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Reaching New Political Lows

This whole lt. gov. abortion dust-up is absurd. Finally, we have two women, one black and one white, running for a major office in the state -- and we're arguing over abortion, and whether one had one or not. First of all, it's none of our business. Second of all, Ms. Tuck never should have played the abortion card first. It has nothing to do with this office. It's a wedge issue, stupid! With all that money, you'd think the candidates could figure out how to talk about issues that they actually would be elected to deal with. It's thoroughly disgusting. Y'all, they're playing Mississippians for fools again. Every time you watch another dumb-ass television commercial or hear another personal attack or another sound bite like "school discipline" without any substance behind it, remember you're being played like a fiddle by the political machine. We've got to put an end to this, or it's just going to get worse.

Young Candidates Seize the ‘Urgency of Now'

The same day that he filed his qualifying papers to run for Jackson City Council, Jonathan Jones received a number of calls from strangers.

2006 JFP Interview: Peterson Makes Her Case

<b>The JFP Interview with Faye Peterson</b>

Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson is nothing if not confident. It's a stalwart, rocky kind of demeanor that probably helps get her through her day in her office on the top floor of the Hinds County Courthouse.

The Play's the Thing

For an agnostic, he sure does talk about God a lot.

Melton: Police Taking Over Court Services; No Crime Stats to Media

UPDATE March 16, 2006: This is now a full transcript of the mayor's press conference, addressing many issues—from crime stats to his pursuit of the Wood Street Players.

Deepest Midnight: Cedric Willis and The Failure of Mississippi Justice

Cedric Willis, then 19, stirred in his bed and looked up at his grandmother Sally. She had the smooth, dark skin of a woman 20 years younger, and her black hair, cropped short, rested atop her head like a crown. Bright beams of morning sunshine illuminated her through the blinds.

On Civil Elections and Civic Journalism

<b>Voters to Dems: Be Progressive</b>

In the few days since the Nov. 4 election, we've heard a lot of anger and consternation from readers. Many are wondering how in the world the blatant GOP use of the race card could be so successful in 2003. We have two responses.

A Deal with el Diablo: The Immigration Bill's Dirty Fine Print

Much of this country's legislative history is built on compromise. Indeed, deal making among lawmakers has contributed to a robust, if sometimes flawed, system of American democracy. One of the most famous compromises in American history, the Missouri Compromise of 1820, delayed civil war but allowed human bondage to persist at a time when England, France and Argentina had already abolished slavery. In the immigration deal announced last week-- a dire example of the shortcomings of compromise--U.S. senators have proposed allowing the modern equivalent of indentured servitude, in the form of a temporary worker program, to persist in the 21st Century.

Why Jackson Doesn't Need 'Superman'

Also see Darren Schwindaman's cartoon.

Disaster Remarks by Barbour, McCoy, Tuck, Others

Transcribed Remarks by the Governor and other state officials/MEMA Press Conference/Jackson, MS

Governor Haley Barbour: "Before I start trying to share some briefing with you… First, I'm pleased that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker accompanied me to the coast today to meet with the President and tour some of the devastated parts of Biloxi, with him, Senator Lott, Senator Cochran, and Congressman Pickering. So before I have anything to say, I want to invite the Lieutenant Governor to say some remarks."

BREAKING: Melton Takes Plea

Frank Melton has pled no contest to three midemeanors on gun charges. As part of the plea, the felony charged Melton faced for carrying a weapon onto the campus of the Mississippi College School of Law was reduced to a misdemeanor.

[Kamikaze] Prom Night

Yep, race in your face. Again. In this new round of race discussions, I've found the antibody to be none other than our young people.

'The Grand Ole White Party Confronts Obama'

In his current New York Times column, Frank Rich dives into the racial fray that Republicans are facing in trying to campaign against Barack Obama:

Barefoot In The Delta

Story & Photography by Cheree Franco

Like an omen, Floyd Graham stands in a Coahoma field, backlit against a fiery Delta horizon. Fifty-something, chain-smoker, charismatic and self-admittedly privileged, he recounts the story of this field—one of many his family owns, one of many where, for decades, 20th-century plantation owners exploited African American tenant farmers. Fifteen people, deceived by the earlier high temps and now clad only in light jackets, huddle in the February chill, spellbound by Graham's booming voice.

Upper Level Attorney Claims Melton Intoxicated on Job

Photo: Upper Level owner Sandra Moore Johnson, left, and her attorney Sharon Gipson speak to reporters outside the club Thursday.

The Bottom Line

Frank Melton cannot solve Jackson's crime. That is simply a statement of fact, not a criticism or a denouncement or even a denouement. It is also true that former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. could not solve crime. Neither could former Police Chief Robert Moore. And current Police Chief Shirlene Anderson can't, either.

Woman on a Mission

Standing an easy 6 feet tall in her fashionable beige wedge sandals, Sandy Middleton strode into the Copiah County sheriff's station. She breezed past the unmanned reception desk, barely pausing, pushing her sunglasses up into her blonde hair and out of the way.

[Head] Rebels Without a Cause

It's difficult to effectively address a racism issue by sweeping the subject of race under the rug.

Chief Anderson Out; Gerald Jones Interim Chief

[Verbatim from the city] DIFFICULT DECISION LEADS TO CHANGE IN JPD LEADERSHIP

Mayor Frank E. Melton announced Wednesday that he is implementing a change in leadership at the Jackson Police Department. Police Chief Shirlene Anderson has been offered a new position as a special assistant to the Mayor. In this new capacity, Anderson would coordinate all emergency services, including police, fire and disaster response. She would also oversee interagency communications between local, county, state and federal law enforcement.

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