Jackson Free Press

The Mississippi Link (http://www.mississippilink.com) is reporting the following:

Minister Bro. David Muhammad and Fruit of Islam members of the Nation of Islam assemble a task force capable and ready to sweep out crime in an effective manner until crime has ceased.

"Minister David said that Nation of Islam expects civic organizations to do their part as well to help eradicate crime. "NAACP is an organization known for fighting for the rights of black people from a egal stand point – voter education, voter drive. The 100 Black Men are known for mentorship. The National Urban League is known for economic development. Cougar specializes in reparations. Continue to do what you do – we are putting the best of the best in the pot and presenting it to the community," said Minister David.

Read the entire story here: http://www.mississippilink.net/index.php?id=62

Previous Comments

ID

106575

Comment

I read this story with mixed feelings. First, I couldn't help but think about the old questions about religion: Is the reason there are so many denominations in Christendom because you believe yours is right and others are wrong? Is there good in all religions? Who decides which is the right one? With the problems we are facing because of crime, I think it is good that everyone has ideas about ways to combat it. I just happen to think it works against the cause when we have small factions trying to do what they think is best without any communication and dialogue from similar groups. Don't get me wrong: I believe everyone has to do their part. My question would be, can it be accomplished without the help of others?

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-25T21:46:41-06:00

ID

106576

Comment

It's good to hear of the effort from the nation of Islam regarding crime in this city, but I also see your point webb. can it be accomplished without the help of others? Not really. i mean i think that they can accomplish unity of the community to a certain extent, but as we seen with frank melton, one person or one organization cannot eradicate crime. It takes the effort and collaboration of the entire city, not simply one person or one organization. the rhetorical question to ask the nation would be if your organization believes it can eradicate crime alone, what would the possibility be if your organization worked alongside JPD or NAACP or 100 black men etc?

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-06-26T09:46:07-06:00

ID

106577

Comment

jan2006, I have to say that issues like this are exactly why I don't take part in open political or religious discussions. IMO, the idea of the Nation of Islam being united enough in itself to help Jackson with its crime problem concerns me. It's not as though they have had the most clear, single-minded ideals in the past. That is why I am more in favor of all groups coming to the table and seeing how they can collectively help.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-26T23:38:40-06:00

ID

106578

Comment

Exactly, the main thing that bothered me about their ideas is the Men Only Community Rally Against Violence. I am somewhat aware of the ideal roles the Nation of Islam places on men and women, but imo it can't be a Community Rally if only men are invited. There are many single family homes, who may not have a male to represent their family in this community rally, so what type of message does that send. I agree with their stance to get more black men involved, but don't leave out the women and children until you think their input is needed. That isn't complete unity. 'That is why I am more in favor of all groups coming to the table and seeing how they can collectively help." I totally agree.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-06-27T14:56:09-06:00

ID

106579

Comment

I don't mean to sound flip, but I think the odds of the Nation of Islam sweeping out all crime in the city are about the same as the odds of my joining the Church of Scientology and starring in Mission: Impossible 4. It's a kind offer, but civilian posses just don't tend to be very good at this stuff. I used to think the Guardian Angels were something else, but then I read some of the horror stories and realized (pay attention, Mr. Melton) that when citizens go out on armed patrols in lieu of trained, accountable, regulated police officers, it's generally not a good thing. Policing is a coordinated effort. Nobody praises the "badass air traffic controller who throws out the rulebook and follows his gut" because he crashes planes. Policing is just as much of a science. Let's give the women and men in blue the respect they deserve and acknowledge that, however ineffectively we might think they're doing their jobs, they're much better at it than a group of untrained volunteers would be. By the way, I might be in the minority on this forum, but I really don't think the recent surge in crime is anybody's fault, not even Melton's. I blame it on Hurricane Katrina and the resulting influx of low-income (and extremely stressed out) evacuees from New Orleans. Rape is down; carjackings are way up. What does this tell you? People need money. They aren't just being bastards. They friggin' need MONEY. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-06-27T15:21:47-06:00

ID

106580

Comment

Let them start a "guns for beanpies" exchange program.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-06-27T15:34:26-06:00

ID

106581

Comment

Tom, I do agree with you. There are alot of factors to what is going on in Jackson. I almost feel as though I should say that I feel that the Mayor's approach has come across unfortunately like what the Nation of Islam is proposing. We can't do it alone. We have to work together. By all of these factions saying they want to do "something", that is a start. Now let's get together and make it happen.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-27T21:01:37-06:00

ID

106582

Comment

has anyone heard or know of any updates to this story that the mississippi link reported? just curious, because I haven't seen any action they have taken thus far or heard of anything. please advise.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-15T03:14:55-06:00