Jackson Ward 3 City Councilman Kenneth Stokes issued a statement on his earlier incitements to Jackson residents to commit acts of violence against the police from other jurisdictions who chase suspects into Jackson. The Clarion-Ledger interviewed Mr. Stokes yesterday. He said:
My position is this: When you have these police officers coming from other jurisdictions and they will not respect human life, then I said we should use rocks, bricks or bottles to try to get the message over: stop endangering our children," Stokes said. "Now I have supported police officers in police departments all over this state from when I was a (Hinds County) supervisor when we voted for new cars and equipment for police officer. I opened and closed the last council meeting an honor of an officer who had died. I have named streets after officers in this city. (KF Note: He also cut the Sheriff's budget by $3.5 million and protested when supervisors returned a million dollars to his budget.) Article.
There is no question of my love and respect for police officers; my first degree was in criminal justice," Stokes said. "I almost became a police officer, but somewhere down the line, we have to draw a line between officers who put human beings safety in jeopardy versus using common sense. I don't consider these police officers. I consider them thugs."
These kind of chases put children in danger," Stokes said. "They said parents were trying to get their children out of harms way. Now, it is our position that if it is a misdemeanor, you shouldn't be putting children and the elderly in danger."
"Now, if you are talking about a murderer or a bank robbery, then this is person who may be a little more dangerous to the community, but not a misdemeanor," Stokes said. "We have had this discussion over and over again, but it looks like these jurisdictions have taken the position they don't care. And that is the wrong position to take. What are you going to do — wait until someone is killed?" (KF note: How is a regular person supposed to know at the time of the chase if the police are chasing a felony or misdemeanor suspect?)
"The City Council must take steps to address this recurring problem," Stokes said. "Outside jurisdictions chasing suspects around Jackson neighborhoods must not be allowed.
Governor Phil Bryant minced no words in criticizing Mr. Stokes:
Mr. Stokes’ remarks are reprehensible, particularly with the attacks we have seen against our men and women in law enforcement. I condemn any such remarks in the strongest possible manner. This is nothing short of an outright assault upon all who wear the badge. I will be asking Attorney General Jim Hood to investigate whether Mr. Stokes’ remarks represent criminal threats against law enforcement officers.
Meanwhile Attorney General Jim Hood issued this statement:
"Comments or actions that put our law enforcement officers in harm's way cannot be tolerated. Frustration or dissatisfaction with police policies or procedures does not give any person, especially an elected official, the right to jeopardize the safety of officers. We should instead be focused on cooperation and mutual respect between citizens and law enforcement. Certainly, the Office of Attorney General will investigate any complaint received in this or any other matter."
Jackson Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote sold out to da man and issued this statement as well:
I think such flippant comments are unworthy of the high office of city councilman. It’s demeaning to the difficult duties that our law enforcement officers have to carry out on a daily basis.
67 comments:
Consider the airport lost. Done deal.
The deafening silence from black Jackson leadership calling for Stokes' resignation says it all. Until Stokes steps up and resigns Jackson won't get squat out of the state.
How dare Phil, Jim and Ashby? What racist bigots!
Waiting to hear from Bennie Thompson. (crickets)
Look like Kenuf stuck his whole foot in his mouth instead of de hotdog Lorrita Coopea Stokes cooked him fer dennar. Again, WHERE IS THE MS LEGISLATURE BLACK CAUCUS?!?!? They are the FIRST ones to hold a press conference to denounce anyone who makes what they perceive is a white on black comment. Where are they now that their councilman has made racially sensitive threats against white officers?!?!? Silent! Worthless.
Conspiracy to incite a riot.
A charge to bring
I am boycotting every black owned business in Jackson until Mr Stokes resigns
Mr. Stokes needs to stop digging his hole. How are citizens supposed to know when a pursuit is going on who is being chased, why they are bing chased, and what they are? How are they, the citizens, supposed to know if it's a violent felony or a minor misdemeanor? This man has passed idiotic a long time ago. It's time for him to go.
is fleeing from law enforcement a misdemeanor or felony-?
if the fleeing vehicle is running red lights, running stop signs, and the LEO has both blue lights and siren going, it can be a felony separate from the reason the chase is happening.
Stokes for Mayor
#boycottjackson
Yep, Stokes bringing on a boycott of a city already on financial life support is not the smartest move by him, politically or otherwise. Jackson's bond ratings have been heading south, and Jackson already can't pay the EPA Consent Order fine that it owes.
2:38, "conspiracy" is too hard to prove. But, "aiding and abetting" could fit Stokes' comments.
Also, I guess Stokes has forgotten that citizens have a legal duty to "yield" to all emergency vehicles, and that includes law enforcement vehicles. It shouldn't matter whether it's a police car or sheriff vehicle from Rankin or Madison county, or an ambulance or fire truck or police car from Jackson -- the law is the same - "yield" and get out of the way!
@3:32, you are correct. It is considered felony fleeing and add driving while impaired, assault on 2 people and among other things, this felon/thug is and should be in deep doo doo
Stokes is an idiot, but Bryant is just pandering to the pro-authoritarian right wingers.
stokes is in-tune with the people that vote for him. he's not resigning, nor will anything by the governor or attorney general curb these types of statements
he's blaming everything on white people. and really, it's how his voters feel too. remember that the next time you shop in ward 3
Is there a business in Ward 3 that one would even consider worth shopping in? in seriousness, please name/identify.
I am another that will be boycotting all businesses in Jackson and all black owned businesses in other parts of the state. The blacks can choose to support Stokes and his crazy rantings but I can choose to boycott their business.
@2:58. I too plan to boycott every black owned business in Jackson until he resigns
4:25
You should've called and told the Gov what to say.
4:42, so you're actually going to ask when you walk in a shop, "Excuse me, but can you tell me the color of the person who owns this establishment?" That seems reasonable.
Kingfish, did local news agencies violate any ethical rules or guidelines when they provided Stokes a forum to suggest acts of violence towards police officers?
Stokes, right now, all over CNN.com and nobody in the black community with the courage to demand he resign.
Good Gracious !!
Someone please help that Man exit his role gracefully. Help him understand this it NOT the right approach.
IF he loved LEO he would have never said what he has recently or in the past. He's opened a can of worms he needs to pray someone doesn't get whoop a** mind set towards him.
Kudos to all LE offices and officials who have responded, spoken out and protect us all.
Didn't Stokes also state that responding EMS units should immediately go on-scene whether the scene is safe or not? That AMR wasn't "doing its job" if they waited on police to ensure their own safety.
It's clear that Stokes is a moron and after all there years he is still clueless about how fire/EMS/police work.
Boycott Jackson.
Just as when the professional bass fisherman was murdered at Motel 6, not a word from an elected official. The mayor should have stepped up. The police chief should have stepped up. Both should have addressed the opening ceremony and prayer at the beginning of that tournament. Neither did. Both should have in this situation. Neither has. Neither will.
It sure would be nice to hear a 'thank you' from the Tony Yarber, instead of the need to ask for respect from the suburbs. He should thank the suburbs for apprehending thugs that plague his community as well. Tony's comment regarding this subject are misguided.
Interesting comments, Compare the the Stokes to comments posted when a Ridgeland PD chase after a misdemeanor suspect resulted in the death of a Rankin County resident.
http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2012/02/innocent-bystander-killed-in-chase.html
In his defense, Stokes did say the "leadership (not citizens) should get together to throw, etc. He could be guilty of a less than elegant statement. Could he have been using a metaphor?
All you "boycott Jackson" morons are as ignorant and bad as Stokes. Yeah, what a fantastic idea: let's make an intentional effort to hurt those hard-working families just trying to make a living who have nothing to do with Stokes and are not even his constituents. That'll really show Stokes!
6:26, yes they did. Here is a link to a story by WLBT on Jackson City Counsel condemning what Stokes said. http://m.msnewsnow.com/msnewsnow/db/330626/content/nazf9Oif. Mayor Yarber also made a statement against Stokes.
KF- Honerable Gubner Feeellll didn't "slam" anyone. He did typical Feeellll, which is run his mouth & do nothing. Slamming him would have been-immediately call for his resignation, immediately ask EVERY elected official in Jackson & the state to call for his resignation, immediately start a Blue Lives Matter campaign (march on the Capitol, etc), immediately hold a press conference with the Jackson mayor, Jackson police chief, all area police chiefs, and every other city council member to call for him to immediately step down, & immediately have his media people contact national media outlets & offer interviews & put the pressure on this big bafoon to immediately step down. Sending a half-ass press release isn't crap. Get off your lazy ass Gubner & actually DO something...not Monday, not next week, but today!!! Pull your team together & do something. Why do you think other events get national media coverage??? Because people DO things & make waves. We have a weak Governor who just wants to issue "Deborah and I..." Bullshit press releases. When he actually decides to stand up & lead, we will have a better state. Until then, Jackson & our entire state will continue to suffer. These same above comments apply to every other elected official-Tater Tot??? You there? What about you Speaker Gunn??? Delbert Humper-or-do-nothing. Y'all want to get into everyone else's business. What about now? Wake up, put down the leftover turkey & lead.
Yarber has NOT condemned Stokes by name.
Kenneth Stokes is Kryptonite to the Jackson real estate market.
Anyone who believes that Yarber doesn't think the same or support Stokes is stupid. Boycott Jackson? Nobody shops there anyway.
@ 8:24-perfectly said. Out state is paralyzed by fearful leaders who do nothing. I agree with 100% of the post. Sorry leaders who are interested only if there are votes or money in it for them.
Lots of PC culture defenders in these comments. Odd.
Will stokes be charged if some of these Jackson thugs get shot while throwing/assaulting the police? It is so nice that stokes is trying to create a safe haven in Jackson for the poor mistreated criminals. To all low life thugs just make passed the Jackson city limit sign and you will be protected(great city motto).
I have been convinced for years stokes must have something on many or the authorities/city council are scared of what stokes is capable of committing to those that dare speak against him. What other explanation can explain all stokes gets away with doing and no one stops him. There is NO bigger THUG in Jackson.
I'm calling out the leadership (if there is any) for the City of Jackson and the leadership (if there is any) for the State of Mississippi to demand Stokes resignation! Writing memos and making touchy, feely statements is not nearly enough and will accomplish absolutely nothing! Grow a pair and let this "nit-wit" know you intend to stand behind your demands. Also, Jackson Mayor, we have not heard a "peep" out of you! Obviously, your silence means you approve of what Stokes said. You should have spoken out on this situation the moment it hit the air waves - you should not have to be asked to respond! Where are your leadership qualities and your caring spirit for the City of Jackson? Does your silence mean you are on board with Stokes' remarks??? All of you should be profoundly ashamed that it took a couple of County Sheriffs to respond to something that happened right in front of you, to which all of you so called leaders turned a blind eye.
The irony (I'm certain unintended, as Mr. Stokes couldn't possibly know the word or its meaning) of his comments is not lost on most readers.
Mr. Stokes' comments strongly imply that the (white) police departments of adjacent jurisdictions (Madison, Ridgeland, Rankin County) intentionally chase their "victims" into Stoke's district in order to harm and maim its citizens. I remind you all again of who is REALLY harming, maiming and murdering its citizens, and they don't come from these adjacent jurisdictions. In fact, the reason these PD's have to chase them is the perps go to the only banks with money (figuratively) and, in the vernacular, they "ain't" in Hinds County, for obvious reasons. Most of the perps come from Hinds County, and I'm sure these adjacent PDs would be very happy if they'd stay there, and leave our communities alone.
I'm certain the reason Mr. Stokes didn't become a police officer is because he couldn't pass the entrance requirements--physical and intelligence.
Have you ever once heard Mr. Stokes denounce the violence by his own young, black, male constituents against each other? No! Have you ever heard him excoriate his constituents for not finishing school or having babies out of wedlock as a way of life? Never!
He's climbed on the Black Lives Matter bandwagon (well, he probably couldn't have jumped on it, but rather tried to lasso it when it drove by). His racism is deep, blind, and ignorant, hurting the people he claims to represent the most.
Mr. Stokes: I hate to tell you, but YOU are the problem, not adjacent PDs. Once your hateful heart understands that, and I'm not holding my breath that will ever happen, perhaps you can be of some use to your district. Until then, you are nothing more than an accelerant to the conflagration of the self-destruction of your people.
Jackson City Councilman Stokes' comments should provide enough for a Federal Criminal Investigation into connections between him and the criminal enterprise in Jackson.
FACTS:
(1) Stokes is an elected official for the City of Jackson, MS;
(2) Jackson criminals travel to adjoining Rankin and Madison Counties to commit crime, and then flee back to Jackson;
(3) Stokes publicly encouraged and suggested that Jackson residents throw rocks and bricks at law officers who pursue those criminals who flee back to the City of Jackson after committing crimes in Rankin and Madison Counties; and
(4) Stokes' comments have the intended and obvious effect of threatening law officers, and harboring criminals who flee back to Jackson.
QUESTION:
Has Stokes received any type of material benefit from the criminal enterprise that he harbors through his comments and actions?
I'm sure that the FBI or the U.S. Attorney's office, or even the MBI, have enough to warrant an investigation.
I don't agree with what Stokes said, but I will defend anyone's right to free speech. I think asking the AG to investigate is a waste of resources. I think a larger problem is that there is frustration at law enforcement officers and policies, and no meaningful way to address them or have the policies changed.
Stokes' comments surely harms the Jackson business climate. So, Jackson needs to adopt "Stokes Reform" to rectify that harm and improve the Jackson business climate, just like the State of MS adopted "tort reform" in 2003. At that time this State was told that businesses wouldn't locate in MS because of a bad business climate caused by a perceived unfair judicial system. So, the State of MS adopted tort reform. Well, seems to me that the City of Jackson needs to adopt "Stokes Reform" to counter the negative impact of Stokes.
Kudos to the Clarion Ledger for quoting him accurately.
He's a gorilla who can't even speak rudimentary English. That's a given.
Now: what does it say about the intelligence of the people who keep re-electing him overwhelmingly?
I would suggest that those of you commenting on the police pursuit issue in this brouhaha bother to find out how Mississippi fares compared to other states in the number of injuries and fatalities of both innocent bystanders and law enforcement.
I suggest you inform yourselves about alternative tactics available to law enforcement and alternative policy approaches and whether or not they are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities.
And, even those of you who claim to be in or have been in law enforcement need to be aware of new approaches in your profession before weighing in on a serious subject if you want to be seen as professional.
Can only assume none of those people criticizing Stokes for his idiotic statements are Trump supporters.
Obviously the poster @ 11:32 is unaware of the limitations of 'free speech'. Surely that poster has heard the old adage about shouting fire in a crowded theater. The same applies to speech which incites others to riot or encourages that violence and mayhem be directed at government officials and property.
As to the suggestion that this type of behavior is justified due to frustration, there is never a civilized justification for publicly encouraging unlawful violence against others.
As to the suggestion that people are frustrated because there is no way to change the system, that's bunk. This is the same type of justification we have heard for fifty years which tends to validate the criminal behavior of young thugs.
In summary, the post found above @ 11:32 excuses unlawful behavior, encourages irresponsibility and justifies an unwillingness to participate in civilized society. He should have signed it 'Burn The Damned Flag'....
Welcome to your Daily Lecture from the #1 JJ Troll
I would suggest that those of you commenting on the police pursuit issue in this brouhaha bother to find out ...
I suggest you inform yourselves ...
... those of you who claim to be in or have been in ...
... if you want to be seen as professional ...
I would think 7:20 was Kenneth Stokes, but it can't be because he knows how to communicate.
Imagine what would happen if any elected official in one of the cities near Jackson would ask the people of that city to stone people from Jackson every time they come to their city to commit crimes.
Take a good look at the home address of the people who are caught committing crimes in cities near Jackson. Many are driving stolen cars when they commit the crimes.
The people of Stokes ward should save the rocks and bottles for his next foot in mouth experience. Should happen any day now.
Unless I've overlooked it, not one peep about this over on the JFP site.
Does anyone know the process to impeach him? It's time
7:20, I guess you are saying that speed is dangerous. Well, that's not news. So, I guess you'd rather that firetrucks and ambulances don't rush to the needed scene, and that police don't follow criminals who are scurrying away from the scene of the crime. If rushing to save lives and protect society is wrong in your view, weighing all of the benefits and dangers, then you and I will just have to disagree.
Majority of city is crooks? So you are saying blacks are crooks since majority of city is black?
11:29 am Do your homework, please. And add what is and isn't a valid analogy to your learning experience.
Lives are at risk when a fire truck or ambulance goes out. They are called emergency vehicles because it is an emergency.
Lives are not at risk when a would be criminal unsuccessfully attempts to forge a check, her face is on video and her license plate is known. Those were the circumstances when Jaime Boyll was killed during a police pursuit just sitting in her car at the curb. She heard the sirens.
Lives are not at risk when teenagers are pursued in a stolen car while joyriding and end up dying for being that stupid. This has happened in Mississippi and in one case, there was more than a little evidence that the dead passengers didn't know they were in a stolen car.
KF could you give the population of Jackson then a number of the crimes committed in Jackson. We could see the % of crooks living in Jackson. Please use actual crime stats instead of the new way Jackson has of reporting crimes.
If Stokes would keep his Ward 3 thugs in Jackson, where they belong and not let them loose in other jurisdictions, then the police from those areas would not have to chase them back into Jackson!
For some STRANGE reason, the people of Ward 3...Love Stokes, he has a lease on that post. PS
Has Chief Lee Vance, made any comments ?
For all of those Jackson citizens who think getting a tag number is going to work, how many cars used in crimes are stolen? Especially by criminals from Jackson?
Think about this for a minute. The passenger in a stolen car did not know the car was stolen but knew the person driving the car. Knew the person did not buy the car. Knew no one would voluntary let the person borrow a car. How did they thing the thief got the car?
Uh, 12:24, if you are saying that police should selectively chase "some criminals" but not others, I'm not sure who would decide which criminals should be chased, or how you'd make that policy workable. Would you say it's NOT okay to chase a rapist, a murderer and an arsonist, but it IS okay to chase a home burglar, a car thief, a child molester or someone who wounded another person with a gun, or vice versa?
The bottom line is that if we (society) want to be safe from criminals, then we must allow law enforcement to chase and catch the criminals when and wherever possible! Most criminals continue committing crimes, and they don't usually come back to turn themselves in to law enforcement after they got away with a crime because law enforcement didn't chase them. So, you never know if and when the next crime by that criminal will put your life in danger, or that of your child or loved ones. That's why you chase a criminal and catch him while you can!
Who is the MS State Senator and MS State Congressman for Kenneth Stokes' district?
Why do some of you, who are complaining about some state and local officials "only" making statements of condemnation or asking for investigation from the state's chief prosecutor, feel that "doing something" would be demanding this man's resignation? Effecting his resignation is the job of the electorate. Elected officials calling for his resignation would truly be doing the "nothing" y'all are already accusing them of. If there is a legal avenue to remove Mr. Stokes from office without the will of his constituents, I'm not aware of it. He is a city council member, not a sitting president, and even an impeachment doesn't necessarily equate to removal from office. I think we can all safely assume he's is not one to be guilted into giving up his seat by people saying publicly how terrible they think his remarks were. His constituents will have to do that work.
Shouldn't Ashby Foote make a starement?
You people are inbred idiots. No one from the right nor any white person demanded bubba or mcdaniel resign after all of the dumb shit they said or did and no black person suggested they boycott all white businesses because these two idiots obviously speak for all white mississippians unless the say otherwise. I cant say I expected otherwise though.
@8:41 Judgemental much? Unfortunately this isn't about *just* the whacky anti-cop rhetoric. If you've lived in the Metro long enough, and have family here, then chances are that you already know about Stokes for all the wrong reasons. What's even worse is that this 'council person' is a part of the "Uncle Tom" radio crowd. Stokes is more than an embarrassment. He is the face of coordinated effort to keep racial tensions stronger than ever and to hell with anyone that disagrees with his ideas or approach. This isn't a one time deal. It's been going on for years and years and years.
Oh, and if those hate speech rules were truly equal, then "Uncle Tom" radio would be shut down a long time ago if I had anything to say about it. They verbally abuse black people on there, chastise them, etc. simply for wanting better out of life. I won't even get started on the hate whitey rhetoric.
Was Carpenter on the radio fanning the flames? Nope. He was corrected as he should have been.
Was McVote making silly remarks about Hispanics? Yup. To my knowledge that doesn't go on anymore.
Is Stokes a racist? Yup. Has he quit his antics? Nope.
It's not enough to simply be racist for him anymore, so then he threatens LEO's, calls my sherif a 'dumb bastard' & Phil Bryant 'George Wallace Jr.'
The man is a racist bully and is a horrible example for Black Youth. What do you honestly think would happen if a young black man threw a hard object at a police car?
Boycott Jackson until the capital city is moved to a people friendly city.
If Jackson is boycotted, where will the City of Jackson get the money to pay the money due (overdue) on its EPA Consent Order -- isn't that an amount that's in the hundreds of millions, or am I mistaken? Oh, Jackson could just issue more bonds so you say. Uh, eh, I think that the Jackson bond rating recently tanked too, so that won't work either.
Bond rating tanked?
Guess the city of Jackson can do like they were supposed to do.
Pray for God to come down and fix it.
One thing for sure is that no elected officials in Jackson is going to do anything.
@10:03, my comment had nothing to do with my opinion of Mr. Stokes or his remarks, both of which I find to be reprehensible. I was pointing out that for some, it is obviously not good enough for other elected officials to condemn Mr. Stokes' remarks. Commenters here accuse these officials, such as Governor Bryant, of pandering. Pandering is doing something like "demanding a resignation" when you have no authority to effect such a thing because that authority lies with the electorate. I merely thought it was ironic that some politicos here will only be satisfied with more of what they fail against, which is the hallmark of the badly uninformed.
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