Bus buddies - fascists, ADD boy, a mean old lady and what the hell is that smell?

What a jacked up ride home today.

damn.

Ok, while waiting to get on the bus I overheard "Susie" and "Bob" behind me yammering:

Susie: ...and you know I think that we should make them have the election next week. After they vote just turn the county over to them. We have tried to work with them long enough. It's a county full of terrorist. Let them have it. If the new leaders want to work with us then fine. If not let them kill each other. We aren't getting any help anyway from anyone and we are the ones that have to shoulder the burden helping those folks.
Bob: Yeah....
Susie: you know I listen to talk radio driving home everyday to keep up with what is really happening. And I am tired of people blaming the US for fighting against terrorism.
Bob: Yeah...on Fox last night they were talking about that armor question that Rumsfield was asked. Like that armor they are putting on even really helps at all...
Susie:...You know that John Kerry and John Edwards and John Kennedy...uh...what's that guy's name....kenndy......the bad one....Ted Kenndy....they all voted against giving the armor to the troops. They are the reason the troops do not have what they need.....
Bob: ....and we are the only ones that can do the job.....the UN can't...
Susie:....please, the UN has never done anything good. The UN has never gone into a county and done anything...and they are nothing but a bunch of crooks.
Bob:.....yeah, and all they want is for us to give them more money....

Kiss my ass.

Then I get on my bus and manage to sit at the front away from the Hannity twins.

At the next stop tons of people get on board and a guy sits down next to me. As he settles in I am surprised to see he has Howard Zinns
Peoples History of the United States. I start to think about telling him what a great book it is. You know, here is a comrade and maybe I can get him to talk loud enough to piss off the twins. But then something tells me to keep my mouth shut. Very good idea.

The guy (now named ADD boy) can't be still. I first think that he is just uncomfortable and full of office fruit cake. But within the first 10mins ADD boy takes off his coat, re-arranges his shirt 5 times and shifts around in his seat like he has some severe ass rash. By the time we get 20 mins into our 1 hour ride, ADD boy continues to shift around, readjusting his shirt, opening and closing his book 37 times, and all the time bumping into me. The whole hour long trip he does not finish the first page.

While this is going on next to me, up front this older woman is talking loud as hell. As people are having causal conversations around her, she is attempting to tell them what she thinks about everything she overhears. She is the mean old lady.
Someone mentions that the credit unions are closed the rest of the week. Mean old lady starts talking over this person saying that credit unions don't matter and that banks are not allowed to be closed but 3 days straight. Like anyone cares.

So, as I am trying to sleep a little and ignore all this around me......something starts to smell.

What is that funky smell....and the smell keeps getting stronger.

Finally halfway through the ride I finally determine that what I am smelling is rotten bananas.

Who smells like rotten bananas......never figure it out.

It's good to get off this bus today.......

I am happy to announce today that we are winning the Christmas war

Christmas War?
here

"When we began the Christmas season this year, we were all very much aware that a war was being waged by the Christmas grinches -- the American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU], Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and other secularists, to steal Christmas from America. To not only take Christ out of Christmas, but to remove Christmas totally from the American scene. I am happy to announce today that we are winning the Christmas war."

WTF

Is this all you got?

Let me be the first.....I am declaring war on the Ester Bunny!

I really hate the Ester Bunny and what he stands for. Eggs from a rabbit?

Ester 2005 dinner will feature scramble eggs and smothered rabbit.

With a nice Merlot

Bring it on Jerry

at work today......poor damn christians

ok, I have heard this over and over at work, on the bus, and in meetings.

"you know you can't say merry christmas anymore in _______ "

" at ________ they won't allow kids to sing frosty the snowman"

and my favorite.... "They are trying to ban Christmas"

crap.

it's all lies

all of it

Quit looking for a cross to hang on.

oh, we fixed that racism thing back in the 60's.......

This shows that outside of the urban areas things have not changed much in the past 40 years.

"A recent afternoon found Eugene Alexander chopping firewood outside a tar-paper shack in this hamlet 80 miles east of Atlanta. With no plumbing, insulation or electric heat, the tin-roof shanty looks vacant and deserted, but it isn't. Alexander, 67, pays $50 a month to live here.

Alexander's home is a dusty little museum piece of the segregated South. Rural Greene County has several such artifacts: a doctor's office that still maintains separate waiting rooms for black and white; a big mural in the post office that depicts black field hands picking cotton, their children eating watermelon in the dirt."

Coming from a rural area of GA six months ago I can tell you this could be 100 other counties in the state.

We ought to be a little more outraged......

Gary Webb, 49, Journalist, Is Dead

I have been so busy that I had not seen this until today.

What really pisses me off is the byline that says his work was discredited. Bullshit.

Someone will one day prove him right. Betcha money on that.

here is a cartoon cartoon that Tom Tomorrow did back in the mid nineties.

Here is a more indepth article about Gary Webb and his career.

There is a special place in hell for these folks.

Deranged third rate vendors? Underground Walmart?

So, in the wake of the underground announcing another go at it, the AJC let a Walmart suit write an editorial opinion where he calls homeless people deranged and the area around the underground full of petty criminals.

Now the whole piece is racist as hell.

But the best part is when he rants against street vendors (who have permits) and calls them "third-rate street vendors ". Seems that he wants the Mayor to clean things up and "the vendors could be forced to comply with city regulations regarding the size and physical appearance of their displays".

I imagine that all those small business owners just drive him mad....and just.....so......so......un-uniformed.

Chaos!

Wonder if Walmart is eyeing underground.

My daily bus ride

I work in downtown and ride a commuter bus from a park and ride lot.

going to keep it vague at this point as to the details.

I am just amazed at the arrogance of people and the assumptions they make because you look like them. These people ride into downtown everyday and treat the experience as a visit to the zoo. We sit up in this tall, comfortable, heated, bus and view the "city" as a urban getto full of crazy, drunk, messed up homeless folks. oh, and lots of black folks.

Way too many of those...."gotta keep your eyes open".

Christ on a crutch.

I sit there on Monday morning hearing people talk about Sunday's sermon at church and how their spiritual leader moved them.

Then I see the look on their faces as we cruise into downtown and pass the homeless guy sleeping on the sidewalk. The look is not one of tolerance, sadness, or even pity.

The look I see would shame Jesus.

It is the look of fear, loathing, intolerance, and worse....Indifference.

"guess he is happy like that"
"wish the police would do something about this"
"why doesn't Franklin (mayor) do something about this"
" need to put them to work picking up the trash around here"

Actual comments by my bus buddies.

At times I make comments like " you know, we really do not fund mental health very well in this nation or the state" or comments concerning that there is a "big picture" and historical issues (poverty, education, racism) that created this.

Then the uncomfortable silence.

Another bus buddy lost. damn.

Ok, gotta put somthing up

Well, guess I will do this quick post to let folks know I am still around. Moved to Atanta area recently and have not had the time or creative juice to write much.

Big Mike, Little Mike and Landyn 

letters

George Rhynes
(229-251-8645)5004
Oak DriveValdosta,
Georgia 31605
 
Death of Another Inmate, where is the news coverage?
 
Luke 4:18...Twenty-Four days ago the Valdosta Daily Times reported the death of a 49 year old White male inmate who died on 21 June 2004 in the Lowndes County Jail. However, his name and cause of death have not been released to the general public---by local news media. Other inmates who have died in or surrounding our jail were Rosemary King age 40, died on 20 Jun 2001, Ronzie “Sonny” Graham age 48, died on 13 July 2000, Willie James Williams age 49, died on 2 Sept 1998, Willie Lee Gay age 39, died, on 23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willard McFarland also died to mention a few. This was reported in The Post a weekly investigative newspaper on 15 April 2004, Vol. 17, No. 2, (Al Parson owner, 229-242-7179, FAX 229-242-7143).For over fifteen years inmates,parents, pastors, organizations and others have petitioned the Lowndes County Commissioners, Grand Jury, District Attorney, Representatives, Georgia Attorney General, Georgia Lieutenant Governor and others who seems to ignore the ill treatment, and deaths of inmates in this county. Many of whom are American Veterans.
This prolonged lack of attention can only be compared to a week of terror in Brooks and Lowndes County in 1918---wherein over ten Black American citizens were killed: They were Hayes Turner, Mary Turner, Will Head, Will Thompson, Sidney Johnson, an eight month old fetus, Willie Schuman, and three other black individuals whose name were with held but included in the Governors investigation report.It was a white Georgia Governor Hugh M. Dorsey that took a strong stand for law, order, and justice---instead of chaos. Unlike our present elected officials in my opinion---who have reviewed the two hour documentary video entitled “A Chorus of Fear,” put together by a class at Valdosta State University highlighting the fear that exists in Lowndes County---but they continue to ignore jailed inmates.
Regardless of the reason surrounding inmate’s death, my condolences go out to his family, friends, and relatives. However, after eighty-six years there is no record where the perpetrators of the crimes committed in Brooks and Lowndes County in 1918, were ever brought to justice. Therefore, valid questions must be asked whenever human life is dissolved.
In addition, on 14 July 2004, I received a copy of another Civil Action filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division against the Lowndes County Jail. So where will it all end, and at what cost to local citizens, and does anyone cares?
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
cc: Closed: But made at request of local inmates!

Pitcher Plants at Grandbay in Valdosta 

one of Banks Lake in Valdosta 

Trying out the new picture post....this could be dangerous.

Just taking this picture posting software out for a spin......kinda cool
One from Jekyll

Posted by Hello

Letters on the Jail

Please read theletter
below this post BB

George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 21 Apr 2004
605 ½ East hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605

Dear Editor

The Valdosta Daily times (VDT) is our only daily newspaper in Lowndes
County Georgia. On 14 April 2004, Michelle Taylor reported “George
Rhynes questioned why his letter had not been responded to and that no
amount of renovation of the jail will help inmates.”

My actual quote: “The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days
ago---that the Lowndes County Commissioners should work quickly to renovate
the jail facility. However, no amount of renovation alone, in my opinion
will fix discrepancies inmates are facing today.”

THE FOLLOWING IS MY REASONS FOR MAKING THE ABOVE STATEMENT BEFORE THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN I WILL----REPEAT THE
SAME STATEMENT TO THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES, AND FELLOW AMERICANS-----BASED UPON THE FOLLOWING
COMMENTS FROM REAL INMATES SIGNED LETTERS, AND NOTARIZED STATEMENTS SENT TO
ME….
“LOWNDES COUNTY JAIL PROBLEMS”
Information Provided From: [Inmates in the Lowndes County Jail (19
July – Aug 2003). These items were extracted directly from inmates
comments. One should also see Capt. Yeager Report to the County
Commissioners/Valdosta Daily Times on 29 Aug 2003], Georgia problems 1989 – 2003]
Notice: This does no include the many letters received at the Lake
Park Post, a local newspaper and other community organizations available
for review!

1. Inmates are incarcerated for months without seeing their Court
Appointed Attorney. Therefore, they are denied due process.

2. Deputy pulls out a pistol like object and waves all around before
aiming squarely at inmate and telling inmate to “get against the wall.”
All because inmates want to complete a complaint form on a deputy.

3. Inmates kneed in back by deputy and his forearm in the back of his
neck and trying to push inmate (Name withheld but available), face into
the wall – at which time inmate (Name Withheld, but available),
rightfully defended himself against those unwarranted, unprovoked acts by
deputy.

4. Inmates denied the right to file a legitimate complaint form in the
State of Georgia when it is against a deputy.

5. Georgia Inmates have problems getting regular complaint forms
notarized as proof that action was taken deputy said; “I ant’s signing a damn
thing – get it signed yourself.”

6. Inmates must show copy of sixth amendment to educate deputy on
inmate rights. (The deputy tells inmate to “get out of my face,” and pushes
inmate, unprovoked. All as a result of attempting to fill out a
Georgia complaint form.

7. Incidents are swept under the rug rather than being properly
investigated. And no one will listen to inmates concerns within Jail
facility.

8. Inmates must endure cruel and unusual punishment at the jail. There
must be an outside agency to inspect this jail for things to change.

9. Many tours are done through the jail. But the bad areas are not
shown. Only tailored tours are given. The kitchen is not always shown;
therefore, no valid review of the jail is done.

10. Drinking water is unfit to drink and food is terrible.

11. Inmates are required to live in inhumane, unsanitary and abusive
conditions. (Squalid Conditions).

12. Cell doors sticks when opened from control booth --- that creates
problems! Inmates are locked in cell because of malfunction!

13. Deputies play with the fans and taunts and agitate inmates in
cellblocks where there is no ventilation or air conditioning.

14. Inmates must endure leaky water pipes, in dormitory; pools of water
are over the floor. This is a hazard because inmates are required to
wear flip-flops.

15. When inmates try to keep a potential bad situation from getting
worst. Deputies often make things worst by not paying attention to the
needs of inmates—as it was on 23 July 2003!

16. Lowndes County Administrations lie and don’t acknowledge the
handbook they give out to inmates.

17. Food is not nutritional, and inmates have questioned its
cleanliness.

18. Two cells (cell 12 A & B) has no bed frame or nothing in it at all,
besides out of order toilets and the sink does not work at all.

19. If an inmate does something, like cursing a Sgt. or Officer. He
will be booked 9 out of 10. He is going to one of these cells depending
what Sergeant.

20. Inmates are stripped naked left in this conditions for long periods
of time.

21. Jail staff will not provide water as needed and inmates do not get
showers or wash his/her hands face or do any hygiene customs.

22. Inmates are placed in cell (12B) with no mattress or nothing else
for necessities.

23. Inmates are placed in handcuffs and shackled for 7 days and six
nights straight. (Copy of incident on File in Jail says inmates)..

24. The jail has a restraint chair, inmates are not allowed to use the
bathroom, and a chance to stretch as provided by polices in force by
the State of Georgia.

25. Medical staff is very much on the side of the Sheriffs office, and
does not administer the needs of inmates.

26. The Medical Staff lies, hides issues, and don’t document incidents
that happen that could cause legal trouble for the administration.

27. Inmates families are lied to by Jail administration when they call
concerning their love ones welfare.

28. This jail is very unconstitutional and several inmates say that it
is ran in a racist manner.

29. The jail handbook is a fraud; in fact, it is so easy to prove.

30. Inmates needs to be interviewed, and the facility should be
inspected everywhere there is a swinging doors.

31. (Name Withheld but available), was recently fired; (Gender withheld
but available), could be a vital witness in every issue if (Gender
withheld), is willing to do so --- to confirm these horrendous conditions.

32. Since the Jail started toting lasers to Las inmates when out of
control. But that’s not how they are being used and I believe the
situation will get worst.

33. Inmates are denied their rights to have access to the Law Library
even without requests and that’s not happening.

34. Inmates are taxed when they buy stamps and on store items.
(Inmates believe they are exempt from this practice.)

35. PERSONAL REQUEST: Inmates requested that I (George B. Rhynes) call
on the community to sign a petition for the inspectors office and the
U. S. Marshals Office to inspect and investigate the Jail
Administrations.

36. Inmates (Name Withheld but available) was left in the restraints
chain for 18 hours straight on one occasion in the past.

37. HANDBOOK VIOLATIONS: Each inmate may designate up to twelve
immediate family members etc. [This is not being done we are limited to six]

38.Each inmate will participate in an organized and supervised program
of daily cleaning within his housing and common areas. [This is not
being done at all]

39.Inmates in the hold (cell 8) do not ever get to clean his call ---
practically have to beg to receive cleaning materials.

40. Each inmate will be entitled to shower daily and required to shower
three (3) times a week. [This is not happening. Inmates in (cell 8,)
and the (MP) area. Also medical isolated inmates are forced to receive
the minimum (3 showers a week). Even officers try to rush inmates out
of showers.

41.Disciplinary process must be fair and systematic so that no person
staff or inmate may plead ignorance of the rules or bias in the
procedures. Hasty arbitrary decision and/or corporal punishment shall not be
allowed. [This is not the case]

42. Inmates are convicted by one person, where inmates are suppose to
be placed in lock-up then incident is supposed to be investigated and
then a hearing. [This is not being done}

43. ABOVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT VIOLATIONS: But there are many more!

44. The Medical Staff and Administration: (Name withheld, but
available), LPN/RN is the Head Nurse. She distributes medication in water out
of the capsule before she’s in inmates presence. This violates inmates
rights to confirm exactly what’s in the water and if it’s the correct
medication.

45. (Name withheld but available), (LPN) ignores inmates verbal
complaints. If it is about issues and Sheriff Admin Office say, “they can’t
make medical to nothing.”

46. Some nurses will refuse inmates his/her medicine if the inmates and
nurse has had an altercation and jail Administrators condone the action
and will not stop it.

47. Constitutional Rights and Civil Rights are still being violated as
of 2003.

48. Inmates have exhausted all their avenues, and they seek outside
help from any body that will help them. They believe many people only
procrastinate about providing relief about the ill Administration in the
Lowndes County Jail.

49. Some inmates are willing to take some steps but not nearly, enough
that would be significant to bring enough stress on the jail to change
their ill actions, inhuman, treatment towards inmates.

50. The whole issue of the extreme bad conditions in the jail rests on
the Sheriff because of his lack of concern and interest of the Jail’s
operations.

51. The Sheriff is intentionally accepting fabrications from jail
administrations to hide the facts that there are some serious violations
inside his jail and with its operation in my opinion.

II. SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT OWN ADMISSION: Capt. Yeager from the Sheriffs
Department as reported in the Valdosta, Daily times!

52, We have massive plumbing problems.

53. Water runs non-stop in sections of the jail creating safety
hazards.

54. Toothpaste tubes are stuffed into showerheads in attempt to stop
leaks.

55. Water in cell refuse to discharge any water this is typical.

56. Staff has to pour acid down all of the drains to keep leeches and
other pests from entering the jail especially shower areas.

57. Rusty shower frames, which Capt. Yeager said inmates are using to
make shanks.

58. Heat swelter to over 100 degrees and no air.

59. Many windows no longer opens and oscillating fans only serve to
push heat air around.

60. Cell locks are obsolete larger security pods can be opened with as
little as a bed sheet or an identification card, giving the inmates
undesired freedom of movement.

61. Control boards are also fading that controls operate most of the
doors. The alternative is to give jail personnel individual keeps, which
is a liability risk.

62. Jail held 570 people, but jail staff was forced to cook three meals
in a 1956 kitchen designed to feed 80 prisoners.

63. Capt. Yeager said “A jail our size should have a kitchen four times
this size.”

64. Jail intake area was designed to handle 120 people though they have
500 and there is no way to segregate male and female prisoners at the
intake desk.

65. The Infirmary has a capacity of only 10 prisoners. It has no
negative air flow areas to handle infectious disease cases---it has become a
logistic nightmare.

64.Transporting prisoners to court appearances are so inadequate that
inmates are stacked in visitation areas.

66. Sewer lines are also corroded and the City of Valdosta has put the
Sheriffs Office on notice that they jail will soon need its own lift
station and grinder to keep solid waste out of the city’s treatment
system.

66. Doors jambs are stifling, creating unstable doors, which could
potentially be forced opened.

67. The conditions at the jail also effect the 108 jail employees.

68. Employees should not be exposed to such bad conditions that now
exist in the jail.

CONCLUSION: For more read the legal section on page 6B of the Valdosta
Daily Times dated 5 September 2003. And ask the real question-
 Who is responsible for allow this jail to get into this condition?

Note: Most of the violations are the same ones identified in U. S.
District Court For the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division.
Civil Action No. 89-54-VAL, Consent Order And Decree, and Class Action
dated June 6, 1989, and should have been corrected and complied with.
HOWEVER THIS DECREE IS NO LONGER VALID AS I UNDERSTAND IT.

a. The Question to this community should be—who ensured that this order
was complied with? Was it the DA, County Commissioners, Sheriff, or
the concerned citizens! Somebody should be held accountable!
Information compiled from letters received from Inmates & Valdosta Daily times.

No end to this story----only God can and will resolve this nightmare!
I thank God for allowing me to help complete Luke 4:18, of his divine
word. Peace!

Letters

George Rhynes, Speaks to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners!

Mr. Chairman and Board of Commissioners---First allow me to apologize
for being here—on an old issue. However, you have not responded to my
26 August 2003 letter on behalf of inmates, incarcerated in the Lowndes
County Jail.

I have had a cockatiel bird for 12 years. When she have needs she
chirps, and I respond to her needs.

Between 1989-1997, Judge Hugh Lawson, U.S. District Court Middle
District of Georgia Valdosta, Division. He too, heard chirps coming from
(Some Jailbirds incarcerated in) the Lowndes County Jail.

On 21 October 1997, he issued a Court Order and Consent Decree that
inmates 1st, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States had been violated. He gave two (2), years for Lowndes County
to comply.

However, on 26 August 2003, I stood before you because…like Judge
Lawson. I too, heard some chirps from the Lowndes County Jail. They came
in the form of signed letters, and notarized statements. Many were the
same chirps or violations---listed in Civil Action #89-54-VAL.

After standing before you on behalf of (over) eleven (11) inmates,
their parents, and former employees---for relief... You ignored our
request. All I could give them was the 35TH Psalm of David, as a symbol of
hope!

The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days ago---that you should
work quickly to renovate the jail facility. However, no amount of
renovation alone, in my opinion will fix discrepancies inmates are facing
today.

This is my actual retirement document. It is proof, that I put my life
on the line for over 20 years for this Republic. I helped to insure
that our nation would remain a Government of the people, by the people,
and for the people. I even received several Commendation Medals.

However, if I-----cannot get a reply on the outside from you---one can
only imagine what inmates must go through in confinement. But they
have rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution. They are not
---Shiites, Sunni----or terrorists from Afghanistan, nor Iraq. They are fellow
American citizens; many are Veterans and deserve to be heard by their
elected representatives.

Attorney Robert W. Cullen for the plaintiffs of Atlanta, Attorney Oris
d. Blackburn Jr, for the defendant Lowndes County---knows of this
Decree. But the decree---seems to be Valdosta’s best kept secret---thanks
in part to the Valdosta Daily Times in my opinion.

I love this country, but I do not like the way----you have treated me,
inmates, parents or former employees. The Bible says; “As it is
written, so shall it be done.”

Judge Lawson wrote and ruled on the following violations: Moreover, the
signed letters, and notarized statements identify these same violations
remains at the jail. Therefore, no amount of renovation alone will fix
all of the following:

- Inmates personal mail being open without them being present.
(Violations and or/recommendations)
34 – Violations under Inmate Health Care.
15 – Violations under---- Access to Courts, inmates to communicate
with Lawyers and Non-Communications.
11 – Violations under------ Inmate Hygiene.
10 – Violations under------ Population.
8 – Violations under------ Visitations.
6 – Violations under-------Miscellaneous Provisions
6 – Violations under-------Food.
3 – Violations under-------Staffing and Security
3 – Violations under-------Recreation.
2 – Violations under-------Commissary
2 – Violations under--------Environmental Control.
2 – Violations under--------Racial Segregation.
1 – Violations under--------Jail Procedures and Policies etc.
1 – Violations under--------Change Provision
1 – Violations under--------Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.

Over 105 violations or corrections order! But you failed to answer my
letter addressed to you on behalf of many concerned citizens. It also
appears that a U.S. District Court Judge has also been ignored by this
body. So I am in good company. Thanks you for your time!


GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!



VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES COVERAGE OF THE MEETING, (14 April 2004).
(Renovations to Lowndes County Jail, land rezoning also discussed.

“George Rhynes questioned why Commissioners had not responded to his
letter concerning several inmates at the Lowndes County Jail. Although
the jail will be renovated, Rhynes said no amount of renovation would
help the inmates.”

Rod Casey, chairman of the board answered that an architect had been
chosen, beginning the process of renovations to improve the jail.

Casey also informed Rhynes that he could visit Case’s office to discuss
any other problems or concerns.”

Various links

Great little note about the presidents 911 commision.
More on the fight on terrorism
Via thismodernworld and counterspin
look who is scared of the Dutch
and here comes the big gun

Iraq on the Record- the REAL record

Here is a great link to the REAL record of the Iraq II war.
On March 19, 2003, U.S. forces began military operations in Iraq. Addressing the nation about the purpose of the war on the day the bombing began, President Bush stated: “The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.”
One year later, many doubts have been raised regarding the Administration’s assertions about the threat posed by Iraq. Prior to the war in Iraq, the President and his advisors repeatedly claimed that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction that jeopardized the security of the United States. The failure to discover these weapons after the war has led to questions about whether the President and his advisors were candid in describing Iraq’s threat.

Guest columnist

Dear Editor - Message Boards

Another “HotBed,” issue,” bites the dust in Valdosta, Georgia!
Recently I addressed the Honorable Mayor John Fretti, and City Council on
removing an 1860 charter from display near the City Municipal Courtroom to
the local museum.

The charter refers to slaves, free people of color as hogs, dogs,
horses, and other live stock, and that they must be suppressed, controlled,
and abated, by Valdosta elected officials in paragraph 100 Section XI.

I responded to the Honorable Major’s letter during City Council
Meeting---before a packed house.

Folowing the meeting a local radio talk show host Mr. Scott James from
WVLD 1450 am commended me for taking a strong passionate stand on the
issue. He then invited me to be a guest on his talk show the next day
and I accepted. We discussed removing the 1860 charter for 20 minutes.

The Honorable Mayor Fretti was Mr. Scott James guest earlier that
morning and they too discussed the 1860 charter.

However, our local editor Ron Wayne of the Valdosta Daily Times made no
mention whatsoever in his article covering the City Council Meeting.
It appears that VDT is the reason our city is locked into a time
warp---unlike Macon and Atlanta.

Nothing seems to get pass the South Georgia Media Machine—with no
relief in sight. We need local government and news media outlets that are of
the people, by the people, and for the people. Peace!



George Rhynes
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity

George Rhynes responds

George B. Rhynes (229-251-8645) 11 March 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144

10 March 2004

Valdosta City Council & Mayor
Valdosta, Georgia 31601

SUBJECT: Response to Mayor & council Letter
(Verbal Address Before City Council)

Dear Mayor and Council

Yesterday, I received your response to my request---to retire the
historical City of Valdosta charter of 1860---to a location away from the
Municipal Courtroom. Where citizens come in hope of receiving respect,
and equal justice under the law in Valdosta, and the state of
Georgia----in the 21st Century.

In Paragraph 1, of your letter you said that the 1860 charter allowed
for the creation of our City, as it was developed by the state
officials, and our local forefathers---of that time.

Mr. Mayor, and Council----Webster’s Dictionary third edition defines
(forefathers) as a male ancestor. What ancestor male or female---would
want to control, enslave, suppress, and abate another human being.

a. ABATE means to beat down, reduce, moderate, diminish, and lessen.
We also find the word nuisances, being used—which means annoying or
obnoxious person or thing.

SECTION 11, of the charter says and I Quote! “The Mayor and Council
shall pass all proper and necessary laws, and ordinances for the control
of SLAVES, and FREE PERSONS OF COLOR, in Valdosta, and SUPRESS, and
abate all NUISANCES arriving from HOGS, DOGS, HORSES, or OTHER STOCK
straying at large in Valdosta, or from other causes.”

Mr. Mayor! You agreed with me that—we should not hide the facts of
history or deny that which has come before us. And that the same logic,
should be applied to the items displayed in City Hall for over 20 years.
In addition, that the 1860 charter is the City’s first charter, remains
a permanent record both in Valdosta, as well as in the “State Records
Archives,” and cannot be ignored.

Mr. Mayor and Council: Twenty (20) years is not a long time for us to
treat our neighbors as we ourselves wish to be treated by others.

It is recorded in the “Library of Congress,” that some of our
ancestors—first came to these shores in the year of 1555, 449 years ago, aboard
a slave ship called Jesus, captained by one White European named “Sir
John Hawkins.”

In the documented Archives of this nation, Blacks were treated worst
than live stock, called 3/5ths of a human being. In the charter outside
these doors, in Section 11, stipulates that they were to be controlled,
chained, suppressed, and totally humiliated before the world.

If these words were directed towards my “Jewish Brothers and Sisters,”
there would be no debate---today.

Mr. Mayor! You spoke of Archives in your letter! In our Archives, at
FAMU, in Tallahassee, just a few miles away, and many other
Institutions, Museums, and Libraries, around the world. There are millions of
documented artifacts, pictures of pain, and strange fruits that trees did
not produce.

So no human being of Black African decent should want those pictures
displayed upon these walls---if they offend, and inflicts pain upon
another human being or their children, perceived or real.

I presented you a winnable case, and in the not too distant future.
Men and women, of conscious will vote, and pass this historical document
on into the museum of antiques. You see, we are all pilgrims passing
through, and what we fail to correct---others will do!

Because Luke 4:18, must become real. Moreover, when truth, justice,
and equality come, that which is invalid like falsehood must vanish---and
falsehood is forever a vanishing thing.

After 20 years, I was presented this “Retirement Certificate from the
Armed Forces----for placing my life on the line for this Republic.

There is a seal on this Certificate, and there is a seal on the 1860
city charter---and as long as it is displayed----Paragraph 11, is a
constant reminder to all Black people that they are in the same paragraph:
Along with Hogs, Dogs, Horses and other beasts of the field.

Retire it—or leave it where it is! But our God has instructed us to
treat our neighbors-- as we ourselves would want to be treated.

My words probably will not change your mind or your conscious.
Nevertheless, the plumb line of justice will meet us all at the eternal
Council Meeting. I thank, God, for allowing me to stand for what I believe
to be both spiritually, and morally correct. Peace!


George B. Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!

Racists R Us

Yeah......right or " It was taken out of context......."

"When the 81-year-old retiree arrived, however, he found himself in the middle of a controversy created by his calling Macon a 'n----- town' at the team check-in table on the arena's concourse before Thursday's Class AA semifinal session.
Goldston was overheard using the phrase twice by Macon Telegraph reporter Josh Kendall. He then repeated the word another time later Thursday to other people at the Coliseum.
Macon Mayor Jack Ellis called for Goldston's resignation during a hastily called afternoon news conference at the Coliseum. GHSA official Earl Etheridge then asked Goldston, who heard much of the press conference from the back of the lobby, to leave the arena.
'I got in my car and drove home,' Goldston said when contacted at home Friday evening. 'I don't want to cause the GHSA any embarrassment.'
Goldston, who admitted Thursday night that he should not have used the language, reiterated that stance on Friday.
'It was my fault. I used the n-word. That's bad, but I didn't use any derogatory remarks about any blacks,' he said."
-snip-
Etheridge, who is a member of the GHSA executive committee, said he was told to handle the situation by GHSA Executive Director Ralph Swearngin, who was in Gwinnett County for Friday's Class AAAAA and AAAA finals. Etheridge, who apologized for the GHSA during the press conference, assumed Goldston's duties on Friday, then sought to shift the focus from the controversy to the games.
Four Class AAA semifinals were played Friday and six state championship games will be played today. Swearngin will be on hand for today's games.
"It's obvious to say we would not look at all positively on anybody in any context using a racial slur," Swearngin said when contacted Thursday night about Goldston's comment.
Said Etheridge: "The important thing is that the games be played and everybody go on about their business of playing."
He said the city and GHSA would need to meet after the tournament's conclusion to discuss the situation.
"When this is over, we need to sit down and mend fences to make sure that the tournament comes back here," Etheridge said. "We need to make sure that we do everything we can do to keep things as they are. And I'm sure it will be."
-snip-
Goldston said he did not see the story, which did not appear in the edition of The Telegraph delivered in Bonaire, until after receiving a "congratulatory" phone call in the morning. Goldston said he received three or four calls from people congratulating him for telling, "them like it is. There are a lot of n----- in Macon."
"He should be able to say it if he wants to. If he wants to say it, he should without any repercussions," said Bobby Glover, a 49-year old white male from Laurens County who was at the Coliseum on Friday night. "I don't think anything should've happened. I didn't agree with the uproar. It doesn't surprise me, but I don't think anything should've been done."

Guest Columnist- George Rhynes

Here in South Georgia there appears to be an asserted effort to block
citizens from reaching their higher consciousness!

Recently, an International Exhibit "SANKOFA"known around the world as
"An African American Museum on Wheels" It is considered the foremost
collection of African American History---with over 1,500 artifacts.
This collection is compiled and owned by Angela Jennings, a South Carolina
Native.

The exhibit spans the period from 1860 to present, and beyond. The
exhibit was displayed at Valdosta State University.

However, here in South Georgia it never made the front page of our
local newspaper or was reported on local television. This lack of coverage did
not come as a shock to local citizens.

For example: There is (Now) an 1860 City Charter displayed near the
Valdosta Municipal Courtroom in Valdosta that reads, (Section XI), "The
Mayor and Council shall pass all proper and necessary laws or ordinances
for the control of slaves, and free persons of color in said town and
suppress, and abate all nuisances arriving from hogs, dogs, horses, or
other stock straying at large in said town, or from other causes"

Other items excluded from local news media are: Eleven inmates in the
Lowndes County Jail requesting help from an outside source to
investigate the denial of their individual Constitutional Rights, incidents being
swept under the rug involving an alleged weapon, problems filing state
complaint forms and getting them notarized, Lowndes County Board of
Commissioners failure to respond to inmates request of 23 Aug 2003.
Also eye-witnesses' in the arrest and death of a Black male motorist were never
called as witnesses.

Moreover, candidates running for public office are not treated the same
at news conferences, and the way they are endorsed by local news media,
valid registered election problems never published during a recent
Mayoral, and City Council race, alleged gang activity have senior citizens
afraid to come out of their homes, marches and protests against the war
with Iraq, local school being built on a controversial site
(hazardous), controversial opinion columns and editorials excluded from the
public, citizens to be heard at public meetings are seldom published unless
they are a group, or organization, hazardous railroad tracks in the
Black community not published, several local merchants continuos problems
with panhandlers and loitering, Valdosta Lowndes County Conference
Center has only one Black full time employee, while all employees of the
work crews are black---with no job benefits, white applicants with medical
problems being hired over blacks, present and former employees
complaining of unfair hiring practices and promotions at public establishment.
However, little investigative reporting is done to gather the facts
surrounding these items of interests.

Therefore, local citizens have been forced to use Message Boards,
Blogs, Internet, and other news outlets to keep Free Speech, and Press
alive. Unquestionably, citizens must start their own newsletter, or
newspaper in this South Georgia Town. Peace!


George Rhynes
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

The sky is falling....into my wallet

This article explains how the social security program is being funded mainly by middle and lower class folks....


You see, although the rest of the government is running huge deficits — and never did run much of a surplus — the Social Security system is currently taking in much more money than it spends. Thanks to those surpluses, the program is fully financed at least through 2042. The cost of securing the program's future for many decades after that would be modest — a small fraction of the revenue that will be lost if the Bush tax cuts are made permanent.

And the reason Social Security is in fairly good shape is that during the 1980's the Greenspan commission persuaded Congress to increase the payroll tax, which supports the program.

The payroll tax is regressive: it falls much more heavily on middle- and lower-income families than it does on the rich. In fact, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates, families near the middle of the income distribution pay almost twice as much in payroll taxes as in income taxes. Yet people were willing to accept a regressive tax increase to sustain Social Security.

Now the joke's on them. Mr. Greenspan pushed through an increase in taxes on working Americans, generating a Social Security surplus. Then he used that surplus to argue for tax cuts that deliver very little relief to most people, but are worth a lot to those making more than $300,000 a year. And now that those tax cuts have contributed to a soaring deficit, he wants to cut Social Security benefits.

The point, of course, is that if anyone had tried to sell this package honestly — "Let's raise taxes and cut benefits for working families so we can give big tax cuts to the rich!" — voters would have been outraged. So the class warriors of the right engaged in bait-and-switch.

Slyvester Police "not our fault"

What is not mentioned is that they did not take him to a hospital but to the jail

Grand jury joins police probe: "It does appear that there was a tussle between these three officers. One of our officers, in an effort to subdue the arrestee, put his arm around his head and neck and they all fell forward, and apparently this gentleman passed away as a result of a broken larynx.' "

Letters.....uh let's call him a guest columnist!

George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 1 March
2004
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31601

Dear Editor – Message Boards, and American Patriots of Free Speech!

Recently on C-Span the question was asked if our freedoms had been
curtailed under the present administration?

After submitting many opinion columns, and being published in the
Chicago Sun times, Albany Herald, Tallahassee Democrat, USA-Today and other
papers. I believe our rights are fading---even here in Valdosta, where
a framed copy of an 1860, City Charter is displayed near the Municipal
Courtroom of Judge Edwards.

This charter reads (Par 100, Section XI), “The Mayor and Council shall
pass all proper and necessary laws or ordinances for the control of
slaves, and free persons of color in said town and suppress, and abate all
nuisances arising from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at
large in said town, or from other causes.”

Apparently, our elected officials and local news media sees nothing
wrong or offensive in displaying this charter. However, many people of
conscious are very much offended and want it removed to the City Museum.

When I observed this document I wrote the Mayor, City Council, Valdosta
Daily Times, WCTV Channel 6, WALB TV Channel 10, Valdosta NAACP,
Peoples Tribunal, and other local news media outlets.

As of today, nothing has been published by any Local News Media in
South Georgia concerning this matter. Although, several web-sites have
published it on the Internet with a copy of the 1860 City Charter.

This lack of local coverage is nothing new in this area: For example,
the complete circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Willie James
Williams, and how eye witnesses of his arrest was never called as
witnesses, eleven incarcerated inmates in the county jail requesting help from
an outside agencies have been ignored by local media, and our County
Commissioners since 26 Aug 03.

Moreover, an alleged incident at the jail involving a deputy and a
weapon has been sweep under the rug----says eleven inmates, and that they
often have problems filing complaints and getting them notarized.

In addition, candidates running for City Council was not equally
represented at a news conference, valid election problems in the last City
Mayoral and Council race went unreported in the news, elderly citizens
are afraid to come out of their homes because of alleged gang activity,
protests and marches against war with Iraq, local school allegedly being
built on an unsafe land site.

Also, individual complaints are seldom reported from City and County
monthly meetings--unless they are in groups or represented by an
organization, hazardous railroad tracks in the black community, the Valdosta
Lowndes County Conference Center has only one Black employee in a
management position, while 100% of work-crews are black---with no job
benefits, applicants and people on staff speaks of unfair hiring practices.
However, there is little if any investigative reporting to try to rectify
these community problems.

Therefore, many citizens have turned to Message Boards, Blogs,
Internet, congress, senate and other means to ensure local citizens are
informed. Therefore, it appears that local citizens have no alternative but to
begin a newsletter in this South Georgia Town.

Yes! Freedom of Speech seems to have been curtailed in America at the
expense of the American people. Peace!



George Rhynes
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

History will be the judge.

Can anyone think of any moments in history that we celebrate because the majority denied a minority of law-abiding citizens the same rights as themselves?

Me neither.

Seems to me we celebrate those that gain freedoms, rights, and equality.

What are you going to tell your grandchildren when they ask?

How would you feel if you saw a picture of your grandparents jeering at civil rights marchers in the 1960’s?

Photos from the Atlanta Journal Constitution - Marriage debate.
Don't these guys look like they could have popped out of the 1960's...just change the sign to read "No Niggers in the schools"

This is a link via Atrios on the subject.

Jesus wasn't no Whitey!

Glad someone else noticed this....

Link:

"My question is much simpler: Why would Mel Gibson make a movie about people in the ancient Middle East and cast it with so many white people? To look at the central actors in this film, you'd think Jesus did his work near Manchester, New Hampshire instead of the Holy Land. The answer to that question lies within the United States, the prime market for this film. There are millions of Christians in America, some 25% of whom would characterize themselves as evangelical. It stands to reason that this film would do very well here, especially given the controversy that has surrounded the content.
The whiteness of the cast, however, speaks to a decidedly un-Christian truth that lies near the heart of this republic. Simply put, nailing a white Jesus Christ to the cross on film will generate a far more emotional response from the American viewing public than the crucifixion of a savior who actually looks like he is from the Middle East."

Legacy of Racism

This is unbelievable.....

Updated. Here is a picture of the Valdosta charter as of 2-26-04 Link


George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 23 February 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144

Dear Valdosta, City Mayor & Council

SUBJECT: Displaying the Valdosta City Charter of 1860, near the Hall
of Justice in Valdosta Georgia!

As the Georgia State Flag issue will be revisited, voted upon, and
hopefully---resolved in the upcoming election.

The Citizens of Valdosta, and Lowndes County Georgia, should be focused
on the second floor of Valdosta City Hall---leading into the Valdosta
Municipal Courtroom of Judge Edwards. Where one will discover a copy of
a framed, Valdosta City Charter of 1860, displayed on the wall that was
passed by the Georgia General Assembly of 1860, Valdosta (No. 108).

100: Section XI, “the Mayor and Council, they shall pass all proper and
necessary laws and ordinances for the control of slaves and free
persons of color in said town and suppress and abate all nuisances arriving
from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in said town,
or from other causes.”

It is mind boggling as to why our elected officials have allowed this
1860, Charter to be displayed so close to the Valdosta Municipal Court
Room—in the first place. Where American citizens must come in hope of
receiving equal justice under the law in the State of Georgia---in the
21st Century.

This document does little to complement GeorgiaÂ’s Justice System---here
in Lowndes County. Especially for citizens whose ancestors were slaves
and veterans today---who served and paid the ultimate price to keep
America a free and democratic society.

While we cannot, nor should we try to hide the facts of history. It is
of utmost importance that we remove even a stake from deceased
remains---if within our heart of compassion to do so.

Therefore, as a moral and ethical gesture, the new Valdosta, City
Charter should be on display, or the 1860 charter be removed and placed in a
location away from the Hall of Justice in Valdosta---to the City
Museum. The symbolism and insensitivity of displaying this 1860, City
Charter is inappropriate at this period in Georgia, and American history.

As a retired United States Air Force Vietnam era veteran, I cannot
understand why this document is displaced near the Valdosta Municipal
Courtroom. Because too many Georgians suffered, bleed, and died to preserve
the right to be respected as human beings and not as live stock, or
second class citizens.

Therefore, it is my hope, and others prayer---that someone will do the
right thing in the 21st Century. That the healing process may begin by
being sensitive to others---for the overall good of our community,
state, nation, and world. Peace!

This letter is addressed to you in an attempt to resolve this situation
as soon as possible!

Sincerely


GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

Cc: Lake Park Post, Valdosta, Daily times, Valdosta, Lowndes County
Branch of the NAACP, Peoples Tribunal, WCTV – Channel 6, WALB TV –
Channel 10

letters

George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 25 February
2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605

Dear Editor

The Celebration of African American History Month at Valdosta State
University Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Multicultural Affairs
presented SANKOFA. This African American Cultural Museum on Wheels
with Angela Jennings, Curator/Director of Denmark, South Carolina, an
educational experience for all that attended.

The Curator Angela Jennings was extremely knowledgeable of African
American History. She called the exhibit, “A journey from Africa to modern
day inventions and everything in between.”

Among her displays were models of Black inventions such as: the
Cellular Phone, by Henry Simpson, The Lawn Mower, by John Albert Burn, Grand
Father Clock, (first striking wood clock) by Benjamin Banneker,
Switching Device for Railways, by William and Burr, Telephone System and
Apparatus, by Granville T. Woods, Golf-Tee, by George F. Grant, Kitchen
Table, H.A. Jackson, Refrigerated Trucks, F.M. Jones, Spark Plug, Edmond
Berger, Riding Saddle, William S. Cambell, Door Knob, O. Dorsey, Tunnel
Construction for Electric Railways, Gramille T. Woods, and Guitar, Robert
F. Flemings Jr., to mention a few.

Also on display were lynchings of Blacks, slave ships, magazines,
historical documents and quotes from Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker
for his accomplishments, and many other never before seen items in this
area.

The Curator told a story to a group of children brought over by Joseph
Matchett of the Valdosta Boys Club on Tombs Street, who heard about he
exhibit on WJEM Radio Station. She told the children about an elderly
Black man whose eyes had been put out because the plantation owner
discovered he was trying to learn how to read. She told the students that
there was no reason why they should not be on the honor roll.

Joseph Matchett said: “Every student in Lowndes County both Black and
White should have been at this exhibit.”

Ms Jennings when asked why she started the Museum on Wheels---she
replied, “When I realized that my honor student nephew knew little about the
history of Africa she established SANKOFA in 1995.”

Now less than a decade later, her museum on wheels is considered to be
one of the foremost collections of African American History readily
available in this country today.

As SANKOFA’s Curator, Ms Jennings has traveled throughout the United
States the U.S. Virgin Island, West Africa, and Europe to amass a
collection of art, collectibles and memorabilia that rivals many traditional
museums.

While here in Valdosta her “Museum on Wheels,” exhibited the testament
to the vast contributions that African Americans have made to this
country and the world.

The Ghanaian term, SANKOFA, tells us to “use the wisdom of the pass to
build the future.” Angela Jennings and her Museum on Wheels epitomize
the meaning of the term by educating, enlightening and empowering young
and old alike with living history.

The Valdosta community is indeed grateful to Angela Jennings, Curator,
Dr. Beverly Richardson-Blake, Assistant Director, Office of Equal
Opportunity Programs and Multicultural Office, James E. Rice, Administrative
coordinator, and a special thanks to Valdosta State University. A job
well done, and very much needed. Thanks!

George Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!

Sylvester citizens rally against police brutality

Sylvester citizens rally against police brutality:
"'Enough is enough,' said Bruce Washington. 'This is 2004, not 1940.'
They say they know it was police brutality that killed Herman Jackson. And they've had enough.
John Cole Vodicka, director of civil rights group the Prison & Jail Project, told the crowd that most police officers are good enforcers of the law.
'But we also have some very bad law enforcement officials,' Vodicka said. 'Either because they're poorly trained and underpaid or because they're mean spirited and racist bigots.'
Vodicka sent a letter to the US Attorney's office asking that the FBI investigate Jackson's death.
The Sylvester Mayor Bill Yearta said the city is doing an investigation with the GBI.
'We won't tolerate police brutality,' Yearta said. 'We have good police officers and then we have some that aren't good police officers.' "

Our community organizations SHOULD look like the community!

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority has amended its personnel policy on equal opportunity and affirmative action to state that it will cast a "wide net" to find the most qualified person for a position to maintain diversity.
This decision comes a month after The People's Tribunal, a local civil rights group, questioned past hiring practices and asked the Board to find the most qualified African-Americans to fill positions as they become open at the conference center.
The Rev. Floyd Rose, president of The Tribunal, stated in a press release that he and The Tribunal were pleased with the Authority's decision.
LINK

Letters

George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 19 February 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605

Dear Editor/Message Boards

{Guest Column where applicable and where posting is available. The
truth must be told to the American People—to maintain our present form of
Government!}

Tick tock, tick tock! America must begin to vigorously address the
problems concerning the American people. Otherwise, our greatest threat
of terror could come from within our own boarders.

Many Americans are dissatisfied with the direction our nation is
headed. They are being ignored by elected officials. While America's news
media reports tabloid type news stories----that is of little interest to
ordinary American Citizens!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock! Americans are angry because their jobs and the
future of their children success--are going to India and other foreign
nations. Our public schools are falling apart, citizens are being abused
and dying at the hands of law enforcement. While elected officials
turn their head the other way, and approve The Patriot Act behind closed
doors!

Our constitutional rights are being taken away, veterans are losing
their benefits, and citizens are being divided by political party
labels—as never before. While Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech are
being suppressed--that could lead to another civil war.

Statistics show that there is still discrimination towards America’s
Blacks in top management positions. While crime, violence, and drugs are
allowed to run rampart across our nation.

America is spending billions of dollars in Iraq. It has been reported
that toxic waste is (now), being brought into America from foreign
nations with a life expectancy of perhaps millions of years----into the
future.

We continuously give billions of dollars to Israel that is used to keep
the Middle East conflict going. We have failed to keep immigrants from
crossing the boarders from Mexico. In addition, we declared war on
poverty, illiteracy, drugs, terrorism, hate crimes, and violence---yet
things have become worst.

Tick tock, tick tock—our democracy seems to be in great decline, and
could be on the brink of a war from within. This threat is real
---because many American citizens refuse to vote! Especially since our President
was selected into office by the Supreme Court instead of---by the
American people.

All Americans, must remember the words of President Abraham Lincoln:
“IT IS RATHER FOR US TO BE HERE DEDICATED TO THE GREAT TASK REMAINING
BEFORE US---THAT THESE HONORED DEAD WE TAKE INCREASED DEVOTION TO THAT
CAUSE TO WHICH THEY GAVE THE LAST FULL MEASURE OF DEVOTION---THAT WE HERE
HIGHLY RESOLVE THAT THESE DEAD SHLL NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN—THAT THIS
NATION, UNDER GOD, SHALL NAVE A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM---AND THAT GOVERNMENT
OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE, SHALL NOT PERISH FROM
THE EARTH.” Peace!

A Minister, Business Owner, Retired Veterans from the United States Air
Force!
Single Parent, Black African American, and patriot beyond words, and
game playing!

From the ACLU

From: Debbie Seagraves [mailto:dseagraves@acluga.org]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 10:59 AM

Dear Freedom Train Participants,
We have an emergency developing in the legislature right now and we need your help. HR 595, the resolution that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman only, could be voted out of the rules committee today and be brought to the House floor for a vote as early as this afternoon. We talked about this proposed constitutional amendment at our Freedom Train meeting in your city. It is very important that this bill not come to the floor for a vote. We are asking each of you to call the Chairman of the Rules Committee, Calvin Smyre, and tell him that you oppose HR 595 and that it should stay in committee.
This bill would write discrimination into the Constitution. Regardless of how one feels about marriage for same-sex couples, we cannot justify using our constitution to discriminate against one minority group. This is especially true when we already have laws on the books prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples. We would like the Legislature to focus on more important issues-like the budget-rather than focusing on issues that discriminate against and divide us.
Please call Representative Calvin Smyre with this message,

“We are depending on you to stop HR 595 in the rules committee. It must not come to the floor of the House for a vote.”

and then call five friends and ask them to do the same.
Together, we can make a difference TODAY, but we must take action immediately.
Call Calvin Smyre’s office at 404.656.5024, then if you can, follow up with a fax with the same message to 404-657-8278. You can also forward this e-mail to as many friends as possible.
Thanks,
Debbie Seagraves
Executive Director
ACLU of Georgia

PS. If you have a moment, please let me know by return e-mail when you make the call.

Marriage 45 years ago.......

The language is the same - plus 45 years

In the years after the Civil War, it was an eagerness to "preserve the integrity of the white race" by preventing the birth of mixed-race children that in great part motivated states to pass miscegenation laws. Some states, like California, chose to specifically prohibit "intermarriage of white persons with Chinese, Negroes, mulattos, or persons of mixed blood descended from a Chinaman or Negro from the third generation inclusive." In 1869, a Georgia judge blocked the marriage of a white Frenchman and a black woman by saying, "The amalgamation of the races is not only unnatural but is always productive of deplorable results. Our daily observations show us that the offspring of these unnatural connections are generally sick and effeminate." And a Missouri judge in 1883 prevented an intermarriage, because, "It is stated as a well authenticated fact that if the [children] of a black man and white woman, and a white man and a black woman intermarry, they cannot possibly have any progeny, and such a fact sufficiently justifies those laws which forbid the intermarriage of blacks and whites."

In contrast to the ignorance that muddied such racist rulings, the clearer prejudice of Virginia's Judge Leon Bazile in the famous 1959 Loving case (in which a black man and white woman were sentenced to prison for trying to circumvent Virginia law by marrying in Washington DC) is almost refreshing. "Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, Maylay and red, and he placed them on separate continents," he said. "And but for the interference with His arrangement, there would be no cause for such marriages." The 1967 federal law superceded state statutes, but it took decades for all states to officially remove these laws from their books; Alabama did so just this year.

The first Gallup poll conducted on the issue of interracial marriage was in 1958 and showed that 94% of whites opposed such unions -

Marriage - Geogia House pay attention!

Here is the link to the whole article


Here's why: No matter what the final outcome, this past week will go down as one of those defining moments, a seminal point in American history. It hearkens back to the civil rights movement and to women's suffrage, though with less screaming chanting effigy-burning marches and beatings by angry cops, and more roses and warm-hearted grins and life-affirming smooches on the steps of city hall.

It was a delicious and heartwarming historic spectacle indeed, and there was simply no way for any person of any elevated consciousness or spiritual awareness -- anyone with any heart whatsoever -- to witness the huge line of happy, eager same-sex couples snaking around city hall and not be deeply moved, profoundly touched.

I was there. I saw the lines, the smiles, felt the intense emotional energy. It was simply irrefutable: These are people in love. These are couples who have been together for years, decades, who have started families and raised children and set up homes replete with dogs and dinner parties and antiques and regular shopping excursions to Safeway and the mall. You know, just like "real" Americans.

These are couples who are willing to go the distance, to commit and connect, and who are eager to prove to themselves and the world that their love is something true and real and momentous, something that, in truth, can only serve to reignite and reunite our stagnant, fractured, contentious, 50 percent-divorce-rate nation. Hey, we need all the help we can get.

And one other thing was very apparent: It was a situation in which you simply could not imagine anyone hurling gobs of intolerant hate at it. It would have required a serious amount of nasty, inbred ignorance and appalling nerve to march up to any of the passionate and committed couples waiting patiently in line for their marriage ceremony and say, you know, God hates you for this, you immoral disgusting sodomites, and it's intolerable and unacceptable that you wish to love and honor each other till death do you part.

Which, yes indeed, is exactly what a great many antigay groups are doing, in effect, right now.

But here's the best part: The City's brave move was not merely a giant well-manicured middle finger to the Christian Right and indignant homophobic conservatives everywhere.

Nor was it just an audacious act of civil disobedience, guaranteed to raise the ire of Bible thumpers and so-called pro-family groups hailing everywhere from Orange County to Colorado Springs. That's just a nice bonus.

It was, more than anything, an incredible celebration of love. The more than 2,600 wedding ceremonies performed so far were the purest evidence, an irrefutable outpouring of the most wondrous and messy and baffling and orgasmic and desperately needed of human emotions, the air electric and warm, the ceremonies themselves radiant and poignant and genuinely tearful.

And no question became so clear, so obvious, as the one being asked by same-sex-marriage advocates around the world: What, really, is so wrong about this? What is the horrible threat about two adults who love each other so intensely, so purely, that they're willing to commit to a lifetime of being together and sleeping together and arguing over who controls the remote? And what government body dares to claim a right to legislate against it?

It is a question no group, no homophobic senator, no piece of antigay legislation, no BushCo stump speech, no Bible-humping pastor has been able to answer with any clarity or conviction.

They can only mumble about immorality and quote some vague Scripture about sodomy that makes them all tingly, as wary biblical scholars all over the world roll their eyes and point to a thousand proofs that demonstrate, over and over again, how the Bible is basically a reinterpreted regurgitated piece of classic patriarchal misogynistic mythmaking that says exactly what the church rewrote it to say.

But I might have part of an answer. From what I can glean from some of my hate mail and the general conservative outcry, here is what the homophobes fear about same-sex marriage: bestiality.

That is, they are utterly terrified that same-sex marriage is a slippery slope of permissive debauchery that will lead to the utter breakdown of social rules and sexual mores, to people being allowed to marry their dogs, or their own dead grandmothers, or chairs, or three hairy men from Miami Beach.

In short, to the neocon Right, a nation that allows gays to marry is a nation with no boundaries and no condoms and where all sorts of illicit disgusting behaviors will soon be legal and be forced upon them, a horrific tribal wasteland full of leeches and flying bugs and scary sex acts they only read about in chat rooms and their beloved "Left Behind" series of cute apocalypse-porn books.

You know, just like how giving blacks the right to own their own land meant we had to give the same rights to house plants and power tools, or how granting women the right to vote meant it was a slippery slope until we gave suffrage to feral cats and sea slugs and rusty hubcaps.

This, then, is why it is a time to be incredibly proud. San Francisco is slapping this moronic worldview back to the dank basement of subhuman intellect, where it belongs. We have broken the taboo, challenged the ignorant and the easily terrified, made it beautifully clear that what matters most in a modern society is not unfounded, naive fears, not uptight religious puling, but a humane and equal, joyous sense of love for all.

The war is far from over. It will be a brutal battle, with much hate yet to be spewed, much Bible waving and law mangling accompanying what will undoubtedly be a slow, painful sea change for a very uptight, easily terrified American society.

But S.F. has taken the lead, has sounded the battle cry, has defined itself anew. And for that, more than any other of its wonders, I am incredibly proud that I live in San Francisco, the best city in the whole goddamn world -- gay, straight or anywhere in between.

Please tell me how this is different

Please tell me how the arguments against gay marriage are any different than the ones used against allowing interracial marriage years ago. Didn't people then quote the bible, common cultural values, and what God and the founding fathers meant? Seems like the same sources were used for denying intergration and voting rights. What we really have here is an argument about POWER.
Who controls access to it, allows others to "join the club" and how you have to act to become a member. The white, straight power of this county is making sure that they stay the dominate culture. They are going to try and redefine gay culture in their image.
Does this not all seem/feel familiar?
AJC editoral

The Working Poor: Can't Win for Losing

New book out that documents the issues surrounding the working poor. Check it out.Link:
"The phrase ''working poor'' doesn't carry much weight in this fractious political season. It slips by in a campaign speech, with nothing much to grab onto as it passes. It suffers from a kind of blunt-edged simplicity -- a collision of enormous, rounded terms that, by the lights of American exceptionalism, should not be joined. Both political parties quietly agree that it is an ugly, unsettling combination -- that any American who works steadily should not have to suffer the barbed indignities of poverty. But Americans do -- millions of them. There are 35 million people in the country living in poverty. Most of the adults in that group work nowadays; many of them work full time. And while there are heavy concentrations of African-Americans and white single women in the mix, the group is every bit as diverse, and diffuse, as the nation is. "

So, we now are one step away from having a state constitutional that requires discrimination.....sweet jesus

What Would Jesus do? Not this:

"You want to put all your energy into legislating morality,' Thomas said. 'The men and woman who feel they want to live in a world free of sin, I suggest you find another world.'

Thomas said she was disturbed when 'I see people come to the Capitol in the name of the Lord God but they don't come here in the name of love. I do have an issue ... that they are for God but come down here with a legislative agenda to take rights from everyone.'"

Thanks Dad....

Mary Cheney (vice president's daughter) is campaigning for her father.....it would be sweet except she has been openly gay for years and daddy is pushing for a non-marriage amendment for gays. Thanks dad!
Guess it does not matter- daddy has money.

More Letters

George Rhynes (229-251-8545)
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144

Dear Editor

If living beings are found on Mars, I pray they have a better method of dealing with conflicts than our leaders of today.

In Vietnam, we lost over 50,000 American lives, with 300,000, physical casualties (many more with mental, and emotional problems). North Vietnam and the Viet Cong's suffered 900,000 deaths and 2 million wounded at a financial cost of more than $200 billion.

Today in Iraq more than 500 of our sons and daughters have been killed, with thousands of others being wounded.

Therefore, if Martians exists, and know how to stop this war, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, promote diversity, create jobs, save the children, and give us a new religion of peace. Then bring it on ---and liberate us from our own weapons of mass destruction internally. Because we are the number one threat to ourselves, others, and our environment.

Therefore, our President should use his influences among his advisors---to bring our sons and daughters back home. Then maybe the Martians will liberate us from a flawed foreign policy in the middle east. Peace!

Letters

George B. Rhynes (229-251-8645) 10 February 2003
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605

Governor Bush! America always had an Affirmative Action Program
and Set-Asides for the white privileged and their children. There was
an invisible sign, which read “Blacks need not apply.” This practice
went on into the sunset, and met at the O.K. Corral of economic
prosperity.

Even the bathrooms, restaurants, theaters, armed forces, water
fountains, churches, State, and Federal Contracts etc., were all
set-asides for privileged whites and their children. They benefited
tremendously and were able to send their children to Technical Schools, Colleges
and Universities. While blacks were relegated to discrimination,
inferior schools denied their civil and human rights. This was no myth of
the imagination---this is American history. In addition, many White
Christians gave their approval by silent consent decree.

Today, we hear! “I had nothing to do with what my ancestors did,”
which may be true! However, Jesus had nothing to do with Adam and Eve
committing sin in the Garden. Yet, he dedicated his life to eliminate
the inequities in society without oppressing others directly or
indirectly for self-gain. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as you love
yourself,” this is an easy undertaking when God’s love exists within the human
heart.

Our conscious is what distinguishes us from other animals. In
addition, until Americans desire for their neighbors, the same things that
they themselves and their children have received. Then Americans will
continue to lose their humanity, on the world sage of
respectability----. Peace!



George B. Rhynes
A Concerned Citizen & Brother of Humanity

Letters

Been busy...but here are some recent letters.



George Rhynes (229-251-8645)
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605

Dear Editor

Don't blame the president alone!

We cannot blame President Bush alone for the war with Iraq. It was the
American people who refused to hold our elected officials, news media
outlets, religious leaders, and cooperation’s accountable.

Instead many Americans buried their head in the sand like the legend
concerning the ostrich bird, and remained silent concerning the war.

It is said that in our form of government that the power is with the
people. However, after 911, apparently we have been tricked, used, and
misled by politicians, mass media, and false patriots ---who seems to be
chiseling away at our Constitutional Rights.

Here in America people were afraid to speak out against the war with
Iraq. They believed they would be viewed as unpatriotic.

Now unless real Americans step up to the plate of responsibility. Our
nation may go into decline. With our active duty, retired, disabled
veterans suffering, and their benefits being cut while the American
people seem to be powerless in helping their own children---in the Armed
Forces.

Therefore, Americans must question their government as to why--- the
Islamic world hates Americans---so much.

Is it our foreign policy towards Israel and the billions of dollars we
give. Of which is being used to oppress the defenseless Palestinian
people--- to the point of strapping bombs around their waists, blowing
themselves up in a public place to maintain some level of dignity, and
self respect before their love ones?

So, was 911, a retaliatory strike because of our inhuman foreign policy
around the world? I pray not, but questions must be asked and
answered. Peace, and God Bless everybody!

John "Jackboot" Ashcroft

This should scare the crap out of everyone. The goverment wants the the names of anti-war protesters. What for? Who wants them? Where do the names go?

Article:
Federal authorities drop subpoenas to Iowa anti-war activists
By Joanne Laurier
World Socialist Web Site
12 February 2004
Federal prosecutors February 10 effectively withdrew a subpoena demanding that an Iowa university hand over information on participants of a November 2003 anti-war forum. Subpoenas directed at four activists were also withdrawn. This extraordinary attack on democratic rights had provoked protests from civil liberties and anti-war organizations.

Various posts

This is incredible.....

and this

And more on Bush and his missing time on military service...

How the white house got us into Iraq....

and if you want even more reading please take the time and read this

Letters

George B. Rhynes (229-251-8645) 25 January 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605


“GUEST COLUMN,” WHERE APPLICABLE, THIS IS A REAL WORLD PROBLEM IN THIS
SOUTH GEORGIA TOWN.

The New South may not be so new after all! Here in Valdosta, Georgia
approximately 240 miles south of Atlanta, Rev. Floyd Rose, President of
the People’s Tribunal a local Civil Rights organization addressed the
Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority on
behalf of concerned citizens on 20 Jan 2004:

“Of the more than thirty (30) employees only one full time positions is
held by an African American all other blacks compose the “Clean-up,”
crew. None of them have health or retirement benefits---this is
unacceptable to all people of good will,”

The attorney for the authority stated that, “they are following the
law, and cannot discriminate against anyone. Moreover, that they will
continue hiring the best qualified, and experienced applicants.”

Rev. Rose’s main objective seemed to be one of diversity, and fairness.
“We are not asking you to terminate or remove Whites who are currently
employed to make room for Blacks. However, we are suggesting that as
vacancies appear they be filled with qualified blacks until such time
they reflect the racial make-up of your clientele.”

The Center reemphasized its position that they were following the law
and could not discriminate against anyone.

Rev. Rose said, “Our concerns are both morale and legitimate. We are
prepared to (1), conduct public demonstrations (informational
picketing), (2) pursue legal actions, and (3), lead a boycott, until African
American are equally respected at every level of your employ.”

As an applicant I reminded the board that Blacks were well qualified a
few decades ago, to use the restaurants, bathrooms, motels, and other
public facilities but was denied---by those following the law.

However, people of good will stood up on Christian, Jewish, and Islamic
principles and changed America’s laws for the better---in the eyes of
the world.

However in South Georgia, the question remains---has the Old South
really changed? Peace!


George Rhynes
A concerned citizen, community organizer, Minister, Retired U.S Air
Force Veteran, Single Parent, Business Owner for 14 years, Author of
several writings, and believes totally in free speech, and freedom of the
press!

Letters

Dear Editor

My intake and observations of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center Monthly Meeting on 20 January 2004 – was in contrast to what has been reported by our local news media.

The Rev. Floyd Rose President of the People’s Tribunal made his concerns clear “Of the more than thirty (30) employees only one full-time position is held by an African American at the center and all other Blacks compose the “clean-up,” crews.” None of them have health or retirement benefits---which is unacceptable---to all people of good will.”

Therefore, it appears that local media has focused on boycotts, and picketing instead of focusing on what appears to be unfair hiring practices.

The Rev. Rose main objective was diversity, and fairness, “we are not asking you to terminate or remove whites who are currently employed to make room for blacks. However, we are suggesting that as vacancies appear they be filled with qualified blacks until such time they reflect the racial make-up of your clientele.”

Attorney William Moore for the center stated that “they are following the law, and can not discriminate against anyone. Moreover, that they will continue hiring the best qualified, and experienced applicants.”

I reminded the Board that blacks were over qualified a few decades ago to use the restaurants, bathroom, motels, and other public facilities, but was denied---by those following the law.

However, people of good will stood-up on Christian principles, and changed America in the eyes of the world. Peace!

George R

Letters

Dear Editor

King’s example: Keeping freedom alive

As we celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of the Rev. Martin
Luther King Jr., let’s remember in whose footsteps he stood. He preached
nonviolence in the church, in the streets, and beyond. He committed his
life to changing an Old World Order into a New World Order. Moreover,
because of his efforts, he redefined the meaning of Truth, Love,
Freedom, Justice, Liberation and the methods we used to achieve them.

Dr. King saw the war in Vietnam as a cruel, unjust and costly
war—fueled by the arrogance of leaders who used our tax dollars to kill innocent
peasants in Southeast Asia. He stood in defiance of his government
because he stood on principles and chose the morale high ground as Jesus
stood before King Herod and Pilate.

Dr. King refused to bend his knees and buckle from criticism. In
addition, history records him as being one of America’s finest patriots
because he showed us a true picture of ourselves as a nation. His
nonviolent methods align him with the Messiah Jesus (Matt 2:2): “the government
was upon his shoulders,” and as they conspired to silence Jesus, J.
Edgar Hoover of the FBI sought to silence Dr. King, for no other reason
than that he followed the principles of Jesus.

Therefore, today Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and others cannot
hide behind their denominations and keep silent concerning war with Iraq.
We must follow the martyrs who dressed themselves in the robe of one
blood, one love and one humanity.

So just attending a ceremony in memory of Dr. King—but failing to stand
up for what he gave his life for on a daily bases—is to make mockery of
both Dr. King and Jesus. America must unite by blood, love, kinship,
and citizenship in order to keep the fight for freedom alive in America
and beyond.

George B. Rhynes, Valdosta, Georgia

More
Dear Editor

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was a great humanitarian, and winner of
the Noble Peace Prize. He gave the world a universal message of love.
His message went beyond the Halls of Congress, Christianity, Judaism,
Islam, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States, and is applicable to
the war on terror of today:

“We’re not going to win this battle of hate and terror by hating other
folks. Hate doesn’t help the hater, and it doesn’t help the person who
hates. There is something about hate that hurts the hater. Somebody
must have the power to transform through love. You just hate somebody
and you are as uncomfortable and as frustrated as the person you are
hating.

There is something about hate that keeps you from walking straight,
something about hate that keeps you from standing up straight.

And when you hate you can’t see straight. When you hate, you lose your
power of objectivity. When you hate somebody, you can’t see them.
When you hate strong enough, the ugly becomes beautiful and the beautiful
becomes ugly. A good speech becomes a bad speech, and a bad speech
becomes a good speech. When you hate strong enough, hair pins begin to
sell for $1,000 and diamond rings for five cents, because that’s a wrong
price tag on things. Something about hate, that does something to the
hater and so our way must be a way of love.”

Hate is a weapon of mass destruction---so don’t participate in it, and
it will destroy itself. [GBR]


George B. Rhynes, Valdosta Georgia

More

Dear Editor,

There should be no arguments as to where the Ten Commandments should be
displayed. However, there is a strange dilemma sweeping the landscape
across America. Today it seems that Gold, Oil, and Diamonds (GOD) have
become America’s deity.

Too many Americans in my opinion look to these resources to get them
out of their modern day Egypt. We kill our foreign neighbors because
they want to be free and respected, as we ourselves want to be
respected.

Our foreign neighbors whant to control their own natural resources,
diamond, gold, uranium, pearls etc., as America used her
natural resources in the past.

We not only cover our neighbors wife, but we are covering our sons and
daughters because of an unjustified war with Iraq. In addition, words
engraved on stone should be left along, but their principles should be
stamped in the human heart.

If America is to survive, she must look into the mirror at herself.
She terrorized Blacks, in the land of the free, and the home of the
brave. They could not own land, a business, assemble in groups of more
than five, forced to obey dictators, called three fifths of a human
being, worked without being paid by-law, and never received an
apology.

For over 250 years, they were not allowed to be educated equally. In
1857, the
Supreme Court said that no black person had rights that a white man had
to respect. Therefore, Black African Americans were terrorized for
centuries in America. Where were the Ten Commandments, and the
Christian Institutions? Peace, and God bless everybody!