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Subscribe to RSSHaley Barbour, the Mississippi governor mulling a 2012 Republican presidential run, will issue the early release of two sisters serving life sentences in his state for armed robbery.
The move came after the NAACP mounted a national campaign to free the women, who are black. About $11 was stolen off the man robbed, according to the Washington Post and the women have served 16 years each of those life sentences so far. Three men also involved served just three years of an eight-year sentence, Ben Jealous, president of the NAACP, told MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports this afternoon.
The Washington Post noted: “Barbour, who is weighing a run for president, announced his decision a week after he ran afoul of civil rights advocates. Last week, Barbour backtracked on comments he made about the civil rights era in Mississippi.”
So was his move politically motivated? That’s not necessarily the case. Barbour and his administration have been considering the commutation for months -- something Jealous, who praised Barbour for his handling of the cases, confirmed on air as well.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
But when O’Donnell asked Jealous about the racial flap (detailed below) that bubbled up last week, Jealous said, in part, “The timing certainly can be impacted by external events.”
Last week, the conservative magazine The Weekly Standard reported the following:
Both Mr. Mott and Mr. Kelly had told me that Yazoo City was perhaps the only municipality in Mississippi that managed to integrate the schools without violence. I asked Haley Barbour why he thought that was so.
“Because the business community wouldn’t stand for it,” he said. “You heard of the Citizens Councils? Up north they think it was like the KKK. Where I come from it was an organization of town leaders. In Yazoo City they passed a resolution that said anybody who started a chapter of the Klan would get their ass run out of town. If you had a job, you’d lose it. If you had a store, they’d see nobody shopped there. We didn’t have a problem with the Klan in Yazoo City.”
Barbour, however, later responded to the magazine this way:
“When asked why my hometown in Mississippi did not suffer the same racial violence when I was a young man that accompanied other towns’ integration efforts, I accurately said the community leadership wouldn’t tolerate it and helped prevent violence there. My point was my town rejected the Ku Klux Klan, but nobody should construe that to mean I think the town leadership were saints, either. Their vehicle, called the "Citizens Council," is totally indefensible, as is segregation. It was a difficult and painful era for Mississippi, the rest of the country, and especially African Americans who were persecuted in that time.”
Race is always a tinderbox in American politics. And you can bet it would be a closely covered subject in a campaign pitting the first black president against, as Barbour said himself, a Southern white conservative.
When asked about controversies surrounding Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele -- and whether he’s judged differently because he’s African American -- Barbour said on CNN, "When you're a fat redneck like me and got an accent like mine you can say, 'Well they're gonna hold me to a higher standard.”
Whether or not the timing of the commutations is related to politics, it’s never a bad thing for a potential candidate to have the NAACP saying good things about them, when they were being branded by political opponents a week earlier as racist.
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A Life sentence for a $11 Robery conviction, says it All !
Ain't that the TRUTH Rick! Wonder what the sentence would have been if they were white?
If nothing else, I'll give Boss Hog credit for being a professional panderer!
About time for him to fuel up that jet and soak the tax payers some more dontcha think?
Make sure you notice that Mississippi is the POOREST state in the union and Boss Hog thinks nothing of sticking it to the working stiffs of his state
If I'm not mistaken, Barbour has more than one plane on our dime...and the state employees haven't gotten a raise in years, not to mention the budget cuts and insurance hikes they get regularly. But Mr. Barbour doesn't want for anything, nor do his cronies.
Rick,Ky
This proves my dad correct(grew up in McComb MS), don't committ any crime in MS. no matter how young you are, how petty the crime was, they in MS lock you up and throw away the key!!!
what made there sentance so long was that it was armed robbery. that carries a mandatory sentance.
So Feisty....you're saying they should still be in jail for this?
Just can't find a way to give credit to anyone for doing the right thing can you?
By the way, the poorest state in the union is California...they hold the most debt. I think Illinois is close.
"Poorest state" can be calculated using per capita income as the criteria and that would not be California.
Only an extreme partisan would criticize Barbour on his comments about the KKK.
Unfortunately, he won't get fair tretment by the media, which is looking for any reason to criticize ALL potential Republican candidates for President.
Sorry Pal... not even close... pay extra close attention to #50!
States ranked by median household income
Median Household Income by State [1][2]
RankState2009200820072004-2006
40
New Mexico
$43,028
$43,508
$41,452
$40,827
41
Louisiana
$42,492
$43,733
$40,926
$37,943
42
South Carolina
$42,442
$44,625
$43,329
$40,822
43
Montana
$42,322
$43,654
$43,531
$38,629
44
Tennessee
$41,725
$43,614
$42,367
$40,676
45
Oklahoma
$41,664
$42,822
$41,567
$40,001
46
Alabama
$40,489
$42,666
$40,554
$38,473
47
Kentucky
$40,072
$41,538
$40,267
$38,466
48
Arkansas
$37,823
$38,815
$38,134
$37,420
49
West Virginia
$37,435
$37,989
$37,060
$37,227
50
Mississippi
$36,646
$37,790
$36,338
$35,261
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_income
http://www.census.gov/statab/ranks/rank29.html
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/republican-gov-haley-barbour-mixed-state-business-pleasure/
Isn't it a shame when facts get in the way of BS?
Thanks for playin... we have some lovely parting gifts for you! ;o)
I do stand corrected on one thing....California, as bankrupt as it is, does not hold the most debt.
So the median income is lower in Mississippi, but the cost of living is also 47% lower than California. The average per capita state debt in MS is half of what it is in CA. If you take into account the cost of living versus the median income, there isn't a lot of difference from place to place.
Stats are stats and I can twist them too. If you pay enough attention to Obama and his spin doctors you can learn to twist them anyway you want.
1.3 - MS kills its inmates, they do not simply stop with an incarceration. They will beat a prisoner to death and get away with it.
They should have had a much lesser sentence, but the kicker is the requirement that one donate a kidney, can you say extortion? The Governor needs to not run for President but go directly to JAIL.
Rick, an ARMED robbery! In such cases the amount taken by the ARMED robbers is not much of a factor.
Joe, actually you are correct. Crusty Redhead didn't address your point. My state of California is #1 in debt with almost $60 million alone in unfunded liabilities to government union pension funds. Followed by Illinois with almost $55 million of debt for the same reasons.
Ricky right on enough said
Actually Feisty is correct. Debt is not a factor in considering in considering a State's net worth, nor is cost of living. A State is ranked on 'median income' and that already includes Cost of Living in the formula.
Yes California has the most debt but since that doesn't affect the 'median income' it is not a factor. California wages are significantly higher because they do have a higher cost of living. Median Income is calculated by taking Wages vs Cost of Living.
Feisty go back to kicking their butts using FACTS that they choose to ignore.
Was it Armed Robbery?
You mean facts that do not tell the whole story, would you reather be liviing on $36,000 per year in Mississippi or $60,000 per year in New York City?
Hey did they hit the victim with the shotgun barrel, sort of like pistol whipping?
So,
The reasoning here seems to be that the less you were robbed of, the less the prison sentence should be???
Maybe we could impose a graduated scale...something like a month in the graybar saloon for every $10.00 taken at gunpoint. Kind of like the graduated scale of a speeding ticket. The faster you go, the more it will cost you.
Oh, but let's not stop there. Let's look at the weapon too. A .44 Magnum with hollowpoints dipped in rat poison would bring the biggest sentence. A .38 maybe a medium sentence. A sharpened Bowie knife an even lesser sentence, and a dull butter knife, maybe just probation. Long as were getting silly, let's just go all the way.
I think Feisty didn't address Joe's comment. Joe says that California has the most state debt. Feisty is mistakenly using the state's resident median income and calling that the aforementioned debt. No Feisty, diverting the argument isn't going to win any argument here. Nice try.
Actually Edward and the rest...
I DID address Joe's comment and if you can read you would see where my original post cited that Mississippi is the POOREST state in the union.
Then Joe chimed in with this comment:
Which is blatently FALSE because it is not calculated on debt but rather median household income and then I proceeded to give 3 seperate web sites confirming my original statement. BTW - there's plently more out there if you're interested.
You see just because you say so... doesn't somehow make it magically become TRUE!
When presented with cold hard facts you still deny & divert...
Apples & Oranges my friend...
Then you wonder why I refer to you all as the stuck on stupid crowd!
It's not a matter of me being right... it's a matter of maybe you would learn something!
Hell... WHAT am I thinking! ;o)
*Good Grief*
http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/16/news/economy/Americas_wealthiest_states/index.htm
Sally - Snoopy's Sister,
Thank you for the link. As usual Feisty is on target but many on the Right refuse to face facts even when presented with a reliable source.
Mississippi is the poorest state in the union becasue we have an overabundance of folks who think that the government owes them something and they set their lazy hind ends on the couch all day on our dime. The percent of people who actually work down here do pretty well. Don't believe me? Drive through any community in Mississippi at 2 in the afternoon on a weekday and observe all the folks just walking around doing nothing or setting on their front porch. These are not old or sick folks. They are people aged from about 17-30. Go to work people.
Oh, lookie here http://www.statemaster.com/graph/eco_per_bel_pov_lev-economy-percent-below-poverty-level
States with the highest poverty rates are overwhelmingly dominated by Conservatives. Mississippi leads the pack, being the only state with over 1 in 5 living in poverty. The states with the lowest poverty rates? Mostly blue states, led by Connecticutt. It's worth noting that Alaska is #2 in income, getting considerably more money per capita from the Federal Government than anyplace else. They're an anomaly. The other states with high income per capita are all states that export taxes to the poor states.
You're welcome, Conservatives.
The Scott sisters bludgeoned a man with a shotgun while they were robbing him. Whether it was for $11 or $1100 makes no difference, it is armed robbery and assault. It is rather funny that you liberals don't want to protect the victim that only has a small amount of money, that you actually scoff because these women are serving life for an armed robbery that only netted $11. One is on dialysis, the other has two good kidneys. The basis for their parole (not a pardon) is that Gladys Scott will save Jamie Scott's life.
BARBOUR MUST BE TAKING ETHICS LESSONS IN COMMUNIST CHINA OR INDIA!
The thought of making this pardon contingent upon donating a kidney is morally reprehensible and is a violation of the 4 cardinal principles of Medical Ethics.
1. Autonomy - The principle of autonomy recognizes the rights of individuals to self-determination. Although the sister's decision may be her own, the State has no right to require this.
2. Beneficence - The term beneficence refers to actions that promote the well-being of others. In the medical context, this means taking actions that serve the best interests of patients. The individuals, not the State are the determiners of this.
3. Non-Maleficence - The concept of non-maleficence is embodied by the phrase, "first, do no harm," or the Latin, "primum non nocere". Is this action by the sister voluntary, will the State ensure proper follow-up medical care so no harm is done?
4. Justice - The idea that the burdens and benefits of new or experimental treatments must be distributed equally among all groups in society. Would the State require this of any other ethnic or gender group?
Bottom line - this is from a Medical Ethics point of view, no different that theft of body parts from prisoners in China nor selling of body parts from the social outcasts / desperately poor from India. Any physician or hospital that participates in this has learned nothing from the Nuremberg Trials at the end of WW2.
Barbour's barbaric decree is no different than the actions of those convicted of Crimes Against Humanity - Mengele would approve.
BBOOOMER got it right. These two sisterss did not Maybe if we looked at the whole story instead of the small insignificant portion of the issue that is focused on the $11 , then maybe we would have to ask the question... Have these two sisters rehabilitated themselves for the beating that they gave the victim in this case? Was this Barbour move poltica? .l.. damed straight! but if it serves the right purpose, who cares! Just so we are are not releasing two sisters that will just go out and beat the hell out of another victim when they cannot find a job adn need money!
Ok Fed up Senior.
First the girls did not beat anyone. The three boys were the ones that did the beating and they got 6 years and served 3 years each.
Do you know or care if the boys were rehabilitated? This is all political for Barbour, since these women should have been released a long time ago. But in Mississippi, the life of a woman is not worth much.
Fletch2 _____I stand corrected. It seems like Barbour is doing the right thing that possibly is long overdue. And I agree, regardless of if it is right or wrong decision, I to feel like this was a political move that has been treated appropriately as such. These two ladies have been given a chance to start over... I hope they use it productively! I am from Mississippi, but don't hold much hope for any glowing opportunties to be there in Mississippi if they do decide to stay in the state. HA Have a great day!
Any political implications? Does a bear crap in the woods?
Of course!
Only in Mississippi would two women get life in prison for armed robbery...taking $11.00.
Will freeing the two women help Haley? Nope...Too little...to late.
Ron Indiana
Any political implications? Does a bear crap in the woods?
Of course!
Of course, I'm glad they are exonerated. But, you can bet if he was not considering a White House run they'd be rotting in jail.
This pig feeds at the same though as the other phonies. I wonder how many KKKs are eyeballing the White House now?
ARMED robbery............A R M E D robbery. It's about the use of the weapon, not the amount of money taken.
Life seems a bit much for brandishing a weapon.
Then why did the 3 accomplices receive an 8 year sentence of which they served only 3 years?
It's Mississippi. The law don't need to make sense to us down there.
Sentencing guidelines?
According to http://www.crimeandpunishment.net/MS/ms.html the sentence for Armed Robbery 3 Years up to Life NOT Eligible for Parole.
As for the accomplices, corrupt judge?
I believe the women actually hit the men in the fact with the gun butts...but still, too much for life in prison.
I wonder what the mandatory sentence is for actually shooting someone?
MsKat, You guestion whether or not they deserved the life sentences and I guess it would depend on whether or not you were the one getting pistol whipped. Obviously all Barbour is trying to do is to garner the black vote and if he wasn't thinking about running for President these two would still be checking the years off in their cells. To Beverly in Chicago, who says she's glad they were exonerated, they weren't exonerated, they will be considered to be pardoned if Barbour goes ahead with this mistake. Usually when someone is pardoned, whether it be by a Governor or the President, they will have shown some redeeming qualities while incarcerated or made an obvious and provable life change. Either these two were extremely stupid or this is a good example of a life sentence not being a deterrent in committing a crime. I tend to think it was their stupidity, because anyone who would have almost certainly "scoped" out other potential targets before hand, only to decide their best bet was someone who couldn't have looked too well off if he only had eleven bucks in his wallet, is certainly not a member of Mensa.
Well getting pistol whipped is certainly bad and you could obviously kill someone that way if you hit them hard enough. But it still seems excessive to give them life in prison. I don't know how much luck Barbour will have getting the black vote. I think it's pretty much the good ole' boys, their wives, and general white republicans with at least comfortable incomes who are for him.
To Beverly in Chicago, who says she's glad they were exonerated, they weren't exonerated, they will be considered to be pardoned if Barbour goes ahead with this mistake.
Doug,
Just to be clear. Are you saying that Barbour is making a mistake releasing these women?
If he is releasing them because he thinks they are innocent that is legitimate. If he is using them as political pawns, that is a mistake.
And they aren't exonerated. They were released early. Exoneration would imply their criminal records would be wiped clean.
Also, don't forget the guns, and the robbery with those guns. $11 may not be much in the big scheme, but they didn't know how much the score would be. They still conspired, committed the crime, and were convicted. Remove the emotion from it.
joe,
Are you having trouble commenting?
Ron, you are mistaken, other States where people commit armed robbery, despite the amount, can also sentence felons to life imprisonment. And if the bludgeoned victim had've died, then the death penalty could be imposed. The fact that you, Ron in Indiana, stress the low amount the victim possessed should be the criteria of imprisonment of felons is what I'm wondering about. Are you truly not a liberal or are you just a hypocrite who attacks Conservatives regardless of their actions?
I happened to click on the Washington Post link above, thinking it would provide more details about the original conviction, and found the following:
"Gladys and Jamie Scott have each served 16 years of a life sentence. Their case had become a cause celebre among civil rights groups, including the NAACP, which mounted a national campaign to free the women.
The Scotts were convicted in 1994 for an armed robbery in which they led two men into an ambush. The men were robbed of $11, and their supporters contend that the Scotts, who are black, received extraordinary punishment for the crime.
Barbour said he decided to suspend the sentences in light of the poor health of 38-year-old Jamie Scott, who requires regular dialysis. The governor asserted that 36-year-old Gladys Scott's release is contingent on her giving a kidney to her inmate sibling."
Okay, the emphasis is mine - but am I the only one who thinks we could use some further explanation of this contingency? Like, is this even remotely legal?
JoAnne in PA
The Scotts were convicted in 1994 for an armed robbery in which they led two men into an ambush. The men were robbed of $11, and their supporters contend that the Scotts, who are black, received extraordinary punishment for the crime.
Where are the Tea Baggers when you need them to tout Constitutional rights? The TSA had them in a furor. Why not this?
...am I the only one who thinks we could use some further explanation of this contingency? Like, is this even remotely legal?
The real question is who's going to PAY for the kidney transplant?
And if an unforseen medical issue makes the kidney donation impossible, do they have to serve the rest of their sentence?
Which constitutional rights were violated? They were tried and convicted. They appealed and the conviction was upheld. Due process was covered.
I don't think a life sentence was called for in this case, especially when (at the time of the robbery) the 19 year old had a 7 year old child and was pregnant, and the 22 year old had 3 kids, ages 7, 3, and 1. They may have made less than stellar life choices, but life in prison seems a bit steep even for Mississippi, even if sentencing guidelines allow for it.
http://www.americaswrongfullyconvicted.com/jamie__gladys_scott.htm
Bev -
I'd just like to see the part of Mississippi's constitution where it says that the governor can make donating a kidney a condition of an "early release". Kidney donors are often at risk of severe complications and even death. Putting any racial issues aside, (which admittedly is pretty hard to do in this case) I just found that part of the article really disturbing, and I'd like to hear more details about it before anyone starts praising Barbour's decision.
By the way, thanks for your comment on the earlier thread, and a very Happy New Year to you, too.
I believe the sister was going to give her kidney anyway. However; I agree with you. If this is actually written in the release, it seems very wrong.
"and the 22 year old had 3 kids, ages 7, 3, and 1."
I thought Sarah was from Idaho,or Montana or somewhere like that before she moved to Alaska??
Lets face it - if this was in Arizona, Jan Brewer would have released the one that is sick because state funds would have to pay for a TRANSPLANT. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Like I said, not too stellar life choices. Difference is Sarah wasn't convicted of armed robbery. She may be a complete moron but she isn't a felon.
Compare their sentences to the probation a 69-year old man got for 2nd degree murder after a neighbor's dog urinated on his lawn. If these women had prior convictions, a life sentence might make sense. But they didn't.
Wait. I live near this guy. First, he came storming out of his house with a loaded gun in his pocket to begin with. Then, he threatened the dog walker with the gun. THAT'S when he got punched. HE THREATENED THE YOUNGER MAN FIRST. You don't threaten someone with a gun over dog pee.
His story then changed to "I felt the need to defend myself" by shooting an unarmed man, because I was enraged that he let his dog pee on my lawn. Now, Daryl, you may see some fairness here, but I can't find it. Why he came out of his house to begin with, much less with a loaded handgun is beyond me. WHY DIDN'T HE JUST CALL POLICE? Especially after getting hit.
If he didn't intend to use that gun, why did he leave the front door with it hidden in his pants? NO. There is no justice here. Probation for taking a life over dog pee? NO. This judge needs to go.
I couldn't agree with you more, Yankee Boy-1251460.
If someone was to point a gun at me and I decided right then and there that I couldn't just walk away I would have punch him as well. The only difference is I would have did my best to take the gun away from him to make sure he didn't get off a round.
Hey it's Mississippi for sake! The Whites in Mississippi treat Blacks like its 1830. They think Racism and Bigotry is a Right of Passage!! To Compound the problem most of the Whites have very little education so that are threatened by the Black population!!
I'd be careful about lumping all Mississippians into that stereotypical, ignorant category that we're all racists and want to own slaves. That's just a stupid statement.
And many whites and blacks in MS have little education, especially in the Delta where poverty is the norm. It's like that a lot of places in the South. Reconstruction never happened and we're still on the bottom 150 years later...white AND black.
MsKat say what you will. Racism and Bigotry in Mississippi is as high as its ever been. Why are people in Mississippi so quick to deny what's really going on??? Ok, maybe 2% of the White Population in Mississippi is not racist. Mississippi is America's dirty little secret!!
Nobody wants to admit that it is run like it was in 1830!
So how do you decide this is a fact of life in MS? Do you live here? Have you done extensive studies on race here?
Of course there is racism here, but I have seen far worse racism in other parts of the country. Here it really isn't so much race as it is economics. Many of us (blacks and whites) live in the same neighborhoods and go the same places and one seems to mind. A lot of the racism resides in the older generations.
Let me help you with this defense of Mississippi Kat. "Haley reminds us everyday that we have a long way to go here in Mississippi. Even we poor whites recognize our state's failings under his stewardship."
Paul-977599 you are so right .I often ask my brothers and sisters, why they stay in such a God forsaken place.
Remember in 1830 the NORTH owned salves also. Not just the south. And where was the biggest race riots. In the GOOD OLD NORTH.
This is not sitting well with me. Fine they got life for the robbery, I am not going to debate whether that is right or wrong. The part that have me scratching my head is the kidney donation as a part of the deal. What the heck is that? You cannot trade organs for release, right? Something just seems wrong about this setup. There is no mention of medical screening to see if she is a match. What are the contingency plan if the surgery goes south, will the State of MS be responsible for any medical expenses to cover any catastrophic issues? This might be a political move, but black or not, we should not be using people's lives as bargaining chips. So Mr. Barbour either you free them because you want to be a decent human being or leave them where they are, because the law said that is what should happen. This sucks that we the people always become a casualty of the political process.
This kidney donation thing seems out of place. They should just stay in prison and die naturally. No government funded surgery. Life in prison means life in prison....period.
No need to point out the women are black. The NAACP wouldnt mount a national effort to free white women.
Why would they? It's for the advancement of "colored people." DUH!
I think your BS detector is broken, because it doesn't seems to pick up your BS. Thanks for the silly statement with zero value to the vine.
Exactly...their goal isn't to right wrongs, but to right wrongs suffered by blacks. It is a racist organization.
Having said that....life for armed robbery in which the gun was used to hit someone?! The weapon might as well have been a frying pan. The punishment is COMPLETELY disproportionate to the crime, whether the amount taken was $11 or $11M. They've served 16 YEARS in prison for hitting a man and taking his money. Geez.
Travis,
Exactly...their goal isn't to right wrongs, but to right wrongs suffered by blacks. It is a racist organization.
Can you cite a case regarding whites, that the NAACP could or should have handled and did not?
Why would they need to, If white they wouldn't be there.
Why are so many people so uninformed? Racial advocacy, especially when it comes to the descendants of black slaves, is not a zero-sum game for whites. Black people in the United States (especially in the South) still face challenges in our society -- everything from the job market to the institutions of power... firmly controlled by the white man. Groups like the NAACP specialize in institutional racism. Something that I can tell by your comments you don't understand.
Very troubling to see such statements which would indicate a myopic view of history and an astonishing ignorance of racism today. Last time I read a history book, there were was no thing as the systematic lynchings of whites by blacks, voter intimidation and fraud committed against whites, corrupt black police departments wrongly convicting whites and driving while white was never a crime.
Mississippi may have more than its fair share of racists, but they exist in every state, county and town in out country and in every walk of life. This is why the NAACP was created and still exists today.
Racism is not just about race, its about power. Those that have the power in this country are still largely white. While Jim Crow may be gone, we still live in a segregated stratified society. The reasons are more complex and are rooted in social and economic developments such as the "white flight" from the cities to the suburbs.
If you think racism doesn't exist, I challenge any white person to step up and say that he would change the color of his skin and say it doesn't matter.
Well said, Dennis.
SheaSF,
At the risk of being called a racist, let me point out the real reason I have seen why white people are in charge in government, and in the business community. It isnt a matter of ability. No, were pretty much equal in that respect. At least at first. It's all related to attitude. Many black people just give up. And many start to give up around the fifth grade. That's when they learn to blame any failure on their part on "racist" teachers, racist textbooks, racist tests, whatever. This blame game continues on into adult life. Play the race card anytime things don't go your way. That way nothing is ever really your fault. Unfortunately, businesses are very results oriented. If you don't perform. If you are not an asset to the firm, then you are a liability. Once your branded as a liability, you are watched closely with an eye to getting rid of you. Just like trying to make a car more fuel efficient by eliminating friction and drag, management looks to make their companies more cost effective by eliminating anyone who is not pulling their weight. Anyone causing friction which impedes the smooth efficient flow of work is at risk of being dismissed. This is business. Government is a lot more lax....up to a point. They are still entrusted with the people's money and are expected to spend it wisely and efficiently. White people are not that concerned with race. They are more results oriented. This is noticed and rewarded by promotions and higher pay, and higher authority. It doesn't take long for black folks to be viewed as a problem to be avoided.
I can see how an eleven year old black kid in America could get the impression that his race is being treated differently than all others.
It is our failing which allows that "misperception" to grow in young minds.
Paul,
What makes it worse, is that the kid's peer group reinforces that attitude. They all agree with him and this is really a cop out. It would take a huge stretch of reasoning for an 11 year old black kid to see the fallacy in his own reasoning and make that mental leap, defying all that his friends perceive to be gospel truth.
It is OUR failing which allows that "MISPERCEPTION" to grow in young minds.
These southern states are such total back waters it's hard to imagine any normal person living there. In any event, this bloated old racist isn't going to win the WH, so forget it and move on.
You've obviously never been to the South and make your statements based on idiotic stereotypes and misinformation...
Been there DOZENS of times. Mother was a native Texan. Won't go there again either.
So much for your "conclusions."
And Texas won't miss ya one single bit, yankee boy :)
Yankee, it's ignorant of anyone to make such broad judgements about any group of people. Hardly anyone "normal" lives in the south, really? A few visits doesn't make you an expert on ALL people in ALL southern states.
Daryl, thanks, I am pretty used to non-southerners having preconceived notions about me and anyone else here. There is a lot about money and church here, at least amongst the "higher society" types. I don't go to church and I don't care about what kind of car anyone drives or what neighborhood they live. I'm sure it's the same in a lot of places all over...
As a transplant, I have to say I have found people in the south to be a lot nicer than my home town in Michigan. I just remember people are people are people, and I haven't seen a lot of differences. But then again all my co workers call me oblivious so I'm not sure I would have. 8)
daryl "have friends who grew up black" so what color are they now
I believe Gov Barbour has said that he doesn't believe the state should have to pay for a kidney transplant for the woman, as it would have to do if the two were to stay in prison. Rather like freeing an AIDS patient so the state doesn't have to pay for the drugs to keep him/her alive.
Why should the state pay for it? Is the state liable for some reason? Seems to me that these women have a lot of good people pulling for them. Surely a fund could be set up to pay for it privately.
He wouldn't pay for it if his own mother required a kidney. He'd watch her die from complications from infection or disease instead.
Why are you white people worry about cost ,instead of the person life ,the usual suspect.(Republicans)
sunnyvue, do you think you should pay for the transplant? I didn't think so!
Admit it Dasvet -- you believe if people can't afford health care they should die quickly. It really isn't your problem, let alone a problem of society.
John B., How do you know what I believe. Why don't you solve the problem by paying for it yourself?
You just defined the issue as being all about who pays for it. That would be anyone but you. Please accept my apologies for taking you at your word.
Life for $11.00??? I know they committed a crime, but life?? Very sad thing. And even more sad is that this man is only doing this for brownie points. Typical Republican, they only care about the little guy when it serves them politically. I have news for all of you who voted for the Republicans, they will screw you every chance they get Get ready to bend over in January.
CAT:
We are use to it by now. We've been bending over and getting the "royal" screw for the last two years. Have you been comatose?
I absolutely think there is a connection between the timing of this commutation and the recent revelations about Gov Barbour's past.
But, do you think the sisters give a damn?
Nope and I sincerely hope that both lead long, healthy and happy lives going forward.
Governor Barbour should be held to answer for his past conduct and he should be given credit for this good deed.
There is no way that Gov B is a candidate in 2012, no way no how!
One man's opinion.
The governor's (or the president's) pardon comes with a responsibility to look for injustices and correct them. This is a far easier task for a state governor than a president. It shouldn't have taken a political gaff, the NAACP or 16 years in prison to find this injustice.
Well SheaSF,
They were convicted of armed robbery. So sixteen years doesn't seem like quite enough punishment. Maybe about 40 years actual prison time. Yeah, that sounds about right. That's only fair.
Given that the average term for armed robbery is 4 years, life in prison seems a bit much. http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/info/-Armed-Robbery-Charges
Not to mention that the explosion in incarceration rates over the past several decades is a big factor in the budget problems of cities, counties, and states. One out of FOUR prisoners WORLDWIDE is held in the United States. Under the circumstances there's a perfectly valid debate to be had as to whether we're administering justice in the best way possible.
Maybe we could ship the care and feeding of all those prisoners to a third world country. Why not??? We ship all our other work over there. I'll just bet that India could whip those jailbirds into shape real quick. They would be marching to chow and eating mush three meals a day.
I am not the type of person to use cuss words in writing comments but there is only one way to describe a Republican politician that is trying to cover up a racist comment that he thought may go over well with his fellow Republicans only to further antagonize the Real American non racist population . The best way to decribe Boss Hogs attempt can best be described as A-- Kissing the african american voters in hopes of getting their Vote. YOU ARE WRONG AGAIN ,LIVE WITH IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sure, lets do it the Democrats way. Keep promising the African-Americans more entitlements and keep telling them they are victims, and watch as their poverty rate increases, out of wedlock births increase, single parent families increase, their murder rate for young AA men increase, and more are imprisoned. All the while the Democrats tell the African-Americans "Vote for me!!!"
Quite the legacy the Democrats have with the African-Americans of the country. Something for them to be proud of for sure.
JoAnnaSmith1
Just about the time I think I've met all the racist pigs on this posts I meet another one. Congratulations! You are by far the winner this week. Maybe this year. You think black people are all for entitlement and have nothing to offer this country. You have a small mind. About the size of a pea I suspect. Mr. Barbour of Mississippi would welcome you with open arms because you fit into his narrow minded, racist, bigoted views. Mississippi is for you if you aren't already a resident.
No AB, that's what Liberals like yourself believe blacks are for. Liberals are the do-gooders that just want to help others, but as always, it blows up in your face. The family unit of African Americans was solid 50 years ago and that has steadily declined as Liberals such as yourself have used the black population to buy their votes for the Democratic party, spending trillions on not just worthless government programs, but on programs that were detrimental to blacks, but it sure brought the black vote home for the Democrats, now didn't it? Everyone has their price I guess, even if it's not in their long term interest. Or are you denier of the declines that have occurred over the years for the black population? Or is it Bush's fault?
And you have a happy new year Ana.
JoAnnaSmith1
"The declines that have occurred over the years for the black population?" You mean things have gotten worse since slavery and lynchins in the south? Worse since civil rights? Where do you get this crap from? Fox News is full of crap but even they don't push this idea you've bought into. Or maybe they do. I don't know since I don't watch them. May God have mercy on your soul!
Excuse me ladies, but I'd like to weigh in here. A few facts. I'm Black. Most of my friends are Black. All of my family are Black. I'm 57 yrs old. I grew up in a single parent home. Most of my friends grew up in single parent homes. The family unit for African-Americans in this country has always been screwed-up. This dysfunction is a direct result of the slavery mentality that has been passed on from generation to generation. Before you argue this point and say I'm using the past as an excuse think about this: scientific studies prove that college-educated families generationally produce more college graduates. In the case of African-Americans, our genesis in America was as slaves and slave producers, and this mind-set has perpetuated itself for generations. So. while single parent families are still among us, I saw more of my daughters Black schoolmates from two-parent families than when I was in school. And one more question for JoAnna, what entitlements are you talking about?
j smith - i guess that's why most of the blacks are middle class - yep living off the government and not going to school
Affirmative Action.
And Ana, you obvioulsy need to go back to the rookie league. The black family unit was much more intact 50 years ago. What is it today Ana?
And keep up the personal insults Ana. It just makes you look as bad as the other Liberal dolts around here.
So we're all equal now, correct? You're okay if we cancel that Affirmative Action nonsense?
JoAnnaSmith1......The authority on blacks. She will tell you what they think and do, what others think of them. The black family has declined over the past 50 years. They were much better off during slavery and segregation. They enjoyed being lynched. I suppose she is upset because some blacks has the nerve to use some of the entitlements that only the JoAnna's of this world is entitled to.
Those stupid blacks were much better off being raped and used by slave masters, there were no single mother or kids born out of wedlock. No one went to jail simply because of the color of their skin. They took their lynching bravely, because they earned it. per missus smith.
She knows all these things because she is no racist, her nanny was black, so was her maid.
JoAnna, your condescension to the Black community is disgusting and you owe every black person on this seed an apology.
The family unit of African Americans was solid 50 years ago and that has steadily declined as Liberals such as yourself have used the black population to buy their votes for the Democratic party, spending trillions on not just worthless government programs, but on programs that were detrimental to blacks, but it sure brought the black vote home for the Democrats, now didn't it.
In other words, the stupid people voted for Democrats because they offered them some worthless entitlements and they did not know any better and jumped on it.
If I were you, for the rest of your life, do not insult the intelligence on this board claiming that you are not a flaming racist. I suppose you will say you are no racist, since you know some black people.
Fletch - so you deny that the black family unit has disintegrated in the last 50 years?
Seems to work in Obama's old church, the one that contained the Very Reverend Wright, in Chicago. Did you ever listen to what he "preached"? It wasn't so reverent.
It's the Liberals like yourself that talk of "low-information voters voting against there own interest". Seems that's a two-way street now don't you think? Please answer my first question above before you answer the second.
The true racists are the Liberals. Buying votes, and for what, a little power? You should be ashamed of yourselves. Even now the Democrats are using the failure to pass the DREAM act as a wedge issue because, well, how can the Republicans expect to win the Hispanic vote without giving them a little something, correct? There's your racism, and the Democrats own it. And I can't insult your intelligence, because you don't seem to have any.
I know what's happened to the African-American community in the last 50 years. You seem to be in denial of it. Probably because your intentions were good, but to hell with the results, correct?
JSmith====Hasn't the white family also disintegrated in the last 50 years? Why do you single out just black families? It really sounds as though you may have a racist bone in your body.
JoAnna you are way out of line talking about things that you do not know and did not experience. The family unit of blacks was more solid 50 years ago is an out and out LIE. I am 50 years old, educated and black. I came from a 2 parent household and all my kids are raising their kids in 2 parent households.
Simply because all you know about blacks is what you see on Fox, does not make it true. The majority of us are not criminals and thugs, on welfare, or spend our days at black panther meetings as your far right heroes would have you believe.
And you believe affirmative action is an entitlement? You are someone on the outside looking in and obviously a fool to boot. If not required to do so by federal law, how many people do you think would hire a black person over a white one when the are both fully qualified for the job? Our unemployment numbers would be joke, especially if if were people like you in charge of the hiring process.
Do me a favor and don't ever try to be an expert on my race.
JoAnna, you may not accept this because it sounds as if you get the majority of you info and politics from far-right outlets like Faux Nuuz, but Afirmative Action is over blown. How many Black men and women do you know? Do they have jobs and homes and families? If so, did they acquire these things through Affirmative Action? Next question: Did you know that Affirmative Action legislation was not just a Black thing? This legislation was enacted to help women also. ALL WOMEN. In times past and not too long ago, women were discriminated against also. I think Affirmative Action worked. We see more women and more minorities (Black, Hispanic, Asain, etc.) achieving middle class status, thanks partly to Affirmative Action. So, you may think poorly of legislation designed to 'right a wrong', but it has helped this country as a whole. Has Affirmative Action directly caused you to lose an opportunity and can you name a current incident of Affirmative Action in use?
JoAnna,
Fletch - so you deny that the black family unit has disintegrated in the last 50 years?
Yes. They have not disintegrated. People like you have tried to make it so and have failed miserably.
In other words, the stupid people voted for Democrats because they offered them some worthless entitlements and they did not know any better and jumped on it. Seems to work in Obama's old church, the one that contained the Very Reverend Wright, in Chicago. Did you ever listen to what he "preached"? It wasn't so reverent.
You seem somewhat confused. What does Rev. Wright have to do with entitlements? No, I do not go to church in Chicago and do not feel the need to listen to any minister. I suppose you listen to and emulate The Very Reverend Ted Haggart?
You are one of those narrow minded racist,who cannot seem to have a conversation without the inclusion of Mr. Obama, even without any relevance.
It's the Liberals like yourself that talk of "low-information voters voting against there own interest". Seems that's a two-way street now don't you think.
What is the two way street? Are you now comparing Blacks with low information voters? I thought low information voters was just that. Only a racist like yourself could try and make it a race issue.
The true racists are the Liberals. Buying votes, and for what, a little power? You should be ashamed of yourselves. Even now the Democrats are using the failure to pass the DREAM act as a wedge issue because, well, how can the Republicans expect to win the Hispanic vote without giving them a little something, correct? There's your racism, and the Democrats own it. And I can't insult your intelligence, because you don't seem to have any.
You think you can try using politics to hide or explain your racism? It wont work, it just becomes more blatant. Obviously in your opinion Blacks should know their place. They can be bought , unlike you who is white and very well informed , your intelligence tells you that 50 years ago blacks were treated so well, you want to take your country back there and they should too. For you, minorities are only for buying and selling.
I am not an expert on the black experience. But I can tell a racist like yourself after reading one of your sentences. Your saying that Affirmative Action is an entitlement, proves just how intelligent you are.
I will respectfully refer to the answers given by Thewaythings are and Blackman2day.
I know what's happened to the African-American community in the last 50 years. You seem to be in denial of it. Probably because your intentions were good, but to hell with the results, correct?
You are the only one that know what happened to Blacks in the last 50 years, since as a black woman in white skin, you have lived it and that makes you an authority. The lynchings and segregation were good for them, they just did not know it.
I have seen you pull stuff out of your ass before, but this takes the cake. In an effort to try and come across as in informed intelligent person, you have just shown yourself to be a rather ignorant bigot.
JS1;
I used to read your posts because sometimes you did present a plausible idea or two. Not anymore. You are a racist bigot - PERIOD. You should go crawl back under that 50 year old smelly slimy rock your crawled out of. This country does not need bigots and racists. You are a part of the problem. You must be one of those paid instigators that have been in the news this week that come on these sites and dump their load of crap.
Holy cr@p! Talk about a major slap down! Yow, JS1, you might just want to stay down as all that is going to happen if you try posting again is another, well deserved, beat down.
Score:
JS1: 0
Not JS1: 9 and counting.
Hmmm, seems like poor JS1 FINALLY went way yonder too far and got her well, you know, kicked and kicked hard. Got to say poor JoAnna, you have been asking for that smack down for quite sometime. A person who had a moral compass would apologize.
Which leaves you out.
Affirmative action was brought about to give the Black people a leg up in school (grade inflation based on race), and in the workplace through Hiring quotas. (X% of your workforce must be Black, or you are in violation.)
This was the theory. Once the Black man was made artificially equal to the white man, his kids would then have more of a propensity to succeed. By bussing Black kids across town so they could sit in school ,sandwiched between two white achievers, the black kids would succumb to the overwhelming white peer group pressure, and finally start to do their homework. That was the theory anyway. So the big questions are: Did it work?? and when does it finally stop?? If the Black man is the equal of the white man, is this affirmative action really needed?? To say that it is always going to be needed is to say that the black man will always be inferior to the white man and always needs the government mandated, artificial advantages given to him. That seems insulting to any self respecting black man or woman.
Edward, redefining ignorance much?
Edward and JS1 are two of the same. Ignorant Bigots.
Fletch - you're waaay to kind! ;o)
Fellas,
I'm just stating facts. Grade inflation based on race I happened to see repeatedly during my days at IU. And everyone knows about the affirmative action hiring scandals. Unless you never read a newspaper. The questions I posed are 1.) Did Affirmative action reach it's goal?? and 2.) When does affirmative action stop??
Anybody?
Edward, to answer your questions...in my opinion
1. Affirmative actions has not yet reached its goal because their are still numerous cases where a minority or woman is not treated fairly in hiring practices.
2. Affirmative actions stops when racism stops.
I have no idea what you are stating with the grade inflation thing. You are telling me that if you and I take the same calculus exam the instructor is going to give me a higher grade if we both score the same. Man you are delusional.
Thewaythingsare,
No, not delusional at all. This is from when I attended university thirty-five years ago. It worked something like this:
The grading scale for, say, your final exam would be 95 to 100 for an "A" if you are white, and 93 to 100 if you are a "minority". For a "B" the spread gets a little bigger; 85 to 95 for whites, 78 to 93 for "minorities". For a "C", the whites have to get at least a 70%, the "minorities" only had to achieve a 60%. Now we were on a four point grading accumulative average system. You had to maintain a "c" average to graduate. Which translates to a 2.0
Now we understood this was federally mandated and that it made little difference in the long run, because, once the graduate entered the workforce, the business community has little tolerance for incompetence. However, what if this "minority" graduate becomes a doctor under this grading system and is operating on you??? How about this affirmative action student ends up doing your companies taxes, or defending you in court??
Affirmative action stops when racism stops?? That's pretty much a knee-jerk cop-out, since we both know that there will always be prejudice of one kind or another. Does this work both ways?? Shouldn't whites be compensated for when they are discriminated against?? Remember, whites ancestors were slaves too.
Now certain kinds of discrimination are allowed by law. If I don't ever hire or promote anyone with a neck tattoo, or any one with a baritone voice, or any woman with red hair, or any one that sways too much when they walk...etc. , etc. Get the point??
Well I was an undergrad 32 years ago and I have never heard of a practice such as this and I highly doubt that it ever existed. Please prove to me where you found this federal mandate information besides speaking with your classmates in college.
Secondly if an affirmative action student is my doctor or lawyer or even accountant for that matter, its no different from having someone who is not. Also every minority that attends college is not there because of affirmative action. There are quite a few advanced degree holders who are dumber than a box of rocks. When choosing these people I will do my homework.
You are making a statement here that minorities have it easier to become professionals such as doctors and lawyers and that is nothing but non sense and again delusional.
Why is my answer a cop out? You are correct, there will always be racism of some kind and until it stops there needs to be something in place to make sure that minorities get the same opportunities than non-minorities receive.
Your point is silly. Red haired people or people who sway to much when they walk cannot be identified as an entire race of people. They may be discriminated against because of these attributes but that does not equate to racism. They are not being judged because of hate, which is what racism does.
And what ancestors of yours were enslaved by the U.S.? Please enlighten me to this. I know of endentured(sp) servants, but that is nowhere close to being dragged to a foreign land in chains.
Do you get the point?
Ah,
So much to reply to. First of all, we didn't find out about grade inflation from the university. A few of us noticed the discrepancies on posted results from final exams. We went to confront the professor about it, and he explained that he was just following mandated university rules which came about through affirmative action.
If an affirmative action student who would not have ever graduated is providing professional service for you....Good luck, do your homework.
Something in place to make sure that minorities get the same opportunities as whites; What about when the "something in place" goes too far to the left and discriminates against the white person because they are white. Isn't this government sponsored and financed racism??
Isn't it insulting to have the government, in effect, tell you that you need this government program and we need to bus your kids to the white school across town just so you can be equal?? This would be disgusting to me. This is a cop out for those with no self respect.
I never said my ancestors were enslaved in the U.S. I am of French decent. We used to be called Gauls. The Romans took many of my ancestors as slaves to be sold back in Rome. Look it up. It's called history.
Do you get the point yet?
And you are off base. Busing was not affirmative action. Busing was to end segregation so it has no bearing on this conversation. See Brown vs. The board of Education for details. But just for the record, it is insulting that the government has to take action for U.S. citizens and communities to do the right thing. And it has nothing to do with me being equal as a person. It has to do with me having and equal opportunity to a good education that was not always available in the black community And as far as something that a professor tells you does not make it a federal mandate and I know that it does not exist. Please explain how you also noticed descrepences(sp) in posted grades. In my experiences posted grades were just that. There were the percentages of correct answers posted and they were also posted by social security number and not by name, so again explain how you knew who the minority and affirmative action students were. This all stinks of lies to me and again I ask you to give proof, not a conversation you had with a professor.
I thought the conversation was about the U.S. Not France....
Do you get the point yet?
Just what we need another bag of wind as president. Barbour should stay where he is, fat and happy, eating black eyed peas and greasy grits.
Bighorn,
The President of the United States has a personal chef in the white house. He can eat grits, or peas, or Filet mignon 24/7. This comes with the job.
being a crime victim is extremely frightening, these animals should rot in jail
Are you saying they should literally stay in jail until they are dead and flesh is rotting from their corpses? Otherwise, if you mean "rot in jail" as equivalent to "be in jail", then that has been done, for eleven years.
Life for 11bucks.. Damn, thank god i live in Jersey
Angel, the criminals didn't know the victims only had $11. What difference does it make what the amount was, they committed armed robbery. The crime was armed robbery, not taking $11.
Angel,
So New Jersey is better?? How much do you usually score in an armed robbery in Jersey?
Barbour is an unethical punk. Bad enough that he uses body parts as a legal bargaining chip, he also believes he can buy the presidency.
In his dreams alone. He should be in a federal prison.
Sally
Just curious, why should he be in prison?
For killing or brutalizing inmates at will in MS. CNN's Anderson Cooper did a story on it a few years back. More have been killed by guards under the Barbour administration. He's a punk.
Barbour used extortion to free them. Not that one sister wouldn't willingly give another a good kidney to keep her alive but what a loser Barbour is. Stay away from national politics Mr. Barbour. You make me sick to my stomach! No good will with this racist bigot. Its money for the rich! Mississippi stole land from the Indians and used slave labor and still can't make ends meet without using twice as much federal money as it gives. Disgusting politicians is what Mississippi has to offer us. Nothing more.
I understand that Barbour has been doing even more backtracking, saying the 2 girls will be on parole, meaning, they can be sent back to jail anytime to finish those life sentences, for cause, or for no reason at all.
Mississippi is a solidly Republican Welfare State meaning they receive a whole lot of FREE American Taxpayer money and pay none back.
Putting a racist in the White House would send this country back 100 years, and it's even worse when the racists don't believe they are racist -- it just makes them feel justified in their wrongdoings.
There are more people held in American Jails than any other country in the world, and we are no where near having the largest population.
Americangirl, we HAVE a racist in the present White House now.
What makes you think so? Has he stated anything to indicate that one race is naturally superior to another and therefore entitled to rule over them? If not then you're just parroting another Conservative lie.
John B., the stupid remark from the president about the stupid professor's trouble with the law, comes to mind..
Dasvet,
Your repeated use of the word “stupid” is a direct reflection on your intelligence or your envy of highly educated people.
The professor did not have a problem with the law he had a problem with law enforcement and the comment the President made was not racial. He said the police “acted stupidly”. What is racial about that?
Dennis, if you believe that it wasn't racist, then would you like some oceanfront property in Arizona. It was a kneejerk reaction, tinged with the "The blackman is always being a victim" slobbering from the president..
Can't back up your argument, so you turn to insults. OK, now we're clear.
There is nothing racist about the statement: "The police ACTED stupidly."
Only a racist could think that there is anything racist contained in that declaration.
The professor was black, and that was the thrust of Obama's reaction. It was a racist statement when he knew nothing but the color of the professor.
Only a racist would think that Obama knew nothing more than the color of the Professor.
You are why the term "racist" is bulls-it now, when earlier it meant something.
You wish.
I know you would like to think that the opportunity to absolve yourself of guilt for your racist views exists now in this timeframe because our President is a member of a racial minority. Your criticisms of his actions and policies are welcome, so long as they are based on facts and truth. When you insist on making complaints based on little more than misguided theory, and when then challenged, fail and refuse to provide citation and or substantiation for the "belief", we are invited to question your motivations for "wanting to believe" what you are allowed to believe.
Racism is about one race's belief that they are naturally superior to another, and therefore have every right to rule over the other. Bigotry and bias are a different ailment.
Paul, I Know, I know, a black man cannot be a racist because Leroy from 1860 was a slave. BS, but live in your hypocrit world if you wish.
No Dasvet, the President has neither expressed nor exhibited anything that would indicate he feels blacks (or any race) are inherently superior and therefore entitled to a dominant position in society. Nor has he expressed nor exhibited anything that would indicate he feels whites (or any other race) is inherently inferior and therefore entitled to be dominated by those of another race. That's racism. Without that your entire argument is just posturing.
We must explain it to them over and over again. And they wonder why we find their willful ignorance frustrating. Then they want to complain when we "call them names".
Amen to that Paul!
Is Obama a racist??? Well I was reading and reading to see if anyone mentioned if the cops who arrested the Professor were white.
Didn't Obama faithfully attend a racist oriented black church in Chicago for twenty plus years? (Reverend Rice?)
The President has neither expressed nor exhibited anything that would indicate he feels blacks (or any race) are inherently superior and therefore entitled to a dominant position in society. Nor has he expressed nor exhibited anything that would indicate he feels whites (or any other race) is inherently inferior and therefore entitled to be dominated by those of another race. That's racism. Without that your entire argument is just posturing.
Most of what you hear from the President is from a teleprompter, or a prepared speech. These have all been carefully edited to keep him from inserting his foot into his mouth.
Edward, displaying new levels of ignorance.
What can I say you have said it all - notice after Katrina - Louisiana having a Democrat for the governor got shat upon and Haley Barbour got the big bucks, what did he do with it rebuilt the casinos, working people for these casinos got diddly crap - money to rebuild their homes - nada.
If I died my hell would be Mississipi, Alabama close second and Jim Demint in South Carolina maybe tied for second.
What is with these people who control education, who gets what - why do people keep voting them in? Wait fixed voting? Naah not like Florida, Ohio, naah not in this country - not!
The people in Mississippi got off their asses and went to work, unlike New Orleans, who just yelled and sat on their wet asses, Bobwa.
Did they, Dasvet? Mississippi got FAR more money per capita affected than Louisiana, and the deeply Repulican state is STILL easily the poorest state in the union. Sounds to me like they're just continuing their Conservative race to the bottom.
john, yes the Missisippians went to work while N.O. just yelled. There was a report that the amount of money that went to New Orleans was in the neighborhood of 500,000 dollars per household.
"Some people say....." , "There was a report......"
More of FAUX "NEWS" prefaces to "Let's just make up a FACTOID for our retarded audience of naives."
I guess you meant "went to work" in the figurative sense. Louisiana has the 15th highest unemployment rate, the Conservative paradise of Mississippi 38th.
Heckuva job, Haley.
I agree with Dasvet. I mean, I know a guy who read something that somebody else said that every black democrat in MS will get $100 Million per day in reparations. So it must me true.
As a black person I am insulted. These women should be in jail. They set up a murder and there partners only found 11 bucks. The worse part is the reason they are out is because he thinks we will no longer view him as a racist after his comments recently. Are you kidding me? This move is even worse compared to what he said, and I do not blame any white person for being outraged.
set up a murder? Did someone get killed in the commission of this crime? I don't think so.
The sentences may have been a bit much, and need to be reduced. BUT, the timing is VERY suspect! Seems like just a ploy to get the NAACP endorcement!
As a Black person, I'm insulted too. By you jandrew121! Are you trying to score cool points with your White associates? Why would you mention White people being outraged? Based on the comments I read here, I think most people agree that these two sisters were wronged. And, I think most of the folk posting here are White.
Blackman2day,
Yes, this sentence should be reduced somewhat. Maybe 80 years mandatory would send the appropriate message. Remember...armed robbery is still armed robbery.
Edward
Remember also that these were kids when this occurred. 1st time in trouble. I'm not dismissing the severity of the crime, nor am I saying that they should not have gone to jail. Tell me if i'm wrong about this next statement; you just heard about this case. I have been following this case for about 5 yrs. These young girls did not commit the act of armed robbery. They were guilty of conspiring to robbery by luring the victims into a trap. For that they deserve to be punished. All I'm saying is that for 2 kids that screwed up to have to pay with a double-life sentence is wrong.
jandrew,
You are embarrassing the Black community. If justice is insulting to you because you are black, can you now understand why Blacks are treated with injustice?
They set up a murder and there partners only found 11 bucks.
First, you should get your facts before making a statement. There was no murder or a set up for one.
It is pretty clear that you did NOT read the article jandrew.
Fletch2, I think Barbour is making a mistake if he does pardon these two, if the reason why is one needs the other to survive or if his real goal is just to get the black vote. If he's doing it just because the other one needs the transplant, then where will that stop? Will he be setting a precedent for other Governors who will ultimately release more serious offenders? I don't know. If he's just trying to get the black vote and it works, what does that say about the blacks in Mississippi? Personally I think he would have been better if he hadn't even considered this case in the first place, but obviously it's too late for that. He will have a hard time finding a way out of this mess!
On today's episode of Great Moral Dilemmas of the Day, we bring you the tale of Jamie and Gladys Scott. On Christmas Eve in 1993, the sisters convinced two men to drive them to a nightclub in Forest, Mississippi. During the journey, Jamie faked nausea...
She asked the driver to pull over, knowing there was a car with three teens following them. That's when the teens pulled up and robbed the two men at gunpoint of a grand total of $11. Jamie and Gladys jumped in the car with the boys and took off. And that's when things got weird. Gladys Scott and her sister suckered two men into pulling over to the side of the road, where they were robbed by three teens following them.
After the five were arrested, two of the boys decided to rat out Jamie and Gladys for lesser sentences. They would end up doing just a few months in jail. But Jamie and Gladys were sentenced to life for their roles in the $11 caper, despite both being young mothers with no prior convictions.
To top it all off, they received less than stellar lawyering. Their attorney, Firnist Alexander, called no witnesses on their behalf. And he just happened to be disbarred two years later for "lack of diligence" in other cases, which is legal speak for "the guy excelled at sitting on his ass."
Doug, after reading this, do you still think he is making a mistake?
Good ol' boy Barbour is a relic of the 19th Century and only in Mississippi could he be comfortable blurting out the things he's said on the record. I'd love to hear what he has to say when he's talking off the record.
Wow jandrew! You seem really passionate about keeping these 2 Black women in prison. And to keep them locked them up for a murder they did not commit. How long have you followed this case? Did you know that 3 other people were involved in this crime? The other 3 (all men) served 3 years and were released. Also, no one is saying that these ladies (they were teenagers at the time) should not have gone to jail. But double-life for a 1st time offense? I think White people and Black people should be outraged. But obviously, not for the same reason you think.
I think they should free everyone in prison in that state. Barbour is a bigot and racist. Go progressives/liberals. We will rule the world. Steal from anyone and give to us.
From everything I have read and heard about this case, Barbour is only doing this to save his state money, pure and simple. With the two sisters out, the one needing the transplant is disabled, and would have her transplant paid for by medicare....he is simply transferring the cost of her care from the state...to the federal government to save his state money, and will probable look at doing more of this to save his state money. Hero, for freeing them...he is NOT! He didn't suddenly find his heart, what he found was his wallet!