Jackson Jambalaya

Iraqi Sunnis take control of their neighborhoods, kicking out the insurgents, The London Telegraph reports:
For all that they despised the group, for a long time Mr Abbas and his neighbours in Jamia, a once-prosperous middle-class neighbourhood of west Baghdad, were simply too scared to defy them openly.
That changed six months ago, though, when the presence of extra US soldiers in the district as part of the "troop surge" gave them the confidence to start their own rebellion.
Today, Mr Abbas's group is one of around 50 so-called "Awakening" movements across Iraq helping to rid Sunni neighbourhoods of extremist influence....
Arguably the best indicator of their good intentions is the effort which al-Qa'eda has devoted to killing them....
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/12/wiraq112.xml&page=2

Michael Yon wrote this column for the Wall Street Journal last Friday. Forget CNN, Fox News, NBC, or the rest of the media when it comes to Iraq. Most of the reporters for them do not know what the hell is going on over there. They fly in a couple of times a year for a ten day or so tour and fly back home to report on how they roughed it in the Green Zone. Mr. Yon is a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces and a writer who has been living over in Iraq for several years now, embedded with the troops and constantly blogging about Iraq. His dispatches are a must read for anyone trying to stay informed on Iraq. He has been very critical of the administration at times and is no dupe. I only take seriously the work of Mr. Yon, Thomas Ricks of The Washington Post (and author of Fiasco, listen to his interviews on NPR and read his articles at WP), and the Gordon of The New York Times. Here are some snippets of Mr. Yon's informed commentary:
I may well have spent more time embedded with combat units in Iraq than any other journalist alive. I have seen this war – and our part in it – at its brutal worst. And I say the transformation over the last 14 months is little short of miraculous.
The change goes far beyond the statistical decline in casualties or incidents of violence. A young Iraqi translator, wounded in battle and fearing death, asked an American commander to bury his heart in America. Iraqi special forces units took to the streets to track down terrorists who killed American soldiers. The U.S. military is the most respected institution in Iraq, and many Iraqi boys dream of becoming American soldiers. Yes, young Iraqi boys know about "GoArmy.com."
As the outrages of Abu Ghraib faded in memory – and paled in comparison to al Qaeda's brutalities – and our soldiers under the Petraeus strategy got off their big bases and out of their tanks and deeper into the neighborhoods, American values began to win the war.
Iraqis came to respect American soldiers as warriors who would protect them from terror gangs. But Iraqis also discovered that these great warriors are even happier helping rebuild a clinic, school or a neighborhood. They learned that the American soldier is not only the most dangerous enemy in the world, but one of the best friends a neighborhood can have....
Equally misguided were some senators' attempts to use Gen. Petraeus's statement, that there could be no purely military solution in Iraq, to dismiss our soldiers' achievements as "merely" military. In a successful counterinsurgency it is impossible to separate military and political success. The Sunni "awakening" was not primarily a military event any more than it was "bribery." It was a political event with enormous military benefits.
The huge drop in roadside bombings is also a political success – because the bombings were political events. It is not possible to bury a tank-busting 1,500-pound bomb in a neighborhood street without the neighbors noticing. Since the military cannot watch every road during every hour of the day (that would be a purely military solution), whether the bomb kills soldiers depends on whether the neighbors warn the soldiers or cover for the terrorists. Once they mostly stood silent; today they tend to pick up their cell phones and call the Americans. Even in big "kinetic" military operations like the taking of Baqubah in June 2007, politics was crucial. Casualties were a fraction of what we expected because, block-by-block, the citizens told our guys where to find the bad guys. I was there; I saw it.
The Iraqi central government is unsatisfactory at best. But the grass-roots political progress of the past year has been extraordinary – and is directly measurable in the drop in casualties....
This leads us to the most out-of-date aspect of the Senate debate: the argument about the pace of troop withdrawals. Precisely because we have made so much political progress in the past year, rather than talking about force reduction, Congress should be figuring ways and means to increase troop levels...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120787343563306609.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Interesting take by Thomas Ricks:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/13/AR2008031303505.html

Earlier post on counter-insurgency doctrine. Too bad the Bush administration hasn't done a better job of explaining it to the American people: http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2007/07/counter-insurgency-for-beginners.html

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- A couple fighting about which gang their 4-year-old toddler should join caused a public disturbance that resulted in the father's arrest, Commerce City police said Thursday.
On Saturday, Joseph Manzanares stormed into the Hollywood Video store where his girlfriend worked, threatened to kill her and knocked over several video displays and even a computer, Commerce City police Sgt. Joe Sandoval said.
After he ran out of the store, police were called and the 19-year-old was arrested at his home.
His girlfriend told police that they had been arguing about the upbringing of their son and which gang he should belong to. The teen mother, who is black, is a member of the Crips. Manzanares is Hispanic and belongs to the Westside Ballers gang, the woman said.
"They have different ideas on how the baby should be raised. Basically, she said they cannot agree on which gang the baby would 'claim,'" Sandoval said.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/15851207/detail.html

Kamikaze explosion in 3....2...1...

So Mr. Ramsey, what EXACTLY should the government do about this problem? Who should the government help? The investors who made it possible for all of this to happen? The lenders would have never approved or offered these questionable loans if there had not been investors on Wall Street telling them they were going to purchase them (That is the dirty little secret of this mess: It is investor-driven, not lender-driven). The lenders? Many of them are now out of business and more are suffering huge losses and have substantially tightened their requirements for obtaining a mortgage. Homeowners? Why should someone who HAS paid his mortgage even when it might have been hard for him to do so see someone who is not making his payments get help with HIS tax dollars? You do know all of these homeowners who have ARMs signed disclosures at loan application AND closing telling them they were getting an ARM and what the terms were, don't you? Or should the government help people who bought investment properties in Florida and California, hoping to flip them and make huge profits. Should the government tinker with foreclosures? That would really help homeowners. Take away the ability of a lender to mitigate his loss when a borrower defaults and you will REALLY see some very high interest rates on a house, not to mention that lenders will require borrowers to pay MUCH more than they do now in terms of down payments.

So Mr. Ramsey, while you are being a smart-ass, what exactly should the government do?

Disclaimer: Mr. Ramsey is a friend of mine. Ya think he gets special treatment here? haha. ;-)

Bill #1358 passed the House. http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/pdf/HB/1300-1399/HB1358PS.pdf This bill will make it possible for Lake Hico to reopen. If you want to see that happen, contact your legislator.

Apparently Hood and Barbour had a little spat this week as the Governor vetoed House Bill #1240 which "would create the Mississippi Consumer Protection Act. Under the bill, any manufacturer who sells children's toys that do not adhere to federal standards could be in violation of the act. It also says the state attorney general should keep a running list of toys that are found to be defective." http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880409021 Attorney General Jim Hood criticized Barbour for vetoing the bill. The Governor said in his press release the bill would “negate Mississippi’s fair and just legal system by setting up a separate, poorly-defined scheme for alleged defective children’s products without indicating what, if any, of the provisions of our state’s existing products liability laws would apply.” http://www.governorbarbour.com/news/2008/apr/VetoHB1240.htm

However, the Governor did state in his press release:
"Although Governor Barbour vetoed House Bill 1240, he urged the Legislature to reconsider some of the positive merits of the legislation. “I support the creation of a list of defective children’s products and this list should be made available at no cost and over the internet to the general public, day care facilities, family child care homes, and licensed pediatricians.”

The Governor said these lists should be handled by the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services, given their roles in protecting the health and welfare of the state’s children."

Oh really, Haley? If that is the case there is a simple solution which does not need the legislature, although it might require you to take time away from your walking regimen. Since DHS is a part of the executive branch and under your control, there is nothing to stop you from issuing an executive order directing the Colonel to create such a list so Mississippi's children are better protected.

See bill: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/pdf/HB/1200-1299/HB1240SG.pdf

Courtesy of Matt Allen, who sent this to me.

Many renters remain in damaged apartments.
The tornado that hit NE Jackson and surrounding areas damaged more than a few apartment complexes:
"The carpet in Jessie Jones' apartment at Northtown off Old Canton Road in Jackson is covered with damp newspapers, pots, bowls and even a bedpan to catch water dripping from the ceiling.
"The whole roof was off (my building)," Jones said.
The elderly retiree didn't have renter's insurance and is living on a fixed income, but she's staying put....
Jones' complex is one of about a dozen in the tri-county area damaged by Friday's storm.
Northtown was one of the hardest hit, with 75-80 residents displaced because of extensive damage to about 50 units..." http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS/804100375/1001/news

One aches for these people as many lost their possessions, have no real place to call home, and must pick up and move somewhere else. I can't say it enough: GET RENTER'S INSURANCE!!! I got mine through Geico/Travelers. It cost me $180 a year and they will let you pay monthly. So for $20 or so a month, a renter sleep at night knowing his furniture, tv, and other belongings are covered if something happens.

Heavy Storms expected to hit
"A strong storm system, with the possibility of tornadoes, hail and damaging wind, is forecast to move into Mississippi this afternoon, mainly in the Delta area."
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS/80410021&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

AGAIN?? Let me guess: this is because we have casinos.

Crematorium allowed to remain open.
In a written statement, Hood said, "Due to the dearth of law and regulation of crematoriums, Judge Thomas did the best thing he could by granting the preliminary injunction requiring that the defendant's facility be run pursuant to national guidelines."....
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS/804100383/1001/news

This so-called investigation has been a cluster****. It is embarrassing that there is NO LAW OR REGULATION governing crematoriums. According to former trial lawyer Dewayne Thomas and trial lawyer puppet Jim Hood, no such statutes exist, thus allowing Mr. Seepe, ghoul extraordinaire, to remain open. One feels for these families as they have been through hell. My Grandfather was supposedly cremated and buried (I know I buried something that day at Cedar Lawn) by Mr. Seepe's business. It is sickening to say the least to think that that might not be my Grandfather buried in that plot. Even more disgusting is that the state was notified several times and did nothing or acted so slowly that Mr. Seepe was given time to cover up his past acts.

Marshall Ramsey nails it again
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=OPINION04

Unfortunately this is true. I was in my Grandmother's home near Old Canton Road and Ridgewood when the tornado hit and not once did I hear a siren. Perhaps we should fire Shirlene and buy some sirens. I shouldn't be too surprised as Melton has always been more concerned with helping out his friends than looking after the city.

Jere Nash shows his ignorance on Iraq
Nash, who I know is better-read than this, criticizes the effort in Iraq: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=redblue&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a36489e38-8ae6-4b2e-8841-0017ffb2c4ddPost%3afe8c0a08-059f-4765-a54b-e6fb44a3822c&sid=sitelife.clarionledger.com

No Mr. Nash, it is not unbelievable. Under the doctrine of COIN, the first thing you do to fight an insurgency is provide enough troops to improve security. The goal is NOT to beat the enemy in battle but to win the population over to your side to the point that it becomes an active ally against the insurgents. Thus, the troops have been moved out of bases and into the field among the native population for the purpose of building relationships with the Iraqis, developing better intelligence, and engaging the enemy quickly and decisively. After security is improved, THEN political progress can take place and it takes time. The Iraqis have only had a year of true security for a year or less and yet we expect them to conform to our McDonald's fast food culture and roll out a long term stable government as if on an assembly line. Any COIN expert will tell you it will take several years to defeat an insurgency.

Then there is the Jackson Free Press
Assistant Editor Maggie Burkes shows her ignorance of Islam:
In 2006, just a year into his papacy, Pope Benedict offended Muslims around the world when he quoted Byzantine Emperor Manual II Paleologos saying, “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.” He was delivering a speech on the differences between violence and faith as manifested in the Christian and Muslim faiths.While the pope expressed that it was not his intention to offend Islam, one has to wonder what ill-advised intent he had when reading a passage that alluded to the “evil and inhuman” nature of their faith. I’m sure there were better passages to cite that would have illustrated his topic without causing the frenzy. http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=16770_0_7_0_C

Where does one start with the young Ms. Burkes? Has she actually read the Koran? Studied the history of Islam? This is a religion that treats women as cattle. Education is discouraged if contrary to the laws of the prophet. There is no freedom of conscience or thought. If you convert from Islam, the ONLY penalty is death. There is no division of power between religion and secular as Shariah is the only law, all crimes are thus sins. What Ms. Burkes does not understand is that there is NO criticism of Islam the Pope could have made without such a protest. This is a religion whose adherents seek to shut down, or destroy if possible, anyone who criticizes Islam as it is considered to be a blasphemy against the prophet and allah.

If Ms. Burkes had bothered to read his comments in full, she would have found that the Pope was discussing the practice of forced conversions, jihad, and the militant nature of Islam. One would assume that as a "progressive", Ms. Burkes would have a problem with some of these aspects of Islam as well if she is not too blinded by the see no evil hear no evil multicultural ideology.

Nice column by Gregory
who discovers history is indeed cyclical ;-) : http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=16752_0_7_0_C#110866

http://deehumor.homestead.com/knockhimout.html

The one time you should've opened your mouth you kept it shut. See video:
http://www.wapt.com/news/15828740/detail.html

In the aftermath of the storm this past weekend, one event will always stand out in my memory: driving in the dark to my 26-year old hottie's place, arriving to candlelight with high anticipation.

I get the text: come on over, it's time. Of course I go. I drive up to his house, seeing the candles flicker through the curtains, with trees down in his yard, debris everywhere. It feel as if I'm arriving in some surreal state of mind. I knock on the door and hear him say "come on in".

The house is filled with candles and some music is playing on a portable CD player on batteries. It is Seal, sounding all sexy. My hottie doesn't say much, just comes towards me, kisses me like no one else can, takes my hand and leads me into his bathroom to the huge tub filled with a bubble bath, surrounded by candles and two glasses of wine sitting near. (Thank goodness for gas water heaters.) We get in, sip the wine and get reacquainted by way of touching and kissing.

After a while, we get out, with big white towels wrapped around us and he takes me to his room. He changes the music to Daughtry. The towels fall to the ground and before I know it, I see flashes in my head and feel explosions throughout my body. His damp body and long black curly hair are a huge turn on. He holds true to his Energizer bunny reputation and sets a new record. Of course, it's a new record for me, too. He gets another bath ready, leads me back to it, and we relax for a while, chatting about nothing special. He leans over and massages my neck and back. I think I'm in heaven. Maybe that's why I kept saying "Oh God"?

I get one last goodbye kiss from this young man in only a towel, and eventually leave. We decide to see each other again soon. I drive back home through the debris, all the while sealing to memory my own stormy night.

Yes, the 26-year old is much more enjoyable than the former boyfriend from college. I think it's time to give the former boyfriend the heave-ho and mail back the Wal Mart ring. I would take one night with the 26-year old over a dozen with the old boyfriend. . . . If that makes me shallow, who cares?

What do you think? Am I shallow? Should I care? Boot the old boyfriend? Email me: dwfinms@gmail.com

(To see earlier DWF posts, scroll down and look in the right column on the main page.)

Our esteemed President of the Magnolia Bar Association, Carlton Reeves, writes a vigorous protest regarding the recent reprimand of former Justice Court Judge Niki Boland by the Mississippi Supreme Court:
For two years, the judge continued to sit in judgment of cases brought by and against African Americans. She also lashed out at the Hinds County Board of Supervisors - with an African-American majority - claiming its members were ignorant and lacked leadership.
Despite her truly repulsive behavior, the Supreme Court determined that Boland's actions simply merited a public reprimand. The court and commission should be ashamed. Fortunately, when it was time for Judge Boland to stand before the voters, they booted her out of office.
If an African-American judge stood up in a meeting representing the county and said the same about white people, would the Supreme Court give that judge a pass?
Carlton W. Reeves
President
Magnolia Bar Association
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008804030307

It is wonderful that Mr. Reeves is so interested in how the Mississippi Supreme Court disciplines judges. Unfortunately, Mr. Reeves then had a bout of binary thinking and whined that if a black judge had made similar comments, he would have received a more severe punishment. However, Mr. Reeves' comments smell more of grandstanding for his association than a concern for justice. What exactly could the Court have done to Ms. Boland in addition to the public reprimand? Suspend her? Expel her from the bench? She was already off of the bench. Except for a fine or reprimand, there is very little additional punishment the Court could have administered to this um, colorful judge (Indeed, the Court made note of this in its opinion and stated that its options were rather limited. see link at end of paragraph). Make no mistake. Judge Boland's comments were stupid, racist, and deserved punishment. No one has stepped forward to defend them. Judge Boland is not the sharpest tool in the judicial shed and its no surprise she was defeated in her re-election attempt. However, there are worse things than a judge tastelessly criticizing Doug Anderson and his cronies. Mississippi Supreme Court Opinion:
http://www.mssc.state.ms.us/ISYS/isysquery/547afbb5-ec92-4e94-ba7a-3b8a401417ef/1/doc/

Since Mr. Reeves is so concerned with double standards, someone should ask him why he has been so silent on Judge Houston Patton and his medieval actions concerning Attorney Keith Shelton and James Jennings. See http://www.folo.us/the-shelton-series/

If you are not familiar with this case, consider yourself lucky for reading about this case is guaranteed to make you ill as it is an example where truth really is stranger than fiction. See http://folo.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/shelton-tribunal-reco.pdf

This is not gossip or rumor but is a finding of fact published by the Mississippi Bar. Thanks to the direct and concrete actions of Judge Patton (who is black), James Jennings (who is white) was thrown in jail and kept there without bond or charges despite the actions of three different attorneys. Judge Patton lied to the Hinds County Sheriff's office and had James Jennings and his lawyer, Keith Shelton, arrested for trying to bribe him (They had sued the Judge and were trying to settle the case). Shelton lost his license to practice law for 11 years. The Mississippi Bar reopened the case, reversed its findings, and submitted them to the Mississippi Supreme Court, which recently reinstated his license to practice law.

Not once did Mr. Reeves or his precious Magnolia Bar Association offer one word of outrage over Judge Patton's lettre de cachet against Mr. Jennings and his vendetta against Keith Shelton, who dared to file a Section 1983 suit against him on behalf of Mr. Jennings (You do remember Section 1983 suits, don't you Mr. Reeves? Its used by civil rights attorneys to personally sue public officials who intentionally deprive Americans of their constitutional rights.). Not once did Mr. Reeves or the Magnolia Bar offer a friend of the court brief seeking the reinstatement of Keith Shelton's license. Judge Patton, whose wife is a co-chairwoman of Obama's Mississippi campaign, has escaped the notice of Mr. Reeves who worries about what some judge who is now out of office said a few years ago and yet does not provide ANY evidence that Judge Boland mishandled any cases before her court. One would expect Mr. Reeves to give examples of where Judge Boland engaged in racist treatment of defendants in her courtroom given his public professions of outrage.

Such grandstanding is nothing new for Mr. Reeves, who was last seen several months ago raising hell about the lack of black judges among the list of special judges appointed for Hinds County by the Mississippi Supreme Court, even though he declined an appointment and as President of the Magnolia Bar did not offer a list of candidates. See earlier post: http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2008/01/those-who-lead-should-serve.html

Mr. Reeves' letter is regrettable in that it shows that he thinks words hurt worse more than not just sticks and stones, but also sitting in jail for no reason or not being able to earn a living because one's law license has been suspended due to a judge's falsehoods. Since Mr. Reeves is so concerned with our judges in Hinds County, perhaps he will use his position as President of the Magnolia Bar to speak out against judges like Judge Patton, who are not fit to sit on the bench. Given Mr. Reeves' public comments however, one should not expect such behavior from him as that might actually require leadership and fairness. Until Mr. Reeves issues a statement on Judge Patton and the Shelton case, it is hard to take him seriously when he grandstands over a judge who couldn't keep her mouth shut and is no longer on the bench.

See Shelton reinstatement: http://www.folo.us/2008/03/28/j-keith-shelton-esq

So let me get this straight. We haven't built a new refinery in over 30 years so regardless of how much oil is available, there is a bottleneck at the refinery level. We can't drill in Alaska, California, off of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, or Florida. Never mind the Chinese are slant-drilling into our oil fields thanks to Cuba. There is a 50 cent tariff on imported ethanol. The federal government requires over 50 different blends of gasoline for various parts of the country. Nuclear power brings out massive protests and a string of lawsuits. The push for ethanol and other biofuels drives up the cost of food and other products, threatening to hurt the economy even more. Coal is a villian in the mind of the environmentalists. Yet we wonder why the price of gasoline skyrockets.

He could paint a whole apartment in one afternoon. two coats.

This is Step by Step, a documentary film by award-winning producer Micki Dickoff and one-time Mississippi resident, who also produced the soon to be released Neshoba

By the way, I am posting this as someone who very much supports the death penalty but thinks this documentary makes some good points, tells a story worth hearing, and is a good film.

Rest of the film: 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCbrJu9EdSE 3)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfXaYyyO6Mw 4)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8jP1MyzeHc 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qy4l_7-Vh8 6)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFBsoyHj3N8

Hitler was a better dancer than Churchill.

"The last time I talked to documentary filmmaker Micki Dickoff, we were standing on Center Avenue in my hometown during the Edgar Ray Killen trial. I was yelling at her for trying to own the story of long-overdue justice and the people who had fought for it for so long..."
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=16718_0_7_0_C

How old were you Ms. Ladd? Past 40 at the time?

Don't feel too bad Micki. I've gotten emails from her based on some Google alert that had her name in one of my posts and she took it completely out of context because she didn't bother to read the whole post. See comments section below. There are so many things I could say about this exchange.

Jackson Jambalaya recently asked the following question in an online poll: What do you think of the A.G.'s decision to dismiss indictment againt Robbie Bell? The choices given were: 1)Charges should have been dropped, 2) Questionable case but should have gone to trial. Public had a right to know what happened that night, 3) Case/dismissal was rigged, and 4) No reason A.G. should have dismissed case.

It should be noted that in the last day of the poll, there was a huge surge in votes for the first choice, indicating an attempt to manipulate the poll. The first choice, "dismissal was proper", ran around 10% until the last day, when it jumped up to 26% in the final results. 126 votes were cast. The results were:
1) Charges should have been dropped: 33 votes (26%)
2) Questionable case but should have gone to trial. Public had a right to know what happened that night. 17 votes (13%)
3. Case/dismissal was rigged. 48 votes (38%)
4. No reason A.G. should have dismissed case. 28 votes (22%)

Only a quarter of the voters thought the A.G. made the right decision (and that figure is somewhat suspect). 74% disagreed with the decision to dismiss the indictment and over a third of the voters thought the decision was proof the case was rigged. Given Mr. Hood's association with his "family" and decision not to prosecute them, Mr. Hood should expect such concerns every time he shirks his duty as Attorney General.

Want more proof of how dysfunctional JPD is? Today's Clarion-Ledger said it all as Sergeant Tyrone Lewis was promoted: The promotion was made quietly on Tuesday. Chief Malcolm McMillin did not return calls for comment on Wednesday.
Assistant Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance verified the promotion Wednesday afternoon.
"He is back to the rank of commander, and he will be paid as a commander," Vance said. "I don't know to the penny (what his salary will be.)". http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080403/NEWS/804030371/1001/news

Mr. Lewis was demoted from the position of Deputy Police Chief to Sergeant after it was discovered that as head of the training academy, he allowed his son to host parties there without the required permit, insurance policy, and paying the city the permit fees. See earlier post: http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2007/12/should-mac-fire-tyrone-lewis.html

Unfortunately, the demotion only lasted a few months. Unfortunate because Mr. Lewis and his son BROKE THE LAW, as explained in another post, http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2007/12/so-did-tyrone-lewis-break-law.html:

Jackson ordinance No. 2000-29(14), Sections 176-195, (adopted Aug. 22, 2000), spells out the guidelines for what is considered to be a special event and how a permit for one is to be obtained by a sponsor. http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=11036&sid=24

Use of the facilities requires an event sponsor to submit an event application to a special events committee (p. 2). A copy of an insurance policy is required and minimum coverage is prescribed (p.3). There are different classes of permits. If the event has over 500 people, than the fees are$275 for 3 hours. If under 500 people, then it is $50 for 3 hours.

The law also states "Any person violating any provision of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 for each violation of the article."

This is not just a case of Mr. Lewis trying to help his son. This is a case of helping his son avoid paying the city and obtaining permits in violation of the law. The next question is will there be a prosecution for these violations which ARE misdemeanors? Since Mr. Lewis IS the head of the training academy he can not claim ignorance of the law. If HE is not the expert on the law since he is the one in charge of making sure recruits know policies and procedures, then who is?"

I stood by those remarks then and I stand by them now. Mr. Lewis and his son broke the law repeatedly- PERIOD! They are guilty of SEVERAL misdemeanors. Mr. Lewis used his position to enrich his son at our expense. If one wants proof of how dysfunctional JPD is, this promotion is it. It sends a loud signal that there is one standard for well-connected police officers and then one for the rest of us.

One brickbat also needs to be thrown at the reporter, Kathleen Baydala, who didn't bother to get her facts straight as she wrote: "Lewis, a veteran Jackson police officer, was demoted in late December because of a policy violation." Wrong Ms. Baydala. An ordinance is NOT a policy but is a LAW as we learned in Civics 101. Mr. Lewis and his son broke the law. Basic factchecking. Its.not.that.hard.

today. Warmed up, tanned, rested, and ready to go. Got the mace (not the spray type for you Northpark types but the real one) out and ready to start swinging. Also got the basket of rose petals out in case you deserve it. Time to have some fun.

Jim Hood is consoling a Dicke Scruggs, has his arm around him, says "Don't worry Dickie, you're like family to me" while nearby a coffin that is labeled "justice" enters the burning chamber in the crematorium they are in.

Well, believe it or not we are one-third of the way through 2008. It seems just yesterday that we closed out Trollfest '07, which turned out to be THE social event of the year in Jackson. Plans are being made right now for Trollfest '08. However, your input IS welcome and suggestions will be seriously considered so let me know in the comments section who you would like to see performing at Trollfest '08 as I begin to contact agents for various acts. Last year's Trollfest will be a BSU coke party at MC compared to what is planned for this year.

So Jim Hood won't prosecute his friends because they are "like family", lets Robbie Bell off the hook, and is currently letting Mark Seepe get away with being a ghoul. Who says crime doesn't pay in Mississippi?

Won't be blogging today. Finally read the newspaper stories about the problems at the crematorium. I recognized Mr. Seepe REALLY well as he sold my Grandfather on using his services. He was cremated by Seepe's company when he died in 2000. Needless to say, I've been very tied up with this today, as well as being VERY nauseated AND ready to kick some ass.

http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=16676_0_27_0_C

http://www.othorcainreport.com/b2/?p=190#comments

This is the controversial movie about Islam that has been banned in Europe and has earned death threats against the websites that carry it, forcing them to pull it. Keep in mind that under Islam, there is no render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's. Under Shariah, there are no crimes, just sins. Islam has never had an Enlightenment, a Reformation, or other movement that brings it into the 21st Century. Its no different than the 'isms faced by the West in the 20th century that sought to destroy it except this one has the label of religion over it, thus playing to our tolerance for freedom of worship and belief.

See: http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/3084

http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/messagetopic.asp?p=7646270

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=PluckPersona&U=1b147a797e9e46b884bd2455bcc15a67&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a1b147a797e9e46b884bd2455bcc15a67Post%3afd3b91d1-8bfd-4d8b-9dac-242f842f227d&sid=sitelife.clarionledger.com

She is apparently in ICU right now.

This should be fun to watch. I bet he can walk on water too.

http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/messagetopic.asp?p=7648689

http://www.wlbt.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=2330723&h1=Point%20of%20View%3A%20Charges%20Dropped%20Against%20Bell&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=87066&LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&activePane=info&playerVersion=9&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp%3FS%3D8080153%26nav%3Dmenu119_2_5&rnd=56117177

Well, I DID go see the guy (see earlier post: http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2008/03/dwf-my-life-as-soap-opera-diva.html). When he saw me, I thought he was going to faint. He said "Dang, I didn't know you would look THAT good!" Of course I was flattered, but unfortunately I could not reciprocate the compliment. He is 50, but looks 60 and while not overweight, is horribly out of shape. (sag here and there, protruding middle). Now, I'm not in perfect shape myself, but since I'm writing the story I can say what I want.

He told me he wanted to marry me way back many years ago when we were both in Oxford and still does now. HUH I say to myself? He had a single red rose, a bottle of Silkwood syrah, assorted chocolates, a cheese and cracker tray and mood lighting all ready when I arrived to see him. There was also a small box with a bow sitting on the table.

I agreed to a glass of wine and we sat and talked about so many things from the past 20-something years. I couldn't get past the fact he looked so much older than me. After a while, he gets up and hands me "the small box". I freak and open it. Inside is a sweet 1/2 carat white gold engagement ring with small diamonds on each side. Hey, it probably came from Wal Mart! (He has little money) But it was sweet.

I sit there, take another sip of wine, and ask "What am I supposed to do with this?", to which he replies, "I want you to marry me, the sooner the better. I don't want to be without you again."

Now, I can't make this up. In my head, I'm asking "God, do I get up and run out?" But instead, I give him a hug and tell him how sweet it is for him to ask, but that I am not ready to get married to him or anyone else. He looks as if I've just stabbed him in the heart. He tells me to keep it and wear it when I'm ready. So heck, I just kept it.

The rest of the evening was OK, and I agree to meet him for breakfast the next morning. We ride out to the local lake and sit at a picnic table and talk. It was gorgeous outside, sunny, picture-perfect. After a while we go back to town and hit Wal Mart for a couple of CD's to listen to and ride around some more, all the while talking about 20 years worth of "stuff".

I go back to my friend's for a while and again consider just packing up and going home. But for some reason I don't, and get dressed and have dinner with the guy. He's still going on and on how he is crazy about me and so forth, but we do have a good time. After dinner, I go to his hotel room with him to watch tv. (He has a suite with a sofa to sit on). He starts the kissy kiss stuff, and I'm not quite sure what to do. I eventually beg off and leave.

IN THE MEANTIME, I get a text from the 25-year-old (see post: http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2007/06/if-stella-can-get-her-groove-back-so.html ) now 26, whom I haven't heard from in about 6 months. He wants to get together again! I find myself excited! I answer back by text that I'll talk to him next week. WOW. Why did this happen now?

The next morning I go by to tell the guy goodbye and he is teary-eyed. He doesn't want to leave me he says. What do I do? I get teary-eyed too! We each leave and drive home in different directions.

He calls on the way home while I'm driving down I-55 and tells me to let him know when I start wearing the ring. I say "OK, but I don't know if I will anytime soon or if ever". He says he understands but will wait. "After all", he says, "I've already waited over 20 years." I say good bye and hang up and continue driving home..................

Stay tuned for Episode 3: "Will The Long Lost Former Lovers Reunite?" aka "What The Heck Do I Do, Keep The Ring, Mail It Back, Or Just Forget It and See The 26-Year Old?"

Free advice accepted: dwfinms@gmail.com

Interesting discussion: http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/messagetopic.asp?p=7636344

The Meridian Star reported today "All three candidates currently running for the 3rd Congressional District seat were in Meridian Tuesday to speak, answer questions, and mingle with voters at a Young Professionals of Meridian forum at the Hilton Garden Inn on Highway 11/80.".....

However, Republican candidate Gregg Harper made the following statement:
Of the war in Iraq Harper said, "I think the Republicans did a lousy job of articulating why we're in Iraq...It's about the war against fundamentalist Islamic terrorism," closing his Iraq comments with strong words, "Every time we get bombed then we ought to drop a hard bomb on Iran and Syria where all this garbage is coming from." http://www.meridianstar.com/homepage/local_story_086010200.html

I can almost hear the "yeah buddy" from the necks in the audience.

Jackson awoke this morning to the news that the charges against Robbie Bell had been dropped by Attorney General Jim Hood and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith. Ms. Bell had been charged with "Accessory after the Fact" in connection with the murder of Heather Spencer by her son, George Bell, III. (See earlier post: http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2007/11/wheels-slowly-turn-robbie-bell-indicted.html) More than a few people are shocked and outraged by the dismissal of the case against Ms. Bell as evidenced by numerous comments on blogs and media websites.

In determining whether the dismissal was justified, one must first consider the law, Section 97-1-5 of the Mississippi Code:
"Every person who shall be convicted of having concealed, received, or relieved any felon, or having aided or assisted any felon, knowing that such person had committed a felony, with intent to enable such felon to escape or to avoid arrest, trial, conviction or punishment, after the commission of such felony, on conviction thereof shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary not exceeding five years, or in the county jail not exceeding one year, or by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both; and in prosecution for such offenses it shall not be necessary to aver in the indictment or to prove on the trial that the principal has been convicted or tried." http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/97/001/0005.htm

Thus, the law states that Ms. Bell could be convicted if she knew her son had committed a felony AND tried to help him avoid a arrest. A reasonable interpretation of such an avoidance would be not calling the police when there was opportunity to do so after the accused had knowledge the felony had been committed.

The Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed the law in the Dampier case, stating the elements of Accessory after the Fact are:
"(1) a completed felony has been committed; (2) the accused concealed, received, relieved, aided, or assisted a felon, knowing that such person had committed a felony; and (3) such assistance or aid was rendered with the intent to enable such felon to escape or avoid arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment after the commission of such felony." Dampier v. State 973 So.2d 221, 231 (Miss.,2008)

There is little doubt that Ms. Bell knew a felony had been committed. At SOME point, she came home, sees a severely-beaten, unconscious Heather Spencer, at least one four-foot pool of blood on the floor, and other evidence of the murder. There was evidence of the murder in the hallway and at least one of the rooms. She knew a felony had been committed. Maybe not murder but definitely a felony. The law does not say it has to be the felony that the accused is convicted of committing, it says A felony. What is important is that there was a more than strong suspicion that Ms. Bell knew "a felony" had taken place in her home involving Ms. Spencer and possibly her son. At that point, it was her duty under the law to call the police.

It is important to note that there are several Mississippi cases dealing with this law. The Mississippi Supreme Court dealt with this crime in the Smith case. Mr. Smith was driving a car with his girlfriend as a passenger. In a burst of inspiration, she decided to take a crowbar out of his car and steal jewelry from a window display after smashing the window, despite his pleas not to do it. He drove off without her but she somehow chased the car and jumped in. Even though he tried to leave her and had commanded her not to commit the crime, the Court still said: . "Although Smith was present, the proof is uncontradicted that he neither assisted nor encouraged her by any word or act to commit this crime. A jury would have been warranted in finding him guilty as an accessary after the fact to burglary or larceny, but not as a principal to burglary." Smith v. State 523 So.2d 1028, 1030(Miss.,1988)

SOOOOO..... that means the Court said just for driving the burglar in his car KNOWING she had committed a burglary was enough for him to be convicted of "Accessory after the Fact". Given how the couple was caught as the car crashed a few blocks away from the scene of the crime, the Court made no mention of the personal safety of Mr. Smith.

The question remains if the Attorney General should have prosecuted Ms. Bell instead of dismissing the case. What evidence we do know is this:
1. Heather Spencer was beaten to death and sexually assaulted in Ms. Bell's home during the evening hours of that tragic Monday.
2. Numerous media sources have reported that other people were present in the home during the night in addition to George Bell.
3. George Bell, III, left around 6:00 or 7:00 AM and kidnapped Heather's roommate, bringing her back to Ms. Bell's home.
4. The kidnapping victim has testified that Ms. Bell was at the home while Ms. Spencer's body lay in the house and that Ms. Bell was already at the home when she was kidnapped and taken there.
5. Ms. Bell never once called the police or tried to notify the authorities that a crime had been committed in her home.
6. The coroner's report DOES say the time of death was 3:00 AM.

Given these facts along with several others that sources have told me but are unconfirmed, it is HIGHLY unlikely that Ms. Bell had no clue that a felony had taken place in her home. One must wonder exactly why Mr. Hood decided not to prosecute Ms. Bell as one would think that there was enough evidence to send the case to a jury.

What Mr. Hood's actions have done is to make a mockery out of this case. Everyone is familiar with the questions raised about Mr. Hood's character since so many of his friends have been convicted in the Scruggs scandal. Judge DeLaughter and Ed Peters have been implicated in the Scruggs case. The post below spells out how interconnected the Bells are with the Ed Peters mafia that is currently under so much scrutiny. If anything, one would think that Mr. Hood would be doing his best to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Mr. Hood and Mr. Smith, who is also tied to the Peters mafia, have a higher than normal duty to take a case such as this one to trial and then a jury even if they lose. See earlier post: http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2008/03/robbie-bell-case-family-tree.html

Unless a civil suit is filed, the public will never know what happened that night in Northeast Jackson. The family will continue to suffer as a case that should have been tried was inexplicably swept under the rug. While Ms. Bell struts around town claiming her vindication, the public will know she was aided by Attorney General Schultz and District Attorney Robert Schultz Smith.

Hopefully justice will still be served. Ms. Spencer has been let down by almost everyone concerned: a boyfriend who claimed to love her while he tried to kill her twice, police that went easy on her boyfriend and reduced the charges, her boyfriend's mother who refused to call the police as she lay dying through the night, and prosecutors who took the decision to let Ms. Bell off of the hook away from us through a jury and instead, spit in the face of justice and the Spencer family.

Also, one last suggestion to the A.G. and D.A.: if you think I am out of line, there is a simple solution. Release the police report, which you could have done at any time.

What "false information" has this website published about The Jackson Free Press? Links and quotes will be greatly appreciated and any corrections sent to this site by you or your publisher will be published in their entirety. The Voltaire Society is alive and well at Jackson Jambalayla as Kingfish does not order people who say things he does not want to hear never to contact him again.

Or is the tree so tangled it should be a wreath?

Tom Royals: George Bell III's defense attorney. Former law partner of Ed Peters. Defended Ed Peters on several occasions when he was indicted or the subject of several investigations. Partner is Mayfield, George Bell III's other defense counsel.
Bobby DeLaughter: Former prosecutor for Ed Peters when he was Hinds County District Attorney. Currently represented by Cynthia Speetjeens and is suspended from the bench. Was supposed to hear Robbie Bell's case until reassigned to Judge Kidd. Heard Robbie Bell's arraignment.
Cynthia Speetjeens: Represents Robbie Bell in this case and represents Judge DeLaughter in the Scruggs scandal.
Ed Peters: Former partner of Tom Royals. Employed Mayfield, George Bell's co-counsel, and DeLaughter as prosecutors while Hinds County District Attorney.
Robert Smith: Hinds County District Attorney. Mayfield's wife is office manager for D.A.'s office. Ed Peters headed his transition team between election and inauguration.
Jim Hood: __________(fill in the blank)

Update: Jim Hood reference has been corrected BUT "Robbie Spencer" remains on the site at 5:00 PM.

Update: The Clarion-Ledger STILL has not corrected the story as of 1:30 PM today. They definitely know about it because I called the reporter and left a message on his voice mail.

Ready for this?

"U.S. District Attorney Jim Hood said Tuesday his office had dropped the charge of accessory after the murder against Robbie Bell."

"Although Hood said he discussed his decision with Spencer's family, not all were willing to accept it. Spencer's Uncle, Dale Spencer said Tuesday he was shocked and displeased with Hood's decision. He said if Robbie Spencer knew about the death she should have told police."
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/NEWS/803260359/1001/news

Agnew, Simmons, and Luuuuuuvelady, you owe the family an apology. period. Their number is 601 961 7000. At a minimum, the newspaper needs to suspend Lovelady and the publisher needs to issue a public apology.

F'n idiots.

Charges against Robbie Bell were dropped by the A.G.'s office today.

See bottom sidebar on right side of page for collection of all Heather Spencer posts.

I'm going to kill my neighbors. They live directly below me. My bed is directly over their tv. Normally it would not be an issue as most people are in bed by 11 or so, get up, go to work at seven in the morning, then come home and do the whole routine all over again. Did I mention they manage a bar?

You got it. That means winding down for them is after midnight and if the TV is cranked up, I hear it loud and clear, including the commercials. Last night I was worn out so for once I thought I would try to get some sleep and was in bed well before midnight. Just happened to be their night off so I'm in the clear, right? Wrong. I heard that damn tv as if it were in my room until 2:30 in the morning. I remember one time they pulled this and the tv didn't go off until nearly 5:00 AM.

I've been nice. I really do like them and other than this, they are great neighbors. Couldn't be any nicer. However, right now I'm homicidal as I've had no sleep and am contemplating ways to fix this problem. I've very nicely mentioned the problem to them but here I am this morning after 2:00, reading to begin target practice at close range. What do you recommend?

Calling Entergy and saying they are moving comes to mind but damn, don't know their SSN (nor do I want to. ;-) ). Firebombing, if I used a small enough explosive, is an attractive option right now. If our local panhandler with a prior conviction for burglary was not back in jail, I could pay him some big macs and mad dog 20/20 to swipe the tv. Or I could get one of those sirens or whistles that only dogs can hear (they have a huge dog) and wait until 4:00 AM to start using it. Inviting the old Houserockers or King Edward and his band over to my place for a mid week early morning practice session that will be very loud and real heavy on the percussion and bass might be worth considering. There is always the possibility of cutting their power lines but dumbass here would probably cut the ones to his own place so that is out. Paying the Kappa Sigs at Millsaps to have their swap night or mid-week keg party over here as long as they want to (good thing I'm insured) is a another idea. Wait, just thought of something. I can make sure Frank heard they made threats against him. He'll show up at four in the morning with his posse, shotgun pointed at the ground (with mud in the barrel), to relive his favorite experience as a mayor. Then there is the good ole reliable method of taking out the TV with sniper fire. Wait, I think I know. I will tell the Ridgeland PD they were drinking at Shuckers. That should do it.

What is a jackass to do?

No comment needed: http://www.yourdailymedia.com/media/1206103204/Dumb_And_Dumber_Criminals

Update: See Butterknife's two comments. Very good explanations.

So a friend of mine is a teacher in another part of the state. There are these siblings in the school that well, are inbred. Five kids are the products of a brother and two sisters. Kids have come to school completely unprepared for school. They didn't even know how to hold a pencil when they started. Kids are always sent home with lice. These parents (can I call them that?) are so dumb their idea of how to rid the home of lice was to put all the furniture in the front yard as they figured the sunlight would kill them. I'm not making this up.

Well, DHS has been contacted no less than eight times because of neglect concerns. Unfortunately, DHS has a different standard of neglect than that of most teachers. Yet the kids are growing up in a home where mommy and daddy are um, brother and sister, aunt and uncle, you get the picture. Good job DHS.

Let someone give a lick to a brat in public, here comes DHS. Let some inbreeding and neglect occur, and Colonel Taylor becomes Sergeant Schultz.

Additional thought: Would the family tree be considered a family wreath in this case?

Note: Will Jerry Springer pay me a finder's fee?

Call Bill Featherston in Jackson. Ole Miss grad but I'm not going to hold that against him for now. He has represented several friends of mine over the years and done right by every one of them. Bill is very experienced in DUI's and light criminal defense work, domestic relations, and civil suits. This post is a shameless plug for Bill. I get nothing out of it. This is not a paid advertisement, just a Kingfish recommendation on who to call if you or someone you know needs a lawyer. He doesn't bluster, he's not your therapist or best friend, he's just your lawyer and gets the job done. 601 206 5557.

What exactly is going on with our Mayor? Apparently there was another foreclosure on a property owned by Mr. Melton. According to Smith County land records, there was a Sheriff's sale on the property (It is not his home in Tyler). A phone call to a clerk in the Smith County courthouse revealed that there was a property foreclosed on and sold by the Sheriff in May, 2006. The clerk explained that a sheriff's sale was a foreclosure.

So what exactly is going on with our Mayor? Delinquent taxes, foreclosure notices, Sheriff's sales. Any surprise that Jackson's finances are a joke?

See:Smith County Online Record of Sheriff's sale of Melton Property

If that link does not work, use this one and enter his name:
https://www.texaslandrecords.com/txlr/controller

MySpace Comments: Chromaluna.com