Jackson Jambalaya

Wow not even a single drop of empathy.

The fact that whoever was conducting the meeting abruptly said "NEXT" like the old barber shops did, when this lady finished speaks volumes about their lack of concern for certain businessmen and businesswomen.

Sad. Worse than Sad. Pathetic.
Ashley Foote is probrally her councilman & he didn't make a sound. And who is the white hair women with white gloves on? A dingbat?

Madison and Rankin Counties would welcome Greenbrook. Glad to hear that the perp was caught.

Great boogely woogely! They show more respect to Enoch Sanders than they did to this woman.

Yes Madison and Rankin would welcome Greenbrook Flowers. We listen to & care about our citizens.

Unfortunately, she’s in the minority and the majority could care less.

What a bunch of do nothing losers.

Jackson wants to talk about “white flight” yet are not willing to have a discussion about anything. The mayor and his “radical” buddies are all racist a-holes.

I LOVE NOT LIVING OR SPENDING MONEY IN JACKSON.

NEXT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a sorry bunch of BASTARDS including Councilwoman Lindsey.

The leaders of Jackson are not capable of finding their asses with both hands.

I'm one up on all the idiots that think things are going to get better.....I moved my business (2012) and my residence (2016) to Flowood and have no regrets. Well, I have one---I should have moved out of this #50 State.

My Aunt and Uncle move out of Jackson this past December not to Madison, not to Rankin County, but to Florida. Their house was broken in twice in one year. Took for ever to get a police officer to the house to write up a report. Good Bye Jackson, Mississippi.

Clearly racist treatment. if she were another color, she would have been treated with respect.

Unbelievable. No one says a word to this lady pleading for help. The "Next" statement really means "next business to leave Jackson".

Hankies were quiet too

911 in Jackson is absolutely the worst. Has been for years.There should be consequences!!

Disgusting treatment!!!! Mrs. Dearman was telling the Mayor and Council members about how her business was broken into FIVE times, three of these times were on the same day!!!!! There was absolutely no response from any of them only the dismissive “next”!!! Shame on you, Mayor and Council Members! You don’t give a damn about businesses in Jackson and that is exactly why they are leaving in mass! We own a business in Jackson and I beg my husband constantly to get out of Jackson. This is not the town where I was born, attended public school and loved, that Jackson died a long time ago!

In Rankin or Madison he would have been captured, prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to prison. Michael Guest would issue a press release.

In Jackson she received a card with a case #. Robert Shuler Smith would not try him before 2020. Tomie Green or Winston Kidd would never allow this young man to be burdened with a felony much less prison.

There is a systemic problem, when theft is legal, there is no law.

As a citizen of Jackson I aa personally embarreesed for myself and the elected leadership of Jackson.

I am personally going over to Greenbrook to express my sympathy, empathy and outrage about how they were treated.

I will go to the next Council meeting to express the same on the record.

I will personally call each member of the Council and the Mayor to express my embarrassment and outrage about how, not just this business, but how their spokesperson was treated.

She was polite, respectful and to the point. She truly epitomizes the kind of person and business we need to shower with love, attention and city services.

I am asking the bloggers on this site to forgive me for not being more involved in the effort to keep good people and businesses in Jackson.

Poor health is really no excuse.

Get out now while you are still alive.

ASHLEY FOOTE will write a big article in the Northside Sun about Facebook yet not say a word after this businesswoman describes 5 break-ins to her business. This was a real eye opener.
Chotway LouBumBa is exactly what the citizens of Jackson needs to totally destroy what is left of the city. Greenway Nursery needs to move & lease the building to a bail bond operation. Than the tennis courts can enjoy & start having a crime way.

Frank, don't forget to get the wife flowers while you are there. You get clobbered if you don't. ;-)

Unfortunately she’s the wrong race to get any reply from the city council other than “next”

Meanwhile...when any of us post on social media about this phenomenon, we are called racist and we're met with comments like, "Oh really? What you're really saying is you don't like 'those people', aren't you?" or, "Why don't you just come right out and say you're afraid of black people and don't want them around?"

Do people who respond like that really not get it? Do they really believe all this outcry is about racism on the part of Caucasians?

Think how appropriate it might have been if the mayor had said, "Ma'am, I'm coming down to your flower business next Tuesday with our police chief to talk to you. Thanks for coming before us today."

I moved to Arkansas in 2010 for work. I still go back and visit. Move back? Not a chance. Stay 50......with those in charge.

I didn't expect much out of Ashby given the situation at City Hall. But I expected more than we are getting. I might vote for that Kenneth guy who cleans the curbs. He at least gets something done even if it is a small task.

Disgusting! Leave the hellhole, Greenbrook. It’s way past time.

I was talking to a friend today about how very thankful I was that we were able to sell our business in Jackson a few years ago. Between crime (all unsolved even with videos), broken water pipes, & the difficulty finding good employees, I feel fortunate that we were able to find someone to buy our business.

2 words.
Smith & Wesson, O.K., 3 words.

Ashley Foote... this clueless guy is terrible. I know plenty of people in Northeast Jackson that are simply frustrated with him and there are some credible guys that will run for that seat next election.

If you’ve ever been to a city council meeting in Jackson, you’d understand the problem right away. White owned businesses are not of concern. I’m surprised Stokes didn’t immediately ask her how many black employees she had.

What would you expect Ashley Foote to do?

Do you really think "Baby Chok" gives a f--k what Ashley says, or thinks?

Do you think Kennuf Stokes lies awake with his fat ass wife worrying about Ashley's opinion?

This is called "payback".

It's indeed 'payback', but otherwise known as 'Look, FOO, we in charge!"

She's the wrong color to be asking for help. The only thing that would make this story even better is if Mrs Dearman was a liberal.

Tax the state booze to pay for the social costs of alcohol dependency. That would be a start. Greenbrooks is in the old Capers House due to its proximity to the hospitals. Hospitals can be a mixed bag if you have a growing urban underclass with admissions and discharges within hours. No beds at Whitfield. No rx anywhere. Low taxes on everything but especially alcohol. Jail house administration and the general administration of justice is lacking, but the addicts need treatment. The truth is our society throws people away. That is why people get as far away from Jackson as they can. People drift thru the streets like human litter. Jackson is the Calcutta of this state. Gulfport is becoming our Karachi.

I rarely accept work in Jackson in my line of work. I would much rather appraise property in legitimate real estate markets.

Apparently, the shoe doesn’t seem to fit so well when on the other foot. Seems to discredit all the bullshit accusations that constantly flow from city hall.

That was the first thing that I noticed too. Not ONE single "leader" axed a question or made a supporting statement. Pitiful...

Kingfish,

Thanks for the reminder about leaving Greenbrook with some flowery "tribute" for my wife!

She likes to say, "Frank you blog and volunteer and counsel and invest in all of these other people and organizations while our house is falling apart around our ears. What's in all that you do for ME?

Flowers are good for 2 hours peace!

Thanks!

@ March 30, 2018 at 6:53 PM

SAID:

"Think how appropriate it might have been if the mayor had said, "Ma'am, I'm coming down to your flower business next Tuesday with our police chief to talk to you. Thanks for coming before us today."

You are so right. Hopefully this type of comment was made to her since that disgusting meeting.

I'm gonna follow up and ask!

I'd also like to quote you!

Would be more effective if I had your name.

Please go through Kingfish's email if you choose to communicate confidentially with me and drop the ANON, put on your big boy briefs, and come out of the dark.

I had a company car delivered to me a couple of weeks ago and the delivery company absolutely refused to go to the downtown Jackson county tax collector for the car tag. They insisted on going to Raymond where they felt safer. This company was driving from N MS area and would rather drive further to Raymond than risk being in Jackson during working hours. That was very eye opening to say the least.

Which is dumb because that car would've been just fine.

This so needs to be posted on fb

You idiots, the councilman's name is (listen carefully, children!) ASHBY Foote, not "Ashley"! I mean, truly, how can you expect your comments to be taken seriously, when you cannot even get a name right?

This is what happens when democRATs take over. They destroy everything they touch. Proven fact. Jackson will become like Detroit

i'm not surprised Was playing tennis at parham bridges last week . a team member had her car broken into. 911 had no idea where parham bridges was

Come to Madison county! We would welcome you!!! However we do have crime but not to the extent that you are experiencing now!

10:11here. I agree with you, KF, 100%. But the perception of rampant crime in Jackson is being perceived as reality from the areas outside the Bold New City. I tried to convince them it would be ok. But the perception outside Jackson is that inmates are running the asylum and crime and infrastructure decay are everywhere. They want to avoid at all costs. Period. Not much to say to someone who feels that strongly.

What more would you expect when the DA is one of the biggest thugs in the state and a radicalized Mayor and council that is as racist as they come. When the whites and higher class blacks are gone, I wonde where the tax money will come from. The mid to upper class blacks aren’t going to live in the condition Jackson is getting, they want better for their families and I admire them for their integrity also. While this may be attributed to race, that isn’t the case as such. Just sit back and watch this town go down the gutters because the thieves will be leaving also because they won’t have anyone to steal from.

Jackson could careless about crime. They can’t even fix there streets. It’s an embarrassment to the state of Ms. There to busy trying to decriminalize marijuana to worry about crime.

First thing I noticed was the ear piercing silence by these elected dimwits. Racists they are.

3:37pm and 12:29am: For the love of God and all that's Holy, it is "I could not care less" not "I could care less". Do you say "I could agree more" or "I could not agree more?".

But more to the point, a) this story is just one more sad bag of garbage tossed on the dumpster fire my city has become since Harvey J and b) the current Mayor ran on a platform promising to make Jackson "the most radical city on the planet." Have you already forgot his closing lines of "free the land, by any means necessary" in his inaugural address? Have you already forgot what the Jackson-Kush Plan is (Google it), its tenets, and its number one adherent, the Mayor? Her exit is all part of the bigger plan to push white people out. None of this is surprising.

The council gets an poor score on politeness. One of them could have said, " Thank you for bringing this to our attention". But, I'm glad they didn't seize the political opportunity to make themselves look good but I hope they decided instead to look into the 911 response and shift issues raised.

We are talking about one disturbed shoplifter who may not have been easy to locate. Nor do we know what other demands were made on the subsequent shifts.

Before giving business advice to leave Jackson, I suggest you first examine how those businesses who have left fared, particularly locally based retailers, restaurants, salons and those with similar personal services where convenience and proximity are factors to their established customers. Any move will need to consider the loss of a large percentage of existing customer base and the resources to survive developing a new customer base.

While I'm sorry for this problem created by one disturbed person, it's really a tempest in a teapot in the larger scheme of things and simply another opportunity to bash Jackson by those are always surprised at inevitable change...change that will in another couple of decades plague Madison as their strip malls and neighborhoods age.

@10:32,
Jackson will not become like Detroit... Detroit has a white republican mayor and has more whites move into the city this past year than any other city in America... property values are up big and development is on every corner. You people aren't aware of Detroit a s of the past 4 years.. clearly

Twelve twenty-nine, and someone else way up there in the comment gallery, the expression you want is "could NOT care less." Say "They could care less" slowly and THINK about it. You are, in fact, asserting that "they" do care, just a bit, as there remains a bit of care. You cannot have "less" of something unless there is some there. Capisce? Oh, and while you are tidying up your language, do pleeeeeaaazzze, once and for all time, learn the difference between "there" and "their." There is also "they're," but those who misuse that one have their own set of problems...

their silence is deafening.

Next.

Speak up Kenuff. Where are your long, ranting, make no sense speeches for this family business? Guess you aren’t very worried about the white people? I expect you to not be interested because we all know you have an IQ around room temperature and there is no bigger racists than you. But Ashby and Lindsey??? Wake up at the wheel! Speak the hell up. Both of you CAN be replaced!

Jackson: the best of the New South.

the governor needs to declare a state of emergency in jackson and call out the national guard. put a soldier on every street corner with an m-16 marauder. when are you people gonna realize , that is the only thing these thugs understand. they dont pay any attention to the little encounter group therapies done by the city council.

As an outsider looking in and by the dismissive condoscending attitude of the Council Im going to guess they are Democrats

Poor lady. Move your business out of Hinds County before you're the victim of an armed robbery during business hours, or worse. If you are and the perp is caught, he'll likely just be let out on bail and the ball dropped like the DA did with the Chelsea Kirschten murderers.

I recently moved back to Hinds County after a decade living out of state, and I already regret it.

I recently brought my family back here after living in a different state for 3 years. Mississippi is home and I love my family but I regret coming back everyday. We are not even in Jackson but I can STILL see and feel the rot that seeps out of that city. It is sad and infuriating beyond imagining. I knew it was bad before we left but getting away from it and then coming just brought it all so keenly into focus.

People, the phrase is “could NOT care less.” If you say “could care less,” that means you DO care some, and there’s room for you to care less!

My husband and I are planning on leaving this state, Both of us have lived here all of our lives. This is only one of the many reasons.

Hey 10:01, “Lightened up, Francis”.

7:54 your assessment of Detroit is spot on. except for the fact that the mayor is a white Democrat.

Ashby, I hope you're following this thread. (If you know Ashby, maybe you could send him the link.)

Your reputation in Jackson is in jeopardy. We hired you to do something to improve the quality of life in Jackson. So far, you have been a do-nothing bureaucrat. You need to grow a pair, speak up and DO SOMETHING. If you don't, your silence at the Council meeting will haunt you for a long time to come.

#WakeUpAshby

Can anyone name a single thing Lumumba has accomplished in his first seven months in office? RSVP.

We don’t get out of state much but a few years ago we had to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. When one leaves Jackson and environs for a few days or so and then returns one is struck by how nice other places are, and how blighted Jackson has become. I am saddened. Moved here in 1986, sold our home in Jackson in 2003 and moved to Madison. Business still stuck in Jackson, however.

Ophelia,I thought the "Ashley" for "Ashby" was intentional. But sarcasm is sometimes hard to recognize in posts.

Naaa, let’s talk about building a zoo and spending money....that we don’t have....when we could keep the white owned established businesses in Jackson. Is THIS council forgetting that hundreds of millions of PRIVATE money is going to be spent downtown to revive it? It has a chance, but you need to get the council and mayor, yes your racist mayor to step aside. Get rid of the drug addicts and homeless along with the mentally ill that roam the streets of Jackson and you will see a change.

The Hinds S O releases detainees and drives them to the train station/ bus station with the hopes they will hop on a train and leave. The problem is they never leave. There are an adundance of halfway houses in that area also. It has a truckload if cleaning up to do before it can be truly revitalized. It’s a damn shame the money that needs to be spent on streets and water/sewer improvements is about to be spent on a zoo. Come on people. Get your priorities in the right direction.

The past AA administrations have not made a difference. It’s time for a change..NOW!

We closed our sales center in Jackson because of the endless robberies. The worse was being robbed every night for 2 weeks. Police did nothing. We had drive by security and other security measures added. Finally had to hire on location security to patrol location and watch camera feeds. When he saw thieves, he contacted police. They caught them, found out where they were storing our stolen furniture and appliances, but went on their days off. It was 3 days before police went to warehouse where the gang of thieves was taking our property. By that time, the only items there were a damaged couch and lamp. Police never would tell us what happened to the thieves they caught.

To be fair, I believe Greenbrook is in Ms Lindsey’s District not Mr Foote’s. Any negative comments should be directed toward her as she is the elected representative for that area.

What an embarrassing bunch of buffoons that try to run a city! I moved out of MS five years ago and should've done it 25 years ago. Jackistan is gone forever....and the "leadership" is to blame. My God! The Democridiots screw everything up. Come on Kennuff....you have so much to say about everything you know nothing about. Where's your big mouth this go round? God help us.....

I started a GoFundMe campaign with 100% of the funds that are raised to go to Greenbrook. While it might not amount to a lot, it might send a message to small business owners that we need and want them to come here and stay here.Donate a few bucks, if you can.

https://www.gofundme.com/greenbrook

Any company/educated individual that performs due diligence in establishing a business or home investment in Jackson is faced with an educational, public services, governmental, judicial, etc. Situation of complete disfunction and outright failure. Those that remain will continue to leave, and those who have choices will not invest there in the first place.

How embarrassing it is that Mississippi's capital city has come to THIS! Jackson is SO FAR from the city in which I was born that it is hard for me to reconcile the two in my head... I pray that God will shake that place up and rid it of its evil element, for THAT is the problem I see. As long as the leadership is made up of greedy criminals and pathological liars, we're going to continue with the demise of that once wonderful city in which so many of us grew up. God help us.

Ahhh well. The fact that she felt the need to go to city council meeting says it all.

Ashby, he should be called Ashley as he clearly doesn't have a set. In all honesty he either a. Doesn't have a set or b. Hasn't a clue what's going on. As for Virgi, for goodness sake please make a stand. White guilt must have taken a toll o. You. Please take a firm stand and wake these council members up.

"Hankies" should have been "honkies." Autocorrect. Sorry.

I have traveled nationwide, and if you mention to others who have as well, "Jackson, Mississippi".....the first thing they say is, "God, the worst streets of any city I've ever visited." It is a well known perception an a very large scale.

Virgi will make a stand alright. One for all the corporate donors(most of which pay zero property taxes in Belhaven) that established her neighborhood foundation and saw she got elected. She's been too busy trying to quietly get the CID passed so she could raise taxes on the rabble in Belhaven and then shovel that money at her foundation and her cronies. That happens and you can bet that the neighborhood will still have potholes, prolific water line leaks, and a dearth of functioning storm drains. They'll still have the crime and the boil water notices. They'll lose the live oaks, but gain the FPDS super highway on Riverside. She hasn't the time nor the inclination to serve anyone else. Elected on "Can Do. Knows How." Please, more like "Can't Do. Shows Now."

My grandfather used to say, "As Jackson goes, so does the rest of Mississippi." Based on this video, Jackson is gone and so is Mississippi.

To answer 10:53, I can name ONE thing that Chocky has done that was positive. He boycotted the museum dedication that President Trump attended. Had he attended, he surely would have made an ass out of himself and the city of Jackson.

I was born and raised in Jackson, purchased my first home on the city.
when I got married I sold it and moved to the “burbs”. Unfortunately
I work in the city of Jackson and pray for my safety every morning.
I cannot wait for the day my business moves to another area (which
is in the works). I would LOVE to live in the city and have Jackson
be like it was YEARS ago. NOT HAPPENING!!

Virgi is doing an excellent job by the way. I'm happy she's on the council and I believe she will continue to serve the area she was elected. That said Ashby foote needs to ask virgi for guidance if needed. At a bare minimum follow her lead.

2:09, I know opinions vary, but if you feel she's done such an excellent job, certainly you wouldn't mind sharing some of the reasons why?

Surpassing her predecessor at inattentiveness to actual problems in her ward and her constituents, of course, excluded.

And to think...Jackson used to be such a nice place to live. I know because I was born there, graduated from high school in 1971, and even worked several summers for the City Engineering Dept. Sure not the same place I left years ago...

Our City Council members and Mayor are in their positions for political gain, plain and simple. I am a lifelong resident, and I constantly see private enterprise fight to make a small area of Jackson better and appealing, and they do it in spite of city government. Our city government structure no longer serves its citizens, and they seem to believe that they are a ruling class, and they simply do not understand that municipal government has nothing to do with politics and all to do with a business mindset. As long as we continue to do things like electing a mayor with only 1/3 of the population voting, WE. ARE. DOOMED.

IF the city of Jackson wants to adavance it must let the current leaders move aside. The white community has had enough. What the AA leadership is doing and has done is demoralizing to everyone. The only ones who are advancing are the black leaders. Let the city flourish again and let’s get rid of the stagnation that is in place. Then, EVERYONE will benefit. It won’t be an overnight transition but it will be a step in the right direction. What is going on now is not working. If you don’t think so, look at Clinton, Pearl, Flowood, Brandon, Madison And Ridgeland. If you notice those cities are moving forward. WHY IN THE HELL CANT WE?!!!!

There needs to be fresh blood in the council members. The currents ones are there to get a check and not do a damn thing for the revitalization of the city. Hence the shiity streets, water mains bursting everywhere, crime in those areas. No wonder the businesses are leaving and moving out to the surrounding counties, I don't blame them one bit.

3:57 We cannot move ahead because 85% of the city's population was bamboozled into voting for a black man who thinks it's more important to be a "radical" than it is to be a leader who can get things done.

Given his lack of results, I'd say he now understands that he's in way over his head. Hopefully, the 85% will come to see the truth and decide we need someone (white or black) who has a proven track record of getting things done.

Wow 1:57...talk about overkill! Looks like you talked yourself out of sanity and into Tasmanian devil territory. I am impressed, however, by your use of the words "dearth" and "prolific"...and in the same sentence!

"My grandfather used to say, "As Jackson goes, so does the rest of Mississippi." Based on this video, Jackson is gone and so is Mississippi. March 31, 2018 at 2:02 PM"

2:02; I'm sure your grandfather was a mighty fine man who worked hard, kept his shoes polished and was always on time for supper and church. However, both you and he are wrong in that the rest of the State is pulling away from this Alcatraz Island called Jackson. We will not allow this town to serve as the bar for the rest of us. There is nothing to the notion that the moribund status of Jackson will drive the rest of the state.

And we will continue, for a while, to send our elected people to Jackson to meet, greet and eat...until they decide to start rotating their meetings. And that's coming.

And that racist Stokes is impressive. Everytime his mouth opens something idiotic comes out.

When I was a pre-teen (1960s) my Aunt and Uncle would take us Christmas Eve walking AT NIGHT down Capitol Street. ....Try doing that in the daylight today and get mugged.

Jackson was once a wonderful city. Now it's nothing but a cesspool.

I walk down Capitol Street every day, no problems.

Amazing that no member of the council had the cojones to offer support for Mrs. Dearman and the repetitive criminal acts Greenbrook experienced. Crime is out of control in Jackson and it is obvious those who are committing crimes and perpetuating violence are fearless and I afraid of the law and judicial system.

My personal experience in trying to contact Councilman Foote led me to believe he either does not know how to read and/or respond to email or he has no idea what is going on and does not respond.

KF, just cause you dont have any problems means we’re all safe?? Lmao. Denial ain’t a river in Egypt, fool.
You’d be more credible if you could brag about walking around downtown at night or nearby areas, which you can’t. How’s that koolaid tasting? #cakeeater

@ 6:24
I can assure you that Ashby Foote will not return your calls or emails... that's why several other people are going to run for his seat next election... all business owners and 2 live in eastover 1 in Meadowbrook highlands... Just poor leadership by Foote either way you look at it.

You're experience is unique, kingfish. When I used to work in the ghetto, every time I would walk down capital street I would be confronted by angry homeless people. So much so that I found another, higher paying, job away from the ghetto. Maybe it's changed in the last couple of years. I wouldn't know, as I have no reason to go back.

Jackson is gone and beyond repair. Move your business and your family as soon as you can. What an embarrassment this city has become. The trash that lives there keeps electing these scumbag politicians to attempt to run this city which have no idea what they’re doing. Leave now while your home or business may be worth something.

"Kingfish said...I walk down Capitol Street every day, no problems."

From one end to the other, really? What about over by the 'train station' or Pearl Street or Smith Park? What about an evening stroll from, say, Hal and Mal's north six blocks on State, or further? Or Capitol Street anywhere beyond the train tracks, day OR night?

I'm sure there are one or two blocks downtown where it might be somewhat safe but none occurs to me. It's even uncomfortable leaving Thalia Mara after a nighttime event.

But your assurance is comforting. Said nobody, ever.

Nothing changes until the judicial system changes and actually holds criminals accountable. Meanwhile Judge TomienGreen let's murders walk free.
I sure hope someone runs against her before May!

It's obvious few of you watched or listened to the video.
There weren't 5 break ins.
One guy "came into" the store 5 times.
He" snatched and grabbed" in a florist shop. What exactly do you think he was able to carry out?
He is likely someone that belongs in Whitfield so talking to the Governor and legislators about mental health issues would be more suitable.
I am a very small , very senior female citizen. I'm not afraid to go into Jackson during the day or to dine or see shows in the evenings! At no time have I ever felt the least threatened.
Those who are afraid to go into Jackson, other than the wee hours of the morning, need therapy as badly as the perp in this piece! You are suffering from mass hysteria at best and possibly paranoia!

Say goodbye to more tax payers money going flush! It is simple ppl, not more taxes, but create more reasons for businesses to want to come and stay so you will have the tax base to pay for roads, schools, parks, better income for teachers and police. It's not hard.

So, very small senior woman, what's your problem with Jackson 'in the wee hours of the morning'? Is that the time of day paranoia or 'mass hysteria' strikes you? And are you certain those are the only 'unsafe hours'? The young woman who got shot in the head and killed at the intersection of State and Fortification wasn't paranoid either; nor did she feel threatened. But now she's dead.

I'll tell you where the mental illness lies and needs resolution at a professional level - it among those who are in constant denial, suffering from delusions of safety in a war zone where you and your property are in constant cross-hairs. But, hell, like the nuns in Durant or Canton, your obituary can always claim you were a martyr who loved all and feared none.

I figured it out. In Jackson, crime is now considered an industry. Therefore, the city council and mayor will not do anything that will hurt economic development.

As long as you people in Jackson keep electing idiots to most public offices, it will continue to get worse.

I'm truly sad for u that all of you left Jackson, but please don't come back, we don't need you. And if you think ur burb isn't positively affected by Jackson, the jobs provided, the entertainment, the creative economy ...if it wasn't for Jackson u might have to eat at any of the crappy chains in ur crappy town. Jackson is a city of diverse and amazing ppl and places, it's time one of you that still live in jxn stand up and run for office if you think you can do better, quit talking... Start acting...we are, ur just getting left behind as you focus on making Jackson like u remember it or bad mouthing it while offering no real solutions... We are creating a bold new ...yes radical...vision and it needs ambassadors, not haters. #jxnwillwin #haterslose

I'm truly sad for u that all of you left Jackson, but please don't come back, we don't need you. And if you think ur burb isn't positively affected by Jackson, the jobs provided, the entertainment, the creative economy ...if it wasn't for Jackson u might have to eat at any of the shitty chains in ur shitty town. Jackson is a city of diverse and amazing ppl and places, it's time one of you that still live in jxn stand up and run for office if you think you can do better, quit talking... Start acting...we are, ur just getting left behind as you focus on making Jackson like u remember it or bad mouthing it while offering no real solutions... We are creating a bold new ...yes radical...vision and it needs ambassadors, not haters. #jxnwillwin #haterslose

3:45, I think you may be right.

The only thing that would save the City of Jackson Mississippi at this point would be for Bailey Magnet High School to attract an out of control falling Chinese satellite, and since it is probably mostly made of aluminum, that aint gonna happen. But seriously, the city council after exclaiming "NEXT!" like the Soup Nazi was to bring up the NEXT speaker, Eddie Fair. Eddie is the tax man. Eddie could have addressed the loss of tax revenue due to the rampant crime driving businesses out of the City. But did he?

Vote them out! Or watch all businesses
leave.....Need new blood anyway!

1:17 pm I learned decades ago from my elders that " nothing good happens outdoors after midnight".
What that meant was that those up that late probably don't have to get up and go to work the next morning or care for their families or go to school.
It means that those who are still drinking are probably drunk. It means that it's dark outside so it's harder to see and be vigilant. It means the poor areas of town and where the homeless congregate are less safe
Of course, I have stayed out after midnight but not alone and not in areas of any place I visit that are not well frequented.
There are no guarantees in life. Bad things happen to good people. There are bad people and mentally ill people. Life is not safe or fair.
But, you should try to find the best of life and the joys in life and meet those who will enrich your life. You will never do those things with a closed mind and a closed heart and by being fearful and by seeing every problem that has always plagued mankind as a harbinger of doom.

It's sad the way the treated her and should be addressed immediately by the city. But fleeing is not the solution for all problems sometimes staying and dealing with your problem head on makes a difference.

Its amazing the number of people that are quick to cry racism and push for unity and togetherness and coexisting but yet you never hear from them when it comes to something like this. It proves what we already know, its not about togetherness, its about getting what they believe they are owed. Lumumba, Brad Kamakaze Franklin, Thomas Bellinder(the controversial mayors private counsel stirring up racial stuff in Pelahatchie and has commented on this blog), and other "community activists" around they say nothing, not a damn peep.

t's obvious few of you watched or listened to the video.
There weren't 5 break ins.
One guy "came into" the store 5 times.
He" snatched and grabbed" in a florist shop. What exactly do you think he was able to carry out?
He is likely someone that belongs in Whitfield so talking to the Governor and legislators about mental health issues would be more suitable.

She said "We've been broken into five times" during the past week. She said "this man has done thousands of dollars worth of damage."

This "one guy" stole money, blowers, a camera, ipad, tools, a computer, and other equipment.

But go ahead and lie some more. Just make sure the video backs you up next time because it damn sure didn't this time. You're exactly what is wrong with Jackson.

Jackson is not as bad as everyone says...my office was downtown for 30+ years and I never never had a problem. Downtown is the safest place inside the city limits.

All the other talk is "BULL SHIT", I know the truth, I lived it every weekday for 30 years.

Downtown is the safest but suddenly JPD has instituted foot patrols downtown to reduce crime.

10:45,

The new patrol is just there to make people like you feel better....do you have a pair ???????

From: 10:07

Time to dissolve the city council if possible, cut the overhead e.g. the council's paycheck and hold them accountable for any tax money collected (an in-depth audit of their books). Also, if any state or federal funds are taken by city, perhaps, its time to cut off these funds (put the city on a performance plan of some sort). It's time to hold them accountable for their reckless words (as one member seems to have a problem with) and reckless decisions made by this present leadership. Crazy ideas, but just thinking out loud...

So, to be clear, If I'm aware of and diligent because of crime in Jackson, that means I 'don't have a pair'?

Will someone PLEASE buy my house in Belhaven???

In a way, I wish I could buy in Belhaven. I love the architecture and the close proximity to the office and to church. A great neighborhood.

Well then, 6:02...what's holding you back? By the way; architecture and proximity to church are just two of many factors in the decision to purchase a house and make it a home. But, you know that....which is why you haven't bought in Belhaven.

And I mentioned work, too, being a factor (traveling on 55 six days a week can wear one down...). Would love to see Jackson to be revived.

I wish city leadership (and, we, the arm chair lecture experts group) focus on creating medium to low level jobs, open up and talk with industry leaders to start manufacturing plants etc.

Instead leadership seems to be more attracted to known issues that, we all know, do not get any better or bash some "other color" folks under "r%^cal" umbrella. Unfortunate situation. There is no way any one can radicalize the city without the help of the new world (or "high above") leadership.

8:13AM: When medium/low paying jobs are created those drunks have a valid reason to getup early and make some money and so the taxes for city.
I mean we need many more Continentals or the such closer to (or inside) the city. Without more working pool, the city is continuing to spin into a bottomless downward spiral.

One way, we, the arm chair lecture experts group, can contribute is by becoming more active in the Chamber and other business groups that works with the city leadership.

I am sorry if I hurt some one. Past 15 or so years I have been watching the city going down with non (or "anti") visionary leadership. And my observation is nothing but confirmed by the above video.

I am not a native Mississippian but transferred to this place many moons ago.

I just don't get how Mississippians hate their own backyard?

You talk about Jackson like a dog, but love going to Memphis and New Orleans, when you can have the same exact activities here?

You run to Panama City, Ft. Walton, and Galveston, but don't put anything back into the coast?

It's pathetic how Mississippians treat their own neighbors, but you see all kinds of churches every 5 miles, but do not practice what they preach. The hypocrisy is out of control.

The bashing is counterproductive for every city surrounding Jackson.

Exactly why Jackson is in the shape it’s in. They have no one competent to run the city.

It is not that there is no competent leaders in the city. Those who are present(still) and efficient are being shouted out by those other strong armed or big mouthed or those serving self.
Give visionary leadership a hope.
Or encourage "r%^cal" leaders to be visionaries first. That gives some hope.

There are many southern cities that look way more beautiful than Jackson with way less resources. Businesses and city leadership must look for ways to improve the city for the looks, so that we can attract more jobs into the city.
We all know mere code enforcement is not effective. It did not work past decade or so. The motivation needs to come from the bottom of hearts of every one of businesses and leadership and the citizens. May be I am talking utopian. Only strong determination by everyone will get us out of this bottomless pit.

Just shoot their ass!!

"There are many southern cities that look way more beautiful than Jackson with way less resources."

Many? With "less resources" than Jackson? Name two.
===============================================
"You talk about Jackson like a dog, but love going to Memphis and New Orleans, when you can have the same exact activities here? "

"same exact activities"? I remember the season when the Saints won the Super Bowl. Remind me when a Mississippi pro sports team did the "same exact" thing.

Then there's the Memphis Zoo, the NOLA Zoo & Aquarium, and then see the thread today about the Jackson Zoo. "same exact", again?

"same exact activities"? I remember the season when the Saints won the Super Bowl. Remind me when a Mississippi pro sports team did the "same exact" thing.

Then there's the Memphis Zoo, the NOLA Zoo & Aquarium, and then see the thread today about the Jackson Zoo. "same exact", again?

Mississippi does not have a pro football team and you are taking the point way out of context by making that comparison.

However, there is no reason Mississippi can not have a pro football team. But Mississippians will find many excuses on why a pro team would not be successful here?

But pointing to the Memphis Zoo and NOLA Zoo & Aquarium, are prime examples of the original point, Jackson can have great things just like those city's, which both have way more crime than Jackson, however we do not reinvest our own dollars into our backyard.

The Jackson bashing is counterproductive and self-defeating to our local economy in the metro area. It just doesn't make sense to see the level of success Memphis, Nashville, Birmingham, Mobile, Baton Rouge, and of course New Orleans is having and Jackson is still lagging behind.

It needs to be all hands on deck, we need to see more collaborations, we need to take on a team mentality. The current atmosphere is us vs. them

3:02, remember the NFL exhibition game held here a few years back at Veteran's Stadium? Remember the huge SNAFU where it took hours to get ticket holders in because many of the gates wouldn't open? Let's forget your complete ignorance of how the free market works, which would dictate whether or not we would have a pro sports team here. That game should have been a cash cow and a chance for us to do it again. Unfortunately, we stepped on our peter and we'll never be considered again. All because the gubmint drones drawing a paycheck maintaining the stadium couldn't be bothered to have checked the serviceability of the admission gates before a huge event. Our only industry in Mississippi is government. We're three million palms out looking for a handout from Uncle Sam. The only power here is derived by dealing those ill gotten gains out.

All hands on deck? Whip out your wallet. That's a huge problem in Jackson. Too many of the loudest voices are broke. You can hashtag all you want, tell me to collaborate, tell me to have a team mentality. Great. What do you actually bring to the table? Shouting "creative economy" doesn't actually generate any revenue. Calling out the city on it's climate hostile to business creation is neither counterproductive nor self-defeating. What is? Pretending that starting a business here, in Jackson, isn't 10 times harder than in any of the suburbs.

@ 1:09pm

3:02am here

Now let me get this straight, you said, Let's forget your complete ignorance of how the free market works, which would dictate whether or not we would have a pro sports team here.....................hashtag all I want

You jokers on here, love to insult folks level of intelligence when you disagree with them? Isn't this supposed to be the hospitality state?

Anywho, this is my point.

Mississippi residents are taking Mississippi dollars and spending them in the surrounding states and we are not, in the words of Donald J, Trump, getting the reciprocal benefit from our contiguous neighbors at the same rate. That is a problem. Whether it is shopping or entertainment, we can't afford to lose any revenues. That is why I used the term all hands on deck.

Every weekend, Mississippians from our largest cities are going to Atlanta, Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, Birmingham, Mobile, Ft. Walton, and Panama City, for shopping and entertainment. The money our residents make is exiting our state at a high rate. That needs to change.

The NFL exhibition games was a great idea that was poorly executed, that doesn't mean you do not visit the idea again. Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Cincinnati, Ohio are two metropolitan areas that are the same size as the Jackson, Metropolitan area, if they can be successful, then we can be successful.

I find it funny you said, hashtag all you want when there weren't any hashtags in my original post?

As far as what I bring to the table, I live in Jackson, work in Jackson, and have participated and contributed to numerous rehabilitation programs in the city of Jackson.

You stated everything that had gone wrong or is currently wrong with the city, but you simply offered the negative to my affirmative.

For the record, JPD did go to Greenbrook several times over the next week after this video was posted. The Deputy Chief, now the current Chief, personally visited the store and spoke to Mrs. Dearman.

I'm re-reading since KF gave us a recent link. 8:35 bashes the churches for not doing anything.

Hmmmm, help tutor in public schools, supply the bulk on the labor for Habitat Homes, fund Gateway Rescue Mission. Perhaps 8:35 doesn't know the Salvation Army (that has extremely low administrative expenses) is a church.

Hey 8:35, go tutor in schools, build a few hundred Habitat homes, run soup kitchens, and start something as good as the Salvation Army, and then criticize the churches. Until then, just shut up.