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
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
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.
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.
Monday, March 15, 2004
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
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
Sunday, March 14, 2004
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!
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!
Saturday, March 06, 2004
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."
"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."
Thursday, March 04, 2004
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
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.
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.' "
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!
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!
Monday, March 01, 2004
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.
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.
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