Jackson Free Press

City of Jackson Spokesman Chris Mims confirmed today that Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., was invited to attend first lady Michelle Obama's personal visit to the city on Wednesday. Obama is visiting the city tomorrow as part of her "Let's Move" campaign, which emphasizes healthy diet and exercise for youth.

"The White House sent the mayor an invite and the Mayor Johnson will be attending," Mims told the Jackson Free Press.

The state governor's office submits potential names for attendance, and the White House selects attendees at its own discretion.

The "Let's Move" Web site describes childhood obesity or excess weight as threatening the healthy future of "one third of American children," with the nation spending $150 billion every year treating obesity-related illnesses--and that figure growing.

National obesity rates tripled in the past 30 years, presenting the possibility that American children may suffer a shorter lifespan than their parents for the first time in American history. Mississippi, with 32.5 percent percentage of its adults classified as obese according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America's Health, ranks as America's fattest.

Obama's March 3 visit will include Gov. Haley Barbour and his wife Marsha Barbour at a Pecan Park Elementary School in Jackson and Sam M. Brinkley Middle School. At Pecan Elementary Obama will visit the school's walking trail and at Brinkley state officials will discuss local efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Previous Comments

ID

156451

Comment

B-b-but justjess said the Governor and his wife weren't letting the Mayor play with them.... There goes that credibility.

Author

RobbieR

Date

2010-03-02T15:03:47-06:00

ID

156453

Comment

I don't think that justjess isn't credible; she's usually right. But this one needed factchecking and didn't check out. Welcome to a big-boy/girl site where we even factcheck accusations and rumors passed on by readers, if they're going to sit on our site.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2010-03-02T15:13:30-06:00

ID

156454

Comment

Not sure if that was a dig at me or the CL, or both. If at me, say what you want. I'm just calling out someone who badmouthed our Governor over something false and silly. The credible comment was obviously sarcastic, which is hard to portray in text.

Author

RobbieR

Date

2010-03-02T15:17:08-06:00

ID

156455

Comment

It wasn't a "dig" and not aimed at anyone specific. It's a statement of fact about the JFP. We're living in a time when people post unsubstantiated trash all the time on the Web under fake names, and media outlets and blogs allow them to just to get page views. We're not that kind of site, and moderate and factcheck such statements, even made by people we consider friends. That's all.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2010-03-02T15:28:02-06:00

ID

156456

Comment

As for Barbour, I will agree that there are much more onerous things to criticize him over -- like allowing the vicious killers of wives and girlfriends to go free because they worked at the governor's mansion. No need to get distracted from the big stuff.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2010-03-02T15:29:01-06:00

ID

156458

Comment

Agree wholeheartedly about the people trolling on blogs, media outlets etc. Doesn't mean the anonymity should be taken away, but instead just watched over. And I don't think y'all get a lot of that over here (the trashing), which is one of the reasons I enjoy reading and posting.

Author

RobbieR

Date

2010-03-02T15:38:07-06:00

ID

156460

Comment

This is not a credibility issue and ladd, I think that my point has been missed. Johnson is the Chief Administrator of the City of Jackson. He is the Mayor. You don't send a last minute invitation to "invite him to attend first Lady's Michelle Obama's Visit." She is coming to the City to be involved with our Airport, schools, a walking trail and other entities. The Mayor should be at the table. My concern for the Mayor being "invited guest" is secondary to the fact that America is fighting two wars and this President, his WIFE and children have had more threats than any other President in the history of this country. The Mayor can't be a casual invite. The Gov., Mayor and Washington must be in sync to ensure the best possible outcome here in Jackson. When you think of a President's visit to Dallas, TX., who and what do you think of. Correct. JFK and his Assignation. My interest in this is to make sure that our folks don't get distracted and cought up in political crap, because for many of us, this is "BIG STUFF."

Author

justjess

Date

2010-03-02T15:49:04-06:00

ID

156461

Comment

It sounds like it wasn't last minute, justjess. My impression is that he can sit anywhere at the table that he wants. I'd imagine the Obamas would insist on that.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2010-03-02T15:59:57-06:00

ID

156465

Comment

Agree wholeheartedly about the people trolling on blogs, media outlets etc. Doesn't mean the anonymity should be taken away, but instead just watched over. I couldn't agree more, Robbie. I like to allow anonymity (although I know who most people here are) because I know that some people can't speak freely due to work, etc. However, you can't allow anonymity to become a veil for people just trying to hurt others, as you see on so many sites. And it's really irresponsible for sites to allow multiple people to post under "anonymous," meaning people take even less responsibility for their comments (and makes it impossible to have a coherent conversation because you can't tell who is saying what). Those kinds of sites just invite liars and troublemakers. And inevitably it's those sites that never ask people to prove or attribute their accusations or others. They become little nasty echo chambers. And I don't think y'all get a lot of that over here (the trashing), which is one of the reasons I enjoy reading and posting. Oh, we've had people try. We've completely kicked out a couple dozen people at most over the years because they just don't know how to behave in public, at least not with people who don't believe squarely with everything they believe. Sadly, most (not all) people we've suspended have gotten the ugliest over race, ethnicity and immigration conversations. I guess that's predictable, but it's so, so sad. I feel compassion for people who live in that kind of hell, but I can't entertain them on my site or give them a place to spread their brand of hate. Otherwise, people with all sorts of opinions are welcome here, as long as you're not a nasty jerk. And we all know *that* when we see it, usually under an alias or two or three. ;-) Oh, and once Todd installed the current moderation system, it has been cake to moderate this site. We just don't let in the people who just come here to break the pottery. And because trolls can't get a post up past moderation, most don't bother and show up blasting their hate on other sites. That leaves all of us the ability to have great conversation. NOW, back to the very fabulous first lady and her visit. Cheers.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2010-03-02T16:12:21-06:00

ID

156468

Comment

Wicked burn

Author

DrumminD21311

Date

2010-03-02T17:02:51-06:00

ID

156469

Comment

Jess- Mrs. Obama is coming to talk about the state wide problem of obesity, not just Jackson's. So why weren't other mayors invited? Johnson is the mayor of Jackson, but his input is no more important than the mayors of other cities in Mississippi that have the same problems. Shouldn't they be at the table too? I agree it would be kinda rude to not include him when she is visiting the city he is mayor of. If he wasn't invited I don't see where it would be a big deal other than him getting his feelings hurt.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2010-03-02T17:15:42-06:00

ID

156470

Comment

So Bubba, you would want EVERY mayor in Mississippi to be invited to be fair? How big is that table?

Author

DrumminD21311

Date

2010-03-02T17:21:27-06:00

ID

156471

Comment

Drummin- I don't want anything, Doesn't matter to me if Mrs.Obama comes or not, or who's there to met with her. Just asking Jess a question.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2010-03-02T17:29:54-06:00

ID

156472

Comment

Just asking you a question :)

Author

DrumminD21311

Date

2010-03-02T17:51:25-06:00

ID

156477

Comment

For heaven's sake, Bubba, she's coming to JACKSON tomorrow. Would y'all stop fighting over NOTHING?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2010-03-02T18:08:21-06:00

ID

156479

Comment

Drummin- I answered your question.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2010-03-02T18:43:08-06:00

ID

156480

Comment

Donna-I ain't fighting. ???? Just having a calm conversation. :)

Author

BubbaT

Date

2010-03-02T18:48:18-06:00

ID

156482

Comment

If you don't care, then why are you even posting in response to this article?! I'm just asking questions-Eric Cartman

Author

DrumminD21311

Date

2010-03-02T19:09:58-06:00

ID

156483

Comment

Drummin- cause I can. :)

Author

BubbaT

Date

2010-03-02T19:17:10-06:00

ID

156488

Comment

Has the schedule for Mrs. Obama's visit been released? I haven't seen anything, and I don't want to get caught up in traffic/road block situations when I go about my job tomorrow. When Bush was last here, the interstate was closed to all other traffic, and it was a mess. An understandable mess, to be sure, but it would be nice to know in advance. Does the JFP know anything about this?

Author

chaffeur

Date

2010-03-02T21:00:45-06:00

ID

156515

Comment

Let's just say that "All is Well That Ends Well." Chaffeur asked an interesting question. This City could not act as if I were the person coming to the Airport from Washington to speak and walk with JPS children. Our City was the host City for a Dignitary: The First Lady of the United States of America. Our Mayor could not be a "casual invitee". The Mayor, Chief of Police and many significant others had to be on the job of trying to ensure the best possible outcome. They succeeded and thanks to the understanding and know-how of Johnson and his Chief. We can truly say, "Mission Accomplished."

Author

justjess

Date

2010-03-04T11:19:14-06:00