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[Stiggers] Operation Backlash

In the ghetto criminal justice system, the people are represented by two members of the McBride family: police officer and part-time security guard at the Funky Ghetto Mall Dudley 'Do-Right' McBride and attorney Cootie McBride of the law firm McBride, Myself and I. This is their story.

Guns for Safety?

Also see: JFP Crime Blog

It so happens that in the past few weeks, a number of people with ties to the Jackson Free Press—staff and former staff—have encountered the same piece of advice from Jackson Police Department officers. The advice: Buy a gun.

[Rhodes] Hopeful Realism

As a Christian minister and public theologian, my days are spent in prayerful reflection about souls—not just the immaterial part of us, but all of who we are. For me, to be human is to be a soul—an embodied spirit, a spirited body. And every day, I'm passionate about serving people holistically, touching and transforming mind, body and spirit: all that we are and all that we have.

[Stiggers] A Jobs Plan

The massive hirings will not affect the prices at Jojo's Discount Dollar Store. Jojo hopes that his positive and creative corporate restructuring will inspire hope and confidence in the spirits of today's extremely financially challenged consumers.

Sex Education is Not a Partisan issue

For so long, Mississippi's public officials, and its community and school district leaders have shied away from talking about sex to avoid the potential political consequences. Last week however, the Women's Fund of Mississippi began advocating for school districts and parents to teach children comprehensive sex education.

[Stiggers] Agitate, Agitate, Agitate

A change might come when tons of letters of concern from angry minority voters pile up in politicians' offices.

[Gregory] One Caring Adult

Before the act of 'murdering,' they act like any other child.

No Tea Party of the Left, Please

The pent-up frustration caused by not speaking out in a clear voice finds a venue this Saturday when some Jacksonians will gather in Smith Park for Occupy Mississippi, a localized version of the Occupy Wall Street protest movement that spread to other U.S. cities in recent weeks. We fear, though, that many of the frustrated protesters could lack focus and are venting.

Pick Better Battles

Jackson city government could be a prime example of democracy in action. The Jackson City Council and the administration of Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. could see their roles as they are designed, working hand-in-hand within democracy's intentional system of checks and balances.

Odyssey of Discovery

Back in July 2006, I found myself on the edge of a new life. Four months earlier, I'd been laid off from a job after nine years. I was at loose ends, not particularly thrilled about continuing in a profession I didn't love any more, but not knowing what else I could do to support myself.

[Kamikaze] Address Causes, not Symptoms

When is enough going to be enough? When will be fed up? No, better yet, when will we get mad? It's these times that challenge the passion in positive Jacksonians.

The Crazy Ones

You've no doubt heard about the passing of Steve Jobs, legendary former CEO of Apple Inc. and the architect of that company's return from near obscurity to--depending on the day--literally the most valuable company in the world.

Eat to Help Mississippi

Yes, you heard that right. We urge all of our readers to start eating and feeding your family well—not only for selfish reasons, but because Mississippi needs you. It needs you to be fit, energetic and have a fully functioning brain because we have many challenges ahead in our city and state. We need all hands on deck and healthy.

Craig Noone, Crime Fighter

A few weeks ago, Jackson State University professor Noel Didla was sitting outside Parlor Market in downtown Jackson waiting for friends. Suddenly, Craig Noone, the young visionary and chef who created the restaurant, saw her and came outside to talk to Noel. He mentioned the current issue of BOOM Jackson magazine in which Noel was photographed at her desk for a small "At Work" feature. Craig asked Noel to autograph his copy and told her how much he liked the small piece.

[Blom] What Revolution Looks Like

Wednesday, Oct. 26, marks the 40th day. The Occupy Wall Street protesters in Zuccotti Park and Mayor Michael Bloomberg have been playing tug-of-war for control of New York City's streets. And the wave has washed over the entire globe. That's right, even to Antarctica and right here in Jackson.

[Purvis] Do Unto Others

I am fortunate I haven't had to resort to drastic measures to stay afloat. I know others aren't so lucky.

[Stiggers] Loosen the Screws

Sometimes events in life force you to make adjustments, just like that company did when it laid you off. It's time for you to loosen those screws. Rise up and move forward. Hijacking a plane won't help you.

Small is Beautiful

When Peter Vandorn laid out downtown Jackson's streets in 1822, he designed a checkerboard of alternating green squares. His plan created a public park on every other block. Stores or residences or offices would open doors and windows to green spaces.

It's Up to Us to ‘Rebrand' City

This week, in preparation for our big Jackpedia student/newcomer guide in August, we asked Facebook friends to share the city's "best-kept secrets" to include them in Jackpedia (and at http://www.jackpedia.com). One smart aleck responded immediately: "don't leave your keys in your vehicle, nor running in certain areas, be careful, very careful, fasten your seat belt. PRAY!" (sic).

[Garrott] The ‘Other' Fan

Football gives us something better to chat about in elevators other than, 'It's hot' or 'It's really, really hot.'