Crime and Politics

Politics, first. His Arrogance, Mayor Willie Herenton, swept to an historic 5th term as mayor of Memphis, with 43% of the vote. Edmund Ford, Jr., son of the indicted city councilman, won his father's seat very handily. Something about the Ford Machine.

39 indictments handed down by the Lauderdale County Grand Jury, including one against an employee of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department for using a prisoner to do "free" labor. I don't think the message has gone across that you just can't do that. And there's an indictment against a Winbush for possession and intent to deliver. Wonder if that is the Winbush who lives cat-a-corner to me? There's definitely some drug trafficking going on over there or I'll eat my hat. Too much drive through traffic.

Coming as no surprise to anyone is the failure to charge the policemen involved in killing a man in Ripley last March. "Therefore, it is the opinion of this office that the use of deadly force by officers which ultimately caused the death of Cooper was justified." Would the Criner name have anything to do with that decision? Put in context with the lack of action against police in PG County and the District,you can understand my skepticism. The case in DC where off-duty officers beat and shot a 14-year-old in the back of the head while claiming that he had fired at them (gun not found) should be causing a ruckus across the nation. The first inkling that things were not as they seemed came when the slick mayor paid for the child's funeral. I'll be watching this one, DC.

Another liar caught out. Olympic sprinter, Marion Jones, denied her use of drugs ad nauseum. Now, she is admitting it? Will probably be stripped of her medals, titles, etc., which I don't have a problem with but, puhleze. Seems like that lying first husband of hers, who is/did time, knew from whence he spoke. Seemed like he was just trying to smear her at the time.

On a lighter note, Ripley is gearing up for the Harvest Day Festival on the 13th. This is a first for them and they've tried to include something for everyone. Line dancing (I'm in if schedule and feet allow), food and vendors, Liar's Competition, penny arcade, singing, Becky and Tom Sawyer pageant. You just know I'll have to work but we can hope that I'll be off. I'll keep you posted.

Got to go. Wally World calls.