Local Media Ignores Real Issues (15 Arrested, Speakers)

15 Arrested the Times Ignored the Most Important Speakers!
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/9/2005 20:59:24

Dear Editor and Patriots of Our Republic

NOTE: I no longer write just to be published in a newspaper. I write to inform and enlighten other human beings beyond the box of incarceration and to help save the soul of our community, state and nation for the real Patriots of our Republic!

On May 5, 2005, fifteen Law Abiding Citizens in Valdosta Georgia were arrested. The incident was practically a Whiteout by all members of the local media in the South Georgia Area. Case and point the local press failed to mention Leigh Touchton remarks at City Council Meeting in support of renaming Barber Park. Miss Touchton is the former President of the Local NAACP Branch and a National Hero for being the first White Woman to be elected President of an NAACP Branch in the United States of America. This is not the first time that the Valdosta Daily Times Publisher and Editor has ignored this historical and highly respected White Right Person and National Figure in our community!

Moreover, the press said nothing about remarks made by a highly respected Retired Lowndes County Educator Jessie Clark who also spoke at the meeting. He gave the benefits of changing the Park name in honor of Ossie Davis.”

The Times also omitted the arrest of the President of the Valdosta, Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP. In addition, they failed to report that two of the seven females arrested and placed in the Lowndes County Jail over night by the Mayor and Council were White. On must ask. What is their purpose in NOT informing the local citizenry.. Is it to keep the people confused and ignorant? They reported that Barber Park had been donated to the city and that a contractual agreement existed. However, after meeting with the City Manager, Mayor, and other Council Members there were no Contractual Agreement and the land was not donated and they continue to allow Rants and Raves to be published to this effect. So what’s up with this?

Many Publishers and Editors would consider this important to their readers. But not here in Lowndes County Georgia in the 21st Century.

In fact this seem to be routine practice (proof available upon request). In addition, the names of these fifteen citizens who participated in acts of Non-Violent Protest and Civil Disobedience were only reported in the Local Crime Report in the Times.

However, these citizens followed in the foot steps of Rev. Martin L. King Jr., They were: “Calle Fielden, 21, Reggie Griffin, 21, Tony Daniels, 43, Karren Camion, 43, Faye Chachere, 44, Catherine Touchton, 45, Willie Head, 51, George B. Rhynes, 53, Cahtryn Harris, 63, Joann Y. Mosley, 57, Willie J. Robertson, 54, Freddie Richardson, 58, Jesse Clark, 64, Floyd Rose, 66, Mary T. Sherman, 67, and many others but had to keep a low profile to maintain their jobs.

The Valdosta City Mayor and Council agreed to arrest Rev. Floyd Rose and others concerning the renaming of Barber Park because he wanted the council to establish a committee to study the request. The park is presently named Barber after a man who kept Blacks out of the park during the ugly period of segregation.

Today whites no longer dominate the community. It is now 97% Black but elected officials seem bent on keeping the name Barber. Even though, many see Lowndes County as a one sided town in favor of certain people over others.

It was just last year that the Mayor and Council voted to remove an 1860 Valdosta City Charter from the wall that lead into the Municipal Court Room of Judge Edwards. However, local media never informed the public that it was removed.

It read in Article 100, Section XI, “That the Mayor, and Council 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 appears that we must ask our local elected officials which City Charter are we being governed by 2005 or 1860? Apparently, the 1860 Charter was removed from the walls but not from the heart of our elected officials. There were White and Black Right people arrested but this was excluded local news media outlets in its entirety. In my humble opinion they are consistent.

Therefore, until some independent objective reporter or news magazine come to this area and report the unreported, open the closed, uncover the covered, give hope to the hopeless, stop the inhumane, unsanitary, abusive, and denial of Constitutional Rights of American Citizens, and go beyond skin color, rich or poor, Republican or Democrat, suppress and abate certain groups over another. Then things will remain the same, and the 1860 mentality will forever exist along the roadside of our beloved community.



GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity

Fifteen Arrested Ltr sent to U.S. Justice Department 2005

George Rhynes (229-251-8645 229-232-4304) 26 September 2005
Valdosta, Lowndes County Branch (NAACP)
P.O. Box 1324
Valdosta, Georgia 31603

SUBJ: 15 arrested, local press, department heads, another dead inmate, and the silence of elected officials

To: U.S. Department of Justice, United States Attorney General Gonzales & Crystal M. Roberts/All who seek to build upon that rock of truth, justice, and freedom for all humanity.

(Ref: Your letter dated, 23 August 2005),

On 9 September 2005, the Valdosta Daily Times front page reported that Valdosta City Mayor John Fretti and Valdosta City Council disagreed with Judge Kelly Turner’s ruling that the 15 people arrested during a May 2005 Valdosta City Council meeting is unconstitutional and vague.

Regardless of the city’s decision to appeal the judge’s decision on behalf of the tax paying public. It must be noted that when a Black Candidate was threatened at a polling place and received racial slurs that closed a polling station, a person was arrested, and a Sheriffs Deputy remained on the scene. But the candidate’s name was never released to the public, and our elected officials said, and did nothing. Much like the local media when fifteen citizens arrested and jailed. But not a single person arrested was interviewed by local newspapers, television stations etc, which seem to have become routing practice in this South Georgia Town.

Since 1988, citizens (inmates) many of whom are American Veterans who served their country with honor, pride, and distinction have complained of abusive, inhumane, unsanitary conditions and the denial of their Constitutional Rights in the Lowndes County Jail to no avail.

Yet, Mayor John Fretti, Valdosta City Council, Board of Commissioners, Local Solicitor General, District Attorney, Grand Jury, State Representatives, Local Law Enforcement, and Local News Media have never fought vigorously to stop or correct the 105 Violations that were ordered corrected in 1997, by the United States District Court Judge (The Honorable Hugh Lawson), of the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division. (See Civil Action 89-54-VAL), over 100 inmates signed petition letter for help (Copy available upon request).

Therefore, these ill conditions have continued for nearly two decades in Lowndes County. Yet, our elected officials are seeking to prosecute fifteen patriotic citizens with no prior criminal record for exercising their right to address their elected officials over a Civil Rights issue and other shameful practices in our beloved community.

Moreover, it should be of concern that out of eleven Valdosta City Department Heads only ONE is held by an African American as of 1 August 2005, in a city that is 52 percent Black. There are 12 Department Heads in the county and only ONE is held by an African American as of 1 August 2005. There are questions concerning the At Large Voting Districts, the selection process of jurors, the awarding of contracts to Blacks, the very low number of Black teachers in the City, and county school system. This is especially true in city schools where Blacks are about 75 percent. On 22 Sept 2005 at city council meeting the mayor and council were asked if they had heard about the death of another inmate in the local Jail on 2 September 2005, and they said nothing.

In my opinion they have refuse to hear, and give equal attention and consideration to these problems and other ill conditions in our community. FOR EXAMPLE: The following deaths have occurred in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail. However, elected officials, news media, and other Georgia State Individuals and Agencies seem unconcerned about the death of these American Citizens (inmates): Willie Mc Far land (1), Willie Lee Gaye (2), age 39, died 23 October 1995, Willie James Williams (3), age 49, died 2 September 1998, Ronzie "Sonny" Graham (4), age 48, died 13 July 2000, Rosemary King (5), age 40 died 20 July 2001, Sandra J. Wallace (6), age 39, died 31 August 2002, Lisa Sanders (7), age 38, died 2003, and John Henry Dejonghe (8), age 49, died 21 June 2004, and Amaruy Quinones, (9), age 34, died 2 September 2005 while in the Lowndes County Jail but inmates believe there have been more.

Therefore, perhaps the best thing that could happen to our Metropolitan Metropolis is for Mayor John Fretti, and the City Council to go forward on behalf of the tax paying public and appeal Judge Turner’s decision. Their action may help foster change, respect, and inclusion and bring some level of humanity to Valdosta-Lowndes County. Then maybe our elected officials will begin to respect the people who elected them to office.

Their present employment record seem to indicate that there are problems in hiring of Blacks to key positions. On any given day, there are few if any Blacks involved in the day-to-day administrative courtroom proceedings that I observed. This is not a Black or White thing. It is a right thing, and the negative impact upon Black Children can’t be good.

This may be why the EEOC gave a local Black citizen the right to go forward in a case against the Valdosta-Lowndes County, and Rainwater Conference Center on discrimination. To better understand Valdosta-Lowndes County one must understand that just last year (2004); an old 1860 Valdosta City Charter was removed from the Wall (after twenty or thirty years) that led into Valdosta Municipal Court Room at citizens request that read:

"Article 100, Section XI, "THAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL 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."

Our Honorable Mayor John Fretti infuriated many citizens both Black and White on 5 May 2005 when he made the statement regarding "stray animals etc. " His comments seem to reflect in part the 1860 Valdosta City Charter, and was certainly the wrong time for such a statement in my opinion.

Apparently, these words were removed from the wall leading into the Valdosta Municipal Court Room. But remains in the heart of too many of our elected officials in 2005. However, I am confident that right, truth, equal respect, and justice will win in the end for all citizens living in, and visiting our beloved Southern Metropolitan Metropolis.



GEORGE RHYNES
President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch-NAACP
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

Also see: http://www.geocities.com/altpptla/pTribunal/index.html

Valdosta City Council Minutes Sept, Oct 5th 2006 (excerpts)

MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL


CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Phil Youngblood, 65 Loganberry Circle, stated that he is the Commander of American Legion Post 13 in Valdosta. Roland Ray Wallis, 2316 North Forrest Street, stated that he is the Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1777. Quincey Roberts, 1211 Melissa Drive, stated that he is the Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 14. Mr. Youngblood informed Council that they are a collective group representing the largest number of Veterans who have joined organizations within the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County. Mr. Youngblood stated that the leadership of American Legion Post 13 issued the following proclamation to the Valdosta City Council: “Let it be known that on this date, September 25, 2006, the Leadership of American Legion Post 13, represented by their signatures below do not support the efforts of the Valdosta City Council to rename Barber Park, Veterans Memorial Park. Barber Park does not meet the special needs of the Veterans of Valdosta and Lowndes County. In order to utilize a park for Veterans activities, there should be ample parking space for visitors to attend Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and room for other services or special Veterans activities. Barber Park cannot meet the requirements for these activities. Should the Valdosta City Council wish to properly recognize this deserving group of Valdosta Veterans, these heroes who have given so much for our great nation’s freedom, we urge and recommend renaming Freedom Park, Veterans Memorial Park. There is adequate space for Veterans activities and ample parking. Signed by Phil Youngblood, Post Commander, Whit Chappell, Senior Vice Commander, Jimmy Land, Junior Vice Commander, Walter Wacter, Judge Advocate, Ernie Florig, Adjutant, Ed Willis, Finance Officer, Charles Pollard, Historian, Howard Hansford, Chaplain, Jimmy Traynor, Sergeant at Arms, Ed Kent, Jr., Service Officer, Dan McSwords, Appointed Member, and Robert Lefever, Appointed Member.” Mr. Youngblood stated that they collectively wanted to recognize the efforts and hard work of the Barber Park Committee. Mr. Youngblood stated that he was advised by the City Manager tonight that there will be a meeting of the Veterans organizations on Wednesday, October 11, 2006.

Roland Ray Wallis, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1777, stated that he also had a proclamation from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1777 which read as follows: “We, the undersigned, as the elected leadership of Post 1777, Department of Georgia, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, do not support your efforts to rename Barber Park the Veterans Memorial Park. This park can in no way fulfill the requirements of a solemn and somber atmosphere that is so honoring to our Nation’s, State, County, and City’s Veterans. It is also very limited in parking space for any of our activities we hold in honoring and memorializing our fellow comrades. We certainly thank you for considering the renaming of a park to honor our Veterans; however, we feel that in order to do so, the more appropriate location would be Freedom Park. This facility has very adequate parking available and is in closer proximity to Moody Air Force Base which would certainly make it easier for our active duty service members to attend. For the reasons above, we feel Freedom Park is our choice. Signed by Roland Wallis, Commander and Richard Rigby, Quartermaster.”

Quincey L. Roberts, Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 14, stated that he had a proclamation from the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 14 which read as follows: “After a careful review of the ongoing situation concerning the renaming of Barber Park, the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 14, submits the following information to the Valdosta City Council – we do not support renaming Barber Park, Veterans Memorial Park. While we greatly appreciate the Council’s consideration for our Veterans, please note that Barber Park does not meet the minimum needs for a Veterans Park. Barber Park is too small to conduct a productive Veterans Day Program and will not provide proper parking and seating. We do, however, strongly support other Valdosta Veterans organizations in requesting designation of Freedom Park on behalf of our Veterans. There have been documents provided to the Council requesting this action. Signed by Quincey L. Roberts, Commander, Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 14.”

Councilman Yost inquired as to how many Posts or Veterans organizations there are in Valdosta. Mr. Youngblood stated that there are constitutional Veterans organizations and Veterans organizations. The constitutional Veterans organizations by the U. S. Constitution are the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and AMVETS. The organizations not included in the constitutional organizations are TREA (The Retired Enlistment Association) and possibly a Retired Officers Association. Councilman Yost inquired as to how many members were in the American Legion Post 13. Mr. Youngblood stated that there were 799 members. Mr. Wallis stated that there were 142 members in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1777, and Mr. Roberts stated that there were 340 members in the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Youngblood stated that there could possibly be crossing of some members. Councilman Yost stated that this was the main reason at the last Council meeting that he voted to find out what the members had to say and if they would support the renaming. Councilman Yost inquired as to whether other Veterans organizations will join them in the quest to rename Freedom Park to Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. Youngblood stated that at the meeting next week there will be a united front. Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that at the last Council meeting he was instructed to set up a meeting with the Veterans groups to get feedback from them and the meeting has been scheduled for October 11, 2006. Mr. Youngblood stated that he felt the Veterans would present a united front at that meeting.



























MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL


CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Phil Youngblood, 65 Loganberry Circle, stated that he was a Veteran and was not representing anyone other than himself. He submitted an application to the City stating that if Barber Park needed to be renamed then it should be named Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. Youngblood stated that veterans of all races and gender have supported this great nation and this is something that should be done to support the community. There is also a rumor that there is a movement from another Veterans organization to rename Freedom Park to Veterans Park. Mr. Youngblood stated that Veterans represent a large portion of the community and serve in every capacity and asked Council’s consideration in renaming Barber Park to Veterans Memorial Park.

George Boston Rhynes, 5004 Oak Drive, stated that he was an African-American Veteran whose ancestors fought in every war of this great nation. Mr. Rhynes stated that he wanted to pay some respect to the African-American race because they have been mistreated. Almost every patriotic American loves the Veterans and that is why he fights for the rights of the Veterans who cannot get medical insurance. Mr. Rhynes stated that he should also be able to fight for Black people who make up 95% of the people at Barber Park. On the select Barber Park Committee, there were no original people who partitioned the City to renovate the park. There was no one on the Committee who did their homework and paid to go to the Archives and gather the history of Barber Park under the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Records Act. The retired Educators who stood before Council were not on the Committee. There were no professors from Valdosta State University or other universities around the nation who stood up to name the park on the Committee. No one from the 15 people who were arrested, went to jail, and then went before a State Judge and the Supreme Court Judge, who ruled in their favor that their constitutional rights had been violated, were on the Committee. Mr. Rhynes stated that out of nine City schools in Valdosta, only one is named after an African-American. They cannot even get a park named after Ossie Davis, a man from Valdosta which he has proven time and time again. There was no one from The People’s Tribunal, Jessie Jackson’s Rainbow Push Coalition, or the NAACP on the Committee. Mr. Rhynes stated that he was retired military and put 22 years of service in the military. Mr. Rhynes stated that he was a peaceful man, but there is a racial problem in Valdosta. We can sit back and ignore it but they are no longer going to sit back and let White America take money from the City, the State and Federal governments, and take all the good jobs.