Mississippians Get $1 Million in Foreclosure Relief
[Verbatim from Attorney General Jim Hood]Jackson, MS-Mississippi will be included in the national settlement with Countrywide Financial Corporation (CFC) that will allow eligible borrowers to participate in the company's loan modification program, announced Attorney General Jim Hood. The program went into effect yesterday, December 1, 2008, and was designed to help borrowers who financed their homes with subprime loans or adjustable rate mortgages serviced by Countrywide and originated prior to December 31, 2007. Countrywide was bought by Bank of America on July 1, 2008.
Ronnie Musgrove for Secretary of Ed?
His name is popping up on at least one list, per Wall Street Journal. (h/t Folo)
WTF, Barbour? You Are in the EXECUTIVE Branch.
Gov. Haley Barbour sent out a press statement yesterday in which he doesn't bother to hide that he plans to work "closely" with two new conservative members of the Mississippi Supreme Court. How in the world does the Executive branch of Mississippi government plan to work with the Judiciary branch. This just proves that Barbour is clueless when it comes to "separation of powers." Here's the money quote; the full release is below the fold:
Dunn Lampton Under Investigation?
Raw Story is reporting that the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury may be investigating U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton:
Help Jim Hill's School Newspaper Get Going–DONE!
All, our good friend Emily Braden needs to raise $448 in five days to get this matching grant from the Gates Foundation to help her get her journalism program going at Jim Hill. Please read her e-mail below, then click the link to donate to help her and the students reach the goal!
Time to Stop the 'Black Friday' Lunacy
The trampling death of a Wal-Mart temporary worker yesterday morning in a stampede to shop in a big-box retrailer whose products are mostly made outside the United States sent a clear sign that American needs to grow up and that the marketing creation "Black Friday" needs to end. Not to mention, Black Friday is terrible for local economies and local businesses as people crowd into mega-stores that take much of the profits out of town and out of state (and out of the country, in too many cases.
Time for Gratefulness, and Shopping Local
View Flip FLY!
As Americans come together to express gratefulness today for the blessings we enjoy, the JFP wishes you a safe and loving Thanksgiving. We also urge you to support the local economy for shopping on Black Friday and beyond at locally owned businesses that re-invest all of your money in the local economy. And remember to take the JFP Pledge to spend $100 in local stores this holiday, and be in the drawing for prizes worth hundreds of dollars, and yes donated by locally owned businesses. As we've urged for years now: Think Global, Buy Local!
Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Continue
As Americans prepare for a day of gratefulness, the horrors in Mumbai, India, continue. Follow the story on CNN here and pray for a quick resolution before more people die.
Let Us Begin Again
Not long ago, an evangelical minister and his teenage son visited me at the JFP offices. We sat in the classroom, under the watchful gaze of Emmett Till from a movie poster on the wall, and talked about being inspired to live a good life. The dad is well known in the state for his very conservative views and, well, I'm not.
Do-Gooders on Steroids!
That would be you and me. The JFP is ramping up efforts to form a "Do-Gooder Corps" in Jacksonbasically people who want to help others in whatever way you can, and we invite you to join us. You can get ideas on the new Good Blog, and we're loading up Jackpedia with ways for you to get involved. (Charities and do-gooder groups, please go add/update your information/needs here).
The Salvation Army Needs Help, Now and Later
The Salvation Army is serving more than 1,200 Thanksgiving dinners in Jackson this week, and needs your help. Here's how to donate and volunteer.
Markets Surge for a Second Day
The New York Times is reporting:
Court Denies Death-Row Appeals
[Verbatim from attorney general] Jackson, MS-The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled on an appeal by four Mississippi death row inmates who filed suit claiming the State's method of lethal injection is unconstitutional. The suit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge W. Allen Pepper back in July based on the statute of limitations. In other words, the inmates waited too long to file their lawsuit. The Court of Appeals ruling upholds Judge Pepper's ruling. "We anticipated the court's affirmation of Judge Pepper's ruling in this case," said Attorney General Jim Hood. "The statute of limitations had run on these cases. This was simply an attempt by these inmates to slow down the legal process surrounding their executions."
U.S. Chamber Applauds Obama's Economic Team
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement on the announcement of President-elect Barack Obama's economic team: "President-elect Obama has chosen a strong, experienced economic team. Restoring the nation's economic health must be our top priority and the Chamber stands ready to work with the new administration to spur growth and job creation. This team brings a wealth of knowledge to Washington and an understanding that any sustainable economic recovery will involve the business sector."
Please Donate Children's Coats
The JFP's good friend, Natalie, sent the following e-mail; please help her and the children out, and spread the word far and wide:
Stocks Rally After New Treasury Pick Announced
Good news on Wall Street for a change, per Bloomberg:
What ‘08 Election Meant for Immigration Reform
[verbatim]In 2008 America's Voice (AV), a new communications campaign organization, was launched to harness the power of America's voices and American values to win common sense immigration reform. Working with pollsters Pete Brodnitz, Celinda Lake, David Mermin, and Sergio Bendixen as well as NDN, Hildebrand Tewes, and other leading experts, AV tracked the politics of immigration in the 2008 elections. Following are our top findings. For more, visit http://www.immigration08.com.
Film Producer Doing Interactive Lectures at St. Andrews
Film composer/producer/graphic designer Nathan Johnson will do interactive lectures at the St. Andrews Center for the Performing Arts in December.
Mississippi Museum of Art Receives Major Gift
The Mississippi Museum of Art has received a gift of 50 works of contemporary art from New York collectors Dorothy and Herbert Vogel.
Indeck Magnolia BioFuel Center Breaks Ground
Indeck Energy Services, Inc. of Buffalo Grove, Ill., and Homan Industries of Fulton, Miss., ("The Partners"), invite you to attend the ground breaking ceremony for Indeck Magnolia BioFuel Center wood pellet production plant on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 12:00 p.m., 1610 North Clark Avenue, Magnolia, MS, 39652.
I Heart This: Obama Gives Biden Birthday Cupcakes
Reminds me of our office, and I love our office. ;-) CNN Political Ticker:
Obama Lead Swells Since Election Night
He's now winning by 7 percent rather than the 5 percent on Election night:
Obama: 67,065,042 (52.7%, 365 EVs)McCain: 58,420,587 (45.9%, 162 EVs)
Melton Claims No ‘Evil Motive'
In a new motion filed in federal court (PDF) late today, Mayor Frank Melton claims that prosecutors must show that he had "evil motive" when he allegedly directed and helped police officers and teenagers destroy a duplex on Ridgeway Street in 2006. Federal attorneys have argued to the court that Melton's intent is not relevant and would not excuse his behavior that evening, as long as he knew he was breaking the law. Melton attorney John Reeves writes: "The deficiency in the prosecution's argument is clear. The prosecution suggestions that no inquiry is required beyond whether the mayor knew that his alleged conduct was unlawful when committed. Nothing could be further from the truth."
IN CONCERT: Dorothy Moore
Gospel Brunch Fundraiser
Grammy-nominated Jacksonian Dorothy Moore does gospel right Sunday at Schimmel's.
"Twilight"
So, what's so special about "Twilight"? Ask your little sister.
Why the South Opposes the Auto Bailout
This seems obvious, but it is worth considering. This seems obvious, but it is worth considering, per Salon:
Melton Back In Hospital
[Verbatim from city] Mayor Frank E. Melton was admitted to the hospital after a routine checkup revealed that minor surgery was needed to correct a complication. The Mayor is expected to remain out of the office for the remainder of the week to recuperate.
Dick Cheney, Former AG Gonzales Indicted in Texas
The Associated Press in Texas is reporting:
Wicker to Oppose $25 Billion Auto Bailout
[Verbatim] WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today made the following statement regarding the $25 billion bailout package for U.S. automakers scheduled for Senate consideration this week: "I opposed the $700 billion Wall Street bailout seven weeks ago in part because I didn't think it did anything to get to the root of the problem. Now, Senate Democrats want to tap into those funds to provide $25 billion to struggling U.S. automakers while ignoring the companies' competitiveness issues that have continually plagued them. The Big Three automakers were in financial trouble before our economy slowed down. To provide a $25 billion bailout for some companies isn't fair to taxpayers or the American businesses that have made smart decisions, nor is it good government policy.
Bloomberg: Bush Backing Down on Spending Rest of Bailout
Boomberg News is reporting that a beleaguered President Bush is backing down on spending the rest of the bailout package. The Bush administration is under fire for spending half of the bailout in ways that were not intended by Congress. Bloomberg:
Wicker Applauds Veterans Travel Reimbursement Increase
[Verbatim] WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today applauded the decision by the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs to increase the reimbursement rate for disabled veterans traveling to VA facilities to receive health care. Effective today, the rate was increased from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents per mile. "This increase is a huge benefit to Mississippi's veterans, especially those in rural areas who travel many miles to reach VA facilities," Wicker said. "Increased energy costs and economic challenges have only added to the financial burden felt by many disabled veterans. This reimbursement increase should help alleviate that burden while helping ensure these veterans have access to the health care they deserve."
Youth Project: Oakley Making Little Progress
The Mississippi Youth Justice Project released these findings today, which bolster its case that Mississippi's youth training schools should be closed. Verbatim:
Dan Rather Fights Back, and How
Hmmm, remember Rather-Gate? There may be another chapter on the way, thanks to the vigilance of Mr. Rather himself. The New York Times reports:
City Votes to Take Over Bus System
As the Jackson Free Press reported last week, the Jackson City Council has voted to take over the city's beleaguered bus system. Watch for a more detailed story.
Watch Live Stream of Barbour Budget Presser Tuesday
[Verbatim]Jackson, Mississippi) – Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour will hold a press conference on Tuesday, November 18, to discuss his Executive Budget Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2010. The press conference will begin at 11 a.m. in the Governor's Press Room on the 18th floor of the Sillers Building, 550 High Street. Credential press only. Copies of the budget recommendation will be available. For those who cannot attend, the event will be streamed live at http://www.governorbarbour.com.
Presidential Inaugural Parade Apps Due Nov. 18
[Verbatim from U.S. Army] WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Armed Forces Inaugural Committee has extended its deadline for the public to submit applications to participate in the Jan. 20, 2009, presidential inaugural parade to Nov. 18 by 5 p.m. Applicants have traditionally included local groups from across the country, including school and community marching bands, floats and a variety of performers who fit into a parade format, as well as other non-traditional parade groups such as vocal ensembles, hand bell choirs and orchestras.
Lies, Damn Lies and Excuses
Nothing is more predictable in Jackson than watching for that David Hampton column in The Clarion-Ledger after any major event, endorsement or election. It's the one in which he tells us why everyone but the Ledger is doing something really, really bad.
Volunteer to Be Fired, Please
Clarion-Ledger Publisher Larry Whitaker sent out this e-mail to employees last week:
Thank you for working diligently through these tough economic times, even as I know you are aware that we are in the process of making difficult payroll reduction decisions. Since the announcement that we will decrease payroll by approximately 10 percent, we have been in constant contact with corporate staff about the possibility of adding a voluntary component to the reduction.
Barbour Announces 2009 Spending Cuts; Spares MAEP
[Verbatim statement] (JACKSON, Mississippi) – Governor Haley Barbour today ordered Fiscal Year 2009 spending cuts totaling $41.9 million, or two percent, for most state agencies due to a shortfall in state tax collections. With revenue falling 2.3 percent below estimates, the Governor said the cuts are mandated by Mississippi Code §27-104-13, which requires the State Fiscal Officer to balance the budget when state revenue falls below estimates for the fiscal year. He noted these budget revisions will not affect funding for such priorities as the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), Medicaid, public health and certain social services.
Is the South Politically Irrelevant?
Read this provocative piece in the Times about, well, us:
Celebrating Black Students Called N-Word at Ole Miss
The Daily Mississippian at Ole Miss reported a disturbing response to the Barack Obama presidential victory on Tuesday night:
Byram Middle School Honors Military Veterans
[Verbatim] There will be a Veterans' Day Program on November 11, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at Byram Middle School. Veterans, currently serving military personnel and the public are all invited to share in remembering and honoring our veterans. Please come join us for this special recognition of our men and women serving in our uniformed services.
Money Management Tips for the Newly Unemployed
Jackson, Miss.--- November 7, 2008 With the nation's unemployment remaining high, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Jackson today reminds people who have lost their jobs to continue paying their bills on time and managing their credit wisely during this difficult period. Managing your credit during unemployment is critical since having good credit is a requirement for some jobs. "Some people have the professional and education background for a new position, but may have an inability to pay bills on time," says Sherry Rainey, CCCS of Jackson president. "Failing to manage your finances during unemployment could affect your credit report and hurt your chances of landing a new job."
Driving Mr. Biden: The JFP Interview with the Vice President (Encore)
In 2006, the Jackson Free Press drove then-presidential hopeful Sen. Joe Biden around the capital city to get him off the beaten path and talk about issues facing everyday Mississippians. Due to his new role as vice president, we are moving the narrative of that visit back to the top of the site for an encore.
FLOTUS Dress-Gate: Weigh In on Michelle Obama's Dress
Maybe people are bored after the election, but we have something new to talk about. And it's not just the puppy question. Fashionistas may love it (I at least like it), but others are complaining about the dress first lady-elect (or FLOTUS) Michelle Obama chose for Tuesday night. Care to weigh in? See the dress here
Republican Party, Remake Thyself (You, Too, Barbour)
Politico's headline today, GOP In Dire Straits, says it all. Don't miss Haley Barbour's take at the end, telling Obama how to be, er, non-partisan:
Democrat Merkley Wins Oregon Senate Seat
It's finally been called.
FOX: Palin Didn't Know Africa a Continent
The country sure did dodge a mighty bullet yesterday. All the off-the-record-until-after-the-election is now coming out about Gov. Sarah Palin, including that she didn't know what countries are in NAFTA, or that Africa was a continent. Read and watch the segment here. The wackiest part is that she is still viewed as a juicy Republican presidential candidate for 2012. Let's see if that lasts. If so, that party has deep issues. You simply cannot run a candidate who doesn't know the continents by the time she's in her 40s. Truly.
It's Really Is About Turnout, Stupid!
The JFP has repeated the T-word incessantly since we launched in 2002. That is, conventional "wisdom" about basing political strategy on who has, and has not, voted in the past goes out the window if you focus on increasing turnout, as well as giving unexcited voters candidates who they will turn out for (doh). This year's election has done that, both nationally and in the state, perhaps changing the way we all view election strategy for years to come. First, the early word on what happened nationally: