As of 1:48 p.m. Monday, former Tennessee Senator John Ford became a federal prisoner. Ford’s name will be replaced with a prison ID number at a prison camp in Pollock, LA. The camp is not like a prison many of us envision, there are no walls or razor wire fences. We’re told if a prisoner does wander away, they enter up in a maximum security prison. Ford was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison after being convicted of bribery in Operation Tennessee Waltz.
28
Apr
08
Well…he was convicted. It is about time for him to start paying the price.
The real losers in all this tragedy are the children. Both parents incarcerated. No real means of support. Two adult lives ruined. This is a sad day in the Ford household.
This is what greed and selfishness can do. A sad day, indeed – and not just in the Ford household…
He ain’t done either!
Should get a bunch more time after the Nashville trial.
He’s just a thief! That’s it.
“The real losers in all this tragedy are the children.”
The real losers are the people of Memphis who have yet another reason to not trust anyone in office. The same principle that applies to police applies here. Somehow Ford believed he was above the law, how and why politicians (and police) get this way I have no idea, but there’s something about the empowerment of a badge or political office that seems to corrupt even the best of hearts.
You would think that people could rise above the base human frailties, just once, and leave a legacy to be proud of. Now he has forever shamed himself and his family for a few pieces of silver.
Ex-Pat
The fact of the matter is, everyone has known that John was a bit peculiar. We all knew that. We looked at what he’d done over his career as a politician, and it is impressive—save for the last few years. I believe this was entrapment, but I also believe John walked right into it.
It’s called a case of rapacious greed, combined with terminal stupidity…
And, I call your merciless condemnation and unnecessary criticism of him pathetic bigotry, and typical finger pointing from holier-than-thou-art pseudo-Christians.
‘unnecessary criticism’? Res ipsa loquitur – the facts speak for themselves.
And by your own words:
The fact of the matter is, everyone has known that John was a bit peculiar. We all knew that. … I also believe John walked right into it.
I’m not saying he doesn’t win the dufus of the year award (actually he doesn’t. That distinction goes to Roscoe). I am saying he’s paying for his crimes, and to start jeering the man is unnecessary. That’s all.
George, why do you allow name calling to remain on here in the likes of bigot, racist and idiot? Topics are to be held to, I thought.
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FROM GEORGE: For one thing, I can’t monitor the board all the time so some slip by. Sometimes there’s name calling mixed with valid comments. If people could police themselves it would be much easier and enjoyable.
Thanks, George. I knew you coudn’t monitor it all the time. I do wish that people would monitor themselves. I also wish if some folks get their comments deleted that all would be deleted when in appropriate. Namely the one who gets by with bigot etc……
Thanks for the answer.
I thought we were discussing John Ford..?
I have a suggestion: ’slum-phis’. Our once-award-winning, cleanest city in the nation turned into blocks and blocks of blight. Another Herenton legacy….
off topic: the phrase “you people” is as bigoted as they come. But it’s not a surprise that those waving the race flag are usually hiding behind it.
Why does John get to serve in Holiday Pen? In the 20 years I’ve been in Memphis, the Ford family has been at the front of controversy and criminal investigation. The term peculiar doesn’t begin to address John’s behavior. Morally questionable. Ethically lax. Conscience vacant.
“You people” want to have it both ways. “You people” want to criticize us for everything, but want no part of being called what you are, which is for the most oart, bigots. “You people” want to blame Herenton for the urban blight, but ignore the fact that, during the Reagan years—your hero—the inner citites were virtually ignored. This had a long lasting effect, even to this day. “You people” applaud the police when they kill one of us, but you forget this is the anniversary of the LA race riots of 1992. In it, a jury comprised of “you people” acquitted for police officers for brutally beating Rodney King. “You people” want to condemn Ford for paying for his crime, but when Rush Limbaugh was caught forging a prescription, “you people” wanted him placed in a recovery unit, not in a jail cell.
No, you’re lying…as usual. But, the fact of the matter is, you have nothing of merit to say on this topic, or anyother for that matter. Your first post on this forum revealed how delighted you are to see Ford go to prison. That is a sentiment too many of you share. It is never good when a politician goes to jail, because it leaves his entire record in the senate up for scrutiny. You delighted in his fall because he has done things you will never do; it’s called succeed. I wonder how many people will laugh when you fall…
Tj you your self have said MANY MANY MANY times that were glad to finally see him serve his time and get to jail…Your rebutal holds no water…We didnt send him to jail, we didnt make him do the things that landed him there in the first place he did that…The only thing he succeeded in was making it into office and sounding like a idiot every council meeting they aired with him speaking, he rambles and makes no sence…If you want to defend his idiotic nature and come up with reasons or as I like to refer to them “excuses” then fine do so…But everyone knows and will see him for exactly what he is and he has himself to thank for it…
Not true, gent…I said he was convicted, and he should serve his time. I’m not glad when anyone goes to prison…unless they did it, and what they did was heinous. I can’t say John didn’t stick his foot deep in this one…that goes without saying. I also said I felt he was entrapped. he may have been, but I had to be honest. He has exhibited some peculiar behavior over the years, and the truth is, I can admit it: HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ELECETED SO MANY TIMES. Are you happy now. Also, I kow a lot more about him than John Q. Citizen does, and that makes me not like him that much.
John Ford got what was coming to him and I cant wait til Willie gets his. He said he “dont waltz like that” im sure he does. As for Memfrica Stanks….it does, its a nasty filthy city and its not gonna get any better. Get back to work TJ its not quitin time until the boss says it is.
I am never glad to see anyone go to jail as well, I am glad to see him finally serve his time which is the point I was trying to make…Only a sicko would take pride in the misery of another…As far as me being happy about your honesty on this matter yea I
a little…And you stand correct he should not have been elected as many times as he has…
Keep this solid posts coming guys…
memfricastanks if you dont have anything productive to say please —-door is this way—>
Have you ever heard the phrase hate begets hate…do yourself and everyone who posts on this forum board and get a life…Even with some of the bashing and what not most still have a valid point to make within that post, you spew the same dribble about the same stuff every post…Hell Tj like to toss bigot and racist and few other names around but at least at some point in the many posts he makes he seems to be somewhat on topic…The hate is not wanted or needed from you or anyone else please take it some place else…
Still hadn’t figured what internet blogs are all about, huh, George?
Cutting out the cussing, and the obvious racial epitaphs are one thing … cutting off the permutations to enriched, spirited discussion on loosely related subject matter, is quite something else.
Some may look at this effort as extreme censorship to maintain an aura of political correctness. I may even call it “conducting the choir”. Otis Sanford would be quite proud of you.
Have you not wondered why your blogs have gone down to almost zero participation when you wield the censor sword??? It’s no mystery to me. People aren’t interested in only your opinion, or position on issues. They enjoy the jousting involved when diverse opinions are rendered, and defended.
Of course, you may be complimented for “keeping order” by the low voltage neuron types. That’s to be expected. They either don’t have an opinion (on anything), or their position is so weak they welcome the relief you provide from criticism.
It sucks!
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From George: Don’t even know Otis. The nice thing about blogs is they’re all different, some have rules some don’t. Most of the peple who’ve emailed me saying they’ll no longer post blame you and one other person for take the boards hostage with your personal attacks and repetititive race debates. Comments about slang names for Memphis have nothing to do with John Ford. If you want, I’ll create a topic about that and you can post that entire debate there.
And, you’re not my “boss”; you’re just a bigot who has an axe to grind with Memphis for some reason. Also, everything that John did, he learned it from a preceeding politician. Most of them were…well, you get the picture.
“Also, everything that John did, he learned it from a preceeding politician.”
YAWWWWNNNN
More excuses for black aberrant behaviors. When will they end, and a demand for accountability begin?
Not very soon, methinks.
“You people”, “Bigots” and “Racists”………….no black racists huh?
If I said (the N word- edited by George) then it would be bleeped from here.
Now, let’s see how long before Mr. George erases that…….
Your act is getting old, son…
SEEEEEEEEEE
George, why in the heck do you leave racist bigotted and idiotic TJs posts on here. I made my point VERY c\lear I’d say.
Selective editing.
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From George: I really don’t have time to go back and forth. If you have a post you feel should be removed, email me at geore.brown@wreg.com. But remember, just because you don’t like a word doesn’t mean a post will be removed. Judgement is involved and that judgement comes from here.
It didn’t even take you 5 minutes to edit that one
From George: Most of the peple who’ve emailed me saying they’ll no longer post blame you and one other person for take the boards hostage with your personal attacks and repetititive race debates.
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“Most” is very exaggerated, from what I read on other blogs discussing “The Rant”.
Look George, the complaints I’ve seen logged are from low brows who, for the most part, have nothing to say anyways. You know … the “backslapping”, always have a dumb smile on their face, dentures way too large for their mouths, cheap haircuts, etc … You know the type.
Also, the biggest complaint I’ve seen from these slower ones is they have trouble getting through, what they claim is, the “huge” number of posts. Your blogs don’t even average 30, or 40 posts a day.
These idiots are just whiners … pure & simple (no ppun intended).
If they could read without moving their lips, it may not take them 1/2 hour to digest a few posts.
Oh hail king George then.
I just find it funny that your “judgement” is meeted out to some and others are your fair haired boys.
I don’t have time either and will not emaila list of offensive ones. The don’t offend me personally. My point was that you are selctive, VERY selective, in your editing. It is rather amusing that once again, the whites are degraded and berated, on here even, and NO one is doing anything to the reverse descrimination of the certain “members” on line.
Now, if you wish to ban me you are free to do so ANYtime you wish. BUT, do NOT EVER put my email of address on here! Like someonelse’s was posted and still is posted. Not cool. Nor smart.
What does all this have to do with John Ford? We got way off topic here.
To me (and trust me, I’m the proud son of a former Black Panther) race only plays a part in that John Ford, being Black, owes. He owes Memphis, he owes the Black community (who will ultimately pay the price for his actions) and better yet, he owes his family. There’s a debt to be paid, but jail is only the tip of the iceberg.
Unfortunately too many people are like Fly, quick to blame everyone Black for the deeds of a few, whether perceived or real. This is all too evident by his posts here, and elsewhere (especially the MPD blog). He whines like a baby here, but on other blogs it seems like he’s personally channeling Nathan Bedford Forrest’s spirit.
John Ford and the rest of the Gang-Who-Couldn’t-Graft-Straight have left a permanent smear on Black politics that will take many years to wipe off, looks like there’s a lot more work to do than I originally thought.
Ex-Pat
Okay, now this is getting hilarious. Tell you what I’ll do: I will refrain from using…if it will make George’s life easier. So, since I can’t (allegedly) use words that are so “offensive” to some people, how about the word “crybaby”? Proud, I thought you were better than that. God!
“I just find it funny that your “judgement” is meeted out to some and others are your fair haired boys.”
Proud,
As was stated in the Sean Bell thread by more than a few of your conservative high-fiving friends, if you act the fool you deserve what you get, why should this blog be any different?
Fortune works both ways, enjoy it when it’s in your favor, endure it when it’s not.
Ex-Pat
the expat say:
“Unfortunately too many people are like Fly, quick to blame everyone Black for the deeds of a few, whether perceived or real. This is all too evident by his posts here, and elsewhere (especially the MPD blog). He whines like a baby here, but on other blogs it seems like he’s personally channeling Nathan Bedford Forrest’s spirit.”
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Again, expat knows not of what it speaks.
I’ve never been to the MPD blog. It sounds interesting. What’s the address???
I am MUCH better than that.
M whole point here is you call names and pas*s judgement on people so readily and George does not much of anything to you or your comments. While at the same time he delets all others who might offend others.
I have no hurt feelings by your childish rants. You are actually rather amusing the way ou act childish. It is just not fair to others who wish to comment their feelings at the expense of being deleted by the censors or the host.
Ex-Pat, he has been busted as a fool, thanks for your diligence in this matter LOL
“Again, expat knows not of what it speaks. I’ve never been to the MPD blog. It sounds interesting. What’s the address???”
Then God forbid there are 2 FlyOnTheWall’s running around. And to think someone thought eugenics was dead. You’re not from Brazil are you? Have dark hair, wild eyes, mustache? Slight Austrian accent?
Ex-Pat
Now, I must go work for a living. Hope you guys get some work done.
Good day!
expat really inserts the ole foot into the eating orifice with this gem:
“Unfortunately too many people are like Fly, quick to blame everyone Black for the deeds of a few, whether perceived or real.”
Then, he goes on to state:
“John Ford and the rest of the Gang-Who-Couldn’t-Graft-Straight have left a permanent smear on Black politics that will take many years to wipe off.”
Wa*s*s*up with this???
If there is another “Fly” buzzing around, I will take it as a high honor. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
This blog “Fly” is the original, in this area. Quite a pest to b/s artists, he is!
“My whole point here is you call names and pas*s judgement on people so readily and George does not much of anything to you or your comments. While at the same time he delets all others who might offend others.”
You must have me mixed up with someone else. I don’t call names or pa*ss judgements, but then I don’t have to, the posts speak for themselves. An objective reader can figure out who’s who and what’s what just by casual observation.
I’d LOVE to talk about something other than race, but in this town it seems to pre-occupy everyone. It will be interesting when the new players start making grbs for power. There are a lot of East Indians, Asians, Latinos, and East Europeans quietly moving to Memphis that will have something to say in the near future. Many will have the means and organization to make what they say heard whether you’re open to it or not. Not to mention carpet-bagging souls like myself who have already done well in first businesses or careers and have moved here to enjoy new frontiers.
“I have no hurt feelings by your childish rants. You are actually rather amusing the way ou act childish. It is just not fair to others who wish to comment their feelings at the expense of being deleted by the censors or the host.”
Expressing feelings is one thing, acting the fool is another. I enjoy good conversation (as evidenced by the exchange between SouthernGent and myself yesterday, high five to ya Gent), until things get crazy, then it’s time to stop posting and let the agitators die down.
Posting your thoughts isn’t childish, names like N*grosux, Memfrica, etc. are. If you’re looking for a finger to point, it should be obvious which direction it should go.
Ex-Pat
Here’s something of interest for our resident criminologist.
http://www.investors.com/editorial/editorialcontent.asp?secid=1502&status=article&id=294274911882475
Nice try, fly…but that has long been an argument in the criminal justice industry: Are blacks incarcerated at a higher rate because they’re more criminogenic, or because of built-in racism in the system? This nonsense that got John—Operation “Tennessee Waltz”—is an excellent example of racism, in that the vast majority of “corrupt politicians” are Democrats…and black. Bush fired 8 federal prosecutors because of their unwillingness to singlemindedly pursue “crimes” committed by Democrats, while leaving Republicans alone. To give an appearance of equity, they sacrifice some of their own. That someone wrote his or her opinion which points the finger at blacks is no surprise to me, nor is that any great revelation. It’s nothing more than proof that racism is still alive and well—in the white community.
Must be tough to try and hold on to your fallacies, when every ounce of data and statistical analysis available refutes any feeble argument you have.
If the overwhelming amount of governmental agency data weren’t enough, a reasonable & prudent person would only have to believe their own eyes.
You know what’s tragic about this situation … EVERY bit of data points in the same direction, all the time. Doesn’t matter where it’s from, who compiled it, etc … I mean, they aren’t even arguable points. There is nothing on your side … except, your personal opinion. That’s it.
I value personal integrity, as most people do. You are obviously void of any.
The facts tell you it’s raining outside, you’ll spend your time trying to convince someone it’s actually sunny … as they are getting drenched.
So much for you.
Last comment before I leave.
It’s not like we’re “splitting hairs” here, the evidence from ANY source is absolutely overwhelming.
Fly, you do realize Heather Mac Donald is a conservative Atheist, right? You should research who you are linking to before you post.
Ex-Pat
“A secular value system is of course no guarantee against injustice and brutality, but then neither is Christianity. America’s antebellum plantation owners found solid support for slaveholding in their cherished Bible, to name just one group of devout Christians who have brought suffering to the world.- Heather Mac Donald
http://richarddawkins.net/print.php?id=519
Ex-Pat
“You know what’s tragic about this situation … EVERY bit of data points in the same direction, all the time. ”
1) If you misrepresent the data—as you always do—I guess it would always “point in the same direction”. You’re lying…again. Also, the source of your “data” is just as important as the data itself. You never get any data from a reputable source, so all of your “findings” are suspect at best, and grossly incorrect at worst.
2) You “value personal integrity”? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! God that’s funny! You have no integrity. How do you manage to sleep at night?
John Ford pushing a broom and scrubbing toilets – whaddya know, there IS justice in this world, after all….
I had no idea Heather Mac was an atheist. Thanks for the heads up!
However, her lack of religion sure doesn’t have anything to do with the well documented FACTS she put forth in her article.
Here we go again … shooting at the messenger, whilst trying to extinquish the FACT FILLED message.
Hey, even I had no idea the number of black people behind bars for the oft mentioned racist, disproportionate sentence “crack cocaine” offenses was so miniscule. Heck, all those “crack prisoners” are much less than 1% of the black prison population. Gee, we were led to believe that was the primary cause of the extremely high black prison population.
Heck, it’s about the same number as the meth offenders, who face similar tough sentences. Seems like they about cancel each other out in any analysis, eh???
FACTS, regardless of who digs them up, are nasty little boogers, aren’t they expat???
Take all the potshots you want at the messenger. She means as much to me as my mailman.
Have a good day!
Well, some people behind bars are there because they actually did it. Some of them are victims of circumstances. The fact of the matter is, “facts” from racists are hardly reliable. Since you are a racist…oh, I’m sorry. That’s taking a “potshot” at you (or is it the truth)? But, you have a well-renonwned inability to face the truth, so you have to create one. Go ahead. Blame blacks for your inability to get a job in the greater Memphis area. Blame us for all the crime that happens worldwide, if it makes you happy. Quoting someone else’s bigoted stats doesn’t make you smart; it makes you an even bigger fool than I thought.
“Well, some people behind bars are there because they actually did it. Some of them are victims of circumstances.”
Hmmmm … I wonder why John Ford is behind bars, “circumstances”???
Oh, and the Hooks boys, Cal Williams, Rosc Tanner, Rikki RePeete, Kate Bowers, Eddie Ford (on his way to the pokey), etc …. circumstances????
Ahhhhh, I see the expat resides on the dull scale rivaling tj21.
You didn’t read my comment regarding Heather’s spiritual inclinations being of about the same importance to me, as my mailman’s???
You missed that? How could that be???
I think not.
It seems all the mudslinging has been at the messenger, not the message. Always seem to happen when the facts of the message can’t be diluted, eh???
No one is placing blame on blacks, they are just being held accountable for his/her actions…Which in fact should be done and this goes for anyone who THINKS they are above the law…Or that somehow the law does not apply to them based on past event and the color of ones skin…
It sounds like from what your saying that if I did what J.Ford did I should be locked away for life while he gets off scott free based on nothing more than race…Fair is fair and what is good for one is good for ALL…
I agree to place blame on just one person is wrong, you will never see me place that blame on any one person or race…I just like to see people in general held accountable for the actions that they choose to show the rest of us, be it a white man, black man or any other race, color and or creed…
Its called personal accountability, which I am sure you know and can understand what that is and means…
‘Personal responsibility’ is in VERY short supply these days….
John Ford should have gone to prison when he chased the MLGW meter readers away from his house with a shot gun while he was high on crack. Any other John Q. Public would have. The man has been a menace for a long time.