Jackson Free Press

Please join the ACLU of Mississippi, the Jackson Free Press, the Magnolia Bar Association, the NAACP and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement in a special town hall meeting to address the rights of citizens. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. at Jasper and Associates Complex, located at 3365 Medgar Evers Blvd.

Special Guest Speakers:

*King Downing, National Coordinator, ACLU Racial Profiling Department
*Redditt Hudson, former police officer, Coordinator, Project PEACE, ACLU of Eastern Missouri

Meeting Outcomes:

1. To educate citizens about their rights and how they can hold law enforcement accountable to respecting these rights;
2. To define crime and the root causes of crime;
3. To discuss effective safe ways of reducing crime by utilizing tactics that involve community working hand in hand with law enforcement;
4. To discuss the dangers of "tough on crime" tactics and how these tactics (racial profiling, police brutality, over incarceration of juveniles) make our less-safe in our communities;
5. To document complaints by citizens to assist in the development in a statewide strategy to support legislation that requires law enforcment to document and analyze racial disparities in whose stopped and/or arrested during traffic incidents.

If you'd like to volunteer to take complaints, please call the ACLU office at 601-354-3408.

Previous Commentsshow

Hey will be glad to help, thank you folks for doing this for the citizens of Jackson.

malt

Jul 11 2006

No problem. This is important. Pass the word far and wide. People need to know their rights in this here police state we've found ourselves living in.

DonnaLadd

Jul 11 2006

This is the best idea yet! I'll email this to my friends.

LatashaWillis

Jul 12 2006

Would it be possible to document some of the results of this forum and pass it to City Council members, maybe backed up with statistics and results of other studies? I know a guy who would make it all pretty... ;)

Darren Schwindaman

Jul 24 2006

Since Melton called off the state of emergency thingy, is this meeting still on?

LatashaWillis

Jul 25 2006

Yes, it's just not about the "state of emergency"; it's about protecting one's rights under an administration that, shall we say, isn't exactly obsessed with constitutional rights of citizens. Here's the new press release, and I'll go change the headline: ACLU and PARTNERS SPONSOR KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TOWN HALL MEETING TO ADDRESS CRIME AND CITIZENS’ RIGHTS Jackson, MS-- On Tuesday, August 1st, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in partnership with the Magnolia Bar Association, the Jackson Chapter NAACP, the Jackson Free Press, the Mississippi Link and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement will sponsor a Know-Your-Rights town hall meeting to discuss crime, it’s root causes and citizens’ involvement in coming up with solutions. We will also educate citizens about their rights and on how to hold law enforcement accountable to respecting these rights and keeping communities safe. The purposes of this meeting are to: 1. Educate citizens about their rights: Provide tools and information to people who want to keep their neighborhoods safe while protecting their civil liberties; 2. Begin a dialogue about the root causes of crime and our own personal responsibility to keep our neighborhoods safe; 3. Begin a dialogue about standards of accountability for law enforcement in communities and not allowing these standards to be violated because of crime. Special Guests are: King Downing, National Racial Profiling Coordinator, ACLU-NATIONAL OFFICE; Redditt Hudson, former St. Louis police officer, Racial Justice Manager for the ACLU of Eastern Missouri and Coordinator for the ACLU’s Project Vigilance. We will also document complaints by citizens in order to begin the dialogue with city and state officials about improving law enforcement-community relationships. Our goal is to end racial profiling and police brutality in the state of Mississippi. This purpose of this meeting is NOT to attack on Mayor Frank Melton or the Jackson Police Department. These problems did not begin with the current administration; however, maybe the process of ending these problems can begin here. The meeting will be held at the Jasper and Associates Complex, located at 3365 Medgar Evers Blvd. This event is free of charge and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

DonnaLadd

Jul 25 2006

My husband and I will be there barring any unforseen circumstances.

jada

Jul 29 2006

I live near Medgar Evers, but where exactly is the building? I've never heard of it. If the meeting lasts longer than one hour, I may have to leave early.

LatashaWillis

Jul 29 2006

If Frankie-Boy has his way, he'll be arresting them. I'd love to tell him that the ACLU always wins, regardless of which side they're on, but I don't think he'd listen. Irresistable Force? Meet Immovable Object. [quote] “I hope they don’t obstruct justice and give people false information, because if they do then we will be focusing on them and we’ll come after them,” he (Melton) said.[/quote]

Ironghost

Aug 1 2006

I sure wish someone else besides the ACLU would stand up against Melton. That being said, Melton is flat out an idiot. I'm sorry, but the ACLU would eat his lunch if he dared to "come after them."

pikersam

Aug 1 2006

Coming after the ACLU, eh? First the Klan, then the wingnuts, now Melton. This part of that article was interesting as well: “We have 26 people that have been killed here in Jackson this year. We have 300,000 people killed across America, 81 people a day. The majority of them are African American. It’s time to do something different,” Melton said. “I want to know what the ACLU wants to do besides criticize. Besides that, to hell with them.” But Redditt Hudson, racial justice manager for the ACLU in Eastern Missouri, said Melton is presenting the city of Jackson with a false choice. Citizens can protect their communities from crime while maintaining their civil rights and their dignity. “What we need to do is establish a ground-level rule of accountability that goes across the board,” he said. “I don’t care if you have a gang rag and gun or a badge and a gun, when you come into our communities around our kids and families, you should respect the dignity of the people in our community, value the life of the people in our community, or you should expect to be held accountable.” Anyone have time to factcheck those numbers he's throwing out? Just curious.

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

You can find a google map HERE to the building where tonight's ACLU event will be held. I'm told there will also be balloons and a sign outside to help people identify the building.

Brent Cox

Aug 1 2006

I'll be there, Brent, by the way. Maybe a bit late as it's press day, but Natalie Collier is covering it from the beginning. And bringing copies of the JFP. I predict a good turnout, especially after the mayor's comments today. ;-D

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

Yes, I'm learning that he's a great promoter of social justice activism.

Brent Cox

Aug 1 2006

Indeed. At least there's that. ;-)

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

Here's the AP story: The national American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday accused the city's black mayor of civil rights violations including racial profiling in his crusade to stem crime in Mississippi's capital city. The accusations against Mayor Frank Melton and police are based on complaints from people who say they were pulled over on the basis of their race and searched without probable cause, the ACLU's national racial profiling coordinator, King Downing, said at a news conference. "For me to leave my office and come into one of the states means that there is a very serious problem," said Downing, who is based in New York. "There are problems here that it's going to take the attention of the nation in order to solve." Downing said the mayor's race should make him "more sensitive to the problems this is creating." [...] Since his election, federal authorities have told him to quit packing his pistol on commercial airline flights, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood told him to stop wearing police gear, and Faye Peterson, the district attorney in Jackson, has said the mayor was breaking the law by impersonating a police officer. Melton criticized the ACLU's plan to hold meetings in Jackson to inform residents of their rights if they're stopped by police.

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

I have to quibble a bit with AP's facts, though: I don't believe Jim Hood told Melton to stop wearing police gear—although he did tell him to stop carrying weapons into places prohibited by law, "you will be prosecuted." That's more serious than playing police dress-up. Also, the district attorney's concerns were much more detailed than that summary as well—including concerns about his efforts against black people. That would seem to be relevant to this story.

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

Uhm, Melton has just threatened the NAACP, inter alia, for calling attention to racial profiling. Have Kenneth Stokes and the Jackson Advocate sold out so completely to the white suburbanite agenda that even this won't raise their hackles? Incredible. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Aug 1 2006

Well, the last few press releases the ACLU has sent around is now listing the Advocate as a sponsor, so that will be interesting to watch play out. I assume they were an 11th-hour addition to the sponsor's list as they weren't there when we first started talking about having the forum. That's fine, but I wonder what Melton will think of his defenders co-sponsoring a forum that is challenging his racial profiling. One good thing here is that this should teach the lesson that one can racially profile their own race. That seems obvious, but not everyone gets it.

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

Whoa, a Google News search shows that AP story is being picked up all over the country. A black mayor accused of racial profiling isn't exactly everyday news, I guess. Neither is threatening to "come after" the American Civil Liberties Union. How, exactly, does one "come after" the ACLU, do y'all suppose?

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

Good to hear re: the Jackson Advocate. I take back my snarky comment about selling out, though I will be interested in seeing if and how the JA covers this in a way that makes Melton look good. As far as "coming after" the ACLU goes: I don't think it's hyperbolic to describe that as a fascist threat. The message Melton is sending, or the message he would be sending if he had any intention of actually carrying out his threat, is that if you do something that he personally doesn't like, he'll lock you up--period. Amendments I through XXIII need not apply. Of course it's all bluster and intimidation, and he's going to learn very quickly that the ACLU absolutely loves bluster and intimidation. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Aug 1 2006

Melton says, We have 300,000 people killed across America, 81 people a day. Ladd asks: Anyone have time to factcheck those numbers he's throwing out? Just curious. Last I checked, the U.S. murder rate on average is around 16,000 per year. Melton multiplied the country's murder rate 19 TIMES HIGHER than it actually is. Wow!!! Melton says that there are 81 murders per day across the nation. Multiplying 81 times 365 you get 29,565. Another wow!! I have NO IDEA where Melton gets his stats from. He's just quoting bogus numbers out of thin air. That's called lying.

Joerob

Aug 1 2006

I knew that didn't sound accurate. ;-) Lordy Lord. What's remarkable to me is that media would simply quote him without checking his numbers and pointing out the inaccuracies. They did that throughout is campaign. There is very shoddy journalism.

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

[quote]The UCR Program’s homicide data for 2004 showed that for the first time in 4 years, the estimated number of murders in the United States decreased. An estimated 16,137 persons were murdered nationwide, a decline of 2.4 percent from the 2003 figure. An analysis of 5- and 10-year trend data showed that the 2004 estimate increased 3.5 percent from the 2000 estimate, but decreased 25.3 percent from the estimated number of murders a decade ago (1995)[/quote] from here Not a bad guess, Joerob. 41 a day, for one year. Improvisation doesn't seem to be a strong point with him, eh?

Ironghost

Aug 1 2006

Where the hell did he get the 300,000 number!?! Is this how he mentors young people—just tells them to make up the answers, and threaten people who criticize them? Egad.

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

Guyyyyssss! Look! The Clarion-Ledger has now EDITED OUT these erroneous numbers from their Web story that we quoted earlier (fortunately, we printed a paper copy, too). Earlier today (before our conversation about these numbers here), The Clarion-Ledger story said this: We have 26 people that have been killed here in Jackson this year. We have 300,000 people killed across America, 81 people a day. The majority of them are African American. It’s time to do something different,” Melton said. “I want to know what the ACLU wants to do besides criticize. Besides that, to hell with them.” But Redditt Hudson, racial justice manager for the ACLU in Eastern Missouri, said Melton is presenting the city of Jackson with a false choice. Citizens can protect their communities from crime while maintaining their civil rights and their dignity. Now it says: “We have 26 people that have been killed here in Jackson this year,” Melton said. “I want to know what the ACLU wants to do besides criticize. Besides that, to hell with them.” But Redditt Hudson, racial justice manager for the ACLU in Eastern Missouri, said Melton is presenting the city of Jackson with a false choice. Citizens can protect their communities from crime while maintaining their civil rights and their dignity. Poof, the bad numbers are gone. The question is: Are they covering their own asses for printing bad numbers without factchecking, or Mr. Melton's for making numbers up? Or, dare we suggest, both?

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

What's really bad form here is that they edited this quote with no ellipsis in there to indicate that part of his actual quote is missing. Not good. And for the record, newspapers are supposed to *correct* errors, not simply fix them without mentioning it. Our policy on corrections in online stories is to append a correction notice for any substantive changes. If it's simply a typo, we just fix it. This is not just a typo, though. We really need to alert the journo police about this crap.

DonnaLadd

Aug 1 2006

lordy lordy is right, and I mean right. and, is why I don't read the ledge. course I should, just so I know how bad it is. but, no time for crap. (can I say that? ) just hope the ACLU kicks butt. (can I say that? ) keep us posted, of course you will, we count on that. mucho.

sunshine

Aug 1 2006

While they are re-editing the news why don't they blast Melton for saying that crap. The least they could do is ask him where he got his numbers. Amazing!

pikersam

Aug 1 2006

it does seem the press giving him a "pass" on such things doesn't speak well of their confidence in his ability to lead well.

Izzy

Aug 1 2006

This is great news. Finally someone has stepped forth with the power to make a difference. The AG's office is just sitting by idle and letting this creep continue his reign of terror. Melton would not be so foolish to go after the ACLU. If he does, then Jackson's problems are over (as far as Melton is concerned), and his troubles will have magnified. This group will not be intimidated by Melton's scare tactics and false accusations. I hope that more national and local powers give him what he has so richly earned..........a ticket outta here!

lance

Aug 1 2006

A black mayor of a majority black city plagued with violent black-on-black crime is guilty of racial profiling. Fascinating.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 1 2006

How many of you got to go to the meeting tonight? I had to arrive late and leave early (hated that), but I did pickup some literature. I wish I got some fruit on the way out - looked good.

LatashaWillis

Aug 1 2006

So did you! ;o) Sorry we didn't get to talk, but it was so great to put a face to a name! And I finally got to meet the illustrious Ray Carter, too. Dude is at least 20 years younger than I had calculated he'd have to be to have done the various things he'd done. A great, great event--the first of many, from the looks of things! ejeff, I'm not sure I get your point. There were black overseers in the slavery era, black slave traders in Africa, black folks in the sixties who snitched for the Klan--so why wouldn't there be black police officers, or black mayors, who practice racial profiling? I think history tells us that people really can treat members of their own race or group horribly. I mean, I can name numerous examples, drawn from any ethnicity you choose, if this concept isn't sinking in, but unfortunately it isn't a new phenomenon. Go back your Exodus and Deuteronomy and you will find stories of Israelites who betrayed their own people, Canaanites who betrayed their own people, Cain who murdered his own brother. This is nothing new. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Aug 1 2006

And y'know, Donna, this is Exhibit A if we ever try to prove that the C-L has a pro-Melton bias, for all of it's lover's quarrel foolishness, because it had three options: 1. Quote the statement but point out that it's false. This is responsible journalism. 2. Quote the statement but not point out that it's false. This is essentially mayoral PR. 3. Silently remove the statement to avoid both (1) and (2). This is, at best, gutless and irresponsible. Journo police, indeed. I know there's no ombudsman, and we're not going to get anywhere with Gannett, but is there any other hierarchy we can appeal to? I don't guess the Mississippi Press Association could be turned against the state's largest daily. Who can we appeal to who might put a little pressure on them? Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Aug 1 2006

i am in regret that i was unable to attend such an effort by the citizens of this city in conjunction with an organization such as the ACLU. i hope that the outcome and potential opportunities for action will be posted. (and i hope my missing cat comes home...)

daniel johnson

Aug 2 2006

I don't need a history lesson from you Tom. Merely pointing out the irony.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 2 2006

I do believe that this will garner Melton the national attention he seems to crave. Especially in light of the crime emergency/youth curfew that has just been initiated in Washington D.C.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 2 2006

Sigh. I suppose irony is a bad choice of words, but it is funny to me that the people of Jackson voted for a man who clearly did not have the temperment to be mayor because of his tough on crime by any means necessary platform. And I don't think most people expect a black mayor in 2006 to carry out a racist agenda that harkens back to the white mayors of the past. And, in spite of the ACLU outcry, there are plenty of Meltonites in the black and white community in and outside of Jackson.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 2 2006

And I apologize for sounding more surly than intended. Just my frustration with this city shining thru.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 2 2006

I do believe that this will garner Melton the national attention he seems to crave. ejeff You are right. Unfortunately, many media outlets are taking Melton's "tough guy" quotes out of context, and that is lending to his maverick image. Many cities are getting watered down versions and figure, "well he's a man trying to fight crime." They don't realize that his overall approach is killing Jackson. Thankfully, we have some projects coming that never would have happened hadn't the last mayor laid the seeds.

pikersam

Aug 2 2006

There is no question that black police officers engage frequently in racial profiling and all other kinds of police misbehavior. Some black mayors do it too. The average black, white, or other race person will do almost anything to keep a decent or good job. I've seen more black folks than I can count come into corporate America already Uncle Toms or too eager to become one if offered any additional recompense, attention, or power. There is a culture in every department and company. Those who fit into the culture does well and those who doesn't catch hell or doesn't do well. Mr. Misch, a university of Michigan law graduate, and divisional superintendent for State Farm Insurance, called me into a meeting one time and told me I had the ability and likeability to make great strides in corporate Amercica but I was reluctant to fall into line or follow the program, and the program was and would always be bigger than me, so I had to choose how I wanted to live. I looked at what too many of my friends had become and chose to quit. I walked out without another job. And yes they tried to tell me I wouldn't find another job making that much money. I found one a month later that paid $10,000.00 more. Very few people like me would have rejected the opportunity extended me. I'm proud of that police officer who had a heart and quit the Saint Louis Police Department rather than become a part of all the corruption.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

My friend, Kenneth Stokes, was there, too. I didn't get to talk to him but he gave me the nod and smile before he left. I tell y'all, I know he cares about what is going on. He has a great big heart, and he tries hard to keep his pulse on the whole community. I watched him as he sat there and I saw great conflict and a slight bit of anger within him. I'm yet to discern the conflict or anger though. Don't count him out, he's trying to walk the slippery slopes, and I bet he has a good reason for doing so. We will see.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

Ray how does calling a black person who goes the corporate route an Uncle Tom lend anything to this discussion? It seems narrow-minded to me for you to castigate those who want to succeed in a way different then you or me. And it does nothing to help the fact that Melton is violating our civil rights left and right. Just because you think they are Uncle Toms does that a) make it true and b) make it right for you to say that? It comments like yours that make me wonder if you are helping bring everyone together or are you lending credence to divisiveness.

pikersam

Aug 2 2006

pikersam, anytime success is contingent on assimilating into a culture by letting go beliefs, culture, or allegiances then the individual is being stripped of some vital aspects of their personality springing from their heritage. While the term "Uncle Tom" might be mixed up with a whole slew of insinuations....the bottom line is that it is denoting an individual who is forced to give up who they are, and at times take positions counter to who they are, in order to succeed. I don't think Ray is broadly striking out at those who are succeeding in different ways...merely striking out at those who would sacrifice a part of themselves, and their peers, in order to do it. That is why applause is due to those who would walk out of a career in response to being asked to compromise their integrity...this type of stance always works out for the best. Living without integrity is hardly living at all.

daniel johnson

Aug 2 2006

It is possible for a black to suceed in the white corporate world without giving too much of his ethnicity. I do it myself everyday, and as a result of the success I've had at my company I've managed to slowly reverse some stereotypes and bring in other blacks to my company using my corporate clout. Somebody has to be the forerunner to pave the way for others to follow. But it does take a spine of steel to call white people on the hidden racism inherent in water cooler jokes and conversation, and to confront co-workers who espouse racist views sometimes without realizing it. I take offense to those who would suggest that working for and with white people automatically makes you an "Uncle Tom", but I understand the resentment towards those who turn a blind eye to discrimination towards up and coming blacks trying to achieve the same success.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 2 2006

Pikersam, only a narrow-minded person would confuse what I said like you did. I don't care what you think if you legitimately that meaning from what I said. I didn't say trying to succeed made anyone an Uncle Tom. I hope everyone is trying to succeed. What I meant to say, (and probably didn't do at all or well), is there is a culture in many, if not all, large companies that allows some people to wrong others who do excellent work but who disagrees with the standard policies of the company. For instance, I saw many people who once they became supervisors stop speaking to others they were formerly friends with just because management didn't like it. I've further seen new managers go along with the mistreatment of a subordinate just because they were a manager when the facts clearly set forth a different outcome. I have seen black folks complain about racism being done to them then make management and can no longer see any racism heaped on anyone. I was at the meeting last night and I heard the polcie officer talk about police culture and how countless police officers go along with racial profiling and other mistreatment of innocent people just because they're a police officer too. Often, the black officers come onto the force and become just as racially abusive as their white predecessors or counterparts. Decent people should stand up for what is right regardless of any incentive or fear to do otherwise, else the whole thing become corrupt or tainted. Because I'm not narrow-minded I can see how having poor or low personal standards would allow a person to become part of the problem rather than the soution. The low standards that cause a police officers to turn a deaf ear and blind eye to police abuse is the same as that that allows a black manager to participate in the abuse of employees in corporate Ameica and elsewhere. Anyone who has ever read anything I write carefully know I don't support Melton or any of his tactics. Or police abuse. I call black spineless people and those who doen't give a crap about other black folks Uncle Toms. I also called those who would sell other blacks or anyone else down the drain wrongly because their majority boss tell them to do it an Uncle Toms. I don't care what you call them or that you like them should that be the case.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

I've seen more black folks than I can count come into corporate America already Uncle Toms or too eager to become one if offered any additional recompense, attention, or power. There is a culture in every department and company. Those who fit into the culture does well and those who doesn't catch hell or doesn't do well. ray Please tell me again how I narrow-mindedly took your statement. What you wrote in one post is completely different in the other. You statements are too general and too personal to make it a truism. Very few people ever make it in someone else’s business without playing some games regardless of color or culture. Why a black person is instantly an Uncle Tom for doing so is nothing but talk that brings us backwards rather than forwards.

pikersam

Aug 2 2006

The comment about the culture in those companies is what Mr. Misch told me and I had already pretty much figured out, and many other supervisors and comrades have told subordinates. Rather than participate in it I quit leaving no doubt that I wouldn't didn't subscribe to it, and wouldn't participate in it at any point or at any cost. Too many people do choose to participate in it. And yes I saw many who would from the outset (first day of work) darn near kill just to get into the game. You still confused what I wrote because you didn't read that in context with the whole email. However, you can think wahtever you please. I know who and what I am, and have a long history to prove it.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

And I might add, I'm not sorry for striking that nerve I hit in you with that innocent and probably clear email. Perhaps you should resolve the issues you have with respect to the subject matter of Uncle Toms.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

If you want to continue to discredit success of others who are black and don't follow your path to success go ahead. I never questioned "who you are" just what you are saying. If you can't see the divisiveness of your comment then I feel for you. I guess I was fortunate enough to work for several black, female or Hispanic supervisors in a city that is light years ahead of this one racially. And I never recall my co-workers who were black call out bosses/managers as Uncle Toms or anything like that. Asshole yes, the other no! Sometimes you just have to work hard, follow the employee handbook and good things happen. Doesn't make you a sell out, just a good employee.

pikersam

Aug 2 2006

melton is finally getting the attention he craves and I think that he is so out of touch with reality that he believes that he is going to be featured in the sequel to "Walking Tall." He is like an incorrigible kid. He does not care what kind of attention he gets, as long as it is attention. I attended the forum last night : It was interesting and has the making of an entity in this community that can really make a difference. I got the feeling that these organizations, ACLU, NAACP et al are not playing any games with melton nor are they trying to sugar coat what is happening in Jackson. Kenneth Stokes was present for a short period. He was asked to attend by the President of the ACLU and the Magnolia Bar Association. He has committed political suicide and I believe that he knows it. His secret support of melton and false - face actions with Johnson were straight from Julius Caesar and it was "The Most Unkindest Cut of All." He has been singing melton's praises so it will be interesting to see if his music stops with an assertive move by the meeting's organizers against melton and his unlawful behaviors against citizens. I participated in the Civil Rights Movement during the 60s. There were Blacks who would come into our mass meetings with tape recorders to tape what was said: The information was given to racist whites - often business owners who would fire or have participants beaten if they attended the meeting. So Ray Carter, your point is very well taken and melton is not a prototype for this type of behavior. This is one of the reasons that slavery lasted so long. People were afraid of what members of their own race (Blacks) would tell. This is the very same scenario with melton. Black people are afraid of other Blacks outing thiem to melton or members of his team. I have had people tell me that they are even afraid of publishing on the blog because he (melton) might find out and do harm to them or their family members. This is really sad! But, this is really true

justjess

Aug 2 2006

I have never discredited any real success in either email. I didn't call out any bosses like that either. I was there yesterday and I was there in the past. You weren't at either place. One of us know and one of us doesn't. Guess who? You're trying to bullcrap the wrong person. I didn't even call the biggest Uncle Tom I've ever seen or met an Uncle Tom when all other blacks around me were doing it. I chose not to do it because he was/is still a human being despite being misguided. Selling others down the drain for personal gain isn't success to me. Maybe it is to you. This is my last comment to you on this. As the young people say "beyond this you can talk to the hand."

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

Today, The Clarion-Ledger used the full quote from Melton again—AND disputed it. Now, that's the way to do it. But the quick editing yesterday was just weird; they act like they make up this journalism thing as they go. Today's story: For his part, Melton said criticism from the ACLU and the Jackson chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was "off-base" and counterproductive for a city beset with violent crime. "We have 26 people that have been killed here in Jackson this year," Melton said. "We have 300,000 killed across America every year, 81 people a day. The majority of them are African American. It's time to do something different, and I want to know what the ACLU wants to do besides criticize. Besides that, to hell with them." The federal government estimates the number of murders in the United States at slightly more than 16,000 a year, with African Americans making up about 47 percent of victims.

DonnaLadd

Aug 2 2006

justjess, you do a much more eloquent and factual attempt of explaining what Ray must of been trying to say. It certainly relates better to what Melton is attempting to do to us in Jackson then how Ray tried to sensationalize it. Thanks!

pikersam

Aug 2 2006

I don't think Stokes will pay a political price for his allegiance to Melton because I don't think citizens of Ward 3 really associate him with Melton's antics. They know he really isn't into strongarm tactics. They also know that he cares about the crime problem in his ward, and was willing to get behind someone who he felt would take the matter more seriously than Johnson (I know that is debatable, but that is how it was perceived). Stokes can easily maintain his rep with his constituents by continuing to be visible in these town hall meetings and calling for reconciliation. He truly is the appointed King of Ward 3, but he has to do some damage control to distance himself from Melton.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 2 2006

Control is a gift from God. I can't thank him enough for it. "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

Wonderful, Ejeff. This is what I beleive is eating at him.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

I don't quite get the animosity here between pike and ray. I know you both, and you are wonderful, compassionate people. You don't have to agree, or like each other, but leave personal insults off this Web site. This is starting to get silly, and I know you're both better people than this.

DonnaLadd

Aug 2 2006

Agreed Ladd. I love where Ray comes from on 95% of his posts here. Obviously he has a lot of knowledge to impart on us. Which is why I was taken aback by his orginal post especially as it related to Melton and the ACLU forum. Now justjess bought up some really good examples from the past that better support where I think Ray was coming from. I, myself, see a huge difference between a cop striking a hand-cuffed kid, an illegal roadblock, or a mayor storming onto a citizens porch making threats and the so unattractive world of office/corporate politics.

pikersam

Aug 2 2006

I will take Pikersam to lunch any day she wishes to go. I don't see where I ever spoke glarinly or supportingly of Melton or his tactics at any point. My first post today was not to Pikersam. I was responding to the spirit of what I gathered last night, what it conjured up in me, and possibly to portions of the email I read by Ejeff. I still think a rough comparison can be made between the two jobs. I'm glad that most people got it. When you run off at the mouth as much as I do I know I'm going to offend some. It's the story of my life. Most people like me however, I think. I contemplate constantly not saying anything at all, but urges won't let me be still most of the time. I'll get back to work. Some relief for about 10 days is coming shortly as I'll be out of town for that period of time. Maybe a miracle will occur and I'll learn to shup up some. Smile.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

I may take you up on it big guy! ;-) You never offended me.

pikersam

Aug 2 2006

BlackAmericaWeb today is carrying yesterday's event about Melton and the ACLU. I should add for completeness that lots of black people work for corporations and other entities and do wonderful jobs without selling out or harming anyone else. And there are countless black folks and other folks in all arenas of business and employment who have earned and merited the success they have.I know this is obvious to most, but I'll say it anyway.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

Ray, I didn't mention this at the time, but remember when I said I'd step across the room to get a drink and, curiously, came back without a drink? I'd gone over to the drinks table, and there was Kenneth Stokes, whom I had just accused in a blog post of serving the white suburban conservative agenda with his undying support for Melton. (Which I had already come to regret saying, to be honest; I was angry at the time.) A little awkward. The meeting was starting anyway, so I waited until later to get my Pepsi--by which time he'd left. (He wasn't there long.) I do think I'm a little hard on Stokes sometimes, but I think that's understandable. I still can't understand why a man with his history isn't calling Melton to the carpet over the racial profiling stuff. It doesn't make sense to me at all. If you told me three years ago that a mayor would be doing what Melton is doing and that Kenneth Stokes would be one of his biggest supporters, I would have thought you'd lost your mind. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Aug 2 2006

I agree Tom. I think I know why Kenneth left when he did. I believe the time itself answers that question. I also think I know why there is this silence. This impediment will likely go away within the coming year. He's looking, listening, studying, and contemplating what he should do. He showed up for a reason.

Ray Carter

Aug 2 2006

Will there be a JFP synopsis of this meeting published? (or did I miss something in the discussion point to it?)

hawkeye

Aug 2 2006

BlackAmericaWeb today is carrying yesterday's event about Melton and the ACLU. It was also mentioned on "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" during their news segment. Its only a matter of time before CNN, Fox News, and "the Big 3" start doing reports on this stuff.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 2 2006

Somehow I inadvertently missed justjess' powerful email yesterday. I'm particularly struck by the commentary about Stokes. However, I think it's too early to believe he has committed political suicide or can't redeem himself. I can see a strong argument for giving a crazy-ass mayor a chance to see if he has any juice or power to bring about good and worthwhile change even if by unorthodox methods then doing a turn around on him once you realize he only full of crap and has no juice, sense or plan. I hope this is the case with Kenny, but I don't have any reason to believe it is. One thing I know about Kenny well from the past, and saw exhibited again on Tuesday night, he still has good instincts and better intellect than his detractors will ever give him credit for. I know why he left when he did (and he didn't even have to tell me), and I read, to a large degree, that look that was on his face. A stupid or clueless person wouldn't have picked the perfect moment to leave like he did. His good instincts and judgment helped him survive the horrows of law school and the hatred of so many detractors. I want Kenny to say something about Melton's tactics too. He knows Melton is wrong but I know those instincts won't let him yet. I regret I didn't get to meet Justjess.

Ray Carter

Aug 3 2006

Would those be his political instincts? I'm on record as being one of the few white people in town who do not think Stokes is a monster. But his silence in response to Mr. Melton's tactics is deafening—reminds me of Teddy Kennedy sitting on his hands while Senate Republicans attacked Anita Hill's credibility. I believe strongly that it is time for Mr. Stokes to stand up to the mayor. Otherwise, that AP story is being played all over the country. Just put the mayor's name in Google News. It's interesting that his ridiculous 300,000 statement is going out around the country uncorrected in that story, however. I expect that out of the Ledger, but AP should be better than that.

DonnaLadd

Aug 3 2006

We also got a call from a black newspaper in Texas about Melton. The world is now watching for him to barge into black people's houses without a warrant with his Bull Connor dog at his side. (Actually, Abby's a sweetheart, but that's not what people are seeing. They're seeing a man who doesn't care about the constitutional rights of black people —because he thinks only he can save them, and by any means necessary.)

DonnaLadd

Aug 3 2006

He didn't have political instincts in law school to be concerned with, but he had superior survival insticts, which is why he can't ever be counted out easily.

Ray Carter

Aug 3 2006

I should add, it's just as wrong for the other city councilpersons to tolerate Melton's unlawful and questionable acts and tactics without saying or doing anything. It's likewise wrong to have expectations of Kenny that isn't expected of other like-positioned persons, but I know no one here is doing that. And I do realize that perhaps there is a slightly diffferent standard or expectation for Kenny due to his past aggressive acts against perceived wrongdoings.

Ray Carter

Aug 3 2006

Intriguing quote from Mr. Melton in the Mississippi Link this week: Mayor Frank Melton, who has been in office since July 4, 2005, says everyone he searches gives him consent, and ACLU allegations of abuse of authority are off base. “They’re not trying to do anything to help our people. All they’re doing is sitting back and doing Monday morning quarterbacking and criticizing, and I resent that because I’m struggling too hard to try to do the right thing to be criticized.”

DonnaLadd

Aug 4 2006

People who are struggling hard to do the right thing generally welcome constructive criticism. Frank Melton once told a story he'd allegedly heard about Credell Calhoun being pulled over by the side of the road and telling the officer "Do you know who I am?" Melton then came in with "Yes, Mr. Calhoun, we all know who you are: a legend in his own mind who..." I forget the rest, to be honest, but it was a verbal smackdown. In retrospect, I don't know how much Calhoun deserved that, but Melton could lay those down. Ditto was, if memory serves, his most frequent target. Anyway, I think Melton has lived into the whole "legend in his own mind" thing if he thinks he's above serious concerns about civil liberties violations. Especially after the "damn thug" comment, which by itself should be grounds for impeachment. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Aug 4 2006

Consent without knowledge that you can disapprove or reject said consent is not actual or knowing consent at all and Frank knows it. I've watched Frank on tv ask for consent to search after the persons are already in halted and powerless positions with Frank and other police persons and search dogs standing there to intimidate them. I even saw Frank on one occasions stop searching a person to ask if he had their consent as if the person knew he could not consent in the first place. Frank certainly knows he has been wronging people. Everyone has told him so, but he is far too arrogant to admit it. I suspect he's too arrogant to stop doing it too. I hope the meeting of Tuesday was the beginning of his time running out in this regard.

Ray Carter

Aug 4 2006

**Mayor Frank Melton, who has been in office since July 4, 2005, says everyone he searches gives him consent...** <--Ladd, quoting Mississippi Link article this week Ladd, just curious if you witnessed that happening when you rode along with Melton on the MCC, or is he lying through his teeth again?

Kacy

Aug 4 2006

No, people are not all giving him consent. Most just move, probably because they believe they have to because he's the mayor and has officers with machine guns with him. He will later turn to one and say, "See, they don't have any problem with me coming in and looking around." However, I saw looks of some of their faces when he's not looking. People seem to feel powerless to say no to him. That shouldn't surprise anyone. He seems to have that effect on powerful, and powerless, people alike. There's one guy off Farish STreet whose house he went in both weeks I went out with him. The guy definitely does not invite him in and then argues with him the whole time. Recio and Wright shine flashlights everywhere looking for pot as he and Melton argue throughout his house. Melton laughs a lot and ribs and ridicules him. They told me he's the son of someone who worked for Johnson's campaign. I believe I wrote about this in one of my pieces. I found it very sad and useless. The mayor seems to do it for entertainment value.

DonnaLadd

Aug 4 2006

Donna writes: No, people are not all giving him consent. Most just move, probably because they believe they have to because he's the mayor and has officers with machine guns with him. "You can get much further with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone." -- Al Capone Depressing. And harassing the son of somebody who worked on the Johnson campaign--how can anybody excuse this? Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Aug 4 2006

Ladd, did you observe any violations by those searched during your time with the mayor (other than the ones he was committing)?

Jeff Lucas

Aug 4 2006

Especially after the "damn thug" comment, which by itself should be grounds for impeachment. Agreed. Nobody in power should get away with excusing police officers for beating someone in handcuffs because he's, alleged, a "damn thug." That's trash talk. Then, he turns around and tells the (black) Mississippi Link that the ACLU is "not trying to do anything to help OUR people." At that moment, I think of all the trash talk he's done about both black people and black organizations like 100 Black Men and the NAACP over the years, and how he plays the race card when it works for him and then lambasts people for talking race when they're criticizing him. This mayor acts like the entire black community is a bunch of "thugs" just waiting for him to personally save them from themselves. I've mentioned this before: Has everyone seen "A Soldier's Story"? Thought-provoking; y'all should rent it.

DonnaLadd

Aug 4 2006

Violations? Like smoking pot or such? Not that I can think of, off-hand. Most of them he either had already decided to visit, or he was setting up in the middle of intersections to search cars (which wasn't every car), or in the case of the young people in the house where he made the ugly remark to the young woman, a neighbor had told Melton in his house that he gets his pot from that house. That was after Melton and his bodyguards walked up on his porch and past him into his house. We went through his whole house with flashlights looking everywhere. But I don't remember anything illegal being done; Melton seemed more set on showing me the conditions in which he lived. We then crept onto the porch the other house (or they did while I hid behind a car, truly believing people would come out shooting this time), woke the three young people by banging on the door with flashlights. Whent hey came to the door, Melton started talking to them, as Recio and Wright went through the whole house with flashlights. We then stood ont he porch as he lectured them about getting jobs and not smoking so much pot and such. They laughed a lot, but very nervously. Jaro the big photographer was also there, too, but we didn't take many pictures because we felt very funny about violating these people's privacy. It's all very weird stuff, and seems to indicate to me that so many people believe that poor black people do not have the same rights as most Americans.

DonnaLadd

Aug 4 2006

I should also add that Melton really, really enjoys these "raids." He's giddy as a kid the whole time, unless something awful happens like the murder of the kid in the Medical Mall parking lot when we went out on the first raid. That said, all that stuff I just described happened later that night, after all that was over. So the giddiness did return. I've said repeatedly, and I will keep saying it to anyone who listens: These raids are very, very dangerous, and I don't get the feeling that the people doing them truly comprehend the possible outcomes. I believe someone will get killed if they do not stop, whether it's the mayor, a police officer or people in those houses. And when it happens, it's going to be the fault of the timid City Council—every last one of them, as far as I'm concerned—the attorney general's office, the police chief for letting such crap go on, and the people of Jackson for not saying, "this is enough." The. Games. Need. To. Stop.

DonnaLadd

Aug 4 2006

The City Council has been neutered. They are so busy now trying to prove that they know how to act. This new found politeness has given thundering silence to their responcibility to the community. Since the City of Jackson will suffer the financial burden, not if but when, someone gets killed, it is time for the Council to take a stand. The unintended consequences from fm's illegal, dangerous, childish behavior will be devastating! I sincerely hope that the ACLU with the support of other organizations will be able to bring this mess to a screeching halt.

justjess

Aug 7 2006