Jackson Free Press

Keep up the solid work with the Jackson Free Press. I grab every one of those free copies I can get my hands on. We agree on precious little (actually, in conversation, we all might surprise each other!), but one of my favorite moments every week is to stretch back on my lounge chair and crank the JFP open. Appreciate it!

"I Felt Completely Helpless"
I am Leslie Berryhill's father ("Driving While Young," Oct. 13-19, 2005). I lived through this ordeal, and it was an ordeal. Anyone who has children—black or white or any other race—would react the same way. The hours my daughter was missing were the hardest of my life. I am outraged that this whole event happened the way it did. When you read the curfew as it was written, many loopholes were designed this would not happen.

My daughter has never been in trouble with the police or any other state or federal agency. When this incident happened, I was at first concerned when she was only 15 minutes late. By the time we were notified by the detention center, I was frantic. I felt completely helpless. I did not know what to do or where to look. I thought my baby was gone, kidnapped, carjacked, raped or dead. I was relieved when the detention center finally called. Then I was told that I could not have her back until the next morning. I think I might have lost total control of my temper; it had been a very stressful night.

I went (to the city council meeting) with Leslie thinking surely they would say, "Sorry we handled this improperly." I was in for a surprise when I watched Leslie with tears pouring from her eyes, recanting her story, and then to be told by the council president that (she was) speeding and the officer had every right to do what he did. … I hope that Officer Flynt never has to endure the sheer terror that was in my mind, thinking Leslie was being hurt and crying "Please daddy help me!" I appreciate all the support we have received from this article, and I do hope that this incident will not be repeated with another innocent family. Thank you for your support.
—Bobby Berryhill, Jackson

One Call
The House recently passed an appropriations bill for defense spending. Included in the bill was legislation related to the treatment of prisoners of war. Introduced by Sen. John McCain, the anti-torture amendment will help prevent future Abu Ghraib-type incidents by prohibiting "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment of prisoners in the custody of the U.S. military. The bill passed overwhelmingly with only nine votes against it. Because of the McCain amendment, George Bush has threatened to use his first ever veto of a bill.

Mr. Bush does not want Congress dictating to him how he has to treat prisoners and evidently our own representative in Senate feels the same way. Thad Cochran was one of the nine who voted not to condemn the act of torturing prisoners. Give him a call (202- 224-5054) and ask why he voted against the safety of our troops, against the future of the Iraqi people and against the best American values.
—Brian Essex, Jackson