrrrr.

Author

Jo-D

Date

2007-07-15T23:37:05-06:00

ID

129256

Comment

I hope that McMillin will not accept an invite from melton for a fund-raiser at his home. Just as he has drummed up "15" others to bear witness for bad things happening at the county farm, he will figure out a way to turn the event into a negative.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-16T08:58:56-06:00

ID

129257

Comment

Oh, and let's not forget that the people who were listed on the invite said they knew nothing about it. One said it was bogus. Who are these people?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-16T09:01:45-06:00

ID

129258

Comment

Donna, get over yourself....I am so not sensitive nor am I silly. I would encourage you to act accordingly. You are right, I will do what I have to do..Don't you be so melodramatic....I certainly can express how I feel and that's what I felt regardless as to how you classify it. Ironghost, I won't respond to your post..it matters not! As it relates to this fundraiser.... I happen to know two of the people that were listed on the invitation for the fundraiser..How can you not know whats going on in your home...especially when you don't have a wife there, that's running the household and you are seemingly the only other adult in the house that could give permission for usage....It was a lie from the beginning and I don't think Tyrone's people had any idea of the possible fall-out. McMillin is too smart of a guy to fall prey to Frank Melton's shenanigans!

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-16T11:15:20-06:00

ID

129259

Comment

OK, blk, this is silly and surreal at this point. Your whole thing here has been to lecture me, blk; then when I respond to you on point, you go back after me personally rather than discussing the issue of media literacy, over and over again, belittling me, regardless of what I say. If I deny that I'm being defensive (or like Melton, or whatever), you scold me some more, accusing *me* of being melodramatic. This ain't no way to have an adult conversation. I'm done. You are welcome to keep posting on actual issues, but any other juvenile scolding of me or anyone else will be seen as trolling for a fight, especially coming from an anonymous poster.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-16T11:36:11-06:00

ID

129260

Comment

We're hearing rumors of a conflict at the event. If anyone knows anything, please call Adam here, 601.362.6121 ext. 8.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-16T11:44:37-06:00

ID

129261

Comment

ladd, melodramatic? say it ain't so!!! LOL. i wish the JFP would have a melodrama award every year for their "best of" series. and the winner is... Donna Ladd!!! Queen of Melodrama! LOL.

Author

Trust

Date

2007-07-16T11:44:47-06:00

ID

129262

Comment

Folks, I'm actually the opposite of melodramatic. I don't like a lot of drama about anything not supported by fact, and I like discussion of solutions. I frustrate a lot of people because I'm so to the point. But I also understand that people who don't agree with you sometimes will accuse of anything, and some people even get the whole attacking-your-strengths strategy (which only works when the attacks are true; they boomerang back when they're not). It's nothing new. Y'all are wasting your time. You're not going to ruffle my feathers this easily, I promise. Ask those who have tried and given up.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-16T11:47:45-06:00

ID

129263

Comment

I figure Melton's gang is here trolling or something. I mean, actually rooting for the guy is like rooting for the Captain of the Titanic...

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-16T14:29:18-06:00

ID

129265

Comment

Ah,No. Sorry!

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-16T14:45:31-06:00

ID

129266

Comment

I think she would be much uglier to me. ;-) She doesn't like me. It is always fun to be accused of the exact opposite of what you're doing. In poker, they call that a "tell."

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-16T14:45:51-06:00

ID

129264

Comment

My thoughts exactly! Stephanie, is that you? Hahahahaha.

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-07-16T14:46:51-06:00

ID

129267

Comment

(Now, honey2me's time stamp is messed up. Whinnneee, Knol.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-16T14:49:42-06:00

ID

129269

Comment

OK, yours is better, blkokc. Let's stipulate. ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-17T05:10:51-06:00

ID

129268

Comment

I can't be moved or swayed by insults. Nor am I trying to sway you or anyone from your thoughts or opinions. Like you, I'm straight to the point and can go a round with the best of them (ask all who have tried and given up). I'm done with that and I am not picking a fight just responding..... I like this medium...it represents the best of what this city has to offer...fredom of speech....

Author

blkokc

Date

2007-07-17T07:12:23-06:00

ID

129270

Comment

"It is always fun to be accused of the exact opposite of what you're doing. In poker, they call that a "tell." ladd In therapy we call it 'BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER."

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-17T09:53:07-06:00

ID

129271

Comment

It actually doesn't represent "freedom of speech"—we can't offer that as a private enterprise, and we also cannot hinder it—but we do offer the opportunity to post about issues in an open forum that we provide as a service to our readers. As long as people do not abuse that privilege, and try to turn it into a trollfest, they are welcome to enjoy the privilege of posting here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-17T10:15:20-06:00

ID

129272

Comment

So, is today the first mention The Clarion-Ledger has had of the Melton-Lewis fund raiser!?! McMillin has two opponents in the upcoming Democratic primary for sheriff, including Jackson Police Department Cmdr. Tyrone Lewis, for whom Melton recently held a fundraiser. Did I miss their story about it?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-18T09:24:45-06:00

ID

129273

Comment

So, is today the first mention The Clarion-Ledger has had of the Melton-Lewis fund raiser!?!...Did I miss their story about it? That's the only mention I can recall. But then again, look who you're talking about; always expect the expected with them.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-07-18T10:18:34-06:00

ID

129274

Comment

**A teenage ward of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton charged with a violent crime never should have been released from the county jail, Hinds Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said Tuesday.**

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-07-18T12:47:21-06:00

ID

129275

Comment

Yes, "ward" is a weird word to use. Mr. Melton has said himself that he isn't the official guardian of the young men in his home. Their parents have just allowed them to (or not stopped them from) moving in with him. Now, it seems, Youth Court used to assign him kids, and Frank Bluntson would send him young men when he was over the Juvenile Detention Center (which Melton told me). But I think it's a bit less official-seeming these days. He just runs a combo witness-protection-program/boys'-home with little official attention, it seems.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-18T12:50:36-06:00

ID

129276

Comment

Or a glorified clubhouse?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-19T09:42:19-06:00

ID

129277

Comment

Suck It Melton and Tyrone Lewis!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-27T14:02:04-06:00

ID

129278

Comment

What's sad is Melton doesn't care about who he runs off, really. Jackson is going to become a ring city, before anyone realizes his evil.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-27T20:53:19-06:00

ID

129279

Comment

I'm not a Lewis Supporter but he has a slamming party Thursday night Free Entertainment what more can you ask for. LOL

Author

filetmeow007

Date

2007-07-30T09:00:12-06:00

ID

129280

Comment

...what more can you ask for. filetm Substance over style. Fact over Fiction. Walk over Talk. None of which Tyrone Lewis has shown since he adjoined himself to the hip of Melton. But, I can understand going for free food!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-30T09:13:01-06:00

ID

129281

Comment

OFF TOPIC: I saw another Lewis commercial, and I noticed that he has a speech impediment (for lack of a better term) that is common in this part of the country. When he said "community", it came out as "commurnity". I've always wondered why some people pronounce it that way and others don't, even though we're all from the same area. When I was a kid, I remember hearing some of my classmates saying "murk" instead of "milk", "scrawburries" instead of "strawberries" and "screet" instead of "street". Did anyone see in "Daddy's Little Girls" when the guy said "scrimps" instead of "shrimp"?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-30T09:16:11-06:00

ID

129282

Comment

LW, there was a time when we worked at a fast food place while in high school, when if the next person in line said "Can I have a 'scraw' for my drink?" we were going to stick the "Straw" up their nose! :-> I was younger... and dumber then...

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-30T09:20:10-06:00

ID

129283

Comment

Well, Pike, I'm glad you didn't shove it. LOL I think some pronunciations are just "old school". I've heard some older people say "kivver" instead of "cover" and "rainsh" instead of "rinse". My sisters and I often use these pronunciations to make each other laugh, but we wouldn't make fun of an older person for doing it. It's a part of our culture, really. Plus, our mom lets some of these slip, and she said in so many words to get off her back. We now return to our regularly scheduled program. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-30T09:32:38-06:00

ID

129284

Comment

L.W, and Pike, I grew up hearing the same prononuciations for those words. I was in Church's Chicken late one night. A guy who had obviously had too much to drink was ahead of me. He ordered the following: Two BREFFS Two WANGS and a piece of KONE. I knew exactly what the order was but, I had to leave before wetting my pants. I forgot the topic so I will catch up with you bloggers later.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-30T10:24:14-06:00

ID

129285

Comment

"pronunciation" I didn't see my spelling error until after I posted. Sorry.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-30T10:27:43-06:00

ID

129286

Comment

He ordered the following: Two BREFFS Two WANGS and a piece of KONE. I knew exactly what the order was but, I had to leave before wetting my pants. ROTFL!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-30T10:57:00-06:00

ID

129287

Comment

I DIDN'T SAY FREE FOOD! FREE ENTERTAINMENT......... THE FOOD WASN'T FREE NEITHER WERE THE DRINKS...

Author

filetmeow007

Date

2007-07-30T15:14:56-06:00

ID

129288

Comment

I imagine you'll pay for eating food from Melton. (another allusion! All that reading paid off!)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-30T19:29:48-06:00

ID

129289

Comment

Iron, I'll get my pomegranates from the supermarket, thankyouverymuch. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-30T21:33:19-06:00

ID

129290

Comment

I knew someone else would get it. :D

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-30T22:02:19-06:00