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UPDATED: Saggy-Pants Ordinance Fails 4-2
The Jackson City Council voted down Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes' proposed Saggy Pants Ordinance on Tuesday with a 4-to-2 vote. Opposition to the ordinance included Councilmen Jeff Weill, Marshand Crisler, Leslie McLemore and Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simone. Supporters included Stokes and Councilman Bluntson, with Councilman Charles Tillman absent.
ProPublica Photographer: I Was Followed by BP Security and Then Detained by Police
Freelance photographer Lance Rosenfield was working on assignment for ProPublica in Texas City, Texas, last week, when a BP security guard began following him. Rosenfield was later detained by police after taking photos for two ProPublica stories. One revealed that BP's Texas City refinery had illegally emitted 538,000 pounds of toxic chemicals into the air in April and May. The other reported that the Texas City refinery continues to have serious safety violations five years after an explosion at the plant killed 15 workers. What follows is Rosenfield's account of what happened on Friday night after the police, accompanied by the BP security guard, stopped him at a local gas station.
A New Politics
<b>How Cultural Creatives Are Changing the Map</b>
"A third party? I'd just be happy with a second party!" Agree with that statement? If so, there's a chance you've considered yourself a "centrist," an "independent," a "free thinker"—or you just think politics is for suckers. Perhaps you identify with a third-party cause or candidate—maybe you find yourself stuck in the middle, unsure of whether any political party or movement speaks to the issues that are important to you. Or maybe you don't vote at all.
Saved By Grace
The fighter lies on the floor in a locker room at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. He lets it all go as country music streams from his headphones to help him relax. Nearby is the plastic cross his daughter made him, with glued white letters spelling out the word "faith."
Shades of Gray
On the evening of Oct. 27, the mayor of McComb, Miss., was in the city's board room, arguing with his city attorney about fractions. The mayor wanted to block a vote to fire the city's accountant.
The Commons: Continuity of Love
Under the quiet gaze of an oversized bronze statue of Eudora Welty, a friendly but insistent workman keeps asking Jonathan Sims what to do about the dishwasher. Sims can't answer right away. He looks down at the brick-imprinted concrete covered with wet leaves and concentrates.
The Tragic Case of the Scott Sisters
Jamie and Gladys Scott arrived at the Mini Mart gas station on Highway 35 in Forest, Miss., sometime between 10:30 and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve 1993. It was just after Johnny Ray Hayes and Mitchell Duckworth had stopped in to purchase beer and gas after getting off work at McCarty Farms.
Men Making Promises
Passionate speaking and powerful music are expected this weekend when the Colorado-based Promise Keepers organization (http://www.promisekeepers.org) brings its 2003 Men's Conference series to the Mississippi Coliseum. Founded in 1990 by former football Coach Bill McCartney, Promise Keepers evangelizes men to follow Jesus Christ and to become spiritual leaders in their churches, communities and families—and to keep the promises they've made to their wives and children. Race and denominational boundaries are ignored as the organization strives for racial and sectarian reconciliation. Approximately 6,000 men attended the kick-off rally in Lubbock, Texas, on May 3-4, and the Jackson conference should be as large.
Barry Bonds vs. Kobe Bryant: One Story Matters A Lot More
Two sports stories dominated the landscape yesterday.
One was the non-conclusion/conclusion of the Barry Bonds steroids trial. The other was the non-apology/apology by Kobe Bryant for a homophobic slur.
Arizona Shootings Offer A Pivotal Moment
Since the horrifying assassination attempt on Saturday, which left a wonderful little girl, a judge and several other Americans dead, America has come face-to-face to the level of violence possible at the hands of people who claim to hate the U.S. government. It is giving us the opportunity to change the tone of politics—which has become more vicious and, disturbingly, violent in recent years, especially since Sarah Palin started scaring the dickens out of people at campaign rallies. And, yes, the man who acted out against the people in Arizona was mentally disturbed, but people who act out on violent rhetoric often are. That doesn't take the violent rhetoric off the hook.
Racism, sexism… "hairism"?
A Vicksburg High School student was told by the principal that he could not be a homecoming escort unless he cut off his dreadlocks. From WAPT:
Community Events and Public Meetings
Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal is to start a rape crisis center. For ages 18 and up. Seeking sponsors, auction donations and volunteers now. More details: jfpchickball.com and follow on Twitter @jfpchickball. Get involved, volunteer, and donate art, money and gifts. $5 cover; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.
Community Events and Public Meetings
Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal is to start a rape crisis center. For ages 18 and up. Seeking sponsors, auction donations and volunteers now. More details: jfpchickball.com and follow on Twitter @jfpchickball. Get involved, volunteer, and donate art, money and gifts at [e-mail missing]. $5 cover; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.
Eight Simple Rules
I might as well go on and say it: I don't really see the point of the men's movement.
It seems to consist of a bunch of guys looking at what men are already stereotyped as being, as wanting, as desiring, and then trying to figure out how to more fully live into those expectations. It would be sort of like if the Black Power movement looked at slavery for a model, or if NOW organized itself around the archetypal figure of June Cleaver, or if the fraternity in Revenge of the Nerds never actually met in person. But whatever makes y'all happy.
Join JFP Editor for Congressional Debate Live on WAPT.com, 7 p.m.
I am joining moderator Sid Salter, Rankin Ledger reporter Josh Cogswell, Stennis Institute director Marty Wiseman and MSU student Lori Ann Holland Monday night for a two-hour debate of the 3rd District congressional candidates Monday night in Rankin County. The debate will be Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and broadcast live on the WAPT Web site. Now, though, I would love help with questions; I need about 10, and I would love to hear what readers would like asked. So bring it on!
Community Events and Public Meetings
AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service. The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.
Community Events and Public Meetings
AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service. The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.
Is the South Politically Irrelevant?
Read this provocative piece in the Times about, well, us:
Why the South Opposes the Auto Bailout
This seems obvious, but it is worth considering. This seems obvious, but it is worth considering, per Salon:
There Is NO EXCUSE For This!
WLBT got a tape of a mother severely abusing her child, and the mother is now in jail. Beating a child for ten minutes straight with a belt and a cable cord is inexcusable.