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[JFP Classic] 13 Myths About War in Iraq

13myths.org

The Internet has played a major role in the current debate over war in Iraq. Recently, a group of online "mythbusters" involved in the 13myths.org project went one step further. They posted a summary of key claims made by the proponents of war and then invited hundreds of people to offer suggestions on how to respond. The following is the result of this exchange. The complete document, with more than 120 footnotes from mainstream and primary sources, is online at 13myths.org.

Tearin' Up Virden: The Melton Trial

It began while they were watching the newest version of "Walking Tall" starring the Rock, witness Lawrence Cooper Jr. said during the first day of testimony in the felony trial of Mayor Frank Melton and police detectives Michael Recio and Marcus Wright. Cooper, who testified that he was a frequent visitor to Evans Welch's rental home at 1305 Ridgeway Street, said that the two men were watching television the night of Aug. 26, 2006, when they heard a voice outside call "the folks is coming," with "folks" referring to police.

Just the (Correct) Facts, Ma'am, on James Ford Seale Case

It's been interesting to watch the national media coverage of the arrest of James Ford Seale for the kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping of Henry Dee and Charles Moore in 1964. In some ways, the story has been a victim of the 24-hour news cycle, with small errors becoming headlines and big errors being completely overlooked or processed away.

Destruction and Hot Tempers

"They said I needed to get out, and that's what I did," said Tony Porter, who says he owned a photo and camera repair shop not too far off the northeast section of Magazine Street in New Orleans. Porter, who was passing through Jackson on the way to a friend's house in Memphis, speaks of his small, young business in the past tense as he sits at a Phillips 66 gas station in North Jackson.

Detaining 'Illegals' Is Big Money for Private Prison Companies and the Politicians They Lobby

The U.S. is locking up more illegal immigrants than ever, generating lucrative profits for the nation's largest prison companies, and an Associated Press review shows the businesses have spent tens of millions of dollars lobbying lawmakers and contributing to campaigns.

Best of Jackson 2003: Best of Downtown

THE VOTES ARE IN, the ballots are counted, and we are thrilled to announce the winners of the first Best of Jackson readers' choice competition. We ran the Best-of ballot starting in Issue No. 1 of the Jackson Free Press, figuring the city had waited long enough for the type of readers' choice balloting that's done by alternative publications in urban areas throughout the country. These competitions lead to some of the most-read, most sought-after editions of alternatives published every year. People keep these issues and refer to them throughout the year. Why? Because readers want to experience and celebrate the best their cities have to offer, based on what they believe, not what the highest-paying advertisers tell them. Our Best-of competition, which we will continue to announce every January, captures our mission exactly: to bring Jacksonians and local businesses together in a community where we can all help each other and be part of something bigger than ourselves. Judging by the winners this year, this is an excellent first step. All of you put thought into your choices and shined a light on community jewels that are often overlooked. Thank you!

2003: Best of Downtown

THE VOTES ARE IN, the ballots are counted, and we are thrilled to announce the winners of the first Best of Jackson readers' choice competition. We ran the Best-of ballot starting in Issue No. 1 of the Jackson Free Press, figuring the city had waited long enough for the type of readers' choice balloting that's done by alternative publications in urban areas throughout the country. These competitions lead to some of the most-read, most sought-after editions of alternatives published every year. People keep these issues and refer to them throughout the year. Why? Because readers want to experience and celebrate the best their cities have to offer, based on what they believe, not what the highest-paying advertisers tell them. Our Best-of competition, which we will continue to announce every January, captures our mission exactly: to bring Jacksonians and local businesses together in a community where we can all help each other and be part of something bigger than ourselves. Judging by the winners this year, this is an excellent first step. All of you put thought into your choices and shined a light on community jewels that are often overlooked. Thank you!

A Giant Upset

Eli and the Giants ruin the season of the Anti-Christ and his godless minions. Perfect Patriots, my ... Archie's kids own the Super Bowl these days.

Tease photo

Crime & Punishment

When a best-selling author comes to Jackson, it's news. When three best-selling authors come in one exclusive event, it's historic.

Former FBI Agent Eyes AG Post

The GOP candidate for attorney general talked to the Jackson Free Press in his offices in Ridgeland. This is the full transcript of the interview.

We, the Unhealthy

Last year, Mississippi ranked No. 1 overall for the unhealthiest citizens in the U.S. and No. 49 in the number of physicians per capita. A quarter of our 2-year-olds haven't received their shots, and the rate of babies dying in Mississippi is higher than anywhere else in the country. We're No. 2 for number of adults with diabetes; a third of adults are obese; a third has high blood pressure; and a third gets no exercise whatsoever.

Christian Science Monitor on Melton and Race

The Christian Science Monitor just ran a piece about Frank Melton called Mayor's tough tack on crime stirs up racial sensitivities:

Community Events and Public Meetings

6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club/C Spire Wireless Most Valuable Senior Awards, at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Members of the athletic organization honor athletes from 10 Mississippi four-year colleges. $30 non-members; call 601-506-3186.

Community Events and Public Meetings

Phi Theta Kappa Blood Drive Oct. 4-6, at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., Raymond). Donate blood in the donor coach parked in front of the Student Union. Hours are from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. All donors receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last) and are entered to win a pair of tickets to an SEC football game. Donations welcome; call 800-817-7449.

The Second Storm

Last week, the House released "A Failure of Initiative," a report on the government's failures in Katrina. The report details the "organizational paralysis" that bottled up critical information for hours, even days, as information awaited "confirmation" by one agency after another.

[Kamikaze] Wrangle the Crazies

OK, I get it. There are varying opinions on the new health-care bill. You have some who are staunchly in favor of the resolution. Others are none too fond of the new plan. This is what America was built on, correct? The right to respectfully disagree.

Redefining Comfort Food

Taking the first bite of fried chicken or sticky-sweet barbecued ribs can transport us to a dimension where times past still exist in a kind of suspended animation. We remember family cookouts and snicker at visions of the token crass uncle wandering around in his sauce-stained button-up, exhorting children to "pull my finger." A sip of freshly squeezed lemonade puts us under the backyard sprinkler again, where we chased our best childhood friend, squealing and giggling under the wet spray.

City to Vote on Renaming Ordinance; Lynch Street Grant

The Jackson City Council will likely adopt a new ordinance tomorrow that will change requirements for residents to rename city streets and municipal buildings for the third time this year.

Artists To Watch 2003

Matthew Magee and Allison Jenkins formed their band, Wooden Finger in September of 2004. "We are a melting pot of influences," Jenkins says. "Our influences come from bluegrass, ambient and classical music," Magee explains. Their sound can be described as melancholy with a bluegrass feel to it.

Franklin Advocate Editorial and Thomas Moore Response

Franklin Advocate, July 28, 2005

This letter appeared in The Franklin Advocate, the weekly newspaper in Meadville, Miss, the week after Thomas Moore's story appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It is reprinted verbatim; below it you can read Thomas Moore's letter to the editor in response, which the Franklin Advocate has never printed.