We've been reporting this for months now: The state's new voter ID law does not address the actually deal with the actual voter fraud that does exist in the state. Nice use of state resources, Mr. Hosemann. Doesn't sound very conservative.

Kdavis, I think we've been picking up the slack for a while now. ;-)

Mayor Johnson's statement on jail incident:

“I have been in contact with Hinds County officials in light of today’s incident. I have also been in communication with City Legal, the Jackson Police Department and other staff and have directed that they take steps to ensure that adequate service continues.

“I would like to commend the members of the Jackson Police Department and the multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team who provided invaluable assistance today, especially in preventing any serious injury or loss of life during this incident.”

Funny: This is The Clarion-Ledger's news headline right now, on July 30, about Lee running for mayor:

"Businessman Jonathan Lee to run for Jackson mayor"

Above is our JFP interview announcing that news from almost four weeks ago.

Ledger, I don't think it's news any longer.

I should also add that we are only using AP online. We have more than enough copy for our issue each week. Our folks are passionate and prolific! And that's where we put the more deeply reported stories as a rule.

Nice try, Robbie. ;-) Our reporters do news—often breaking and enterprise—at least five days a week (not bad for a so-called "weekly," eh?) In fact, the story we're commenting under is the latest installment in an enterprise series that our reporters, and now a super intern, have been working on n since since year: the real story behind voter ID. Ronni chose to write the above story instead of use the AP version because we know a lot more about this story than other state media. We're the first media that called Brennan last night wanting a statement, and they called me back about 9 p.m. when I was shopping last night to tell me they had emailed us the statement. This is what real reporting looks like.

Not to mention, Hosemann's statement shows he isn't pleased with information his own PR flack woman confirmed to us weeks ago about the "catch 22." That angle came from our folks' enterprising reporting. Then Brennan apparently followed up on it.

As for the AP wire, we are thrilled to be able to now run their stories about other parts of the state, the nation and the world -- it's not like we can get our small-but-amazing reporting staff to the Coast or London every day.

And we responded to our readers by getting it. They tell us they are frustrated with the lack of world and national coverage here, and that they don't want to pay to see such stories on The Clarion-Ledger website -- they erect a paywall on Aug. 1. So we are giving readers what they want while not taking away a thing from our own stellar reporting efforts. In fact, it can help our folks stay on stories like the odd Ward 3 vote count that Jacob broke yesterday, if they aren't having to run to a Romney fundraiser in Jackson to report because AP is there.

We are using AP in a very strategic, studied fashion to give our readers what they want and need. And we couldn't be happier about it. It's the latest step in our growth and evolution into a daily news source for the state. Watch for other new features as well.

So there was a catch-22 a few weeks back, but not now? And why not studies prior to wholeheartedly embracing this unnecessary voter ID plan, Mr. Hosemann? (We would ask him directly but he seems afraid to talk to us.)

Is it possible that Secretary of State Hosemann got behind expensive, unneeded legislation that he and others can't provide evidence that is needed -- and is now feeling the heat for hoisting such a mess on the state to pay for?

Congrats to all of these peoples, organizations and businesses! The JFP was thrilled to win a Hometown Hero Shining Example Award in 2010. It meant the world to us.

We don't know. And we find it infinitely disturbing that no one in a position of election seems able to answer these questions and take responsibility. It doesn't add up, literally and figuratively.

Marlon, thank you for your wonderful comments. It was very hard for that first 15 years: I told a few people but usually in anguish after a great deal of wine. After I wrote that piece, it gradually became easier. I stopped blaming myself and, as a result, the answer started melting away, and I could talk fairly openly about it. Now, the experience is part of who I am and has made me stronger. I almost feel sorry for the guys who post nasty stuff about under cowardly fake names in order to try to silence. They have no idea the strength I've gathered inside by now, in no small part thanks to this incident when I was a teenager -- and my resolve to have a strong voice and help others find theirs.

I can't say it enough: There is courage and power in speaking out using your real name. It helps you become stronger, and I encourage everyone to try it, even a baby step at a time. Own who you are and what you believe, and use your experiences to help others and to speak out against those trying to hurt others. There is so much power in numbers of people standing up and saying: "I am ____________, and here is what I believe.

And Marlon: You're right. You know women who have been sexually assaulted. And probably men as children and perhaps as adults.