Mayor Frank Melton and his police bodyguards, Marcus Wright and Michael Recio, were found not guilty on all counts. When court was recessed, it exploded in applause, with members of the Melton administration and family contingent hugging and congratulating the mayor.

Previous Comments

ID

128209

Comment

What a crock.

Author

Angela

Date

2007-04-26T18:28:12-06:00

ID

128210

Comment

So is he still on probation for his previous crimes?

Author

Angela

Date

2007-04-26T18:29:32-06:00

ID

128211

Comment

We are being led by scum.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T18:29:56-06:00

ID

128212

Comment

How can 12 people be so stupid.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-26T18:30:12-06:00

ID

128213

Comment

Which, in the end, means the deliberations the jury was stuck on must have been over a guilty verdict that they decided against bringing.

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2007-04-26T18:31:19-06:00

ID

128214

Comment

So we can call the jurors stupid but not the true stupid one a drug dealer when it's a known fact??

Author

Jo-D

Date

2007-04-26T18:32:12-06:00

ID

128215

Comment

This is a sad day for the justice system.

Author

Angela

Date

2007-04-26T18:33:35-06:00

ID

128216

Comment

It doen't matter if there where drugs in the house or not. Melton and his hoods broke the law. Plain and simple. No one is above the law.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-26T18:34:06-06:00

ID

128217

Comment

I think stupid in that use refers to their actions. For all I know the ladies did not want riots and so they let him off. All I know is I need out before he attacks my house for whatever crime he is rabid about on that evening. Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-26T18:35:24-06:00

ID

128218

Comment

I know someone who's getting good and drunk tonight! Party at the Carter!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T18:36:35-06:00

ID

128219

Comment

Incredibly, some folks ARE above the law, just depends on who you are. For the judge to admonish him in the right way to handle the situation, doesn't that mean he "broke the law?"

Author

Angela

Date

2007-04-26T18:37:26-06:00

ID

128220

Comment

Danks still going on about it being a crack house. That wasn't what was on trial here and I think the jurors lost sight of that. What was on trial was his drunken demolition of a home. Sad day for Jackson.

Author

Jo-D

Date

2007-04-26T18:38:06-06:00

ID

128221

Comment

The 'ledge is reporting Melton is in trouble with the TSA now. No wonder nothing ever gets done in Jackson, Melton just can't stay out of trouble. As for the verdict, what are you going to do? The mythos of Melton is too powerful. His kung-fu is strong. Just wait, he'll screw up again.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T18:38:26-06:00

ID

128222

Comment

AGHHHH! How could they do that!?

Author

Michele

Date

2007-04-26T18:38:29-06:00

ID

128223

Comment

I am truely sadened by the outcome of the trial. I will be sure to let the people of Pearl, Brandon, Clinton and Ridgeland know, they have the Meltonites to thank for my doing business in their cities. I refuse to do business in a city that is so corrupt. To the jury, I hope you have some sleeping pills to help you sleep tonight, and cover the mirrors before you go to bed, so you don't have to look yourself in the face in the morning.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T18:41:21-06:00

ID

128224

Comment

You would hope that breaking into a house without a warrant and then destroying it would be against the law. Do this mean now that the police can just barge into any home and do what they want to?

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-26T18:43:14-06:00

ID

128225

Comment

Hey, we get to keep our crappy Chief of Police now... that's a real bummer there. Oh yeah, and don't forget our budget is being run into the ground. The police force is dwindling, there are more For Sale signs at houses in NE Jax on really nice streets - not the older homes closer to the river. You know good property tax homes! Ben Allen and gang better man up and get this City and mayor in line because you know the four of y'all are next in the wake of wrath he is about leave. $2 million dollars more than the lowest bidder.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T18:43:26-06:00

ID

128226

Comment

I made a comment here one night while on a good bender about what I have witness he has done here in Pearl over the past year. The truth in my statement still holds true. He can do whatever, whenever, where ever he wants.

Author

old&tired

Date

2007-04-26T18:43:30-06:00

ID

128227

Comment

The LADIES let him off because they did not want RIOTS? How about you just acknowledge that our justice system has spoken. The defense won the day... and Ms. LADD.... Mr. Danks did his job, not because he has a vendetta against the city as has been referred to man times in the JFP, but because he is an attorney, just as you are a reporter and you report. You may not always like what you report... as in this case, but still.... you report. Have a nice evening folks.... congrats to the defense team.

Author

mommish

Date

2007-04-26T18:44:10-06:00

ID

128228

Comment

i have never been so stunned and disappointed. i am very scared and very worried about this city. i guess history does repeat itself: 50 years ago we had white juries acquitting white criminals for outrageous civil rights violations. today, we had a black jury acquit a black man for atrocities quite similar to what was done in the 60's. have we learned nothing? where is the justice in this verdict? this may be a fatal blow for my beloved city that we cannot recover from for many, many years. i don't know what else to say. i'm almost ready to throw in the towel and move to another state.

Author

FriendsofJackson

Date

2007-04-26T18:45:30-06:00

ID

128229

Comment

Well, the defense attorneys did their job. The judge, and DD, recognized that law was broken [DD in press briefing after recognized the law had not been followed] and emotion beats out the constitution and civil protection. We'll just have to see what the civil case brings, and if the Feds are serious about violations of civil liberties.

Author

JenniferGriffin

Date

2007-04-26T18:57:23-06:00

ID

128230

Comment

"We'll just have to see what the civil case brings..." Good point. Orenthal was on cloud nine after the criminal verdict. It was the civil one that pwned him.

Author

millhouse

Date

2007-04-26T19:03:25-06:00

ID

128231

Comment

Donna's optimistic view of Jackson, I'm afraid, is hard to swallow right now. I wouldn't have thought that ANY 12 people could have the gall or ignorance of the law to aquit these people in a case where the actual breaking of the law was not even in dispute. I feel that the city of Jackson has become a laughing stock and, quite Frankly, a den of ignorance in so far as the majority go. I am TRULY EMBARRASED to be associated with anything to do with our capital city. I've just hung up the phone with a relative in another part of the country who's been following this sordid affair. She doesn't blame Frank. She blames the people of Jackson who've elected and continue to support this moron Mayor of ours. Let me just say to any who believe this was justice that people like you are what's holding this area back both in progress and reputation. Laws are laws. There is NO justification for what this man has done, but a far worse crime is being perpetrated here. It's called Malicious Ignorance.

Author

Pieces Of Time

Date

2007-04-26T19:08:44-06:00

ID

128232

Comment

If you live in Jackson yes it does. Where is the ACLU, this doesn't have anything to do with race or god so I guess they aren't concerned with one of our more basic rights, property ownership. Kicking in the door and dragging a dope dealer out is OK by me but destroying the landlords house house without a warrant or any type of search papers signed by a judge surly can't be legal. If it is, we better all think long and hard about our government. I mean who's next, if your kid is dealing dope at school and everybody knows it but you, can they come to your house with sledge hammers and bust it up? Frank Melton has become what he claims to despise, a thug.

Author

Tommy Bullard

Date

2007-04-26T19:11:36-06:00

ID

128233

Comment

Unfortunately, the City of Jackson will have to pay for the defense of a civil case.

Author

Birdseye

Date

2007-04-26T19:18:12-06:00

ID

128234

Comment

Frank really is about to show his true colors now. Get your tickets, the clown, dog and pony show is about to begin any moment.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-26T19:35:07-06:00

ID

128235

Comment

I think it's great that all defendants were acquitted and that the judge advised Melton on how to tear down the next crack house without ending up back in court. I've also changed my opinion of Kenneth I. Stokes, who took a stand and took the stand to tell the tale of how many times he heard from his constituents about criminal activity at the crackhouse. Let's at least agree on one thing: if we don't do something about drugs in Jackson, we are going to lose an entire generation of beautiful children, unfortunately mostly males, who will never grow up to finish school, take a job and live a productive life. Jackson is doomed if we cannot lift this generation from the slavery of crack. If some laws have to be broken to save people from themselves, then I say break them. Better 100 broken laws than 1 more broken life.

Author

PostMaster

Date

2007-04-26T19:35:17-06:00

ID

128236

Comment

I am upset about the outcome of this trial. For twelve jurors to find a man who is guilty, not guilty is a shame and it is very sickening. They had the evidence and saw the outcome of his erratic behavior and he's not guilty? The witnesses for the prosecution testified and stated that they saw Frank with a "sludgehammer" and his "walking tall" stick breaking windows and tearing up this poor black man's house. Where is justice for this man and the people who love this city? How can you have a not guilty verdict when you saw what this MF I mean FM did to this man's house. This was a poor black man and FM and his defense team calls his "home" a crack house, but no crack was found. I am stunned and ashamed. This is a very sad day for Jackson. How can TWELVE people be so stupid. The prosecution did a great job!!! Danks didn't do a @#$% thang! The jury was made up of one man and eleven women and they were probably scared for their lives is why they came up with a not guilty verdict. This man is a walking time bomb and it just a matter of time before he explodes. This saga is not over, FM will be in a court for something else before his term is over and there will be twelve people who will put him in jail for ALL of his wrong doing. We as Jacksonians have to be patient because his time is coming. Have faith Jackson and be strong.

Author

maad

Date

2007-04-26T19:36:53-06:00

ID

128237

Comment

Oh, and Faye Peterson--though I will vote for her for DA--is about as done as a steak sandwich on burnt toast. The wolves and vultures really are about to devour her.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-26T19:38:33-06:00

ID

128238

Comment

I don't understand the verdict, and I can tell the judge didn't either, so I wonder why he decided not to say something about it. Melton may be tired now (although I think he'll be partying a little this evening), but I believe that as soon as he gets rested up, he'll be out this weekend breaking another law. He can because he's Teflon man - he can get out of anything...for now. I hate to think that something really horrible would have to happen to him to make him stop. What if he gets shot or something? I am looking for him to self-destruct unless he changes because this city has given him more second chances than Jesus himself. I just hope that the City Council doesn't let up on him. Allen, et al need to stay united to keep this city from sinking. It would be easy to run and stay in another town, but I'm staying. Despite the verdict, I still love my hometown and I believe that things will get better somehow, someway. I don't know how, but it'll get better. All I can go on is blind faith. That's all I have left.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T19:38:54-06:00

ID

128239

Comment

If some laws have to be broken to save people from themselves, then I say break them. So, does this mean we can give public officials the right to do whatever the hell they want as long as it's done under the guise of keeping us safe? I'm with you about saving kids and the city from drugs, but not all ends justify the means. At the end of the day, a law is a law and, whether we like it or not, it has to be followed by everyone.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-26T19:42:57-06:00

ID

128240

Comment

in reply to postmaster, frank melton is AIDING in the breaking of lives. he's got a bunch of "wood street players" tearing down some old guys house. how is that productive? he's hurting everyone in the situation. himself (cut hand etc.) and his colleagues, the kids who are breaking laws and getting away with it because they're with frank, the land owner, and the person living in the house. as well as the citizens of jackson for having to pay for all his stupid "little" mistakes.

Author

katrina_h

Date

2007-04-26T19:43:36-06:00

ID

128241

Comment

L.W., good for your faith. But, please give me something more to hold onto. I'm also a Jackson native. But, today I am ashamed, embarassed and even frightened by this verdict. It's not just Frank, it's the entire gang of hoodlums that surround him. They are very mean and evil people, and the general public is clueless. Somebody, PLEASE help me understand why so many people are willing to let Hitler-style gestapo tactics rule the day.

Author

FriendsofJackson

Date

2007-04-26T19:52:31-06:00

ID

128242

Comment

postmaster: For authorities to be free to blithely break any laws they want would be a state of anarchy. Anarchy isn't good for anyone.

Author

Michele

Date

2007-04-26T19:56:07-06:00

ID

128243

Comment

I guess none of the jurors were able to imagine if their Constitutional rights or their sons' or daughters' Constitutional rights had been those that had been violated. Pretty pathetic. Or they were probably just scared as hell that Melton's thugs would come after them if they convicted. Shit, I'm scared and I didn't even do anything....

Author

Birdseye

Date

2007-04-26T20:00:41-06:00

ID

128244

Comment

Somebody, PLEASE help me understand why so many people are willing to let Hitler-style gestapo tactics rule the day. Read Donna's column from two years ago that was published just after the 2005 Democratic mayoral primary and maybe it'll help you understand.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-26T20:01:57-06:00

ID

128245

Comment

Guess that'll learn you "progressives" about trusting in the wisdom of the common people. Kidding, kidding . . . . Actually, no. No I'm not.

Author

laughter

Date

2007-04-26T20:09:51-06:00

ID

128246

Comment

FriendsofJackson, I'm very concerned too, but I believe that no weapon formed against Jackson shall prosper. When Medgar Evers, a Jackson resident, fought and died for our rights, I do not believe it was done in vain. Those who hate this city want us to give up, but we can't let them win. The trial is over, but the fight is far from over. I think we need to join together and be the city's watchdog group. We've been too quiet. We need to go beyond these computers and show our faces at city hall. We need to make the mayor's phone and our councilman's phones ring off the hook when we see something we don't like. If Frank's supporters have signs, we need some signs too. The mayor needs to know that there are plenty of us out there who sees him for who he is and will not let him get away with anything else. Frank's supporters made a lot of noise, and it's time for us to get louder. So, how can we get started?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T20:13:31-06:00

ID

128247

Comment

Another thing I would like to add: We need to find a way to improve voter turnout at the next election.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T20:17:18-06:00

ID

128248

Comment

"We need to find a way to improve voter turnout at the next election." Equally important is voter education. Oh, and vaporizing "Mississippi's newspaper".

Author

millhouse

Date

2007-04-26T20:20:32-06:00

ID

128249

Comment

I guess none of the jurors were able to imagine if their Constitutional rights or their sons' or daughters' Constitutional rights had been those that had been violated. This is why we need some kind of "Wake Up Jackson" campaign. I don't think they really understood what they just did. No wonder the defense wanted to weed out JFP readers. We know too much.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T20:21:00-06:00

ID

128250

Comment

Michele wrote: "For authorities to be free to blithely break any laws they want would be a state of anarchy. Anarchy isn't good for anyone." I don't disagree with you at all. But sometimes jury nullification, which is what happened this evening, occurs because jurors, after hearing the facts, think that the defendant's reasons for participating in the event somehow excuses him from liability. It's not unlike the jury that refuses to convict the father who confronts and kills the person who raped his child. We are all human, and we take that with us when we sit in judgment of another. All of that to say that I don't believe that this jury's decision means there is or will be anarchy in Jackson, or that Melton is somehow above the law. It was the circumstance, the testimony of Kenneth I. Stokes as to the history of the property and its impact on his constituents, and the unrelenting pressure of drugs and crime on this community, especially upon the less-affluent amoung us, that led this jury to send a message that drug crimes are not going to be tolerated. This had nothing to do with Melton, and if it had been any other crime other than tearing down a crack house, I doubt the jury would have given him a pass. Let's put this behind us and move forward in hopes that Frank can get himself together and lead. As a postscript, I should say that I'm a Republican, and this event reminds me of how angry I was when Bill Clinton got away with all of his shenanigans, lied to a grand jury and got to keep his license to practice law. So, I feel your pain, but sometimes these things come out for the best.

Author

PostMaster

Date

2007-04-26T20:23:17-06:00

ID

128251

Comment

You're right about voter education, millhouse. It's amazing what a lot of people don't know.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T20:28:31-06:00

ID

128252

Comment

If someone wants to organize a "Wake up Jackson" campaign, I'm all for it.

Author

Birdseye

Date

2007-04-26T20:29:04-06:00

ID

128253

Comment

I believe that no weapon formed against Jackson shall prosper. I believe that as well. I may not be a resident of the city, but I try to be as positive about Jackson as I can. I've said it few times before: Jackson is on the verge of a major shift for the better, especially with what's about to take place downtown with all the different developments underway or on the table. Sure, the city has stubbed its toe quite a bit, but eventually, that toe will heal. When it does, this city will not be walking; it will be running!

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-26T20:29:18-06:00

ID

128254

Comment

This is the last straw. Although I never thought I would say this...Madison in looking really good about now. There is no accountability in this city.

Author

BelhavenResident

Date

2007-04-26T20:34:09-06:00

ID

128255

Comment

It was the circumstance, the testimony of Kenneth I. Stokes as to the history of the property and its impact on his constituents, and the unrelenting pressure of drugs and crime on this community, especially upon the less-affluent amoung us, that led this jury to send a message that drug crimes are not going to be tolerated. I agree that drugs and crime should not be tolerated, but this verdict does send a disturbing message: that if the mayor thinks that your home is a haven for crime, all he has to do is say that it is and "Walking Tall" is coming for you and you haven't had a chance for due process.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-26T20:34:41-06:00

ID

128256

Comment

If someone wants to organize a "Wake up Jackson" campaign, I'm all for it. Anyone else interested? I've never done anything like this before, but I'm willing to dive in and give this a try. I'm tired.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T20:37:10-06:00

ID

128257

Comment

I am just plain depressed. This verdict is why I've alaways been so apathetic about politicians. Seems like most of them are without character or morals. When WAPT asked Marcus Wright what he thought about the verdict he grinned and said, "I love. I just love it." I've never thought much of the majority of the police force either. All this corruption just makes me sad. BUT, I don't want to be apathetic. I'm with you, L.W. How CAN we make more of a difference?

Author

JAR

Date

2007-04-26T20:41:08-06:00

ID

128258

Comment

"Somebody, PLEASE help me understand why so many people are willing to let Hitler-style gestapo tactics rule the day." I know it is an old saw, but a people do get the leadership they deserve. I have been amazed at all the people on the streets that cheer Melton on. And I wonder what makes them want that sort of governance. Kinda reminds me of our attempts to bring 'freedom' to Iraq. Apparently they did better with the firm (yet murderous) hand of Saddam. Not trying to sidetrack to Iraq right or wrong, just observing they don't seem to be ready for any sort of freedom. And huge segments of Jackson are quite ready to turn over their civil liberties. Kinda makes you appreciate all the sacrifices that went into getting them! I came from the big city back in '86, and frankly, the crime in Jackson is really refreshingly low. Even after all these years I just can't get too excited about our low crime rates. However, when my house was broken into about 15 years ago, I felt quite violated by the local crackheads. So if you live where the money is in Jackson, I feel for your losses to crime. But I just can't stay here in Jackson, not with the corrupt power structure Melton is putting into place. Kinda interesting the FBI wanted to know about corruption! Oh well, at least we won't have riots tonight. oh an whoever that rabid meltonite on the boards was - 'justice' has spoken, well duh, why do you think we are disapointed? I happen to believe in the right of a jury to decide a case however then want. I support their verdict as it is society's judgement. I support your right to spew whatever extreme position makes you tick. But I will oppose your positions and shun you and anyone else whose business is run by people with your point of view. Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-26T20:41:10-06:00

ID

128259

Comment

BUT, I don't want to be apathetic. I'm with you, L.W. How CAN we make more of a difference? I got a couple of ideas: 1) Consult other organizations to find out what they do to get legal permission to hold rallies, host public forums, etc. 2) Wear paraphrenalia. "WAKE UP JACKSON" T-shirts, buttons, posters, bumper stickers, etc. 3) Hand out flyers that fully explain why the court ruling was such a serious error such as what the judge read after the verdict, their rights as homeowners, etc.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T20:55:04-06:00

ID

128260

Comment

Hey folks, I'm just back from the ACLU town-hall meeting. That's where I was when we heard about the verdict--ironic considering that we were there to talk about people's civil liberties, especially in light of police abuses (and inspired by Melton's abuses). But to be honest, it was the perfect setting for me tonight, and I am inspired as a result. I was on the panel, sitting next to Cedric Willis, who served 12 years for crimes he did not commit because the system (especially Bobby DeLaughter) did not let truth move forward to help him get out. Five years of it was in solitary; he would get out one hour a day, and they never brought him a single book, he said tonight. But he never lost faith in justice being served someday. He always believed he would come home to his mama. And he has. She was in the audience tonight, and cheered him on when he spoke. If Cedric never lost faith in his state finally facing the truth, I cannot and will not lose faith in my city. The brokenness of our city that led to this jury nullification didn't happen overnight, and it won't be fixed overnight. And it won't be fixed if you give up, shut up, leave or stop shopping in Jackson. The a$$holes win if you do any of those things. I'm encouraged by many of these posts that happened in my absence tonight. I've been hoping for a while that citizens would come together to start a citizens' group of some sort to "take back" the city, so to speak. We can do something like this state (or country) has never seen--bring together a diverse group of people like you've never seen to build up our city, voter interest, mentoring and all the things we decide we need. The JFP will promote it if you want us to; find a place and put it together, people. Find your power and believe in each other. And decide that you won't let another media creation fool the city again. You have the power. Right now, I'm exhausted, and I need to rest. But the JFP will not rest, and we will not waver. A major reason I moved home is when state voters decided to keep the Confederate flag. I realized that was a beacon calling me, to tell stories where I most needed to--home. The same is true today. Jackson needs each and every one of you. That is the message of today. Keep the faith, and remember: It ain't over 'til it's over. Just do the right thing and wait. G'night, friends.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-26T20:58:34-06:00

ID

128261

Comment

P.S. Just saw L.W.'s last post. No. 3 is vital--the city needs a major civics lesson. Let's make it happen.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-26T20:59:45-06:00

ID

128262

Comment

L.W. I'm with you and i have to believe there are more people in jackson who think the way you think but don't feel like they can do anything about the situation-- especially following tonight.

Author

jd

Date

2007-04-26T21:08:48-06:00

ID

128263

Comment

I'm with you, Ladd and L.W. I never attended a council meeting until this Ridgeway crap hit the fan. I don't want to be just sad. I want to be fighting mad. Let me know how, when and where to fight. I'm in!

Author

JAR

Date

2007-04-26T21:11:56-06:00

ID

128264

Comment

Hey guys, what if we start an online group on Yahoo or Google or something? It would be a good place to brainstorm. Then we can make announcements on JFP about what we're doing next.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T21:15:36-06:00

ID

128265

Comment

I'm in! Only thing I would like to add is "Please Wake Up Jackson!! I'm so sad!!

Author

maad

Date

2007-04-26T21:54:31-06:00

ID

128266

Comment

So if we can destroy crack houses on site, can we also kill crack dealers on site? What about meth dealers? Can we bust up their houses with sluddgehammers too? What kind of precedent are we setting? How many slaps is Frank going to get? I simply cannot grasp this. Period.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T21:58:03-06:00

ID

128267

Comment

I'm in! Only thing I would like to add is "Please Wake Up Jackson!! I'm so sad!! That sounds good, maad. What about "Wake Up Jackson...Please." How many slaps is Frank going to get? I simply cannot grasp this. Period. That's why we need a turn at playing Barney Fife and "nip it in the bud". I hope we don't have to deal with another Melton trial, but if we do, maybe next time we'll have a better informed jury.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T22:15:02-06:00

ID

128268

Comment

I'm tired and old. Nobody has yet given me a compelling reason why I should not just pick up and move out of Jackson.

Author

FriendsofJackson

Date

2007-04-26T22:32:29-06:00

ID

128269

Comment

ha ha ha

Author

Skinnyp

Date

2007-04-26T22:36:10-06:00

ID

128270

Comment

looks like God is a Frank Melton fan

Author

Skinnyp

Date

2007-04-26T22:36:36-06:00

ID

128271

Comment

now you can all get back to criticizing everything the man does

Author

Skinnyp

Date

2007-04-26T22:37:18-06:00

ID

128272

Comment

give em hell Frank

Author

Skinnyp

Date

2007-04-26T22:37:50-06:00

ID

128273

Comment

FriendsofJackson, the reason why we have to stay is because that is what the thugs and Meltonites want us to do---leave. We are going to stay and beat them at their own game. "Those who fight and runaway will have to fight another day". I plan to fight everyday for this city!

Author

maad

Date

2007-04-26T22:39:08-06:00

ID

128274

Comment

Whoa! Great post Ladd! Why even bother focusing on this? Just keep moving with all of the good things that you have going in Jackson right now; just keep your eye on Frank- if he screws up again, make sure that he is charged again... Jackson has more going for it now than it has in the last 20 years, despite Frank Melton- you guys just need to keep the ball rolling. In the meantime, if some of you are really wanting out, I might consider trading my Madison county home for a nice place in Fondren or Belhaven...

Author

Rico

Date

2007-04-26T22:45:36-06:00

ID

128275

Comment

"This is a sad day for the justice system." - Angela naive "It doen't matter if there where drugs in the house or not. Melton and his hoods broke the law. Plain and simple. No one is above the law." - BubbaT He was acquitted. If he broke the law 'plain and simple', the prosecution must have done a bad job. "For all I know the ladies did not want riots and so they let him off." - Danno completely misinformed "To the jury, I hope you have some sleeping pills to help you sleep tonight, and cover the mirrors before you go to bed, so you don't have to look yourself in the face in the morning." - kdbstlrfan1 uncalled-for "i guess history does repeat itself: 50 years ago we had white juries acquitting white criminals for outrageous civil rights violations. today, we had a black jury acquit a black man for atrocities quite similar to what was done in the 60's. have we learned nothing?" - FriendsofJackson To compare this situation to the state's struggle over civil rights is outrageous. That is a slap in the face to the leaders of the civil rights movement in Mississippi. "They are very mean and evil people, and the general public is clueless. Somebody, PLEASE help me understand why so many people are willing to let Hitler-style gestapo tactics rule the day." - FriendsofJackson You are clueless. 'Hitler-style gestapo'? You are letting Hitler off way to easy. I can't read anymore of this.

Author

Kendrick Johnson

Date

2007-04-26T22:52:39-06:00

ID

128276

Comment

It's TRULY sad and appaling (don't know what it's more of) that such a blatant violation of property rights and civil liberties went unpunished. James Fenimore Cooper could have been speaking of the juries when he said It is a besetting vice of democracies to substitute public opinion for law. This is the usual form in which masses of men exhibit their tyranny Namely, the popular public opinion of Melton being tough on crime overruling the law. Folks, the break-all-the-rules heroes who end up always doing the right thing ONLY happens in MOVIES, seldom, IF EVER, in real life!!! Oh, btw, didn't POPULAR opinion (nay, paranoia) lead to McCarthyism ... and denial of Equal Opportunity For All, including the right to VOTE ... and denial of lesbigays many rights denied to straight couples and even straights in general... and Jim Crow...Maintainence of Slavery...or near-genocide of Native Americans... This is why Thomas Jefferson said something to the effect that (paraphrase follows) True, in a democracy the majority view must rule. However, for that majority's viewpoint to be reasonable, it must be both morally and practically defensible. If the majority approves of disregarding the rights of the minority opinion, that is the same as tyranny. In short, even though public policy is ultimately determined by majority vote; truth, morality, ethics never are

Author

Philip

Date

2007-04-26T22:55:44-06:00

ID

128277

Comment

Props to Gaius Julius Germanicus. He did call it.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-26T22:57:04-06:00

ID

128278

Comment

It ain't what you know folks. It's what you can prove. They couldn't prove squat. He got off. Deal with it. If you know anything about trials of criminal cases, you weren't surprised by this verdict.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T22:57:26-06:00

ID

128279

Comment

Don't forget about that Augustus guy. I think he saw this coming too.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T22:58:17-06:00

ID

128280

Comment

All hail Emperor Melton! I think Frank now has a mandate to do just about whatever he wants. It is like I have said time and again on this blog, there was no way that you were gonna get 12 people in Hinds County to convict Frank Melton. I'm sorry that everyone doesn't think justice was served here today but the people have spoken & they like Frank. I also hope that Faye is submitting her resume around town because she is done, there is no possiblity of her re-election after this debacle. As well, because her office accussed the JPD of being corrupt & harrassed its officers on the stand, there is no possible way that they will have a good working relationship with her office, wwhich is essential to an effective DAs office. They JPD will also make sure that all the officers & their families & friends know to vote against Faye in August, you can bank on that. Like the campaign slogan says "Effective Leadership," we should all welcome Robert Schuler Smith early as the new District Attorney of this county. Congrats to Dale, Merrida & the whole crew for a job well done.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:02:03-06:00

ID

128281

Comment

Yup Robert Smith is the Heir apparent to the DA's office. He could do a better job jacked up on the gunja than faye peterson anyway.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T23:04:13-06:00

ID

128282

Comment

looks like God is a Frank Melton fan God is everyone's fan. The question is, is the feeling mutual? Right now, it's hard to tell because all I can think of is this: Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. - Hebrews 13:17 (New International Version) Since he's a public servant, Melton needs to learn how to obey and submit by respecting the laws that preceded his administration.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T23:06:12-06:00

ID

128283

Comment

Well Robert is gonna have a ready supply of ganja when Frank is done burning down all the crackhouses in the metro area.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:07:20-06:00

ID

128284

Comment

Do y'all think that Frank will trade in the mobile command unit for an Abrham Tank now?

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:08:38-06:00

ID

128285

Comment

Whining about frank isn't gonna help out fellas. 12 civic minded citizens just said he wasn't guilty of anything. Theirs are the only opinions that matter. Yours don't. So cry yourselves to sleep, but Gaius was right, you were wrong. The DA had nothing, so they got nothing. Period. Call Frank and ask him if he will go to jail for a while to make you feel better. I doubt he will.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T23:10:37-06:00

ID

128286

Comment

Four More Years: Melton in '09

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:13:44-06:00

ID

128287

Comment

Melton for President! Melton will annex the rhineland!

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T23:14:55-06:00

ID

128288

Comment

"Four More Years: Melton in '09" G.J. Melton Anybody but him again.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-26T23:17:02-06:00

ID

128289

Comment

BTW, to inspire you, here's a comment I find quite inspiring, from this old web page about Salt Lake City's situation (NOTE: Some of the descriptions of certain people are inflammatory or were irrelevant to Mississippi's situation. Hence, I edited the remarks. The above link contains the original post) At first glance, Salt Lake City is so overly devoted to (nay, worshipful) of traditional and conventional values that it created a social and cultural climate that is one of the most backward in America. While this analysis does stand up to further scrutiny, I would like to point out that there is more to Salt Valley than meets the eye. --The University of Utah, a mere three miles east of the Temple, is an excellent school, a some-time center of reformist activism, and a potent counterweight to the city's status quo establishment. (NOTE: Sound like Millsaps in a way? --The tremendous natural beauty of Utah, coupled with the insanely voracious appetites of the local developement industry, has sparked a dedicated and broad-based environmental movement which can only play a larger role in local politics as time progesses. (NOTE: Madison and Rankin Co., perhaps?) --The local gay community, totally demonised by the area's popular culture, has learned to fight back with a collective "so what?" and a lively scene downtown. Truly, living well is the best revenge. (Self-explanatory) [SNIP factor not analogous to Jackson's situation] Putting it all together, I sensed during my seven years in Utah that there is a substantial-albeit untapped-reservoir of progressive sentiment lurking below the political landscape in Salt Lake City. [SNIP state party politics stuff] (paraphrase of snipped section)However, the SLC progressive movement's big mistake in the early 90s was to nominate pale imitations of the status quo supporters in hope that some might get elected by accident. In conclusion, as grim as the situtation looks in Utah, there are certain similarities to pre-glasnost Russia. Hope exists that someday, somehow, things will be different. While I hold out little hope that the status quo will collapse of its own internal contradictions, elements are not completely absent for a progressive flowering in the desert. Any of this sound familiar to Mississippi?

Author

Philip

Date

2007-04-26T23:19:32-06:00

ID

128290

Comment

James Fenimore Cooper could have been speaking of the juries when he said It is a besetting vice of democracies to substitute public opinion for law. This is the usual form in which masses of men exhibit their tyranny Philip, I think you just gave us our "Wake Up Jackson" mantra. :-) I think Melton will do something else wrong very soon for this reason: When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong. - Ecclesiastes 8:11 (New International Version) I have one more thing to say, and then I'm off to bed: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (New International Version) We are more than conquerors, so be encouraged. Good night.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T23:24:01-06:00

ID

128291

Comment

What about the fact that the house was in fact a crack house? Anybody care about that? All I am hearing on this blog is crime this crime that, but everybody seems to have forgotten that this house was without a doubt a house where people bought, sold and used illegal drugs daily. Does that not count as crime? Or is it only melton who can potentially be in the wrong?

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T23:28:34-06:00

ID

128292

Comment

As posted by Ole Miss School of Law: 3-29-07 -- Judge Jess H. Dickinson on the Supreme Court of Mississippi is now accepting applications for judicial law clerkship to begin this summer. Particularly interested in December 2006 grads who have already taken Mississippi Bar. To apply, forward cover letter, resume, l/s transcript and writing sample to the Judge at P. O. Box ll7, Jackson, MS 39205-0ll7. Joyce Whittington Director, Career Services University of Mississippi School of Law P. O. Box l848 University, MS 38677 (662) 915-6830 Office (662) 915-7025 Fax I think Faye might be interested in this position, if she applies quickly she may have a shot at it, given her inevitable unemployment.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:31:57-06:00

ID

128293

Comment

Sure it was a crack house, that still doesn't give Melton and the police the right to break in without a warrant and destory it. There are laws for that. The judge told them that after he read the verdicts.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-26T23:32:11-06:00

ID

128294

Comment

Gaius is best poster on this site. See he likes faye, he is trying to help her find a new job. She is gonna need it. What laws you talking about BubbaT?

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T23:37:05-06:00

ID

128295

Comment

The judge cited codes for the removal of abandon/drugs houses. Those laws.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-26T23:39:32-06:00

ID

128296

Comment

A quote from the greatest trial lawyer in the State of Mississippi: "Everyone needs a job." If I was on Faye's staff I would be working on my CV right now or start making donations to Robert's campaign. I hear that DHS is always hiring, high turnover rate I guess.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:39:47-06:00

ID

128297

Comment

Collecting child support can be mentally taxing gaius, maybe she should start with something more her speed? Perhaps asking people if they want fries with their 3 piece mixed combo at the KFC drive-thru? Just a thought.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T23:42:52-06:00

ID

128298

Comment

It is ridiculous to say the prosecution did not prove their case. They did just fine. The fix was in before they even started to talk. The jury simply decided they liked Melton more then the rule of law. I thought both sides did a fine job, except that one lawyer with the yellow pad at the end fumbling around with all the pictures. Poor guy was not even in the same league as the rest of 'em. I am looking for a few acres in somewhat rural rankin or madison county. I simply can not abide to live in a county that is still doing the same thing in court like they did 50 years ago. But, you have to admit, they learned about it as children: how else are they to act? Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-26T23:43:59-06:00

ID

128299

Comment

That quote was made by Jim Waide who handles employment discrimination cases. I don't think he would offer his services to Faye though, he only deals with case in which people were actually discriminated against not case in which the person was too incompetent to handle to their job. As to Frank: "Free at last, Free at last, thank God almighty that he is free at last."

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:44:46-06:00

ID

128300

Comment

12 jurors said they DIDN"T prove their case. Spin it baby spin it! Doesn't change anything.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-26T23:47:47-06:00

ID

128301

Comment

Dunno why anyone is worried about Faye. Unless you think going private sector for 3x the salary is a bad thing?? Let's be realistic. As a public servant, she is slumming. What you should be more worried about is another lap dog of Melton's being put into power. But, don't take my word for it, just wait 5-10 years and see how many of them go down when the FBI gets them for corruption. Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-26T23:51:04-06:00

ID

128302

Comment

Yeah is this Fox News or something? I mean Frank won, the state lost. They didn't prove their case and thats it. Just accept defeat gracefully & allow our fine mayor to continue his job taking down crackhouses. Melton is untouchable now, I don't think that new Hinds County DA Robert Smith is gonna indict him for anything when he takes office.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:51:39-06:00

ID

128303

Comment

It's not his job to take down crackhouses, it's the police's job, not some wannabe cop.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-26T23:53:58-06:00

ID

128304

Comment

Well 12 jurors disagreed with you dude & if he does it again & gets indicted again (which will never happen to our Emperor) 12 more will disagree with you again.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:56:19-06:00

ID

128305

Comment

12 jurors just let him off. Has nothing to do with proof. They think Frank is doing a great job, same as you. They think he did nothing wrong, Same as you. I don't mind they did it, but I tend to wish the same thing would happen to their homes so they could understand why you don't want your government out of control. Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-26T23:56:24-06:00

ID

128306

Comment

And Danno, do you really think Faye is gonna get 3x her salary in the private sector? That would be about 300K a year and I am sure that Brunni & Baker Donelson woud just love to pay that to someone with as much fanfare as her please, there aren't many senior partners that make that much. Thank tort reform for that crap but the legal job market sucks in this state right now.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-26T23:59:05-06:00

ID

128307

Comment

If it had nothing to do with proof then why did they deliberate for so long? Were they discussing NFL draft prospects for this year? Come on, the State could not prove their case, thats it. If they were just gonna nulify than they woulda been out for like an hour.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T00:01:13-06:00

ID

128308

Comment

Quit arguing both sides

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-27T00:03:10-06:00

ID

128309

Comment

What kinda lawyers you hang with Ga? Low rent ones? Please

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-27T00:04:52-06:00

ID

128310

Comment

Gaius is right danno. You don't understand what happened, so you are seeking to explain it away with "they loved frank". There was no proof bro. The state failed to meet their burden and Frank is home right now. Cope man. Grab yourself a little grief counseling or whatever it takes, but get over it.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-27T00:07:12-06:00

ID

128311

Comment

Danno, Please go find me ten lawyers that you know that make 300k a year. Thats absurd, we are not all rich like everybody assumes & Faye is not gonna find a job doing as well as she is now. To my knowledge she has never really practiced civil litigation & I don't think Merrida or Dale plan on hiring her on anytime soon.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T00:07:15-06:00

ID

128312

Comment

That is the great thing. They didn't even have to nullify, they actually examinied the evidence on it's face and decided that there... well... wasn't any. God Bless America. Justice was served.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-27T00:09:13-06:00

ID

128313

Comment

Gaius I am off to bed man. Cya at the office in the morning.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-27T00:10:25-06:00

ID

128314

Comment

Yeah & Frank is gonna be our Mayor for a long time so everybody needs to get used to the idea. The State had no case the jurors saw it & decided accordingly. The community supports him & it is time that we all unite behind him for the good of Jackson. The trial is over and it is time for the city to move forward under the leadership of our Mayor.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T00:11:14-06:00

ID

128315

Comment

And you really believe that? Lawyers are underpaid and the jury did not just let Frank off? I support your right to believe it and espouse it. If you really want to research salaries, I recommend monster.com Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-27T00:20:31-06:00

ID

128316

Comment

Did Melton have a search or arrest warrant- NO Did they find drugs- NO Did they destroy the house according the the Mississippi Code- NO What more proof did the jury need to convict them. You can't break the law to uphold law, it not suppose to work that way. They let them go just because he is the mayor.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2007-04-27T00:22:53-06:00

ID

128317

Comment

I think it is ok for them to believe Frank walks on water. The possibility of the Meltonites winning us to their side is quite remote. And likewise, they had their minds up to needle us over Frankie being told once again to stop doing whatever he did this time. Read that TBA letter? They told him to act different next time on that also! That is when it really hit me. Everyone tells him that. Judges, officials, City council peeps. Everyone. Like they assume because he is in a position of authority that he just made a mistake! Ha - or, what I really like is when they say he may not understand. (Something that is part of his job and he could care less about because it is a rule and clearly rules do not apply to him, he is 'special'.) As far as getting behind Frankie - More like organize against. Endure comes to mind. Try to avoid the corruption would be good. But get behind? Maybe. Reminds me of a story Michele once told me about a guy she saw on the freeway who was so drunk he would hang both arms out the window when traffic stopped. Kinda to rest. Anyway, she saw this and decided to pass him and get as far away as possible. But she exited the freeway and stopped at a light and who does she see in the mirror? Here comes the guy weeaving from lane to lane and he plows full tilt into the car next to her! Ever since then, staying BEHIND the drunk is the order of the day. I am not sure what made me think of this story, but ya, maybe I will stay behind Frankie so I can see who he is going to run into next and stay out of his way. Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-27T00:37:06-06:00

ID

128318

Comment

I Hate this so much! A house cannot be demolished because of the ALLEGED activity of its occupant! The renter was mentally ill...and poor. FM is weathly and powerful. Doesn't this sound like high school? Isn't it a reminder of the kid in school that got picked on by the 'powerful' bullies because he was defenseless? Poor Evans Welch has a mental illness, and doesn't have the resources to get help. I don't believe for a second that he has the capacity to be a great drug pin. He may have been taken advantage of by his neighbors, and FM, 'Bully-Boy', decided to pick on the weakest kid on the playground. I don't think Frank had any idea that poor Evans would be able to come back and bite him...and, unfortunately, today, he was right. I love the South. I grew up here. But, this is the sort of thing that gives us a bad name. We must stand up for what's right. I don't care what nieghborhood you live in, how much money you make, or what church you go to, what's right is what's right...and the law is the LAW! I've lived all over this wonderful country, and I do believe that the South set a precident in race relations. It's time to stand up once more for people who are disadvantaged, and to do what's right. My husband said tonight that he wasn't surprised by the verdicts, and that he'd be surprised if the civil verdict was any better. I shudder to think that Jennifer Sutton might end up with no justice.

Author

JAR

Date

2007-04-27T00:38:05-06:00

ID

128319

Comment

Ya, that would stink if she ended up with nothing after they offered to fix it. Hope it turns out better than that! Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-27T00:42:56-06:00

ID

128320

Comment

I know! It wouldn't just stink. This woman, Jennifer Sutton, bought this property to try to make things better for herself and her children. She was never notified by FM or the city about ANY illegal activities re: her property. That came out in the trial. As I understand it, it would cost $38,000 to repair the duplex to its original state. She should at least have her rental house restored, and be reimbursed for any lost rent. Evans Welch had been renting that house for several years, even before Sutton bought the property. Why 'crack' down on that house at this point and time?

Author

JAR

Date

2007-04-27T01:14:34-06:00

ID

128321

Comment

Ladd and L.W., if we're going to take up a cause, might starting with Jennifer Sutton be a good place to start? She seems to me to be about as blameless in this as you can get. She's a hard working single mom that's trying to get ahead, and trying to get some justice, even though she was afraid. She's been understated, but is still standing up to the Mayor. Early on, she didn't want her face on camera because she was afraid of retaliation. She even said in the trial that she didn't call police after the incident because they were the ones that had done the damage, and she didn't trust them. She may be the hero in this. I don't believe she's trying to clean up financially. She potentially, all along, has had too much to lose,I would think, as far as safety goes. She's a single woman alone with her kids in the Virden Addition...who knows when the Mobile Command Unit might pull up in front of your home?

Author

JAR

Date

2007-04-27T01:53:57-06:00

ID

128322

Comment

If Danks didn't do a "thang" Maad... Why was he interviewed by CNN last night at Tico's regarding this verdict? Be sure to catch it on CNN between 5:00 - 8:00 am. Why did he get an ovation following HIS closing arguments? He and his co-counsel did an excellent job... and the jury did not see enough evidence to convict... End of story. I hope there is a grassroots movement to move Jackson forward... If you don't want him as a Mayor, get involved in the next election and find someone who will do it "by the book" and lets hope he will clean Jackson up. But I won't be surprised to see him back.... There was a survey on line I saw - and 65% of the ones polled felt Frank was innocent. Tomorrow is another day, be interesting to see what it brings.

Author

mommish

Date

2007-04-27T02:58:56-06:00

ID

128323

Comment

Getting interviewed on CNN! Wow, that really does make him the BMOC! And the modern day equivalent of "rolling drunks" is bashing 'crack houses' and terrorizing 'psychos' that live in the wrong 'hood!

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-04-27T04:19:39-06:00

ID

128324

Comment

Let's hope, ChrisCavanaugh, you never find yourself in a position where you need an attorney. If that unfortunate thing happens, I'm quite sure YOU will want a BMOC to represent you. The BMOC and the rest of the legal team did their job, and did it well. Dank's statement on CNN was quite clear, he felt Frank had learned his lesson. How about you watch the broadcast?

Author

mommish

Date

2007-04-27T04:45:35-06:00

ID

128325

Comment

This verdict was really no surprise to those of us who actually listen to what was being said in West Jackson about the case. To quote my cousin, who is a Melton supporter and called it 3 weeks ago and again yesterday afternoon before the verdicts came back - "Ain't nobody in their right mind in Jackson tryin to see Melton go down for tearing up a damn crackhouse! To put Melton in jail over that would be the crime! Melton just needs a chance to pull up and let the police handle it next time, but don't put him in jail over some b.s." For my sanity, I moved out of Jackson last year. Best decision I could have made.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-04-27T05:44:57-06:00

ID

128326

Comment

Ha ha! Frank learned another lesson! Which number is this? 7? 8? suckers. Danno

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-27T06:18:33-06:00

ID

128327

Comment

It will be interesting to hear Kim's show this afternoon to see how he spins this one. Because this time, justice wasn't "bought", nor can it honestly be said that the SCOTSOM or the Jackson "Illuminati" pulled FM's fat out of the fire. This was 12 average Jacksonians making the decision, right or wrong, to keep FM out of jail.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-04-27T06:36:02-06:00

ID

128328

Comment

Mommish, Thank god folks like Chris don't need attorneys for stupid stunts like what Melton did. You know most of us will never relate to Melton. We don't know what it is like to get drunk, grab a gaggle of thugs and cops, hop a Mobile Command Center, and then proceed to wreck havoc over the City. How come Tyler, TX won't have him? You know those people wouldn't put up with his crap. Impress us and have Tyler, TX leadership (the mayor, etc) write the citizens of Jackson, or to the editor, a letter saying how they would love to have someone like Mayor Melton in their community fighting crime the way we 'need' it Jackson. I'll bet they wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot "walking tall" stick! You know that stick was almost bigger than him!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-27T06:43:14-06:00

ID

128329

Comment

PikerSam -- I never insinuated Chir might need an attorney for the same circumstances Mayor Melton did. I simply made an observation, that if he ever needed one, he would want a BMOC to represent him and to do a good job.

Author

mommish

Date

2007-04-27T07:31:00-06:00

ID

128330

Comment

Sorry, I misspelled Chris....

Author

mommish

Date

2007-04-27T07:31:38-06:00

ID

128331

Comment

You get the council you can afford. Short and simple. Which brings about the question, How do all these drug thugs and officers afford such hotshot defense teams like Robert Smith and Winston? I guess that doesn't bother you? I also wonder about the other cops on the force that see Recio and Wright making $40,000+ in overtime from the City by just following the Mayor around - to the Bahamas, Cali, Miami, etc... While they get little sleep, and take second and third jobs doing security for a mini-mall or something to make ends meet.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-27T07:41:19-06:00

ID

128332

Comment

Indeed mayor P-Funk, Dr. Funkenstein or who ever Frank really is, has God on his side or is a mini-god himself. I was so appaled and overcomed bt the verdict that I went to 2 Carters Grove to apologize. How can a mere man get out of all this shit. He has more lives than Don King. Upon entering 2 Carter's Grove I immediately noticed Frank was standing at the door, and upon my arrival he said "Ray you've been badmouthing me real bad over there. "Lil Sho You Wright and the "Big White Dude" were standing nearby and asked Frank whether he wanted them "to raise up and break me down." I don't really know what this meant but it sounded painful and horrible. Anyway, Frank asked a couple of his boys to pass him a bucket, soap and some towels. He then passed those things to me and said wash up the 300 Chrysler. I was feeling a little afraid at the time so I washed it good, shined the rims and put some of my self-furnished armorall on the seats and dash board. An hour later, I returned to the front door assuring Frank the car was clean, Frank smiled and as I turned to leave he kicked me very hard on rear side. I quickly turned to handle my business, but Lil Sho You Wright and the "Big White Dude" raised up and said "break you yourself fool before we do a double Evans Welsh's House on your ass." I was made even more by afraid by this and start to walking fastly away. It occurred to me that I could possible take Frank and Lil Sho You Wright, but I wasn't sure I could take the "Big White Dude", too; so I ran to my car and left. I take it Frank forgave me for my indistretions against him although he never said emphatically that he did. I don't think a man would let you wash his car and still hold a grudge. I'm heading East as soon as I can pack my stuff. I don't mean Atlanta or New york, I'm talking the Eastern Hemisphere. Frank can't be stopped. He's a gansta, gang leader, cop, mayor, jrury pool controller. Probably a god of some type.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T07:42:03-06:00

ID

128333

Comment

The community supports him No, I would not say the ENTIRE community supports him. Just look around this site. Melton supporters are in the minority. The outcome of this trial is totally f***ed up. I am scared of the precedence it sets, and ashamed of the 12 idiots who let this crazy man go free. What a lot of you Melton-ites don't seem to understand is that destroying a house that supposedly has had crack in it in the past does NOT stop the people who sell crack and buy it. They will just move to the next house, or wherever. Hell, crackheads don't even NEED a house, they would probably go out in the woods just to get some if they had to. The drug problem is not going to stop until the PEOPLE at the root of the problem are done away with. Quit tearing up poor people's homes and GO AFTER THE CRIMINALS like you are supposed to. It's not rocket science.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T07:53:22-06:00

ID

128334

Comment

oh, and P.S., I wouldn't hire Danks if he were the last lawyer on the planet. I'd represent myself.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T07:54:05-06:00

ID

128335

Comment

I am very disappointed in the verdict, but you can't even get mad at Melton for that. He was tried by a jury of his peers and found "not guilty". My concern now is the civil trial. If we can't find 12 people who would convict him on the evidence, how can we find 12 who will say he owes Ms. Sutton for her house he tore down? I'm sure they will reason that she asked for it etc. etc, but the fact remains that it was her property and a source of income that she no longer has. This is truly a sad day for Jackson and, to be honest, if I could afford to I would be off work today with a realtor looking for a new home anywhere but Jackson.

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-04-27T07:58:51-06:00

ID

128336

Comment

Hey all, Frank just called...he said he will own this town, not just CMMC.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-27T08:11:31-06:00

ID

128337

Comment

You don't need as much proof in a civil trial. I wanted Stanley and Dewey to be overwhelming in their closings. I said earlier Stanley was too calm for my taste although good. They should have asked for at least an hour and used emotional hooks to hook the jury just like the defense did. Some people laughed at Robert Smith, Danks, Thompson and Coxwell but they used many emotional hooks. Those objections to Robert Smith were to keep him from unloading emotional hooks, not based in evidence, but hooks nevertheless. At some point the jurors throw away the jury instructions or court rules and go with the heart sand gut feelings. Tehy trust their hearts and feeling more than they do complicated rule. The defense knew this and they prevailed. I spent lots of time initially talking about the type of jury you pick for a case like this. The defense wanted women and less educated people. They mostly got what they wanted. Stanley wanted educated and smart people who would put the law above their feelings. He didn't get it. The case was won in voir dire. Women try very hard to do the right thing.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T08:12:56-06:00

ID

128338

Comment

melton supporters are in the minority on THIS site andi. Not in the minority generally. Oh I smell the acrid, putrid stench of sour grapes by the thousands. Frank has a mandate. Frank is innocent. Frank is Mayor. TBH we love that is irks you guys so much.

Author

Nalyd

Date

2007-04-27T08:14:17-06:00

ID

128339

Comment

melton supporters are in the minority on THIS site andi. Not in the minority generally. there are a lot of people on this site who are part of the community of Jackson, so my point was that the number of people here who openly oppose Melton is prime example that NOT EVERYBODY supports him. and how exactly do you know that Melton supporters are in the majority generally? did you personally poll the entire city? i would really like to see those numbers. the poll that someone quoted earlier about the 65%? that was likely that poll on WJTV or whichever station, in which the majority of the voters came from OUTSIDE the city of Jackson. the people who don't have a clue what it's like day-to-day around here.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T08:19:12-06:00

ID

128340

Comment

I should add that the State had the facts on their side. A strong combination of arguing the facts and counter-emotional hooks would have likely pulled this case out, I think. One thing for sure, we know the trio was guilty, regardless of the outcome. We will see whether either learned anything.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T08:22:39-06:00

ID

128341

Comment

Donna and Brian, Can you get copies of the two police reports that the ADA referred to in closing about the search warrant and marijuana recovered from the other duplex and post them? Can you also get a copy of the code the Judge cited at the end of the trial and post that?

Author

JenniferGriffin

Date

2007-04-27T08:30:41-06:00

ID

128342

Comment

Which is why I never take stock in online viewer polls. You don't get a pure representation of true opinions. A three-year can vote on these polls.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-27T08:42:15-06:00

ID

128343

Comment

Great minds think alike, Jennifer. That's on my to-do list. At some point the jurors throw away the jury instructions or court rules and go with the heart sand gut feelings. Tehy trust their hearts and feeling more than they do complicated rule. The defense knew this and they prevailed. That was always the defense's strategy. Jackson has been OJ'ed. ;-) That's OK, though. It was predictable, and it simply shows us the work to be done. Gird your loins, ladies and gents!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:01:12-06:00

ID

128344

Comment

Jennifer, you might want to copy and paste it into word to read it more easily. Here is the code: § 21-19-20. Demolishing abandoned structures used for sale or use of drugs (1) (a) A municipality shall institute proceedings to have demolished an abandoned house or building that is used for the sale or use of drugs. The local law enforcement authority of the municipality shall have documented proof of drug sales or use in the abandoned property before a municipality may initiate proceedings to have the property demolished. (b)(i) A municipality shall institute proceedings to have an abandoned house or building demolished if the governing authority of the municipality determines that the house or building is a menace to the public health and safety of the community and that it constitutes a public hazard and nuisance. (ii) Upon the receipt of a petition requesting the municipality to demolish an abandoned house or building that constitutes a public hazard and nuisance signed by a majority of the residents residing within four hundred (400) feet of the property, the governing authority of the municipality shall notify the property owner that the petition has been filed and that a date for a hearing on the petition has been set. Notice to the property owner shall be by United States mail, or if the property owner or his address is unknown, publication of the notice shall be made twice each week during two (2) successive weeks in a public newspaper of the county in which the municipality is located; where there is no newspaper in the county, the notice shall be published in a newspaper having a general circulation in the state. The hearing shall be held not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days after service or completion of publication of the notice. At the hearing, the governing authority shall determine whether the property is a menace to the public health and safety of the community which constitutes a public hazard and nuisance. If the governing authority determines that the property is a public hazard and nuisance, the municipality shall institute proceedings under subsection (2) of this section to demolish the abandoned house or building. (2) The municipality shall file a petition to declare the abandoned property a public hazard and nuisance and to have the property demolished with the circuit clerk of the county in which the property or some part of the property is located. All of the owners of the property involved, and any mortgagee, trustee, or other person having any interest in or lien on the property shall be made defendants to the proceedings. The circuit clerk shall present the petition to the circuit judge who, by written order directed to the circuit clerk, shall fix the time and place for the hearing of the matter in termtime or vacation. The time of the hearing shall be fixed on a date to allow sufficient time for each defendant named to be served with process, as otherwise provided by law, not less than thirty (30) days before the hearing. If a defendant or other party in interest is not served for the specified time before the date fixed, the hearing shall be continued to a day certain to allow the thirty-day period specified. (3) Any cost incurred by a municipality for demolishing abandoned property shall be paid by the owners of the property.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-27T09:01:30-06:00

ID

128345

Comment

If you look in the actual text of the code, right near the number, 21-19-20, it says "abandoned." Which, this house wasn't. "Plain language of this statute requires that the mechanism provided for the declaration of such property a public nuisance and hazard may only be utilized if there is documented proof of drug use or sales. The procedures of Section 21-19-20 cannot be used if a structure has not been used in the sale or use of illegal drugs. Op.Atty.Gen. No. 2003-0141, Huggins, March 28, 2003."

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-27T09:03:55-06:00

ID

128346

Comment

It's amazing how 1(b) and 2 were just completely ignored by FM and company. That's the bulk of the code. Ridiculous.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T09:05:36-06:00

ID

128347

Comment

And I overlooked that "abandoned" part, myself. Aren't more abandoned houses are used as crack houses anyway? That way they can't be tied to one person who lives there? Makes sense.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T09:08:33-06:00

ID

128348

Comment

Danno makes a very good point way up above about the DA going to the private sector if she loses this year. It is certainly the idea of "lapdog," or a repeat of the last DA's history, that we should be the most concerned about. And that is what I'm most concerned about, for the record. Although I never like to see public servants trashed unfairly—like the DA is now and C Chief Moore before her. But the bigger concern is certainly what happens with Melton as mayor and two of his peeps as DA and sheriff. Lest the DA-haters on here forget, Meltonians (the real inside ones) are going to gun at least as hard for the sheriff seat, or perhaps harder, than they will for Peterson now. The city will reap what hype helped sow. That's why it's no time for hand-wringing, folks. It's time for action, organization and information. Let yesterday inspire, not discourage. That's the effect it has on me.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:11:12-06:00

ID

128349

Comment

Oh, and to repeat myself: It ain't over 'til it's over. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:12:51-06:00

ID

128350

Comment

for the record, and then i'll shut up for a bit because i now have actual work to do, i am all about a "Wake Up Jackson!" campaign. i don't think the "please" is necessary. It needs to be a firm, succinct message!

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T09:15:29-06:00

ID

128351

Comment

Also, re the notion up above that the jury was representative of Jackson, you have to remember that the attorneys very careful tried to sift out people who even read the JFP and The Clarion-Ledger or know anything at all about Melton. This isn't a representative pool: You can't pick 12 pretty uninformed people and say they represent the city's support of the mayor. It's a carefully picked pool. Don't forget: Melton started out with 60-something percent of voters in the primaries (the only place that mattered for these purposes), who are under a fourth of the city's population. It is certainly not a stretch to believe that he has lost more than 20 percent of the folks who voted for him. So don't believe hype quite so easily, folks. That's where disempowerment comes from and demagoguery comes in. All of that said, the verdict does indicate the civics lessons that are needed about how rights in America work. Let's hop to it. And remember that Melton's actions are now under a hot spotlight—it's time to turn up the heat, not turn it down.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:21:46-06:00

ID

128352

Comment

Now, I must clean my desk (literally and figuratively) and drink more coffee to wake up for the radio show. (Y'all listen in now.) See y'all later. Keep the faith.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:23:33-06:00

ID

128353

Comment

Ladd, You gonna give us a shout out in the show? :D

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-27T09:38:23-06:00

ID

128354

Comment

What you think? Of course, I'll give a shout-out to y'all. In fact, did you all see Darren's cartoon this week? It's a tribute to y'all bloggers. (I have to get him posting them again.) And so is my editor's note. I just noticed that the Web guy didn't put it up Wednesday. Crazy week. I'll go do it now. There's a lot of hope in that column. You can probably tell that I had a feeling that Melton and the bodyguards would walk when you read it. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:43:21-06:00

ID

128355

Comment

I caught the CNN report at the tail end. I've been checking for a link on their Web site all morning, but they haven't posted anything so far. I think that helping Jennifer Sutton should be on the "Wake Up Jackson" agenda for sure. I don't know how long it will take for the civil suit to get going, but in the meantime, I think a bunch of us should get together, go to that house and try to fix the holes and clean it out. It could be like Habitat for Humanity, sort of. Volunteers could do everything from sweeping to carpentry. I am sure that a lot of do-it-yourselfers like myself would love to help out. I think I will go ahead and start an online group so we can have a separate place to discuss this. I'll let you know when a link is available. It may take some time to make it look presentable, but I need we need to get the ball rolling on this ASAP.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-27T09:46:10-06:00

ID

128356

Comment

If I decide to stay here in America, as opposed to leaving for the far East, I'm going to ask Frank for a job. Before he's said and done, the city will be his, all income will be at his behest, and he'll be singing, "make my funk the p-funk, I wants to get funked up." Y'all remember these George Clinton lyrics. Melton is King. I was so hopeful that he would finally have to pay the piper yesterday. Now I worried Frank is the piper, and we may have to pay ourselves. I'm running real scared right now. What they did to me last night could be just the beginning for all of us.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T09:46:46-06:00

ID

128357

Comment

Ray, what did they do to you last night? Or are you speaking like that b/c we all got screwed?

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-27T09:49:04-06:00

ID

128358

Comment

What you think? Of course, I'll give a shout-out to y'all. In fact, did you all see Darren's cartoon this week? It's a tribute to y'all bloggers. (I have to get him posting them again.) Yeah, I went over there a couple of times since I haven't been able to get a paper lately, and no cartoons have been posted since January. I meant to email him and give him a tongue-lashing. I wish I could listen to the show, but I can't pick up the station very well where I am for some reason. Maybe I live too close to Clinton.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-27T09:50:38-06:00

ID

128359

Comment

LawClerk, Ray's just venting. He'll be alright in a minute. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-27T09:53:02-06:00

ID

128360

Comment

Lawclerk, look up several posts above where I described going to Frank's house last night. I was still nervous when I wrote it and made more errors than I usually do, I think.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T09:53:54-06:00

ID

128361

Comment

Just saw the not guilty verdict on the Court TV screen crawl.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-27T09:54:20-06:00

ID

128362

Comment

Latasha, that is a good idea. Remember how that contractor raised money to fix Mary Jones' house after Melton abandoned her? The people need to step up and take up the slack. Start the group, and get a core committee together to discuss how to have our own town-hall meeting. We'll publicize it. Seriously, all. E-mail L.W. if you're interested in participating. If all of you didn't know it, much of the initial oomph (and money) of the Melton campaign came from a small "citizens' group" that formed in North Jackson to get rid of Harvey Johnson. They met in a prominent couple's home and got the thing rolling. (Of course, many of them now regret it.) So it would be more than apropros for a similar (but different!) citizens' group to form now to seek out Jackson's problems, as well as solutions. It'd be so much more powerful than the Ledger lining up a few usual suspects every couple years in order to pretend they care about Jackson between their drumbeat of sensationalism. Meantime, bear in mind one of my favorite quotes: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that has." — Margaret Mead OK, gotta fly. Much work to do.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:54:34-06:00

ID

128363

Comment

Listen to the show online, L.W. Then the audio will be available on the WLEZ site. No excuse to miss it. ;-) I posted my column in the Melton blog, for now. Enjoy my tribute to all of you.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T09:55:46-06:00

ID

128364

Comment

Dennis Sweet is going to make Melton or the city pay for that house. LW, I ain't just venting. I'm serious. This really happened. I got the sore behind to prove it. Have I ever lied to any of you before? I was sickened as I heard those verdicts last night. After the judge read Melton's first acquittal I knew all would be found not guilty.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T10:00:16-06:00

ID

128365

Comment

Don't nobody mention my name on the show. I'm now trying to get with Frank nem. If you can't stop em, why not join em?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T10:03:36-06:00

ID

128366

Comment

Somebody, give Ray a lie detector test. ;-) My guess is that the city will have to pay for it. That means us.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T10:03:37-06:00

ID

128367

Comment

I got framed copies of the Ledger this morning if anyone is interested in one. I just hung one up in my office.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:04:16-06:00

ID

128368

Comment

Gaius, why are you framing that?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T10:05:32-06:00

ID

128369

Comment

L.W., the jury was given a great Civic lesson - AFTER THE FACT. He told those wigglings on the jury the correct procedure for destroying a property. No where in his instructions did it give a Mayor premission to use a stick, police staff and some troubled youngsters to tear down a property. The Constitution was on trial in this case; however, it was all about black folks. We won't need a lesson in Civics or any support groups when he makes the mistake of tearing up something in Eastover or violating the rights of any non black. A poor, uneducated, mentally challenged drug user who lived in an area of this City that cradles the downtrodden, had all of his rights stripped. It was a no-win situation because it was this callibar of black man going up against a White system of Justice. (Danks & his Dunkers). There were two types of Blacks in the circus following melton's not guilty virdict - THE IGNORANT and the INFORMED who receive recognition and a few dimes. These people will sell their souls and they are like wild beast who do not hear or care about themselves or this City. If you asked anyone of them, "What esxactly has melton done to help this city." they will say, "He is getting ridd of crime." This is sick! Where is the evidence of this stupidity? The White melton supporters are carry-overs who want to keep the status quo and others who are calculating, informed risk takers who have their bets on keeping the focus on melton and other ignorant blacks while they prepare to reinstitute absolute total power and control. Jackson is not a prototype: I've seen this pattern too many times in other Cities in the Country; however, with the talent of ladd and others who post their thoughts/feelings about this situation, I remain hopeful.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-27T10:12:35-06:00

ID

128370

Comment

Because Ray I first like it cause it shows the talent of a great legal team. Secondly, it says that a community is tired of an escalating crime problem & was appalled that their Mayor was indicted so swiftly by a DAs office (or I should say soon to be former DAs office) pushed by political motivation. This community wants action not petty politcal games, which as everyone will see in August, will back fire on Faye.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:16:40-06:00

ID

128371

Comment

Donna, my computer's on life support, but I'll try to listen in. It's hard to do on dial-up sometimes. I couldn't even watch the trial until they put it on TV.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-27T10:19:14-06:00

ID

128372

Comment

Thank you, justjess. And your points are very good. Of course, race is at the heart of this. He would not be allowed to do the same thing to an alleged drug house in a white n'hood. We all know it. The difference is between those of us who care about that fact and those of us who don't. Right there is where the real civics lesson lies. If we care about America, and the principles we're built on, we cannot cherrypick which citizen enjoys her rights. And the power of the Constitution *always* lie in the application of rights to the least powerful, and the ones most likely to get in trouble. Think about it. Folks, do not cede your power as citizens. This mess wasn't supposed to get better over night; as I say in the editor's note this week, the problem wasn't created in a few months. The truth is, if Melton straightens up and stops the goofy midnight raids and attacks on houses, then all of this was worth it. Every second. And the elected officials who had the political courage to challenge it should be applauded. Hood got the guns off him, and Peterson/McMillin got him off the streets (for the most part), during a time when he was going crazy out there. Someone would have been killed. I mean, a mayor with a drinking problem and guns strapped to him carrying around a big stick? Come on. If you all get frustrated with this verdict and give up the fight, then the city will suffer, and the folks who did all this will win. You must keep your eye on the big picture. Meditate on it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T10:20:48-06:00

ID

128373

Comment

Frank was basically handed unlimited power yesterday, the only thing Faye did was to further expand the myth & power of Frank Melton. Does anyone think that he actually is going to calm down now? That he learned a lesson? A guy like Frank now believes that he is untouchable & the community just put it seal of approval on that. I see an escalation of raids in drug haven neighborhoods not a de-escalation. Its kinda like when that idiot W got re-elected in '04 despite the lack of public support of the war in Iraq. Did he withdraw, no he escalated because the public ratified what he was doing. Same goes with Frank, he will not be a quiet figure now & will most likely be re-elected.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:27:42-06:00

ID

128374

Comment

I'm curious if regular house burglers will be able to get off now, since all they apparently will have to say they heard crack was in the house and wanted to get rid of it. Seriously, civil rights and rule of law has taken a step back. Now that the state has made their case, is there any chance the feds can step in, since property destruction has some obvious civil right overtones? If somebody fails to be convicted of state charges can federal charges still be brought up? And finally, the jury verdict in this case makes me nervous about working in Hinds County, as jurys not following procedures can wreak havoc on the legal system.

Author

GLewis

Date

2007-04-27T10:27:46-06:00

ID

128375

Comment

Gauis/Shaun, you are sounding like an absurd broken record at this point. You haven't shown one bit of evidence that Peterson was playing a "petty political game" when she did her job on this. You have given us one example of a case that she supposedly messed up (which I will look at in detail). You clearly hate her guts for reasons that *you* cannot even articulate. You are out in front, in true n-jammer fashion, doing a political hatchet job. I'm starting to wonder what your real motives are here. There are certainly folks in the city who would benefit mightily should they get another Ed Peters in office. Are you one of those? I'm so glad most people do not have attitudes such as yours. We'd be in real trouble.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T10:30:03-06:00

ID

128376

Comment

Since we're mentioning race, I'll say something I was reluctant to say earlier. I bet the defense lawyers calculated black women would not let a successful black man who broke the law, but had decent intentions, go to jail for doing something arguably meritorios. I said earlier thaere is a history of rescuing in these types of cases or situations. I wonder if the State knew this too. I suspect they did but there was so many black women in the jury pool they couldn't strike enough of them.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T10:30:50-06:00

ID

128377

Comment

n-jammer fashion huh, I thought you had to live in North Jackson to be one of those Donna. Heck I probably have lived in Fondren/Belhaven area longer than you. Why don't you go take a look at the Cresentia O'Quinn case (tried twice, hung once, acquitted the second time in '04) see her motivation behind indicting & trying TWICE a 14 yr old girl from defending herself from a crackhead, if you want specifics.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:34:30-06:00

ID

128378

Comment

I've thought about this as well, but was afraid to say it. I don't want to be considered racist.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-04-27T10:35:08-06:00

ID

128379

Comment

Even if Melton had been poor, I believe, with those facts the black females would have saved him. The fact that he had money and power probably appealed to the remaining jurors moreso.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T10:36:29-06:00

ID

128380

Comment

ray, I believe the OJ effect did play a part

Author

motherofthekings

Date

2007-04-27T10:36:34-06:00

ID

128381

Comment

ladd, I'm new to the site, but do you have a virtual or cyber mute button :)

Author

motherofthekings

Date

2007-04-27T10:37:16-06:00

ID

128382

Comment

And Donna, apparently the majority of this community agrees with me. I think the headline in the ledger this morning was "NOT GUILTY." The community obviously agrees with me more than they agree with you. I am sure y'alls headline next week will be something along the lines of "Juror Tampering" or "Travesty of Justice."

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:37:30-06:00

ID

128383

Comment

I can understand that, LH, but what Ray wrote rings true and was the first hint to me that Melton had a better than average chance of skating past these charges.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-04-27T10:37:57-06:00

ID

128384

Comment

Oh, no, Gaius. It's a state of mind. I made up the phrase; I should know. ;-) Darlin', I have no interest in popularity contests. Nothing I do is based on them. I am interested in truth and preserving what is so wonderful about America. It's simple. Actually, I don't have evidence of "jury tampering," do you?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T10:40:25-06:00

ID

128385

Comment

And last time I checked it was Ed Peters, Bobby DeLaughter (who you seem to hate so much but as served this community with honor & diginity for years) and Mrylie Evers who convicted Bryon De La Beckwith. What has Faye ever done to match that, I mean if Ed Peters is as bad as you claim him to be.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:41:15-06:00

ID

128386

Comment

I don't hate DeLaughter. I don't know him. I respect his work on the Evers case, but that is not the only case he's been involved with. Unfortunately, I have been very unimpressed from learning about his work on cases like Cedric Willis and even the Juvenile Detention Center cases of the 1990s. And it's funny how you're trying to change the subject from why you despise Peterson so much, being that you haven't provided any evidence or credible reason, into "what has she done on the level of the Evers case"? This is so illogical that I'm just not wasting my time on you anymore.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T10:45:37-06:00

ID

128387

Comment

I just told you about Cresentia O'Quinn did ya miss that one or just don't care to investigate it cause it might hurt Faye's reputation?

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:46:41-06:00

ID

128388

Comment

The community obviously agrees with me more than they agree with you I'm still waiting to find out how Gaius and Nalyd know this for sure. Just because 12 uninformed people let FM go does not make for the majority of the community agreeing with it. but i am with ladd in that nobody cares about a popularity contest anyway. and also, I personally could not care less about Faye Peterson. who cares if she stays or goes? it doesn't matter in the grand scheme. so why is Gaius so obsessed with her?

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T10:47:04-06:00

ID

128389

Comment

For people comparing Melton to Hitler on this site I would suggest a long period of therapy or a trip to Auschwitz. Get over yourselves, this is hubris. Nothing that has been done in Jackson has risen to the level of human rights violations. The universe will not cease to function of Melton remains mayor. The provincialism of some people amazes me.

Author

Willezurmacht

Date

2007-04-27T10:47:53-06:00

ID

128390

Comment

Comparisons with Caesar are also comical. Caesar accomplished something at least. If Melton dies at the foot of a statue of Dale Danks after being stabbed en masse by the city council you may make the comparison.

Author

Willezurmacht

Date

2007-04-27T10:50:28-06:00

ID

128391

Comment

<-----pressing mute

Author

motherofthekings

Date

2007-04-27T10:50:39-06:00

ID

128392

Comment

Well it was Donna who first states that she is glad that most people don't share my attitude in this community & I am just saying that apparently they do. How can you call them 12 uniformed people? Just because they didn't view the case the way you do & that they didn't give you the outcome y'all so desparately wanted? Those 12 jurors listened to ALL of the evidence & decided that the State couldn't meet their burden, to call them "uninformed" is just down right ridiculous.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:51:49-06:00

ID

128393

Comment

Will, the comparison to Caesar is that "he is surrounded by friends, who are actually enemies." This holds true with Frank.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T10:55:19-06:00

ID

128394

Comment

ray, I, too, have noticed that he has a strong female following...women absolutely love him...in his (contrary to what people have said) small band of followers, I would venture to say that a large percentage are women... let me stop myself shy of 'saying' anything more

Author

motherofthekings

Date

2007-04-27T10:55:56-06:00

ID

128395

Comment

What I'm worried about now is "What We gonna Do When They Come for Us": When you were eight and you had bad traits. You go to school and you learn the golden rule. So why are you acting like a bloody fool? If you get hot you must get cool. You chuck it on this one. You chuck it on mother and you chuck it on father. You chuck it on you brother and you chuck it on you sister. You chuck it on that one and you chuck it on me. Bad boys, bad boys. Whatcha we gonna do when they come for us. Bad boys, bad boys. Whatcha we gonna do, whatcha gonna we gonna do when they come for us.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T10:58:34-06:00

ID

128396

Comment

well, considering they ruled out potential jurors who read about Melton in the JFP and the C-L, i would say these are people who are largely uninformed about what is going on in their community because they don't keep up with the news. that's where that came from.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T10:58:46-06:00

ID

128397

Comment

M: The Mayor. I heard that they were already making these bumper stickers over at the City Council.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T12:21:50-06:00

ID

128398

Comment

Maybe Frank should start doing the "Bottom Line" again. The next segment would be "The Bottom Line is that I run shit around here."

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T12:22:59-06:00

ID

128399

Comment

So in order for a juror to be "informed" they have to have prior knowledge of events concerning the people involved in the case? Why then do we even bother with changes of venue? Jurors don't have to be "informed" about the accusers or the accused prior to trial, they are only required to listen to the evidence presented and reach a verdict based on their best understanding of the law and the case as presented. It almost sounds like these jurors are being called "ignorant" by one or two posters, but I don't want to put words into other people's posts.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-04-27T12:29:45-06:00

ID

128400

Comment

As usual, black women are taking the brunt of this entire mess and being blamed for something that was not their fault - not ever! Faye is being attacked - what did you expect her to do? Turn her back and ignore Uncle Frank & his gang of thugs. If she is voted out of office, the alternative is one of Uncle Frank's lap dogs, yassir, yassir! Why the hate toward Jennifer Sutton, another black woman - what did she do? She was chasing after the American Dream and trying to create extra income to help ends meet. Why do I have this feeling that some of those women in that jury pool were afraid of some type of retaliation had Uncle Frank been found guilty. I'm trying to imagine myself in their shoes. If you did not possess a strong self-image and a good dose of self-confidence, then perhaps you would have been afraid to convict someone that you deemed powerful. Hmmm? Just wondering out loud.

Author

lanier77

Date

2007-04-27T12:32:24-06:00

ID

128401

Comment

okay, i'll put it into my own post. i think those jurors were pretty ignorant. or at least acted ignorantly and irresponsibly, much like FM and his crew. perhaps instead of "uninformed" i should have just said "clueless." that might've saved some time.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T12:35:12-06:00

ID

128402

Comment

Why do I have this feeling that some of those women in that jury pool were afraid of some type of retaliation had Uncle Frank been found guilty. I'm trying to imagine myself in their shoes. If you did not possess a strong self-image and a good dose of self-confidence, then perhaps you would have been afraid to convict someone that you deemed powerful. Hmmm? Just wondering out loud. that is a very interesting conjecture. i would be inclined to agree.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T12:37:00-06:00

ID

128403

Comment

Just because they didn't return the verdict that you wanted does not mean that they acted "irreponsibly." Did you listen to all the evidence? Did you go into the jury room and weigh it & deliberate on it? No, they did & they found Frank Not Guilty. If they were gonna just act ignorant & irresponsibly than why didn't they just come back after lunch and acquit all of them? Why did they ask the Judge a question? Why were they hung on one count? I think that this obviously shows that they did their duites as jurors and to call them ignorant is just "ignorant" ranting because you didn't like their verdict. And the race card can't be played here either because the jury had blacks, whites & majority women & 1 white man. They weren't uniformed, ignorant rednecks, they were honest citizens of this county & they came to a result, which apparently you can't handle.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T12:41:53-06:00

ID

128404

Comment

nope, not ignorant. my opinion. and you have yours, obviously. i would also offer to you that just because they came up with a verdict you agree with doesn't mean it wasn't irresponsible and ignorant (and nobody said anything about rednecks, either). we could go 'round in circles on this all day. i'm done.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T12:45:52-06:00

ID

128405

Comment

Please come join the Wake Up Jackson group and let's start brainstorming.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-27T12:47:06-06:00

ID

128406

Comment

Does anyone think that he actually is going to calm down now? That he learned a lesson? No. In fact, I'm putting the over/under at two months in which he'll do something to get in trouble again, and once again, his enablers will stop at nothing to get us to see that he's trying to fight crime and that we're wrong for not standing behind him. I don't know if any of you see it this way, but I compare Frank with Bobby Knight when he was coaching basketball at Indiana. Remember how he always pulled antics and yet the fans not only went along with it, but cheered whenever he did something stupid? There was one professor who tried to stand up against the things Knight was doing, but he was run off campus and even received death threats. Only when IU president Myles Brand had enough did he finally get sanctioned and was later fired. Of course, it's not as easy getting rid of Frank as it was to get rid of Knight and there were a lot of outcry towards the school for firing Knight. But since BK was winning basketball games, national titles and having a high number of his players graduate college, the fans thought of all his shenanigans as being OK to deal with. What Frank has done and is capable of doing go far beyond what Bobby Knight has done so far. As long as his supporters and staff continue to enable him by giving him as long a rope a possible to let him do what he wants, more people will find themselves on the wrong side of Frank and he doesn't care if you supported him or not. Who will they run to then for help?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-27T12:53:35-06:00

ID

128407

Comment

okay, i'll answer that, and then i'm done. it's irresponsible because it gives FM and his cronies a free pass to continue running rampant around town and committing crimes in the name of "preventing crime." it feeds FM's notion that he is above the law, which he is not, no matter what those 12 people think. the law speaks very clearly for itself.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-27T12:53:42-06:00

ID

128408

Comment

Anyone knows why the mayor is being so quiet? This isn't like him. Are we to beleive he's changed, or he's so thankful the Lord saved him that he's speechless? What's up with this? Maybe I'll run by to visit again.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T12:57:11-06:00

ID

128409

Comment

Sorry, folks, I was still out when the n-jam troll-trash came along. Sorry. Does remind you of this, eh? Some people can't argue on the merits, so they mount vicious personal attacks. This is age-old nonsense. Ignore and don't feed if he pops back up. (I've suspended this one twice this week all right and at once in the past, fyi.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T13:33:56-06:00

ID

128410

Comment

Ray, you're killing me... Loved your tale of the visit to the Melton abode. ;-) I'm asking out of curiosity... For the sake of.... Can anyone mob Melton's house and tear it up? I ask because it is public fact that he's had drug users and dealers in and out of that house for decades (many of which have been recently arrested -- again). Has the legal precedent been set to allow such behavior? I mean one could argue that Welch, the owner, and a few others from Virden should be allowed to do the same to Melton's and the Wood St. construction crew's homes. Of course, I'm just being sarcastic... Still, it'd be interesting to read such a headline -- "Virden addition takes out known drug house in NE Jackson/Wood Street." They could always play ignorant and, also, claim they were trying to keep the high-dollar tax paying citizens in NE Jackson by removing a nuisance. Wonder if Lynette has room for two boys, two dogs, and two snakes in PDX? This is becoming tiresome.

Author

kaust

Date

2007-04-27T13:38:54-06:00

ID

128411

Comment

I just told you about Cresentia O'Quinn did ya miss that one or just don't care to investigate it cause it might hurt Faye's reputation? Dude, do you know how to read? In the comment you were responding to with that, I told you that you have provided exactly one example to back up your full-frontal assault on the D.A. I also said I'm going to look into the details of that case. My point was that you have mentioned exactly one example. Otherwise, your logic is mighty lacking in these posts, considering that you're an attorney. Are you truly arguing that the verdict of this jury means that a majority of the community agree with you? That's a hilarious argument. I'm not saying that they do not—like you, I cannot know for sure—although I don't that they do, for reasons I've already stated, which I doubt you read, either, in your rush to make yourself look bad.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T13:41:37-06:00

ID

128412

Comment

Thanks, Knol. Interesting observation about what somebody should do at Frank's house. The old Ray Carter would have gotten a posse together and considered rolling up over there. Just to talk to Frank though, nothing more. The new Ray Carter is of a different inclination after last night. I could swear that when I left there running last know Lil Sho You Wright asked Frank whether he wanted him to go get me, and Frank said we'll get him later. Consequently, I fear they're looking for me, and obviously I'm hiding out for a minute. I'm not even in Jackson anymore as I write this. Mayor Big-Funk is a bad mother shut your mouth. Apparently he can walk on water. I don't mean to make up names for him, but I thought I heard the "Big White Dude" refer to Frank as Mayor Big Funk last night, and Franks relpied "I like it when you call me Mayor Big Funk." Frank also did a little funky dance and said "and you don't stop. Yeah." If I didn't know better I would think Frank is also an undercover rapper. He talked about opening up a studio on Farish at one point. Who knows, it could be for his coming out party now that he beaten all the charges. Hell, even Stoop Dogg lost one count of some charges. Frank would be the only rapping mayor in the rap games, and one of the few rappers to beat all charges.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T14:10:24-06:00

ID

128413

Comment

Well I guess I don't know if the entire community supports him but thats the impression that I get, given the reaction at the courthouse yesterday & alot of the Bars & Restaurants around town. It seemed like everyone was celebrating last night. But I could be wrong, I mean you know like I was wrong about the outcome of the trial (oh..wait I called that one didn't I).

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T14:14:17-06:00

ID

128414

Comment

Gaius, obviously, people who were out celebrating were out celebrating. The ones who weren't I suspect you didn't see. Doh. I'm still lost in your logic. You'll note that I never said he would be convicted, either. I hoped justice would be served. It sounds like that is the biggest difference between my view on it and yours. Your biggest goal seems to be to use his acquittal against the DA. To each his own, but I wouldn't speak for the majority of the community if I were you. Try convincing us about what you think, before you get more ambitious.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T14:19:23-06:00

ID

128415

Comment

FFA, I totally agree with golden eagle. You obviously has a dislike for Faye Peterson, and that's okay...it's your prerogarive. But what I detest is your making personal attacks about her physical stature. That's unacceptable here.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-04-27T14:19:42-06:00

ID

128416

Comment

has ---> 'have'

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-04-27T14:20:14-06:00

ID

128417

Comment

Well Donna the Ledger is reporting another one of Faye's screwups. Heres the link: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070427/NEWS/70427028 The Allen case, anyone remember this one? The lady shot her boyfriend in the head in front of a restaurant. When it rains, it surely pours.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T14:27:42-06:00

ID

128418

Comment

Are you planning on investigating the facts of that case?

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T14:30:29-06:00

ID

128419

Comment

Anyone know who handled that case for the defense? Was it Bil LaBarre I just don't know.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T14:32:54-06:00

ID

128420

Comment

Both sides of this argument are under the illusion (delusion?) that most of the people of Jackson care about the mayor, his trouble, or the outcome of the case. I suspect most have no opionion either out of ignorance or because they have more pressing concerns; such as finding a job, making the mortgage payment, or avoiding crime. Whoever inhabits City Hall at any given time is largely irrelevant to the lives of most people. This has been true since the founding of the city and I suspect will remain true until the New Madrid fault breaks and washes the state away. Still: having a crazy mayor, and incompetant DA, and demoralized police force are a good story. It is fun. There are lots of parallels in world politics, mostly in the third world. Except there the leader is called a warlord and the police are known as a death squad. Now that is a situation to complain about, not a half-insane malignant narcissist. Relax everyone.

Author

Willezurmacht

Date

2007-04-27T14:35:29-06:00

ID

128421

Comment

Wille, actually I agree with you that the majority of the community probably does not care one way or the other. If they did, more of them would have turned out to vote for him either time. Now that is a situation to complain about, not a half-insane malignant narcissist. Relax everyone. Actually, both are situations to complain about. We don't have to choose, fortunately. Personally, I am relaxed. (About to fall asleep, in fact. Smile.) I know we have to be in this for the long haul. I'm pretty Zen about it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T14:47:29-06:00

ID

128422

Comment

Gaius, I don't see the part in that story about the DA's screwups. I'm certainly not arguing that she cannot screw up—I'm not her flack—but I'm getting the sneaking suspicion that your whole argument is that every case the prosecution loses = a direct screwup by Faye Peterson. I assume you understand that cases are won and lost for many reasons, right? I'm already very familiar with a number of cases that her detractors (including Melton) point to as DA screwups that were anything but—and the real reasons they were lost might curl your toes. If you haven't figured it out, yet, I'm working on analysis of cases to see what's behind the effort to paint her as the Worst District Attorney Who Ever Walked the Earth. I really, sincerely want to see if there is anything to it. I'm also looking back past her tenure as well. So, yes, I will definitely look at the facts in the O'Quinn case. It's on the list, but it won't happen today, so quit asking. ;-) And I'm still waiting for all the others you wish me to add, but please don't waste my time just looking for any or every case that did not end up with a guilty plea. Give me examples that directly show her screw-ups if that is what you are trying to prove. You and I both are smart enough to know that it is more complicated than that, even if you don't play a smart kid on the Internet.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T14:54:30-06:00

ID

128423

Comment

(Also, Gaius, you ought to call your tenacious troll friend off. Just stacking up a bunch of new fake accounts is not going to get him troll privileges here. Tell him to stop making a fool of himself, being that I know who he is.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T14:56:44-06:00

ID

128424

Comment

Ok Donna the new "troll" is actually not of my doing.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T14:59:07-06:00

ID

128425

Comment

Gaius, it's the same troll. Run over to Cups and tell him to cut it out. It won't do him any good.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T15:00:32-06:00

ID

128426

Comment

Lol, the only trolls over at my office actually hate Cups & prefer starbucks. I have no preference since I hate coffee, strictly Diet Coke drinker lol.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T15:02:09-06:00

ID

128427

Comment

But if it is one of my "trolls" I'll see if I can reign em in. Curt's Colletteing someone out today so it ain't him lol.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T15:08:10-06:00

ID

128428

Comment

Fay is not a bad district attorney. That's crap. How can she be blamed for cases she doesn't try or present. This baselss hatred is appalling. I'm supporting her. Frank will surely give her another shot at him soon. All he needs is the return of the RV, Sho You Right and the Big White Dude as his guards, some liquor, and a childhood flashback of being Buford Pusser or judge Roy Bean. This happens everything he starts to smelling the bottle or hitting the white lightening. Nothing has changed.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T15:10:06-06:00

ID

128429

Comment

Well, I sure hope he's gotten enough of a wake-up call to stop drinking. And if the people around him haven't done everything they could to get him help on that front, they aren't fit to be walking the earth.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T15:11:53-06:00

ID

128430

Comment

My biggest hope is that having such a mirror held in front of his face in this trial—which is what it took, apparently, to even get his attention—will force him to get help. Maybe this experience will save him. We can hope. The Lord does work in mysterious ways.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T15:13:08-06:00

ID

128431

Comment

Peterson couldn't even get a conviction of Albert "Batman" Donnelson. A known gang leader, drug dealer, and killer. (JFP glorified him over Melton in one issue.) WHATS WRONG WITH THE WORLD!

Author

Skinnyp

Date

2007-04-27T15:28:11-06:00

ID

128432

Comment

Well I am glad that Faye will have your support Ray & Donna. Thats at least 2 votes in August for her.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T15:32:35-06:00

ID

128433

Comment

I agree Skinnyp.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T15:34:25-06:00

ID

128434

Comment

Well maybe she can muster up b/w 10-20 votes but its still gonna be a shellacking. All Melton has to do is put is stamp of approval on Smith (which I am sure he will do considering yesterday's events) & its over.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T15:36:30-06:00

ID

128435

Comment

Smith? Are you talking about Wright's attorney in the trial?

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T15:41:36-06:00

ID

128436

Comment

Smith a Tougaloo graduate and I may have to vote once for him and once for Faye. If Frank can break the law and get away scott-free so can I.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-27T15:55:55-06:00

ID

128437

Comment

About to go on. You guys check out the Kim Wade Show 1180am. We'll be continuing the Frank melton conversation. ya'll tune in. in bout 6 minutes.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-04-27T15:59:22-06:00

ID

128438

Comment

Well if its the same Smith from the trial, I don't know. He didn't look too good during the trial.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:04:14-06:00

ID

128439

Comment

Good Lord, Gaius, let the Faye-hate rest for now. You have months to bash her still. And being that you're repeating the same thing over and over again, you need to spend some time looking for new material. The funny thing is that I hadn't pre-decided to support her. And had Robert Smith not turned up so closely linked to Melton, I would take a good look at him for D.A. I know his brother, and really admire his grandfather. But his association with Melton gives me pause, as does Purvis'. I suspect I won't be the only one who chafes at that. Otherwise, Alum is right. Smith didn't look good during this trial. I think he rode the coattails of the other attorneys.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T16:15:22-06:00

ID

128440

Comment

He might be a good organizer or administrator or something we didn't see during the trial, but as far as trial work, i give him a generous, very generous C-.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:17:51-06:00

ID

128441

Comment

He gets the C- for the jury buying into Danks and Recio's attorney. Total coattails.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:19:48-06:00

ID

128442

Comment

Peterson couldn't even get a conviction of Albert "Batman" Donnelson. A known gang leader, drug dealer, and killer. Actually, you're *badly* misinformed on that case, Skinny. That case fell apart because Melton's "star witness" turned out to be living in his house, driving his car and using his credit card (and lied to the grand jury). That is only one case of his witnesses being the problem. It's really sad how misinformed so many people are on what has really happened in so many of these cases. (JFP glorified him over Melton in one issue.) Actually, no. We ran a Q&A interview with Donelson; we ran four Q&A interviews with Melton (see links to the left of the page). That's called access to all sorts of people, and it's one reason so many people love the JFP. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T16:20:11-06:00

ID

128443

Comment

If Melton had tampered so badly with the witness then why didn't Faye go after him for witness tamperin, a FELONY.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:23:40-06:00

ID

128444

Comment

We looked at that then. The problem is that Melton claimed that he was offering him "witness protection." Apparently, it fell into one of those many legal gray areas that we have in Mississippi. It made the witness not credible (especially the lies on top of the other stuff). And as y'all know, it turns out that he failed drug tests throughout that time. It was a huge mess. And it was remarkable that Melton could never understand why all his "help" of Walker looked so bad. I interviewed him about it several times. It was if he (a) could not understand the implications of what he had done or (b) refused to for reasons that I cannot know for sure. The Batman is one of the primary cases where Melton's interference really hurt the prosecution.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T16:28:26-06:00

ID

128445

Comment

My point is that Faye is just as culpable as Melton is for sticking his damn nose in where it don't belong. If you are the District Attorney, the buck stops with you when it comes to prosecution in your jurisdiction. Its the price you pay to be the boss. Shuffling it off on Melton is just another way in passing the buck and while Melton may have been guilty of tampering, Faye should have roasted him. I understand what your saying ladd, but this is just indicative of whats wrong with the DA's office.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:37:13-06:00

ID

128446

Comment

I'm not sure that makes sense, Alum. He "brought in" the Wood Street Players. He gathered the "evidence" on those cases. The prosecution believed, at first, that Walker was the good witness that MBN told them he was. They later found out how bad it all really was. Saying that is not shuffling it off on the D.A. Law enforcement have to be held responsible for the evidence they gather. But it is hilarious the lengths you guys will go to defend Melton for his "crime-fighting" efforts that have ruined entire cases. And aren't you one of the ones who complained that she indicted him for destroying the Ridgeway duplex? Now, you're complaining that she didn't "roast" him for "tampering"? Remarkable.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T16:42:01-06:00

ID

128447

Comment

Go read my posts. I have never defended Melton. Go read them. You and so many other people make this into a Melton v. Faye fight, look, ladd, you need to realize that there are a ton of people in this town that don't like either of them. Wise up.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:54:40-06:00

ID

128448

Comment

And don't insult my intelligence.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:55:23-06:00

ID

128449

Comment

"And aren't you one of the ones who complained that she indicted him for destroying the Ridgeway duplex? " -ladd In one word, no.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T16:57:50-06:00

ID

128450

Comment

I apologize if I'm messing you up with someone else, Alum. Actually, I have no desire to make it into a "Melton v. Faye" fight; in fact, just the opposite, friend. I hate that kind of nonsensical framing. But the problem is, like with the last chief, if we don't point out the bad arguments with nothing underneath them that are throw out there about the DA constantly, no one else will. It means that we will be guaranteed a lapdog DA (which we may get regardless), and then we'll be in real trouble. And I don't care who doesn't "like" whom, or who you like. This is about facts and whether or not accusations made on this Web site are fact-based. Otherwise, I'm not sure how I'm insulting your intelligence—although you are insulting mine with your bizarre framing of both my remarks and the blame-the-DA-for-Melton's-shortcomings approach.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T16:59:36-06:00

ID

128451

Comment

"Saying that is not shuffling it off on the D.A. Law enforcement have to be held responsible for the evidence they gather." -ladd And DAs have to be responsible for getting indictments and convictions. Hey, no one said it was easy, and if you can't indict or convict then your not doing your job as DA. I'm sorry that Melton screwed some evidence up, or a witness, but Faye needs to suck it up and get on his butt about it. Stop hiding behind Faye.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T17:01:09-06:00

ID

128452

Comment

I'm talking about "facts." Fact: Faye couldn't convict Batman. Fact: Faye couldn't convict Melton.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T17:02:47-06:00

ID

128453

Comment

If you haven't noticed, she did get on his butt about it. She did not "roast" him in court, however, apparently for reasons that I have already expressed. (I asked her then about it.) He also told me how angry the DA was with him about it when she learned right before the trial the whole thing, while belittling her for not putting Walker on the stand anyway. In this case, they were indicted. They weren't convicted, probably because right before the trial, the whole truth came out about Walker, so the prosecution tried the case without him. Blame the DA rather than Melton if you want, but it wouldn't seem to be a very smart thing to do.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T17:04:59-06:00

ID

128454

Comment

I'm blaming Faye for being an ineffective DA and I'm blaming Melton for being a terrible mayor, administrator and quasi-law enforcement person (at least in his mind). Those are my views and take them to the bank. I don't like Faye and I don't like Melton, at all.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T17:06:34-06:00

ID

128455

Comment

ladd, you driving me to drink. LOL.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T17:07:03-06:00

ID

128456

Comment

Facts? I wish I had time now to go toe-to-toe with you on "facts" about Melton, Alum. (And it is funny how you don't think this should be a "Faye v. Frank" thing, considering your posts here. LOL.) Here are a few for the moment: Fact: Melton tainted his own Batman witness. Fact: Christopher Walker lied to the grand jury. Fact: Christopher Walker failed 11 drug tests during the time he was living with Melton leading up to the trial. Fact: Robert Smith was at Melton's house the night before the trial began. (He was the attorney for Benton, on trial with Batman.) Fact: Frank Melton led a "manhunt" for Walker the Sunday after I was there with them all at his house. (Presumably for the media, after we reported the problems with Walker.) Within two weeks, Walker was back living in his house. Fact: Frank Melton held a press conference with Walker where Walker accused Peterson of "fucking Jimmy Jam." Fact: Frank Melton told the media he was investigating Peterson for corruption. Fact: Frank Melton does not have the authority to investigate Peterson for corruption. Fact: Frank Melton told me about an attorney who used to work for Peterson who he said saw her give/get money from Jimmy Jam. Fact: That attorney was astounded at Melton's assertion and denied it ever happened. I could go on, but this is a taste of the facts at my disposal.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T17:12:15-06:00

ID

128457

Comment

Alum, your feelings are obvious. You don't have to keep repeating the same thing, especially if you're not going to add anything new to the discussion. You're just taking up space repeating your disdain, and that kinda gets boring.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T17:13:39-06:00

ID

128458

Comment

"Facts? I wish I had time now to go toe-to-toe with you on "facts" about Melton, Alum. (And it is funny how you don't think this should be a "Faye v. Frank" thing. LOL." -ladd You have picked your side. I pray, so hard, that Faye loses, I just hope a candidate steps up, besides Smith, to run and win. Everything in Jackson is not Frank's fault and while I do believe he has screwed up a ton of stuff, I believe there is plenty of blame to go around, including Faye.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T17:15:59-06:00

ID

128459

Comment

My disdain knows no bounds when it comes to Faye and Melton. For Faye it goes a little further back than the Batman case.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T17:20:04-06:00

ID

128460

Comment

Alum, I have not picked my "side." I'm trying to balance all the unsubstantiaated trash that's thrown around in this city with hard, cold facts. Somebody's got to. No one said everything wrong with Jackson is Melton's fault. Now you're really reaching. In fact, there are many things right with Jackson, and I'd argue those aren't his fault, either. I'd also argue that Mr. Melton is being used by people who exploit his weaknesses, and that's very, very sad. I've said it already: I have much compassion for him. And I'm praying that this trial will have the effect that Danks announced last night: that it has given him a wake-up call about what it can and cannot do. If so, we can chalk it all up to a major success for Jackson and the people who brought it to this particular head. It is SO much better than those people who ignored and excused Melton's transgressions and enabled him all these years. That is tragic—most of all for him. He told me himself once that he doesn't have many friends, although he has a lot of people around him who want money from him. That was a heart-breaking thing to hear. One shouldn't go through life surrounded by leeches.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T17:20:29-06:00

ID

128461

Comment

Your position is very odd, though, Alum. You've given very little basis for your great disdain for the district attorney. With due respect, it all sounds like excuses, as do many of the attacks on her. It kinda makes one go "hmmmm." I rather expect that you've simply drunk the Koolaid certain folks have poured, for their own reasons that will probably be clear to us all at some point. You've believed the hype, developed this intense dislike of her that you can't back up with strong facts, and just keep repeating it like a mantra. Your comments to date seem to prove that, due to the lack of substance and pile of pure emotion there. My comments about the DA aren't based on emotion; they're based on research, interviewing, observation and homework. Her record simply does not live up to all y'all's hype. Sorry.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T17:21:54-06:00

ID

128462

Comment

Excuses? Ha. No. Dig a little on Faye's indictment record, judge for yourself. I'm going to go now. Have a good night, ladd.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-27T17:24:54-06:00

ID

128463

Comment

I am digging on it, Alum. You're talking to a researcher, first and foremost. I don't give diddley squat about hype and conventional "wisdom." I want cold, hard facts—upon which I make my decisions. Your remark about your disdain knowing "no bounds" for either of them is telling, though. Clearly, it goes further for her, considering that you blame her for Melton's MBN bumbling. And that is quite an admission that you are looking at this with pure emotion. Which is fine, but not particularly useful for those of us who are more interested in facts and evidence. Oh, and I *always* judge for myself. That's why I drive you rhetoric-spewing doomsayer types craaazzzzy. ;-) G'night.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-27T17:28:28-06:00

ID

128464

Comment

I actually didn't know that it was Robert's grandfather who worked on the Mississippi Free Press, that was an interesting link. (I know its crazy I am actually off the Faye bashing for a minute).

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-27T19:30:32-06:00

ID

128465

Comment

It is SO much better than those people who ignored and excused Melton's transgressions and enabled him all these years. That is tragic—most of all for him. He told me himself once that he doesn't have many friends, although he has a lot of people around him who want money from him. That was a heart-breaking thing to hear. One shouldn't go through life surrounded by leeches. That really is sad. Say what we want about Frank, but at the same time, it's a shame that people use him like that. And now that his lacking of friends has been brought out, I wonder if the things that he does is somehow a cry for attention.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-27T22:49:27-06:00

ID

128466

Comment

Sometimes people with a lot of money and few friends use money and other perks to draw friends; then the friends come to expect it, and after a while the money man thinks they are as using him. I know of other people who fit this profile.

Author

jasp

Date

2007-04-28T00:05:11-06:00

ID

128467

Comment

"Oh, and I *always* judge for myself. That's why I drive you rhetoric-spewing doomsayer types craaazzzzy. ;-)" -ladd Oh yea. You drive me craaaaaaay ladd. Call me all the names you want, but i've got one for you. Self righteous.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-28T01:59:50-06:00

ID

128468

Comment

Yea, I said it. Donna Ladd is self righteous. Lets see if i get disappeared on here for that one.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-28T02:02:48-06:00

ID

128469

Comment

Ray, better check the real estate prices in Tokyo - from what I hear the NYC and San Fran look like Meridian or Tupelo by comparison.:P On the other hand, Singapore is pretty cool, if you can take uber-paternalism of legal bans on chewing gum. No? Ok, Australia and New Zealand are vaguely Far East (same time zone as Tokyo, at least). Plus, it's cheaper than Japan. Even better, if you look on a globe, you'll see they're about as far away from from Herr Melton as you can get without needing a space ship.:P Or, there's always the Wake Up Jackson! message board :D

Author

Philip

Date

2007-04-28T08:18:50-06:00

ID

128470

Comment

Sometimes people with a lot of money and few friends use money and other perks to draw friends; then the friends come to expect it, and after a while the money man thinks they are as using him. I know of other people who fit this profile. I remember MC Hammer describing his life like that. When he was on top of the world, he was giving people money just because they were "friends", but once the records stop selling and found himself broke, those same friends abandoned him, perhaps when he needed them most. No, I don't think Frank will go broke (at least, I hope he doesn't) or become a minister anytime soon like Hammer, but he needs a serious wake-up call. Not just his on his actions as mayor, but in his personal life as well. Before I close out, Frank said the house "...has cost me a half-million dollars. It was worth every penny." That worries me there. Methinks his ego will allow to do whatever he wants and he can pay his way out of it. Frank, not all roads lead to Rome; some do dead end.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-28T09:13:59-06:00

ID

128471

Comment

Alum, do you really think I care if you call me "self-righteous"? Come on. My self-esteem has got me covered on that one. I grew up in a state where the whole world, and ourselves, beat us up for being the worst in about everything, and with parents who were illiterate. I grew up with a determination to learn, read, think about and discuss everything I could to better myself and my education. I also grew up determined to give back to all the people who helped me out of the trailer park and into a thinking, questioning world. As a result, I learned to inquire, to not believe hype, to do research, to think independently. You're one of a handful of people who show up anonymously, spew unsubstantiated insults at people and then expect folks like me to flutter my eyelashes and say, "Ohhhh, Alum, you are soooo right" without doing my own thinking or homework. Then, when I don't, you call me something like "self-righteous" and think such an appellation is going to me go wither in a corner because someone flung a petty insult at me. The truth is, I'm confident about facts that I have done my homework on, and that's chaps your behind because you just want people to believe anything you anonymously post here without anything to back it up. Friend, there is nothing more self-righteous than that. Grow up.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T09:30:12-06:00

ID

128472

Comment

Golden Eagle: Like I told Ms. Ladd, I think Melton will act like Huey did after they impeached him early in his term. After the impeachment failed, Huey took off the gloves, became more blatant in his disregard for the law, and took control of all boards and agencies. He kept the undated resignations of everyone he appointed. Sound familiar?

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-28T09:36:47-06:00

ID

128473

Comment

He may do that, 'Fish. But you need to remember that there are other people watching him as well. Another accomplishment of these trials was to bring all this, in detail, to national attention. There is only so much someone such as Melton can do "under color of law." This is a different time than when Huey was in power.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T09:41:04-06:00

ID

128474

Comment

I will add that Jackson is not used to authorities caring a whole lot about what happens in this city. (See 1990s, Juvenile Detenter Center). But don't lose faith. I feel quite confident that Melton will not get the chance to be Huey Long.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T09:42:31-06:00

ID

128475

Comment

as I told you, he's not as smart. However, I think you will agree you are seeing the same personality type.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-28T09:50:51-06:00

ID

128476

Comment

Yes, certainly they have things in common. And Melton has been able to work his brand of demagoguery in Jackson for years now with little challenge (thanks, media). But I think a new day is here, not to mention a new district attorney willing to challenge him. That has been key to rounding a corner on him. The last district attorney was very good friends with Danks, Melton, Bluntson et al. And, folks, there is a very large hint in there about why Melton has gone after the DA so hard, followed by the folks who just repeat anything he says without true examination. That doesn't mean she is perfect—no one is—but we finally have someone in authority in Jackson who is willing to stand up to a group of people who long has operated without question. That's big and important.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T09:55:43-06:00

ID

128477

Comment

You have picked your side. I pray, so hard, that Faye loses, I just hope a candidate steps up, besides Smith, to run and win. OM Alum So, this shows how little you actullay know about elections, and is probably a good indicator of how you go about your voting. So far, it's clear you listen to the gosple of NJax over the reason of rule of law and good citizenry. The date to qualify for the elections was awhile ago. There can't be a someone to 'step-up' besides Smith, unless you want City Atty (hired by Melton) Michelle "swerve this, Cadillac through" Purvis who is also running. If you care to read MS Election Code at the SOS site, you will see that the qualifing deadline is March 1 (or earlier if local election allows) in the year of the Primary elections. Two words - Andy Taggart! So, think long and hard OM Alum before you vote. But, it probably won't matter because most of NJax and other white voters are not going to cross over and vote Democrat in the Primary with so many other Republican races going on that need the attention of the base. How are you going to feel when Melton (or one of his people) really messes up, and there isn't a Sheriff to investigate or arrest him, nor a DA who will bring charges against him?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-28T10:54:56-06:00

ID

128478

Comment

GJM, I know you wrote this in some giddiness Thursday evening, but do you really believe this? I think Frank now has a mandate to do just about whatever he wants. How does winning acquittal in a criminal case give you a mandate? The defense did win, as you predicted, but Melton admitted to some very strange things during the course of this trial. Melton was allegedly intoxicated the night this happened. There's this business about Wright having a close working relationship with a paid narcotics informant who cased 1305 Ridgeway. This man, "Russell Smith," said he used to make his entire livelihood from being an informant. He also admitted that the DEA had decertified him. Then there's "Wood Street Players" getting off the Mobile Command Center with sledgehammers. Two different witnesses described the proclamation one made: "Look at what Frank has us doing. We're Wood Street tearin' up Virden." Even though Melton was acquitted, large segments of the public heard about a really messed up night the mayor had. I don't see a mandate emerging from the fact that he dodged the proverbial bullet.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-04-28T12:31:57-06:00

ID

128479

Comment

True enough but I can see Caligula's side here. Ms. Peterson did take a calculated political risk. She bet the farm on prosecuting Frank and she lost. When you lose these types of fights, there are consequences. Its not merely that Frank goes free. Frank's political capital has increased tremendously. If anything, this insulates him against future prosecutions somewhat. He will have to do something that is obviously criminal in nature to be prosecuted by her again. If she prosecutes him again, he will beat her up with the Faye is picking on me charge and will trot out this acquittal. Only one white male was on the jury. No one can claim he was acquitted by a bunch of NJAM'ers, which bolsters his position as well. Like it or not, Caligula makes some sense. Also, during the trial, we had some heated arguments on here but it was rather interesting how most of the attorneys who posted on here stuck to their positions when challenged and got the verdict right.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-28T13:07:53-06:00

ID

128480

Comment

"Alum, do you really think I care if you call me "self-righteous"? Come on. My self-esteem has got me covered on that one. I grew up in a state where the whole world, and ourselves, beat us up for being the worst in about everything, and with parents who were illiterate. I grew up with a determination to learn, read, think about and discuss everything I could to better myself and my education. I also grew up determined to give back to all the people who helped me out of the trailer park and into a thinking, questioning world. As a result, I learned to inquire, to not believe hype, to do research, to think independently." -ladd Get down off your cross sometime, ladd. Your not the only one who grew up in Mississippi and the only one who has worked hard to get where they are. Keep on loving Faye and thinking the world is collapsing because of Melton. You and everyone else better grow up and realize that just about everyone in Jackson politics are as crooked as snakes. Grow up yourself, ladd.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-28T13:33:05-06:00

ID

128481

Comment

I have to ask the lawyers on the board - will any of the public comments from DD in terms of the Mayor learning his lesson, and the Judge reading city code to the Mayor and DD after the jury verdict, hurt the city legal team should there be a civil court case? I thought those public statements interesting given the Mayor may still face some additional court action.

Author

JenniferGriffin

Date

2007-04-28T13:33:16-06:00

ID

128482

Comment

most of NJax and other white voters are not going to cross over and vote Democrat in the Primary with so many other Republican races going on that need the attention of the base. i certainly am. what rep primaries require the attention of the base? lt gov? i'd be happy with either candidate. it is more important to me to have a say in my local leaders, and these are decided in the dem primaries.

Author

djames

Date

2007-04-28T13:50:03-06:00

ID

128483

Comment

Alum, why do you keep setting up these fallacies in your argument? I never said I'm the only one who did anything. You are attacking me personally because you, apparently, cannot provide concrete material to back up your attacks on certain public officials, and you don't like it because I don't just believe you, and I challenge you back. Friend, you have in no way earned the right to scold me for not agreeing with you, or for anything else. I suggest you return to the topic at hand and stop making an a$$ of yourself with these goofy attacks on me. I don't care what you think of me, and I doubt anyone else does. Issues. Try talking about them if you want to continue posting here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:03:40-06:00

ID

128484

Comment

old miss I have the same thoughts at times that it is all crooked. We all see injustice everyday in MS. But I don't think you jumping on Ladd is appropriate. She has proved herself time after time. This thing has all of us up in arms. But now is not the time to start attacking each other. This is what "they" are counting on. Now is the time we all stand tall and unite.

Author

old&tired

Date

2007-04-28T14:04:27-06:00

ID

128485

Comment

Jennifer, good questions. I also wondered if Melton's offer, through Danks, to pay Sutton $30,000 last week will hurt them in a civil case. It certainly doesn't help them in the court of public opinion. It just makes him look like he skated for something he obviously did. Otherwise, why would he now offer to pay for the damages? Sigh.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:05:04-06:00

ID

128486

Comment

Now is the time we all stand tall and unite. I couldn't agree more, old. And in uniting, we must eschew rhetoric and empty sound bites. That's what got us here. Folks, demand facts every chance you get. Question. Challenge substantively. See past the personal. That's just a waste of all of our time. That's what will make Jackson's future stronger. We have the people, and the talent, and the desire. We just have to unite, as old says, and watch the people out there who want to attack our strengths for their own purposes. That's an age-old game, and it's worked here for a long time. It doesn't have to any longer, though.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:10:57-06:00

ID

128487

Comment

I believe this is all he thought he would have to do all along. I don't think he ever thought it would go into a criminal case. Cut and check and all bad behavior will go away. How many times has he done this before.

Author

old&tired

Date

2007-04-28T14:12:16-06:00

ID

128488

Comment

She bet the farm on prosecuting Frank and she lost. I don't follow this kind of statement. What do you mean "bet the farm"? You seem to assume that everyone's biggest obsession is Faye v. Frank. And if it is, this battle of will wouldn't be as easy to call as you think it is. I know people who voted against Peterson last time who plan to vote for her this time because she stood up to Melton. And there are plenty of the 60-odd percent who voted for Melton against Johnson who no longer support him. And there are certainly people shallow enough to vote against her *only* because she dared to prosecuted a mayor who tore down a house without a warrant. But none of this is as simple as some of you make it. The blanket statements you're making about the DA are really remarkable to me. Had she been a white male "doing his job," many of you would be singing a different tune right now. In fact, had Wilson Carroll been elected and refused to stand up to Melton, he would be in huge trouble in the re-election. Y'all really should think some of this stuff through and stop making such easy proclamations. It's not helpful to our city.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:17:19-06:00

ID

128489

Comment

how about this money quote from faye - "People call what we have a backlog, and a backlog assumes that things are stagnant, but things have been constantly moving since we have redefined the District Attorney's office." a backlog assumes? redefined tne DA's office? no wonder she can't win a case.

Author

djames

Date

2007-04-28T14:20:11-06:00

ID

128490

Comment

I believe this is all he thought he would have to do all along. I don't think he ever thought it would go into a criminal case. Cut and check and all bad behavior will go away. How many times has he done this before. I agree with you, tired (better than calling you "old"!). From looking at his history, it is clear that no one ever tries to stand up to him. That's why the DA's action is so staggering (along with the sheriff and the AG). He's done whatever he's wanted for years here without interference or serious challenge, but now faces a changing community with many people of all races who are tired of the dangerous games (not to mention a media outlet willing to tell the whole story and challenge him ourselves). I'm sure he wishes Ed Peters was still DA, and the Ledger was the only newspaper in town, and TV reporters didn't dare challenge him—but none of that is true anymore. You could say that he picked a bad time to run for mayor and start acting on behalf of the taxpayers.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:24:43-06:00

ID

128491

Comment

Hey, DJames, please provide your link. And you know that you just made a false statement, right? The DA can and does win cases. Why post lies? Do you really think people on this site aren't smart enough to challenge your statements? Post like a thinking adult here, please.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:26:27-06:00

ID

128492

Comment

the quote is from a 2003 jfp interview. and i was obviously exaggerating.

Author

djames

Date

2007-04-28T14:29:36-06:00

ID

128493

Comment

I thought that was from Jesse's interview. Still, you need to link when you quote so people can read the entire thing in context. Do it, please. If you can find the quote, you can find the link.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:32:40-06:00

ID

128494

Comment

And, obviously, you were exaggerating. That is precisely my point. Thank you.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:33:27-06:00

ID

128495

Comment

LOL. Thanks. I was on a bender when I picked the name. I'm only 40'ish, but I sure am tired. But seriously, we as a whole do have what it takes to overcome this mess. As I told a group of youth who I was with when the verdict was read, "well guys, there goes our constitutional rights." And was immediately met with questions of what our rights were. Which led into over an hour of teaching young people of what we as a people have had endured and overcome. It got me to thinking that this is exactly what drew the youth to melton. Ignorance of our rights. Listening to one persons perception of truth rather than investigating our past failures and triumphs. Needless to say, I left feeling like I planted seeds rather than giving my personal beliefs.

Author

old&tired

Date

2007-04-28T14:39:07-06:00

ID

128496

Comment

Good for you, old. I agree: It's yet another teachable moment—especially about why none of has rights if one of us doesn't. I've been having talks since the verdict with people wanting to talk about what to do next—my latest at the manicurist this a.m. with another customer. People of all races are frustrated, but we can use that frustration to take our city to a better place. I've said throughout Melton's sad tenure that Jackson can—and, I believe, will—end up at a better place where people demand more than sound bites from media or politicians. And where they know that crime isn't cured with TV antics, or by demonizing "thugs" all the time. Also, being the djames can't seem to find that link, here are links to the two JFP interviews we've done with Peterson over the years: May 10, 2006 Oct. 1, 2003 djames, in the future, please give your links. The Clarion-Ledger may not allow links, but we require them when you quote from sources. Thanks.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:44:38-06:00

ID

128497

Comment

Here's a section of the 2006 interview; click to the story for more: You criticize Melton at some political risk. Why take this risk? For two reasons. The mayor has for months now been criticizing me. I've been around for five years, and I can take criticism easy enough. But then I noticed that he was also undermining prosecution, and that is extremely dangerous. In prosecution, the state bears the burden of proof, which is rarely easy. And for someone who says they're trying to fight crime to then create scenarios where there is no public trust of what district attorneys and police officers have to do to prosecute individuals … you can't have it both ways. You are either trying to fight crime, or you are not. My office works extremely hard. I don't control the media, and my office has never been fully given credit for the number of cases we won and the work we have done. There's no way short of sitting on a jury that people can find out what we do. What are they missing? Other than this situation with Mayor Melton and his young friends undermining the criminal justice system for the benefit of them being able to get back out on the streets and do whatever they are doing, my office doesn't have these problems. We won every murder case we tried last year. I tried six myself and won every single one of them. But you wouldn't know that reading the newspapers. Unfortunately, the media says 'Judge so-and-so sentences so-and-so to 50 years,' but what people don't understand is that a judge doesn't give anybody anything that a prosecutor has not worked hard on and already done a conviction on. Every jury trial is won by the prosecutor's office. The judge sentences; the jury decides verdict. We win most jury trials, but we don't win every jury trial, and we try a lot of cases. I'm not selective on homicide cases and crimes against victims and being so arrogant as to say, "I'm not even going to give your case a day in court because it's no good," unless there's no proof. If there's some proof, I'll go forward with the case. The only reason we tried the cases of Carey Bias and Aaron Crockett—the victims in those cases with Maurice Warner, Vidal Sullivan and Anthony Staffney—(is that) I met with Bias' mother before the trial and told her what we were up against with that case. I said, "But ma'am, that was your son that was murdered, and these are the persons who are alleged to have done this, and this is the proof, and I'm going to give it everything I can to get the conviction." I don't try cases for my reputation. I try those cases because of the victim. We did the same thing for Aaron Crockett's family. That is not a laughing matter. It was very insulting to those victims' families for (Melton) to think that you can use their loved one's life as a pawn for personal gain, because they lost their child, and they wanted something done, and I'm willing to do what I can.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T14:46:59-06:00

ID

128498

Comment

I just hope no one takes offense to those who wish to remain anonymous. Trolls are one thing but wanting to not be in the "light" is something else. I have seen how being known can affect ones livelihood. I continuously aggravate JPD for using Jackson funds for suburb activity. This only left me being a target for bored authority. Not that I will stop, as my Dad used to say, "If you're not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to be afraid of". It just gets tiring after a while.

Author

old&tired

Date

2007-04-28T15:05:13-06:00

ID

128499

Comment

So who is going to challenge Faye in the next election? Is the consensus that its going to be Robert Smith? So the choice is a useless current DA who can barely indict someone, much less get convictions or one of Frank's cronies? Has anyone else mentioned a willingness to run? There has to be one last true believer to run. There has to be one electable attorney to bounce Faye. Anyone know of anyone else?

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-28T15:11:12-06:00

ID

128500

Comment

Oh no, tired. I believe strongly in anonymous speech. That's why I allow it. However, when someone is posting unsubstantiated rumors and personal attacks, they need to be chided not only for doing it, but for doing it anonymously. It also points out how little credibility the "trolls" have. My tactic here is to rough up trolls a bit to show them how it feels—you call someone a name, look what happens back—and to warn them about trolling. (Many have never participated in public discussions and honestly don't know the difference between posting respectful opinions and ad hominems, and I like to give them a chance to straighten.) Unless, of course, someone is so atrocious that you have to bottom them immediately. The good news is that we don't have to suspend many people. They either straighten up and discuss, or leave because all they want to do is attack. And the great equalizer is asking people to back up their statements with sources and links. That can clear a room of trouble-makers fast. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T15:12:26-06:00

ID

128501

Comment

old&tired, there is nothing wrong with posting anonymously. I, like many other people that post on here, express apparently very unpopular opinions and prefer to use a little discretion. Speak your mind and tell the truth, thats what the Freedom of Speech is about.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-28T15:14:03-06:00

ID

128502

Comment

The consensus? Isn't it obvious by now what candidates have qualified to run against her, Alum? Funny, though; there you go again: So the choice is a useless current DA who can barely indict someone, much less get convictions Alum, this is not a trash site. You are trying to use this site to spread unsustantiated statements that you can't even back up with facts. This site is not here for you to spread lies.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T15:14:51-06:00

ID

128503

Comment

in the dem primary, it's robert smith and michelle purvis, an ADA under faye.

Author

djames

Date

2007-04-28T15:15:27-06:00

ID

128504

Comment

Alum, it doesn't matter what your "opinion" is if you can't base it on facts. You can't hide lies in an "opinion" and think that's OK. Sorry. There are plenty "unpopular opinions" on here that do not have lies and bad facts, not to mention personal attacks, imbedded. It is too bad that you cannot tell the difference. And I assume that you understand that "freedom of speech" means that the government cannot regulate your speech without a very good reason. It has nothing to do with using privately owned venues to spread lies and personal attacks. You should bone up a bit. Also, re your last post, you also do not know that Robert Smith is a "crony" of Melton's. I certainly am worried that he has gotten so close to him, but calling him a "crony" does not seem fair at this point.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T15:20:05-06:00

ID

128505

Comment

Also, Sheriff McMillin could get in big trouble in the primary without Republicans crossing over. It'd be really something if the lt. gov race, for instance, ends up booting McMillin from office. Melton with his own DA and sheriff would be very intriguing, should that occur.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T15:25:50-06:00

ID

128506

Comment

Speaking of McMillian (and I could not tell if it was McMillian saying it) I'm curious about the sound bytes of the trial when court wasn't in session. Did anyone besides me hear the comment "He looked like a Mexican low-riding on a siesta" comment about Chris Dismon taking the stand. I did notice the sound wasn't left on anymore whenever the judge wasn't in the courtroom. I believe I was watching WLBT web cast on this one. I truly hope it wasn't him saying it because I have always had high regard of him. It was McMillian, Ms. Dunn and another man I'm not familiar with together when it was said. Is there anyway to obtain this sound byte?

Author

old&tired

Date

2007-04-28T15:53:54-06:00

ID

128507

Comment

Heres a quote by Mayor Melton from last night's reception for him: "That drug haven as it was described in court, that thing has cost me a half-million dollars. It was worth every penny." Yeah I think its pretty obvious that he believes he has a mandate & that the acquittal provided him with new found political capital. This acquittal will also insulate him from any further prosecutions from the current DA as she serves out the rest of her term this year. I don't believe that Robert Smith or Michelle Purvis will indict him when either of them are elected later this year. If that statement does not show that Melton thinks he has a mandate than I don't know what does, so yes Brian I do stand behind my statement of Thursday evening.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-28T16:11:06-06:00

ID

128508

Comment

Even though you are correct I wrote it in some "giddiness" (i.e. too many beers).

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-28T16:16:35-06:00

ID

128509

Comment

"That drug haven as it was described in court, that thing has cost me a half-million dollars. It was worth every penny." Well, that seems to indicate that he has not "learned a lesson" and is not taking personal responsibility for his actions. Does he really still not know that *his actions* cost him half a million. It cost someone else their home. It cost Jennifer Sutton in property and rental income. Also, I don't take that statement to mean that Melton will, necessarily, get back out there again and do the same stuff. Unless he drinks, perhaps. And I haven't heard whether he has tried to quit drinking or not. One would certainly think so. That statement sounds like he's talking to supporters. I certainly don't think the acquittal means that the DA wouldn't indict him for anything else, though. I get the feeling that you don't understand her, and the "mandate" she is serving under, very well. Also, Smith and Purvis should be questioned specifically about whether they would be willing to indict the mayor if he commits a crime. And the DA is not the only place where indictments can come from, remember. As I've said many times, "It ain't over 'til it's over."

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T16:42:02-06:00

ID

128510

Comment

Also, what was worth every penny? Doesn't sound like he's made a dent in the drug trade—on Ridgeway or anywhere else. What in hell is he talking about? Maybe he's saying that it was worth it because he has learned a lesson and is now a centered, humble, law-abiding citizen who would never go looking for trouble. (smile)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T16:43:39-06:00

ID

128511

Comment

Agreed! He is sounding like this is what it cost me to do what I want. If anything I can see this fueling internal neighborhood feuding. He will now bow out "under consultation" and see what happens. I fear what he will go on record saying outlandish comments and then "come to the rescue" when retaliation begins. What are we in for next! I sincerely hope NO ONE takes his comments to heart. People, live your lives and don't get caught up in the politics. For he will not be there to bail you out. Just ask Ms. Sutton as she is the one who has to pay for these antics for now.

Author

old&tired

Date

2007-04-28T17:05:03-06:00

ID

128512

Comment

I stand by my statement about betting the farm. I would say that regardless of who the DA is if the action was the same. Evidence 101: settlement offers are not admissable in court as evidence.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-28T17:19:48-06:00

ID

128513

Comment

Sure, the DA indicted him at political risk. Isn't that what we want prosecutors to do? My point is that she would likely do it again if I'm reading her right, and I believe I am. Was this an official settlement offer? It didn't sound quite that formal, but if it was done through the attorneys, I suppose it might have been. It seems like it was news to Sweet, but I'm getting that from the Ledger, so who knows what's real there?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-28T19:45:46-06:00

ID

128514

Comment

Also, what was worth every penny? Doesn't sound like he's made a dent in the drug trade—on Ridgeway or anywhere else. What in hell is he talking about? I'm guessing he's talking about his legal fees. As I mentioned earlier today, making that statement sounds to me as if he feels emboldened by the verdict and that he can do whatever he wants and can pay his way out of it. Donna, you also touched on about how the media and others never really challenged Frank on the things he's said and done up until now. As I think back, the only person I ever heard criticize Frank was Charles Evers. Charles used to rip into Frank every Wednesday night on WMPR, particularly for ripping on black people the way Frank did in his "Bottom Line" commentaries. What's so ironic about that now is Charles now being an adviser of some sort to Frank. His mayoral campaign sure made some strange bedfellows.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-28T21:47:11-06:00

ID

128515

Comment

Yea Fish, Miss. Rules of Evidence 408 prohibits settlements offers to be used as evidence in court. But the $500,000 Melton was refering too was his legal fees, or at least that the way ot came across. So yes I think that statement shows he believes he has a mandate to do what he wants and that he most certainly will, whether he continues to drink or not. As to the the DA, I really think that it is absurd to think that she would indict him again after all of this whole mess. Now if she wins the primary in August by some miraclous act of God, then yeah I think its possible that she could after him again. But not if he commits any crimes between now & the primary. That would be political suicide, which I already think she had committed.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-04-29T11:26:35-06:00

ID

128516

Comment

Just want to let everyone know that I called into Everybody Loves Frank--er, I mean, Straight Talk--on WOAD today. I said that the verdict sent the wrong message in that the government can declare anyone's house to be a drug house and have it torn down without due process. I also mentioned, too, that 1305 Ridgeway was never legally declared a drug house and, of course, Jim Evans disagreed with that. I also refuted the idea of a conspiracy against Frank by saying that he put himself in this position and that Jim Hood told him what he could and couldn't do and still didn't listen. I didn't get mowed down like I thought I would for going on that show and disagreeing, but the all the other callers and hosts on the show were rather vicious, no towards me, but especially towards Faye Peterson and the C-L's Ronnie Agnew for his article on calling for Frank's resignation--even going so far as to calling him Spiro Agnew. Stephanie Parker-Weaver even sent a message to the C-L saying "leave the mayor alone." As if they don't have the right to question anything about Frank (though if SPW would just look back in the archives, that very paper she criticized help enable her boss's campaign to win by not questioning the things he said and done). Funny, I didn't hear her say the same thing when Harvey Johnson was in office. One caller called in and said another paper to look out for is the Jackson Free Press. Bob Hickingbotham (sp?) even called out Donna by name in saying that if she wants something to investigate, investigate how the Jackson School Board is spending taxpayer's money. From what I gather, he's saying that the JFP should leave Frank alone as well. But the Frank fandom/delusionment doesn't end there. The incident that alledgedly occured at the airport in which Frank supposedly became beligerent because of his expired license--they seem to put the blame on Bennie Thompson! So, it's Bennie's fault that Frank allowed his license to expire? The enablement is just awful, awful, awful. Kids, the moral of the story is, if you find yourself in trouble, always blame someone else and make them look like they're the enemy--and here's a cookie too!

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-29T17:38:49-06:00

ID

128517

Comment

Well, maybe next time around Jim Evans, SPW, and Hickingbottom can vote for Clinton LeSeur! LOL!!!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-29T17:51:21-06:00

ID

128518

Comment

It sounded as if Hickingbotham was the one more or less speaking out against Thompson, but I wouldn't bet against all of them being against the congressman now. It seems as if if you are against or inconviencing Frank in any way, they will eat you alive.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-29T18:01:28-06:00

ID

128519

Comment

Sounds like a lot of spin doctoring to me. However, I have to give it to them - having a talk show on WOAD gives them a big opportunity to influence the black majority. The danger is that folks may assume that everything they say is right just because they're on a gospel station.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-29T18:12:05-06:00

ID

128520

Comment

It has nothing to do with the format of the station. The people who call in that hold Frank on a pedestal are very vicious of those who are against him. WMPR plays gospel, blues and rap and people there are just as delusional as Straight Talk listeners. Well, maybe I shouldn't say delusional, but blind loyalists. And I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what Frank has done that has had a positive impact on crime, as well as the general well-being of the city.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-29T20:40:55-06:00

ID

128521

Comment

Tonight I was held over in D.C. before going to Saudi Arabia tomorrow. As I'm surfing the web I click the remote in the hotel room and a familiar voice hit me like a ton of bricks. It was 'ol Frankie on Fox News doing an interview with Geraldo. Frank said his methods have shown a drop in crime. Wonder where these stats are? I will let everyone know if I see him on Saudi TV - God I hope not!

Author

ellis

Date

2007-04-29T21:42:58-06:00

ID

128522

Comment

I find it rather interesting that no one could provide any facts against Faye Peterson. I'll be the first to tell you guys, I was totally against Peterson. But now, she will have my vote. The picture is clear now, by reading the post here. This is really amazing, Robert Smith & Michelle Purvis will be obviously pro-Frank. I will tell my friends that are totally against Peterson to read this blog too. OleMiss Alum, This is my opinion, and I may be wrong. But, I think you don't like African-Americans period. That may be your problem.

Author

Roc

Date

2007-04-30T10:40:37-06:00

ID

128523

Comment

Roc, certainly people really need to back up from the rhetoric and look at facts. And it is very important to question why Melton has thrown so much trash at her over the years (and other public officials in the position to stop him from doing what he wanted to do in the past). He has a long history of doing this—and it has worked for a long time in Jackson. Then people who don't bother to think and do homework for themselves just pick up his memes whether they're true or not. Then, they even end up in Clarion-Ledger endorsements and editorials. This is dangerous for our city. My point to Jacksonians is to think for yourself. Question, ask for facts—don't just believe what people who believe they are above the law tell you about people who are trying to enforce the law. We are crazy if what we want are a sheriff and a DA who do not care about elected officials and police officers carrying guns illegally and doing out on dangerous raids without warrants, perhaps while intoxicated. Think, folks.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-30T11:58:31-06:00

ID

128524

Comment

And make no mistake: The demonization spotlight is now going to be turned on McMillin. There is a pattern here, and it goes back many years.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-30T11:59:31-06:00

ID

128525

Comment

This may be rather obvious to some, but I just have a few questions. If dear old Frank had no intention of doing anything malicous, where did the sledgehammer came from? I can't imagine that it just appeared in thin air, and if he *did* happen to bring it with him, wouldn't that imply that he had conspired to commit malcious mischief? I really wonder what was going through those jurors minds. And for that matter, why was he tried in a city where he won the mayoral race by 80%? If a defendant is allowed a fair jury, shouldn't the prosecution also be allowed an unbiased one?

Author

Nic

Date

2007-04-30T12:41:16-06:00

ID

128526

Comment

Good points, Nic. Having that sledgehammer, to me, should have trumped all notions of no evil intent. That and breaking into the house. If someone were to break into my house, I don't think the intention would be to bring me nice furniture and all that other stuff. As far as trying the mayor in the city, non-federal trials are held in the county and state where the alledged crimes were committed. However, the defense could've requested the trial to be held elsewhere in the state if they felt that they would not be able to get a fair trial in Hinds County due to pre-trial publicity. Raymond is the other county seat in Hinds County; I wonder if the courtroom there could've been used for Frank's trial.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-30T13:18:37-06:00

ID

128527

Comment

I realy think it should've been held outside of Jackson, possibly outisde of the Jackson area all together. I wonder if any of you have heard this story. I was told (by the communications director for a certain politician who was recently on the front of the JFP) a bit of information regarding Melton and his attempt to durn down a "crack house" at 2 a.m. one morning. This seems to have been a while back, but it took officials 2 hours to convince Melton that it was NOT a good idea to burn down the house. It turned out that he thought it would be a controlled burn, but he had FORGOTTEN to have the gas to the house cut off. I find this incredibly interesting, yet have heard only this one mention of it. Whether or not it is true, I have no idea. But I'd like to think that the communications director wasn't totally full of it.

Author

Nic

Date

2007-04-30T13:37:41-06:00

ID

128528

Comment

Bodyguards got their guns back. And they're off "desk duty." (As if they were ever on it.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-30T14:24:32-06:00

ID

128529

Comment

Thanks, Ladd

Author

Roc

Date

2007-04-30T15:06:36-06:00

ID

128530

Comment

OleMiss Alum, What do you think about Sheriff McMillin? You know his office conducted the investigation.

Author

Roc

Date

2007-04-30T15:14:38-06:00

ID

128531

Comment

I hadn't heard that story, but Frank did burn down two abandoned houses last year. The DEQ raised a big fuss about it, given that asbestos must be removed before a house can be brought down, be it through a burn or demolition. Correct me if I'm wrong on the exact figure, but the DEQ could've fined the city 25K per incident--money this city can ill-afford to lose.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-30T15:21:35-06:00

ID

128532

Comment

I'm sure this point was made somewhere up in the post, but didn't have time to read. But watching "Melton Haters" piss all over themselves about the outcome makes for good humor. The lawyers here give excellent technical analysis that FOX would be proud of. But as I have stated numerous times on this site, it's not about the truth in a court of law. Mob rules, whomever has the best theatrics. Read history! Don't count me a Melton lover/hater, makes for great press though. Sells newspapers!

Author

Doc Rogers

Date

2007-04-30T19:21:35-06:00

ID

128533

Comment

Doc, you need to leave and try walking back through that door again. You are out of line, and trolls aren't welcome here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-30T19:25:29-06:00

ID

128534

Comment

Why I left the blog Ladd, the conversation here is far more intelligent, the arguments better, but the same censorship from intolerant idea thinkers. What makes the "right" scare me. "You don't agree with us, be gone". Sells advertisment, not liberty. Hope Benjamin Franklin wannabe comes back.

Author

Doc Rogers

Date

2007-04-30T20:01:06-06:00

ID

128535

Comment

If Recio (aka Big White Dude) and Wright (aka Big Gun Carrying Lil Sho You Wright) got their guns back I'm really glad I left America. They're going to shoot somebody before it all said and done. Mr. Big (Melton) doesn't need a gun if his two henchmen do. I saw snippets of Mr. Big on CNN. I see no changes. Once he's liquored up and start having childhood police chief flashbacks all hell is going to break loose again.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-05-01T07:26:04-06:00

ID

128536

Comment

The Clarion Ledger is reporting the City of Jackson may have to foot the bill for the defense of Mr. Big and his 2 henchmen. I thought Frank had already paid all the lawyers for that royal screwing of the public. It was worth the $500, 000 to keep anybody from turning on him. I'm telling y'all they can't be stopped. They're bigger than Jackson, Hind County and the State of Mississippi.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-05-01T08:04:46-06:00

ID

128537

Comment

Nope, Doc, we're not talking about censorship. We're talking about talking about your opinions like an adult without blanket insults of everyone who does not agree with *you*. Abide by those rules or be gone. And learn what censorship means while you're at it. It might help you out in conversations with folks you don't agree with. Take responsibility for the way you treat others, and your actual opinions are welcome no matter what they are. But the stupid comment about "Melton haters" pissing all over themselves or some such makes you sound very small-minded. I'm confident that you are more intelligent than that. Show us.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T08:38:22-06:00

ID

128538

Comment

The Clarion Ledger is reporting the City of Jackson may have to foot the bill for the defense of Mr. Big and his 2 henchmen. I thought Frank had already paid all the lawyers for that royal screwing of the public. Well, we tried to tell the public that Melton would likely try to stick people with his legal bills. Maybe he's wants a reimbursement of his half a million from the taxpayers. And with SORE there, I'm sure they will claw to make it happen. Everyone pause and imagine for a moment a Jackson with all the current leaders in place, plus Melton's handpicked DA and sheriff. Just imagine.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T08:42:58-06:00

ID

128539

Comment

Also, it seems that pro-Melton vandals struck overnight last night, duct-taping a sign saying "Bottom Line: Not Guilty" signs around town. The vandalism of our JFP boxes will cost us money by destroying our lettering on the side. Maybe we should have the posters fingerprinted? ;-) Mayor, please thank your classy supporters for us.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T08:45:39-06:00

ID

128540

Comment

I believe that the posters were put up by an un-named US Congressman.

Author

Willezurmacht

Date

2007-05-01T08:52:42-06:00

ID

128541

Comment

Did they really post those signs or are y'all just kidding?

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-05-01T08:55:30-06:00

ID

128542

Comment

From that Ledger article: Danks would not discuss his fee for representing the mayor. "It may be as it relates to Recio and Marcus. I just don't really know legally," Danks said. "I do recall when I was in office, there were cases where police officers were charged, and on occasions we would allow them to select their attorneys. And on occasions we did pay their legal fees." Melton could not be reached late Monday. City Council President Ben Allen of Ward 1 and Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore agreed they had paid legal bills of other city employees who were cleared of allegations. It strikes me that if the taxpayers are asked to foot the bill, then Danks will have to make his fee breakdowns very public, as would the others. That would certainly be interesting to know as well.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T08:55:46-06:00

ID

128543

Comment

Maybe we should have the posters fingerprinted? ;-) Maybe you should, Donna. What are the chances they all live on Carter's Grove?

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-05-01T09:13:42-06:00

ID

128544

Comment

How can the taxpayers pay legal expenses for Melton, Recio, and Wright? Regardless of the verdict in the criminal trial, their actions were outside the scope of their duties. What Federal Law did they follow? What State Law did they follow? What City Ordinance did they follow? What JPD General Order did they follow? However, don't get me wrong something needs to be done legally about the crack houses in the City of Jackson. But, that is not the solution. Just follow State Law or City Ordinace it's plain as day.

Author

Roc

Date

2007-05-01T10:49:29-06:00

ID

128545

Comment

I really think the representation is for a city employee who is sued. Also, (props to Ben Allen) the City Council votes on whether they will pay for representation before they hire council. He's 99% sure. Of course SORE will try to find the 1% that have paid! In this case, the Council had no say so in the attorneys hired by each person. Therefore, in this case they should be responsible for the legal fees. Which really means that Melton will be responsible since he is probably paying for Recio and Wright. Why else didn't they turn on Melton if he was going to cost them money and time should they lose? I'm sure the promise of more overtime wouldn't cut it. Melton paid for these guys defense - yet we will never know! My guess is they are laying the groundwork to turn public opinion against Sweet's lawsuit by scaring the voters into thinking they will pay dearly for his actions if we are sued by Sweet. Just remember, all the budget woes and staff shortages will be blamed on the lawsuit if we have to pay whether it is for the criminal or civil cases! It's just a small "clique" who is causing his problems - AND an unnamed Congressman in Washington! You hear that Advocate folks? You hear that Utica? Bolton? Edwards? Farish St? Georgetown? ITS ALL BENNIE THOMPSON'S FAULT!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-01T11:10:21-06:00

ID

128546

Comment

Did they really post those signs or are y'all just kidding? Yep, Gauis. I took one off our UMC box this morning -- legal size, printed on a computer, purple duct tape. The tape messed up the lettering on the side of the box. Don't tell me you're surprised. The Melton crowd is the one that walked out of the neighborhood candidate forum and then stood outside in the Medical Mall trying to shout down the forum. We're not talking about mature people here. It's a real shame.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T11:49:24-06:00

ID

128547

Comment

Sounds like Melton is on FOX News today again at 1:20 p.m. (someone just wrote to say). Wonder if they've asked the national NRA folks what they think of him, yet?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T11:51:25-06:00

ID

128548

Comment

Pike, so is the upshot of all this that the Advocate/Mill Street Posse hates Bennie Thompson, too? I'm getting dizzy trying to keep up with all the squabbles and maneuvering for power.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T11:52:59-06:00

ID

128549

Comment

Indeed. what strikes me as funny is the maneuvering is for the perception of power, there is little to be had in any of these offices. It is mainly paranoia.

Author

Willezurmacht

Date

2007-05-01T12:34:10-06:00

ID

128550

Comment

I'm not surprised. If Bennie's not on the same page, he's as good as an Uncle Tom in their minds it seems.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-05-01T12:35:45-06:00

ID

128551

Comment

Well I guess thats one thing we can agree on Donna, that type of behavior is totally unacceptable. Especially if they are doing it to mock or obstruct access to a particular media out let that esposes a different viewpoint than their own. Where we might not agree on most things, I think we can agree that everyone should have unburndened access to ALL viewpoints, whether they like them or not.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-05-01T12:36:37-06:00

ID

128552

Comment

Where have you been, Gaius? Melton and his folks have been threatening to run us out of business for two years. (The latest time last week in an elevator downtown.) During the campaign, Bob Hickingbottom was going on radio shows lying about us working for the Johnson campaign. I mean, at what point do people pay attention to the tactics of these folks?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T12:51:43-06:00

ID

128553

Comment

We could also probably agree that they do not have the right to destroy our property.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T12:53:02-06:00

ID

128554

Comment

Well Donna I think you would have to agree that politics is a dirty business in itself, when I was a staffer on the Gore campaign in 2000, W's minions tried to intimidate voters at the polling places in South Florida that I was working at. It goes on in every race. Of course they have no right to destroy your property, especially when it involes the access of information to the public at large.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-05-01T13:00:36-06:00

ID

128555

Comment

Yeah, I know about that stuff in Florida. I was there covering it for the Voice. Very ugly. Well, telling lies to harm people's reputations and business is wrong, whether for political purposes or not. And destroying property is despicable. The irony here is that Melton is sure to become a poster child for Republicans to use against Dems in the state in upcoming years—because the damn Dems were too timid to boot him from their ticket even after it ws disclosed that he was lying to them and saying publicly that he was only running as a Dem so he could win as a black man. So, the Dems will get what's coming to them on that, I suppose. Sigh.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T13:03:51-06:00

ID

128556

Comment

Lori, I saw Hampton's column promising their new round of bloggers (on Blogger, no less). This comment is breathtakingly stupid: As an educator, I am distressed by a new trend among young adults. It seems as if they have an appalling lack of curiosity about the world around them. I have been teaching on the university level for 19 years. It used to be that if I mentioned a book or a movie that had inspired me or made me laugh or made me think, at least half the class would write it down. And a few days later someone would seek me out to tell me how they had looked it up and enjoyed it (or maybe hated it). Now I rarely see anyone even write it down. Young adults are so bombarded by electronic voices that they wait for the message to reach them instead of looking for it. This passivity scares me. Are they really going to let their new bloggers come out of the gate with stupid stereotypes??? You know, Lori, you could start a blog posting on this. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T13:17:29-06:00

ID

128557

Comment

Folks, I'm going to start a blog entry on this (on Lori's blog) by moving her comment there. Andi, please move your comment there when it's up. (Hey, Andi, want to Jackblog?)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T13:39:12-06:00

ID

128558

Comment

We could also probably agree that they do not have the right to destroy our property. ladd You sure there wasn't any crack in there? Cause that's grounds for a 'destroy'in'! ;-) Pike, so is the upshot of all this that the Advocate/Mill Street Posse hates Bennie Thompson, too? I'm getting dizzy trying to keep up with all the squabbles and maneuvering for power. ladd I don't know if that is an upshot or not, unless you are a Republican looking to unseat Bennie. Maybe Melton wants to be a Congressman? God forbid! You are right, the Republicans in this state are going to use Melton as a poster child for the fight on crime. Yet, our "R" governor fired him from MBN for not doing a good job. Go figure! I say the Advocate/Mill St posse is talking out both sides of their mouth. Whispering that it is a campaign by Bennie to oust Melton, while gladly taking the millions Bennie brings to this District, and giving him saint-like status in the black community. He won't lose any votes over Melton even if he came out and said he wants to remove Melton from office! If Bennie hates Melton and Jackson so much then Marcus Ward can kiss his Federal lobbying efforts goodbye till Melton is out of office! Bennie has more power now than ever before.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-01T13:51:35-06:00

ID

128559

Comment

The Dems are going to keep on getting what is coming to them if they don't stop alienating "middle America," thats why we lost in 2000 & '04.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-05-01T14:22:52-06:00

ID

128560

Comment

Well, the bigger problem is that the Dems have allowed the GOP to define the issues that will supposed "alienate" Middle America as their wedge issues—when what "Middle America" (whatever the hell that is) cares a lot more about health care, job security and their loved ones coming home from Iraq in one piece and not in a box. Right now, the Dems are closer to being on message than they have been in a long time (nationally; in the state, they continue to suck). They have to stay the course.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T15:04:14-06:00

ID

128561

Comment

I still don't see a cohesive national message or a Democratic contender that can win in '08 ( I would love it to be Obama but it won't), if the rublicans put Fred Thompson up there we are cooked. What I mean by "Middle America" is that we as democrats (i don't know if you are one or not, anyways) aligned more with west coast & northeastern liberal values which alienated the rest of the country. And the rebulicans did a good job of exploting that fact through their aggressive tatics in the media & elsewhere. I don't see the message yet, I hope that I will for all of our sake or we will have another Republican in the white house soon. As for the state Dems, their time is over and I don't see this state moving back to them for decades to come.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-05-01T15:09:20-06:00

ID

128562

Comment

Yet the middle class would have to be monumentally stupid to continue to support republicans considering how corrupt, deceitful and shameless that party is. The country may not ever overcome the remnants of this war, Foley, Bush, the Hammer, Haggard, Catherine Harris, Albertal Gonzalez, Bush, Cheney and a host of other republicans who should be locked up for lying, deceiving, stealing, adultery, shooting friends, immorality, et al. You name it, and proof is ample that the republicans have taken it to a new level. Clinton looks like a saint to these fellows. Sure, Clinton got a few pieces of outside tail, and sought much more; but he didn't claim to be the Pope, Revern Do Right, Father Clean Hands, God, the Moral Majority or to have Family Values. I have been telling people for years the repubs were full of shit. I know too many of them.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-05-01T15:12:06-06:00

ID

128563

Comment

Richardson would be the best choice.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-05-01T15:23:25-06:00

ID

128564

Comment

This if way off-thread. Someone please start a thread in a more appropriate place to talk about presidential election.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T15:26:07-06:00

ID

128565

Comment

Sorry comrades. I intended to write about Melton but was overpowered by truth and consequences of another nature. Smile. Anyway, I kind of think we should pay for the mayor and his boys getting off. They worked for us. We elected them by 80% vote. The jury spoke and decided Frank and team had no evil intent. We don't know for sure why the sledgehammers were there in the first place. For instance, I keep a long piece of iron, a razor blade, an ice pick, two pocket knives, duct tape, gloves, several different masks, handcuff keys, and car repair tools in my truck, althought I have no idea how to fix a car and I don't commit crimes. If I hit somebody in the head, cut or stab them, or accidentally fixed my vehicle or somebody else's, I can truthfully aver I had no evil intent or actual intent to do either. I neither intended or envisioned doing any of this. And I was not the lawyer robbing banks. He was from Louisiana, smaller and shorter than me, and has already been caught. The mayor's money would be better spent sending children to colleges and paying for poor kids to live in a mansion.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-05-01T15:53:42-06:00

ID

128566

Comment

We elected them by 80% vote. Actually, 63 percent—in the election that counted (meaning, not up against a Republican who immediately went to work for him). It is very telling that the Ledger repeats the 80 percent number.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T15:55:47-06:00

ID

128567

Comment

As Bush would say, 63% or 80%, what's 3 points? Both numbers is a lots. I forgot to mention that I also have a slimjim and lock-picking device in my truck, but that doesn't mean anything.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-05-01T16:10:41-06:00

ID

128568

Comment

As Bush would say, 63% or 80%, what's 3 points? Both numbers is a lots. Another Quote o' the Week. ;-) Lots, indeed. But it is easy to believe that Melton might have lost at least 14 percent of those who voted for him by now. Especially with the talk of making the taxpayers pay Danks, Coxwell et al. Who cares about tearing down a duplex owned by a single mother int he city—when you start talking about making each of us pay for him doing it, people might just get up in arms. It's remarkable to me that he would even talk about doing that at this point. He does seem to think he's Teflon. He's not, of course. It ain't over 'til it's over.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-01T16:13:55-06:00

ID

128569

Comment

No wonder Frank thought damaging the duplex was worth every penny--the money may not be coming out of his pocket! I saw that on the crawl space on WJTV this morning...this is money the city can ill-afford to lose. Tonight, I happen to have a conversation with a well-known area public figure who was very pro-Frank at first...he's made a near complete 180-degree turn. I won't reveal who this person is, but as ardent a supporter as he was of Da Mayor, this is big.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-05-01T20:51:05-06:00

ID

128570

Comment

Apologize to the blog for my above comment. In the light of day, was poorly written. My apologies to Ms. Ladd also. Came here because I knew folks were passionate about the trial and I guess I was gloating (not because Melton was aquitted, but I already guessed the outcome). My point was (and poorly conveyed) the law was clearly violated, but he got off. "Justice" in a court is very fickle and never cut and dried despite the facts. Sorry to hear about the boxes. Somebody has it out for the JFP when it comes to distribution.

Author

Doc Rogers

Date

2007-05-01T21:22:35-06:00

ID

128571

Comment

Have y'all noticed the stark contrast between the styles of old police officer and these new-jack city police officers and mayors of today? I'm not speaking of just Jackson. What happened to the days when Poilce officers had simple commands such as halt, get on the car, get on the ground, don't move, get in the car, and freeze. Now the new-jacks say things like "Y'all know what time it is?" The first time I heard this I looked at my watch and told the officer the correct time expecting a reward or some appreciation, to which he said "one more smart ass comment, and I'll have you bleeding from your ass to your appetite." I still don't know the true meaning of this comment, but the picture was ugly? Why couldn't the big bopper have said "get the dope and let's go" instead of "tear the mf down?" What wrong with saying "get on the ground young fellow to save everyone any trouble" instead of "get down mfers before I bust a cap in your asses. After all, some of us don't speak police of wanna-be gansta ebonics, jive or slang. However, when Lil Sho You Wright and the Big White Dude said to me, "Break yourself fool before we do a double Evan Welsh's house on your ass" my appreciation for plice gibberish, metaphors and axioms went up exponentially. I could just see my face pulled or knocked off from my skull and limbs detached. I'm thinking about starting a police reform group under a false name (i'm still scared of Frank nem) whereby we let the mayors and police officers know around the country that they need to clean up their language and violence. Violence begets and love begets love. After all, I'm a lover and not a fighter until somebody wrongfully hits me.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-05-02T07:35:33-06:00

ID

128572

Comment

Ray, you are too funny: However, when Lil Sho You Wright and the Big White Dude said to me, "Break yourself fool before we do a double Evan Welsh's house on your a**" my appreciation for police gibberish, metaphors and axioms went up exponentially. Break yourself fool, indeed. At least the trial helped foster better communication with our police officers.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-05-02T11:05:28-06:00

ID

128573

Comment

Ray, if I ever get down in the dumps, I'll just look up your posts and read them in one sitting. ROTFLOL!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-02T16:30:13-06:00

ID

128574

Comment

Let's take action. Wake Up Jackson!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-08T21:14:06-06:00

ID

128575

Comment

well folks ill say yes scum a pony show all around 3 ring circus we have here in jackson weather its from melton or the city council to even the poloticians weve got round dis state.ive been here while now few years and see same story line playd out again from the mayor to right down to the nieghborhoods run amuk with crime robberies and a serious miss lead system.heres is my question how we gonna get better safty wise and better educated folks who can get us some where and improve our city.

Author

LDYZULU

Date

2007-05-09T00:18:13-06:00