Jackson Jambalaya

She can't help it. She just can't as she hates Republicans so much. It's not enough to say they belong to the devil or write 16 straight posts bashing Sarah Palin. Now she has to swipe emails from Democrats. In this case, Bill Luckett is gearing up for a run at the Governor's office in 2011. Bill Lucket is a Democrat and has a few choice things to say about Republicans:
"You can’t have grown up in the Mississippi Delta with any kind of sensitivity or any kind of feelings and not come out of that aligned with the Democratic Party, unless you’re just a racist or something,” Luckett said.
Luckett said he voted for President Barack Obama and supports most of Obama’s efforts to get the economy back on track." Clarion-Ledger story on June 11, 2009

However, such statements mean nothing to the Jackson Free Press, as her reporter published an email that was leaked to him (undoubtedly by a Democrat). (Anyone want to bet on one of Barbara's peeps?) The email is from Luckett's assistant (about hiring a media company) to Luckett and a (gasp), Republican operative. The rest of the so-called story then tries to smear Luckett as a Democrat turncoat. (Hmm...this DOES sound like Barbara, doesn't it?) It's rather amusing in that the JFP routinely bashes Republicans for alleged hyper-partisanship, yet she bashes a Democrat because she imagines there might be some actual bipartisanship taking place in Mississippi. Her definition of bipartisanship is apparently having her victim say "thank you ma'am, may I have another" after she beats him to a bloody pulp with her literary lead pipe.

However, since she is now in the habit of publishing emails, perhaps it's time to apply her standard to herself. When Ben Allen announced he was leaving the city council, some of his friends decided to throw a party for him at Bravo. Delbert sent this email out on July 2, 2007 to over 100 people (most of them the so-called NJammers and also members of the media):
"ok we are on. the date is July the 30th at Bravo Restaurant in Highland Village. Jeff closes the Restaurant on Monday night and we will have it all to ourselves. it will go from 5- 7. cash bar. we will need to find hosts for the snacks and appetizers and the cost of the restaurant. Susie has approved the party. I have not spoken to Ben. i am going to get a cost estimate on everything this week and will let all of you know. we probably will just all chip in a small amount and that may cover it. i will have a cost estimate for you all shortly. i want to put an add in the northside sun and everything else will be by email and word of mouth. Everyone is invited. it will be a "Thank You, Ben" party."

and this in a later email:
"by the way let me know who is interested in helping with the costs. I think this will be a special event for Ben and very well deserved."

A very nice gesture by Dilbert for his friend and several people did volunteer to help cover the expenses for the party. Unfortunately for Gilbert, no good deed goes unpunished, as Ms. Ladd made clear in this email sent barely ten minutes later:
"Well, the Jackson Free Press would be happy to help promote the party -- I
happen to know a lot of people under 50 who are grateful to Ben Allen who do
not read the Northside Sun, for the record.
Let us know should you need promotion help.
Dl"

This didn't ruffle Eggbert at all, who is a class act and a gentleman:
"All press is welcome. The Northside Sun was only mentioned because it is
his ward. Maybe the Clarion Ledger will even give us some small space.
In any event everyone is welcome to come and we want to let everyone
know that as inexpensively as we can. That applies to all ages as well.
Thanks for your help. delbert"

Think that did the trick? Hell no. David Watkins replied a few minutes later (remember, all of these emails are being cc'ed to over 100 people as the "reply all" button is hit each time an email is sent):
"I could not think of a better tribute for a more deserving person.
Certainly, I will be glad to chip in. Unlike Donna Ladd, most of the
"people I know" are not under 50. However, I'll be glad to invite all the
senior citizens I know! Damn, I already miss Ben. What a patriot he is.
David Watkins"

Oops. That didn't help. Had to mention the age thing because here it came:
"The JFP is also his ward, as Ben well knows. We're in pain over here at his
stepping down. He's been a life preserver during some tough times in the
city.
My point is that we will help promote the event whether you think it's
needed or not. And that I hope y'all are going to invite people who don't
read the Northside Sun as many are in his ward and support him. I'm not
slapping at older people -- I'm pushing 50 myself -- I'm suggesting that
y'all reach out beyond the Sun's readership to get a diverse crowd."

So an attempt to put together a party showing some appreciation for Ben Allen's service earned a lecture and "look at me" diatribe from Donna Ladd to Hoseman, Watkins, and a bunch of the so-called movers and shakers of Jackson. There was another email even more strident in tone but it somehow got deleted but it went further in promoting the JFP.

Before anyone gets upset with me for stealing emails, they were all sent to me as I was included in the email chain that night for some reason. Didn't ask to be ;-) , but I was included nonetheless. What's funny is how she can turn an appreciation party into a debate over the role of the JFP in Jackson.