Jackson Free Press

Mayor Frank Melton is set to appear on the Charles Evers' radio show, "Let's Talk," on WMPR 90.1 FM, tonight (Wednesday, May 3) at 8 p.m.

Previous Commentsshow

Woo, hoo. It is hard to sit here and listen to Alan Lange talk about anything, but Cliff Cargill is beating the crap out of him on gun safety. Cliff: "I'm pushing you up against the wall. Explain to me why you are condoning his lack of gun safety. ... Alan, he's going to have an accident, Alan." Kim: "You've got to understand that because the murder rate is down, we can lose three or four people." Alan: "There are people in neighborhoods, Cliff, where you would not dare to go, Cliff, and they are not worried about gun safety." (Yes, Alan spends all his time in bad neighborhoods. LOL.) This is funny stuff. Now, Alan is arguing that you can't say "in my opinion" and then libel people. Uh, he ought to do a little factchecking on his own trash site.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

Alan sounds like he sips the Kool-Aid that FM feeds his "kids".

Jeff Lucas

May 3 2006

It's also hilarious to hear Lange's selective info-sharing about crime stats. He's saying that murder is dramatically down so far this year, but he doesn't tell anyone, ever, that homicides in 2005 dropped 31 percent from January to the end of June over the same period in 2004. We're on a track for murder dropping. However, it rose the last half of 2005 again. Is that Melton's fault? I don't know. But someone who is supposedly "monitoring" the police department as part of SafeCity really oughta give the whole story instead of twisting everything to make it look like his candidate was the right man. The way they're going, no one's ever going to believe anything they say -- and having Lange, who will defend anything Melton does, involved ain't gonna help their public credibility.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

I'm wondering why Kim won't call him the racist he and his cohorts are over at his website!

pikersam

May 3 2006

Alan just never seems very smart. He's comes across like a PR guy who has never entertained a truly critical thought in his life. It's one of two ways: He either trashes at any cost, or defends at any cost. The worst part is that he THINKS he's so brilliant. But it is fun to listen to him get slapped around on the Kim Wade show. Chortle. And, go, Cliff. I so respect you for pushing your gun-safety ideas.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

Well, just give him the microphone. His comment about people in those neighborhoods not caring about gun safety is one of the most outrageous I've ever heard. What a condescending, naive wanker.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

And I love Kim's "Bull Connor" points. Those are right on. Of course, one would have to be outraged by Bull Connor in the first place to care that someone black is now doing similar things. You know, a primary tenet of the uptown White Citizens Council was that the poor little black people needed to be dealt and taken care of by whatever means necessary because they couldn't take care of themselves. I really wish these guys would pay a visit to the Archives and read up a bit on where their rhetoric originated from.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

Hey, Doc-Matthias-our-blogger is online right now, giving Alan a "little speech." Check it out.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

YESSSSSSS!!!!! The good doctor gave Alan holy hell, and hit him right between the eyes! How bout those crime stats, dude?

Jeff Lucas

May 3 2006

It's way too early to start crowing about murder rates, especially given how often they come in waves of 3 or 4 in a week. And it does nothing to address the bigger issue of property crime rates, which is what I am most concerned about.

Jeff Lucas

May 3 2006

Doc Matthias: Alan, as a citizen, here's what I have to say ... the only way we citizens have to look at crime is via crime statistics ... which Mr. Melton has taken out of the newspaper ... will you please ... ask under FOIA for those crime statistics .... including rape and carjackings. ... we need those crime statistics ... I want to remind you that the most important thing that a totalitarian government ever does ... has a police state and controls information. That is exactly what Mr. Melton is doing. Kim: Why aren't you concerned about this man ushering in a totalitarian government in Jackson? Alan, I know why Comstats were stopped. They don't provide any contact ... was that person arrested? Kim? If you were female in that area, you'd want to know .... Alan: All these police state hyperboe and Bull Connor ... that may be your shuck and jive ... I would take 20 young people not being on dead ... on pace of where we were last year ... I will take that deal any day of the week. Kim: Is it better to be shot by Frank Melton banging on door ... or by drive-by. Alan can't answer, of course. Why does it have to be a choice? Why don't we go for alleviating both? Caller: I want it both ways. I want the mayor to stay within the law ... lead them and let them go about and do the battle. Amen.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

Yeah, go, Doc. We don't agree on everything, but I believe you're right on on this one. ejeff, to be such a crime "expert," Alan seems to have no sense that murder tends to go up at the end of spring into summer, when more people are out and such. that's part of the reason that Rudy's approach had so much to do with gun control. Now, paid operative Hickingbottom is talking about Wood Street -- the worst street in Jackson when sun goes down. That's why he had to have his hand on trigger. Kim: You are retired military! You know better. This dust-up is hilarious. Kim is definitely scoring the most points, though, along with good callers.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

Kim: Bob, how many people has Frank prosecuted for drugs? Alan: A lot of people. (Yeah, provide the back-up, Alan.) You're worried about five people in this city ... (But so is Melton!) Lord. This guy is worse than I thought.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

Hickingbottom just said that felons have been mixed with young people in Melton's house for "15 years" -- why hasn't the D.A. done anything before now. She's been here five years after all. Kim nailed him out it -- who was the D.A. for the first 10 of those years!!!??? Interesting.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

I think it was Ed Peters? Melton fan and not all squeeky clean either!

pikersam

May 3 2006

Yes, he was the one who said he wouldn't bring the rape cases at Youth Detention Center before the grand jury because the 15-year-olds alleged raped by guards "consented." Ahem.

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

He's also the lawyer against the titty bars, right?

DonnaLadd

May 3 2006

I think he is helping with that! I heard things about his past besides the jail stuff; but, I'm not going to go "Bob Hickingbottom" on him! ;-)

pikersam

May 3 2006

Melton would be laughable, almost cartoonish really, in his potrayal as "Barney Fife, the crime fighter" if the situation was not so serious. Lange knows full well that the way to really attack crime is for the citizenry to be fully informed about crime and incidents occurring in their neighborhood and city. Crime is what it is, no amount of "filtering" or withholding is going to change it. Unless, of course someone decides to alter the numbers or downgrade certain crimes, much as Rudy's precinct commanders did in NYC....

tomac

May 3 2006

Melton is making a very emotional appeal tonight on Evers' show. Lot's of stories and lot's of hyperbole. And let Evers' ask a question! Evers just told him to leave the strip clubs alone!!!!

pikersam

May 3 2006

I just can't miss "Lost" to listen to this lying, delusional idiot and his partner Bluntson. Y'all let me know what was said.

Jeff Lucas

May 3 2006

Melton just claimed he is trained and certified in carrying a gun by the State and Feds! It's all about timing, I guess?

pikersam

May 3 2006

I know the feeling. Do they have radio on Mondays?

pikersam

May 3 2006

OMG: Melton just said the politics is NOT about the people, it is a bunch of bullshit!!!! Evers was speechless for a minute

pikersam

May 3 2006

OMG: Melton just said the politics is NOT about the people, it is a bunch of bullshit!!!! Evers was speechless for a minute

pikersam

May 3 2006

Kim Wade is braindead and a liar! My Atty is sitting beside me and Kim Wade is being sued and so is 1180. And Frank doesn't give damn

pikersam

May 3 2006

All I can say is WOW! Glad its on tape!

pikersam

May 3 2006

Evers has so much class! Won't touch the race baiting that Melton is pandering too!

pikersam

May 3 2006

Mayor has left the building. Though he was only on speaker phone, not in the flesh

pikersam

May 3 2006

That was incredible! Frank was full of himself, so condescending yet so arrogant and all-knowing. Can you believe that he tried to paint himself as a victim in all this? I know Charles Evers did not fall for all of Frank's BS.

Kacy

May 3 2006

I missed all of it but Melton said he was going kick someones ass. Now the bank of Melton supporters are calling in. One just cussed and Evers said all y'all (Melton et al) have foul mouths!

pikersam

May 3 2006

COS Ward is in the house!

pikersam

May 3 2006

Did anyone record the Evers Show? If so, could he or she put a copy of the transcript online?

Joerob

May 3 2006

I've got WAV. or MP3 versions. But, I am not transcribing it. Melton was hard enough to hear over the phone he called in on and the caller too. Don't they have a Genter - it is radio! However, I have self destructing CD's I can burn or email! 8-p Or if off line someone wants to help me learn to "podcast" that is cool!

pikersam

May 3 2006

FM sounded like he was nipping while on the radio. He used some foul language and of course he had to get a threat in sueing Kim Wade and his station. He never told us of any economic developement he has for the city except some housing. All he did was brag about the help he has given "his kids". All good and well but what about the help for the rest of us?? Bluntson said a grocery store for Westland plaza. I hope it is a real store and not one that is full of no name groceries and poor quality meats.. Did anyone else notice the sound of his voice and the rambling?

jada

May 3 2006

jada writes: [Melton] used some foul language ... Oh, dear. That's not a very good idea. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

May 4 2006

Re podcasting: I think it'd be a good idea to get permission from Mr. Evers first. Which I suspect the JFP would be in a good position to do! Cheers, TH

Tom Head

May 4 2006

I'd love to see a transcript or audio of both! Sounds like I missed some fireworks.

kaust

May 4 2006

Knol, I can burn some discs. And drop them off at JFP or Cups. I'm not doing anything right now. But, Donna may have a copy. Let me know. Or I could try to email it.

pikersam

May 4 2006

*FM sounded like he was nipping while on the radio.*<---jada Jada, I thought so, too. FM talked all over himself, barely letting Mr. Evers ask the questions that, at the outset, FM said he welcomed. He never really answered Mr. Evers' repeated questions about what the city was doing with respect to economic development, but he repeatedly repeated himself, whining about the bashing he is taking for trying to do "what is right". Knowing Mr. Evers as I do, I seriously doubt that he bought into much of anything FM said.

Kacy

May 4 2006

OK, believe it or not, I missed the show. I have to have time off from this beat! However, pike, get me the MP3, and I'll get Mr. Evers' permission to podcast it. Send it to pat (at) jacksonfreepress dotcom Bring. it. on. ;-)

DonnaLadd

May 4 2006

From the Ledge about the Evers show: During a rambling, obscenity-laced and somewhat incoherent interview, Melton complained he had been hired to fight crime, only to be criticized for the way he went about it. He even called radio host Charles Evers a liar because Evers had said he would not criticize the mayor if he did the right things in office. When Melton asked Evers if he had ever known a mayor to be attacked as much as he has, Evers replied: "Not really, but Mr. Mayor, I've never seen a mayor act like you either." Melton, who did not take any calls from listeners, said he didn't like politics. Evers told him: "You're in the wrong business then." Melton, who has been the topic of local radio shows, defended his personal leadership of crime sweeps. "I'm in a war footing right now, and I'm not sending my soldiers out ... if I'm not willing to go with them," he said. After the show was over, Evers, who was once mayor of Fayette, said Melton said some things he wouldn't have said as mayor. "He used curse words," Evers said. "I don't think that was very becoming of the mayor."

DonnaLadd

May 4 2006

Head's up: Fireworks expected on Kim Wade show today. Tune in, 5 p.m., WJNT, 1180 AM.

DonnaLadd

May 4 2006

Could I get this reliably streamed please!?! WJNT's streaming technology BITES and I literally do not have a radio in my home (what are those?).

kaust

May 4 2006

Donna writes: Head's up: Fireworks expected on Kim Wade show today ... Omigosh! What was I smoking when I scheduled that? Cheers, TH

Tom Head

May 4 2006

Regarding Melton's threats from last night, can Wade or WJNT be successfully sued? He's just stating his opinions, and while he has thrown out some the popular innuendo about Melton's..."appetites" and complicity in a years old murder investigation, I don't see where the Mayor has anything that he could bring the station down with.

Jeff Lucas

May 4 2006

Anyone get a chance to listen to Ben and Larry this morning? They probably avoided the whole Melton dust up on Evers show and the school bus incident. In fact, I'm still waiting for the update from the update about Marcus Ward and his efforts. Opinions on all the antics Melton makes news for would be great from the Councilman. Do you think Councilwoman Barrett would want to blog. She seems to be one of the most level headed leaders we have in town.

pikersam

May 4 2006

ejeff, he can't. He could try; but, he would lose.

pikersam

May 4 2006

Wade is reading a great letter from a police officer. Wish he'd e-mail it to me to post.

DonnaLadd

May 4 2006

Story on WAPT is about the Melton interview on WMPR, and they mentioned Melton's language and demeanor. Melton apologized for the cussin', saying that he was taking NyQuil for a cold. LMAO! NyQuil? Yeah, Frank, I believe that! You must have had the brand that doesn't contain citric acid, FD&C, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, purified water, saccharin sodium, and sodium citrate... ...active ingredient: ALCOHOL! On a related note, the NAACP has come out against Melton and his tactics, saying he should focus on economic development instead of harassing poor people of color. Again I ask, WHERE IS COUNCILMAN KENNY STOKES? The great champion of the po' folks without a voice from Ward 3 who are the primary targets of Das Mayor? Mister "I-never-met-a-camera-I-didn't-like" when it comes to defending black people against the evil white racists from Rankin County? Why this blind spot for Melton, who is trampling on black people's civil rights like Bull Conner on a bender? Where is the great local civil rights activist Stephanie Parker-Weaver? Or Ida Pittman? Or Dorothy Benford? Now that Stephanie's on the City payroll her silence is bought. And will Tisdale ever find the gonads to speak out and criticize the Mayor on his radio show like Charles Evers? No. Because they are all complict in the actions of this man in that they helped him get elected behind the scenes.

Jeff Lucas

May 4 2006

And don't tell me that they are working on this man in private so as not to go up against another Black man. That's utter nonsense. This is bigger than trying to be so pro-Black that you allow a man with an agenda that is harmful to this community to go unchecked. They know he doesn't listen to anyone but the voices in his head, and they need to start coming out publicly and criticize this dangerous abuse of power. Disgusting.

Jeff Lucas

May 4 2006

Well, it's just as bad to excuse a black man because he's black as to target him because of the same reason. Just sayin'.

DonnaLadd

May 4 2006

Benford is on the campaign trail. She is opposing Benny T. Ineva Pittman I don't know why she is quite probably because none of those criminals will ever get anything named after them. S Weaver sold her self for a high profiled job. Nyquil my foot. more like Jim Beam. I am glad I am not the only one who noticed. Where is Ben Allen now on the latest farce???

jada

May 4 2006

And I'm just sayin that its odd that the NAACP has to call Melton to the carpet (and I'm sure it was with great pains to do so) because they couldn't sit by any longer and allow him to make a fool out of himself and promote an environment that could result in more people like Micheal Black being smacked around by JPD without just cause and in violation of his civil rights. And its interesting to me of the people I would normally expect to see in the front line and in lockstep with the NAACP and the ACLU, like Stokes, are nowhere in sight because they have bought into the Melton administration. Maybe Stokes, like Ben, doesn't want to cause anymore discord by openingly criticizing the man while he has to work with him (particularly now that Melton seems to think he has the authority to shut down the MS gun show). But that didn't stop him from suggesting that Crisler (Melton's most vocal opponent) should be replaced as Council president...a subtle message that he is working on Melton's team. That really pi$$ed me off. And I'm completely fed up with of all of the people who continue to blindly carry water for this man when he is clearly showing signs of cracking up under the weight of his own lies, hypocrisy, vindictiveness, and lack of a coherent plan for this city other than sound bites and photo ops.

Jeff Lucas

May 4 2006

The Ledger today on Melton's expletives on the Evers show: On Thursday, he apologized. Melton said he got "fired up" when trying to address some of his critics. "I want to publicly apologize about my language," he said. "When you're being backed up against the wall, there is so much a man can take. I am going to spend the next 30 days working on my language.

DonnaLadd

May 5 2006

I think someone is missing a huge opportunity here - a good marketing possibility is under our very noses! Tee shirt possiblities are endless: "I got hugged by Frank and all I got was this lousy t-shirt." "I need a hug!" (not!) and... https://www.spreadshirt.com/shop.php?op=article&article_id=1230183#top

netgrrl

May 8 2006

Well the rain of tyrnany is almost at its end, as well approach the eve of our great offensive against this man. hes against the ropes now. his bangining chips are lost. faye's at his throat, he doesnt reserve the right to wave a gun around on the news, he lost the station; just imagine how the liability suites would have spilled over into WLBT...hum. and not hes played this young "smiling" lad as a snitch. if the FBI doesnt get him then there comming after him. so all of this said i look for your resignation in the following weeks. fairwell good sir, and off to texas with you.

RickZeeInturn

May 11 2006

You can listen to a podcast of Mr. Melton and Mr. Evers now.

DonnaLadd

May 12 2006