Home vandalism stirs alarm in Jackson, TN; incident viewed as ‘hate crime’

By Turner McCullough Jr. | April 28, 2008 |

Racial epithets amid high dollar vandalism alarms citizens, but not police

Vandalism of a Dorothy Cove home in Jackson has caused alarm and distress. The Jackson Police Department (JPD), is investigating the vandalism as a property crime. The damage has been estimated at between $8,00 and $10,000. However the Jackson-Madison County Branch of the NAACP has said it views the incident also as a hate crime. Police have not denied that racial epithets were found at the home last Tuesday, as part of their investigation.

Harrel Carter, president of the Jackson-Madison County NAACP Branch issued a press statement denouncing the hate crime. He based the characterization on the presence of racial epithets found in the home on Dorothy Cove. Carter held a press conference in the lobby of the Jackson Police Department, 234 Institute St.

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“Mr. Chairman, April is Parliamentary Law emphasis month!”

By Turner McCullough Jr. | April 27, 2008 |

Significance of Parliamentary Law and procedures upon everyday activities often unrecognized!

Have you ever been in a meeting and heard the phrase ‘in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order’ or ‘parliamentary law’ spoken? Did you understand the action or question that was being considered? Do you know what it means when the presiding person, “calls for the question?” Did you understand what was being referred to? Ofttimes, we all have heard these terms in some group setting and may well have wondered just what does it all mean. “Robert’s or Demeiter’s? Which is better?” “Is there a ‘Dummies Book’ for that?”

Perhaps you’ve attended a business meeting where a vote was taken but you were not certain that it was done correctly. Ever attended a city council meeting and questioned whether the discussion was conducted properly? Maybe you belong to a civic or social group and want to be more active, perhaps even seek office, or serve as secretary, but are silent because you are unfamiliar with parliamentary law. These are not uncommon occurrences. “RRONR, anyone?”

The general public is woefully uninformed about Parliamentary Law and procedures. How do you overcome this deficiency? Glad you asked!

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Crossing lines between church and state

By Christine Anne Piesyk | April 27, 2008 |

Controversy erupted last week in one South Carolina town over the posting of a politically-based query on the Church’s outdoor sign, a sign usually oriented to the more generic posting of denomination-sponsored events or church services.

Did Pastor Robert Byrd of the Jonesville Church of God step over the line in Jonesville, South Carolina, when he posted the following words outdoors on a church sign for all to see: “Obama, Osama, hmm, are they brothers?” Pastor Byrd maintained it was not intended to be racial or political and claims it was meant to foster thought about having a non-Christian, non-Christ follower, leading the country. Byrd says he doesn’t know if Obama is Muslim or not but wanted to pose the question. Quite frankly, I don’t see what spiritual direction or choice has to do with one’s ability to run the business that is the United States of America. I wasn’t a Romney fan for many reasons, but his Mormon faith was a non-issue. Funny how no one questions religious affiliation to Christian candidates such Mike Huckabee, who is now out of the race too. «Read the rest of this article»

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An esteemed pastor’s politics; holding to separation of church and state

By Rev. Charles Moreland | April 27, 2008 |

The Reverend Joel Osteen is highly admired by his colleagues in the ministry. This popular preacher/pastor is a best-selling author as well as the spiritual minister to hundreds upon hundreds of people. In addition to the phenomenal growth and development of this spiritual organization, Pastor Osteen earns respect for his political views. He quietly lives his principles on politics and the church and clergy, and it is policy worth emulating by all churches. His policy on religion and politics is a dignified example.

Though he is concerned about out society, he doesn’t use the pulpit to endorse candidates for political office. Of Senator Clinton, Senator Obama and Senator McCain visited his congregation, they would be introduced but not given the opportunity to speak, and it would the same for any other dignitary or social leader. «Read the rest of this article»

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Native Cultural Circle members confer with state legislators

By Turner McCullough Jr. | April 26, 2008 |

NCC members meet with State Senator Rosalind Kurita. (l-r) Dr. James Cossingham-member; Virginia Moore-Secretary; Senator Kurita; Virginia Moore-Secretary, Doug Kirby-President. (Not shown- Turner McCullough Jr-member/photographer)

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Legal Aid Society helps distressed woman regain Medicaid access

By Turner McCullough Jr. | April 26, 2008 |

Middle Tennessee family wrongfully terminated

Mrs. Monroe [not her real name], was already having difficulty when she lost her job and was supporting her family on unemployment insurance. Then she was notified the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) was terminating her family’s Medicaid benefits, the family’s only source of medical care. She called the Legal Aid Society office in Nashville. Attorney Russ Overby researched the situation and found that DHS was relying on a rescinded policy that made it unreasonably difficult for families with unemployment benefits to qualify for Medicaid, even when their income was below the eligibility limit. «Read the rest of this article»

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City Council Executive Session unintentionally zaps special call session

By Turner McCullough Jr. | April 25, 2008 |

An apparent Parliamentary Law oversight threatens special call session votes

The April 24th city council executive session may have had one unexpected outcome- the nullification of the voting on items on the Special Call Session agenda.

The executive session started normally with Mayor Johnny Piper calling the session to order and proceeding to the Planning Commission Zoning Public Hearing. Reports from the various council committees followed with a modest amount of questions and comments. «Read the rest of this article»

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Chamber, Career Center co-sponsor job fair

April 24, 2008 |

Clarksville area job seekers are invited to take part in one of the area’s largest career fairs at Veterans Plaza Friday, April 25, 2008. The event will feature more than 65 employers and will be set up along the covered walkways in Veterans Plaza. The career fair will feature music, food and prizes.

The theme of this year’s career fair is “A Career in Full Bloom” sponsored by the Tennessee Career Center at Clarksville and the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce. Last year the event drew more than 1,700 job seekers with 59 employers participating.

More than 60 employers will be at the fair this year including Austin Peay, Averitt Express, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Tenn. Dept. of Corrections, Convergys, Goodwill, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Regions Bank, UPS and Quebecor World. Bring a resume and dress to impress these employers who are actively recruiting and want an opportunity to meet and interview the area’s most qualified job seekers. «Read the rest of this article»

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