Jackson Free Press

In the aftermath of the Edgar Ray Killen arrest, the tough-on-crime stalwarts at The Northside Sun fretted over whether the old Klansman can possibly get a fair trial in the state's current "political climate," and seemed very bothered that the climate is changing (presumably for the worse), thus allowing such belated arrests to occur.

They wrote in last week's editorial: "Killen and the rest may be guilty, but they're still entitled to a fair trial. That will be challenging given the more than 40 years that have passed and with a powerful chorus clamoring for their convictions. A conviction must be based on solid evidence, not political expedience." We love ya, Wyatt. Hoot-per-minute.

Two letters to the editor in Sunday's Clarion-Ledger don't do much to expel the notion that racism is alive and festering in the state. Charles Odom from Brandon wrote, "In this name-changing era, I can't understand why the black community is letting such a golden opportunity pass without trying to change the name of Neshoba County to Chaney County."

Jimmie Morgan of Amory proffered a bit of a threat in his letter: "If Jerry Mitchell and others there don't like our state, they can leave or be tarred and feathered and run out. There are other places he and his kind would better fit. Furthermore, if your paper cannot begin to represent the majority population of this state more civilly, then we do not need you. You do realize the majority race of the state makes your living do you not? Shape up or ship out!"

Disclaimer: These brilliant "thinkers" do not represent all Mississippians, just the most annoying ones.

Previous Comments

ID

64363

Comment

Disclaimer: These brilliant ìthinkersî do not represent all Mississippians, just the most annoying ones. And the numbers back this up! The Hinds County Election Commission's site (linked from the "Knowledge is Power" forum board) definitely shows that most precincts in Fondren and Belhaven had ALL of the following.... At least 30% of the ballots went for Kerry At least that same number voting against the Marriage Amendment (The fire station polling place right by Millsaps shows 49% against the Amendment). We can safely presume the aforementioned people did NOT vote this way. Whatever faults the state has, we can rest assured there's at least a small 3-square mile or so pocket along lower N. State Street that can be a safe haven for boat-rockers. (Sorry if I'm being excessively restrictive, but that's just how things turned out based on my personal criteria for "great place to live")

Author

Philip

Date

2005-01-20T16:48:00-06:00

ID

64364

Comment

Wonder when the res will get it's name changed . My personal criteria for any future name changes are (1) Nobody can deny that person made positive contributions to the metro, state, or nation - especially the name must be beyond controversy. (2) The person had deceased at least 25 years ago (too much opportunity for politicking if the person has been deceased for that long, not to mention still living). Too bad that every one of those people are either still alive or passed away less than 25 years ago. Any ideas?

Author

Philip

Date

2005-01-20T16:49:18-06:00

ID

64365

Comment

well, every one of the people I know of anyway

Author

Philip

Date

2005-01-20T16:51:22-06:00

ID

64366

Comment

"Killen and the rest may be guilty, but they're still entitled to a fair trial. That will be challenging given the more than 40 years that have passed and with a powerful chorus clamoring for their convictions. A conviction must be based on solid evidence, not political expedience." Call me annoying, but I agree with the spirit of this statement. It should not matter the crime- everyone deserves a fair trial. If you Liberals are going to demand that these disgusting terrorists have a fair trial, you dern better well make sure that someone just as disgusting like Killen get a fair trial as well. We are a people that abide by the rule of law and it doesnt matter the crime- the trial needs to be based on facts, due process, and not politics. Remember, when the world called for all the Nazi leadership to be put to death- remember who stood up and said they deserved a fair trial- with lawyers and the whole nine yards- That was the United States- and like the Nazis this Killen fella deserves a trial as well. However, I must admit, I depart from the author of this statement if he is suggesting because its been 40 years they can't have a fair trial- that is just plain wrong.

Author

bluedog

Date

2005-01-21T14:00:46-06:00

ID

64367

Comment

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw those two letters. I was SO tempted to write and thank Mr. Odom for the inspiring suggestion, and mount a call to put it in action. (smile) I am kidding, but I'm afraid that he is not. And we wonder why other people think Mississippians all have hoods and robes stuck back in our closets and why we get get such bad press worldwide.... Bluedog, I think it's so very sad that none of these men got a *fair* trial back in the 60's. I believe they'd all still be sitting in jail if they had. I just hope that the other perpetrators, even the powerful and yet unnamed, will yet see fair trials. Of course, they deserve a fair trial, despite their age and the amount of time that has passed. However, people have been suggesting that they be given a pass because of those two things. I don't know what other construction can be made of the statement by the man who wants to tar and feather and run out of the state anyone who brings these crimes up now. I could never agree with the spirit of his statement, because he in no way appears to be advocating fairness. He *is* "just plain wrong." I was struck last year by a statement made to me by a couple of South Africans. They told me they were a bit apprehensive about coming thru Mississippi during their trip to America. They were afraid of us. I hope that those of us who interacted with them were able to overcome their apprehensions, but knowing that even South Africans are fearful of Mississippi's reputation is very sobering.

Author

C.W.

Date

2005-01-22T11:07:02-06:00

ID

64368

Comment

FYI - as Clarion Ledger reported today - Sen Gloria Williamson was informed by Sen. Billy Hewes, Chairman of the Senate Hwys & Transportation committee, that he would not be bringing out of committee SB 2961 to name Hwy 19 the Chaney, Goodman & Schwerner Memorial Highway. Sen. Hewes told her this was not a good time because it could generate negative publicity since the arrest, etc. Of course, this completely ignores Sunday's paper that published all of the supportive and encouraging editorials supporting the indictment of Killen. Sen Williamson advised Hewes that she would attempt to amend every bill that they brought out of committee to add SB 2961 and he said "that sounds like a good idea." His statement inferrs that he was instructed not to bring the bill out of committee. You can bet that there are some Senators who do not want a recorded vote on this matter and will do anything to avoid it. There are 7 bills in the legislature to designate memorial highways; 4 in the House & 3 in the Senate. SB 2961 was introduced at the request of the Philadelphia Coalition. It is time we are heard on the subject. See the list of committee members below. Please copy and paste the following internet address http://www.state.ms.us/frameset.jsp?URL=http://www.ls.state.ms.us/ss_membs.htm to go to the State Senate Directory....click on the name of a committee member and you will find about them....email address, phone number, etc. You can also find this information in the on-line edition of the Clarion Ledger at www.clarionledger.com - go to the Legislature Archive link then to the Senate Telephone Numbers link. Please contact them and urge them to encourage the Chairman to allow Senate Bill 2961 to be brought out of committee for a vote by the Senate. Highways and Transportation Committee Billy Hewes III, Chairman J. Ed Morgan, Vice-Chairman Sidney Albritton Terry W. Brown Nickey Browning Hob Bryan Scottie R. Cuevas Bob M. Dearing Ralph H. Doxey Merle Flowers Tommy A. Gollott Jack Gordon John Horhn Robert Jackson Perry Lee Travis L. Little Nolan Mettetal Stacey E. Pickering Billy Thames

Author

fbd2

Date

2005-01-26T11:40:32-06:00

ID

64369

Comment

Might not want to waste your time on Terry Brown. I doubt anyone who thinks it's A-OK to speak to the Council of Conservative Citizens is likely to listen to any plea for a Goodman-Chaney-Schwerner Highway. Or maybe we ought to send him twice as much mail, what do you think? Is anyone in the Jackson area planning to go to a certain south Jakcson fish house tomorrow night (with a camera and/or a notebook)? Let me know if you are - I'd love to print the names of whoever has the nerve to show up after the publicity Emily Wagster gave them (bless her heart, I love the woman). If so, write me at [email][email protected][/email] . I can't pay you in money, but I can surely send some good thoughts your way. Even better would be to have pictures to put up on Mississippi Political or in the JFP! Donna?

Author

C.W.

Date

2005-01-26T19:10:30-06:00