Where Are Your Papers?

Wow, I had no idea Jackson, Mississippi, was in such dire straits that a State of Emergency declaration and curfew were necessary.

After a week of warnings, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton on Thursday declared a state of emergency in the capital....

Melton would not comment on his earlier plans to use the Mississippi National Guard, Hinds County Sheriff's Department or the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Last week, Melton spoke of using National Guard helicopters and military intelligence units to fight crime.

What prompted it?

The mayor cited two incidents of violent crime - a shooting Wednesday afternoon of a man who was driving in west Jackson and a police chase during which a man rammed two city police cars and allegedly shot at an officer - as reasons for signing the emergency order. However, police do not believe either incident involved minors.

Not quite clear why he's cracking down on kids when adults seem to be the problem, but there you are.

Didn't Jackson get a big influx of Katrina refugees from New Orleans? How is that playing into this? I've heard that some, or maybe most, of the surge in crime is related to gang and turf wars being played out.

I can't recall seeing a story anywhere -- print or television -- about New Orleans gang members moving to Memphis after Katrina and setting up shop. I'm sure some must have come here. Is our recent crime uptick related to that? It seems worth looking into.

But, again, think about it. Mississippi's largest city is under a state of emergency with a curfew for minors, due to crime. The curfew may be extended to all day. The mayor has wanted, as was done in New Orleans -- still Louisiana's largest city -- to bring in the National Guard for crime control. Memphis, another big destination for Katrina evacuees, has a rising crime problem. What about Houston? Baton Rouge?

Meanwhile, the frogs sit in the pan as the temperature rises.

Today's Whimsy

Shamelessly stolen from Brittney:

The Other Me

I'm pretty sure most everyone has googled their own name. I first started many years ago and was very surprised to learn there's another me out there! We don't look much alike but he seems happy enough.

I've been tempted many an afternoon to email him and ask about history, to see how we might be related. On the other hand, I'd imagine he's googled himself a time or two. When you enter our name, I show up all over the place first. Since he's never contacted me either, maybe that's my answer?

It's kind of spooky in that doppelganger kind of way. Like someone is using your name and likeness to live a better, more rewarding life than yours.

A Memphis Joke

Jamey, a one-time Memphian and now a resident of Nashvegas, shares a Memphis joke. I actually kinda like it.

Quote of the Day

Via Hugh of Midtown / Downtown Books comes this American Creed:

I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon ... if I can. I seek opportunity, not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself; enjoy the benefits of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, "This, I have done."

All this is what it means to be an American.

You'll be surprised who wrote it. And how Hugh found it.