Letters To The Editor

 Dear Editor and Readers:

I was shocked to read, in its recent newsletter, that only eighty-seven memberships in Friends of the Library provide the crucial support that supplements public monies for diverse library endeavors, that serve as tools for learning for significant numbers of 60,000 city and county citizens of all demographic groups.  I agree with John D. Rockefeller, Jr., “that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity an obligation, and every possession a duty.” His stance is a call to all who value our public library.  It is easy to take something familiar for granted, but we cannot dismiss the library as an entitlement.

Individuals and the business community must rally to action in the form of contributions — annually $12 for an individual; $25 for a family; $100 for a business/corporation; or one gift of $200 for life membership in Friends of the Library. Join fifty-six annual members and thirty-one life members to continue worthy endeavors.

Any contribution can be delivered to a local library or mailed to: Jo Shumake, 720 College St., Columbus, MS 39701.

I urge each reader to agree with Rockefeller, weigh personal benefits or professional justifications, and act without procrastination.

Offering a genuine plea,

Jack H. White

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May 9, 2012

Editor:

Prayer changes things.  More specifically, prayer changes people. We do not so much change the course of events, but, rather, we align our hearts and minds with the one whose sovereignty guides our lives, our communities and our nation. On Thursday, May 3, we witnessed a public display of the heart of our community, as close to 400 people gathered at the Lowndes County Courthouse in observance of The National Day of Prayer.  A group of concerned prayer warriors began planning, months ago, for this event.  My purpose is not to laud their efforts, although the logistics were virtually flawless. Prayers were offered for a wide range of needs and for those who serve and guide our community.  Prayers of repentance and petition for leaders; students; first responders; educators; media personnel; our military; our families; churches; and businesses were all beautifully surrounded with songs of praise and a sense of God’s presence.  We have sensed, for a long time, that our community needs a unifying spiritual renewal.  We are trusting that this year’s observance of The National Day of Prayer will spark a series of events that will bring our city and our county to its knees in prayer.

The organizing group, Christian Community in Prayer, is holding a planning and prayer meeting at the downtown YMCA on Tuesday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m., to determine what to do next, in response to what God is doing to draw us together in prayer.  This meeting is open to all clergy and laypersons who are interested.  We are praying that revival will come to our community and that God would show Himself strong in our neediness. Abraham Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.”

 Christian Community in Prayer would like to express our thanks to those who came to the courthouse, to the many businesses who promoted the event, and to those who could not attend but were lifting the observance up in prayer.  We believe that nothing is of greater importance for our community than the prayers of God’s people.  He promised to heal our land when we humble ourselves, pray, repent, and seek His face.  Will you join us?

Christian Community in Prayer

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Dear Editor and Citizens of Columbus,

This past Saturday (April 21, 2012) our Neighborhood Watch group kicked off the start of our 5th year as a strong and active group in this town.  We have seen much success, as our neighborhood has become stronger and is now safe.  Yes, we have had success – but only because we have been supported and backed by our police department.

With the start of a new year, I felt it important that our neighborhood meet and get to know Chief McQueen.  Since he has publicized, in print and on TV, how he personally supports the Neighborhood Watch programs and he is there for ALL of the groups in our town, he was given a personal invitation.  This man looked me straight in the eye and promised he would be there for us.  We issued an invitation to Officer Rhonda Sanders, at the same time.  Reminders were sent out, periodically, so there would be no misunderstandings.        Can you guess what happened? Yes, you got it – the Columbus Police Department was a “no show”!!!  Not a word, not a call, not an email – nothing.

My husband sent a “sorry you missed our meeting” e-mail to the Columbus Police Department. Rhonda Sanders replied back, almost immediately, with an apology.  She stated that she had worked all night, Friday night, and knew that she would not be able to attend, so she arranged for Capt. Fred Shelton to attend in her place.  You guessed it – he was a “no show”, as well. In this day of cell phones and e-mails, there are no excuses for a lack of professionalism and common courtesy.

I do want to take this opportunity to thank Capt. Mike Chandler from the Columbus Fire Department.  He stretched out his program, explaining the process of getting the Fire Department accredited and the surveys they need us to fill out, to fill the wide gap of free time left by the missing officials.

It is time for our city government and the Columbus Police Department to realize the every person in this town deserves equal treatment.  Who you are, where you live, the size of your bank account, or the color of your skin should NEVER determine how we, the citizens and taxpayers of Columbus, are treated.

Outraged in Columbus,

Frances Andresen

Coordinator for Cecil St., Vance St. and McCrary Dr. Neighborhood Watch

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To the Editor of The Real Story:

I am writing this letter so that you might publish it. The concern I am about to report has been going on for quite some time.

Each month, the City of Columbus bills its residents triple charges. The City of Columbus has now started billing its residents three separate charges: (1) a charge for electricity; (2) a charge for water; and (3) a charge for sewer. In addition to electricity, why do residents now have to pay two separate charges for water and sewer?

The City of Columbus did publicize that water charges would be increasing; but the unfair part is that now, each month, the water and sewer bill are separate and the same amounts. Residents are being billed two separate charges, in addition to their electric bill. The sewer bill did not used to be that high or equal to the water bill. It is unfair that water and sewer charges are steadily increasing.

I am asking that this fact be brought to light to other City of Columbus residents, the Mayor, City officials, and the Light and Water Department and that we can see a stop to the overcharging of residents.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

A Very Concerned City of Columbus, Mississippi Resident

Originally Published in the April 25, 2012 Print Edition

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Dear Editor:

Congratulations to K. K. Norris, for her shop, The Attic, being selected by the national newspaper USA Today as one of the 10 most distinguished places in the country to find fine vintage clothing. After reading your story, I visited her bountiful shop, to ask why she had included the fact that her shop was across the street from the National Literary Landmark – Tennessee Williams’ childhood home. Her perfect answer was “I wanted to tell the world about my hometown and am also proud that America’s greatest playwright is from here and he is known all over the world.” She has received an overwhelming response from around the world, from the USA Today article, and she deserves it for realizing what an important tourism treasure Columbus has in Tennessee Williams’ childhood home – our Columbus- Lowndes Welcome Center at 300 Main Street. Thank you, K.K. for being a tourism ambassador for your hometown.

Brenda Caradine

Originally Published in the April 25, 2012 Print Edition

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Dear Editor,

I could not leave Columbus, Mississippi without saying a heartfelt thank you to the marvelous community that welcomed us New Yorker theater people from Orpheus Descending with such gracious hospitality. We were all overwhelmed by the beauty of your fair city, the sumptuous architecture, and the fascinating history of this birthplace of America’s great poet of the theater, Tennessee Williams.  But, most of all, we were welcomed with such warmth and generosity, we felt like honored guests….from gifts of the most delicious local honey for those of us suffering allergies to receptions of yummy Southern delicacies such as cheese straws, which a majority of us had never before tasted. The memory of your beautiful town and your loving and open hearts will remain with us forever.

Patricia Bartlett

Editor’s Note: The writer is an actor, and was in Columbus to perform in the production of Orpheus Descending, in advance of this year’s Tennessee Williams Tribute.

Originally Published in March 7, 2014 Print Edition

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Dear Editor:

After reviewing numerous media outlets, I have several questions to ask our local leaders, since they do not seem to be available to address the concerns of our community, openly.

• In regards to an article written in the February 6, 2012 Commercial Dispatch entitled, “Tupelo Bans Droopy Pants,” I wonder if Mayor Smith and the City Council have ever taken the time to consider such a law.  We need someone in City government to wise up and smell the roses.  Someone needs to, at least, address the issue in the media, instead of always being silent.
• In The Real Story article dated February 8, 2012, and entitled “Come on Columbus/Lowndes County – Get it Together,” it appears as if several attorneys and JUDGES need to be brought before the ethics committee of the Mississippi Bar Association.  The allegations, if correct, are ridiculous!
• In the case of Wilbanks’ murder case, what new information was found, or is this just the same case it has been for over a decade.  What piece of the “puzzle” did Bowen, Williams and McQueen see that was not seen before.  If they missed it the first time and it is so clear now, how did these guys ever get promoted?  I will wait for the conviction before I make a final judgment on the greatness of this arrest.

Just a few questions; I am not the only one who has these concerns.

Jim Dierking

Originally Published in March 7, 2012 Print Edition

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Mojo,

First of all, kudos to you and your staff for reporting the real story. Second, kudos to Hatcher and Ward for using their backbones and standing up for what they believe in! Finally, will the REAL LEADERS of Columbus PLEASE STAND UP?! And to the wannabes: sit down! (e.g., Mayor Smith, Council persons, and Judge Clinkscale.)

If Chief McQueen does actually refuse to promote because “he doesn’t like the individual,” does he really believe that he is not discriminating and that this will not cause an exhaustion of time and money because of lawsuits?

I think it’s high time that we, the people, remind the wannabes that they are “elected”, and then we should begin cleaning house and start from scratch. And to the current Chief…. Well, let’s just call it what it is. It’s time to go…out with the old and in with the new (when we get a new mayor!)!!

Sincerely,

Donna Hankee

Originally Published in February 29, 2012 Print Edition

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COLUMBUS, MS COLD CASE DEATH of ROOSEVELT PERNELL, JR. STILL UNRESOLVED

Still No Justice, No Peace

 My brother, Roosevelt Pernell, Jr. was a human being whose life was taken from him five years ago on Feb. 21, 2007, in Columbus, MS.  All of the facts surrounding his death has never been answered.  As a family member, I am entitled to know all of the details, because the death of Roosevelt was not fully dealt with or correctly investigated, especially by the local law enforcement. So, that is why I pursued legal actions in the form of a wrongful death suit against Columbus Police and County Sheriff and others in hopes for some kind of fairness or justice.   However, due to the bias nature of the corrupt judicial system, in such cases as this, where most lawyers, law enforcement, and judges are all in bed with one another makes it no surprise that my case would be thrown out by a system such as this.  They protect each others wrongdoings by, covering-up, lying and preserving the good ole’ boys’ network of dominance, racism and injustice to others.  This is why I never got my day in court to hold the ones accountable for playing a major role in the death of my brother.  Any time you have law enforcement called to a scene where the victim is visibly injured, his mug shot clearly showed that, he was incoherent, and inebriated, then one would think that a professional, competent, trained, reasonable and compassionate officer, who took an oath to protect and serve citizens, would have shown more compassion to help another human being in stress.  Instead, they wasted valuable time badgering and focusing more on whether he was drunk or not, as oppose to dealing with an injured man who was in need of medical attention.  They had the legal power to choose, and they chose to take an injured man straight to jail , without any concern for his condition, rather than do the right thing by taking him straight to the hospital and then calling his family or just do the right thing for a precautionary measure.  It makes you wonder if they would have treated a white citizen in that same manner, under the same situation, and I’m sure to bet you that a wounded animal by the roadside would have gotten more consideration and respect from them.  Therefore, after they handcuffed my brother like a criminal and hauled him off to the County Adult Detentional Center is where I later learned from a reliable source that my brother was physically abused and neglected in his jail cell to the point of where he sustained  his blunt forced head trauma which subsequently is what caused his death. After that, came the lies and cover up from the Columbus city police and County sheriff department.

So, five years later, I still have questions unanswered.  This is why I once again turn to the help of the people to help me fit the pieces to the puzzle and shine a brighter light on How your  Columbus Police and Sheriff Enforcement treat its citizens, in particularly, the African American community of people.

Lastly, I am asking for vital information from anyone who knows detailed information or any pertinent information about what exactly happened to Roosevelt when he left his residence on 3rd St. N. from the time police arrested him at the Chanticleer Apt. Complex, until the time of being placed in custody of the Columbus police and  ultimately the County sheriff department.  It is my hope that truth and justice will prevail over the wrongs that was done to my brother and the guilty ones involved be revealed.

Also, I would like to hear from other family members who have lost loved ones directly or indirectly due to the cause of Columbus Police and County Sheriff misconduct.

Please contact me at 1-800-677-1105 or email at jjaa57@aol.com or facebook Debra Pernell-Simmons

jjaa57@aol.com

Sincerely Seeking Truth and Justice,

Debra Pernell-Simmons

Originally Published in February 22, 2012 Print Edition  

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Letter to the Editor

December 18, 2011

Another “Keystone Cops” moment occurred last week with Tony Cooper and the LCSO snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

It all started last August–well, it really started in the Prairie with the serial burglaries that began last January with the theft of scrap iron, weapons, computer etc, from the Joe Askew place in Artesia. The burglar ring then trargeted Crawford with a cluster of burglaries of copper and scrap metal in the town of Crawford…..the Dan T****r shop, the former army surplus store owned by me, the old Harvey house, my father’s farmplace, the old Rufus Richards place, owned by B* H******e, and the last theft that of the Bell Awning boom truck (parked in the middle of Crawford) towed into B&S salvage yard on Gardner Boulevard. Surely, eyebrows should’ve been raised when Timothy Harris, who turns out to be a recently released convict, brought that vehicle in and it sat on the yard undetcted by the CPD and LCSO when there was a BOLO alert for the vehicle. And the owner’s wife works in the LCSO with Tony Cooper!!!

On Tony Cooper. Last August, when my father caught scrap burglars on his property with scrap loaded on the trailer and took tag numbers–and even had a black witness with him-a call was made to LCSO. No deputy showed up for something like nine days. Finally, my brother called and talked to Tony Cooper. Cooper responded and my brother showed him the incriminating evidence and named a suspect (Crawford sobriquet–Monkeyman) who was a live-in with P***y in section 8 housing at the crime site. Cooper knows Monkeyman’s felony criminal history and even was responsible for his being charged several years ago in the break-in of our neighbor’s home, (N**l T****r). We never heard again from Cooper on the farm burglary. When we called for a follow-up, we were told that there was no case number for the burglary.

Back to the Bell Awning boom truck. Last Wednesday, my brother was driving down Gardner Boulevard when he saw the “crushed” boom truck loaded on a truck leaving B&S salvage. My brother followed the truck to 82 East towards Tuscaloosa when the truck turned off to fuel. At that point, my brother called 911 and CPD and Tony Cooper shows up. The owner identifies the stolen truck and records show that Timothy Harris brought the truck into B&S. It turns out that Timothy Harris lives on Howard Smart’s farm. The Smart family has a long criminal history in the area. I was told that a search warrant was being sought, but as of Friday noon, no judge had signed off on such an order. Precious time to move contraband to those parked 18-wheeler trailers that one sees around Crawford.

All attempts to speak with Tony Cooper have failed.

Is this any hint of the kind of law enforcement that we can expect with a Butch Howard-endorsed Mike Arledge?

Walking through Lowndes county, I feel Diogenes’ pain.

If Tony Cooper really wanted to solve these burgalries, all he has to do is use the legal tool of charging members of Smart’s entourage with misprision of a felony.

And, IMHO, the burglaries of the Menonites in Noxubee County – in particular the 12 Stihl chain saws that were stolen from the Noxubee Farm Supply – would be solved.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/usc_sec_18_00000004—-000-.html

St. John:

Can you track down any information on whether any judge signed off on a search warrant of Howard Smart’s farm?  The suspect allegedly responsible for the theft of the Bell Awning boom truck, that was sold to B&S Salvage and crushed, was connected to Howard Smart. It is not the first time that the Smart name has come up in grand larceny investigations.

Surely, the Mayor of Crawford and other members of Howard’s entourage are aware of suspect Timothy Harris and his criminal history. The theft of scrap metals has reached “racketeering” levels and I don’t see why the FBI has not looked into these RICO level criminal enterprises.

I talked to a MDOT agent in South Mississippi who had investigated the theft of steel bridge columns that were cut up and sold to scrap yards in Jones County. It was a white gang-related organization that was caught. In Tishomingo County, a similar theft occurred.

It is a serious problem and LCSO has done, IMHO, nothing to catch these thieves. In fact, they have destroyed, in some cases, any chance of pursuing a case against these thieves.

If the new sheriff doesn’t clean house in its investigation team, starting with Tony Cooper, there will be more thievery as the economy worsens. After the scrap is gone, then the gangs will begin the “house invasions.”

Tommy Gentry

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Letter to the Editor

October 31, 2011

Dear Friends and Family,
I hope today finds you well. I am writing you today to discuss Mississippi Proposition 26 and how it can affect us, other couples, and all females. As you all know Emily and myself have a beautiful son Luke Isaac. We were not able to conceive naturally but were blessed to be able to conceive through In Vitro Fertilization. Just to clarify Emily and myself are 100% Pro Life, but we do not pass judgment on others.

“You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.” Romans 2:1.

The proponents of MS 26 are arguing it will stop abortion. The unfortunate truth is MS 26 will not stop abortion as everyone thinks it will. The group Yes On 26 even states on their website this will not overturn Roe Vs. Wade.

“Will the Mississippi Personhood Amendment overturn Roe v. Wade?”
Not directly. In November, Mississippi will be the first in the nation to enact a Personhood Amendment to protect unborn babies.  That will create positive momentum in Florida, South Dakota, and Ohio where Personhood will be on the ballot in 2012.  Mississippi has an opportunity to lead the nation in saying, “the legal rights of Personhood begin at conception.”

The Supremacy Clause in the Constitution explains that federal law always trumps state law which means federal always wins if there is a conflict between the two. (THE SUPREMACY CLAUSE Article. VI). Yes On 26 is banking that this will be challenged and taken to the US Supreme Court which it will. Why not just propose a measure banning abortion? The reason there is this group isn’t just trying to ban abortion but also ban birth control and stop IVF.

The problem this will cause with birth control is by stating that life begins at fertilization it will outlaw most forms of birth control. The group Yes On 26 state it won’t ban it but most forms of the “pill” but they also state they are against birth control.

BIRTH CONTROL

“Yes on 26 takes no position on birth control methods, which are contraceptive rather than abortive in their actions.”

Reason:  We are opposed to those birth control methods which act as abortifacients.  These could include forms of the pill which act to prevent implantation of the newly formed human into the lining of the womb; forms of the IUD, which can act the same; and prostaglandin suppository drugs, which act to cause delivery of whatever size baby the uterus contains.

What they don’t state is all forms of hormonal birth control also known as the “Pill” change the lining of the uterus. By changing the lining of the uterus this stops the process of implantation which happens 5-7 days after fertilization. By stopping implantation this kills the embryo and is incompatible with personhood. It would also ban IUD’s which are a doctor implanted form of birth control.  Beverly A. McMillan, who is a board member of Yes On 26, states in her own words: “In this impeccably researched book, Randy Alcorn takes an unblinking look at what medical experts know about how birth control pills work. I painfully agree that birth control pills do in fact cause abortions.” If you want some information on birth controls and how they effect the lining of the uterus go to http://www.drugs.com and search for NuvaRing, Lo Ovral 28, Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and many others. Look for the wording: (DRUG NAME) also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. This would go against MS 26.

Now let’s look at how this will affect someone you know and that would be Emily and myself. MS 26 states this wouldn’t stop IVF. Why do I and many others state it will? IVF is an expensive and lengthy procedure that requires removing multiple eggs from the ovaries and introducing sperm in a lab since this cannot happen naturally for us. Normally you fertilize 8-10 eggs. Out of those 8-10 eggs generally 50% of those stop dividing between 2-5 days and not all will fertilize. This generally leaves 4-5 embryos for transfer. Current IVF guidelines won’t allow more than 3 embryos to be transferred to protect the life of the mother and the children. Dr. Eric Webb was on Gallo Radio on October 13th and stated: “The simple solution is that you don’t fertilize any eggs which you’re not willing to transfer…. No more than three. No cryopreservation.” By following the guidelines MS 26 would impose, most couples who depend on IVF to conceive a gift such as we have will have no chance at all.

Emily and I are Pro Life. We do agree more than anything that life begins at fertilization but this proposition has too many negative consequences. The groups pushing this bill are not just pushing to stop abortion but also stop IVF and Birth Control. We hope you will educate yourselves on how Mississippi Proposition 26 is bad for the state of Mississippi, bad for parents, and bad for all females. If you have any questions or want references to what I have above please don’t hesitate to ask. We hope you will vote no on November 8th. A vote for no is not a vote for murder as this proposition will not stop Abortion but will stop life through IVF and birth control. Emily and myself give all glory to our Lord for our beautiful son Luke Isaac Carpenter. We owe a special thanks to Dr. John Isaacs and MS Fertility Institute for the work they do to assist in helping us conceive, and to Atlee Breland for keeping us informed and fighting for all of us.

Sincerely,

Robin S. Carpenter

Robin, Emily and Luke Carpenter with Dr. John Isaacs