@donnaladd
"I am a narrative writer. That means that we try to paint pictures of scenes and of people, such as saying someone is tall or giving their hair color."

I was tossed off of this article's blogg a few days ago, so let me be careful in what I say:

The very beautiful, talented and hard working red head is pissed!

Dear Mr. Wilson,
I don't live in your Ward, but, I attended debates when you were running for the Council. I must be honest, I am a supporter of former Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. I have followed him for each of his terms in office and I also lived through the disappointment when this community elected Frank Melton and he was out of office for 4 years.

If you read the blogs, you will find several wherein I have supported your right to be a part of the Mayoral debates.

@multiculturegirl37

Your point is very well taken. When I speak of "vetting", I am talking about the folks that invest money into these candidates - hoping for a win. This was the situation with Sarah Palin. If John McCain and the GOP had vetted Palin, she would not have been given a spot on their ticket as VP. Sarah had skeletons that began to fall out of her closet to include the fact that she did not know how gov. works or that Russia could not be seen from her kitchen window". Speaking more on local politics, Frank Melton's dark history was known by many; however, an appreciable number of whites did not know him. They believed the picture that he presented. When the crap finally hit the fan - Jackson was going broke and many crazy deals had been made. The city was spending $2,000/day for him to ride around in the Command Unit at night. It took time, energy, intelligence, financial competency and a steady hand to get things back on track.

I understand what the sponsors of these debates can do; however, the question is - Does it represent the spirit of a democracy? If there are 12 candidates - let's do 6/6. I also understand that the window was short for scheduling these debates and they should be given credit for their effort.

The candidate I support is in the race and has participated in all of the debates. but, I am always concerned about process being honest, above board and fair.

@tomhead1978
"These aren't necessarily fair criteria, but they do limit the number of candidates".

"I would be very surprised-not to mention horrified-if Tony had put misogynistic tapes up on YouTube. I you run across any, please post links".

I agree that a smaller number would be ideal but the time to set criteria is in qualifying conditions for becoming a candidate.

I was not really surprised about this type of behavior from Yarber: What does suprise me is the fact that again we have a candidate who has not been vetted.

@tomhead1978
"These aren't necessarily fair criteria, but they do limit the number of candidates".

"I would be very surprised-not to mention horrified-if Tony had put misogynistic tapes up on YouTube. I you run across any, please post links.

I agree that a smaller number would be ideal but the time to set criteria is in qualifying conditions for becoming a candidate.

I was not really surprised about this type of behavior from Yarber: What does suprise me is the fact that again we have a candidate who has not been vetted.

For some reason, this blog was posted twice.

Gwendolyn Chapman, Rev. Frances Smith and Albert Wilson were not allowed to participate in the WAPT (16) debate. This, in my opinion, was wrong. On what basics was Margaret Barrett- Simone chosen to participate? Ms. Chapman was escorted by police out of the event. Rec. Frances made his way to the stage but was not seated.

The NAACP debate turned into a circus with a lot of background noise while candidates were speaking: Loud claps and inappropriate comments at the end of some of the candidates speech. There were several instances wherein the moderator was either down right unfair or biases were glaring.

The group was suppose to answer 5 questions; however, only two prepared questions were asked.
The gentleman who was introduced as a "Civil Rights" Advocate askd the contestants, "What does the slogan "One City, One Aim, One Destiny" mean." This was Mayor Lumumba's visionary slogan and at which he only had 7 months to deliver. I could understand this as a question for his son who says that he will carry out his father's legacy, but, not to others. They all have their vision. Former Mayor Johnson's motto/slogan was "The Best of the New South". For me, this question is like religion: There is "One City": however there are many (aims) religions and the one destiny is heaven or some great resting place to include "Happy Hunting Grounds".

The WAPT /Chamber debate was more organized and with strict rules. The audience was cooperative. The problem I have with that debate is the "unscientific poll" yeilding results that favor some and hurt others. For starters, you could only vote on a cell phone with internet. For seniors like me, this was a handicap. Many people said that they didn't pay any attention to the cut line at the bottom of the screen with instructions for voting.

It is time for the games to stop and the citizens of this city should be given every possible chance to know the truth.

Another point: Horn was asked about his DUI: Quinn her Bankruptcies: Johnson was asked aboutt what he thought was his biggest mistake during his administrations. Yet, Yarber was not asked about his youtube tapes where he downs women and especially black women. Instrestingly enough, there tapes have been removed.

Gwendolyn Chapman, Rev. Frances Smith and Albert Wilson were not allowed to participate in the WAPT (16) debate. This, in my opinion, was wrong. On what basics was Margaret Barrett- Simone chosen to participate? Ms. Chapman was escorted by police out of the event. Rec. Frances made his way to the stage but was not seated.

The NAACP debate turned into a circus with a lot of background noise while candidates were speaking: Loud claps and inappropriate comments at the end of some of the candidates speech. There were several instances wherein the moderator was either down right unfair or biases were glaring.

The group was suppose to answer 5 questions; however, only two prepared questions were asked.
The gentleman who was introduced as a "Civil Rights" Advocate askd the contestants, "What does the slogan "One City, One Aim, One Destiny" mean." This was Mayor Lumumba's visionary slogan and at which he only had 7 months to deliver. I could understand this as a question for his son who says that he will carry out his father's legacy, but, not to others. They all have their vision. Former Mayor Johnson's motto/slogan was "The Best of the New South". For me, this question is like religion: There is "One City": however there are many (aims) religions and the one destiny is heaven or some great resting place to include "Happy Hunting Grounds".

The WAPT /Chamber debate was more organized and with strict rules. The audience was cooperative. The problem I have with that debate is the "unscientific poll" yeilding results that favor some and hurt others. For starters, you could only vote on a cell phone with internet. For seniors like me, this was a handicap. Many people said that they didn't pay any attention to the cut line at the bottom of the screen with instructions for voting.

It is time for the games to stop and the citizens of this city should be given every possible chance to know the truth.

Another point: Horn was asked about his DUI: Quinn her Bankruptcies: Johnson was asked aboutt what he thought was his biggest mistake during his administrations. Yet, Yarber was not asked about his youtube tapes where he downs women and especially black women. Instrestingly enough, there tapes have been removed.

@Zachary Orsborn:
"I can't wait to be unstuck. I can't wait for the day that everyone can stuff their Johnny Boy costumes way in the back of their closets. I can't wait for the day wheere I can hold a lover's hand in MS and feel like I belong. I can't wait to throw a gay wedding and dance to the entire Beyonce discography at the reception>"

I was born and raised in MS and with the exception of a few vacations here and there and spending time in Nashville attending a University there, I have been here. I couldn't wait to live a life that was reflective of being FREE. I couldn't wait until the day that those who hated me because of the color of my skin could not only "stuff" their cruel racist thoughts and behaviors but to understand that all I wanted to do was to live a life that was void of discrimination. I wanted to hold the hands of my friends whose skin was white, but whose hearts were kind and supportive. Some of these young folks were Freedom Riders who came to MS to help with desergation . I couldn't wait until I could have a party or attend a function that I did not have to fear being "out of place" or "with the wrong race."

Even today after years in the struggle, I sometime experience hate, discrimination and at times, these feelings are verbalize. I must say that as a whole, things have changed for the better. It is my sincere hope that it will not be long before you can experience a MS that has given up its prejudices against people who are LGB orT. Change is often slow, but, steady. Take the focus away from those who are cruel and insensitive: Focus on your kind and loving relationships.

...and the State continues to defund Mississippi schools by millions each year and one billion for the past year. Until we elect people who are without the agenda of everything being privatized -conditions will only worsen.

The coming of Charter schools will speed up the engine of failure for public and unfortunately, our Charter Schools will join the ranks of those around the country that have already received their "F".

We can and should do better. An ignorant pool of to many youngsters only increases the level of violence and other acts of criminality.